THE MOON CROWN

EPISODE 10:

AS ABOVE, SO BELOW

The Season One finale, part one.

INTERRUPTING BROADCAST FANFARE PLAYS

INT. - A INN

SFX:                TAPE RECORDER CLICK THEN WHIRRING, CURTAINS FLUNG OPEN, WINDOW CREAKING OPEN, DISTANT WAVES AND BIRDS

LAMB

Chess. I'd like it if you'd leave my window alone.

CHESS

What? Ahaha. I almost forgot! You'd rather be sulking.

LAMB

Close it.

At least pull the curtains shut.

CHESS

Oh, please. You're not a vampire.

SFX:                 STEPS

LAMB

And we're nearing an amaranthine eclipse, so, according to Lo's notes, it wouldn't matter if I was.

SFX:                 WINDOW SLAMS SHUT, STEPS

LAMB

It's the people that bother me anyway. All that glee. Ugh. If you want to take in all of that, go bother Henrik.

SFX:          WINDOW CREAKS OPEN AGAIN

Fine. Leave it open. I. Don't. Care.

SFX:          RUMMAGING, CLICK,  WHIRRING STOPS

CHESS

Any luck?

SFX:                 CLICK

LAMB

No. Plenty of recordings of those joyous little bard bastards though! Every damn hour!

SFX:         CLICK, DISTORTED ACCORDION MUSIC, CLICK

LAMB

I haven't found anything new from her since we crossed the river, no matter how long I leave it running. Maybe if I could sleep, she might take over, but none of your potions have helped.

I don't think it's your magic that's failing... I only rest when she is in control, even when she sleeps.

SFX:         CLICK, WALKIE TALKIE SAYING "THREE, TWO, ONE." CLICK.

LAMB

Chess... Do you think I should abandon these...? The recording device and this sound-retriever-object? This may be one of the ways Bakunawa's been listening to Lo and to the rest of you.

CHESS

I actually gave that to her, around the time that her brother got sick.

LAMB

I believe the Serpent may be listening through the recorder, the radios - maybe even through the broadcasts.

CHESS

What... Broadcasts?

LAMB

Oh. Shit.

CHESS

She's been broadcasting?!

LAMB

Listen, ah - she only broadcasted twice - if I'm remembering correctly! She even tried to remove something she'd said from-

CHESS

I can't believe she would do that!

LAMB

Chess, she was scared!

CHESS

She's always scared!

SFX:                BIRDS CHIRPING FAINTLY

CHESS

Can she... Can she hear what we're saying?

LAMB

Doubtful.

CHESS

Good. Not that I'm glad you're here.

LAMB

Not as if I'm glad to be here.

So... You don't want her to feel poorly because of you?

CHESS

I try not to make anyone feel bad if I can help it. Because that's what people do? Not sure if anyone should go around, literally threatening everyone, just because they feel like it.

LAMB

I take umbrage with that last bit.

Chess....

LAMB

distorted

Do I frighten you?

CHESS

Uh, no. The whole necromancer thing?

LAMB

Well, if you're worried about Lo's feelings I assure-

CHESS

Oh! Relationship advice, from you. Do you even have friends?

LAMB

I wasn't always like this. I believe the nobility even found me charming. Hell, I was married.

CHESS

Someone actually put up with you?

LAMB

She did. Until the world ended. Maybe I should keep a diary myself! Not recorded, of course.

CHESS

Oh. I'm... Sorry.

LAMB

Are you now...? Interesting. Do you think you'll ever forgive me for that knife business?

CHESS

When you tried to murder Henrik?

LAMB

I was searching for another and was... Blinded with rage.

CHESS

Who else would have been there?!

LAMB

It. Was. Dark!

CHESS

I don't think anyone should trust you. In fact... Here.

SFX:                NECKLACE CHAIN RUSTLING

LAMB

An amulet? Why, Chess. You shouldn't have!

CHESS        

Just put it on.

SFX:                CHAIN RUSTLES

CHESS

distorted

Return to us Lo Goliath!

CHESS

Lo...?

Is it you...?

LAMB

Chess, darling! You've come to rescue me again! They should knight you!

CHESS

Greeeeeat...

SFX:                CHESS' FOOTSTEPS, BED CREAKING

CHESS

I guess she never really took on Goliath as her last name, even if she was using it.

LAMB

Hmmm. That's fair. With your true name - particularly the surname - I had to dig around Lo's writing to find the full one you landed on. Chess [static] is a very intriguing name to choose.

CHESS

What, you don't like Chess Bernard?

LAMB

I never said that!

But I won't be doing any "RetuUuUurrrRRRrn to us, Chess Bernard!" anytime soon to try and make you stay.

CHESS

Well, the good news is, you wouldn't need to. Because I'm right here.

LAMB

 ...I'm going to take the retriever thing and recording device apart.

SFX:                TINKERING WITH THE ELECTRONICS

LAMB

You've followed Lo, after all of this. Why not just... leave? Of course, I wouldn't let you, but...

CHESS        

Ha. How much do you know about laws against summoning? None of us are following Lo. But I'm not going to shut her out... Even if Tala wants me to.

We have to see where things lie between the two of us when this is all over.

Imagine you're with someone for years, and then you take a few breaks over the next few years, and you see them at their best and... And um... And what you thought was their worst...

Ugh, with you in the equation it's kind of  hard to tell who's doing what.

LAMB

Again, I was married. And we did have quarrels.

Minor ones...

CHESS

Yeah, and for some reason I doubt your wife was the one doing the worst stuff between the two of you.

I thought Lo was screwing with me for a while, you know? Manipulating me. Loving me a little too much. Acting a little too helpless. But...

My sisters would come home to get me every once in a while, totally freaked out, and Lo would be outside of the Academy's market just... curled up in a ball. No clue where she was, confused about why I was calling her by her grandma's nickname.

Holding those damn records she'd pick up for me every Saturday.

Tchaikovsky...

LAMB

You're not Lo's caretaker.

CHESS

Or her partner. I'm her friend.

You can think whatever you want about us, but Lo's the one person who's always been totally supportive about me becoming an all-around mage.

People walk on eggshells around me whenever someone makes a joke about necromancy. Don't get me wrong, I respect all use of magic. All of it. The fact that we can mold nature to our will, no matter what you're doing with it.

But I can do more.

There's no one else who believes in me without hesitation...

LAMB

Chess, I've seen you do magic... You don't need anyone else.

CHESS

I'm really not looking for counseling from a ghost.

SFX:        DISTANT STEPS

LAMB

I only mean-

TALA

There's a carriage outside!

LAMB

For Christ's sake!

TALA

Have either of you ridden in one?

LAMB

How long have you been standing there?!

Yes. Carriages are at least one thing Chess' world and mine have in common.

Well, alright, I have everything in Lo's satchel.

SFX:                 THREE SETS OF STEPS, CHESS' STEPS STOP AND HIS VOICE FADES INTO THE DISTANCE

INNKEEPER

Leaving already?

CHESS

Yep, how much was it?

SFX:                 DAYTIME COASTAL, SOUNDS

EXT. VILLAGE - NIGHTTIME

TALA

I’m not sure Chess or Henrik are taking this seriously enough.

LAMB

Henrik and I have different opinions about Bakunawa’s music. Ah, I never asked what you hear-

TALA

That doesn’t mean he should be ignoring the fact that we’re on one of these peninsulas! Even if it is a different reality.

LAMB

Right...

I believe there’s a ceremony taking place here. If we’re going to find any permanence in this world, we’ll need to end that before the eclipse reaches totality.

TALA

That’s not why we’re here.

SFX:                 STEPS STOP.

LAMB

What...? Is that true?

Oh. I see. You’re here to find answers for what’s happened to Henrik! That’s why you’ve come all this way? Surely a jest!

TALA

Four outcasts saving the world is a bit ambitious, isn’t it?

LAMB

We  MUST do SOMETHING! If we can find the source of the summoning in Lo’s ward—

TALA

Ward?

LAMB

Home, town, whatever you might call it.

TALA

We need to learn what's happening here, then we can find our way to the kingdom like you wanted. From there, let's find someone trustworthy and report what we find!

SFX:                STEPS CONTINUE AND THEN STOP.

HENRIK

Nice, isn’t it? Can’t wait to see all of this in the daylight.

LAMB

It's repulsive.

TALA

Are you going to evaporate if you’re seen by too many people? Do ghosts do that?

HENRIK

I don’t think so.

LAMB

If only.

HENRIK

How long do these eclipses last anyway?

LAMB

It depends on the state of the summoning. Days at minimum.

SFX:                CHESS' STEPS. CARRIAGE RIDING BY, HORSE NEIGHING AND WHINNYING

CHESS

 Okay, we should be ready to go.

TALA

They've never ridden in a carriage before!

LAMB

 Did I not just tell you, I have?

HENRIK

Do you think they've got trains here?

CHESS

Trains?

TALA

He means locomotives.

LAMB

Like carriages on rails, but with steam!

CHESS

I know what a locomotive is!

TALA

In we go!

SFX:                STATIC

INTERRUPTING BROADCAST
distorted

I can assure you, it is most certainly not a black hole! Whoever is spreading these false reports should be fired!

SFX:                STATIC

INTERRUPTING BROADCAST #2
distorted

In just a moment [distortion] but first how does one man [distortion] so many impossible situations? [distortion] tomorrow night, as you fo- [distortion] hilarious adventure-

SFX:                STATIC

INTERRUPTING BROADCAST #3

MAGUAYAN

And what good did that do you in the end? [static] I've told you, you cannot undo what has already been done.

INTERRUPTING BROADCAST #4

Distorted song commonly referred to as "Everyone Knows That (Ulterior Motives)", a piece of lost media, plays. The true title of this song is currently unknown.

INTERRUPTING BROADCAST #5

Distorted cover singing "Crazy He Calls Me" by Billie Holiday.

SFX:                STATIC

INT. A HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE

SFX:                CARRIAGE SQUEALING, HORSE TROTTING, WIND

HENRIK

What do you think we’ll find in Lo’s village when we get there?

LAMB

Thought you wanted answers on where your infection came from? On how new creatures outside of documentation are appearing?

HENRIK

I do. I didn’t realize someone was still conducting experiments... Aren't they outlawed?

TALA

I’m not comfortable with the idea of letting them go on toying with living creatures. But we need evidence.

HENRIK

We'll come across something there, I'm sure of it. Vials of blood samples, medication they shouldn't have... There has to be something we can bring with us. For all I know, that something could even be in my blood!

But...

They could be creating new entities! Maybe even new vampires, en masse. AND in excess! It isn't the same as an infection spreading through one person to the next. Making more innocent people go through what I - and surely YOU  - have endured.

TALA

Preben, I've searched for years and have yet to find a camera. We can’t simply go to the kingdom saying you’re a sick vampire.

CHESS

I actually can’t tell that you were ever a vampire.

HENRIK

You can sense that?

LAMB

Truthfully, I'd like to know how I reached out of the void, this time. It’s usually random for me, these possessions.

But, this last time, I could hear Lo from the labyrinth - hold on - did you not meet others wandering the maze when you were there?

HENRIK

What... maze...?

CHESS

Are we talking about that Labyrinthian legend? I still don’t believe that has anything to do with you.

LAMB

Ah, yes, the victor thing. Over Goliath. The name is a bit frivolous, and it's nothing to do with that other Goliath. With the slingshot?

CHESS

I haven't heard that one.

HENRIK

Don't worry about it, Chess.

LAMB

sighing

The name, in my case, is not all that exciting. You get a few people off a peninsula, find them shelter at the end of the world, and suddenly you’re some hero.

CHESS

Yeah, OK. Maybe I didn't pay attention to fables in school, but I know that the maze dweller just hunts down deities and challenges them or something. They don't run around saving people.

LAMB

I don't hunt anything. I'm the prey.

CHESS

You? Prey?

LAMB

And I would never Bakunawa a deity.

CHESS

I. Don't. Believe. In that legend you keep bringing up anyway.

LAMB

YOU probably don't believe in ANYTHING except your cult's-

CHESS

I am NOT an occultist!

HENRIK

Alright, children.

LAMB

Sorry. But really, I don’t have to justify being given a name I never asked for.

CHESS

You leading anyone to safety has got to be an over exaggeration. Bet they’d LOVE to know the truth behind their whole hero’s tale!

HENRIK

Could you two stop?

LAMB

Tell yourself what you like, I’m not fond of the title. The titles. They're too wound up in other histories, other religions who never asked for a change in context. Buried in all of these artifacts.

I wonder how many times they’ve created the Goliath peninsula. Or this Balor you’ve mentioned.

TALA

Once was enough.

LAMB

But it wasn't just once. All of the times I’ve been to that peninsula and seen an eclipse, I didn't recognize any of its denizens. They were centuries apart yes, however...

I've taken many through the labyrinth. Maybe you don't understand what that means...

SFX:                CARRIAGE SOUNDS, SILENCE BETWEEN EVERYONE

LAMB (CONT'D)

The names they chose... For the peninsulas-

HENRIK

All giants. Different cultures, yes, but all great in size. Even Balor.

TALA

I'm not interested in a history lesson.

HENRIK

Sorry, I can't help it... And Chess doesn't know about the difference between our cultures anyway!

TALA

The rest of us do, so there's no point in rambling on about it.

HENRIK

We've never actually talked to each other about our individual worlds... Maybe we don't know as much as we think.

SFX:                CARRIAGE WHEELS CREAKING, HORSE TROTTING SLOWS, HORSE EXHALING

DRIVER

Look friends, I’m not here to tell you what to do... But are you sure you want to stop here? The townsfolk say this place is cursed.

HENRIK

Haha... Hopefully they’re wrong!

DRIVER

Suit yourself.

SFX:                SADDLE CREAKING, COINS

TALA

So, how was it, Chess? The carriage?

CHESS

Not as fun as you made it sound.

LAMB

Gate’s up there!

CHESS

Are those quartz? There’s so much of it.

SFX:                 CRUNCHING, SQUISH

HENRIK

UGH!

CHESS

They’re eyes?!

LAMB

Don’t touch them!

TALA

Hm. Viscera’s intact, and they’re very large, but… Where are their pupils? And they look… pocked?

HENRIK

What in God’s name happened here?

LAMB

These remind me of craters. Disgusting. They... Kind of look like the things they used in Colf.

HENRIK

Golf...?

LAMB

Yes, Colf! The nobility was fond of it. Why are you pronouncing it like that?

HENRIK

Golf.

Somehow these eyes are still better than yours when you, y’know. When you get all spooky?

LAMB

What... happens to my eyes?

SFX:                 THUNDER

CHESS

Weird. There’s no storm.

SFX:                 RUSTLING BRANCHES GROWLING BECOMING THUNDEROUS

TALA

QUICK, INTO THE FOREST!

SFX:                 THUNDER, GROWLING, STEPS

HENRIK

Where do we go?!

CHESS

There’s too much fog!

LAMB

I thought you could see through magical fog!

CHESS

These aren’t spirits!

HENRIK

Get down!

TALA

Come here, Chess! Close your eyes.

LAMB

Don’t leave us here!

TALA

I’m not going anywhere! He doesn’t have wings, I do.

Arms around me.

CHESS

Uhhh…

TALA

Do as I say.

HENRIK

You shouldn't sit! Crouch. A lightning strike is not a good way to die.

LAMB

Neither is getting gored by a Ta’awi!

CHESS

Fireballs…

TALA

Or getting hypnotized and LOSING your MIND to a Santelmo! Chess, stay put.

HENRIK

They’re... Sort of pretty…

Odd...

I can’t see anyone carrying the lanterns.

LAMB

What is WRONG with you two?!

There's some sort of temple here. Give me your hand.

HENRIK

That hurts!

LAMB

DAMMIT, HENRIK!

HENRIK

Don’t drag me along!

LAMB

Ahhh. All of that talk back about oblivion on the boat, all that optimism and you are ready to end it all! What changed, pup?

No? Am I mistaken? Then hush, keep your eyes on the ground and come along.

TALA

Lamb? Please, don't take this the wrong way, but we might be safer if I lead.

LAMB

Why's that?

TALA

I see some tracks here, I don't think anyone's riding horses into the forest.

LAMB

Ugh. Do you have the path? Can’t see anything through the fog.

TALA

We might be in a clearing. There's... Something odd about those trees. It's like we're being watched... I'm not sure that Santelmo are all we have to worry about in there.

LAMB

I do get the feeling we’re close to... Safety.  A sort of... Familiarity.

TALA

You two - Chess, Henrik - be quiet.

HENRIK

Why me?

TALA

I need to listen.

LAMB

Can you see if there's a house with, ah... Sampaguita? Jasmine?

TALA

Hmmm...

LAMB

Do you see one?

TALA

I'm looking! I can't see much of anything here.

LAMB

Here - Lo keeps a compass, maybe-

TALA

No point in pinning down cardinal direction, not that North or South matter in a place like this, between reality.

There's a strong scent coming from this direction. Follow.

SFX:                STEPS ON GRASS

TALA

This one?

LAMB

Yes, I feel it. This is the one and it's-

SFX:                DOOR JINGLING

LAMB

Locked. Of course.

TALA

Not to worry.

LAMB

Are you picking the lock?!

TALA

Do you have any better ideas?

HENRIK

Where did you learn that?

TALA

Preben. What is it you think I do for a living? Don't you remember how we met? Do you think I just prowl around infested ruins for fun?

HENRIK

I didn't think you were a thief.

LAMB

Ahhh. Come now, Henrik. Bounty hunter!

TALA

Sometimes you need a trick or two up your sleeve.

SFX:                 LOCK JIGGLES, CLINKING TOOLS, DOOR OPENS AND SLAMS

LAMB

Ah, thank God.

TALA

Hmph. The Gods didn't have much to do with that.

LAMB

 Henrik... I know you don't mind the cold, but you're going to get soaked.

HENRIK

I... Haven't been welcomed in.

LAMB

Ahem, sorry for the intrusion, but-

SFX:                 KNOCKING, STEPS

ARIA

I told you I'll be out when I'm ready!

LAMB

Ah - uh - sorry, we're looking-

ARIA

Into the light, get by the door!

LAMB

I'm sorry about the - PLEASE-

SFX:                 FRYING PAN SWOOSH

How did you get inside my house?!

LAMB

Please, put the pan down!

ARIA

Lo...?

LAMB

Yes! Yes, indeed! It's - it's great to see you. A-again! We're looking for directions to the temple, and it's been a while so, as you can tell, I'm very lost!

SFX:                 PAN CLINKS AS IT'S PUT DOWN

ARIA

Who sent you? This is a really screwed up prank.

CHESS

Who is that?

LAMB

I’ve no idea.

ARIA

Seriously, this isn't funny. I don't know if you're new to the temple, but for your sake, I hope you are.

SFX:                 RUMMAGING AROUND DRAWERS

ARIA

Someone should have told you we're not supposed to use illusions to fabricate people who've left the village, considering those Tambal in the forest. And this is such a shitty joke. I can't believe you would come to me looking like Lo of all people.

Did one of the acolytes put you up to this? Was it Gabriel? You can tell him I'm going to report him for illegal use of magic. AGAIN.

And, I'm reporting you for breaking and entering.

LAMB

An acolyte...? What manner of faith do you follow?

ARIA

Okay. Let me get this straight. Someone cast an illusion to make you look like Lo, but who in the underworld are you three supposed to be?

LAMB

This is Chess and Tala. That man outside is Henrik-

ARIA

UGH!

SFX:                ARIA GRABS LAMB, THEY STRUGGLE

LAMB

Release me! At least let Henrik in!

ARIA

Get. In. ALL OF YOU.

LAMB

Does that include the vampire?

ARIA

YES!

TALA

Just follow!

SFX:                STEPS, DRAWER OPENING, SCRIBBLING

ARIA

Here we go... Let me get something to write your names down before I forget. Just wait until Freda sees this - these pranks are getting ridiculous.

I'm trying to prep for the ceremony, and YOU should be too.

Wait, your name is Chess? Do you spell it like the board game?

LAMB

Kind friend. Would you mind directing us toward the temple?

ARIA

Gods, they really got Lo's face figured out. I didn't know anyone in the clergy was this talented. You came from the forest didn't you...? I can see it on you...

You're not a tambal - I can see it around you.

LAMB

Yes, you did say that already.

ARIA

I'm talking about your aura... Your aura's all TWISTED, so much like Lo's but worse than it was before she left-

LAMB

You're a bit close for my liking.

ARIA

What in SERENITY! I can't BELIEVE this!

LAMB

Ah - um-

ARIA

LO?! Why - I can't believe -

LAMB

N-now, hold on-

ARIA

I needed you, I needed you -

LAMB

Please.. Please, relax...

ARIA

A-and not one letter? Not one fucking letter?!

You... You left without me! Your mom said you had to, but you said you'd come back for me!

CHESS

This isn’t good.

HENRIK

We should probably say something.

TALA

No. Let them talk.

LAMB

You have my sincerest apologies. I absolutely meant to return! But of course, mother, she did ask me to leave!

ARIA

Why are you talking so - UGH - Gods, seven years and you're still as weird as you were when you left!

LAMB

That's... Rather severe, but may well be accurate.

ARIA

And who are you three? Why do you want to go to the temple?

LAMB

To... Pay tribute! As we - followers - do!

ARIA

Riiight... Except you've always hated the temple. Lo, what in the underworld is wrong with you?

CHESS

Hi - yes - I can answer that! Friendly necromancer here.

ARIA

Necromancer? You brought a necromancer with you?

CHESS

Wow. Rude.

LAMB

Also, I have to agree. While my disdain is warranted, you've only just met Chess.

CHESS

She’s actually-

ARIA

Possessed. You're possessed. Or, you're possessing Lo.

LAMB

Perfect. Now that we’ve figured that out, it was positively wonderful to meet you, call me Lamb, etc etc. But we’ve things to do.

ARIA

Councilor said Lo had reached out beyond the veil but I... I didn't believe it.

You are - ugh, Lo - is not supposed be here. Her mom said she was gone, like, never-going-to-see-each-other gone.

LAMB

Indeed! And we’ll go as soon as we’re done here.

ARIA

I'm not sure if it's safe for you to be seen right now.

LAMB

If that's all you have to say, might you at least tell us how long this fog will last? Give us SOMETHING useful?

ARIA

You're kind of being an asshole.

CHESS

Don’t worry, that's how she is by default!

LAMB

You're kind of wasting our time.

ARIA

Can you four just... Stay here, just for a little bit? They're waiting for me in the temple and I... I don't want to see your vessel go through rushed tests for the sake of the ceremony.

TALA

Tests?

ARIA

Lo didn't tell you...? About the experiments...?

HENRIK

Experiments… On Lo?

ARIA

She really never told any of you...? Not even you, necromancer? Sorry, I can't ignore whatever's going on with your auras.

They conducted experiments on all of us. The peninsula itself is a test.

LAMB

You’re occultists?!

No...You're a summoner.

SFX:                MYSTERIOUS MUSIC PLAYS

ARIA

Don’t look at me like that! Lo knows how important this is, how important this was to me. And it's not like we do it by choice anymore anyway! Whatever.

ARIA

Can you just stay? The few of us who disagree with the clergy - we're trying to disrupt the ritual this time. And if she hears about that, she might do something.

Uh... She’s never been great with rules. Or restraint.

HENRIK

So she’s always been like this.

LAMB

Ugh, Henrik. Has anyone told you how annoying you are? How many times do I have to - the knife was me and the garlic tea was-

HENRIK

Believe me, it's not the poison I'm talking about. That wasn't a rule, that was a crime!

ARIA

Poison?

TALA

You don’t summon by choice? Did you participate in experiments?

ARIA

On my partner?

TALA

On anyone!

LAMB

Your partner? Oh, Chess, this must be awkward.

HENRIK

How old were you? When they started the experiments?

ARIA

Hmmm. Maybe a few weeks?

HENRIK

Jesus... Have you told anyone outside of the village? Tala, THIS is exactly what I meant, this is what we report to the officials.

ARIA

You. Don't. Get. It. There's no one to go to, and we don't have a choice with these summonings. We have the kingdom breathing down our necks, YEARS of attempted rituals, and still have nothing to show for all of THIS!

SFX:                ARIA STOMPS OFF TO GRAB A CROWN, THEN THROWS IT ON THE TABLE

LAMB

A... crown...?

ARIA

Ask Lo what that is, some time.

LAMB

No, I recognize this...

ARIA

The kingdom usually has its own clerics down to oversee the ceremonies. Do you know what it takes to complete a summoning for the serpent? I'm one of the last test subjects left.

I guess you are too, or at least your vessel is.

LAMB

What sort of experiments did they conduct on Lo?

ARIA

What, you think she's special? The same ones they performed on all of the first generation kids. And not just in our village.

Why are you even on the peninsula? I would've thought Arnel would try to stop Lo.

LAMB

About that-

CHESS

Lamb.

ARIA

Oh, gods, did you... Did you both feel the pull back toward the temple?

LAMB

I'm not sure how to say this-

CHESS

Lamb. Not now.

SFX:                 REVERSED SPEECH OUTSIDE

ARIA

Shhhh.

HENRIK

distorted

What language is that?

LAMB

Sounds like a variant on Apogeean.

TALA

distorted

From the kingdom?

ARIA

Oh. Cool. Time's broken again.

You're still under the effect.

LAMB

I'm what?

ARIA

Don't tell me you haven't experienced time "issues". Lo gave the clergy some of the worst results in the experiments. I wonder... If this is because of you introducing chaos with your possession.

LAMB

My - I - I can slow time, but the serpent has to be close.

ARIA

No. You can't. And you aren't choosing to do it.

LAMB

But I have-

ARIA

Noooo. You haven't. That's not YOUR body. And Lo's never been great with magic.

TALA

distorted

From the kingdom?

HENRIK

distorted

What language is that?

SFX:                 SPEECH HEARD IN REVERSE, OUTSIDE, RAIN

ARIA

Ugh. Here we go.

TALA

Do they have sensory magic?

ARIA

Yeah. And they'll be asking me for help soon, so.

HENRIK

Shit.

ARIA

Let me handle them. Stay here until I'm back.

SFX:                 STEPS, DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS, STEPS

ARIA

Hey! I'm still getting ready for the ritual, but I'll come to the temple soon.

CLERIC 1

Are they down here?

ARIA

Who...? I don't know what you're talking about...

SFX:                MAGIC SOUNDS

I - I can’t tell. The summoning is messing with my skills-

CLERIC 2

Then try harder!

SFX:                MAGIC SOUNDS

CLERIC 2

TRY. AGAIN.

SFX:                MAGIC SOUNDS

ARIA

They’re outside! I-I sense something coming from the forest!

CLERIC 1

You did well, Aria. Take them back.

ARIA

No, let me stay above! I’ll do the ceremony!

CLERIC 1-4

We are so fortunate to have a curate so willing to perform the rites. I understand, I want to watch the eclipse too, but we have a responsibility to the temple. To the world.

Take them back.

COUNCILOR

As much as I'd like to put my full trust in our curates... We'll just have to enchant the entire area. Start with Aria's house.

SFX:                 MAGIC SPELLS GROWING LOUDER

LAMB

A paralysis hex! Hurry!

HENRIK

The stables!

TALA

CHESS?!

SFX:                 MAGIC BARRELING DOWN. TALA, COUNCILOR, AND CHESS FIGHTING OVER RUNNING FOOTSTEPS

HENRIK

Chess is still out there!

LAMB

Let him and Tala handle this - Henrik, wait - UGH! Remember when you fought that creature back at Gods' Peak?

SFX:                 BIRDS CHIRPING, CALM BARN SOUNDS, OMINOUS MUSIC

HENRIK

That's not important right now!

LAMB

Don't squander the chance they gave you to live by getting cornered.

Damn! Stay low. Hide behind the horses.

(sighing)

You're very fortunate to not be lying cold in that God forsaken reliquary, you know. I've heard Lo's tapes. I know exactly what that entity was building. A portal. No - Henrik - stop. You do realize that Chess nearly left you behind, don't you?

HENRIK

I told them to leave.

LAMB

Yet they stayed, because Lo asked him to. And so, you're alive. He killed a beast that you couldn't - and that was before your infection. So, if he can't escape this, you most certainly won't either. And besides that, if I get caught Lo would-

(laughing)

Oh, of course.  You wouldn't do this for Lo, would you? You're alive because of her, you know.

HENRIK

She could have gotten them both killed.

LAMB

Henrik, if you're seen, you will lose any chance to help those two. You need to wait.

HENRIK

It… Lamb, he is my student. I can't abandon him. And it’s not just my responsibility as a mentor. It’s my responsibility as the mentor of someone aiming to become a mage. An ambitious man who is steadily losing his patience, more and more each day.

Do you understand what I mean?

LAMB

Were it his choice, Chess would have fled - left you - because he believed it was the right decision! That was but one creature, THIS is a CLERGY of cultists!

LAMB

Do not go out there. What can you even do?! You can’t FIGHT them anymore, you can't even FEED!

HENRIK

I don't CARE!

LAMB

I understand that you may not recall what mortality feels like but-

HENRIK

Where do we go, then?! Do you plan to wait here, then run, on foot, all the way back to town?!

LAMB

They already have Chess and Tala would have done something if she were able! She dotes on him like he’s a little pet!

HENRIK

Or a sibling.

LAMB

Do not deign to compare Tala’s feelings to mine or Lo's.

Alright, I won’t stop you. But I won’t help you, either.

HENRIK

I wouldn’t expect you to.

SFX:                 HENRIK’S FOOTSTEPS, RUNNING, HORSES NEIGHING

HENRIK

Agh!

COUNCIL

Cast something on the damn horses, we’ve enough to worry about with the entities below!

SFX:                 HORSES NEIGHING, GROWING MAGIC SOUNDS, A RINGING, HORSES RELAXING, MAGIC SOUNDS DISSIPATING

CLERIC 2

What do we do with these creatures?

COUNCILOR

Hmmm... These two? A mage and a manananggal... How quaint.

Make sure they’re restrained. Use the cages if you must.

SFX:                DISTANT ROARING CONTINUES

COUNCILOR

It won’t matter once the eclipse reaches its full potential. Ah, and bring  Aria. They need to be readied for the summoning.

SFX:                CONVERSATION OUTSIDE MUFFLED, THEN QUIETING IN THE DISTANCE

LAMB

Lo, I’m sorry.

I don’t know what to do.

What would you do…?

SFX:                STATIC

INTERRUPTING BROADCAST #1, FANFARE

SFX:                STATIC

INTERRUPTING BROADCAST #2
distorted

Was Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, inventor of one of the first successful microscopes. After looking through his crude microscope, he made drawings-

INTERRUPTING BROADCAST #3, distorted sounds

SFX:                STATIC

INTERRUPTING BROADCAST #2
distorted

Scraped from his own teeth- [static]

After the time of Leeuwenhoek, generations were to passed before another matter of great importance was made in the study of- [static]

It was the famed chemist, Louis Pasteur of France who in the 1850s proved that bacteria-

SFX:                STATIC

INTERRUPTING BROADCAST #4
distorted

Being Rescued-

INTERRUPTING BROADCAST #2
distorted

This explained many of the chemical changes in nature [static] never develop out of dead organic matter alone as some people had believed [static] can spread disease from a sick animal, to a healthy animal-

SFX:                STATIC

LAMB

If I’m going to spend up to a lifetime with you, perhaps it’s better if you don’t despise me.

SFX:                RUMMAGING

LAMB

So… What else do you carry in this bag? Some pencils, your notebook, a compass. A letter opener. [gasping] Perfect.

Absolutely perfect.

SFX:                GRITTY STEPS, DOOR OPENING, CLOSING SOFTLY, LIGHT STEPS

LAMB

You know, Lo, I don’t like temples either.

SFX:                DOOR OPENING, CLOSING SOFTLY

LAMB

Hm. Where has everyone gone...?

SFX:                WALKING, THEN GOING DOWN STEPS, CREAKING WOOD STEPS, STONE BEING PUSHED, STEPS ON STONE STAIRS. GRITTY STEPS

LAMB

Just how deep does this stairwell go?

SFX:                STEPS ON STONE STAIRS. GRITTY STEPS

LAMB

Better not be walking into some dungeon of depravity, you never know with these-

Holy mother of...

They've built a whole tunnel system down here.

SFX:                 GRAVELLY STEPS

LAMB

What's this? A scholar, all on his own?

SFX:                 MYSTERIOUS MUSIC

Here we go.

SFX:                 STEPS

LAMB

middle english:

"Good evening!"

GŌDNE ǢFEN!

SFX:                 A SCHOLAR SHIFTING IN THEIR CHAIR OVER STEPS

SCHOLAR

W-what’s this?

LAMB

An inquiry. Move and this goes right through your throat.

SCHOLAR

Your aura… You’re a Child of Serenity, aren’t you?! They're - they’re looking for you.

SFX:                 CHAIR CREAKING

LAMB

I’ve garnered that much. Ah-ah. Ready to die?

SCHOLAR

I can - I can show you the way out of here.

LAMB

distorted

That’s nice.

I can’t believe I’m doing this. I came with a vampire, a necromancer, and a manananggal. Where are they?

SCHOLAR

A necromancer? They found a mage - no - no WAIT -  I can - I can show you where they’re keeping him!

LAMB

If I were you, I’d already be explaining. Unless you have another option to escape your... Conundrum? Something that I haven’t yet considered?

SCHOLAR

Follow the hall back toward the entrance...

LAMB

Back to the clergy?

SCHOLAR

Of course not! When you hear a stream, there should be a tunnel nearby, find that and follow it! You’ll be at the main chamber and you'll see cages.

LAMB

Good boy! Stay in your seat. Let me be clear, I don’t need you now! And I’ll have you know, my hearing is excellent, so if you so much as shift…

SCHOLAR

I won’t! I’m no mage, I just research for the temple-

LAMB

Research? Ha.

SFX:                 STEPS AS SHE WALKS AROUND

LAMB

Nice collection of potions you have here. Know what this one is?

SFX:                LAMB OVER THE SOUNDS OF CLINKING BOTTLES AND VIALS

SCHOLAR

I can’t read it from here.

LAMB

So many supplies! You’ve got a whole apothecary down here! So many languages, do you import these? Do they trade between peninsulas?

SFX:                 CLINKING BOTTLES

LAMB

Aaaand, of course. There it is! The old script of Syzygean. Now, you can read that, can’t you?

Alum, black water, coconut oil, all these herbal treatments. I know a silly necromancer who might want some of these. Do you mind if I keep a few?

SCHOLAR

Not at all.

SFX:                 CLINKING BOTTLES. UNCORKING. STEPS.

LAMB

Awww. Be calm!

LAMB

I merely wish to BORROW SOMETHING!

SFX:                 CHAIR SQUEAKS

SCHOLAR

muffled

STOP!

LAMB

Now this potion, here—

SFX:                 CHAIR SQUEAKING, SCHOLAR'S MUFFLED YELLING

LAMB

—is dwale. And if you mixed it well, you won’t die.

Ahhh. Heavy bastard. That strength you’re so proud of, Lo, would be very useful now.

LAMB

"I just research!"

Yes, research, the traversal of knowledge. That's where it comes from, you know? To "wander". Of course, terms change over time. That one, itself, traveled through a language someone once told me was called Middle English. That was in another world!

But you. Your travels?

You wander the darkest realms of reality, venturing into shadows, that reach out beyond tombs built for those wiser than either of us. You tiptoe in, and open chests containing nature's cruelest memories, and prophecies.

And amid the guttural screams of humanity's desperation to-

"Please, please, wait until you understand the consequences!"

-you pilfer a few jewels. Just a few. Just the right ones. Only to bring them back... Here, of all places? Research, mage, you're flavors of the same sin under a hungry God.

Ah, well. No need to fret, friend! I only want to avoid anyone catching you slumbering when you should be working! Very, very naughty. You’ll be right as rain soon enough. And here’s a secret, just between us!

Truthfully? I’m saving you from an eternal, serpentine damnation! Isn’t that FUN, occultist?

SCHOLAR

What...

SFX:                 BOTTLES CLINKING

LAMB

Sleep well.

SCHOLAR

Nnnn...

LAMB

Just as a thought... These are scrolls of experimentation, are they not? I'll be taking that. I suppose Henrik would fain to have these.

SFX:                 STATIC, STEPS, RUMBLING, STREAMING WATER

LAMB

I see they didn’t bother to carve out the tunnel. Ohhh... my. Cages indeed. Stuck right in the rock...

Where are those lackwits...

CLERIC 2

There were four altogether.

COUNCIL

Did you find them? Aria? They must be ready for the summoning! UGH. Why are you all so useless? Cast another spell! Flood the hallways!

LAMB

I suppose I'll have to crawl then... And of course the walkway is just as disgusting.

SFX:                 BAG RATTLING A BIT AS LAMB SETS IT DOWN, LAMB CRAWLS AROUND, MONSTERS GROWLING

LAMB

Ahhh. Entities. Pardon me, friend. Are you still in control of your faculties?

SFX:                MONSTERS GROWLING

LAMB

Seems not.

TALA

Is that a sheep I see?

LAMB

Evening, madame. Jesus! Why did they tear up your wings?!

TALA

Don’t yell!

LAMB

You look terrible - I mean, not your visage of course. Though you do look a little less terrifying in the daylight.

TALA

No, don’t bother with the bars either! You can't separate them from the rock. I've tried.

LAMB

I'm surprised they actually trapped you here.

SFX:                CREAKING METAL

TALA

It's this damned cage - it's enchanted - just stop with the bars!

SFX:                RINGING, CREAKING METAL

TALA

YOU'RE MAKING TOO MUCH NOISE!

LAMB

You won’t be able to fly with those, so we'll need to make haste, won't we?!

SFX:                MAGIC SOUNDS

CLERIC 3

Councilor, the altar!

COUNCIL

The light of Serenity… Did we catch the last trespasser?

CLERIC 4

We only found the others...

COUNCIL

CAST A PARALYSIS SPELL!

CLERIC 5

We'd entangle everyone!

COUNCIL

I’ll shield us! CAST!

CLERIC 3

But-

COUNCIL

I won't ask twice.

SFX:                 MAGIC, RINGING

TALA

Lamb this is no time to faint, they're coming!

SFX:                 MAGIC, RINGING

LAMB

Sorry - their magic is... I'll try to find a key...

CLERIC 1

USE A BINDING SPELL!

TALA

LAMB!

COUNCIL

BE CAREFUL!

CLERIC 2

I've enchanted the restraints!

SFX:                 SOUND MESSINESS

COUNCIL

Alodia? Alodia... Abad...?

SFX:                 STEPS

COUNCIL

No, that's not quite right, is it...? Your aura is somehow different. Now who are you?

Be... Be calm…

LAMB

My - my head-

SFX:                 DRAGGING SOUNDS, CHAINS, RUMBLING

COUNCIL

It’s beginning... Is he hunting YOU? We’ll - we’ll be among those who return a wanderer to the Serpent!

LAMB

Chains...?

SFX:                 CHAINS JINGLING

CLERIC 1

Do not worry, wanderer.

CLERIC 3

Do not worry, wanderer.

CLERIC 4

The Serpent will accept you.

CLERIC 3

The Serpent will accept you.

SFX:                 CHAINS JINGLING

CLERIC 1-4

We believe in you!

COUNCIL

Magnificent. If I tilt your this way... Ah!

LAMB CRIES OUT

COUNCIL

Wonderful!

LAMB

Help me...

COUNCIL

Please keep still, let the blood run along the cavern’s runes.

LAMB

That... That music.

SFX:                "AU CLAIR DE LA LUNE" PLAYS DISTORTED

LAMB

Not here! PLEASE! I can't go back to the maze!

CLERIC 2

Heretic!

COUNCIL

Don’t address her, you BOOR! This is a blessing. We must let it run its course - but we’ll need Aria if the metamorphosis fails.

LAMB

I beg of you, don't do this.

COUNCIL

Return to us, Alodia.

SFX:                 WHISPERING CHANTING, "RETURN TO US, ALODIA", "WELCOME BACK", AND "CHILD OF SERENITY", SOUND CUTS OFF

THE TEETH

Welcome back, Child of Serenity.