EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS – DAY
The scene opens with Kakida, Braden, and Genko standing on the expansive training grounds of the underground city. Braden, dressed in his sleek speedster suit, and Genko, in his usual laid-back attire, are catching their breath after an intense bout of sparring. Kakida stands firm, his Maroon Dragon Sword sheathed at his side, his expression calm and unyielding.
BRADEN
(panting, wiping sweat from his forehead)
Man, you're relentless, Kakida. Can't we take a break?
KAKIDA
(calmly, but with intensity)
No breaks. In a real fight, the enemy doesn't stop because you're tired. If you want to survive, you have to keep pushing.
Genko, leaning against a rock with a cocky smirk, watches the exchange.
GENKO
(mocking)
Yeah, yeah, Mr. Samurai over here. Braden's got the speed, but I'm all about power. Can't teach that, Kakida.
KAKIDA
(raising an eyebrow)
Power without discipline is just recklessness. You're strong, Genko, but you fight like a street brawler. It's time you learned how to control it.
Genko rolls his eyes but pushes off the rock, clearly intrigued.
GENKO
(smirking)
Alright, teach me something, sensei. But I don't need any of those fancy moves.
Kakida stands firm, his stance steady as he motions for Genko to attack.
KAKIDA
(steady)
Let's see how your street-fighting style holds up. Attack me.
Genko charges at Kakida, his fists hardening into stone, swinging wildly with raw strength. His punches come fast and furious, but Kakida remains calm, dodging effortlessly. The more frustrated Genko becomes, the sloppier his attacks get.
KAKIDA
(speaking calmly as he dodges)
You're too aggressive. You leave yourself wide open.
In a swift motion, Kakida grabs Genko's arm mid-swing, twists it behind his back, and forces him to the ground in one fluid movement. Genko groans as he's pinned against the dirt.
KAKIDA
(sternly)
Control your emotions. Focus your strength. Power is nothing without discipline.
GENKO
(gritting his teeth)
Alright, alright! I get it!
Kakida releases him and helps him up. Genko dusts himself off, clearly annoyed but begrudgingly impressed.
BRADEN
(grinning)
Looks like the street fighter just got schooled.
GENKO
(rolling his eyes)
Shut up, speedster. I'd like to see you try.
Kakida crosses his arms, eyeing the two of them.
KAKIDA
(seriously)
You two have different strengths, but if we're going to survive this war, we need to learn to fight as a unit. You can't just rely on your individual abilities.
They continue training, each pushing themselves harder. Kakida shows Genko how to refine his raw power, teaching him more controlled techniques. Braden practices his high-speed strikes, moving with precision under Kakida's guidance. The air is filled with the sound of grunts, fists hitting targets, and the swish of Kakida's sword cutting through the air.
INT. VIRTUAL TRAINING ROOM – DAY
Inside the virtual training room, Laetayeo and Melanie stand amidst a simulated battlefield. Melanie struggles to maintain control over her spectral animals, summoning a massive lion that flickers in and out of existence. Laetayeo, glowing with plasma energy, hovers above her, watching her struggle.
LAETAYEO
(encouragingly)
You're doing great, Melanie. Just focus! Breathe. Don't try to control the animals—let them flow through you.
Melanie grits her teeth, her hands glowing as she tries to focus. The spectral lion flickers again, but this time, it holds, standing proudly by her side.
MELANIE
(frustrated but determined)
I'm trying! It's harder than it looks!
Laetayeo lands beside her, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
LAETAYEO
(softly)
You're stronger than you think. Don't force it—just let it happen naturally.
Melanie takes a deep breath, and this time, when she focuses, the lion solidifies, its spectral form shimmering as it roars. Melanie smiles in relief, her confidence growing.
MELANIE
(smiling)
I did it... I actually did it!
Laetayeo grins, clearly proud.
LAETAYEO
(cheerfully)
I knew you could. Now, let's see what else you've got.
The two continue training, their bond growing as they push each other. Laetayeo hurls plasma bolts at holographic enemies while Melanie summons more animals to defend them. Their movements become more synchronized, their trust in each other evident with every move.
INT. CONTROL ROOM – DAY
In the control room, Gingorda watches Laetayeo and Melanie on the monitors, his expression focused but proud. Vixon, the AI, hovers nearby, scanning their progress. Suddenly, the door slides open, and Jamie enters, his face filled with concern.
JAMIE
(worried)
Where's Melanie? She's been in there for hours.
Gingorda turns to him, calm but serious.
GINGORDA
(speaking carefully)
She's fine, Jamie. She and Laetayeo have been training hard. They're making progress.
Jamie steps closer to the monitors, watching as his sister battles holographic enemies alongside Laetayeo. His face is tense with concern.
JAMIE
(sighing)
She's still struggling with her powers. I'm worried she's going to hurt herself.
Gingorda watches the monitor, his eyes narrowing slightly.
GINGORDA
(firmly)
That's why they're in there. Laetayeo's helping her, but in the end, she has to find her own way.
Suddenly, Vixon's sensors beep urgently. The AI turns to Gingorda, its voice tinged with alarm.
VIXON
(alarmed)
Gingorda, you need to see this. There's an emergency broadcast.
Gingorda's expression hardens as he switches the monitor to a live broadcast. On the screen, Ashimoto stands in front of a massive crowd, his voice booming with authority and malice.
INT. CONGRESS – BROADCAST
Ashimoto stands at a podium, addressing the nation with terrifying confidence. The crowd around him erupts in cheers, their faces twisted with bloodlust.
ASHIMOTO
(booming voice)
The time has come to rid the world of the Evo threat! These beings are not human. They are a danger to our society, to our way of life. Tomorrow, we begin our campaign. The Middle East will be our first target. We will invade, and we will wipe them out. Every Evo will be eradicated. And those who dare protect them... will fall.
The camera pans across the cheering crowd, capturing the chilling support for Ashimoto's genocidal plan.
INT. CONTROL ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Gingorda watches the broadcast, his face contorted with fury. He slams his fist on the console, the anger boiling over.
GINGORDA
(furious)
They want war? Fine. We'll give them war.
He turns to Vixon, his voice hard as steel.
GINGORDA
(commanding)
Send a message to all Insiders. We're mobilizing. I need every brave soul to join us. This is it.
Vixon sends the message through the underground city. In the streets, Evos gather, readying themselves for battle. The atmosphere grows electric with the energy of impending war.
INT. INSIDER MEETING ROOM – NIGHT
Later that evening, Laetayeo, Kakida, Melanie, Jamie, Braden, and Genko gather in the meeting room. Their faces are tense, their focus unbroken. Gingorda stands at the head of the table, his voice strong and clear.
GINGORDA
(firmly)
Kakida, Jamie, Braden, Genko—you'll be on the front lines. We need to strike hard and fast.
Laetayeo steps forward, his face a mix of frustration and confusion.
LAETAYEO
(angrily)
What about me? Why aren't Melanie and I going with them?
GINGORDA
(sighing)
You're not ready, Laetayeo. Neither of you are. This battle will be brutal, and I can't risk losing you.
LAETAYEO
(furious)
We're just as strong as they are! Why are you holding us back?
GINGORDA
(stern)
This isn't about strength. It's about control. If you lose control out there, people will die. You're not ready for this fight yet.
LAETAYEO
(angrily)
That's not fair!
LAETAYEO (angrily)
That's not fair! We can handle it!
Before the argument can escalate further, Don steps in, placing a hand on Laetayeo's shoulder, his voice calm but firm.
DON
(calmly)
Listen, kid. There's a reason why Gingorda's putting you two on hold. Trust me, it's for your own good. This isn't the kind of battle where you get a second chance if you mess up. We need you, but not if you're not ready.
LAETAYEO
(still frustrated, but understanding)
So what are we supposed to do? Just sit and wait while everyone else fights?
GINGORDA
(sighing, but resolute)
You'll be here, continuing your training. The next fight will come sooner than you think. But for now, let the others handle this. You'll have your time, I promise you that.
Laetayeo reluctantly steps back, his anger simmering down, though the frustration remains evident in his eyes. Melanie stands beside him, placing a reassuring hand on his arm.
MELANIE
(softly)
We'll get our chance. Let's just trust the plan.
GINGORDA
(looking over the group)
Everyone else, get ready. We leave first thing in the morning. Make sure you rest tonight—tomorrow, we're going to war.
The group disperses, each heading off to prepare for the battle ahead. Laetayeo and Melanie linger for a moment, watching as their friends walk away, knowing they'll be left behind this time.
INT. NEXUS – BRADEN'S ROOM – NIGHT
Braden sits in his room, tinkering with his suit. His mind races with thoughts of the impending battle, adrenaline already starting to course through his veins. As he makes adjustments to his suit, there's a knock at the door. Without looking up, he calls out.
BRADEN
(grinning)
Come in. Door's open.
Genko steps in, his usual cocky attitude slightly dampened by the weight of what's about to happen. He crosses his arms and leans against the wall, watching Braden work.
GENKO
(casually)
So, you ready for tomorrow?
BRADEN
(nods, focused)
I've been ready. Just making a few last-minute upgrades. Gotta be faster, stronger—you know the drill.
GENKO
(smirking)
Yeah, well, speed isn't everything. You're still gonna need me to smash things.
BRADEN
(chuckling)
Wouldn't dream of doing it without you, rockhead.
The two share a brief moment of levity, but the seriousness of the situation looms over them. Genko straightens up, his smirk fading slightly.
GENKO
(quietly)
You think we're gonna make it through this?
BRADEN
(still working, but more serious)
I don't know, man. But we've got to. Too many people are counting on us. Failure's not an option.
GENKO
(nods)
Yeah. Let's make sure we don't give 'em any reason to doubt us.
INT. LAETAYEO'S ROOM – NIGHT
Laetayeo sits by the window, staring out at the underground city. His hands are clenched into fists, frustration still evident on his face. Melanie enters quietly, noticing his tense posture.
MELANIE
(gently)
You alright?
Laetayeo exhales deeply, running a hand through his hair.
LAETAYEO
(frustrated)
I just feel so... useless. I should be out there with them. We're ready—I know we are.
Melanie walks over and sits beside him, her presence calming.
MELANIE
(softly)
I feel the same way. But Gingorda's right. We're still figuring things out. If we mess up, it could cost lives.
Laetayeo looks at her, his frustration softening slightly as he sees the understanding in her eyes.
LAETAYEO
(sighing)
I just don't want to be left behind. I've been fighting my whole life—I know what it's like to be in the middle of a war. I don't want to just... wait.
MELANIE
(smiling slightly)
You're not waiting, Laetayeo. You're preparing. And when the time comes, we'll be ready. Together.
Laetayeo smiles back, feeling a little more at peace.
LAETAYEO
(nods)
Yeah. Together.
EXT. UNDERGROUND CITY – MORNING
The sun doesn't rise underground, but the city buzzes with anticipation. Kakida, Jamie, Braden, and Genko stand at the ready, fully suited up and prepared for battle. Gingorda and Don approach them, their faces grim.
GINGORDA
(seriously)
This is it. Ashimoto's forces are mobilizing across the world. The first strike will hit the Middle East, and it won't stop there. Our mission is to strike hard and fast, disrupt their plans, and protect as many Evo lives as possible.
DON
(adding)
Remember, we're not just fighting soldiers. Ashimoto's elite are going to be out there. Watch your backs, stick together, and don't get cocky.
JAMIE
(nodding, resolute)
We're ready.
GINGORDA
(looking them over)
Good. You leave now. Keep in contact, and if things go sideways, get out. No unnecessary risks.
BRADEN
(grinning)
When have we ever taken unnecessary risks?
GENKO
(mocking)
You mean like that time you thought you could outrun an explosion?
Braden chuckles, but the levity quickly fades as the seriousness of their mission sets in. The team teleports out, leaving Gingorda and Don behind.
INT. CONTROL ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Laetayeo and Melanie stand in the control room, watching the monitors as their friends teleport away. Laetayeo clenches his fists, his frustration returning.
LAETAYEO
(bitterly)
They're out there risking everything, and we're stuck here.
Gingorda enters the control room, his expression unreadable.
GINGORDA
(firmly)
I know it's hard, but this is how it has to be. You two have a different path right now. And when your time comes, you'll be ready.
MELANIE
(nods)
We trust you, Gingorda.
Laetayeo doesn't respond, his eyes fixed on the monitors as he watches his friends step into the chaos of battle.