17 March 2010

Somewhere in Doant Country

Soldier 1: That was a massive explosion at the General’s headquarters.

Soldier 2: The entire upper floor is covered in smoke… I can’t see a thing. Was it an attack?

Soldier 3: No way someone would dare attack that place. Must’ve been a short circuit or something…

---

Inside the Headquarters

(Alarm blaring. Footsteps echo. Gunfire rings out.)

17th Floor

Second-in-Command: Find the intruders. Kill them all. If even one of them escapes, I’ll make sure none of you do. Alert all nearby command centers—tell them to report here immediately. Understood?

Soldier: Yes, sir!

---

Basement

????: What’s our next move?

????: First, we destroy the monitoring room. That’ll shut down all their communications.

????: And what about the dead soldiers?

????: Burn them along with this room. They don’t deserve mercy.

---

21st Floor – General’s Office

(Door creaks open.)

General: Who the hell are you?

????: You created me... and yet you don’t even recognize me? Feel the hellfire, General—it’ll burn you alive. Let’s see who’s faster on the trigger.

General: So… you’re the infamous leader of Hell’s Organization—Master Devil.

Devil: Hahahaha! So, you do know me after all.

(Gunfire echoes.)

---

8 July 2004

Doant Military Base – General’s Office

Doant Colonel: Sir, Hooler forces have launched a surprise attack. Orders?

General Baqi: Don’t panic. Mobilize all troops and secure the border. Launch a counterattack with full force. Issue a Red Alert across the nation. Summon every man who can fight.

This... is war.

Colonel: Understood, sir!

General Baqi: Go! Prepare for battle. They started this, but we’ll finish it. They’ll pay for underestimating us. I’m going to see the King.

Soldiers: Long live Doant! Long live King Gulfam Shah!

---

Royal Palace

Servant: Lord Gulfam, General Maddar is here to see you.

King: Hmm. Send him in.

General Maddar: Greetings, my Lord.

King: What’s the situation?

Maddar: My Lord… we’re losing control. The Hoolers outnumber us four to one. They have superior weapons.

King: What do you propose?

Maddar: We’ll fight to the last drop of our blood. But I urge you—go to your brother’s kingdom with your daughter. You’re not safe here.

King: You want me to abandon my country? My people? How dare you!

Maddar: If anything happens to you, Doant will fall. Think of your daughter...

King: It’s not your place to think about me. And as for her, I’ve already sent her to my brother’s land—with a letter requesting aid. Our communications are down. That letter is our only hope.

Now go. Defend the borders until help arrives.

Maddar (thinking): What a fool I was to doubt the King… He’s prepared for everything. Now it’s our turn to protect what’s left.

---

Three Months Later – Doant Palace

King Gulfam: Any news of my daughter?

Maddar: None, my Lord. And the situation… it’s dire. We won’t hold out much longer. I beg you—leave while you still can. I’ll find your daughter and protect her.

King: Maddar… I will not abandon my land. If Doant falls, I fall with it. You go. Find her. From this moment, I will command the army personally.

---

One Month Later – Somewhere in Doant

Villager 1: The Hoolers won. They broke through our last line of defense.

Villager 2: I heard they killed King Gulfam. What’ll become of us now?

Villager 3: We pray… and we survive.

---

Hooler Country – Royal Mansion

King Zajoon: Hahahaha! Victory is ours! They fought hard, but fate was always mine to command.

General Roar, you’ve served me well. As a reward, I grant you control of Doant. Rule it as your own.

General Roar: I am honored, my Lord. I will not fail you.

King Zajoon: Good. Begin preparations to take control.

---

Later

Prince Moon: Father, why give Roar the charge?

King Zajoon: Because I have another mission for you. Go to Doant… and find that object.

Prince Moon: This whole war… was it just for that item? Is it really that valuable?

King Zajoon: You’ll understand soon enough. Go now. Your journey will be long.

Prince Moon: As you wish, Father.

---

Next Day – Doant Territory

General Roar: Commander Jozaf, inform the people they must pay 20% of their income in taxes every month. Build 23 military bases in every major city. Anyone who resists—kill them and hang their bodies at the city gates. Understood?

Jozaf: Yes, sir.

---

Across the land, innocent people unable to pay were brutally murdered. Their wives and daughters were taken as slaves. Their sons and elders were forced to labor under cruel conditions to build enemy bases.

But in one village… they refused to surrender.

13 October 2005 – The day before General Roar arrived

Location: Hunter’s Village, atop the Asfa Mountain

[Early Morning, Inside Saim and Ahtesham’s Hut]

Saim: Wake up, Ahtee! It's almost breakfast time. Get up and get ready already.

Ahtesham: Come on, big bro! Let me sleep just a little longer.

Saim: This is your routine every day. What will you do if I’m not around someday?

Ahtesham: Hey! Don’t say things like that. If anything happens to you, I’ll die right beside you. I’m not leaving you—just like how Mom and Dad left us.

Saim: Alright, alright. Forget what I said. Just get up.

Ahtesham: Fine, fine. So, what’s for breakfast today?

Saim: Roasted rabbit.

Ahtesham: What? Again? Ughhh!

---

[After Breakfast]

Ahtesham: Come on, you lazy punk. We’re late for hunting.

Saim: Oh really? And whose fault is that?

Ahtesham: Now's not the time for arguing. Let’s go!

Ahtesham: I’m gonna reach there first!

Saim: In your dreams!

Sofia: You two are late.

Ahtesham: It’s Saim’s fault!

Sofia: Yeah, yeah. I figured.

Ahtesham: Ow! Why did you punch me?

Sofia: For blaming others, obviously.

Ahtesham: You always take his side…

Sofia: What was that?

Ahtesham: Nothing! Nothing at all!

Saim: Alright, enough. Let’s get going.

---

[Near the Village Gate]

Elder Joan: Good morning, children. How are you today? Beautiful weather for a hunt, isn’t it? Are you all ready?

Saim: Yes, Elder. We’re ready.

Ahtesham: I’m going to hunt that bear today for sure!

Sofia: You’ve said that a hundred times. Just stick to rabbits and leave the bear alone.

Ahtesham: Why? Are you in love with the bear or something?

Sofia: Laughs Good one!

Saim: Let’s go before we come back empty-handed.

---

[Same Night – Village Feast]

Elder Joan: Saim, the deer you hunted today was very healthy. It'll bring us a good profit.

Saim: Thank you, Elder.

Elder Joan: You all did great today, as always. Let’s pray and enjoy this meal together like one big family. May God keep our village at peace. I pray every night for our unity and prosperity.

Everyone: Ameen.

Elder Joan: Let’s eat.

Saim: Elder, any news from our brothers at the border?

Elder Joan: Nothing yet, son. But have faith. They’ll return soon.

Ahtesham: I want to fight on the front lines too.

Elder Joan: If everyone goes to the front lines, who will protect the village?

Ahtesham: As if the Hoolers care about our little village.

Saim: Watch your mouth, idiot!

Ahtesham: What?

Elder Joan: Laughs You two remind me of your parents. Ahtesham, your time will come. Be patient. Enjoy your youth.

Sofia: Worry about the bear first, then think about the border.

Ahtesham: One day I’ll make you eat those words.

Saim: I believe in you, Ahtesham. You’ll get that bear tomorrow.

---

[Next Morning – Chaos Begins]

Gunfire and shouting in the distance

Ahtesham: What’s all that noise, brother?

Saim: Hooler forces—they’ve won the war! Ahtesham, get up and run to the forest now!

Ahtesham: No way! I’m staying to fight beside you!

Saim: Not now! Just do as I say!

---

[Center of the Village]

Elder Joan: What do you want from us?

Inspector Shaiq: Your king has fallen. Doant now belongs to us. From now on, you’ll pay us a 20% monthly tax. Obey, and we won’t harm anyone.

Saim: We won’t give you anything. Leave us alone!

Shaiq: Are you threatening me, kid?

Elder Joan: He’s just a child. But you better listen to him.

Shaiq: You old fool. You better listen to me—or I’ll burn this whole village down!

Suddenly, an arrow pierces Shaiq’s chest

Shaiq: What the…?

Ahtesham: Oops… just missed a little.

Saim: Ahtesham! I told you to run!

Ahtesham: I told you—I’m staying. We fight together!

Shaiq: Soldiers! Kill them all!

Elder Joan: Defend the village!

Saim: Idiot! If you’d listened, you’d have a better chance of surviving!

Ahtesham: I’d rather die fighting!

Elder Joan: Protect the women and children!

Elder Joan: Saim, protect your brother! Take him to the cave at the top of the hill—it’s safe there!

Saim: I can’t leave you, Elder!

Elder Joan: It’s an order!

---

[5 Minutes Later]

Jameel: They killed the Elder! Don’t let them escape!

Saim: Ahtesham, hide in that cave. Move the rock at the entrance once you’re inside.

Ahtesham: You brought me here just to hide?

Saim: I had no choice. Live—for me, for Elder, for everyone.

Hooler Soldier: There they are!

Saim: Go! Now!

Ahtesham: I won’t leave you!

Saim: Fine! Then follow me. We’ll climb that rock and defend ourselves.

---

[Moments Later – Intense Battle]

Ahtesham: Brother… I think this is the end. We’ll meet in the next world.

Saim: I’m sorry, my brother. Please forgive me for this…

Saim pushes Ahtesham off the cliff toward the river below

Saim (thinking): I hope the river saves you. If I survive, I’ll find you. If not… forgive me.

---

[Hours Later – Aftermath]

Shaiq: They were tougher than expected. How many men did we lose?

Hooler Soldier: 73, sir.

Shaiq: Damn these hunters…

Hooler Soldier: What about the women and children?

Shaiq: Kill them all. Burn the village.

To Be Continued…

Location: A cave on the banks of the Asfa River

[Inside a dark cave]

Ahtesham lies unconscious near the river’s edge. Slowly, his eyes open.

Ahtesham (thinking):

Where... where am I?

What am I doing here?

Oh yeah... Saim pushed me off the mountain. Maybe the river carried me here.

I have to go back—

Aaahh! I can’t move... My legs feel broken. My arm too.

Wait...

What’s that light?

He notices a glowing green light coming from a stone nearby.

Ahtesham (thinking):

It’s warm... a soft green light.

Coming from that stone...

I should rest here… just for a while…

---

[Later]

Ahtesham opens his eyes again, groggy but alert.

Ahtesham (thinking):

Did I pass out?

I... wait—my arm? My legs?

They’re healed… I don’t feel any pain anymore!

How is that even possible?

The green light has vanished.

Ahtesham (thinking):

The light… it’s gone.

Was it… that rock?

Was it just a hallucination?

But no… I was badly hurt. That’s real.

What just happened to me?

---

[Suddenly, from outside]

(Sound: Gunfire, Screams)

??? (distant voice): Help! Somebody help me, please!

Hooler Soldier 1: Why are you running, old man?

Hooler Soldier 2: Pay your taxes and we’ll let you leave. There’s no point in running—you can’t escape. No one’s coming to save you.

Old Man: Please... I don’t have any money. Spare me... I’m begging you.

Hooler Soldier 1: No money? Then die.

He raises his gun—

Hooler Soldier 1: Partner? Hey, Peter—where’d you go? Quit joking around!

He turns and sees his partner's body floating in the river.

Hooler Soldier 1: What the—?! Peter?!

Hey old man! You saw something, didn’t you? Who did this?!

Tell me now—or I’ll kill you too!

Old Man: Please, I swear! I didn’t see anyone!

Hooler Soldier 1: Then DIE!

Suddenly—

(Sound: Gunshot… then silence)

Old Man (blinking): …I’m still alive?

Ahtesham appears, gripping the soldier’s gun arm tightly.

Hooler Soldier: Who... who are you?! Let go of me!

Do you have a death wish, freak?! You monster!

Ahtesham: Didn’t your mother teach you…

Never bully the elderly.

(Sound: Bone cracking, followed by screams and another shot)

---

Old Man (shocked): Thank you, young man!

My name’s Moiz. You're so fast—so skilled. Are you from the army?

He gasps.

Moiz: W-What happened to your face?

Ahtesham: My face? What do you mean?

Moiz: Look… see for yourself. In the river’s reflection.

Ahtesham looks down. Half his face is badly scarred, burned by the river’s fury and the battle’s chaos.

Ahtesham: I… I look like a devil.

His voice turns cold, low.

Ahtesham: They’ll pay for this.

For what they did to me.

To my country.

Saim…

Ahtesham: Moiz, take care of yourself. I have to go.

Ahtesham (thinking):

Saim… wait for me.

Everyone… please be alive.

---

[Later – Near the Village Gate]

Ahtesham (thinking):

That’s the gate!

Just a little further…

Why is there so much smoke?

Ahtesham:

Saim! Sofia! Ali! Elder Joan!

I’m back! Say something! Anyone!

Hooler Soldier: Stop right there! Who are you?! Go back or I’ll shoot!

Other Hooler: He’s got a gun!

Ahtesham (coldly):

You’re still here?

Then I’ll finish what I started.

(Sound: Gunfire)

Hooler Soldier (shouting):

How’s he dodging bullets?!

He’s too fast—AAAHH!

Surviving Soldier: You’re a monster!

You killed my brother!

Ahtesham:

No.

The real monsters are you.

You killed innocent people—

And now, it’s your turn to die.

(Sound: Screams, gunfire)

---

Ahtesham (thinking):

They… they burned my village.

Everything’s gone.

Ahtesham:

Saim? Elder Joan? Sofia?

Please! Say something! You can’t be gone!

(Sound: Crying)

Ahtesham (furious):

I swear... I’ll kill them all.

For my home… for everyone!

---

[Inside His Burned Hut]

He pushes open the cracked wooden door.

Ahtesham:

They murdered my people…

Burned my village…

For some damn money?!

He falls to his knees. In the wreckage, he sees a familiar object.

Ahtesham (softly):

That… that’s Father’s hunting mask.

He lifts it gently, trembling.

Ahtesham:

It’s all my fault, Father…

I couldn’t protect him.

Forgive me.

Ahtesham (thinking):

Now’s not the time to cry.

I have to rise.

I will avenge them.

He puts the mask on. Tears fall behind it. Then he screams into the sky, voice echoing across the broken village.

Ahtesham (shouting):

Saim! Sofia! Elder Joan!

Is anybody still alive?!

Answer me!

Tell me you’re okay!!

YAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!

---

But no one answers. His brother, his friends, his elder... All gone.

Ahtesham:

I swear by your memory, Father…

I’ll take revenge.

Every Hooler soldier… inspector…

Everyone who took part in this—

—will face the hell I’ll create for them.

From today…

My name will be “Devil.”

To Be Continued…