Dre walked through the city like a ghost returned from the grave. The news of his survival spread even faster than his capture. Phones buzzed. Radios crackled. People shouted in disbelief. The man they thought lost was alive. And not just alive. Free. That alone felt like victory.
But Dre did not feel victorious. He felt aware. Aware that he was no longer just a symbol. He was a target and a guide. The people followed his footsteps and the enemy tracked his shadow. The game had changed.
He reunited with the team in a makeshift underground pressroom, walls lined with handwritten slogans and banners painted with urgency. Kemi had not stopped moving since she broke him out. Malik barely slept. Eliza was now coordinating protest routes. They were all changing. Becoming more than rebels. Becoming leaders.
We have the people Dre said. But they want more than hope now. They want action. Protection. They are scared of the backlash. And they should be. Obayemi will not take this humiliation quietly
Kemi adjusted her scarf. He already started. Four community leaders were taken last night. Some haven't been seen since. Others found dead. They are trying to break our spirit again
Then we break their silence Dre said. We need to force the military to stand down. Not all of them want to fight us. Some just want peace. We give them that chance
Malik leaned forward. There is a general. Okon. Retired. Respected. Hated Obayemi's rise to power. He's been silent for years. But if he speaks now
The people will listen Dre finished. Get me to him
The meeting with General Okon was arranged in secrecy. Deep in a quiet compound in Ilorin. Dre and Malik traveled by night. Avoided checkpoints. Disguised as traders. It was dangerous. But necessary.
Okon was older than Dre expected. Bent back. Cloudy eyes. But his voice was still sharp.
You have fire he said. But fire burns everything if you don't control it
Dre sat with him over hot tea. Explained the movement. The people. The momentum. The need for a voice with authority to back them. To protect them.
You do not need a soldier the general said. You need a protector. If I speak they may listen. But only if I believe you can finish what you started
Then watch me Dre said. Come back with us. Walk with the people. Let them see you stand beside them
Okon agreed.
When they returned to Lagos the streets erupted again. Not in violence. In unity. Okon walked through markets holding Dre's hand. He addressed the press. He said the military must return to the barracks. That their job was not to silence civilians but protect them.
Obayemi tried to counter. Released false evidence. Claimed Dre was working with foreign governments. That the general was senile. But no one listened anymore. The tide had turned.
The people began organizing themselves. Street committees. Local watches. Emergency medics. They no longer waited for orders. They acted. And they protected each other. The revolution was no longer a single man. It was a system of resistance.
But Dre could not rest.
One night, a boy arrived at their base. Bloody. Barely breathing. He had been caught spray-painting a message on a government building. Instead of being arrested he was beaten and dumped. Someone saved him. Brought him to Dre.
The boy opened his eyes and smiled weakly.
I saw you on the roof he whispered. You said we would not kneel again. I believed you
Dre held his hand. You stood when others bowed. That makes you the voice now
The boy died before morning.
They buried him with others in a quiet field. Small flags planted on the earth. Each one a memory. Each one a promise.
Kemi stood beside Dre. How do we live with this she asked
We do not Dre replied. We burn it into purpose
The final plan was already taking shape. They were going to take the Parliament Building. Not to destroy. But to occupy. Peacefully. Loudly. The world would watch. And they would speak until the government had no choice but to kneel.
They gathered their allies. They crafted their speech. They printed leaflets. Set up backup feeds. Every angle covered.
Then it began.
Thousands marched. From mainland to island. From alleyways to bridges. Children. Elders. Vendors. Mechanics. Even former soldiers. All under one voice. One promise. Justice.
Dre led them to the gates of Parliament. Stood on the steps. Raised his voice.
We do not want your chairs. We want dignity. We do not want power. We want peace. We do not want war. We want truth. And we will not move until you listen
The government hesitated. But they were cornered. Pressure from international observers. Media attention. Public loyalty gone.
They called for talks.
Obayemi refused.
So the ministers stripped his title. Declared a national reform.
He was arrested that evening.
When Dre heard the news he did not cheer. He sat quietly. Stared out a broken window. The city was calm for the first time in years.
Kemi came to him.
You did it she said.
No. We did he replied.
She held his hand.
So what now
We build Dre said. This time without fear
The sun rose.
And with it the rebirth of a people who no longer bowed.
Dre looked at the horizon.
Not as a rebel.
Not as vengeance.
But as hope.