SEASON 3, EPISODE 6

In Felora, everything is gloomy and dystopian. People still walk about their day, but under the presence and scrutiny of the Nether.

Down below, Niika climbs up out of a Necromancer tunnel. Lucan can be seen fumbling up, so Niika reaches down and helps him up. They both look around, then hop down onto the empty walkway.

As they do so, they spot some Wither skeletons approaching down one side of the walkway, so they quicken their pace in the opposite direction. They check over their shoulders a few times.

NIIKA

We need to be careful not to draw attention to ourselves.

LUCAN

Hey- I’m good at blending in.

Niika gives Lucan a sideways glance.

They slow down as they approach a civilian being harassed by some Wither Skeletons. A hooded figure to the side is watching, slouched against a nearby wall.

NIIKA

We can’t interfere- not yet.

The hooded figure turns to leave, and draws a weapon.

The citizen continues to be harassed by the Wither skeletons. In a blur, the weapon the hooded figure had just drawn comes flying over a nearby hut and hits one of the two Wither skeletons off the edge.

The other skeleton turns around surprised, and spots Lucan and Niika watching.

They realize they are being watched, so they turn to go. The Wither skeleton draws his sword and begins pursuing so they pick up the pace.

Suddenly the hooded character appears in front of them and throws them to the side.

LUCAN

*grunt as you’re thrown aside*

He holds them there as the Wither Skeleton passes.

NIIKA

Let go of us!

ALEC

Stop- stop! It’s me.

LUCAN

Alec…?

Alec pulls back his hood.

ALEC

Thought you two were killed in the battle with the Necromancers.

LUCAN

That’s my line. We had no idea you’d survived either.

Alec looks to the city.

ALEC

Things have gotten so much worse… we defeated the Necromancers only for them to be replaced by a much greater evil.

Niika walks up behind him.

NIIKA

Listen, Alec, this is why we’ve come back. We plan to fight the Nether from the inside… and we could really use your help.

ALEC

Are you two mad?! I keep telling everyone that a resistance will be futile, and it’ll put everyone at risk. I’m not getting involved in this.

Alec starts leaving.

LUCAN

That was you who dealt with the Wither Skeletons… wasn’t it?

Alec stops, and sighs as he plays his face in one of his hands.

ALEC

*sigh* If you’re serious about this… you should go to The Sunset Topiary and seek out the Shadow.

Alec puts his hood back up and hurries off without even turning back.

Transitions to the canopy, Lucan and Niika walking along.

LUCAN

So who do you reckon this “Shadow” is? You think someone has already started our job for us?

NIIKA

If so, we owe him our thanks.

They find a doorway with a sign over it reading “Sunset Topiary.”

They enter and see a few people scattered around the area. A familiar voice reaches out to them.

NITSUKE

Yes? Can I help you with something?

They both look at Nitsuke. None of them have met yet. Nitsuke was writing in a book, with none at her side.

NIIKA

We’re looking for the Shadow.

She becomes a bit more interest.

NITSUKE

Oh, yes, the Shadow.

LUCAN

You know him?

NITSUKE

Locals made up the name. Very illusive figure… what do you want with the Shadow?

NIIKA

We were sent here by a friend. We’re trying to help Felden.

NITSUKE

So is the Shadow. Unfortunately, no one is to learn of his identity.

She sets the book down, gets up, and walks to a window.

NITSUKE

He must remain anonymous, or the Nether would destroy the resistance. He needs to be someone with connections- someone who is neutral.

Nitsuke turns around to face them.

NITSUKE

He’d need to be untouchable.

She waits for a moment, but Niika and Lucan say nothing, waiting for her to continue. Nitsuke tries to drop more hints.

NITSUKE

Someone who nobody would expect…

Lucan and Niika look at each other, not getting her drift.

NITSUKE

…maybe the Shadow isn’t even a “he”…

They still don’t get it. Nitsuke starts getting a bit impatient and drops more obvious hints.

NITSUKE

Maybe she’s a Chronicler….

Lucan raises an eyebrow.

NITSUKE

I’m a Chronicler.

NIIKA

You’re the Shadow?

Nitsuke is a bit alarmed and tries to shush them.

NITSUKE

Hey ssh ssh ssh! My name is Nitsuke, I’m a Chronicler of Northwind.

Lucan realizes this is the Chronicler he was supposed to escort in Season 2.

LUCAN

Ohhh…

NITSUKE

Who are you two?

NIIKA

I’m Niika, this is-

LUCAN

…yes, hi, hello. I’m Lucan… I was supposed to be your escort… many months ago.

Nitsuke raises her eyebrows.

NITSUKE

I remember that−figured you were already killed… or worse. Don’t worry though, I’m still here, right?

NIIKA

I thought it was forbidden for Chroniclers to be involved?

They both look at her. None of them have met yet.

NITSUKE

You’re correct… we’re not allowed to fight or take sides. However… nowhere does it say I’m not allowed to provide you with a list of names.

NIIKA

Which names…?

NITSUKE

Names of people in this city who would be useful to a rebellion. And if you were to recruit these people, I would remain neutral, and compliment your good work.

They understand her meaning.

LUCAN

We’ll do it. Show us where to go.

She gestures for them to follow her further into her building, as the camera slides out and the scenes ends.

Cuts to the Knights of Ardonia hideout. Outside, Abbigail stands over the grave of Denny. His sword and helmet protrude out of the grave. She plants a small rose on the grave, possibly the same one Rusty had given her.

Thunderdome looks sad, then flies off without warning.

Cuts to inside the hideout. They’re standing around a table listening.

RIA

Is this everyone?

HUBRIS

Abbigail is outside, I think she needs some time.

Silence follows as they look around. Only Ria, Hubris, Grek, Grim, and Val are present, and no one wants to admit how much they lost.

VAL

What happened…?

RIA

We were attacked by the Deathsinger. The Tidesinger was killed, Denny was killed, Herobrine vanished… and Senn was taken prisoner.

HUBRIS

Not only that, but we learned Senn is Voltaris. It is possible he has been leaking information to the Deathsinger.

GREK

Senn would never! He hates the Voltaris!

GRIM

*affirmative grunt*

VAL

What of the Prime Songs?

Ria pulls out both Prime Songs.

RIA

The Tidesinger was going to wield them against the Deathsinger. He never got the chance…

Back outside, Abbigail is about to head back into the hideout, but stops. The light on her crown begins to fade. Luna looks at her worriedly.

Back inside the hideout.

GREK

So what do we do now?

They wait, and Ria draws the Prime Songs and looks them over.

RIA

I will travel to the first shrine of the Ardoni…where long ago our species first learned to wield Songs.There, I will train with the Primes so that I may use them against the Deathsinger.

She pockets the Prime Songs and addresses the knights.

RIA

Send messenger birds to every city- every village- to every survivor within our reach. Tell them that the Knights of Ardonia are not defeated. From now on, we are all knights of Ardonia.

Music rises and it shows shots of Abbigail getting on Luna and flying away. Messenger birds arrive at the different cities and people gather around listening. K’arthen grows in strength and much of the army still thrives in the city of Tartarus.

At the end of the music, it cuts to Marcus, the Riverstead warden, walking through Felora, head down.

He enters a tavern/bakery and heads inside.

MARCUS

My usual order, please.

BAKER

Sorry Marcus, we’re out of stock for today.

MARCUS

Out? How can they be out?

BAKER

Skorch is tightening our rations- something about a shadow organization.

MARCUS

Well where can I find some food? I’m starving…

LUCAN

You can take a slice of mine.

Camera turns, revealing Lucan further down the table.

MARCUS

There’s only one person I know who could steal a cake at a time like this. I didn’t expect to find you still alive, Lucan.

LUCAN

Everyone keeps telling me that, but, well… here I am. This cake is for you, by the way.

Lucan slides the cake in front of Marcus.

MARCUS

That’s not the Lucan I knew, but I’ll take it. What are they having you do in Felora?

Marcus begins eating the cake.

LUCAN

Why don’t you come with me, I’ll show you.

Lucan motions discreetly to the two Wither Skeletons inside the bakery, and Marcus catches his drift, and nods.

Cuts to out back. Lucan and Niika have been talking with Marcus.

LUCAN

We heard the Nether is putting you to work melting down our tools and weapons.

NIIKA

We’re going to need those weapons.

They stop briefly as the Wither flies by in the distance.

MARCUS

And how do you suppose I’m to do that? They’d catch me.

NIIKA

You’ll only have to smuggle them out once.

Marcus looks back and forth between them.

MARCUS

*sigh* Just let me know when, and how many weapons you need. I don’t exactly trust you, Lucan, but I’ll do it for Felden.

Cuts to Lucan and Niika walking off, talking.

NIIKA

Funny, how all of your old friends seem to beofficers of the law.

Lucan scratches his head, and Niika smiles a bit as they continue walking across the bridge.

Her smile disappears however as they notice Skorch and a few Wither Skeletons walking towards them across the bridge. Lucan is stern now.

LUCAN

Keep walking. Don’t make eye contact.

The two groups slowly walk towards each other. It is very tense as they near. With their heads down, they pass by Skorch, and it appears they made it, as the music eases.

Suddenly Skorch reaches back and grabs Niika’s leg before she completely passes, and pulls her back and holds her hanging over the edge.

NIIKA

*pained* Ah!

SKORCH

Is it true that a kitten like yourself will always land on her feet?

Skorch continues holding her over the edge, high from the ground.

LUCAN

That’s not true! Put her down!

Skorch uses his other hand to grab Lucan by the neck, and holds him up over the other edge of the bridge. His power can be clearly seen as he holds both of them with ease at his mercy.

LUCAN

*choking under Skorch’s grip*

SKORCH

I haven’t seen you two before- you must be new, soallow me to introduce myself. My name is Skorch, and the only reason either of you are alive is because I willed it.

Skorch turns towards Lucan.

SKORCH

If I catch you with your pet again, I’ll kill you both.

Skorch throws them both down behind him and continues across the bridge.

LUCAN

*panting for breath after having been choked*

Lucan crawl’s over to Niika.

LUCAN

*coughing* Are you alright?

NIIKA

I wasn’t the one getting choked.

LUCAN

*coughing* I’m- *cough* I’m fine.

Niika helps Lucan up and they hurry across the bridge.

Cuts to the Tavern/Bakery. The Baker is being held against the counter by the two Wither Skeletons.

SKORCH

I’d like to know… everything.

BAKER

But I don’t ­know anything! They just call him the Shadow. He’s been recruiting people ever since the attack.

SKORCH

And have they recruited you…?

BAKER

No, never! That guy… that guy that was just here. I think he was trying to recruit one of my customers.

SKORCH

Interesting…

Skorch draws his sword and turns around killing the Baker instantly. Only the sound is heard as it cuts to the Heart of Ardonia. Many floating islands circle the central point. At the top, Luna can be seen, Abbigail sitting next to her.

Abbigail holds the now inactive crown, looking at it.

ABBIGAIL

I don’t need a crown to tell me who I am.

She tosses the crown in front of her onto the grass. Luna leans towards her and nuzzles her for comfort. She puts her wing over her, and together they sleep as the night proceeds on.

In the morning, Abbigail slowly gets up and looks at the sunrise.

ABBIGAIL

This isn’t the end. Saxon and Trevor are still out there… and they need our help. If I’m no longer the Enderqueen, we’ll rescue them as friends.

She tosses her helmet down beside her crown. She reaches into her inventory and tosses the Eye of the End forward, but is surprised to find that it hovers and is drifting. Luna is surprised too. She looks up, thinking.

ABBIGAIL

Vulcannus…

She pulls out the Nether Star as Luna looks curiously. She’s about to throw it on the ground but then Luna roars.

ABBIGAIL

What?! Oh… right.

She goes to the edge of the floating island and tosses it down. It falls far and cracks on a rock below, erupting into a large explosion of energy which shakes the surrounding landscape.

Cuts to the capital cities as the beacons flicker. Shots of Wither Skeletons feeling it. A shot of Pythus turning and sensing things.

Back to Abbigail, she quickly gathers her stuff back up, including her crown, and together they soar away from the Heart of Ardonia.

The Nether is mobilizing and on guard now that the Nether star broke.

Cut to Bhengorn. Vulcannus sits on the edge of town, working away at some monotonous tasks. Kiki chirps and gets his attention.

Vulcannus stands up and walks forward.

Luna flies down towards him, sun shining down brightly behind her. They continue to look at eachother for a moment, then Vulcannus smiles.

The camera slides away slowly as the music raises and the shot holds of them standing apart, morning sun shining brightly.

To be continued.