DUCATION CENTER - MIDDAY
The opening monologue shifts in setting whenever a new speaker takes over. EVE starts by teaching a history class, then the BARBARIAN CAPTAIN delivers a motivational speech to his troops, and finally the MYSTIC CHIEF shares his prophecy.
EVE
Our elders described it as a ball of fire that fell from the sky. It started out larger and brighter than the sun. At the time, most bystanders took refuge in the safety of their homes. However, the closer it got to the earth, the faster it began to shrink and fizzle out. Just before reaching the ground, it split apart into what we now call “Relics”. The first relic was discovered by a clan of alchemists. Harnessing it’s power, they were able to build a
civilization ruled by science and morality. But the second relic was discovered by a clan of barbarians, who used it to-
DINING HALL
BARBARIAN CAPTAIN Conquer everyone in their path! Using it’s power, the warriors of old were able to push their bodies past all prior limitations. No more pain, no more fear, and no more mercy. That’s how we were able to establish the greatest army in the world! Our only failure was establishing that shameful truths with the alchemists. But the third relic, is still up for grabs. When it first fell, it was hidden-
CAMPFIRE
MYSTIC CHIEF
Under the protection of the forest. It taught the original mystics how to survive, and how to prosper. For many generations we’ve lived in isolation, using only what we need. However, I have foreseen that this
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MYSTIC CHIEF (cont’d) peace will soon come to an end. These two clan’s avarice will not be satiated until they control everything.
EXT. - FOREST CLEARING - MORNING
VIRGIL is sneaking through the forest, trying to hunt a deer with his bow. He aims and pulls an arrow back but steps on a twig which scares the deer away. Virgil sighs and puts his bow down.
Suddenly he is hit by a blunted arrow. After wincing in pain, he picks up the arrow and looks at it. It has a note attached that reads “Tag. You’re it.”.
VIRGIL
Damn it Jan! You promised to stop doing that!
Janora watches from a nearby tree with a satisfied smirk across her face. Suddenly, something off-screen catches her attention. She turns her head and hears the sound of leaves crushing underfoot. She leaps out of the tree toward the source of the sound.
She finds a group of alchemists marching through the forest. She silently knocks them out one by one then sneaks up behind the ALCHEMIST CHAPTAIN. She holds a knife up to his throat.
ALCHEMIST CAPTAIN Wait! Just take it easy. We’re only here to speak with your chief.
EXT. - MYSTIC VILLAGE - MORNING
The alchemist captain and his soldiers enter the mystic village under the escort of Janora and Virgil. The group reaches a zen-garden where the mystic chief is standing. The chief is busy tending to the garden. Janora motions for the captain to go talk to him. He tentatively steps forward to address the chief.
ALCHEMIST CAPTAIN Good morning. I’d like to be the first to apologize for our little misunderstanding.
The captain waits for a response but the chief says nothing.
ALCHEMIST CAPTAIN I am here as an ambassador for the alchemist clan. We realize that your people have been living in poverty for quite some time and would be honored to provide our assistance.
The captain tries positioning himself more in the chief’s line of view to avoid being ignored.
ALCHEMIST CAPTAIN
Aren’t you going to say anything?
The captain almost steps in the garden but the chief holds out a hand to stop him.
MYSTIC CHIEF When one talks as much as you, others must budget extra time to listen.