SEASON 2, EPISODE 7

Scene begins in Nether. Camera pans up to reveal nether fortress and moves through fortress, approaching the throne room.

DEATHSINGER

Many years ago your father and I formed one of the greatest alliances any world has ever seen. With our combined strength we nearly conquered all of Ardonia. I come here today seeking to rekindle this alliance.

The Deathsinger is standing before the Nether King, Pythus, who is slouched lazily in the throne and appears to be more concerned with his battle axe than the conversation at hand.

PYTHUS

But you didn’t conquer Ardonia; you lost the war. The Nether forces withdrew and the Voltaris were defeated. Back then you had three Prime Songs, Ingressus… now you only have one.

Pythus finally looks up towards the Deathsinger. The Deathsinger takes a few steps forward.

DEATHSINGER

Your father, King Chronos, recognized the strength in-

The Angel of Death lands in front of the Deathsinger, protecting Pythus.

PYTHUS

My father? My father was a fool.

Pythus gets up out of his throne and strolls down the stairs past the Angel of Death, past the Deathsinger, and to the view overlooking the Nether city as he talks.

PYTHUS

He retreated like a coward when we were on the brink of victory. He was a disgrace to our people and to my family name. After returning to the Nether, I put my sword through him so that a coward would never rule this kingdom again.

As he says this the camera shows another Netharan who is standing slightly outside the throne room and listens in. Unknown to the viewer, this is Vulcannus.

DEATHSINGER

That is pleasing to hear, King Pythus. As you may know, I have no interest in ruling the Overworld. The kingdoms are in turmoil… the Enderknights haven’t been seen in years… and a faction known as the Necromancers havediverted their attention. Now is the time to strike. Fight with me and help me reclaim the Prime Songs, and in return I promise you the Nether will rule the Overworld once more.

Pythus says nothing. Instead he continues staring out over the Nether city and at the occasional Wither drawn by his presence.

He turns back towards the Deathsinger as he thinks about it.

Cuts back to Igneous being escorted by K’arthen guards. He’s heading along the edge of the great hall.

Things start getting a bit suspenseful. A Magnorite with a bow is briefly shown on the side of the hall looking down.

They are stopped as Borgen intercepts them and “drops” a pile of pickaxes on the floor in front of them.

BORGEN

Terribly sorry! Let me just get these out of the way for you!

K’ARTHEN MAGNORITE 1

Move aside you clumsy oaf!

BORGEN

Not this time.

One of the other three escorts suddenly turns his weapon on the other escorts and fights them.

The archer up top fires an enchanted arrow down at another guard causing him to crumble to dust.

Borgen fights K’arthen Magnorite 1 and takes him out.

IGNEOUS

Borgen!

Borgen speaks in a hurry and urges Igneous forward.

BORGEN

Hurry, there’s no time. The tunnel has reached Cydonia and Malakai ispersonally overseeing the final steps. We have to act now in order to stop them!

IGNEOUS

Wait, wait, I gotta get my books! These guys tried to take my weapons but I didn’t have any so they took all my books instead!

Igneous starts grabbing a small pile of books from the ground next to one of the dead guards. Borgen grabs a few and hands them to Igneous and they hurry off.

Cuts to them entering tunnel. A Magnorite is loading TNT into a cart, looks back up and gets attacked by Borgen.

BORGEN

You two, wait here and make sure nobody else follows us. Igneous and I will do whatever we can to stop them. Come on!

Borgen hops in a Minecart and pushes off. Igneous sets his books down and pulls TNT out of the next cart and sets it down.

IGNEOUS

Watch my books, please!

He hops in the cart as the other two Magnorites look confused. Borgen and Igneous are seen riding off down the tunnel. The two Magnorites pick up the books and hold them in strange positions, unfamiliar with books in general.

Cuts to the Knights of Ardonia arriving back in Ataraxia. They stand around waiting for a second, then Galleous walks out of the blacksmith.

GALLEOUS

I didn’t believe the rumors when I first heard them, but here you are: Achillean Nestoris.

The Tidesinger looks at Galleous, then recognizes his markings.

TIDESINGER

Your markings are familiar to my eyes. You are a brother of Thalleous?

GALLEOUS

Indeed… I am Galleous Sendaris.

TIDESINGER

I am sorry to hear of your brother’s death, he was a powerful ally… and a good friend.

Galleous remains reverent, and simply nods. He then gets down to business.

GALLEOUS

I have a gift for you… but first I must know what truly happened all those years ago. Why did you vanish?How is it that you have not aged a day?

Everyone turns to the Tidesinger, having wondered the same thing but been too shy to ask.

TIDESINGER

It is common knowledge that the Voltaris are masters of dark magic.During the final battle at the base of Mount Velgrin, I pushed through enemy lines and made my way up to the mountain top. The Voltaris had created a portal, and I watched as the Deathsinger walked through it. With only moments to act, I followed him through. However… after exiting I soon realized that the portal did not lead to another location- but rather to another time. It appears Ingressus sent himself forward to a time when his opposition would be diminished. The Enderknights are gone, the kingdoms are weak, and he is gaining a head start on the hunt for the Prime Songs. 

RIA

If it weren’t for Thalleous, the Deathsinger might have all four Prime Songs already.

Galleous continues on.

GALLEOUS

The rest of you are welcome to resupply and rest up before you journey on. Achillean, follow me please.

Cuts to the shrine above Ataraxia. Galleous walks into the center and pulls out a chest and sets it down. The Tidesinger looks over curiously.

Galleous opens the chest, and the light from Songs can be seen.

GALLEOUS

These are your Songs, Tidesinger- recovered from Mount Velgrin after you disappeared. I myself no longer wield Songs, but I am honored to return yours.

The Tidesinger picks one of the four Songs out of the chest and holds it.

TIDESINGER

Why do you no longer wield, Galleous?

GALLEOUS

Because… I believe Songs are responsible for many of the tragedies that plague Ardoni history.

TIDESINGER

I share that opinion. During the Great War, I refused to wield the Prime Songs against Ingressus. But Songs themselves are not evil. I have used them to save many lives and in an attempt to bring peace to this world. You should wield your Songs once again Galleous. The war has returned to Ardonia, and there will be no escaping it this time. I remember your name− you once taught many others to wield Songs, including your brothers. Help us once again, and teach others what you know.

Galleous deeply considers his words, but says nothing. Cuts to the Knights of Ardonia leaving. Galleous watches, still contemplating seriously.

Cuts to him back in his blacksmith, music is a bit somber and lonely. He looks up at his Song and then walks over to his forge and gazes into the fire. He reaches some sort of conclusion because suddenly the music picks up and he takes his Song down and hurries outside. Shows him at the shrine, he connects to his Song. Back in the blacksmith he uses his Song on a block of obsidian and tosses in the forge. Serious working music plays as he prepares the obsidian. The camera slowly zooms in on the obsidian as it fades to the End.

Back in the End,the Enderknights are marching along in a group. Endermen all watch their progress with unblinking eyes.

They come across a great stronghold and overlook it.

ALLISTER

Here it is:the legendary domain of the Enderknights.

TREVOR

What do you think’s inside?

SAXON

Whatever it is, it belongs to us now. Come on, let’s find out.

Cuts to inside. An endermite scurries along a pillar. Camera spins around revealing the entry hall. They all look around amazed.

DENNY

Guys, in here- I think I found something.

They go find Denny and see an armory.

SAXON

*excited* Oooh no wayyy!

ALLISTER

Obsidian armor- too heavy for ordinary men to wear. However…

Allister puts the helmet on. The helmet lights up, and his voice is now a bit filtered and slightly synthetic.

ALLISTER

The armor activates for Enderknights, and for Enderknights only.

TREVOR

There’s certainly enough in here for everyone.

ALLISTER

Not everyone. I don’t see any that would fit women. Interesting, isn’t it?

Allister takes some armor and walks off.

DENNY

I’m definitely not cooking for him anymore. He has absolutely no respect.

Abbigail just looks a bit sad.

ABBIGAIL

He’s right though, there isn’t any female armor. Maybe I was a mistake?

DENNY

You’re not a mistake Abbigail. When you arrived at my farm, you told me I was someone special. You gathered everyone- all the Enderknights… and look where we are. We’re at the End.

Abbigail looks up and smiles.

Cuts back to Ferndale. A few guards are walking around the outskirts. Suddenly the bushes start rustling and the guard gets worried.

ALEC

Who goes there?!

LUCAN

Alec, it’s me: Lucan!

Lucan comes out of the bushes, wearing half his Necromancer attire.

ALEC

Lucan?! Where’ve you been? Kiyoshi’s going to kill you when-

Lucan interrupts, very assertive and serious.

LUCAN

Listen- I don’t have time to argue about what rules I’ve broken or what sort of trouble I’m in. The Necromancers aren’t attacking Ferndale!They’re heading straight to the capital, and they’re almost there.

ALEC

How do you even know this?Lucan, I have to take you in- Kiyoshi needs to hear this from you.

Alec draws his sword.

LUCAN

I can’t, not until I get her back. If you want to stop me,you’re going to have to kill me… which I’d prefer if you didn’t.

Lucan looks towards Alec, who slowly lowers his sword. Lucan hurries back into the woods.

Cuts to Kiyoshi at a table looking over some battle plans.

KIYOSHI

The evacuation is complete. We’ve fortified the perimeter, but the mines have been quiet… too quiet. They should have attacked by now…

Alec runs in and interrupts.

ALEC

Captain! Captain Kiyoshi! Lucan just arrived at camp. He’s been undercover with the Necromancers and says they’re marching straight to Felora.

Kiyoshi’s eyes widen. He looks back at the map and furrows his eyebrows as he thinks hard about whether it is true or not.

KIYOSHI

Pack what you can- we ride to Felora immediately!

Music becomes intense as they load up and ride out of Felden.

Back to the end of the tunnel in K’arthen. Magnorites are loading TNT into fissures in the wall in order to detonate beneath the city.

A Magnorite at the end of the track pulls TNT out of a minecart, and pushes the minecart forward. Suddenly an empty minecart appears. He looks into it confused, then another slams to a stop behind it, and he raises his arms in defeat and walks away.

Camera moves to the edge of the tunnel, Borgen and Igneous are watching.

BORGEN

*sigh* There’s no way we can take them all on. Fortunately most of the TNT has yet to be placed. Our only chance to save the city is to detonate it prematurely.

Borgen pulls out a redstone torch.

IGNEOUS

Now wait just a second Borgen, let me talk to them. I can try to dissuade them from this plan.

BORGEN

And if they don’t listen?

IGNEOUS

Then I’ll be the one to detonate the TNT.

Igneous takes the redstone torch.

IGNEOUS

Don’t worry- I’ll be fine. I’m good at talking.

Igneous smiles and winks, pats Borgen on the shoulder, stands up, and walks out into the clearing.

IGNEOUS

Hello there! Good day to you, gentlemen.

Malakai turns and sees him approaching.

MALAKAI

A little small for a Magnorite?

IGNEOUS

Ah, that’s because I’m not from around here. I was born outside of K’arthen, and have spent my life as an outcast… being bullied and mocked and-

MALAKAI

That’s because you’re a tiny runt. Why didn’t you stand up for yourself and fight back?

Igneous is a bit surprised by the rebuttal and takes a moment to collect his response.

IGNEOUS

Because… I shouldn’t be- we shouldn’t be fighting. We need to learn to coexist with those whom we share Ardonia with.

Malakai now sees even more weakness in Igneous.

MALAKAI

Coexist? *scoff* And give others a weakness to exploit?

IGNEOUS

Working together is not weakness. We shouldn’t be blowing up Cydonia- we should be making peace.

A few of the nearby Magnorites step a bit closer as they realize he’s against them. Malakai holds a hand up to stop them before proceeding.

MALAKAI

Peace made us complacent… peace made us weak. When I took K’arthen by force and rallied the Magnorites to fight, our drive allowed us to destroy Cydonia and save ourselves from a slow doom. And now… again we have grown weak, so look around you.

Malakai motions to all the TNT around them. The other Magnorites which had been placing the TNT are mostly stopped, watching the two discuss.

MALAKAI

In moments we will destroy the city of Phaethon from below. Cydonia will retaliate, and K’arthen will defeat them once again, bringing us back to glory.

IGNEOUS

I can’t let you do that.

Malakai smirks.

MALAKAI

You can’t stop me either.

IGNEOUS

I was actually hoping we could- you know- talk it out… negotiate.

MALAKAI

I think it’s time I show you how realMagnoritesnegotiate.

Malakai begins walking towards Igneous as the other Magnorites watch from their positions elsewhere in the tunnel.

Igneous begins walking back slightly as he becomes worried.

IGNEOUS

Ok, I wanted to do this anyway.

Igneous draws his redstone torch and places it down at the beginning of the redstone fuse where he had strategically positioned himself during the conversation.

Malakai runs over and hits Igneous.

IGNEOUS

*grunt as you are hit*

Igneous falls down and Malakai turns around watching as the redstone current hits a repeater and is delayed before moving on. He knows he has to simply get ahead of the current and remove a repeater to break the stream, so he begins walking towards it quickly.

After taken a step however he is tripped as Igneous grabs his foot from behind.

MALAKAI

*grunt as you fall down*

Malakai kicks Igneous away and gets back up, but Igneous gets up as well and throws himself at Malakai.

They begin seriously fighting and Igneous tries to keep Malakai from catching up to the current. Some of the other Magnorites begin running away down the tunnel.

Finally Malakai starts seriously beating up Igneous and throwing him around. He eventually punches so hard that Igneous’ arm breaks off and crashes to the floor beside Igneous’ body.

There is a moment as things slow down and Igneous catches his breath as some magma drips from where his arm used to be.

IGNEOUS

*catching breath, in pain*

Malakai walks over to ahead of the redstone current and kicks away a repeater, breaking the stream.

Igneous sits upright, attempting to slide away helplessly as he props himself up against a pile of TNT behind him.

MALAKAI

*taunting* For someone who thinks too much, you didn’t really plan this through did you?

Igneous looks sad, and slowly pulls out his redstone torch once again.

IGNEOUS

*in pain* I have one last idea…

Igneous places the redstone torch beside the TNT he is leaning against, causing it to detonate immediately.

The camera backs up as the entire room explodes and all the TNT detonates.

Borgen watches as a bright light appears at the end of the tunnel and an explosion shakes them.

Up above in Phaethon, a farmer is tending to his small rugged farm when suddenly the quake shakes him as well and a large hole explodes inwards near him as the tunnel collapses. The farmer staggers backwards on the edge of the hole, narrowly avoiding falling in.

Borgenstops running as the explosion settles. He turns and see the smoke and fire from the aftermath. He looks sad as he mourns the death of Igneous, but then turns and continues away down the tunnel.

Cuts back to the End, Enderknights are walking along. Denny, Trevor, and Saxon are in full armor except their helmets. Abbigail is still armorless.

They are in a main hallway, with openings along the floor leading down into the void. At the far end Allister stands. In front of Allister sits the Ender crown on a pedestal.

ALLISTER

Here it is… the crown of the End.

He continues to stare at it. Camera cuts to back outside. Luna is looking worried, and Thunderdome smiles more.

Back in the End, Abbigail walks forward a bit away from the other Enderknights and stands further in the middle of the hall, facing Allister.

ABBIGAIL

Allister… give the crown to me.

Allister picks up the crown and turns around with it, then stops.

ALLISTER

Why should the crown be yours? Why should there be a queen, when we can have a king?

Allister places the crown on his helmet. The crown does not illuminate, which is unknown to the viewer at this time.

He then starts walking down the hallways towards Abbigail.

ALLISTER

I will ruleArdonia as the ancient Enderkings once did. Crown Peak will again be our throne, and the kingdoms will submit to my leadership or be destroyed.

Denny draws his sword and stands beside Abbigail defensively.

DENNY

You’ll have to go through us first, Allister. It was Abbigail who brought us together, and it’s her we follow. A crown isn’t enough to make you king.

Allister stops walking and frowns at Denny’s defiance.

ALLISTER

You should have stayed on the farm Denny, it’s the only thing you’ve been good at.

Abbigail walks out beyond Denny and stands further in front.

ABBIGAIL

Allister, we won’t let you do this. A war is coming, and we need to fight alongside Ardonia- not against it.

Allister walks a bit further then stops, now face-to-face with Abbigail.

ALLISTER

You are so naïve. The people of Ardonia will never fight together… unless we make them… and kill those who refuse.

There is a slight pause as the music hangs.

Allister stabs Abbigail through the chest with his sword.

ABBIGAIL

*pained noise as you are stabbed through the chest*

Allister kicks Abbigail off his sword and she falls off into the void.

To be continued.