Episode 4 – "The Flame That Watches"
---
[Scene 1 – Aftermath at Ember Hollow]
The team returns from the mission—Rei is silent, still shaken. His teammates are divided:
Leno is terrified of Rei now.
Sika wants to know more.
Tami walks quietly beside Rei, holding her questions.
Back at the training ground, they're greeted like heroes—but Kael immediately pulls Rei aside.
---
[Scene 2 – Kael's Confrontation]
> Kael (serious):
"That fire you used wasn't Spiracode. And it wasn't natural. You've awakened something… ancient."
Rei asks if he's dangerous.
Kael doesn't answer directly.
> Kael:
"Dangerous? Maybe. But maybe you're what this world needs. Just… be careful. Some flames burn more than flesh."
---
[Scene 3 – Hollowed Thirteen Inner Circles]
Another member of the Hollowed Thirteen is introduced:
Name: Kino Arvak
A kind-eyed man who smiles even when killing.
Used to be the Spiracode Priest, blessed with healing fire.
Now controls reversed Spiracodes—heals people into madness.
Kino visits a broken orphanage and speaks to a child:
> Kino:
"You want power, little one? I wanted love. Look what that got me."
He leaves, fire gently burning in his hand. The child's eyes glow.
---
[Scene 4 – The World Reacts]
Whispers of Rei's power spread beyond the Pillar village.
Three factions begin to take interest:
The Crystal Watchers – An order of monks who observe Spiracode changes.
The Guild of Spirabreakers – Assassins trained to kill those with unstable or forbidden Spiracodes.
The Eastern Kings – Rulers of the war-ravaged lands who believe a "Flame Prophet" is returning.
None of them know Rei's name yet… but they've all seen the signs.
---
[Scene 5 – The Library of Spiracode Origins]
Rei sneaks out at night and finds a secret archive hidden below the village shrine.
He's met by an old blind woman: Elder Fera.
> Fera:
"You want answers, but questions are more powerful. Ask the right one."
Rei asks:
> "What am I?"
Fera gives him a single scroll—sealed by flame. As Rei touches it, a burning symbol appears:
> The Flame That Watches.
It's the symbol of an ancient, erased prophecy. No one speaks of it anymore. Rei stares at it, drawn in.
> Fera (calmly):
"Some believe The Flame was a protector. Others, a destroyer.
But one thing's always been true:
When it returns, war follows."
---
[Scene 6 – A Spy's Report]
Far away, in a castle of crystal and sand, a masked figure kneels before a ruler.
> Spy:
"The mark has appeared again, Your Grace. The flame that watches… is lit."
The ruler slams his staff down.
> Ruler:
"Then awaken the Watchbound. If this boy is who I think he is… we kill him before the world burns again."
---
[Final Scene – Rei's Nightmare]
Rei dreams of walking through a sea of ash. Figures scream his name—then vanish. A voice whispers—not evil, not kind, but ancient.
> Unknown Voice (whisper):
"Burn or be buried."
He wakes up—his bedsheets partially scorched.
CUT TO BLACK.
Next Episode: "Marked for Flame"