What They Don't Understand
Written by
Scriptformers Prime
OPEN ON:
INT. GRAVESFIELD SEWERS - MORNING
[Luz slowly wakes to the sound of the resistance camp in a bustle. She looks outside to see Elder Tarak and his Hellhound warriors, alongside the BATS marching through the portal door.
Joining them are Amity's, Gus, and Willow's families in makeshift fatigues, leading a militia of volunteer soldiers from Bonesborough. They, in turn, are followed by the Bat Queen and a pack of feral palismans.]
EDA
Glad you could make it, Queenie! I know this is a big favor I'm asking...
THE BAT QUEEN
(determined)
Not at all. Belos' days of feasting on my brethren are numbered. We will fight!
[As she watches them, Luz tries to slip out of her tent unnoticed, but King is there waiting for her. He tries to look busy training with a glaive, though it's clear to Luz he was put there to watch her.]
LUZ
Oh, hey, King!
KING
(uncomfortable)
Hey...
LUZ
So...what's going on?
KING
We're preparing for our assault on Belos' citadel. We were planning it for a few weeks out, but...
(awkward)
...last night happened, so...
LUZ
(heavy sigh)
[Luz tries to march in the direction of what looks like the commander's tent, but King blocks her way.]
KING
Oh, uh...you're...not allowed...sorry.
LUZ
What?!
KING
You really scared us, Luz. We just need to make sure we're all on the same page here, so...*sigh* they asked me to make sure you stayed here.
LUZ
(diplomatic)
Okay, I get there are some trust issues here. That's on me.
(indignant)
But are you guys seriously going to let your hurt feelings cost you a chance at Belos?! I spent the past six months memorizing every brick in that citadel.
[She brushes past King and stubbornly keeps marching.]
LUZ (cont'd)
The least you can do is let me help plan the attack!
CAMILLA
(stern)
Oye! No vas a ninguna parte!
[Camilla marches over, carrying a basin of unwashed rags.]
CAMILLA (cont'd)
You're grounded, young lady.
LUZ
"Grounded"?!
CAMILLA
Yes. In case you've forgotten, you're still a child.
LUZ
A "child" that made it to the demon realms and back! A "child" that trained under the most powerful witches that ever lived!
(softening)
Mamá, I know you're angry with me-
CAMILLA
-Oh, that's an understatement! But more than that, I was scared...
[She sets the basin down and busies herself with the washing while she speaks.]
CAMILLA (cont'd)
When Eda and her friends got here and you weren't with them, I imagined the most horrible things had happened to you.
(emotional)
I was terrified...but even more than that...
(glowing)
...I was proud.
[As she wipes away her tears, she turns back to Luz, clasping her shoulder fondly.]
CAMILLA (cont'd)
(smiling)
I heard them speak so highly of you-of all the adventures you had together. I thought to myself, "finally, after so long you made real friends"!
(disappointed)
But now you're pushing them away too.
[She hoists the basin back on her hip and begins marching away.]
CAMILLA (cont'd)
Magic and monsters may be real like you said...but you're still trapped in a fantasy.
[Camilla's words seem to pierce Luz, leaving her speechless. But her frustration slowly builds as well.]
LUZ
(emotional)
So that's it, huh? The idea that I could really be something...something more than "Luz the screw-up"-"Luz the try-hard"-"Luz the weirdo"...that's all just a fantasy to you...?
[Camilla pauses, showing a trace of regret.]
LUZ (cont'd)
*sniff* This is why I left...and never came back...
[With a quick spell circle, Luz's artificial staff teleports away from a locked weapons' rack and materializes in her hands. She then flies away through the sewer atrium.]
CAMILLA
Luz, wait!
KING
(facepalm)
Agh, I forgot! She has a bile sac now.
CAMILLA
We have to follow her!
[Camilla sprints for the command tent.]
INT. COMMAND TENT
[Sir William points to a map and lays out the strategy for their forces.]
WILLIAM
We will dispatch the Bat Queen's palisman, the Bards, Tarak's warriors, and the Bonesborrough Irregulars to four separate locations. This is to avoid Belos' forces from bottle-necking the portal if we try to deploy our whole army at once. We will then-
[Camilla bursts in, frantic.]
CAMILLA
Luz has flown off again.
(contrite)
And this time it's my fault.
AMITY
We'll go after her.
[She nods for Gus, Willow, and Vee to join her outside the tent. Willow takes Camilla's hand.]
WILLOW
You can ride with me, Ms. Noceda.
WILLIAM
(marching over)
I'm going as well.
LILITH
But we're almost ready for the assault!
WILLIAM
Tarak's in charge until I get back. Stick to the plan and we will win the day!
EDA
(worried)
Just bring her back before she gets into more trouble.
WILLIAM
At this point, I think that's a foregone conclusion.
CUT TO:
EXT. SKIES OVER GRAVESFIELD - DAY
[Luz's friends fly in formation, scanning the horizon for any sign of Luz.]
WILLOW
I was afraid something like this would happen. We shouldn't have given her the cold shoulder.
AMITY
(resentful)
Why not? She pushed us away.
GUS
Come on! Like you never got ticked at being sidelined because you're a kid?
CAMILLA
Why be in such a hurry to grow up? None of this is your responsibility.
GUS
So what is our responsibility?
VEE
Actually living the life your loved one's sacrificed to give you-not throwing it away.
(forlorn)
It's better than I got...
WILLIAM
But how can you be happy with that life if you can't respect yourself for living it?
[William turns his staff around and speaks to the others while flying backward.]
WILLIAM (cont'd)
Personally, I can understand Luz's motives. It's why the humans with real fighting spirit all joined Belos.
(malcontented)
Because this world-like our own-discarded it's warriors.
CAMILLA
(indignant)
That's not true. Luz's father was a soldier. He bravely gave his life to protect all of us.
(mournful)
To this day, she doesn't understand why he had to leave...
[William cocks an eyebrow and returns to flying face forward.]
WILLIAM
(over his back)
Or perhaps...she understands completely...
[The others trade thoughtful glances and continue flying in silence.]
CUT TO:
EXT. OCEANFRONT - DAY
[Luz sits on a scenic cliff side, wistfully thumbing through old family photos on her phone. She comes across a few with her father: family fishing trips, fall hay rides, trick-or-treating, his memorial service...
She wipes away a tear and scowls at the sight of Belos' citadel in the distance. Just then, a massive hologram of Belos appears over its highest tower addressing the coast with a booming voice.]
BELOS
Luz Noceda, my-former-Golden Guard. If you can hear this, my legions are marching for Old Gravesfield now with the order to raze it to the ground.
EXT. CASTLE PORTCULLIS
[Cohorts of coven scouts march over the bridge to the mainland, many more flying above them on staves.]
BELOS (cont'd)
Your treachery has made it clear that any among them who are faithful have already joined me. It serves no purpose now but as an obstacle on my way to bring magic to the world.
EXT. OCEANFRONT
BELOS (cont'd)
They will destroy the town and everyone currently in it...
(smirking)
Unless, of course, you can stop me...
[Luz rises to her full height and grasps her staff, determined to accept his challenge.]
EXT. SKYLINE
[The search party, having seen the spectacle, hover over Gravesfield.]
CAMILLA
We'll never find her before she goes running off after him.
AMITY
(determined)
Why bother? We know where she's about to be.
[Amity takes the lead, the others hesitant to follow.]
AMITY (cont'd)
(over her shoulder)
Try to keep up, tin-man!
CAMILLA
Wait! Shouldn't we wait for the others?
WILLIAM
(to Amity)
Don't trip on your bravado, sludge-puppy!
[William goes speeding off after her. Gus and Vee follow closely.]
CAMILLA
(deadpan)
I guess that answers my question...
WILLOW
Hang on tight!
[They all streak towards the citadel.]
CUT TO:
INT. CITADEL THRONE ROOM - DAY
[Belos finishes dismissing his hologram spell and sinks into his throne with lethargy. Jacob, now donning a homespun golden guard uniform, marches up to the dais and salutes.]
JACOB
(exuberant)
So, my liege, I had some priority targets in mind for our conquest! There's the usual city hall, banks, rail-yards...Dave's Pizza...
(vengeful)
They will pay for laying me off!
BELOS
(long-suffering)
Please, I have had enough disappointment for one day...
[Disheartened, Jacob scurries off while Belos slumps in his throne. Another presence emerges from the shadows, speaking in a steely, grating voice.]
THE OBSERVER
I'm surprised to see you in such a state, and after you had come so far...
[The guards raise their weapons at the mysterious witch, but Belos motions them away and approaches his visitor.]
BELOS
(overjoyed)
Master...? You have returned!
(contrite)
I wish it were under better circumstances. It seems I do not share your skill at judging potential.
THE OBSERVER
Your mistake was in taking on an apprentice to begin with! It is the duty of a teacher to be surpassed by the pupil.
(grandiose)
I created you to have power unsurpassed-peerless, monolithic!
BELOS
You speak comfort to me...But if I was truly your masterwork, why leave my side? Where have you been all this time?
THE OBSERVER
I am an observer of many momentous events across dimensions, space, and time. I have returned to witness one of the greatest of them all!
BELOS
(smiling)
Your words renew my ardor, master!
[Belos beams with confidence, marching for the veranda overlooking the courtyard.]
BELOS (cont'd)
I thought losing my apprentice was my greatest failure, but it was merely shedding a burden! A preamble to my greatest triumph!
Surely, that is what has brought you back?
THE OBSERVER
Today, my pupil, you shall fulfill your destiny.
[Smiling again, Belos raises his staff and dematerializes from his balcony, reappearing on the New England shores and taking in the sight of his armies with rapture.
Meanwhile, the camera lingers on the Observer, enjoying a furtive, malicious laugh to herself.]
CUT TO:
INT. NEW GRAVESFIELD, FACTORY COMPLEX - DUSK
[The interior of a factory bustles with construction abomatons and construction coven witches, all busy retrofitting a formerly human facility.
Odalia blight marches across an observation catwalk, barking orders at the workers.]
ODALIA
You there! I've told you before, that's the wrong gauge of coupling! Get it right!
And you! I was expecting that line to be re-tooled an hour ago! We're behind schedule thanks to your incompetence! *groan*
[She turns away and leans over the blueprint table, exhausted.]
ODALIA (cont'd)
*scoff* Human technology is so needlessly complicated!
(wistful)
...*sigh* I'd bet Alador would've have this place turned over by now...
[Her coffee mug is refilled by a gooey tendril belonging to Darius Deamonne. He sashays over to her, offering a delicate flower bloom.]
DARIUS
(suave)
Oh, you don't need that old has-been anymore. You've got me now!
ODALIA
(sarcastic)
Yes, and what a help you've been...
[Odalia tries to ignore him, but he presses his advances, dissolving and reconstituting in various positions around her.]
DARIUS
Oh, sure, I may not know a flywheel from a crankshaft...but I can offer you so much more...
[He reclines over the table, grasping the flower stem in his teeth.]
ODALIA
*scoffs*
[As this sorry display transpires, the factory floor below erupts into chaos. A portal door appears and dispels the Bonesborough Irregulars, who set to demolishing everything in their path.
Odalia rushes to an intercom and slams the buzzer.]
ODALIA (cont'd)
We're under attack! Send reinforcements!
DARIUS
*tisk* Fret not, darling. I'll defuse the situation.
[Darius dissolves and reappears on a catwalk overlooking the bedlam and addresses the attackers.]
DARIUS (cont'd)
Peace, friends. We do not have to fight! I'm sure we can negotiate a mutually advantageous settlement if we-*sniff*
(retching)
Ugh! Have you people been sleeping in sewage?!
(pinching his nose)
And you wonder why we trod on you heathens!
[The Bonesborough Irregulars resume destroying the factory, even angrier than they were before.]
DARIUS (cont'd)
*gulp*
Odalia panics as several rebels begin scaling her catwalk.
ODALIA
You're the worst business partner EVEEEEER!
EXT. STREETS OF NEW GRAVESFIELD
[Belos' legions march for the periphery of the city when a portal door opens in the sky above them. The Bat Queen and her flocks of flying palisman spill out and mob the airborne coven scouts.
While the ground troops are distracted by the sight, another portal door opens among them. Tarak and his warriors storm out and engage the legions.
Meanwhile, Luz flies over the battlefield, searching for signs of Belos. She eventually spots him, standing conspicuously in a clearing at the edge of the city.]
BELOS
(murmuring to himself)
That's right. Come and let us finish this...
[Luz is about to charge off to face him, but notices her friends struggling in the fight below. They had the advantage of surprise, but the coven scouts outnumber them greatly.
After a few moments of inner conflict, Luz finally decides to turn back and join the battle.]
BELOS (cont'd)
WHAT?!
[Belos watches her leave, incredulous. She arrives over the streets, strafing the legions with fireballs before setting down next to King and taking her stand.]
KING
(exhausted)
I thought you'd be going after Belos.
LUZ
He can take a number. I know where I'm needed.
[Smiling, they leap into battle together. Meanwhile, Belos continues to fume after being snubbed. But then, he notices the search party looking for Luz flying overhead.]
BELOS
(sinister)
Have it your way, Luz. And I'll have it mine...
CUT TO:
INT. CITADEL, CORRIDOR - DUSK
[The palace guards maintain their vigils when another portal door opens. They tense for battle, but are quickly overwhelmed by Raine and the BATS. Harpy Eda and Lilith make short work of any remaining guards.
Once the halls are cleared, they huddle outside the throne room, Eda and Raine readying their instruments.]
EDA
Ready?
[Raine nods. They burst into the throne room but are surprised to see it absent of guards. The room's only occupant is the observer, lounging in Belos' throne.]
THE OBSERVER
The Emperor is indisposed at the moment. Might I take a message?
EDA
Hey...don't we know you?
LILITH
You're the witch they call "The Observer", aren't you?
[Lilith is startled when the Observer silently reappears behind her.]
THE OBSERVER
And you must be the Clawthorne sisters. Fascinating...!
[The Observer seems especially interested in Lilith, who is still in her Harpy form.]
THE OBSERVER (cont'd)
No one has ever embraced their inner beasts quite like you two have.
[Lilith shrinks away, unnerved. The BATS pose themselves between her and the curious observer.]
EDA
And nobody's made a mess of things quite like you and your stooge, Belos. The Demon Realms were alright until you came along!
THE OBSERVER
To a slug, the desert is hell...To an eagle, it is heaven. It's all a matter of-
[The room darkens, and then is filled from the floor up with a celestial blue glow. They are surrounded by mirror images of the observer looming over them.]
THE OBSERVER (cont'd)
-perspective...
RAINE
Well then, get some perspective on this.
[The BATS form a defensive circle around Raine and Eda as they begin playing their magic instruments. The blue glow steadily recedes, replaced by a golden one that occasionally flickers black.]
THE OBSERVER
(amused)
Splendid! Some mood music will be perfect for this occasion!
CUT TO:
EXT. SKIES OVER NEW GRAVESFIELD - DUSK
[Camilla and Luz's friends scan the battlefield for any sign of Luz.]
AMITY
I thought I saw her flying this way!
[She's interrupted as Belos teleports into their formation and knocks Amity off her staff. He blinks away, leaving her to fall. Her palisman, Ghost, manages to catch her in time.
Belos repeatedly reappears and harasses them this way, until he finally manages to blink away with Camilla.]
CAMILLA
(screaming)
VEE
Camilla!
[Belos reappears some distance away, assuming his monstrous form with giant sludgy wings and holding Camilla in his talons.
Luz sees this transpire from the ground, but can't divide her attention from the fight.]
LUZ
Mamá!
[The rest of the search party uneasily hover around him. William primes a lightning bolt in his hands but hesitates for fear of hitting Camilla.]
BELOS
If you don't mind, I have unfinished business with my traitorous apprentice!
[Before Belos can name his terms, the Bat Queen dive-bombs him and bites his wing, sending them both hurtling to the ground. Her hatchling babies swarm around Camilla, trying to pry her from Belos' grasp.
The mass of frenzied wings crashes into the forest treetops, out of sight. The search party speeds off after them, while Luz is nearly paralyzed with shock on the ground.]
CUT TO:
INT. THRONE ROOM - DUSK
[As Eda and Raine play their duet, the Observer slowly advances on them. The BATs try to stop her, but are overpowered by her strange magic.
Snapping her fingers, she turns Derwin's bassoon into a boa constrictor that tries to strangle him. With a gesture of her hands, Amber is unable to blow a note through her flute. When she tries to force it, bouquets of flowers shoot out of her ears instead.
Katya goes for a more direct approach, trying to leap onto the Observer to bite her, only to discover her fangs have turned into carrots.]
KATYA
(dramatic)
Oh, the thweet irony!
[The Observer throws her aside and nearly reaches Eda and Raine as the corrupted magic begins to creep up her robe. Unfazed, the Observer takes a small trinket out of her cloak, resembling a tiny orrery strung on a necklace.
The orrery seems to filter the flickering black corruption from the magic, leaving its owner unharmed.]
EDA
Huh?!
[As the Observer continues her implacable march, Eda and Lilith resume their Harpy forms and lunge at her. With a click of her heels, she seems to reverse gravity, sending all of them crashing into the ceiling.]
THE OBSERVER
(chuckling)
[You hope to undo me with my own craft? Ha! Even if you could harm me, you wouldn't...because then you would have no hope of lifting the curse that afflicts you both...]
LILITH
*grunt* What?! Why is that?!
THE OBSERVER
...because I created it.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEW GRAVESFIELD - DUSK
[Luz frantically tries to fight her way through Belos' legions to get to the forest, but there are simply too many in the way.
Growing furious and desperate, she unleashes more powerful attacks than any she had conjured before. Fireballs, lightning bolts, hurricane squalls, tidal waves.]
SCOUT CAPTAIN
Fall back! Fall back!
[Unable to withstand her onslaught, the coven scouts withdraw, finally allowing the Hellhound Warriors to gain ground.]
KING
Whoa! Alright, Luz! It's okay, you've played your part. Go help your mom.
[Luz nods and dashes into the woods. After some time sprinting through the thicket, she comes upon Gus, Willow, Amity, and Vee helping Camilla out of the broken boughs of a tree.
Scarred, bruised, and limping, she nonetheless smiles at the sight of Luz.]
CAMILLA
Heh. The one time we beat you to the action...*wince*
[Elsewhere, the sound of loud crashing vibrates through the forest as The Bat Queen and the monstrous Belos continue to jostle in the remains of an old graveyard. It appears to be an even shoving match, but as they grapple, Belos resumes his human form and teleports behind the Bat Queen.
He raises his staff and strikes her in the back with its blade, cutting a deep gash into her wooden hide.]
THE BAT QUEEN
(screaming)
[With a deep inhale, he siphons the magic from her wound, draining her until she is little more than a husk. After finishing his repast, Belos' eyes pulse green, reinvigorated.]
BELOS
Ah, that's better!
WILLIAM
YOU PARASITE!
[William arrives on the scene and lunges into battle with Belos. As they fight, Vee escorts Camilla to safety while Luz and her friends rush to the Bat Queen's side.]
LUZ
Bat Queen!
[She is barely conscious, coughing and leaking green fluid from her mouth. Her hatchlings huddle around her, mournfully screeching.]
WILLOW
I-it's okay. We can help you! We can-
THE BAT QUEEN
(weakly)
I am beyond repair, young ones...
LUZ
(despairing)
No...
THE BAT QUEEN
*wheeze*...Take these...
[The Bat Queen opens her maw and coughs out several large seeds. Luz, Willow, Amity and Gus each take one.]
LUZ
More palistrom seeds?
THE BAT QUEEN
...Without Titan's blood...*wheeze* they will be the only source of wild magic in the Demon Realms...*wheeze* Keep them safe...
[Her eyes begin to glaze over, her breathing slowing.]
LUZ
No! Stay with us!
(nodding to the hatchlings)
You have to be strong for them!
THE BAT QUEEN
(eyeing Luz's friends)
As you must be strong for them...It seems you have found your calling after all, Luz the Human...Farewell...*gasp*
[With that, she let's out her last breath and dissolves into a pile of ashes. The hatchlings all sob, Gus, Willow, and Amity consoling them.
Meanwhile, William's battle with Belos is going badly. Invigorated by the Bat Queen's magic, Belos is unrelenting, finally blasting William off his feet and sending him flying into a tree.
Before Belos can gloat, Luz and her friends attack him in a vengeful fury. As Luz distracts him, Amity sneaks behind and encases him in a torrent of abomination sludge. Gus then grasps Belos' temples and floods his mind with painful memories: his humiliation at Miskatonic University, being given the cold shoulder by the witchlings of Bonesborough, Luz's betrayal.
Willow caps it all off by weaving a huge nest of roots into a fist to slam Belos into putty. A few beats of silence pass where it seems like they've won. But of course, Belos quickly rebounds, reconstituting himself and blinking back and forth across the clearing.
Propelling himself at blinding speeds, he crashes into Luz's friends, one by one, knocking them unconscious before they can react. He concludes with Luz, shattering her artificial staff.
She stumbles back from the blow, her arm broken as well. She then retreats and hides in the field of gravestones. Amused, Belos slowly prowls the graveyard looking for her.]
BELOS
I wish I could say destroying this place weighed heavily on me...but it was dreary even back in my day.
[He demolishes an old tombstone with disgust.]
BELOS (cont'd)
(contemptuous)
Just the name, "Graves"field. A field of graves for witches, both real and imagined. It is a monument to man's ignorance-of our unwillingness to embrace what we do not understand...
LUZ
(struggling to her feet)
*groan*...Or maybe we're the ones not making an effort to understand.
[Belos cocks his head inquisitively.]
LUZ (cont'd)
(regaining her breath)
...*pant* For people like you and me, it hurts being different...*pant* being outcast because you don't see the world the way others do. But you take comfort in the thought that because you're different, you're special!
(reflective)
But then you might be tempted to think that because you're special...you're better. It happened to me...
(scathing)
...just like it happened to you.
[Belos finally finds her, holding her at the end of his staff.]
BELOS
(bored)
What a piercing sentiment...Would you like it to be your epitaph?
[Belos primes his staff for the final blow. Before Luz can be petrified, Vee slithers out of hiding and attacks Belos with her magic-siphoning breath.]
BELOS (cont'd)
(groans in pain)
CUT TO:
INT. THRONE ROOM
[Lilith's shock quickly turns to anger.]
LILITH
(trembling)
W-why...WHY?! How could you create something so foul-so cruel!
THE OBSERVER
(laughing)
The cruelty was of your own making. I merely crafted and lost a simple spell that you had the malice to use on your own kin!
[Enraged, Lilith tries to pry herself from the ceiling and flap her wings.]
EDA
Lilly! Don't let her get to you!
THE OBSERVER
...But as for why I created it, well...you could say it was for practice.
LILITH
(enraged)
"PRACTICE"?!
[Lilith flies "high" enough to tear at the observer's robe with her talons. The Observer simply snaps her fingers and reverses gravity again. She paces over and looms above the sisters' prone bodies.]
THE OBSERVER
Yes. I created many others like it to prepare for making the master spell-a curse that could turn a young, unassuming mortal into a vessel for an all-consuming beast!
[Their eyes widen, realizing which unassuming mortal and the all-consuming beast she's referring to...]
CUT TO:
EXT. GRAVEYARD - DUSK
[Vee continues draining Belos' magic, her eyes streaming with vengeful rage. Belos' body slowly withers and ages.]
BELOS
N-no! There was so much! It should've lasted-no!
[He tries to strike out at Vee, but Willow and Amity, having recovered themselves, restrain him with vines and tendrils.]
BELOS (cont'd)
(snarling)
No...NOOOO!
[Belos fully resumes his monstrous form, hunched over and snarling like a beast. Vee struggles to maintain her siphoning breath, but is overwhelmed by a shadowy presence emanating from Belos.]
VEE
(crying out in pain)
LUZ
Vee! What's wrong?!
[Luz and Gus rush to her side, helping her back up.]
VEE
I...I felt a presence. It was massive!
[Meanwhile, Belos only seems to twitch and convulse, going through some sort of withdrawal.]
BELOS
So cold...so empty...I cannot-I need it! I need more! I MUST HAVE MORE MAGIC! GAAAGH!
[He breaks free and slams his skeletal claws into the ground. He then unhinges his maw, inhaling energy from the very earth itself. The soil turns parched and gray as he siphons out its essence. He steadily grows larger, the tips of his horns growing past the treetops.
Luz and Co. mount their staves and retreat to the edge of the clearing, watching as Belos continues growing.]
LUZ
What is he doing?!
AMITY
The curse must be driving Belos insane!
VEE
(realizing)
That's not Belos anymore...it's the Titan.
[The reborn Titan consumes ever more of the earth's essence until the surrounding forest is withered and gray. Now the height of a skyscraper, it sets off to consume greener pastures.]
CUT TO:
INT. THRONE ROOM - DUSK
[The Titan can be seen from the throne room's vestibule, it's ravenous roars carrying for leagues. The observer relishes another sinister laugh.]
THE OBSERVER
At last! My creation can resume its feast! Once it finishes harvesting this world's energy, I will cull it and use it's remains to create wondrous new forms of magic-like nothing the universe has seen before!
(to the Bards)
A pity you won't live to see it...
[As Eda, Lilith and the BATs struggle back to their feet, the Observer tears a vortex into the sky. She dissolves into a ribbon of energy and spirals into it, disappearing with a final evil chortle.
They rush to the balcony and watch dumbfounded as the Titan strides across the coastline.]
KATYA
That's the Titan?!
AMBER
It's HUGE!
EDA
It'll get even bigger if we don't stop it. And the human world will start looking like home...
RAINE
How?! How do we stop that thing?!
LILITH
(determined)
Any way we can.
[Eda and Lilith take flight, while Raine and his bards re-summon the portal door.]
CUT TO:
EXT. NEW GRAVESFIELD - DUSK
[The coven scouts and rebel witches continue fighting, but cease as they feel the ground shake. The Titan then appears over the skyline sending all combatants fleeing for cover.
It steps through the ceiling of the retrofit factory, leaving both the Coven Head Witches and the Bonesborough Irregulars in shock.
As the Titan advances, it inhales swathes of energy from the surrounding countryside, gradually reducing New Gravesfield to gray rubble.]
SCOUT CAPTAIN
All squadrons! Take that thing down!
[The airborne scouts swarm around the Titan, pestering it with all forms of magical attacks. The Titan merely turns its head and inhales their magic, many of them dropping like flies or sucked into its maw.
All forces, both Belos and Rebel aligned, then retreat into fortified positions and blast away at the Titan from afar, only seeming to annoy it at best.
Luz and Co. Land in a ruined square, where the rest of the rebel forces convene.]
WILLIAM
Well then, I'm open to suggestions. We're already roasting it like an Oktoberfest boar and not so much as getting it crispy...
ELDER TARAK
Haligor's Howl. It was the only power that could fell the Titan in ages past.
KING
But not without his legendary spear.
LILITH
(flipping through her notes)
There has to be something stronger than the Titan's blood.
[Luz clutches her palistrom seed, mulling over a plan.]
LUZ
I have an idea.
EDA
We're not gonna like it, are we?
LUZ
I'm just going to need you to trust me-and I know, I don't deserve it, but hear me out...
[Luz friend's gather around.]
LUZ (cont'd)
Willow, I need you to get this seedling going. The rest of you, I'll need you to distract the Titan.
KING
(determined)
If the howl can't beat the Titan, it'll at least give it a headache!
WILLIAM
What then?
LUZ
You'll see the rest for yourselves...
[They all look worried. Camilla marches forward, looking stern at first but yielding to her tears.]
CAMILLA
I guess it's no good reminding you you're grounded, so I won't. Just...tell me this is like one of your stories with the happy ending...
LUZ
(half-joking)
Heh, then I guess I chose a bad time to get real then.
(reflective)
That's how I used to think of the Boiling Isles. A place where I could be a hero in some epic fantasy. Where I could be accepted by everyone without having to change. But you guys are more than just side characters to me. Without you there to guide and protect me, I might have sold my soul trying to be that hero. That's why I'm doing this. Because I can't begin to repay you all for the journey you've given me. I couldn't have asked for better friends...or family...
[They look at her, misty-eyed.]
AMITY
(emotional)
Luz, quit saying all this like it's a goodbye.
LUZ
If my plan works, it won't be. If it doesn't...well...then we won't be apart for long either way.
[They all gather together for a group hug.]
WILLIAM
Then it's agreed. I'm buying the first round in Valhalla. Now come on, we have a monster to slay!
[They all take to the air on staves or commandeered airships. Luz mounts Owlbert's staff and takes the palistrom seedling from Willow before veering off on a separate path from the main group. She trades a final longing glance with Amity as she disappears over the skyline.
The main battle group quickly encroaches on the Titan and begins its final desperate assault. They swarm the towering creature and pepper it with all manner of magical attacks.
Willow tries to trip the Titan with massive vines, but they barely manage to wrap around its toes before snapping. Gus tries to blind it with a bright flash of light, but it only blinks. The rest simply bombard it with fireballs or lightning bolts, to little effect.
It is then that King, riding with William on his staff, pulls up to the Titan's ear and unleashes a mighty howl.]
KING
(deep breath)
WEEEEEEEEEEEGGGGGHHHHH!
[The Titan bellows in pain and tries to swat away his attackers. Most manage to dodge its massive arms, but some are knocked from their staves. Eda and Lilith manage to catch them and deliver them safely to the deck of an airship.
From this airship, Hooty launches salvos of missiles from his battle-suit, straight into the Titan's eyes. Further enraged, it diverts from its warpath to follow the airship away from the city.
As the Titan is distracted, Luz flies up its back, heading for it's ear. As she does, the Titan's skin sprouts tendrils that try to grab her. She dodges most of them, but one nearly yanks her from her staff.
She's close enough to the Titan's shoulder where she can run along its arm and leap back onto the staff. Finally, she takes out her palistrom seedling and makes a strafing run for its ear. She almost manages to get close enough to throw the seedling into its ear canal before the Titan turns its head, finally noticing the commotion.
Thwarted, Luz tries to fly out of the Titan's line of sight, but it's too late. It catches a glimpse of her, and an expression of faint remembrance crosses its massive skull-like face. Almost as though a trace of Belos could still be in there somewhere.
But, more in line with its bestial nature, the Titan immediately turns its rage on Luz, trying to swat her out of the sky. Her friends try to distract it again, but the Titan remains undeterred. Changing tactics, it opens its maw to inhale Luz's magic.
Both Luz and Owlbert list through the sky, delirious as their magic goes spiraling into a blue vortex in the Titan's throat. Thus slowed, the Titan manages to close it's fist around them.]
AMITY
NO!
[A few moments of stunned silence pass before Luz reappears, squeezing between the gaps in the Titan's fingers and resuming her flight.
Relieved, her friends resume pummeling the Titan with all their might. Despite this, the Titan is still laser-focused on destroying her. It continues trying to swallow her into its maw. Luz still tries to escape, but can barely budge, as though caught in the gravity well of a black hole.
It is then she has a moment of clarity. She looks back at the massive vortex trying to pull her in. She then glances at the palistrom seedling, it's roots curled around her fingers. Furrowing her brow, she knows what she must do.]
LUZ
(to Owlbert)
This may be it for us. Are you ready, buddy?
[Owlbert screeches with affirmation. She then turns around and flies straight for the Titan's maw. Seeing this, her friends pause in confusion.]
CAMILLA
W-what is she doing?! I don't understand!
EDA
Get out of there, kid! You're heading straight for it!
WILLIAM
...She knows...
[As Luz nears the vortex, time seems to slow. Memories of her times in the Demon Realms come flooding back. The time she sat with Eda on her staff, learning to appreciate the beauty of the Boiling Isles. All her time smothering King in affectionate smooches. The moonlight conjuring ritual with Willow and Gus and how Eda remarked on their hidden potential.
Dancing with Amity under the moonlight and sharing their first kiss. Reviving Sir William from his sleep and him swearing an oath to fight alongside her.
Tears stream from Luz's eye as she reaches the vortex and the Titan's jaws slam shut around her.
Everyone freezes in shock. Camilla breaks down and sobs on the deck of the airship, Eda wrapping her wings around her. Amity shuts down completely and almost falls from her staff until Willow and Gus rush to her side.
The Titan itself stands motionless for a few moments, a bovine look in its eye. It then turns and placidly marches back to the coast.]
WILLIAM (cont'd)
BASTARD!
[William tries to fly off after it, but King motions for him to stop, shaking his head.]
KING
Stop! We've got to try something else.
WILLIAM
(trembling)
What else is there to try?! If I cannot destroy it then I am joining Luz in it's belly!
[He turns and addresses the crowd.]
WILLIAM (cont'd)
What say you?! Better crushed in its jaws than trodden underfoot! Will we let her death go unavenged?!
EDA
(trembling, under her breath)
No...
[His words stoke their ardor and they join him in charging at the Titan.]
HOOTY
Yeah, let's do it! For Luz, the Human!
WILLOW & GUS
(in unison)
For Luz, the Human!
EVERYONE
(in unison)
For Luz, the Human!
[They swarm after the Titan like vengeful hornets. But before they reach it, the Titan suddenly halts in its tracks and doubles over in pain.
They halt and watch as it clutches its chest. Suddenly, something sprouts out of it's sternum-a tree branch. More branches burst from the Titan's chest, making it howl in pain.
It falls on its knees, desperately trying to claw out the shoots, but they only grow faster. Then, a mass of roots explode from it's stomach and plunge into the soil. The palistrom trees boughs then burst apart the Titan's ribcage. As the tree grows larger, the light of the Titan's eyes fades.
Soon, all that is left is a massive palistrom tree, basking in the final rays of the sun with the Titan's remains hanging from its branches.]
EXT. NEW GRAVESFIELD
[Both the coven scouts and rebel witches emerge from their trenches and look with awe on the sight of the massive tree.]
EXT. PALISTROM TREE - LATER
[Luz's cohorts land on the lowest branches, tending their wounded and resting from the fight. Amity, Gus, and Willow continue circling the branches, holding out hope that Luz might've survived.
It is then that Amity looks up into the tree and sees something bulging out of the flesh between the Titan's ribs.]
AMITY
Look there!
[A beam of magical energy slices through the Titan's rotting hide. Luz staggers out of it, exhausted and clutching an equally tired Owlbert.]
AMITY (cont'd)
Luz!
[The trio surrounds and embraces Luz, weeping with joy.]
WILLOW
You had us so scared!
GUS
Speak for yourself! I knew you were tougher than that!
AMITY
Luz, are you alright?!
[Luz can barely stand and her eyelids seem heavy.]
LUZ
(weakly)
I'm fine...now that you're-
[Eda and William arrive, bringing Camilla. She quickly takes her vitals.]
CAMILLA
(urgent)
Her breathing is shallow and her pulse is irregular. We need to get her to an infirmary. Now.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL TENT - NIGHT
[Luz peels open her eyes, just barely conscious. She sees Camilla leaning over her, silhouetted in the dim light. She clutches an X-ray print out in her hand and speaks to someone off-screen.]
CAMILLA
There's a large obstruction in her abdomen. It's interfering with her cardiopulmonary response.
HETTIE CUTBURN
That would be her bile sac. It must have collapsed on itself when it was drained of magic by the Titan. If we don't extract it, it could cause thrombosis in her other organs.
CAMILLA
But we're not equipped to perform an operation like that! We don't have anesthetic for one-!
HETTIE CUTBURN
-Allow me.
[With a wave of Cutburn's finger, Luz lapses into unconsciousness again.]
INT. HOSPITAL TENT - MORNING
[Luz awakes again, this time rousing fully. She turns to see Camilla asleep in a chair next to her bed, snoring loudly. Luz gets to her feet and changes out of her hospital gown. Looking in the mirror, she notices a vertical scar across her sternum and that her ears are rounded again.
Camilla snores so loudly that she wakes herself up and sees Luz just finished getting dressed.]
CAMILLA
Oh, míja! You're awake! How do you feel? You should get some more rest. We have more tests to run, before we're sure you're-
[Luz hugs her and pecks her on the cheek.]
LUZ
I feel fine mamá. Did it work? Did everyone make it out okay?
CAMILLA
See for yourself.
[Camilla parts the tent flaps and guides Luz outside where she can see a perfect view of the palistrom tree.]
LUZ
(awed)
Wow...! It's beautiful.
[As she takes in the sight, Willow and Gus casually appear beside her.]
WILLOW
(reflective)
Yeah, it is. But, sadly, it won't live as long as a normal palistrom tree after being forced to grow so fast.
GUS
(teasing)
Gee, Willow! Since when have you been such a downer?
WILLOW
I wasn't being a downer! I was just remarking on the ephemeral nature of its beauty.
[Luz turns and hugs them both.]
WILLOW (cont'd)
Come on. Amity's been waiting to see you.
[Together they walk through the refugee camp, observing the fallout of the Titan's rampage.]
A chain gang of coven scout prisoners is marched into the portal door, flanked by the Hellhound warriors. King breaks ranks to scurry up to Luz.
KING
Luz! You made it!
[He sees her scar and excitedly points to some of his own from the battle.]
KING (cont'd)
Boo-boo buddies for life!
LUZ
(smiling)
Always.
[King then scurries back to his post. Sir William oversees the prisoner exchange while conversing with a pair of human officials. He acknowledges Luz with a warm smile and a crimp on the shoulder as she walks past.
They come upon a stall where Dell and Gwen Clawthorne are busy carving new palisman from the wood of the palistrom tree. Eda and Lilith arrive with fresh bundles of branches in their talons and transform back from their harpy forms.]
EDA
Kiddo! Good to see you're still with us! You look like crud. *snort*
LUZ
(laughing)
I feel better than I look, thanks.
[Meanwhile, the Blight family is busy coordinating a clean-up crew of abomatons, busily clearing the rubble of the city. Hooty assists them, enjoying the remaining time he has with his mech-suit.]
HOOTY
Aww, but I don't wanna give it back!
ALADOR
The Abomech Mark II is Blight Industries' property. Once we're done here we'll have to decommission it for repairs.
HOOTY
*sigh* I knooow. But can't I blow up something with it just one more time?
EMIRA
We'll have a day at the target range before you turn it over.
HOOTY
Yay!
[They come upon Amity repairing a fractured abomaton with a blow torch. She folds up her welding visor and runs over to give Luz a hug.]
AMITY
I'm so glad you're alright.
(flustered)
I mean-are you alright? I don't mean to diminish your ordeal. Losing your bile sac has to be rough-but I guess you don't wanna talk about it! I'll just...shut up now...
WILLOW
(winking)
We'll leave you two alone...
[As Gus and Willow walk away, Luz plants a kiss on Amity's blushing cheek.]
LUZ
I do want to talk. How have you been holding up?
[Amity tries to smile, but she can't stop from welling up with tears.]
AMITY
N-not so hot...*sniff*
[She wipes away her tears, smearing her face with soot.]
AMITY (cont'd)
I've just been thinking about...what comes next.
[She paces away and looks out on the bustle of the camp with a contemplative look.]
AMITY (cont'd)
I'll be going back to the Boiling Isles with Dad to help him restart our company. He and Ederic will be working on product development, while Emira and I handle the business side of things...
[She smiles a bit at the thought, but it fades when she turns back to Luz.]
AMITY (cont'd)
(demure)
But I know you haven't had much chance to think about the future...so we don't have to talk about it now...
[Luz turns and looks over at her mother, deep in conversation with the Clawthornes. She turns back to Amity with a somber expression.]
LUZ
I'll be staying here, actually. I have a promise to keep.
AMITY
I...knew you would...
LUZ
(hopeful)
But we'll still see each other. I'm only a portal door away now-for real this time!
AMITY
(smiling)
I know. And we'll still have lots of adventures together...
(crestfallen)
...where you'll charge headlong into the fray like the dashing hero I know you are.
LUZ
(pleading)
Amity. Things will be different from now on. I don't have to be that kind of hero anymore.
AMITY
But that's what makes you so awesome! I see that now. It's just...
(trembling)
I need someone I can build a future with.
[They both start tearing up.]
AMITY (cont'd)
Someone I can come home to after work, who I know will still be there...
LUZ
So, this is goodbye...?
[Amity pulls herself together and looks back at Luz.]
AMITY
...Not just yet. We still have time before we leave.
[She takes Luz by the hand and they go on one last stroll by the coastline.]
CROSSFADE TO:
EXT. PALISTROM TREE - SUNSET
[Luz, Camilla, and Vee, gather at the base of the Palistrom tree to say farewell to their friends as they pass through the portal back to the Demon Realms.
Camilla looks contrite, seeing how tearfully she hugs Gus and Willow. She then takes Luz aside.]
CAMILLA
Luz...You don't have to stay just because of the promise you made to me. I see now it was wrong of me to ask that of you.
LUZ
It's not just that, mom. A lot of these people suffered for so long because I stubbornly thought I could take down Belos on my own. I have to stay and help them rebuild.
(reflective)
Maybe one day I'll go back...when I'm ready.
[Amid her reservations, Camilla beams with pride.]
WILLIAM
I see you took the vows to heart, then.
LUZ
"Her blade defends the helpless. Her might upholds the weak."
WILLIAM
Well then it looks I'll need some protection here soon. Bureaucrats are my mortal foil.
[They both chuckle and hug.]
WILLIAM (cont'd)
(solemn)
Live always by your vow, brave knight.
[William kisses her forehead and marches for the portal, trying to remain stoic through his sorrow. Next, Eda, King, and Hooty in his portable birdhouse, all approach her.]
EDA
(impressed)
Well, look whose all grown up now.
KING
(emotional)
Promise you won't stay away for too long?
[Luz hugs them both.]
LUZ
Promise.
EDA
*sniff* There will always be room for you, Luz.
HOOTY
(blubbering)
Without you, the Owl House is just an empty nest...*sobs*
[After a while, they finally manage to tear themselves away. With a forlorn smile, they march through the portal. Gus and Willow proceed next, solemnly waving her goodbye. Amity lingers in the doorway the longest.
They stare at each other in pained silence for some time before Amity gives her an encouraging smile and backs into the portal. The doorway closes, leaving only the carved doorway at the base of the tree.
Luz, Camilla, and Vee then walk home together in silence. The camera pans up to the sky, where a shooting star streaks across the night.]
CUT TO:
INT. OBSERVATORY, FLOATING ISLAND IN SPACE
[The Observer slams her fist on a table, enraged.]
THE OBSERVER
Gagh! How many centuries must I wait for something to go right!
[She recovers her aplomb and turns her attention back to a crystal ball, now showing a vision of the Clawthorne sisters returning home. The Observer dwells on the vision with curiosity.]
THE OBSERVER (cont'd)
Hmm. Well, they say when a door closes...a window opens...
[The scene fades out with her enjoying a final villainous chortle.]
TO BE CONTINUED...