SEASON 3, EPISODE 4

Camera pans through the empty remains of Ataraxia. It is hazy and much of the trees and grass are all destroyed, and dirt replaces where grass once grew.

The Tidesinger, Senn, and Ria stand still in the courtyard looking over the wreckage. The music is very somber.

Cuts to the original Knights of Ardonia hideout just north of Ataraxia. Abbigail sets down and walks into the base. They are all circled around the planning table, no one speaking.

HUBRIS

So what now? Welost our chance at retaking the capitals, we lost Ataraxia…. and we lost Galleous.

They all bow their heads in respect.

ABBIGAIL

Two of my Enderknights were taken captive in Felden, and the Cydonianand K’arthen forcesretreated to Tartarus. We’re in no position for further attacks.

They continue to sit for a moment. Grek scratches the back of his head and grunts quietly.

GREK

*small grunt as you scratch your head*

Ria finally breaks the silence.

RIA

We do the only thing we can do: find the remaining Prime Songs before the Deathsinger, and use them against him. Wielding both the Aggressium and Protisium Primes would grant us a fighting chance.

TIDESINGER

In finding the Prime Songs, I agree. However, I take concern in wielding them against Ingressus. If we attack with the Primes and fail, then he gains them all, and we lose everything.

RIA

It’s a risk we’ll have to take. Tidesinger, you are the most experienced in the use of Songs. If the time comes, will you wield the Prime Songs and fight the Deathsinger?

The Tidesinger looks troubled.

TIDESINGER

It was never my intention to hold such power, but under the circumstances, I will do what I must to stop Ingressus.

VAL

How will we find the Prime Songs? Thalleous refused to share that information with anyone… *pause as you recall the death of Galleous*…including Galleous.

GRIM

*affirmative grunt*

SENN

That engineer… Fredric…wasn’t he working on a redstone device to locate the Prime Songs?

HUBRIS

It needed a Prime Song to calibrate, remember?

Suddenly Fredric is heard, and he steps into the circle.

FREDRIC

Actually… if I may intercede, there was a positive to come out of this tragedy.When the Deathsinger attacked I was able to calibrate my device off his Prime Songs without him knowing.

RIA

At last some good news! Can you locate them now?

Fredric smiles.

FREDRIC

Of course! In fact, I already have. I present to you what I have aptly titled: the Fredric Device.

Fredric holds up a redstone device. Some people frown at his choice of titling.

FREDRIC

I need a map- someone get me a map.

Hubris lays a map out on the table.

FREDRIC

Two of the Prime Songs areresiding in Crown Peak-those must be the two in the Deathsinger’s possession. A third one is off the coast of Hydraphel, amongst the uncharted islands… right here. And the fourth is as far north as north goes- Gale Point.

Fredric points to the locations as he talks about them.

GREK

Can’t you get the locations a bit more accurate than that?

FREDRIC

Do you know how difficult it was to get these readings? This has never been done in the history of-

RIA

It’s fine Fredric, it will be enough to get us started. Thank you for everything.

Denny walks in suddenly.

DENNY

Hey Abbigail, a messenger bird just flew in- says Saxon and Trevor were seen moving to a prison camp outside of Bhengorn.

Abbigail looks back to the map.

ABBIGAIL

As much as we need the Prime Songs, I need the Enderknights at full strength. Denny, take Hubris and Grek with you to the island. I’ll fly to Bhengorn and attempt to rescue Saxon and Trevor. Afterwards I’ll take the others with me and we’ll all meet up… here−Northwind Pass. If the weather is clear we will proceed north to Gale Point. If I don’t make it back in four days, continue without me.

RIA

Sounds good, is everyone in agreement?

Everyone nods and agrees.

TIDESINGER

Go find your Enderknights Abbigail. We will await your return. Denny, fly high and avoid passing over major cities. We will see each other again at Northwind pass.

Cuts to Meridian docks. Lucan and Niika are getting in a boat. The boat is small and wavers as Niika climbs in.

She jumps to the center of balance and grabs hold of Lucan to not fall over.

NIIKA

It’s unstable! The boat is leaking!

LUCAN

*teasing* The boat’s not leaking, it’s just swaying slightly, see?

Lucan starts to rock the boat to tease her. Niika gets down on all fours for balance.

NIIKA

Lucan! Cut it out! Felina belong in the trees, not out at sea.

LUCAN

*muttering* So I’ve heard. Luckily for us, the sea is the only place the Nether haven’t claimed.

Lucan pushes off, and they slowly sail away from Meridian up the coast.

NIIKA

But Felden’s half way around Ardonia… that’s days away.

LUCAN

That’ll be plenty of time to overcome your fear of the ocean.

Niika makes a disapproving face as they drift away.

Cuts to Thunderdome flying along. Hubris and Grek are behind Denny.

GREK

Jaggathans aren’t meant to be flying through the sky like this- we belong on the ground! I feel like I’m going to be sick!

HUBRIS

Are you quite done complaining?

GREK

No, really! I don’t feel good, Hubris.

HUBRIS

Are we almost there?

Hubris turns forward to Denny.

DENNY

We’re passing over Hydraphel now− should be coming upon the ocean any moment.

More shots of them flying, they fly out over the ocean.

GREK

I’m getting cramps, Hubris.

HUBRIS

*uninterested* That’s great to hear, Grek.

GREK

My legs are sore.

HUBRIS

*uninterested* Uh huh.

Thunderdome arrives at a small island in the ocean. Upon landing, Grek slides and flops off to the side and lands in the sand with a thud.

GREK

*grunt*

Denny and Hubris dismount and look around. Denny takes off his helmet to speak more clearly.

DENNY

Keep an eye out for movement. Thunderdome, watch our backs.

Denny begins walking up the stone walkway leading into the island.

HUBRIS

Come on Grek, get up.

GREK

*tired groan*

Thunderdome nudges Grek with his head and attempts to push Grek upright.

GREK

*face muffled in the ground* I can’t feel my legs…

HUBRIS

Do you want me to carry you?

GREK

*face muffled in the ground* Yes please.

Grek continues lying face-down in the sand but holds his hand up.

HUBRIS

I was kidding. Come on, Grek.

Thunderdome lets out a small puff of fire. Grek jumps up.

GREK

Ow, ow! Alrightok! But as soon as we get this Prime Song, I’m calling it a day.

Inside the mountain, they trek through and come across a deep hole in the center. It appears to be a small inactive volcano.

GREK

I’ll just… wait here… for when you’re finished.

The others climb to the bottom, and on a podium they find the Prime Song. Hubris is amazed at its beauty.

HUBRIS

I have never beheld a Prime Song− it’s beautiful…

Denny passes in front of him and breaks his concentration. Denny picks up the Prime Song and holds it, not seduced by its powers since he’s human.

DENNY

So this is what sparked the Great War….

HUBRIS

I’ll take it.

Denny turns, a bit surprised at Hubris’ request.

DENNY

Alright.

Denny hands Hubris the Prime Song. Again, Hubris seems captivated by it, until this time he is interrupted by Grek from above.

GREK

*dizzy* So… did you guys find it… or whaaa…

Grek looks over the edge, becomes dizzy, and falls off into the camera.

Cuts to the forests of Bhengorn. Luna and Abbigail fly over as the trees rustle slightly.

Luna arcs around the field beside Bhengorn and sets down. Abbigail dismounts and draws her sword, alert.

ABBIGAIL

I don’t like this Luna- it could be some sort of trap.

She walks towards the town, Luna towering behind her.

As she enters, Luna is forced to stop on the outskirts as the buildings are packed too tightly together.

Abbigail continues to the middle, and spots Saxon and Trevor’s helmets sitting in the center of town. She draws her sword and turns around.

A Netharan is standing in the street behind her. Luna roars, but is unable to get closer to help. The Netharan has his sword drawn, but makes no move.

ABBIGAIL

Where are the Enderknights?!

The Netharan does not respond, so Abbigail rushes forward and attacks, and together they fight their way through the city towards the outskirts. The fighting is fast-paced, and Abbigail switches between her bow and sword occasionally.

As they near the outskirts of the town, Luna soars down preparing to attack. The Netharan kicks Abbigail away, draws a bow, and fires an enchanted arrow at Luna, which hits her and throws her back into the pine forest, knocking trees down.

ABBIGAIL

Luna!

Abbigail looks back towards the Netharan who is waiting for Abbigail to continue. They spar a bit more through the woods, and it is apparent the Netharan is very powerful. He slices through an entire pine tree while fighting, and finally cuts her sword in half. She draws her bow to fire, but sees the Netharan with his sword pointed down, both hands on his hilt, no longer attacking. 

VULCANNUS

Very impressive. Please, let us sit.

Vulcannus gestures to two seats which are beside a fireplace in the woods. A baby ghast floats nearby happily. It is clear that Vulcannus intended the fight to end in this very location.

Luna comes racing back out of the forest and leaps in front of Vulcannus and roars in his face. Vulcannus doesn’t flinch.

ABBIGAIL

*threatening* Who are you?

VULCANNUS

My name is Vulcannus, beyond that I must refrain from elaborating.

ABBIGAIL

Why were you trying to kill us?

VULCANNUS

It was merely a challenge; I needed to be assured of your abilities before proceeding.

Luna snips in Vulcannus’ face.

VULCANNUS

Please, let us sit. I have a fresh food cooking and enough time to answer your questions.

Vulcannus sits down on one log. Abbigail refuses to sit yet, and Luna stands behind her, scowling at Vulcannus the entire time.

ABBIGAIL

Where are my Enderknights, Vulcannus?

VULCANNUS

They are being held in a Nether prison, out of my reach.

The young ghast flies over to Abbigail and looks at her curiously.

ABBIGAIL

Why did you bring me here…?

VULCANNUS

Because… I need your help Queen Abbigail, as you need mine.

The ghast flies up against Abbigail, who pets it curiously. 

VULCANNUS

Her name is Kiki. Her parents were killed by hunters.

Kiki flies up towards Luna, who leans away avoiding contact.Abbigail finally sits down on the other log.

ABBIGAIL

And why should I ever help you?

VULCANNUS

Because I can help save the End. How much do you know about the conflict between our two dimensions?

ABBIGAIL

*avoiding showing her lack of knowledge* I’ve been learning.

VULCANNUS

For centuries we have kept records of the End in the libraries of the Nether. Our worlds have always opposed each other like day and night.Yet, despite centuries of fighting and war, there has always been a balance. As one grew stronger, so did the other. But now the Nether has destroyed the balance by allying with the Voltaris clan. As they create portals into this world, their power grows. The balance has shifted, and the Ender realm is dying.

As Vulcannus talks, Kiki continues to try and get Luna to acknowledge her, and Luna attempts to ignore her. Vulcannus pulls out a piece of coal and an iron ingot and balances them in either hand as he speaks of balance. As he finishes his explanation, he tosses the coal over his shoulder. Kiki catches it and eats it, letting out a puff of smoke as she burps.

ABBIGAIL

And what do you need me for?

VULCANNUS

I need access to an Enderchest, which only you can open. I imagine we could find them in the strongholds of the End, and hence will need guidance into your realm.

ABBIGAIL

So you want me to take you to a stronghold, give you access to one of our relics, and in return…?

VULCANNUS

Two things. First, I can give you access to the aforementioned records and scrolls of the Nether. There you will find answers to many of your questions about the End.

Luna and Abbigail look at eachother, knowing this could be valuable.

ABBIGAIL

And the second thing?

VULCANNUS

At the end of the First Great War, Pythusmurdered King Chronos and usurped control. If you help me, I will do everything in my power to kill Pythus and return our forces to the Nether, leaving the Overworld in peace. Of this Queen Abbigail, I swear.

With this, he kneels before her and places his hands on the hilt of his sword.

Abbigail turns to Luna to seek her advice. He finds Luna pawing at Kiki playfully. Luna turns and sees Abbigail watching, and tries to act like she wasn’t playing with Kiki.

ABBIGAIL

I have no way of trusting you, other than you defeated me earlier and didn’t kill me- hardly grounds for a lasting trust.

VULCANNUS

Only a fool would trust me, and I’m glad to know you are no such fool. Take this gift, Queen Abbigail.

Vulcannus hands Abbigail a Nether Star.

VULCANNUS

Should you decide to see me again, destroy this Nether Star,for I will be alerted to its destruction- but be careful, for the rest of the Nether will be alerted as well. We will have to move quickly. Oh!… and do keep your distance when you destroy it.

Abbigail looks confused, but takes the Nether Star and slowly turns and mounts up on Luna.

VULCANNUS

And please, do not speak of this meeting. It took no small amount of effort to arrange it in secrecy, and I would hope to keep it that way, for both our sakes.

ABBIGAIL

You have given me much to consider… and the need for a new sword.

Abbigail holds up the stump of her sword which was cut in half.

VULCANNUS

I may be able to help with that as well. Until then, farewell, first Queen of the End.

Vulcannus bows, and Kiki smiles. Luna flies away and Abbigail doesn’t look back.

Cuts to close shot of Niika on the boat, looking forward leaning on her hands.

NIIKA

*impatient* Are we there yet?

Camera pulls back and reveals the Meridian docks right behind them.

LUCAN

Well uh, we’re a bit closer than we were five minutes ago.

Niika groans and buries her head in her hands.

NIIKA

*groaning sound*

Fades between shots of them heading up the coastline. Niika is in various bored states. At one point she can be seen perking up at the sound of a fish, which she then leans over the edge and paws at the water’s surface.

Montage ends. The ocean is calm and peaceful, and the setting sun has lit the sky with bright shades of pink and orange.

Niika’s face is still smothered in her hands, bored.

NIIKA

*somewhat muffled* I’ve been thinking.

LUCAN

*teasing* Uh oh, not you too.

Niika’s lifts her head out of her hands.

NIIKA

Sure, the Knights of Ardonia failed to retake Felden… but it wasn’t their fight- it wasn’t their home. They don’t know the place or the people who live there.

LUCAN

Are you suggesting a rebellion from within Felora?

NIKA

We could sneak back through the Necromancer tunnels. Rather than attacking with an army of strangers, we’ll rally an army of those who live and fight for Felden.

Lucan thinks about it for a moment.

LUCAN

I’ve taken a lot from Felden… never given much back. And hey- if it works, it might inspire other kingdoms to do the same.

Niika smiles and slides to the back of the boat where Lucan is rowing and leans on his shoulder. Lucan is a bit surprised but continues rowing.

NIIKA

Wake me when we get there.

They sail off into the sunset, still side by side.

To be continued.