Soulbound Ep.1 and 2 Script - Prophecy of the Past/An Unexpected Ally

Soulbound

Episode one - Into the Wadjit?

5/16/2017

Prologue: (NARRATOR)

Scene One -

(Kitten Vy running down to the woods, laughing. Hears the sound of a creature (creepy whistling sound) and walks towards the sound, giggling. Goes into the woods, (falls silent) eye blinks behind her, it begins growling, ready to pounce. (calls for Vy in the background of this) Vy turns around, looks right into the eye. (snap) Her mother finds her (whispers “Vy!”), sees the eye and runs in front of her just as the monster bites at her, and takes the compass off. The monster flinches and moves back a step when it sees her necklace (important object!!). Vy sees a colorful flower a couple feet behind her and walks over smiling; the monster crouches, about to lunge (won’t get her mother because she is holding the compass) “EMBER!” her mother shrieks, she looks up and sees her mother hurtling the compass at her, it flies far over her head and she scampers over to get it from the forest behind a patch of bushes (it’s shiny). Right as she picks it up her mother screams (she dun got eaten up!) and Vy emerges into the cove to see blood everywhere (screen goes black to the sound of her saying “Mommy?”)

Introduction -

Don’t give away the characters!!

Scene Two -

A small crowd outside muttering to each other (“I thought she was supposed to be at the assembly by now?” “Apparently she has more important obligations. Something’s going on in that head of hers and I have a feeling we’re all going to know very soon. Let’s get going. I want to witness this first hand. The chief’ll be the devil before nightfall if she doesn’t make it.)

Vy in the library -

Vy - “May I request a book please?’’

Librarian - “MMmmm yeuz, ah, what kind of book princess?” Vy - “Any available literature on the history of our tribe”.

Librarian - (adjusts his spectacles and looks at her) “What a queer choice for one your age. You’re in luck. The last time someone checked out that book was ohhh (pause for effect), forever and a day ago I’d reckon. Do me a favor and just have a look around and tell me the dustiest book you find m’kay?” (librarian logs her order)

(skips to her father)

Topaz - My people, the time has come. (people quieting down) It has been tradition for the last five hundred years that the first born son of every chief receive, as their inheritance, chiefdom, the greatest honor for any man. (pause) My wife, Zara, died before such a tradition could hope to be kept in our generation. But a woman walks amongst us who I believe is just as prepared as any spirited lad I could’ve raised, due to my tutelage and the strong will and determination of her mother.

Skips back to Vy. Hears the bell toll (signaling the assembly beginning, *Gasp*! “Oh no..! I uh.. I’m sorry i got to leave! (grabs things quickly) *runs out door* “Imlateimlate!!”

Topaz - Our tribe has survived on the backs of brave leaders, leaders who have sacrificed everything in them for the good of our people. Yet, what fate awaits us if my daughter becomes chief? Some may doubt her. But I do not.

Skips back to Vy (close-up of her feet - running - ) - while she is running Topaz is saying this. [“She was born a strong willed child, with very bizarre habits, (congregation chuckles) but the will to improve nonetheless. She will not fail us. ]

Topaz - (takes off the compass) It is with great pride that I wore this compass, a pride I know my wife carried with her when she wore it. It is time for a new leader to find purpose in carrying this heirloom, passed down from generation to generation and the most valuable possession I could bestow upon her.

(Vy walks outside the doors where her father is talking to villagers, slams open the door and it echoes, keeps making lots of noise when they close)

Vy - shhhh!! (looking at door - her book tumbles out of her arms - looks all dishevelled) (looks up at her dad - disappointed with her) *clears her throat*

Guy from Scene 1 - Well that’s the first. No ceremonial attire. How.. bizarre. (crowd around them laughs - her dad flushes with anger {make him snarl…?} )

(Vy walks down the aisle)

Topaz - (through gritted teeth) A more worthy individual for this compass does not exist, and she will fulfill all expectations. I now present my daughter, Vy, the new chieftess and compass safekeeper! (people cheering - many exaggerated claps)

Vy - (she is supposed to give her inauguration speech) standing in front of the assembly-staring at the compass in her hands -flashback to her mother’s screaming “EMBER!”) I - I can’t (whisper). (crowd begins muttering)

Topaz - (stands up and scolds) Vy…?!

(cuts him off)

Vy - NO! I - (sigh) I’m so sorry. (uproar from the crowd - she runs all the way to the door, yanks it open and as she closes it sees her dad - expression is deadly {supposed to inflict fear just by his silence - means that he is beyond enraged} )

Closeup of Topaz face

Scene three -

Vy goes for a walk, {huffs - kicks a rock - “OW!”} then goes home and up to her room.

Topaz - (standing in her room looking out the window in the middle of the room - halfmoon showing - turns around) (very angry)

Vy - Father (long pause). You must forgive me, I am not ready! (she says it desperately)

Topaz - I have a duty to my people to ensure their safety. Your actions were unacceptable! You are asking me to forsake any ounce of pride I have, refusing to elect my own kin as my predecessor! You cannot expect me to respect your opinion when you decide the fate of thousands under five seconds of pressure. Your rash decisions reveal how truly childish you are. This compass should be accepted with gratitude! (throws it at her - hits the floor hard) You would think, with all these books you waste time reading you might be wiser, but NO! You are a disgrace to my name.

Vy - (laughing without humor) Not an hour ago you were standing before a mass of dependable people preaching on my behalf. You told them yourself, you believe in my capabilities!!

Topaz - (growling) IT WAS A LIE! You are no more fit to take on my position than you are in excusing your poor judgements! You will separate this tribe just like you separated our family!!

Vy - (looks to his face appalled, pauses as she realizes what he implied) that’s what you believe? You think it’s my fault mom died?! That my ..poor judgements… AS A TODDLER would forever define the quality of my choices?!

Topaz - You want me to say it!? FINE! IT’S BECAUSE OF YOU YOUR MOM IS DEAD, BECAUSE OF YOU I HAVE NO SON WORTHY OF MY TITLE, AND BECAUSE OF YOU OUR TRIBE WILL PERISH!

Vy - (FLINCH)

Topaz - (mockingly) OH CRY ME A RIVER! Maybe then you’ll finally have done our people some good. While we’re waiting for the waterworks to turn up, why don’t you go fill the water-pail like you are supposed to unless that is also too difficult for you to manage?!

(chucks bucket at her)

(ember runs out of the room, re JECTED!!!!)

Topaz - (defeatedly sigh)

I WILL REMEMBER IT (Music goes quiet after Topaz chucks the bucket.. His sigh is the only sound you hear. His sigh blends into Vy’s sigh on the next scene. Her’s is leaning towards exasperation.)

(Vy running down to the well, carrying a bucket and bookbag)

Vy - (defeated sigh)

Walks down to the well, drops bucket down with rope

Vy - (Mockingly) Oh Vy, you´re such a failure! Get your nose out of those books and help the village! You have a duty as next chief, Vy! Why don't you be more like your Mother?

Vy - (ties rope to end of well and sits down with her book)

Narrator (Vy): Long ago, there existed a land ruled by living nightmares, and animals who were powerless against them. Out of the tears and blood of their ancestors there rose from the ground a new generation, consumed by rage. In fear, both of their impending doom devoured by the beasts that haunted the night stalking with the silence of the wind, and the wailing screams, they cowered, waiting for their turn they watched as everyone they ever loved was slaughtered, the echoing plead for mercy the last sound to tumble from the lips of mothers, children, and old ones alike. Ones who deserved to breathe long into the century were cut short, extinguished like a flame by the creatures which roamed the pitch forests.

Order was no longer a choice to be made. It was decided that four great Lords would rule the kingdom and presented with power over the creatures, would protect the defenseless and restore peace and harmony to all. And on the day they were crowned, a title was given to each who swore upon the oath of Natural Law, to guard both the beasts and tribes of the kingdom with their souls as with all the power bestowed upon them and they became known as the four Elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.

Encased in crystal orbs their elemental cores were hidden, and it was for many years after. Years filled with celebration, of thanks to the Great Lords whose spirits breathed life back into the ground. Plants burst from the soil, reaching joyous hands to the sky in gratitude for all they had provided them. Rivers flowed with dancing energy, crashing over stones and boulders with the ferocity of a thousand years of repressed glee unleashed in one burst from the mountains.

Until, legend says, in the days when the river grew tired, and it no longer capered down into the valley, but crawled in a pathetic heap into the village wells and drinking lakes of the winged creatures. Even the flowers grew nervous. Dry spells evolved to droughts, and all life grew desperate. Where was the spirit whose duty it was to fill the land with an abundance of water?

So it goes, when all life began withering, a brave soul rose to the challenge. It set out, trekking across the forbidden land to capture the missing orb and save it’s people. Seven weeks passed. No one returned…

Since then the land grew ever dryer, and wells were dug deeper. All lay waiting for the day when the last drop was burned up and claimed by the sun, the day the prophecy would be fulfilled. That one day someone would restore the land to its former glory, and all would live in the flourishing kingdom.

(bucket clinks on bottom, Vy snaps from her thoughts, surprised.)

(Quickly pulls up bucket, gasps)

Vy - What?

(grabs a small pebble and drops it in, listens to hear a ¨splash¨ but instead hears a clatter)

Vy - (whispers to herself) The well is dry!!!!…… :O

Scene Four

Vy goes back into the village (running without the bucket) and reaches the House of Viko.

Person 1: But my neighbor lit my roof on fire ten years ago and..

Viko: Ok… We’ll check it out, see if he’s “conspiring” to spoil your cabbage patch. NEXT!

Person 2: *slams gross thing on table*

Viko: AGAIN.?

Person 2: I swear that critter keeps coming back and puking on my law-

Vy - (gasping for breath) May I speak to you.

Viko - That’s what I get paid for.

Vy - Privately.

Viko looks up at her, and the scene cuts to black, or transitions really well into them talking in a different room.. Ember has just told him about how she found the well etc. Viko - I will speak to the chief ( starts to leave hurriedly) Thank you for bringing this information to me.

Vy: But..

Viko: (sigh) I do suggest you stay out of this. Your father, he can only handle so much at a time. I will tell you everything I am able tomorrow (ushers her out). (in the town hall) Topaz - It’s not news to any of us that the drought has worsened. We’ve rationed water for decades… but that isn’t enough anymore. Our well is dry. ((OUTCRIES FROM CROWD)). I have sent men out to determine soil moisture in other parts of the village again, in case we missed any possible water sources and another well will be dug if we are able to find one, however my feedback has been anything but positive. If we cannot find one within two weeks we will be forced to evacuate. We will have to relocate … into the Wadjit((GASPS FROM THE CROWD)). We must prepare ourselves for the worst if our plan does not work. As soon as we set up camp in the forest I will assemble and dispatch a small group, led by my most trusted second-in-command, to go search for the missing orb. Under my leadership, as Vy has neglected her duty, we won’t go down without a fight! - Vy creeps up and listens to the discussion. Vy (thinking) - There isn’t any more water left in the village and he knows it. We should be looking for the orb immediately!

Vy witnesses the Viko slipping out of the town hall; he walks over into the alley opposite the hall and she sees him conversing with another gentleman - their voices drift over and she hears them saying:

Person 1 - Did you get the compass?

Viko - I told you before, that’s the last resort. No, I spoke with Topaz and convinced him to elect me as captain of the search party.

Person 1: Wow, that simplifies things. (pauses) .. (asks eagerly): When are we going to get it?

Viko : Three weeks from now, but what does that matter? I’d wait fifty for all the money it’s worth. Plus that gives me time to strike a deal with (name); last I spoke to him he was willing to pay up to six figures.

Person 2: Ha. No more dealing with the pathetic problems of these people’s lives (nods towards town hall). Once we split the proceeds we’ll be set for life!

..

Vy - (begins breathing fearfully - becomes resolute: she is going to go herself. NOW!) Vy decides to to go herself (to prove to her father she is good enough) Intense packing scene (grabbing stuff, as she hurriedly packs essentials, she spots the compass her father flung at her and picks it up, - brings it closer to her face peering at it - dramatic music stops suddenly -

Vy - (shakes it - “that’s not north..” - dangles it in the air and says) “I think he broke it” (make it sound funny) (shakes her head) Mocks in a crazy voice (HU PRETHUS HEIRRLOOOOM!!!!)

(Puts it on it on. (the necklace leads her to the gem and stuff) She runs out the door flinging on a her cowl and running off into the dusk, to the woods. As she reaches the line of the woods and the tribe, she pauses, (music stops for dramatic effect) and sprints into the woods.

As she travels through the woods first couple minutes, make her look like she knows what she is doing, Vy - (happy and confident) I got this! All I gotta do is find the orb, find the water element, use my sick intelligence skills, and make my dad see I am the bravest AHHHHH! (screaming at bugs, running into trees, tripping down, falling etc) Comes into a clearing Vy (sighs) After some exhaustion she finally decides to sleep right where she landed, make sure the noise the monster makes adds right after she falls asleep (in the distance)

Scene Five -

Wakes up to a spider on her face, screams, etc. When she walks out into the forest it goes silent, she keeps walking slowly. Small flashes appear by the camera angle (aka something's watching her) maybe since she’s stupid she calls Vy - “Hello?” The monster growls very close to her, Vy - “What’s that smell? Yeuck…” Twig snaps. Silent for several seconds. She looks behind her - hears the whistling again - like before her mom died , slow motion breath released as she remembers and becomes scared - (the top eye is hypersensitive and noticed her breath). BAM it starts charging towards her (intense music and grasses/trees crashing and snapping) - make it sound like it is moving as fast as it can to catch her (ROARS). Vy - ! She begins running away (sharp turns and skidding, trips over her bag?? it's contents spill out behind her, she looks back towards the monster - it jumps to pounce at her (she runs underneath it) - viewers see a flash of green - the monster- she runs away “SWEET MOTHER OF EARTH , HELP ME” (she sees light spilling through part of the trees = opening) stops abruptly when a flash of light hits her face, looks to the left and sees the trees thin out (indicating there is a cove). She doesn’t know what’s out there, so if it is empty she is an easy target for the monster and will be dead within seconds without the trees to hide in, but if there is shelter out there………

Vy - (thinking) A COVE! Agility versus speed.... I’ll be an easy target out in the open, but if there is something out there to hide me … ha like a pond! Oh wait.. The drought… ummmm maybe a rock but I mean how am I supposed to hide under THAT, I’m not a pillbug or something. (remembers the monster)… SCREAMS!

Vy veers right and heads towards the cove.

The monster is a hair's breadth behind her (make its sound really loud) she crashes through the last trees and tumbles down a small hill. Hits her head on the ground

Vy - OW!!

Gets up rubbing her head, looks up when she hears the crackpot’s muffled laughter. Sees the bar.

Roar!!!

Vy - AHHHH!!!!!

Charges toward the bar, slams the door. Bar goes quiet and everyone looks at her. Disheveled, she walks slowly up to the counter. Crackpot helium dude - Heeeeeeeyy (dragssss) BARD (bird)! I want cher chicken leg, n put summa dat lovly gravy on it, kay corn?

Stares at her …………… she peers at him weirded out… his face comes closer slowly

Crachpot helium dude - BARD! (Starts cackling)

Vy - gasps

Vy walks away from the weirdo crackpot.

The following people silence as she walks past them. (Noise gradually grows quieter)

Guy from a group of people - and I looked at him and I says to him (weird sniff) “I’m going to feed on your bones!” (creeeeeepy)

Other - countdown! Five, four, three…

Other - Four highballs over here BT!

Other - the floorz spinninnn! Ima gonna stop it! (Friends looks at her and growls)

Other - crazy laughing!

She sits down at the counter (optic is beside her sitting on the counter, except he’s wearing a hood - he gets up and moves down two seats - one seat between them)

Bartender - what’ll ya have?

Vy - (hoarsely) ummm, a glass of water please?

Uproar of laughter.

Bartender - What year are you from? (roughly) When is the last time you’ve seen a nice glass of water? And besides, what's a little scrap like you doing out here so far? And alone?

(Others mock her, laughs in the background)

Monster 1 - Naw, they must be feeding her real good where she’s from. There ain’t a visible bone on that body.

Monsters all chuckle in the background and begin crowding around her…

Monster 2 - I bet you she’s still got some water in her body as we speak… and I’m mighty thirsty (purrs evily)

One monster lands on the bar in front of her.

Optic has a moral code, therefore he must aid her escape otherwise he shall forever live in regret. :P

Optic - (loudly) “Well since you asked so nicely…” (quickly to Vy - *whispers* Duck!)

Crackpot - BARD??? WHERE?!?! (half second shot)

Monster 2 looks up at Optic - Optic points the beer hose at him and fires - beer sprays everywhere (this apparently burns very badly???)

Optic shoves Vy SUPER HARD - she crashes to the ground as he goes sprinting ahead. Stops. Looks back at her.

Optic - “Well look what we have here! A literal pushover!” - rolls his eyes as she scrambles up amidst the chaos - they sprint out of the bar (The sound of drinks spilling whilst they are just racing out of the door) - Door SLAMS open and breaks; they bolt down in THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION VY CAME THRU IN, AKA AWAYYYY FROM THE VILLAGE) and bOOk it out of the cove, quickly sliding behind a nearby fallen tree.

PEOPLE RUNNING INTO EACHOTHER AS THEY GET UP IN HASTE, COMPLETE AND UTTER CHAOS >;) The crackpot is the first to come out.

Crackpot: BARD!!? (sing-song voice aka dreamily - pause in sound.. WHAM - he gets trampled by the other big monsters.)

Monster 1: “Well la dee da! Optic has gone all greedy on us eh guys?? Come on ol’ buddy, sharing is caring! (mocking) (followed by peals of laughter) [Vy learns his name.]

(Muffled shouts and laughter heading off into the distance)

Vy: releasing the breath she held in, glances behind her and…

Vy: !!!!

(optic is GoNENENENnenennNENENE) She sees him running away from her.

Vy - “Hey, wait..!”

She scrambles up and races after him. They begin running down a bluff and she trips and crashes onto him (appears as if she was really fast and was able to stop him by attacking him from the back) _ he looks at her like WTC????? HOW??!??! During the course off the fall his hood fell back and when he looks at her (*cool shot*

Optic - (staring up the hill in mild confusion) ….How on earth did you catch up so fa-

Vy - Where are you going?

Optic - (pushes her away and brushes himself off) Oh (gasps in mock shock) you thought I was running away? Come come now, since when has fleeing from a person like they have a bad case of lice been classified as ditching someone? No no no! I was trying to set an example!

Vy looks at him in bewilderment…. Optic turns her around and begins walking her forwards.

Optic - (with false good-naturedness) See, I was showing you how to appropriately respond to a group of monsters gathering around you like someone just rang the dinner bell. It’s REAL simple. You just start running … and don’t look back! Now go on! Let’s see you try.

Vy turns around with a glare

Vy - I was just wondering why you were nice to me!

Optic - (to an imaginary crowd of people) Look what we have here! A genuine (pronounce genuwine) peasant! I mean, I knew these things were unaware of proper social conventions, but to withhold even a simple thank you from their SAVIOR.. That’s just shameful. I’ll let you in on a little secret okay..

Optic leans in really close to her face .. she leans her head back away from him slowly.

Optic - “I DON’T DO (scathingly) (his emotion slips back into false kindness) especially for ungrateful little children, (scathingly) NICE.” (abruptly turns around and walks off)

Vy - (Scrambles to keep up his rather fast pace)

Optic - *annoyed sigh when he realizes she is following him* “My WORD. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse! Have you ever heard the term personal space? BACK OFF DUCKY!

*stops in her tracks, offended*

Vy - Come on. Optic, I really

He catches a glimpse of her compass and gasps. Vy pauses…

Vy - I heard one of the guys back there call you.. (sees him looking at her in supreme shock) ..(amusedly) What, are you afraid the sad little scared “ducky” is actually a psychic?.. (still looking at her in shock… short pause..) WHAT?! (frustrated)

Optic - “Where did you get that?” (says in wonder)

They look at each other for a long moment. Optic looks to the side; inhales deeply - he smells the monster.

Scene Six -

Vy - “.. What? The smell? It’s not like I was planning on running half a marathon, otherwise I’d have put on some -- ”

- Optic shushes her and listens ) because he follows his question up with a deep sniff - so she might think he was talking about how she smelled

Optic - (eyes unfocused, still causiously smelling the air, ears alert)

Vy - (more silence,) (looks behind her) Seriously, what are you staring at?”

Optic - (turns his attention back to her, voice lower) (laughingly) “Wow, you really lucked out in the goods department didn’t you? Don’t you smell that?”

Vy - (huffs irritated, walks toward where Optic was looking)

Vy looks at him slightly hurt, then in the direction he is staring. Inhales lightly.. “Smell what?” she asks. She sniffs the air loudly …. Looks over at him..

Optic - looks from her to the direction of the smell. Sighs. (to himself, exhaustedly) “Curse my morals. Of course she has to be completely helpless… (to her): Alright, LET’S GO. I’d like to keep witnessing a death first-hand off my to-do list at least until we get to a cliff so I can say it was an accident.”

Vy begins walking back up the hill.

Optic - “Yes - why take the road to safety when you could take the detour and let it kill you. It’s this way ducky.”

Vy walks up and grabs something he dropped (if you still want him to be working for someone, maybe this object is indicative of it) and returns holding it our for him.

Optic takes the (object) and stares at her for a second, then Vy smelling the air suddenly says - “Eeh (repulsed) not that smell (remembers she smelled that in the woods recently)...”

Optic - “what? You can smell it now?” realizes it must have gotten closer if she can smell it now.

Optic - Run for the hills! (urgently) (as an afterthought) Not those ones (briefly motioning to the one they fell down)

He begins running towards the woods, she looks back and stares into the distance- sees a foggy outline of the monster - Optic psts her and nods his head forwards, she comes running toward him, still keeping an eye behind her - when she catches up to him -

Optic - Although I completely encourage you to reconsider this bizarre form of imprinting, I think it’s in your best interest to listen to me for right now. We’ll talk about this follow the leader issue later.

SCENE CUT

CLIP OF THEM RUNNING THROUGH THE FOREST. Show the sun moving slightly to show time has passed, then THE FOOT OF THE MONSTER STEPS WHERE THEY WERE STANDING (SO IT SHOWS THAT IT'S FOLLOWING THEM)

Scene Seven -

SKIPS TO A NIGHT SCENE - A CAMPFIRE IS LIT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SET, OPTIC ONE ONE SIDE AND VY ON THE OTHER.

Vy - So.. Your family must be worried about you. (silence) My dad probably isn’t, not yet at least…. (looks around thoughtfully).. I wish my dad would’ve taught me to build a fire like this - if I didn’t know any better, I’d guess the fire element decided to get married and go the whole nine yards. (she starts laughing)

He glares at her and her laugh becomes strained. She clears her throat.

Vy - .. Well...since we’ve established your color and firebug-like skills have absolutely nothing to do with your bloodline,(kindly) who are your parents? (he stares at her for a long time)

Vy - (softly) oh……. (kindly) My mom …

He looks at her.

Optic - (harshly) Also suffer from acute thoughtlessness? Too bad my dad wasn’t there to teach her to build a fire so she could burn the stupidity out of her DNA. Man wouldn’t you have turned out different. That would’ve solved at least one of the problems I’m having right now. (referring to her)

Vy - .. died.. (resignedly)

Optic - … (silence for a long time, he pokes at the fire and glances at her several times - she is looking to the side. He sighs quietly and takes a deep breath to get a grip and says:) “So, that compass is really old. (pause for effect) Did you steal it?”

Vy huffs exasperatedly, still upset, and turns over to go to sleep.

Optic - Oh, NOW you don’t want to talk. (silence) (muttering to himself) Well aren’t you the most unpredictable thing since rain.

Blooper: since DONALD TRUMP!

Optic turns over to go to sleep. Silence for several seconds

Vy - Goodnight Optic..

Her voice lingers in the air.. Optic’s head moves slightly in her direction, to show he heard her, and settles down on the ground.

Shot of the campfire and them sleeping…. THE MONSTER’S EYES OPEN FROM THE TREES IN FRONT OF THEM

END OF EPISODE ONE

“HAHAHHAHAHA DONE SUCKER I DID THIS HAHAHAHA OK HELP PLZ I NEED YOU WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!” - #hannahisawesome:P [STUFF TO ADD: Vy doesn’t want to be chief because “I couldn’t even take care of one life!” she couldn’t save her mom, so she feels she can’t have thousands of people depending on her to keep them safe. The Vikos are below the chief and are put in office if something happens to the predecessor or the chief himself. Monster’s smell (at intro). Compass during the fight.