(Dusk – Orphanage Gate in Old Brass)

The trek back to Old Brass felt longer than the journey out. Every step dragged, the weight of their clash with Kaelon pressing down on Kente, Zuri, and Aanya like the dust that clung to their clothes. The red moon hung low, casting an eerie glow over the cracked streets as they approached the orphanage gate.

Miss Wolo stood waiting, her staff planted firmly in the ground, her eyes scanning the horizon. When she saw them, her shoulders relaxed slightly, but her face stayed stern.

"Kente, Zuri, Aanya," she called, her voice cutting through the quiet courtyard. "You're back. What happened out there?"

Kente stepped forward, his third eye dimming as he spoke. "The Ashral's in the Ashen Hollows, Miss Wolo. Kaelon's feeding it pain, trying to wake the Rift."

Zuri kicked a loose stone, his red eyes flashing with frustration. "We fought him off, but he's still out there. And that stone… it's alive, pulsing like a heart."

Aanya nodded, her silver eyes catching the moonlight. "I used runes to calm the land, but it's only temporary. The Ashral's power is growing."

Miss Wolo's grip on her staff tightened, her voice low and serious. "The Ashral is a dangerous thing, tied to the soul of this world. To fight its corruption, you need something pure, something that can cleanse it."

"Like what?" Kente asked, his throat dry from the dust.

Miss Wolo paused, then said, "The Heart of Old Brass. A relic from before the fall, holding the hope and strength of our people. But it's been lost for generations, hidden to keep it safe from evil hands."

Zuri groaned, crossing his arms. "Great, another hunt. As if we don't have enough trouble."

Aanya placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch soft. "If it can stop the Ashral, we have to try."

Kente nodded, his face set with resolve. "We'll find it. For Old Brass."

Miss Wolo looked at them, her eyes full of pride and worry. "Be careful. The Watchmen are moving. They might want the Heart too."

Scene 2: The Map and the Spire

(Inside the Orphanage – Miss Wolo's Study)

The group stepped inside the orphanage, where Miss Wolo unrolled an old map on a wooden table. The paper was worn, showing Old Brass as it once was—spires tall and proud, streets alive. She pointed to a spot deep in the city.

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"Stories say the Heart is hidden in the Spire of Echoes," Miss Wolo said. "It's a dangerous place, full of traps and guardians from long ago. But if you can reach it, the Heart could heal the Ashral's poison."

Zuri leaned over the map, his orange pendant swinging. "Traps, guardians, and more dust. Sounds like a party," he muttered, sarcasm thick in his voice.

Aanya studied the map closely, tracing the paths with her finger. "The spire's in the center of Old Brass, but no one's been there in years. We'll need to watch our steps."

Kente's third eye flickered as he stared at the map. "I feel it," he said softly. "The spire's alive, calling us."

Miss Wolo rolled up the map and handed it to Kente. "Take this. And don't forget—the Watchmen are clever. Their leader, WanLaden, has no mercy."

Kente took the map, his jaw tight. "We'll be ready."

Scene 3: The Watchmen's Lair

(Hidden Chamber Beneath Old Brass)

Far below Old Brass, in a lair of stone and shadow, the five Watchmen gathered around a heavy iron table. The air smelled of rust and oil, and weak torchlight danced on the walls. A map of the city lay before them, marked with red lines and notes.

WanLaden Watchman stood at the head, his dreadlocks falling over his shoulders, his metal arm shining in the dim light. His presence filled the room. Beside him, Adam Watchman toyed with a small gadget, his young face sharp and eager. Falther Watchman stood calm, his eyes cold and thoughtful. Dethugo Watchman sat quiet, sharpening his knives, while Layefa Watchman leaned against a wall, her tribal tattoos glowing faintly.

Adam spoke first, his voice quick. "The Ashral's awake now. That changes everything."

Falther nodded slowly. "Kaelon's wild. He might open the Rift before we're set."

Dethugo grunted, his blades scraping together.

Layefa smiled, her beauty hiding a cruel edge. "Let him. Chaos is our friend."

WanLaden raised his hand, silencing them. "No. We need to rule the Rift, not chase it. And for that, we need the Heart of Old Brass."

Adam grinned, eyes bright. "So we take it before those kids do."

Falther's gaze sharpened. "They're not weak. Especially the one with the third eye."

WanLaden's metal arm hummed as he clenched his fist. "Get ready. We move at dawn."

Scene 4: Preparing for the Journey

(Orphanage Training Yard – Night)

Back at the orphanage, the trio prepared in the training yard. Kente sat cross-legged, meditating, his third eye glowing soft. He reached inside, calling to Nri and Joor.

Nri, Joor, I need you, he thought.

Nri's voice came gentle, like a breeze. The Heart is your key, Kente. But it will test you.

Joor laughed, wild and loud. Tests are great! Smash them with your power!

Kente smiled a little, feeling their strength. He stood, brushing dust off his jacket, and joined Zuri and Aanya.

Zuri was practicing his fire, orange flames curling around his fists. "I'll burn anything that tries to stop us," he said, his voice firm.

Aanya was carving runes into their gear, her crescent pendant glowing as she worked. "We'll need every bit of help," she said quietly, her hands steady.

Kente watched them, his heart heavy but strong. "We're together," he said. "That's enough."

Scene 5: Whispers in the Night

(Orphanage Roof – Late Night)

As night fell deep, Kente climbed to the orphanage roof, staring out over Old Brass. The spires stood dark against the red sky, dust swirling below like restless spirits. The wind carried faint whispers.

"Kente…" a voice seemed to sigh, soft and far away.

His third eye flared, and a vision hit him: the Watchmen creeping through the streets, their eyes glinting with hunger, their blades ready.

Kente gripped his pendant, its warmth grounding him. "They're coming," he whispered.

The dust settled, but the spires hummed with