The Chronicles of Sir William
Part 4
Pride & Prejudice
OPEN ON:
INT. THE OWL HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - MORNING
The Owl House fam is gathered in the living room, watching Luz's echo-mouse project the contents of Philip Wittebane's diary on the wall.
PHILIP (O.S.)
By my best reckoning I believe the current human year is 1860...or is it '70? The years are flashing by, but it will be worth it. I've gathered all the ingredients, including Titan's Blood. All that's left is to seek out a figure folk hereabouts call...*static*..."The-*static*
The shadows flicker and distort until the echo-mouse closes its jaws and scampers back into it's cage. Frustrated, Luz turns to the others.
LUZ
See?! It just cuts off, right when its getting to the part I need!
She then shows them the remains of Philip's diary, the last few pages seeming to have been torn out, rather than gnawed on by the echo-mouse.
LUZ
It looks like somebody tore out the last few pages before the echo-mouse got a hold of it!
She sinks to her knees in frustration.
LUZ
Ungh! And just when I was so close!
EDA
(consoling)
Aw, narts! That's a tough break, kid.
KING
So what'll you do now?
LUZ
I don't know, but I've got Amity following up on a lead for me-
She's interrupted by the cawing of a crow phone out the window.
LUZ
*gasp* That's her!
She takes the phone and puts the receiver on speaker.
LUZ
Amity! Please tell me you found something!
AMITY (O.S.)
I did. It took some digging, but I found the entry for the diary in the Library's records last night after work. The last person to check it out was some guy named "Vulgrim" about fifty years ago...
WILLIAM
Vulgrim?!
Sir William bolts up from the couch in surprise.
LUZ
You know this guy, Will?
WILLIAM
He was a sleazy Demon merchant who traded in all sorts of illicit wares back in my time. I don't know what he'd want with a portal, though. He can already travel between dimensions.
Luz grows more excited, taking William by the hand and dragging him to the door.
LUZ
Then we've got to go find him! Eda, we'll be back in about-
EDA
-Two seconds!
Eda runs and blocks their way.
EDA
You're still on lock-down for the last stunt you pulled, sneaking off and getting shanghaied by the cyclops brothers!
WILLIAM
(gallant)
A misadventure I take full responsibility for, Lady Eda.
EDA
My point exactly. So, you'll be following up on this-alone!
LUZ
But, Eda-!
EDA
Nuh-uh! No more solo adventures for you, young lady!
WILLIAM
She's right, Luz. I can handle this on my own. Besides, I owe you a lot more for what you've done for me...
He gives her a reassuring smile and she relents.
LUZ
*sigh* Alright. Be safe...
CUT TO:
EXT. STREETS OF BONESBOROUGH - DAY
Sir William searches the streets of the city until he comes upon a shop nestled in an alleyway. Hung around the entrance are various silver wind-chimes in the shape of angled spirals, with blue crystals dangling beneath.
A gang of demon thugs is gathered outside it, arguing with the shop owner.
TIBBLES
Bonesborough's my turf now, Vulgrim! What, the multiverse isn't big enough for you to peddle all your junk?
VULGRIM
Enterprise knows no frontier, my porcine friend! What's the matter? Afraid of a little competition?
TIBBLES
Boys, let's show this old has-been who should fear whom!
Tibbles' thugs surround Vulgrim, brandishing crowbars and baseball bats. Unfazed, Vulgrim snaps his fingers, conjuring a portal in the ground.
An immense, burly demon, a Trauma, crawls out of it and bellows with fury. Tibbles and his thugs quickly balk and retreat.
VULGRIM
May the best grifter win! *chuckling*
Noticing Sir William approach, Vulgrim quickly banishes the demon and bows.
VULGRIM
(servile)
Oh! Sir William the Conqueror! It's been some time!
(flattering)
But I see time's been kind to your complexion.
WILLIAM
(familiar)
Vulgrim, you old snake! I didn't know you were still in business here.
VULGRIM
My friends were just throwing me a "welcome back" party. Now, what can I do for you?
WILLIAM
I'm looking for something specific...a treatise on portal-crafting, perhaps...?
VULGRIM
(lighting up)
Oh. I think I've got just the thing!
Vulgrim snaps his fingers and a folio of parchment materializes in his hands. William does his best to look aloof.
WILLIAM
The usual tender, then?
Vulgrim nods and licks his maw with anticipation.
William takes his sword by the pommel. The sapphire gem inlaid in it pulses and releases a cloud of blue wisps into the air. Vulgrim slurps them up like noodles.
VULGRIM
*retch* Blegh! Ugh, they're stale! How long did you keep those souls lying around?
WILLIAM
About fifty years. But that's the best I've got!
VULGRIM
(disappointed)
Oh, well I'm afraid it won't do.
Vulgrim moves to banish the parchment, but William stops him.
WILLIAM
Wait! Alright, maybe something else then...*sigh* A friend of mine is stranded in this dimension. Could I book passage home for her through your serpent-holes?
VULGRIM
(chuckling)
Ohoh-no! Not for an even steeper fee! Do you know what the Charred Council would do if they caught me smuggling mortals?
William groans in frustration, weighing his options. After a moment of pained deliberation, he turns back to Vulgrim.
WILLIAM
Alright, the parchment then. I still have one soul that may interest you...
Vulgrim cocks his thorny brow.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE OWL HOUSE, FRONT LAWN - AFTERNOON
Luz sits slumped on the front steps just as the sun starts setting over the countryside. She then lights up, seeing Sir William approaching over the hills, waving the parchment triumphantly.
WILLIAM
I return victorious!
Overjoyed, she sprints into his arms and seizes the parchment like a trophy.
LUZ
Oh, Will!
(tearing up)
I was so afraid this would be another dead end! But you came through! How did you-?
WILLIAM
-Oh, it just took a bit of haggling. A snooze compared to adventures with you.
LUZ
(beaming)
Well, it means the world to me...
She stands on her tip-toes and plants a kiss on his cheek. He takes a step back, a bit flushed. She then darts away, running back into the house with glee.
Eda side-steps her on her way out to investigate the commotion.
LUZ
I'm going hooooome!
EDA
(shaking her head)
*chuckling* Oh, that kid is something, isn't she?
Sir William follows her gaze, growing smitten with Luz's exuberance.
WILLIAM
(demure)
Yes...She certainly is.
TITLE SEQUENCE:
OPEN ON:
INT. LUZ'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Luz lies sprawled on her sleeping-bag, her face pressed against the glass of her echo-mouse's terrarium, eagerly watching it devour the parchment.
William then appears in her doorframe, wearing a formal tunic instead of his armor.
WILLIAM
So, how's our furry friend's digestion coming along?
LUZ
It'll take a few days for him to get through the whole thing.
(giddy)
It's agony to wait!
WILLIAM
Well, if you want something to do in the meantime, would you, erm-
(shy)
...meet me up on the turret in a few? Splendid view and all...
LUZ
Okay, I'll-
Before she can finish, he ducks out into the hallway.
EXT. STONE TOWER - NIGHT
William leans on the parapets of the tower, looking over the Boiling Sea with the night breezes whipping his hair. Luz emerges from the stairwell, still in her pajamas, but wearing her cloak for warmth.
LUZ
Nice night...
WILLIAM
Yes, it is...So...
William awkwardly searches for a topic of conversation, arriving at:
WILLIAM
I never knew Master Philip was a human. He looked like a normal witchling to me.
LUZ
Maybe he was trying to hide it for some reason? I don't know.
(optimistic)
I guess it'll be another mystery solved when we finally see what's in that journal.
WILLIAM
Indeed.
They resume looking out on the view in silence, William eventually breaking it again.
WILLIAM
(solemn)
But that's not why I called you up here.
LUZ
Oh? Is something wrong?
WILLIAM
No...er, well yes.
(somber)
Eda isn't wrong to be worried for your safety. I nearly got you killed in that farce with the demons...
LUZ
Oh, Will. We still made it out of there okay. I-
WILLIAM
That time we were lucky. I can't be so careless, not when things are getting this dangerous.
LUZ
Come on. Both you and Eda trained me yourselves. You should know I can take care of myself by now.
WILLIAM
I know. It's just we care for you a great deal...
(earnest)
...I care for you...
He slowly extends his hand, placing it over hers. Their eyes meet. He unsurely searches her face for her reaction. Luz merely returns a warm, innocent smile.
LUZ
Aw, thanks. I'm glad you guys have my back.
He retracts his hand, rubbing his neck self-consciously.
WILLIAM
...So, when you finish this portal of yours, will that be it then?
(solemn)
Will we ever see you again?
LUZ
I don't know why you're all so antsy about that. It's a portal. I can come back and see you if I want.
(uncomfortable)
It'll just be convincing my mom to let me come back.
(winking)
But we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
WILLIAM
(relieved)
Oh, good. Because...*erherm*
William clears his throat, summoning his courage. He quickly withdraws a folded piece of parchment from behind his back and hands it to Luz.
WILLIAM
(demure)
I was hoping we could spend some more time together...
Curious, Luz takes the parchment.
LUZ
What's this?
WILLIAM
A formal declaration of courtship.
Luz's eyes widen and she blushes slightly.
LUZ
"Courtship"?
William waves his fingers, summoning a spectral knight out of mist behind them. The ghostly knight comes equipped with a mandolin, strumming them a delicate serenade in the moonlight. Luz blushes profusely.
William seems oblivious, leaning over the parapets with a dreamy smile.
WILLIAM
I found a dive in town that plays music like this. I was thinking, perhaps tomorrow night we could go together and-
He turns in time to see Luz's blushing face retreating back down the stairwell. Crestfallen, he is left alone in the moonlight, his spectral musician vanishing. He turns and kicks the stone wall in frustration.
WILLIAM
*groan* William, you fool!
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN - MORNING
Eda sits at the kitchen table in her robe, sipping apple- blood and reading the headline: PREPARING FOR THE DAY OF UNITY. Luz paces into the room with an uncertain expression.
LUZ
Hey, Eda?
EDA
Mhmm?
LUZ
Just wanted to talk.
(shy)
Last night...I think Sir William tried to...ask me out.
Eda nearly chokes on her apple blood.
EDA
*cough* Whoa!
LUZ
Yeah...
EDA
(smiling)
Well, try to keep in mind he lived in different times. *snort* He's probably wondering why you aren't married yet.
LUZ
I know, it's just...awkward...
EDA
(reclining)
Eh, it's not easy being a heartbreaker.
LUZ
*sigh* "Heartbreaker". You make it sound so...casual. But I don't want to hurt his feelings!
(frustrated)
Oh, this was all hard enough with Amity-wait! Amity, of course!
Luz turns and bolts out of the room, Eda calling after her.
EDA
Let him down gently, kiddo!
CUT TO:
EXT. BLIGHT MANOR - MORNING
Amity is in her bedroom, readying herself for the day. She's applying her make-up when her necklace pulses with light, emanating her mother's thoughts.
ODALIA (O.S.)
It turns out your father and I will have to cancel the next stock- options meeting. The Emperor's Coven is ramping up their quotas and we'll have to devote all our lines to meeting them.
(grumbling)
Ugh. What a rotten quarter...
AMITY (V.O.)
(blasé)
Oh, no. That sucks for you...
ODALIA (O.S.)
(stern)
That doesn't mean you're free to sleep-in the rest of the day, young lady. I expect you to make productive use of your weekend.
AMITY (V.O.)
*sigh* Yes, mother.
She finishes applying mascara when she sees Luz hovering outside her window on Owlbert. Her mood instantly brightens and she scurries to open the window.
LUZ
(urgent)
Amity! Girlfriend emergency!
AMITY
What's the-?
LUZ
I'll explain on the way! Hurry!
Luz plucks Amity from her windowsill and carries her into the sky, Amity blushing all the while.
CUT TO:
INT. THE OWL HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - DAY
William wanders the Owl House, looking for Luz.
WILLIAM
Luz?! Luuz?!
King emerges from the bathroom with his horns wrapped in a towel following a bath.
WILLIAM
King, have you seen Luz?
KING
I saw her leaving this morning. She was in a big hurry too.
WILLIAM
(hurt)
Is she that intent on avoiding me?
Before he is left to wonder, the front door flies open, admitting Luz and Amity.
WILLIAM
Oh, Luz! Thank goodness.
(contrite)
About last night...I apologize if I was too forward...
LUZ
(stammering)
N-no, no, it's alright. It wasn't you...but about that. Will, you've met Amity, haven't you?
Smiling, Luz presents Amity with a twirl.
WILLIAM
(terse)
Yes, I believe I've had the pleasure...
LUZ
Well, you see...Amity is my-
(giggling)
She's my girlfriend.
William pauses, perplexed.
WILLIAM
Your..."girlfriend"? But she's a- well, a... a girl.
Luz gives William a knowing smile.
LUZ
Yeees...
WILLIAM
(shaking his head)
*sigh* This world keeps getting stranger.
Luz and Amity giggle to themselves at his vexation.
WILLIAM
(serious)
Very well then. Amity of Blight, I challenge you to a duel!
AMITY
Wait. WHAT?!
INTERLUDE:
WILLIAM
I don't believe I stuttered. For the hand of fair Luz in courtship, I challenge you to single combat!
AMITY
What, are you nuts?! I'm not going to fight you!
WILLIAM
(smiling)
So, in your estimation, her affections are not worth fighting for?
AMITY
Yes-! Uh, well, no! I mean-*groan*
LUZ
Whoa, whoa, hey! Come on, Sir William. We don't have to settle this by fighting, do we?
WILLIAM
(bored)
I suppose not. We could instead pine and angst and seethe. Many heavy sighs and dirty looks.
(determined)
Or, we could settle this here and now, like-well, I'd say like men, but...
AMITY
*scoff* Typical! Come on, Luz. We're not going to take him seriously, are we?
Luz stands between them, looking conflicted and dismayed as they stare each other down. For a moment, William breaks his gaze, pondering over something.
WILLIAM
(realizing)
Oh! Wait a moment, I've forgotten something!
He takes a leather glove from his belt and whips it across Amity's face with a light smat. The noise echoes dramatically through the room. Amity stands frozen in shock, as does Luz.
WILLIAM
There! Now it's official!
AMITY
(rage growing)
Oh, it's official alright! Sir William, I accept your challenge! You're going down!
Eavesdropping at the threshold to the kitchen, Hooty and King trade astonished looks.
CUT TO:
INT. LUZ'S BEDROOM
King excitedly paces in the attic, Hooty sticking his head through the window.
HOOTY
(wailing)
I can't believe what I just heard!
KING
(scheming)
I know! This is going to be so epic!
HOOTY
What do you mean?! This is a disaster! That "Sir Snooty" is trying to come between our favorite couple!
KING
(unimpressed)
Eh...I mean, Amity's cool and all, but what do she and Luz really have in common?
(grandiose)
But picture her and Sir William together! He, a knight who lost his kingdom-his throne! And she, cut off from her world. The two of them joining forces and conquering both worlds together!
How is that not the most epic love story you've ever heard!
HOOTY
Ew! You're just projecting your icky fantasies all over this!
KING
Well, are you doing any different? Luz and Amity's girl-on-girl thing is a big win for people like you, isn't it? That's all you care about!
HOOTY
*gasp* How dare you! This means war!
King and Hooty stare each other down, butting heads.
HOOTY
Lumity is the true way!
KING
Luziam forever!
HOOTY & KING
(in unison)
SHIPPING WAR!
CUT TO:
EXT. HEXSIDE GRUDGBY COURT - DAY
Amity marches up to the grudgby field with her game-face on. Luz paces by her side, trying to dissuade her.
LUZ
Amity, please listen to me. You don't have to do this. Just let me talk to Will and we can-
AMITY
(determined)
No, Luz. I do have to do this. Someone needs to put that blowhard in his place!
LUZ
Not that I doubt you, but...have you seen downtown Bonesborough lately?
AMITY
Yeah, the place looks like a war zone. Why do you-...
Amity trails off, realizing what she's getting herself into.
AMITY
(stubborn)
It doesn't matter.
She affectionately cradles Luz's chin in her hand.
AMITY
You're worth fighting for, mi batata.
LUZ
Oh, mi amor, this doesn't have to be a fight! I think you're both awesome. He's just a bit confused.
AMITY
(cocky)
Well, he's about to be dazed and confused. Come on, I-
They pause, surprised to see the grudgby court bustling with activity. The Hexside grudgby team is busy erecting a series of tents as though preparing for a medieval joust. A crowd of spectators begins gathering in the stands.
They then see Gus and Willow jogging up to greet them.
GUS
Hey guys!
AMITY
What's going on? What are all these people doing here?
GUS
Oh, well King and Hooty told us there was going to be a lovers' quarrel.
(winking)
So we thought we'd make it an event.
LUZ
(cross)
Guys! We don't exactly want this to be a public affair!
WILLOW
Relax, we didn't tell them what this is really about. For all they know, they're just here to see a witch's duel.
HOOTY
Join team Lumity! Don't hide your pride!
They turn to see King and Hooty each running their own merch stands, peddling graphic t-shirts and memorabilia.
KING
Don't listen to him! Join Team Luziam, the one ship to rule them all!
Luz and Amity simmer with irritation, Gus and Willow offering innocent smiles. Amity's face suddenly pales at the sight of her family waiting by one of the tents.
AMITY
Oh, no!
LUZ
Trouble with the fam?
Amity nods, mortified.
LUZ
I'm so sorry. Do you want me to-
AMITY
Thanks, but I need to do this on my own...
LUZ
Alright.
Luz leans in to kiss her on the cheek but thinks better of it in view of the Blights.
LUZ
Catch you later...
ODALIA
(expectant)
Yoohoo! Mittens! Come hither!
Luz leaves Amity to nervously traipse up to her family. Determined to resolve things, Luz heads for William's tent.
INT. WILLIAM'S TENT
Luz parts the canvas entry flap to see Sir William eagerly suiting up for the battle.
WILLIAM
Oh, there you are, Luz. Quite the crowd, eh? Reminds me of the tourneys in the good old days!
LUZ
Will. We need to talk.
WILLIAM
Oh, don't worry. Jitters are natural. I know just the thing for it.
LUZ
Will, I-
WILLIAM
We had this tradition where a lady would present her knight with a token of her affection-a "favor" we called it.
It could be anything. A scarf, a handkerchief, a bracelet-
LUZ
(solemn)
Well then I'm sorry, Will, but I won't give you my favor.
William looks taken aback.
LUZ
We don't settle these things with tournaments anymore. It's by choice, and I chose Amity.
(frustrated)
If she wasn't being so stubborn, I'd call off this entire thing right now!
(earnest)
I like you a lot, Sir William, but not the same way you like me. I've been trying to tell you I think we should just be friends.
William turns away, somber.
WILLIAM
I...see.
A few moments later he turns back to her with a pained smile.
WILLIAM
Then I feel lucky to count myself among your friends.
Luz gives him an appreciative embrace.
WILLIAM
But, all the same...
William rises and paces to his window flap, gazing out at Amity.
WILLIAM
(leery)
I'm not so fond of this ironically named, "Amity". Though "Blight" is certainly spot-on. I find her to be pompous and petulant...
LUZ
(quipping)
Sounds familiar...
WILLIAM
(heedless)
If she still assents, I would like to see the outcome of this melee...
EXT. TOURNEY GROUNDS
Amity demurely paces up to her family.
AMITY
(innocent)
Mom. Dad. What brings you here?
ODALIA
(stern)
Don't play coy with us. We know everything.
AMITY
Everything?
ODALIA
You left your necklace on, dear.
Odalia taps the gem on her necklace. Amity looks down, mortified to see hers still faintly glowing.
ALADOR
(gently)
But we had our suspicions before. We wanted to let you tell us in your own time.
AMITY
(uneasy)
So...what do you guys think?
ODALIA
(leery)
Mmm...personally I think you could do better, dear...
(determined)
But that's immaterial now! A Blight's relationships are hers to start or end on her own terms!
Amity looks surprised by her attitude...
ODALIA
You're not just going to let this... hound swoop in and snatch your quarry, are you?!
(raving)
Why this reminds me of sophomore year! Katrina Jenkins thought, because she was a senior, she could just appropriate my dear Alador from me! The nerve!
And then less surprised. As Odalia continues her tirade in the background, Alador, and Emira step forward to comfort her.
EMIRA
Just know that we'll be rooting for you out there, Amity.
(expectant)
Right, Edric?!
Her brother, Edric, looks distracted, staring at the merch stands.
EDRIC
What now?
(shaking his head)
Oh, no. I'm on Team Luziam!
EMIRA
WHAT?! You traitor!
EDRIC
Sorry, Mittens! All is fair in love and war!
He shrugs as he runs off toward King's merch stand to buy a t-shirt.
EMIRA
(awkward)
Eh, most of us will anyway. We know you can beat him!
ODALIA
(crazed)
Don't just "beat" him. Make an example of him! Destroy him! Do not dishonor our family name!
Alador takes his wife by the arm and guides her towards the bleachers.
ALADOR
Come, dear. Let us give our daughter some time to prepare.
Amity watches them go with an appreciative, if wry, smile. Regardless, her anxieties begin setting in.
AMITY
Oh, come on, Amity. What are you even worried about? It's not like he's...
Her gaze lingers on William's training area, filled with thick marble pillars, all demolished or cleaved in twain.
AMITY
*gulp* ...powerful. Or...
Her eyes then fall on a poster promoting the event, emblazoned with the dashing visage of Sir William.
AMITY
(pouty)
...handsome. Or...
She turns to see William stepping out of his tent, still conversing with Luz.
LUZ
Ugh, fine! Just get this whole thing out of your systems so things can get back to normal.
WILLIAM
(smiling)
Oh, please. When are things ever normal around you?
They part ways, Luz chuckling and waving goodbye.
AMITY
(uneasy)
...charming...
Her insecurities continue welling up inside her until she furrows her brow with determination.
AMITY
I will destroy him. I won't let him take her away from me!
CUT TO:
EXT. HEXSIDE GRUDGBY COURT
The stands are all lined with cheering spectators. The "Lumity" supporters are all gathered on one side, proudly bearing Hooty's pink t-shirts, printed with Luz and Amity's likeness.
They include: Eda, Raine Whispers and his fellow BATTs, Willow, Amity's family (sans Edric), and Hooty. Luz sits among them, blushing from all the attention.
On the other side are the "Luziam" supporters in King's blue t-shirts.
Among them are: King, Gus, Matholomule, Edric, Morton, Steve, Lilith, Coven leader Darius, Wrath and Braxas.
Sir William and Amity then appear at opposite ends of the field and pace to the center of the pitch.
WILLIAM
Chivalry dictates that I allow the lady the first move...
AMITY
*scoff* Going easy on me 'cause I'm a girl?! What a gentleman!
WILLIAM
I'm going easy on you just by calling you a "lady"...
The crowd "ooh"s and "ah"s at the mounting tension. Blushing, Amity readies her staff.
AMITY
Alright then. Here's my move!
She lashes out with spikes of abomination clay. He parries her spears with his blade. She then lunges in for a punch with her abomination fist, but William catches it in his hand and flings her aside.
She stumbles and falls, but quickly regains her footing to dodge William's hail of lightning bolts. Thinking quick, Amity creates a wall of sludge to block his attacks, lunging out with tendrils from safety.
WILLIAM
So, your whole motif is sludge, eh? How very...nauseating...
AMITY
I could say the same for your boorishness.
William relents in his flurry of attacks for a moment, looking contrite.
WILLIAM
*sigh* Perhaps you're right. This is beneath us, really...
Amity looks out from behind her shield, curious. Luz looks hopeful.
WILLIAM
(earnest)
Luz and I had a talk. I was barking up the wrong tree, I see that now. I should've guessed from how highly she speaks of you...
Amity lets her guard down to listen.
WILLIAM
She finds you "smart, cool, and classy"...
(wry)
All the same qualities of a blood-sucking vampire, but what do I know?
He takes advantage of her relaxed guard to unleash a torrent of water. With Amity distracted, her abomination shield is quickly winnowed away and she is blasted off her feet by the tidal wave. Luz winces, disappointed in William's pettiness.
AMITY
(sputtering)
*cough* *hack* Oh, I think you'd know plenty about being a parasite!
One of the BATT members, a vampire herself, rises from the stands in a huff.
KATYA
Okay, does anyone else find this really offensive?!
Amity rises to her feet and renews her offensive. She ferociously slashes at him with tendrils and spikes. William backpedals, parrying her attacks.
AMITY
We were doing just fine without you- better even!
WILLIAM
I heard no such complaints!
AMITY
Because Luz is too nice to tell you what she really thinks...
Amity pauses in her magical attacks, putting her strength into her verbal ones.
AMITY
(venomous)
She knows how bruised your ego is already, how you stand around and moan about how different things are.
They continue sparring, Amity fitting her rebukes in between blows.
AMITY
She feels sorry for you, so she doesn't tell you it's not worth holding your baggage!
William pauses, trying not to show how deep her words are cutting. Luz looks dismayed, shocked at Amity's vitriol.
Amity, meanwhile, gathers up a huge wave of her abomination clay and hurls it at William. He is engulfed in the mountain of sludge, swallowed up as it congeals into a large sphere.
KING
Come on, Sir William! Break free!
HOOTY
FINISH HIIIIIIMMM!
For a few moments after, there is nothing but silence...
Both Amity and the crowd begin wondering if maybe she went too far...But then the sphere of clay swells and explodes. William emerges in a spray of the thick goo, having cast his blue energy bubble to burst through the sphere. He pants with exhaustion, his hair and armor drenched in the viscous liquid.
WILLIAM
(determined)
*pant* I may be all that you say. But I will be no different... *pant* on your account...
Gathering his strength, William charges at Amity. She attempts to rebuff him with a flurry of sludge projectiles, but he bursts through them with his energy shield. As he nears her, he casts another shield, this time around Amity, entrapping her just as she's summoning another wave of sludge.
Her torrent bounces off the shield's surface and back at her. She ends up sitting in a pool of her own slime, trapped.
WILLIAM
Do you yield?!
Amity continues to struggle against her bonds.
AMITY
(struggling)
Not even close, you creep!
William releases the bubble and readies his sword for another bout. Stumbling, Amity brushes the sludge off her skirt and similarly readies herself. They stare each other down, hate in their eyes.
Before the combatants can continue their melee, Luz leaps down from the stands and throws herself between them.
LUZ
Enough!
The crowd gasps, and the dueling witches both pause in surprise.
LUZ
I've had enough...from both of you.
Amity withers a bit under Luz's stern gaze.
LUZ
This has gone too far! I'm not going to sit around and watch my friends hurt each other. Stop this!
Sir William lowers his sword, breathing a heavy sigh.
VULGRIM
(coy)
Oh, dear. I hope I'm not interrupting something!
Vulgrim suddenly appears on the grudgby court in a wisp of smoke, floating over to William.
WILLIAM
Vulgrim?! What are you doing here?
VULGRIM
I have come to collect payment.
Luz and Amity trade confused looks.
LUZ
Will, what's he talking about?
WILLIAM
Now, Vulgrim, we agreed! I had at least a few months in arrears before-
VULGRIM
(devious)
Well, times are getting lean and my backers are calling in their debts. So, unfortunately, must I...
Vulgrim snaps his fingers and summons the Trauma.
VULGRIM
Bring me his soul, Brutus-undamaged if you please...
LUZ
Your soul?
The trauma lumbers into the arena, bellowing with fury. Many in the crowd flee the stadium, but Luz's friends stay and prepare for battle.
The trauma charges forward. William drags Luz and Amity into a bubble shield, which the Trauma proceeds to relentlessly pummel into the pavement.
AMITY
Y-you can beat this thing, right?
WILLIAM
(straining)
*groan* Perhaps if I were still fresh...GAH!
The immense demon finally breaks through his shield, knocking William to the ground. It raises it's fist to strike a killing blow, but it is held back by a thorny vine conjured by Willow.
Meanwhile Hooty snakes around it's legs and trips it over. This only works for a second before it tears through the vines with its claws and nearly stretches Hooty into taffy as it splays its legs.
The other witches hammer away at the demon with their attacks. Suddenly, Vulgrim teleports into their midst and conjures shackles around their wrists.
VULGRIM
Stay out of this! You're interfering in the legal repossession of property!
Despite being bound, Alador manages to fumble for his remote. An abomaton bodyguard then lumbers into the courtyard and distracts the trauma with its weaponry.
Taking advantage of the diversion, Luz grabs William's sword and confers with Amity.
LUZ
I need a slingshot.
Amity nods and conjures two abominations that stretch each others arms into a sling. Luz then places the sword in the sling and stretches it back with Amity's help, aiming it at the trauma's back.
The trauma, meanwhile, rips apart the abomaton with ease, but scarcely has time to turn around before it is impaled in the back by the sword.
It howls in pain, but incredibly still seems in fighting shape. It prepares to charge again before the sword glows with light and unleashes a massive explosion of energy that rips through its chest.
Finally dead, it collapses to the ground and dissolves into orange energy. Vulgrim balks and hovers back away from the scene.
VULGRIM
(uneasy)
Er-*erherm*. Perhaps in light of your circumstances, I can grant you an extension.
Before the other witches can surround him, he snaps his fingers and dissolves away into blue mist.
VULGRIM
(grumbling)
Grr, I should never have returned to this saccharine, sentimental dimension!
The witches then regroup in the aftermath.
ODALIA
What in Titan's name was THAT?!
WILLIAM
(groaning)
Let's just say demons are even nastier where Vulgrim's from...
William staggers to his feet, helped by Luz.
LUZ
(touched)
Will, you...traded your soul so I could have a way home?
WILLIAM
A small price for you, my dear.
William pauses, seeing Amity lingering off with a forlorn expression.
WILLIAM
(straightening up)
But, erhm-now that you've won it back for me, we're settled up.
(to the crowd)
I hereby concede this match to Amity of Blight.
A disappointed murmur spreads through the "Luziam" crowd, the "Lumity" section erupting with cheer.
William retrieves his blade and sheathes it in its scabbard, solemnly pacing away from the field.
CUT TO:
INT. THE OWL HOUSE, LUZ'S BEDROOM - DUSK
Luz strides into her bedroom, exhausted after the fight. As she settles down on her sleeping bag, she spots the letter Sir William had given her, still unopened. Now curious, she opens it and reads.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
Dear Luz.
When I first awoke in that grimy cave beneath Dirk Falls, I thought it was to a nightmare. I felt adrift from my time, lost and alone.
But the more time I spent with you, the more it seemed like a dream. With the help of your enduring optimism, thirst for adventure and tender heart, I have come to see the beauty in this brave new world...and in you.
In just the few weeks we have spent together, I already find it difficult imagining life without you. I know I am a man of many faults, among them not being blessed with a poet's guile. But I'll try my best...
Luz, you are my hero.
Her eyes widen.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the-?
Luz stops reading, the voiceover trailing off. Most of Luz's face is cut out of frame, but we can see a tear running down her cheek, her lip slightly quivering.
She is then interrupted by a knock at her door. She opens it to find Sir William sheepishly lingering at the door-frame.
WILLIAM
(shy)
Er, Luz? Do you by any chance still have that letter I gave you, yesterday...? I feel rather foolish about it now...I'd like it back if that's alright.
LUZ
Uh...sure. It's here somewhere. Let me dig it out.
She hides the opened letter behind her back and closes the door. She looks conflicted for a few moments before reluctantly deciding to slip the parchment under the door.
William then plucks it from the floor, setting it alight with a mote of blue flame and pacing back to his room with a defeated sigh.
Forlorn, Luz leans on the other side of the door. Suddenly a crow phone appears at her window, startling her with a loud squawk.
AMITY (O.S.)
Hey, Luz? It's me.
Luz opens the window, letting the crow perch on her windowsill and channel Amity's voice.
AMITY (O.S.)
Listen...I'm sorry I let things get so crazy. Can I make it up to you with a night at Grimgrub's? My treat!
LUZ
(distracted)
Oh-yeah! That sounds nice...
AMITY (O.S.)
Oh? Awesome! Pick you up at seven! I'm so glad things are back to normal!
LUZ
(absently)
Yeah...normal.
Luz watches the crow depart with a wistful expression.
THE END
