Chapter 1: Starstruck Dreams
Scene 1:
INT. RINKATO HOUSE - NIGHT
The flickering light of a candle barely illuminates the humble interior of the Rinkato family home. A woman, MAYA (30s), with tear-streaked cheeks, shields her body in front of a young boy, KIRAki (10) with bright, curious blue eyes. A man, TARO (40s), his face flushed with anger, looms over them, a clenched fist raised high.
TARO: (Shouting)
Useless! Both of you! Another day with nothing to show for it!
MAYA: (Pleading)
Taro, please... Kiraki can't help it...
Kiraki reaches out a small hand towards his father, a hopeful smile blooming on his face.
KIRAki: (Chipper)
Papa, are we playing again?
Taro ignores him, directing his rage at Maya.
TARO:
Look at him! Starstruck and useless! Just like you!
Taro swings his fist, connecting with Maya's shoulder. She cries out in pain, collapsing to the floor.
MAYA: (Sobbing)
Kiraki... run... run my child... escape and never forget... I'll be with you...
Tears well up in Kiraki's eyes, but he doesn't hesitate. He throws his arms around his mother one last time, then turns and bolts out the door.
Scene 2:
EXT. VILLAGE STREET - NIGHT
Kiraki races through the deserted street, tears streaming down his face. He stumbles, landing hard on the rough cobblestones. Sobbing, he gathers himself and continues running, the village disappearing into the darkness behind him
KIRAki: (Mumbling)
But... Mama likes them...
CHILD 1:
Mama? Your mama can't even cast a simple light spell! What good are those flowers?
CHILD 2:
Bet you can't even control your own Grimwore, can you?
Kiraki clutches the silver pendant hanging around his neck, a puzzled frown replacing his smile.
KIRAki:
Grimwore? What's that?
The children's laughter intensifies as Kiraki walks away, shoulders slumped, his basket trailing behind him.
Scene 6:
INT. RINKATO HOUSE - DAY
Kiraki bursts through the door, his basket overflowing with flowers. He finds Maya lying on the floor, bruises forming on her face. Relief washes over him.
KIRAki: (Beaming)
Mama! Look what I found! They'll make you feel better, just like you like!
Maya reaches out a weak hand and gently strokes Kiraki's face. Her eyes hold a mixture of love and fear.
MAYA: (Whispering)
Kiraki... my precious boy...
Suddenly, the front door bursts open, revealing Taro. His face darkens when he sees Kiraki.
TARO:
You useless...
Taro lunges towards Kiraki, but Maya throws herself in front of him, screaming.
MAYA:
Leave him alone! Leave him alone!
The scene fades to black.
END SCENE
NARRATOR: (Voiceover - Warm, yet tinged with sadness)
Kiraki Rinkato, a boy kissed by starlight and touched by destiny, grew up shrouded in a world that couldn't understand his unique light. His innocence masked a power yet to be awakened,