EXT. RAVENHOOD CITY – NIGHT
The fog-laden streets of Ravenhood are eerily quiet, save for the frantic footfalls of a man sprinting through the narrow alleys. His breath is ragged, panic evident in his eyes as he darts around corners, desperately trying to shake his pursuer. The city is shrouded in darkness, broken only by the occasional flicker of distant streetlights.
Suddenly, a shadowy figure steps into his path, brandishing a black katana that glints in the dim moonlight. The man's eyes widen in terror as he skids to a halt. Before he can react, the blade cuts through the air with a deadly swish, cleanly severing his head. The headless corpse collapses to the ground, a grim testament to the efficiency of the figure before him.
KED
(appearing from the shadows, grinning)
"Nice one, Shin. You always were quick with that blade."
SHIN
(wiping the blood from his katana)
"Just doing my job."
Both men, assassins from the notorious Umbronite Clan, are unfazed by the gruesome sight before them. Killing is their profession, and bloodshed is routine. Ked, the more relaxed of the two, brushes off his hands and chuckles, clearly enjoying the thrill of the hunt.
KED
(grinning)
"How's it feel to be the one holding the blade for once?"
SHIN
(eyes narrowing)
"It's always the same. Efficient. Clean."
Ked nods appreciatively, clearly impressed by Shin's cold professionalism. They exchange a knowing look, a silent acknowledgment of their shared understanding of their craft.
---
EXT. RIVERBANK – LATER
Shin and Ked crouch by the river, the moon casting long shadows across the scene. The river's gentle current offers a stark contrast to the violence that has just occurred. Shin methodically washes the blood from his hands and face, his expression one of concentration and stoic resolve. Ked, on the other hand, is less focused on cleanliness and more on the casual conversation.
SHIN
(serious, without breaking his focus from the water)
"How did you find me, Ked?"
KED
(smiling)
"Master told me to tail you. Figured he was worried."
SHIN
(scoffing)
"He wasn't worried. Just didn't think I could handle it on my own. Don't you have a mission?"
KED
(grinning wider)
"Day off, man. Actually, it's everyone's day off. No clue why you got stuck with a job."
SHIN
(frowning)
"Wait, what?"
KED
(nodding)
"Yeah, might have something to do with that guardian Master met with this afternoon."
SHIN
(surprised)
"A guardian? Master spoke with a guardian?"
KED
(musing)
"That's what I heard. Rumor is, it's got something to do with you."
Shin's brow furrows as he processes this information. Guardians, protectors of humanity since the Oblivion Event, are rare and powerful beings. The idea that one might be involved in his life is unsettling.
SHIN
(inner monologue)
A guardian, huh? They've been protecting humanity since the Oblivion Event, when those Hybrids appeared—monsters fused with elemental powers, slaughtering and abducting humans. Guardians are the only ones who can exorcise them… but why would Master need to talk to one? And why would it involve me?
KED
(disgusted)
"Dude, seriously? We just washed blood in there. What are you, some kind of vampire?"
SHIN
(rolling his eyes)
"The stream moves, idiot. Use your common sense."
KED
(muttering as he stands up)
"Smart-ass."
Ked brushes off his hands and starts to walk away, turning back momentarily.
KED
"Anyway, see you later, man."
SHIN
(half to himself)
"Always in a rush."
As Ked's footsteps fade into the distance, Shin stays by the river, lost in thought. The moonlight dances on the water, but his mind is elsewhere, piecing together the puzzle that has been presented to him.
SHIN
(to himself)
"I'll just have to ask him myself."
---
EXT. WOODS NEAR RAVENHOOD – NIGHT
Shin moves cautiously through the trees, the dense foliage rustling in the cool night breeze. Every step is calculated, every sound analyzed. The moonlight filters through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Suddenly, he senses someone approaching. His senses are heightened, alert for any sign of danger.
A figure steps out from the shadows—a man dressed in blue, with dark hair that frames his calm expression. Shin's eyes narrow as he assesses the newcomer.
SUGAI
(casual)
"Hey, Umbronite."
Shin leaps back, drawing his weapon. His eyes narrow, scanning the man's attire.
SHIN
(tense)
"Who the hell are you?!"
SUGAI
(grinning)
"It's about time we met."
Shin's grip tightens on his weapon, his stance defensive. The man's clothing marks him as a guardian—a dangerous adversary. He can't afford to let his guard down.
SHIN
(fiercely)
"I said, who the hell are you?!"
SUGAI
(raising his hands in mock surrender)
"Relax. I just came to talk."
Shin's eyes flash with recognition. The man's clothing, the air of confidence—everything points to him being a guardian. His heart races with a mix of anticipation and dread.
SHIN
(inner monologue)
A guardian… So, they sent him to arrest me. Not a chance!
Shin lunges forward, attacking with precision. The mysterious man deftly blocks each blow with ease, moving almost casually. Shin tries a high kick, but the man ducks, flicking Shin on the forehead with a gentle, but dismissive, motion.
SUGAI
(chuckling)
"No need to be so rough, kid."
Frustrated, Shin draws his sword, but the man catches the blade with his bare hand, shattering it effortlessly. Shin's eyes widen in disbelief.
SHIN
(stunned)
"What… what are you?"
Before he can react, the man moves behind Shin with incredible speed, delivering a swift strike that knocks him out cold. Shin collapses to the ground, unconscious and vulnerable.
---
[FLASHBACK – 9 YEARS AGO]
INT. CELESTINO HOUSE – MORNING
The warm morning light floods the small home. A young Shin, just six years old, lies in bed, still lost in sleep. The gentle rustling of the curtains and the soft chirping of birds outside create a serene atmosphere. His older sister, Yae, gently shakes him awake.
YAE
(cheerfully)
"Shin, wake up! It's Mom's birthday, remember?"
Shin stirs, blinking groggily as he tries to shake off the remnants of sleep.
SHIN
(yawning)
"Damn, I almost forgot…"
He quickly gets out of bed, pulling on his clothes in a hurry. His movements are both eager and clumsy, a testament to his excitement.
YAE
(giggling)
"Where are you going in such a rush?"
SHIN
(excited)
"To the market. I need to get Mom a present."
Yae watches him dart out the door, then hurriedly follows, her own excitement palpable.
YAE
(laughing)
"Wait for me! I want to get her something too!"
---
EXT. RAVENHURST MARKET – LATER
The bustling market is alive with colors, sounds, and smells. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread, spices, and sizzling street food. Shin stands at the center, overwhelmed by the myriad of choices around him. He moves from stall to stall, his eyes darting between the various goods.
SHIN
(under his breath)
"What do I buy? What do I buy? What do I buy?! Damn… I don't know what to get."
Yae giggles at her brother's indecision and runs off to another stall, her excitement giving her an air of determination.
YAE
(teasing)
"Bye, brother! I know what I'm getting!"
Shin shakes his head, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He spots a beautiful vase at one of the stalls, its intricate design catching his eye. He approaches the seller and hands over his money, a look of resolve on his face.
SHIN
(resigned)
"This will do."
As the seller hands him the vase, Shin sighs to himself, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety.
SHIN
(inner monologue)
There goes all my money… Where's Yae?
He searches for his sister and finds her gazing longingly at a food stall, her eyes fixed on a display of pastries and treats.
SHIN
(amused)
"Yae, did you get something for Mom?"
YAE
(sheepish)
"Sorry, I know I'm supposed to… but this food looks so good! I couldn't resist."
SHIN
(sighing)
"How about we share the gift I got for her?"
YAE
(eyes wide)
"Really? You'd do that?"
SHIN
(smiling)
"Yeah. Besides, I spent all my money on it."
YAE
(grinning)
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's eat!"
They share a meal together, laughing and making plans to present the vase to their mother later that night.
---
INT. CELESTINO HOUSE – NIGHT
The small family gathers around the dinner table, celebrating their mother's 32nd birthday. Shin and Yae beam with excitement as they hand her the vase.
SHIN & YAE
(together)
"Happy birthday, Mom!"
MRS. CELESTINO
(tearfully smiling)
"Aww, thank you, my babies."
SHIN
(pouting)
"I'm not a baby, Mom."
MRS. CELESTINO
(teasing)
"Okay, my little gentleman."
She gently squeezes his cheek, then looks at the vase with admiration.
MRS. CELESTINO
(surprised)
"It's beautiful. Thank you so much."
She reaches under the table and pulls out two silver necklaces, one for each of them.*
MRS. CELESTINO
(grinning)
"Mommy got you something too."
SHIN
(excited)
"These are so cool!"
YAE
(grinning)
"Thank you, Mommy!"
MRS. CELESTINO
(affectionately)
"You're welcome, my loves. Now, let's dig in."
They begin their meal, the warmth of family surrounding them. Suddenly, a loud knock echoes through the house. Shin jumps up from the table.
SHIN
"I'll get it!"
He runs to the door, but as he opens it, horror unfolds. The door swings open to reveal a towering Hybrid, its body a grotesque fusion of organic and metallic elements, with razor-sharp blades extending from its arms. The creature's glowing eyes fix on Shin, and before he can react, it strikes. Its blade slices through the air, slashing across Shin's torso. The force of the blow sends him crashing into the far wall.*
SHIN
(screaming in pain)
"Aagh!"
Blood pours from his wound as he struggles to breathe. His mother, Mrs. Celestino, rushes toward the creature with a kitchen knife, desperation etched on her face.
MRS. CELESTINO
(screaming)
"Stay away from my children!"
She lunges at the Hybrid, but it moves with terrifying speed, swinging its blade down. The knife clatters to the floor as the Hybrid slices through Mrs. Celestino's skull, killing her instantly.
SHIN
(weakly, horrified)
"M-mother…"
Yae screams, grabbing a nearby broom and slamming it against the Hybrid's head in a futile attempt to fend it off. The Hybrid barely flinches as it grabs Yae by the arm and lifts her off the ground.
YAE
(crying, pleading)
"Brother! Help me!"
Shin tries to move, but his body is unresponsive, blood pooling around him as he loses consciousness. Yae's screams echo in the night as the Hybrid disappears into the darkness, leaving devastation in its wake. Inside, Shin lies motionless, his breathing shallow. The once warm and joyous home is now cold and silent, filled only with the scent of blood and death.
TO BE CONTINUED
--
[Introducing the characters]
Name: SHIN CELESTINO
Age: 16 years old
Appearance: Shin stands at an average height with sharp, emerald-green eyes that contrast against his dark brown hair, which falls messily around his face. His attire consists of sleek, black Umbronite Clan clothes—fitted for agility and silent movement, adorned with subtle patterns that signify his rank and clan allegiance. A faint scar runs across his right cheek, a reminder of his early encounters in combat.
Personality: Shin is a highly driven and disciplined individual, forged by the harsh training of the Umbronite Clan. In combat, he exudes a cold and unyielding focus, calculating every move with precision. Outside of battle, he maintains a distant, stoic demeanor, masking his emotions and keeping others at arm's length. However, beneath this icy exterior lies a deep sense of loyalty and a desire to protect those he cares about, even if he rarely shows it. Shin thrives on challenges, constantly seeking to improve himself and push his limits.