Synopsis: Haze

TAO MURPHY is an assassin, a creature of darkness mutated by the Blight that ate its way through Corona a year ago. He’s forced to use his talents to help his “friend” EDDY LI become the next leader of the Black Dragons, Corona’s most notorious crime syndicate. He must; Eddy was the soul witness of Tao’s greatest folly when he attacked his own father, a decorated police officer, crippling him for life. If Tao’s family ever learned the truth it would tear them apart and label Tao something far worse then a cop killer.

Once Tao’s list of casualties is down to the Dragons’ current leader DANIEL LI, Eddy’s father, Tao’s freedom is one death away. When Daniel suffers a heart attack Tao goes to the hospital to finish the job, but stops when he finds Eddy’s sister MEI LI at her father’s bedside. They once shared an attraction that never bloomed since Eddy violently disapproved. Seeing Mei in such a fragile state stirs up old emotions and gives Tao a new perspective on Daniel – and on his relationship with his own father. Tao can’t kill a man on his own deathbed so he convinces Eddy that Daniel will never recover and dispute his place as the new leader.

After Mei moves her father to his home so he can die in comfort, Eddy holds Tao’s secret over his head, pressuring him to complete the contract and help “maintain control”. Dealing with the gangs keeps Tao busy enough to avoid killing Daniel. It also keeps Eddy’s eyes off Mei and gives Tao a chance to rekindle their relationship. Tao’s longed for a place to feel normal and with Mei he almost forgets about his mistakes and insecurities. Growing impatient, Eddy sends over a whore to pleasure his father and strain his heart. Daniel is known for being a ladies’ man, so this would look natural enough. In the throes of passion, Daniel’s Blight surfaces and he kills the woman – eating her heart to fix his own.

Now a healthy Daniel looms over Eddy, belittling his decisions and position. Eddy confronts Tao, threatening to reveal his secret but learns that Tao has spent most of his time with Mei. Before Eddy can carry through on his threat, Tao vows to finish the job. But Tao quickly discovers the Blight corrupting Daniel and the trail of corpses he’s leaving behind to stay alive. A strange craving stirs within Tao, a desire to feed as well. Fearing where this new urge will take him Tao fights the impulse and scrambles to find a way to remove Daniel without hurting Mei.

Chaos soon erupts throughout the city. While Tao watches Eddy’s grip on the Dragons weaken and rival gangs push for control, he comes to terms with his own mistakes and knows it’s time to confess to his parents. Surprisingly, Tao’s father knew all along and tells Tao to keep his mouth shut. He’s far from forgiving Tao but feels the knowledge must remain secret to protect his family.

No longer fearing the truth Tao leaves the Dragons to deal with Eddy as he hunts for Daniel. When Tao finds him hovering over a fresh corpse, the craving to feed nearly consumes him. Daniel attacks and they battle. In the end Tao overcomes the urge and defeats Daniel. He begs Tao for a swift death rather then let Mei see what he has become. Tao honors his request and kills him.

The Dragons rally to show their appreciation to Tao for the respect he paid Daniel in protecting his name and daughter. They ask Tao to stay on and help rebuild their organization. After all the secrets and lies, Tao feels incapable of living a normal life. He accepts and Mei leaves the city and Tao without saying goodbye.