CITY SKYLINE - DAY
The sun hangs low over a sprawling metropolis, casting a warm, golden glow across the skyline. Below, the city buzzes with life, oblivious to the celestial event unfolding above.
ROOFTOP - DAY
On a rooftop overlooking the city, DEMIAN (18), with striking semi-long black curly hair and an intense gaze, stands transfixed by the solar eclipse. The air is charged with an electric energy.
Demian’s eyes widen as the eclipse reaches its peak, a surge of energy coursing through him. His surroundings seem to blur momentarily.
DEMIAN
(whispering to himself, uneasy)
What just happened..
Wind begins to swirl around Demian, lifting loose papers and leaves into the air. His expression shifts from confusion to wonder and a hint of fear.
Down on the bustling streets below, PEOPLE start to notice the unusual wind patterns, pointing and murmuring in surprise.
In a shadowy alleyway not far from the rooftop, a group of MERCENARIES in sleek black suits and shades move with purpose, scanning the crowded streets with focused intensity.
MERCENARY LEADER
(low, commanding tone)
There! That’s the one. He’s showing signs.
The mercenaries quickly move to surround the building where Demian stands confused, their eyes locked on their target.
DEMIAN
(alarmed, to himself)
Something’s not right.
EXT. ROOFTOP - CONTINUOUS
Demian turns as the mercenaries ascend the rooftop, their weapons drawn and expressions hardened.
MERCENARY LEADER
(sternly)
You’re coming with us, Catalyst.
Demian, startled and unsure, backs away cautiously, the wind swirling more erratically around him.
DEMIAN
(defensive, trembling)
I-I don’t know what you’re talking about!
MERCENARY LEADER
(advancing, voice rising)
Don’t make this harder than it needs to be!
Before the mercenaries can close in, a blur of movement catches their attention. ANAHIT (18), with short black hair and an athletic build, lands gracefully on the rooftop, an aura of kinetic energy flickering around her.
ANAHIT
(interrupting, assertive)
This is pain in the ass
With swift, precise movements, Anahit dispatches the mercenaries, using bursts of kinetic force to knock them off balance and disarm them.
MERCENARY LEADER
(grunting, struggling)
Get her! Now!
The remaining mercenaries attempt to regroup, but Anahit’s agility and control over kinetic energy give her the upper hand.
ANAHIT
(commanding, to Demian)
Come on newbie we need to go
Demian
dont tell me what to do
ANAHIT
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(urgently)
Trust me. They’ll keep coming.
Demian looks into Anahit’s determined eyes and reluctantly takes her hand. Together, they leap off the rooftop and disappear into the labyrinthine streets below.
Demian and Anahit navigate the crowded streets, blending into the bustling urban landscape as they move swiftly, keeping to the shadows.
They pass by cafes, shops, and busy intersections, the city alive with its own rhythm.
ANAHIT
(glancing back)
We need to lay low for now. They won't give up that easily.
DEMIAN
(nodding)
But who were they? And why me?
ANAHIT
(grimly)
I've seen them before. They're hired by corporations... looking for Catalysts.
DEMIAN
(confused)
Catalysts?
ANAHIT
(explaining)
People like us. We have abilities... powers that others want to control or exploit.
DEMIAN
(warily)
Abilitys? are u joking
ANAHIT
yeah are u surprised, dont u feel different?
DEMIAN
now that u mention it..
ANAHIT
(serious)
Enough we find out what they want with you. And why they're so desperate.
They turn a corner into a quieter, more residential part of the city, heading towards an abandoned warehouse.
ANAHIT
(softening)
We'll be safe here for a while. It's off the grid.
DEMIAN
(looking around)
And then what?
ANAHIT
(grinning)
Then we figure out what makes you so special.
INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
Demian and Anahit enter the darkened warehouse, its walls covered in graffiti and dust dancing in the faint moonlight filtering through broken windows.
ANAHIT
(switching on a flashlight)
Welcome to our hideout.
They make their way deeper into the warehouse, finding a corner where a makeshift campsite has been set up with blankets and supplies.
DEMIAN
(sitting down heavily)
This sucks
ANAHIT
(sitting across from him)
Get used to it. It's our reality now.
They sit in silence for a moment, the weight of the day's events sinking in.
ANAHIT
(softly)
You handled yourself well back there, for a newbie.
DEMIAN
(frowning)
dont call me a newbie and I didn't ask for any of this. I just want things to go back to normal.
ANAHIT
(sighing)
Normal's overrated, trust me.
She reaches into her bag and pulls out a bottle of water, offering it to him.
ANAHIT
(continuing)
But if it helps, we're in this together now.
DEMIAN
Names demian by the way!
ANAHIT
Mines ANAHIT.
Demian takes the water, nodding in acknowledgment.
INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - LATER THAT NIGHT
Demian sits alone in the dimly lit warehouse, staring at his hands as he contemplates the events of the day. The wind faintly rustles through broken windows.
ANAHIT (O.S.)
(from the doorway)
Thinking about running away again?
Demian looks up to see Anahit leaning casually against the doorway, a hint of amusement in her eyes.
DEMIAN
(slightly defensive)
I wasn’t running...
ANAHIT
(raising an eyebrow)
Sure looked like it up there.
She walks over and sits down next to him, the distance between them filled with unspoken tension.
ANAHIT
(softening)
You’re scared. It’s okay. We all were at first.
DEMIAN
(quietly)
im not scared im confused.
ANAHIT
(sighing)
so was i at first. but got used to it
Demian looks at Anahit, a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes.
Demian
so ur not new to this ?
ANAHIT
ive been like this for a year now.
Demian
A year?
ANAHIT
yeah when i first discovered that i was a catalyst i was still in school.
DEMIAN
did the mercineries find u?
ANAHIT
they did
(again softly) they did.
DEMIAN
what?
ANAHIT
lets resume this later get some sleep.
DEMIAN
how do i know if i can trust u.
ANAHIT
u dont but im the only one u got right now ur home is under watch trust me and all ur friends house and theyr phones is bugged u will be putting them in danger too.
DEMIAN
this whole situation is so messed up.
ANAHIT
it is get some sleeep and we will talk tomorrow.
EXT. CITY - NIGHT
Meanwhile, in a luxurious high-rise overlooking the city, a shadowy figure watches the chaos unfold through binoculars. This figure, only seen in silhouette, speaks into a secure phone.
SHADOWY FIGURE
(intensely)
He’s activated. Send in the extraction team. We need him alive.
The figure hangs up and turns away from the window, disappearing into the darkness of the opulent penthouse.
FADE OUT.
END OF CHAPTER 1