The Bell Wishers (4) And they could have defeated the Karmen, if the damage hadn't been so extensive. CUT TO: CLOSE UP as Murranzo looks forlornly at the forest. Thinking of all that he'd lost years ago. CUT TO: DIFF ANGLE as he rears as straight as he can in the water. MURRANZO Jewel, my friend, I am hunted for sustenance at the hands of my own people. They don't see me for who I am. Because of their own denial of what they have become. If there is any hope for redressing this agony, it lies with you. And what you might accomplish in defeating Devonika and the Karmen. You, better than anyone else, can appreciate what lies beneath the outer shell of appearance. CUT TO: CLOSE UP as Murranzo dives under the waves momentarily. He resurfaces almost immediately with a necklace made from entwined seaweed around a small silver shell. It glistens and shines in the dying light of day. CUT TO: WIDER ANGLE as he tosses the necklace to Jewel. MURRANZO Carry the necklace with you at all times. Blow into it only when you need to hear truth surrounding you. JEWEL Thanks. I won't forget. And I won't fail you, Murranzo. I promise! CUT TO: DIFF ANGLE as Murranzo disappears back under the waves. Jewel looks around, realizing she's totally alone with darkness descending. FADE TO: EXT. UNDERWATER. Farina is seen flying swiftly into the underwater cavern. She searches desperately for any sign of Jewel, then CAMERA FOLLOWS as she returns to shore. CUT TO: EXT. SHORELINE. Ali sits regally stone faced, prepared for the worst. Jason is seen nervously pacing up and down the beach. The roar of the waves muffles any sound of Farina's return. Ali and Jason finally notice the flyscout's small beacon of light as she lands on a boulder at the edge of the water. Sadly, she shakes her head. ALI (roaring at the waves) Hear me! We will meet again, monster! Someday, somehow�I will avenge myself against you. Jason turns and grabs the lion's neck tightly. JASON We'd better make camp. FARINA Yes, rest. Get an early start in the morning. CUT TO: CLOSE UP of Farina as she eyes Jason carefully. He has begun to lose weight from the travel and peril. FARINA (to herself) Keep on, guy, and you'll be back to normal size in no time. WIPE TO: EXT. CAMPSITE. A fire's dying embers are seen as Jason awakes. He rises, holding his head gingerly. He is tortured by pictures of Jewel's face. He passes Farina's dim glow in the hollow of a tree trunk. CAMERA FOLLOWS as he stalks off into the forest to be alone. A damp wind blows gently against his face, and the first beams of two morning suns begin the faintest stream of a rainbow across the horizon. CUT TO: ANOTHER ANGLE as a slight movement catches Jason's eye. Trees begin bending as though a steady wind were moving between them. Top leaves rake in all directions. But the grass and underlying foliage lay bare of any disturbance. CUT TO: DIFF ANGLE and EFX as a thin, grey mist appears, circling halfway from earth to sky. It gradually thickens until a single strand beckons the boy closer. Jason glances back toward the campsite, then follows the mist. CUT TO: CAMERA FOLLOWS as Jason is lured deeper into the forest along a small, overgrown trail. A large clearing suddenly becomes visible, shrouded in mist. A circle of stone arches surround an enormous tree. Branches interlock thirty feet overhead, then rise out of sight. CUT TO: DIFF ANGLE as two flying messengers, wings beating furiously, swoop into sight. They are tall, about six feet, with wing spans of about ten feet. They have visages resembling an eagle's face, but the bodies are human. The messengers carry long slender branches held loosely at their sides in delicately featured fingers. Both step toward Jason, raising their branches, in defiance of his visit. His presence is an intrusion on their sanctuary. JASON Whatever is in the mist told me to come. I didn't mean to disturb this place. One of the messengers shakes its upraised branch overhead. EFX as a blue flame bursts forth, illuminating Jason's blanched features. CUT TO: DIFF ANGLE and EFX as the grey mist forms itself into a large, cylindrical ball. Lit from within, the gaseous orb begins to circle around, spinning on an imaginary axis, apparently in all directions at once. Some portions move faster than others. EFX as a beautiful grey feminine face forms along one side of the rotating fog ball. Both messengers turn slightly and kneel. Jason decides to follow suit and kneels. LADY OF THE MIST Rise, Champion. I am the Lady of the Mist. You are given permission to approach the inner circle. JASON (moving closer) I'm no hero. I don't even know how I got here. LADY OF THE MIST The bell brought you. And the bell will take you home. JASON How did you know about that? LADY OF THE MIST Truth isn't built in a day. I cannot say all I know. That would be too presumptuous. I don't weave myself in the fabric of time as you do. I merely observe its passage. And effects. JASON A convenient way to look at things. For someone who doesn't want to get involved. Surprise echoes across the creature's pale ashy features. LADY OF THE MIST What do you mean? JASON Let's stop the games. I don't have time for them. My two companions and I are on a quest to regain the bell. I've got to get home. For many reasons. LADY OF THE MIST No more games then. You are the one sent to free us from Devonika's evil. I am prepared to assist you in that challenge. CUT TO: CLOSE UP of the Lady's face. Lit from within, it begins to glow. All of the grey pallor seeps away. A pink rosy complexion is seen, radiating with genuine human warmth. LADY OF THE MIST What is your name, Champion? Your name must be noble to undertake such a challenge. CUT TO: DIFF ANGLE as Jason moves nearer. JASON (simply) Jason. LADY OF THE MIST (voice exploding in the stillness) Behold then, Champion Jason. Your weapon for justice! CUT TO: ANOTHER ANGLE and EFX as the orb of fog spins furiously. Lightning crackles from within then shoots outward around the stones as thunder rocks the ground. A myriad of voices begin softly as a chorus inside the mist, then elevates to a roar. The fog dissipates swiftly into a thick circle of cloud, forming a complete dome over the stones. A single stroke of lightning sparks from the cloud, showering a rainbow of colors between earth and sky. CUT TO: CLOSE UP of Jason's feet beginning to shake as a deep rumbling sounds beneath the earth. CUT TO: WIDE SHOT as Jason blinks in total disbelief. A long golden handle rises partially from the dark ground. It shines brighter than the sun at first, white hot, then cools immediately. LADY OF THE MIST Take the hammer! There has never been one like it. Nor will there be another. Forged in the depths of the earth for one champion. One leader. Behold,� Teathergund! The hammer of justice. It is yours, Jason, Wield it well! Jason grasps the leather strap encircling the handle, pulling it loose from the surrounding earth with all his strength. CUT TO: CLOSE UP of Jason's arm as he begins pulling. EFX as his arm changes, the body fat melting away, replaced by strong, sinewy tendons. PULL BACK to expose tight muscles locking into place over the rest of his body. JASON Hey! What's happening? LADY OF THE MIST The Master of Teathergund holds great power. That requires great strength. As long as the hammer remains in your control, you shall be nearly invincible. It commands the elements of earth, wind and fire. JASON What of the fourth, water? CUT TO: EXT. and EFX as the dome of fog condenses back into its original orb. A thin ray of dawn creeps over the clearing as the two messengers leap into the air on savagely beating wings. The lady's voice sounds distant in her reply, beginning to fade. LADY OF THE MIST Nothing in earth, time or space is perfect. Except the One who created them. In that alone, lies your answer. JASON (pleading) But how do I call forth the elements? The ball of fog begins thinning, spreading itself over the width of the clearing. This time, its density vanishes. LADY OF THE MIST A true champion learns control�before adversity. CUT TO: WIDER ANGLE as the dual suns rise in the heavens overhead. Jason lifts Teathergund easily with his newfound strength, and starts off back to the campsite. WIPE TO: CLOSE UP of thin raindrops dropping from petals to leaves, then to Jewel's closed eyelids. Lush branches move gently as she rises from her hiding place. PULL BACK as she fingers the silver shell, and eyes surrounding sweet smelling berries for breakfast. As she reaches for a juicy specimen, a small hand breaks from the fronds to slap her fingers. JEWEL Hey! Who did that? She pauses, and hears only a stifled grunt in return. Cautiously, she reaches out again and once more, she gets slapped, harder this time. Tears well up in her eyes. JEWEL Who are you? CUT TO: ANOTHER ANGLE as something furry moves slightly under the grassy cover. Two dark eyes stare up at her towering presence. Jewel, in response, stands amazed at a small brown hedgehog matching her gaze. HIGGLES My name's Higgles. What are you? JEWEL I'm a girl, of course. You've never seen one? HIGGLES Oh no. Not here. Never. Would have remembered. Couldn't forget something like you. (begins to laugh) JEWEL What's so funny? HIGGLES You. (admires her shoes) Nice traveling material. Must come from other side. JEWEL (believes he meant her home) You know about the other side? HIGGLES Been there many times. JEWEL Can you show me the way? HIGGLES Maybe for a price. (eyes the silver shell) How about shell for a map? JEWEL A map? What does a map have to do with getting off the island? HIGGLES Nothing off this island. JEWEL (wearily) No deal. I don't suppose you've even been around the entire island, have you? HIGGLES Do have map. All major landmarks included. Reach any point on island with it. Any point at all. JEWEL Thanks. CUT TO: DIFF ANGLE as she plucks a berry and starts to pop it into her mouth. Instantly, the hedgehog leaps deftly between her mouth and fingers, grabbing the berry. He lands on a large flat rock and shakes the small piece of fruit at her. HIGGLES What thinking? Everyone know these dangerous. JEWEL My breakfast? I wasn't going to eat the whole thing. Only part. I had one yesterday. Completely filled me up. HIGGLES Not this one. CUT TO: ANOTHER ANGLE as he holds the berry above his head. Dashing it against the rock and sidestepping the splattering juice, both watch as the fruity liquid jells across the stony surface. A thin wisp of smoke rises from the mixture. The rock sizzles, then cracks in two. JEWEL I don't understand. The other one never did that. HIGGLES Depends on side of island. JEWEL How could that be? Stuff becomes something else from one side of the island to the other? HIGGLES Everything on island has two sides. Berry plant gives food to one side. Poison to other. Must learn difference before continuing journey. JEWEL It looks the same as the other one. HIGGLES Surface reflects like mirror. You look like ordinary traveler. But carry wisdom of another around neck. Instinctively, she grasps the shell in her fingers. JEWEL What do you know of this? She raises the shell to her lips. HIGGLES Nothing. Jewel blows into the main curved side of the shell. There was no audible sound to her ears. Then she blows again, tightening her lips into a thin directed stream. There is still no effect. HIGGLES (smiling) Show you how to use? Jewel stops him from reaching for the shell. She was unsure of what would happen if anyone else used it. JEWEL You can tell me. I'm not supposed to let anyone else use it. HIGGLES (grins) Prediction or opinion? JEWEL (caresses the shell's edge) As a matter of fact, a water beast named Murranzo gave it to me. Higgles freezes, playful smile vanishing. His eyebrows knit together instantly. He was trying to figure out what her encounter with Murranzo meant. HIGGLES You met him? Actually still alive? JEWEL Yes. He claimed to be the Tugg-Ugglies leader. HIGGLES No claim. Definitely is leader. Oh, most definitely. He claps both hands together in glee. Glancing off to the other side of the island, he speaks softly. HIGGLES Still a chance to stop Devonika if Murranzo lives. Say no more. Forest has many ears. Must learn concealment from prying eyes as well. Follow and learn. Give what you need to stop Devonika. CUT TO: EFX as Jewel blinks and Higgles vanishes. Not a single leaf is moving. Several seconds pass as Jewel looks around and then Higgles' head pops up at the clearing's edge. He motions for her to join him and she does so quickly. FADE TO: MONTAGE of shots as Jewel is seen in training with Higgles. His dark fur blends in completely at times with tree trunks. He is seen watching her exact duplication of his moves for concealment. Gradually, a steady flow of moves produces the needed results. It is late afternoon as they finish the procedures. CUT TO: CLOSE UP of Jewel as Higgins suddenly appears behind her. HIGGLES Learned well. CUT TO: WIDER ANGLE as she leaps into the air in a double somersault. A tree branch is heard rustling louder than her landing behind Higgles. She turns him around to give him a sincere hug. JEWEL How can I ever thank you? HIGGLES (somewhat embarrassed by her gesture) Thanks come when hearts are safe. Devonika's realm spreads far and wide. No one dared challenge her before. Now, you can. JEWEL I still don't know how the shell works. Do you? HIGGLES No. Murranzo should have told you. JEWEL He didn't have a lot of time to explain. But you saw the shell as more than just a trinket. How did you know its power? HIGGLES (wrinkling his face in thought) Read it. Yes, that's it. Bantuk's papers. JEWEL Who is Bantuk? HIGGLES Silly! Bantuk not somebody. It's a place Not far. Writings about everything on island. JEWEL Take me there. I've got to see it. HIGGLES Ok. (points) This way. CUT TO: CAMERA FOLLOWS as they start toward the densest thicket in the sparkling afternoon sun. Rainbow colored rays dance through the leaves, reflecting all around them. CUT TO: CLOSE UP of the scene reflecting in the hungry eyes of a camouflaged Tugg-Ugglie scout. CUT TO: PULL BACK as the Tugg-Ugglie motions to five others who join him. He rubs his stomach, then makes a fanning motion and they spread out in a semi-circle to follow Jewel and Higgles. FADE TO: EXT. JASON'S CAMPSITE. CLOSEUP on Farina watching Jason as he strides into view. EFX as the early morning sun glints against Teathergund's shining silver head by his side. ANOTHER ANGLE as his facial muscles tighten in anticipation of her questions. Ali bounds from the edge of the lake to greet him. ALI I thought perhaps you'd gone back for another rescue attempt. I'm pleased that you're safe. FARINA What's happened to you? And where did you get that hammer? CUT TO: DIFF ANGLE as Jason unhooks the gold-handled weapon from his belt, and lifts it for their inspection. Ali is suitable impressed with the workmanship and shakes his mane forcibly. ALI If you've taken that from the Tugg-Ugglies, We need to break camp now. They know these area forests better than anyone. I'd rather we not deal with them until our bearings are more certain. JASON Wait. You don't understand. I didn't take it from anyone. Teathergund was given to me. CUT TO: CLOSE UP of Farina's face, etched in concern. CUT TO: EFX as a vision appears on overlay in front of her face. Swirls of clouds part to show the face of her brother, then WIDER SHOT to show his bright golden hair flying behind as they fly toward Devnonika's realm of destruction in the distance. DIFF ANGLE as a small pond catches his attention below. He signals for her to join him, then alights on the highest tree overlooking the water. A thousand glistening sparkles of light play across the liquid surface. His voice whispers in her memory. FERENKO Remember the legend, Farina. When the cause is right, a mighty warrior will emerge from watery depths. Wielding a mighty weapon. Named Teathergund. Vanquishing all opposition to the realm of happiness built here so many years ago. CUT TO: ANOTHER ANGLE as Farina shivers and the vision fades. FARINA Who gave it to you? JASON A lady of the mist. She called me Champion. I didn't understand it. ALI Now you do? JASON I believe so. When we arrived here, Jewel and I, � I thought it was by accident. But there's a reason we're here. This world of fantastic beauty also holds something else. An indescribable fear. That it won't last. ALI Ridiculous. (pounces against a tree) This is solid. Everything here is animal, mineral or vegetable. How more real can it get? JASON It's true, Ali. And I've got Teathergund to prove it. FARINA (whispers hopefully) That's the hammer's name? JASON The lady of the mist named it. In my hand, it makes me nearly invincible. Commanding earth, wind and fire. ALI (sighing heavily) Exactly how does it work? Do you throw it? Does it magically open up and let all the elements loose at once? JASON To tell the truth, I don't know. ALI Fine then. If you prefer to blunder along, so be it. JASON Do you know how it works? Ali is torn between his unquenchable thirst for power and a growing compassion for Jason. The monarch firmly believes that Teathergund belongs in the hands of a ruler, not a would be warrior. ALI I will show you exactly how it works. Just place it on the ground and step away. JASON All right. But be careful, Ali. Teathergund was meant for me. I'm not sure if anyone else can handle it. CUT TO: ANOTHER ANGLE as Jason sets Teathergund down. Immediately, Farina's wings begin twitching. A cool wind blows against her face, causing her to turn toward Jason. She gasps horrendously. EFX as a large, thick grey mist forms above the treetops which then drops rapidly over Ali as he reaches for Teathergund. FARINA Jason, save him! EFX as a stiff, crackling sound fills the air. The ruler's right front paw freezes. Suspended in mid-air as the lion's body assumes a statuesque pose. Teathergund rises, flying straight into Jason's hands. LADY OF THE MIST (sounds thunderously) Never release the hammer's power to another. You alone, Champion, are destined to save The Land of Remote. CUT TO: ANOTHER ANGLE as Jason watches in terror while the mist rises, leaving the lion encased in stone. JASON (yells) Wait! I won't do it again. Please, let my friend go! Farina, hiding under Jason's shirt collar, peeks out warily at the departing cloud. She realizes this magic was far greater than any she could summon. She knows that only Jason could save Ali now. LADY OF THE MIST His intent for the hammer wasn't just. Until the last day dawns on Devonika's rule, the lion remains where he stands. EFX as the cloud rises and disperses. Daylight regains its hold on the clearing. JASON (examines Ali) That's just great! Ali was the only one who knew the path to reach Devonika. FARINA Not exactly. There is one who travels all paths in memory. Jason scratches his head, then lifts his arm for a perch. Farina flies swiftly to the offered landing spot. JASON Who is it? FARINA Pipercall knows the safest route. Come, there's no time to lose. CAMERA FOLLOWS as she flies straight up and motions for Jason to follow. He shakes his head in disbelief. JASON I can't fly. FARINA Use the hammer. If Teathergund commands air, earth and fire, flying should be easy. And it's much faster than walking the distance to Pipercall. CUT TO: DIFF ANGLE as Jason draws forth the gold-handled hammer from his side. Lifting it to arm's length, he glances at the silver-burnished head. There are no markings to indicate precisely how to activate its immense power. JASON Teathergund, fly! Jason releases his grip, leaving the hammer suspended in air at eye level. Carefully, he moves around it, scanning and probing. FARINA Hurry, Jason. We don't need to meet any Tugg-Ugglies that might be scouting the area. JASON I know. Give me a minute. There must be a way to learn control. CUT TO: FLASHBACK of the chess match between Jason and Jewel in the motor home. Jason is seen studying the chess board intently. Then Jewel's voice echoes eerily. JEWEL Aren't you tired of this? Mother said we'd be there soon. Why don't we play "I Spy" instead? CUT TO: CLOSE UP of Jason's face as enlightenment brightens his smile and CAMERA PULLS BACK as he reaches assuredly for Teathergund. JASON Let's go! FARINA (amazed) You figured it out that quickly? CUT TO: DIFF ANGLE as Jason swings Teathergund in an upward arcing motion. It flies noiselessly, drawing him behind it to the uppermost branch of a giant tree. He surveys the landscape below. CUT TO: PANORAMA SHOT of The Land of Remote. Lush tropical rainforests spread out along the easternmost shore. A roar of crashing waves sounds faintly in the distance. The island's far side isn't visible. Large mountains rise majestically halfway on the horizon. Bending northward, their peaks stretch into high cloudbanks. Snow-streaked crags overlook treacherous drops into the valleys below. CUT TO: CLOSE UP of Jason's face as Jewel's face appears in his memory again. His expression changes to guilt over her loss.
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Copyright © 2001 Emmett O Saunders Iii |