Animals THE MYSTERY MAN IS WALKING THROUGH CYREUS. THE WOMEN RUN IN THE OTHER DIRECTION WHEN THEY SEE HIM AND THE MEN GLARE. HE WALKS OVER TO WHERE DRAYCON AND HIS MEN ARE STILL LAYING. HE KNEELS DOWN BY DRAYCON AND PULLS OUT THE DART. HE SMELLS IT AND GRUNTS. HE THROWS IT DOWN ON THE GROUND. HE WALKS OVER TO SOLDIERS ONE AND TWO AND LOOKS AND FEELS THEIR WOUNDS. HE GROWLS, STANDS UP, AND LEAVES. CUT MYSTIQUA IS SITTING DOWN ON A ROCK LOOKING AT A MAP. VAREEA IS STANDING UP WITH HER BACK FACING MYSTIQUA. Vareea: (turn to her) How could you get North mixed up with South?! They're in opposite directions! Mystiqua: Sor-ry! We were distracted! (turn map upside down) We didn't really pay attention, ok? Vareea: Of course, try to take the easy way out! Mystiqua: (roll eyes) You never said anything, anyway! Vareea: Oh sure, blame me! You can't take me down with you! Mystiqua: Well, you didn't! Vareea: I figured you'd handle it! You are not gonna take me with you! Mystiqua: Oh honestly. It's not that big a deal anyway. Vareea: (grab the map from her) From now on, I am the navigator! Mystiqua: (glare) Not fair. Vareea: Whatever. Mystiqua: We can still go North. They don't know anything about us there. Vareea: But it's cold. Mystiqua: (look at her annoyed) Vareea: (shrug) Mystiqua: (get up) (push her forward) Move out! CUT MYSTIQUA AND VAREEA HAVE BEEN WALKING FOR A WHILE. VAREEA IS MUNCHING ON SOME BREAD. Mystiqua: (playing around) You know, that's gonna make you fat. Vareea: (growl) It's bread. Mystiqua: (smile) I know. At least save it. Vareea: I'm hungry. Mystiqua: When's the next town? Vareea: I don't know. Mystiqua: You have the map! Vareea: Oh yeah. Mystiqua: (roll eyes) Vareea: (pull it out) KAIRA IS IN A TREE WATCHING Vareea: Well, ok... (trying to figure it out) Uh, where are we? Mystiqua: (roll eyes) (walk over) I thought you said you were going to handle this. Vareea: I am. Mystiqua: (sarcastically) Oh, of course. We're right he- Kaira: (jump out of tree with sword out) (warcry scream) Vareea: (scream) (drop the map and bread) (jump back) Mystiqua: (spin around with sword out) (hit her sword) Kaira: (land on the ground) I'll tell you where you are! You're on my turf! Mystiqua: I- We're sorry. We're not staying. We're just traveling. Vareea: And we'll be leaving now! (start leaving) Kaira: I don't think so! Vareea: (freeze) Kaira: That's not how it works around here. Mystiqua: Well, we're not from around here, so- (to Vareea) Let's go. Vareea: (nod) Both: (start walking) Kaira: Hey! (flip in front of them) I'm not done with you! Mystiqua: Please, just grant us safe passage through here. Kaira: Why, do you think something's gonna bite you? Mystiqua: Isn't this cannibal territory? Kaira: (look like, "You're sure dumb") (think) (smile) You know, I was a cannibal once. Vareea: (raise eyebrows) Kaira: Yeah. Mystiqua: Uh, what made you change? Kaira: Ulcers. One is understandable. Even two. But to have fifteen ulcers a day was just not good. I learned later that I couldn't digest the thighs. (sad) They were my favorite part. So juicy and tender and... Mystiqua and Vareea: (freaked out) Kaira: (laugh) Gotcha! I am good! But back to the matter at hand, get off my turf! (slash at Mystiqua) Mystiqua: (block it) You joke with your opponents?! Kaira: Yeah, it seems to make them soft. (spin back) Mystiqua and Kaira: (start sword fighting) Mystiqua: (knock sword out of her hand) (catch it) Nice blade. Kaira: (glare at her) I'm not done yet! (run at her) Mystiqua: (jump out of the way) Kaira: (run into a tree) Mystiqua: Why are you so content in fighting me? Kaira: If you want the turf, you're gonna have to fight for it! Mystiqua: But we don't- Kaira: (scream) (run at her) Vareea: (hit her with a dart) Kaira: (collapse in front of Mystiqua) Mystiqua: (stand there) (look at her) Vareea: Did you really want to fight? Mystiqua: Not at all. (roll eyes at Kaira) Vareea: (laugh) (pick up map and bread) Humph! CUT MYSTIQUA AND VAREEA HAVE MADE CAMP. KAIRA IS STILL "SLEEPING" BY THE FIRE. MYSTIQUA IS SITTING ON A LOG, SHARPENING HER SWORD. VAREEA IS WATCHING OVER KAIRA. Mystiqua: (whistling) (stand up) (slice sword through a tree branch) (look at the branch and sword) Hmm. (sit back down) Kaira: (start waking up slowly) Vareea: (quietly) Mystiqua. Mystiqua: (go over) Vareea: (go by her) Kaira: (groan) (stretch) (open eyes slowly) Mystiqua and Vareea: (watch) Kaira: (blink a few times) (open eyes wide) (jump up ready to fight) Mystiqua and Vareea: (step back) Mystiqua: We're unarmed. Kaira: (reach for sword) (it's not there) Vareea: And so are you. All: (look at the sword) (look at each other testingly) (dash for the sword) (Kaira runs on one side) (Vareea rolls on the other) (Mystiqua "flies" over it) Mystiqua: (land in a somersault) (grab the sword just before Kaira does) (flip up) Kaira: (freeze with hands up) Mystiqua: Oh, please, I have no intention in fighting or hurting you in anyway. Kaira: Give me my sword then. Mystiqua: No. I don't trust you. Kaira: And I don't trust you. Mystiqua: Small world. Kaira: And I don't trust your little sidekick there, either. Vareea: (shocked) Sidekick!? (start coming at her) Why, I oughta- Mystiqua: (hold her back) We're friends, not superheroes. Kaira: Right... that's what they all say. Mystiqua: Hey! We had no intention of becoming like this 8 years ago! If we look like we fight for good, then too bad! We don't! We fight for our lives, and that is it! Vareea: (staring at her) Mystiqua: (look at her) (look around) Excuse me. (turn around) (sling sword over back) Kaira: (glaring) (pull out dagger) Vareea: (ready to scream "Mystiqua!") Mystiqua: Didn't your mother ever tell you not to stab someone in the back? Where's the dignity? Kaira: I don't have any dignity. (still progressing) Mystiqua: Damn straight, you don't! (swing whip over head) (it hits Kaira around the arm) (she drops the dagger) (spin around) (she gets twisted up in it) (tie whip on her) Chill out! (push her down on her knees) Kaira: (mad) Vareea: Can't we just be friends? Mystiqua: (pick up dagger) Nice. (throw dagger and sword in pile by log) Kaira: You're friends with her. Mystiqua: (look up) Kaira: That's good enough for me. Vareea: (roll eyes) (start walking to tree) Mystiqua: We've got to move on, anyway. Kaira: Let's stay here. (sarcastically) You've made the camp so nice and cozy with your little fire and logs. Vareea: (turn around) (glare) Mystiqua: I'm not staying here with you because this is your "turf". We never wanted it. Kaira: Yeah, yeah, I get that now. Why not stay? Vareea: Why? Mystiqua: All right, we'll stay. Only for the night. Vareea: (shocked) Kaira: (smirk at Vareea) CUT IT'S NIGHTTIME. KAIRA IS STILL TIED UP. SHE'S LEANING AGAINST THE LOG. VAREEA IS SITTING IN A LOW TREE. MYSTIQUA IS SITTING ON HER BEDROLL WATCHING KAIRA. All: (stay quiet for a while) Kaira: (look at Mystiqua's Ocarina) What's that? Mystiqua: This? It's an Ocarina. Kaira: Oh. Mystiqua: You've never seen one of these before? Kaira: No. I'm from up North. We have nothing like that. We hardly wear jewelry. Mystiqua: Hmp. I love jewelry. Kaira: Yeah, I can tell. Mystiqua: (look up) (pause) What are you doing down here? Kaira: Well, I have turf- Mystiqua: Can we please get off the subject of "turf" for once? You are still master of your domain, ok? Kaira: (look down) Yeah, yeah. Mystiqua: Now what are you doing down here? Kaira: (ashamed and embarrassed) I... I just come down. I like to. Visit my turf. It's... warmer. Mystiqua: (know that she's not telling you the truth) Ok... Do you have a family up there? Kaira: That's not important. Mystiqua: Yes it is. Where do you come from? Kaira: A village up North. Mystiqua: Well, duh! But I mean your parents and family stuff. Kaira- Well, I popped out of my mother nine months after she and my ex- father engaged in se- Mystiqua- Stop! Don't wanna hear it. I think that was the wrong story. Kaira- So it was. (smile) Mystiqua- What I meant was- Kaira- I know what you meant. Mystiqua- (raise eyebrows) Kaira- And I'm not gonna tell you. So get it out of your head. Mystiqua- (sigh) Kaira- (let it slip out) We're not good enough friends yet. (look like "Oops", then "Oh Well") Mystiqua- (look at her like "Ahh") Kaira- (shrug) Mystiqua- (walk over and untie her) Kaira- (sigh with relief) Mystiqua- You hungry? Kaira- I don't eat. Mystiqua- (tolerant) Help yourself. Kaira- (sigh) (grab food) You will not believe how hard it is to stay tied up for a day. Mystiqua- Oh. Sorry. Vareea- (walk over) (surprised) You let her out? Kaira- Yep. Vareea- I wasn't talking to you. Kaira- You are now. Vareea- (annoyed) (to Mystiqua) Why? Aren't you afraid she's gonna try to kill you again? Kaira- (roll eyes) Mystiqua- Not really. I don't know why. Vareea- She must have hypnotized you. Kaira- Hey, you were the one who wanted to be friends right? Vareea- My most infamous quote... Kaira- Kaira. (hold out hand) Vareea- (sigh) Vareea. Kaira- (do hand shake thingy) Put 'er there! Vareea- (start smiling) Kaira- (smile to Mystiqua) CUT IT'S NIGHT TIME. THE GIRLS ARE LAYING ON THEIR BEDROLLS SIDE BY SIDE. Kaira- (on stomach, playing with whip) Mystiqua, where'd you get this anyway? Vareea- That's what I'd like to know. Kaira- You didn't know about it? Vareea- Nope. Mystiqua- I got it off of one of the guards back at Cyreus. Vareea- Oh.... Kaira- (excited) You've been to Cyreus? Mystiqua- Yes. Kaira- How was it? Vareea- You sound like you've never been to a simple village before. Mystiqua- It's not like it's a big resort. Kaira- Well, I know, but how was it? Vareea- Fine. Mystiqua- (look at her) Vareea- Mostly. Mystiqua- The people are really nice. The visitors weren't. Kaira- Oh. Unfriendly visitors. I know the feeling. Mystiqua- (look at Vareea) Well, we're going up North now to find a different town- Vareea- And hopefully a new life. Kaira- A new life. That's exactly what I want. Vareea- Join us. Kaira- Nah. I think I'll pass. I think I'll go South. (start turning over) Mystiqua- (grab her arm) What's stopping you from going back North? Kaira- (look at her hand) N- nothing! (pull arm away) Mystiqua- Really? Prove it. Come with us then. Kaira- What's the point? Why? Mystiqua- We're friends now, remember? Kaira- No, I'll just end up being the odd man out. You know, a burden. Vareea- No you won't. Kaira- Three's a crowd. Mystiqua- You're not that three. Kaira- I don't want to get in the way. Mystiqua- You won't be. You should come. (smirk) Unless you're afraid... Kaira- I'm not afraid of anything! Mystiqua- Then you'll go. Kaira- (think) (sigh) Yes, I'll go. Vareea- (smile) Mystiqua- (smile) Good. Kaira- (turn over) I don't know how much good it'll do though... CUT IT'S MORNING. MYSTIQUA AND VAREEA ARE ALREADY UP. KAIRA IS SLEEPING. Kaira- (start waking up) (look up) Mystiqua- Morning, sleepyhead. Kaira- (groan) What time is it? Vareea- Late. Mystiqua- We should have gotten a move on two hours ago. Kaira- (sit up) (realize your wet) Mystiqua- Oh, did you know it rained last night? Kaira- (sarcastically) Oh yeah, knew all along. Just wanted to take that shower I've been holding off on. Vareea- (smile) (shake head) (pack stuff) Kaira- (get up) (disgusted) (try to wipe off water) Do we have any food? Mystiqua- I see your hungry when you wake up. Kaira- It's called breakfast. Everyone eats it. Mystiqua- Not me. I'm never hungry in the morning. Kaira- You're not everyone. Mystiqua- (throw food at her) Kaira- (catch it) (unwrap it) Oh goody. Cheese for breakfast. Mystiqua- Would you prefer fish? Kaira- Not if it's leftover. Vareea- (bored) (playing with morning star) Myst, can we go? Mystiqua- Oh, yeah, sure. (to Kaira) Pack up. You can eat on the way. Kaira- (staring at her with cheese half in your mouth) CUT THE GIRLS ARE ON A PATH UP NORTH. MYSTIQUA AND KAIRA ARE WALKING. VAREEA IS ABOVE THE SWINGING IN THE TREES. Kaira- (watching Vareea) Isn't she afraid she's gonna fall? Mystiqua- Oh, no. She's really good at that. She mastered it tons. She loves to do it. Maybe she's a little worried once in a while, but when it comes to the whole, uh, hormone thing,... well, she's not afraid of anything. Especially falling out of trees. She's a natural. Kaira- Yeah, I wish I could do something like that when I get into that time month. Mystiqua- (eyes widen) Uh... well, I didn't mean that hormone thing... (pause) Oh boy. Kaira- (look at her mad) What?! Mystiqua- Well, well, uh, she has different things, um, too... and... Kaira- (still mad) Mystiqua- And... oh shoot. Kaira- (ready to scream) (inhale deeply) Well.... No matter. We're all girls here, I guess. Mystiqua- (smile) Hm, yep. Kaira- (walk faster) Mystiqua- (half smiling) (follow) Kaira- (yelling up to Vareea) Yo, Monkey Girl! Come on down and give me that map! Vareea- (flip out of tree) (land in front of them) Mystiqua- I thought you've been there. Kaira- (take map) Oh, I have. But I didn't say that I was going to take you to my village. Mystiqua and Vareea- (look at each other annoyed) Mystiqua- Then where are we going? Kaira- Oh, up North somewhere. Anywhere but by my village. Vareea- What's wrong with your village? Kaira- You don't want to go there. Mystiqua- Listen, I know you don't want to go there, but you can't let your own personal business interfere with other people's safety. Kaira- It's not like it isn't safe. I mean, gosh! We're just going up North. You technically don't even need a map if you just want to go up there. Mystiqua- (snatch it from her) Well I would prefer one. (roll it up and put it down shirt (like Xena)) Kaira- (glare) Mystiqua and Vareea- (move out) Kaira- (follow) All- (walking) Kaira- It's not a good idea to go there. Mystiqua- If we're not going there, then don't rub it in, ok? Vareea- Really! Kaira- Hey! Vareea- Get a grip. CUT THEY HAVE BEEN WALKING FOR A WHILE. THE SUN IS ALMOST SETTING. Kaira- (laughing) I cannot believe you made a king mad! You two are such goody goodies! I really can't believe that! You'd figure you guys would be working for a guy like him. Vareea- Oh, and how is that? Kaira- (laugh) Mystiqua- I thought you said we'd get there in a day. Kaira- Well, yeah, there, but who says we're going there? Mystiqua- Kaira! Stop screwing with us! Kaira- Listen, number one: you have the map. Number two: I didn't even want to come up in the first place. And number three: I will be wasting your time until you come to your street sense. Vareea- (sigh) Mystiqua- I guess we deserve this somehow. Kaira- Oh, and four: I have to have some fun somehow. Not to mention I have to toughen you up. Vareea- We are tough. Kaira- That's what you think. Just wait 'til we get there... CUT IT'S NIGHT. THEY HAVE JUST REACHED THE FIRST NORTHERN VILLAGE. THE PEOPLE LOOK VERY HOSTILE Mystiqua: Is this your village? Kaira: Oh, no, definitely not. Doesn't stop them from hating me though... Vareea: Are we going through? Mystiqua: Looks like it's the only way. (turn to Kaira) Unless you have a better suggestion. Kaira: (sigh) The village is too isolated to go around. Believe me, I've tried. Vareea: Then let's go. Kaira: I have a very bad feeling about this. All: (start walking in village) (people start stopping and watching) (uncomfortable) Leader: (walk over) (distastefully) Kaira, back for those trials you bailed on? Kaira: (try to smile innocently) What are you talking about? Leader: Oh, that's right. You have guests. I'm sure they know nothing about your rebellious capades in the North. You're just trying to pretend like nothing happened. You keep telling yourself nothing happened, and you may be beginning to believe it, but it's not true. You still Leader: did what you did. (go face to face with Mystiqua) And your friends will never know. (walk away) Mystiqua: (small hiss) Vareea: (half laughing) What the heck was that all about? Kaira: (glaring) Nothing. Let's get out of here. (pull them with) Vareea: H-hey! I wanted to get some food here! Kaira: Not a good place to get it. They'd probably poison you. You'll just have to survive on berries for now. Vareea: (freeze) Poison? (gulp) Mystiqua: (look at her) CUT THEY ARE STAYING IN A TREE HOUSE THEY FOUND BETWEEN TWO NORTHERN VILLAGES. Mystiqua: I'd really like to know whose little house this is. Kaira: Probably some little stupid kid's tree house. We'll be out by the time he comes tomorrow. Vareea: (looking at books on little shelf) (pick up book) "Curses of Your Inner Self: The Truth About Self-Consciences". (look up) Kaira: That is one disturbed kid. Mystiqua: Ok, I am beginning to not like this place. Can we just go to sleep now? Vareea: (grab a whole bunch of books and sit down by them) Mystiqua: (look at one) "Powers: Could You Be A Reincarnated Witch?" (look at them) Kaira: Not right. Vareea: It is pretty wrong, isn't it? Mystiqua: Oh yeah. Vareea: (throw them behind you) ONE BOOK FALLS OUT OF THE HOUSE AND ONTO SOMEONE WALKING BY UNDERNEATH. Mystiqua: Let's sleep now, k? Both: (nod) All: (lie down and get comfortable) Kaira: (joking) Mystiqua, I'm gonna have nightmares! (cuddle on her) Vareea: Me too! (cuddle on her other side) Both: (laugh) Mystiqua: (sigh) Great. (close eyes) IT'S BEEN QUIET FOR A WHILE. THE TREE STARTS CREAKING. Mystiqua: (sit up a little) Did you hear that? Kaira: (look up) (drowsily) Huh? Mystiqua: The tree. It creaked. Vareea: Trees tend to do that when it's windy, hun. Kaira: (smile) Mystiqua: No, I heard something else. Vareea: Ok, don't you dare start freaking me out again. You know what happened last time! Mystiqua: I swear, you guys. I don't think we're alone. THE TREE CREAKS. All: (jump and gasp) (huddle) Kaira: Mystiqua... THERE ARE FOOTSTEPS COMING CLOSER TO THEM. All: (hyperventilating) (scooting back) (trying to see) HANDS SHOOT OUT OF THE DARKNESS. (it's the Mystery Man) All: (scream) Mystery Man: (hold hands in front of Mystiqua's face) Mystiqua: (freaking out) Mystery Man: (roll them or however you say that) Mystiqua: (trying to back up) Mystery Man: (move hands over to Vareea, and then Kaira) (laugh in Mystiqua's face) Mystiqua: (pull back) Eugh! Mystery Man: (blow smoke in their faces) All: (close eyes) (everything goes silent) (open them) (look around) (sit there for a moment) Kaira: (get the nerve to look out the door) (look around) (there's nothing) (notice a gleaming) (look closer) (a deep brown eye glistens back and then disappears) (go back to place in shock) Nothing. All: (look at each other) CUT IT IS THE NEXT DAY. THEY ARE WALKING TO THE NEXT VILLAGE. Vareea: You know, last night was really creepy. Kaira: No kidding! Who was that dude? Mystiqua: I don't know... His breath smelled like strong smoke and he laughed like a madman. Kaira: He would be if he decided to scare us poor girls. Vareea: We're no ordinary girls though. Kaira: Well, yeah, but that's not the point. He doesn't know that... or does he? (smile evilly) (stick out tongue) Just kidding. He can't know. Mystiqua: (staring off into space) Maybe he does... Vareea: (worried) Myst... Kaira: Ok, you know, I swear, there is something you guys aren't telling me here. Both: (upset) Mystiqua: What are you talking about? We've told you everything. Vareea: Yeah. Kaira: No, no, there's just something else. (stare at them suspiciously) Both: (look at each other) (look back) Mystiqua: We don't know what you're talking about, Kaira. Kaira: Don't lie. There's something. Mystiqua: There's nothing, Kaira! If there was something, we would have told you already! Kaira: (stop) I have my eye on you. Suddenly I don't trust you. Vareea: Then I won't trust you 'til you come to your senses. You're making a big deal out of nothing, and it's driving me crazy! Anyways, I'm sure there are many things we don't know about you, obviously. Like your little problems in the North... Kaira: (push her back) Why don't you leave that alone?! Both: (shocked) Kaira: That's right, back off and leave me alone! If that's all you're gonna talk about, then forget it! I'm out of here! I don't need this crap! I don't need any of it! You people just don't know how or when to back off, do you? I'm through, done, that's it! (turn and start walking back the way you came) Mystiqua: Kaira, what's the point of going back through that village? Kaira: (slow down) It's the only way I can go South! Mystiqua: But you know what the people did. Kaira: I'll go around! Mystiqua: I thought you said there wasn't a way. Kaira: Dammit, I'll find a way!! Mystiqua: (run to her) Kaira, don't be so radical. Listen, we're sorry, all right? Vareea didn't mean anything by it. She just talks sometimes. Vareea: (glare) Mystiqua: But we need you. You can help us navigate through the North- Kaira: You have the map. Mystiqua: Hmm, you still remember that, don't you? Doesn't matter, I want Mystiqua: you here with us. Kaira: (look at her) You mean it? Mystiqua: Yeah. Kaira: Why? Mystiqua: You're the first person that's been friendly to us in a long time. We kind of want to keep it. Kaira: I wanted to kill you. Mystiqua: You were just confused. But we're getting along great now. I know we have a little tension here and there, but we can make up for that. All healthy relationships have little fights. And they're only little. Kaira: Why do I suddenly feel like I'm married? Mystiqua: (laugh) Look, the point is, I know there are things we don't know about you, and there are things you don't know about us- but in time we will all know enough about each other. It all takes time. We won't badger you anymore if you don't badger us. Deal? Kaira: (think) Deal. But no more of this nonsense. Mystiqua: It makes us wonder though... Kaira: Yeah, but some things you guys do make me wonder too. Mystiqua: Then I guess we're even. Kaira: Yeah. We are. It's all good now. Mystiqua: Great. Both: (rejoin Vareea) Vareea: (smile to Kaira) Kaira: But there are things I don't know about you, right? Mystiqua: (look at Vareea) Right. Vice versa? Kaira: Yeah. (teasing) Liars. Mystiqua: Hey! All: (laugh)