"I heard from Dad that you're planning to become a director and have written a horror script. Quite innovative!" Steven said, sitting on the sofa. He then pulled out a small box from his pocket and handed it to Edward.
Edward naturally accepted it. Though it wasn't his birthday yet, he knew his elder brother well enough—gifts from Steven were best received without hesitation.
It was probably some oddly shaped stones, Steven's favorite type of gift.
"Yes, I'm planning to shoot a horror movie titled Dead Silence," Edward replied, taking out the revised script and handing it to Steven.
Their father, Stone, hadn't come back yet. As the head of a large company, there were always unavoidable dinner invitations. Edward had long grown accustomed to their father spending more time at work than at home.
*"Dead Silence"? That's an interesting name." Steven showed some interest.
He had always known that his younger brother loved horror films. While other kids played with toys, Edward had been glued to the screen, especially enjoying horror movies.
Being the dutiful older brother, Steven had spent countless hours accompanying Edward, enduring all the horror films released across the league. Over time, Steven had even developed a knack for predicting horror movie clichés.
For example, when a camera angle shifts suddenly, a ghost is likely to appear, or when the protagonist turns around, a Ghost Pokémon might lunge forward. Steven could even guess which trainer would end up capturing the mischief-making Ghost Pokémon by the end.
In the Pokémon world, horror films often followed a popular formula: Ghost-type Pokémon cause chaos, a trainer steps in to battle them, and ultimately, the Ghost Pokémon gets captured—a classic hero's journey.
But as Steven flipped through the script, initially with a casual attitude, he slowly sat upright.
This script was... intriguing.
Then he came across a chilling scene:
"The protagonist, while searching for clues about Mary Shaw, accidentally glimpses his wife's silhouette at the foot of the stairs. He instinctively calls out to her, but she doesn't turn around.
Remembering that his wife had tragically passed away, the protagonist's body trembles. In the dim moonlight, the figure slowly turns her head—not her body, just her head—rotating 180 degrees to stare directly at him.
Her jaw, torn off, hangs grotesquely as blood trickles from her mouth, pooling on the floor."
"Whoa." Steven swallowed hard. Just reading that passage gave him an eerie sense that the woman with the torn jaw was standing right before him.
Edward glanced at the script. Steven had reached the newly added scare sequence, inspired by the movie Ju-On—specifically the iconic scene of a girl with a torn jaw standing on the stairs.
The slow turn, combined with the inescapable dread of facing a known deceased figure, made the scene incredibly unsettling. While it wasn't groundbreaking in Edward's previous world, in this one, the sequence was revolutionary.
"So, how was it, big brother?" Edward asked after twenty minutes, as Steven finally finished the script. Steven was a quick reader, and this version of the script had more added scares.
"The ending feels a bit... unsatisfying," Steven exhaled deeply, placing the script down. He was already looking forward to the movie's release.
If the script alone was this scary, the final film—complete with visuals and sound—might leave audiences drenched in sweat.
"Well, it's a horror film," Edward said with a shrug, understanding his brother's sentiment.
After all, Pokémon-world horror films typically ended with the mischievous Ghost Pokémon being captured or sealed. Even if it wasn't resolved in the current movie, it was a guarantee for the sequel.
In fact, the most famous series, Nightmare Street 13, featured a sinister Banette as its main antagonist. With each sequel, the Banette found new ways to escape and wreak havoc, keeping the horror alive—similar to classic villains like Jason or Freddy from Edward's past world.
"I might need to reach out to some officials before your movie gets released," Steven remarked, returning the script to Edward. The scare factor was off the charts.
"As long as we follow the league's rating system, it should be fine. I'm also planning to donate one Pokédollar per ticket to the Stray Pokémon Foundation," Edward replied, unconcerned.
One of the greatest advantages of this world, in Edward's opinion, was its movie rating system. His film could be released in multiple versions: a censored, child-friendly edit, and an uncut version for older audiences, ensuring everyone could enjoy the movie appropriately.
Not to mention, the planned donation would not only help his film avoid pushback but might even earn support from the league.
"Donating a portion of the ticket sales? That's a good idea." Steven nodded approvingly. Though he had just become the league champion, he was already aware of the myriad challenges the league faced.
Stray Pokémon, for instance, was an issue often overlooked but highly valued by the league. Edward's charitable gesture would ensure smoother approval for his debut film, possibly even garnering league-backed promotions.
It seemed his little brother was growing up.
"So, how does it feel to be the league champion?" Edward asked, curious.
In the games, Edward had often climbed the ranks to become champion, but it was just a title with no tangible impact.
"Feels great. In the end, I'm still the strongest." Steven smiled faintly.
Being champion meant fame and fortune. As the strongest trainer in the region, the perks from the league alone were enough to elevate someone to new heights.
(End of Chapter)
Note; If you want to read 20 advance chapters go to my Patreon
Patreon; patreon.com/silkycaterpillar