ACT 1, SCENE 1

BLACKOUT

OLD MAN (V.O.)

Cierra tus ojos. Picture this.

FADE UP: A bright, beautiful day in the middle of the ocean, steadily panning forward. We hear waves crashing against each other and seagulls chirping in the background.

OLD MAN (V.O.)

Long ago, before we settled into this land across the great sea beyond the horizon, we were a thriving nation.

FAST ZOOM: A full shot of a large and vibrant coastal city. We hear festive music consisting of flutes, castanets, and guitars. We cut to several scenes of the people celebrating a joyful day in the city: a busy marketplace full of people buying and selling goods, various cafes with people chatting and laughing, a town square with a fountain that people danced around and clapped along with a band playing the above instruments, and an artist capturing the moment in paint.

OLD MAN (V.O.)

The city was full of life. There was art. There was music. There was culture. Good food. Good people. You name it; we had plenty of it to share.

The king and queen were watching the festivities from the balcony of their castle. They were moved by the music, looked at each other, and smiled. We cut to the interior of the palace, where the queen sat on her throne while the king read a scroll to an audience of people.

OLD MAN (V.O.)

Seeing our beautiful nation, the king and queen believed it was only right that we shared our gifts with the rest of the world—the world beyond the great sea. He read a decree stating that he would personally sponsor any explorer willing to sail across the sea to spread our culture to whatever lies ahead.

CUT: Interior of the Palace. Many people whispered among themselves, debating if it was worth the risk to sail for several months into uncharted territory.

OLD MAN (V.O.)

While the money was good, the mission was dangerous. Only the bravest men would dare venture into the great unknown. And I was one of them.

CUT: We see several individuals raising their hands, including a medium shot of a young man with thick brown hair and a full moustache and beard. We cut and pan to a pier in the early morning. Tough, fearsome sailors brought their families and supplies aboard beautiful, majestic ships. Those that stayed behind wept and celebrated as the sailors waved goodbye one final time before the voyage.

OLD MAN (V.O.)

I gathered the best crew I could possibly find: strong, brave, and daring. With my best friend, the navigator, we set sail towards the greatest journey of our lives. It was no small feat. We dealt with treacherous storms, sickness, and even a shortage of food. But, despite all these hardships, we pressed on, believing that we must finish the mission in honor of our great king.

FADE: Another beautiful day at sea, but the ship conditions were bleak. People were losing hope, wondering if they would ever reach land. At the bow, the young explorer looked on to the endless horizon with determination. The navigator beside him looked on with his telescope. The navigator's eyes widen. The navigator passed the telescope to the captain, who also looked on. The captain smiled from ear to ear and told everyone the good news. Reinvigorated, the crew did everything in their power to get the boat sailing as fast as possible. The ship reaches the sandy shore. In front of them was a dense forest of trees. The captain and his crew leave the ship to admire the wonders of the new world.

OLD MAN (V.O.)

Finally, after months of sailing, we found what we were looking for: a new world only spoken about by the few that managed to return to tell the story.

FULL SHOT: A bird's-eye view of the land that they found. Starting from where the explorers landed, we skip ahead several times, showing how much land they have cut down in order to create several large towns and small villages. It starts small from where they landed and eventually gets wide enough to cover a major chunk of the land.

MEDUIM SHOT: Middle of the forest. The captain and his crew, having aged several years, continued to explore the new land. The navigator, looking through his telescope, had a confused look on his face. The navigator showed the captain what he saw through the telescope. The captain ordered his men to carefully venture towards their new destination.

OLD MAN (V.O.)

One day, during our exploration, we came across a beautiful town like nothing we'd ever seen before. They had different music, different food, and different customs. It was nothing that we'd ever experienced before.

The explorers spied a beautiful village through the thickets. After careful observation, they entered town. The villagers were cautious, unsure of how to react to their new guests.

OLD MAN (V.O.)

We told the villagers we meant no harm and wanted to speak their leader. We informed their leader that things haven't been going well for us these past few years. It was a struggle to settle down in this new land. We were hoping that they would aid us and, in return, exchange our knowledge and customs to create a powerful partnership. Even after offering them gifts and showing how powerful we were, their leader ordered us to leave.

CUT: Dejected, the crew leaves the beautiful town. Not wanting to give up, the captain turned around.

OLD MAN (V.O.)

I was confused about why they treated us so poorly until I saw the answer.

ZOOM: We zoomed behind the leaders and focused on a dark, sinister being. Its eyes glowed white, and it snickered from ear to ear.

OLD MAN (V.O.)

Controlling these beautiful, helpless villagers was a dark witch who had the entire town in the palm of her hand. She promised to leave the villagers alone if they worshiped her through song and dance.

ZOOM: We ZOOM out as the captain visualizes the witch increasing in size, nearly devouring the town with her figure. We soon returned to a MEDIUM SHOT of the captain.

OLD MAN (V.O.)

I knew something had to be done. I returned home to gather the bravest men I knew, and we set our sights on saving the village from the evil witch's control.

WIDE SHOT: The captain and his men rode on their horses and swiftly galloped through the forest and towards the town.

OLD MAN (V.O.)

We opened the doors and told everyone to flee while they could. But we were too late. The witch, who used her evil magic, knew that we were returning to save the town and took many of the villagers hostage as she fled deeper into the woods. Still, we were determined to save everyone, no matter how dangerous it may be, and chased after the witch.

WIDE SHOT: The captain and his men galloped through the forest and towards a river.

OLD MAN (V.O.)

Soon, we caught up to the witch as she tried to cross the river with her hostages in tow. Fearing that she would be captured, she threw a helpless man in front of her just as we were about to slay the witch. As we were distracted, she used a magic candle to cast a wicked spell that knocked all of us far away with a powerful explosion.

The bright pulse that came out of the cable knocked all of the soldiers off of their horses and back to the forest. The captain slowly came to and tried to find any survivors. The captain came across the navigator, who lay motionless on the ground. After checking up on him, he wept on the navigator's chest.

OLD MAN (V.O.)

We lost many men that day, including my best friend.

SLOW PAN: The captain and his remaining crew slowly walked towards the river, only to see giant cliffs and trees kissing the sky that were never there prior to the explosion.

OLD MAN (V.O.)

By the time we came, the witch had trapped herself and the villagers behind mountainous cliffs. No matter how high we climbed or how long we circled around, the cliffs seemed to endlessly stretch to no end. As long as the witch remained alive, her power prevented us from saving the villagers and avenging my men.

ACT 1, SCENE 2

INT. HOUSE OF LEADERS, MAIN HALL, MORNING

We FADE to the present day. Multiple soldiers lined up in straight rows in a dim hall lit only by the light from the windows. They stood still while paying attention to an elderly man with thick white hair and a long, full white beard and moustache. Standing away from him on his right side is a tall, young, buff man with his arms crossed and staring down at the soldiers.

SEÑOR GONZALO

Decades have passed since then, and not once did I forget about saving those villagers from the clutches of that evil witch. We set camp at the witch's own village, trying to find the secrets of her power as we waited for the right moment to strike. Today is that day. Behold!

WHITEOUT: Gonzalo opened the center curtain of the main hall. The sudden, bright light blinded the soldiers but didn't faze the young man. As we FADE back to normal, the soldiers turned to the window Gonzalo opened. They saw the same cliffs mentioned by Gonzalo, but one of the mountains was split almost perfectly in the center.

SEÑOR GONZALO

That fissure is proof that the witch's powers have finally weakened. Whether she is dead or dying, we don't know. But we do know that those helpless villagers are still trapped there, and it is our job to help set them free and confirm that the witch is gone once and for all. Men, you have prepared your lives for this special moment. I know your fathers and forefathers would be proud of you for risking your lives for the greater good and for our king. Today is the day we defeat the witch!

SOLDIERS

(LOUD CHEER) Yes!

SEÑOR GONZALO

Today we save the trapped villagers!

SOLDIERS

(LOUDER CHEER) Yes!

SEÑOR GONZALO

And today, we finally achieved our freedom!

SOLDIERS

(LOUDEST CHEER) Yes!

EXT. TOWN OF EXPLORERS

Led by Gonzalo and the young man, the soldiers exited the town hall and rushed out of town. The villagers stepped out of the way and bowed to Gonzalo while letting the soldier pass. They eventually ran to a storage building where all of their battle equipment was placed. When they got to the storage room, they were confused. Instead of the usual swords that were scattered throughout the dusty room, the storage building was redesigned as a potted garden filled with exotic plants, labels, and notes. As the rest of the soldiers looked around confused and the young man sighed in disbelief, Gonzalo picked up one of the notes next to the potted plants, looked at it, and crushed it.

SEÑOR GONZALO

(YELLING) Alonso!

ACT 1, SCENE 3

EXT. TOWN OF EXPLORERS

On the streets of the town, Alonso is carefully fixing a broken vase. As a child snuffled while the other village children tried to comfort her, Alonso placed the broken pieces back together again while filling in any empty holes with clay. After sealing the cracks with glue and repainting any empty spots, he handed the vase back to the snuffling girl.

ALONSO

There! Like it never happened.

PABLO

(in awe) Wow, you totally fixed it.

SOFIA

(nudging Ana) Come on, Ana. What do you say?

ANA

(SNUFFLING) Thank you, Alonso.

ALONSO

Don't worry about it. Just be careful next time.

PABLO

Wow, Alonso, you really can do anything.

ALONSO

I only know what I know.

SOFIA

What can I do to be creative like you?

ALONSO

As long as you open your mind, you can achieve anything.

ANA

My parents told me you're too nice for your own good.

ALONSO

I'll take that as a compliment. Now, hurry up and put that vase back before your parents see it.

PABLO

(waving) Bye, Alonso!

SOFIA

Teach me how to do that next time!

ANA

Goodbye.

Alonso waved back as the children ran away.

SEÑOR GONZALO

(YELLING) Alonso!

ALONSO

(jumping) AH!

Alonso jumped back from the sudden response, making some of the soldiers behind Gonzalo chuckle.

ALONSO

Hey, Abuelo Gonzalo, you seem very spirited today.

SEÑOR GONZALO

That's Señor Gonzalo to you, hijo.

ALONSO

Okay, I know you're upset about something, but I think some breathing exercises will help calm your soul, and...

SEÑOR GONZALO

(in front of his face) Where did you put the weapons, muchacho?

ALONSO

What weapons?

SEÑOR GONZALO

(YELLING) The weapons from the storage room.

ALONSO

They should still be there. Where else would they be?

SEBASTIÁN

You call this a weapon?

Sebastián, the young right-hand man of Gonzalo, presented one of the potted plants from the storage room to Alonzo. He purposefully dropped it and stepped on the plant.

ALONSO

(walking towards Sebastián) Hey, that plant was rare to find, and you know it.

Sebastián easily pushed him down, which made the soldiers laugh.

SEÑOR GONZALO

(agitated) Alonso! Sebastián! Stop fooling around. Alonso, I'm asking one last time: where are the weapons?

ALONSO

Fine, I'll show you. Follow me.

Alonso led the group back to the House of Leaders in a room next to the Main Hall. He opened the door to reveal all the weapons and gear, hung and labeled in a neat, orderly fashion.

ALONSO

See, it's in the weapon's storage room. You would have known if you had just read the sign right above the door.

The soldiers looked up at the sign in confusion before exploring the new room, having never seen the weapons room so neat before.

ALONSO

Every week, you have these drills where you start from the main hall, run to almost the other side of town, get the gear, which was a mess, and run back to the front of the Leader's House. That's such a waste of time, so I found a room right next to the hall that wasn't in use. That sounds more efficient, right?

Alonso gave a quick tour of the space, where the soldiers looked around in awe.

ALONSO

Also, the weapons and gear were thrown all over the place. Armor would have multiple small cuts, and if you're not careful, you can cut your fingers off just by picking up a sword. So, I hung all of the weapons and gear in a neat and orderly fashion. Now, you can grab your sword by the handle and pick up your gear, cut free. It's that easy.

The soldiers hastily grabbed the weapons and gear, leaving the room in the same mess as the previous storage house.

ALONSO

(leaving the room.) Yeah, I am not cleaning that up. That's all of you.

SEBASTIÁN

Cousin, we've been performing the same drill for years. Decades even. You can't just change tradition just because it's "efficient" and not tell anyone about it.

ALONSO

What are you talking about? I drew a map of where the new weapons room is at the greenhouse that you guys ransacked. I even left a note at Abuelo's house. It was on the dining table and everything.

SEBASTIÁN

You mean that weird napkin with scribbles on it?

SEÑOR GONZALO

Enough, both of you. Alonso, you need to learn how to assert your voice. Sebastián, you need to learn how to read.

SEBASTIÁN

What's the point of reading when you can make people understand by beating them senseless?

SEÑOR GONZALO

A true leader needs both strength and smarts to run a kingdom efficiently, qualities that both of you lack. (sigh) I suppose we can save the villagers another day. The soldiers aren't in the proper mood.

ALONSO

If the mission is that dangerous, wouldn't you want to send a scout to check on them instead of bringing your full army in?

SEÑOR GONZALO

(lighting up.) You know, you might be onto something, hijo. How would you like to go on a solo mission to the witch's lair?

ALONSO & SEBASTIN

(shocked) What?

SEBASTIÁN

Abuelo, with all due respect, this sounds very dangerous. Just look at Alonso. Even an ant can kill him.

ALONSO

(angered) Hey!

SEBASTIÁN

A mission like that needs someone who can run away fast enough when things go south, is strong enough to take down any foe that comes their way, and is brave enough to challenge the witch head-on. I have all those qualities. I should go.

SEÑOR GONZALO

Your time will come, Sebastián. Right now, I need someone who can help us chart a clear path towards the witch's lair. That way, we can use the full might of our force to our advantage. That someone is you, Alonso. Do you accept this task?

ALONSO

Of course, Abuelo I'll do anything for our people.

CUT: Alonso grabbed all the gear necessary for the upcoming expedition, including a wide-brimmed hat, parchment paper, a quill pen and ink, and his grandfather's telescope, given to him by his mother and grandmother. He turned and looked one last time at his minimalistic, single-room home before leaving the house and bumping into Sebastián.

ALONSO

(going around him) You're in my way, Sebastián.

SEBASTIÁN

(angrily following Alonso) Why would Abuelo choose you to lead the expedition and not me?

ALONSO

Because I am the greatest...

SEBASTIÁN

(interrupting) Self-proclaimed.

ALONSO

Fine, I'm the only navigator in this entire town. So, if I were you, I'd show the future hero of our people some respect.

SEBASTIÁN

(irate) No, I am going to be the future hero of our people. You are a walking joke who will never amount to anything.

ALONSO

I'm sorry. I can't hear you over the future cheers and applause. See you.

SEBASTIÁN

(irked) Come back here! We're not done talking yet! It's going to be me!

Gonzalo appeared behind Sebastián and watched as Alonso walked away.

ALONSO

(spotting Gonzalo) Don't worry, Abuelo. I won't let you down, I promise.

Sebastian and Gonzalo waited until Alonso left their sight.

SEBASTIÁN

(turning to Gonzalo) Are you sure this was the right thing to do, Abuelo?

SEÑOR GONZALO

Alonso is expendable. His kindness will get him killed the moment he steps into the witch's lair. As long as we get the maps he created for us, he will be of no use to me. You, Hijo, are more valuable to me. I have a proper mission just for you. I need you to grab a horse and visit the other villages to spread the good news. We're going to need as many of their finest men as possible if we are to succeed with this mission.

SEBASTIÁN

Abuelo, with all due respect, do we really need that many people to defeat a single witch?

SEÑOR GONZALO

(sternly) Do not underestimate her power, hijo. Just because she has weakened does not mean she is powerless. It's possible that the very people she held hostage have been brainwashed to fight for her from beyond her grave. A lion must use its full strength to capture its prey. Now, go! The sooner we have our men ready, the faster we can achieve our victory.

SEBASTIÁN

(bowing) Of course, Abuelo. I won't let you down. I promise.

Sebastián ran away as we slowly ZOOM towards Gonzalo's face while CUTTING between him and his POV of the fractured mountain.

SEÑOR GONZALO

(in a serious tone) Who knows what sort of deranged, twisted, and devilish creatures those villagers have become now?

END OF ACT 1