Scene: The Igedvon Family Estate - Late Morning
The Igedvon estate was grand, sprawling over acres of lush greenery and high walls. It boasted gardens filled with rare flowers and fountains, the very picture of aristocratic power. But within its magnificent halls, a conversation was brewing—one that would bring James Igedvon face to face with the ghosts of his past.
In the grand study, Boldon Igedvon, James's father, stood before a wide window, staring out over the grounds. He had called for James to discuss the upcoming Gunxam Championship, but as usual, James had been indifferent, unfazed by the importance of the event. Boldon had been expecting more enthusiasm—after all, this was the event that would solidify James's place in the kingdom, ensuring his strength and future. But James's demeanor told a different story.
James stood casually by the door, arms crossed and eyes half-lidded as if the weight of the world did not rest on his shoulders. His tall, athletic frame was draped in simple but expensive clothing, his dark red hair neatly tied back. His sharp green eyes held no fear—just cold calculation as if he were already ten steps ahead of the world.
Boldon: (with a frown, his voice carrying authority) "James, you've been training your entire life for this. The Gunxam Championship is where you prove your worth—not just to the kingdom, but to everyone. This is no time to be indifferent."
James glanced at his father but said nothing. His posture was relaxed, hands loosely hanging by his sides, like a predator surveying the field before pouncing. He was far from the eager young boy Boldon remembered, and it unnerved the older man to see his son so... fearless. Too fearless.
Boldon: (pressing on, voice growing more insistent) "The other families will be watching closely. The Igedvon name must come out on top. You're the best fighter we've ever produced. There's no one out there who can challenge you."
James's lips twitched into a small smile, though it held no humor. He uncrossed his arms, pacing across the room.
James: (calmly, his voice almost a whisper) "Father, I know what you expect. But it's not the championship that concerns me."
Boldon's brows furrowed. He was expecting James to show some enthusiasm and some sense of urgency about the event. He leaned forward, resting his hands on the desk.
Boldon: (confused) "Then what does concern you? The Novac kids? You've always been stronger, and smarter. They're nothing compared to you."
But as Boldon spoke, something shifted in James's eyes—something distant. He clenched his jaw slightly, as if a flicker of emotion, long buried, had resurfaced for just a moment.
James: (serious, not looking at his father) "It's not that simple."
Boldon raised an eyebrow. His son, normally so unshakable, seemed to be thinking deeper than usual.
Boldon: "Linda and Skyen are just kids compared to you. I know their reputation, but you've outclassed them since the beginning. They're not even on your level, James."
James: (his voice darkening slightly) "You underestimate them."
The room fell into silence. Boldon blinked, surprised by his son's tone. It wasn't like James to speak highly of his competition—or to show concern over them at all. The memory of Linda Novac and Skyen Novac hung heavy in James's mind, a weight from the past that he couldn't shake.
James stared out of the large window in his father's study, lost in thought. He remembered a time—long before any of this—when things were different—a time when Linda, Skyen, and he were not rivals, but something else entirely.
Scene: Flashback - The Fields Outside the City, Childhood (Age 5)
The soft glow of the afternoon sun bathed the open fields outside the Igedvon estate, casting long shadows over the grassy hills. In the distance, young James, only five years old, was running with his childhood friends, Jeremy Voiden and Akon Isseki. Their laughter filled the air, carefree and innocent, as they chased one another through the fields.
James wasn't the fearless, stoic warrior he was now. Back then, he was shy, and hesitant, often trailing behind the others. Clara Novac, bold and fearless even as a child, led the charge. She always dared James to do the impossible—climb the highest trees, race the fastest winds, jump into the deepest waters. And James, timid and nervous, followed along because he didn't want to disappoint her.
Scene: The game in the fields - Kids playing "knights and dragons"
Jeremy Voiden: (laughing, pointing at Akon, who was pretending to be a dragon) "You can't catch me, dragon!"
Akon Isseki: (roaring playfully, waving a wooden sword) "I'll get you, Jeremy! Rawr!"
James stood back, watching his friends chase each other around. He smiled faintly, but there was always a hesitation in his eyes. Clara noticed and walked over, her short black hair bouncing as she moved with confidence.
Clara Novac: (grinning) "Come on, James! You can't be a knight if you're just standing there!"
James hesitated but nodded, his small hands clutching his wooden sword. He was never as bold as Linda, never as daring, but he tried. He always tried.
Together, they chased the imaginary dragon (played by Akon), running across the field with all the energy in the world. In those days, they weren't rivals. They were friends—innocent, untainted by the weight of their family names and the expectations that came with them.
SFX: The laughter of children, the rustling of grass as they play.
Scene shifts: To the shore of a river, where the group rests after playing.
After a few hours of playing, the group found themselves sitting by a riverbank, skipping stones across the surface. James sat quietly, watching the stones dance across the water, feeling the cool breeze against his face.
Jeremy Voiden: (splashing water at James) "Hey, what's up with you? You're too quiet!"
James: (blushing, smiling shyly) "I'm just… thinking."
Akon Isseki: (grinning) "Thinking? You? You're always the quiet one!"
Clara sat beside James, nudging him gently with her elbow.
Clara Novac: (grinning) "Don't listen to them. You're fine, James. Just remember, you can do anything I can do."
James looked at Clara, her bright, confident smile a beacon of encouragement. He nodded, feeling a little more at ease.
Scene of Clara and James in a playground.
Clara:(proudly) " I am going to another school. A better one."
James remained silent and didn't say anything.
Scene: Back to the Present - Igedvon Estate
James snapped out of the memory, his hand clenching slightly at his side. Those days felt like a lifetime ago. He had changed—become stronger, colder, more focused. But in moments like this, when the past came creeping back, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of what he once was.
Boldon, unaware of his son's inner turmoil, continued.
Boldon: (sternly) "James, you need to focus. You've been trained for this your whole life. Don't let anyone stand in your way."
James turned to face his father, his expression unreadable.
James: "I know what's at stake, Father."
But there was something deeper in James's eyes, something Boldon couldn't quite place. He had always been able to read his son—until now.
Scene: The Bathhouse - Later That Night
The scene shifted to the luxurious bathhouse of the Igedvon estate. The stone walls were adorned with intricate carvings, and the warm steam rose from the water, filling the room with a soothing mist.
James sat in the large bath, the hot water lapping gently against his skin. His eyes were closed, his mind racing with thoughts of the past and the upcoming championship. As much as he tried to dismiss it, he couldn't shake the memories of Linda and Skyen. They were a part of him, a part of his childhood that he could never fully leave behind.
SFX: The soft sound of water gently rippling, the faint echo of dripping water in the bathhouse.
He opened his eyes, staring at the water's surface. He could still hear the laughter of his childhood friends, echoing in his mind. But that was all in the past now. Linda and Skyen weren't the carefree children he had once known. They had grown into formidable warriors, and despite his father's words, James knew they were a real threat.
His eyes flicked to the side, where a large sword rested against the stone wall. It was a gift from his father—a beautifully crafted blade, forged by the finest blacksmiths in the kingdom. It was a symbol of his status, his power, and his destiny.
SFX: The soft sound of metal clinking as James reaches for the sword.
James stood, water dripping from his body as he walked over to the sword. He picked it up, feeling its weight in his hand. It was a powerful weapon, meant for a powerful warrior. But as he looked at his reflection in the polished blade, he couldn't help but wonder if it would be enough.
SFX: The faint hum of the blade cutting through the air as James swings it lightly, testing its balance.
James: (quietly, to himself) "I won't lose. Not to them."
The room was silent, save for the sound of water dripping from his body back into the bath. James lowered the sword, his expression hardening.
The Gunxam Championship was coming, and he would be ready. But no matter how much his father reassured him, James knew that Linda and Skyen were not to be underestimated. They were once his friends, but now they were his greatest rivals.
SFX: The soft clang of the sword as James sets it down beside him, the sound of water rippling in the background.
As he left the bathhouse, towel draped over his shoulders, James's mind was set. He would face his past, his rivals, and the future that awaited him in the championship.