SCENE 3
INT. HALL OF WARRIOR'S DUNGEON - VARIOUS INTERIORS
Meanwhile, soldiers patrolled the area where Pepa, Félix, Julieta, and Agustín remained captured. As they pondered what to do about their situation, a familiar-looking soldier walked up to one of the soldiers on parole.
SOLIDER?
Excuse me. I am here to relieve you of your duties at this hour. We are to switch places.
SOLDIER 1
No one told us of this change. Who gave you the order?
SOLDIER?
The boss, of course. Who else could it be?
SOLDIER 2
I don't recognize you, soldier. What battalion are you from?
Hesitating, the cornered soldier stomped on the ground three times. Sighing, Dolores left her hiding spot and crossed the hallway.
SOLDIER?
Look, one of the villagers escaped. We must capture her.
Also spotting Dolores, the two soldiers headed towards her. When they turned the corner, the soldiers did not catch Luisa, who charged at them from behind, knocking them both out. Dolores quickly went through one of the soldier's pockets and grabbed a set of keys. She threw them to Camilo, who eventually reverted to his usual form and opened the cell door of his parents and relatives.
ANTONIO
(Running towards Pepa with open arms) Mom!
PEPA
Antonio, my sweetheart. I'm so glad you're okay.
CAMILO
What are we, chopped liver?
FÉLIX
Don't be jealous of your brother because he's cuter than you.
Félix walked over to Dolores and Camilo and hugged them both.
FÉLIX
(To Camilo and Dolores) I'm so proud of you two.
DOLORES
(Returning the hug) Thanks, Dad.
At the same time, Luisa opened the door to her parents and quickly hugged them.
AGUSTÍN
I'm so glad you're okay.
JULIETA
Where's Mirabel and Isabela?
LUISA
They're saving Abuela Alma right now.
AGUSTÍN
That's good to hear.
JULIETA
We need to aid them as best we can.
PEPA
Dolores, can you lead us to Abuela Alma?
DOLORES
I'll try my best. Follow me, everyone.
SCENE 4
Meanwhile, Señor Gonzalo menacingly walked over to Abuela Alma. He raised his sword, preparing to bring it down on her neck. Because only one guard held her down, Abuela Alma pushed herself out of the way before the sword struck her. The blade stuck on the table temporarily. Using this opportunity, Abuela Alma ran away.
SEÑOR GONZALO
(To the soldier) Don't just stand there. Go after her!
Alonso and Mirabel walked down the vines as the soldier chased after Abuela Alma; however, the steps ended at a certain point.
ALONSO
I wish your sister finished creating these vine-like steps before she went out to rescue my cousin.
MIRABEL
At least the jump down is not as far as from the cliff. Should we take a chance?
Abuela Alma tripped and fell as the soldier was closing in on her.
ALONSO
We have no choice. Are you ready?
MIRABEL
I was born ready.
Alonso and Mirabel jumped and prepared to land on the soldier. They were unaware that Bruno had broken through from the guards and wanted to save Abuela Alma. Bruno was also not paying attention to the commotion above him. He focused on getting the soldier away from Abuela Alma. In the end, Alonso and Mirabel landed on the soldier and Bruno. While Bruno was a little dizzy, the soldier took Alonso and Mirabel's fall and was out cold.
ALONSO
(To Bruno) I'm sorry, sir.
MIRABEL
Bruno, are you okay?
BRUNO
(Standing up) I think so.
Alonso, Mirabel, and Bruno headed over to Abuela Alma.
MIRABEL
Abuela Alma, are you okay?
ABUELA ALMA
I am fine, my child. Thank you, Mirabel. Thank you, Bruno.
Abuela Alma turned over to Alonso, who was hesitant to approach further. Seeing that, Abuela Alma clasped his hands.
ABUELA ALMA
Thank you.
ALONSO
(overwhelmed) You're welcome.
Eventually, Señor Gonzalo removed the sword from the table and walked over to them.
ALONSO
(To the three of them) You guys need to go.
MIRABEL
But what about you?
ALONSO
I'll try and stall for time so you guys can escape.
MIRABEL
I am not leaving without you.
ALONSO
We don't have much time. My grandfather is after your abuela's life. I need to face my family just like you did with yours. Don't worry. I'll be okay.
Mirabel held Alonso's hands tightly, which Bruno and Abuela Alma noticed.
MIRABEL
Be careful, and don't do anything reckless.
ALONSO
I promise.
Mirabel and Bruno helped Abuela Alma up on their shoulders as the three of them walked away.
BRUNO
(To Alonso) You better keep your promise, Romeo.
ALONSO
It's Alonso.
BRUNO
You know what I mean.
When Mirabel, Bruno, and Abuela Alma left the platform and blended in with the chaos, Alonso focused on his grandfather.
SEÑOR GONZALO
(annoyed) Out of the way, hijo.
Alonso grabbed a sword from the soldier's sheath and pointed it at his grandfather.
SEÑOR GONZALO
(laughing) Do you think you can stop me, boy?
ALONSO
No, but I can stall you, and that's all I need.
Señor Gonzalo and Alonso engaged in battle; their clashing swords drowned out by the chaos of the crowd. Señor Gonzalo continuously battered Alonso with powerful strikes. Alonso blocked each one, wincing as he held onto his blade as tightly as possible. Eventually, Señor Gonzalo knocked the sword out of Alonso's hand.
SEÑOR GONZALO
You lost, boy. Now, stand aside.
ALONSO
I won't. I can't let you harm these innocent people who have done nothing to us.
SEÑOR GONZALO
Not only are you starting to look like your grandfather, but you also sound just like him.
ALONSO
What are you talking about?
SCENE 5
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - NIGHT – PAST
SEÑOR GONZALO (v.o.)
During the capture of this village, your grandfather and I chased that witch and her flock towards the river.
Horses galloped down a dirt road in pursuit of the villagers who ran away from their burning homes. A young Señor Gonzalo ordered the horses to run faster as his group spotted the villagers by the river.
EXT. RIVER - NIGHT - PAST
Noticing what was happening, the villagers ran as far as they could. One of them looked at his wife and kids. He left them to confront Señor Gonzalo's platoon, asking them to spare his people. The four soldiers looked at each other to confirm their next move. While one of them, a navigator, agreed to spare his life, Señor Gonzalo and the other men had other plans. In an un-unanimous decision, Señor Gonzalo ended his life.
SEÑOR GONZALO (v.o.)
When I slayed one of them, the witch erected a barrier and blew us away with a strange magical energy. The blast separated us, but I happened to find your grandfather first.
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT - PAST
Señor Gonzalo got up after the explosion to look for his group. Eventually, he spotted the navigator lying on the floor in pain.
SEÑOR GONZALO
(Helping him up) Are you hurt?
NAVIGATOR
(Getting up) I'm fine. I have some minor bruises, but I should be okay.
SEÑOR GONZALO
Let's go after them. It's not too late.
NAVIGATOR
No, Gonzalo. It's over. We cannot pursue them any further.
SEÑOR GONZALO
But we were this close. We would have gotten those villagers if it was not for that- that- that witch and her magic powers.
NAVIGATOR
Gonzalo, look around you. That woman created this forest and those mountains to protect her people. We don't know how high and wide these mountains stretch. We must turn back.
SEÑOR GONZALO
Are you suggesting that we retreat?
NAVIGATOR
I'm saying we need to adapt to these unfortunate circumstances. That woman may have created a barrier, but she did not affect the way back to the village much. We can navigate our way back and use that village as our base of operations to plan our next move.
SEÑOR GONZALO
I am not going back anywhere. To return without reward is to return in shame.
NAVIGATOR
There is no shame in defeat. There is shame in not admitting defeat.
SEÑOR GONZALO
I am the Great General Gonzalo. A scheming witch will never defeat me.
NAVIGATOR
She would not have used her powers if you had not killed her lover.
SEÑOR GONZALO
They're just villagers. One fallen villager will mean nothing to anybody.
NAVIGATOR
That is not the way we do things. Yes, we capture villagers. Yes, we make them our servants. But no, we do not resort to killing them. You've crossed the line, Gonzalo. I can't serve under you.
SEÑOR GONZALO
Where are you going?
NAVIGATOR
I'm returning to the mainland with my family. I cannot collaborate with you if you continue your rabid behavior.
SEÑOR GONZALO
You're joking, right? We have worked side by side for years. You are my brother in arms.
NAVIGATOR
I agreed to search for more land in the name of our kingdom. I did not agree to bloodshed. I will find another suitable navigator capable of assisting you in your conquest, but count me out. Goodbye, Gonzalo. It was a pleasure collaborating with you.
SEÑOR GONZALO
Come back. You can't just leave me here.
As the navigator walked away, Señor Gonzalo stabbed him from behind, enraged. The navigator collapsed to the ground.
NAVIGATOR
Gonzalo, what are you doing?
SEÑOR GONZALO
I'm sorry, my friend, but if I'm returning to our base of operations, I need a reason for returning. Don't worry; your sacrifice will not be in vain.
Although the navigator wanted to retort, he passed on. Señor Gonzalo hid his blade as he heard the other two soldiers approach him.
SOLDIER 1
General Gonzalo, we're glad that you're okay.
SOLDIER 2
Is that the navigator? What happened to him?
SEÑOR GONZALO
He's dead. The blast from the witch's attack gave him grave wounds. He did not survive.
SOLDIER 1
That's terrible.
SOLDIER 2
We're sorry for your loss. We know how much he means to you.
SEÑOR GONZALO
We will not forget his death. In his final breath, he asked me to slay the witch in his honor, and I will keep that promise for as long as I live.
SOLDIER 1
Of course, general.
SOLDIER 2
We will be honored to defend his honor with you.
SEÑOR GONZALO
Thank you. Now, let us return to the village. He needs a proper burial.
Señor Gonzalo carried the navigator's lifeless body as he and the soldiers returned to the burning village.
SCENE 6
EXT. PLATFORM - NIGHT - PRESENT DAY
SEÑOR GONZALO
It was then that I introduced my son to your mother. My son was noble and died in battle. Your mother was weak and died in childbirth. Your grandmother was just as fragile; she died of illness. And with each passing day, I see you are not as strong as my son but as weak as your grandfather. Finally, I will put your grandfather's curse out of my misery!
Señor Gonzalo raised his sword and was about to strike Alonso, but a rock flew in his face. Alonso and Señor Gonzalo turned to the stone thrower.
MIRABEL
(In tears) How could you have done something so cruel to your best friend? He was willing to leave us alone, but your pride consumed you to do the unthinkable. As a result, Alonso faced the immeasurable task of meeting your expectations when you had none for him. That is not what family is about.
ALONSO
Mirabel.
MIRABEL
I once felt like an outcast in my family, and my frustrations literally and figuratively tore my family apart. However, through that ordeal, I learned to forgive the faults of my family, and my grandmother reconciled with me and her painful past. How can you call yourself his grandfather if you are unwilling to do the same? You are nothing more than a madman who focuses solely on personal gain, regardless of who your family truly is. You have lost.
SEÑOR GONZALO
(Snickering to Alonso) Your girlfriend has quite a sharp tongue. It would be best if we cut it out.
Señor Gonzalo menacingly walked over to Mirabel. She continued to defend herself by throwing more stones at him, but Señor Gonzalo did not budge. Señor Gonzalo readied his sword as Mirabel ran out of stones. Mirabel braced herself, but Alonso came just in time to block the attack with his sword. Alonso pushed Señor Gonzalo away and knocked over his sword.
ALONSO
Come on!
Alonso and Mirabel ran as Señor Gonzalo reclaimed his sword. As they ran to the end of the platform, they noticed that the exit was too congested with soldiers and villagers to leave safely.
MIRABEL
Up there!
Mirabel pointed at the vine steps they jumped from. Heading towards the steps, Alonso helped push Mirabel to one of the vine steps. Once there, Mirabel reached out her hand to grab Alonso. While she was pulling him up, Señor Gonzalo ran after them to stop them from escaping. He swung his sword at Alonso. Alonso tried to protect himself but hurt his hand, forcing him to drop his blade. With all her strength, Mirabel finally brought Alonso up to her. Señor Gonzalo tried to jump and slash them, but he was too far away.
MIRABEL
Are you okay?
ALONSO
I'm fine. It was just a scratch.
Alonso tried to stand, but he collapsed. Mirabel noticed blood coming from his leg.
MIRABEL
Your leg is bleeding.
ALONSO
He must have caught me there, too.
MIRABEL
Let's get you to my mom. She'll heal you.
Mirabel helped Alonso up as they walked away. Angered, Señor Gonzalo searched for a way to get to them. He chose to climb up the rocky cliff to the lowest vine steps. Señor Gonzalo noticed that the vines were not sturdy. He carefully and sternly marched towards them. When Mirabel spotted Señor Gonzalo pursuing them, she quickened her face. Unfocused, she almost slipped and fell, but Alonso caught her just in time, aggravating his hand and foot. Noticing his opportunity, Señor Gonzalo swung his sword again at Mirabel and Alonso. Alonso pushed himself and Mirabel out of the way but injured his foot further.
MIRABEL
Alonso!
Alonso tried to get up but was unable to. Mirabel attempted to lift him but could not.
SEÑOR GONZALO
Look what we have here: the witch's granddaughter and the cursed navigator's grandson. Finally, this dreadful game of cat and mouse is over, and I will be free!
Señor Gonzalo gleefully lifted his sword in the air. Mirabel covered Alonso to protect him. Señor Gonzalo took one foot toward the vine step that Alonso recently jumped off from. Because of the sudden weight, the vine step gave way, and Señor Gonzalo fell from the cliff to the ground. The sword meant for the cursed children slipped from Señor Gonzalo's fingers and impaled him as it fell.
For a moment, Mirabel was relieved; however, the vine step they were sitting on eventually collapsed. Mirabel hung on from the top of the closest vine step while holding Alonso's damaged hand.
MIRABEL
It's okay. I got you.
The vine Mirabel held onto began to sag the longer she held on to Alonso.
ALONSO
You have to let me go. The steps can't support the two of us.
MIRABEL
I won't let you go. I don't want to lose any more people who are important to me.
The vine continued to bend and give way, causing Mirabel to panic.
ALONSO
Mirabel, it's okay. For the longest time, I thought I didn't have a place in this world. But then I met you, and you changed my beliefs and gave my life meaning. I'm glad that you are a part of my life. I love you.
Unable to hold on much longer, Alonso released Mirabel's hand.
MIRABEL
(screaming) Alonso!
Before Alonso fell to the ground, Sebastián caught him just in time, and the two fell backward.
ALONSO
(To Sebastián) You saved me. Thank you.
SEBASTIÁN
I wouldn't have made it in time if it weren't for her.
Sebastián pointed towards Isabela, who created a new set of vine steps for Mirabel that led down to them. Mirabel happily ran down the steps and hugged Isabela.
MIRABEL
Thank you, Isa.
ISABELA
What are big sisters for?