May 7, 2024
Fantasy Kaleidoscope Pilot
Claude Bataille
COLD OPEN _________
EXT. COAST OFF AION’S SETTLEMENT – MORNING
A lone small boat pushes through the waters off the coast of an island settlement. The water is crystal blue, sparkling under the bright sunlight. Gentle waves hit the rocky shore where we can see the boat was dragged to the water.
The sky and horizon are covered in an innocuous golden filter, like a translucent wall created from shimmering glass, woven from sunlight. It stretches up high over the coastal of large the island. It’s like being inside a golden snow globe. The island has Greek/Babylonian style buildings.
XERXES, 19, is a dark skinned young man with dark curls and a handsome sculpted face, reminiscent of a Greek statue. He wears a dark toga with golden embroidery and has a slim frame toned from swimming. He looks like a scrawny teenager decided to start bulking up.
He paddles out to sea with a roughly carved paddle. He looks focused and intent on the horizon. He mans his little boat with practiced experience and impatience. The golden wall of light gets closer with each passing second as he fights the water’s currents.
Xerxes speaks odd syllables under is breath, words he’s carefully chosen through trial and error. He and the boat shimmer with imperceptible energy like a cloak.
The bright light of the ward intensifies when he gets close. It’s blinding and fierce enough to churn the water around the boat.
XERXES
SHIT!
Xerxes fights against it, trying to maintain control with his paddle.
The energy he summoned pops like a bubble, leaving him exposed. He leans his weight to tip the boat against the roiling water and breathes heavily as he digs the paddle through the heavy water.
But it’s no use. The water’s surface swells and throws him into the air. The boat capsizes, dunking Xerxes into the water.
Xerxes glares up at the water’s surface as he sinks down.
Another failure. He needs to try a different approach.
Deep within the ocean, something watches. Only it’s eyes and Cheshire smile are visible, watching the young man’s failure with amusement.
End of Cold Open
ACT I _____
EXT. OUTSIDE AION’S TEMPLE
Hundreds of TOWNSFOLK are active around a wide beautifully carved theater platform. PRIESTS in golden garbs that glow gently move in concert, placing bowls of fresh fruit and bread on tables, helping families find their way in the crowd, and praying with people. The energy is high and festivities are everywhere.
The temple stands tall as the most prominent building among the many smaller homes. It’s columns are sturdy and its ceiling high. A single bell tower stretches highest above it and a golden light emanates from its apex, connected to the globe of golden light that envelops the settlement.
Several MAIDENS surround one girl behind the platform, helping her with her dress. FEDOSIA is a 19 year old young woman with tan skin, a slight physique, brown-golden eyes that glow faintly, and long curly dark hair. She has plain features, but is well endowed. She’s dressed in finely adorned robes that look like they were made specifically for her, and she’s far from comfortable in them.
Fedosia looks like she’s wracked with anxiety while the maidens try to ease her nerves. The HEAD PRIESTESS looks her over critically.
FEDOSIA
Maybe we should postpone?
HEAD PRIESTESS
You’ve been practicing all year. You
performed perfectly just yesterday.
Why would we postpone now?
FEDOSIA
Euuugh…I didn’t have this pit in my
stomach yesterday.
Fedosia clutches her belly. The Head Priestess looks both unamused and sympathetic.
HEAD PRIESTESS
We’ll soothe it with a prayer. You’ll
do fine, Fedosia. The Everlight has
faith in you.
FEDOSIA
What if I mess up? I’ll be letting
everyone down.
HEAD PRIESTESS
No one will judge you as long as you
do your best.
FEDOSIA
Tell that to my father…
Out front, attention is drawn to the priestesses that place ceremonial items on the platform. A single woman who radiates more light than anyone else is speaking to some CHILDREN clinging to her dress. Seven year old IKARI, Fedosia’s youngest brother, is there among them.
AION is a goddess, adorned in a majestic flowing garb matched only by hair fair, motherly face and long curls draped across her shoulders and back like a curtain. Her eyes glow like miniature suns and both her dress and hair look as if they were woven from light. The glare of light at her back forms a halo in the shape of a glass sun.
AION
The ceremony will begin soon,
children. Remind me, what did you all
promise?
CHILDREN
(in unison)
Behave and be respectful!
CHILD 1
When does the wrestling start, though?
My father is gonna win this time!
AION
This evening, so we have a long way to
- First, our champion is going to
start the celebration. I want you all
to give her your support, okay?
XERXES (OS)
Does that mean we finally get to see
what being the Everlight’s ‘champion’
even means?
Aion, the children, and nearby reverent civilians look over and see Xerxes trudging over. He’s soaking wet and his curls are matted to his face. He’s catching his breath, as if he swam all the way back to shore.
AION
I take it your attempt to sail out of
the ward’s reach did not go as you
hoped? You look unharmed, that’s good.
XERXES
The boat’s still in one piece. If I
didn’t know any better, I’d think you
were trying to keep me in here.
AION
There’s nothing for you out there,
Xerxes.
XERXES
So you and Hylas keep telling me.
Xerxes begins making his way to the front of the crowd, maneuvering around people as he speaks. None seem pleased to get splashed from his soaking went clothes and hair.
XERXES (CONT’D)
Monsters so big, they can devour
islands. Storms so fierce, the winds
could peel skin from bone.
IKARI
I know that story! They’re called
‘hurray-canes’!
Xerxes smiles. Aion’s expression looks pained.
XERXES
That’s right. A breeze puts breath in
our sails and pushes boats to shore.
Imagine how far you can ride a
hurricane? We could see what’s past
the horizon.
AION
You always take the wrong lessons from
the stories. These are things to
avoid, not chase after.
XERXES
I’m going to see it all and decide
that for myself. You can make it
happen any day by making me your
courier.
AION
(beat)
The ceremony is starting soon. You
should go cheer on your friend.
XERXES
But I have so many more questions. Why
do the monsters outside the ward want
to eat us? Why can’t you or the other
gods destroy them? Why
One large PRIEST comes over and grabs Xerxes, pulling him away.
PRIEST
Stop it. The kids shouldn’t see you
speak to the Everlight like this.
Aren’t you tired of getting the same
answers every time?
Xerxes lets himself be pulled away without much of a struggle, eyes fixated on Aion. He’s smiling like he’s made his point.
XERXES
Does she ever get tired of giving the
same answers every time?
EXT. FESTIVAL GROUNDS
TRUMPETS blare and DRUMS begin to beat, signaling the start of the ceremony. Priests and priestesses move onto the platform with various ceremonial tools in hand, beginning to move about in what might be described as a slow dance.
The CROWD’s eyes fall on Fedosia. The Head Priestess carries a bronze disc with a winged deer carved onto its surface. She walks up to the podium and places it in Fedosia’s hands.
FEDOSIA POV
Fedosia looks down at the artifact in her hands then back up at the smiling priestess, except her visions is going in and out of focus. She’s struggling to focus in on anything going around her. She can hear her own breathing and her heart
pounding in her ears.
The Head Priestess steps away and blurriness gets worse and her surrounding begin to sway.
Fedosia manages to catch a glimpse of Xerxes watching in the crowd, a comforting smile on his face. Fedosia takes a deep breath and her blurry vision comes back into focus.
END POV
Fedosia takes another deep breath and she joins the priests in the ritual, taking an unsteady lead as they follow her cue. She grips the artifact in her hands too hard, but she stays steady.
FEDOSIA
[Celestial chanting]
As the mysterious divine words pour out of her mouth, Fedosia’s eyes begin glowing with golden light. Her hair lifts slightly and energy emits from her.
Xerxes’ gaze is fixed on the light, picking apart the ritual with his eyes alone. His lips move, mouthing the words to the ritual. He doesn’t notice a thin hand that’s placed on his shoulder.
Looming behind Xerxes is Vichama, 70’s, grayed and weathered skin, in a tattered black cloak and hood. Vichama bends down to Xerxes ear.
VICHAMA
Young man, may I borrow you for a
moment?
XERXES
And miss this beautiful ceremony? I’m
told that being rude to Aion is a bad
thing. Can it wait until later?
VICHAMA
It could. But I’m not sure others will
appreciate hearing what I have to say.
Xerxes finally turns to look back at the man. He looks a little confused by the man’s appearance.
XERXES
You’re not from around here. Who are
you?
VICHAMA
I’m someone who’s seen the world
beyond this prison you live in.
FEDOSiA POV
Fedosia continues to perform in the ceremony and her gaze returns to where Xerxes is.
But he’s not there.
Her eyes search frantically and she spots the back of his head, weaving through the crowd and leaving her behind.
Fedosia’s breathing quickens and she squeaks out. Her vision begins to blur and the light around her warps, intensifying before fading, ruining the ceremony.
END POV
There is a loud GASP from the crowd as Fedosia trips over her own feet and face plants onto the platform. The artifact in her hands hits the floor and rolls away. The Head Priestess hurries over to Fedosia’s side as she pushes herself back up onto her hands and knees.
ACT II ______
EXT. FESTIVAL GROUNDS- CONTINUOUS
Xerxes and Vichama walk through the settlement, circling the perimeter toward the limit where the ward of light blocks vision to the outside world and the rest of the island.
XERXES
So. You saw that conversation with
Aion?
VICHAMA
It’s incredible to hear you call the
goddess by her name so…casually. And
it sounded like it wasn’t the first
time you’ve confronted her.
XERXES
So I see you’ve been talking to
literally anyone. What else have
people told you? Nothing embarrassing,
I hope.
VICHAMA
They told me you want to leave the
settlement. There are ways of doing
that.
XERXES
Then they also told you that becoming
a courier was the first thing I tried.
But I’ve been turned down every time.
VICHAMA
You are kept on a tight leash, that’s
no way to live. I guess I was luckier.
Xerxes stares at Vichama skeptically. Vichama waves to his strange wares and tattered clothes. It’s nothing like what people where in this settlement. Xerxes continues to look doubtful as he looks the man up and down, but is also swayed by temptation.
XERXES
What’s the outside world like? There
has to be more than what Aion’s
described.
VICHAMA
It’s hard to put in words, really.
Language is a tricky thing, and so is
a man’s imagination.
XERXES
Don’t say that. That’s just as bad as
Aion’s vague descriptions. I need
details. Real, tangible answers.
Vichama chuckles. Xerxes wrinkles his nose, pouting.
XERXES (CONT’D)
What?
VICHAMA
Nothing, I just see some of myself in
you. I’m sure you’ve heard tons of
stories already. Don’t you believe
them?
Xerxes tilts his head and watches Vichama’s expression with intensity as he answers.
XERXES
No, I don’t.
Vichama chuckles.
VICHAMA
You’re calling the goddess a liar,
young man. Would you believe my words
over hers?
XERXES
Not at all. But anything is better
than nothing. Eventually, the lies
will overlap and I’ll be able to sniff
some truth.
VICHAMA
It would be even better to go out and
see it for yourself.
XERXES
Unless you have a way to make that
happen, I have to settle for you, Mr.
Courier.
Vichama smiles knowingly and Xerxes’ eyes widen, then he looks doubtful.
XERXES
No way. How?
VICHAMA
That pretty disk used in the ceremony.
It looks just like the artifact the
priests in my settlement used to grant
me the ability to come and go through
the divine wards freely. Your couriers
should have used the same ritual.
XERXES
So if I get my hands on the one we
have here…I could use it to give
myself permission to finally leave. I
wouldn’t be stuck here my whole life.
VICHAMA
It won’t be easy.
XERXES
That’s never stopped me before.
EXT. FESTIVAL GROUNDS
Fedosia is sitting off to the side, away from the platform. People are cleaning up and putting away things for the ritual. People throw concerned glances in her direction but don’t approach.
PARVATI, Fedosia’s brother that stands at a solid 6’6″, strapping build from construction, and carries himself with a proud posture like that of a bully. He stands over Fedosia with is arms crossed.
PARVATI
What the hell happened?
FEDOSIA
I don’t know! I lost control, I forgot
what came next!
PARVATI
You embarrassed us in front of
everyone! In front of the Everlight!
FEDOSIA
She said it was okay, Parvati!
PARVATI
Of course she did, she’s benevolent!
Father is going to be pissed!
FEDOSIA
Just…just leave me alone! I need to
think! If I could just talk to
Xerxes…
PARVATI
Again with that guy? This is a family
problem! A problem that started when
you became champion instead of me!
FEDOSIA
Nothing either us does will be good
enough for the family or father,
Parvati!
PARVATI
That blessing is all I would need, but
the goddess took pity and gave it to
you instead! It’s the only reason
anyone would choose you for anything!
Poor little Fedosia, too small to
help, too weak to defend herself!
FEDOSIA
That’s not true!
PARVATI
Today was proof that it is! The
Everlight’s favor is wasted on you and
we’re all paying for it!
Fedosia begins to tear up at the harsh words reaffirming what she already thinks. She clenches her fists together, doing her best to fight back the tears.
Her clenched fists begin to faintly ripple golden energy in response to her emotions. Neither Fedosia or Parvati notice.
The crowd continues stare when the siblings raise their voices. A few notice the energy radiating from Fedosia.
KAIKALICUS (O.S)
Stop your gaping and go back to work.
Really, have none of you seen siblings
fight before?
KAIKALICUS, 50, looks like an older version of Parvati except with greying hair and beard and leather sun tanned skin pulling taught against his muscle from age. He approaches his
two children with a stern look on his face.
Kaikalicus puts a hand on Parvati’s shoulders, he gives a quick glare to Fedosia, then looks back to his workers, ensuring no one is eavesdropping. He leads them away from the center of the festival grounds to a private space behind a pile of wood and stone.
KAIKALICUS
(to Parvati)
I expect you to keep better control of
your sister, especially in front of my
men. Let this be the last time this
happens, understand?
Parvati’s face breaks from his usual confidence and bravado to that of child being scolded.
PARVATI
Yes, sir.
KAIKALICUS
(to Fedosia)
And you. How you cause a scene? dare
This is the most important day of the
year and you need to consider your
position. The entire settlement’s eyes
are on you.
Parvati’s face goes from sheepish and ashamed back to a grin as he straightens up to match his father’s posture.
FEDOSIA
But Parvati was the one who
KAIKALICUS
Enough! Just control yourself and act
how members of our family should be
acting. Being chosen as the champion
of Aion is an opportunity, don’t waste
Fedosia’s expression cracks into tears and she runs off. Kaikalicus glares after her and shakes his head in irritation. Parvati’s posture falters as he watches his sister run off.
EXT. ALLEYWAY-DAY
Fedosia ducks into an empty alley that’s partially cast in shadow. She leans her back on the wall and takes several deep
breaths. She is shaking and tears are running down her face.
She hunches over, putting her hands on her knees to calm herself down. She sees her reflection in a puddle she’s partially standing in, eyes puffy, hair beginning to frizz and bags under her eyes.
She leans back against the wall and looks up to the sky. She squeezes her fist and eyes shut. Her hand sparks with that same radiant golden energy and she slams her fist back into the wall with a loud THUD and CRACK of wood.
Fedosia jumps in surprise at the noise, startled by her own display of power as the light quickly fades away, casting her in shadow again.
She looks to either end of the alley, seeing some passing CITIZENS that look startled by a sudden noise but none seeing the source. She looks down at her hands again before she wipes her eyes and takes a sharp breath.
FEDOSIA
Fuck… Damn it, Xerxes! Fuck!
Fedosia takes another deep breath before leaving the alley. EXT. XERXES’ HOME
Xerxes rifles through his small room, pulling apart two wood panels wedged together in the wall. He pulls a thin tome from the hidden compartment and rifles through it. The inside has a bunch of crudely drawn pictures and simple markings. Most of the pages are blank.
Xerxes places the wood panels back together and heads out of his home. A breeze picks up and directs his attention to the water nearby. The boat he’d used to sail is lying on the shore. HYLAS squats beside it. He’s a tall fisherman in a worn toga with a kind face that resembles Xerxes’ but more plain. His eyes match his son’s and he has stubble growing over his chin.
Xerxes hesitantly approaches his father, gauging the man’s mood.
XERXES
You didn’t find any leaks, did you?
Hylas looks over and offers a tired smile.
HYLAS
No, it’s still in good shape. If you
were going fishing, you should’ve told
- It’s always good to have a
partner.
XERXES
Yeah, but you wouldn’t have approved
of the fishing spot.
HYLAS
‘Anywhere but here’, right?
XERXES
But I never made it. The water got
choppy and the cage got in the way.
HYLAS
That ward is meant to protect us,
Xerxes, not trap us. If you were on
the other side, the sea monsters
XERXES
-would’ve sucked the marrow from my
bones. Or were you thinking of going
with the story about the parasites
that dig into your flesh and suck you
dry?
Hylas purses his lips as he stands up. Xerxes looks him dead in the eyes.
HYLAS
The stories are all true.
XERXES
I wish they were. It sounds exciting,
and I want to know how they do it.
HYLAS
Let’s not fight. I don’t want to do
this again, please.
XERXES
Then let’s not do it again.
Xerxes helps Hylas pull the boat in further and unwind a fishing net. Hylas’ gaze falls on the book tucked in Xerxes’ clothes and he looks crestfallen.
HYLAS
Have you figured out those symbol
things you’ve been playing around
with?
Xerxes’ expression immediately brightens. He pulls out his book and shows a page to Hylas.
XERXES
It took me sometime, but I think I
have a pattern down. Look–see those
rocks on the ground there? Each one I
count, I add a line. It takes so
little space, and you can figure out
how many there are just by looking at
HYLAS
It would make my job a lot easier if I
can keep track of our stock that way.
Have you shown this to anyone else?
XERXES
Sure, a few people at the temple and
some other shops.
HYLAS
Even the cute girl who sells the grape
vines? She likes you, you know.
XERXES
Yes, even her. She’s the reason I even
started figuring this out.
Xerxes closes the book and stows it in his clothes, returning his hands to untangling the net. Hylas smiles and raises an eyebrow as he joins him.
HYLAS
I remember. You wanted to pay her back
for the extra food and extra long
nights.
XERXES
You know, we can clean this up without
talking about my love life.
HYLAS
Fine, but what about Kaikalcus? I know
he and his men could use your fancy
way of recording materials.
Xerxes offers an exaggerated sigh.
XERXES
He doesn’t want anything from me
anymore. Not since Fedosia was chosen
as Aion’s champion.
HYLAS
Not because you were caught sneaking
into Aion’s temple again?
XERXES
I’m talking about his reason. Not real
that it matters. I don’t plan on
helping him lodge that stick up his
ass any more than I have to. If he
wants my help, he’ll have to beg for
HYLAS
What if Fedosia asks you instead?
XERXES
Then that’s a different story. But
thanks for reminding me. I need to
find her.
HYLAS
Didn’t you see her at her ceremony
earlier?
XERXES
Only for a little bit. I had to step
away.
HYLAS
What? Why? That was a big moment for
her.
XERXES
I might have an even bigger moment in
mind for her. You can handle the rest
on your own, right? Right.
Xerxes drops the net and hurries off, impatient now that his mind is occupied with an idea.
HYLAS
Xerxes!
Xerxes stops and looks back toward his father. Hylas opens
his mouth to say something, then thinks better of it.
HYLAS (CONT’D)
If you go outside, you’ll never
survive.
XERXES
Keep telling me that and it’ll be even
more fun when I do it.
Xerxes turns and sprints of, leaving his father alone with the sound of the waves hitting the shore.
EXT. AION’S TEMPLE LATER-DAY
Xerxes walks through the busy square near the festival platform, looking around before his eyes focus on the temple entrance.
Fedosia rushes from around the corner collides with Xerxes’ back, on the verge of tears.
FEDOSIA
(To Xerxes)
I can’t do this anymore, I just can’t–
Tears begin to spill down Fedosia’s cheek. Xerxes is startled but moves to rest a comforting hand on Fedosia’s shoulder.
XERXES
Do you want to talk?
FEDOSIA
Yeah, but…not here.
Xerxes nods and guides Fedosia through the crowd. EXT. AION’S TEMPLE-CONTINOUS
Fedosia and Xerxes stroll through the street activity, circling the temple thanks to Xerxes’ casual guidance to stay close.
XERXES
Sorry I left during your ceremony.
Fedosia glares at him, but it quickly softens.
FEDOSIA
Ugh, I’m such an idiot. It’s not even your fault. I just…I don’t know, I’m tired.
XERXES
That bad, huh?
FEDOSIA
I just want to be rid of this gift. Things have gotten so much worse since the Everlight blessed me with it. Everyone in the settlement looks at me differently now.
XERXES
Come on, everyone?
FEDOSIA
Everyone! You’d be able to tell if you actually cared about what everyone around you is thinking.
XERXES
I don’t intend to stay around long enough for it to matter.
FEDOSIA
Again with the leaving? You know the stories, what can happen to couriers. What happened to my mother. Maybe the Everlight is right to keep turning you down.
XERXES
You sound like my dad. I might not need permission to leave the her barrier as a courier, though.
FEDOSIA
What are you talking about?
XERXES
You have Aion’s blessing. If we have the artifact, you should be able to grant me the ability to leave the ward, like a courier.
FEDOSIA
The artifact. The one in the temple. The one she uses for the festival
ritual. Her most potent holy tool.
(beat)
FEDOSIA
That is the most insane, irreverent
plan you’ve ever come up with!
XERXES
We’re not stealing it. I know it’s
important for the ritual. We just need
to use it and that’s it, no harm done.
FEDOSIA
I don’t know how to use it!
XERXES
We’ll figure it out. The blessing has
to be good for something, right?
FEDOSIA
The priests wouldn’t even let us near
the Artifact–
XERXES
You’re Aion’s champion. If anyone’s
allowed back there, it’s you.
Xerxes pulls out his journal and shows Fedosia his scribbles of strange symbols on a sketched out door.
XERXES
I’ve seen this door in the temple
before but I never could get through
- I think the two of us can figure
it out.
FEDOSIA
But I shouldn’t! It’s , Xerxes! wrong
XERXES
How about this; if we get this
artifact, we might be able to use it
to remove your blessing. No more
pressure, no more public ceremonies.
Fedosia is speechless for a long moment before she can reply.
FEDOSIA
…Do you really think we can do that?
XERXES
I told you, we’ll figure it out. Isn’t
it worth trying? Things aren’t good
right now. But nothing will get better
if we do nothing to change it.
Fedosia’s face goes on an emotional journey, first incredulous skepticism, then curiosity, then shame, then finally acceptance.
FEDOSIA
Okay. What do you have in mind?
EXT. AION’S TEMPLE LATER-DAY
Aion’s temple stands in the center of the town while not ostentatious, it is beautiful, the architecture is reminiscent of the Roman Pantheon temple. PRIESTS, walk in and out or stand talking with each other just outside the temple.
Xerxes and Fedosia approach.
XERXES
(whispering)
Remember what we went over. Stay calm,
it’s just a normal day, no big deal.
FEDOSIA
(whispering)
It is a normal day! not
XERXES
(whispering)
It will be once you’re free of the
blessing. Eyes on the prize.
The two stop in front of a pair of priestesses.
FEDOSIA
H-hello, sisters.
The HEAD PRIESTESS and a PRIESTESS stop talking with each other and smile and bow to Fedosia. They then spot Xerxes behind her and their expressions turn sour.
HEAD PRIESTESS
(To Xerxes)
And to what do we owe the pleasure?
Come to snoop around the Everlight’s
sacred texts again?
XERXES
I promise you, I am not here to look
at any texts.
Xerxes puts his arms around Fedosia.
XERXES (CONT’D)
Aion’s champion is insisting that she
can show me the way back to the proper
path of enlightenment. It all starts
here at the goddess’ throne.
Fedosia rolls her eyes.
HEAD PRIESTESS
You could start by speaking the
Everlight’s name with respect, rather
than as a casual acquaintance.
PRIESTESS
Is this true, Lady Fedosia?
Fedosia nods a few times.
FEDOSIA
Uh–yes, I’m on babysitting duty.
Fedosia gives an awkward laugh and smile that quickly fades, turning to an exasperated sigh.
XERXES
Ouch. You make it sound worse than it
FEDOSIA
That’s because it is. Your father’s
asked me to keep an eye on you. Keep
you out of trouble. That sort of
thing.
XERXES
Wait, he told you to do what?
PRIESTESS
(muttering)
At least someone in the family has
some sense.
HEAD PRIESTESS
(to Fedosia)
Then you may enter. But don’t take long. Aion will be preparing to
continue the ritual tonight. We’ll be
performing the rites to relocate her
artifact just before the tournament is
set to begin at sunset.
The priestesses open the doors, allowing Fedosia and Xerxes to walk in.
INT. AION’S TEMPLE LATER-DAY
The temple is more ornate on the inside, stained glass depicting the different lands, and marble columns reminiscent of Roman and Greek architecture. The roof lets in a kaleidoscope of light that sparkles across the floor.
Fedosia leads Xerxes across the marble floor of the temple’s antechamber, weaving through PRIESTS and PATRONS. Fedosia takes them to a set of double doors on the other side of the room.
INT. AION’S TEMPLE-CONTINOUS
Fedosia and Xerxes are now in the empty sanctuary of the temple. Fedosia continues to lead them behind the pulpit to a door that is obscured by a marble pillar.
XERXES
This place feels bigger every time I
come through.
FEDOSIA
Hush.
INT. AION’S TEMPLE DEEP HALLWAY
Fedosia opens the door and it creeks long and loud, both Fedosia and Xerxes are visibly holding their breath.
Fedosia pokes her head inside to check if the coast is clear. It is.
They walk into what appears to be a stone hallway lit with torches, but the torches aren’t lit with fire, but with golden radiant energy.
At the end of the hall are a large set of double doors, made of heavy stone and marble, with a depiction of a winged deer in a large circle with other symbols somewhat similar to the ones drawn in Xerxes’ book, but more refined and distinct.
Fedosia and Xerxes approach the doors. Xerxes takes the lead and pulls out his book. He leafs through his journal pages. He examines the door while Fedosia is anxiously checking over his shoulder, guilt and anxiety on her face.
FEDOSIA
What are you doing?
XERXES
Hoping I don’t mess up this time…
Xerxes holds his free hand up to the door.
XERXES
(muttering)
[Arcane incantation]
A shimmering silvery-blue bubble forms from his finger tips and envelops the door as a thin sheen. It trembles for a moment before popping, making them both flinch Xerxes gives a stubborn frown and leans in to focus.
XERXES
I think I set the size and volume to
the wrong values.
FEDOSIA
The what? Those don’t sound like
normal prayers, did you make them up
yourself?
XERXES
Hold on, I can do this.
Xerxes repeats this process two more times, changing the pronunciation of his words each time. The second time ends with the bubble popping again. With the third attempt, markings form on the door, creating a complex web of light etched across its surface like pathways from top to bottom. A protective seal, or an alarm.
Xerxes smiles, proud of his accomplishment.
FEDOSIA
Is it open?
XERXES
Not yet. I think I can track the flow
of energy now that I can see it. It
should respond to Aion’s energy, so
you’re up.
FEDOSIA
Are you sure I can even do this? I
barely know how to use my gift, let
alone how to do what you did.
XERXES
That’s why we’re both here. I’ll try
and walk you through it.
Fedosia reluctantly approaches the door, she closes her eyes and takes a deep and shaky breath. She raises her hands to the door and mimics Xerxes’ look of deep and strained concentration. Her hands begin to faintly spark with golden energy before it fades.
Fedosia opens her eyes frustrated and almost ready to give up.
XERXES
Hey, you almost had it. Try to imagine
Aion’s blessing, whatever the light
feels like for you. Does it flow like
a river? Flicker like a flame? Swirl
like the breeze?
FEDOSIA
I think…it kind of radiates, like
anger or
XERXES
You don’t need to explain it, just
feel it. Then direct it.
Fedosia tries again, same motion, but the strain in her face is different as she concentrates. Her breathing changes and her cheek flush with emotion. Her hands glow gold and the magic glowing on the door react. Xerxes guides her hands slowly and the intensity of the light follows the pattern until it fades away, light and all.
The sound of heavy stones scraping against each other can be heard as the big door opens.
XERXES
Perfect.
Fedosia is stunned, looking at her hands in disbelief and a faint hint of pride. Xerxes takes her hand and leads her into the vault, excited like a child finding where the birthday presents are hidden.
End of Act II
ACT III _______
INT. AION’S VAULT
They enter the vault and see all manner of different objects and tomes on pedestals and shelves. Xerxes’ eyes light up and he begins to wander toward them.
Fedosia grabs his arm.
FEDOSIA
(whispering)
No way. We’re just here for one thing.
Stay focused.
XERXES
Fine, fine.
The disk shaped artifact sits in the center of the room, shining on a pedestal reflecting light across the room. The carved imagery of a winged deer is resplendent with a golden glow similar to the magic Fedosia’s blessing. A shaft of light extends from the pedestal up to the opening in the ceiling that leads beyond sight.
Xerxes circles the artifact curiously. Fedosia looks increasingly more anxious.
FEDOSIA
That’s real it…The Head Priestess
doesn’t let anyone touch this without
supevision…
XERXES
It’s nothing against them. After this,
we’ll both be out of their hair.
FEDOSIA
Yeah… You’ll be gone.
(beat)
XERXES
Yeah. I will.
FEDOSIA
Maybe…we can still go back. Pretend
this never happened.
XERXES
I can’t do that, Fedosia. Every time I
go to sleep, I dream of the stories my
father told me. I have to see it for myself
FEDOSIA
And what if it’s not worth it? What if
it’s all just as bad as they said, and
you’re miserable?
XERXES
Because he’s lying, Fedosia. He
doesn’t know everything that’s out
there. He makes it sound like a death
trap with no beauty or charm, all to
scare his little boy into staying shut
in and complacent. His lies ruined one
life already, I can’t let him ruin
mine, too.
FEDOSIA
…But if he’s lying, then the
goddess
XERXES
…is also lying. I plan on finding
out why.
Xerxes grabs the artifact and lifts it up.
The artifact’s light intensifies and the sharp effect of the radiance shatters like glass. The light explodes into a thousand golden needles, flying out in all directions to fill the room. Fedosia covers her face to protect herself, but her own light wards away the effect, blocking the needle-like light. Xerxes is hit across his entire front half of his body, torso to face. The radiant shrapnel sinks deep into his skin as he falls back onto his backside.
The light continues to intensify, bleaching the vault’s walls and floor so it’s nothing but light.
Xerxes and Fedosia alone remain. They’re surrounded by blinding white and gold, nothing else. Xerxes pushes himself to his feet, stunned and in awe, while Fedosia stumbles from vertigo.
FEDOSIA
What…is this? Are we still in the
temple?
The background dissolves like water and a rainbow of colors form. Images appear, curved as if they are looking through a lens.
Behind Fedosia, a wide ocean appears. Currents push against each other and rise from the water’s surface curling like dragons, a highway over rushing riptides forming unnatural overpasses.
Below Xerxes, a bonfire comes into view. Dozens of people in colorful garbs dance around the bonfire while throwing torches up around them, eating the flames and spitting them out into the air.
XERXES
These look like other places in the
Isles…Settlements under the control
of other gods.
FEDOSIA
Why are we seeing them?
XERXES
Aion uses this thing to record
knowledge. We must be seeing those
records.
Xerxes reaches out and touches a surface nearby as it dissolves into images of a roiling thunderstorm being kept at bay by a high mountain cliff. The sheer cliff face looks as if massive knuckles were dragged across the earth to raise the mountains, judging by the ridges.
XERXES
How does this even work…?
Xerxes’ eyes are intense and fixated, obsessed with the images. Fedosia is wheeling around, having trouble processing what’s going on. More images continue to appear, along with sound. The noise of an earthquake trembling through the earth and a tsunami rising comes from one side, the unintelligible chatter of a crowd comes from above, the roar of two large men grappling each other comes from behind.
It gets louder and more overwhelming, making Fedosia cover her ears. Xerxes is whipping his head back and forth, trying to see it all. New scenes begin to appear, showing places that don’t look like the archipelagos over the ocean.
An endless plain with people in thick, colorful clothes racing on horseback.
A deep jungle lit up only by glowing mushrooms held by a person who’s body is painted in rich colors.
Currents of water rising into the sky like twisting snakes breaching the clouds.
Then it all stops. The light cracks like glass and begins to chip away quickly, fading to darkness.
XERXES
Why is it stopping?! What’s
happening?!
FEDOSIA
Good! We weren’t supposed to see any
of that!
All that light vanishes and the vault comes into view as their eyes adjust.
Then everything goes dark.
START MONTAGE: ______________
The shaft of light over the pedestal blinks out like a nightlight. The torches in the temple hallway go out rapidly, one by one.
In the settlement square, the bright light in the temple’s highest tower fades, and the globe around the settlement starts to shimmer. We see civilians looking up to see this, confused and concerned. This includes Parvati, Ikari, Kaikalcus, and Hylas.
The lights are going out in every building in the settlement, leaving only the sunlight from the now clear sky. The sun’s light is a different color than the light of the globe.
Vichama smiles at the sky.
Aion stands by the coast near the ocean, frowning at the globe vanishing in the horizon.
Outside the settlement on the island, the barrier flickers and burns out. A lone MATUKU, a hideous bipedal monster with a swollen belly and skin glistening with mucus, is close enough to it and notices. It examines the border where the ward once was, smiles, and enters the settlement boundary.
END MONTAGE __________
End of Act III
