Promise of Return

Near Hadi Town, a short distance from Asfa Mountain

(Six Hooler soldiers are driving from Hadi City to their base camp.)

Saon: This is a waste of time. Why take them to the base? Just shoot them and dump them out of the car. At least some animals will benefit.

James: Shut your mouth, or I’ll throw you out myself.

Saon: Who the hell do you think you are?

James: Your dad. And if you don’t believe me, ask your mom.

Saon: You bastard!

(He points his gun at James)

I could kill you right now.

James: Then go ahead. Show me you're not just a coward.

(Suddenly, the car jolts to a stop.)

Saon: Hey! What are you doing?

Driver: There’s a tree blocking the road. I’ll go check it out—

(An arrow breaks through the glass and pierces his neck.)

James: It’s an ambush! Everyone, take positions!

(They scramble out of the car, weapons drawn, scanning the trees but seeing nothing.)

Saon: The enemy’s close. Everyone, stay sharp.

James: You two—go check ahead. See who’s attacking us.

(Two soldiers move cautiously toward the forest. Suddenly, two arrows fly from the other side—one kills a soldier next to the car, the other hits James, wounding him.)

Saon: James! You okay?

James: Now you care?

Saon: But where the hell are these arrows coming from?

(Another two arrows hit the soldiers who went ahead. Both drop dead.)

Saon: Who's there? If you’ve got guts, come out and fight like a man!

(An arrow strikes his hand, making him drop his gun.)

???: You're not worthy to fight me.

(A man steps out of the trees. He wears a half-burnt mask and a long black coat. His eyes burn with rage. A bow in his hand, a sword on his back.)

Saon: Oh yeah? Then come closer—

(He reaches for his gun, but another arrow hits his other hand. He collapses.)

???: Didn’t I say not to move?

Saon: Who... who are you? Why are you attacking us?

???: Did you think before attacking others?

Why should I explain myself to you?

I’m Devil—and I will destroy the entire Hooler army.

Tell your General... The war has begun.

(He draws his sword and slashes Saon’s throat. James lies unconscious nearby.)

Devil: That was for my brother.

(Devil gathers their weapons, then moves to the car where three children sit, trembling, hands tied.)

Devil: Don’t be afraid. You’re safe now.

Where are you from?

Rehman: We’re from Hadi village. They killed our parents… and were going to kill us too.

Thank you so much, brother!

Devil: Hmm. Get in the car—I’ll take you back to your village.

Children: Thank you, sir!

(They drive. The children stare at him, curious.)

Rehman: Brother, what’s your name?

Devil: It’s Devil.

Rehman: That’s a strange name. Why do you wear a mask?

Devil: Why are you asking?

Rehman: Just curious. It’s okay if you don’t want to tell.

Devil: You’re better off not knowing.

Fareed: Hey, don’t make him mad.

Devil: It’s fine. I won’t bite.

Rehman: That’s our village!

(Devil stops the car.)

Devil: Alright. You can go now.

Rehman: Umm...

Devil: What is it, kid?

Rehman: I... I want to stay with you.

Devil: No, you can’t.

Rehman: I have nothing left. My home is gone. My parents are gone. There’s nothing for me here anymore.

Devil: And there’s nothing with me either.

Rehman: But I know you’ll protect me.

Devil: I couldn’t even protect my brother… my sister-in-law… my people.

I couldn’t save anyone.

Rehman: But you saved us. That means something, doesn’t it?

Devil: …And that’s why I don’t want you near me.

Now go. I’ll visit you when it’s all over.

Rehman: Promise?

Devil: (smiling slightly)

Promise, little brother.

(Rehman notices the man's half-burned face visible through his damaged mask.)

Rehman: Okay then… I’ll wait for you.

Remember your promise, Devil.

Devil: You bet I will.

(Devil turns and walks away, leaving behind the innocent he saved—polluted only by the memory of violence.)

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To Be Continued...

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