EXT. FOREST – NIGHT – FULL MOON

Rodan and Kelton walk through a dense, misty forest.

KELTON

Um, Rodan… what exactly are we doing in the forest in the middle of the night?

RODAN

The earlier we find Hydrion, the earlier we go home.

KELTON

Wait… I’ve actually taken a liking to this island.

I lost a race for the first time in my life.

RODAN

Well, I don’t care.

We’re getting this mission over with.

KELTON

And what makes you think we’ll find him here?

RODAN

It’s a full moon.

So he’s going to show up.

KELTON

I thought we decided to take the longer plan to fish him out.

RODAN

I’m sick and tired of waiting.

KELTON

Do you even know where we’re going?

What if we get lost?

(Rodan grabs Kelton by the collar and tosses him high into the air.)

RODAN

That’s why you have wings, idiot.

(From Kelton’s back sprout bat wings, fangs, tail, and sharp ears.)

KELTON

How the hell did I end up here…?

EXT. CLIFF ABOVE THE FOREST – CONTINUOUS

Hydrion sits on a rocky cliff feasting on a hippo. Blood drips from his claws.

INNER VOICE (V.O.)

So these are the mutants you fought almost two years ago.

What do you think?

HYDRION

(disappointed)

I’m disappointed.

Arkrion can’t even smell the blood from up here.

Vatrion can’t hear me.

Nothing’s improved in their unique abilities.

Though physically…

I do see improvement.

INNER VOICE

Do you think they might just be able to excite you… for a while?

HYDRION

(stands up, grinning)

I think I’ll do just that.

Time to teach them not to invade someone’s property.

INNER VOICE

You don’t own the forest.

You don’t own anything.

HYDRION

Yes, I do.

In fact, I own the whole island.

EXT. FOREST – NIGHT

RODAN

Not even a drop of blood…

How’s it on your side?

VATRION (V.O.)

Nothing but forest from up here.

Wait… there’s something heading your direction.

RODAN

What is it?

KELTON

I can’t see it.

I can only hear its footsteps—

And it’s fast.

(Kelton transforms into full bat form.)

ARKRION (V.O.)

(activating transformation)

Let’s see this thing…

TRANSFORMATION SEQUENCE (MONTAGE)

Each mutant’s blood pressure surges. Veins bulge beneath steaming skin.

Muscle fibers burst and reshape their frames. New muscle tissue rapidly forms fins, wings, and armored scales. Their skin color, fur, or scales complete the transformation. Massive claws and beast features emerge. Steam hisses off their bodies.

EXT. DEEP FOREST – NIGHT

ARKRION

Where is it?

VATRION (V.O.)

Right beside you. To your right.

(Arkrion turns and braces for impact… but out hops a small rabbit.)

ARKRION

…It’s just a rabbit?

KELTON

(confused)

Are you sure?

What I heard sounded massive.

ARKRION

It looks like it was running away from something…

(The bunny frantically tries to flee. It’s not afraid of Arkrion—it’s terrified of something else.)

RODAN

You must be really—

(pauses)

…Huh?

(Suddenly, Arkrion turns—

HYDRION has his jaws around Arkrion’s head,

ready to bite it clean off.)

RODAN

(terrified)

What the hell…?!

TO BE CONTINUED… 

Arkrion stands, neck and face bleeding, panting heavily, regenerating in front of HYDRION.

HYDRION

(smiling)

Lucky you.

RODAN

I didn’t even sense anything.

HYDRION

(bloody lips, amused)

I’m quite impressed you were able to dodge that, Arkrion.

(turning to Rodan)

You know, I’ve actually been waiting for you… Rodan.

RODAN

Huh?

HYDRION

Things were really getting boring… so let’s get this going.

A silent burst—VATRION attacks from above but MISSES. Dust settles. Hydrion remains unharmed.

HYDRION

(smiling without turning)

It’s nice that it could also join us—Vatrion.

VATRION instinctively leaps back. ARKRION also steps back.

RODAN

(uneasy)

He’s that dangerous?

HYDRION

(sincere)

As a good person, I’m going to give you two options.

One: get off my domain—this island—and I’ll come look for you.

Two: stay… and I’ll get you off. But it won’t be nice.

RODAN

(mocking)

Who does he think he is?

VATRION

(firmly)

Did you think we just came here to hear you out?

HYDRION

(smirk fades)

I tried to do this the human way… but I guess you prefer it my way.

A sudden DASH—Hydrion APPEARS IN FRONT OF ARKRION, claws ready. VATRION SHOVES ARKRION away.

Hydrion’s hand gets stuck in a TREE. VATRION ATTACKS—but Hydrion RIPS through the trunk and grabs Vatrion’s neck mid-swing.

HYDRION

(grinning)

That hurts, you know.

VATRION’S BONES GLOW VIOLET. He forces energy to his throat.

VATRION

I am going to fry you alive.

HYDRION

(nonchalant)

Oh, this again.

Hydrion JUMPS—SLAMS Vatrion INTO the ground. He raises his head—only for ARKRION to SMASH his face down.

ARKRION

Vatrion, do it now!

VATRION’S BONES GLOW—VIOLET LASER shoots into Hydrion’s face.

Hydrion stabs his hand through Vatrion’s throat. ARKRION RETREATS, pulling Vatrion back.

Hydrion SITS UP, regenerating.

RODAN

This is it.

ARKRION LEAPS. Hydrion lays flat and catches his leg mid-air—THROWS HIM DOWN. Steps on his face.

VATRION appears—shoves a spear at Hydrion. Hydrion GRABS and THROWS him into the sky.

RIPS one of Vatrion’s wings—smashes him back down.

VATRION regenerates mid-air, GRABS ARKRION and HURLS him at Hydrion.

HYDRION

(sighing)

How the hell do I land?

ARKRION lands a knee-strike onto Hydrion’s chest. Massive IMPACT—Hydrion CRASHES into a hill.

Hydrion tries to RISE—but VATRION’S LASER fires again. Drives Hydrion through the mountain wall.

VATRION lands beside ARKRION.

KELTON

How long do you think he’ll stay down?

A HOWL echoes—Hydrion stands again.

VATRION

There’s your answer.

HYDRION

(grinning)

Now I’m excited.

RODAN

(horrified)

Huh?

Hydrion walks toward them.

RODAN

He’s coming!

ARKRION

Then we go to him!

VATRION takes to the sky. The two forces SPRINT. Hydrion is clearly faster.

Hydrion DODGES a laser. SQUATS under Arkrion’s grab—UPPERCUTS him into the air.

JUMPS—GRABS Arkrion’s leg—SLAMS him spine-first onto a rock.

VATRION charges from behind. Hydrion FLIPS, LANDS on Vatrion’s back—BOUNCES off, forcing Vatrion’s head into the rock.

Hydrion STOMPS on Vatrion’s chest—CRACKING ribs.

HYDRION

That ended quickly. I’ll give you time to heal up. When you’re ready, come find me. Or wait till month’s end.

(leaves)

RODAN

(falling off a rock)

I’m not yet…

Hydrion KICKS Arkrion’s head against the rock—DAMAGING his brain.

VATRION

Arkrion!

HYDRION

Relax. He won’t die. Mutants lose 1/5 energy regenerating vital organs. Brain, spine, heart—he won’t be walking soon.

(smirks)

Same goes for you. Now you have enough energy to run home.

VATRION

You might not get a chance like this again!

HYDRION

The world isn’t fun anymore. Since you’re the only mutants left… or maybe not.

VATRION

What do you mean “maybe not”?

HYDRION

You really thought we were the only ones?

This was fun. I wanted to go full Kaiju this time.

Make sure you grow stronger. Or next time, no one’s going home.

VATRION

Who are you?

HYDRION

(smirking)

Don’t tell me you really expected an answer.

But here’s a useless tip: I appear in two forms—one human… and one pet.

(jumps away)

VATRION

Hydrion!

(passes out)

INT. MS. KELINZA’S HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING

FLORENCIA walks in, meets MS. KELINZA having coffee.

FLORENCIA

Good morning.

MS. KELINZA

Morning, Florencia.

FLORENCIA

Is everyone still asleep?

MS. KELINZA

Nope. Kelton and Rodan went to attack Hydrion.

FLORENCIA

(sipping) …Okay.

(realizes)

Wait—THEY DID WHAT?!

MS. KELINZA

Yeah, Rodan dragged Kelton along.

FLORENCIA

How long has it been?!

MS. KELINZA

About two hours ago.

FLORENCIA

(urgent) Can I please borrow your phone?

MS. KELINZA

(blunt)

Oh? Found interest in my son?

FLORENCIA

(blushing)

No! Please…

Ms. Kelinza hands her the phone. Florencia dials.

INT. LENIEL’S HOUSE - SAME TIME

LENIEL

Mom?

FLORENCIA

It’s me, Florencia.

LENIEL

Why do you have my mom’s phone?

FLORENCIA

Is Nayoka around?

LENIEL

Yeah, he just came back from his walk.

FLORENCIA

When?

LENIEL

Five minutes ago.

FLORENCIA

…Thanks.

LENIEL

You seriously interested in Nayoka?

FLORENCIA

No!

MS. KELINZA shows Florencia a card: “I love you.”

FLORENCIA

(blurts) I love you?!

LENIEL

Huh?

FLORENCIA

No—I didn’t—! (Ms. Kelinza ends call)

FLORENCIA

What was that for?!

MS. KELINZA

I never told you to read it.

FLORENCIA

He’s going to think I’m a freak!

Knock at the door. Florencia rushes to open.

FLORENCIA

Rodan? Kelton? Are you okay?

KELTON

Wish I could say yeah…

RODAN

We’re fine.

Ms. Kelinza THROWS a spoon. Hits Rodan’s knee—he collapses.

MS. KELINZA

Clearly not.

DINNA and MAXI arrive.

DINNA

What happened to you guys?

MS. KELINZA

Who else? Hydrion.

MAXI

Wait—he came here?!

MS. KELINZA

Nope. They went to him.

FLORENCIA

(pissed)

I thought we agreed on a plan!

DINNA

He did this to both of you?

FLORENCIA

What if Kelton hadn’t gone?!

KELTON

Actually… he let us go.

MS. KELINZA

Wow. Must’ve impressed him.

(looking at black dress)

Good thing I prepared for a funeral.

MAXI

So that’s why you wore black.

MS. KELINZA

Now don’t expect the main plan to go smoothly.

FLORENCIA

Nice going, Rodan.

(storms off)

KELTON

Wait—he said something you need to hear.

FLORENCIA

What?

KELTON

He said: “You’re the only mutants left… or maybe not.”

FLORENCIA

What does that mean?

KELTON

(looking at Ms. Kelinza)

It’s not for you.

MS. KELINZA

Oh, he said that?

Well, of course you’re not the only ones.

DINNA

What?

MS. KELINZA

Your boss made sure everyone knows about mutants now.

Everyone wants their own Mutanic Kaiju.

INT. MS. KELINZA’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM

MAXI

Wait—am I the only one who noticed? She knows exactly who Hydrion is, doesn’t she?

MS. KELINZA

Of course. He’s like a son to me.

MAXI

Then tell us!

MS. KELINZA

(laughs) You guys really are polite.

MAXI

Come on—not even a clue?

MS. KELINZA

What do I get in return?

MAXI

Uh… the earlier you help, the sooner you get to reunite with your son?

MS. KELINZA

Sweet idea, but I can visit him anytime I want. Gimme something better.

FLORENCIA

How about… information for information?

DINNA / MAXI

Florencia?!

MS. KELINZA

(sly smile) Now that’s a smart girl.

DINNA

You can’t be serious.

FLORENCIA

I am.

MS. KELINZA

Fine. Hydrion attends your school.

In fact… he’s in your class.

DINNA

(sputtering)

She just said it. You don’t have to say anything now!

FLORENCIA

No—I’ll answer her question.

DINNA

Why?!

FLORENCIA

If I gain her trust, I can keep this information exchange going.

MS. KELINZA

Very smart. Now for the real question:

You’re not just here to kill Hydrion. You’re trying to abduct him, aren’t you?

MAXI

How did you—?

MS. KELINZA

Bingo. Now answer.

MAXI

Wait—that was the question?

FLORENCIA

(facepalms)

She was just baiting us. You just gave her a bonus.

MS. KELINZA

(smiling)

You’ve really grown, Florencia. Not even Professor Williams caught on that quick.

FLORENCIA

(sighs) Just ask your question.

MS. KELINZA

What’s your boss planning to do with Hydrion?

FLORENCIA

She wants his strength. So… she’ll clone him.

And then destroy the real one.

MS. KELINZA

(scoffs)

Still dumb as usual.

Anyway, be a dear and buy me some supplies.

FLORENCIA

(taking the list)

Sure.

MS. KELINZA

Hey, Florencia…

Anyone can be Hydrion.

FLORENCIA

(pause)

What’s that supposed to mean?

MS. KELINZA

Oh, and if you need anything… don’t be shy to ask Leniel.

FLORENCIA

(blushing) Leniel?

MS. KELINZA

(smiling) Yes, Leniel.

FLORENCIA

(turns away) Leniel…

MS. KELINZA

(mimics) Le-niel~

FLORENCIA

(stammering) Shut up!!

(bangs the door, exits)

EXT. STREET – LATE AFTERNOON

FLORENCIA walks briskly, hugging her bag. Her thoughts racing.

FLORENCIA (V.O.)

If he took it seriously… what’s he going to say?

And how would I even react?

She closes her eyes and almost bumps into LENIEL.

LENIEL

Florencia?

FLORENCIA

(startled) Le… Le… Leniel.

LENIEL

Hey.

FLORENCIA

(awkward smile) Yeah… hi.

(I can’t even look him in the face.)

LENIEL

So… where’re you heading?

FLORENCIA

Going to get some stuff.

LENIEL

You’re going the wrong way.

FLORENCIA

(turns) Huh?

LENIEL

It’s the other way.

FLORENCIA

Wait—is he blushing?

She stares at his face, heart pounding.

FLORENCIA (V.O.)

Since when was his face this cute?

LENIEL

Something on my face?

FLORENCIA

(nervous) No. So… where’re you going?

LENIEL

To the store. Get stuff too.

(under breath) I have a feeling mom’s behind this…

Cut to MS. KELINZA chuckling at home.

EXT. STREET – MOMENTS LATER

LENIEL

Do you want to… go together?

FLORENCIA

Sure. I’m not fluent with this place yet.

They begin walking. A silent, awkward pause.