Scribbled Thoughts

Fallen Wing

Episode Four: The Engon Hammer

[Screen black, sound of fire crackling. Scene opens to Firo front view, who is staring at screen/flames absentmindedly.]

Narrator: Past events are still affecting their present. Even if the past is one they long thought was gone. Unreachable.

[Hear a squawk from behind him and Arlen flaps onto his left shoulder/camera right.]

Arlen: You can sense it, can’t you?

[Firo glances at him, then grunts and turns away, walking off (to left of screen), Arlen hovers in air. Change to Firo front view, Arlen behind him.]

Narrator: One they would rather leave behind.

Firo: Why? Why can I sense him?

Arlen: Because you’re Firo. [Flaps closer and rests on shoulder again.] Aren’t you going to do something about it?

Narrator: But one that will continue to haunt others.

Firo: It has nothing to do with me anymore. [Walks off again, Arlen hovering about again.]

Narrator: Making them the sacrifice.

[Opening credits.]

[Shot of Engon crowd cheering. Shot of platform’s floor as a foot descends, and thud follows as a long wooden black hammer rests beside it. Brief view of Fern and Nat staring at stage shocked, then back to platform, slowly moves up person’s body to reveal an Earth immortal man, badly injured/scarred, wearing black/burnt vines as clothes. Fern/Nat front view.]

Fern: [Fearful] W-what?

[Back to man/Marcellus who grins and lifts hammer with both hands over his head.]

 Marcellus: It is time for the great hammer to hear your confessions.

[Hear a ‘ping’ type noise, back to Fern/Nat view, who are bog-eyed/dot-eyed and looking clueless.]

Fern [perplexed]: W-what?

[Marcellus front view.]

Marcellus: It is through this hammer’s power you’ve been kept your natural camoflague protection against Engon’s ever-changing weather. You have witnessed first-hand what happens when someone interferes with this progress.

[Crowd shot, who grumble amongst themselves. Fern front view as one person hisses ‘curse that Firo’ from her left (camera right). She looks in their direction surprised/curious. Back to Marcellus front view.]

Marcellus: Now [smiles more gently] who will be the first to confess?

[Crowd view, crowd goes silent, a few meekly raise their hands (some are bandaged), Marcellus front view who points at camera.]

Marcellus: You, my friend. [Whole platform view as a blue person climbs up beside Marcellus. Marcellus turns to him (now distant side view) and places the hammer end on ground, closest to camera. Blue man places shaking hand on the hammer’s handle, close side view of man (angled downwards looking up) who takes a shaky breath before speaking.]

Man: Oh Mighty Hammer, my wife has left here, saying unspeakable things about your power. Please accept her forgiveness through me, and let her find the life she deserves.

[The man then flinches as he takes his hand off the hammer, showing his hand is burnt. Marcellus grins.]

Marcellus: The hammer has heard you, but the crime is a great one to forgive, more is needed.

[Man close view as he looks up fearfully but nods, determined.]

Man: What must I do?

[Man back shot. Marcellus grins wider, putting a hand on the man’s right shoulder. It begins to sizzle.]

Marcellus: Repent.

[Man side close up as he begins to scream. Fern/Nat front view as she begins to move forwards but Nat grabs her (side view and close up of his hand grabbing her).]

Nat: Don’t get involved, he’ll only use that hammer on you and make you want to be punished.

[Fern front view, who grits teeth and glares at Nat. Back to the man back view as Marcellus lifts hand off shoulder, then has it hover over man’s right arm, heat waves coming off his hand. Marcellus close mouth view to see his grin widen, then back to man back view as Marcellus brings his scorching hand down, severing the man’s arm off. Close man side view as he screams in agony. Change to Fern/Nat front view as Fern charges forward.]

Fern: I can’t ignore this!

[Nat front view who opens mouth to protest. Goes to Marcellus view, who slams hammer down on platform, causing a shockwave to hit everyone. Nat front view who stops and clutches his head. See Marcellus image overlapping Nat view.]

Marcellus [thought voice]: Confess, confess to your sins, repent for the pain you have caused and witnessed.

[Crowd view to see all people clutching at heads, and then hitting themselves, banging head against the ground etc., except Fern, who is heading towards the stage. Back to Nat, who opens his eyes. See they’re bloodshot, white hair streaks beginning to turn red, but he’s fighting it, so keep fading back to white.]

Nat [thoughts]: Fern.

[Fern front view as she climbs onto the platform, looking furious. Marcellus front view, who smirks at her.]

Marcellus: Oh? So you’re not affected by the hammer? Interesting. Just like him.

[Change to full front view so can see Marcellus kick one-armed man off stage. Fern front view a she grits teeth and readies her sword.]

Fern: How dare you!

[Fern back view.]

Marcellus: And how dare you interfere with my town. Outsiders are not welcome here.

[Marcellus picks up the hammer and swings it (from the side) at Fern, she dodges it and leaps forward, trying to strike Marcellus’ chest, who blocks with the hammer handle.]

Marcellus: I’m immortal, little one, you can’t kill me.

[Fern front view.]

Fern: Maybe not, but it’s clear you can be hurt.

[Fern back view, Marcellus’ face scrunches up in rage. He pushes her back, making her fly off stage and land in crowd. Marcellus gives out a roar. Fern front view as she staggers to her feet, wincing and gripping her side. Marcellus front view.]

Marcellus: You dare assume you’re on level with the legendary dragon! I despise him, but to have him compared to a bug like you is beyond insulting! No one ordinary could ever harm me!

[Jumps off the platform and swings the hammer straight down at Fern. Low bird’s eye view of Fern as it swings down on her, then see her dodge to the left. Shockwave makes the people nearby scream out (brief crowd view to see this), now all collapsed on floor. Fern side view as she rolls to feet and looks around at people in dismay.]

Fern: You all need to get out of the way!

[View changes so zoom back to Laurel in tree (back view), watching the battle. Laurel front view as he frowns.]

Laurel [thoughts]: If only he were here. He could form a barrier and protect these people.

[Looking through Laurel’s point of view, watching her scream at crowd. See Fern trying to pull someone up, but drops them when Marcellus lands near her. She barely dodges out of the way.]  

Laurel [thoughts]: I don’t have any magic.

[Brief view of Nat, clutching at head.]

Laurel [thoughts]: And I think it’s better to leave him out of this.

[Back to Laurel front view, who sighs and grins a little, stands up on branch.]

Laurel: I guess I’ll have to give her a hint.

[Fern side view as she dodges, but trips on a blue person. Brief front view as she looks up, change to back view (looking up) as Marcellus starts to swing hammer down. Back to front view as Fern grabs blue person and rolls out of way (to off-screen left). Marcellus front view, who grins and lifts hammer up again. Fern front view who stands up and readies sword, starting to charge, side view of both.]

Fern [thoughts]: I have to get rid of the hammer. The shockwaves are killing these people!

[Marcellus close face side view, who smirks/grimaces at her, then suddenly looks shocked and turns head. Marcellus (slightly distant) back view to see a chain wrapped around the hammer. Shot of Laurel holding other end, straining but smiling.]

Laurel [thoughts]: Looks like she figured it out anyway. Oh well, help me out would you, Fern.

[Close side Fern view as she does battle cry.]

Fern [thoughts]: Now!

[Fern back view as she swings sword at Marcellus’ right arm (one holding trapped hammer). Brief Marcellus close face view, who frowns/annoyed look, then close up on his hand as he lets the hammer go. Laurel front view as he falls/drops off the branch, chain wrapped around it. Shot of hammer flying through air, away from town square. Marcellus roars and runs after it. Shot of blue people, who stop screaming and slowly remove hands from head. Ferns is stood, watching, then looks in direction of hammer/Marcellus. Fern close side shot.]

Fern [thoughts]: Thank you, whoever you are. [Determined look, grips sword tighter (pan down to see this)]. But I won’t let you have all the fun.

[Runs through square, past Nat. When near Nat have camera stay with him, see he’s struggling with dark magic, hair streaks red then white. Switch to close branch view as chain begins to saw through it and snaps. Laurel view as lets go of chain and drops to the ground, quickly moving out of way as chain lands on ground. Side view to see hammer land in background of camera. Bird’s eye view shot of shockwave. Closer view of Laurel as he collapses and grips head. Switch to front view as he sweats/shaky breath but pulls eyes open and grimaces. Hears sound of loud running footsteps coming closer, begins to stand, moving/half crawling behind tree/out of view (camera stays in same position). Change to Laurel front view, breathing heavily/rubbing head.]

Laurel [thoughts]: Damn that thing is powerful. I can’t focus properly, being dragged into memories…

[Brief flash, show Laurel in Emlin screaming, clutching at bleeding right eye. Screams Fern’s name. Back to present as blur Laurel out and focus beyond tree to see Marcellus arrive, roaring.]

Marcellus: Who dares interfere!

[See Laurel whip head to right of screen (his left), then change to Marcellus front view as he walks up to hammer, when he stops change to back view so can see hammer with chain still wrapped around handle. Can see the chain has caused a slight dent/crack of hammer. Close up of mouth as he grits teeth. Back to Laurel front view but move to left of screen so can see Marcellus in right of background. He picks up hammer and swings it onto ground, causing another shockwave. Laurel groans/cries out and has hands clutching head, head between knees. See Marcellus turn at the noise and move towards the tree. As Laurel puts head down see Marcellus start a side swing, closer Laurel view as hammer tears through tree, narrowly missing his head. Close side view to see his eye wide open in terror. Pan down to his hand as he grabs boomerang strapped across lower back. Front view as he quickly stands (can see Marcellus behind him, preparing downwards swing) and spins around, going down on one knee with boomerang raised in both hands, defensive position. Connects with hammer, positioned on the cracked area. Closer Laurel shoulder view, Marcellus amused face.]

Marcellus: Foolish little worm.

[Marcellus shoulder shot, see Laurel smile back, mischievous.]

Laurel: You should really pay more attention to your surroundings. [Laurel shoulder shot]. Hammer God.

[Brief close Fern lower face side shot as she gives determined grin, then change to side view of Fern/back view of Laurel, to see Fern swinging sword down. Marcellus shoulder shot as Laurel gets concentration/focus face and then gives a little battle cry, standing and forcing boomerang/hammer up. Close up on crack as Fern’s sword hits it, causing hammer to split. Sword lodges into boomerang underneath. Laurel side view (Fern not visible) as hammer head begins falling towards him. Distant other side view (so Fern can be seen in camera background) as Laurel drops his boomerang, letting Fern jump back, the boomerang coming loose from sword as she moves. Laurel does backwards roll towards camera, hammer hits floor and causes a shockwave. Laurel clutches at head (during this Marcellus has straightened up, but hasn’t moved from his position). Marcellus front view.]

Marcellus [smirks]: What good has that done you?

[Change to low bird’s eye view of hammer as Marcellus bends to pick it up.]

Marcellus: I can still swing it, or drop it.

[Marcellus front view as he stands back up, hammer in hand.]

Marcellus: So why go to all that trouble just to break the handle?

[Begins to swing hammer down. Brief Laurel view to see him cringe and try to stumble to feet but falling. Close up of hammer as sword connects with it again. Fern front view as she winces, her arms shaking from the impact, but still keeping sword in place.]

Fern: It has nothing to do with breaking the hammer.

[Brief side view as Fern moves her sword downwards and out from under hammer (slight slow motion speed), leaning back a little and brings sword to side. Close up of sword/ground as she throws/stabs it into ground behind her (to the right of Laurel). Close-ish side view as she rolls backwards (slightly to right) to sword position and grabs sword again, jumping to her feet. Close up of hammer as hits ground. Slightly angled bird’s eye view of Laurel as he cringes/groans and clutches head. Fern back view so can see Marcellus lift up hammer again. Change to close Fern side view, show her determined grin.]

Fern: I just wanted you away from those people. Now I don’t have to hold back.

[Hold dramatic moment for a few seconds, then switch to Laurel back view (can see others in background) who sweatdrops.]

Laurel [thoughts]: Don’t I count?

[Marcellus front view as gives condescending smile.]

Marcellus: Your delusions become all the more insulting. [As he says this side view of ground as Marcellus steps forward.] Let me put an end to them, once and for all.

[Bird’s eye view to see Marcellus moving closer to Fern, away from Laurel (who begins to lower hands from his head and looks in their direction, goes into a crouching position). Switch to Laurel slightly distant view so he’s looking at camera/Marcellus out of view as he dashes left (screen right) until off screen. Brief bird’s eye view to see he’s running towards his boomerang. Brief close face side view of Marcellus as eyes dart in Laurel’s direction, then Marcellus front view as Fern clashes her sword against hammer, making his eyes land back on her. Marcellus shoulder shot.]

Fern: Don’t underestimate me!

[Laurel distant front view as he grabs boomerang and continues running (putting boomerang on back). Change to shoulder shot to see him heading towards his chain weapon. Fern side view, still staring at Marcellus, Marcellus side view, then ground/chain shot as Laurel picks it up. Laurel view as he spins around, readying chain weapon (slow motion), brief side shot of Fern/Marcellus who look in his direction then Laurel back view as readies weapon and throws it to high left side. Follow weapon to see it hit tree midway up. Pan out back to Laurel back view (now facing tree) as he begins running up to it. Brief close up of his right hand holding chain as he tightens grip and pulls on it. Side view as he leaps off ground. Distant back view as see him leap upwards, when past point chain been embedded go to side view as he grabs his boomerang  with left hand. Back view (closer than before) as he embeds boomerang into tree (left of it, near a big branch). Closer back view as uses boomerang to swing himself onto branch, taking boomerang with him. Chain rattles as he lands. Brief close Fern shot to see her raised eyebrow/impressed. Back to Laurel as he flicks wrist, brief chain in tree view as it comes loose. Laurel back view as catches chain with cool swing gesture. Head close up as he turns head and smirks. Fern front view, unreadable expression, then Fern shoulder shot, looking up, so see Laurel turn away and jump to a tree further away, eventually going out of sight. Marcellus side view as he smirks. Then side view of Fern/Marcellus, weapons still locked.]

Marcellus: Looks like your ally has abandoned you.

Fern: Ally? I’ve never met him before [Brief Marcellus sweat drop]. Besides, he’s doing the most useful thing he can.

[Close up of weapons as sword moves against hammer, side feet close up as Fern takes step forward, then Marcellus shoulder shot to see Fern’s determined face.]

Fern: He’s getting out of range of your shockwave.

[Scene change as Laurel (back view) lands on another branch and looks back. Front view as looks over shoulder, showing can barely see Fern/Marcellus in distance. Close up of face.]

Laurel: Good luck.

[Scene change as hammer hits the ground (sword on top). Fern front view to see her wobble but then steady herself and jump back out of range. Fern back view as Marcellus picks up hammer and straightens up, looking irritated.]

Marcellus: Having the handle this short is annoying. [Closer view as he stares at hammer, curious.] I wonder…

[Pan back out as he throws hammer at Fern. Brief Fern close up as stares in surprise, then drops down and dodge rolls to the side. Is springing up when hammer hits ground. The shockwave causes her to lose balance and fall clumsily back down. Marcellus front view (from slightly lower shot, looking up) as he smirks.]

Marcellus: Yes, that’s much better.

[Fern front view as she growls. Brief focus on her feet as sets them in starter sprint position, then back to front view as she springs forward. Brief shot of Marcellus, same position, then close side view Fern as running.]

Fern: But you leave yourself open!

[Fern back view as swings sword at Marcellus’ waist. Close up as he blocks it with his hand (a few flakes of burnt skin come off). Low view to high, showing Fern’s arms shaking with pressure of trying to cut through arm. Marcellus creepy lower/high face view.]

Marcellus: I told you already girl. I can’t be killed.

[Fern angled back view (so can see her sword) as she relaxes her arms. Close hand/sword view as she slants sword a little and pulls it out of arm. Brief Marcellus face view to see him frown then Fern front view as puts one foot back and swings sword above head, then diagonally. Fern back view to see sword cut across Marcellus face. Slow motion as go to face close up, to show ash crumble and fall off. Distant shot (near hammer) as Fern jumps back (hunched over) to right of hammer. Can see Marcellus clutching at face and screaming in pain/rage. Fern front view (still hunched over, so face hidden from view).

Fern: And like I said, [looks up] you can still be hurt!

[Pan out a little as she straightens up gripping sword downward in both hands, in front of her (stabbing type position). Gives out a war cry as lifts it then turns to face hammer (side shot so can see hammer too), and stabs sword through it. Cracks but doesn’t split. Marcellus front view to see enraged expression. Back to Fern front view who grits teeth (pan out a little) as she pulls sword out (grinding metal noise, sparks). She swings the sword around her head and down again. As does sparks grow and sword sets on fire. Close up on sword/hammer as it connects, splitting the hammer and setting it on fire (both parts). Fern close up, looking bewildered.]

Fern [thoughts]: What the-

[Suddenly see Marcellus collide into her (from left), making her fly off screen. Hammer front view, can see Fern in distance land on ground, still, then struggling to move. Focus on hammer as turns to ash and disintegrates.]

Arlen: I thought you weren’t going to get involved.

[Screen changes to flames at front of screen with Firo gazing at them. See Arlen come into view from above and settle on his shoulder.]

Firo: I wasn’t, but…

[Looks away, confused.]

Arlen: But what?

[Firo face close up.]

Firo [thoughts]: But I have a feeling this will change everything, if I show these people immortals can be defeated, even die…

[When saying ‘even die’ see brief flashback of Nebula (ice immortal) Firo and Ignatius, with Ignatius holding weapon piece at Nebula’s throat, then see Firo’s shocked/scared/panicked face. Back to present, Firo’s eyes cast down, looking thoughtful/melancholy.]

Firo:…Then they could begin to free themselves. [Looks down]. And maybe…

[Goes bird’s eye view of his right hand, out in front of him, as he uncoils it and stares at upturned hand. Change to side view as lowers hand to side and Arlen silently lands on his left shoulder (one closest to camera).]

[Back to hammer, now a pile of ash, then Fern front view as climbs back to feet, sword poised and ready. Sword no longer on fire. Fern shoulder shot to show Marcellus staring at pile of ash, looking lost. Close up of him as his expression changes to anger. Begins yelling at hammer remains (can’t see them on screen).]

Marcellus: Why are you getting involved in this? You’ve been snivelling away for twenty years! You can’t change your fate, and you can’t stop us!

[Scene change close side view of Firo’s lower mouth, overlapping with underwater scene Berthilda (water immortal) close lower mouth shot.]

Firo: You’re…

Berthilda: Wrong.

[Close up of her hand, in same position as Firo’s was before.]

Berthilda: His signs are beginning to appear.

[Brief flash of Fern’s necklace.]

Berthilda: And he will no longer stay chained down by anyone else’s rules.

[Berthilda fades, back into Firo side view (all of face), rubs at eyes.]

Firo: I’m getting a strange feeling.

Arlen: Sounds like Berthilda is watching you, again.

Firo [sighs, view travels up]: So it really is beginning, no stopping now. [thoughts] Just like she told me.

[While thinking this see brief flash of Firo underwater in bubble, when he was being told prophecy Berthilda had twenty years ago.]

[Suddenly back to Fern close front view who then dives to left of screen. Change to distant front view as she rolls on ground, then close up on ground/hand as she picks up a rock. Change view to normal level, and have Fern rise into it as jumps up from roll/crouch. Brief view of her eyes watching Marcellus (not visible). Then change to shoulder shot to see Marcellus still glaring at hammer. Close shot of Marcellus as looks towards Fern, growling.]

Marcellus: I’ll just have to prove it to you by destroying your followers.

[Begins to move purposely towards Fern. Brief Fern close front view (see face and top of arms), determined, calculating look. Camera pans down to her arms/hands as she strikes stone against her sword, creating a spark. Whole sword is engulfed in flames. Fern front view as she lifts/circles up sword in high/stabbing position, light of flames dancing on her skin. Marcellus front view (still walking) as he grits his teeth but continues moving forward, determined/enraged.]

Marcellus: I will not lose to the likes of you!

[Fern shoulder shot/back view, Marcellus now in front of her. Marcellus’ arms raised in a strangle hold position. Change to side view of both (Fern on left) as she drops to one knee (swinging sword behind head) and slashes Marcellus across the stomach. Beings to catch fire. Back to Fern shoulder shot (looking up at Marcellus) as fire spreads over Marcellus body/face. He screams, hands coming up to his face. Begins to move forward. Brief Fern front view to see surprised/alert face then to a distant back shot as she jumps backwards (towards screen). Front view as he burns into skeleton, then into pile of ash. Return to fern back view, fire goes out, ash has smoke rising from it. Sword goes out. Fern front view to see shocked/horrified look. Change to side view as she shakily drops sword and takes a step back, her legs give out and she falls to floor (change to front view) still staring at ashes. Close face side view at her traumatised face. Brief image flashes of Emlin on fire, mother screaming, fighting, Fern calling out for her father, then see Laurel reaching out for her. Fire background fades back to forest area, with laurel still there.]

Laurel: Hey, are you okay?

[Change to Laurel back view as Fern blinks, then shakes head clear, taking his hand.]

Fern: Yeah, I’m fine.

[Change to side view as they stand up. Laurel lets go of her hand and turns, looking at pile of ash. Back view of both.]

Laurel: You’re something else, able to kill an immortal.

[Fern/Laurel front view. Fern stares down at hand.]

Fern: I don’t think it was me. Not alone.

[Close of hand then back to previous view. Laurel bends down to pick up sword. Fern shoulder shot looking down at him.]

Laurel: From what I saw, Firo must have been involved.

Fern: Firo?

Laurel: He controls all fire and flames. From what I’ve heard, he was mortal, but killed the original Firo and took her powers twenty years ago.

[Fern front view, looking intrigued.]

Fern [thoughts]: For the past twenty years any fire has been unpredictable and dangerous to be near. If this guy is telling the truth, why would someone like that be helping me?

Fern [aloud]: Who are you?

[Laurel shoulder shot as Laurel stands up, examining her sword.]       

Laurel [amused look]: Is that the thanks I get for helping?

[Side view]

Fern: Give me my sword.

[Fern holds out hand. Tense moment, then Laurel shrugs and hands it over. Fern sheathes it.  Fern shoulder shot.]

Laurel: Laurel, a member of the resistance.

[Laurel looks at her, expectant. Close Fern side face view.]

Fern: The resistance against the King?

[Fern shoulder shot. Laurel looks away; disappointed/sad then sighs and looks back at her, face blank.]

Laurel: Not just him, but against immortals too. Their interference in our realm has gone on long enough. And what they’re planning now is the last straw.

[Laurel shoulder shot.]

Fern: Does it have something to do with the King and the seals?

[Fern shoulder shot, see Laurel tense.]

Laurel: Yes, they’re getting involved, but they’re also conflicts amongst themselves. We can’t afford for them to start a war.

[Fern front view, steps forward in protest.]

Fern: What are you-

[Fern shoulder shot.]

Laurel: I can’t just reveal out suspicions to anyone. If you want to know more, you’ll have to visit the resistance and ask our leader.

[Fern front view.]

Fern: I just fought an immortal! How can you not trust me?

[Laurel close view.]

Laurel [thoughts]: I can’t trust my own judgement when it comes to you.

[Fern close up, puzzled/annoyed look.]

Laurel: Nevan will have more answers for you. He can help and offer better support than me, go see him.

[Laurel view as he turns around and begins to walk away. Fern front view, one hand raised.]

Fern: Wait! Where do I find him?

[Laurel back view.]

Laurel: Start in Carmina. [Turns head.] Good luck, Fern, stay strong.

[Turns back around and jumps into a tree, out of sight. Fern front view, still reaching out, confused. Brief pause.]

Fern [thoughts]: How did he know my name?

[Low bird’s eye view shot, rustling leaves/wind. Scene change to Asha in girl’s room, sat on bed. Agape is curled up on Fern’s bed, Asha watching him, Asha close side view. Hear sound of door opening, change to other side of Asha so can see door/Fern in background. Asha turns head to door.]

Asha: What was all that noise? I was going to come help, but he…[Turns head back]…he ran in have, scared out of his mind.

[Brief flash of Agape running into the room, screaming.]

Agape: They’re going to bring the illness!

[Back to previous view. Focus on Fern.]

Fern: Illness?

[Asha focus, who frowns and shakes head. Turns head to face Fern again. Fern focus.]

Fern: This town has an immortal controlling the people. Our presence wasn’t something he welcomed.

[Fern shoulder shot so can see Asha.]

Asha: Picked a fight, did you?

[Fern front view who smirk and waves a dismissive hand at Asha.]

Fern: Is Nat back yet? I couldn’t find him after the battle. The town square is in chaos.

[Asha front view (slightly angled upwards looking down so can see Agape).]

Asha: I haven’t heard him, but I wouldn’t worry, he’s survived in a forest alone for years.

[Fern front view who sighs, changes to Asha view as Fern sits beside her.]

Fern: I met someone today.

Narrator: Hidden secrets have been spoken, reminding them of their original goal.

Asha: Oh?

Narrator: Driving them to the truth, no matter what the outcome will be.

[Black screen.]

Fern: We need to go to Carmina.

[Scene opens to Nat stumbling to edge of town/forest area, leaning against a tree. The wolf appears (closed view of the two) and Nat puts a hand on its head, his red streaks fading to white and pained look easing.]

Narrator: While others desperately cling to their secrets, denying what they are, in hope they will one day overcome it.

[Nat face close, leaning on wolf, heavy sigh.]

Narrator: That they’ll one day feel human.

[End credits]

[Episode preview]

Omake/extra: The Marcellus Battle.

[Black screen, movie slate snaps ‘Take One’. Scene when fighting Marcellus and just broke hammer handle. Marcellus begins to swing hammer down. Brief Laurel view to see him cringe and try to stumble to feet, but falling. Close up of hammer as sword connects with it again. Fern front view a she winces, her arms shaking from the impact but still keeping sword in place.]

Fern: It had nothing to do with breaking the hammer.

[Brief side view as Fern proves her sword downwards and out from under hammer (slight slow motion speed, leaning back a little and bring sword to side. Close up of sword/ground as she throws/stabs it into ground behind her (to right of Laurel. The close-ish side view as she rolls backwards, booting Laurel in the head. Grabs sword again, jumping to her feet. Close up of hammer as hits ground, slightly angled low bird’s eye view of Laurel moaning, clutching head. Fern side view to see Marcellus lift up hammer. Change to Fern side view to show determined grin.]

Fern: I just wanted you away from those people. Now I don’t have to hold back.

[Laurel view, looking up and crying.]

Laurel: But why are you attacking me?

[Fern view, Laurel visible.]

Fern: I don’t know you. For all I know you could be his servant.

[Laurel anime fall. Pathetic snivel.]

Laurel: You really don’t remember me?  I thought what we had was special? [sniff]

[Fern whacks him over head with blunt side of sword.]

[Screen goes black, movie slate snaps ‘Take Two’. Fern back view as Marcellus picks up hammer and straightens, looking irritated.]

Marcellus: Having the handle this short is annoying. [Closer view as he stares at hammer, curious.] I wonder…

[Pan back out as he swings in circle to build up momentum then lets hammer go. Whizzes through forest. Laurel distant front view that gets closer and closer until see his one startled eye. Side view as hammer slams into him, knocking them out sight. Marcellus front view, staring up and smirking.]

Marcellus: Yes, that’s much better. [Smile falters] But…

[Fern back view so can see Marcellus.]

Marcellus: Why isn’t it coming back like his weapon?

[Fern sweatdrop. Screen goes black, movie slate snaps ‘Take Three’ Laurel and Fern back view, looking at pile of ash.]

Laurel: You’re something else, able to kill an immortal.

[Fern/Laurel front view. Fern stares down at hand.]

Fern: I don’t think it was me. Not alone.

[Close of hand then back to previous view. Laurel bends down to pick up sword. Fern shoulder shot looking down at him.]

Laurel: From what I saw, Firo must have been involved.

Fern: Firo?

Laurel: He controls all fire and flames. From what I’ve heard, he was mortal, but killed the original Firo and took her powers twenty years ago.

[Laurel stands up, close side view of them both.]

Laurel: Since then, he does nothing but sulk like a little girl, relying on old women and children to defend the town he guards.

[Fern sweatdrop.]

Fern [thoughts]: He sounds like a real loser.

[Suddenly both burst into flames, screaming. Hear echo of Firo’s voice.]

Firo: I heard that.

[Laurel and Fern a pile of ash. Scene change to Firo, who’s smirking. Arlen is hovering near his shoulder.]

Arlen: Didn’t you need them for your future plot story?

[Dot dot dot across the screen. Firo close up dot eyed.]

Firo: Erm…whoops?

[Arlen sweatdrop.]

[End]

Fallen Wing

Episode Three: Agape

[Screen is black, brief flash of Agape emerging from water, gasping, then goes black again.]

Narrator: They’re moving now.

[Scene flashes into a dark castle corridor, camera moves along it.]

Narrator: Both sides are moving.

[Camera looks come to end of corridor in front of two large doors, guards at posts. They nod and open the door. Enter a dark room (one from end of episode one) where Earl has back to camera, looking at recorded scene of Nat (the magician did in episode one). Changes to Earl front view so can see cloaked figure behind him.]

Man: You sent for me, Your Highness?

Earl: Yes [turns around to face man, tearing eyes away from Nat screen.] I’ve located my heir, you will retrieve him. Quickly. [Camera change to Earl front view, to see hard look.] He is not to be harmed in any way, and no one is to know his identity until I’ve spoken to him, understood?

[Man front view, lifts head so get a glimpse of face. See him nod, then his gaze shift to look at Nat screen.]

Man: That girl. [Camera shift to back view, so can see unconscious Fern on screen.] Is she travelling with him?

Earl: Who knows. Why?

Man: She’s the girl from Emlin Way.

[Earl close up, raised eyebrow, looks pleased.]

Earl: Oh? In that case be sure to finish her off.

Narrator: Both sides have begun retrieving and collecting what they need.

[Zoom close up of Man, switch to Fern screen then to man again, close lower face view to see him grin.]

Narrator: Destroying what they will.

[Opening song/credits]

[Open to view of Engon town, see yellow skinned people walking about, until camera reaches a tree. Two people walk past it, talking.]

Man #1: Well something’s going on! I heard some guards in Tempit and a magician went chasing after a girl into Malhand.

Man #2: Maybe she was a member.

Man #1: Whoever she was, she did something to all those men. They never came back, and it’s been three days.

Man #2: Maybe she was the monster of Malhand.

[Man #1 laughs then looks serious.]

Man #1: Apparently she was spotted near here, with some new travelling companions.

Man #2[deadpan]: Great, she’ll bring the King right to the members. Better stay out of it.

[Walk off screen. Pan up the tree to see Laurel sitting in it, waxing boomerang. Close up.]

Laurel: A girl, huh? Maybe I should introduce myself.

[Screen fades to black. Title ‘Episode three: Agape’ appears.]

[Screen shows ground floor as a travelling bag drops on it. Pan up to see Fern looking pleased, dusting off hands.]

Fern: Looks like no one found this stash. Lucky us.

[Pan right to see Nat, looking annoyed but mystified.]

Nat: Stash?

[Whizzes back to Fern, still looking smug.]

Fern: When you travel non-stop for three years, you learn these things. It’s easier to leave a few stashes rather than drag everything with you. Plus, carrying too much stuff in towns puts the guards on edge. They recognise you as a traveller and assume the worse. It’s better to avoid the attention.

[Front view of Nat, who isn’t impressed. Front view of Asha, still wearing cloak but with hood down.]

Asha: She has a point. I started out with a sleeping bag, cooking equipment and a change of clothes, but they were ‘confiscated’ as soon as I arrived in a town. If you have nothing then people won’t take interest.

[Back to Fern, who picks up travelling bag and puts it on easily, moving her sword underneath it.]

Fern: Right, shall we go?

[Pan back to see Nat back view, anime irritated.]

Nat: We were the ones waiting for you! We’ve wasted two days looking for your stupid stash.

[Fern view]

Fern: Hardly, this place was on the way. [Changes to back view as she begins walking, she pauses but doesn’t turn around.]      

Fern: This is the first time you’ve left the forest, right? [Brief flash to image of Nat’s cousin saying goodbye] leaving your home [turns head to camera/Nat] I don’t remember what happened after I collapsed, but I realise you two saved me. I will repay that debt any way I can.

[Switch to Fern front view (head still turned) so can see Nat in background.]

Nat: Forget it; I don’t want any attachments to you people.

[Fern shot, looks amused, raises eyebrow.]

Fern: We’re in this together, Nat. You’re going to get attached whether you want to or not.

[Moment where show Nat view, Fern view, then Nat view who blushes (angry) and looks away. Starts walking, storming past Fern.]

Nat: Let’s just go already.

[Switch to Asha, who looks amused, then Fern view (Asha in background) who chuckles.]

Fern: This guy is too fun.

Asha: Agreed.

[Begin to walk after him, changes to bird’s eye view and then screen fades to black. Emerges back at night-time in Engon’s village square. People are stood around, waiting. They are now a glittering blue colour. See Laurel amongst the crowd (not blue), looking bored.]

Laurel: You’d think they’d stop doing this by now. [Sighs]

 [Laurel back view so can see centre/stage, where one blue man climbs up.]

Man: We are here to confess our troubles. Who wishes to begin?

[Crowd shouts, raised hands. Laurel front view who looks away and sighs again. Lifts eyes up and frowns. Change angle to shoulder shot, but so can see direction Laurel is looking. See cloaked man in crowd, staring at stage and then moving away. Laurel front view, who frowns.]

Laurel: Looks like the rumours are true. She really is coming here.

[Sudden cheering roar of crowd makes him whisk head back to stage. Back view again to see a figure climb up. Laurel front view looking shocked. Screen goes black.]

[Re-opens to see sun rising over Leaf Lake. Bird noises. Switch to see low bird’s eye view of Nat sleeping on ground. Peaceful. Front view of Fern, awake, looking down at him. Side view of them both to make this clear. Back to Fern front view as Asha walks up behind her.]

Asha: He’s still asleep?

Fern: Yep, this boy sleeps like the dead. I’ve already…[mini theatre mode (chibi drawings)] shook him, poked him, yelled at him, kicked him, and even pulled his hair [end theatre mode] nothing works!

Asha: Strange [brief flash back of episode one, when Nat woke up at bird’s call] the first time I approached him, he woke up instantly.

Fern: [shakes head in confusion]: I can’t imagine that.

Asha:…[close up] Ever since leaving the forest, he’s seemed a little disorientated. He says he’s the guardian, so maybe it weakens him to be away from it.

[Back to previous view]

Fern: He still shouldn’t go into hibernation every night! [Sighs. Changes to side view of them, awkward silence, hear a howl, look to left of screen, closer view.]

[Camera change to Asha back view to see wolf running towards them, changes to side view as it near Nat (Fern back away) and jumps. Changes to low, slightly angled bird’s eye view as it pounces on Nat’s stomach, who wakes up, eyes bulging, choking.]

Nat: W-what? YOU STUPID BASTARD! I HATE YOU! [Camera pans out to be Asha/Fern back view, who sweat drop. Wolf still sat on Nat, looking smug.]

[Fern/Asha front view.]

Fern: Well, at least you’re finally awake.

[Nat front view, who stops yelling and glowers at her/camera.]

Nat: You let him practically kill me? What kind of ally are you?

[Fern front view.]

Fern: One who’s been trying to wake you for half an hour! If we don’t start moving we won’t reach the lake by mid-day. We want some light to explore with, you know.

[Nat front view, glares but gets to his feet, stumbling and still looking half-asleep. Side view as he walks past Asha/Fern, then Asha Fern back view, who watch him wobble away, sweat drop.]

Fern: If he’s this weak what use will he actually be outside a forest?

[Front view, Asha shrugs.]

Asha: Let’s hope some of our travels take us into one; and that he’s strong in every forest and not just his own. Until then, we’re relying on you to fight. [Walks off. Fern looks after her, sighs, then begins walking too. Camera begins to speed past them over landscape until can see lake in distance and shadowed figure approaching. Switches to Nat & co side view. Nat is dragging a little, with the wolf snapping at his heels. Nat turns to glare at it. Close up, then back to side view.]

Nat: Stupid wolf.

Fern: I don’t know why you’re so cruel to it. I think he’s adorable. [Wolf’s ears perk up; he skips past Nat to Fern’s side, close up of wolf as Fern strokes him on head. Wolf closes eyes in bliss then opens them a slit to give Nat a smug look. Pan out to see Nat get anime irritated.]

Nat: Don’t be fooled by it! That thing is the most devious creature I’ve ever met.

[Fern back and wolf side view. Fern bends down to stroke wolf better. Fern turns head to look at camera/Nat, giving a confused look, then smiles.]

Fern: Are you jealous your wolf likes me better?

Nat: [Nat front view, angry.] Hardly! Keep the bastard for all I care. Once I find this Dagan guy I won’t need it anymore.

[Fern view again.]

Fern: Really? Why? [Stands up.]

[Changes back to Nat view, who opens mouth to answer, but then sees something in the distance and stops, looking gob-smacked. Changes back to Fern view (now facing Nat) who gives him a puzzled look. She glances over at Asha. Change to Asha front view to see her expression same as Nat’s, back to Fern view who then turns around (angle now shoulder shot). See white figure in distance, blurred. Change to close up (top part) of Agape looking worn out/unfocused as he stumbles towards them. Fern front view (can see Nat and Asha behind her) who makes a surprised noise, face bright red and mouth slightly opened, embarrassed. Back to Agape shot, who looks up, sees them, and smiles, face becoming more lively. Begins to run towards them. Back to Fern view, who makes another, louder noise and buries face in hands.]

Fern: I-I’s moving!

[Nat view (see Fern in background) gritting teeth and glaring, change back to Agape view, smiling, eyes filled with relieved tears.]

Agape [thought]: Finally, I’ve found them. I can tell them the-

[Suddenly cut off as Nat’s hand punches Agape in the nose. Agape drops to ground (camera angle stays same, just hear a thud). Black screen for a second then brief angled up Nat front view, then Nat shoulder shot looking down so can see Agape unconscious on floor (lower body part covered by Nat), nose bleeding. Change to Nat front view, can see Asha/Fern behind him.]

Asha: Was that really necessary?

Nat: [Flexing hand] This guy is seriously weak.

Fern: He must be if even a punch from you could knock him out.

[Nat turns to glare at her (angle stays the same). Angle changes to low bird’s eye wolf view, who stops near Agape’s legs and sniffs them. Gives one sharp bark. Back to Nat view, who spins head back around in surprise.]

Nat: Are you serious?

[Back to wolf shot, who stares for a moment then sniffs and stalks away. Asha front view.]

Asha: What did he say?

[Nat front view, who’s looking down at Agape (not visible on screen).]

Nat: This guy’s important.

[Change to close up of Agape’s chest, close up of flame necklace, change to Nat front view as Fern comes to stand by him, looking down at Agape (not visible).]

Fern: Hey! That necklace is the same as mine.

Nat: Moron, you only just noticed? [holds up own necklace, Fern tries to grab it for a better look but Nat snatches it away, glaring.] Don’t you dare touch it!

[Asha moves between and past them. They watch her. Angle changes to Asha side view, can see Agape on ground. Asha face close up, then Agape close up.]

Asha: His features, he’s one of the water people.

[Change to Asha front view, can see Nat/Fern in background. Fern looks puzzled, she glances at Nat, who just shrugs, Fern glances back at Asha/camera.]

Fern: Water people? Like the water immortals?

Asha: They’re not immortal, but like the water immortals they live underwater and have the lower body of a fish.

[Change so Agape’s feet visible, Nat & co in distance. As Nat talks, comical arrow is flashing at Agape’s feet.]

Nat: Doesn’t look like a fish to me.

[Asha face close-up slightly angled, downwards looking up.]

Asha: They all look the same, and share the same mind. In reality, they’re one being spread out throughout multiple bodies. They remember everything their ancestors witnessed, and they are the guardians of the water seal.

[Pan out as she takes her cloak off to put over Agape, can see Fern, Nat behind as she bends down to cover Agape.]

Fern: But Nat’s right, he doesn’t look like someone who lives underwater.

Asha [standing up]: He’s been changes. His appearance is too unique, and the exact description I’ve read about for the water people. My guess is a water immortal changed him, so he could come here, and the reason must involve the seal. [turns around] He has a necklace after all, it was fated we meet him.

[Change to Nat front view, shocked. Asha front view (so can see her dress) focus on flame design on dress, then back to Nat view, frowning/confused/frustrated change to Fern, who’s clutching her necklace.]

Fern: But what do these mean?

[Asha view, who was staring at Nat, looks away to Fern (off screen) right.]

Asha: I don’t know. All I do know is that those chosen to have them are important. With so many coming together, I’m assuming it’s because of King Earl and his quest for the seals.

[Asha back view, brief silence/pause. Then close view of Asha chest as she claps hands together once. See Nat and Fern jerk heads up at noise.]

Asha: Now, we need to get to a town so this man can wake up comfortably. Fern, can you help me?

[Close up of Fern, who grins and moves forward. Focus on Nat, as Fern moves, see him gazing in Agape’s direction, looking tired but anxious. Brief bird’s eye view of scene as Fern begins helping Agape onto Asha’s back, then fade to black.]

[Scene re-emerges midday over Engon. Sun is out, so people are yellow. Scan/zoom down to a tree, then change to tree side view, so can see Laurel sat in it, looking exhausted. Face close up.]

Laurel: [thoughts]: This place is becoming too dangerous. [Change to back view as he’s looking over town.] But is anywhere else any better? If he’s returned here then who knows where the others may be.

[At last bit, see Nat & co begin to enter town. After thoughts, change to front view to see him frown and grunt in surprise. Back to previous view, then close up of Fern (slightly angled bird’s eye view. Back to Laurel close up, who smiles.]

Laurel: You’ve grown more beautiful, Fern.

[Pan out a little as he quickly shifts to left of screen, out of sight/tree. Change to front view of Asha (carrying Agape on back) Fern and Nat behind them. Two girls gazing around, while Nat looking stubbornly forward. Wolf not there. Change to side view as two, yellow people go past (closest to screen). Asha/Fern’s eyes follow them. Change to Nat & co back view to see group of yellow people in front change to blue.]

Fern: No matter how many times I see it, it still amazes me.

[Front view of them all, Asha turns to Fern.]

Asha: So you’ve been here before?

Fern: I’ve been all over, so I’ve visited here a few times, but never for very long. Visitor’s aren’t usually welcome, and I don’t like to draw suspicion to myself.

[Nat close face side view.]

Nat: Of course not, when you’re a criminal.

[Fern close face view, who whips her head around (left, camera right) in anger.]

Fern: You’re one to talk! Why exactly do you hide away in that forest?

[Back to front view of all as Nat looks away, sulking/grumbling. Silence, then Agape groans on Asha’s back (side view of Asha/Agape).]

Asha: We need to find an Inn.

[All front view.]

Fern: There’s only one, but I don’t think they let in animals…[looking around] wait, where’d the wolf go?

[Nat close up, shrugs]

Nat: I doubt it’ll come into towns. The stupid thing will find us again when it wants to.

[Change to far off side view as they walk down street. Walk past tree (closest to screen) and see Laurel standing next to it (right side of screen), watching them. Change to Laurel front view (head/shoulder shot). Stay for few seconds, then screen goes black. Hear sound of Fern’s voice.]

Fern: I’d like to book two rooms under the name Key please.

[Hear a door slam shut, then scene shows a small Inn room with two beds (bird’s eye view). Asha is lowering Agape onto the bed.]

Nat: Key? What kind of alias is that?

Fern: It means something to me. And considering I just paid for your room I wouldn’t be so critical.

[Close up of Agape sleeping. Hear Nat scoff. Agape’s eyes flutter, then open. He groans, then looks surprised and grabs his own throat. Groans again to hear the vibration. Does this for a while (some sunny noises). Agape side view so can see Nat & co in background, who sweatdrops.]

Fern: Maybe you hit him too hard.

Agape: [sounding out]: M-mmmouth. Uuusing my mmmouth. [Thinking] This is tiring. Why do lander’s talk this way? [Eyes shift to focus on Nat & co. Camera moves over them, then rest on Asha. Lowers and focuses on flame symbol on dress. Back to Agape close view, eyes widen in shock, and he makes a surprised/squeaky noise. Continues to squeak as he sits up (change to Co back view) arms flinging about, gesturing to his chest and then to Asha. Brief Co front view to show their puzzled (Nat’s disgusted) faces, then back. Agape tears open Asha’s cloak he’s wearing, to show his necklace (lower body hidden from view). Both girls turn bright red (still back view) and start waving arms about, swearing/squeaking. Nat remains still, but then starts shaking with rage.]

Nat: You girls get out! Go buy this stupid idiot some clothes.

[Screen goes black, hear a ding noise, and scene reappears to room’s door as it opens. Fern and Asha enter warily, but then relax and smile, amazed. Change to front view of Agape, stood up in front of the bed, wearing dungarees, hair in a plait, blinking eyes cutely/confused. Change to Co back view.]

 Fern: Erm…who did his hair?

[Nat front view, blushing]

Nat: What are you complaining for, he’s dressed, isn’t he?

[Fern front view, eyes glancing in Nat’s direction (right)/Camera left.]

Fern: I didn’t realise you have such talent.

[Shifts to Asha front view.]

Asha: His family does own a fabric store.

[Shift over to Nat front view, who ignores Asha.]

Nat: That wasn’t the challenge. Have you ever tried to dress someone who won’t let you near him?

[Agape front view, so can see his bruise.]

Fern: Well you did punch him.

Nat: [Scoffs]

[Agape shuffles nervously about, then looks back up, holding up his necklace.]

Agape: whhhaaater ssssseal ssssafe.

[Asha front view.]

Asha: Can you take us there?

[Agape front view, shakes head, eyes look down and sad face.]

Agape: Can no llllllonger gggggooooo ttthhere. In whhhhater.

[Low bird’s eye view (angled slightly towards Agape) then back to Agape front view, who looks up.]

Agape: But sssafe, Tallluuuulah guards it. [blinks and looks down, puzzled, then grins. Begins muttering ‘Tallllulllah to himself in background as other talk.]

[Co back view as they turn heads to face each other and talk.]

Fern: Who’s Tallulah?

Asha: A water immortal. If she guards the seal, it should be safe. Besides, he’s right, we can’t reach it alone, it’s in the depths of the ocean.

Nat: [scoffs] Your stupid quest isn’t going well, is it?

[Scene switch to water seal, Tallulah sat/bent close to it.]

Tallulah [thoughts]: They will not interfere.

[Scene shows Engon at night, can see Laurel’s tree to front right of screen. Laurel in tree, goes to Laurel front view to see him looking out, past camera, serious. Low bird’s eye view of town centre, where red people are gathering around a platform.]

Laurel: It’s starting again. [Back to front view as he looks to right/camera left. Focus on Inn.] What will you do now?

[Shot of Fern in a room with Asha, looks up from sitting on bed and frown at window towards noise outside.]

Fern: What’s going on out there? [Change to far back view so can see entire room. Asha on front right of screen, sat on her bed. Fern turns around.] I think I’ll go have a look. I’ve never seen this happen when I’ve been here before.

Asha: Just be careful.

[Scene switches to outside, Nat (front view) is standing in a crowd of red people. They glance at him, suspicious, but then ignore him and turn back, looking hopeful, at camera/platform. Change to see Fern approaching crowd, looking around, face close up as she turns to camera. Face shows recognition. Change to back view so can see Nat in front/in crowd, back to her, she moves towards him. Nat back view as her hand taps him on shoulder. Nat turns around, frowning. Nat back view.]

Fern: What’s going on?

[Nat shrugs and turns back around, Fern moves into space on his left.]

Nat: No clue, but these people are pretty excited. They don’t even care outsiders are here.

[Change to angled Fern side view, so can see Nat.]

Fern: Why are you here?

[Nat angled side view, who chews on lip and frowns. Both back view.]

Nat:…I just felt drawn here.

[Nat side view as Fern turns head to look at him (Nat staring straight ahead, camera right). Begins to snow, one lands on Fern’s nose. Fern blinks and looks, brief view of sky to see snow falling (towards camera) then back. Fern smiles. Far back view to see red people turn blue. Nat pulls his jacket closer to him, crossing his arms. Awkward silence ensures, Fern shuffles her feet. Change to Fern side view as she opens her mouth, then closes it again in defeat. Bows head a bit, then snaps it back up, clapping her hands and making Nat jump.]

Fern: So! How do you like the snow? I doubt you’ve seen it before in that forest.

[Nat side view (other side, so Fern not visible), he looks at her/camera, then looks away again, a full beam smile emerging on his face.]

Nat: I’ve seen it once before.

[Brief flash on screen, see younger Nat in forest (low bird’s eye view) looking up at snow in amazement, while clutching onto the black wolf. Change to see a woman nearby, bending to Nat’s level, and singing last part of wolf song as she hugs him close. Flash, then back to present, still Nat side view.]

Nat: It was beautiful.

[Change to other Nat side view, see him still smiling, then blur out Nat and focus on Fern, to see her staring at him and blushing. She looks away. Fern front view, head bowed slightly. Still blushing but smiling a little.]

Fern [thoughts]: I guess he has a decent smile in him after all.

[Scene change to focus on different part of crowd, see assassin moving amongst the blue people. Looks around then at camera. Change to back view to show Nat in his line of vision, still smiling.]

Assassin [thoughts]: There you are, little renegade Prince.

[Assassin front view to see him grin, then frown. Return to back view to see him now focusing on Fern. Closer view of Fern blushing. Goes to close lower face side view of assassion as he grits teeth.]

Assassin: Emlin.

[Change to Fern front view, whose blush has dimmed a little, eyes down and sad, with melancholy smile.]

Fern: I wish I had a memory that made me smile like that.

[Fern side view, Nat turns head to her curious. She doesn’t look at him, just continues talking.]

Fern: I have no memories before three years ago. It’s a complete blank. I only know my name because I saw it on a wanted poster. I don’t know who it is I killed, if I really killed them, why I did it. Nothing. My parents…nothing.

[Front view, chest shot as she grabs necklace.]

Fern: My first memory was being alone, injured.

[Brief flash as she talks, thirteen year old Fern in deserted landscape, clothes torn, filthy, clutching at her side. Hand comes away with blood on it, then she uses same hand to examine necklace. Flash back to current Fern front view, can see Nat on her right side (camera left).]

Fern: If this necklace, and this quest, will lead me to some answers, I will risk everything. I need to know.

[Fern front view, determined look. Pan over to Nat front view who looks away from her.]

 Nat: Are you sure? The truth might be worse than not knowing. Your parents could have been monsters, you could have been one. Do you really want to risk destroying who you are now?

[Both front view.]

Fern: But I’m nobody.

Nat: I don’t think so.

[Fern looks at him in astonishment. Nat refuses to look at her, but blushes a little then starts to get frustrated.]

Nat: B-besides, what’s with the sudden confession? I barely know you.

Fern: [blinks, then looks confused] I…I don’t know. That isn’t like me at all! [Hands on head drama] But I just felt a sudden need to confess, that it would make things easier, why-

[Crowd suddenly cheers/begins shouting. Close up of platform ground as a foot slams onto it. Nat/Fern front view as they turn their heads to platform and stare, eyes widening. Crowd get louder. Fern side view (camera moving slightly) as her and Nat stare at stage, then look at each other.]

Narrator: The destruction has begun.

[Slow zoom in close up of Laurel, staring at stage.]

[Ending credits.]

[Episode preview]

[Omake/extra]: Agape’s first steps.

[Fern and Asha in their hotel room.]

Fern: Hey, how come Agape can’t talk, but he can walk okay?

Asha: [shrugs] Who knows? [looks up] Wait, how do you know his name?

[Screen goes black, hear splash noise then see Agape break through water. Blank again, screen read ‘The truth revealed (contains nudity)’. Return to see Agape flop onto bank, bare bottom in view. At first he flops his legs about like a tail, then tries to do separately (blur genitals). Brief black screen and re-emerge to see Agape trying to stand, failing. Brief black screen again. See Agape sat, staring down in horror.]

Agape [thoughts]: How can landers just let them hang out like this, with no protection?

[Brief flash and see Agape now walking shakily, falling, until he’s battered, dirty and has fed up/exhausted look he was wearing when meets others. Then back view as he spots Nat & co in distance. Flash back to Fern and Asha in hotel.]

Asha: I guess I did carry him most of the time, and he wasn’t that far from Leaf Lake when Nat punched him…but he was standing okay before. [Brief flash to show Agape in clothes scene] So he must be making progress.

[Screen blank, reads ‘The truth revealed, contains horror (Agape’s horror)’. Nat and Agape in room, Agape still has cloak on, sat on bed. Nat is holding new clothes.]

Nat: Look, I’m not going to baby you. Stand up properly, so I can put the clothes on easier, or I’ll just lock you in a storage cupboard somewhere so no one has to look at you.

[Agape shot, who’s staring, shaking a little.]

Agape [thoughts]: This one, I have to be careful of. He really wouldn’t care if he killed me.

[Agape stands up, screen reads ‘Reason: Survival instinct’.]

[End]

Fallen Wing

Episode two: Arswing

[Screen is black for a few moments, then hear the sound of fire crackling. Screen begins to fill with the crackling fire from bottom of the screen.]

Narrator: Destiny can be cruel to those it needs the most.

[Camera pans out from flames to show a dark cave full of fire. Can see one of the side walls with flames licking at bottom of the screen, side wall in far distance, with a clearing in centre of room (not viewable through flames yet). A nineteen year old (looking) man with shaggy brown hair, a thin, deep scar along his jaw and green/yellow eyes steps into view from mid-waist above the flames. His eyes looking towards far left of screen, curious but cautious.]

Narrator: Tricking them into their fate.

[Angle changes so man/Firo is in distance facing the camera (to the right of screen). Close up on left side of camera, facing it is another man with a bald head and fire coloured hair (red near pupil, then orange and yellow), only see head and shoulders. Camera focus still on Firo so man nearest camera is blurred out of focus. See Firo staring at the man, eyes narrowing, but then letting out a defeated sigh as he lowers his eyes. With this action, the top of the man’s head suddenly ignites, no longer bald but with a scalp of flames. Camera focuses on him and blurs Firo. The man gives a cruel smirk to camera.]

Narrator: Forcing them onto a path that would cause more harm than good.

[Change to close-up of Firo’s face and lowered gaze, this shot overlapping narrator’s voice. Then change to back shot of flame-haired man to show him standing in front of a flamed alter in centre of room. Flames on the altar begin to converge and take on shape of man from dark room, King Earl (only his head).]

King Earl: The assistance of your fire magic in my devices has proven most useful. I thank you.

[Angle changes back to close view of fireman and distort view of Firo. The fireman grins and lifts his head.]

Fireman/Ignatius: Anything to help the King.

[Brief focus on Firo, who scrunches up face and turns head slightly to his left/right of screen, then to back shot of Ignatius so can see fire.]

King Earl: Have all the pieces been retrieved yet?

[Back to close view/distant view, see Ignatius glare, eyes shifting to Firo’s direction (but doesn’t turn his head). Focus on Firo, who just turns his head further away.]

Ignatius: Not quite, but the foolish attempts that are being taken to keep them from me will be easily be destroyed when I wish it.

[See Firo flinch, Earl spinning back to face him and glaring. Focus on Ignatius to see his smug grin. His eyes move back to focus on camera direction. Camera change to back shot again.]

King Earl: The Fallen Wing has finally begun to emerge. It is time we sped up our plans, my friend.

[Change to close up of Firo. Hear Ignatius’ laughter as Firo glares at camera.]

Ignatius (not in view): Yes, it is time.

[Stays focused on Firo close up, glaring as hear voice over.]

Narrator: Waiting for their chosen ones, bearing the mark of the flame, to set them free.

[Screen fades to black. Title Episode Two: Arswing appears on screen.]

[Opening credits]

[Screen blank, then hear a bird chirping, screen shows ground shot, looking up at the treetops in early night darkness. Angle doesn’t change as hear footsteps and Nat’s voice.]

Nat: I get it already! You can shut up now.

[Bird stops chirping. Scene changes to side view amongst forest. See Nat move across the screen (from right to left) with a tsk noise (bird is on his left shoulder, one closest to camera). A few seconds pass, then Asha (carrying Fern) also moves across the screen, the camera continues following her at side angle. She is smiling, staring after Nat (who is off-screen left of camera).]

Asha: Have you always been able to talk to animals like that?

[Screen whizzes to the left to show Nat side view, looking tired and irritated.]

Nat: What do you care?

[Nat stops walking, staring ahead of him (left of screen) with a resigned look. Asha appears behind him, bending forward a little so her head level with his, trying to see what he’s looking at. Nat notices and glares at her, she gives a sheepish smile and straightens up.]

Nat: Well, here we are.

[Changes to back shoulder view, focus on the scene beyond (in front) of them. Forest is on either side and suddenly stops. No visible front gate or side walls to the village. On left can see a row of hut houses, going upwards (front left to back left), on right closest building is a hut/shop and can make out the training field behind it (maybe make camera move closer/hover over it). Then see the well behind that (people near it, happy looking) go far left (whiz/blur over elder’s tent) to show storage house, little girl with chocolate. Then go back right to show elder’s tent, camera go upwards to show wall along back of village, top of trees visible over it. Slight angled bird’s eye view of village, at bottom of screen Arswing village appears.]

[Change to front view/upper body shot of Nat and Asha behind him looking at screen (village beyond) Asha has one eyebrow raised in wonder.]

Asha: It doesn’t look very well protected.

Nat: [eyes move in her direction but don’t look behind] Try and go in if you want.

[Asha shrugs and steps forward. Angle changes to back shot of them both as she moves closer to village. Brief scene shift to close up of Nat watching screen/Asha, and then shift to back shot of Asha, who stops. Side view of Asha (village to left) see her frown and hold out her hand in front of her. See her palm pressed up against an invisible barrier, which glimmers green for a moment before unable to see it again. Change to front head/shoulder view of Asha so can see Nat walking up behind her. Focus on him.]

Nat: This barrier is set up around the whole of the village. No one can get in unless the old man wants you in.

[Camera focus on Asha, blurs Nat]

Asha: I see. Perhaps the seal is in safe hands after all.

[Switch to Asha side view again. See barrier shimmer green, Asha’s hand falls through. Back to front head/shoulder view. Show Asha’s wondered reaction then blur her and focus on Nat.]

Nat: Looks like he really wants to speak to you. [Takes a step forward and begins to move past Asha/front of camera, muttering] but why does he get me involved? [Now off screen].

[Angle remains to see Asha’s gaze following him (staring past camera), then looks up slightly with eyes on village/barrier before moving left/off-screen after Nat. shifts to front view (slightly high) of village as they walk further in. Camera keeps going higher, then fades into next screen. Side view of Nat and Asha walking in village with the fabric store on their right/background of screen. As they go past (same angle) a middle aged woman emerges (still blurred).]

Woman: Hey!

[Shift to back shot of Nat and Asha, see them stop and turn heads to right/woman’s direction (off screen). Then front close up of woman frowning at Nat/camera.]

Woman: What are you bringing that here for? Don’t be causing this village any trouble.

[Close side view of Nat, who raises an eyebrow at her/camera before sneering.]

Nat: This isn’t a corpse [sarcastic] auntie. And the old man told me to bring them, so go bother him.

[Switches to front view of Nat/Asha (behind him), slightly angled so can see woman on left (blurred). Nat turns head back and begins walking forward/off screen. Asha hesitates but then follows. Unblur woman to see her still frowning, shop door/flap opens behind her and a young woman is seen, focus on her. Angle close up as woman gazes after Nat, curious.]

Young woman: What’s going on?

[Pans out to include both women on screen.]

Woman: Your cousin is causing trouble again.

[Moves to front view of Nat/Asha as walk through village. See going past shops on left, huts on right as keeps moving.]

Asha: [gazing to the left as walk past field] These people, I’ve heard it’s a village where the humans can use magic, just like the elves.

[View change to back shot of man in training field, facing another man. Man in front lifts sword in air telekinetically and hurls it at camera/man. Camera pans out to see man dodge with right sideways roll. Gets up and sends a lightning spark (using right hand) back. Sword is raised to deflect it (close up), spark bounces off to left. Switch to angled, slight bird’s eye view with Nat/Asha visible to left. Spark smashes into invisible barrier, making a crash noise and barrier become visible a moment. See Asha jump and turn at noise. Change angle to Asha close up (slightly angled) looking shocked. Switch so can see Nat walking away behind her.]

Nat: Their magic is the strongest in the village, the rest don’t have much use battle-wise. Don’t expect any volunteers here to help you.

[Switch to back view of Asha, front of Nat.]

Asha: You people have such power, and yet you hide away and let Earl rule the way he does.

[Nat stops, enraged. Turns head to face her, camera changes as he turns so can see his face/shoulders.]

Nat: What do you expect them to do? Two hundred years ago the village fought against the previous King, and was nearly wiped out! Having the rest of them die isn’t going to help anyone.

[While talking camera switched to Asha to show down trodden expression. Back to Nat, then to Asha again. Hear footsteps/shuffling as Nat moves again, and see Asha begin to follow.

Camera change to front view of tent Asha and Nat are now stood in front of (back to camera).]

Nat: Oh yeah, there’s one other thing I should warn you about.

[Switch to Asha front view who looks at him (right). Pan over to Nat.]

Nat: [completely serious] Don’t take any chocolate offered to you by little girls, or you’ll regret it.

[Screen shows close up of Asha, beady-eyed shock.]

Asha: Huh?

[Back to tent view as Nat parts flap and enters, talking as he does.]

Nat: Come on, the old man is waiting, and this girl is heavy.

[Switches to inside of tent, over-shoulder view of Querida on floor so see as Nat walks in. Moves a little to left of screen (still facing Querida) while Asha also emerges, looking around. Shift to front view Nat/Asha as bird chirps, flies off Nat’s shoulder. Shift to side shot view of tent to see bird flying low. Querida raises arm (right one) from the left into view so bird rests on it. Switch to extreme close up of Asha, looking at camera/Querida.]

Asha: I have come seeking your help.

[Front view of sitting Querida who looks up at Asha/camera, stares a few seconds, then shifts his gaze to right/Nat. Shift to Querida back view so can see Nat.]

Querida: You lost control in the forest again. [Pause, Nat frowns at him and looks away] Where is your guardian?

Nat: [Camera focuses on Nat, but angle doesn’t change] How should I know? It probably went to check for more soldiers lurking around.

[Shift back to Querida front view who nods. Camera angle changes to high angled back view of Asha (so can see Querida in front), getting an irritated mark.

Asha: [thinking] Is he ignoring me? [She steps forward forcefully, camera changes to front view.] Please listen to me! There’s no time to mess around with power games here.

Querida: I already know why you’re here, priestess. [Still front Asha, so see shocked reaction. Change to Querida back view (angled up so can see other two)] I ask, because you’ll need him on your journey.

Nat: You’re giving her my wolf?

Querida: [Shift to side face close-up] No, you’re going with her. [Head shifts to left, away from screen in Fern’s direction.] And so is this girl.

[Brief camera shot of Fern, still sleeping, then sudden close up of Nat, outraged.]

Nat: You want me to leave the forest! Are you insane?

Querida: [back to face side view] It’s the only way to stop Earl from breaking the seals.

[Turns back to Asha, camera shifts to Querida back view.] I know your task is urgent, but nothing can be discussed until this girl [brief shift to Fern] wakes up. [Asha close up, watching her worried expression] Rest for now, and you can set out tomorrow.

[Asha sighs and closes eyes. Camera moves up to top of tent.]

Asha: Alright

[Blank screen, can hear a voice]

Elle/Narrator: Already those bearing the mark of destiny are beginning to move.

[Close up of castle corner, close side view/lower face of Elle about to peer round the corner, mouth tense.]

Elle/Narrator: [mouth doesn’t move] To ignore this, and let someone take their place, is something that can’t be done. [Changes to close face front view to see Elle’s determined face. Camera moves back a little so can see Elle’s father behind her, arms crossed, eyebrows raised.]

Father/Marcius: And where are you going?

Elle: [Surprised yelp/scream, jumps]

[Camera changes to Elle back shot as she spins around to face camera/father.]

Elle: You can’t stop me! I have to find big brother before he does something stupid!

[Changes to Elle back view so can see Marcius]

Marcius: Your brother is protecting you the only way he can think of. Let him try, for his sake.

[Elle front view, looking down and expression worried/annoyed. Side shot close view of mouth.]

Elle: But…how could I live with myself if he dies.

[Elle back view]

Marcius: Nevan won’t die, [Close up, smiles] because he knows [side view of Elle, so can see face] that you’d never forgive him. [Elle looks up] And he would never risk that.

[Elle back view]

Marcius: [lecturing mode] So stop trying to run away and find him! [Elle sweat drop] I know what is happening scares you, so let someone else take care of it.

Elle close up, looks down again to mid-side view; see her clutch hand around a missing necklace]

Elle: Yes, I’m scared. [flash to picture shot scene of Elle crying, another flash to see Nevan watching her, flash as he hugs her, flash, grabs her necklace, flash, Elle’s astonished look, flash, Nevan’s smile] And when I realized what was happening, I wanted it to disappear, because I’m not strong enough to handle it.

[Elle front close up, determined]

Elle: I’m not the sacrificing type, I know that. But I won’t sacrifice my brother either.

[Elle suddenly spins around and runs. Camera changes to front view, see Marcius grab her arm. Scene shift to shoe Haven castle (night time), hear Elle’s yelling]

Elle: Daddy, let me go!

Marcius: You’re staying young lady. I’m never going through that ordeal again.

Elle: But brother is hopeless, I have to get the necklace back!

[Elle’s voice echoes into scene change, to Nevan camped in a field area at night time, bird’s eye view.  Suddenly looks up at camera, puzzled. Camera shift to front chest area, see Nevan clutch at flame necklace, camera moves up to see face.]

Nevan: Elle?

[Side view, see him shrug]

Nevan: I must be more tired than I thought.

[Camera changes to the fire with Nevan visible in background. Fire flares up, making Nevan jump.]

Nevan: Whoa! [Nevan front view, staring at fire (off screen). Back to fire view] The fires around here have been pretty jumpy lately.

[Fire flares up, again, now in the fire caves. Front view of Firo staring gloomily at the fire/down camera. A little dragon flies onto the screen from top left, fly behind Firo and land on his right shoulder (one closest to left of screen)]

Arlen: You’re going to kill some poor unsuspecting human doing that.

Firo: [silent, turns head away from fire, to right of screen, and walks off screen. Arlen flutters off his shoulder as he moves, hovering in air. Angle changes to Firo front view, can see Arlen hovering in background.]

Firo: What are you doing here? Come to trick me again?

Arlen: I wouldn’t call it tricking you when you already know about it. But no, there isn’t a way to get to the final weapon piece yet. Master sent me to make sure you’re…aware.

[Firo frowns and turns, camera change to face close up.]

Firo: Aware of what? What are you planning now?

[Go to back view so can see Arlen]

Arlen: Master said it has begun. Those bearing the mark of the flame on their body move towards their destiny.

[Change to front view Firo, who had utter shocked look on face.]

Firo: How do you know about the marks?

[Back to the back view]

Arlen: Master told me. Master said they were important, and that only you can see them. The successor of Firo.

[Back to front view Firo, who frowns and looks at fire (right of screen). Change to fire front view, then face side view of Firo, watching it (off screen, but fire background from rest of cave).]

Firo: But what are these people supposed to do?

[Change to back view.]

Arlen: You’re the might Firo, you tell me. Can’t you sense anything?

[Back to close face view, still facing towards fire. Firo frowns, and closes his eyes. Blank screen, with brief flash of a flame symbol. Back to Firo, who opens his eyes and turns head to Arlen/camera.]

 Firo: They’ll come seeking Dagan for the pieces he guards. And I think they’ll come here too [Few shots to show rest of fire caves] to check the seal’s intact.

[Back view.]

Arlen: Maybe they’ll help you out of your…situation then.

[Back to front view. Firo frowns, looks angry and turns away, begins walking off. Change to side view as he walks.]

Firo: And why would your master tell me this? What does he want?

[Arlen flies into view, swerving around Firo as he walks.]

Arlen: Master only wishes to see what happens next. Master won’t get involved.

[Firo stops and spins head to face Arlen, pointing a stabbing finger at him. Change angle to Arlen back view to see Firo’s face.]

Firo: I’m warning you now, little lizard, I’ve had more than enough of your master interfering in my life. I already have one master [sarcastic tone for word master] I’m not about to let yours enslave me too.

[Changes to Firo back view, who turns around and storms off out of view. Arlen continues to hover, and gives a little smirk.]

Arlen: We shall see about that. One day.

[Screen goes black, hear sounds of birds chirping. Fades into angled bird’s eye view of forest in early dawn, see it grow lighter. Screen changes to close side view of sleeping Fern, see light shine on her and her eyes flicker open. She glances up (not moving head). Camera change Fern back view to see Nat scowling at her from across the tent. Back to Fern view who stares back then sits up. Nat view to see him look away (to left of screen, near tent entrance), get up and leave the tent (stay at low view for this). Fern view to see her frown, and then look around.]

Fern: Where am I? [View change to back view so tent entrance visible.] And who was that?

[Brief flash of Nat and Fern in forest. Then close face side view of Fern.]

Fern: Did he save me?

[Close up of tent entrance as flap opens. Querida walks in, followed by Asha.]

Querida: How are you feeling?

[Fern front view]

Fern: Fine, I just over-exerted myself. Erm…[looks puzzled] I’m sorry, but who are you? Where is this?

[Front view of Querida and Asha, can see Nat enter the tent and move out of line]

Querida: You are in Arswing village, sheltered in Malhand forest. I am the village Elder, Querida. This [indicates Asha] is an Anellan priestess, a visitor like you.

Asha: [smiles and lifts one hand in greeting] Asha Leav, pleased to meet you.

[Brief front Fern view, who nods and gives a small smile back. Back to Querida/Asha front view.]

Querida: And [face side view of Nat, looking away] that is the guardian of Malhand forest, Nathan Simons.

[Fern front view, who raises and eyebrow.]

Fern: Guardian?

[Fern back view]

Querida: He protects this village and the forest’s seal from the King’s men.

Fern: Seal?

[Asha front view]

Asha: Seals that protect the entrances to the immortal realms. There are four confirmed ones; the fire seal in Firo, the ice seal in Shiro Mountains, the water seal in Leaf Lake, and the earth seal in the forest of illusions [brief snap shots of each place?]. It’s unknown what the seal in this forest is guarding, but the King seems to believe it also leads to an immortal realm.

[Fern front view.]

Fern: Why would the King want to enter an immortal realm? There’s no way a mortal could survive there.

[Fern back view]

Asha: In each realm there’s a part of something he wants, something he can use to control the immortals.

[Nat front view, spins head around]

Nat: What? That’s not possible.

[Asha front view]

Asha: It is, and some immortals are helping him.

[Nat front view, looks away, thoughtful.]

Nat: There’s no way an immortal would help a human enslave them. But it it’s possible…Earl would be far worse than he is now.

[Camera change to tent floor, see Fern slam her hand down. Close lower face side view.]

Fern: No! We can’t let that happen!

[Change to Fern front view.]

Fern: I’ve wandered throughout this realm; I’ve seen Earl’s cruelty. The people won’t last if it gets worse, they won’t last if it continues like this. [Looks down, change to close lower face side view to see her grit teeth, close view of her clenching her hands. Back to front view to see her lift head.]

Fern: I will help any way I can.

[Front view of Asha, relieved smile.]

Asha: Thank you.

[Querida front view, who has head bowed.]

Querida: Then you must go with the priestess and Nathan, and seek out Dagan. He holds and guards the knowledge of defeating Earl, and those that work with him.

[Side view of Nat, who whips head round to camera/Querida.]

Nat: What? I’m not going anywhere!

[Querida/Asha front view.]

Querida: They will need your guardian to find the seals, and he needs to be near you. [Change to Querida close side view] Nathan, you already know why you must go. Don’t fight it.

[Change to Nat front view who frowns but looks away, defeated, slightly anxious. Change to Asha side view, can see Querida behind.]

Asha: Where can we find this Dagan?

[Camera blurs Asha, focuses on Querida.]

Querida: He is known to visit two of the seals, earth and fire. But it would be better to check the other seals still hold before seeking him out. You need to prevent Earl reaching his goal before you focus on defeating him.

Asha: [Camera focuses on her] The closest is the water seal. If we leave soon, we can reach it by noon tomorrow.

[Camera switches to Nat side view.]

Nat: Okay, I can understand why I have to go, and the Anellan priestess. [Points finger, camera change to see finger at front, pointing at Fern] But why her? [Change to Nat face close up to see him glare, close up of Fern’s necklace.] Why is she so important?

[Querida close lower face side to see him smile, back to necklace shot.]

Querida: She has been chosen just like you [Flash to Nat’s necklace, then front view of Fern, side view of Querida face, then back to Fern as Querida talks] And going on this quest will give her the answers she seeks, and ones she didn’t know she needed to hear. She will gain answers that will change everything.

[Nat front view, scoffs and looks away. Then walks out of tent. Angled bird’s eye view of tent. Querida front view, who gives a reassuring smile.]

Querida: I will round up Nathan for you. Once you’re ready, wait at the village entrance.

[Back to bird’s eye view to see Querida leave tent, Asha and Fern’s head following his movement. Go to side view of two girls, Fern on left, Asha on right. They turn to each other and smile nervously. Awkward silence.]

[Switch to outside Nat side view as he storms to village entrance, about to leave. Switch to front view so can see Querida following behind.]

Querida: You can’t ignore this, Nathan.

Nat: [silent]

Querida: [moves closer Querida back view] You know you must go. You can’t hide in that forest forever. [Back to Nat front view] Face him, and have it be done. Prove to the world you’re nothing like your father.

[Change to Nat back view as he spins around, glaring. After a moment he looks down and away, nervous. Change to mid-side view, so can see fists and lower face.]

Nat: I don’t want to travel with other people.

[Querida front view]

Querida: You’ll have to learn to control yourself.

[Nat front view, still looking down.]

Nat: [dark laugh] Control myself? You’re making me leave the forest, the only place that helps, and expect me to control myself? I’ll be proving to the world I’m exactly like him.

[Nat shoulder shot]

Querida: You will have your guardian, he will restrain you.

[Nat front view, see wolf trot into village entrance and stand beside him, looking smug. Nat looks down at it and glares. Nat face close up.]

Nat: I don’t trust that thing.

[Nat shoulder shot]

Querida: He will help because he must, trust in that.

[Moves closer, puts a hand on Nat’s shoulder, change to side view of both.]

Querida: Nathan, seeking out Dagan is the best option for you. It was him that your grandfather stole the dark magic from.

[Querida shoulder shot to see Nat’s shocked face.]

Nat: So he…

[Nat shoulder shot]

Querida: Can help you.

[Querida shoulder shot, see Nat look to side, hopeful, and nods. Back to side view of both.]

Querida: I wish you all the best on this journey, Nathan, and I’ll pray for your safe return.

[Nat close up, looking awkward, then scoffs and sarcastic.]

Nat: Pray? Pray to who?

[Nat shoulder shot, Querida smiles]

Querida: Why, the God of flame marks of course. [Slaps Nat’s shoulder and walks off, change to Nat front view, looking perplexed, then smiling and shaking his head. Camera pans up to sky.]

Nat: I can never win against you, old man.

[Screen goes black, hear bubble sounds, screen changes to ocean, see bubbles rise up on screen. A figure in background fades into view, eggs on the ground, cracked or dead/black, shadowed figure sitting amongst them. Camera focuses more so figure becomes clearer, merman with his back to camera. Shift to close lower face side view to see depressed, with hair falling down his face. Move up to see sad/empty eyes. Change to front view, face in shadows, to see female mermaid Tallulah approach from behind.]

Agape:

[inner voice thought]

: They’re all dead.

Tallulah: Yes, even those waiting to live weren’t spared.

[Agape lifts head so camera can see features. Rises to ‘feet’, camera follows. Agape back view.]

Agape: But I’m still here. [Turns around] why?

[Tallulah front view]

Tallulah: Because you’re important [lifts finger, change angle to see it pointing at Agape’s necklace. Agape looks down at it, clutches it. Agape front view.]

Agape: But you gave me this.

Tallulah: Because you’re important.

Agape: But I was never a part of the ‘link’. I’m broken.

[Quick Tallulah front view shot, emotionless.]

Tallulah: You’re unique, Agape.

[Agape view.]

Agape: I’m alone.

[Agape shoulder shot, see Tallulah jerk head to left (her right) then look sharply back.]

Tallulah: You must leave.

[Agape front view, who looks up.]

Agape: The hatching groups?

[Tallulah shot]

Tallulah: The water.

[Agape front view, blinks and looks confused.]

Tallulah: You can’t live as a merman anymore. You must live on the land and find the ones who also have a necklace.

Agape: land? [Distressed]

Tallulah: They have been chosen by my people, just like you. You will find a place with them, Agape.

Agape: But I can’t leave!

[Tallulah front view who comes nearer, puts awkward hand on shoulder.]

Tallulah: You are needed, Agape. You can’t stay here alone. Leave, live. I will help you get there, and then I too will leave this place.

[Agape close side view]

Agape

[joyful]

: So you’re coming?

[Tallulah close side view]

Tallulah: Not with you. I cannot get involved any further.

[Agape close side view, looking disappointed.]

Tallulah: But remember what I’ve taught you, and what your people learnt. It will help. It will help everyone.

[Agape looks up, sad, then looks down and gives a reluctant nod.]

Narrator: Destiny will not wait for anyone. They will move forward.

[Tallulah side view]

Tallulah: Good [turns around] Now come with me. There’s something you must see before you go.

[Goes black and re-emerges in water near a whirlpool. Front view of whirlpool then front view of Agape to see him clutching onto Tallulah so won’t be sucked in. Go to closer front view.]

Agape [hysterical]: What is that?

Tallulah

[calm]

: This is the water seal. It is safe. I must leave the habitat to stay here and protect it.

Agape: And I must leave. [Head bowed, sigh]

Tallulah: Let the people you find know it is safe. They don’t need to worry about it [turns to Agape, Agape notices and turns to face her.] Now it is time. I must alter you forever.

[Closer view, see Tallulah begin to raise hands to Agape’s head.]

Narrator: They will be forced to change in order to achieve what they must.

[Screen goes black]

Narrator: Even if that change will destroy them.

[Entrance of Arswing village, see Fern and Nat there waiting, awkward. Change to back view to see Asha and Querida approaching. Querida/Asha back view.]

Nat: Took you long enough.

[Asha/Querida front view. Asha smiles patiently.]

Asha: I was seeking permission to visit the seal in the forest before leaving.

[Nat/Fern view.]

Nat: Then you should be seeking it from me!

[Asha front view.]

Asha: Yes, that’s what Elder Querida said too.

[Pause, side view of all.]

Asha: So?

[Nat front view, who frowns]

Nat: I’ve protected that thing for the last ten years. It’s fine! And hard to get to. [Back side view] Besides, it doesn’t even guard a realm, so why bother?

[Asha close side view]

Ashe: But the King sent men into the forest. What would he be after?

[Nat view, looks shocked, uncomfortable.]

Nat:…They can’t reach it, so just leave it. You can visit it last when we’ve checked the others.

[Asha front view, serious face, after a few seconds she smiles and laughs. Nat back view.]

Asha: You’re worried I’ll draw attention to it by investigating, and endanger the village. You’re very sweet.

[Nat anime irritated. Nat front view, red faced and shouting.]

Nat: That’s not it, you stupid woman!

[Nat back view.]

Asha: It’s okay, I’ll give in for now. [Close up, serious.] But I will check it eventually. So whatever you’re trying to hide, enjoy it while you can.

[Close Nat side view, shocked then glares, and defeated/annoyed look. Looks away.]

[Side view, tense silence. Front view of Fern, smiling nervously, hands up in surrender.]

Fern: So are we leaving? The sooner we move the better. I want to be able to reach one of my stash areas before nightfall.

[Querida front view, smiles.]

Querida: I wish you the best of luck.

Female voice: Wait!

[Nat’s cousin shoves past Querida, carrying a travelling pack.]

Narrator: Even if it will break connections, they’ll begin moving.

[Change to side view of her and Nat as she approaches, stopping in front of him. Gives him a quick glance then looks awkwardly to side and lifts up pack.]

Cousin: Y-You won’t be able to rely on the forest, so you need to take some essentials.

[Cousin front view, looks back at him, honest and determined.]

Cousin: Good luck, cousin. Come home soon.

[Back to side view as she shoves pack at him. He takes it, reluctant. Nat front view to see him give her a blank stare, then closes eyes before turning away and walking off. Back to cousin front view, which pans out so see Querida waving as Narrator talks.]

Narrator: Perhaps forever denying the family they could have cherished.

[Change to cousin back view so can see Asha, Fern and Nat and wolf leaving village, turns into bird’s eye view then scene fades, becomes Elle (in castle) and side view with lower face, clutching at necklace.]

Elle: But it’s too late now. [Changes to necklace close as fist tightens around it.] There are no more chances. [Front close up to see sad look, she looks up, sighs, and closes eyes, screen goes black.]

Elle: It has begun.

[Brief flash of Agape breaking surface of water, gasping for air, blank again.]

Elle: There’s no turning back.

[End credits/theme.]

[Next episode preview]

[Omake/extra]: Little girls with chocolates.

[Fern, Asha and Nat walking, the Arswing village in background with cousin and little girl next to her, waving goodbye to them.]

Fern: Um, Nat, why do you consider little girls with chocolate pure evil?

Nat: Well…

[Flashback mode: Screen announces four years ago. Twelve years old Nat is outside Querida’s tent, waiting. A little girl comes up to him, holding up a basket of chocolate.]

Girl: Want some? It’s good! It’s called chocolate, my magic gift!

Nat: Um, okay.

[Screen: ten minutes later]

[Querida comes out of tent]

Querida: Nathan, I-

[See Nat sat on the floor giggling away, trying to catch a butterfly.]

Girl: [evil glint in eye, laughs]

Querida: [sweat drop]

[Omake extra]: Querida’s lap

[Nat, Asha, unconscious Fern in Querida’s tent.]

Nat: So where should we put this girl?

[Querida close, serious face. Pan out as he pats his lap.]

Querida: She will be most comfortable here I think. [Perverted gleam]

[Nat and Asha do anime fall.]

Nat: Dirty old man! [Has him in armlock]

[End]

Fallen Wing

Episode one: Monster of Malhand

[Starts with view of clouds in blue sky, camera moving slowly through them; with voice-over]

Narrator/Elle:

Marks of destiny can’t be ignored.

The realm of Ombasa has been in a tense state since its Great War, near two hundred years ago. Dark magic fell into the hands of the royal family of Tempit, and with it the previous King took control of the land, conquering its cities and towns.

            The death of this King was filled with many rumours, and few know the truth. But it’s an event that will change everything.

            Twenty years have passed since King Earl came into power, his dark magic as deadly as his father’s. And yet he seeks a greater power, challenging the Gods themselves.

[Camera stops moving, changes direction, moves downwards. Voice has an echo effect.]

Guardians of the seals beware, he will defeat you.

Monster of Malhand beware, he will find you.

[Shadows swirl/trail onto the screen. from the left they begin to form an F. The rest of the shadows move from the right, and form the ‘allen’. After forming the word the shadows begin to hover and drop downwards. But there’s a space below they can’t touch. A light appears and engulfs the whole screen (white). The shadow (upside down and backwards) of the word slowly descends onto the screen, at first too big to fit on then shrinking to its normal size. The shadows twist/merge/move to be normal solid words (the right way round). The background goes back to cloud scene and the word Wing is left behind, pure white and bold.]

[Speed up descend from clouds to view landscape, top of forest, river in forest with a figure crouched over it. Screen goes black for an instant, and then focuses on bloody hands being vigorously washed in the stream. Splashing sounds, angle changes to front view of figure. See head bent down in shadows, gritting his teeth, black hair covering eyes face with red streaks melting to white. Camera focuses on background beyond face, see an outline of body on forest floor, just before the trees start. There is blood spilling through a hole in the chest area. The body is wearing a purple guard’s uniform. The forest life is silent. Goes to a side-view shot of crouching figure, face still in shadow]

Nat: [cold and steady voice] I warned you, I always warn you.

[Changes to close front view of Nat, focusing on chin down. His right hand moves to his black fur jacket, touching the blood on it. He sighs, hand clutching it tightly. Camera moves up slightly to see his face clearly, a sad, longing expression.]

Nat: Sorry Corven, I’m ruining your coat.

[The sound of rustling is heard, Nat doesn’t turn to look. In the background behind Nat see a shaggy grey wolf emerge through the trees. Camera focuses on wolf (but doesn’t change angle), then back to Nat.]

Nat: [without turning] Just leave me alone. [Shouts] Leave me!

[Camera goes to front view of wolf, who stands a moment, staring at Nat (beyond the screen), then moves towards the body (camera follows) and laying next to it. Gazes up at Nat, camera moves out back to front view of Nat with wolf visible in background. Focus on Nat.

Nat: [crazy laugh, hand gripping hair. He looks upwards; camera also looks upwards, focuses on seeing forest, sunlight shining amongst the tree branches higher up (extended from the ones the wolf emerged from, and ones to the side of the clearing).

Nat: [camera still focused on above forest] I hate him.

[Screen goes black, side view shot of a brown-cloaked figure at the edge of the forest. Focuses closer on their body (head not in view) they pull out a long needle-weapon from under the cloak (with left hand). Camera shifts to side-shot of lower face (the rest is covered with hood), see them smirk and step into the forest. Screen goes black again]

Ashe [hear voice on black screen]: I’ve finally found you.

[Screen goes black. Title: Episode one: Monster of Malhand appears on screen.]

[A loud noise is heard, the impact of someone slamming against a wall. At the same time the screen suddenly shows someone’s mid-body hitting a wooden house wall. Hear a gasp and focus on close up shot of Fern as she scowls and rubs her right arm that hit the wall. Camera changes to shoulder shot so can see a guard striding past.]

Guard: Watch where you’re going!

[Front view of Fern who tskeds/growls, camera close up on her hand as it moves towards her sword. Close up of her face as she takes a deep breath and lets it out. Close up of hand again as she releases her grip on the sword. Close up of face again.]

Fern: Come on Fern, no unwanted attention remember?

[Hear stomach growling, camera slides down to her stomach. Her hand touches her stomach. Front view angle of her (entire body), Fern sighs and begins walking forward past the camera

[Camera to an angled bird’s eye view of street (maybe change to different angles to view detail of town clearly), Fern on left side, (at same time have a subtitle appear at bottom of screen: Tempit, Main District) see detail of town. People moving about on the street, as well as guards patrolling. Behind her (about a hundred metres behind, but at top of screen) is the huge door entrance into the city, surrounded by a big gate. Two guards in a purple uniform are guarding the door. (Fern is walking the opposite way of this) The floor is pavement where Fern was walking when shoved by the patrolling guard. On the left (Fern’s right) is a line of evenly spaced wooden houses with flat roofs and one floor (one which she was knocked into the side of). On the right (Fern’s left) are close together shops and inns, made of bricks.]

[Camera side-shot view of Fern on street. Fern stops outside a place on the left side of street, with the sign ‘restaurant’ hung over the door. She’s about to go in (her back to the camera, which is now closer) when she hears the voices of two children nearby, she pauses and looks to the right. Camera shoulder shot of her watching the two children, a boy and girl, playing hopscotch (drawn on the ground with black coal, which the little boy is holding, his hands filthy) as they talk. Little girl is hopping, while little boy is on her right (nearer to centre of street) facing the girl/hopscotch, leaning forwards slightly with hands behind back.

 Boy: I dare you!

Girl: [Stops hopping and turns towards him, hands on hips. Camera angle moves closer to kids, past Fern. When one talks the camera pans over to them, back and forth.] No way! You go first!

Boy: I’ve already been in Malhand forest and I saw it! It was huge with twenty legs and a zillion eyes!

Girl: You’re lying!

[Camera pans back to boy who sticks his tongue out and laughs. He moves closer to her, camera follows so both are in view. Boy pushes girl and runs past the camera. Camera angle back to Fern shoulder shot, see the boy running past her off screen, laughing. (Still shoulder-shot view) The girl steadies herself, pouts and stamps her foot before running after him, moving off screen. Fern turns around, shift camera shoulder shot in other direction, seeing girl running after boy]

Girl: I’m telling on you!

[Close up view of Fern, she laughs and shakes her head. Turns to left (her right) 90 degrees so facing the front of restaurant again. Camera shifts to shoulder shot as she goes in. Screen goes black then resumes shoulder shot of Fern in ‘restaurant’, see whole of the tavern as Fern looks it over. Wooden round tables with a few middle-aged drunks sat on wooden stools around them. To the far left is the counter with more stools in front and a middle-aged woman behind it, cleaning. Front view of Fern.]

Fern: Restaurant? Looks more like a tavern to me. [Frowns, but then shrugs. Shoulder shot as she moves towards the counter.]

Fern: Do you serve food here?

[Woman looks here over, obvious displeasure on face.]

Woman/Martha: Only to those that can afford it.

Fern: [anime irritated, camera shifts to Fern front view shot, see her give a tight-lipped smile with eyes closed, which twitches. She raises her right hand to show her purse. Close side shot, Fern extracts some coins and places them on the counter top. Martha picks them up. Goes back to Fern shoulder shot. Martha bites the coins to check authenticity, Fern gets more anime irritated. Fern front close up.]

Fern: Is that eno- she’s interrupted by the sound of a sword being drawn. Shift to side shot. Fern spins around, pulling out her own sword and parries the upper blow of guard who bumped into her earlier. Close up of guard, then side view.]

Guard: I thought you looked familiar before. You’re that wench wanted for treason and murder! [Looks over Fern towards the counter, which is off camera] Martha, go sound the alarm!

[Shoulder shot of guard, so can see Fern in front of him, and Martha behind the counter in background. Camera focuses on Martha (but doesn’t change angle) as she scrambles from behind the counter and runs towards, then past, them. Fern shoulder shot that focuses on Martha in background running out the tavern door, with some of the drunken customers following. Camera focuses on guard. He grins, and puts more pressure into his attack, making Fern step back so no longer visible to camera. Front view of counter for second, then see Fern bang/come onto camera, slamming against it. She winces, then eyes widen as she ducks. A sword swings down from off-camera and gets stuck in the counter. Shift to close up of guard as he grunts/curses in frustration. Shift to side-shot view (Fern/counter on left, guard to the right). Fern –still ducking- spins around and moves forward so she’s now behind him on the right. She then leaps back up, sword ready. Fern shoulder shot as the guard twists his head around to follow her movements, growls/yells and turns back to yank his sword out of the counter. Back to side-shot view as they begin a series of sword parries, making Fern move backwards towards the tavern entrance/exit. Can see remaining drunken customers in the background as they move down, watching with vacant expressions. Camera close up on swords when they become locked together below their knees. Fern shoulder shot as guard sneers at her.

Guard: Give up yet?

[Guard shoulder shot to see Fern give a determined grin]

Fern: You wish.

[Fern gives a battle cry. Close up of swords as Fern swings her in a tight circle motion, weakening the guards grip on his own. Side shot view (Fern on right, guard on left) as Fern knocks his sword out of his hands with a side-swing. Hear it clatter to the ground. She kicks him in the stomach/groin. He groans and drops to his knees as Fern turns and runs out of the tavern, camera following her. Out on street view of Fern’s back and street beyond. As she begins to run a fireball shoots onto screen from the left. As it gets closer camera shifts to side view (Fern on left, tavern behind her, fireball heading towards camera direction). Fern turns to see the fireball and jumps, stumbles back as it continues off screen. She stares after it (angle stays same). In the background can see an unfocused purple robed figure.]

Male voice/Magician: Not so fast, traitor!

[Fern turns her head in his direction, camera becomes focused on him. Close up of magician to see the magical device he’s wearing. It’s a black snake-like/coil design that starts on the right side of his face, travels down his neck under his clothes and becomes visible again wrapped around the end of his right hand (which is outstretched towards Fern). The beginning of the device near his face is glowing red, causing the skin around it to burn/scar. Heat waves are visible, coming from his right hand. Camera shift to semi-close side view of Fern (still looking at magician), tavern entrance right of screen, magician behind camera direction.

Fern: [tsks] Fake magic.   

[Fern turns so she is facing camera, becoming a front-view. She closes her eyes (camera zooms in on her face), face scrunched up in concentration. Close front view of magician; see his face twitch, features showing pain. Back to Fern zoomed-in view.]

Fern [inner thought voice, slight echo effect]: Using that power depends on making a mind-link to the source of the magic, but if that link is blocked…

[Close shot of magician’s right hand and see the heat waves vanish. Close shot of his face; see the red glow of device fade. Front view shot of him as he stumbles. Magician shoulder shot of him looking at Fern]

Magician [pained voice]: What are you?

[Close up of Fern, passive look on face]

Fern: Good question. 

[Fern spins around and begins running, (camera stays where it is to watch her run away) towards the Main District exit. See a side shot of left (houses) side of street where the two kids from earlier are sat outside a house. Fern runs past, from left to the right of the screen, they watch her, confused. A few seconds later five guards run past (same direction). Kids stare at each other. Shifts to a side-shot of Fern running down the street.]

Fern [inner thought voice, slight echo effect]: I can’t keep up the mind block and fight properly at the same time! It will be smarter to run. Hopefully they’ll give up, or I’ll lose them once I enter a less open-spaced area.

[Camera shifts to a very low bird’s eye view shot, showing the top of Fern’s head. It begins to ascend so can see Fern still running, while the guards chasing her have horses brought to them, mount and begin following her. Rises to see whole of Tempit (including Private District to the left and Open District at bottom of screen). Camera then descends in a sweeping motion so the landscape is visible, changing the focus direction to North (Tempit now behind). Moves north, going faster over green landscape, the sky slowly gets darker to sunset time. Begin to see trees in the distance, looming closer, reach the trees then begin to travel through the forest, swerving to travel North-east until see a figure in the distance, and hint of a clearing past the trees in front). Move closer to a view of their back (then slow camera speed), see them wearing a brown cloak, in their left hand a long needle-weapon glints in the sunset light shining through branches overhead. Can hear sounds of a river ahead, but there are no animal sounds. Brief close up shot of cloaked face, then shift to shoulder shot as she moves through the trees, stops one step short of entering the clearing. Can now see the river about twenty metres away. Close to the river bank there’s a tree trunk, where Nat is sleeping (facing direction of camera/cloaked figure), propped up against it (has some trees scattered to the left and right of the clearing). Camera close up of Nat, showing he no longer has his coat on. Close up shot of a tree to Nat’s left (right of screen) where the coat is hung on a branch, now free of blood. Back to cloaked figure shoulder shot to show whole of clearing, see that the body from earlier is gone, only a bloodstain remains. Change to semi-distant front-view of cloaked figure as she steps takes a step from the tree’s shelter and into the edge of clearing. Camera shot of looking upwards at forest, (as if on ground looking up) see branches that have extended from trees around, and sunset light trying to get through. Hear a single bird chirp. Extreme close up of Nat’s face/eyes as they snap open. Nat shoulder shot to show him staring in cloaked figure’s direction. Brief close up of Nat again to show his scowl, then back to shoulder shot.]

Nat: Whoever you are, leave now. I don’t tolerate trespassers in my forest.

[Front view of cloaked figure’s feet as she steps further into the clearing. The camera travels up their body until reach head/shoulder shot. Their hands come up to push back the cloak’s hood. Reveals a woman (appears to be in her twenties) with long red hair (most still tugged under cloak) and yellow eyes. Close up of Nat to show him frowning. Back to front view shot.

Ashe: Forgive me; I am no threat to you or your forest. I came here to check something very important is safe.

[Goes to distant side shot so can see both of them on screen, Nat/river on left, Ashe/forest on right. Brief moment of silence between them, then see a bird soar down and land on Nat’s shoulder. When lands on his shoulder camera shift to Nat front view. The bird chirps and pecks at Nat’s left ear (one closest to right side of screen). He growls and waves it off. He stands (camera follows him) and moves over to the tree where his coat is on a low branch (slightly left angled back view). He pulls it down and puts it on (while answering Ashe).

Nat: Everything in this forest’s perimeter is protected by me. Whatever it is, it’s safe here, but you’re not. Leave… [Head turns to look to the right, past Ashe into the forest, looking thoughtful] and quickly. I’ve been informed there are other intruders heading this way.

[Shift to Ashe front view, Nat partly visible on top left corner of screen, looking back at the tree his coat had been on, where a bird has landed, jumping about anxiously. (Bird not visible at this point until Ashe moves closer later)]

Ashe: [anxious] I can’t do that until I’ve checked the seal! [Starts moving closer to Nat, camera shifts to back view of Nat watching bird, see Ashe approach on his right. His body tenses, then he turns to face her, scowling. [Now a side-shot, Nat (left) and Ashe (right) stood close together. Nat steps back, then stares down at Ashe’s left hand holding the needle-weapon. She follows his gaze then tucks the weapon under her cloak. Gazes back at Nat (trying to do it eye-level, but having trouble due to height difference, which makes Nat’s frown deepen.] Protecting that seal is the only way to prevent a horrendous, epic war! [Is moving her arms for emphasis, Nat steps further back to avoid them (do brief close up of Nat’s face to show his disbelief/indignation). Shifts to shoulder shots/close ups, changing position/direction depending on which person is talking.]

Nat: How do you know about the seal? What war? I haven’t heard about one starting.

Ashe: It hasn’t yet but it will if we don’t stop it!

Nat: There’s no we in this! The seal is safe. It will remain safe under my protection, so lea-

[Interrupted by distant howling of a wolf. Side view shot to show them both freeze up then turn to gaze to right side of screen (towards forest/trees). Camera shift to front view of clearing entrance (where Ashe came out of). Hear sound of running in the distance. Few seconds of this then see Fern burst into the clearing, carrying her sword in right hand. Runs forward past screen/camera. Shift to front view of Ashe (Nat barely visible in background behind her due to his height), who looks shocked but jumps out of the way, to the right of screen. Fern runs onto screen and collides into Nat, knocking then onto floor (camera shift to close side view as they fall/land). Brief close up of ground past Ashe’s feet as Fern’s sword lands there with a loud clatter. Back to close side view. Fern is breathing heavily/quickly.

Nat: What the hell? [Begins to struggle under Fern, annoyed. Fern looks at him, exhausted and unfocused. She stares down at Nat for a few seconds, he stares back, face relaxing. Fern blinks, ruining the moment, and Nat tries to jerk away. She sighs and shakily lifts her arms to either side of him and climbs to her feet while Nat remains stiff on the floor (camera follows Fern as she stands up, facing left of screen, side view). She keeps a close eye on Ashe as she moves swiftly past her, leaps/somersaults down and picks up her sword (camera moves with her). Brief shot of lower side view to see Nat begin to get up, never taking his eyes off Fern. Close side view of Fern as she walks/skips backwards a few steps (past Nat and Ashe, but still close to them) towards the right side of screen/the clearing entrance, looking tense and still out of breath and sweating. She points swords at now crouching Nat.]

Fern [inner thought voice, slight echo effect]: I’ve been running all day, blocking their magic. There’s no way I have the strength to fight these two together. Better to target the weaker looking one and hope the other will hesitate to strike.

[Changes to Fern shoulder shot, can see Nat crouching in front of her (slightly angled downwards to see him properly). Camera focus goes to Nat, Fern blurred. Nat is staring at her, opens his mouth to speak. Suddenly hear an owl hoot. Nat turns head sharply to his left (right of screen). He grits his teeth. Camera shifts to Nat shoulder shot (angled upwards to see Fern). His head moves to stare at Ashe, then at Fern again. Nat front view.]

Nat: Who are you people? Why are the King’s men chasing you?

[Front view of Fern, a shocked expression on her face.]

Fern: How do you know that?

[Nat front view. He stands up, camera follows him. He crosses his arms, looking stern.]

Nat: I know everything that’s happening in this forest. Your attempts to lose them failed and they’re heading this way.

[Fern front view.]

Fern: Damn! [She grits her teeth and spins around to walk over to the clearing’s entrance. As she spins time moves in slow motion, camera zoom in on her necklace, which has swung with her body, glinting in the light. See the silver necklace’s leaf design. Close up of Nat’s chest, see him clutch at his own identical necklace. Camera moves up to see his face, frowning but mystified/admiring.]

[White flash on screen to indicate flashback. Black and white photo type shots. See a young, crying Nat (side shot) with a woman whose features are hidden. The woman places leaf necklace around Nat’s neck]

Woman [slight echo effect]: This is a very special necklace. It can only be worn by a person who is very important for this world. You will change everything one day, my little Nat.

[Fade back to present day, still close up of Nat. Go to brief Nat shoulder shot to see Fern walking towards the clearing’s entrance, sword ready to attack. Close up, angled side view of Fern’s determined face, staring at entrance. Shift back to Nat front view, watching her (but she’s not visible in shot).

Nat: [inner thought voice, slight echo effect] Who is she?

[Fern back view, she glances over her left shoulder in Ashe’s and Nat’s direction (but can’t see them on screen).

Fern: I’m hoping you guys also hate the King and will help fight off his guards.

[Changes to Fern shoulder shot, but in direction she’s facing, so can see Ashe.]

Ashe: [smiles] I’m not much of a fighter, but I’m on your side.

[Fern back view, looking over shoulder (still looking in Ashe’s direction). Gives a tired smile back. Then clears her face and shifts her eyes to gaze in Nat’s direction (no camera change).]

Fern: And you?

[Nat front view, looking at Fern (but she’s off screen)]

Nat: [lifts chin up] I will always protect my forest from that mad man.

[Side shot view including both of them (can see Ashe blurred in background). See them staring at each other, unreadable looks on their faces. Close up of Fern’s face for a few seconds, and then see her smile. Go to close up of Nat, who gives a small smile/smirk as a response.]

Nat: hmph

[Fern back view (still looking over shoulder), but angled so can see the clearing entrance behind her.]

Fern [inner thought voice, slight echo effect]: This guy…for some reason, I want to trust him.

[Camera focuses on clearing entrance beyond Fern (but angle doesn’t change). See the magician and five guards burst into the clearing, panting but armed. Fern turns head to face them (camera angle doesn’t change). Magician looks strained and angry, the burn around the magic device has spread, nearly reaching his eye (brief close up to show this, then back to previous view).]

Magician: Little bitch, hiding in the forest where our horses can’t follow.

[Angled front view of Fern. She grins but grips her sword tighter (close up of her hands when she does this). Front view of magician.]

Magician: [smirks] Looks like you’ve worn yourself out. [Close up of his face as he scrunches it up in concentration.]

[Close up of Fern. She gasps, sweat running down her face. Shift to her point of view; see her vision (screen) begin to darken. Back to Fern close up].

Fern: [inner though voice, slight echo effect]: It’s no use, I don’t have enough strength left to keep blocking him.

[Back to viewing through Fern’s point of view, seeing a close up of magician (vision/screen going dark), goes closer to focus on his face, then mouth, see him give a toothy grin. Vision/screen fades to complete black. Shift to distant side view of group, magician/clearing entrance on right, Ashe near the tree in distant left/middle, facing camera direction but eyes watching Fern/magician, Nat to the left/middle, Fern in middle. Fern collapses on the floor; face forward (her face resting to one side (her right) in direction of camera. Camera focus/follow sword hitting the ground (to her right/closest to front of screen). Camera angle from the ground near Fern, angled up to view Nat. Nat glances down at her (Fern partly visible at bottom of screen, head closest to screen, legs in distance), looking bored, before his gaze shifts up in direction of magician (not visible). Front view of magician, now holding a fireball in his outstretched right hand.]

Magician: I’m going to enjoy this.

 [Flames of ball flare, he moves his arm up to side of his head, ready to throw the ball at Fern. Brief shot of Fern on ground, then moves to ground shot just in front of Fern, angled to stare up a the magician. His grin widens. A figure moves in front of the screen, coming on from the left and blocking all sight. Screen now brown. Shift to a side view to show Ashe has stepped in front of Fern, shielding her. Brief front view of Ashe to show her determined face. Front view of magician, he pauses in throwing the fireball, a scowl on his face.]

Magician: Don’t interfere! This woman is a traitor, wanted for three murders. Anyone who assists her will also be considered a traitor.

[Camera moves back enough to see the other guards around the magician. The one closest to the magician’s left (right on screen) is staring in Ashe’s direction, looking horrified. Brief front shot of Ashe to show what he’s staring at, then back. Left-angled front view of Nat, who has his arms crossed, glaring at the magician (not on screen).]

Nat: The King has no authority in my forest.

[Front view of magician, but distant enough to include the guard to his left (right of screen).]

Magician: [scoffs] Your forest?

Guard #1: [scared and stuttering] S-sir, it’s the monster of Malhand! [Points a shaky finger at Ashe. Camera view shift to guard shoulder shot so can see Ashe.]  Her hair will blaze alive and burn us all, just like in Firo (pronounced fire-o)!

[Camera angle doesn’t change, see Nat casually step from behind Ashe (to his right, the left of screen), camera moves to Nat front view. He rolls his eyes and grits his teeth.]

Nat: No, I’m the guardian of this forest, idiot!

[Front view of magician, who’s staring at Nat, Camera shifts to Nat, starting at his feet and moving up, finishes on close up of his face. Shifts back to magician front view, then back to Nat face close up, while magician is doing thought speech].

Magician: [inner thought voice, slight echo effect] Black hair, brown eyes, short…and that scowl, [magician front view, evil grin] too similar to be a coincidence.

Magician: Keep the boy alive, he’s to come with us. His Majesty has been searching for him a long time.

[Nat close up, shocked/panicked look. Magician/guards front view. Magician draws arm back further and throws the fireball, aimed at Fern. Front view of Ashe as she drops to the floor (camera follows, becomes a ground side shot), she covers Fern with her own body (head buried against her left shoulder/shoulder closest to front of screen). Camera moves out a little so can see the ground around them. Branches begin to sprout from the ground growing thick and fast over the two girls, shielding them. Close up side view of them, see Ashe turn her head in direction of camera, staring at the vines in confusion, as they wind around her face, but leave her mouth clear. Go back to side-view to see the fireball hit the branches/vines. Ashe makes a startled noise. The vines hit are singed, but more come to wrap over them.

Camera shift to Nat front view, his head bowed (can just see the vines moving to continue cocooning the girls at bottom of screen). Move to face/shoulder close up. He looks up, his eye colour changed from brown to black, the rest/outer section bloodshot. The white streaks in his hair begin to dye red.]

Nat: I’m warning you, leave now.

[Magician close up]

Magician: [evil grin] We’ve finally found you.

[Backs out to front view of magician. Magician raises his arms, the coil material of the device near his neck grows a new part, it moves down his neck (follow process, move over his clothed left arm/ closest to right of screen) and over his left hand. The burn/scar on his face grows over his eyebrow, burning it. The magician begins to move his hands in a flowing/circular motion, coaxing flames to appear in front of him. He stops the flowing motion and stares at Nat. Shift to Nat shoulder shot, magician in line of sight.]

Magician: Come along now, the King is waiting.

[(Camera angle doesn’t change.) Makes swift hand motions, directing fire towards Nat. moving it forwards past the screen view. Shift to ground view that includes Nat’s feet. The fire lands in front of Nat’s feet, and begins to spread on either side. Cackling fire noise. Low bird’s eye view of Nat, showing the fire forming a circle around Nat, imprisoning him. Close face/shoulder view of Nat, head bowed, flames flickering in front of him.]

Nat: I…[flash of flames covering screen, move to face close up (flames no longer visible, but can hear then cackling). See that his hairstreaks are now blood red.]…will never…[Lifts head and looks up to see his eyes, wisps of black smoke circling him/visible on camera screen. His voice deepens, dead-pan tone.]…let him find me.

[A black cloud covers his face/screen view. Camera moves out to distant front view (include fire circle). The cloud thins out around him just above the fire circle. Low bird’s eye view of Nat to see the black mist form a circle around him and begins to lower itself onto the flames. Hear a sizzling noise. Back to front view, camera follows the black mist as it descends over fire, putting it out as it touches it (still has sizzling noise). Close up view of magician as his smirk falls. Low bird’s eye view of Nat as the mist reaches the ground, putting out the last of the fire. Shift to front view of magician.]

Magician: [enraged] I will take you back!

[Close up of magician’s face. See his face’s veins and arms (shift to close up of arms for a moment) begin to stick out; his skin turns a burnt red. Front view shot of magician, holds out his hands in a cupped form. He screams in pain/rage, a blue fireball bursts into life in his hands. Shoulder/head front view of Nat, a blank, unconcerned look on his face. Back to magician front view who lifts both hands above his head (switch to low camera view close to magician, looking up, so can still see raised arms). He flings/heaves the ball in Nat’s/camera’s direction. Change to side-view that includes them both (Nat to left/middle, just a little behind the branch cocoon, Magician on left, still near clearing’s entrance, with guards a step behind him, in a huddle. Fireball travels across the screen, reaching over the branch cocoon before the camera angle changes to shoulder shot view of Nat, fireball coming towards him. When close the black mist forms into a thick cloud, hovers in front of Nat (change to Nat front view) and swallows the fireball. Brief close up face shot of magician to show his astonished face, then back to Nat front view. The black/dark cloud shoots forward. Camera follows point of view of cloud, rushing towards the magician, close up to his right eye, into the blackness of his pupil. Screen black, hear a loud snapping noise. A few seconds pause before front view of magician hovering in the air, the dark cloud/mist form wrapping around his neck, which is bent at an odd angle (to the right of screen). His eyes are still open, looking shocked. Mouth is also open. Camera moves to a close side-shot of Ashe, the branches parted away from around her. She climbs to her feet (camera follows) and stares in direction of magician (not on screen). She makes a surprised noise, hand going to cover mouth. She pauses, and then removes it. Camera close up of her mouth, see her smile.

Ashe: Interesting, just what we need.

[Camera shift to the front view of the guards (now all huddled on the right of screen), staring in horror at the suspended magician. Close up of Nat’s face, his blank space changing to a manic grin (close up side shot of mouth for this, then back). He slowly tilts his head to the side (his right, left of the screen). Camera switch to front view of magician, his body drops to the floor. Back to front view of guards to see some of them whimpering/slouching and backing away towards the entrance of clearing. Guard #1 has moved back, and another now stands near the magician (guard #2). Closer front view of Guard #2, who glares at the others (not on screen).

Guard #2: Cowards! Don’t dishonour our King by run-

[Suddenly see dark cloud appears behind him (now bigger), he begins to turn (brief shot of close back of head/shoulder shot as his head turns, then back to front view), but is engulfed. Whole body is enclosed in dark cloud. A second passes then hear an agonised scream. Camera moves further back so can see the rest of the guards on screen. They’re now panicking, but none daring to move much or run away (whimpers, exclamations of surprise etc). Closer front view to show dark cloud and closest guard to it (guard #3), who’s facing the cloud (cloud facing screen, guard’s left side visible). Guard #3 has a scared/concerned but determined look on his. He reaches his arm into the cloud.

Guard #3: Hold on Shaun!

[Brief face close up of Guard #3. Hear a crack, Guard #3 screams. Back to front view, slightly closer so don’t have all of cloud in view. Pulls out his arm to show a bloody stump. He stares at it in shock (Closer view for brief moment, then back to close front view), then notices wisps of dark mist moving up the stump. Moves to front view further back to include dark cloud. Guard #3 stumbles back (breathing heavy, panicked mutterings) but trips, falling on his butt. He screams again as the cloud engulfs him. More cracking noises are heard, then blood shoots out of the cloud. Camera shifts to close up of ground (in between the cloud and Fern), show splashes of blood landing there. Shift again to very low bird’s eye view of Fern (right side of her face visible); see blood land on her face. Change to front view of remaining guards, see blood splash on them. They wipe at the blood on their horrified faces with shaking hands. Hear Nat chuckle. The guards look slightly left of camera (in Nat’s direction). Camera shift to front view of Nat (head still tilted to screen’s left side), does another chuckle/manic laugh. Tilts head back up.

[Camera moves back to front view of guards. Guard #1 is in front, hand still raised to chest height from when he wiped the blood off his face. He’s looking in Nat’s direction (brief close shot of Nat, then back to guards). Guard #1 begins to back away.]

Guard #1: RUN!

[Other guards snap their gaze away from Nat to Guard #1, then begin to run into the forest/past the clearing’s entrance (out of view). Watch till all of them fade from sight. Camera changes to Nat front view, who full out laughs. Camera goes to front view of dark cloud, which thins out, revealing that no bodies or blood it had engulfed are left. It reforms into a long snake like figure (but with no clear head/animal shape) and shoots off into the forest after the guards. Camera stays focused on forest/where the cloud disappeared to. A few seconds later hear the terrified then agonised screams of the guards. Camera shifts to front view of Ashe staring off into the forest. She wears a blank look. Goes to Nat front view, see him tilt head to his left (screen’s right) eyes on Ashe (can’t see her on screen). Changes to a side view of them, Nat on middle/left (facing Ashe), Ashe middle/right (facing the forest, her back to Nat). Fern is on the floor in front of Ashe (Fern closer to screen, Ashe behind her). Close side view of Ashe, see her stiffen and then spin around to face Nat, starting to look scared. Front view of Nat still watching her.

[Back to front view of forest/clearing’s entrance. The dark cloud comes back out, shooting to the front left of the camera. Shift to Ashe side-view as it moves towards her. She holds up her right hand around her head to shield herself, a scared gasp escaping her. Close front view of her chest/stomach to see her move to a semi-crouching position, left hand pulling out a needle weapon from under her cloak. Back to side-view as it’s almost on her. A loud wolf howl is heard, making the dark cloud halt in front of Ashe. Shift to front view of forest/clearing’s entrance. A grey wolf comes running out, panting, moving towards slight left of camera. Goes to close Nat side view, who blinks, looking confused. More distant side view to include Nat and the wolf (who’s gone past Ashe and Fern now). The wolf begins to glow white and leaps at Nat (close side-view of wolf leaping), front legs knocking into his chest (close side view of wolf and Nat’s chest), sending them both splashing into the river (camera follows them closely as fall, then remains as low bird’s eyes view, angled to the left, as they splash into river) and sink under the surface. Stays focused there until the ripples die down. Camera switches directions, so now a ground view shot (on top of the river surface, so there’s water near bottom of screen) looking over the clearing, angled upwards so can see a blurred Ashe (facing other way) in the distance (forest in the greater distance). Can see the dark cloud hovering in front Ashe, it begins to disappear. Ashe and dark cloud come into focus, camera zooms in on her as the dark cloud disappears completely. Close side shot of Ashe as she lowers her right hand from defensive position and stands up straight from her semi-crouching stance (left hand still holds the needle-weapon, but it’s not visible from this angle). She gazes at the spot in front of her where the cloud had been (angle doesn’t change) looking relieved, but weary. Her head suddenly jerks up a little, and she spins around to face the river. Changes back to low river angle looking upwards to distant Ashe. See her pause a moment, and then begin running towards the river/camera. When she’s half way there Nat breaks free/rises from the water’s surface, blocking the view of Ashe. Hear him taking in deep gulps of air. Camera shifts to low front view of riverbank as Nat slaps his hand down on it, gripping at the mud. Changes to Ashe shoulder shot, watching Nat as he drags his arms/elbows up to rest them on the bank. He’s coughing. Have brief Nat close up of his head bowed as he coughs. Can see his already fading red streaks melt to white. Back to Ashe shoulder shot, watching Nat as he pulls himself out of the water and sits on the bank, facing Ashe, river behind him. Low side shot of Nat (slightly distant), angled up, as the wolf comes out of the water (don’t see this, just hear it and have some water splash onto screen) and climbs onto bank, blocking the screen’s view of Nat. The wolf shakes itself off. Change to front view of Nat and wolf (Nat on right, wolf on left, river behind), Nat looks up and swears, raising his arms to protect against the spray. Brief close up of Nat’s face to show his eyes are back to their normal brown. Front view of Nat and wolf (still shaking himself off).]

Nat: Stupid wolf! You didn’t need to push me in the river!

[Shift to front view of wolf, who is scratching his ear, then licks/bites at his back foot (one furthest from Nat, wolf’s right foot, one to the left of screen, so it looks like wolf is completely ignoring him) Close side view/shoulder shot (more shoulder shot, but only his head is turned in wolf’s direction (his right/screen up), rest is still facing forward). Of Nat looking at wolf, anime irritated sign appearing on head.

Nat: Don’t ignore me you bastard!

Ashe: [From off screen]: That’s an interesting curse.

[Nat looks turns his head back to face forward (still see from a side-shot, so he’s looking off to the left of the screen). Changes to front view of Ashe, smiling. She still holds her needle-weapon, which she now tucks back under her cloak. Front view of Nat, frowning up at her (he’s still sat down/sprawled out on the ground).

Nat: It’s not a curse, it’s magic. And why are you still here? Leave now, before it comes back.

[Side view of them both, from opposite side of before, so Nat/river is on right and Ashe on the left. Wolf in background behind Nat. Stays at this angle for a few seconds, neither speaking. Goes to close side-view of Ashe (from the new side view, right side of Ashe).

Ashe: I’m not your enemy. I doubt my presence will trigger your curse. [Pause, looks down, then back up, face more determined.] I came to help.

[Close side view of Nat (from new side view, left side of Nat)]

Nat: [laughs] You can’t help me. [Begins to stand, camera follows him up. Once standing, changes to Nat shoulder shot facing Ashe.] The seal is safe as long as I’m here, so there’s no need for you to worry.

[Ashe close side view (now back to original side view direction, left side of Ashe)]

Ashe: There’s too much at stake to be reassured with that! [Takes a step forward] Besides, I’ve heard of a similar curse before, and I think the only way to help is leaving here and confronting the root of your power.

[Nat close side view]

Nat: [flinches, head jerks back a little] Root? What would you know about it?

[Ashe close side view]

Ashe: [smiling with eyes closed] Just rumours, but if they’re true you can’t hide here forever. And if he comes after you here the seal will also be in danger.

[Front view of Nat looking down, frowning in thought (close up of face). Low bird’s eye view, slightly angled, to show Nat staring at the grooming wolf. Then goes to Nat shoulder shot, looking past Ashe, camera zooms over to Fern behind them (back where Ashe was nearly attacked by cloud), low bird’s eye view of Fern’s face/shoulders, can see her necklace lying on right of the ground next to her (still attached around her neck, but chain long enough for it to rest on ground next to her). Close up of leaf pendant of necklace. Shifts to Nat face close up.

Nat: [inner thought voice, slight echo effect] Today has been too strange to ignore. [Glimpse of a low bird’s eye view of Fern] This woman (this line when image of Fern), [Glimpse front view of Ashe] and the threat of war, and…

[White flash to indicate flashback of magician.]

Magician: [echo effect] We’ve finally found you.

[Back to Nat, but at a bird’s eye view, slightly angled to look down at Nat and the wolf. The wolf stops grooming and looks up at Nat. Camera focus on Nat (but angle doesn’t change) who is staring off (to his left, screen’s down) in thought. Suddenly snaps to attention, raising head slightly. He turns his head towards Ashe (his front, screen’s left). Change to Nat shoulder shot, able to see Ashe in front of him.

Nat: I don’t care what you know, or about the seal. [See Ashe’s anxious face from distance. Front view of Nat] I won’t leave here to be hunted down by that man- [whelps in pain and clutches at left leg (one right of screen), glares to his left (screen right). Shift view to front view of the wolf, who is licking his front paw (his right, screen’s left, furthest from Nat) and then looks up at Nat, looking innocent, raising his left eyebrow (one closest to Nat, right of screen). Front view of Nat, looking down in wolf’s direction (who is no longer visible on screen).

Nat: Damn wolf. [A bird song is heard. Nat looks up in other direction to wolf, lifting his left hand up near his face (one closest to right of screen). A small sparrow lands on his index finger, still twittering. Screen goes black and then see close front view of an old man’s lower face, with a white beard. He is holding a sparrow in the same position as Nat, but on the opposite hand (his right, left of screen). Has a brown tent background, grey wisps of smoke from a campfire are visible. Shift to an extreme close side view as the old face leans closer to the bird.]

Querida: [hoarse, whisper voice] Bring them both here. This changes everything.

[Fade back to Nat (same camera angle as before), who sighs in annoyance. The bird flies off and he lowers his hand, looking fed-up. Changes to Nat shoulder shot as he walks away from riverbank. He reaches Ashe, where it changes to close side view as he passes her (Ashe closer to camera/screen, Nat going past her right side and not visible on screen), she turns around to watch him, but doesn’t follow. Changes to Ashe shoulder shot watching as he reaches Fern, still unconscious on the ground (feet closest to him, laid out of her stomach, her sword to the right of screen). Goes to close side view of Fern (see whole body on the screen, head to far right), with Nat’s feet visible at left of screen. He bends down, coming into view, leans over Fern to grab her shoulders, and turns her onto her back (turns her to his left, away from screen-front). Changes to low bird’s eye view over Nat, angled to see all of Fern. Brief glimpse of close up of Nat’s face/shoulders, a curious look on his face, then back to low, slightly angled bird’s eye view. His right hand grabs her left (closest to right of screen) and begins shaking it vigorously.]

Nat: Hey, up wake lazy woman!

[Camera zooms out to an Ashe shoulder shot. She sweat-drops. She then watches (from same angle) as Nat turns around, still crouching down (and still holding her arm), and shuffles so next to Fern’s left side (right of screen). Then slings her arm around his shoulders, forcing/pulling her up into a sitting position, with her head flopping back.]

Ashe: [Still shoulder shot view, still sweat-drop] What are you doing?

[Close up front view of Nat and Fern as he struggles with her, shuffling back in front of her and trying to fling her other arm onto his other shoulder, so he can carry her piggy-back style. Doing this while answering Ashe, grunting a lot.]

Nat: The old man, the village elder of Arswing, wants to see you both. If you really want to see the seal that badly, you need to ask him.

[Changes to close side view as he attempts to lift Fern onto his back, but heaves her too far up so her head goes over his, her chest near his neck. He collapses on the floor, Fern stuck on top of him. See an anime irritated pop up on his head as he struggles to get Fern off, without success. Nat beings swearing/cursing.

[Camera rushes back over to near river, side view of the wolf, who cocks his head in the direction of Nat’s voice. He stands up and begins to trot away from river, see him go past Ashe. Camera moves up to Ashe’s face, who’s looking at the wolf in surprise and curiosity. Camera goes back to Nat and Fern side view, with Nat still struggling.]

Nat: Damnit! What the hell does this freakishly tall woman eat to be so heavy!

[Suddenly the wolf jumps onto Fern’s back, pinning Nat further down. Nat waves his arms about, screaming:]

Nat: Bastard! I’m going to skin you alive!

[Pan/zoom out to shoulder shot of Ashe, to see a new, bigger sweat-drop. Switch to Ashe front view close up who has a small, sly smile and is laughing quietly, hand raised halfway to her mouth.]

Ashe: Do you need help? I’m also a ‘freakishly tall’ woman.

[Distant side view of scene as Ashe (on left) moves towards Nat, Fern and the wolf. When she reaches them becomes a closer side-view. The wolf jumps off Fern (heading back left, towards the river), making Nat ‘Oof’ in protest. Ashe bends down (camera follows) in front of them, near their heads, and grabs hold of Fern’s shoulders, rolling her off of Nat (on Fern’s right side, furthest from screen, same way Nat rolled her before). Ashe then stands up (camera stays at low angle, so can only see her legs) moves around Fern to her left side (near top of screen, standing near Fern’s stomach) and turns to face her, bends back down and puts her arms under Fern to pick her up bridle style. Camera follow her up, but still has some distance in front of her, so that when Nat stands up, he pops up in front of screen, facing the forest direction (right of screen) as tries to brush dirt off his still wet clothes, and removes a twig from his head, giving it a strange look. He blinks, looks to right of floor (front of screen) and bends again so no longer in view. Stands back up with Fern’s sword in his right hand (one closest to screen), raised slightly so he can observe its blade. Angle doesn’t change, but camera focuses on Ashe holding Fern.]

Ashe: Those guards said she’s wanted for three murders.

[Close up of Fern’s sleeping face, close up of Nat’s face watching her (brief shoulder shot view to show he’s turned around to face Ashe/Fern, watching her, then back to Nat face shot), his face softening. A moment later his eyes harden and jerks his head to his left (left of screen), in direction of river. Camera shifts to side view showing Nat’s back as he turns his body to face direction he’s looking (left of screen) and walks off the screen, Ashe following. See an angled low bird’s eye view of them approaching the river. Close up of riverbank, vines begin to poke out of the soil, growing rapidly. Zoom out a little to show some of river on screen. The vines begin to grow over the water, entwining with each other, growing bigger, thicker. Camera goes to bird’s point of view to show them extend to the other side of river, forming a bridge. Shift to Ashe close up, looking shocked. Changes to Ashe shoulder shot as she focuses first on the bridge, then on Nat’s back. Stay at this angle.]

Nat: We have to cross the river to reach Arswing village. The old man is waiting there.

Ashe: That magic. [Camera angle stays the same, but Nat turns around to face her, a frown on his face] Its strength is enormous, why didn’t you use it to fight the guards instead?

[Nat close up]

Nat: [scoffs] What are you talking about? It’s the forest that performs this magic.

[Ashe close up]

Ashe: [Shakes head, looking solemn] No. The only magic I can sense right now is coming from you.

[Nat close up]

Nat: [pauses a moment, then shrugs] Well, you desert people must have bad senses then.

[Ashe close up]

Ashe: [smiles] Yes, I am an Anellan, a devoted priestess of Arŕ Wel. I am Ashe Leav. You must know Anellan eyes can never be tricked, and they pierce through all deceptions; even the ones no one else can see.

[Nat close up]

Nat: [tsks] Whatever, let’s just go. [Turns back around. Goes to bird’s eye view of them beginning to cross the bridge, Nat in front, followed by Ashe carrying Fern and the wolf at the rear.]

Narrator/Elle: The Marks of destiny have begun to emerge, in the symbol of a leaf. [Close up of Fern’s necklace, then close up of Nat’s when starts saying:] They can’t be ignored. [Close side view of Nat walking across the bridge] Paths will be revealed, [Scene shift to see Agape close up, underwater in merman form, holding a up a leaf necklace, looking confused. He glances up in front of him, shift to Agape shoulder shot to show Tallulah (water immortal, mermaid form) in front of him, who gives a sad smile] while others are forced to end.

[Bird’s eye view of them walking across the bridge] In all of this [Camera starts to move away, back towards the battle scene, still bird’s eye view] one thing alone is clear. [Camera lowers itself to body of magician, see the top of magic device on his burnt red skin, glowing.] The war will come, despite all efforts to prevent it. [Camera dives into the object, screen goes black a moment. Emerges (camera angle low moves upwards and in front in sweeping motion) out of a similar item, also glowing red, in the right hand (one left of screen) of a man in shadows. (To show this do the emerge/sweeping camera movement towards the man, front view shot of body and lower face. Then change to shoulder shot of man; so can see the magic device). Can see a dark cloud like Nat’s hovering behind the magic device, the image of Nat (low, slightly angled bird’s eye view shot) on the bridge reflected on it.] Sooner or later, it will come.

[Echo effect]

Guardians of the seals beware, he will defeat you.

Monster of Malhand beware, he will find you.

[Close up of the man’s lower face, see it break into a wide grin. Shift to shoulder shot, him watching Nat in the dark cloud.]

Earl: Finally. I’ve finally found you.

[Clear close up shot of Earl’s face, and then shift to Nat close up in cloud image to show similar features.]

Earl: My son.

[Screen goes black. Theme song/credits]

[Next episode preview]

[Omake/funny extra]: Nat as Snow White

[Bird’s eye view of Nat, Ashe and wolf walking over the vine bridge. Side view of Ashe.]

Ashe: Shouldn’t we have done something with the bodies first?

[Pans over to Nat side-view.]

Nat: Nah, the animals of the forest help me clean up.

[Pans back to Ashe side view]

Ashe: Oh yeah. You can talk to them, right? So it would be like…

[Front view of Ashe’s head, but with space above her. A thought bubble begins to form above her (Ashe’s eyes are looking up at it, thinking). On it see a wide front view image of Nat in the clearing where body parts are scattered about (the wolf is asleep to the right of screen). He grins and whistles (finger in mouth type whistle) and starts humming ‘whistle as you work’ while small forest animals and birds appear, beginning to pick up body parts and whisk them away. Squirrels then appear, using their tails to sweep up the blood. Nat smiles, spreads out his arms and sings:

Nat: Whistle while you work! Do do do do do do dooooo!

[The wolf looks over at him, looking horrified. Thought bubble bursts so back to Ashe front view, who is trying to stop bursting out laughing (and failing). Goes to Ashe shoulder to see Nat looking at her weird, then turning red.]

Nat: [screams] What the hell are you thinking about!

 [End]