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written by Ryan Ostrovsky
EXT. BASEBALL PARK DAY
MATTHEW (17) is in the dugout. The batter strikes out, Matthew steps up to the plate. His caretakers ROGER and CYNTHIA are in the stands. CYNTHIA has flags, going way overboard, cheering him on. Pitch. Swing. Strike 1. Pitch. Swing. Strike 2.
CYNTHIA
Come on Matthew!
ROGER
Slow it down, son!
Matthew breathes, closes his eyes. Pitch comes down, he opens his eyes. Ball is frozen, spinning in midair in front of him.
ROGER (CONT'D)
That’s not what I meant.
Matthew hits the ball out of the park. The ref whistles: Penalty! (question mark?)
CYNTHIA
He gets it from his mother.
ROGER
Yep.
EXT. PARKING LOT LATER
Matthew is walking back to the car with Roger and Cynthia. He sees his girlfriend KATIE waiting for him, leaned up against a car.
MATTHEW
I’ll catch up with you guys later.
He runs off.
EXT. PARK - NIGHT
KATIE
I don't think we should stay together in college.
MATTHEW
I don't think we should talk about that right now.
KATIE
Well we have to talk about it at some point. It's happening, Matthew.
MATTHEW
It hasn't happened yet. And who knows if it's gonna happen?
KATIE
You're going to Harvard, dude.
MATTHEW
Don't say it like that. I don't want to be like...a Harvard dude.
KATIE
Well, too bad.
MATTHEW
It doesn't even feel real.
KATIE
Have you told your mom?
Matthew laughs.
MATTHEW
I think she'd care about as much if I told her I found a moldy sandwich in the gutter. Her world is just so much bigger.
Katie puts a hand on him.
KATIE
Well I care. It's a big deal. I'm proud of you.
They hug.
EXT. SPARSELY-LIT SUBURBAN STREET - NIGHT
Katie and Matthew are walking down the street.
KATIE
So are you gonna be like one of those Final Club guys?
MATTHEW
What like in the Social Network?
KATIE
Yeah. Is that still a thing?
MATTHEW
I have no fuckin idea.
KATIE
Well, just don't get too smart and forget about us.
MATTHEW
That's not what you need to worry about--
Matthew turns and Katie's gone--with the wind.
INT. DINNER TABLE
Matthew walks in. His family Roger, Cynthia, and their three daughters ANNA (11), LOREN (9), AND CECE (5) are sat down for dinner.
CECE
Today we learned about ‘elephant in the room.’ It’s when an elephant sits on the chair but it’s not for the elephant!
CYNTHIA
No honey that means something that’s obvious but people don’t want to talk about.
Matthew arrives in the kitchen
ROGER
There’s our guy! We’ve been waitin’ for ya bud!
CECE
I want dinosaur nuggets
LOREN
Well that’s too frickin’ bad!
CYNTHIA
Loren! We don’t talk like that.
LOREN
Sorry mommy. I’ll behave. I’ll be the most well-behaved kid on the whole block. How’d ya like that?
CYNTHIA
I’d like that a lot, sweetie.
LOREN (to herself, unhinged) Yeah, I’ll behave, alright. Like fun I will.
CYNTHIA
You know you kind of scare me sometimes.
ANNA
Well I for one don’t know what all the ruckus is about. Matthew, don’t sit there. Chester peed there.
CHESTER the cat looks up, deep “meow”. Matthew sits, in a state of shock.
ROGER
What’s the matter, kiddo? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.
Matthew tries to talk, but can’t get the words out.
LOREN What’s wrong with him?
CECE
Does he have prolapses?
ANNA
It’s paralysis.
LOREN
Psst, Matthew. If you can hear me blink twice.
MATTHEW
I..I..
CECE
SILENCE! HE SPEAKS!
ROGER
Spit it out, son.
MATTHEW
Katie’s been sucked away.
The three girls start laughing.
MATTHEW (CONT'D)
I’m being serious!
CYNTHIA
Now, Matthew, is this another one of your magical hoo-has?
MATTHEW Magical hoo-has?
CYNTHIA
Yes, you know, like when you make the salt levitate? Stuff like that?
MATTHEW
Yes I think so. But this is serious.
CYNTHIA
Oh it sure does sound serious. But…
MATTHEW
There’s no time! We need my mother.
The table comes to a screeching halt.
CECE
Elephant in the room…
LOREN
Ooh, a Wizard. Mommy I want to see the magic lady pleeeeease.
ROGER
Matthew, we haven’t seen your mother in years.
CYNTHIA
Kids, why don't you help me with the dishes?
MATTHEW
Well I bet I can call her. There’s something in her study. She can help.
CYNTHIA
Oh, brother. I don’t know how Marian is going to help with anything.
MATTHEW
This is her stuff. She’s the only one that can help.
Matthew storms out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
CECE
Was it something I said?
INT. MARIAN'S STUDY
Matthew bursts into Marian's study. He takes a book off the shelf sets in on the desk, flitting through it.
MATTHEW
Come on come on...gimme something.
Matthew looks up and sees a picture on the wall of a young LUNAS MARIAN standing with a distinguished, older man.
MATTHEW (CONT'D)
You know what? Fine. I'll figure this out on my own. I didn't need you then and I don't need you now.
Matthew takes the photo and hurls it across the room, knocking over various items. He looks at the mess he made. His eyes filled with rageful tears. There is a ruckus downstairs.
INT. LIVING ROOM
UNCLE JIMMY had burst in and is flying around on his broom. Cece and Loren are laughing maniacally.
ROGER
Jimmy, we're in the middle of dinner.
CYNTHIA
It's always a pleasure to see you Jimmy.
ROGER
Maybe a little warning next time though?
Jimmy pats the girls on the head.
JIMMY
Hello pumpkins. You're all grown up!
LOREN
What did you bring us Uncle Jimmy?
JIMMY
What I'm not enough for you?
CECE
You must come bearing gifts!
Jimmy tosses them a magical hexagon. The girls clamor for it. Rogers steps in and swipes it.
ROGER
I'm confiscating this for inspection.
Matthew comes down the stairs.
JIMMY
Ah, Matthew. Glad you could join us.
MATTHEW
Oh, hey Uncle Jimmy.
JIMMY
...expecting someone else?
Matthew grins sheepishly.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Roger, mind if I borrow the boy for a spin around the neighborhood?
ROGER
Have him back at a reasonable hour. 8 at the latest.
EXT. OPEN NIGHT SKY
Uncle Jimmy and Matthew are soaring peacefully above the city.
MATTHEW
I don't know what to do. I'm worried about my girlfriend. I think mom's the only one that can help, but I haven't seen her in years. Why would she come now?
JIMMY
Your mother's a lot of things. But if she's really needed, she'll be there.
MATTHEW
Yeah, I'll believe it when I see it.
JIMMY
You know, she chose her path. And she had to sacrifice a lot for it. She wanted to be there for you, be a mom. But I think she figured- the life you have now, with Roger and Cynthia, is better than any life she could've given you. Me on the other hand, I went a different way. I rejected that whole world. But I'm happy. People are different, Matthew. You can never really understand someone until you walk a mile in their shoes.
MATTHEW
I never got the chance to do that. I guess I'll never understand her.
JIMMY
Give it time. You're still young. I know it's hard to accept, but she's human.
EXT. HOUSE
Jimmy drops Matthew off in front of the house.
INT. HOUSE
Matthew enters the house. Roger and Cynthia are up watching TV. Girls are conked out. Matthew starts up the stairs.
ROGER
You okay bud?
MATTHEW
Yeah. I gotta study for this final. Gonna be an all-nighter.
INT. MATTHEW'S ROOM - NIGHT
Matthew is up in his room studying.
INT. MATTHEW'S ROOM - DAY
Cut to daytime, Matthew is asleep over his notebooks in the same position at his desk.
INT. LIVING ROOM DAY
Roger and Cynthia are packing their bags with Anna, Loren, and Cece. Matthew sits and reads.
ROGER
Alright, it’s game time. Let’s go go go.
CYNTHIA
Loren do you have your toothbrush?
LOREN
Uh-huh!
ROGER
Cece do you really need three bags?
CECE
One’s for Chester.
ROGER
Cece. We’re not bringing Chester to Lake Michigan.
CECE
But why?
Cece.
ROGER
A disgruntled Cece opens the suitcase to let out Chester who quickly scurries away.
LYDIA
Are you sure you don’t want to come with us Matthew? We’re gonna go kayaking.
MATTHEW
Yeah, I’m sure. I'm already way behind on this exam.
ANNA
Well I personally don’t see why Matthew gets to stay. I mean he’s not even cool enough to throw a party.
CECE
Is it cuz his mom’s a wizard?
Awkward silence
ROGER
Let’s get in the car sweetie. You know the drill, Matt. Cat food’s in the cupboard. Don’t open the door! We’ll be back in a week! Love ya!
They file out of doors. Matthew returns to his rocking chair and picks up the book. Downstairs, the lock turns very slowly. Suddenly the door opens with a flourish and a gust of wind fills the house, giving the whole place a mystical vibe. Matthew lurches from his rocking chair and rushes to the railing. Looking down, he sees the dominant presence of his mother LUNAS MARIAN in the entryway.
MARIAN
Hello, sonny.
MATTHEW
Mom?! Where have you been?
MARIAN
Working, Matthew. Dreadful stuff, really.
With a wave of her hand the door closes behind her and her affects follow her back into place. She snatches her suitcase from midair.
MATTHEW
Dad and Cynthia aren’t home.
MARIAN
Ah, a witch always has perfect timing.
MATTHEW
To what do I owe this pleasure?
MARIAN
I sense the irony there. I thought I told you to never use irony with a Wizard. It’s an ugly tonality, really Matthew. Haven’t I taught you anything?
MATTHEW
I haven’t seen you in years!
MARIAN
Well, to tell you the truth, I don’t come on pleasant business.
Marian glances around with an air of quaint familiarity.
MARIAN (CONT'D)
That girlfriend of yours…what was her name? …Katie? Kathy?
MATTHEW Katie! Is she alright?
MARIAN
Ah, Kathy, then. Now is this the blonde one?
MATTHEW
What?
MARIAN
You know, the blonde one. Sweet girl.
MATTHEW
You mean Mindy from second grade? No, it’s not her.
MARIAN
Oh. Shame, really. I liked her. But really, Matthew isn’t it time you just picked one already?
MATTHEW
Please, mom. Did something happen to her?
MARIAN
Well there’s good and bad news. The good news is she’s not ignoring you.
MATTHEW
The bad news?
MARIAN
The bad news is she’s been sent to the Shadow Realm.
MATTHEW
The Shadow Realm? Isn’t that where they take like, the dregs of society?
MARIAN
Yes exactly.
MATTHEW
Well, why has she been taken there?
Marian sighs.
MARIAN
It’s simply a political attack from my enemies. I suppose they intended to get you.
MATTHEW
I don’t understand.
MARIAN
You don’t need to understand, sonny, you just have to help me.
Marian briskly strides to her study. Matthew follows.
INT. STUDY — CONTINUOUS
The study is dim and soft. Purple velvet carpets, soft velvet drapes. Marian begins frantically scrapping away at her workbench. Matthew stands helplessly in the center of the room. Chester comes up and cuddles himself next to her.
MARIAN
Hi, Chester.
MATTHEW
We’re going to the Magic Realm now?
MARIAN
Where else, sonny boy? Did you think we were going to LegoLand?
MATTHEW
Are we gonna be safe?
MARIAN
Gee whiz. Always with the questions. It’s Roger’s lawyer girl got to you.
MATTHEW
I just want to know.
MARIAN
Knowing is a privilege, Matthew. That’s your first lesson. (MORE)
MARIAN (CONT'D)
I’ve trained decades for the privilege of knowing. Now are we going to be off already?
Matthew sighs.
MATTHEW (sheepishly)
Yes.
Good then.
MARIAN
She casts them off.
EXT. MAGIC REALM
Matthew stands in The Magic Realm. The soot-covered ground and barren, dead trees stood upon the dark gray matte of the sky. He hears the rustling of leaves, and Marian falls out of a bush.
MARIAN
Well this is a fine pickle isn’t it.
Marian gets up and brushes herself off.
MARIAN (CONT'D)
Well, I’m a little bit rusty.
MATTHEW
I thought you were like a highranking Wizard.
MARIAN
Exactly, and that’s not how you should address a high-ranking wizard, using ‘like.’ Didn’t I teach you anything?
Matthew gives her a look: are you for real
MARIAN (CONT'D)
Hush now, someone approaches.
There is silence.
MATTHEW
I don’t know how you can hear that
MARIAN Shh!
Trumpets blare, and a small outfit of knights on horses appear through the fog and the trees.
SIR STRATFORD
Halt! I am Sir Stratford, the highest-ranking knight in the land. You two are trespassing on Sacred Soil.
Matthew is petrified.
MARIAN
Well met Sir Stratford I am Lunas Marian of The Order of the Cat, Wizard of Earth Realm. I seek passage to the Blue River.
The lesser knights exchange nervous glances.
SIR STRATFORD
You seek the Blue River, witch? Don’t you know that no one’s ever come back from the Blue River.
The knights chuckle to themselves. Marian eyes them, standing her ground.
SIR STRATFORD (CONT'D)
You and your squire will surely die!
MARIAN
Are you going to grant us passage or not?
MATTHEW (through teeth) Mom!
Sir Stratford smiles bemused.
SIR STRATFORD
If my lady so insists.
The pack of horseman forms a coalition around them. Sir Stratford bunks Matthew on the head with the butt end of his spear.
SIR STRATFORD (CONT'D)
What kind of a squire are you? She is carrying all her own potions!
MARIAN
Lovely idea!
Marian tosses her entire back (heavier than it looks) to Matthew.
EXT. FORREST CONTINUOUS
They ride with the knights to a cosmic stream of blue nebulae, gaping and ominous. Marian hops off with her usual clumsy grace.
MARIAN
Thank you kindly, sir. We’ll be on our way.
SIR STRATFORD
Hold on. As knights of the Magic Realm we will not lead a woman and a young boy to a bloody death.
MARIAN
Not to worry dearie. It seems you’ve never beheld the power of a true Wizard.
Marian brandishes a stick and draws a circle around her in the ground, and plops down on her knees.
MARIAN (CONT'D)
Squire, do fetch me my spellcasting bag.
MATTHEW
Yes, mother.
SIR STRATFORD
(to one of his knights)
Such strange customs.
Marian sets her book of tomes, wand, minerals and elements before her, and sits in silence. She begins in a faint murmur to speak words. Then: a giant spirit emerges from her body and parts the river with ease. The jaws of the knights fall to the floor. Matthew feels a sense of pride. Marian gets up and gathers her things.
MARIAN
Right then, let’s not dawdle.
They step through the portal, which closes behind them.
EXT. TREE STUDY
They are met by RUFORD, the great spirit of a cat in reading glasses.
RUFORD
Lunas? Good heavens, dear, it’s you!
MARIAN
Ruford. How long has it been?
RUFORD
Too long, my dear, too long. Let me fix you a tea.
Ruford grabs Marian by the arm and leads her into the study. Matthew follows.
INT. TREE STUDY
It is massive inside the tree. Warm light streams in everywhere on shelves on books.
RUFORD
Now, my dear Lunas, you must tell me everything. Has your legislation gone through to the Council? The nasty scum, really Marian.
MARIAN
Councilman Amos is the bulwark.
RUFORD
The Red Dragon doesn’t let up. Not once he’s got his teeth in. And how about that tea?
The cat snaps in Matthew's general direction. He blinks alert, unsure if he is furniture. Marian laughs heartily.
MARIAN
Oh, he’s no squire. He’s my son.
RUFORD Is that so?
MARIAN
They’ve taken his girlfriend from the Earth.
RUFORD
Hm. A nasty tactic. But this is War, after all. So do you plan to play Romeo and retrieve her?
MATTHEW
I suppose.
MARIAN
I figure this can serve double as an intelligence-gathering mission, although I’m well aware I will be expected.
RUFORD
And you’re going over Ulysses’ head?
Marian shrugs.
MARIAN
Oh, he would never permit it. Do you have any schema at all of Hellspawn’s palace?
RUFORD
As it so happens I do. My methods are my own, I’m sure you can appreciate.
Ruford pulls a bundle of scrolls of the shelf, and digs through them, unravelling it on the table. Marian studies it.
RUFORD (CONT'D)
The dungeons are going to be down a flight of stairs or an elevator shaft on the eastern wing.
Marian studies a while longer. Looks at Matthew.
MARIAN
We’d be well to be on our way.
RUFORD
Pleasant company ends when duty calls. And so it must be. Take care, Marian.
EXT. TOWN
Matthew and Marian journey over a hill overlooking a settlement. They descend, looking out of place.
There is a short, stout witch in blue robes trailed by a young attendant. Their were other people with worker’s uniforms on. They enter a shop, the sign reads: ‘Duley’s Shop for General Needs’
INT. SHOP
Marian eyes the tomes kept under the glass. She takes one second, like surveying rusty swords in time for a bear attack.
MARIAN (muttering)
Atrocious, really, atrocious.
The CLERK (tall, bird-like) eyes Marian with derision. He is making jewelry.
CLERK
I’m sure you could do much better ma’am, but in case you’ve been living on Earth there’s a publishing embargo going on.
MARIAN
An embargo? Oh this won’t do at all.
CLERK
Ah, visiting from a far-off realm, are we? Shocking.
MARIAN
Haven’t you got anything else? Something in the back?
The clerk laughs haughtily.
CLERK
We have several very rare, very expensive tomes that are reserved for only the most critical of magicians. University professors, governors…
The Clerk soaks in their appearance.
MARIAN
I am on most critical business as a Wizard on behalf of The Order of the Cat.
The clerk studies them.
CLERK …right.
MARIAN
My bag.
Matthew jolts alive and passes her brown. Marian rummages through it and unsheathes a scroll in his face.
MARIAN (CONT'D)
You can see right here. Lady Lunas Marian of The Order of the Cat, Wizard of the Earth Realm.
The clerk humored her a glance.
CLERK
It’s a fake.
MARIAN
Wha no it’s not!
CLERK
It’s completely shoddy. Besides, I’m sure those tomes will suit you just fine.
MARIAN
Would you speak to me that way if I were a man?
The clerk laughs incredulously
CLERK
Don’t be ridiculous.
EXT. STORE
Marian and Matthew exit the store. Marian carries a tome.
EXT. PLAINS
MARIAN
Now we're in enemy territory
Matthew. You must be ready for an attack.
MATTHEW
No offense, but you haven't trained me at all. How am I supposed to be ready.
Marian sighs, exasperated.
MARIAN
I haven't gotten a spare minute, Matthew. Rest assured, I will train you.
Matthew steels himself.
MARIAN (CONT'D) Look.
They approach a cliff, and in the valley beyond it lies a dark, brooding castle.
MARIAN (CONT'D)
Here we are. Hellspawn’s Castle.
MATTHEW
It’s big.
MARIAN
That was a stupid thing to say, Matthew.
They get up.
MARIAN (CONT'D)
There’s a heavily-covered path leading about a mile around the cliff. We’re going to take that. Deus should be meeting us here any moment. Between the two of us, we should be right as rain.
MATTHEW
Who’s Deus?
MARIAN
He’s your cousin.
EXT. THE VALLEY FLOOR
Lunas and Matthew emerge out of the brush. There is a squadron of guards patrolling the area.
MARIAN
We’re going into combat, Matthew. Are you ready for this?
MATTHEW
No! I don’t even have any training whatsoever!
MARIAN
Well it’s time for your first lesson, buckaroo. Take a seat.
Lunas and Matthew plop down on the dirt floor. Lunas takes a deep breath.
MARIAN (CONT'D)
Now, I know it might be hard now, but all the more reason. Calmly take a deep breath.
Matthew takes in a hurried breath.
MARIAN (CONT'D) (sternly)
I said calmly, Matthew!
MATTHEW
It’s hard with you yelling at me!
GUARD
Hey! Who goes there?
MARIAN (to Matthew)
To be continued!
They engage in combat. LUNAS uses her STAFF to create a WINDSTORM that blows three or four guards away, Meanwhile, a guard approaches Matthew.
MATTHEW Mom!
MARIAN materializes a shield and throws it. It lands in the ground near Matthew, who picks it up. He uses it to ward off blows from the Guard.
MARIAN
You need to calmly envision a weapon!
MATTHEW (warding off blows) YOU EXPECT ME TO BE CALM?!
Just then, DEUS (late-20s, air of gravitas, staff in hand) descends near Andrew, expelling three guards at once with one fluid motion.
DEUS
Hello.
Deus quickly neutralizes Andrew’s attacker with his staff.
MARIAN
Deus, you’re here. Meet my son Matthew.
DEUS
Ah, I’ve heard so much about you.
MATTHEW
Really?
Sure.
DEUS
MARIAN
Did you have to wait till the last minute, Deus?
DEUS
Sorry, Lunas. I’m here now. Just in the nick of time.
Deus flies to stop the retreating guards in their tracks.
MATTHEW
That’s my cousin?
MARIAN
It’s a long story.
MATTHEW
What else aren’t you telling me?
Lunas looks at her son protectively, something he’s never seen before. Deus returns.
DEUS
This isn’t much of a covert operation.
MARIAN begins undressing one of the more portly guards.
MARIAN
We can salvage this. We’ll just hide the bodies.
EXT. CASTLE
MARIAN is riding on one horse while Deus and Matthew are on another.
DUES
So am I on intelligence or girlfriend retrieval?
MARIAN
You are going to help Matthew. And she’ll probably be in the dungeon.
DEUS
Alright, coz, you sly dog.
MARIAN
Our magic will be significantly weakened while we’re in the castle.
MATTHEW
And you’re just rushing in head first?
MARIAN
Matthew, a real Wizard is someone who doesn’t need to rely on Magic.
DEUS
Wise words. Don’t worry; we’ll show you the ropes. They reach the gate.
GUARD
Halt! We’re on strict orders. No entry or exit.
MARIAN
Our entire squadron was ambushed by trolls. We’re the only survivors.
GUARD
Pitiful. We’re the most powerful army in the realm and we can’t even handle a troll without giving up half a squadron? And I don’t remember a woman being given command.
MARIAN
(through gritted teeth) I wasn’t. The squadron leader bravely sacrificed himself.
The Guard sighs.
GUARD
Right this way. The Dark Lord will want to hear of this humiliation.
INT. CASTLE
MARIAN, Deus, and Andrew are walking.
MARIAN
I’m headed to the Dark Lord’s Chambers. Deus, you take Andrew to the dungeons.
DEUS Right.
Deus and Andrew veer off.
INT. DARK LORD’S CHAMBER ENTRYWAY
There is a large door with huge obsidian steps, with giant goblets of fire on each side. Two guards on either side.
MARIAN
I’m here to report several casualties.
The guards look at each other, snicker, and open the door. MARIAN takes a deep breath, walks through.
INT. DARK ROOM
MARIAN enters the room, which is pitch black. The lights flicker on. It is revealed that she is in some sort of LIBRARY. There is a FIRE GOBLET in the center of the room. MARIAN walks cautiously through.
BOOK (V.O.)
What are you doing here, Lunas Marian?
Marian looks around, trying to decipher where the voice is coming from.
MARIAN
I’m here on duty.
BOOK (V.O.)
Funny. You’re so obsessed with this war. The rest of the senate seems concerned with other things.
MARIAN
I’m not worried about what the rest of the senate is doing. This is important.
BOOK (V.O.)
Important? Don’t you think raising your son was important? But you neglected that too.
MARIAN finally narrows down the SHELF where the BOOK is.
MARIAN
It was my only choice. I had to protect him.
BOOK (V.O.)
Isn’t that convenient? That you got to avoid your intimacy issues and your fear of being a mother?
MARIAN picks up the BOOK. She hurls it into the FIRE GOBLET.
INT. CHAMBER HALL
MARIAN enters on a ledge overlooking a large foyer. There is a GHOULISH MAN in a HOODED CLOAK repeatedly muttering, “I’m sorry. It’s not my fault.” MARIAN approaches the ghoulish man.
MARIAN
Hey snap out of it.
GHOULISH MAN
I didn’t mean to leave my kids. It wasn’t my fault.
MARIAN hears two voices from around the corner.
INT. CHAMBER HALL
Two men, OSIRIS and DRAYMOND, are talking in counsel.
OSIRIS
Ulysses will never abandon his duties. If we’ve learned anything it’s that he’s far too principled.
MARIAN has her back to them, in the HOODED CLOAK. She is lighting the candelabra. The ghoulish man, cloak-less, is still babbling.
DRAYMOND
It doesn’t matter. Once we’ve placed enough of our own among their ranks we won’t need the old man.
They pass by MARIAN as her EYES WIDEN.
MARIAN makes to walk in the opposite direction, but cautiously backtracks her steps in time to theirs.
OSIRIS
But still, as powerful an ally as he is he is tenfold more dangerous as an enemy.
DRAYMOND
That’s why we must make sure he can’t read, write, or speak again.
GUARD (off-screen)
Excuse me.
MARIAN whirls.
Yes, sir.
MARIAN
GUARD eyes her suspiciously. A beat, then in an split-second MARIAN is on him slitting his throat with a dagger.
INT. CHAMBER HALL
OSIRIS and DRAYMOND are walking.
OSIRIS
And those council members bowed like palm trees to the wind. They know we serve the higher power.
MARIAN peaks her head from around the corner.
DRAYMOND
They’re fickle. We won them by playing to their greed. They will betray us just as easily as they betrayed him.
OSIRIS and DRAYMOND reach a door. Draymond puts his hand on a scanner, opening the door.
DRAYMOND (CONT'D)
I wouldn’t trust Virginia Carol. She’s quietly one of the most formidable Wizards in the realm.
OSIRIS
You’re right. I don’t trust her.
They walk through the door. MARIAN trails them, eventually hitting what appears to be a glass wall. Panic seizes her, as she is caught by the wrist by DRAYMOND from behind.
DRAYMOND
I knew I smelled a Witch.
INT. DUNGEON
DEUS and MATTHEW are descending the stone steps. It is dimly lit.
DEUS
Careful.
They stop. MATTHEW listens attentively. DEUS progresses forward. Something whizzes past him. When it comes again, DEUS CATCHES IT in his hand like a baseball and crushes it.
MATTHEW
What the fuck was that?
DEUS
Exactly.
Suddenly a shock explodes on Matthew’s back. Matthew turns around, to see nothing there. Deus is caught up battling more whizzing creatures with his staff. Another pain hits Matthew in the head and he falls to his knees.
DEUS (CONT'D)
Get up!
Matthew struggles to stand.
DEUS (CONT'D)
You have to fight them off!
MATTHEW
How do I see them?
DEUS
By noticing them!
Matthew takes a breath, and starts to pay close attention. Then he notices, a BLACK, SPIKED CREATURE clinging to his back, SUCKING HIS BLOOD. Matthew grabs it and throws it off, squirming. He waits. Another one comes. He dodges it. Matthew materializes a CELESTIAL BASEBALL BAT.
MATTHEW
Alright you fuckers.
Another one comes down the pitch. MATTHEW SWINGS, blowing it into oblivion.
DEUS
There you go.
INT. DUNGEONS
DEUS and MATTHEW progress down dark steps into a dungeon. They pass by several MISERABLE LOOKING PRISONERS. They find one scrawny woman.
DEUS
This isn’t her, is it?
MATTHEW No.
PRISONER
Oh so I ain’t good enough fer you? Is that it?
They start to progress.
PRISONER (CONT'D)
Wait, wait. I can help ya. Who you lookin’ for?
MATTHEW
Katie. Young, brown hair.
PRISONER
Oh, so now you want my help, eh?
They start again.
PRISONER (CONT'D)
Wait. Yeah she was taken here last night. I seen her.
MATTHEW
Where is she?
PRISONER
There’s a lot of dungeons here, boy. Oh, but I know em well. Let me out!
DEUS
Don’t believe her. These prisoners are really something else.
PRISONER
Oh, you’re gonna believe him over me? Your own flesh and blood.
MATTHEW
But what if she’s right. We may never find her.
DEUS
Never say never. Here. I need to know all about her. Really get a sense of her.
DEUS takes a calm seat on the stone floor.
MATTHEW
Um, okay. She likes horror movies. Her dog’s name is Mosley. She loves Death Grips and Lana Del Rey.
Deus puts his hand up.
DEUS
That’s enough.
Deus puts his hand on the ground, and concentrates his energy, fighting against the energy of the castle. He gets up.
PRISONER
I like horror movies.
Matthew ignores her.
DEUS
I was able to locate her.
INT. STAIRS
MATTHEW and DEUS and HAULING ASS DOWN THE STAIRS. DEUS is trailing and MATTHEW is tailing. They meet a trio of guards.
GUARD 1
Hey!
DEUS washes them away like the wind with the brush of his staff. They continue down.
INT. LEVEL 67
From outside the doorway to this level we see DEUS stop.
EXT. LEVEL 67
DEUS
She’s here. Go.
INT. LEVEL 67
Matthew enters the dungeon. The FIRST PRISONER is A HUGE MAN WITH A SHAVED HEAD staring at him. THE SECOND PRISONER is a woman laughing hysterically.
THE SECOND PRISONER (in chilly endearment)
Oh. You must be here for the girl.
She laughs. Matthew approaches on, cautiously, and sees KATIE in the next cell. She is sitting, dejected.
MATTHEW
Oh my god. It’s you.
Katie looks up. Her face is infected with some sort of thick black gas-liquid. She is confused.
KATIE
(completely lost)
Matthew? What is this place? Where am I?
MATTHEW
We’re gonna get you out of here, Katie. Don’t you worry about that.
Matthew tries to grab the prison bars, but there is a forcefield that blows him back.
MATTHEW (CONT'D)
Why can’t I get her out?
DEUS
Matthew, you’re too agitated.
MATTHEW
Well why don’t you try it?
Deus slowly and calmly puts his arms through the forcefield, fighting against the magic of the castle.
DEUS
This is a strong magic.
MATTHEW
Can you get her out?
DEUS
Bear with me.
INT. DRAYMOND’S CHAMBERS
DRAYMOND is sitting on a throne, while OSIRIS stands at guard just below him. MARIAN is being held as prisoner in the center of the room.
DRAYMOND
Lunas MARIAN. How kind of you to pay us a visit.
MARIAN
Senator Draymond. You seem well.
DRAYMOND
Oh, I am well, Lunas. I am very well. You see, I serve a power that is much higher than that fickle energy you call the universe. My magic is one of contracts, punishment, and hedonism.
MARIAN
Oh, I’m well aware of the price you pay to justify basking in hedonism, greed, power, and lust, Draymond.
DRAYMOND
MARIAN, I’m shocked. I’ve always counted you as one of the more rational members of the Congress. Can’t you see that there is no universal morality? We have found a way to not be subservient to a God, but to make that God subservient to us. Are you still so stuck in this old story of piety and humility?
MARIAN
You can’t cheat energy, Darius. I believe that whatever pleasure you bring upon yourself, you will bring the same amount of suffering. TENFOLD!
The building shakes, dust and bits of ceiling falling from the sky. Darius and Osiris look shaken.
OSIRIS
Sire, may I make a suggestion.
DRAYMOND Speak, wise councilor.
OSIRIS
It would appear one of the more formidable members of the Order of the Cat has been handed to us by the Lord. If we can’t bend her, I suggest we break her.
DRAYMOND
I think that is wise council.
MARIAN
You’re not going to do either, you freaks of nature.
OSIRIS
(chuckling to Draymond)
I thought Wizards of the Order of the Cat were supposed to be diplomatic.
DRAYMOND
I know, right? You’re acting very uncouth, MARIAN.
MARIAN
Regardless of how you feel, I’m breaking out of here.
MARIAN screams and the castle starts shaking.
INT. DUNGEON
DEUS is still working on retrieving Katie. The building around him starts shaking.
MATTHEW
What’s going on?
DEUS
I think your mother is bringing the place down.
MATTHEW
Can we get her out?
DEUS
Yes, but, Matthew, the more you need her to get out, the more resistance there is. You understand?
MATTHEW
Yes.
DEUS
You need to let her go. Can you do that?
MATTHEW
I’ll try.
Good lad.
DEUS
MATTHEW sits calmly as the place shakes around them, and Deus continues to pull Katie out. He begins to make more and more progress, until the forcefield finally shatters and the gate swings open. Matthew runs in and goes to Katie.
MATTHEW
Hey. Hey.
Katie looks up at him.
MATTHEW (CONT'D)
I’m taking you home, ok?
EXT. LEVEL 67
Deus, Matthew, and Katie exit to the stairwell. The place is really coming down now.
DEUS
Okay. Here’s the plan. We’re going up.
MATTHEW
Yes please.
DEUS
We’re going to create a field around us, and we’re going to shoot up. Sound good?
MATTHEW
Sounds good.
DEUS
Okay. I need your help here.
GUARDS start approaching from above and below.
Deus and Matthew both focus on creating a field around them. Then Deus shoots up, carrying the three of them up, shooting past floors of the dungeon until they emerge on the ground floor where they entered. MARIAN is flying past them.
MARIAN
Got the girlfriend, then? Fantastic. Off we go!
MARIAN flies away on her broom. Deus readies his stick.
DEUS
Hop on.
EXT. CASTLE
The castle is crumbling as MARIAN, Deus, Matthew, and a still loopy Katie fly off into the sky.
EXT. CAMPSITE - DAWN
Back in friendly territory, the party has a campsite. Marian sits upright beside a smoldering fire. Deus surveys the land. Matthew emerges from his tent. Katie is still ailing.
MARIAN
Ah, you’re awake. Right, then. Let’s be away.
MATTHEW
No breakfast?
MARIAN
Breakfast? You sleep practically till noon and speak of breakfast? The day is upon us!
On Matthew’s crestfallen expression:
MARIAN (CONT'D)
Good heavens, we’ll get food on the way.
Satisfied, Matthew mounted his tent and they set off.
EXT. HILLS
Day was a dim red punctuated by a distant light in the sky. They stop at a river.
MARIAN
Did you see that?
MATTHEW What?
MARIAN Look.
Before his eyes, suddenly, the river switches directions. Where it had been flowing downstream, it suddenly was flowing upstream.
MARIAN (CONT'D) (forbiddingly)
So it’s true…the river is flowing upstream.
MATTHEW
It would seem so, mother. What does it mean?
DEUS
Perhaps that your mother was not as careful as she should have been.
Perched on a branch above the river, there is a black raven with a yellow frilled collar.
RAVEN (deep, grizzly voice)
Lunas Mariana. You have been charged with abuse of power and destruction of property. You are hereby formally summoned to appear before The Council immediately.
The bird launches off the bouncing branch.
MARIAN
Well that’s that. They’ve decided to have a hearing. Ha! (MORE)
MARIAN (CONT'D)
I wouldn’t worry about it, sonny boy. Your mother has friends in high places.
MATTHEW
Does this mean we’re leaving the Shadow Realm?
MARIAN
Yes, and we’d better be quick about it, too. The old farts don’t like to be kept waiting.
DEUS
You can take care of them right?
MARIAN
Please. I can do this in my sleep.
DEUS
Well, I'd better be off, then. I have some business to attend to.
MATTHEW
You're leaving?
DEUS
Don't worry, Matthew. We'll meet agaIn.
MARIAN
Take care Deus.
Deus flies off.
EXT. JULIUS CAPITOL
Marian, Matthew and Katie fly into the Capitol.
INT. CAPITOL BUILDING
They enter in a bustling lobby that looked like an airport. Mariana talks to one of the attendants, who gives them a 15 minute wait. They sit in chairs.
MATTHEW
Wow, so bureaucracy exists in the magical world too.
MARIANA
Ha! You haven’t met bureaucracy UNTIL you’ve seen the spiritual world. In fact, the Earth realm based their system off the spiritual realm. For example, application processes? That was ripped straight from our model.
MATTHEW
Thanks for that.
MARIANA
What did I tell you about sarcasm?
MATTHEW
Not to do it?
MARIANA
…That’s right.
MATTHEW
What do I do with Katie? She doesn’t look too good.
MARIAN
No…it looks like she’s got an energy virus.
MATTHEW
Is it curable?
MARIAN
Yes, but…it’s a very precarious thing. It’s best to leave her somewhere safe.
An attendant approaches them with a gurney.
ATTENDANT
The patient can be admitted into hospice care now.
MARIAN (to Matthew)
You can leave her in here for now.
Matthew places her in the gurney.
MATTHEW
You’re gonna be alright.
MARIAN
The senate is meeting now. I have business with them.
MATTHEW
Will she be alright?
MARIAN
She'll be under the best care possible. You can visit her anytime.
They wheel Katie away. An attendant calls Marian's name and leads them through a gate
INT. SENATE LOBBY
They enter another lobby, but this one had a legislative feel to it. A petit young attendant receives them there.
YOUNG ATTENDANT
Wait just a moment, please.
She leaves the room. Matthew is anxious while Marian seems strangely calm. After some moments, the doors open.
ATTENDANT
Please, right this way.
INT. SENATE FLOOR
MARIAN BURSTS THROUGH THE DOORS. Marian motions for Matthew to wait by the entrance. The Senate is meeting. JAMES ULYSSES (a youthful mid-70s, strong, sharp), VIRGINIA CAROL (50s, icy), MANCE AMOS (40s, a bitter rival), GEORGE EDGAR (an ally, kind, shrewd, early-20th C features, jet black hair), and and five other council members are present.
ULYSSES
Lunas. Thank you for appearing today. Who is this lad you’ve got with you?
MARIAN
Prime Minister Ulysses. Councilmembers. He’s my Squire. What is the meaning of this? Why am I on the floor like a felon facing the noose?
MANCE AMOS
Please, Lunas. Your saint act is insulting.
MARIAN
I demand an explanation.
ULYSSES
Alright enough. We shall delve into the charges set before us.
Ulysses studies a large tome set up before him.
ULYSSES (CONT'D)
It appears you were at the King of Aragon’s castle last evening. Do you consent to that fact.
MARIAN Aye.
A silence among the room.
ULYSSES
Furthermore, it appears you discussed sensitive matters of the state with council members Darius and Kingston
MARIAN
I did no such thing
ULYSSES
Do you consent to that fact.
MARIAN
No. I do not agree.
ULYSSES
Virginia.
VIRGINIA
Be that as it may, Lunas. You were under no such orders to conspire with the Aragon government. Do you understand how that would look to us?
MARIAN
As a high-ranking member of this Council, I took it into my own hands to see through a matter of political sabotage against my person. I am prepared to discuss my motives.
Amos laughs.
AMOS
Don’t leverage your position with us. You know very well If I had done this you would have a fit.
MARIAN
I deeply resent the Councilman’s suggestion that I am prone to hysterics.
ULYSSES
Keep it above the belt. That’s the final warning. Now, Lunas, you’ve heard the evidence set forth. The charge is high treason. As you know, you may require 72 hours to prepare a defense. Will you require this accomodation?
Marian shakes her head in disbelief.
MARIAN
If I have not proven my loyalty to this state…
ULYSSES
Lunas. Yes or no.
MARIAN
No, let’s get it done with.
ULYSSES
Very well. Virginia, you may proceed with your line of questioning.
VIRGINIA
We will require that you relay here and now a complete account of your motives in visiting King of Aragon’s Capitol as well as each person you met with while in Aragon’s Capitol last evening and what was discussed.
MARIAN
Yesterday morning, I was notified that an innocent person was abducted from the Earth realm as a personal attack to me, I assume in an effort to lure me to the Castle at Aragon. It turns out the hostage was a romantic partner of my natural-born son, who lives on Earth. I travelled to Earth to collect my son, and adopted him as my Squire. With the help of my apprentice Deus, we crossed into Aragon and launched an infiltrateand-rescue mission. As this was a matter of personal importance, I failed to clear my intentions with the Council. I did not want the slow wheels of wartime bureaucracy to cause excessive emotional distress to my son. The mission was a success; however, at one time I was captured by two Councilors who happened to be on patrol. With the aid of my conjuring disabled, I allowed them to escort me as prisoner while my apprentice and squire retrieved the hostage. These were Councilmen Darius and Kingston. They attempted to seduce me me to their magic. I believe this was their primary objective in the operation. However, using my voice, I was able to level enough structural damage to the building for my party to escape with the hostage. Having suffered an energy virus in the dungeon, the retrieved hostage is at Magi’s Hospice Care.
AMOS
Councilmembers. What happens when diplomacy goes too far? Instead of mounting an attack on our enemy, Lunas proposes to visit them for tea.
EDGAR
If I could interject Councilman. There was never an argument for diplomacy. This is a gross misunderstanding of our argument. (MORE)
EDGAR (CONT'D)
The argument which has been publicly supported by Councilwoman Marian is focusing our efforts towards maintaining our state’s strength rather than depleting it through rash aggression, allowing the other powers to gain the upperhand.
AMOS
And I maintain this reads as weakness. We’re the spiritual authority in the realm. Everybody knows it. Yet we’re afraid to exercise our power.
ULYSSES
So have many leaders assumed, before falling from grace. Virginia. You have expressed similar interest in exercising aggression. Do you view Lunas’ rash actions as contrary to her ideologies, or an affront to your own stance?
VIRGINIA
It is suspicious, it is disheartening. I’ve known Councilwoman Marian for a good, long while now, and she has always been an impressive Witch, a staunch upholder of her beliefs, and a stimulating debate partner. Unfortunately, in these unprecedented times, it has been shown again and again that no one can be thought of as above the influence of the Dark Magic. The Councilwoman should have had an appreciation for this fact. Therefore, I must defer to suspicion, and recommend the appropriate precautions.
ULYSSES
We shall vote. All those for guilty.
Virginia, Amos, PERCY, and two others raise their hands. Edgar and three others abstain.
ULYSSES (CONT'D)
Very well. Councilwoman Marian, you are placed under arrested by the State for high treason.
Ulysses bangs the gavel. Two guards appear to restrain her.
MARIAN (desperate)
Sir, let me send my squire home!
ULYSSES
Your squire will be transferred to the court and assigned as needed.
MARIAN
He’s my son!
ULYSSES
These are the rules, Lunas.
Ulysses bangs a gavel. Matthew is dragged away.
MARIAN No!
The oaken doors are shut.
INT. HANSOM
It is dark. Matthew sits expectantly. The rumbling of the vehicle. There are two other squires, a bit older than him.
It comes to a stop. Doors flung open, blinding light floods in. His eyes adjust to the Transporter GEEVES.
GEEVES
Onward and upward lads.
INT. MAIN HALL
SCOFIELD paces across a line of newly unclaimed squires.
SCOFIELD
Whether you were the squire of a renowned General who died tipping the scales in battle or relieved by a Postmaster makes no difference to me. Your treatment and regimen will be the same. It is harsh, yet it is what any young man needs.
(MORE)
SCOFIELD (CONT'D)
I trust you all have undergone basic training so I will not bother myself with repeating the fundamentals. Are we clear?
ALL SQUIRES
Yes sir.
Matthew remains silent. Scofield leers at him. Approaches him.
SCOFIELD
And were you abandoned for muteness?
MATTHEW
Um, no.
SCOFIELD
No? We’re not in the brothel, boy. It’s no Sir.
MATTHEW
No, Sir.
SCOFIELD
Good Lord. You shall begin on bookkeeping.
INT. LIBRARY
The library is massive spades of natural light coming thru titanic windows. Matthew has stacks of books laid out before him, awaiting shelving. He sits, engrossed in one book.
MYKOLOS, an old reptile, wanders around the stack.
MYKOLOS
Brushing up on spellcasting?
Matthew is startled.
MATTHEW
My apologies. I-I was a little confused on the, um, organizational system.
Mykolos approaches kindly. He helps to stow the books.
MYKOLOS
The first number on the spine correlates to section. The third digit to shelf. The final to order.
Mykolos stows a book.
MATTHEW
Ah.
MYKOLOS
They didn’t teach you this in Squire Training? This is basic stuff.
MATTHEW
Well, no: I didn’t go thru the training. I’m kind of here by accident?
MYKOLOS
I see.
Mykolos’ eyes drift to the book once more.
MYKOLOS (CONT'D)
You know, when I first started spell casting, oh, a long, long time ago, one thing helped me. And that was training the mind in visualization. You don’t have to read all the fancy books. They’re great, but it’s quite simple. Strengthen that muscle. Every day, before you clock in, practice that. For fifteen minutes.
INT. MATTHEW’S CABIN - DAWN
The cock-bird crows to herald in the new day. Matthew shares a cabin with two other stray Squires: DEAN (indie, composed) and ROLAND (class clown).
RONALD
Another beautiful day to scrub shit for Scofield.
DEAN
Tell me about it man. I was a Squire for the Magistrate.
RONALD What happened?
DEAN
Spell gone wrong. Burned up right in front of me.
RONALD
Yeah my Wizard was pretty much a hard ass. What about you? How did you end up in the Land of Misfit Toys?
MATTHEW
Dude, I don’t know shit. Lunas MARIAN is my mom.
RONALD No shit.
MATTHEW
Yeah. She took me here and got arrested. I literally don’t know shit.
DEAN
Brother. You’re gonna die.
INT. BALLROOM
Matthew and other Squires are waiting the guests at a cocktail party. Matthew is holding an empty tray. Kanji, a guest, approaches him.
KANJI
I’ll have a Don Perrione 1987.
MATTHEW Champagne. Yes.
Matthew materializes a glass of Champagne. Kanji suspiciously takes it, takes a sip. Then he falls to the floor, writhing in anaphylactic shock.
INT. SCOFIELD’S OFFICE
SOCFIELD
You could have killed him. Luckily for you there was a medical practitioner at the party. Let’s put you in the engine room. Let’s see you find a way to screw that up.
MATTHEW
Um, sir?
SCOFIELD
You will speak when spoken to, lad. Begone.
INT. ENGINE ROOM
Matthew is mopping the floors of the engine room. The engineer HERB is fiddling with the controls.
HERB
So what’s a fancy Squire like you doing down here in the Engines?
MATTHEW
I’m really not a Squire. I was basically taken to this Realm against my Will and it’s all I can do to play the part.
HERB
Ah, well if you’re a phony Squire I guess you won’t mind getting your hands dirty. Here shovel in some coal for me.
Matthew grabs a bag of coal and the thing explodes fire. Herb is singed.
INT. THE GALLOWS
There is a man at the execution stage. Scofield enters with Matthew.
SCOFIELD
Listen lad. This is your final assignment. If you can’t manage this, I’ll put you in line for the chopping block. You hear?
MATTHEW
Sir.
EXECUTION STAGE - LATER
There is a criminal TIB on the stage.
TIB
Psst. Hey kid.
Matthew ignores him.
TIB (CONT'D)
Kid. I’ve got a plan. It’s a good one. I’ll let you in on it.
MATTHEW
No chance.
TIB
I can make you very wealthy.
MATTHEW
If you think I’m about to fuck up this job you’re wrong.
The Executioner GARRIX stands by with black hood on.
GARRIX
Don’t talk to him. He killed ten people for their boots.
TIB
It’s a livin’. And now I’m a-dyin’.
INT. LIBRARY
MATTHEW is meditating with MYKOLOS. Mykonos is floating in the air.
MYKOLOS
Concentrate on your breath. In all things, your breath is your anchor. Your breath is also what generates power. If you use the breath to stay calm in dangerous situations, you are accessing your greatest weapon: your clear mind.
EXT. MAIN HALL
Matthew is standing outside performing valet duties with Dean. Scofield stampedes out of the Main Hall.
SCOFIELD
Where is that no-good carriage driver? I’m meeting with the Senator.
Matthew materializes a carriage out of thin air.
SCOFIELD (CONT'D)
Get in the carriage with you? No thank you.
Scofield looks at the time.
SCOFIELD (CONT'D)
Well, I suppose I have no other choice.
Scofield gets in.
INT. LIBRARY
Matthew is stowing books, now levitating them onto the shelf.
MYKOLOS
You’ve certainly made phenomenal progress.
MATTHEW
Thank you Mykolos. I swear Scofield would’ve had me hung if it wasn’t for you.
MYKOLOS
It is the mark of the small man to abuse power over the defenseless. Worry not. Small men are soon humbled. Why so glum?
MATTHEW
It’s my mission. I only came to the Realm half-willingly I admit. My girlfriend was taken here. My mother, Lunas MARIAN, and I retrieved her from the dungeons of the Dark Lord’s Stronghold, but she’s assumed an energy virus. My mother made the impression it was not easily-curable.
MYKOLOS
Ay I confess it ain’t. That’s troubling news Young One. But what perhaps lies heavier on my soul is learning Councilwoman Marian is your mother. An extraordinary Wizard but she was expatriated recently.
Matthew nods.
MYKOLOS (CONT'D)
Fear not for our losses. In times such as these mountains can be moved by a change in the wind.
(MORE)
MYKOLOS (CONT'D)
Now is the time for you to rise. And become your own man. And take these matters into your own hands. Though you are new to magic, I’ve given you the strongest fundamentals. Given time, you will excel like the oak tree among shrubs.
MATTHEW
You’ve given me more than she ever has.
MYKOLOS
Forgive the ones who have hurt us. There, but for the grace of God, go you or I.
MATTHEW
And for Katie? What if she never recovers? Just gets worse and worse?
MYKOLOS
Your word can be the multiplier of any cancer. I believe she will recover: that is your new mantra. Walk in Faith. You are the Captain of Your Soul, Master of Your Destiny. But go: War doesn’t rest.
INT. COURTHOUSE
SUPERTITLE - THREE MONTHS LATER
DEAN
You’ve avoided execution.
MATTHEW
By the skin of my teeth, yes.
DEAN
I have to hand it to you, you’ve become a regular old Squire. You woulda had me fooled any day.
RONALD
I guess you can learn the Old Squire Bag in a few month’s time. What a sham University is.
MATTHEW
I had a great teacher. Mykolos kindly trained me.
DEAN
You mean that old kooky lizard who works at the libary?
MATTHEW
Looks can be deceiving. He is actually quite wise.
ROLAND
Next you’re gonna get dating advice from Marty the Mail Stork.
Marty the Mail Stork comes thru the window.
ROLAND (CONT'D)
Hey Marty. How goes the love life?
MARTY THE MAIL STORK
I’m in a dry spell at the moment.
Scofield comes in through the doors. Marty flies off.
SCOFIELD Lads. Line up.
Matthew, Dean, Roland, and other young Stray Squires are all lined up.
ROLAND (whispers)
What do you reckon this is all about?
DEAN
Your mom.
ROLAND
Real mature.
SCOFIELD
Lads, be quiet. Today one of you will become very fortunate. For an illustrious and highly-ranked Magician has suddenly become in need of a new Squire.
RONALD
What happened to his last Squire?
SCOFIELD
He was unsatisfactory. You lads won’t have a problem with that. Why, I oversaw you myself. You’re all battle-ready. I give my Stamp of Approval.
RONALD (whispering)
Scofield’s Stamp of Approval is worth as much as Mrs. Butterworth’s endorsement of Parliament.
SCOFIELD
What was that?
RONALD
You’ve trained us well, Sir.
The doors open and COUNCILMAN AMOS strides through. Sizing up the boys. Matthew freezes up.
SCOFIELD
Councilman Amos, welcome. I assure you we have some quality young Squires here. Why, I trained them myself.
COUNCILMAN AMOS
Shut your pie-hole, Scofield.
SCOFIELD
Yes sir.
Amos takes a walk down the line.
AMOS
Hm, this one’s a bit fat no? A Squire should be lean and trim, boy. Ready to carry gear and be flight of foot.
REGINALD
Yes sir.
AMOS
Lay off on the Dining Hall.
Amos continues on. When he passes Matthew, he does a doubletake.
SCOFIELD
Oh, this one, I wouldn’t consider Councilman. He’s a bit rough around the edges
Amos raises a hand to silence him.
AMOS
You. You were the Squire of Lunas MARIAN weren’t you?
Matthew stays silent. White-hot rage is broiling inside him.
SCOFIELD
Speak when spoken to boy. This man is a Councilmember of the Order of the Cat.
Scofield lashes Matthew across the cheek. Amos studies him. Matthew looks up, resentful, red mark across his face.
MATTHEW
Yes, sir. I served as her Squire yet as I was untrained.
AMOS
You served as a Councilmember’s Squire and you are untrained? How does that work?
SCOFIELD
Sir, this one is not worth the trouble
AMOS
I told you to zip up that glorified butter disposal before I SEW IT SHUT!
Amos bellows so loud that Scofield shrinks to the size of a pea and all the other boys are still.
AMOS (CONT'D)
You will be my new Squire.
MATTHEW
I’m untrained.
AMOS
You were good enough for Lunas. You’re good enough for me. Now will you come freely or in chains?
Matthew hesitates. Scofield is cowering in the corner. Head bowed, Matthew follows Amos out. Dean and Ronald look on in amazement.
INT. DUNGEON
Lunas sits in her dungeon cell. She looks dejected, unclean, and starved, yet still carries a strange dignity. The doors creak open. She is expecting a routine observation. In comes GEORGE EDGAR, an ally.
EDGAR
Lunas, Lunas. By God it’s you.
Lunas looks up. Her face does not register recognition: her reserves are off.
EDGAR (CONT'D)
I should have come sooner. I see that now. But you know how it is. This was the soonest I could come. You know they’ve been watching me like a gaggle of hawks.
Lunas’ voice is hoarse like rope.
LUNAS Edgar.
EDGAR
I’m going to help you escape Luna. But I need your cooperation. I need to know that you’ll be able to hold up your end.
LUNAS Is my son alive?
EDGAR
Yes, he is alive and well. He’s thriving, Lunas. The boy is a natural.
Lunas looks down, nods. Reassured.
EDGAR (CONT'D)
Lunas. I will return in three days. I hope this has given you enough time to start collecting your strength back. We will discuss more then.
LUNAS
Thank you, Edgar.
EDGAR
I will return. Don’t let this break the Cat of the West. It’s been three turns of the moon. Now I must leave. Goodbye.
Edgar exits the way he came. Darkness again. Lunas reflects.
LUNAS
Three months. I might have thought it’d been three years.
EXT. OPEN FIELD
Amos and Matthew ride on horses. They are both cloaked. They ride in silence.
EXT. TREE DWELLING
They dismount their horses. Amos hands Matthew the reigns.
AMOS
Tie them up on that fence.
Matthew goes and does so. While he is doing it, the door opens and Amos disappears into the Tree Dwelling. Matthew is left alone.
EXT. HALF-AN-HOUR LATER
It is drizzling. Matthew sits with the horses. All three are looking bored and wet. Matthew has dug up some root vegetables he is sharing with them. One of the horses is being greedy. Amos finally exits with another shadowy figure. He is carrying a glass potion.
SHADOWY FIGURE
If all the council members had half your strategy and twice your pride you would be defeated.
AMOS
Luckily for us both that is not the case.
SHADOWY FIGURE
May your feet fail you not Councilman.
The figure closes the door and Amos approaches Matthew, who pretends he heard nothing.
AMOS
What did you hear, Weasel?
MATTHEW
Nothing. I was feeding the horses.
Matthew’s eyes drift to the potion. Amos stows it. Matthew looks back up.
AMOS
We ride back.
MATTHEW
To the Capitol?
AMOS
No, to the Land of a Thousand Horny Nuns.
EXT.
OPEN FIELD
They are riding. The pace is brisk but relaxed.
AMOS
She values you.
MATTHEW
Who does, sir?
AMOS
Lunas. What was it she said you were…her son?
MATTHEW
Yes, sir.
AMOS
Explain that to me.
MATTHEW
Well, on Earth, humans give birth to…biological spawn.
AMOS
Uh-huh, uh-huh. And you are her biological spawn?
MATTHEW
Yes, sir.
AMOS
I see. So you have her powers. That’s why she values you?
MATTHEW
Um…that is currently unknown sir.
AMOS
Don’t speak in riddles at me, boy. I’ll find out if you hold Lunas’ powers soon enough.
EXT. ULYSSES' OFFICE - DAY
Amos and Matthew arrive at Ulysses' office. They see a squire enter with a tea tray.
AMOS
Just wait here.
Amos enters, Matthew climbs on an apple box to see through a vent.
INT. ULYSSES' OFFICE
AMOS
Prime Minister.
ULYSSES
Councilman Amos. You always have a knack for finding me at the most convenient times.
AMOS
Can I be of assistance?
ULYSSES
As a matter of fact yes. The Florentines grow restless. We're in dire need of a good diplomat.
Amos bows.
AMOS
I am honored to serve.
ULYSSES
Yes, use that honey-coated tongue of yours. It will serve us well.
An attendant bursts in. Amos discreetly pours the potion into Ulysses' tea.
ATTENDANT
Prime Minister. The Duke of Dalmatia requests an audience.
ULYSSES
Here's a man that can't be bothered to send forward of his visit. I shall receive him once I've satisfied my appointment with the esteemed Councilman.
ATTENDANT
Sir.
Attendant exits.
AMOS
Well, I shan't take up too much of your time. My hooting and hollering can surely wait till the council meets.
Ulysses raises his mug, then pauses.
ULYSSES
And you say you have the realm's interest in heart?
AMOS
Sir. Is my allegiance in doubt?
ULYSSES
If you can swear to me your word, I shall put my faith in you.
Amos is taken aback. Is the old-timer on to him?
AMOS
I give you my word.
ULYSSES
Fine, then.
Ulysses sips from the cup.
INT. COUNCIL - DAY
Virginia Carol sits at the head of the Council in Ulysses' place. Amos sits at her right hand. Matthew has taken his place in-line with the other Squires. George Edgar enters.
EDGAR
Is Ulysses unwell?
Virginia shrugs.
CAROL
He has taken it upon himself to exercise diplomacy with the Florentines.
EDGAR
That doesn't sound like him.
INT. STAIRWELL
Matthew carries a bright lantern leading Amos down a cobblestone stairwell. They arrive at a wood-iron door. Amos raps. Two eyes receive him.
EYES
Picking up?
AMOS
Yes. A message from my father. The door opens.
EYES
Welcome, Councilman.
INT. STUDY
Fireplace, desk, comfortable country furnishings. VIRGINIA CAROL enters with her Squire MARILYN.
CAROL
Well this is a fine meeting place. I couldn’t feel any shadier if I tried to.
AMOS
Councilwoman. Good evening. As you know, desperate times call for desperate measures.
CAROL
I agree, and yet my very gut betrays my purpose. A Wizard should never go against her intuition.
AMOS
We took an oath to act in the interest of The Council, especially when it goes against our comfort.
CAROL
Amos. Our little movement develops stiff joints. There is a growing suspicion about Lunas’ whereabouts. Many of the influential members of the House find it too convenient.
AMOS
Don’t you worry about the House. You just worry about the Press.
CAROL
I’ve taken your requests to persuade the Press for support against the War, but to coerce them towards my personal political interests? You would have me do that?
AMOS
This is for the War.
CAROL
No. This is a slippery slope and I will not do it. And what is this? You’ve enlisted her Squire too?
AMOS
My reasons are my own.
CAROL
You’ve taken it too far, Amos. I don’t like this look in your eye. I’m aborting all proceedings.
Carol makes to leave when Amos casts a lock and chain around Marilyn, who falls to the ground in pain. When Virginia whips her head Amos has drawn a sword on her.
CAROL (CONT'D)
What is this?
AMOS
You mean to hand over our Realm to Darkness and anarchy Virginia.
CAROL
Hardly. Release my Squire. Just let her go.
AMOS
You’ve grown attached. You’re desperate, just like a cornered animal.
(MORE)
AMOS (CONT'D)
Just like Lunas that same disease. It makes me sick. Maybe it’s that animal instinct all mothers carry.
CAROL
I am customary without being cruel.
AMOS
These passions are exactly what the Dark Lord exploits. You’ve clearly turned your soul over to Him.
CAROL
I suspect a seed of evil in you sir.
Carol materializes a forcefield. Amos strikes: deflected. Carol casts Fireburst: absorbed. Matthew watches on. Eyes shift to a dagger on the wall. Mind races. Virginia materializes another shield. Amos chants deep: ‘SHOW ME YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS FEAR.’ Virginia, taken by surprise, succumbs. Fear plagues her eyes. Weakened, she falls. Amos summons chains.
CAROL (CONT'D)
It is you who has been dealing with the devil. I should have known Ulysses would never leave in a time like this.
AMOS
The Old Man was past his expiration.
CAROL
Judas. He was strong as an ox. One of the truly great leaders of this Realm. You’ve forgotten your oaths. You’ve failed us all.
Amos strikes the death blow. Marilyn screams in horror and grief.
AMOS
Oh, can it you Squire. I see you’re just as emotional as your late master. You’re the lucky one. You get to live.
Amos takes Marilyn away out of the room. She looks to Matthew in hopeful desperation.
INT. AMOS’ STUDY
Amos is brewing a potion in a giant cauldron in the center of the room. Bookshelves line the walls. He takes a glass and fills it. Amos takes a seat across from Matthew. Places the glass between them. He looks almost domestic.
AMOS
This will kill you painlessly. Matthew stares.
MATTHEW
Sir, may I say, I admire the way you take matters into your own hands. Truthfully, my mother was never a part of my life. I have no allegiance to her. But I truly admire you/ My loyalty is to you. Let me continue to serve you Sir.
Amos listens to this with closed arms. He cracks a smile.
AMOS
I see you have learned well from my art of flattery, failing only to grasp that it never works. Especially not on a flatterer. Amos picks up the glass, measures it.
AMOS (CONT'D)
How many years on your back?
MATTHEW
Seventeen, sir.
AMOS
Uh-huh.
Amos gets up, meditates the bookshelves.
AMOS (CONT'D)
Your mother—she despises me. She despises me because I loved her. Truly.
Matthew is frozen.
AMOS (CONT'D)
I wonder if you can relate to that.
MATTHEW
Well, if I may speak candidly Sir.
AMOS Please.
MATTHEW
Did I love her as a child? Of course: that’s what children do. If that was too much for her I cannot be at fault. All I can do in this life is do my best to heal myself. And possibly forgive her, if I’m feeling especially generous. As to whether she resents me, I don’t think it’s true. But she does push me away. I know it’s not my fault, but perhaps I used to believe it was.
AMOS
I loved her, and it scared her so much that she buried me politically. Suffocating my career within an inch of its life; it was all I could do to revive it, and grasp back for power. She buried us. And she never told me about you.
Amos approaches Matthew.
AMOS (CONT'D)
Yes. Seventeen years. That would have been about right.
MATTHEW
Are you saying you’re my father?
AMOS
Yes, Matthew. I believe I am.
Matthew gets up and gets to the wall, breathing hard.
AMOS (CONT'D)
Be my apprentice. Take my side. I will show you what you need to do to hold power. I will not push you away.
Amos extends his hand.
AMOS (CONT'D)
Or take the drink, for I will not have a deserter for a son.
Matthew shakes hands.
INT. HALLWAY
Amos and Matthew are retiring.
AMOS
Get some rest. We have a fight with the Council tomorrow.
Matthew and Amos go into their respective rooms.
INT. SERVANTS QUARTERS
Matthew reclines on his bed. He stares at the open door.
INT. FOYER
Matthew tip-toes out in a cloak with a small satchel, closes the door quietly behind him.
EXT. AMOS' RESIDENCE - NIGHT
It is pouring rain. Matthew preps and loads a horse. The horse rears. Matthew calmly soothes it. He preps it for ride and climbs on it, into the night.
INT. AMOS' DORMITORY
Amos watches Matthew leave from his high window.
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
Matthew rides alone at night. He stops to make camp. Matthew settles down by the fire, not daring to close his eyes. He hears a small crack, a footstep. Matthew draws a small dagger from his pouch and stands at attention. A small band of THIEVES emerge from the bush.
THIEF #1
Well, looks like this little piggy's a long way from the farm.
MATTHEW (weary)
I have no money, no food.
THIEF #1
We don't want your money. We want your life.
Thief #1 attacks him. Matthew closes his eyes, inhales, and calmly dodges each swipe. Matthew takes advantage of an opening to trip him headfirst into the fire. Matthew kneels on the ground and the flames consume him. The thief runs into the night, in flames.
THIEF #2
He's a Wizard.
THIEF #3
Let's run.
Matthew watches as the two thieves run. He collapses at his camp. A black energy sludge begins to envelop Matthew. By the time he notices it, he is already bound by it. He struggles against it. His horse panics. MINIONS emerge from the woods.
MINION
We've got you.
An arrow pierces the sky and pins the minion to a tree. AMOS has appeared on horseback, bow drawn.
AMOS
Begone, spirits!
Amos fights them off but they are too many, and they overpower him.
MATTHEW
No!
A minion is about to deal the death blow.
MATTHEW (CONT'D)
At ease!
A bright light pulsates from Matthew, causing the minions to hiss and retreat. Amos looks in awe.
AMOS
My God.
The last of the minions retreat. Amos collects himself. Matthew is already off on his horse.
AMOS (CONT'D)
If I find you again, I'll kill you myself!
INT. DUNGEON
EDGAR enters.
EDGAR
Lunas. This is the last time I can drop in. You're going to have to figure something out. Councilman Amos has hatched a plot; he's seized the council. Ulysses has disappeared- I know he is behind it.
Marian sits despondent.
EDGAR (CONT'D)
You have to realize you are keeping yourself here, Lunas. It is nothing but your own guilt for that boy. This is what you think you deserve. Can't you see that?
Edgar walks out. Marian lifts her head. She starts to laugh.
MARIAN
Oh, that's right. It was all a dream. I've already been restored to my former position.
PRISONER
Lady, are you crazy? We're in the dungeons.
Lunas sits, unbothered.
PRISONER (CONT'D) Crazy broad.
Lunas continues to be still. Many nights and days pass.
INT. DUNGEON - CONTINUOUS
MARIAN sits in meditation. Two guards come in. Drop dish of prison food. It clatters on the floor, spilling most of its contents. They place down a small pitcher of water.
MARIAN
May I have a slice of pie with my supper?
The guards whirl, caught off guard. Then break out in riotous laughter. Guard #1 lifts his helmet and leans over.
GUARD #1
What kind of dungeon do you think this is, Whore?
MARIAN grabs him by the throat, pulls him headfirst into the bars. Guard 1 is down.
GUARD #2
Hey!
Guard 2 draws bow: loose MARIAN blocks it with Guard 1’s helmet. As guard 2 draws again, MARIAN swiftly grabs guard 1’s keys and blocks second shot with opening of cell door. While Guard 2 draws sword, MARIAN picks up used floor arrow and drives it thru Guard 2’s throat. She flies out of the room.
INT. MAIN FLOOR
The guards are minding routine business when they spot Lunas on the main floor. They jump to prepare defenses as one guard sounds the horn. Lunas goes to the floor and sketches out a magic circle.
GUARD #3
DON’T LET HER DRAW HER GUARD!
LUNAS
Magnetics! I call you in the name of the spirit Almighty Earth that has been refined. I bid thee open. Break your locks!
As the Guards rush her, there is in unison a click and swinging open of cell doors as dozens of hardened, dangerous criminals emerge onto the floor.
LIUTENANT #1
Initiate crowd control!
LIUTENANT #2
7 men are down there
LIUTENANT #1
That’s an order!
Tear gas is sprayed as guards on the upper level evacuate. Bodies begin to fall. Lunas leaps off one large inmate, levitating herself further in the air, summoning a gust of wind from within to dispel the tear gas around her, landing on the upper deck. With focused energy, she blasts a hole in the wall.
INT. SECOND SECTION
Lunas bursts through. The guards draw their weapons. Lunas flies directly to the Warden.
WARDEN (Hardened yet resigned)
At ease.
MARIAN Where’s Ulysses?
WARDEN
Not here, nor under any facility I know of.
MARIAN I require an escort.
WARDEN
Kill me now Lunas. I will not help you. You think me so spineless?
MARIAN
As a government official I admit I did. But you’ll stay alive. I’ll have you in mind for future appointments.
EXT. PRISON
A whistle summons her broom to her promptly and Lunas jets off. The Warden and bodyguard trail out the hole made from the blast.
LIUTENANT #3
You let her go.
WARDEN
You don’t take a Wizard like Marian on with state programs. She was underestimated from the start.
EXT. OPEN SKY
Lunas is soaring thru the night sky on her broom.
INT. COUNCIL MEETING ROOM
Amos walks thru the doors. In the council are George Edgar and 2-4 other Councilmembers. Matthew takes his place with the other Squires.
EDGAR
What news Amos? Why are our senior Councilmembers dropping like flies?
AMOS
The darkness is corrupting. I pray for Ulysses and Carol’s safe return. May their souls be pure.
EDGAR
And what of Lunas? She rots in the dungeon as we speak, with no trial date to speak of.
AMOS
Oh the gears of justice are clogged with tar. That is a tale as old as time. In any event she conspired with the Dark Lord Himself.
PERCY
Winning the war now is a matter of decisiveness.
AMOS
Well said, Percy. I agree. Striking now at the heart of their Kingdom while we have them there is our final chance.
EDGAR
Such haste! It’s a death sentence! You might as well send our men to the tar pits!
PAULA
Don’t think us overcautious, Amos. But indeed I too am surprised by this sudden rashness. Until just yesterday our position has been defensive. Why, whence came this change of heart?
AMOS
Any opposition at this point will be taken as proof of the enemy’s occupation of your soul.
EXT. OPEN FIELD
Ulysses kneels, his sword lies lengthwise in front of him. A shadow from the woods approaches at lightning pace. In that very instant Ulysses is turned sword drawn on it.
SHADE
You’re getting weak old man.
ULYSSES
Begone, shadow of deceit.
The shade retreats. DAMIEN appears in a hood.
DAMIEN
I’m wearing you out, oldtimer.
ULYSSES
You may keep my body but you shall never have my mind.
DAMIEN
Not even you are infallible, immortal, or infinite.
ULYSSES
Think again. Among my great arsenal is a well-spring of strength. I use suffering as my source of strength. To have held my position as a leader of others for as long as I have, has come at a cost. I have held the weight no mortal should hold; I have seen the depths of the psyche. Leagues farther than you have dared to venture. I have years on you, boy. Do not think it a weakness.
Damien vanishes.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
Matthew rides wearily. The skyline of the Capitol is visible in the distance. A hooded merchant, TUFER, approaches.
TUFER
You're in need of wares, lad. Rations, weapons, goods for your horse.
MATTHEW
I have no money. Get lost.
TUFER
So crass. I take credit.
Matthew looks at him incredulous.
TUFER (CONT'D)
Heading into the Capitol, are we?
MATTHEW
Perhaps.
TUFER
Aren't you Amos' squire? You're actually a bit famous. Are you going to visit that mother of yours?
MATTHEW
How do I know you're no enemy spy?
Tufer shrugs.
MATTHEW (CONT'D)
I'm deciding. I've got a mother in prison and a girlfriend in hospice care.
TUFER
If it's up to me, son, you gotta think, which one would do it for you?
INT. HOSPICE ROOM
Katie lies on the bed, barely there. A salamander hospice nurse REA takes her vitals and exits. The door opens: It’s Lunas. She enters.
KATIE
Hello.
LUNAS
Forgive me. I thought I might find Matthew here.
Marian turns to exit, but stops herself clearly pained ("force self to make an effort").
KATIE
You’re the famous Wizard.
MARIAN re-enters the room.
Beat.
MARIAN
So. You and my son are
KATIE
Oh, no.
MARIAN
That’s alright I don’t want all the bloody details.
KATIE
He speaks highly of you.
MARIAN
Many do.
Awkward silence. Marian starts as if she’s put in her mandated seconds.
MARIAN (CONT'D)
Well, I sure hope he takes after me.
KATIE
He sure does.
It’s a slap.
MARIAN
Well, not too much I hope.
Marian flies off.
EXT. PRISON
Matthew arrives at the prison. He sees that it is in shambles. He takes cover, and overhears two guards talking.
GUARD #1
She completely overpowered us.
GUARD #2
The Wardens locked up in his quarters, probably drinking again...
Matthew's eyes widen.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
Matthew finds a quiet place to sit. He calms his breath. He takes out DEUS' RING. He sets on on the ground.
MATTHEW
Deus, I summon you.
Matthew makes a motion. Nothing happens. He does it twice more. The portal opens, DEUS steps through.
DEUS
What took you so long, coz? I was starting to think you hadn't learned anything.
EXT. BATTLEFIELD
Amos is mounting a large-scale offense on Aragon, with himself as General.
EXT. CAMPSITE - DAY
Lunas is at basecamp with GEORGE EDGAR, and some other allies. Matthew enters the tent with DEUS.
LUNAS
Matthew, Good God. What are you doing here?
MATTHEW
I can help. I’ve trained in the Magic Arts. I can help fight the War.
LUNAS
You mean you had the option to return home and you didn’t take it? Don’t you know how much trouble you’ve already caused?
MATTHEW
But Lunas puts up a hand to silence him.
LUNAS Deus, you allowed this?
Deus shrugs.
DEUS
It seemed right to me.
LUNAS
This is ludicrous. I’m sending you home now.
Lunas takes out a spell book.
MATTHEW
Mom, don’t do it. I came all this way.
LUNAS
Yes, I should have never taken you here. I should have known it would come to this.
MATTHEW Mom, don’t!
Lunas casts a spell, sending Matthew back.
INT. HOME
Matthew tumbles into the dining room. His family, Roger, Cynthia, Anna, Loren and Cece are saying grace.
ALL
Matthew!
Matthew nurses his head.
MATTHEW Ow.
ROGER
Kids, clear the table. We’ve got an unexpected visitor.
CYNTHIA
And where were you all this time? If I didn’t know better I’d be worried sick!
ROGER
Luckily we did know better. Uncle Jimmy told us everything.
Matthew rubs his head and looks around the room.
CECE
Is he dead?
ANNA
No dummy he’s looking right at you.
LOREN
He could be a ghost. Anything’s possible in the Magic World.
Matthew comes to his senses.
MATTHEW
I have to go.
ANNA
You just got here?
CYNTHIA
She’s right, Matthew. Where do you have to go?
MATTHEW
I have to get back to the Shadow Realm.
LOREN
Ooh.
ROGER
Absolutely not. I mean, anything could have happened to you. You’re lucky to be alive. And, let’s just say Lunas is not a 5-star babysitter.
MATTHEW
Dad, there’s a war going on.
CECE
I don’t care about no stinkin’ war! Go to your room young man!
Everyone looks at her in shock.
INT. MATTHEW’S ROOM
Matthew sits on the side of his bed. There is a tap on the window: it’s uncle Jimmy.
EXT. OPEN SKY
Matthew and Jimmy ride through the night sky.
MATTHEW
I just don’t get it. Why would I learn all this stuff just to not be able to help at all?
JIMMY
Well, your mother is very temperamental. And believe it or not, she has a lot of guilt.
MATTHEW
Yeah right.
JIMMY
No it’s true. And she deals with it by pushing you away.
Matthew’s eyes begin to water.
MATTHEW
How can I believe that?
JIMMY
Believe it, son. It’s the truth. At the end of the day, she is guilty for failing as a mother. And the more guilty she feels, the more she pushes you away. Don’t forget, she also has a very important role to play. If it wasn’t for her, the spiritual realm would fall apart.
MATTHEW
And I suppose I get in the way of that.
JIMMY
No. You can’t think like that. It’s not you, it’s the guilt she feels that gets in the way. I don’t know what the way forward is; that’s for you to find out. But I do know it takes two to tango.
Jimmy drops Matthew off at the front of his house.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
I swore your mother I would never give you this. But I’m overriding her on this one.
Jimmy hands Matthew a vial. Matthew looks at it in awe.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
You look like you already know what to do with this.
Matthew looks up at him.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Now you don’t have to use it. It’s just an option. But there’s a certain point when you have to stop licking your wounds and take matters into your own hands. This is your fight too.
Jimmy speeds off on his broom.
INT. MARIAN’S STUDY
Matthew weighs the vial in his hand. He breaks it just as a 5-face tornado whirls into the room.
CYNTHIA
Matthew, tell me you’re not going back.
ANNA
Was that Uncle Jimmy?
MATTHEW
Wait! Wait wait wait!
CECE
Are we going to magic land?
ROGER
Hold your breath, girls.
LOREN
Finally! My chance to fulfill my destiny as a sorcerer of evil! Muahaha!
EXT.
SHADOW
REALM - MAIN CASTLE
Matthew, Roger, CYNTHIA, Anna, Loren, and Cece stand in the shadow realm. Matthew lands on his feet while the other 5 fall out of shrubs, trees, or lakes.
ROGER
Well, this is a fine how-do-you-do.
CECE
Daddy, daddy look!
Cece has produced some sort of glowing fruit.
CYNTHIA
Don’t touch anything honey.
CYNTHIA storms over to Matthew.
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
Matthew, what is this place? I think my sinuses are acting up.
MATTHEW
We’re in the shadow realm, Cynthia.
ROGER
The Shadow Realm? Oh that’s just great! Will we be back in time for the Philly's game?
Just then, they are surrounded by knights with spears.
KNIGHT
State your business!
ROGER
Matthew, tell them we come in peace!
LOREN
I’m not afraid of you! Do your worst!
Anna pulls her sister back. Matthew steps up.
MATTHEW
I am the Squire of Lunas Marian. These are my accomplices.
CYNTHIA
(Desperate, terrified) Yes, yes! Lunas! We’re with Lunas!
Knight puts his lance down.
KNIGHT
Can you produce some identification?
Matthew produces some papers, stating his identity.
Knight eyes the family members.
KNIGHT (CONT'D)
And these are who?
MATTHEW
They’re with me. I’m ordered to bring them to Lunas unharmed.
ROGER
Yes! Unharmed!
CYNTHIA
Ideally unharmed!
The Knight puts down his lance, the rest of the guard follows suit.
KNIGHT
Well, in these times, you can never be too careful. Lunas is mounting a defense as we speak. I shall escort you. Come.
OPEN FIELD - LATER
The family is getting an escort. Roger and Cece on one horse, CYNTHIA and Loren on one horse, Anna on one horse, Matthew on one horse.
EXT. BASECAMP
Lunas emerges from the tent, along with Edgar, Luther, and others. They look on the accumulation of dark clouds on the horizon.
LUTHER
If Ulysses doesn't come-
LUNAS
He'll come.
Luther holds his tongue. Lunas looks at her rag-tag army.
LUTHER
You all understand the assignment.
KEVLAR
It's a suicide mission.
LUTHER
Just like a mercenary. All who swore oaths to lay down your lives, on me!
EXT. MOUNTAINS
The small army rides, gaining view of the massive battalion marching on Aragon. In the center of the army, like the eye of the storm, is an energy forcefield.
LUNAS
If I know Amos, that's him.
LUTHER
Wait till we break through the front lines, then we'll take him.
LUNAS
Not on my life.
Lunas' broom swoops in, she hops on it. Her horse veers off.
EXT. BATTLEFIELD
Lunas glides through the warzone, deflecting a barrage of attacks.
EXT. BASECAMP
Matthew, his family, and the outfit of knights arrive at basecamp. Only Kevlar and his friends are there by an oil drum fire.
SIR STRATFORD
Is this what remains of Marian's army?
Kevlar and his friends laugh. Matthew dismounts and enters Marian's tent.
INT. MARIAN'S TENT
Deus sits in meditation.
MATTHEW
Deus, what are you doing here?
Deus opens his eyes.
DEUS
Waiting for you I guess.
MATTHEW
Don't you know the battle's afoot already?
DEUS
Shh. You speak like one determined to lose.
MATTHEW
Are you scared?
Deus laughs.
DEUS
Why, yes! It's like a color in a great painting. But Matthew, don't you know by now the real battle is lost and won in the mind?
Deus gets up.
DEUS (CONT'D)
Now it is time.
EXT. BASECAMP
Matthew exits the tent with Deus. Cece warms her hands by the fire. Lydia pulls her back.
MATTHEW
The army has departed already!
KEVLAR
They rode headfirst into death. They're mad I tell you.
MATTHEW
Courage looks like madness to fools. Which way?
KEVLAR
You think I'll take orders from you?
Matthew draws. Kevlar draws. Matthew disarms him, his sword sticking to the ground. Matthew draws his guard.
MATTHEW
Show us the way, mercenary.
CYNTHIA
Oh my.
ROGER
Maybe we should've used more positive reinforcement. You're doing great, son!
EXT. WOODS OUTSIDE BATTLEFIELD
They see the massive armies descending on each other in the field. Matthew rides up to Roger.
MATTHEW
You'll be safe with them.
ROGER
Matthew, what's going on? You're going into that war?
MATTHEW
I must.
ROGER
Matthew. Tis is Lunas' stuff. You don't have to get involved in this.
MATTHEW
There comes a time in every man's life when he has to make his own destiny.
Deus rears. They're off.
EXT. BATTLEFIELD
Lunas enters the energy forcefield. Amos enters from the opposite side.
AMOS
I loved you Lunas. Proof of that rests in the child we both created you never told me about. Well, you’ve forced me into this. Now I’ll have to kill you both.
Amos clashes his hammers together.
They clash here. Lunas shoots up into the sky. Amos follows her. Amos levels a blast at her. It takes her into the sky, past the clouds. As Amos falls back to Earth, Lunas descends from the clouds onto him as he recharges his weapon. Lunas dodges the second blast and, with her cane, takes him down by the neck, crashing into the earth with an epic explosion of dust.
EXT. LANDSCAPE
Meanwhile, Matthew speeds across an open field on a horse with Deus at the helm.
EXT. THE CLIFFS
Deus reigns the horse, and lets Matthew hop off.
DEUS
This is your stop coz.
MATTHEW
You’re not coming?
DEUS
I’m afraid my business is on the battlefield. Till we meet again.
Deus is off.
EXT. BATTLEFIELD
As the Army marches on the city, Deus descends, instantly wiping out scores of them. He singlehandedly takes on the entire armed forces.
EXT. CLIFFS
Matthew climbs the cliff, seeing his two parents locked in combat above. LUTHER leaps out from the brush.
LUTHER
Matthew, glad you could join the fray.
MATTHEW
Luther!
LUTHER
Your mother has things handled here. But your job will be with me.
EXT. CLIFFTOP
LUTHER
You can summon Lunas' Spirit Beast. You must use it now to aid her. But remember Newton's 2nd Law: every action has an equal opposite reaction.
Matthew sits in meditation. Luther stands patiently guarding him.
What if--
MATTHEW
LUTHER
What if? There's no 'what if' Matthew. Haven't you learned anything? We're depending on you.
Matthew sits.
LUTHER (CONT'D)
Calmly. Breathe.
EXT. BATTLEFIELD
Matthew summons a giant energy beast. It draws Lunas' attention before she is taken back into battle.
EXT. ARAGON CAMP - CONTINUOUS
DAMIEN
It's Lunas' Energy Beast.
OSIRIS
It's not her. I sense a great subconscious fear. It's delicious. Let 'er rip.
EXT. BATTLEFIELD - CONTINUOUS
Lunas' spirit beast clashes with a great dark spirit.
INT. SEA DEPTHS - CONTINUOUS
Matthew drops into the middle of a murky, dark sea. On the surface, it storms biblically but it's only a faint echo here. TWO MASSIVE EYES open in front of Matthew, revealing a great beast the size of the Chrysler Building.
Fear seizes Matthew, but he can breathe here. He steels himself. He stares the beast down as it shrieks in his face. Then, after a minute, it retreats further into the depths.
EXT. BATTLEFIELD - CONTINUOUS
Matthew opens his eyes. Matthew's Spirit Beast has easily overcome its rival.
EXT. MOUNTAINS
Hellspawn, a giant molten energy monster, paces towards the Senate building. All standing in his way is Ulysses: cloaked, armed only with a simple staff. He stands, not particularly attached.
Ulysses focuses on the beast. Does not waste any words. Within an instant, he speeds off, circling the giant monster while rising up, and dealing a blow to the head, causing it to stumble back.
EXT. MOUNTAINS
Ulysses has defeated Hellspawn. His form disappears, revealing only a small body: his son. Ulysses puts a hand on his face.
ULYSSES
Rest now, my only son.
INT. HOSPICE ROOM
Rea is attending to Katie. The energy virus has subsided greatly. Matthew enters. He wears a coat.
MATTHEW
How is she?
REA
She's doing much better. She's ready to make the transition back to the earth realm.
Rea leaves. Matthew draws a portal, picks up Katie's body, and walks them both through it.
INT. BLANK SPACE
Matthew and Katie are floating in a black space. Katie blinks open.
KATIE
Matthew?
Hey.
MATTHEW
KATIE
What happened? I feel so different.
MATTHEW
You were taken to the Spirit Realm. You're fine now.
KATIE
What happened to you? You look different.
MATTHEW
I can't even begin to tell you.
KATIE
What happens now?
A light appears behind her.
MATTHEW
You're gonna go back.
KATIE Alone?
MATTHEW Yeah.
KATIE
And what about us?
MATTHEW
I'm letting you go.
Katie dematerializes into light and then vanishes.
INT. DINNER TABLE - EVENING
It is starting to snow. Matthew is sitting down at the table with his family. MARILYN is sitting next to Matthew. Cece is pulling her hair. A knock at the door.
MATTHEW
I'll get it.
Matthew gets up, goes to the door. Opens it - it's LUNAS.
ROGER Who is it?
MATTHEW
Just a sec!
Matthew steps outside.
LUNAS
I know this is quite a shock.
MATTHEW
No, well it wouldn't be the first.
LUNAS
I just wanted to thank you. For everything. And well-
Pause. Matthew leans in slightly.
LUNAS (CONT'D) -to apologize.
Matthew bear hugs her. She is taken off-guard.
MATTHEW
Thank you mom.
Matthew releases her. She awkwardly collects herself.
LUNAS
Well. Very well.
MATTHEW
Why don't you come in?
LUNAS
Oh, no. I can't I'm needed elsewhere.
MATTHEW
It'll just take a second-
Matthew turns to gesture to the door, but when he turns backshe's gone.
INT. ULYSSES’ OFFICE
Marian, Luther, and Ulysses meet in his office.
ULYSSES
The dark forces won't stay at bay forever, but we've given them a match they're not like to forget.
MARIAN
And what of your son?
ULYSSES
He'll be free to do as he pleases. His punishment has already been dealt.
LUTHER
I'm afraid the boy had fallen into influences that brought out the worst in him.
ULYSSES
Yes.
Ulysses leans back in his chair.
ULYSSES (CONT'D)
I suppose I must take some of the blame.
EXT. MOUNTAIN RANGE - SUNNY, BEAUTIFUL DAY
Ulysses takes a walk. Jazz music plays.
EXT. CLIFF
End credits CYNTHIA plays guitar on the cliffs.