Awakening of Wings
Awakening of Wings
Cast:
Protagonist: Female, Has wings, selfless, innocent, and naive.
Dragoon Knight (Ser Draconis): Male, violent, and honourable.
Adapetus Mechanical (A.M) Male, eccentric, possibly mad, quite greedy.
Lord Preen: Male, very snooty and upper class, narcissistic and self-centred.
Lady of The Night (later possessed by Ot Zhro Nilgh`ri) cultist , later possessed by the end of all.
(Act One, Scene One)
(A landscape of true elegance is revealed to us. The magic of this realm is deeply, interwoven into every fibre of reality. A young maiden lies in a crater in the ground. She has an almost avian look that extends to her base are soft snow white wings, with a slight green, shimmer to them, are attached. She appears to be semi- conscious....)
(The stage is softly lit. There is slight smoke around the crater.)
(Protagonist is slowly stirring, eventually rising)
Protagonist: Where am I?
Protagonist: (Looking around, taking everything in) W-Wow...
Protagonist: (Notices a reflective pool nearby)
(There is no more smoke around the unnatural crater. The light focuses on the pool)
Protagonist: (walks over to the pool, a little unsteady, due to the unknown presence of the wings)
(Musical cue: awakening of wings)
Protagonist: (starts upon seeing the wings in the pool)
Protagonist: (audible gasp) Good heavens! What sorcery is this? Thy back seems to have sprouted wings! (a little shocked but not terrified)
(She tries to spread the wings out, to her delight the wings obey)
(Stage direction, light brightens and focuses on the protagonist)
Protagonist: (Full of barely concealed glee and energy) The wings respond? What else might be done with thy graceful virtue?
Protagonist: (pauses for a movement to calm herself down. Her efforts are in vain for she sights a bird)
Protagonist: Could I fly? I could help others better if I could....
(The protagonist, noticing a hill, begins to head towards it. Her movements are now more graceful and steady than before)
(The protagonist is now on a higher part of the stage)
Protagonist: Should I leap into the boundless sky, entrusting thy fate to these splendid, alas, untested wings to allow me to soar, at the risk of thy fragile frame? Still ,I stand upon a mighty knoll, wings unfurled, a desire to soar, not for thyself, but to do good, beckons thy heart. Yet beneath this noble cause a whisper of caution cautions thee to consider the risk.
(She pauses to contemplate. The music has stopped now)
Protagonist: The earth, solid and unyielding, beckons me with its familiar embrace. While the sky with endless expands and possibilities, thy morality compels me leap.
(Protagonist should appear ready to jump)
Protagonist: The world calls , and I shalt answer it!
(She begins to run towards the edge. The spotlight follows her. The wings are gleaming in the light)
(Before she can get to the edge, a deep, rich, baritone voice, with a rumbling quality, yells out)
Unknown: (franticly) STOP!
(The protagonist does not hear)
Unknown: I IMPLORE THEE TO STOP!
(The protagonist grinds to a halt, clearly having heard this time. Her body language suggests shock)
Protagonist: (Looking around for the source)
(The lights dim back to normal, and the wings stop glowing)
(In the dark part of the stage, a shape is visible, it is tall and strong looking, it wears a breastplate and a helm)
(He emerges from the shadows, the breastplate has a dragon symbol on it, the helm`s visor is the yawning maw of a dragon)
(The unknown armoured man approaches the protagonist, a long, lethal looking spear made of what looks like bone on his back)
Protagonist: Who art thou?
Unknown: My apologies, fair maiden, I am the mighty Ser Draconis of the esteemed Order of The Dragoon.
Protagonist: (too stunned to respond)
Ser Draconis: Fair maiden with wings , thou art a sight to behold, what brings thee to our realm?
Protagonist: I..I do not know thyself...
Ser Draconis: Thou dost not know? Fear not, for we shall uncover the truth together. Come let us embark on this journey.
(The Dragoon Knight drops to one knee)
Protagonist: I accept, Ser Draconis, lead the way.
(The lights fade to nothing)
END OF SCENE ONE
SCENE TWO:
(The scenery has changed to more challenging terrain. Both the protagonist and her newfound companion are traversing a steep path, valleys , and more mountains(not snow-capped) can be seen in the background)
(The lights are on the two, and the scenery is bathed in a warm glow)
(Musical cue: begin section two - Serenade of Solitude, then section 3)
Protagonist Ser, I must know why you have taken us to this remote place. What purpose do these hills and valleys hold for us?
Ser Draconis: Exalted winged one, we seek the Adapetus Mechanical, he may hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of those curious wings of yours. He is a master of contraptions and machines, a scholar of the arcane, and a kind soul. If anyone can aid us in comprehending the purpose of these wings, it is he.
(Ser Draconis talks of the Adapetus mechanical with an air of respect and admiration)
Protagonist: I shall follow your lead, Ser Draconis, for the path to understanding find wings lies ahead.
Ser Draconis: Closer than you think fair one, the Adapetus Mechanical approaches, and with him the-
(The Dragoon Knight is cut off by a whirring sound, soft at first, then rather loud)
Protagonist: What is that...(The words die in her mouth as she spots something)
(The lights slowly dim as A.Ms large Airship comes into view)
(Enter the Adapetus Mechanical)
Adapetus Mechanical: (steps out onto the deck of his mighty flying machine, roaring with crazed laughter at the expression on both of the travellers’ faces)
(He wears a red flight suit with brass buttons, he wears brass goggles, his hair is greying and unkempt, and he is, in short, a steampunk mad scientist)
Adapetus Mechanical (A.M): Beware, ye daring interlopers, for thou hast trespassed upon the realm of thyself, the Adapetus Mechanical The maestro of machines! The sultan of steam! What dire purpose hath guided thee to these elevated chamber of fine, mechanical marvels? Dost Thou seek enlightenment regarding those majestic wings? Or art thou merely enticed by the resounding thunder of my ingenious contraptions? Speak thou intentions swiftly, for the sky`s canvas is a precarious precipice indeed! And here nought is as it may seem.
(satisfied with his rambling introduction, A.M grins to himself somewhat madly)
(There is a smoke effect where the airship is, lighting is back to normal levels due to the Airship being level with them now)
Ser Draconis: (To protagonist) It would seem that the madness foretold in the tales was not exaggerated... (Bellowing to A.M) We have journeyed in search of answers, to unlock the mysteries of the wings (The Dragoon Knight motions to the protagonist) Pray, Wise Adapetus, can thou offer wisdom regarding this strange matter?
(A.M. does not reply. He walks over to the control panel with a gleeful spring in his step, and with a dramatic flourish, he presses a button)
(A plank begins to extend out of the side of the Airship)
(As the plank slowly extends from the Airship, the Adapetus Mechanical continues to remain silent, a mischievous grin playing on his face, letting the dramatic action speak for itself to add an air of mystery to the moment)
Protagonist: (Softly) I must admit, I am filled with worry at the idea of boarding this contraption. The skies have always been so vast and open, and this flying machine seems unsafe. Can we truly trust this eccentric inventor, Ser?
(Ser Draconis with a reassuring look, begins to respond) My dear I-
(A.M interrupts excitedly)
A.M: (possibly offended) Ah, worry not, for the journey ahead is a marvel in itself. An odyssey into the skies! And my inventions shall be your steed. Come now, there is no time for hesitations! The airship awaits. Onward, onward!
(A.M returns back into his creation, leaving our travellers no choice but to follow the loony engineer)
(They step onto the deck with caution, and the lights fade to nothing in response)
End of Scene Two
(Scene three)
(Our characters find themselves in the bowels of the great flying machine. It is surprisingly spacious in the airships interior.)
(The lights are focused on the centre of the stage, the rest is in darkness)
Protagonist: (Looking around) This is unlike anything I have ever seen. It is as If we have stepped into a world of mechanical marvels and dreams.
Ser Draconis: Indeed, my dear. The domain of the Adapetus is unlike any other. Here, the line between genius and insanity blurs into oblivion. Embrace the strangeness, winged one, otherwise it shalt be intolerable.
(The protagonist nods meekly)
A.M (From above) Before our grand journey begins, I invite you above deck to witness the scenery, from thy ingenious airship. It is a splendid spectacle that thou doth not want to miss!
(Once they emerge above deck, they are greeted by a snooty, grandiose voice)
Snooty person: (Very arrogant) Well, well, what do we have upon thy private vessel? A quaint gathering of commoners embarking on a merry adventure? I see, fear not, for you will have the privilege of my company.
(he wears the garb of someone who intends to hunt foxes)
(Before the protagonist could formulate a reply, the Dragoon Knight got there first)
Ser Draconis: Privilege, thou say? It is the camaraderie and shared purposes that define our journey, not the size of one’s purse or birth. We welcome all who seek understanding.
AM: The sky hold no class quarrels or prejudice, it welcomes all who are to soar!
Protagonist: (hoping to change the subject) Adapetus, we have come to understand thy wings, can you...
(AM interrupts her)
AM: (Snippy) Patience! (Clearly still annoyed by the snooty person)
(AM feels guilty, however)
AM: My apologies for the outburst. I shall assist you with your enquiries later. (Addressing everyone) Dear travellers, let us focus on the skies and the marvels that await us. (To protagonist) And we can address the mysteries of those wings in due time.
Snooty Person: In case you were wondering, I am Lord Preen, the finest hunter in all of Narciss, and my father is none other than the esteemed Earl Bigot. The blood of excellence and privilege flows through my veins.
(The Dragoon Knight visibly annoyed by Lord Preen)
Ser Draconis: (with a wry smirk) Lord Preen, we are truly in the presence of greatness. Your hunting progress and noble lineage are nothing short of inspiring. How fortunate we are to have such illustrious company on this endeavour.
Lord Preen: (missing the sarcasm) Thou art, indeed.
(AM does something at his control panel)
AM: Behold!
(The airship begins to move away from where it was hovering)
Protagonist: Regarding the wings...
AM: Ah yes, your wings, my dear, they art a marvel indeed. While I may not have all the answers, I can offer a piece of the puzzle... The secrets lie in the harmony between mechanics and nature. We shall have to tinker and experiment together to unlock their full potential.
(Before she can reply, something behind her starts spluttering and clanking)
(The lights focus on the malfunctioning mechanism behind her)
Unknown Machine: (*Explodes*)
(The protagonist is propelled overboard by the force of the explosion)
(The lights follow her)
(The wings begin to work. She is flying {held by a chord})
Protagonist: (Addressing everyone) Lo, the wings work! I am aloft, a creature of the skies.
(She lands on the deck of AMs Airship)
AM: Wings unfold... Mysteries untold.
Lord Preen: (Trying to appear unimpressed) Wings or not, I have seen grander spectacles in my time.
AM: Allow me to take a closer look at these remarkable wings. They may hold the very secrets of the skies.
(Without waiting for an answer, AM begins darting energetically around her, poking, prodding, and taking measurements.)
(The Dragoon Knight looks uncomfortable at this)
(Stage lights should dim here)
Protagonist: (Yawns) An eventful day it has been, Rest calls my name.
(Protagonist leaves the stage)
(A glare from the Dragoon Knight removes the sneer from Lord Preen)
(The Adapetus Mechanical`s demeanour shifts to avaricious delight, declares...)
AM: Ah, Ser Draconis, conceive what wonders we could fabricate with these wings at the very heart of my mechanical marvels. The world itself shall become a canvas upon which are ingenious contrivances shall be painted. Crowds shalt gather in awe of my genius, and the royal treasuries shall overflow with the glittering coin, filling our coffers to the brim. We would be hailed as the architects of an extraordinary age.
Ser Draconis: (with a fond edge to his rich voice) Indeed, Adapetus, these wings are an ethereal and otherworldly gift. They could alter the course of countless skirmishes and battles. The Order of The Dragoon, that hallowed bastion of chivalry and inaction (he says this bitterly) would ascend to realms of invincibility with such a celestial boon. The annals of history would etch our names among the greatest of Knights.
(AM nods in agreement)
Ser Draconis: We must tread with the utmost caution, for her innocence remains our greatest advantage...
(Lord Preen clears his throat)
Lord Preen: (Voice dripping with haughty refinement) While you both indulge in your discussions of wings and coin, I, the noble Lord Preen, must remind you of the intricate layers of status that envelop us. After all, in my homeland, the civilised expanses of Narciss, status is the currency that truly matters. Let us not lose sight of the grand tapestry of opportunity that reveals itself before us, a tapestry with thyself as illustrious centrepiece, of course.
AM: (with an air of condescending) Ah, Lord Preen, your obsession with status is nothing but a trivial pursuit. In the grand orchestra of innovation, your ”noble” note is but a faint whisper, lost in the crescendo of progress.
Ser Draconis: Beware, Lord Preen, or face the consequences. (The Dragoon Knight draws his dragon bone spear with blinding speed and points it at his throat)
(Lord Preen swallows and tries to regain his composure)
Lord Preen: (intimidated and apologetic) I-I offer nothing but my most sincere apologies, noble sirs, It was not my intended to offend. Let us refocus on our mutual goals and objectives.
(The already dim lights fade to nothing, and our characters leave the stage)
(Ominous changing begins, increasing in volume and vigour with each one)
Ominous voices: To Zhro Nilgh`ri ah zog
(The chant is heard again, louder this time)
Ominous voices: To Zhro Nilgh`ri ah zog!
(The chant rings out a final time, it is slightly different, the voices are hoarse and frenzied)
Ominous voices: To Zhro Nilgh`ri Nafl`Fhtagn!
End of Act 1: intermission
Act 2: Scene 1
(Below our travellers is a vast expanse of mist covered forest. The lights cast a blue glow on the landscape visible from the Airships deck)
(A worried comment from Lord Preen has started a conversation about weapons)
Lord Preen: I shalt not venture down there. What if we are attacked?
AM: Fear not, thy Lord! For we shalt have weapons, the inventions that shape our realm Behold my creations, intricate marvels of engineering and firepower soon to be propelled by the elusive Suspensium.
Ser Draconis: (sounding pleased by the subject) Weapons indeed have a place in history. My dragon bone sphere, carved from the remains of a legendary beast , stands as a testament to thy valour and honour.
(The protagonist shifts uneasily)
Lord Preen: allow me to introduce my masterwork, a handcrafted clockwork bow. A masterpiece that combines precision and speed perfect for a nobleman of my standing.
Protagonist: (firm but gentle) Violence, my friends, is the language of barbarians. We must remember that our purpose is not in the power of our weapons but in the wisdom of our choices.
(Lord Preen sneers grandly at this)
AM: To expedite our quests, my dear friends, The winged one and Lord Preen; shall venture below to secure the Suspensium. It is a task that requires the utmost precision.
Ser Draconis: I must protest. Sending the two in a small craft alone is a risk we can not take.
AM: Ser Draconis, we must seize this opportunity without delay. Our pursuit of knowledge demands it
AM: trust in our companions’ capabilities, and thine wisdom.
End of scene 1
Scene 2:
(Lord Preen and protagonist enter the small craft)
(Section 4 plays)
(They are on the ground)
Protagonist: The mist is thick, and these would seem endless. I thought we were close to the deposit.
Lord Preen: Fear not, my dear. We shall find it in due time. Let us press on.
(They continue to wander, the fog grows denser)
Protagonist: I can barely see a thing. Everything looks the same. We are lost already.
Lord Preen: Lost, you say? how inconvenient. Let us split up. Perhaps one of us will find our way back.
Protagonist: Very well, but do be cautious. Lord Preen.
(They separate)
(Lord Preen is alone on the stage, the spotlight is on him)
Lord Preen: (To himself) Ah, what a delightful twist of fate we find ourselves in. Lost in this labyrinth of mist and trees. A perfect opportunity, I dare say, to collect another trophy for my collection. What will they call me when they hear of the noble Lord Preens grand acquisition, I wonder?
(Preen has drawn his handcrafted, clockwork enhanced bow)
Protagonist: (returns to the stage) L-Lord Preen? What are you doing here talking to yourself?
Lord Preen: (with a sinister tone) Ah, my dear, I thought it would be the perfect time for us to have a private conversation.
Protagonist: (concerned) A private conversation? But we are lost! And there is danger in these woods!
Lord Preen: You see, my dear, I've had enough of the common world. I've acquired many trophies, but none as exquisite as the power of your wings. They could make me more than just a nobleman, you understand. They could make me a legend.
Protagonist: (realising his malicious intent) You can not be serious... You would harm me for your own gain?
Lord Preen: (with an unsettling smile) For power and prestige. One must make sacrifices , my dear. This forest shalt be the final resting place of our little secret.
(Lord Preen is now aiming directly at her heart)
Protagonist: (Desperate but firm) Lord Preen, there is a better path than this. Your true worth is not measured by power or trophies.
Lord Preen: (His aim wavers a little) My dear, thou hath voiced what lingers in my conscience. My obsession with status and acquisition of power, trophies ,and vanities. They have driven me to this precipice. A precipice where I had resolved to murder for my own glory.
Protagonist: (Empathetic) It is never too late to change, to find the better version of yourself.
Lord Preen: (the bow lowers slightly) Indeed, the allure of my desires are strong, yet a glimmer of conscience remains. The path to redemption is steep. My inner demons may still lead me astray. But my dear, you have sparked the notion that perhaps, just perhaps, I may find salvation from my vanity.
Lord Preen: (Voice heavy with emotion) You see, my father, a stern and unforgiving man, cares for nothing but legacy and lineage. My every achievement was a desperate attempt to please him, but it was never enough. He scorned every accomplishment, ever dismissing me is a disappointment.
Protagonist: (Offering her hand) Let us take the first steps on this path together. Lord Preen, the choice is yours to make.
(Lord Preen pauses, then he puts his bow away)
Lord Preen: (taking her hand) Yes, I shall endeavour to make amends for my past transgressions. We shall navigate this labyrinthine forest as companions, not foes.
(The protagonist notices a faint glimmer nearby)
Protagonist: Look, Lord Preen, what is that glimmer up ahead? (Pointing at glimmer)
Lord Preen: It seems to be coming from the nearby clearing...
(as they approach the deposit, the lights grow brighter and focus on it)
Protagonist: (with wonder) Suspendium, we have found it!
(The lights dim to nothing)
End of Scene 2
Scene 3:
(They are on the deck of the Airship. It now has shiny cannons on the sides)
Protagonist: I am curious Adapetus, is there anyone who might have insight into the mysteries of these wings?
AM: Indeed, my dear there is someone who could help unravel the mysteries of your wings.
Protagonist: Who?
AM: The lady of the night.
Ser Draconis: Where can she be found?
Lord Preen: (worried) Wait, seeking the lady of the night. Are you sure that is wise, Adapetus Mechanical?
Protagonist: Lord Preen, we must trust the word of the Adapetus Mechanical. His plan may be the best option to finally understand these wings.
AM: (Polishing cannon fondly) Rest assured. My dear friend, we shall approach this with the utmost caution. Our quest for knowledge is as tempered as fine steel.
End of Act 2
(We fade to black)
Act 3 scene 1
(We find ourselves in a deeply unsettling place, the domain of the Lady of the Night)
(The Airship has landed)
AM: The end palace, where our destinies take a fateful turn, prepare yourselves, my friends for what waits within.
Protagonist: How unsettling this place is. It has a foreboding atmosphere that chills the very bones.
Lord Preen: The lady of the night’s domain is as sinister, as they say. This is a dark and perilous venture.
(The lady of the night emerges from the shadows)
(Movement Five: the shadow within plays)
Lady of the night: welcome, dear guests. It seems that the Adapetus Mechanical has brought me quite the gift today, your reward, Adapetus.
(She hands him a bag, containing his reward)
AM: (Generously accepting the bag) My dear lady of the night. Your generosity knows no true bounds.
(AM goes into the airship)
Protagonist: (Angry) Is he leaving us?
AM: (From amplifier on airship) My dear friends, it appears that my dealings with the lady of The Night have taken a dark turn. She has threatened to unleash her cult upon us to seize my airship in order to expand her malignant reach. I have no choice but to respond with force to protect myself.
(There was a mighty boom. Some of the cultists are repelled backwards violently)
(The end cultists advance towards the airships)
(A large black shape from above attempts to grab the airship, but it is too late. It is away)
(A cylindrical object is released before the airship is completely gone. It is trailing blue smoke and lands next to the remaining cultists outside, the cultists claw at their throats and then die)
(The lady of the night flees into the Palace),
End of Scene 1
Scene 2:
(They are now in the atrium of the End palace)
(Ominous chanting can be heard in the background)
Ser Draconis: Stay close, companions!
(A singular cultist emerges from the shadows. His robes have silver cuffs, and he is clearly meant to be a senior cultist, far more powerful than the ones from before)
Senior cultist: You trespass on the sacred domain of the End of All, leave or pay the price.
Ser Draconis: (Draws his spear) Thy shalt not retreat from my duty, and Thy shalt not allow this sacrilegious cult to continue!
(A fight begins and the Dragoon Knight is quick to gain the upper, he has forced the senior cultist into a circular room with a walkway spliting it in half, at the sides there are pools of mist)
(The cultist turns and runs down the walkway, It has no guardrail)
Ser Draconis: (Furious) Coward!
(The cultist turns to face him)
Ser Draconis: Dost thou hath no honour? Thou hath insulted me, and the Order of The Dragoon!
(The senior cultist pulls a dagger from his sleeve and cuts his hand with it)
Senior Cultist: H' nilgh'ri, Y' h' ah nyth'drn
(The Dragoon Knight is launched into the smoke at the sides. He manages to get up on one knee)
Ser Draconis: (Weakly) F-For thy honour...F-For thy order,(Trying to breathe)
(Lord Preen appears in time to see the Knight fall to his stomach, and to see a black shape remove his body from the stage)
Lord Preen: (Draws his bow and shoots the cultist)
(the Cultist`s body is also grabbed by the shape and is pulled offstage)
(We cut to black)
End of Scene 2
Scene 3:
(Lord Preen and the protagonist enter a large chamber, the Lady of the night stands on the other side, her back to them)
Narrator: In the Heart of the End Palace, our Travellers find the lady of the night, our protagonist remembers the last words of a cultist, a name: Ot Zhro Nilgh`ri
(she turns around, and she looks like death has possessed her. This is not far from the truth as the End of All is in fact possessing her)
Protagonist: (Afraid, trying not to show it) Ot Zhro Nilgh`ri?
Ot Zhro Nilgh`ri: (in a voice of pure malice, well beyond evil) Well, Audacious interlopers thou hath entered into the presence of an apocalypse foretold in ages long past...Your selflessness a mere trifling matter to the relentless march of entropy....
Protagonist: W-We stand unyielding against the maelstrom of destruction you endeavour to unleash, to reclaim and rekindle the balance your malevolence has sundered. Chaos shalt not hold sway over order.
Ot Zhro Nilgh`ri: Order? How adamantine are your naive, antiquated convictions. Through the annals of existence, chaos rules supreme, and I stand as the harbinger of its designs.
Lord Preen: Your unbridled madness, unchained discord and disorder, leads but to utter failure. We shalt orchestrate the culmination of your regime of terror, you shalt not win!
Ot Zhro Nilgh`ri: Terror? Utter Failure? Ah, terror is but a faint murmur in the opulent symphony of pandemonium! And as for utter failure, you, Lord Preen, know it well, you hath fallen far, thou should have taken the shot!
(Lord Preen is infuriated by the reference to his failed attempts to please his father, and his attempted murder of the protagonist)
Protagonist: In this hallowed moment, we stand united as a radiant beacon of order, a shield raised against your voracious chaos. The realm holds its breath, its heartbeat steadied by our unwavering resolve, and we shalt not yield!
(The spotlight lands on them both, Lord Preen aims his bow at the End of All, the protagonist’s wings gleam the brighter than ever before)
(AM bursts into the chamber, holding some sort of spear with a crystal on the end)
AM: (with a mix of determination and remorse) I have returned, driven not by riches, but by the shadows of thy past. This weapon, a creation of thy greed, may now be our final hope.
(Ot Zhro Nilgh`ri, shrouded in darkness, raises his hand, and with a malicious incantation, he unleashes a torrent of shadowy energy toward AM)
AM: (dodging the attack) This time, I stand with you. Together, we shall vanquish this darkness!
AM: (focused) I need a moment to prepare the weapon, keep him at bay!
Protagonist: (determined) We won’t falter; we’ll hold the line!
Lord Preen: (urgent) Then we’ll buy you that moment! (He releases an arrow. It hits right between the eyes, but no major damage is dealt)
(AM finished arming the weapon)
AM: (With a wry smile) Take this, my dear. It is not every day you get a weapon that might just save the world.
Lord Preen: A mechanical trinket against the embodiment of chaos. Well, let`s see if it surprises.
AM: Go forth and conquer the skies!
(Protagonist takes flight via a chord)
(Note: avert attention from chord at all cost!)
(She aims the weapon at Ot Zhro Nilgh`ri and fires, a beam of white light erupts from the brass weapon)
(it strikes true, Ot Zhro Nilgh’ri keels over weakened)
(Protagonist returns to ground level after doing some aerial acrobatics)
Protagonist: (surprised by the beam) By the heavens, that was unexpected!
(AM is suddenly hit by a black blade, he falls to the ground, bleeding heavily)
AM: (struggling to speak, suddenly starts laughing hysterically) Well, well, my dear companions... Seems the relentless pursuit of riches got the best of me, eh? Here I am, just another cog in the machine of my own making. (continues laughing until he gasps for breath and dies)
Protagonist: (upset) No...
Lord Preen: (smirking a little) At least he left us with a joke.
(As Ot Zhro Nilghri unleashes his most potent attack, the entire atmosphere trembles with chaotic energy. The very stage seems to quiver under the weight of his malevolent power. Suddenly, the attack backfires, spiralling uncontrollably and striking Ot Zhro Nilghri instead, enveloping him in a maelstrom of his own destructive force With a deafening roar, he is consumed by his own malevolence.)
(We cut to black)
Epilogue:
(The stage is bathed in subtle light, the characters reflective)
Protagonist: Well, here we are, all quiet and serene after quite the raucous tale.
Lord Preen: Indeed. We went from chaos incarnate to something Shakespearean, except no one actually died from poison here.
Protagonist: Ah, Ser Draconis, the melodramatic knight. He even managed an ostentatious exit.
Lord Preen: Yes, you can't expect less from a man who greeted mornings with a bugle.
Protagonist: AM, the genius inventor who created his own mechanical undoing. Quite the 'inventive' farewell, I must say.
Lord Preen: The Lady of the Night, orchestrating her own quiet disappearance, leaving us to write her final lines.
Protagonist: And now our tale ends where it began, only the irony remains intact.
Lord Preen: Chaos once reigned, cultists chanted, and here we are, pondering life's dramatic twists. Quite theatrical.
(With a nod to the audience, they exit, leaving the viewers with a knowing smile)
(End of play)