The moon hung low over Ajeji Village, stretching shadows across empty streets. Ade stood in the middle of it all, a faint flicker of light and darkness swirling around him. His gaze swept the horizon, searching for any sign of movement.
Baba Ikuomola waited nearby, gripping his bow, tense and ready. The villagers were already up in the hills, safe for now but you could almost taste the tension in the air.
"They're coming," Baba said quietly.
Ade didn't bother to reply. He could sense it, that strange energy, the tug of the shadow realm, and the hunger that marked the Night People's arrival.
A guttural hiss rolled through the village.
Shadows peeled themselves off the walls and ground, transforming into forms that moved way too fast to be normal. Red eyes blazed, darkness clinging to their bodies like living smoke.
The Night People had arrived.
Ade stepped up, letting light and shadow curl around his hands. "Baba, stay back. I've got this."
"No." Baba's voice was rock-solid. "We do this together. You're strong, Ade. But you're not invincible."
Ade gave a short nod. "Alright."
The Night People didn't hesitate.
Battle in the Square
The first one jumped at Ade. He pulled a blade of pure light from thin air, slicing clean through the shadow like burning paper. Another came at him from the side, nothing but a blur. Ade spun, calling up his own shadow to shield himself.
Baba's arrows found their mark, dropping Night People before they could get too close or sneak up behind Ade.
It got wild fast. The villagers, tucked away, could hear every blast of energy, branches snapping, the ground thundering with impact.
Suddenly, a larger figure stepped out, eyes locked on Ade. Pulsing with thicker, darker energy way more dangerous than the others.
Ade muttered, "The Keeper…"
The Keeper dashed forward, faster than Ade had ever seen. Its attack smashed into Ade's blade, sending him flying across the square.
The Keeper's voice slithered into his mind. "You've grown stronger."
Ade shot back, "Not strong enough yet," and sent his shadow surging at the Keeper. Light and darkness smashed together, pushing the Keeper back for a moment.
Baba yelled, "Ade! Focus! Keep the balance!"
Ade's glow intensified. He felt the village's hope and their fear rush through him. Letting out a roar, he blasted the Keeper with a mix of light and shadow, sending it crashing backward.
The rest of the Night People froze, their red eyes wide.
Ade's aura flared, light and darkness fused as one. "I'm not afraid of you," he shouted.
Frustrated, the Keeper retreated, melting into the shadows. "This isn't over, Adegboyega. We'll return… stronger."
And just like that, it was gone, leaving nothing but darkness behind.
Aftermath
Silence settled over the square. Smoke drifted up from shattered stalls and scorched earth, but the villagers were alive. The threat was pushed back for now.
Ade stood there, chest heaving. Baba walked over, put a hand on Ade's shoulder. "You did good. Really good. But this was just the first round. The Keeper will be back, stronger and smarter."
Ade looked out toward the horizon, where dawn started peeling away the night. "Then we get ready. I'm not backing down next time."
One by one, villagers crept from their hiding spots, relief clear in their faces. Ade's mother rushed over, tears glistening in her eyes. "Ade… you're safe!"
He smiled and squeezed her shoulder. "I'm safe. But this fight? It's just getting started."
Baba glanced up at the fading stars. "They're patient. We can be, too."
Ade clenched his fists, energy surging inside him. He'd faced them once, and he'd do it again. But next time, he wasn't just defending. he was ending this threat for good.