Download
a printable version of this screenplay (pdf).
Creatures
SIGN FROM THE SKY
©Cinema 3180 B.E.
First Draft, August 7th, 2003
ACT 1
EXT. NORN VILLAGE - DAY
A quiet, peaceful day in the forest. Sunlight filters in through the leaves, birdsongs fill the air, leaves sway in the gentle breeze. Suddenly, the head of a SHEE fills the screen.
1. SHEE
(shouting) Rah’diba!
PULL BACK to reveal that the Shee is in fact a Norn wearing a mask and a disguise fashioned from grass, hollowed out husks, etc. Other Norns, also in various disguises, perform an interpretive dance to the music of SFX: PERCUSSION instruments.
A group of young Norns sit captive before the spectacle. The dance mimics the Great Exodus of the Norns and the Shee, the legend that is taught to every young Norn.
Outside the circle of spectators, RHEE, a teenaged Norn, watches, enthralled. Next to him sits his Ettin companion, SPRITZ. SHOBU, slightly older, and Nima, about Rhee’s age, arrive, carrying a sack and a long perch, respectively.
2. SHOBU
I knew we’d find you here. We’re
going to pick slopberries, wanna
come along?
Rhee turns slightly to address his friend but his eyes never leave the show.
3. RHEE
Wait, this is my favourite part.
The performers disappear into a thicket. Shortly thereafter, a mock-up of a spaceship built from twigs and foliage is lifted out of the thicket by a rope, on its way to the stars.
The SFX:MUSIC ends and the performers come out to salute. The children SFX:APPLAUD AND CHEER enthusiastically. Rhee joins in, loudest of them all, along with Spritz who mimics his master.
4. RHEE
Hooray!
5. SHOBU
I can’t believe you still go for
that baby stuff. You must have seen
it a hundred times.
6. NIMA
Look who’s talking. You used to cry
every time at the end.
7. SHOBU
(defensively) I was just a kid! Who
believes that fairytale anymore?
Shobu leaves, followed by Nima. Rhee hesitates between the saluting performers and his friends, then goes after them.
8. RHEE
Wait for me!
Spritz stays behind. He SFX:CLAPS his little hands again for the performers.
EXT. FOREST - DAY
The end of a perch is nudging a bunch of grape-like fruits in a tree.
ANGLE ON Nima working the perch below, with Rhee holding a basket waiting to catch the fruit.
9. NIMA
Are you ready? Here it comes!
The fruit breaks from the tree and falls. Rhee closes his eyes, basket extended. The fruit SFX:PLOPS heavily in the basket. He SFX:SIGHS in relief.
Shobu is pulling bamboo lengths from his backpack and assembling them end to end.
10. SHOBU
You guys are going all wrong about
this.
11. NIMA
Let’s see you do better without
climbing all the way up there.
12. SHOBU
You just wait and see.
Shobu continues extending his telescopic perch. Nima nudges another bunch of fruits, which falls towards a distracted Rhee.
13. NIMA
Incoming!
14. RHEE
What?
Rhee looks up and is hit square in the face by the fruits, which SFX:EXPLODE in a torrent of gooey slop.
15. NIMA/SHOBU
Ha ha ha ha!
Rhee smiles good-naturedly and licks his lips.
16. RHEE
Hmm, slopberry juice. Okay, I got
hit! Switch!
Rhee and Nima switch places. While Nima holds the basket apprehensively, Rhee works the perch but has something on his mind.
17. RHEE
Shobu? Did you really mean that
stuff you said about the Great
Exodus being a fairytale?
Shobu is busy fitting a basket to his perch.
18. SHOBU
Uh? Oh, that. It’s a nice story and
all, but it’s just make believe.
19. NIMA
My father said that Albia used to
be full of Norns. You can probably
find the old cities if you know
where to look.
20. SHOBU
Please! Has anyone ever seen them?
Shobu raises his perch. A rope is attached to the basket at the tip.
21. RHEE
Just because you can’t see
something doesn’t mean that it
doesn’t exist!
22. SHOBU
Just because you can’t see
something doesn’t mean that it
does!
Shobu raises his perch. By working the rope, he lifts the lid of the basket and catches the slopberries into it.
23. SHOBU
I mean, come on: why would all the
Norns of Albia drop everything and
fly off to the stars?
24. RHEE
Maybe there’s another World Tree up
there that was calling to them.
Rhee nudges a bunch of berries with the perch, and they fall to the ground. Nima panics and dives out of the way just in time. The berries SFX:PLOP to the ground in a wet geyser of slop.
25. NIMA
Hey, careful!
26. SHOBU
If any of those stories were true,
don’t you think some of them would
have returned to Albia by now?
More berries fall neatly into Shobu’s basket. He smiles in self- satisfaction.
27. NIMA
You’re such a sceptic. You never
believe anything you can’t see with
your own two eyes.
28. SHOBU
I’m just practical, that’s all. But
don’t worry Rhee, I’ll let you know
if I ever see them landing.
Shobu grins. Suddenly, the head of a Shee pokes out of a bush in front of him.
29. SHOBU
Ahhh!
Shobu stumbles and drops his perch. The basket filled with slopberries falls on top of his head in a wet SFX:PLOP and completely covers him in goo.
Spritz removes the Shee mask from the interpretive dance and comes out of the bushes. Nima and Rhee SFX:LAUGH.
30. RHEE
(laughing) How’s that for a
landing?
31. SPRITZ
(laughing) Shobu ficka!
Rhee hands his handkerchief to Shobu, who smiles and wipes his face clean.
EXT. RHEE’S HUT - NIGHT
Rhee is sitting on top of the hut, looking up at the stars. Bahlou climbs up with a lamp and sits next to him.
32. BAHLOU
It’s late son, you should be in
bed.
33. RHEE
Can I stay up just a little longer,
please?
Rhee returns to his star gazing. Bahlou puts an arm around him.
34. BAHLOU
When I looked up at the stars as a
kid, I always left a lamp out as a
vigil.
35. RHEE
A lamp? Why?
36. BAHLOU
In case another young Norn on
another star was looking up at me.
Rhee seems embarrassed.
37. RHEE
Aw dad, I’m too old to believe in
that fairytale anymore. That’s baby
stuff.
38. BAHLOU
Don’t let your mother hear you. She
still likes to tuck you in every
night.
Bahlou ruffles Rhee’s hair and begins to leave with the lamp.
39. RHEE
Dad... can you leave the lamp?
Bahlou smiles and leaves Rhee the lamp. Rhee is left alone, gazing at the stars, his chin in his hands. He SFX:SIGHS.
One star begins to shine more brightly. Rhee perks up. The star grows in size and intensity and rushes towards Rhee. It passes overhead in a flash of light and disappears over the horizon. Rhee jumps to his feet.
40. RHEE
(shouting) They came back! I knew
it was true!
He catches himself and covers his mouth, looking around to make sure he wasn’t heard. He climbs down from the roof.
INT. SHOBU’S BEDROOM - DAY
The rising sun shines in. Shobu is awakened by pebbles SFX:TAPPING in his window. He gets up and opens it. Below, Rhee, accompanied by Spritz and a very sleepy Nima, gestures for him to come down.
EXT. SHOBU’S HUT - DAY
Shobu comes out of his hut and joins his friends.
41. SHOBU
Rhee, what time is it?
42. RHEE
I saw them, Shobu! I really saw
them! The legend is true!
43. SHOBU
What are you talking about?
44. NIMA
I’ve been asking him that ever
since he woke ME up.
Rhee grabs Shobu’s arm.
45. RHEE
The ancient Norns and the Shees,
they came back to Albia! They flew
their machine right over my head!
46. SPRITZ
Shee! Bopa tuk!
Shobu is exasperated.
47. SHOBU
Rhee, there was no Great Exodus. We
talked about this already.
48. RHEE
I’m telling you! They landed right
beyond the wildwoods! We have to
leave right now and find them.
49. NIMA
The wildwoods? Uh-hu, count me out!
That place is running over with
Grendels.
50. SHOBU
Okay. You don’t want to listen to
me, maybe you’ll listen to someone
else.
Shobu leaves, followed by Nima, Rhee and Spritz.
EXT. OLD HUT - DAY
KAREL, a very old Norn, sits outside his hut, bent over his cane, napping in the morning light. Shobu, Rhee and Nima watch from around the corner, as does Spritz.
51. NIMA
That’s Karel. He’s so old, no one
remembers his age.
52. SHOBU
Exactly. If there’s an exodus to
remember, he will.
They step out towards Karel, who stirs awake and smiles upon seeing them. He stretches out a hand and pats Spritz on the head, who produces a peculiar SFX:PURRING.
53. KAREL
Hello children! Is this your Ettin,
young one?
54. RHEE
His name is Spritz, honourable
Karel.
The young Norns hesitate as they exchange uneasy glances.
55. NIMA
Honourable Karel, could you tell us
about the Great Exodus?
56. KAREL
The exodus, yes... Legend has it,
the ancient Norns had masters
called the Shee, and together they
flew to the stars...
Karel’s gaze turns towards the sky as if expecting to see the ship in flight.
57. SHOBU
But is it true?
58. KAREL
Who can tell? But when I was much
smaller than you, I knew a very old
Norn in the village. He often spoke
of the First Generation.
Karel nods as he recalls.
59. NIMA
The first who?
60. KAREL
(chuckling) I forget, they don’t
teach that anymore. The First
Generation were our ancestors,
fifty Norns left behind after the
Great Exodus. Or so the legend
says...
61. RHEE
So if the legend is true, that
means the ancient Norns and the
Shee could return!
Karel’s eyes shine brightly at the thought.
62. KAREL
Return to Albia? (pause) No, that’s
impossible. It’s just a legend,
children.
Hope leaves Karel’s eyes and he dozes off. The three Norns leave, followed by Spritz. Rhee examines the medallion, dispirited. His ears droop.
63. RHEE
Why do adults keep telling that
story if it isn’t true? They’re
just lying!
64. NIMA
Don’t feel bad, Rhee. It’s still a
really nice legend!
Shobu and Nima put their arms around Rhee, who is disconsolate.
65. SHOBU
Hey, you heard what Karel said.
There’s no way to be sure either
way! Maybe I’m wrong, and you’re
right.
The three friends, followed by Spritz, walk off.
EXT. RHEE’S HOUSE - DAY
Shobu SFX:KNOCKS on the door, holding a pie. KUNA, Rhee’s mother, answers the door. Spritz peeks out from behind her.
66. SHOBU
Hi, my mom made a slopberry pie to
cheer up Rhee.
She takes the pie. Spritz sniffs it with relish.
67. KUNA
That’s very nice of the both of
you. But Rhee isn’t here. I thought
he was with you.
68. SHOBU
Oh. He’s probably with Nima.
Thanks!
Shobu waves as he leaves.
INT. VILLAGE - DAY
Nima runs up to Shobu.
69. NIMA
Shobu!
70. SHOBU
There you are. I’ve been looking
all over for you.
71. NIMA
Rhee’s gone!
72. SHOBU
What? How -
Nima unfolds a letter.
73. NIMA
He left this for us. Listen: “I
can’t forget what I saw last night.
Shobu is right, there’s only one
way to be sure if the legend is
true. I decided to leave and find
the place where the Ancient Norns
and the Shee have landed.”
74. SHOBU
I never told him to leave! His
parents are going to have a fit! I
am in so much trouble.
Nima slaps Shobu behind the head.
75. NIMA
You’re in trouble? What about Rhee?
He’s out there in the wildwoods
with the Grendels!
The two Norns turn to look at the vast expanse of forest stretching outside the village.
76. SHOBU
He has a head start of at least two
hours. How are we ever gonna find
him?
ACT 2
EXT. WILDWOODS - DAY
The wildwoods are dark, humid and creepy. Eyes shine in the darkness, strange animals SFX:HOOT and SFX:HOWL, thorns make passage perilous.
Shobu and Nima, wearing backpacks, push through the thickets. Nima nervously watches over her shoulder. Somewhere, a bird SFX:CALLS. Nima jumps into Shobu’s arms.
77. NIMA
(nervously) What was that?
78. SHOBU
Am I going to have to carry you
every time you hear a little noise?
79. NIMA
Well excuse me, but I don’t want to
become breakfast for a hungry
Grendel.
Shobu puts her down.
80. SHOBU
No Grendel would ever come near a
Horny Dragonwolf. Ahem... roarrr!
Nima blinks incredulously at Shobu’s feeble attempt.
81. NIMA
Is that your impression of a
dragonwolf?
82. SHOBU
I’d like to see you do better.
Nima takes a deep breath.
83. NIMA
GRRAAOOOWWWWLLL!!!!
The forest has suddenly grown silent from the impressive growl. Nima looks around but Shobu is nowhere to be found. Falling leaves direct her gaze upwards, where she finds Shobu perched in a large knobby tree. He gingerly climbs down, his pride obviously wounded.
84. SHOBU
Not bad. (pause) For a girl.
They continue.
INT. WILDWOODS - DAY
Shobu and Nima trudge through the vegetation. They have burrs stuck to their fur.
85. NIMA
We should have found some trace of
Rhee by now. Are you sure we’re not
lost?
86. SHOBU
I’ve got a natural sense of
direction. I travel by the sun.
Nima looks up at the canopy of the trees. No direct sunlight shines through.
87. NIMA
How can you tell where the sun is?
88. SHOBU
I just know. It’s like a sixth
sense. You wouldn’t understand.
They push through a thicket and arrive at the same knobby tree as before. Shobu stands with his mouth open.
89. NIMA
I understand that unless that tree
has an identical twin, we’ve been
walking in circles for the past two
hours.
90. SHOBU
Maybe if we had turned right...
Shobu scratches his head. Nima plops down heavily on a rock.
91. NIMA
NOW can we eat? If you just let me
carry my share of the food...
92. SHOBU
...you would have eaten it all by
now! Ooof!
Shobu puts down his heavy backpack with a grunt. He undoes the straps, and Spritz jumps out.
93. SHOBU
Spritz! How did you get in there?
No wonder the pack was so heavy.
Nima rushes over and peers inside the backpack.
94. NIMA
He ate all the food!
Spritz rubs his distended stomach.
95. SPRITZ
(burping) Nuka fima! AAAAH!
Nima tries to grab Spritz, who hides behind Shobu.
96. NIMA
Don’t just stand there protecting
him!
97. SHOBU
Wait, I just thought of something.
Shobu rummages through the backpack and comes out with Rhee’s handkerchief, covered with dried slopberry juice.
98. SHOBU
I still have Rhee’s handkerchief
from yesterday. Maybe Spritz can
pick up his scent.
Shobu holds the handkerchief for Spritz to SFX:SNIFF. He then SFX:SNIFFS the air and agitatedly points in a direction.
99. SPRITZ
Rhee pookah may! Pookah may!
100. SHOBU
See? We’re making the best of a bad
situation.
Shobu follows Spritz. Nima fumes and closes file.
101. NIMA
He probably smelled dessert.
EXT. RIVER - DAY
Three Grendels, lumbering troll-like creatures, arrive at a small bridge crossing a river. They stretch and SFX:DROP their gear for a rest.
INT. BUSH - DAY
Shobu, Nima and Spritz spy on the Grendels from their nearby hiding place.
102. SHOBU
(hushed) Just our luck! Grendels!
Nima’s stomach SFX:RUMBLES loudly. Shobu gives her a dirty look.
103. NIMA
(hushed) Sorry! I’m hungry!
104. SHOBU
(hushed) They’ll be here for a
while. We better take the next
bridge.
Shobu begins to leave, but Nima stays behind, staring intently at something up above.
105. SHOBU
(hushed) Nima, let’s go!
He follows her gaze and finds a large, juicy bunch of slopberries in the tree above.
106. NIMA
(hushed) Just one little bite...
107. SHOBU
(hushed) Are you crazy? We can eat
later! Come on.
Shobu, followed by Spritz, tiptoes out of the bush and away from the bridge and the Grendels.
108. SPRITZ
Nima koda!
Shobu turns to find Nima climbing the trunk of the tree, on the side hidden from the Grendels.
109. SHOBU
(hushed) Nima!
Nima signals to Shobu to be quiet. She crawls along the branch and picks several bunches of slopberries, doing her best to remain undetected by the Grendels below.
She tugs at one last bunch, but it resists. She pulls harder, and the whole branch shakes. A slopberry bunch SFX:SPLATS on top of a Grendel’s head.
110. GRENDELS
Grak? Growl!!!
The Grendels look up and find Nima perched just outside their reaches. They swipe at her.
111. SHOBU
Leave her alone!
GRENDEL #1 turns to Shobu and heads towards him, salivating profusely. Both Shobu and Spritz suddenly realize the precariousness of their position.
112. SPRITZ
Grendel topak! Eeek!
113. NIMA
Hey, you! Leave my friends alone!
Grendel #1 turns towards Nima, who launches a slopberry bunch at him. It SFX:SPLATS in his face and temporarily blinds him.
114. GRENDEL #1
Arrgh! Grawl!
Shobu and Spritz gingerly avoid his flailing arms.
115. NIMA
You want some too? Here, take that!
And that!
Nima SFX:SPLATTERS the other two Grendels, blinding them as well. The three Grendels SFX:BUMP into each other. Nima leaps down from the tree.
116. SHOBU
Quick!
117. NIMA
But I’m still hungry!
Nima, Shobu and Spritz rush towards the bridge. Nima stops one second to dip her finger in a puddle of slopberries and taste the juice.
On the other side of the bridge, Shobu turns towards the other side. The Grendels have wiped away the sticky slop and are starting across the bridge.
118. SHOBU
We better find Rhee, and fast!
We’ve got company.
119. SPRITZ
Rhee pookah may!
Spritz sniffs the air, points ahead and dashes off, followed by Shobu and Nima.
EXT. SLOPE - DAY
Shobu, Nima and Spritz emerge from the bushes and suddenly find themselves teetering on the edge of a steep downward slope. Shobu catches Nima just as she’s about to fall down the slope.
120. NIMA
Whoa! That’s a long way down.
121. SHOBU
Listen, I think we may have lost
them.
Shobu and Nima prick up their ears.
122. SPRITZ
Rhee sheeka!
Spritz becomes agitated as he points to a dot down the slope. Nima squints.
123. NIMA
That’s Rhee!
124. SHOBU/NIMA
Rhee! Hey, up here! Hello!
125. SHOBU
He can’t hear us. We’ll have to
walk down.
Behind them, the sounds of SFX:CRACKLING branches grows louder. Spritz becomes nervous.
126. GRENDELS (O.S.)
Grak! Rowl!
127. NIMA
We don’t have time for walking!
Nima grabs a large piece of tree bark and sets it down like a toboggan. She climbs in.
128. NIMA
Climb in!
Spritz excitedly jumps into her lap.
129. SHOBU
No way I’m sliding down this slope!
We’ll get hurt!
130. GRENDELS (O.S.)
(closer) Norn yum yum!
131. SHOBU
Then again, it looks like fun. Move
over!
Shobu jumps into the makeshift toboggan and push off.
The trio rapidly picks up speed as they hang on for dear life. They careen down the slope in a spray of pebbles. Up ahead, a few scraggly trees appear.
132. NIMA
Trees!
Shobu leans right and left, slaloming between them. They turn to look at the course they just navigated.
133. SHOBU
Not bad, uh?
They hit a large rock shaped like a platform that sends them flying through the air.
134. SHOBU/NIMA
Whoooooaaa!!!!
They land back on the slope and continue their frantic race downhill.
135. SPRITZ
(laughing) Wheee! Blig watuk!
136. NIMA
There’s Rhee!
CUT TO:
Rhee, carrying a backpack, gingerly walks down the slope, oblivious to his approaching friends.
137. SHOBU/NIMA/SPRITZ
(as they pass, increasing then
decreasing) RHEEEEEEE...
They pass him in a flash. Rhee looks up, puzzled.
138. RHEE
Hey guys. What are you -
Pebbles trickle down the slope in their wake. Rhee looks up to see boulders rolling down the hill towards him.
139. RHEE
Uh-ho.
He puts his backpack down, sits on it and slides down the slope
after his friends.
CUT TO:
On the toboggan, Nima looks over her shoulder.
140. NIMA
We missed him! How do we stop?
141. SHOBU
I’m thinking. (pause) Okay, I have
an idea.
They SFX:CRASH into bushes at the bottom of the slope, sending leaves flying everywhere. They extract themselves, sore and bruised.
142. NIMA
That’s your idea?
143. SHOBU
Not bad for a crash landing.
144. RHEE (O.S.)
Ahhhhh!
They look up to see Rhee speeding towards them. He bowls into them and they SFX:CRASH once more into the bushes.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
Shobu and Nima are eating lunch out of Rhee’s bag. Spritz tries to reach in, but Shobu SFX:SLAPS his hand away. Rhee is looking at distant hills.
145. RHEE
We should be there in an hour or
two.
146. SHOBU
What? No, Rhee, WE came to bring
YOU back.
147. RHEE
Why would I want to go back when
I’m so close?
Shobu puts down his lunch and gets up.
148. SHOBU
Because there’s nothing out there!
Can’t you get it through your thick
head, there are no returning Norns!
Spritz swipes Shobu’s lunch.
149. RHEE
You said yourself there’s no way to
know for sure!
150. SHOBU
I was only saying that to make you
feel better!
Rhee straps on his backpack.
151. RHEE
Well I know there’s something out
there, and I’m gonna prove it to
everyone!
152. SHOBU
Fine, leave!
153. RHEE
Fine, I am!
Shobu and Rhee pout. Shobu pretends he doesn’t care as he watches Rhee leave from the corner of his eye. He finally relinquishes.
154. SHOBU
(resigned) Come on, he’ll probably
get lost without us.
Shobu and Nima pick up their backpacks and, with Spritz in tow, follow Rhee.
EXT. HILLSIDE - DAY
Shobu, Nima and Spritz climb a hill with great difficulty, with Rhee some distance ahead.
155. NIMA
Are we there yet?
156. SHOBU
I don’t ever want to climb a hill
in my life.
They catch up to Rhee, standing speechlessly at the top of the hill, staring in the distance.
157. NIMA
I have to rest.
She plops down.
158. SHOBU
We need to take a break, Rhee.
Rhee? Rhee, what are you looking
at?
Shobu follows Rhee’s gaze. Over the next hill, a small plume of smoke rises in the air.
159. RHEE
The Ancient Norns. I told you they
came back!
Shobu’s jaw drops.
160. SHOBU
It was true all along! I was wrong,
and you were right!
Shobu runs down towards the next hill, followed by Rhee. Nima and Spritz go after them.
161. NIMA
Wait, I want to see their flying
machine!
162. SPRITZ
Shee muklag!
Shobu and Rhee race up the slope of the last hill, tugging at each other playfully to try and gain the lead.
163. SHOBU
(laughing) Last one there is
Grendel feed!
164. RHEE
(laughing) I saw them first!
They both stop at the top of the hill. Nima and Spritz catch up with them.
165. NIMA
Well? Do they look just like us?
Hey guys, answer me!
Nima arrives at the top of the hill. In the valley beyond is a small crater, with a meteorite in the center, still smoking.
166. NIMA
Where are they?
ACT 3
EXT. VALLEY - DAY
Shobu pokes at the small meteorite with a stick. It SFX:TICS AND PINGS as it cools. Spritz examines it closely.
167. SHOBU
It’s just a plain old rock.
Nima is shining a n apple-like fruit against her fur as she watches Rhee sitting miserably near the edge of the crater.
168. NIMA
He hasn’t said a word in half an
hour.
She prepares to take a bite out of the fruit, then stops. She steps over to Rhee and offers it to him.
169. NIMA
Here, you can have the last one.
Without turning around, Rhee slaps the fruit out of her hand. It rolls to Shobu’s feet.
170. RHEE
I don’t want it.
Shobu picks up the fruit and sits next to Rhee. He SFX:BITES into the fruit.
171. SHOBU
Meteorites fall out of the sky all
the time. It doesn’t mean anything.
A pebble rolls next to Shobu. He tosses it over his shoulder.
172. RHEE
I’m such a baby for believing in
fairytales. I dragged you guys out
here for nothing.
173. SHOBU
It wasn’t for nothing! We had loads
of fun, and we even got to throw
slopberries at Grendels!
Another pebble rolls next to Shobu, who tosses it again. Rhee hides his face in his arms.
174. RHEE
I’m gonna be grounded for life when
my parents find out.
Another pebble rolls down. Shobu picks it up and turns to Nima and Spritz, who have returned to examining the meteorite.
175. SHOBU
Guys, stop it!
176. NIMA
I didn’t do anything!
177. SHOBU
Then who...?
More pebbles roll down into the crater from the top of the hill. Spritz SFX:SNIFFS the air and becomes agitated.
178. SPRITZ
Keera! Grendel agook!
179. SHOBU
I agree. We should get out of here.
Shobu, Rhee and Nima pick up their things. Suddenly, the three Grendels charge down from the hilltop where they were hiding.
180. GRENDELS
Arrgh! Growl! Roar!
Rhee struggles with his backpack.
181. NIMA
Leave it!
Nima grabs Rhee and pulls him away, leaving the backpack twirling in the air. The jaws of a Grendel SFX:SNAP over it and tear it to shred.
The three Norns and Spritz run out of the crater and towards a rocky cliff, followed by the lumbering Grendels.
182. SHOBU
In here, quick!
They rush into a crevice in the cliff.
INT. CAVE - DAY
Shobu, Nima, Rhee and Spritz huddle in a small cave.
183. NIMA
Can you see them?
Rhee peers outside. He quickly retreats as the hand of a Grendel plunges inside, trying to grab them.
184. GRENDEL (O.S.)
Norn yum yum! Growl!
185. RHEE
They can see us!
The Grendel’s arm pulls out.
186. SHOBU
They’re just going to wait until we
have to come out. We’re trapped.
187. SPRITZ
Laka grop!
Spritz SFX:SNIFFS towards the back of the cave. His fur is blown back by a draft. He begins to claw at some rocks, and daylight appears.
188. NIMA
There’s another exit!
Shobu, Rhee and Nima help Spritz until there’s an opening large enough for them to squeeze through.
EXT. CANYON- DAY
The three Norns and Spritz exit into a deep lush valley surrounded by cliffs. They gaze in awe.
189. RHEE
Look at this!
190. NIMA
It’s beautiful!
They climb down into the canyon. Birds SFX:SING, a waterfall SFX:SPLASHES. Nima SFX:SNIFFS bright-hued flowers growing among the vegetation.
191. SHOBU
Where are we?
192. RHEE
I don’t know, I never heard about
this place.
193. NIMA
Do you think anyone lives here?
HELLO!!
194. ECHO
(fading) HELLO... hello... lo...
Spritz chases a flying insect. He SFX:BONKS into what appears to be a tree. Vines fall down and reveal part of a hut raised on wooden stilts. Shobu pulls away the overgrowth to uncover more of the hut. It is of definite Norn design.
195. SHOBU
It’s a hut!
196. RHEE
There’s another one over here!
Rhee has cleared another hut further along. He steps to another “tree” and clears it as well.
197. RHEE
There’s a whole village!
Shobu and Nima climb into the hut.
INT. HUT - DAY
Save for neatly arranged furniture, the hut is completely empty.
198. SHOBU
They took everything and just moved
away.
199. NIMA
They forgot something.
On a table is a small Norn doll. She takes it and examines it.
200. SHOBU
Maybe they left it behind for us.
201. RHEE (O.S.)
Guys! You have to see this!
EXT. CANYON - DAY
Shobu and Nima come out of the hut. Rhee has uncovered a corroded metal door (similar to a submarine’s) set in stone. They walk to it to examine it. Shobu strains against the screw latch.
202. NIMA
Let me try.
Nima strains as well, but in vain.
203. RHEE
Maybe if we all turn at the same
time. One... two... three!
Everyone - including Spritz - grabs the wheel and pulls. It resists stubbornly, then yields with a rusty SFX:CREAK. The door SFX:SQUEAKS open and reveals a staircase going down.
The three Norns exchange looks.
204. SHOBU
Well, you found it. You go first.
Rhee peers inside and hesitantly climbs down.
INT. LABORATORY - DAY
A greenish light fills the laboratory. Panels of lights blink quietly on the walls. Shobu, Nima and Spritz cautiously enter the lab.
205. NIMA
Okay, I think I’ve seen enough.
Let’s get out of here.
Spritz chases the blinking lights on the panel.
206. SHOBU
Don’t be such a baby.
Shobu steps up to a shelf and grabs a book. He opens it, and it crumbles into dust.
207. RHEE
Be careful!
208. SHOBU
I don’t think anyone was reading
that.
He takes another book and handles it much more carefully. Rhee and Nima peer over his shoulder.
209. RHEE
What does it say?
210. SHOBU
I don’t know, I’ve never seen that
kind of writing before.
211. NIMA
Look! It’s a flying machine!
An illustration shows Norns embarking a stylized spaceship as a Shee kindly watches on.
212. RHEE
That must be a Shee. It looks just
like the dance masks. Lemme see!
Rhee grabs the book. Shobu resists.
213. SHOBU
Careful, you’ll tear it!!
The book tears in half in the tug of war and the pages turn to dust.
214. SHOBU
Happy?
215. NIMA
That was the Great Exodus!
216. SHOBU
Probably just a children’s book!
It’s the same old fairy tale!
217. RHEE
Are you blind? What about this
place?
Rhee shows the lab and its intricate lights with a sweep of the hand.
218. SHOBU
Flashworms in coloured glass. I
have a nightlight just like that at
home.
Shobu punches a few buttons. A SFX:SIREN comes on. Panicked, he punches more buttons at random. The lighting changes, steam SFX:HISSES out of an exhaust, and the panels flash wildly.
Shobu pushes another button and everything returns to normal, save for a section of the wall that lights up, revealing a room behind. Nima walks up to the glass.
219. NIMA
(astonished) Shobu...
Rhee, Shobu and Spritz stick their noses against the glass. Inside is an incubator, housing fifty hatched eggs. Some toys lie on the floor.
220. RHEE
There’s exactly fifty eggs.
221. SHOBU
The First Generation. It’s...
it’s...
222. NIMA
It’s true. Just like the legend
said.
They watch in awe for a second.
223. RHEE
If all the Norns left, then who
took care of the eggs?
224. NIMA
Maybe a few Shee stayed behind.
They look around, wondering.
225. SHOBU
Is there anyone here? My name is
Shobu!
The echo doesn’t quite sound like Shobu’s voice.
226. ECHO
Shobu... shobu... bu...
The three Norns listen intently, but only the panels of lights continue to blink silently.
227. NIMA
We should get home before
nightfall.
They leave the laboratory. Rhee takes one last look before climbing up the stairs.
EXT. CANYON - DAY
Shobu, Nima, Rhee and Spritz walk back to the cave in the rocky face. On the branch of a tree hangs an ornate horn. Rhee takes it down.
228. SHOBU
What’s this for?
Rhee shrugs.
229. RHEE
I dunno, but it wasn’t there when
we came in.
230. NIMA
Maybe it’s a gift.
The three Norns exchange looks.
231. RHEE
(shouting) Thank you!
Rhee slips the strap of the horn over his shoulder. They crawl into the cave.
EXT. VALLEY - DAY
Shobu peers out of the cave.
232. SHOBU
I think the coast is clear!
Rhee, Nima and Spritz come out of the cave after him. They start back across the crater. Rhee picks up his tattered backpack.
233. RHEE
Wait, I want a souvenir.
He picks up the meteorite, bouncing it from one hand to the next like a hot potato, and slips it into his backpack.
234. RHEE
Okay, I’m read...
He turns to find the three Grendels holding Shobu, Nima and Spritz up by the nape.
235. GRENDELS
Growl! Argh! Norn yum yum!
One Grendel lifts Shobu towards his gaping mouth. Nima shuts her eyes.
236. NIMA
I can’t watch!
Suddenly, a clear note SFX:RINGS OUT. The Grendels drop their captives and cover their ears in pain. Rhee brings down the horn from his lips.
237. SHOBU
So that’s what that horn is for! Do
it again!
The Grendels regain their composure and lurch towards the Norns. Rhee SFX:BLOWS the horn once more, and they collapse to the ground, covering their ears.
238. GRENDELS
Ack! Growl!
239. NIMA
You’re not so tough now, are you?
Nima kicks one Grendel, who recoils. Rhee continues to SFX:BLOW the horn. The Grendels run away, still covering their ears.
240. SHOBU
You’ve got them on the run, Rhee!
241. SPRITZ
Grendel ookie! Ookie pak!
Rhee follows them, giving several short SFX:BLOWS. Spritz throws pebbles which bounce off their heads. The Grendels disappear over a hill. Rhee examines the horn with a smile.
242. RHEE
Wow! Wait ‘til they see this at the
village!
EXT. VILLAGE - EVENING
Three Norns in disguise are performing the interpretive dance to the sound of percussion SFX:INSTRUMENTS. A group of delighted Norn children watch, enthralled.
The Grendel Horn hangs on a pole in the middle of the public place. Spritz is sitting on it as though in a sling, SFX:CLAPPING his hands. Karel also watches with a smile
The mock spaceship flies off, and the dance ends. The three performers come out and remove their masks: Shobu, Nima and Rhee take a bow in front of their audience. Karel gestures to them.
243. KAREL
Such a renewed love for the old
legend, children. But the story
still says nothing of the return of
the Ancient Norns.
244. RHEE
Maybe the story doesn’t have an
ending, honourable Karel.
Karel pats Rhee on the head.
245. KAREL
Maybe not yet, young one.
ZOOM OUT to reveal lamps placed on all the roofs of the huts as
vigil.
FADE OUT: