PAIN BREEDER – CHAPTER 11: "THE FIRST DROP OF BLOOD"
FADE IN:
EXT. CRIMSON CITY – MORNING
The sun was just rising.
The city's massive walls were bathed in crimson light. The stones still carried the coolness of the night, but there was now a restlessness in the air. Thousands of footsteps, hoofbeats, the clanking of armor… all in the same rhythm.
The great square in front of the Hunters' Main Hall was filled to the brim.
Some were on horseback, some on foot. Some wore heavy armor, some light weapons. Some were young and excited, some old and seasoned. But all their eyes looked in the same direction: the dark forests to the north.
At the top of the highest tower stood Lurek. Behind him, the five great hunters:
Yesser, his crimson hair flowing in the wind, standing as still as if his crimson spear were planted in the ground.
Cain, with his mocking smile, his hand on Keisecan's shoulder, leaning back as if nothing mattered.
Falcon Eye (Krovaviy Kogot), with his snow-white hair, dull yet sharp eyes, hands clasped behind his back, waiting silently.
Frostmorne, in his black aristocratic clothes, turning a small round object between his fingers, his eyes half-closed, a cold expression on his lips.
Valerius, in his white suit, black umbrella, and the cigarette in his mouth, standing like a shadow indistinguishable from the darkness.
Lurek took a step forward. His voice, amplified by magic, spread to every corner of the square.
LUREK (loud, majestic)
THE HUNT BEGINS!
Thousands of swords were drawn at once. The sound of steel rose to the sky, filling the ears.
LUREK
Target: All Breeders, rogue hunters, rebels… and anyone who disrupts this order!
A moment of silence.
LUREK
For every head you bring, you will earn points. The one who collects the most points will earn a direct say in the Crimson Council. Remember… this is a hunt. And in a hunt, there is no mercy.
Cain smiled. Keisecan stood beside him, still trembling. His little pony neighed timidly beside him.
CAIN (whispering to Keisecan)
This is the big game, little aide. Watch and learn. Because one day, you will become one of these hunters.
Keisecan didn't answer. He just looked around in fear.
Lurek lowered his arm.
LUREK
MOVE OUT!
Thousands of soldiers moved at once. Clouds of dust rose, hoofbeats shook the ground. Horses neighed, shields clashed. The crowd began flowing northward.
Cain turned his horse's head. He looked at Keisecan.
CAIN
Come on. We don't have time to waste.
Keisecan struggled to urge his pony forward. Cain rode slowly beside him. Yesser was ahead, his crimson spear gleaming in the sun. Falcon Eye had disappeared among the trees. Frostmorne was at the rear, turning his object as he rode. Valerius was in the shadows, a presence felt but unseen, like a lurking threat.
INT. YONCA GUILD – MORNING
Ren woke up.
He lay in bed for a while, staring at the ceiling. For the first time in a long while, he had rested. But there was a strange unease inside him. As if something was about to happen. As if this peace wouldn't last long.
There was a knock at the door.
ERETT (from outside, stern)
Get up. Garrick wants you. Hurry.
Ren sat up. His head ached. He felt a little dizzy. But he got up and dressed.
When he opened the door, Elara was waiting outside. Her eyes were worried. Her hands trembled. But her voice was calm.
ELARA
Son… be careful.
REN
I know, Mom. Don't worry.
Elara took Ren's hand. She paused for a moment. As if she wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.
Then she let go.
They walked down the corridor together. There was activity inside the guild. Soldiers were rushing about, weapons being prepared, maps being opened.
INT. YONCA GUILD – GARRICK'S TENT
Garrick stood at the head of a large table. Behind him was a massive map. Red pins, black X's, blue arrows… Around the table sat the other guild leaders.
Garrick's face was serious. There were dark circles under his eyes. He clearly hadn't slept all night.
GARRICK
The Crimson Council has launched a Great Hunt. The target is not just Breeders. All independent guilds, rebels, rogue hunters… everyone is in danger.
Ren and Elara entered. Garrick looked up and scanned them.
GARRICK (continuing)
Thousands of hunters have set out from the Crimson City. All heading north, into the forests. And among those hunters… is Cain.
Ren's face tightened.
GARRICK
You and your mother are here now. But that doesn't mean you're safe. The Crimson Council's hunters are everywhere. And if they find you… it won't take long for them to learn that this guild helped you.
REN
What do you want us to do?
GARRICK
You will fill Yoren's place. You will fight. You will prove yourself. Otherwise… you won't be able to stay here, even temporarily.
Ren was silent. Elara placed her hand on her son's shoulder. Her fingers trembled. But her voice was firm.
ELARA
We want to stay.
Garrick nodded. He pointed to the map on the table.
GARRICK
Then get ready. Your first mission is tomorrow. You will go to an abandoned mine in the north. We've heard there's a group of hunters there. You will observe them and return. Do not engage. Just watch, take notes, and come back.
REN
Understood.
GARRICK
And one more thing… if you see Cain, do not approach him. You cannot handle him. He is a Blood Count. Not an ordinary hunter. If you encounter him, the only thing you need to do… is run.
Ren nodded.
EXT. FOREST – DAY
Cain rode slowly through the forest on his horse. Keisecan rode beside him on a little pony, struggling to hold on, looking around in fear with every jolt.
CAIN
You'll get used to the ride. Breeders usually hide in forests. You need to learn to track to find them.
Keisecan was silent. His mind was still on his mother and father. Their lifeless bodies, the blood on the ground, the sound of gunfire… His eyes filled with tears. He quickly wiped them away.
CAIN (continuing)
Breeders… are wretches who turn their loved ones into monsters. Their mother, father, sibling… even their child. And then they torture them to grow stronger.
Cain's voice was cold. As if he were giving a lesson.
CAIN
Pain is their food. The more pain they inflict, the stronger they become. But every power has a price. They pay it too. They lose their humanity. Their emotions. Love. Conscience.
Keisecan's eyes filled with tears. But he didn't cry.
CAIN
The one who killed your family was also a Breeder. Don't forget.
Cain was lying. But Keisecan didn't know that. He believed him. Because who else could he believe? His family was dead. He was alone in this world.
Keisecan nodded. His voice was broken, but determined.
KEISE
I won't forget.
INT. YONCA GUILD – EVENING
Ren and Elara were in the guild's training ground. Ren was swinging a sword, sweating, breathing heavily. Elara sat on the sidelines, quietly watching her son.
Erett came to them. He was holding two leather armors.
ERETT
Your first mission is tomorrow. You'll go to the abandoned mine in the north. We've heard there's a group of hunters there. Observe them and return. Do not engage.
Ren lowered his sword. He took a deep breath.
REN
Understood.
ERETT
And… if you see Cain, do not approach him. You can't handle him. He is a Blood Count. One of the most dangerous hunters of the Crimson Council. The difference between him and an ordinary soldier is like night and day.
REN
What should we do?
ERETT
Run. Hide. Don't even breathe. Just make sure he doesn't find you.
Ren nodded.
EXT. FOREST – NIGHT
Cain's group had set up camp.
The firelight flickered on the trunks of the trees. Keisecan sat by the fire, his knees drawn to his chest, trying to warm his hands.
Yesser stood opposite, silently sharpening his spear. Each strike sent sparks flying.
Falcon Eye kept watch on a tree branch. His eyes gleamed in the darkness, scanning the surroundings like a bird of prey.
Frostmorne was turning his object, examining magical symbols. His black cloak fluttered slightly in the wind.
Valerius stood in the shadows, speaking to no one. His black umbrella was still open, the smoke from his cigarette rising slowly.
Cain sat by the fire. He had a small bottle in his hand. Inside was a dark red liquid. Blood.
CAIN
Do you know what you'll feel when you find your first Breeder?
Keisecan was silent. He was staring at the fire.
CAIN
Nothing. Because they aren't human. They lost their humanity long ago. Pitying them is like pitying a victim.
Keisecan looked up. He met Cain's eyes. For the first time, they looked into each other's eyes.
KEISE (whispering)
Have you… ever killed a Breeder?
Cain smiled. He raised the bottle and held it up to the light.
CAIN
I've lost count.
He took a sip. Blood trickled from his lips. He wiped it away.
CAIN
We have our first hunt tomorrow. Be ready, little aide. Because tomorrow… you will become a hunter too.
Keisecan nodded silently. His eyes gleamed in the firelight. But that gleam was no longer fear.
It was something else.
EXT. FOREST – NIGHT (PRESENT)
Cain looked into Keisecan's eyes.
At that moment… something happened.
Time seemed to stop. The crackling of the fire ceased. The wind fell silent. The leaves of the trees didn't move. Only those eyes. Frightened, lost, broken…
Cain's breath stopped for a moment.
A veil parted before his eyes. As if the years were rewinding. As if the wind had thrown him into another time.
FLASHBACK – 80 YEARS AGO
EXT. AN UNKNOWN VILLAGE – RAINY NIGHT
It was raining as if pouring from a bucket.
Everywhere smelled of mud, blood, and ash.
His crimson hair had fallen over his face, soaking wet. His hands and face were covered in blood. His eyes were full of tears. But he wasn't crying. He was just standing there. Where he was. As if frozen.
People watched him from a distance. Whispers. Fear. Disgust. Curiosity.
VILLAGER 1 (whispering)
What is this… what has he done?
VILLAGER 2
Has he killed a Breeder family?
VILLAGER 3 (with disgust)
They're saying he ate human flesh…
Cain was young then. Younger. Maybe eighteen, maybe twenty. He didn't yet have that mocking expression on his face. Only emptiness. And fear.
A woman lay on the ground. Her eyes open. Pale. Covered in blood. She looked very much like him. Could have been his mother. Maybe his sister. Maybe someone he loved.
Cain's hands trembled. His lips moved. But no sound came out. Only the rain.
END OF FLASHBACK
EXT. FOREST – NIGHT (PRESENT)
Cain returned to the present. He blinked. He stared into the void for a moment. Then the voice of the soldier beside him called him back.
SOLDIER (respectful but urgent)
My lord… Breeders have been detected nearby. Their numbers are unknown. What shall we do?
Cain slowly stood up. His expression changed. The mocking smile returned. As if nothing had happened.
CAIN (cold, calm)
Well… let the hunt begin. The fast ones get the points.
At that moment, the five great hunters moved at once.
Yesser grabbed his crimson spear and disappeared among the trees. His crimson hair fluttered like a flame in the wind.
Falcon Eye slipped silently from his branch. He moved like a shadow without touching the ground. His eyes gleamed even in the darkness.
Frostmorne tossed his object into the air. It suddenly radiated light, enveloping him. The next moment, he was on top of the trees.
Valerius closed his umbrella. He dropped his cigarette. He took one step… and vanished. Only the feeling of a cold breath remained behind.
Cain mounted his horse. He looked at Keisecan.
CAIN
Stay back. Watch. Learn.
And he too disappeared from sight.
EXT. FOREST – A FEW MINUTES LATER
Five Breeders were running through the forest, wounded.
A woman in a white cloak had lost an arm. Blood was flowing. Her face was pale. Her breathing was irregular. Her companions were in the same state. One had lost a leg, another had an eye gouged out, another had flames rising from his back.
WOMAN IN WHITE CLOAK (breathless, stopping)
Stop… let's not run. There's nothing we can do. They're going to kill us.
BREEDER 2 (covered in blood, trembling)
But… but maybe we can escape…
WOMAN IN WHITE CLOAK
We can't. They… are the best of the hunters. The five great hunters. And Cain…
Her voice trembled.
WOMAN IN WHITE CLOAK
Cain… the Blood Count. No one escapes him.
At that moment, a crimson light flashed among the trees. The sound of a spear. A scream.
A crimson spear appeared in Breeder 2's chest. It had entered from behind and exited through the front. The man collapsed. His eyes stared into emptiness.
Yesser descended silently from a tree branch. He pulled out his spear. Drops of blood fell onto the leaves.
YESSER (cold, flat voice)
One.
Falcon Eye fired an arrow from another tree branch. The arrow whistled through the air. It pierced Breeder 3's throat. The man took two steps, then fell face down.
FALCON EYE (cold, flat voice)
Two.
Frostmorne raised his object into the air. Symbols glowed. Breeder 4 was suddenly encased in ice. The man screamed as he froze. His body shattered.
FROSTMORNE (cold, flat voice)
Three.
Valerius emerged from the shadows. He was behind Breeder 5. No one had seen him. He opened his umbrella. One move. Breeder 5's head rolled to the ground.
VALERIUS (cold, flat voice, puffing his cigarette)
Four.
Now only the woman in the white cloak remained.
She knelt on the ground. Her arm was gone, she was losing blood. But there was no fear in her eyes. Only resignation.
WOMAN IN WHITE CLOAK (weak, trembling voice)
Please… make it quick…
The sound of a horse came from among the trees. Cain approached slowly. On his horse, with his mocking smile. Keisecan beside him on his pony, trembling.
Cain dismounted. He walked to the woman. He bent down. He looked at her face.
CAIN
What's your name?
WOMAN IN WHITE CLOAK (weak, cold voice)
It doesn't matter anymore.
Cain's smile widened.
CAIN
Good boy… you've learned.
He raised his sword.
SHING!
The woman's head rolled to the ground.
Cain wiped his sword. He looked at Keisecan.
CAIN
That's how it's done, little aide. Breeders… don't deserve mercy.
Keisecan's eyes filled with tears. But he didn't cry. He just watched.
In the distance, among the trees, five Breeders had died in seconds. And it was already too late.
Cain turned around. He looked at Yesser.
CAIN
How many points?
Yesser looked at a small tablet in his hand.
YESSER (cold, flat voice)
Five Breeders… each worth 10 points… total 50 points. Divided equally among the five great hunters… 10 points each.
Cain smiled.
CAIN
Only 10 points? Where's the fun in that?
FALCON EYE (cold, sharp voice)
We've only just begun.
FROSTMORNE (turning his object)
There are bigger hunts.
VALERIUS (puffing his cigarette)
And bigger points.
Cain mounted his horse. He looked at Keisecan.
CAIN
Come on, little aide. We're not done yet.
Keisecan silently urged his pony forward.
Cain's group began moving deeper into the forest.
Behind them, only five lifeless bodies and the smell of blood remained.
FADE OUT.
[END OF CHAPTER 11]