KaoChron Movie 1: Rise of the Champion
Chapter 1: Last Meal
The smell of ash crept across the rooftops, but all that could be felt, was a gentle breeze. The sound of cars scurrying in the streets below echoed through the alleyways, but all that could be heard was a lone bird chirping as it soared effortlessly on the updrafts. A cloud of smog shadowed the city in a vale of darkness, but all that could be seen, was a single beam of sunlight piercing through the heavens. The light shone down on a young boy, perched on his roof, staring to the sky, auburn hair blowing in the breeze. He laid back, hands behind his head, with a faint smirk, and a tear. Cold, lifeless faces flashing through his mind. The most lifeless of all, still breathing, towering ominously over all the torn and mangled bodies.
A crash, as the dark skies burned bright, and a flood of tears fell from the heavens in sympathy. The raindrops felt warm on his bare chest, but it was time to go in for dinner. He stood, and leaped the four stories to the ground below.
"Taiki! Time for dinner!"
'Huh, as usual mom, always two steps behind.'
Taiki walked through the kitchen door and sat down at the table.
"Nice day we're having, eh son?"
"Actually, I quite like the rain." Taiki's words, so blank and cold, chilled the air so that every breath they took could be seen.
"Well, eat up. I made bean-potato-cabbage stew."
"Yum, I'm starving."
"…" Rain drops falling on the roof, like static, a deafening silence.
"Your father shared your fondness for the rain as well."
"It's cleansing." Taiki glared up from his plate. His stare was harsh; full of hatred, but it wasn't directed toward her. Behind her was a large window, gazing out at the city. A large onyx tower jettisoning out from the surrounding buildings, nearly piercing the sky.
Taiki lay on his bed. The sun had fallen from the horizon, unnoticed behind the vale of smog clouds. The rain had stopped, but the roof was worn and damaged, and it was leaking. With apathetic anger, Taiki watched the droplets, unflinchingly, as they dripped into his eyes. They were salty, and course, having picked up the minerals from the roof. Irritated, his eyes glazed over, bloodshot and dry, yet he continued to stare unblinkingly as they fell.
"Taiki?" A faint voice called his name. "Taiki, did you fall asleep with your eyes open?" 'Is he dead?'
"Huh?" Taiki shook as he shot up quickly. Now sitting, he was eye to eye with his mother. "Did you say something?"
"Breakfast is ready."
"Ahh… no thanks mom, I'm not that hungry right now. Save me some and I'll eat it later, please." Taiki groggily responded, wiping the crusted tears from his eyes.
"Oh, all right then, you have some when you're ready. See you down stairs honey." His mother stated as she turned and headed out his bedroom door.
Today was the day, the day everything would change in his country, just like everything had changed for him one-year prior.
He rose out of bed, got dressed, and made his way downstairs. He heard the familiar sound, of shedding tears, coming from the kitchen. He couldn't face her, not today. He simply walked straight on past the doorway, without so much as a cringe or second glance.