The Fate of Power-Book 1: Káòṣùn's Journey

"In the journey of life, power is akin to the fabled palm fruit, offering both sustenance and poison. Some pursue power for noble causes, while others succumb to its treacherous allure, much like the tortoise deceived by the promise of a grand feast. As I find myself standing at this crossroads, I ponder the legacy of my ancestors and the burdens that weigh heavily upon me. Who am I amidst the swirling maelstrom of ambition and longing? Am I the mighty eagle, soaring high above, or the lowly ant, crushed beneath the weight of ambition? Will I wield power with wisdom and compassion, or be consumed by its insatiable hunger, like the ravenous dog chasing its own tail? In the tapestry of destiny, I am but a humble thread, swept along by the whims of fate. Yet, I vow to embrace the challenges that lie ahead, guided by the wisdom of those who came before me and the resilience of my spirit. But you may wonder, who am I, to challenge the very fabric of fate itself?"

*[Adéjinéré and Adéìsèlè are atop a mountain, deep in conversation.]*

Jinéré: *[Reflective]* "This world is full of adversities, Ìsèlè. People crave power without understanding its true meaning."

Ìsèlè: (Sarcastic); so tell me sister what's the full meaning of power?

Jinéré: Power is a food that everybody wants; you have to eat so you won't starve. There are different types of food but you can mistake a food with poison. You need to eat three times a day so you will be healthy but too much of food will make you weak. Regardless if you eat less you still become weak. Some people can't afford to buy food of their choice because it's expensive, some people can't even by food, some can buy any food of their choice but they want more food so they can use it for themselves and sell for business, while some gives food to other poor but it looks like they've not given enough (annoyed at her self)

Jinéré: *[With a determined look]* "Ìsèlè, you know as well as I do that the thirst for power can drive people to extremes. The world is changing, and we must be ready."

Ìsèlè: *[Cautioning]* "Jinéré, I understand your concerns, but we must remember why we were chosen. Our purpose is to protect this realm, and our powers have limits for a reason."

Jinéré: are you sure Ìsèlè? Because the more we seat down here having this talk our people outside are dying and taken as slaves we need to act.

Ìsèlè:*[Concerned]* "Jinéré, our powers are meant to safeguard this place from unnatural threats. We mustn't act hastily." We don't know what is outside (patting Jinéré's back)

Ìsèlè:*[Supportive]* "You're the strongest among us, Jinéré, but strength alone won't save us. We must also be wise and patient." and (smiles) you have not reached your full potential. "Ọ̀pá là ná ńkí bí a bá mú iṣẹ́ lọ́wọ́, bí a bá rí òpá ọ̀kan, kò ní ńsí bá a kún."

 (Translation: "A hoe is wielded like a tool when used for work, but when we see just one hoe, we cannot guess that it's for farming.")

."

Jinéré:*[Sincere]* "I appreciate your guidance, Ìsèlè. It's just that I sense a storm on the horizon, and I fear we might not be prepared."

Ìsèlè:*[resting on her sister's lap]*: Step by step sister, Step by step.

*[As Jinéré and Ìsèlè continue their discussion, They both suddenly feels a disturbance in the air, an unwelcome feeling

Ìsèlè:*[Concerned]* "Jinéré, do you feel that?

Jinéré: *[Alert]* Yes, something's not right. I will be back, wait here.

Ìsèlè: *[Concerned]* Be careful (yelling)

*[Adéjinéré prepares to confront the unexpected intrusion as her discussion fades into the unfolding events.]*

*[Meanwhile, at the realm's hidden entrance, Káòṣù , a half-cast warrior from another world, is running desperately, pursued by ten British soldiers.]*

Káòṣù : *[Panting heavily]* "keep running, keep running you must not be caught."

(Káòṣù being pursued by 10 armed British soldiers experiencing a surge of adrenaline and fear. Despite any physical exhaustion or discomfort, his primal instinct for survival drives him forward. Physically, his body may feel heavy with exertion, his muscles burning with the effort of running. Every breath is labored as he pushes himself to maintain his pace, his heart pounding in his chest like a drum. His senses are heightened, attuned to every sound, every movement behind him, as he constantly monitors the threat of the soldiers closing in. Despite the overwhelming odds against him; he is propelled forward by sheer willpower and desperation. His strides are powerful, fueled by adrenaline, yet his movements may also be erratic, dodging obstacles in his path or changing directions in a frantic attempt to evade capture. Each step forward is a battle against fatigue and fear, but his determination to escape drives him onward. Time seems to slow as he races against his pursuers, his mind focused solely on survival, his body a machine of instinct and resilience).

British Soldier 1*[Mocking]* "There's nowhere to run, half-cast!"

**Káòṣù : (panting): I just need to keep running

I will escape but am weak

[Gunshot]

British Soldier 2:*[Mocking]* where are you going boy let's kill you in peace fire monkey

*[As the soldiers were pursuing Káòṣù , Káòṣù tripped and his right leg was broken.]*

British Soldier 1: *[Mocking]* "You thought you could escape us, didn't you?" (Giving Káòṣù a slap on the cheek)

Káòṣù *[Smirking]* "Well, gentlemen, I've always loved a good chase. (In British tone)"

British Soldier 2*[annoyed]* you monkey (kicking Káòṣù 's stomach) why can't you just stay in your place and stop making your slave masters work for you.

Káòṣù : *[disgusted]* [spits on the soldier face] be grateful I am weak I would have killed you guys.

British Soldier 1: *[annoyed] [beating Káòṣù ]* you idiot you dare spit on my fellow mate? I am going to kill you today and make you a lesson to other monkeys that no matter how strong you are a monkey will always be a monkey you are meant to be in the forest naked. Is this how you pay your master kindness?

British Soldier 2: [coldly, pointing his gun at Káòṣù ] You've sealed your fate, you filthy wretch. Any last words before I send you to meet your maker?

Káòṣù : [with disdain] my last words? I wish your breath smelled as sweet as your words, but alas, it reeks of cowardice and bigotry.

British Soldier 2: [in irritation] Very well then.

(He cocks his gun, ready to carry out the execution.)

(As the tension builds and the soldiers prepare for their task, a sudden shift in the forest's atmosphere announces Adéjinéré's arrival. The surroundings darken, as if the forest itself recognizes her authority. Adéjinéré's presence demands attention, radiating power and authority that commands respect. Among the soldiers, fear spreads as they see Adéjinéré emerge. Some try to hide their unease with jokes, but their voices falter and their attempts fall flat. Others fall silent, realizing they're facing someone beyond their understanding. Even Káòṣù , known for his strength, shows fear in his eyes as he meets Adéjinéré's gaze. He understands he's facing a force of nature, and his confidence wavers).

Jinéré: *[Unseen, addressing the British soldiers with annoyance]* ""Ẹnìkan lọ níwájú mi, àwọn arákùnrin kò ní mò nípa ọwọ̀ àwọn tó bá fún yín ìràn."

(Translation: "Who dares stand before me? Uninvited guests do not understand the power of those who wield illness.")

British Soldier 1: What's she on about? Can't understand a word of it.

British Soldier 2: Probably some local voodoo nonsense. They love their superstitions around here.

British Soldier 3: Ha! Bet she's just trying to scare us with her jungle magic. Pathetic.

[They all laughed turning to Adéjinéré.]

British Soldier 1: Hey you, woman! What's all this gibberish you're spouting?

Jinéré: (facing Káòṣù ) "Bí aláìníyọ yín bá wà sílẹ̀?"

(Translation: "How did your uninvited guest find its way in?")

Jinéré (in English facing the soldiers): "What are you doing here? You are not invited."

British Soldier 1: *[Arrogant]* she speaks English, how interesting. First time I am listening to a strange witch speaking English; so what else do you have in store for us apart from speaking in the shadows?

British Soldier 2: *[Arrogant]* why are you hiding in the shadows? Are you scared? Come out now let's see what you are made of.

British Soldier 3: *[Smirking]* "Yeah, show yourself!"

*[As Adéjinéré steps forward, the moonlight cascades over her, accentuating every curve of her figure. Her black iron armor, though aged, hugs her form, enhancing her endowed physique with a sense of power and allure. The long sword she wields seems almost weightless in her hands, a testament to her strength and mastery. Despite the anger burning in her eyes, there is a captivating intensity that draws the soldiers' gaze. Her eyes, initially gleaming green, transform into fiery red orbs, mesmerizing in their fury. They seem to pierce through the darkness, revealing a depth of emotion that commands both respect and fear. With each step, Adéjinéré's movements exude a sense of grace and elegance, as if she is a warrior princess from a bygone era. Her presence, though imposing, carries an air of undeniable beauty and allure, leaving the soldiers spellbound in her wake..]*

Jinéré: *[Intense]* "You trespassers have no idea where you are (Very annoyed). I am going to ask you again "HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS REALM"

British Soldier 2: *[Lustful]* my oh my look at that curve (biting his lips) "Who's that? (Facing Káòṣù ) another one of your mystical tricks ape?"

Káòṣù *[Whispering to himself]* "What... is she?"

Jinéré: *[Intense]* "You trespassers have no idea where you are."

British Soldier 3: *[Taunting]* so you think because you dress like this with a flashy sword you want us to beg you in fear! I like this one, she's a funny bitch.

British Soldier 4: *[Taunting]* "We're the mighty British Empire! We fear nothing. We stride into any land we please; we take anything and anyone we want, for we are the masters of the world! Our banners fly high; our guns speak louder than any voice of opposition. No realm can resist our might, for we are invincible, unstoppable, the very embodiment of power and dominion!"

British Soldier 1: *[Taunting]*she's in costume she will good for the night. I want to know what's under that dress dear

[All soldiers laughed]

British Soldier 4:*[Taunting]* "Do you think we are scared of you? Look at the odds, we are ten in numbers. You cannot defeat all of us, I just need to shoot your skull but we need to take turns (smirking).We're the mighty British Empire! We fear nothing."

Jinéré: *[Growing angrier]* "You fear nothing right? Very well, let me show you fear."

*[As the tension reaches its peak, the forest seems to shudder in response to Jinéré's growing rage. Shadows lengthen and the air crackles with an otherworldly energy. Jinéré's eyes, now the only source of light, gleam with an ominous red glow as she channels her powers. With a primal roar, Jinéré unleashes her fury upon the soldiers. In a blur of motion, she moves with unearthly speed, striking with deadly precision. She tears through the ranks of the soldiers, her movements fluid and graceful yet filled with a terrifying ferocity. With a swift motion, Jinéré plunges her hand into the chest of one soldier, her fingers closing around his heart with a sickening squelch. She rips it from his body, holding it aloft as a grim trophy before discarding it with disdain. In the blink of an eye, she spins, her sword flashing in the moonlight as she decapitates another soldier with a single stroke. His head rolls to the ground, eyes wide with shock and horror. The forest echoes with the screams of the soldiers as panic grips their hearts. They scramble to defend themselves, but Jinéré's onslaught is relentless. With each strike, she demonstrates her mastery over life and death, leaving a trail of carnage in her wake. As the chaos unfolds, Jinéré's actions become increasingly gruesome, yet there is a terrifying efficiency to her movements. She dispatches the soldiers with cold, calculated precision, her expression unreadable as she metes out her punishment with relentless determination..]*

Jinéré: *[Whispers to the dying soldier, her voice a chilling echo in the chaos]* "You dared to invade our sanctuary."

(The dying soldier, crawling on the forest floor, gasps for breath, his eyes wide with terror as Jinéré approaches. With a swift motion, she stabs him by his spine, pinning him to the ground, her eyes burning with righteous fury The soldier pleads for his life. Jinéré's expression is unforgiving.)

British Soldier 1:*[Begging]* "Please... mercy..."

Jinéré:*[Coldly]* "Mercy? Don't you want to know what's under my clothes?

*[With a swift and horrifying display of her powers, Jinéré incinerates the soldier from the inside out. The other soldiers watch in horror, unable to comprehend the supernatural force before them.]*

British Soldier 6:*[Trembling]* "What are you?"

Jinéré: *[With a cruel grin grabbing the soldier by the neck]* "I am the embodiment of your deepest fears."

*[Jinéré's violence escalates as she continues to confront the soldiers. She rips the heart out of another, leaving Káòṣù , who managed to flee from the scene, filled with dread and fear.]*

Káòṣù *[Gasping]* "What... have I stumbled upon?"

*[ Káòṣù flees desperately for his life, but Jinéré's taunts echo behind him like a sinister melody]*

Jinéré: "Come here, little mouse."

Káòṣù : "Leave me alone!"

Jinéré: "I have no intention of letting you slip through my fingers."

Káòṣù : "Please, don't follow me!"

Jinéré: come here

Káòṣù : leave me alone

Jinéré: I won't so don't let me catch you

Káòṣù : please don't follow me

*[His pleas hang in the air, desperate and futile, as he races against the encroaching darkness.

Jinéré catches Káòṣù and delivers a final blow to Káòṣù , rendering him unconscious. The forest falls silent once more, but the sense of unease lingers in the air.]*