EXT. SERENDALE - SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD - MORNING
The town of Serendale comes to life under a golden morning sun. Birds chirp melodically and a gentle breeze carries the scent of jasmine. We PAN over quaint houses, each with a yard blooming with inexplicably vibrant flowers. Two neighboring houses stand out for their serene aura and slightly shimmering leaves.
INT. RINA'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING
RINA CASTILLO, 14, a thoughtful and somewhat reserved girl, sits at a sleek, modern breakfast table. She languidly stirs her cereal bowl. Her mother, EMIKO, in her mid-40s and exuding calm efficiency, prepares a colorful fruit platter.
EMIKO
(smiling, placing a plate of sliced mangoes on the table)
Rina, could you please get the milk from the fridge?
Rina hesitates, glancing at the refrigerator. With a subtle gesture, the milk floats gently across the room into her outstretched hand.
RINA
(quickly, trying to act normal)
Here it is!
EMIKO nods appreciatively, turning back to her cooking, while MATEO CASTILLO, the mid-40s, burst into the kitchen, nearly spilling his coffee in excitement.
MATEO
(voice cracking in awe)
Holy cow! Did that milk just float? Rina, you're abilities have finally manifested! Telekinesis! How is that possible? You are just a baby!
Rina blushed out of shyness her dad can be over the top sometimes.
EMIKO
(dryly, without looking up)
Mateo, she's 14, not 4. Her powers manifesting at this age is just right.
MATEO
(rushing to Rina, almost teary-eyed)
But she's still my baby girl! How are you already this powerful?
RINA
(embarrassed by her dad)
Dad, everyone in my class has their abilities already.
EMIKO
Congratulations dear, I am very proud of you! And just before school starts too, we'll have all summer to help you get in tune with your abilities.
RINA
(Happy about her mother's enthusiasm)
Thank you, Mom!
MATEO
(gesturing wildly, still not convinced)
But you're my little girl! You don't need an Official Ability User Card yet -
Mateo carries his daughter to the kitchen doorway right where she measured her height from the time she was a baby to her recent birthday. Etched in the doorway is also Milo's measurement up to 9 years old. Measuring the small growth gap between last year to this year.
MATEO
(his voice full of denial)
You're only this tiny!
RINA
(Trying to not get annoyed)
It's normal for a girl my age to have her manifestation, all the girls in my class have all their abilities manifested they even received their OAUC ID, Which reminds me Mom (she turns to her mother) when should I register my abilities?
MATEO
(his voice full going through, anger - sorrow and bargaining)
But you're just a little girl! You don't need your ID yet, do you?
Why don't we put off getting your ID until you graduate high school?
EMIKO
(Smile on her face but firmness on the tone of her voice)
Darling, you are a lawyer, do you dare tell your daughter to commit a crime of deception by not going through the official ability assessment and not declaring her abilities?
Mateo gulps in fear seeing the anger flicker behind his wife's eyes.
MATEO
(Matteo in a sad and scared voice)
No dear you are right. I'll go make her appointment now you don't even have to worry about it!
Mateo leaves his wife and daughter dumbstruck, they both sigh over his over-protectiveness and continue on with their morning meal.
EMIKO
(Smiled at her dear daughter)
I'll let your father handle your appointment, my dear. I am so proud of you, you finally got your ability.
RINA
(Foreseeing his father causing a scene at the assessment center)
Can't you at least be the one to take me?
EMIKO
(Chuckled at her daughter)
I can go with you, yes, however, I cannot stop your father from going as well. Plus it would be doubly interesting if I could capture his face bawling his eyes out.
Rina sighs, giving up the thought of having, a peaceful day at the assessment center.
CUT TO:
EXT. MARTIAL ARTS DOJO - DAY
The dojo is alive with the sounds of students practicing. MILO LEE, 13, demonstrates a complex martial arts sequence. His father, MR. DAVID LEE watches with a mix of pride and scrutiny.
DAVID
(clapping)
Excellent form, Milo! But remember, the true strength you're building here isn't just physical. It's about responsibility—to yourself and others.
Milo bows respectfully to his father and mentor, wiping sweat from his brow, his gaze firm and understanding. Just when he was about to go run another set, a wild man came running in their Dojo.
MATEO
(snot and tears flying everywhere, eyes bawling)
David! David, I have terrible news!
At the sight of panicked Milo could only think something bad happened to Rina. Mateo's full attention is now on the two men.
DAVID
(worried etched all over his voice)
Mateo! Slow down what's the problem?
MATEO
(his eyes are all red from crying)
It happened David! It happened!
DAVID
(With urgency)
What man? What!
MATEO
(his eyes the verge of delusional)
Rina's powers manifested! It's Telekinesis!
David and Milo could be seen visibly sighing in relief that it wasn't anything life-threatening. After hearing she was okay Milo resumed his face of unconcerned and went back to his drills.
DAVID
Goodness man! I thought something bad had happened!
MATEO
Don't you get it, David! It is a bad thing!
DAVID
Doesn't sound like a band thing to me, your daughter is all grown up she has her abilities, starting high school, and before you know it...
David paused a realization dawning on him.
DAVID
She's all grown up!
MATEO
She's all grown up!
DAVID
She's getting her OAUC ID
MATEO
I'm making the appointment at the assessment center
DAVID
(realization, dawning, and tearing up)
She'll be in high school soon
MATEO
In High School David!
DAVID
(starting to emulate his friend's dread)
That means she's going to hang out with her classmates more
MATEO
She'll want to leave the house more often
DAVID
Not just girl classmates! Boys too!
MATEO
Before you know it she'll move out of the house, get married far away!
DAVID
No Mateo! That can't be, our little Rina! Far away from home!
MATEO
(Mateo in exaggerated tears)
David! She's growing up too fast make it stop!
DAVID
We can't let it happen!
MATEO
We can't let her marry!
DAVID
No of course not! We want her to marry don't you want to have grandchildren man?
MATEO
I do! But she'll have to move far away and our families will drift apart!
DAVID
(Holds his friend together, a conspiratorial idea glinting in his eyes)
Mateo! You're forgetting, I have a son!
Milo, having returned to his training, chose to ignore the wild conversation his father was having with Rina's dad. Suddenly, he felt a chill as both men exchanged conspiratorial glances, their eyes sharp as daggers.
DAVID
(Using his ability of Kenetic Boost in his voice to command control and discipline)
Milo, attention!
MILO
(assumes a martial arts pose of attention)
Yes Sir!
DAVID
Your family needs you on a very important mission!
MILO
I will do my duty to uphold the family name, sir!
DAVID
Son, the fate of both our families relies on you! Do you have what it takes to pursuit the hand of the fair maiden Rina?
MILO
(Caught off guard by the line of question)
Sir?
MATEO
(Using his Legislate Aura ability practical in his profession as a lawyer - changing his aura from a pathetic crying dad to a machismo man)
Do you have the ability to protect and provide for Rina? Do you swear on your life that you have pure intentions for my daughter?
DAVID
Will you swear as a man, to uphold the family name and treat Rina with the respect and admiration that she deserves?
Milo, suddenly realizing what this conversation is about, starts to back away.
DAVID
(David uses his ability again)
Hold still! You must answer the question.
But Milo at the same time uses his ability Enhance Conditioning to speed up his reaction time, so before his Father's voice could reach him he backs up like a ninja - jumping three times at the speed of light that looks like he teleported three spots away.
MILO
(In chilly and stoic voice - his face red out of embarrassment)
You're going crazy old man!
DAVID
Quickly Mateo get him!
MATEO
(Returning to his pathetic crying face)
Milo come back! You're our only hope!
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
MATEO
Aren't you supposed to be a lawyer? Act like one!
Stop using your ability on civilians outside the court!
The two dads create a ruckus as they start trying to pin Milo down, they shout questions to Milo all hinting that they want Milo to start pursuing Rina, asking him to promise not to make her cry, protect her, and someday become Rina's husband. Milo refuses to answer running away from them.
As the ruckus continued a loud bang went off as the doors of the dojo opened. DOLORES LEE Milo's elderly but still bad-ass grandmother uses her ability Kinetic Boost
DOLORES
(with a tough, commanding tone)
What's all this ruckus about, huh? Cut it out! Everybody, front and center, now!
(Her voice booms, outmatching Milo's dad's. She points sternly to the floor.)
All three of them followed her command, no match for her ability, they sat on the floor in front of her aged but tough figure, hands on their lap, eyes lowered to the ground.
DOLORES
Anybody wanna explain why you nutcases want to tear this dojo apart this early in the morning?
Frozen nobody said a word, Mateo in particular not used to Dolores using her ability is on the verge of tears.
DOLORES
(Speaking to Mateo)
You! Why are you here this early? And why didn't you bring Rina? I told you to make her come by here more often. Don't let her stay in your house alone!
MATEO
(in a nervous voice)
I was on my way to the assessment center to schedule Rina's ability assessment ma'am.
DOLORES
(Voice suddenly becomes endearing)
She finally has her ability! What an exciting day!
(Her tone of voice shifted, using her ability again to command attention)
Still, that doesn't answer my question of why you nutcases want to tear this dojo apart this early in the morning!
The two dads, explain their fears and the earlier discussion they had to catch Dolores up.
DOLORES
So you thought?
DAVID
Since I have a son
MATEO
And I have a daughter
DOLORES
You thought you could fix 'em up and make sure your Rina doesn't leave us?
DAVID & MATEO
YES!
DOLORES
What kind of plan is that? And why do you have to tear up the Dojo and start making ruckus so early in the morning?
(slaps them both with a big paper fan)
And you? What are you gonna say about this?
(she turns to Milo)
MILO
(he looks away)
It ain't got nothing to do with me
DOLORES
Hah! Figures! You little squirt, you know nothing. You're just a kid what do you know about the world?
MILO
(Milo looks down almost on the verge of a confession for the feelings that are bubbling inside him,)
I'm not a kid,
DOLORES
(teasingly)
What's that?
MILO
I'm not a kid! I'm 15 so don't treat me like a kid old hag!
DOLORES
(mockingly laughs)
You're 15 and you say you're not a kid? What can 15-year-olds do anyway?
MATEO & DAVID
(looks at each other knowingly)
He's 15? Boys at 15...
(they look at Dolores)
DOLORES
(realizing what she did in her youth at 15, laser focus militant twinkle in her eyes)
You're 15?
MILO
(Milo said rebelliously)
Yeah, what of it? You wanna go old hag?
(Fist, ready to block any incoming attack)
DOLORES
(Starts continuously swatting her big fan at Milo)
You little squirt! Come here!
(Milo avoids each swat easily)
MATEO
(curled in a ball crying like a baby)
She's growing up too fast, she's growing up too fast. No, no, no she's still a baby.
DAVID
I'll hold 'em down, Mom!
A chase after Milo continues this time with David and Dolores trying to pin him down. He outruns the older generation with ease.
DOLORES
(Huffing)
You've got too much energy you little squirt!
(Sweetly but mischievous undertone)
Oh, Look it's Rina.
Milo caught off-guard loses stops to look at the entrance of the dojo. Dolores without an ounce of guilt after using an underhanded tactic, uses her commanding ability again.
DOLORES
(Booming Voice louder than before)
Drop and give me 50!
MILO
(On the floor doing push-ups)
Hey! What's the big deal old-hag? 50 ain't nothin'
DOLORES
Oh is that so? After 50 you give me 100 more push-ups then run 30 lapse around this Dojo!
MILO
What?! What did I do?
DOLORES
(Evil voice - that of former gang leader)
I'm about to discipline you and you will start learning how to treat a lady right! You won't stop until you learn how to stop calling a lady an old hag!
(She turns to David and Mateo)
And you two! You need to build your stamina! If you want to keep up with this rebellious little squirt! There's no way I'm letting 'em near my precious Rina unless he becomes well-disciplined!
(She turns to Milo again)
Until then we will train your body 'til you collapse from exhaustion!
CUT TO
EXT. SERENDALE - ON THE WAY HOME - A WHILE LATER
Milo, with his martial arts bag slung casually over one shoulder, ambles down the familiar street. His mind is still partly on the day's training, feeling the aches and sores of his body despite his abilities activated. He rounds the corner near his house.
There, in front of her house, Rina is watering the plants. The sunlight catches her hair, creating a halo effect around her. Today, she's wearing a light summer dress that flutters gently in the breeze. It's been a while since he'd seen her last.
Milo's stride falters for a split second. His heart thumps wildly, unexpectedly. Thud. Thud. Louder in his ears. He swallows, trying to tamp down the sudden rush of nerves.
RINA
(noticing him, waves cheerfully)
Milo!
Milo forces a casual nod, trying to regain his composure as he approaches.
MILO
(voice slightly hoarse, clears throat)
Sup?
He's acutely aware of how her dress dances lightly around her knees, it makes her seem more grown-up somehow. She's still Rina, his childhood friend, but in that moment, under the filter of sunlight and summer air, she looks...
RINA
Did you just get back?
MILO
(distractedly nods, his usual cool demeanor slipping)
Yeah.
He couldn't help but notice the delicate way her hands handled the watering can, the slight sunburn on her shoulders, the freckles he hadn't noticed before. It's disconcerting, this new awareness prickling at the back of his mind.
RINA
Welcome home!
MILO
(Curtly)
Thanks! I'm home! He starts walking to his house just next door to hers. She starts following him.
RINA
Guess what!
Milo blinks, trying to focus on her words rather than their proximity while they walk. His heart, traitorously, refuses to settle.
MILO
(he hides his smile, hoping his voice sounds normal)
What?
RINA
(bouncing with excitement)
I finally got my abilities! It's telekinesis!
MILO
(teasingly, hiding his blush by pulling his hat down)
Took you long enough, Slowpoke.
Rina, grinning mischievously, uses her new power to spray water at him.
RINA
(triumphantly)
Who's a slowpoke now?
Milo, with his enhanced reflexes, dodges the water easily - like what he did earlier at the dojo, and jumps three spaces away like he was teleporting. He grins and sticks his tongue out at her.
MILO
Still you slowpoke.
RINA
No Fair! Come back here!
Rina puffs her cheeks, determined. She concentrates, and this time, a larger wave of water arcs beautifully towards Milo. It's like watching a mini tidal wave crafted by a cheerful water nymph.
MILO
(nimbly jumping back)
Whoa, there we go! That's some improvement!
There was no time to waste however because another wave passed him and few series of water splashes. There dance continued on she splashed, he dodged until finally despite his dodges, a few drops catch him, sprinkling his hair with water droplets that glinted in the sun. Rina claps her hands in delight at the small victory, her laughter ringing clear and joyful.
RINA
(teasingly)
Not fast enough, huh?
Milo wipes a droplet off his cheek, mock-serious.
MILO
Oh, it's on now!
With a swift movement, he grabs a nearby bucket, pretending to fill it with water. Rina's eyes widen, and she stumbles backward to the ground. Milo uses the moment to pretend to launch a massive water attack.
MILO
(with exaggerated effort)
Take this!
He flips the bucket towards her, Rina, braced for impact, but it's empty. She opens her eyes in surprise. Milo gives her a rare smile, finding her shocked expression funny. He puts down the bucket and helps her up.
MILO
(softer voice)
I can finally rest easy at least, I know you can splash anyone who annoys you about not having abilities.
Milo realizing that Rina's hands are scrapped from her fall, sees her smiling mood change.
MILO
(a little worried)
You didn't fall that hard did you?
RINA
(sniffling exaggeratedly, her head lowered)
You always call me slowpoke... You're not very nice!
Milo, caught off-guard by the sudden shift, worries he's taken the teasing too far. He steps closer, his own heart pounding louder with each step.
MILO
(softly, voice barely above a whisper)
Hey, I... I didn't mean to... I'm sorry, Rina.
Milo nervously removes his cap and gently places it on Rina's head. He adjusts it so it sits snugly, shading her eyes beginning to tear up. His hands linger longer than necessary, brushing lightly against her hair.
MILO
(tenderly, trying to lighten the mood)
Hey! You can be a slowpoke or a crybaby, but you can't be both. Pick one.
Rina looks up at him, her fake sobs ceasing. Under the brim of the cap, her eyes meet his, sparkling with mischief and something softer, warmer. Milo's face turns a deeper shade of red, his heart racing as he realizes how close they are. He stammers, his usual cool demeanor melting away under her gaze.
Milo, still too close and too caught up in the moment, doesn't notice until it's too late. She playfully holds the brim of the cap, then, in a swift move using her telekinesis, she brings down the water that was floating above them. They both get drenched as the water crashes down.
RINA
(laughing heartily)
I got you!
MILO
(unamused)
Very funny
Milo, drenched and mildly annoyed for falling for a cheap old trick, was absurd that Rina could make him go through a roller coaster of emotion while heartily laughing at his foolish expense. He picks up his bag and heads to his house ignoring Rina.
Rina still happy about her triumph, follows Milo.
RINA
(In her sweet voice )
It might've taken a while but I'm learning my abilities pretty fast huh?
Milo continues to ignore her, ignoring how she's very close to him at this moment
RINA
(still happy)
Isn't it cool? I don't even have to look at something move it! I just have to think about it. Did you know, I read in the biography of Elesiandra Cavenru, a great telekinetic that who used to -
Milo slowly relents, the grudge seems to fade as Rina chatters on about her newfound ability and how she's been practicing hard to improve it.
CUT TO
EXT. SERENDALE - FRONT OF MILO'S HOUSE -
Milo's hand on the door, the other in his pocket waits for Rina to finish talking before heading inside.
Rina still goes on and on about the book she read, and the biography she's been meaning to buy. Until they reached Milo's house.
RINA
I almost forgot Milo I was gonna ask...
(she trails off)
What's the matter? Did you forget the passcode?
She flips open the cover of the doorknob keypad and quickly keys in the code. A soft beep confirms the correct password. With a confident twist, she turns the handle
Milo stops her using his hand to physically bar her out of his house.
MILO
(suddenly ticked off again)
What are you doing?
RINA(confused)
What do you mean? I'm going inside
MILO
(He says closing the door back)
No one's home right now.
RINA
(wondering)
I see, and so?
She continues removing her sandals, utterly unaware of the storm she's stirred in him. Milo's hands clench at his sides, his breaths shallow.
MILO
(more firmly, blocking the doorway)
You and I will be alone if you come in. His eyes inadvertently drop to her slightly soaked dress clinging to her frame, and it's all too much. He looks away but the blush on his cheeks deepens, his heart races impossibly faster.
RINA
(confused but still smiling)
I don't mind, I can just wait
Milo feels the walls closing in, the air thickening. Every word she says feels like a foreign word to him.
MILO
(voice almost a whisper, trying to control his emotions)
Wait for me where?
RINA
In your bedroom of course, where I always wait.
It was the last straw, he punched the house code and slammed the door shut to her face. The sound echoes. He is unsure whether he is angry at her or something else.
RINA
(from the other side, a hint of worry in her tone)
Are you mad - over a sill prank?
Milo then remembers she's still soaking wet outside.
MILO
(masked his annoyance):
Go home! You're soaking wet!
He throws a towel to her face and slams the door again.
RINA
(Pouting)
But I wanted to ask him about the assessment center
Rina holds the cap on her head.
Milo leans heavily against the door, as if physically trying to hold back the flood of emotions Rina unwittingly unleashed. He could still see her shadows between the door gap.
RINA
(Suddenly brightening)
Maybe he needs to poop!
Milo despite his exasperation couldn't help but laugh after overhearing what she said. He hears her footsteps retreating, and the gentle closing of the gate. The sound is oddly loud in the quiet of the evening. He allowed himself to slide down to the floor as the weight of a physically and emotionally exhausting day hits him. His head in his hands, his cheeks warm.
MILO
(softly, to himself)
That Idiot.
CUT TO:
EXT. SERENDALE - SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD - SUNSET
RINA walks back to her house as the sun sets, the scene echoing the opening of the chapter, the golden light casting long shadows. She's smiling to herself, oblivious to Milo's turmoil.
FADE OUT.