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THE EXCITEMENT

AGILMAR (CONT'D)

Formosa, rally our fighters!

FORMOSA

I’ll get my axes.

AGILMAR

Good, but ranged attacks; archers

and spears first. Do not let the

beast draw us into close combat for

as long as possible! Keep It at

bay!!

FORMOSA

Yes, father! Ora, good luck getting

to Shadow Run. I hope our paths

cross again under fairer skies.

AGILMAR

Ora, you must flee while we fight

off the beast. We won’t be able to

ride on with you. The rest of your

belongings are next to Spirit.

KEVIN

I’ll ready Spirit.

ORA

We can help.

AGILMAR

I won’t say no, but running now may

be your only chance of survival.

May Tapio keep you. Farewell.

Agilmar rushes off as Kevin returns, leading Spirit.

KEVIN

Alright. Alright, we are stocked

and loaded. I say we both mount up,

at least for a bit, put as much

distance as we can between us

and...

ORA

I’m going to fight!

Ora turns towards the camp, but Kevin GRABS her wrist and

stops her.

KEVIN

What? No, don’t!

ORA

Kevin, let go of my arm!

KEVIN

I’m sorry, Ora, but you can’t go.

This isn’t our fight. I admit, they

seem like good people, but they

kidnapped us and forced us into

this. We should run while we can.

ORA

You’re acting like a coward.

KEVIN

I’m just being practical. How many

people die during a Naturae attack?

ORA

All the more reason to help.

They’ll need every fighter they can

get.

KEVIN

But that’s just It! I’m not a

fighter!

KEVIN (CONT'D)

I didn’t train like you. I can

barely use a knife, let alone a

sword. And even if you do know how

to fight, It doesn’t mean you’ll

survive. Look at Godrick and his

parents.

ORA

Kevin, I... I didn’t...

KEVIN

Let’s leave. Let’s just keep

running and living.

LUSUS NATURAE

(Roar)

ORA

I’m sorry, I have to help.

KEVIN

Please, Ora. Please.

ORA

If you want to take Spirit and

leave, I’ll understand.

KEVIN

Ora! Ora!!

SCENE BRAKE

FORMOSA

Stay back! Hide our numbers. Wait

for my signal!

REGINALD

Heay! We’re safe...but only for a

moment. The creature is stuck in

one of the mud traps, but that

won’t hold It for long. We were

able to evacuate everyone from that

side of the camp, except...

Felix and Cassia were killed.

FORMOSA

What?

REGINALD

Their screams were the first sign

of the attack.

FORMOSA

No.

REGINALD

There was nothing to be done.

FORMOSA

How did It get past our warnings?

REGINALD

No idea. It must have found a gap

in the tripwires. None of the

alarms were...

FORMOSA

How many were hurt?

REGINALD

At least a dozen. Maybe more.

They’re been taken to the healers

and are being attended to.

FORMOSA

Are the archers in place?

REGINALD

Yes.

FORMOSA

Signal the attack.

REGINALD

Grab the torch; I’ll dip the arrow.

FORMOSA

No time to waist.

ORA

Reginald! Reginald I came to...

REGINALD

Get down! So you decided to join

the excitement, eh?

ORA

It’s...uhh...It’s...uhh

REGINALD

Yep, it’s right over there. Cute

isn't It.

ORA

I...I mean...I have never...

REGINALD

Haha clearly

ORA

What is that? Ugh! That smells

awful!

FORMOSA

Watch out!

REGINALD

This...is liquid fire...

FORMOSA

...and this is fire...fire.

ORA

I want to help. What can I do?

REGINALD

Watch...and pray.

FORMOSA

Do It!

(MORE)

FORMOSA (CONT'D)

There...Watch the trees.

SCENE TRANSITION

HEAD ARCHER

There It is, the signal. Prepare to

fire! FIRE!

SCENE TRANSITION

REGINALD

Damn! It’s armored.

FORMOSA

Reginald...call in the spears.

REGINALD

Ha! NIGHT FALL! Now we can have

some fun.

ORA

I...I should join the attack.

REGINALD

Let the spears do their job. Weaken

It. Then we’ll see.

ORA

How can you be enjoying this?

REGINALD

Because It looks like I might get

my wish...I’m going to kill

something today. Pity it’s so

small.

ORA

Small?!

REGINALD

Hand me my spear. Here we go!

ORA

It’s over eight feet tall!

REGINALD

Yeah, like I said, small...for a

Lusus Naturae. Come on girl, Hyah!

Good girl, come on. Hyah, come on

girl come on. Circle Formation!!!!

Spears ready! Oh my Call!

REGINALD (CONT'D)

Ready.... NOW!! Stay in formation

No! NOOOO! Back!! Back!!! Fall

Back!!!! Heay!! Good girl come on.

Warriors, ready yourselves!

FORMOSA

Hey, Report. What happened.

REGINALD

The armor is too much, but It

looked to be only on it’s back.

That’s why it’s so short. Heay! Go

GO! We need to go in from

underneath.

ORA

How did It... It just.. It just

ripped... Oh! What’s that?!

FORMOSA

Reginald! The evacuation!

REGINALD

Theres No time! The Naturae is

almost free of the mud, It wont be

long. Ugh, The fighters guarding

the retreat will have to handle the

villagers.

FORMOSA

I’ll ready the teams. Wait for my

call.

REGINALD

Hey. You Okay outsider? Your

looking a little pail.

ORA

I’ve never seen one this close...

it’s like a bear, but...turned

inside out. And it’s mouth...it’s

enormous.

REGINALD

Well, each is different, but you

sure picked an exciting one for the

first time. You...uh... Sure you

want to do this?

ORA

Any tips?

REGINALD

Aim for the heart. Though It can be

difficult to tell where that

is...or how many It has.

ORA

How can you be so calm as your

people die?!

REGINALD

Caring about someone won’t stop

them from being torn apart. You

know what will stop It? Being an

amazing fighter. And you know how

you become that? By doing what you

love. And lying to yourself.

ORA

That does not sound right.

REGINALD

You’re the one who asked for

advice.

FORMOSA

Ready! We have to stop It from

reaching the tents! It won’t fall

for another trap!

ORA

I’m ready!

FORMOSA

GO! Now! I’m behind you.

REGINALD

Come on, outsider. Let’s see what

you can do!

ORA AND REGINALD

AAAAAAA!

ORA

What...where is everyone?

HIDEN

Reggy!

REGINALD

OH! Hiden! Haha

HIDEN

First four out are a good crew.!

REGINALD

Good to see your mace and chain!

This is Ora!

HIDEN

Larze is right behind...

LARZE

It’s free!

REGINALD

Keep going. You two will take the

flanks...but watch yourselves, we

still don’t know what this one can

do.

HIDEN

Right!

REGINALD

Ora, cover the front with me, watch

the head, and try not to let me get

killed.

ORA

OKAY!

REGINALD

Just distract It and keep It in one

place. Here we go.... AAAAAA

HIDEN

Find your opening!

LARZE

It’s on to you Reg!

REGINALD

Ora!!

ORA

I got It!!!

REGINALD

Nice!

ORA

Haha YEAH! (Scream)

REGINALD

What??? A sword through the chest

doesn’t even slow It down.

HIDEN

Coming around!

REGINALD

Shit! Wow, that was close.

ORA

Open Leg! Ummm....

FORMOSA

Ora good!

LARZE

We’re getting nothing done back

here. All arms to the front!

HIDEN

Outsider! Get Down! UGH!

ORA

Hiden!!!

LARZE

Hey! Stop talking and keep

fighting!

HIDEN

I’m alright! Keep going! It’s

distracted!

FORMOSA

Attack the ankle. It’s unarmed

there!

REGINALD

I see It! Hold on...

ORA

Nice. You got the whole leg in one

swing.

REGINALD

Got It right below the knee.

ORA

Now you’re just showing off.

LARZE

It doesn’t even seem fazed! And why

isn’t the wound bleeding?

REGINALD

Who cares? It’s one less...woah!

ORA

The trees!

REGINALD

What about the trees?

ORA

If we can get It to rear up, the

archers can hit his belly from the

trees!

FORMOSA

Wait, why isn’t the wound bleeding?

And how is It still so agile...

REGINALD

Ora, I’ll get It to go after me,

take out the other front leg!

ORA

Ready!!!

HIDEN

Ready, ARCHERS!

REGINALD

Okay, here we...GO! UGH! Come on!!

Over here!!!

ORA

Yaaaaah!!

REGINALD

It’s rearing up! Fire!!

HIDEN

YEEEEE WHOOOOO!!!! Look at that!!!

FORMOSA

Reginald, get out of there!

Everyone, back up!!

REGINALD

It’s been weakened, now is the time

to str-

LARZE

The front legs are decoys! It’s a

sprinter!! Run!!!

HIDEN

Look OUT! Barbed tail!!

FORMOSA

BACK! GET BACK!!

HIDEN

Barbed Tail! AAHHH!!

REGINALD

Hiden!

FORMOSA

REGINALD!!

REGINALD

No, I.... AAAAAAAAA

ORA

Reginald! AAAAAAA

FORMOSA

Ora, NO!!

REGINALD

Watch the arms!!

ORA

I...WHAT?!

FORMOSA

AAAAAA. I’ll hold It off! Ora, get

Reginald to safety!

ORA

Where did that arm come from?!

FORMOSA

They are growing back! GO!!

ORA

...But my sword!

FORMOSA

GO NOW!!

LARZE

ARCHERS!!

REGINALD

I can still fight.

ORA

You’re hurt!

REGINALD

You’re hurt!! I can –

LARZE

Now!! Down!!

FORMOSA

Trees! Look out!!

REGINALD

I can still–

ORA

I can see bone!

REGINALD

Ora! The horn!

ORA

Oh, right...here.

REGINALD

Sound the horn.

ORA

Why not have everyone attack at

once?

REGINALD

We did, until we fought a Lusus

Naturae that produced a mist that

melted human skin if you were too

close. Lost three dozen fighters in

a second. Now, we attack only at a

distance or in small groups.

ORA

We’re clear! Alright here. Here let

me help you.

REGINALD

I’m fine. I’m fine.

FORMOSA

Reginald, you idiot. Why did you

keep attacking? I said to move

back!

REGINALD

At least I got you to fight. You’re

so much more fun when you’re

swinging your axes instead of

calling out orders.

FORMOSA

Keep quiet or else I’ll tell the

healers not to give you anything

for the pain.

KEVIN

ORA!

ORA

Kevin! You’re still here?

KEVIN

I thought...if I couldn’t help with

the attack, maybe I could help the

wounded. Also, Spirit wouldn’t

budge without you.

FORMOSA

Reginald’s badly hurt.

KEVIN

A real healer is on the way, but I

can clean It and have something for

the pain.

ORA

What even happened? It seemed like

we had It pinned down, then that

tail appeared...

REGINALD

Sounds like you know what happened.

UGH!!!!

KEVIN

Sorry, sorry.

ORA

If It had that tail the whole time,

why didn’t It use It to begin with?

FORMOSA

Naturae are different than other

creatures. Some will attack with

everything they have right away.

Others don’t. Some, like this one,

use deception and size up their

quarry before...

ARCHERS

(Scream)

FORMOSA

I need to get back... The archers

are trapped... Wait. Kevin! What

were those screams we heard

earlier, they sounded like they

were coming from the evacuation?

KEVIN

Uh, I don’t know. I... I heard It,

too, but I was busy trying to help

people to get out though. Then a

bunch of riders went past.

ORA

How can you live like this?

FORMOSA

This attack isn’t normal. Something

isn’t right.

KEVIN

Okay, that should hold It for now.

ORA

Do you know what you’re doing?

KEVIN

Not really, but I did watch the

healers put on at least a half

dozen bandages, so... Reginald, how

are you doing? You’ve been quiet

for a suspiciously long time.

REGINALD

Can still...f-fight.

FORMOSA

Stay here. Come on Ora. And try not

to die.

KEVIN

Sounds like a plan!

FORMOSA

Wait!

ORA

Why did we stop? We need to get

back to the fight.

FORMOSA

Larze!

LARZE

Ugh!

FORMOSA

What happened?!

LARZE

It’s coming. We can’t stop It. It

made it’s way through the wood,

plucking our archers from the trees

like apples. We did our best to

stop It, but... the tail regrows as

well. And when it’s cut off, It

comes back even larger each time.

It’s hopeless. I think, we need to

finish the evacuation.

FORMOSA

How many remain?

LARZE

We are scattered. No way to tell,

but it’s claimed a great many.

FORMOSA

Get away from here my friend.

You’ve done your part.

We need to slow It down.

We’ve just been reacting. We need a

different plan.

ORA

Do you have an idea?

FORMOSA

Some kind of trap. But we don’t

have time to set anything

elaborate.

ORA

What about a snare?

FORMOSA

No, It would break the ropes in a

second.

ORA

What else do we have, besides...?

FORMOSA

Ora! I got It!

ORA

What?

FORMOSA

Wait...this isn’t your fight, this

is your time to go. I cannot ask

you to do any more...

ORA

Be quite and tell me what to do!

FORMOSA

Do you remember the tent that you

were tied up in?

ORA

Yes, of course.

FORMOSA

I’ll prepare the trap. You lure the

monster into following you. Have It

chase you into the tent, but get

out of there as soon as it’s in

with you. I’ll cut a slit in the

canvas so you can escape.

ORA

But my sword...

FORMOSA

Too late for swords, Ora. It’ll

just slow you down. Good luck!

Reginald! Get ready!

ORA

I hope Formosa works fast. How the

hell do I get this thing to follow

me?

ORA (CONT'D)

HEY!!!! HEY YOU!!!!! MONSTER!!!!

I have no idea why I thought that

would work...

ARCHERS

AAAAAAAA

KEVIN

Ora! ORA!!

ORA

What are you doing?!

KEVIN

Give me your hand. Are you trying

to get yourself killed? Here, you

dropped this.

ORA

My sword! You found It. Alright.

You hang on to It for now.

KEVIN

What am I going to do with a

sword?!

ORA

You’ve got longer arms. We’ve got

to get closer and you need to try

and get it’s attention. We need to

get It to follow us.

KEVIN

You’re joking...

ORA

Swing as hard as you can when we

get close. Hold on tight to the

hilt! And watch for branches!

ORA (CONT'D)

OKAY, ready???

KEVIN

Here we goooooooo. HI-YAH!! Hahaha.

I did It! I did It!!!

ORA

NICE JOB! Okay, I’ll take the sword

back.

KEVIN

Yeah...probably a good idea.

ORA

That a girl, Spirit!

KEVIN

Oh no. Oh no! Oh no!!

ORA

We have to go faster. HOLD ON!!

KEVIN

Look out for the tents!!

ORA

Almost there!

KEVIN

Wait...

ORA

THERE!

KEVIN

How do you even know...?

ORA

Agilmar’s tent!!

FORMOSA

Come on! Over here!

KEVIN

It’s getting closer! What that...

Whats the Smell?

FORMOSA

Go through the tent!

KEVIN

You’re not going to...wait,

ORA

Keep your head down.

KEVIN

WAIT!! What!!! There’s no other way

OOOOOUUUUUUTTTTTTT!!

FORMOSA

Yes!!

KEVIN

Ahahahah! WE MADE It!!!

FORMOSA

It worked! Cut the lines!!!!

REGINALD

FIRE!!!!

TERRA

(Cheers)

ORA

Just barely.

ORA (CONT'D)

Spirit stop! Whoa, girl!!

SPIRIT

(Blows)

ORA

Spirit, we have to go back! We have

to help!!

KEVIN

Ora! It’s over. The Terra’s have It

handle from here. Plus, It sees

Spirit has her own plans.

Spirit whinnies and keeps running.

ORA

Okay girl. Okay. I know, I know, I

know. Its over. One thing’s for

sure, I never want to cross paths

with another one of those.

KEVIN

There’s one more thing that’s for

sure...I need to learn how to

fight.

ORA

Don’t worry, I’ll teach you. Heay!

END EPISODE 4

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