CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE
THE (UN)CHOSEN ONES
A graduate project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts in
Screenwriting
by
Mario Ardito Yuwono
May 2020
The graduate project of Mario Ardito Yuwono is approved by:
Professor Scott Sturgeon Date
Professor Morgan Land Date
Professor Alexis Krasilovsky, Chair Date
California State University, Northridge ii
Table of Contents
Signature Page ii
Abstract iv
The (Un)Chosen Ones - Screenplay 1
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ABSTRACT
THE (UN)CHOSEN ONES
A feature-length screenplay by Mario Ardito Yuwono
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting
In the Kingdom of Tirine, a myth tells of a Chosen One destined to save the land from the evil Dark Elf lord Arcturus every century. But the truth is…it’s all a sham, orchestrated by Arcturus as a means of amusement with everyone none the wiser. Now, Arcturus’ son Ypheus picks up where his father left off to continue the tradition, and in a surprising turn he designates four young men as the new unwitting Chosen Ones. But as they embark on their quest to “stop” Ypheus, they fall short and leave the fate of the kingdom at the hands of two unlikely tagalongs: Caleb, a young idealistic orphan, and Siobhan, a jaded blacksmith. Over time friendships and legacies will be tested, true natures will be revealed, and everyone will learn what it is that defines a real hero.
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The (Un)Chosen Ones – Screenplay
EXT. DARK VALLEY - CLEARING - DAY
Dark clouds loom overhead.
Our HERO stands in the middle of a barren clearing. Battered and disheveled, but still boyish and handsome; the kind of hero type that wouldn't be out of place in a "Lord of the Rings"-type story.
In the distance, mountains span the valley with an ominous and foreboding castle built into them.
Hero takes out a large medallion from his satchel. It's beautiful, made of gold with a central gemstone. He holds it up to the sky, at the castle. There's a glint of light from the gemstone.
A loud and menacing foghorn sound echoes throughout.
Not far away, a large puff of green smoke materializes, accompanied by small crackles of lightning. From the smoke, ARCTURUS emerges. Tall, slender humanoid with pointed ears, silvery white hair and a corpse-like pallor.
Arcturus flicks his wrist. With a rumble, a small army of ELEMENTAL SOLDIERS emerge from the ground below. One of them roars at Hero in a show of force.
Hero is undeterred. He and Arcturus walk toward each other.
They stop. A short distance between them. A stare down.
DARK VALLEY - OVERLOOK - CONTINUOUS
The SEER, a wizened old man in the vein of Gandalf, stands on the rocky overlook. He observes the standoff between the Hero and Arcturus, far away and down below, in anticipation.
A DARK ELF WARRIOR quietly advances on the Seer, whose back is turned. The Warrior unsheathes a curved dagger...
DARK VALLEY - CLEARING - CONTINUOUS
The Hero glances at the elemental soldiers behind Arcturus on standby. He and Arcturus circle each other.
Hero looks at the back of his hand. There's a glowing ornate symbol on it. He’s determined. He holds the medallion to his chest. It glows and enters into him. His eyes glow a bright blue.
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Arcturus laughs. He gets into a fighting stance.
They charge at each other...
CUT TO:
DARK VALLEY - OVERLOOK - DAY
The Dark Elf Warrior opens a bottle of ale with the dagger. He hands it to the Seer, who drinks.
SEER Wow! Oh, bugger me! That is the good shit!
DARK ELF WARRIOR I figured you'd like it.
The Seer hands the bottle back to the Warrior. They take turns drinking and help themselves to a food platter.
The Seer and the Warrior sit on the overlook in the foreground, as the Hero and Arcturus do battle OUT-OF-FOCUS in the background.
SEER (re: bottle) Where'd you find this anyway?
DARK ELF WARRIOR Village we ransacked. Run by some human woman named…Martha, I think?
SEER Martha's Vineyard? I hear it’s nice.
DARK ELF WARRIOR Clear skies, blue waters. Greenery as far as the eye can see. Well, the ones we didn't chop down anyway. You should go when this is over.
SEER I can't afford it.
DARK ELF WARRIOR Let's just say now's a non-busy season.
The Warrior taps his nose knowingly.
SEER Ah, you cheeky git! 2
DARK VALLEY - OVERLOOK - MOMENTS LATER
In the background, still out-of-focus, the Hero and Arcturus are still at it. The Seer and the Warrior still watch.
DARK ELF WARRIOR (CONT'D) So you and your...fellowship have been traveling for the past...
SEER Forty five days.
DARK ELF WARRIOR So, when was the last time you had to...you know...
The Warrior makes a wanking motion.
SEER A fortnight ago.
DARK ELF WARRIOR Bloody hell!
SEER What do you expect? Nearest inn is hundreds of miles away. After that it's just open plains. There weren't any big enough trees or giant rocks or bushes for me to hide behind.
DARK ELF WARRIOR You should do something about that.
The Seer shushes him.
In the background, the Hero gathers a pulsing ball of energy. He fires on Arcturus, who fires his own energy blast. Both beams collide with each other, resulting in a huge orb in the center.
SEER And that's our cue.
The Seer and the Warrior get up. They shake hands.
SEER (CONT'D) Good talk.
DARK ELF WARRIOR See you in a hundred years? Oh shite, sorry. Forgot. You guys aren't immortal.
3
SEER It's fine. You didn't know.
They go their separate ways. The Seer runs down from the overlook.
DARK VALLEY - CLEARING - DAY
The orb increases in size, with the force causing dust and rocks to hover off the ground.
Hero plants his foot down and exerts even more power into his energy blast. It slowly overpowers Arcturus' blast.
He unleashes every power he has for one more push.
HERO Return to where you came from, lord of shadows!
The energy blast completely overpowers Arcturus, who screams and slowly disintegrates into dust, scattered in the wind floating about.
Hero falls to his knees tired, as Arcturus' elemental soldiers collapse and go back into the ground. The Seer runs up to Hero.
SEER You've done it...
HERO I...I guess I did...
They look up. The overcast skies clear up to let some light in, but not too much.
Hero checks his hand. The symbol is gone.
HERO (CONT'D) What now?
SEER It means…you can go home. We all can.
HERO For now. But he'll be back.
SEER And we will be waiting.
The Seer helps Hero up. They mount their horses and ride out of the valley. As they disappear from sight…
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The dust floating about gather together. One after another. It forms into an amorphous blob, and then back into Arcturus, alive and looking as pale as before the fight.
ARCTURUS Whooo!
The Dark Elf Warrior runs up to him.
DARK ELF WARRIOR My liege!
ARCTURUS So…how was I?
DARK ELF WARRIOR Sir, if there were trophies for acting, you’d win uncontested.
ARCTURUS Thank you, Chuck. Now then...
Arcturus flicks his wrist. The green smoke portal from earlier reappears. The two step into the portal. It disappears.
MONTAGE
A Chosen One "kills" Arcturus with an energy blast, just as before.
A different Chosen One does the same thing.
And another. And another. And another. On and on...
Each iteration of the Chosen One, similar to the one from the beginning. All interchangeable.
All throughout, Arcturus acts out his dramatic "death". Gives as good as he's got. Over time, boredom and listlessness kicks in.
In the final go-around, he lets out a long, disaffected sigh.
END MONTAGE. FADE TO WHITE.
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - DINING HALL – DAY
SUPER: Many Centuries Later
A vast and lavish dining hall, fit for a king. Or a tyrant. YPHEUS, Dark Elf, three hundred years old but looks about thirty, sits at the head of the table with a medieval birthday hat. His father Arcturus stands beside him, beaming.
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On the table in front of him, a pale-colored cake with three candles on it. The candles light themselves.
Off to the side, Dark Elf servants stand in a choir. Others assemble as an audience.
DARK ELF SERVANTS (singing) For he's a jolly good Dark Elf! For he's a jolly good Dark Elf! For he's a jolly good Dark Eeeelf! Which nobody can deny! Which nobody can denyyy! (beat) Or else!
Everybody cheers and claps. Ypheus looks bored.
ARCTURUS There we go! Now, come on boy! Make a wish. Just nothing cute or cuddly. Or nice by human standards. You get the picture.
Ypheus glances at everyone in the room. He blows out the candles.
CUT TO:
INT. DORA'S SCHOOL FOR ORPHANS - COURTYARD - DAY
Smoke wafts from extinguished candles on a modest cake. Eighteen candles all. CALEB, eighteen, sits and faces the cake. All around, a small group of ORPHANS of varying ages cheer him on.
Among them is WILL, fourteen.
The group disperses. Will stays behind. Pats Caleb on the back, who’s bored.
WILL Congratulations, Caleb!
CALEB Thanks. I guess.
The two walk over to a nearby small table with some presents. Caleb goes through the presents. It’s mostly tunics.
CALEB (CONT'D) So many tunics. Oh joy.
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WILL Wait! Here's something different.
Will grabs a handcrafted small wooden statue. A tag is affixed to it, with the name "Gretka". Hands it to Caleb.
WILL (CONT'D) It looks nice.
CALEB Maybe. But what am I supposed do with this? I mean, at least a tunic is useful.
He looks at Caleb's disdain towards the statue.
WILL (CONT'D) I mean...you're not wrong...
CALEB Yes! Thank you! I swear, why can’t all birthday presents just be practical.
WILL You are…so right.
Caleb hands Will the sculpture.
CALEB Great. Then you get rid of it. I've gotta go.
Caleb walks away, leaving Will alone. And dumbstruck. Will looks down at the sculpture. It's a tiny, strange-looking thing, but one that's clearly made with care and love.
EXT. DORA'S SCHOOL FOR ORPHANS - DAY
A large tank for waste behind the building. Will rounds the corner and reaches the tank. He clutches the sculpture. Looks down at it, feeling guilty.
GRETKA (O.S.) Will?
Will is surprised. Turns around to see GRETKA, ten, adorable as a button, a woodcarving apprentice, looking up at him.
GRETKA (CONT'D) What are you doing here?
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WILL I...I...I'm here to--
He glances a discarded tobacco pipe, still slightly lit, on the grass below. Grabs it.
WILL (CONT'D) Smoke! Yes! Smoke!
He puts the pipe to his mouth and inhales. Coughs like a madman. His eyes water.
WILL (CONT'D) (strained) …it’s…delicious…Don't tell the Matriarchs...
GRETKA ...I won't.
Will clears his throat. He's calmed down a bit.
GRETKA (CONT'D) Did Caleb like my present? I know it’s not much compared to everyone else’s. I would've bought something as well, but I didn't make as much money this month.
WILL Right.
GRETKA So I ventured deep into the darkest forest in the vicinity to find the right kind of wood.
WILL You did?
GRETKA And then I read so many books on woodworking, I actually forgot to eat.
WILL Is...that so?
GRETKA And I stayed up all night carving it.
WILL ...really?
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GRETKA And even then, it wasn't easy.
Gretka shows her hands. Callused, with scrapes and cuts all over. Worth noting that with each prior revelation, Will's discomfort grows.
GRETKA (CONT'D) (cheery) But it's all worth it, if it can make Caleb happy!
WILL ….absolutely.
GRETKA Well, I should get back. I'll see you later!
Gretka scampers away, oblivious.
Alone, Will looks at the sculpture. Feeling guilty. Looks at the waste tank again. He pockets it instead.
EXT. SKEFFORD - STREETS - DAY
Will navigates a narrow cobblestone street, lined with medieval buildings of wood and stone.
Children play in the street. A beggar asks for alms. A married couple bicker and argue.
EXT. HERITAGE SQUARE - DAY
A main square littered with various stores, trading posts and market stalls. It's crowded.
Will makes his way through the crowd.
HERITAGE SQUARE - ARMORER'S SHOP - DAY
Will reaches the shop. Your basic craftsman's workshop with anvil and fiery oven.
WILL (calls out) Miss Siobhan!
SIOBHAN, 24, emerges from the backroom. Covered in soot but her winsomeness still shines through. Will reaches into his pocket and drops some coins on the table.
WILL Is this enough?
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Siobhan counts through the coins.
SIOBHAN You're twenty thousand short.
WILL What?!
SIOBHAN Kidding.
The two chuckle, Will mostly out of relief. Siobhan reaches under her worktable and takes out something wrapped in a rag. She hands it to Will. He removes the rag.
It's a blackjack. Pristine, smooth and refined. Will examines it.
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) You don't trust my craftsmanship?
WILL I do. I just like looking at it.
He's impressed. Swings it about.
SIOBHAN Give me five minutes, I can turn it into a lethal weapon. Just say the word.
WILL That’s…not necessary. Thanks.
STRENGER (O.S.) (bellows) Miss Detmers! Who the shit is that?
Siobhan turns to the back room.
SIOBHAN Just a customer!
STRENGER, mid-fifties, slovenly, lumbers out of the back room. He looks drunk, or having just come down a bender. He eyes the blackjack in Will's hands.
STRENGER Good choice, my lad. Forged that all by myself! That's the Strenger promise. Tell your friends!
He pounds his chest. Lets out a burp. Saunters out of the shop and walks away.
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STRENGER (CONT'D) Watch the shop until I get back!
SIOBHAN Yes sir!
Strenger disappears from view.
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) "Forged that all by myself". Like arse!
WILL You should just quit. Start your own shop.
SIOBHAN (sarcastic) Right. Let me get on that with the money I have.
Will looks downcast. Siobhan notices. Changes her tack.
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) Sorry.
WILL You're not the only one making me feel bad today.
SIOBHAN One of those days, huh?
The two sit by the store. She hands him a pitcher of water. He drinks. A moment passes.
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) Is that blackjack for Caleb?
WILL ...what if I said yes?
Siobhan rolls her eyes.
SIOBHAN Well, you paid for it. I won't begrudge you for that.
WILL He's not so bad really.
SIOBHAN Have you seen the way he looks at me every time you all visit the market?
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Will looks at her quizzically.
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) You are so dense.
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - GALLERY - DAY
Paintings line the wall depicting Arcturus' many "defeats". Each one shows him in exaggerated poses and facial expressions, just hamming it up.
Arcturus walks Ypheus through some of the paintings. They stop at one showing him battling a blonde-haired Chosen One.
ARCTURUS Local farm boy. Had his uncle and aunt killed. Had the seer tell him that I killed his father.
YPHEUS Did you really?
ARCTURUS Didn’t have to. The man was a degenerate gambler and drug addict. Sealed his own fate.
Another painting. The Chosen One is depicted as invisible, stealthily slaying Arcturus.
ARCTURUS (CONT'D) Planted an artifact that gave its wielder invisibility.
YPHEUS I never understood this one. I mean, we have an army. He wasn't stronger. You just couldn't see him.
ARCTURUS Which meant us giving up some of our precious intelligence for the sake of a fair fight. (beat) And by "some", I mean a lot. All of us, to an elf, drooling vegetables.
They step into the center of the room. Ypheus looks around some more.
ARCTURUS (CONT'D) The never-ending battle between good and evil.
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INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - EMPTY GALLERY - DAY
Arcturus and Ypheus pace about the empty room. Barren, not a single piece of furniture.
ARCTURUS This...is your legacy.
A beat passes.
YPHEUS Uncle Frank's old room?
ARCTURUS No, not your uncle Frank’s room! I'm passing the torch. It’s time you add your own portraits.
Ypheus chuckles.
YPHEUS You expect me to invite the humans to kick my ass?
ARCTURUS And put on a good show while doing it.
Ypheus sits on the floor.
YPHEUS It's just...so degrading.
ARCTURUS It’s not. Trust me. You do it enough times, and you'll love it. Like I do.
Arcturus leaves the room. And Ypheus alone with his thoughts.
PRE-LAP: Jaunty medieval music plays.
EXT. HERITAGE SQUARE - NIGHT
A Medieval band performs by the fountain as audiences gather and watch. Close by, children chase each other and play games.
The square is crowded.
Oil lamps and lanterns dotted throughout bathe the square in a warm orange glow. Colorful banners hang overhead. Vendors hawk trinkets, foods, and snacks on stalls.
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Visitors play carnival games: ring toss, fishing, archery. Drunks and bystanders laugh as players try to herd pigs into a pen. An actor dressed as a Dark Elf sits at a dunk tank as players lob balls at a target. One finally makes a hit and sends the actor down.
On a nearby stage, children laugh as costumed actors melodramatically reenact one of Arcturus' defeats at the hands of a Chosen One. Among those children, Will and a small group of Orphans.
Will looks off to the side and sees Caleb, not far away, chatting with some older kids. The older kids soon roughhouse Caleb, snatch his vest coat, and run away.
Will approaches Caleb, who's unfazed by what just happened.
WILL Why didn't you fight back?
CALEB What's the point? It's just a coat.
Will glares at him.
CALEB What does it matter? In the end, does anything we do matter? I mean, look.
Caleb directs Will back at the reenactment of the battle.
CALEB (CONT'D) I mean, certainly, Chosen One, hooray, good for you. Doesn't matter. He still died anyway.
WILL But not in battle.
CALEB I'm just saying, if I were a Chosen One, shouldn’t I be...I dunno...immortal? But no, they're just like us. They live, they die. One way or another.
WILL What about their legacy? Doesn't that matter?
CALEB Legacy schmegacy. At least they had a home to go back to. Or they could build one.
Caleb looks at a mother and father, lovingly doting on their son.
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CALEB (CONT'D) Four walls and a roof, and some food, maybe a family of my own, is good enough, you know?
WILL (nods, reverent) I get it, really.
Not far away, out of sight and earshot, a HOODED FIGURE spies on Will and Caleb. He overheard them. The Hooded Figure's eyes turn white. He engages in a telepathic conversation with...someone.
DESEMIR (V.O.) (re: Caleb) He's perfect.
HOODED FIGURE (V.O.) Are you sure about this? I mean, we already have--
DESEMIR (V.O.) Look, I'm not going to pretend I know what the boss is thinking. If this goes pear-shaped, we can always say we were just following orders. Blood is clean from our hands, metaphorically speaking.
The Hooded Figure, eyes still white, silently and awkwardly shrugs his shoulder.
HOODED FIGURE (V.O.) ...fine.
His eyes shift back to normal. The conversation ends. A small purple dust ball manifests in his hand. Out of sight, he blows it into the air.
The dust particles waft and glide all about. Down below, Will walks away from Caleb. The purple dust converge and make a beeline in one direction. Towards Caleb. The dust seeps into Caleb's body.
Caleb sneezes. He wipes his nose with one hand. An insignia slowly appears on his other hand.
HERITAGE SQUARE - ELSEWHERE - NIGHT
Will walks about the square, letting the world go by. He bumps into someone with a basket. The basket falls to the ground, scattering various goods.
WILL Oh god, I'm so sorry!
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Will bends down to help the person gather their items. He makes eye contact with them.
It's a girl, to be exact. This is ELINOR, or ELLIE, fifteen, not doing a good job concealing her beauty with a hood.
Will stops what he's doing. He's dumbstruck at the sight of her. Butterflies in his stomach.
ELLIE ...well?
WILL ...you know my name?
ELLIE I said "Well". Unless that really is your name, in which case you have my sympathies. So I'm guessing your name is something that sounds similar. Will, I take it?
He nods.
ELLIE So, Will, are you still going to help me or...
Will helps gather her items and hands them to her, including a shattered dagger.
WILL Sorry about your dagger.
ELLIE It's fine. It's not even real. Just a prop.
Will pauses for a bit.
WILL Actually...
HERITAGE SQUARE - ARMORER'S SHOP - NIGHT
Siobhan works on and reforges the prop knife, as Will and Ellie sit and watch. All the while, Will can't take his eyes off Ellie. He twiddles his thumbs for a bit. Until...
WILL Are you an actress?
ELLIE Pardon?
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WILL That’s a prop dagger. I'm guessing you're an actress.
ELLIE Oh, uh...sure. Why not?
WILL Oh, which acting troupe? The Blue Orchids? The Red Jennys? I love theater.
ELLIE I'm...not from here, actually. I'm from Aderfell.
SIOBHAN (still working) Called it.
Will's eyes light up.
WILL Aderfell? What's it like?
ELLIE I mean, it's fine. If you don't mind every other building being made of the same white concrete.
WILL But you have castles!
ELLIE You see one castle, you've seen them all.
WILL You've been in a castle? Have you met the King?
ELLIE ...you could say that.
Siobhan finishes. Hands Ellie the prop dagger, good as new.
SIOBHAN Twenty coins.
Ellie hands Siobhan her payment.
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) I'm sorry, but…I can't help but feel like I recognize you. Yeah...you look familiar...
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ELLIE I get that a lot. (to Will, quickly changing subject) So, I've noticed there's a lot of brothels in this town.
WILL Don't judge us!
Siobhan mulls it over briefly. Almost immediately...
SIOBHAN Now I remember! Princess Elinor! Wild! Is it too late for me to charge you more?
Will turns to Ellie.
ELLIE Oh, no no! Your friend is mistaken! I'm not her!
An ATTENDANT approaches the shop.
ATTENDANT #1 Princess Elinor! There you are! You shouldn't wander too far!
ELLIE (to Will) I don't know this man. He's mistaken.
A second ATTENDANT approaches, with a street caricature of Ellie, her signature on it.
ATTENDANT #2 Princess Elinor, I have your commissioned sketch!
ELLIE I...would never commission something so tacky. Why, I wouldn't visit this festival. Period!
A third ATTENDANT approaches with a personalized wooden plaque. INSERT, on wooden plaque: "Princess Elinor visited this festival. Period".
Ellie shakes her head in annoyance. The jig is up.
Will is stunned. A beat passes. He starts to bow to her.
WILL Your majes--
Ellie stops and shushes him. 18
ELLIE Please don’t. I'm not here on behalf of my father. Right now, I'm just Ellie.
Ellie looks around. No one's noticed. Yet.
ELLIE (CONT'D) Can we not tell anyone I'm here? It's not every day I get some alone time. Within reason, of course.
ATTENDANTS (to Will and Siobhan) Hello!
Will looks into Ellie's eyes. They're sincere. Pleading. He smiles warmly and pantomimes zipping his lips shut. He turns to Siobhan. She rolls her eyes and makes the same gesture.
ELLIE Thank you so much.
Ellie shakes Will's hand. She kisses him on the forehead and leaves with her attendants. A dumbstruck Will watches her go as she disappears into the crowd.
Will stays motionless, dazed. Siobhan chuckles. This snaps Will out of his stupor.
WILL What’s so funny?
SIOBHAN (sing-song) Will and Ellie, sitting in a tree--
WILL (embarrassed) Shut up. Besides, it's not like I even have a chance. I mean, she's royalty…
SIOBHAN I don’t know. Weirder things have happened.
Will looks down, notices a brooch on the counter. He picks it up.
WILL She must've dropped this.
Will leaves the shop and chases after Ellie.
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HERITAGE SQUARE - CONTINUOUS
Will navigates and weaves through the crowded area. He spots Ellie and her retinue not far away.
WILL (calls out) Ellie!
Ellie turns to see Will.
Concurrently on the stage show, the Chosen One actor slays the Arcturus actor with a flourish. Both ham it up.
ARCTURUS ACTOR Nooo! I will have my revenge!
CHOSEN ONE ACTOR That will be the day!
BOOM! A small explosion rocks the center of the square, followed by a huge puff of green smoke. All festivities come to a grinding halt. Guards work crowd control, keeping people away from the center of the blast.
Ypheus, in full blood red battle armor adorned with ornate runic symbols, strides out of the smoke, accompanied by two hulking armored bodyguards.
Fear grips the townspeople. Guards aim their spears at Ypheus to keep him at bay. Ypheus takes in his surroundings. It's quiet. Tense. You can hear a pin drop.
A beat passes.
STRENGER (O.S.) Ugh, not this wanker again!
YPHEUS Okay, who said that?
Ypheus draws his sword at the crowd. Singles out people.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) Was it you? You? It was definitely you, wasn't it?
Strenger stumbles through the crowd, piss drunk.
STRENGER (slurring, hiccuping) Yaah, it was I. We kicked your arse many times over. And we'll do it again! Amirite?
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Strenger turns to the crowd for acknowledgment. Nobody does anything.
STRENGER (CONT'D) So save us the trouble, and just fall down and die!
YPHEUS I am not who you think I am.
Ypheus addresses the crowd.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) I am Ypheus! Son of the Dark Elf Lord Arcturus!
The crowd is shocked and murmurs.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) Whatever you think, know that I am not my father!
RANDOM TOWNSPERSON (O.S.) (hopeful) So...you're a good guy?
YPHEUS Oh, no no. I'm evil. That's pretty much a given.
Strenger ambles closer towards Ypheus.
STRENGER Blah blah, whatever. I'm just surprised your daddy could still go get some. I mean, how many times has the old man lost? That's gotta be bad for his self- esteem. And by that I mean his diiick...
Beat. Ypheus stares at Strenger.
YPHEUS I’m going to flay and burn you now.
STRENGER (mocking) "I’m going to flay and burn you n--"
CUT TO:
Offscreen, Strenger SCREAMS IN HORROR AND UNIMAGINABLE PAIN. The crowd gasps and watches in stunned horror. A faint orange glow blankets them.
Strenger's charred body falls to its knees and disintegrates into dust.
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YPHEUS Judging by your faces, I know my father definitely never did that. Now then..
Ypheus traces a large circle in the air with his hand, leaving a glowing green outline. The inside of the circle turns black. Suddenly...
A flash of lightning inside the circle. It illuminates and reveals...a GIANT MONSTER. A scaly, hulking, bipedal creature with features akin to a komodo dragon, and piercing blue eyes. It roars a deafening roar.
The crowd staggers back in horror.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) May I introduce...The Big One!
Big One intensely growls throughout.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) In a fortnight's time, I will unleash my beast. He will decimate your armies and lay waste to this world. He will show no mercy. (beat) Unless...
Ypheus points a finger at someone in the crowd. It's Ellie.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) Princess Elinor! Daughter of King Feargus!
Everyone turns to see Ellie, who looks annoyed by the sudden singling out.
ELLIE (to Ypheus, flashes Reverse V hand sign) Thanks for blowing my cover, you selfish tit!
YPHEUS Now that was just needlessly rude. I was originally going to force you into a marriage...
ELLIE I'm fifteen.
YPHEUS But...screw it. You. Sacrificed. Two weeks from now. Okay? Okay.
22
Ellie's expression turns to a look of "Oh shit". Everyone starts talking and eyeing her.
In the crowd, Will has a look of horror. One that turns into fearful determination. He grabs a prop shield and sword from the ground and rushes through the crowd.
He steps in front of Ellie, shielding her from Ypheus. Among the crowd, Caleb spots Will.
CALEB Will! No!
Ypheus chuckles at the sight of Will's bravery. He eyes Will up and down.
YPHEUS You've got quite the nerve, boy. (beat) Hmm. Shabby, simple clothing...I’m guessing you're an orphan. Or a beggar.
Ypheus gathers a small energy ball in his hand.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) I hear kids don’t leave much of a mess when they explode. Let’s find out.
He throws the ball at Will. Will, shield up, shuts his eyes and braces himself for the end. The ball gets closer, and closer...
There's a bright flash of light. Blinding everyone.
Will opens his eyes. So does everyone in the crowd. What they see astonishes them.
It's Caleb. He stands in front of Will, hands up in an attempt to shield him. And yet...Caleb somehow blocks the energy ball with his bare hands, generating a force-field. Caleb notices this. Cautiously shoves the ball back at Ypheus.
Ypheus effortlessly dodges it. The ball strikes a house, destroying a portion of it. He eyes Caleb with a knowing curiosity.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) So, you're the one? Looking forward to round two!
Ypheus flicks his wrist. The green smoke portal reappears. He and his bodyguards take their leave through the smoke.
EXT. SKEFFORD - MAIN GATES - NIGHT
On horseback, Ellie and her attendants beat a hasty retreat out of the city. Behind them, a small group of angry townspeople chase them out, stopping at the gates and screaming at them. 23
RANDOM TOWNSPERSON This is all your fault! Somehow!
RANDOM TOWNSPERSON 2 We're not being sexist!
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - INNER COURTYARD - NIGHT
Ypheus and his men emerge from the green smoke. An awaiting Arcturus greets them. Servants help Ypheus out of his armor. Arcturus grabs Ypheus by the shoulders with pride.
ARCTURUS I saw everything. Well done. Although...I could've done without the whole "flaying the drunk" part.
YPHEUS Father, you told me I could do this my way.
ARCTURUS I'm just saying. Also...
The servants, carrying pieces of the armor, and Ypheus' men head in one direction. Arcturus and Ypheus walk down the courtyard in the other way.
ARCTURUS (CONT'D) I just spoke to Desemir. So…you've been covering your bases, vis a vis, your Chosen One. (beat) It seems excessive, don't you think?
YPHEUS Father...
ARCTURUS I'm just saying.
EXT. DORA'S SCHOOL FOR ORPHANS - NIGHT
A large crowd of people gather outside, BUZZING.
VARIOUS CROWD MEMBERS You're the one, aren't you?/Heal my daughter!/Restore my crops!/Do my taxes!/Turn my wife into a newt!/You shit! Hey, turn my husband into a newt!/etc.
24
INT. DORA'S SCHOOL FOR ORPHANS - COURTYARD - NIGHT
It's just as bad. The courtyard is packed with Orphans, crowded around Caleb, all BUZZING about him. WORKERS hold them back. Caleb has to shout to be heard.
CALEB There has to be a logical explanation!
ORPHAN 1 You blocked a fireball with your bare hands! You've got magic powers!
CALEB My parents didn't have any powers! How could I?!
ORPHAN 2 Is it true? You're the Chosen One, aren't ya?
CALEB I'm not the Chosen One! I don't even believe in all that bunk! Huh...when did I get a tattoo?
Caleb looks down at his right hand. It's the same symbol as the one on past Chosen Ones.
Will makes his way through the crowd. Grabs Caleb's hand and checks. Will's eyes go wide.
WILL This is the Mark. (beat) Caleb...you are a Chosen One.
INT. DORA'S SCHOOL FOR ORPHANS - COMMON ROOM - NIGHT
Will leafs through the pages of a large leather-bound tome. He stops at a page and shows it to Caleb. INSERT: an illustration of a Chosen One defeating Arcturus. The Chosen One has the same mark on his hand as Caleb.
WILL See? Here's another one.
Will turns the page. INSERT: another illustration, different Chosen One, same mark.
WILL (CONT'D) And another!
With each page turn, more illustrations of different Chosen Ones with the mark.
Caleb looks in disbelief. A beat passes. He steps back, a safe distance away from Will. 25
WILL (CONT'D) What are you doing?
Caleb flicks his hand. Nothing. Tries again. Still nothing. Tries again with incantations.
CALEB Shaboom! Kazaam! Earth! Wind! Fire! Water!
Again, nothing. Caleb looks at Will and shrugs his shoulders, as if to say "I don't know".
WILL Maybe it only works under duress. I'll get a knife--
CALEB ...uh, how about we don't?
Caleb plops himself down on the couch, throws his head back.
CALEB (CONT'D) Now what?
WILL What do you mean? It's obvious. You have to go to Aderfell. Show yourself to the King!
CALEB To what end? I'm a Chosen One, and all I have to show for it is this.
Caleb holds up the hand with the Mark.
CALEB (CONT'D) And you saw it just now. I think I had powers, until I know I didn't.
WILL That Mark is on your hand for a reason. It’s destiny!
CALEB Would it have been too much trouble for destiny to ask for my consent?
Caleb gets up, frustrated.
CALEB (CONT'D) I mean, why me? I can't do this! Why me?
He stalks out the room in a huff. Will looks disappointed.
26
INT. DORA'S SCHOOL FOR ORPHANS - BOYS' BEDROOM - NIGHT
A dark room, lit only by candlelight. Rows of beds, with Will and other orphan boys all asleep.
Noises. A figure moves past Will's bed. Will wakes up and checks. There's someone by the room's exit, his back to Will. It's Caleb.
WILL ...Caleb?
Caleb turns around. His eyes glow a bright blue. He quietly mumbles to himself, in a trance. He quietly leaves the room.
Intrigued, Will gets out of bed.
EXT. SKEFFORD - STREETS - NIGHT
Will tails Caleb, both of them hooded, through the streets. It's quiet at this late hour, with drunks, loners, wanderers, and prostitutes.
Will follows Caleb all the way to...
EXT. SMALL HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Small and ramshackle, with its stone and woodwork showing signs of age. Caleb stops at the door. Will observes. Caleb just stands there.
Caleb shakes his head. Seems to have regained his senses. He looks around at where he's at. Will approaches him.
WILL ...Caleb?
CALEB What are you doing here?
WILL Me? What are you doing here?
CALEB ...so this is going to sound strange, but...I heard a voice. It was telling me to come here. That I had to. And that my life would never be the same. (beat) Strange, right?
27
WILL No stranger than the mark on your hand.
The two contemplate the house's front door, uncertain. They nod to each other. Caleb knocks.
The door opens. On the other side: MAREK, a bearded old man, wizened, weary.
MAREK It's a bit late for you children to be out, isn't it?
CALEB I'm sorry but...is your name Marek?
MAREK (intrigued) How do you know that?
Will grabs and holds up Caleb's marked hand for Marek to see.
WILL If I were to guess, I'd say it's this.
Marek is taken aback. He straightens up, as if he's regained a spring in his step.
MAREK ...come in.
Marek ushers Will and Caleb inside and closes the door.
INT. SMALL HOUSE - NIGHT
It's small but cozy, with the bare necessities: shelves full of books, a table and a bed, and a roaring fire from the rustic medieval stove, a boiling pot of stew over it.
Will and Caleb sit at the table. Marek cooks the stew.
MAREK So the stories I've heard are true. The Chosen One walks among us. (laughs) Oh, this takes me back.
CALEB ...takes you back?
WILL I don't mean to pry, but...how old are you?
28
MAREK Oh now, that's just rude. But if you insist. (beat) One hundred and twenty six.
The two boys turn to each other, confounded.
CALEB Wha...I mean...how?
Will realizes something.
WILL (to Marek) You were with him, weren't you?
CALEB Excuse me?
WILL (to Caleb) Okay, look. In the stories, the Chosen Ones never travelled alone. On their journey to defeat Arcturus, they were accompanied by a...fellowship, a group. And the ones who lived were rewarded with a longer lifespan. And improved wellness.
MAREK And everyone in my party immediately squandered it. Did you know you could die from having too much sex in one night? But I was smarter than that!
His back to the boys, Marek fills two bowls with stew. He takes out a small vial full of dark blue liquid and empties into one of the bowls.
He hands the bowls to Will and Caleb. They dig in. Will looks satisfied with his stew. Caleb frowns and seizes up as he eats his.
CALEB I think there's something wrong with my stew...
MAREK Nonsense, boy. It's just the usual ingredients. Meats, carrots, parsnips, onions, garlic. (beat) Oh, and some henbane. And mushroom extracts. And opium. And nightshade.
29
Caleb staggers back in shock.
CALEB What?!
Before he can do anything, Caleb stiffens and his head snaps back. His eyes roll back and glow a bright blue. He mumbles in tongues and starts to levitate several feet off the ground.
Will watches dumbfounded. He turns to Marek.
WILL What did you do?!
MAREK It's the only way to make him see!
WILL But…opium and nightshade?!
MAREK Hey, I was just as surprised as you when my Chosen One did it!
Caleb's head twitches and jerks around. A beat passes.
He soon calms and slowly floats back down to the ground. His eyes go back to normal. He falls to his knees, all sweaty. Will catches him.
WILL Caleb!
Caleb catches his breath. He slowly turns to Will with a look of awe, which turns to resolve. He rises to his feet.
CALEB I’ll do it.
WILL Wait, what?
CALEB I may not have control over my powers yet...but if I don't do something, then millions will die.
WILL ...uh, what did you see while you were up there?
CALEB Destiny. 30
I/E. SMALL HOUSE - NIGHT
Caleb excitedly opens the door.
CALEB I leave at dawn!
Caleb dashes out of the house and onto the streets. Will chases after him.
WILL Caleb, wait up!
Marek watches the two boys disappear into the night. He heads back in and shuts the door.
MAREK Suckers. (calls out) Alright! A deal's a deal!
The Hooded Figure from the Festival materializes in the house.
MAREK (CONT'D) Do you have what I asked for?
The Hooded Figure sighs and takes out a series of wooden tablets. On the tablets are drawings of near-naked women. He hands them to Marek.
Marek studies the tablets. The drawings magically move. The women tease and make flirtatious and suggestive gestures.
MAREK (CONT'D) Yes...oh yes...grandfather likes it like that. Ooh!
Marek grabs several socks and makes a beeline to a side room.
MAREK (CONT'D) You can see yourself out.
Marek shuts the door, leaving the Hooded Figure alone.
HOODED FIGURE Pervert.
INT. DORA'S SCHOOL FOR ORPHANS - BOYS' BEDROOM - DAY
Caleb suits up. Undershirt. Pants. Boots. Tunic. The blackjack from Will. He loads his large pouch with clothes and food. Slings them over his back.
31
He checks his reflection in a nearby mirror. Ready for action.
He turns around and sees Will, equally dressed up and ready to go.
WILL I'm coming with you.
CALEB Will, this is dangerous.
WILL All the more reason you need me.
Caleb is unsure.
WILL (CONT'D) Look, you may have the powers. But I have the knowledge: the legends, the myths. What you have to do to unlock your full strength. (beat) Please. I can help.
Will offers his hand. Another beat. The two shake hands.
EXT. DORA'S SCHOOL FOR ORPHANS - DAY
The front gates open. Will and Caleb, on horses, walk out to find a huge crowd cheering them on.
VARIOUS CROWD MEMBERS You can do it!/We believe in you!/Go show those Dark Elves who's boss/Kiss my baby!/etc.
A woman in the crowd holds up her baby. Caleb takes the baby and, nervously, kisses him on the forehead. He hands the baby back to the woman, who promptly freaks out.
EXT. SKEFFORD - STREETS - DAY
As Will and Caleb continue to ride their horses, the crowds along the streets continue to cheer them on. From up above, people rain down confetti and flower petals on the two.
Will is in awe. Caleb doubly more so as he takes in the adulation.
EXT. SKEFFORD - MAIN GATES - DAY
Will and Caleb ride out, gradually picking up speed.
32
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
Will and Caleb ride past crop fields and farms at a steady pace. Will takes in his surroundings. It's bucolic, peaceful. He’s in awe.
Caleb comes to a sudden stop. Will stops too.
CALEB We’re being followed.
They turn around to see a rider on a horse, rushing towards them. Will and Caleb draw their respective weapons, a dagger and the blackjack, respectively.
The rider inches closer and closer, and eventually slows down. They see her face. It's Siobhan.
To Caleb, she looks absolutely radiant. Almost glowing in the light of the sun. He's transfixed.
WILL Siobhan? What are you doing here?
CALEB You know her name?
SIOBHAN I'm coming with you.
Caleb snaps out of it.
CALEB ...Miss Siobhan, you don't understand the gravity of what we're embarking on--
SIOBHAN Saving the kingdom from Arcturus's prat son, right? (beat) I can help.
She notices the blackjack Caleb is wielding.
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) Loan me that thing.
Caleb hands her the blackjack. She slowly waves her hand along it and quietly mutters.
WILL Oh! She's doing the thing!
CALEB What "thing"? 33
Siobhan dismounts her horse and saunters to a nearby fence. She strikes the fence with the blackjack...and it is gradually encased in ice.
A look of surprise washes over Caleb's face. Will smiles knowingly.
Siobhan struts towards Caleb. Returns the blackjack.
SIOBHAN You're not the only one with magic hands here.
She gets back on her horse.
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) Honestly, I never gave much of a toss about this Chosen One prophecy shite. But I'm not sitting around waiting until I either die, or the King decides "Eh, what's one daughter?". I don't know what I'm going to do, but I have to do something. (beat) Also, I'm out of a job because my boss just died. So I figured, I ride your coattails, I might get work.
Caleb stares at Siobhan. To him, her determination just makes her all the more appealing.
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
Will, Caleb, and now Siobhan continue to ride down the countryside trails.
EXT. LOOKOUT POINT - DAY
The group rides up to the lookout point on horseback. In the distance, the city of Aderfell. A man-made marvel nestled among a natural and lush green valley. They look out in awe.
EXT. VALLEY - DAY
Galloping along valley trails. Passing by farms, rest areas, cottages and smaller settlements just outside Aderfell's limits.
Will looks around in awe, blinks in wonderment. Siobhan observes him with a smile. She looks at Caleb. He tries to look cool, but just appears disinterested. She shakes her head.
EXT. ADERFELL GATE - DAY
The three slowly ride up to the gate, a massive stone archway with watchtowers. Beyond the gate, a wooden bridge leads to the city.
34
Throngs of people wait their turn at the gate to pass through and seek refuge. Will and Siobhan look around.
SIOBHAN Look at all these people.
WILL I kind of get it. I mean, eventually things will be alright, but I also get why they're scared.
CALEB They shouldn't be. The legends say the Chosen Ones always win, right?
WILL Uh...right.
SIOBHAN (to Caleb) Try not to get too cocky, kid.
CALEB What's wrong with being cocky if I can back it up?
Caleb turns to Siobhan and attempts a smoldering look. It makes him look like a dork. She barely manages to suppress a chuckle.
The group struggles to navigate the large throngs of people. Caleb holds up his marked hand for everyone to see. The Mark shines brightly. The people look in awe and make room for them to pass. The three continue on.
CALEB (CONT'D) Perks of being a Chosen One.
They reach the gate. Two GUARDS stand on each side. Caleb holds up his marked hand.
Unlike the people just now, the Guards look unimpressed. This takes Will and Caleb by surprise.
CALEB Excuse me! Chosen One coming through! Got to see the King!
GUARD 1 Oh. Eh, sure. Go ahead.
CALEB You could try to be more impressed. I'm the only one who can save this bloody kingdom.
35
The Guard snorts, chuckling. Caleb sees this.
CALEB (CONT'D) What was that?
GUARD 1 Nothing, nothing! Just...eh, you'll see.
The Guard gestures to let them through. The three pass and make their way along the bridge.
CALEB What was that all about?
EXT. ADERFELL - STREETS - DAY
A marvel of human architecture. Imposing and tall white towers and buildings line the wide white marble streets. Bustling with activity. Where Skefford was comparatively grimy, Aderfell is almost blindingly clean.
Will takes in his surroundings in awe as he, Caleb and Siobhan pass by the various high-class businesses, inns, taverns and shops.
EXT. ADERFELL PALACE - COURTYARD - DAY
A majestic palace made of ornate white marble and copper fixtures. In the palace courtyard, there are horses. Many horses.
Caleb's group enters the courtyard and dismounts their horses. They look around.
WILL What's with all the horses?
CALEB It’s obvious. They’re all waiting for me.
SIOBHAN Again, cool it.
They approach the nearby gates. A group of PALACE GUARDS stand sentinel and stop them.
LEAD PALACE GUARD State your business!
SIOBHAN We're here to see the King.
Caleb holds up his marked hand.
36
CALEB Chosen One here to save the world.
The Lead Palace Guard rolls his eyes.
CALEB (CONT'D) Okay, seriously. What was that? The guard at the city walls gave us lip too. You want to test me?
LEAD PALACE GUARD I'm not! Just...just go ahead. What’s one more, anyway?
He lets them through. As they pass by, Will looks back at the Guard, puzzled.
INT. ADERFELL PALACE - HALLWAY - DAY
Will, Caleb and Siobhan walk down the red carpeted hallway. They pass by numerous people. Caleb looks as if he's expecting a response. He gets none.
CALEB Seriously, these people. You'd think they've already seen a Chosen One today.
They reach a large set of doors. ATTENDANTS open the doors leading to...
ADERFELL PALACE - THRONE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Large and spacious, with tall barred openings to let the light in. At the far end of the room, the King and Queen's thrones. The kingdom's blue banners hang over them, adorned with an image of a goose-stepping knee-less moose.
But today, the room is packed full to maximum capacity. Various YOUNG MEN, all chatting amongst themselves.
At the throne, KING FEARGUS, late-forties, bearded, slightly rotund, sits looking bored, propping up his head with his hand. His wife, QUEEN CORA, early-forties, upright, patient, stands and tries to keep the crowd under control.
As Will and his group enters and watches the large crowd, Will spots Ellie over by the throne, sitting near her mother Cora. No longer in her commoner's clothes, she's dressed in a simple but elegant gown.
WILL's POV: Ellie is seen biting her nails. To Will, she's the most beautiful thing in the room.
Caleb looks around. Siobhan snaps Will out of his reverie.
37
CALEB I got this.
Caleb goes to a nearby table and climbs on top of it. He clears his throat to get everyone's attention. Nothing. He does it louder. His voice rumbles and reverberates throughout the room. This time it works. Feargus turns to see Caleb in the distance.
KING FEARGUS You've got quite the nerve, young man! Drawing attention to yourself like that! (beat) Who are you, and what's your business?
Caleb holds up his marked hand.
CALEB My name is Caleb, from the city of Skefford. I have been branded by the Gods! I don't know why I was chosen, but I know for certain that I'm the only one who can stop Ypheus and save our kingdom!
A beat passes. Caleb sees Feargus shake his head and bury it in his hand. Caleb is taken aback.
YOUNG MAN 1 Get in line, mate!
Caleb turns to the Young Man in the crowd...who raises his right hand and shows the same Mark of the Chosen One on the back of his hand.
Caleb, Will and Siobhan are stunned.
YOUNG MAN 1 (CONT'D) I was here first!
YOUNG MAN 2 Like hell! I beat you by, like, two seconds!
Will and his group turn to see the second Young Man hold up his hand. He too has the Mark.
YOUNG MAN 3 Piss on that! I'm the real one!
The third Young Man does the same. Holds up hand. Also marked.
CHOSEN ONES I'm the Chosen One!/ No! I am!/ No, I am!/ Fuck you, mate! I'm the bigger Chosen One! Etc.
38
It's pure madness as Caleb now joins the other young men in the screaming match. Over on the throne, Feargus and Cora look miserable. There's a look of worry on Ellie's face. Will and Siobhan watch dumbstruck.
Unseen to everyone, a green Raven made of glass sits on a perch and looks down.
RAVEN's POV: looks at the screaming match of the countless Chosen Ones below.
CUT TO:
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - EMPTY GALLERY - CONTINUOUS
Ypheus watches the raven's point of view through a wall of mirrors. He laughs uproariously. Arcturus stands by him, horrified.
ARCTURUS Dark Elf Jesus, what did you do?!
YPHEUS What? I think it's funny. Admit it, you think so too.
ARCTURUS In a cosmic sort of way, I guess. But...look at this!
Arcturus gestures to one of the mirrors, at the raven's POV.
INSERT: In Aderfell Palace, all the Chosen Ones do various parlor tricks with their powers and try to one-up each other. It's a mess of colorful magic and elemental spells, filling the air overhead.
CHOSEN ONES I can do this!/ Yeah, well I can do this!/ Hah! I can do this!/ Suck it! I can do this! Etc.
Arcturus turns to Ypheus.
ARCTURUS Did you give them all the same power set?
YPHEUS ...I won't dignify that with a response.
ARCTURUS Dammit, they'll be at this for hours…you’ve got to kill them all. Except one, of course.
YPHEUS Father, this is my game. 39
ARCTURUS But you're still living under my roof! Castle, I mean! And when I say so, I still expect you to abide by some of the traditions!
Ypheus throws his arms up, indignant like a child not getting his way. Beat.
YPHEUS ...A compromise, then! I'll kill all, except, say...
He counts with his fingers.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) ...four. I want four.
Arcturus still looks unsure.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) Look. Four Chosen Ones. Three trials. One will die after each. We'll only have one by the final showdown. How does that sound?
ARCTURUS ...fine.
Father and son shake on it. Ypheus then shoos Arcturus away.
Ypheus paces to the large ancient limestone table in the center of the room and places a large lump of red clay on it. He glides his hand over the clay.
The clay moves. Stretching and expanding across the table. Small, featureless, human-shaped blobs pop up, one after another. The table is now full of them.
It's an approximation of the number of Chosen Ones currently at Aderfell.
Ypheus flicks his wrist. All the blobs start to glow a bright blue.
He randomly points at four of them. They stop glowing. The rest keep glowing, brighter and brighter...
CUT TO:
INT. ADERFELL PALACE - THRONE ROOM - DAY
The Chosen Ones still loudly bicker and argue. Will and Siobhan sit at the sidelines and watch. A handmaid passes by carrying a tray with wooden mugs full of apple cider. Siobhan grabs two and passes one to Will. She drinks. Will holds onto his.
40
SIOBHAN I feel like by the time they're done with their hypothetical measuring contest, the Big One will have had its way with us all.
A beat passes. Will gulps his drink down.
He gets up.
Marches to and approaches the throne, hands visible at all times. Guards let him through. Cora and Feargus eye Will cautiously as he steps up to them.
QUEEN CORA Please tell us you're a normal person.
Will holds up the back of both hands. No mark.
QUEEN CORA (CONT'D) Oh thank merciful gods.
WILL Do you have a speaking trumpet?
Feargus signals. A servant comes with the trumpet and hands it to Will.
Will turns to and addresses the rowdy crowd. The trumpet amplifies his voice.
WILL (CONT'D) E-excuse me...pardon me...
Nothing. They all ignore him.
WILL (CONT'D) (screaming, assertive) Okay, you all need to chill!
Everyone stops. They all turn to Will. This takes him by surprise.
A beat passes.
WILL (CONT'D) Look, I get it. You all each thought you were the only ones special. Hell, I wish I was special, having that mark on my hand. But I didn't. You all do. So you all have a responsibility. The good news is, you're not alone. Look at the people around you!
The Chosen Ones all do just that.
41
WILL (CONT'D) The Chosen Ones of the past? Their journeys were difficult. Long and arduous. They made sacrifices. Suffered losses. But you're all so lucky. (beat) A whole hall full of Chosen Ones! Just imagine what you can accomplish if you all work together!
KING FEARGUS ...preferably nothing involvement coups, FYI.
The crowd is still.
CHOSEN ONE #1 Yeah, that random kid's right!
Everyone murmurs in agreement.
CHOSEN ONE #2 If we stick together, we can send that blighter Ypheus and his whole family packing!
The mood in the room gradually picks up.
CHOSEN ONE #3 And we'll all be home in time for the victory orgy!
CHOSEN ONES Yeah!/ Alright!/ Woohoo!/ Victory orgy! Etc.
The Chosen Ones cheer in excitement. Clapping hands. Hugging arm in arm. Fists in the air, triumphant. A united front.
Feargus, Cora and Will look out with awe. Will in particular. Over on the sidelines, Siobhan gives Will a thumbs up.
The crowd of Chosen Ones start to glow blue.
KING FEARGUS …what is this?
Will turns to Feargus.
WILL (CONT'D) They've had their epiphany. This must be where they unlock their full potential!
42
All the Chosen Ones whoop it up. They glow brighter, and brighter, and brighter. All except the Chosen Ones shield their eyes. A bright flash of light...
EXT. ADERFELL PALACE - CONTINUOUS
An energy blast shoots out from the palace.
INT. ADERFELL PALACE - THRONE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The flash of light dies down. Everyone slowly lowers their hands. Opens their eyes...
The Chosen Ones are gone. Disintegrated, with charred skeletons in their place, still in their victory poses. Only Caleb and three others remain standing.
A handmaid shrieks in horror. The skeletons collapse. The room descends into a panic.
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - EMPTY GALLERY - CONTINUOUS
INSERT: Raven's POV. The overhead view from the throne room at Aderfell Palace. Servants run about in a panicked frenzy. Feargus tries to calm Cora and Ellie. Will stands frozen. Siobhan rushes over to him.
Arcturus watches the scene. Ypheus, next to him, tries to gauge his reaction.
ARCTURUS Not bad. Could've done with a little less nightmare fuel, if you ask me.
Arcturus walks away.
YPHEUS (calls out) There's no pleasing you, is there?
Ypheus follows his father.
INT. ADERFELL PALACE - WAR ROOM - DAY
Guards enter, with Will, Siobhan, Caleb, and the remaining three Chosen Ones in their custody. The Guards leave.
Feargus stands by a planning table, flanked by Cora and several ADVISORS. Ellie sits off to the side. The King and Queen eye the survivors curiously.
43
QUEEN CORA Explain yourselves. (to Will) Especially you.
WILL ...I don’t understand! All the Chosen Ones in the past, they lived! They always made it!
Will reaches into his pouch and takes out the tome from earlier, with all the illustrations of the Chosen Ones' victories.
WILL (CONT'D) (uncertain) ...they always do...
QUEEN CORA Tell that to the pile of bones in our throne room.
KING FEARGUS And have you smelled them? Phew! That's not going away anytime soon.
SIOBHAN You could try to be a bit more worried.
KING FEARGUS Big whoopedydo. We still have...four Chosen Ones. Victory's still assured.
Feargus gestures for Caleb and the other three Chosen Ones to step forward. They do so, a bit nervous. He eyes Caleb.
KING FEARGUS (CONT'D) I have a general idea of your story. But what about...you?
He shifts his gaze to the one next to Caleb. This is GUSTAVO, late-twenties, burly, slightly rugged. He's dressed in deerskin vest and leather gauntlets with fur trims. He has an axe on him.
GUSTAVO Gustavo, from the Duskhelm tribe. I'd just come back from a hunt when I saw Ypheus threatening my settlement. Just as he was about to kill our elder, I dove in front of him. Somehow blocked his attack. That's when I saw this on my hand.
Gustavo holds up his Marked hand.
44
Feargus turns to the one beside Gustavo. This is TRISTAN, early-twenties, dashing, handsome. He wears a cloak and long cape, with bow and arrow on his back.
TRISTAN Tristan, your highness. I was gathering resources in the Wayfait Wilds. Ypheus and his men were threatening a passing convoy. He was about to kill a family. I had to do something. I leapt in between, ready to die for them...
A puzzled look crosses Will's face as he hears Tristan's story. Wait, what?
Tristan finishes, and shows his Marked hand.
Feargus glances at the last one down the line, next to Tristan. This is RUSKIN, mid-twenties, cocky, confident. Hooded with a face mask that covers the lower half.
RUSKIN Name's Ruskin. I--
WILL (interrupting) ...sorry. I think...I'm seeing a pattern here. (beat) Uh, you were in the middle of doing whatever it is you do. Then Ypheus showed up, made threats and attacked you but somehow you survived. And then you looked at your hand...right?
Everyone looks at Ruskin.
RUSKIN Thanks a lot, kid. How come everyone else gets to share their backstory and I don't?
CALEB I never got to.
RUSKIN Doesn't matter. Way I see it, the fact that we're the only one's still standing can only mean one thing: we're the true Chosen Ones.
SIOBHAN And everyone who just died...
RUSKIN Pretenders, the lot of 'em, babe.
45
Caleb steps up to Ruskin, his hands glowing orange.
CALEB Hey don't call her that...
Queen Cora defuses this.
QUEEN CORA Enough! Now, clearly we were all hoping on having an army of Chosen Ones. But we don't. We still have enough.
She turns to the Chosen Ones.
QUEEN CORA (CONT'D) Brave warriors, the future of this kingdom is in your hands. We are counting on you.
KING FEARGUS And you will be rewarded. Whoever deals the killing blow to that Ypheus twat gets...uh...
Feargus looks around. Notices Ellie, sitting absentmindedly.
KING FEARGUS (CONT'D) ...my daughter!
Ellie jolts.
ELLIE ...what?
WILL What?!
QUEEN CORA Wait, what?
KING FEARGUS Yes! My daughter's hand in marriage.
The Chosen Ones eye Ellie. Rapid-fire responses.
CALEB T-that won't be necessary...
GUSTAVO I'm...happy with the job done, thanks.
46
TRISTAN I'm not sure about this...
RUSKIN Sure. I have no scruples.
Feargus claps his hands, satisfied.
KING FEARGUS Then it's settled!
He hands the Chosen Ones copper medallions with the kingdom's symbol, the goose-stepping moose, on it. He turns to Will and Siobhan.
KING FEARGUS (CONT'D) You two are to document their progress and send word back to me. Good? Good! Now then, I'm late for a game of put-small-ball-in-tiny-ground-hole.
Feargus casually saunters out of the room. Cora follows him in a huff, guiding a shocked Ellie. As they exit, we stay in the room.
QUEEN CORA (O.S.) Did you just pimp out our daughter?!
KING FEARGUS (O.S.) Oh come on, she was going to be betrothed sooner or later. I just made it sooner.
QUEEN CORA (O.S.) She's fifteen!
KING FEARGUS (O.S.) Perfect marrying age, then.
Cora loudly screams in frustration.
EXT. ADERFELL - CITY SQUARE - NIGHT
A raucous going-away party in full swing, with a large roaring bonfire in the middle of the square. PARTYGOERS drink mead, laugh and generally act merry as a band nearby plays a medieval version of Old Town Road.
SERIES OF SHOTS -- CHOSEN ONES SHOW OFF:
- Tristan juggles various sharp objects using telekinesis, with volunteers throwing more at him. He lets each object fly one by one into the sky, suspending them in the air with a free hand. He casts a spell with his other hand. 47
All the sharp objects harmlessly fall to the ground, having turned to paper. The crowd around him cheers.
- Gustavo holds a decent sized block of ice in his hand. He hovers his hands along it, as if sculpting. The block gradually molds into the shape of a dandelion.
He hands it to a LITTLE GIRL, who gladly takes it.
GUSTAVO And I made sure it'll never melt.
The Girl hugs Gustavo. The Girl's MOM watches, moved by his kind gesture.
- Ruskin lounges at a bar countertop. He gestures at a PRETTY GIRL in the crowd nearby to come over. He makes a lascivious face and points at his crotch. Nothing from the girl.
He does a quick hand movement. The girl is pulled from the crowd and to the countertop, right next to him.
END SERIES OF SHOTS
Siobhan and Caleb watch Ruskin in action. She can barely hide her disgust.
SIOBHAN Ugh...men.
CALEB I know, right? What a creep.
SIOBHAN You're just saying that because I'm here, aren't you?
CALEB Nooo. No, no, no...of course not. I like strong women. And I respect you too much to impose my will on you. I have principles.
SIOBHAN Keep telling yourself that.
Siobhan looks through the other three Chosen Ones.
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) Gustavo seems decent enough. But the other two...tell them they're special, and soon enough they start thinking the rules don't apply to them.
CALEB Well, I can tell you this. 48
(beat) I promise you. I give you my word: I won't let my destiny change me.
She scoffs and walks away. Looks back at Caleb.
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) I know human nature. And powers aside, you and the others? Still only human. Like me.
Caleb watches her leave. Siobhan hands out flyers advertising her service to everyone she passes.
INT. ADERFELL LIBRARY - NIGHT
It's empty and quiet in the spacious hall. Will sits alone at a huge table, in candlelight. Stacks of books surround him. He takes notes and draws maps on a journal.
An unseen figure creeps up on him, inching closer and closer. Will senses the figure's presence.
He quickly grabs a book and whacks the figure with it.
WILL Die, zombie!
The figure falls to the floor. It's Ellie. Will makes an "oh, crap" face as she groans in pain.
WILL (CONT'D) Princess Ellie...I thought you were a zombie.
ELLIE What made you think a zombie would be here?!
She gets up and dusts herself off. She joins Will as he returns to the table and the books.
WILL …I've been reading these books too long. Did you know this one time Arcturus used the dead as his army? He only did it once though.
ELLIE Why'd he stop? I mean, if you think about it, that's a near-limitless resource...
She stops herself. Remembers why she's here.
ELLIE (CONT'D) Uh, never mind. What are you doing here?
49
WILL Research.
He shows her a large map on the table, with a dotted route along it. The dots, in different colors, all overlap.
WILL (CONT'D) So I went back six hundred years. That's six incarnations of the Chosen One. All of them travelled the same route, same stops. Probably where they found the artifacts to defeat Arcturus. Now I think, we follow the same route, we'll know where to go. Maybe.
Ellie notices the meticulousness of his research.
ELLIE You are...good at this.
WILL Thank you, your majesty.
He politely bows to her. Rolls up and grabs the map and his journal. As he walks away, Ellie grabs his wrist. Leans close to him.
ELLIE The Chosen Ones.
WILL ...what about them?
ELLIE Don't let any of them deliver the killing blow!
WILL So, we should just let Ypheus live?
ELLIE No! God, no! I'm just saying…maybe...you do it?
Will is bowled over.
ELLIE (CONT'D) Hear me out. When you're there, let all The Chosen Ones soften him up. And then you, I dunno, distract everyone so that you can swoop in and go for the kill! You’ll be a hero, and I'll at least be paired with someone age-appropriate. We both win.
50
A beat passes.
WILL Are you mad?
Will breaks from her grip.
WILL (CONT'D) Look...I can't be the hero in this story.
ELLIE Why not?
WILL Because...
He struggles to come up with an answer. To Ellie, this says it all. She shakes her head in disappointment.
ELLIE Wow. (beat) You know what? This is why I never liked the whole "Chosen One" legend. It basically gives everyone else permission to stop trying. And what about the other ninety-nine years when we're at peace? What, the guards and soldiers keeping our cities safe aren't good enough?
She walks away from him.
WILL I'm sorry! It's just...what could I even possibly do? If I was the Chosen One--
ELLIE So that's it? Why bother trying? (beat) Are you listening to yourself?
She exits the library, leaving Will alone in the dark.
EXT. ADERFELL - STREETS - DAY
It's a repeat of Will and Caleb's earlier departure on horseback from Skefford, but this time with Siobhan, Gustavo, Tristan and Ruskin in the group. Crowds gather the streets cheering them on, raining down confetti and flower petals.
51
The group passes by Feargus' castle. Will looks up and spots Feargus, Cora and Ellie on a balcony waving at them. He sees the resigned look on Ellie's face. His face falls.
Siobhan notices. But they continue on.
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
The group rides down a green grass field under a blue sky. Hills and mountains fill the backdrop.
COUNTRYSIDE - CAMPSITE - NIGHT
Caleb shoots a small burst of fire from his hand on a small pile of wood on the ground. It lights up. A campfire.
COUNTRYSIDE - CAMPSITE - MOMENTS LATER
Hunks of venison meat roasts on a stick spit grill over the fire. Tristan slices some and places them on a pewter plate.
He sits and rejoins the others, Gustavo in the middle of a story.
GUSTAVO ... it started rushing down the canyon. My dad used every ounce of his strength to lift me out. And I watched as the water took him. Last thing I remembered was him smiling at me. As if he knew that I'd be alright. I'd like to think he was right.
Siobhan and Will nod out of respect.
RUSKIN …I was nine. I had just left from playing with me mates. And what did I come home to see? My home crushed by this large feckin' tree, with my parents underneath it. Again, I was nine. (beat) Top that.
GUSTAVO This was never a contest.
Siobhan rolls her eyes. Ruskin turns to Caleb.
RUSKIN (CONT'D) What about you? What's your sob story? And don't lie. I'll know. 52
RUSKIN's POV: Caleb's brain and heart areas start to glow red, pulsing with activity.
RUSKIN (CONT'D) Well?
CALEB ...I was ten. My mother died in childbirth. My father was a bastard, quick with the switch. Killed by bandits on his way home from a card game.
Will looks at Caleb sympathetically. This is a side of him he never knew.
RUSKIN Still, you were ten. I was nine. So, point: moi.
A beat passes.
TRISTAN I lost my family when I was seven. Plague.
RUSKIN Oh, piss on you!
SIOBHAN Girls, girls! You're all pretty.
CALEB/TRISTAN/RUSKIN Shut up, woman!
Caleb realizes what he just said. Will is also taken aback.
CALEB Uh...sorry. I...I just got caught up in the moment…
SIOBHAN Keep telling yourself that, darling.
Caleb, Tristan and Ruskin bicker and argue as Gustavo sits quietly and eats.
Siobhan sidles closer to Will as he looks over his map and notes. He traces his finger along the marked route.
WILL So, three stops. One appears to be a cave of some sort. After that we ride into the town of Wildegrove, to a temple in the middle of the city. Last stop is the old Edgekeep stone bridge. We collect all three artifacts from those locations, and that should do it.
53
SIOBHAN You said "should". (beat) No pun intended, but that's not as certain as "will".
Will watches the Chosen Ones continue bickering.
PRE-LAP: A instrumental medieval version of KC and the Sunshine Band's Give It Up plays.
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - TRAINING HALL - NIGHT
A four-piece Dark Elf band plays the song as Arcturus leads a fantasy equivalent of a Jazzercise program, leading various Dark Elf Warriors, their exercise routine in time to the song's beat.
ARCTURUS There we go! Your bodies are perfect temples of evil! Remember that! (repeating) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8!
The exercise crowd manages to hide their discomfort.
Ypheus and several Soldiers enter the hall. Arcturus spots him and stops.
He dismisses the crowd. Some grouchily file out in an orderly fashion. Others mill about. Arcturus walks over to his son.
YPHEUS Against my better judgment, I just finished planting the artifacts. And I've arranged the trials.
ARCTURUS Excellent. Gears are starting to turn.
Arcturus cups Ypheus' cheeks. The remaining Soldiers stop and stare. Ypheus is visibly embarrassed.
ARCTURUS (CONT'D) (proud) My boy is finally a man.
YPHEUS Dad, everyone's watching. Stop.
Arcturus lets go.
54
ARCTURUS I'm sorry, it's just...I'm excited. You know, I've always taken pride in the quality of the trials I've laid out for the humans. Difficult but fair, that's my style. And that's the way it should be.
Ypheus flashes a knowing smirk.
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
The Chosen Ones' group continues on horseback, galloping at a measured pace. Will takes point and navigates. Siobhan and Caleb ride side-by-side in the middle.
CALEB So...about calling you "woman" last night. I swear, that's not me.
SIOBHAN Relax. (beat) I've dealt with my fair share of unhappy customers. And if it's not them, it's Strenger. You'd be surprised how many times I've been called a quim.
CALEB Sounds like you have it rough.
Beat.
CALEB (CONT'D) When this is all over, when we all come home, I'll probably get some kind of reward. I'm going to ask for a house of my own. Nothing big or fancy. Just comfortable. And if you decide to start your own business, I'd gladly support you.
SIOBHAN I'm flattered. What about Will?
Will continues taking the lead, unaware of the conversation.
CALEB What about him?
SIOBHAN You're not gonna look after him too?
55
CALEB ...I guess. I mean, it's up to him.
Siobhan averts her eyes from Caleb, in disappointment.
WILL (calls out, looks back) We're almost there.
The group arrives at...
EXT. MURKMIRE CAVE - CONTINUOUS
A cave mouth built into the side of a steep grassy mountain. The group dismount their horses and approach the entrance.
WILL The Murkmire Cave. This is the site of the first trial.
CALEB What kind of trial is it?
Will consults his journal.
WILL That's the problem. I've gone through all the past journals, and none of them mention what form the trials take. All I know is that this one has something to do with..."intelligence".
RUSKIN So, brains then? That artifact's as good as mine.
SIOBHAN Let's still be careful, okay?
Everyone nods in agreement and unsheathes their weapons. They carefully venture into the cave.
INT. MURKMIRE CAVES - DAY
The group navigates the caves. The light from the outside starts to fade. It's almost pitch black.
She runs her hand along her sword's blade. It glows, like a light. She invites the others to hold up their weapons.
She passes the glow around. Her to Caleb, Caleb to Will and so on. Like passing around a flame to light many candles. 56
The group, now wielding illuminating weapons, continues on into --
MURKMIRE CAVES - SECOND CAVE
Spacious, with a bit more room to move about. The group looks around and sees bones and animal remains strewn about.
Will clutches onto Siobhan.
CALEB (to Siobhan) Just letting you know. If you're scared, I got you.
SIOBHAN I'm not scared.
CALEB I'm just saying--
Tristan shushes them. Nods to another tunnel at the end of the cave. Everyone follows him.
Overhead, a green raven observes them.
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - EMPTY GALLERY - CONTINUOUS
Ypheus and Arcturus observe the proceedings on the large central mirror.
YPHEUS Carcasses and bones. A little trite, don't you think?
ARCTURUS It adds atmosphere.
YPHEUS I still don't see why I had to reuse your locations.
ARCTURUS You want your own cave? Pay for it yourself.
Ypheus snorts and rolls his eyes.
Raven's POV: Following the cave group into --
INT. MURKMIRE CAVES - DEN - DAY
57
More cavernous than the last cave. Damp walls. Steady drips of water from stalactites. Sunlight filters through tiny cracks in the ceiling. There's a bit of light here, but it's still dim.
The group emerges from the tunnel and get their bearings. Caleb notices something at the far end of the cave.
An ivory handle perched on a stone altar.
GUSTAVO Stay vigilant, boys. Can't be that easy.
Caleb, Gustavo, Tristan and Ruskin carefully advance towards the altar.
Will wanders slightly away from the group. Notices a large patch of dirt, shaped like a nest. Calls Siobhan over.
WILL Something's here...
Meanwhile, the Chosen Ones continue inching towards the altar. They reach a small rise. As Caleb sets foot on the rise, there's a heavy tremor. The cave shakes.
The Chosen Ones back away as something slowly emerges from the rise, kicking up the surrounding dirt and rocks.
It's a massive, tall enough to nearly reach the ceiling. Its skin the same texture as the ground. It sits upright, back to the group. It slowly turns around to see them, revealing...
Black bead eyes and mouth with tiny fangs. And yet, its face is like a baby: chubby and cute. A blank expression, almost like a child.
The Creature tilts its head. It speaks with a toddler-like voice and waves hello at them.
CAVE CREATURE Hi hi.
Everyone is puzzled. Will and Siobhan glance at each other before waving back.
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - EMPTY GALLERY - CONTINUOUS
Arcturus sees what's happening. Dumbstruck.
ARCTURUS What the hell is this?!
YPHEUS Wait for it...
58
INTERCUT CASTLE/CAVE
INT. MURKMIRE CAVES - DEN - CONTINUOUS
Will and Siobhan keep waving at the Creature, who coos and giggles. Again, like a toddler.
Ruskin and Tristan stop them.
RUSKIN What are you doing?
SIOBHAN It's not attacking us. I think it's just a baby.
RUSKIN Yeah, tell that to the bones we just passed by.
TRISTAN ...I'm with Ruskin on this one. I think this is a trick.
RUSKIN Right! Like the kid said, this is about intelligence. Ergo, being smart enough to see through…this.
Will looks back at the Creature. It claps his hands, causing a tremor with each one.
Caleb and Gustavo reach the altar and try to grab the handle. Something blocks them. A invisible forcefield surrounding the handle.
Gustavo fires continuous bolts of energy at the forcefield. Caleb repeatedly goes for the handle again. Still no luck.
CALEB (calls out) We can't grab it!
WILL This doesn’t make sense…
RUSKIN Allow me to help. You're being played. Way I see it, only one way to get that handle!
Ruskin marches off, towards the Creature. Determined. His hands glow, charging up for an attack. Will chases after him.
WILL No! Wait! 59
Too late. Ruskin fires an energy blast at the creature. Direct contact.
The creature stops cooing and goes quiet. A beat passes.
It cries a loud cry. The Creature repeatedly slams its fists on the ground and the walls. It rolls about in a child-like temper tantrum.
More heavy tremors. Several stalactites crumble and fall. The Chosen Ones hold up their hands to form shields, protecting themselves and Will and Siobhan.
The creature roars at them. Will and Siobhan take cover behind a nearby rock formation. Ruskin and Tristan fire off energy blasts at the Creature, but with no apparent effect. Ruskin calls out to Caleb and Gustavo, behind the creature.
RUSKIN Look for a weak spot!
As Ruskin and Tristan continue firing from the front, Caleb and Gustavo fire off their own energy blasts at strategic points of the Creature's back and sides. No effect.
GUSTAVO I don't think it has a weak spot!
The Creature notices and swipes at Caleb and Gustavo, knocking them aside.
Ruskin zig-zags at high speed towards the Creature, as Tristan keeps firing at it as a distraction. Ruskin leaps up, high enough to reach the Creature's head, and fires his own strategic shots at the head and neck.
No effect. The Creature roars and sends Ruskin flying and hitting the ground. It grabs a stalactite and throws it at Tristan, who stops firing and rolls out of the way.
The Creature pauses for a bit. Continues its tantrum.
Caleb and Gustavo regroup with Will and Siobhan behind the formation. Tristan and Ruskin soon join them. Will feverishly goes through various journals.
SIOBHAN There has to be some way to stop it!
WILL I'm looking! There's nothing here!
CALEB (to Ruskin) Tell us again how this is in your "wheelhouse"!
Ruskin thinks, desperate.
60
RUSKIN Uh...simplest tactic is often the best one?
TRISTAN ...meaning?
Ruskin leaps out of cover and runs at the Creature. He fires a stream of energy.
RUSKIN Full barrage! Head-on!
The remaining three Chosen Ones warily leave cover and rush to join Ruskin. They all fire energy blasts.
No effect, but the Creature cries out in agony.
TRISTAN I think it's working!
From behind cover, Will sees the Creature's helplessness.
ON MIRROR SCREEN: an overhead shot of the Chosen Ones firing at the Creature.
At the Castle, Arcturus and Ypheus watch the battle.
ARCTURUS Not going to lie, I do feel bad for that creature. Still, sacrifices must be made.
YPHEUS You really think I made it that easy?
The Chosen Ones still fire at the Creature, looking weaker. Caleb looks behind it. At the altar, the forcefield surrounding the handle slowly fades.
Caleb breaks away and makes a mad dash for the handle. He reaches for it, but is stopped by an invisible force and pulled back to the others.
He slides along the ground and sees...Ruskin, telekinetically pulling him back.
CALEB What did you do?!
RUSKIN Like hell I'm letting you get all the glory!
Ruskin now breaks away and dashes for the handle.
61
Suddenly, the Creature recovers. It slams its fists and sends a shock wave that knocks everyone to the ground. The firing stops. The Creature turns around and swipes at Ruskin, sending him hitting the wall.
More tremors. A stalactite perched on top of Will and Siobhan crumbles and falls.
CALEB Siobhan!
Caleb uses his telekinetic powers to pull Siobhan towards him to safety. Will is left behind, and rolls out of the way avoiding the stalactite. He gasps.
Loud, rumbling footsteps. Will turns to see the Creature. Lumbering towards him. Scared, Will backs away.
The Creature raises its arms, ready to crush him.
SIOBHAN No! Will!
Caleb holds Siobhan back, shields her.
Arcturus and Ypheus watch with trepidation and anticipation, respectively.
YPHEUS Oh, finally!
ARCTURUS Not sure how I feel about seeing a child die...
The Creature swings down. Will shuts his eyes.
WILL No! Don't! Please!
A beat passes. Will opens his eyes and looks up.
The Creature's fists looming over, but stopped short. It puts his arms down and gingerly backs away, leaving Will alone.
Ypheus and Arcturus watch stunned.
Siobhan and the Chosen Ones look in awe as Will appears to tame the Creature. Now docile, the Creature just stares at Will. He decides to try something.
WILL (CONT'D) (to Creature) Can you...step back more?
62
The Creature tilts its head. No reaction.
WILL (CONT'D) Can you step back more…please?
That did it. The Creature backs away a few steps.
Ypheus now looks annoyed.
YPHEUS Oh, dammit.
Will carefully approaches the Creature, acting as one might expect a nervous kid trying to be polite in front of an adult: a lot of fidgeting, stammering, rubbing his arms.
WILL Um, hello there...I don't know if you're a boy or a girl. Anyway, I'm really sorry about what just happened. And I'm sorry if my friends hurt you in any way. We just want that handle over there, and I would appreciate it if you could just give it to us. And then we'll be on our way. So...please? (beat) ...please with sugar lumps on top?
Will holds his ground.
It looks as though the Creature has a slight grin on its face. A beat passes. The Creature lumbers over to the altar and effortlessly grabs the handle, in its hand almost the size of a toothpick.
It stomps back to Will and holds the handle up for him to accept. Will bows his head.
WILL (CONT'D) Oh. Thank you very much.
Will reaches for the handle. He's nervous. It's a big moment for him, but --
Will slows down, as if in slow-motion. So is everyone in the cave...except Ruskin, who slowly makes circles with his hand, using his powers to slow him down.
He smugly walks over and snatches the handle. As he does, time moves back to normal.
Everyone regains their bearings and sees Ruskin with the handle.
WILL (CONT'D) Wha...but...how?
RUSKIN You were nervous, and taking too long. I got antsy. 63
Another beat passes.
SIOBHAN Oh, bullshit! I saw that hand thing! You cheated!
CALEB/TRISTAN/GUSTAVO What?!/ What's the big idea?/ Arsehole! Etc.
RUSKIN Come on. If you were real Chosen Ones, that wouldn't've worked on you lot. And let's be real, you would've done the same thing. I just did it first.
Will steps up to Ruskin. All the while, the Creature realizes what happened and quietly seethes.
WILL You're not a nice person, you know that?
RUSKIN Once a thief, always a thief. You got lucky, kid. You had just as much a right to this as that tart... (re: Siobhan) ...over there. That is to say, not much. And there's a part of you that agrees with me.
SIOBHAN Call me a "tart" again. I dare you.
Ruskin bends down to Will, who looks uncertain.
RUSKIN So what are you going to do about it?
The Creature devours the top half of Ruskin.
Everyone screams in shock. Ruskin legs wiggle helplessly as he drops the handle. Will catches it.
RUSKIN (CONT'D) (muffled) No! No! This isn't happening! This isn't how it's supposed to work! Help me! I'm too cool for this! I'm too cool for this! I'm too--
The Creature swallows Ruskin up completely. It burps. Turns to Will.
CAVE CREATURE (in foreign language) I don't like mean people.
64
The Creature waddles away, deeper into the cave. Everyone is dumbstruck. Another beat.
GUSTAVO Let's get the hell out of here.
TRISTAN Good plan.
The group hurriedly exits the cave.
Ypheus turns off the mirror. He looks disappointed. Arcturus pats his son on the back.
ARCTURUS I’ll say it. I'm impressed.
YPHEUS ...how?
ARCTURUS I mean, making them think that the key was through intelligence in battle. But being polite? That’s outside-the-box thinking! Good on ya, son!
Arcturus pats Ypheus on the back again before leaving the room satisfied.
YPHEUS (sulking) They weren't supposed to figure it out...
END INTERCUT
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - SECOND CAMPSITE - NIGHT
Will, Caleb, Siobhan and Tristan lie in separate bedrolls. Not far away, Gustavo sits and keeps watch. The campfire bathes them in a warm glow.
Will and Tristan are asleep. Caleb lies awake, examining the ivory handle they just fought hard to acquire. He looks over to see Siobhan, reading a book.
He scoots closer to Siobhan. She stops him with a glare. An awkward silence between them.
CALEB Did I do something wrong?
She sits upright. Her expression is cold, resentful.
65
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) Back in that cave, when me and Will were about to get impaled, you saved me. But you left Will. (beat) You have all these abilities and gifts. All that power, and for some reason you could only pull one of us to safety?
CALEB Hey, I was under fire. It was chaos, remember?
SIOBHAN He's your friend.
Siobhan isn't satisfied with his answer.
CALEB I think you're making a mountain out of a molehill here. He knew the risks. He can take care of himself. And he did.
SIOBHAN And you think I can't.
She gets up and leans against a nearby rock. Continues reading her book. More awkward silence.
CALEB What's your story with Will, anyway?
Siobhan looks at Will, fast asleep.
SIOBHAN I knew his parents. Frequent customers. This one time Will came to the shop to buy this metal figurine for his eighth birthday. I think it was one of the previous Chosen Ones, he was so happy. Now, he finds out that I gave him too much change. It was an extra ten Gold Crowns. But I didn't know that. He could've kept it. I wouldn't've been punished for it. He walked all the way from his house, all alone for many kilometers, back to the shop just to return that extra ten. (sighs) When his parents died, I would've gladly taken him in, but I could barely support myself. Still, I try to look out for him whenever I can.
She turns to Caleb. 66
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) I don't need your protection. If anything, I hope you can find it in you to protect him.
CALEB Why?
SIOBHAN Because…I think he's worth it.
EXT. VALLEY - DAY
Less sprawling and open than the countryside, with more trees dotting the region, and brooks and rivers running through it. The mountains loom larger, not as distant.
The group continues on, following the trail.
EXT. WILDEGROVE - GATES - DAY
Built into the hills overlooking the valley. Strong fortified wooden walls. Heavily defended, with GUARDS on watchtowers.
As Will and the others draw near on horseback, a lone Guard runs out to a nearby sign. It reads: "Wildegrove: 100 Years Since Chosen One Visit"
Will's group stops and watches as the Guard paints out the 100 into a zero.
TRISTAN Looks like they know why we're here.
EXT. WILDEGROVE - DAY
Rustic, akin to a Viking village. Dirt roads. Wooden houses and structures all over. VILLAGERS adorned in animal hide and fur go about their daily lives. It's peaceful.
However the prevailing mood darkens as Will, Siobhan and the Chosen Ones stroll through. There are glares, and looks of disappointment and outright scorn.
GUSTAVO I get the feeling we're not welcome here.
SIOBHAN You're not the only one.
A Guard on horseback heads them off.
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HORSEBACK GUARD Chosen Ones?
Caleb, Tristan and Gustavo hold up their hands.
HORSEBACK GUARD (CONT'D) Huh. Heard there was supposed to be four of ya.
TRISTAN He...gave his life to save ours.
HORSEBACK GUARD (sarcastic) Oh no, how tragic, we’ll honor him blah blah blah. (normal) Chief's expecting you lot. Follow me.
The Horseback Guard takes point and escorts the group to --
EXT. WILDEGROVE - VILLAGE HALL/CENTRAL SQUARE - DAY
Chief CROSHAW, grizzled, irascible, stands outside flanked by an awaiting crowd of people. Will's group draws near and stops before Croshaw, bowing their heads out of hospitality.
TRISTAN Chief Croshaw, thank you for welcoming us into your village to--
Everyone laughs at Will's group, bitter yet uproariously.
CALEB (aside, to Will) Was this in the journals?
WILL Not that I could recall.
Croshaw and his people stop laughing.
CROSHAW Oh gods, you're serious. (resigned) Well, I'm guessing you're here for the second trial. (beat) I’ll save you some time. Your artifact? Over there.
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He points out a small stone shrine facing the village's central square not far away. An outlier among all the wooden buildings.
Inside the shrine, behind a small set of cabinet-like doors: one half of an ornate Gold Sphere.
SIOBHAN Well that was easy.
CROSHAW Sure, sure. Just…get on with it and leave us.
The group heads toward the central square, and the shrine. Croshaw and his people walk alongside them.
TRISTAN Chief, if you don't mind my asking. Why does our presence bother you?
CROSHAW Let’s be clear. I know you need that artifact, and we root for you. However…you Chosen Ones are pests.
WILL Why?
CROSHAW Do you remember...Elric the Lesser?
FLASHBACK:
- ELRIC THE LESSER, wiry yet handsome, his hand marked. He engages in an intense sword fight against an armored DARK ELF SWORDSMAN in the central square.
CROSHAW (V.O.) 600 years ago. The Chosen One of his era.
- The Swordsman fires off various elemental attacks at Elric, who evades them with balletic movements...allowing several buildings behind him to take the hit instead, decimating them.
- Elric does a graceful backflip, evading the Swordsman's attack. Upside down, Elric fires an energy blast that sends the Swordsman flying to a house behind him. The Swordsman crashes into the house with an explosion, taking out the neighboring buildings.
- The shrine opens. Elric retrieves the one-half of the Sphere.
END FLASHBACK
SIOBHAN That…was excessive. But that was one time, right? 69
CROSHAW (interrupts) Beves. Five centuries ago. Somehow destroys every tavern in the village.
INTERCUT: quick FLASHBACKS of past Chosen One somehow causing massive property damage throughout Wildegrove to defeat the Dark Elf Swordsman.
CROSHAW (V.O.) (rapid-fire) Derric, eight centuries ago. Destroyed our entire butter supply. Topher, three centuries ago. Releases swarm of rats. Gavin, nine centuries ago. Tainted our drinking water with...bull semen, somehow.
END INTERCUT
CALEB I think it's wrong to generalize about these th--
CROSHAW And don't get me started on the damages Peasant Owen incurred. I mean, just look at that!
Croshaw points to a multi-story building, with a "School" sign posted out front. The building is a dark-red hue.
WILL Looks normal.
CROSHAW That school used to be blue! All that red? That's dried blood! And it doesn't wash off! Do you have any idea how many generations he scarred for life?
As they pass by, several villagers SCREAM offscreen.
CROSHAW (CONT'D) And don't get me started on our property values.
Croshaw whistles and makes the "tailspin" gesture, as everyone arrives at --
CENTRAL SQUARE - CONTINUOUS
The Villagers form a circle surrounding the square. Will, Siobhan, the Chosen Ones and Croshaw stand in the middle.
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They cautiously approach the stone shrine. The Villagers watch with dread.
VILLAGER 1 Why is it always us? Why can't they send you pricks to another village?
VILLAGER 2 Yeah! We're sick of cleaning up your messes!
VILLAGERS Yeah!/ You all suck!/ Leave us alone, Chosen Ones!/ Etc.
VILLAGER 1 But until then...them's the breaks.
The Villagers shrug their shoulders and all of them draw out their weapons, bracing for the havoc that might be unleashed. Even the children.
As Will and the others continue their advance --
WILL Fine, I get it. But...have you considered that maybe there's a reason why it's always your village that gets picked on. There has to be one, right?
SIOBHAN He has a point there.
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - EMPTY GALLERY - DAY
At his war table Ypheus observes the proceedings, as Arcturus sits back on a nearby lounge chair and drinks mead.
INSERT, on large mirror: footage of the group at Wildegrove.
YPHEUS The boy raises a good point. (looks back at Arcturus) Why do you keep coming back to this village?
ARCTURUS Honestly? I just closed my eyes and picked a random village from a map.
YPHEUS Wow.
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ARCTURUS And after that…how do I phrase this? You know how when you find a pair of trousers that are so comfortable, good color, that you get so used to it, you can't imagine wearing any other kind?
YPHEUS Let me guess. This village is that trouser.
Arcturus taps his nose.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) Also explains why our people only have one type of clothing.
ARCTURUS Why mess with a good thing?
INTERCUT SQUARE/CASTLE
CENTRAL SQUARE - CONTINUOUS
The Chosen Ones stand before the shrine. Tristan and Caleb take turns trying to open the cabinet containing the half-Sphere. Doesn't budge.
Gustavo swings at the cabinet with his axe. Makes contact, but the shrine remains completely intact.
GUSTAVO Worth a try.
Caleb, Tristan and Gustavo fire a stream of energy at the shrine. Still no luck.
Caleb looks up and notices a large green orb perched at the top of the shrine. Like an eye, the orb follows and tracks their movements. Caleb holds up his marked hand for the orb to see. Gustavo and Tristan do the same.
The orb shoots a small green energy stream at the ground near them.
As the stream rises, something, or someone materializes. First, we see a pair of armored boots, then legs attached to the boots, a complete lower half, and on it continues.
Hands, arms and torso. Neck and finally head.
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It's a DARK ELF SWORDSMAN, same as the one in the flashbacks, clad in full dark red body armor. Tall and imposing, with two swords strapped to his back. He unsheathes his swords. They glow a burning orange.
The Chosen Ones ready for battle. Villagers also brace themselves.
SIOBHAN So what's this second trial about?
WILL (reads journal) It has to do with...grace and--
ARCTURUS' CASTLE - EMPTY GALLERY
At the castle, Ypheus finishes Will's sentence.
YPHEUS Poise.
ARCTURUS Yes! Bring on the carnage!
YPHEUS I wouldn't be so sure about that. (beat) I’ve made some...changes here as well.
ARCTURUS There's still going to be carnage, right?
YPHEUS In a sense.
CENTRAL SQUARE
The Swordsman violently drives both swords to the ground. They glow even brighter. There's a LOUD CRESCENDO SOUND. Everyone covers their ears. It goes on for a while. The sound abruptly stops.
Uptempo dance music loudly blares. The Swordsman starts dancing. Showing excellent body control and graceful movements. Well-synced to the music.
Everyone watches, confounded.
SIOBHAN Where's that music coming from? 73
As if to answer her question, the glow of the two swords pulsate to the music's beat.
The Swordsman finishes with a spin and a pose. Points at the Chosen Ones and makes the "come on" gesture.
Beat.
WILL I think this is a...dance-off.
CROSHAW So...no destruction, no carnage, or bloodshed?
SIOBHAN ...I don’t think so?
Another beat. Croshaw and the people of Wildegrove burst into applause and sighs of relief.
ARCTURUS' CASTLE - EMPTY GALLERY
ARCTURUS A dance-off? I paid for blood!
YPHEUS In hindsight, that last trial was too easy. Now this, this is the real challenge.
ARCTURUS But no one's in danger of death!
YPHEUS Literally? No. Socially? Yes. (beat) Let's see them figure this out.
CENTRAL SQUARE - DAY
GUSTAVO I'm out.
SIOBHAN You can't, or you won't?
GUSTAVO I have no coordination or rhythm skills. At all.
Siobhan turns to Tristan and Caleb. Both look uneasy. 74
SIOBHAN I guess it's up to you both.
TRISTAN I suppose we can...
Just then, the crowd of people grow in size. More villagers turn out to see them. They wait in excitement. Guards work crowd control and keep them at bay, occasionally glancing back at Will and his group.
Will notices in the front of the crowd is a long row of ARTISTS with sketchpads.
WILL Are you drawing us?
ARTIST 1 We'll be documenting everything!
ARTIST 2 Generations will know about this for years to come!
ARTIST 3 We'll memorialize you as heroes! Or we'll laugh at your humiliation! Either or!
Tristan and Caleb hear that last part as Will saunters back to them.
The crowd calms down a bit as Croshaw addresses and silences them.
CROSHAW Enough! Now, today is a very good day! Because for once, our village will be spared! For once we can say that we are blessed, as the Chosen Ones grace us with their presence! In kind, we will give them our full undivided attention as they risk their lives to save us all!
Croshaw gives the Chosen Ones a thumbs up. The crowd cheers.
VILLAGERS (chanting, repeating) Dance! Dance! Dance! Dance!
The chant gets louder and louder. Tristan and Caleb look at all the eyes following them. It's all so intimidating.
Tristan and Caleb turn to Swordsman, impatient. They nervously step up to him.
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The Swordsman waits for them to bust a move. A beat passes.
Tristan and Caleb awkwardly back off. Regroups with the others.
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) Good gods! How insecure are you both?
TRISTAN (defensive) It's not insecurity! I just...sprained my ankle. Yes!
He surreptitiously clenches and unclenches his fist. His left ankle sprains by itself, magically. Tristan winces in pain.
CALEB Me too!
Caleb does the same thing with his fist. He winces as his right ankle sprains.
WILL So what do we do now?
Another beat. Tristan and Caleb look to...Siobhan.
SIOBHAN Me?
TRISTAN The boy acquired the last artifact, and he's not a Chosen One.
CALEB Please…
Siobhan takes a moment to process this. Looks to the crowd, and the Swordsman. She sighs at the burden now on her shoulders.
She steps up. The crowd cheers. Will claps excitedly.
Siobhan stares down the Swordsman for a moment.
SIOBHAN Music.
The swords on the ground blares a song. It's...Old Town Road.
She dances to the song, grooving down low, mock-holding a belt buckle and line dancing, mimicking riding a horse. As the song progresses, she loosens and limbers up, her moves bigger and flashier. She gives an effort on par with the Swordsman's from earlier. 76
The abbreviated song ends. Everyone applauds.
The Swordsman politely claps. He stops.
DARK ELF SWORDSMAN Med...ley...start.
BEGIN MONTAGE - DANCE-OFF
- Various songs of different genres blare from the swords on the ground, matching the dances.
- Quick shots of Siobhan and the Swordsman, taking turns doing different dances: the Robot, Vogueing, the Charleston, the Carlton, the Macarena, Flossing, Dabbing and so on.
END MONTAGE
CENTRAL SQUARE - MOMENTS LATER
Siobhan pants, sweating. Will and the others stand at her corner. Caleb hands her a cup of water. Tristan acts like a cutman, tending to imaginary wounds.
GUSTAVO Good job! I think you've got him by the ropes.
SIOBHAN (out of breath) This is taking too long...
They look to the Swordsman. His body language indicates that he's a bit winded, but still in better shape than her.
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) He's gonna wear me down. I’ve got to end this…
WILL How?
SIOBHAN Gonna pull out all the stops...
Tristan towels her off. Pushes her back out. The crowd applauds.
She strides up, with purpose. Addresses the Swordsman and his swords.
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) My name is Siobhan McSorley! Daughter of Rasmus and Ffion! Oh, all-seeing, all-knowing
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sword! Look into my past, my heart, my soul...and play! My! Music!
Take My Breath Away blares.
Siobhan breaks into a wild interpretive dance. She jumps about. Arms and legs flailing. Swinging and swaying her head and body all about. It's over the top. And yet...
...it seems to work. With each gyration, the Swordsman flinches as if he's taking punches.
The song reaches the bridge section. She keeps dancing and looks back at her group.
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) We've got a problem. This final part? I need a partner!
CALEB Who?
SIOBHAN Anybody! Just follow my lead!
Gustavo sidesteps away. Tristan, Caleb and Will stand sheepishly. All reluctant.
Siobhan focuses on Will. Her gaze pierces through him. Caleb notices this.
Will sighs, resigned. He steps forward and joins Siobhan in her dance. He follows her lead. He struggles at first, emulating her but his movements are stiff, passionless.
But soon, he loses himself in the music. His body loosens. Gets more relaxed. Comfortable.
And gradually, he no longer delays. The two now dance in perfect sync.
In a coup de grace, he runs and leaps into her arms. She catches and lifts him above her head. The song ends.
The crowd goes wild. The Swordsman is knocked back, as if by an invisible shockwave.
Siobhan lowers Will. The two, dripping with sweat, laugh and hug joyously.
They're interrupted by a loud INHUMAN GROAN. It's the Swordsman. He staggers to one knee. Pulls his swords from the ground. Everyone stops and braces for what he's about to do. The Chosen Ones step up, ready to strike.
The Swordsman sheathes his swords. Gives a thumbs up to both Siobhan and Will.
DARK ELF SWORDSMAN That was...pretty dope...
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He dissipates into tiny particles that fly about and swoop towards the shrine. The orb on top dims. The cabinet opens.
Siobhan races to it and grabs the half Sphere. Holds it up for everyone to see. More cheers.
As Siobhan walks back, the crowd...ignores her and Will, and flock to the Chosen Ones. The people raise them up over their heads. The Chosen Ones start crowd surfing.
CROSHAW Here's to the Chosen Ones! Hip hip!
VILLAGERS Hooray!
Siobhan is pissed. Approaches several Villagers.
SIOBHAN What am I, chopped liver? We did the work!
VILLAGER 3 Yes, because the Chosen Ones were working through you both!
VILLAGER 4 And we're totally not just saying that because we don't want to give you any credit!
The celebration continues. Siobhan and Will watch from the sidelines. She's dumbfounded. Will is resigned to this. She throws an arm around him in a half hug for comfort.
Still crowd surfing, Caleb looks back and sees Siobhan and Will's closeness. His mood sours.
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - EMPTY GALLERY - DAY
Ypheus waves his hand across the large mirror. Ends the feed from Wildegrove.
YPHEUS Of all the Chosen Ones, I had to pick someone who had good dancers in their entourage!
ARCTURUS There, there. Feeling cranky? Have a hanky.
Arcturus holds up a handkerchief.
YPHEUS I don't need a damn hanky!
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Ypheus grabs it anyway. He wipes his mouth.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) First the brat in the cave. Now this tart. (beat) I'm starting to question having a Chosen One in the first place. What's the point if any chancer can pass these tests?
ARCTURUS It's tradition. Besides, the artifacts are useless without a Chosen One.
YPHEUS (frustrated) They were useless to begin with! It's all an act! (beat, flustered) Why insist on this bizarre charade?
ARCTURUS Son...you're overthinking it. Just relax and enjoy! It's a hell of a sleigh ride at the end.
Ypheus sputters. Paces about annoyed.
YPHEUS This is why people don't fear us anymore! You saw it back in Skefford. A proud lord, reduced to a caricature pantomiming for human children--
ARCTURUS (demonic voice, booming) That's enough!
Ypheus stops, unsettled by this furious side of his father.
ARCTURUS (CONT'D) (clears throat, calm) Now. You're going to stick to the script. And when the time comes for the final battle, you're going to have fun, and you're going to like it. Are we clear?
YPHEUS ...like crystal.
Arcturus condescendingly pats Ypheus on the shoulder before leaving.
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INT. TAVERN - DUSK
It's quite cozy for a bar, neither spacious nor cramped, with warm glows of firelight about. CUSTOMERS drink, mingle and generally have fun as a medieval band performs on a stage.
Will, Siobhan, Caleb, Tristan and Gustavo sit at a table, wooden tankards full of mead (except for Will, drinking apple cider) in hand.
TRISTAN Here's to a successful quest.
ALL Here, here!
They toast and drink.
GUSTAVO So you took dancing lessons?
WILL A little bit. (re: Siobhan) She taught me everything I know.
TRISTAN That explains the synchronicity.
Tristan raises his tankard to both Will and Siobhan.
TRISTAN (CONT'D) You two are braver than the rest of us. And I think I'm a big enough man to admit it. And like a good relay race, we the Chosen Ones will dash to the finish line with aplomb.
SIOBHAN Sounds like a plan.
Siobhan affectionately pats Will on the shoulder. Seeing this, Caleb gets up off the table and leaves the group. Will watches him go.
EXT. TAVERN - BALCONY - DUSK
Caleb leans out from the balcony. Will joins him. Outside, the sky is a dark blue hue. Firelight comes from the houses and buildings below.
WILL Are you okay? 81
CALEB ...yeah. I'm fine.
They take in the view. Will tries to break the ice.
WILL So, remember Gretka’s present?
CALEB Yeah?
Will reaches into his pocket and holds it up. The same tiny sculpture from ages ago.
CALEB (CONT'D) You're a softie, you know that?
WILL I couldn't throw it away. You know you're lucky she didn't find out. She would've been devastated.
CALEB Last I checked, we were orphans. The world's already cruel to us. What's one more cruelty?
Silence between the two friends.
WILL Is something wrong?
CALEB It's just that...I had this image in my mind that this journey would be full of derring-do. Overcoming tests, being a hero and all. And just now, we get treated like heroes even though we didn't do a thing. So far it’s been you...and Siobhan. (beat) I keep searching her eyes, and it feels like...even with all my powers, it's like I still don't exist to her.
WILL Maybe she’s not into you.
CALEB Why?! What do I have to do? I tried being as nice and chivalrous as I could! You know her well, and she likes you. Tell me!
Will is taken aback by Caleb's forwardness.
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WILL I-I don't know. Maybe it's this…maybe she knows you're not being sincere.
CALEB Oh, and you are?
WILL I...yes, I am! You know, there was a time when I really did have feelings for Miss Siobhan. I outgrew them, but I still liked having her in my life. (beat) I see her and I see…someone with something to share. Someone with a story, feelings, hopes and dreams. But all you see is a prize.
Things are tense between the two. Caleb shakes his head and looks away.
CALEB I'm not having this right now. Just...give me a moment alone, would you?
Will stares at Caleb for a moment, and heads back inside.
INT. TAVERN - DUSK
Will descends the stairs and sees Siobhan, Gustavo and Tristan in the middle of a conversation.
SIOBHAN You can't be serious!
GUSTAVO But it's a proven classic!
Will reaches their table, and sees what they're talking about: on the table is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
WILL What's going on?
SIOBHAN Tristan here’s never had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!
WILL Shut the front door...
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TRISTAN It's not by choice! I have a deadly peanut allergy.
SIOBHAN You'd think that being a Chosen One would sort that out.
Tristan turns to Will. Is she right?
WILL Well...all the Chosen Ones saw their lifespans increase.
GUSTAVO Good enough! Increased lifespan means improved health. Ergo, you don't have to worry anymore.
Tristan eyes the sandwich nervously. He takes it in his hand and studies it. The softness of the bread, the gooeyness of the peanut butter and strawberry jam mixture.
He digs in.
His eyes light up, as if he's seen the face of God.
TRISTAN By the Gods...this is amazing!!
The others cheer. Tristan scarfs down the sandwich. A BARMAID passes by and hands another plate with a sandwich.
TRISTAN (CONT'D) I'm going to remember this for the rest of my life!
CUT TO:
EXT. TAVERN - DAY
Tristan's dead body lies on a stretcher, his face red, puffy and bloated.
Will, Caleb, Siobhan and Gustavo solemnly watch as they cover up the body with a tarp. Siobhan makes the Sign of the Cross.
Croshaw signals several Men to carry the body away. They watch them go.
GUSTAVO Well...I was wrong.
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EXT. ADERFELL - SKIES/PALACE BALCONY - DAY
A pigeon soars over the city and swoops down towards the Palace.
It lands at a balcony railing. A PALACE SERVANT grabs the pigeon and removes the small roll of paper attached to the bird's feet. He hands the roll to a COURTIER.
INT. ADERFELL PALACE - HALLWAY - DAY
The Courtier strides down the hallway. Guards let him pass as he enters --
THRONE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The Courtier approaches the throne, where Feargus, Cora and Ellie are seated. NOBLEMEN addressing the King stand nearby.
COURTIER (holds up paper roll) Message from the Chosen Ones' group!
He lays the paper roll on the palm of his hand and, gliding his other hand over it, enchants it. The paper roll grows in size, to that of a regular scroll.
KING FEARGUS About bloody time! If I didn't know any better, I'd say they forgot we're still here!
QUEEN CORA Don't be so harsh. They're just trying to save us all.
The Courtier unrolls and reads from the scroll. The first few lines is transcribed dialogue.
COURTIER (reads) "To Whom it May Concern, cross that out, too formal. What's crackalackin', Your Majesties? Cross that one out too, you bloody idiot. Too casual--"
QUEEN CORA Uh, skip ahead.
COURTIER (reads) Blah blah blah, "We are just one artifact away from confronting Ypheus--"
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KING FEARGUS (stands up, clapping) Yes!
COURTIER (reads, continuing) "--but we also regret to inform you that two of the Chosen Ones have fallen during our journey. Attached are our visual records"
Three pieces of paper, slipped inside the scroll.
INSERT: two sketches with Will's signature on them, each depicting Ruskin and Tristan's deaths. They're both drawn about as well as a fourteen-year-old can do.
INSERT: the third sketch is vivid and detailed, depicting the dance battle at Wildegrove. But Will and Siobhan have been replaced with Caleb and Tristan as the dancers, with Will and Siobhan portrayed as enraptured viewers.
The Courtier hands the drawings to the King and Queen, who look over them.
QUEEN CORA ...I had no idea they were such good dancers.
KING FEARGUS And that's why they’re good husband material! (to Ellie, holds up sketch) Any man willing to debase himself, looking like a pansy no less, to save you? Now that's courage!
Ellie glares at her dad.
KING FEARGUS (half-hearted) ...and we shouldn't treat them any less for it...
Feargus and Cora leave to chat with the Noblemen.
COURTIER Oh, and this is for the Princess.
The Courtier hands Ellie a blank envelope. Words magically appears on the faded envelope. "F.P.E.E.O - For Princess Ellie's Eyes Only".
INT. ADERFELL PALACE - ELLIE'S ROOM - DAY
Sitting on her bed, Ellie opens the envelope. Two sheets of paper. She takes and studies one.
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INSERT: A sketch depicting the Wildegrove dance battle more accurately, with Will and Siobhan dancing.
Ellie smiles. She grabs the other sheet. A letter.
ELLIE (reads) Dear Ellie...
MONTAGE - ROAD TO FINAL TRIAL/WILL'S LETTER
A) Wildegrove - a Sketch Artist hands Will and Siobhan the aforementioned more accurate sketch.
WILL (V.O.) So, yeah. This happened. If these past few days have shown me anything, it's that the people of this kingdom really want to see the Chosen Ones be the ultimate heroes. They can't fathom seeing anyone else fill the role, no matter how good they are.
B) Will and Siobhan observe Croshaw glad-handing his people, with Caleb and Gustavo by his side. Croshaw is faintly heard praising them.
WILL (V.O.) I've been thinking about what you said in the library. Maybe this is why I didn't want to be a hero: I know this sounds selfish, but it'd be nice to get some recognition. Some acknowledgement from the world or the universe that I did good.
C) Wildegrove Gates - Will's group rides out, Guards and Villagers cheering them on.
D) Wilderness - the group ride their horses through the rocky terrain. They cross through a stream.
WILL (V.O.) I used to think that the responsibility would make the Chosen Ones better people.
E) On horseback, Will turns to Caleb and hands him a drink canteen. Caleb brushes him off and rides on ahead.
WILL (V.O.) But now I think it just takes the worst parts of them and heightens it. I mean, remember how much of a creep Ruskin was? He was even worse after we left!
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F) The group rests at a campfire. Will looks at a sketch of the group, made before they left Aderfell. Gustavo shares a piece of bread with Will.
WILL (V.O.) And Tristan was...uh...come to think of it, I never really figured out his personality. But Gustavo's nice enough, though. I'm kind of rooting for him now, even though Caleb's my friend.
G) Wasteland - the group continues on. It's barren, with ruins of old castles and settlements. The sky is gray.
WILL (V.O.) We're close to the end. I don't know what to expect. I don't even know if I'm going to make it to the end. But I want you to know that I did try. And if I don't come back, I hope you'll remember me.
There's a throat-clearing noise.
WILL (V.O.) Oh, and Miss Siobhan too, I guess. Best wishes, William.
END MONTAGE
EXT. WASTELAND - DAY
The group stands at an outcropping. Caleb peers through a pair of binoculars.
INSERT - Caleb's POV: the Dark Valley, looming ever closer. Not far from the Valley stands a long stone bridge, encompassing a wide canyon.
WASTELAND - MOMENTS LATER
The group continues on towards the Dark Valley. Caleb leads this time, being serious.
CALEB Okay. If the final trial doesn't take too long, we should reach the Dark Valley by dusk.
GUSTAVO (to Will) Any idea what to expect?
Will consults his journal again.
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WILL "...personal judgment"?
SIOBHAN What do you think that means?
CALEB Honestly, at this point I'm not ruling anything out.
They reach a canyon entrance, leading them to --
EXT. CANYON - DAY
The group paces along the wide rocky canyon trail, towards --
CANYON - EDGEKEEP BRIDGE APPROACH- CONTINUOUS
The bridge looms overhead. It's an imposing granite arch bridge, its foundations embedded deep into the canyon walls at either side.
The group looks up and sees two MEN hanging from the bridge by their arms, with their mouths gagged.
As they move closer...
...Will and Siobhan are knocked back. Caleb and Gustavo turn around to see. Will and Siobhan get back up and try to approach Caleb and Gustavo.
They can't.
An invisible forcefield divides the two groups. Will and Siobhan pound on it.
WILL/SIOBHAN Hey! Hey!/ Caleb! Gustavo! Can you hear us?!
On Caleb and Gustavo's side, Will and Siobhan's voices are muffled.
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - EMPTY GALLERY - SAME TIME
Ypheus points a glowing finger at his war table, at a clay diorama of the canyon and bridge.
INSERT on MIRROR SCREEN: Will and Siobhan futilely trying to breach the forcefield.
YPHEUS No outside pests this time.
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EXT. CANYON - EDGEKEEP BRIDGE APPROACH - CONTINUOUS
GUSTAVO I guess we're on our own.
CALEB Hey, we got this.
Caleb nods at Will and Siobhan, looking confident this time. The two continue on, as Will and Siobhan watch.
EDGEKEEP BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Caleb and Gustavo stop near the bridge.
An ELDERLY DARK ELF SERVANT, looking beaten and bruised, emerges from a side cave. Caleb and Gustavo prepare for battle as the Servant approaches.
ELDERLY SERVANT (aside, murmurs) Time to work my thespian skills.
He remembers that Caleb and Gustavo are watching him.
ELDERLY SERVANT (CONT'D) (clears throat, serious) Chosen Ones, you've done well making it this far. But now, it is time for your final test. I have embarked on a great risk, betraying my brethren, to give you this...
The Servant reaches into his cloak and takes out the second half of the gold Sphere. Caleb reaches for it, but the Servant stops him.
ELDERLY SERVANT (CONT'D) But before I can give it to you, I need to see what kind of hearts lurk within you.
Desemir points out the two Men, a NOBLEMAN and a TOWNSMAN, hanging from the bridge.
ELDERLY SERVANT (CONT'D) (looks at man on left) The man on the left is a nobleman. He illicitly tapped an oil well intended for a struggling town. Underhanded, yes, but in doing so he provided his workers with steady jobs and paid and treated them well. He was a good taskmaster.
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(looks at man on right) The townsman on the right lost everything because of the nobleman's greed. Decimation. Poverty. On behalf of his town, he sought revenge, attacking the nobleman's oil well. And in the process, he killed the man's family.
A beat passes.
ELDERLY SERVANT (CONT'D) Both are guilty. But how do you Chosen Ones define justice? You have three tries.
The Servant takes out an hourglass filled with green sand and turns it. The sand slips down.
ELDERLY SERVANT (CONT'D) And until time runs out.
Another beat.
CALEB That's easy!
Gustavo and the Servant are baffled by Caleb's nonchalance.
CANYON - EDGEKEEP BRIDGE APPROACH - CONTINUOUS
Still behind the forcefield, Will and Siobhan observe.
WILL I think they have to choose between the two.
INTERCUT BRIDGE / BRIDGE APPROACH
Caleb appears to be deep in thought.
ELDERLY SERVANT I understand if you're struggling. It's not an easy choice.
CALEB What? (roused) Oh no. I was just picturing how I'm going to kick your former master's ass. Look, it's obvious. Why choose when you can save both?
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Caleb swipes a finger at the air, cutting the ropes holding both men loose. The two men gently float down to the ground.
Caleb turns to the Servant, with expectant hands.
ELDERLY SERVANT (outraged) Insolent brat!
At the word "brat", a shockwave knocks Caleb and Gustavo down.
Will and Siobhan watch as things appear to reset. The two men float back up and return to their original positions, hanging from the bridge.
Caleb and Gustavo pull themselves up.
ELDERLY SERVANT (CONT'D) Now you have two tries! And I suggest you take it seriously!
The sands in the hourglass continue to pour down.
CALEB Okay, we actually have to think this through. So...lesser of two evils?
GUSTAVO Right. On the one hand, depriving a town of their rightful oil is bad. On the other, so is murder.
CALEB But which man did the least damage?
The two think it over.
CALEB (CONT'D) Maybe the townsman? I mean, he was justified. His town was wronged. And after getting revenge on the nobleman, they had to be even.
GUSTAVO Makes sense.
They nod. Gustavo swipes his finger at the air and cuts down the Townsman, who floats down to the ground...before coming to a halt.
ELDERLY SERVANT I see your logic. Unfortunately, you're wrong.
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CALEB/GUSTAVO What?!
ELDERLY SERVANT You'd think that the Townsman would be satisfied. But no. He starts going after all noblemen, blaming them for all of society's failings. Even the innocent ones. He only has his anger to live for.
The Townsman resets back to hanging from the bridge.
ELDERLY SERVANT (CONT'D) Last try. Choose wisely now.
The hourglass is down to a few minutes left.
CALEB Alright. Process of elimination.
Caleb is about to cut the Nobleman down. Gustavo stops him.
GUSTAVO Are you sure about this?
CALEB It's the only logical answer. (beat, incensed) Look, we've been wrong two out of three times already, and I'm not talking about this trial.
GUSTAVO At least think: what would they do?
Gustavo gestures to Will and Siobhan, still watching them.
CALEB (CONT'D) No no no! We don't need them this time! We're Chosen Ones! We'll get it right! (beat) I have to believe that!
Will and Siobhan watch as Caleb and Gustavo continue their argument, their words muffled.
SIOBHAN Okay. Cutting down both didn't work.
WILL It's just like one of my books.
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Beat. Siobhan turns to Will.
SIOBHAN What do you mean?
WILL There's this book I once read. And there's this part where the villain forces the hero to choose which person to save, just like this.
SIOBHAN And how was that resolved?
WILL The hero realizes it was all just a trick to make him feel guilty, make him feel as bad as the villain etc. So he refuses to play along. He...doesn't choose...
They turn to each other. An "a-ha" moment. They pound on the forcefield, hoping to get Caleb and Gustavo's attention.
WILL/SIOBHAN (repeat) Walk away! Just walk away!
The pounding gets through. Caleb and Gustavo turn to Will and Siobhan, but their warnings are muffled.
SIOBHAN They can't hear us!
Will pounds on the forcefield to get their attention again.
He makes quotation marks in the air with his fingers. Then holds up two fingers. He's communicating with Charades.
One finger to indicate the first word. Does the finger walk gesture. Then sways his arms back.
GUSTAVO Walk...back? W-walk...away? Walk away! (to Caleb) We have to walk away!
CALEB You can't be serious!
GUSTAVO Maybe that's the point of this!
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More pounding. They turn to see Siobhan hold up two fingers. Two words. Siobhan does a trust fall and Will catches her. They point to themselves.
CALEB Trust...me? Trust...us? Trust us...
Gustavo looks back at the hourglass. Almost empty.
He makes his choice and walks away, back towards Will and Siobhan. Looks back and sees Caleb staying put.
GUSTAVO Dammit man! Screw your pride! We have to save the kingdom!
Caleb's conflicted. The thought of being wrong again gnaws at him. A beat passes.
CALEB Shit.
Caleb walks away too. Catches up with Gustavo and regroups with the others at the approach. The last grains of sand in the hourglass pour down.
A beat passes as the group looks back at the trial.
The forcefield goes down. Caleb and Gustavo stumble but Will and Siobhan catch them.
The hanging Men dissipate. The Elderly Servant chuckles and holds up the half-Sphere. As he lets go, it floats several inches up in the air.
ELDERLY SERVANT Well played. (to Will and Siobhan) Especially you two.
Elderly Servant backs away into his cave in a puff of green smoke. He disappears.
The half-Sphere drops to the ground.
END INTERCUT
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - EMPTY GALLERY - DAY
Elderly Servant steps out from the green smoke portal. He drops the serious act.
ELDERLY SERVANT Whoo! That was touch-and-go there for a bit, but I think I did pretty good. Right boss? 95
He sees Ypheus with his arms crossed looking royally pissed. Ypheus holds up a hand.
ELDERLY SERVANT (CONT'D) Well you know what they say: you can't win ‘em a--
Elderly Servant spontaneously combusts. He runs and screams for a while before burning to ashes.
YPHEUS Huh. You're absolutely right.
EXT. CANYON - DAY
Caleb attaches the two halves of the gold Sphere together. It fuses together with a hiss and a glow. He prepares to attach the Sphere to the handle. Will, Siobhan and Gustavo watch with bated breath.
He slowly brings the two artifacts together. Closer...closer...
CLICK. Done. The Sphere and handle combined form a Scepter.
A beat passes.
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - WAR ROOM - SAME TIME
Think a modern-day command center, but with a medieval fantasy twist. Dark Elf OPERATORS sit at glowing tables. In the front of the room are a series of large mirrors.
INSERT on central mirror: an overhead shot of the group at the Canyon.
Arcturus stands at the center, excited.
ARCTURUS (with flourish) It's showtime, folks! (to Soldiers) Cloud!
One of the Operators taps his fingers on the table, as if on a keyboard. An image of a cloud appears on one of the side mirrors.
Arcturus points at it. His finger glows.
INTERCUT CANYON/WAR ROOM
Thunder rumbles. Grey clouds roll overhead.
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Caleb is pulled to his feet, Scepter in his hand pointed up as if it's about to be pulled to the sky.
Arcturus points at another mirror with a glowing finger.
More thunder. Winds pick up. The other brace themselves.
Arcturus clenches and unclenches his hands.
Caleb and Gustavo's Marked hands glow.
Another beat. The air is still.
Arcturus holds up his hand, as if asking for silence, for a moment. He does an exuberant fist pump with his glowing hand.
On cue, a bolt of energy shoots down from the sky and hits the Scepter. The energy shoots and courses through Caleb and Gustavo. An energy blast fills the Canyon.
It dissipates. The group dusts themselves off. Caleb regains control, Scepter still in his hand.
WILL Did it work?
Caleb raises the Scepter up to the sky. Powerful blasts of energy, wind, and fire shoot out. Everyone looks on in astonishment.
Caleb tosses the Scepter to Gustavo. Gustavo swings it to the ground in a whip-like motion. A strong bolt of lightning shoots out and across the ground. More amazed looks from everyone.
Caleb lights up, excited.
CALEB It's time.
Arcturus smiles satisfied.
ARCTURUS It's time.
END INTERCUT
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - HALLWAY - DAY
Ypheus strides down with purpose. He passes by Desemir, who follows and keeps up.
DESEMIR My lord. I apologize if you haven't heard from me in a while, but your father wants--
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YPHEUS I know what he wants, Douchemir.
DESEMIR It's Desemir, sir.
YPHEUS Whatever. Make the smart choice in the next five minutes, maybe I'll remember your name.
DESEMIR ...come again?
The two enter --
ARCTURUS' CASTLE - WAR ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Ypheus and Desemir barge in and turn to the mirror screens.
INSERT, on mirrors: various scenes of Arcturus' "deaths" at the hands of the Chosen Ones.
Arcturus turns to see his son and walks over to him.
ARCTURUS Ah, good timing! So I put this together so you have references. Now I can't stress this enough: the death scream is one of the most important parts of the act.
YPHEUS Oh, really?
ARCTURUS Yes! Done right, it can be iconic. Now, let me hear your best.
Ypheus clears his threat. He lets out a mediocre scream.
ARCTURUS (CONT'D) What? That's not it! From the diaphragm, come on!
Ypheus screams again. A minor improvement, but still weak.
ARCTURUS (CONT'D) Mmm, still needs work.
YPHEUS Well if you can do better, then show me how.
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ARCTURUS Gladly.
Arcturus clears his throat and takes a deep breath. He lets out an epic, guttural throat. He's distracted...
In a flash, Ypheus takes out his sword and slices off both of Arcturus' hands. Arcturus screams and falls to his knees.
Everyone in the room watches in shock. What is happening?
Arcturus raises his stumped arms at his son to fire off some magic blasts. Nothing. Only pathetic sparkles shoot out.
Ypheus shoots a wave that sends his father flying across the room. The Operators are about to rush to Arcturus' side.
YPHEUS Anyone else feel like losing their hands?
They back down and return to their tables. Arcturus, lying on the ground weakened, looks up at his son, pleading.
ARCTURUS ...Why?
YPHEUS Like I said. This realm has taken for granted the power we wield. It doesn't respect us. (beat, walks over to Arcturus) The Dark Elves deserve better. It's time to remind the humans why we should be feared.
Ypheus signals the Guards at the door. They come over and grab Arcturus.
ARCTURUS (pleading) ...Desemir?
DESEMIR I'm sorry, sir. But I'd rather keep my hands.
YPHEUS (to Guards) Lock him up.
The Guards carry Arcturus out of the room.
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ARCTURUS (calls out) Mutiny! Mutiny! Ypheus, you ingrate! You won't get away with this! Just wait until your mother hears about this! (beat) Oh Gods! Barbara's not going to let me live this down...
EXT. FOREST/DARK VALLEY - CLEARING - DAY
A sword swings and sticks out from the tree line, clearing a path. Siobhan, Caleb, Will, and Gustavo emerge from the forest.
Where the forest ends, the Dark Valley begins.
A barren clearing that stretches out as far as the eye can see. In the horizon, the same mountains with the Dark Elves' Castle as before.
They cross into the Dark Valley. Their horses neigh and refuse to follow them. Dismounting the horses, the group continues on foot.
EXT. DARK VALLEY - RAVINE ENTRANCE/RAVINE - DAY
The group reaches a ravine entrance.
GUSTAVO Is this the only way?
CALEB We turn around, we lose time.
They line up in a single file and enter.
It's gloomy and narrow inside, with steep curving canyon walls on either side. Caleb is in the front, followed by Siobhan, then Will and Gustavo.
GUSTAVO Do you guys already have plans? Like what you're going to do when this is over.
SIOBHAN Back to my shop. If nothing else, people should know by now that I was a part of this. Business might pick up. You?
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GUSTAVO Well, I don't care if I'm not the one who makes the kill. I got to meet you all. I'm content. Might build a cabin out in the woods. Get some alone time.
SIOBHAN Nice. What about you, Will?
WILL I'm not sure. Back to the orphanage, I guess.
SIOBHAN Hey, don't say that. I'm sure either one of us would gladly take care of you.
GUSTAVO Absolutely.
CALEB Might as well.
WILL It's just that...there is someone, but...I don't think I have a chance.
Beat.
CALEB Yeah…none of us are interested in the Princess.
GUSTAVO Same here. I have principles.
WILL So...there's a chance I might...
CALEB Who knows.
They continue down the ravine.
WILL Oh shit! Who has the Scepter?
Caleb, in front, holds it up.
WILL (CONT'D) Okay. Just...be careful.
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CALEB Will...I got this. Trust me.
As they continue, Caleb surreptitiously takes out the Scepter and subtly waves it around as it glows. Nobody notices.
They pass a certain point. Suddenly, sounds of crumbling rocks.
Everyone turns around to check behind them.
CALEB (CONT'D) Come on. Sooner we get out of here, the better.
They continue. More sounds of crumbling rocks. It gets louder and louder. They stop and check their surroundings.
Another beat.
Behind them not far away, Elemental Rock Demons (similar to the ones from the opening) emerge from the ground and the canyon walls. One after the other. A whole pack of them.
SIOBHAN Run.
The group makes a mad dash down the ravine.
The Rock Demons chase after them, with more emerging from the ground and walls to join in.
WILL Use your powers!
GUSTAVO It's too narrow! I can't risk it!
More Demons emerge in front of Will and Gustavo, cutting them off from Siobhan and Caleb. Siobhan helplessly looks back.
GUSTAVO (CONT'D) Keep going! We'll find another way!
Siobhan and Caleb continue down the ravine and disappear from view. Will swings his sword to keep the Demons back, but they corral him and Gustavo back the way they came. Back to the Demons catching up to them.
The ravine is crawling full of them. They surround Will and Gustavo and advance towards them. There's no way out.
Will grabs onto Gustavo tightly. He's scared. This is the end...
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Gustavo grabs Will and lifts him up with all his strength.
WILL What are you doing?!
GUSTAVO You and the girl...you've always been the best among us.
Gustavo's arms glow. He tosses Will up in the air and out of the ravine. Will lands topside.
He scrambles and looks down at the bottom. The Demons continue towards Gustavo, who looks up at Will and salutes.
WILL Gustavo, no!
A light blue aura surrounds Gustavo. He screams as he builds up power, pushing his body to the limit. His muscles bulge, his veins pop. The aura grows and grows.
It's massive.
GUSTAVO Kiss! My Barbarian! Ass!
As the Demons lunge at him...BOOM!
An explosion of blue fire fills the ravine, incinerating the Demons. The fire shoots upward. Will dodges it.
EXT. DARK VALLEY - RAVINE EXIT - MOMENTS LATER
At the other side, Siobhan and Caleb run and leap out of the ravine just as the blue fire reaches them.
A moment passes as the fire dies down. Siobhan, devastated, makes for the ravine but Caleb holds her back.
SIOBHAN No!!!
CALEB Stop! It's too late! They're gone! They're gone...
Siobhan calms down. She breaks down and cries. Caleb holds her in his arms.
CALEB (CONT'D) It's just us now...It's just us... 103
Siobhan notices the Scepter tucked in to Caleb's waist. It's still glows for a bit, active, and dies down.
SIOBHAN S-scepter's glowing...
Caleb notices and covers it up.
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) Was it glowing this whole time? Wait, doesn't that mean...
She puts two and two together. Breaks free from Caleb and backs away. Caleb entreats to her.
CALEB Siobhan...
SIOBHAN Get away from me! (beat) You did this, you son of a bitch!
CALEB You don't know how much I...
SIOBHAN Oh God. Stop...
CALEB I thought I could show you that...If you could see how amazing I was at all these stupid trials and tests, then--
SIOBHAN Let's get one thing perfectly straight. Age difference aside, get this through your dense skull: I! Don't! Like you! I never liked you! And after the shit you just pulled, I never will! So you can take your entitled ass and go fuck yourself!
An energy beam strikes Siobhan, suspending her, motionless, and lifts her several feet in the air.
It's Caleb using the Scepter, trained on her.
CALEB (rationalizing) Let's just take a deep breath here. You're overwhelmed. You're not thinking clearly. I just
104
need you to give me a chance to show you what I can do. (beat) And that means me stopping Ypheus.
Siobhan glowers at him, unimpressed.
CALEB (CONT'D) I'm a romantic optimist.
SIOBHAN You're an idiot.
Caleb waves the Scepter some more. Siobhan falls asleep. He keeps the Scepter trained on her and pulls her along as they continue to the Castle up ahead.
EXT. DARK VALLEY - CLEARING - DAY
Will pushes on, following the ravine path. He reaches the end. Takes out a pair of binoculars and scopes out ahead.
INSERT, Will's POV: Caleb dragging a suspended and immobile Siobhan. They reach the front of the Castle, oddly deserted.
WILL Oh Caleb, no...
He puts away the binoculars and makes a run for it, towards the Castle.
DARK VALLEY - CASTLE APPROACH - DAY
Will keeps running. The Castle is just up ahead.
EXT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - MAIN GATE - DAY
Caleb looks up at the massive citadel before him. Siobhan still hovers behind him, immobile.
He draws his sword and holds up the Scepter.
The front gate slowly whirrs open. The two pass.
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - HALLWAY - DAY
Caleb cautiously navigates the long hallway. It's dark and gloomy, lit by candles. Walls lined with portraits of past Dark Elf Lords.
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It's quiet. Too quiet. Not a soul in sight.
A large set of double doors at the other end. It swings open. Desemir steps out.
DESEMIR Chosen One! Welcome! My master awaits.
Desemir steps back inside. Caleb and Siobhan reach the door leading them to --
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - THRONE HALL - CONTINUOUS
It's massive, sprawling. Much bigger than the Aderfell throne room. Light seeps through windows. Rows of green banners hang overhead, with the symbol of a Dark Elf making the "You Don't Say?" face.
Rows of armored Dark Elf Warriors flank the sides of the hall, all the way to the throne up ahead. They rhythmically pound their chest-plates as Caleb and Siobhan pass.
DARK ELF WARRIOR 1 Why are we doing this again?
DARK ELF WARRIOR 2 Dunno. But you've got to admit: you feel pretty tough, right?
DARK ELF WARRIOR 1 Hurts like a mother, though.
Far back at the entrance, Will sneaks a peek inside. He enters and takes cover behind a pillar. Carefully moving from one to the next, making his way up the hall.
Caleb and Siobhan are near the throne, where Ypheus sits leisurely with one leg over the arm rest of his chair. She stirs awake, but still suspended. Regains her bearings.
CALEB You're awake. (beat) Don't worry. I'll keep you safe.
SIOBHAN It's not them I'm worried about.
They reach the throne. So does Will, hiding behind the closest pillar. He takes out his dagger.
Ypheus stands and walks toward Caleb and Siobhan. He notices her immobile in mid-air. She sardonically waves hello at him.
Ypheus glares at Caleb. 106
YPHEUS Do I even want to know? Don't answer that. Rhetorical question.
CALEB Then clearly you don't know love.
YPHEUS If this is what love looks like, then I can do without.
Caleb waves the Scepter and lowers Siobhan down. She regains full motion.
Behind the pillar, Will sighs in relief. Just then, his journal falls out of his coat pocket and hits the floor with a loud, echoey thud.
The Warriors turn to follow the sound. They spot Will.
WILL Oh, shit.
They accost and subdue him, dragging him before the others at the throne. Siobhan is overjoyed to see him again. Caleb, less so.
CALEB How are you still alive?
WILL Screw you! Our friendship is over!
YPHEUS Excuse me. I could say I'm invested in your personal melodramas, but that's be a lie.
The Warriors restrain Will and Siobhan. Caleb and Ypheus stare each other down.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) I think this is the part where you launch into your big speech.
CALEB Fine. (beat) My name is Caleb, from the city of Skefford. Many days ago, I was just an orphan living an uneventful life. Until one day... (holds up Marked hand) ...the Gods chose me. I don't--
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YPHEUS (interrupting, mocking) "...know why I was chosen, but I know for certain that I'm the only one who can stop you". Blah blah blah. God, you Chosen Ones must have sticks up your asses.
CALEB Big talk coming from a soon-to-be-dead elf.
Caleb holds the Scepter up. It emanates a near-blinding glow throughout the hall. All the Dark Elves flinch and screech at the sight of it in a panic. Caleb's eyes glow bright blue, just like the Hero from the beginning.
A blue aura surrounds him as he gets into a fighting stance.
CALEB (CONT'D) Time to end this.
A beat passes.
YPHEUS Agreed.
Ypheus extends a hand. The Scepter telekinetically flies out from Caleb's hand and onto Ypheus, who catches it.
Caleb's aura dissipates. He's stunned. So is Will and Siobhan as the Dark Elves drop the act and start laughing and jeering.
Ypheus...scratches his back with the Scepter.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) Oh yeah, that's the good stuff.
He stops and acknowledges the humans.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) (re: Scepter) This thing? My uncle Frank’s backscratcher.
Will, Siobhan and Caleb are at a loss.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) (steps up, swaggering) Call me a rake, because I'm about to break some hearts!
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With a flourish, he summons numerous screen-sized puffs of green smoke, each displaying various footage.
SERIES OF SHOTS -- INSERT, on green smoke puffs:
- Arcturus faking his many "deaths" fighting Chosen Ones.
- Dark Elf Agents secretly bestowing magic abilities on random persons in a crowd over the centuries.
- The Hooded Figure secretly imbuing Caleb, Ruskin, Tristan and Gustavo with their powers.
- Seers, including Marek, accept bribes from Dark Elves.
- Dark Elves secretly plant artifact pieces at Murkmire Caves and Wildegrove
END SERIES OF SHOTS
The footage continues playing. Caleb and Siobhan are stunned.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) All of this was orchestrated. Always was.
Will looks especially devastated. Crestfallen, he falls to his knees. Dazed.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) (re: Will's broken spirit) That was easier than I thought.
Caleb snaps out of it. He screams in rage and fires off a barrage of blasts at Ypheus. Ypheus effortlessly dodges them.
There's a lull in the firing. Ypheus immobilizes and telekinetically lifts Caleb off the ground.
Ypehus menacingly approaches a terrified Caleb.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) You're no hero. You have nothing we didn't give you.
Ypheus extends a hand. Will and Siobhan watch as Caleb screams as energy is drained from his body and back into Ypheus.
Caleb, still floating, tries firing a blast. Nothing. Tries again. Still nothing. He checks his hand. No Mark. No powers.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) Funny how quickly bravado goes out the window when you're floating helplessly in the air. 109
CALEB P-please...don't...please...
YPHEUS You know, I was just going to lock you three up and make you watch as I lay waste to everything you all hold dear. But then I remembered how you left the boy to die just so you could get lucky. (beat) Golden rule: bros before hoes.
CALEB ...what?
Ypheus flicks his wrist. Caleb screams as he disintegrates into nothing but a charred skeleton. His bones tumble to the floor in front of Will and Siobhan.
YPHEUS (to Warriors, re: Will and Siobhan) Lock them up.
Two of the Warriors grab Will and Siobhan and walk them out of the Hall. Ypheus turns to his army and lets out a war cry.
The Dark Elves cheer rapturously.
MONTAGE - DARK ELVES' PREPARATION
- Dark Elf Soldiers suit up in ornate armor.
- A Blacksmith forges various swords and axes.
- Archers prepare their bows and arrows.
- Soldiers form a line as they take turns applying war paint.
- Soldiers do jumping jacks and various aerobics.
- An intimidating Soldier dons his blood red helmet.
END MONTAGE
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - STAGING GROUND - DAWN
Ypheus and Desemir stand on a platform overlooking the area and watch as the Dark Elves finish their prep.
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YPHEUS Look at that. This is what I mean. Time for the humans to fear and respect us again.
DESEMIR Uh, if you don't mind me asking, what about the two we just locked up? Aren't you worried?
YPHEUS Please. A brat and a bint who's a magic novice? What could they do?
DESEMIR (murmurs) You sound just like your father.
YPHEUS What?
DESEMIR Nothing!
Ypheus turns to address his troops below.
YPHEUS My people! My brothers! Today...we show the humans we're a force to be reckoned with!
The troops cheer.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) Today, we will lay waste to their capital city. And once they bear witness to our full power....we will be taken seriously!
More loud cheers.
EXT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - FRONT GATE - DAWN
The Dark Elf Army march out of the castle en masse, led by Ypheus in battle armor and Desemir, both on horseback. A large green smoke portal materializes. They all enter.
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - PRISON - DAY
Siobhan forcefully tugs at the prison bars. No luck. She lays her hands on it and applies some magic. The bars faintly heat up before cooling down. She tugs at them again. They bend slightly.
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SIOBHAN Will, give me a hand with this! (beat) Will?
She turns to see Will sitting in a corner with his knees up. He looks absolutely forlorn.
SIOBHAN (CONT'D) Come on! We can get out of here!
WILL ...what's the point? (beat) The honor, chivalry, bravery. None of it was real.
She walks over and sits next to him. Rests a comforting hand on his shoulder.
SIOBHAN Will...
WILL And please don't tell me you know how I feel. Because you don't.
A beat passes.
WILL (CONT'D) Mom and Dad would tell me the stories. Of the Chosen Ones, and how they were thrust into greatness. They never asked for it, but at the end of the day, they always did the right thing. No matter the cost. (beat) Those stories are all I have left of them.
He turns to her with tears in his eyes.
WILL (CONT'D) Everything I believed in was a lie.
SIOBHAN ...you're wrong. (beat) So the stories are fake. So the heroes are too. But not the ideas in them.
She reaches into his pocket and takes out Gretka's figurine.
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SIOBHAN (CONT'D) You kept this because you cared about Gretka's feelings. And you didn't want to hurt her. (hands figurine back) You jumped in front of Ellie to protect her at the festival. You were ready to give your life for her. Everything good we've done on this journey was because we wanted to. Not because destiny said so. (beat) You don't have to be a Chosen One to be a great person.
She holds out her hand. Will looks at her...and takes it. His spirit recovered.
She pulls him up, and the two hug.
WILL I…think you're great too.
SIOBHAN Thanks. (break away) Now, let's keep working at these bars.
WILL It's taking too long. We'll never get out in time.
VOICE (O.S.) Maybe I can help.
They turn to follow the voice coming from the cell next door. The prisoner steps into the light. It's Arcturus.
Will screams and angrily lunges at Arcturus and strangles him through the bars separating them.
WILL (CONT'D) Yank our chains, will you?!
Siobhan pulls Will back. Arcturus staggers, tries to catch his breath.
ARCTURUS Okay, I deserved that...
SIOBHAN No shit! All these years, what the hell?!
ARCTURUS I thought it was a fun lark.
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WILL Fun lark?!
Siobhan holds an angry Will back some more.
ARCTURUS Look, it was fun the first time. So I kept doing it. And then it became routine, like a favorite hobby.
SIOBHAN No! Gardening is a hobby! Sports! Knitting! Making dioramas! You know...normal stuff!
ARCTURUS Fine! I get the point. Look, my son's a lost cause. (shows arm stumps) I'll transfer all my energy, my powers, to you both. And you two do whatever it takes.
WILL Why should we trust you?
ARCTURUS Because right now I'm your only chance. Think. The powers of the Chosen One? That's all me.
Will and Siobhan mull this over.
SIOBHAN What do we do?
ARCTURUS Alright. Lay your hands upon me.
Through the bars, Will and Siobhan lay their hands on Arcturus' head and shoulders. There's a hum. Arcturus closes his eyes and starts to glow bright. The room is bathed in blinding light. Will and Siobhan shield their eyes.
ARCTURUS (CONT'D) Go discipline my son.
The light fades. Will and Siobhan open their eyes. Arcturus is gone.
They turn back to their cell doors. It's now or never. Siobhan steps and winds up. Thrusts an arm. She fires a powerful energy blast, blowing the doors off.
SIOBHAN Whoa!
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Will looks down at his hands. Clenches and unclenches them. They glow with blue energy.
WILL Cool!
ARCTURUS' CASTLE - HALLWAY - DAY
Will and Siobhan run down the halls. He gets a grasp of his powers by firing energy blasts and blowing down every door they pass. He's excited. She looks at him, judging. He stops.
ARCTURUS' CASTLE - EMPTY GALLERY - DAY
It's empty. Will and Siobhan barge in. Notice the war table. Siobhan lays her hands on it.
WILL What are you doing?
SIOBHAN I have no idea.
The table starts to glow. Will joins her at the table. Their eyes glow bright blue.
INT. ADERFELL PALACE - THRONE ROOM - DAY
A Nobleman addresses Feargus and Cora. Ellie sits quietly and reads a feminist tome.
NOBLEMAN ...and that's why Lord Narducci insists on an apology.
KING FEARGUS How is calling him a "cannoli-eater" a slur? Who doesn’t love cannolis?
Just then, a green crystal raven swoops down from the rafters and lands on the floor.
EXT. ADERFELL - CITY SQUARE
A similar raven lands in the middle of the busy Square.
INTERCUT PALACE/CITY SQUARE
Both ravens open their beaks and emits two hologram-like figures. It's Will and Siobhan.
Ellie, Feargus and Cora all snap to attention and gather. Same with the people at the Square.
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WILL Hello? Hello? Can you hear us?
QUEEN CORA Ah, young William. We can hear you just fine. What news do you have?
KING FEARGUS Who made the kill? Tell me it was that Caleb.
WILL So...there were unforeseen circumstances that undermined our plans. And...truths that have changed everything. What I'm trying to say is...uh...
SIOBHAN (pushes Will aside) Cards on the table. The Chosen Ones are all dead. And the myths about them? All lies.
Beat. The people of Aderfell process this.
Everyone at the Square screams and panics. It's pandemonium.
MONTAGE - MASS PANIC AT ADERFELL
- Townspeople loot and smash businesses, and overturn wagons and carts.
- A melee breaks out. People start fighting, strangling and dog-piling on each other.
- An angry mob rushes the Palace. Guards hold them back.
ANGRY MOB LEADER There's still time! Sacrifice the Princess!
- Inside the Palace, Maids and Servants run up and down the halls in a frenzy, grabbing everything that isn't nailed down, leaving a mess.
- At the Throne Room, various Lords and Ladies break down and cry and start hugging...and break into an impromptu orgy.
- Feargus lies in the fetal position sucking his thumb. Cora gulps down an entire bottle of wine.
END MONTAGE
Holo-Will and Holo-Siobhan watch as mayhem rages on.
SIOBHAN That took quicker than I thought. 116
(beat) Okay. Can I have everyone's attention please? People? People?
No one's listening.
WILL (loud booming voice) Stop!
Everyone in Aderfell stops and calms down.
WILL (CONT'D) It's not too late! Right now, we're all we've got. It's up to us, to all of you, to protect this city!
KING FEARGUS But the Chosen Ones are dead!
SIOBHAN We don't need them. Confession time: me and Will here. We conquered the trials. All of them. The fact that we're still alive and talking to you is proof! It's time we stop hoping for a miracle, and decide our own fate! (quickly) Also we came into some powers that could help turn the tide, it's a long story, we'll tell you later.
In the Throne Room, Ellie emerges from hiding under a table and approaches the holograms.
ELLIE What can we do?
SIOBHAN Help is coming. Right now, just buy us time.
ELLIE ...okay.
Holo-Will looks at Ellie adoringly. The holograms disappear.
END INTERCUT
ADERFELL PALACE - THRONE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Aderfell Soldiers enter the Throne Room, addressing the King.
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LEAD ADERFELL SOLDIER Awaiting your orders, your Majesty.
Everyone turns to Feargus.
KING FEARGUS I...don't know...
Ellie steps up.
KING FEARGUS (CONT'D) What are you doing?
ELLIE Being an adult. (to Lead Soldier) Tell the women and children to take shelter in cellars. Open up the palace to those without shelter. And tell every able-bodied man in the city to take up arms. We'll need all the help we can get.
The Soldiers look to the King and Queen.
QUEEN CORA Do what she says.
The Soldiers bow and leave. Cora turns to her daughter with a look of pride.
MONTAGE - ADERFELL PREPARES FOR WAR
- Women and Children duck into their cellars.
- The Palace doors open up to those in need.
- Armed civilians link up with the city's Guards and set up barricades and batten down the gates.
- Soldiers and Archers navigate the city's defensive wall. They ready the numerous catapults.
END MONTAGE
INT. ARCTURUS' CASTLE - STAGING GROUND - DAY
Will and Siobhan search the area, checking every nook and cranny.
SIOBHAN There's got to be something here we can use... (to Will) Any luck? 118
WILL No weapons or armor or anything.
They regroup at the center of the area.
SIOBHAN Even with these powers, we can only do so much against an army.
WILL And don't forget The Big One.
SIOBHAN Dammit! I totally forgot about it!
WILL How about we summon a giant creature like that on our side?
SIOBHAN Too risky. No no. We need something we can control.
Will thinks it over. An idea. He takes out Gretka's figurine and holds it up for Siobhan to see.
WILL Hear me out...
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
A green smoke portal appears. Ypheus and Desemir ride out. More portals appear. The Dark Elf Army emerges, in massive numbers.
EXT. ADERFELL - DEFENSIVE WALL - DAY
A Soldier looks through his binoculars. Sees the enemy in the distance.
ADERFELL SOLDIER They're here!
Archers along the wall take up their positions. They light their arrows on fire. Soldiers load catapults with boulders.
EXT. ADERFELL - STREETS - DAY
Soldiers and Civilians ready their weapons behind the barricades.
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INT. ADERFELL PALACE - WINE CELLAR - DAY
Women and children duck and cover as Handmaids and Servants keep them calm. Ellie moves from one group to another.
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
Fireballs launch from Aderfell, soaring across the sky, towards the Dark Elves. They land just inches away from the first row.
YPHEUS War, then.
Ypheus unsheathes and points his blade at Aderfell.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) Attack!
The Dark Elves flood the fields, racing towards Aderfell.
INTERCUT COUNTRYSIDE/ADERFELL
At the wall, Archers aim at the advancing army.
LEAD ARCHER Fire!
Open fire. A swarm of fire arrows soar across the sky. Some hit the ground while others hit the Dark Elves. They push on, with shields up.
Catapults lob more fireballs at the Dark Elves. The impact sends some of them flying.
More arrows and fireballs from Aderfell. Ypheus watches.
YPHEUS My turn.
Ypheus opens his arms wide.
A large green smoke portal appears. The Big One steps out. It lumbers towards Aderfell.
Aderfell launches a barrage of fireballs at it. It shrugs them off and catches one. Throws it back at Aderfell.
Soldiers and Archers on the wall jump out of the way as the projectile strikes the wall, destroying a small section.
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The Big One scoops a huge clump of dirt from the ground and throws it at the city. The dirt ball soars past the wall and hits several buildings below, demolishing them. People on the street run for cover.
The Dark Elves reach the Wall. They set up ladders to scale it. Others charge the front gate with battering rams.
Inside, the gate starts to give. Soldiers at the barricades brace for the onslaught.
All seems lost...
A large boulder falls from the sky and strikes the battlefield, at the Dark Elves. Then another boulder, and another...
Ypheus and Desemir turn to see where they came from. Loud footsteps. Getting louder and louder, closer and closer. Something emerges from the tree line behind them.
It's a GIANT STONE BEHEMOTH SHAPED LIKE GRETKA'S FIGURINE. On its shoulder, the Cave Creature from the first trial.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) What the hell?!
INT. GIANT BEHEMOTH - CONTROL - CONTINUOUS
Inside the Behemoth's head is cockpit-like space. Will and Siobhan stand in the middle of a large circle, with their hands and feet encased in stone. They move in perfect sync.
INTERCUT COUNTRYSIDE/BEHEMOTH/ADERFELL
The Behemoth races across the field, relatively fast and limber. It knocks down the Big One. Turns to the Soldiers at the Wall.
WILL/SIOBHAN Sorry we're late.
Everyone at Aderfell cheers them on.
WILL/SIOBHAN (CONT'D) (to Cave Creature) Deal with meanies down there, please?
The Cave Creature jumps down from the Behemoth's shoulders and clash with the Dark Elf Soldiers. Swiping at and knocking them out.
CAVE CREATURE (repeat) Meanies! Meanies! Meanies! Rrrargh! 121
Ypheus is dumbstruck.
YPHEUS How? This is impossible! How could I be so overconfident that I let them live and-- (beat, realization) Oh Gods, I'm becoming Dad! Is this shit genetic?!
DESEMIR There, there. It happens to us all.
The Behemoth and the Cave Creature clash with the Dark Elves. It's an all-out brawl.
Ypheus has had it. He dismounts from his horse and launches himself up and onto the Big One. He lays his hand on it and the two fuse together.
The Big One quickly gets back up. Its eyes change color from black to purple, signifying Ypheus' control over it.
It lunges at the Behemoth. A battle between two titans.
The Behemoth jabs at the Big One, who counters some of its punches. The ones that do hit don't deal enough damage.
The Big One launches several devastating haymakers. Knees the Behemoth in the chest. Uppercuts. Inside the Behemoth, Will and Siobhan feel each hit.
The Behemoth staggers back.
WILL What do we do? It's too strong, and our punches are hurting it enough.
Beat.
SIOBHAN I've got an idea. Do you trust me?
WILL Absolutely.
Siobhan does some swipes in the air.
The Behemoth gets back up. Holes appear where the ear and mouth would be. Another beat passes.
Music loudly blares from the Behemoth. It's Dancing in the Moonlight. The Big One quizzically tilts its head.
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The Behemoth starts dancing to the song. Swinging and swaying about just like at Wildegrove. Inside, Siobhan and Will synchronously dance.
The Big One charges at the Behemoth, who effortlessly evades the attack with its dance moves.
As the song continues, the Big One keeps up its attacks. With each attempted strike, the Behemoth keeps evading with its dancing, never once throwing a punch.
The song can be heard all the way at Aderfell's walls. The Soldiers start bobbing their heads to it.
The song winds down. The Big One is tuckered out. It collapses to its hands and knees, and falls. Ypheus splits apart from it and falls out, sweating and panting.
The Behemoth kneels. Will and Siobhan jump out from it and safely land on the field. Defeated, the Dark Elves back away as they pass.
The two walk up to Ypheus, glowing swords drawn and pointed at him. He's at their mercy.
YPHEUS Yes...that's it. There's only one way this ends...finish it, for good. Because if you don't...like my father, I'll just keep doing this again and again. And unlike him, I'm not waiting a century. And no Chosen One bullshit either. (beat) I'll kill you all. I'll destroy everything you love.
Will and Siobhan turn to each other. A moment passes.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) Come on!
Will sheathes his sword. Walks away. Siobhan does the same.
YPHEUS (CONT'D) ...why?
WILL (doesn't look at him) You didn't want to play your dad's game? Well we don't want to play yours.
They keep walking away. Ypheus gets up and charges at them with glowing hands.
Siobhan quickly turns around and immobilizes him with her magic. He's frozen in place.
Will and Siobhan open their arms wide. A massive green portal appears. Beyond it is dark, with mountains illuminated by lightning. This is the Dark Elves' realm. There's a voice from within.
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BARBARA (O.S.) Ypheus? Iffy? Is that you? Don't you give me the silent treatment, young man! I heard what you did to your father!
YPHEUS Aw, nuts...
BARBARA (O.S.) He still owes me alimony! You're in big trouble, mister!
SIOBHAN (to Barbara) He's all yours, ma'am.
YPHEUS Oh no no no no no no...
Will telekinetically pushes a screaming Ypheus through the portal. He disappears into the void.
They turn to what's left of the Dark Elves, and Desemir.
DESEMIR Hey, I know when my cause is lost. (to Soldiers) Let's move out, gents!
Desemir ushers all the Dark Elves through the portal. The Big One crouches under to fit through. Desemir is the last one left. He looks back at Will and Siobhan.
DESEMIR (CONT'D) You humans are good. Real good.
As he steps through, the portal disappears.
A twinkling sound. Will and Siobhan turn to see the Behemoth fade out from existence. Not far away, the Cave Creature waves goodbye at them and scampers back towards the forest.
Will thrusts his arm outward. No magic, no energy. Nothing.
SIOBHAN Sucks, man.
WILL It's fine. Power's overrated anyway.
They walk towards Aderfell.
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END INTERCUT
EXT. ADERFELL - CITY SQUARE - DAY
A jubilant crowd gathers to celebrate. Flower petals and confetti rain down.
Will and Siobhan stand in the middle of the square. The crowd cheers them on. Will looks around. This feels great.
A horse-drawn carriage rolls up into the square. Feargus, Cora and Ellie step out. More cheers from the crowd. The three approach Will and Siobhan.
KING FEARGUS Young William. Miss Siobhan McSorley. This kingdom owes you a great debt we can never repay. (beat) So, hopefully these medals will suffice.
Queen Cora pins medals on the two.
KING FEARGUS (CONT'D) Here's to the heroes of Tirine! Not the ones we wanted, but ones we're damn glad to have anyway!
Everyone applauds.
KING FEARGUS (CONT'D) And as promised...you’ll both marry my daughter!
WILL/SIOBHAN What?
ELLIE Wait, what?
QUEEN CORA Dammit, Feargus...
KING FEARGUS I even brought a minister.
On cue, a MINISTER in monk's robes and all steps forward.
KING FEARGUS (CONT'D) So, let's do this thing. And yes, I know that means Ellie would have both a wife and a husband. But hey, I can be progressive.
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Siobhan steps back.
SIOBHAN I respectfully pass. No offense, but I don't swing that way.
KING FEARGUS Fair enough. (to Will) Come on, boy. I've seen the way you looked at her.
Will and Ellie stare at each other. Each waiting for someone to make the first move. It's quiet. Tense.
WILL Ellie, I... (beat) I like you. I mean, I really like you. And I'm thinking about how you gave me courage to stand up for myself. How you helped rally this city. You did that. (beat) And...I don't want to hold you back. (to everyone) I believe that Princess Elinor can rule all by herself! No king necessary!
The crowd gasps.
KING FEARGUS Now, now. Let's not be hasty. Come now. Everybody wants to be a king.
WILL Not me. (to crowd) Your appreciation is all I wanted. That, and four walls and a roof, and some food, maybe a family of my own one day. (to Ellie) Your majesty, I like you a lot. And I hope that if or when we get together, it'll be because it's what you want too.
He politely bows to Ellie, who smiles at him.
QUEEN CORA (whispers to Ellie) 126
For what it's worth, I like him. You have my blessings.
Will walks away and joins Siobhan. The two mount their horses.
SIOBHAN Let's go home.
They ride out. The crowd cheers them on.
OVER BLACK:
SUPER: One Year Later
INT. ARMORER'S SHOP - APARTMENT - DAY
A birthday cake on a table with fifteen lit candles.
SIOBHAN (O.S.) (singing) Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday dear William, Happy Birthday to You!
Will blows out the candles. Siobhan claps. He unwraps his present. It's a drawing kit.
WILL I love it! Thank you!
He hugs her and sets the kit aside. Heads for the door.
SIOBHAN Be home in time for dinner, okay?
WILL Yes, mooom...
She chuckles as he leaves. We see there are two beds in the apartment. A family portrait hangs on the wall.
It shows Will and Siobhan, both happy.
EXT. HERITAGE SQUARE - ARMORER'S SHOP - DAY
Will leaves with a spring in his step. He passes by Gretka.
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GRETKA Will! Did you get my present?
He shows the silver pendant on his neck.
WILL Wearing it now. See you around!
The two wave goodbye as Will races off.
EXT. SKEFFORD - STREETS - DAY
Will races through the streets. He reaches--
MAIN GATES - CONTINUOUS
He comes to a stop and waits. Straightens his hair.
Someone passes through the gates into town on horseback. It's Ellie, wearing a hood to conceal her identity. She dismounts her horse and the two hug. She kisses him on the cheek.
ELLIE Happy birthday, Will.
EXT. SKEFFORD - ROOFTOPS - DAY
Will and Ellie sit side-by-side, taking in the view. They help themselves to fruit and meat slices off a picnic basket.
WILL This. This is all I could ever want, you know?
ELLIE I can see the appeal.
They sit in silence for a bit. As she drinks from a canteen, he's curious about something. He flicks a finger up.
Water shoots up from the canteen and sprays her in the face. He's shocked.
WILL A-are you okay?
ELLIE Yeah, I'm fine.
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He hands her a handkerchief to dry off.
ELLIE (CONT'D) Just clumsy, I guess.
WILL Yeah...right...
He stares off into the distance. Ponders.
WILL (CONT'D) No. Can't be... (beat) Could it?
He turns to her. About to say something...
FADE TO BLACK.
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