The Riders: Share the Light

7/29/2019 The Riders: Share the Light

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The Riders:Share the Light

byAmber Crawford Idell

[email protected]

415.599.5442


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EXT. SKY - NIGHT

A clear sky is lit up by galaxies of stars. Night birds andinsects sing their songs.

A MOTHERS hand holding a FEMALE CHILDS hand reaches into

the frame. The womans hand holds the childs pointer fingerand traces a constellation in the air.

MOTHERAnd that one is monoceros. Theunicorn. Right next to Orion andGemini.

She traces those in the sky too.

CHILDWhat are they all doing up there?

MOTHERSometimes when Im not feeling sostrong, Ill come out here and getlost in the stars and know thatanything is possible.

We turn to see, the mother and child - MARY (35) and AVA (7) -laying on their backs in a field. The child is nestled at hermothers side. Mary kisses her forehead.

The child touches the dainty GOLD NECKLACE with a charm of apearl set within a flower that rests on her mothers neck.

Their POV: billions upon billions of shining stars.

EXT. WOODS - DAY

Ava, now 17, darts down a dirt trail that snakes through alush forest. Her shoulders are hunched - too shrunken forher age. It hides her beauty. It hides her grace.

She wears her mothers gold necklace.

She has ear buds in, listening to a PIANO SONATA - she picks

up the pace, pushes herself to go farther, faster.Her breath syncs with the soul-wrenching music.

She stops short and bends down to tie her shoe. She standsand breathes in the fresh air.

JULIET (17), the worst and hottest human being in Avas highschool, slams into Avas shoulder from behind.


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Ava stumbles forward.

JULIETWatch it Ava!

Juliet shoots Ava a death look as she and SEVERAL OTHER GIRLS

giggle and run past. Ava watches them go and then runs up anoff-shoot trail by herself.

She winds through the idyllic trail when:

A gigantic BUCK with MASSIVE ANTLERS sails across her pathabout ten feet ahead of her. Both girl and buck stop dead intheir tracks - startled, but curious.

They stare at each other for a suspended moment in time.

Ava steps to him. He sticks his neck out. She reaches out tohim. They get so close.

A bird SCREECHES. The buck jolts and leaps into the woods.

Ava watches him go and runs off too. Smiling.

INT. AVAS HOUSE - KITCHEN - EVENING

Ava, sweaty from the run, walks through the back door andgoes straight to the fridge. She gets out a bottle of waterand chugs.

The house is working class, modest and has seen better days.

Its missing a mothers touch.

Ava surveys the kitchen. Its a mess - empty food containersand dishes strewn about. No dinner.

She opens the cabinets and fends for herself.

LIVING ROOM - LATER

Ava walks in with a plate of food.

Her dad, JIM (56), a shell of a man fraught with grief anddenial, is passed out on the lazy boy.

The TV is on low volume, there are MEDICAL BOOKS and JOURNALSstacked and spread everywhere.

A near-gone handle of WHISKEY sits on the table next to him.

On auto-pilot, Ava sets the plate down next to her dad, turnsthe TV off, and hides the whiskey in a cabinet.

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She nudges him. He wakes up, one eye at a time.

JIMHey. What time is it?

AVA

Six. You hungry?

He looks for his whiskey.

JIMNot yet.

AVAYou have to eat.

JIMI will honey.

AVAYou OK?

JIMFine. Im fine.

Ava picks up a journal.

AVAFind anything new?

JIMJust more facts and whatnot that

confuse the hell out of me.

Ava sets down the journal and nods to the plate.

AVAIts probably not as good as hers.

JIMYou got to stop saying that.

AVANight dad.

JIMNight pumpkin.

She leaves the room and he gets up and goes to the cabinetwhere Ava hid the whiskey. She peeks behind the corner andwatches - not surprised.

He sits back down with his drink and picks up a journal.

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The plate of food just sits there.

AVAS BEDROOM - LATER

Ava is showered and in PJs now. She settles into her bed with

her laptop and a notebook.

Her room is spare, like she never quite settled in. There area few pictures of her family and some track and field medals.

Ava opens her laptop and logs on to a UNIVERSITY WEBSITE. Shenavigates to the ADMISSIONS PAGE and scrolls through.

After reading and taking notes for a bit, she slams thelaptop shut and sits back.

She turns to her bedside table to a FRAMED PHOTO of her andher mom. Ava looks a couple years younger.

Her mothers necklace from earlier is draped over the cornerof the frame.

She touches the necklace, then turns her back to it.

Second thought - she turns back and tilts the frame so hermom is not looking at her, but takes the necklace.

She clenches the necklace and her eyes shut.

AVAS BEDROOM - NEXT MORNING

Ava, dressed in jeans and a flannel shirt, puts all of herschool books and papers in her bag and runs out of her room.

Halfway down the hall -

She runs back in and grabs the necklace and runs back out.

AVA HOUSE - STAIRWELL - CONTINUOUS

Ava barrels down the steps. She gets to the front door.

Theres a NOTE taped to it.It reads:

Gone to St. Francis. Be back sometime tomorrow. The money isin the usual spot. Be good. Love, Dad.

Ava rips the note off, crumbles it and leaves the house.

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EXT. SCHOOL FIELD - MORNING

Ava runs across the expansive field that sits behind theschool. She funs fast and steady.

Out of nowhere a loud CRAAACKK! The ground shifts.

Ava stumbles and recovers. She looks around for the source.Nothing and no one is in sight.

She continues to school. Walking now.

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE CLASS - MORNING

Ava sits at a lab table with her best friend, MICHELLE (17).Michelle is confident, dramatic, the life of the party.Opposites attract with these two.

Ava is tinkering with a SMALL MECHANICAL DEVICE - its asolar-powered motor. She uses a set of miniature tools tomake some adjustments.

The room is stocked with other typical students. Nerds,jocks, skaters, haters, and, of course, the cool chicks.

Devious giggling floats over from Juliet and her GIRL LACKEY(17) who sit behind Ava and Michelle.

Ava looks up at MRS. WAYNE (mid 3Os) who fiddles with herlaptop - trying to queue up a powerpoint presentation. Mrs.Wayne is Avas mentor - shes super jazzed about learning and

very pregnant.

MICHELLEI cant believe John chose thatskeez over Danielle. Travesty.Travesty I tell you.

AVAWhat?

Ava tinkers, oblivious to what Michelle is jabbering about.

MICHELLEUh...The Hunt for Perfect Love?Television? 21st century? Hello?

Nothing.

MICHELLE (CONTD)I dont even know why I tryanymore.

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(re: motor)What in gods name is that?

The motor starts to run. Ava beams at her work. Michellefeigns enthusiasm.

The bell rings. Class time.

AVASshhh.

Mrs. Wayne finally gets the powerpoint up. A slide show ofimages of space, wormholes, and black holes starts. Ava setsthe motor aside and gets out her notebook and pen. Michellerolls her eyes.

MRS. WAYNEOK. Now lets keep with ourspace/time theme and talk about

wormholes.

MALE STUDENTThats what she said.

Everyone in the class, except Ava, giggles.

MRS. WAYNE(sigh)

Every year. OK. So who knows what awormhole is? And lets keep it PGkiddos.

No one raises their hand. Ava scans the room.

Mrs. Wayne waits for someone to say something. She looksdirectly at Ava who averts her teachers gaze.

MRS. WAYNE (CONTD)Cmon people! Star Trek? No one?Really? OK. A wormhole is atheoretical tunnel that cutsthrough space and time and allowssomething to travel vast distancesin a blink of an eye.

Theoretically. Pretty cool, huh?Most of the class has checked out, but Ava leans forward.

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MICHELLE (CONTD)


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MRS. WAYNE (CONTD)Theres even a small group ofscientists that believe the Hadroncollider, remember the giant atomsmasher we talked about yesterday,is the key to opening up one of

these worm holes and making timetravel possible!

Mrs. Wayne thinks she just blew everyones minds, but all shegets is:

ANOTHER RANDOM STUDENTHey. Arent they making a new StarTrek?

Giggles and chatter abound. Mrs. Wayne gives up.

MRS. WAYNE

Open your books to page 234. Do thequestions at the end. You have 20minutes.

Mrs. Wayne collapses in her chair and flips through apregnancy book.

Some students get out their books and open them. Ava, ofcourse, does and reads. Michelle texts like she iscoordinating a mission to Mars. She stops and looks over ather friend.

MICHELLE

You and your dreamy head in theclouds, smart girl act. I need youhere. We need to discusshomecoming. Dresses. Hair. Nailart.

Ava shoots her a no way in hell look and keeps reading.

MICHELLE (CONTD)Why?! I told you Id find you adate. Its what I do! Pleeeeaaase!

AVAHow long have you known me?

CUT TO:

EXT. SCHOOL COURTYARD

Ava and Michelle eat their lunches under a tree.

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AVAFor the thousandth time what makesyou think that I would care about astupid dance? Or a stupid guy?

MICHELLE

First of all, you and I both knowthats not true. B of all, what doyou care about then?

AVAGetting as far away from this placeas humanly possible.

MICHELLETrue that.

AVAAnd you. I care about you Mimi.

Sweet smiles between best friends.

Juliet and the cool chick strut up. Juliet holds her cellphone out to Ava.

JULIETHey Ava. Its the mens departmentat Sears. They want their clothesback.

The cool chicks find this incredibly funny.

MICHELLEJuliet. Marry rich. Its youronly hope.

The cool chicks are like whatever.

Michelle starts air-dusting Avas face.

AVAWhat are you doing?

Ava pushes her friends hand away.

MICHELLEWiping the footprint off your face.You got to stand up for yourselfgirl. What are you going to do whenIm in Milan?

AVAI can take care of myself.

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Michelle turns to her friend and surveys her boy-ish outfit.

MICHELLENot gonna lie. She kinda has apoint. You could do so much more -

AVAI love you, but no.

Michelle kisses her hand and plants it on Avas temple.

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - END OF SCHOOL DAY

Scores of teenagers flood the hallways. A chaotic dance.

Ava and Michelle push their way through the crowd.

AVA

You coming over tonight?

MICHELLECant. I have a webinar onprincess cut v. a-line. Battleroyale. Why, you need me?

AVANo, its OK. Hes doing better.Only took him ten months.

MICHELLEThats great hon! I know hell

figure out what went wrong withyour moms. Screw those doctors Isay.

Ava cracks a small smile.

Mrs. Wayne comes waddling up from behind. She clutches astack of papers.

MRS. WAYNEAva!

Ava and Michelle turn around.MICHELLE

Ugh. Lates. Ill text you.

Michelle ducks off.

Mrs. Wayne approaches and shuffles through papers. She findsthe ones shes looking for and hands them to Ava.

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MRS. WAYNEAva. Hi. Heres my letter of rec.Yay!

Ava takes the papers and glances over them.

AVAGreat. Thanks.

MRS. WAYNEI wish youd speak up in class. Iwas drowning up there!

Still looking at the papers.

AVASorry.

MRS. WAYNE

Dont be sorry. I know you know theanswers. Why dont you speak up?

Ava scrapes her foot on the ground.

MRS. WAYNE (CONTD)You coming to work on your project?

AVAYeah, Ill be there. Oh, and I gotit to run.

MRS. WAYNE

Of course you did. So, tonightsthe night. Theyre flipping theswitch on the collider. Theyvebeen priming it all morning.

AVACool.

They break off and go in separate directions. Ava turnsaround, thinking of something.

AVA (CONTD)

Mrs. Wayne?Mrs. Wayne turns around.

MRS. WAYNEYeah?

AVADo you think I have a shot at this?

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MRS. WAYNEThis time next year, youll havethe world at your fingertips.

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - EVENING

Ava walks down the now desolate hall. She has her motor inher hands, checking out a few things with it. Her head isdown as she rounds the corner and:

Wham! Runs right into Juliet and FOUR LACKEYS.

The motor falls to the floor and breaks into several pieces.

JULIETJesus Ava. Watch where youregoing.

AVASorry.

JULIETWhatever orphan.

Ava kneels down to pick up her motor pieces. Juliet and thegirls look down at her as they pass by.

JULIET (CONTD)Such a nerd!

Ava tries to ignore them as they cackle down the hall.

EXT. SCHOOL FIELD - NIGHT

Ava meanders across the dark field, staring up at the clearnight sky riddled with stars.

As she wipes away tears with her sleeve, from behindsomething bright FLICKERS then FLASHES high in the sky.

It sends out a RING OF LIGHT that spreads out across thestars. Ava looks up to see the last bit of it zoom by.

She turns to see the lights origin - a PULSATING STAR.

It bulges and contracts as it grows larger - suddenlyswirling and stretching into a point of light - the tippointed at Ava.

Ava is hypnotized.

Two things happen simultaneously:

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A deep, low sound emanates from everywhere, nowhere - like aband doing sound check - STRAIGHT BASS.

The point of light splits open.

The sound becomes deafening - she covers her ears and

crouches to the ground. Panic. The whole world vibrates -she vibrates.

The opening pushes in within arms reach - she can see insideand its deeper than dark nothingness - its almost about toengulf her.

The sound is gone.

She stands up, peers into the nothingness then:

Shes pulled into the opening - molecule by molecule.

SWWWWWWWIIIIIIIPPPPPPPP! The light disappears - shes gone.

Everything is black.

EXT. NEW WORLD/RED HILL - DAY

The sun burns overhead in a shockingly blue sky. Thelandscape is dry, flat red rock for as far as the eye cansee. Nothing, but a a sizable RED HILL.

There isnt a soul in sight.

At the base of the hill, Ava lay disheveled, but alive.

Her necklace sparkles in the hot sun.

Her eyes flutter open for a moment. A shadow passes over herface. She looks up to see a GIANT HAWK-LIKE BIRD fly highoverhead. It is followed by a FLOCK of a dozen more.

She blinks.

She slips back into unconsciousness.

EXT. NEW WORLD - LATER - SUNSET

The sun is near its sleeping position. An orange, a red, anda blue moon rise side by side from the opposite horizon.

Ava is laid out - hasnt budged from before. She comes to,sits up, winces, grabs her head.

She stands and looks around in all directions - beyond dazed.

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AVAHello?!

She inspects herself for damage. Body intact.

AVA (CONTD)

HELLO!?!?!?!

Panic overtakes her. Her breath becomes shallow. She staggersbackwards. She turns and attempts to run.

She trips over something, she turns to see a DOME-SHAPEDCREATURE with a hard orange shell. It lifts up, sproutsdragonfly wings and flies off.

She crumbles to the ground, unconscious again.

EXT. NEW WORLD - NEXT MORNING

Ava lays baking under the baking sun. Her lips and skin arebone dry, skin roasting.

Shadows pass over her body. Her eyes fly open.

THREE WOMEN stand over her. Upon seeing Ava open her eyes,they ready their weapons. They are wild, dirty and dressed intattered tunics.

Theyre human, but tweaked. Their pigments and tones arebeautifully unfamiliar.

ELKE (23) a ruby-haired, amber-eyed beast of a woman. A loyalbrawler, wields a giant club with horn-shaped spikes. A largescar runs down her left arm.

GWENAELLE (22) has lemon-colored hair and aqua eyes, the boldand vain warrior aims a sword straight at Avas heart.

PALANI (17) eggplant hair and fierce jade eyes, the small,but fierce one, grips her pair of curved swords that line herforearms.

They push in. Ava springs up and staggers.

Elke steps forward and raises her club toward Avas head.

ELKENi tak morr!

Ava, dumbfounded and terrified, backs away from them.

AVAWhat?

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The women look at each other in surprise.

Gwenaelle advances upon Ava.

GWENAELLESha vey tulem?!

The women look around - paranoid - making sure no one else islurking.

Ava senses something approaching from behind her. She whipsaround to see:

THREE UNICORNS majestic, but savage stand in a row behindher. Their horns are lowered in attack mode.

Theres a palomino. A black and white spotted. A chestnut.Not one is all white. Not one is what we typically think ofas a unicorn.

AVAOh my go-

Elke grabs a handful of Avas hair and drags her toward thepalomino.

Ava struggles, but is no match.

Palani attempts to stop Elke.

PALANIBal ye nabo ka.

Elke turns to Palani to respond. Ava seizes this smallopportunity to slip through Elkes grip and run.

The women watch for a moment.

Palani mounts her chestnut unicorn and charges after Ava.

Elke signals to Gwenaelle who extracts a bow and arrow thatis strapped to her back. She cocks the arrow and releases.

Ava, looking behind her, runs without reason or direction.

The arrow falls directly in front of her, narrowly missing,stopping her escape for a moment.

She turns to run in another direction when Palani rides up,dismounts and tackles Ava to the ground, putting a dagger toher throat.

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PALANI (CONTD)(over her shoulder toElke)

NAHO KA!!!!

Elke comes up to the girls and stands over them,

considering...

EXT. NEW WORLD - MOMENTS LATER

Ava is GAGGED, HANDS BOUND. She sits atop Elkes unicorn.

Elke mounts behind Ava. Gwenaelle and Palani fall in linewith their unicorns.

EXT. NEW WORLD - MOMENTS LATER

They all ride hard and fast. The unicorns seem to barelytouch the ground they run with such speed.

Ava leans in - vacillating between terror and awe.

From Avas POV: the red rock gives way to more fertileground. As the first unicorn passes a hole in the ground, aSMALL RIVER bubbles up and rushes alongside them.

Ava sees trees spread out instead of up. Plants that consistof only one giant purple leaf. Half bird-half lizards.

The riders come to a canyon and enter through a narrow mouth.

Gwenaelle is the last to go through. She looks around to makesure no one is following.

EXT. CANYON/CAMP - CONTINUOUS

The canyon opens up as they go deeper. The small river cutsthrough. The tall walls are steep, red, and smooth.

They come up to a camp consisting of a few packs and fivetattered bedrolls. A small burnt piece of ground signifies a

past fire.Elke rides to the center of the camp and pushes Ava off herunicorn.

ELKEWilla! Pala tra qe!

Ava falls hard to the ground, but quickly gets up. The otherriders press in to make sure she doesnt take off again.

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WILLA (21), looks up from where she is washing plants by theriver. She sets the giant leaf on the bank and gets up.

She looks gentler than the other women. Her burgundy hairsweeps past her waist and her eyes glow sea foam green. Shesa healer, but just as skilled and fierce as the rest.

WILLA(to Elke)

Nola ba?

Ava looks at her desperately. Willa and unties her hands andtakes off the gag.

AVAPlease. Where am I? Who are you?Whats going on? Please. Answer me!

While Ava freaks out, Willa leads her to the outer perimeter

of the camp by the water.

In one fluid motion, Willa takes Ava by the neck with onehand, the other she presses on Avas forehead. Willa closesher eyes and murmurs an incantation.

WILLAYeza ca hulum, yeza sha hulum, yezawalum ga do.

Ava struggles in vain.

The space between the two undulates and shimmers.

Willa finishes her spell and releases Avas neck and smiles.

Ava backs away from her, coughing and gagging. She falls toher knees.

Willa walks up to her and holds out her hand.

WILLA (CONTD)Im sorry, but it was necessary.

Ava stops coughing - confused.

Ava allows Willa to help her up.

AVAHow...?

Willa smiles and walks toward camp. Ava pauses then follows.

AVA (CONTD)Listen, I dont know -

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WILLACome. We have many questions.

Willa leads her to where the rest of the women argue.

PALANI

Shes a spy!

GWENAELLENo, shes a baby. Like you Palani.

Palani pushes past Gwenaelle and gets right in Avas face.

PALANIWho are you?

Ava trips in her steps backwards and grabs Palanis arm soshe doesnt fall.

AVASorry.

Palani yanks her arm away.

PALANIShes going to ruin everything!

AVA(barely audible)

Im Ava.

ELKE

Lets wait for Solana -

WILLAWere running out of time -

AVAWhats going on?

PALANIWhy?! So she can tell Kraye wherewe are?

GWENAELLEKraye wouldnt send that.

AVA(soft)

Whos Kraye?

GWENAELLEWe should leave -

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ELKENot until Solana -

AVA(louder now)

Who is Kraye?!

The women all stop and turn to Ava.

INT. DARK HALL

KRAYE saunters down a black obsidian hall. Spinning circlesof fire burn along the walls.

ELKE (V.O.)A murderer.

WILLA (V.O.)

A thief.

Hes darkly handsome, supremely confident, and kind of aperv. Hes a powerful mage - a force.

He strides straight ahead.

GWENAELLE (V.O.)Hes a nightmare.

Kraye stops at a stone-faced ALPHA GUARD with BLACK STATICEYES and a smooth CRIMSON RING around his neck.

Kraye leans in to his ear.

KRAYEWe have a visitor. Finally. Bringher to me.

The guard turns to obey.

EXT. CAMP - CONTINUOUS

The riders eyes are all planted on Ava.

AVANo, no, no. This is a nightmare.Sorry guys, but Im not sure whatshappening, but Im going to gonow...

Ava backs away from the women.

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Lighting fast, Palani swipes the dagger strapped to Elkesouter thigh and lunges at Ava.

Ava pivots left, evading the initial attack, but falls rightinto Gwenaelle who holds her.

Palani lunges to strike again when Elke grabs her arm, then:

SOLANASTOP!

Everyone turns to the direction of SOLANA (24), the leader,ferocious, confident and gorgeous. If the sun were human, itwould look like her.

Her near white hair and violet eyes disarm. She sits tall onthe largest unicorn of them all - a near all-white stallion,save for the thick black shock of hair down his side.

Ava seizes this opportunity to turn and run.

Without missing a beat, Solana gallops to Ava, scoops her upand throws her over the side of her saddle.

Solana nods to Elke and rides deeper into the canyon.

EXT. SEA CLIFF ROAD - DAY

FIFTY GUARDS each mounted on a UNICORN scramble along theside of a cliff.

Both the guards and the unicorns have the same black staticeyes and red rings around their necks.

EXT. DEEPER IN THE CANYON - MOMENTS LATER

The walls of the canyon are tall, smooth and contorted fromwind erosion. The wind floods in and out.

Solana dismounts her unicorn and helps Ava slide off.

Solana studies Ava. Circles her. Stands squarely in front

of her. She brushes a wisp of hair out of Avas face.SOLANA

Who sent you?

AVANo one.

The wind whips through the canyon.

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SOLANAThen what are you doing here?

AVAI dont know.

Solana examines her.

SOLANAWhat do you want?

AVATo go home. But...I dont know...amI dreaming?

SOLANAThey found you at Red Hill?

AVA

I think so. Yes.

Another freight train gust of wind blows through.

SOLANAWere being hunted.

AVAWere? Why? No. I need to get backand try to see -

Ava turns away.

SOLANANo time. We must go now.

Solana swings up on her unicorn and trots in front of Ava.She holds out her hand to Ava who looks at her hand. Looksaround. Hesitates.

SOLANA (CONTD)Theres only so much you can do onyour own.

Finally, Ava takes her hand and climbs on the unicorn.

EXT. DESERT - DAY

The swarm of guards split in two streams as they ride acrossthe expansive red desert.

They barrel toward a canyon in the distance.

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EXT. CAMP - DAY

Solana rides in with Ava behind her. Solana slides off theunicorn and runs into the center of camp. Ava slides off theside and attempts to look normal.

SOLANARiders!

Elke, Gwenaelle and Palani step to attention.

SOLANA (CONTD)Its time.

Elke steps to Solana and tries to be discreet.

ELKEDid we get what we came for?

Solana steals a glance toward Ava.

SOLANAI think so.

Ava walks nearer to the group.

PALANIWhy is she still alive!?

SOLANAShes with us now.

PALANISolana -

Solana throws her hand up as the unicorns all step in next totheir riders.

Willa hops onto an orange and white pinto unicorn. She steersit to Ava and offers a hand.

AVAWhere are we going?

WILLASomewhere safe.

Ava grabs Willas hand and hoists herself on.

EXT. OPENING TO CANYON - DAY

The guards reach the opening of the canyon the riders enteredearlier.

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They ride through in a steady, unrelenting stream.

EXT. CANYON - DAY

In a single file line, the women trot through a narrow and

windy part of the canyon. The claustrophobic section. Solanaleads the way. Willa and Ava bring up the rear.

Ava looks over her shoulder, down the cramped passage.

EXT. CANYON - DAY

The guards ride through a similar section of the canyon.

One of the guards in front spots a white tail swoosh intosight from around a corner.

He points his sword in the direction of the tail. The rest ofthe nearby guards set their focus and advance.

They round the corner to find:

A dozen white LLAMA-LIKE CREATURES with white tails graze.

The guards lower their weapons.

EXT. CANYON OPENING - DAY

The women wait at the mouth of the canyon as Solana scales

the side of one wall toward a loose boulder.

Willa turns her head to Ava.

WILLAMy name is Willa.

Willa nods at each women as she names them.

WILLA (CONTD)Thats Elke, Gwenaelle and Palani.

Willa looks up as Solana gets above the rock and kicks itinto the opening to block passage.

WILLA (CONTD)And thats Solana.

AVAIm Ava.

Solana hops down the wall and remounts her unicorn.

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SOLANAWell have time later. For now,just lean in, breathe and hold ontight.

They ride off into the vast desert.

EXT. ROLLING HILLS CAMP - DAY

Miles of undulating hills spread out under a burnt orangesky. The hills are dotted with trees covered in delicatewhite flowers instead of leaves. The petals drop and swirllike snow.

Solana leads them through a valley that cuts through thehills. They come upon a camp nestled at the base of one ofthe hills - inconspicuous and bare-bones.

The camp consists of FIVE MAKE-SHIFT LEAN TOs constructed outof tree branches and tattered fabric.

The women dismount. The unicorns trot into the hills.

Solana, Elke, and Gwenaelle go straight to Solanas tent.Palani lingers outside, looking in, but Elke closes the flapof the tent. Palani stomps off.

Ava hovers in the middle of camp - motionless. Willa steps innext to her.

WILLA

Were all far from home here. Come.

Willa takes Ava by the hand and leads her to a tent.

INT. SOLANAS TENT - MOMENTS LATER

Solana, Elke and Gwenaelle hover over a well-worn MAP OFMESIRA - a walled city perched on rocky cliffs above the sea.

ELKEI swore I would never go back

there.GWENAELLE

In the south, they say the fear andfamine has caused the people to dounspeakable things.

Elke touches her left arm as she stares into the map.

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SOLANAWe will return and do what we must.You all understand what will happenif we dont.

ELKE

Hell pay.

SOLANAThat he will friend.

Solana points to the jagged cliffs south of the city.

SOLANA (CONTD)We approach from here.

INT. WILLAS TENT - SAME TIME

Ava and Willa sit cross legged. Ava looks around at theexotic dried plants that hang above. She rubs her head.

Willa observes this then rifles through various VIALS ofmysterious substances. She finds the two jars that she wasneeding and pours a little bit of each into a mortar.

AVAWhy are you hiding?

Willa pinches some dried plant from above her head and addsit to the mortar. She mashes everything with a pestle.

WILLABecause we fought back. And becauseif he succeeds, well all...

She cant finish.

AVAHe? Kraye?

Willa nods.

Willa scoops some of the black concoction out of the mortar

and begins to smudge it on various spots of Ava. On hercheeks, forearms, neck, underarms, chest.

AVA (CONTD)Succeeds at what?

WILLAHes found a way to control theunicorns. A spell that will killthem in the end.

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If all the unicorns die, our worldwill be thrown out of balance...andfall into the nothingness. Plus hehas my brother.

ASHER (19) barrels into the tent. Handsome with chestnut hair

and cobalt eyes. Hot-headed with a carefully guarded softside. Always wants to be on the front line.

Ava pops up - startled. Asher scans her head to toe.

ASHERWhat is this?

Ava remembers the smudges and becomes self-conscious.

WILLAHello Ash. This is Ava.

Acting as if Ava is not in the tent, Asher fumes.

ASHERKraye has spies everywhere Willa.Who is she?

WILLACalm down, shes just a girl. Talkto your sister. Did you get...

Before Willa can finish her question, Asher leaves asabruptly as he came.

WILLA (CONTD)...it? That was Asher. As you cansee, a handful.

Ava steps to the tent door, affected, not listening to Willa.

She throws open the tent flap and pursues Asher.


Asher walks toward his tent. Ava is close behind.

AVAHey!

Asher keeps walking.

AVA (CONTD)Hey! Im not a spy!

He stops. Turns to face her.

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ASHERWell see.

He turns back and continues to his tent.

Elke steps in front of her and walls off Ava from following

him. She thrusts a sword in Avas hand.

Ava drops it. Both women look down at it. Elke rolls her eyesand walks toward the creases of the hills, outside camp.

ELKEDefinitely not a spy.

Over her shoulder.

ELKE (CONTD)We have work to do.

EXT. CREASE OF HILL/OUTSIDE CAMP - DUSK

Ava and Elke stand in the middle of a clearing. They bothhold swords, but Elke is the only one who looks at ease - thesword being a natural extension of her body.

The rest of the riders sit or stand around them.

SOLANA(to Ava)

Dont be scared. Just follow yourinstincts.

Ava scans the faces of all who are watching.

AVAIs this really necessary? Im goingto go home soon. Right?

SOLANAIts for your protection. Trust me.And, yes, I will help you get home.For now though, youre with us.Lets see what you can do.

ELKEA few lessons wont hurt.

GWENAELLEThis should be good.

Elke advances upon Ava and swings her sword around her headand brings it down. Hard.

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Ava barely defends, and is sent to her backside. She standsand points the shaky sword at Elke.

PALANIThis is ridiculous.

Asher elbows her and focuses back on Ava.

Elke charges again, this time sweeping the sword up at anangle. Ava shifts back and defends with a surprisingly strongdownward block. Elke nods in approval.

AVASurprised?

ELKEYes.

AVA

Me too.

Ava walks out of the circle, really proud of herself.

SOLANAOur enemy doesnt stop, so neitherdo we. Again.

Ava stops and turns back to Elke. Elke attacks.

INT. MESIRA STABLES - NIGHT

Kraye walks down a row of stalls. Each contains a crimson-ringed unicorn chained to the ground.

They snort and buck as he passes.

Kraye surveys the rest of the stable which contains over ahundred unicorns on two levels.

He walks to the middle of the building where five non-possessed unicorns stand shackled.

He goes to pet one. It tries to buck from his touch.

KRAYEOh now. Ssshhh.

He slides on GOLD HAND PLATES that cup the palms of hishands. The plates are held on by gold claws that hookbetween each finger. Each is set with OBSIDIAN STONES thatstart to glow.

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KRAYE (CONTD)Soon I will release you all fromthis tedious place...

He gets right up to the unicorns head.

KRAYE (CONTD)...and I will be free.

He straightens and holds his hands out. The stones turn matteblack and TWO LIQUID BLACK RIBBONS flow out.

The unicorns buck.

EXT. ROLLING HILLS CAMP - EVENING

Ava, filthy and tired, drags herself back to camp.

She stands at the outer rim and observes the well-oiledmachine:

Elke mends a saddle girth.

Solana skins rabbit-like animals for dinner.

Gwenaelle and Palani spar with swords - both very skilled.

Asher sneaks up from behind Ava.

ASHERHaving fun yet?

Ava jumps in surprise. She shrugs, exhausted.

ASHER (CONTD)Come with me.

AVANow?

ASHERYes, now.

He leads her out of camp.ASHER (CONTD)

You must have come from luxury.

AVAExcuse me?

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ASHERIve never seen someone so tiredafter doing so little.

INT. OUTSIDE CAMP - NIGHT

Solana and Elke stare down at something on the ground. Elkeholds a torch that reveals her look of disgust.

ELKEAsh found this?

Solana nods.

ELKE (CONTD)Are you sure this is what you wantto do?

SOLANANo.

ELKEDo they know?

SOLANANo. Lets keep it that way.

ELKESo I have to do this then?

Solana hands her a square of cloth and a writing utensil and

slaps her on the back before walking off.

Elkes POV: A shirtless BLUBBERY MAN is splayed out on theground. Elke turns him to his stomach to reveal:

A TATTOOED MAP of a labyrinthine tunnel system covers hisentire back. Under the nape of his neck, sits Mesira.

Elke holds him down with her foot and copies down the map onthe cloth.

He looks back at her.

ELKE (CONTD)Dont make me hurt you.

BLUBBERY MANI dont understand.

ELKEShut up.

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BLUBBERY MANWhy would you want to break intohell?

She copies the map.

EXT. GROVE OUTSIDE CAMP - NIGHTFALL

Asher leads Ava through a grove of gnarled trees and into asmall clearing. He stops. She stops.

ASHERWait here.

AVAFor what?

ASHER

If you are going to stay with us,youll need more than just your owntwo legs.

With that he runs off back into the grove.

AVAWhere are you going?

ASHER (O.S.)Just wait here!

EXT. GROVE - DEAD OF NIGHT

Ava sits in the middle of the clearing, annoyed from the longwait. She scans the perimeter again for any sign. Nothing.She lays down on her back and looks at the night sky.

Her POV: The stars burn bright. The three moons shine atdifferent points in the horizon.

A horse-like SNORT from behind startles her. She sits up andwhips around to see:

A tall, muscular and magnificent white UNICORN. He has blackhair and a spotted horn. His body is soft white.

Ava slowly rises to stand face to face with him.

She walks toward him as he to her. He lowers his head, hornpointing right at her. She pauses for a moment, but he turnshis horn to the side for her to get close.

They nuzzle like old friends. Ava laughs.

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AVAWhat is this?

ASHER (O.S.)Hes yours. Hes chosen you.

Ava turns to see Asher standing off to the side, witnessingthis exchange.

AVAHes mine?

ASHERAnd youre his. At least for now.

Asher turns to walk back to camp. Ava turns to her unicornand they stare at each other for a moment longer.

INT. WILLAS TENT - NIGHT

Ava is asleep. Shes in the throws of a nightmare.

BEGIN DREAM

INT. LARGE, DARK ROOM

A white and tan unicorn stands in a barren, dark room. Theonly light lays upon the unicorn.

It stands still, then starts stomping and moving side to side

- snorting and breathing heavy.

A black liquid ribbon, creeps and curls toward the unicorn.It gets more agitated as the ribbon gets closer.

The ribbon reaches the unicorns nostrils. It lingers amoment before the unicorns inhales it in one deep breath.

The unicorns eyes close and it begins to thrash about inaggressive madness. Its eyes flash open - black static.

END DREAM

Ava jolts upright.

Willa is behind her within seconds, blade to her throat.

WILLAI want to trust you.

Ava freezes. Slips back into reality.

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AVAYou can.

Willa releases her and withdraws her dagger.

WILLA

Are you OK?

AVAFine. I just need some air.

Ava climbs out of the tent.


Ava runs to the outskirts of the camp. She disappears intothe folds of the hills.

EXT. OUTER CAMP/POND - NIGHT

Ava sprints through the hills. She stops cold when she comesupon the dark waters of a POND.

She collapses at waters edge and sobs. After a few moments,she composes herself and washes off her face with water fromthe pond.

Something nudges her from behind. She turns to see:

Her unicorn standing over her.

AVAI dont belong here. I want to gohome. How do I get home?

Her unicorn snorts, steps closer and kneels down to her. Avarubs his face, getting a good look at his horn.

Its opaque white with SWIRLS of color FLICKERING throughout.

AVA (CONTD)In my world youre not real.

The unicorn rises and steps forward to the water. He dips hishorn in. As soon as the tip reaches the surface, the waterILLUMINATES.

It splits and pools around Ava forming a COCOON around her.Within the water vibrant light dances and bounces.

In front of Ava, the water forms a smiling face - the face ofHER MOTHER.

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She reaches out to touch the face. It sends a visible,pleasant shock through her.

It falls, returning to the pond.

She can see her unicorn again - looking at her. She steps to

him and he nuzzles her.

EXT. OUTER CAMP/POND - NEXT MORNING

Ava is asleep by the pond.

Her unicorn stands by her side - watching over her.

Ava wakes and looks up at him and smiles. She attempts toget up, but she has to ease her ravaged muscles into it.

Solana walks up and fills a pouch with water from the pond.

SOLANAIf youre going to ride with us,you need to rise with us.

AVASorry.

SOLANADont be sorry. Be better.

Solana walks up to the unicorn and rubs his side.

SOLANA (CONTD)I see one has chosen you. Thatdidnt take long. A good sign. Weride out later. Do you think youcan manage him on your own?

Ava looks at her now seemingly giant unicorn. Considers.

Then, a definitive:

AVAYes.

EXT. CAMP - MOMENTS LATER

Ava walks back into camp with her unicorn following her.Everyone else has clearly been up for awhile, they are allpacked up. The tents and signs of camp are gone.

Willa is by the fire, extinguishing it and covering up tracesof it being there.

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Avas unicorn walks through the camp and disappears into thehills. Ava looks around, not sure if she should stop him.

Willa observes, grabs a bundle of MEAT wrapped in driedanimal skin and walks over to Ava.

AVAShould I get him and hook him up tosomething?

WILLAUnicorns are free to do what theywill. We do not give them orders.Only suggestions. Unless you sharethe light. Thats different.

AVAShare the light?

WILLAOne thing at a time.

Willa hands Ava the bundle.

WILLA (CONTD)Here. Eat.

Ava unwraps it to reveal dried bits of meat. She smells it.Disgusting.

AVAWhat is it?

WILLADoes it matter? Come with me.

Willa walks toward a small pack that was once their tent.She pulls out a WORN TUNIC and hands it to Ava.

WILLA (CONTD)If it doesnt fit, see Gwenaelle.

Ava eyes the tattered frock.

EXT. OUTER CAMP - A LITTLE LATER

Gwenaelle finishes the last stitch on the tunic. She hands itto Ava. Gwenaelle nods to the nearby shrub.

Ava walks behind a shrub to put it on.

AVA (O.S.)Do you miss your home?

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Gwenaelle sips from a large, hollowed-out gourd.

GWENAELLEI do miss the comfort. But I chooseto be here. I choose to my destiny.

Ava steps out.

Gwenaelle smiles at her handiwork and does some adjustments.

GWENAELLE (CONTD)I must say you look quitebeautiful.

Ava snorts.

GWENAELLE (CONTD)What?

AVAThe last thing anyone has evercalled me is beautiful.

GWENAELLEWell you must know that you are.

Gwenaelle whistles. Her unicorn trots up. He lowers his headas Gwenaelle pours the water from the gourd over the tip ofhis horn. As the water hits it, it forms a DISC of reflectivewater - A MIRROR.

AVA

How do they do that?

GWENAELLEThey master the water. One of theirgreatest gifts.

Gwenaelle positions her in front of the mirror.

Ava holds back a smile as she admires herself.

Loud SHOUTS come in from the direction of camp.

The mirror falls to the ground. Gwenaelle sprints back tocamp, grabbing her sword off the ground. Her unicorn follows.

Ava freezes.

EXT. CAMP - DAY

Gwenaelle charges in to find:

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DOZENS OF GUARDS infiltrate the camp - not the group led byAlpha Guard.

The rest of the riders brawl with all theyve got but theyare outmatched five to one. Gwenaelle stops short beforerevealing herself. She hides behinds some shrubs.

Elke and Ash have each have several guards restraining them.Willa is dragged across camp to be tied up at a tree. Palaniis already hog-tied.

Solana, face cut-up from the struggle, lays on her back. AGRIMY GUARD steps on her chest to hold her down.

GRIMY GUARDWhere are they?

SOLANAWhere are what?

GRIMY GUARDI can smell them.

ELKEThats Ash.

SOLANAWere just performers passingthrough on our way to Mesira.

GRIMY GUARDPassing through...

He looks around, sees weapons and other battle gear.

GRIMY GUARD (CONTD)Performers...

Everyone eyes each other - suspended moment of anticipation -

Gwenaelle STORMS in on her unicorn, the rest of the unicornsbehind her. She takes down two guards with her sword.

Their respective unicorns free Willa and Palani by splitting

the rope with their horns.The guards get distracted enough for:

Elke and Ash SLAM into the nearest guard, crashing to theground.

Solana rolls over and slides weapons to Willa and Palani.

Each rider takes on a guard.

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The unicorns fight alongside the riders - they stab guards inthe gut, back and sides with their horns.

Ava appears by the shrub - she watches - hidden.

She sees a BURLY GUARD knock Willas sword out of her hands.

Willa falls on her back - the guard stands over her - pointshis sword at her chest.

Willa kicks him - he doesnt budge.

Ava runs out from behind the shrubs - rock in hand.

AVAHey!

Willa and the guard look up at her. Ava throws the rock, butit bounces off his shoulder.

AVA (CONTD)Oh crap.

Willa rolls away and springs to her feet. The guard pursuesAva as she runs into the hills.

Avas fast, but so is the guard. Hes about to grab her when:

Avas unicorn runs in from the right and pierces the guard inhis kidney and tramples over him.

Ava turns around - catches her breath. She runs back to camp.

Shes stopped by the mounted riders galloping toward her awayfrom camp. They all run past her, except Asher. He turns.

She looks to her unicorn, but doesnt mount.

AVA (CONTD)I cant.

Asher grabs her arm and pulls her in front of him.

They sprint off.

EXT. FIELD CAMP - DAY

The riders make camp in a clearing in a field of ten feettall grass. The soft-green grass conceals them.

Ava kneels at her pack and takes out her bedroll. Asher walksup from behind, startling her.

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ASHERReady?

AVAFor what?

Asher whistles. His unicorn walks through the grass frominside the field.

ASHERYour first riding lesson. Unlessyou want to keep riding with me.

(he really looks at her)You look good.

AVAThanks.

She tugs on her tunic.

ASHERIf you are going to break a bone,its better to do it now whileWilla can still mend you.

AVAGreat pep talk.

ASHERWhat?

AVA

Nothing.

Avas unicorn walks up from the other side of the field.Ashers unicorn kicks around, cant stand still, back intothe grass.

ASHERDont mind him. Hes still mostlywild.

(to her unicorn)Now, just hop on.

She stares at her unicorn. He only has a basic saddle.AVA

How?

ASHER(to the unicorn)

May I?

The unicorn bows his head to denote yes.

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Asher flings himself in one movement on top of the unicorn.He sits proud on top.

ASHER (CONTD)See? Easy.

Asher jumps down and waits for Ava to try.

Palani watches. The rest of the riders rest. Solana is notthere.

Ava backs up and gives herself more of a running start.

AVA(to herself, mocking)

Just hop on.

She runs, does a small jump and lands smack into the side ofher unicorn.

The unicorn barely budges and looks down at her.

Palani grunts and rolls her eyes in disgust.

Ava shoots a look at her, dusts herself off and backs upagain. Asher starts to say something, but she throws her handup to silence him. He shuts his mouth.

This time she runs and jumps high enough to get one leg over,but its not quite enough. She slides off.

AVA (CONTD)

Can you just kneel down for me alittle bit boy?

Her unicorn looks forward.

AVA (CONTD)OK. OK.

She backs up again, runs, jumps, and makes it on the saddle.

She sits proud. Asher whistles.

ASHERNow you have to learn how to notfall off.

AVANow we ride?

Ashers all-black unicorn trots up - he jumps on in one fluidmovement.

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ASHERThats the spirit. Nows the funpart.

Asher and Ava beam at each other. Palanis face falls.

Solana rides into the clearing from behind the grass. Shenods at Ava in approval.

SOLANAWe have to keep moving.

AVANow?

Solana gives her a stern look.

AVA (CONTD)Sorry.

Solana gives her an even stonier look. No sorrys.

AVA (CONTD)Sorry.

Solana rides away. Ava slaps her forehead.

EXT. THE SHIFTING SANDS - DAY

The riders, mounted on their unicorns, are lined up side byside looking out into the sands.

At first glance, the ground looks solid, but soon the sandsbegin to shift. It moves in odd patterns and swirls - likewater in a storm.

At various sections, the sand funnels downward, a reversetornado, sucking everything down into the depths of the sand.

Ava stands in between Asher and Willa. Palani is on the otherside of Asher.

AVA

How are we going to cross?ASHER

Their hooves are immune to thesand. We are not.

PALANISo dont fall off.

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SOLANAStay alert and follow me.

Solana rides forward. Everyone else follows in a single fileline across the sands.

Ava, still stiff and awkward on her unicorn, falls in behindElke. Asher brings up the rear behind Ava.

Ava eyes the sand with trepidation.

The unicorns hoofs fall upon the sand, but they dont sinkin the slightest. Each step makes the sand harden and crack.

Ava breathes a sigh of relief.

They get about ten paces further when:

A GIANT SAND CENTIPEDE bursts into the air over the heads of

Elke and Ava. Its 50 feet long, yellow and brown andhideous. Its thousands of legs make a CLICKING sound as itsails over their heads.

The riders in front turn back, but dont really seembothered. Elke merely ducks.

AVAWHAT WAS THAT?!

GWENAELLEThat? That was nothing. Ugly, butnothing.

ELKEIts just showing off.

They continue across the sands.

WILLAIts the small ones you have tolook out for.

Ava, still in shock, needs to be nudged by Asher and hisunicorn to keep moving.

AVAWhat does she mean small ones?

ASHERDont worry. Just keep moving.

They walk in a moment of silence. Consumed by paranoia, Avawatches the sand at every step.

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ASHER (CONTD)Are you sad that you are here withus?

AVANot sad...its funny, the one thing

I miss from home isnt even thereanymore.

Ava touches her necklace.

ASHERWhats it like, your home?

AVAIts...OK. Complicated.Frustrating. Beautiful.

ASHER

That makes sense.

AVAWhy?

ASHERThat you would come from such aplace.

Before Ava can respond, a small, round LADY BUG-LIKE CREATURElands on Avas forearm. She raises her arm to look at it,its yellow. And cute. She smiles and turns to show Asher.

It flutters its wings. Ava giggles.

AVALook.

Ash turns, his eyes widen, he reaches.

ASHERNo!

Too late.

A SWARM of yellow bugs ERUPT from the sand beneath Ava. Avasunicorn, caught off guard, rears up - she falls off.

The bugs swarm upon her - shes pulled down into the sand.Shes dragged away at breakneck speed.

Ash takes off after her, but shes going so fast. And when hezigs, she zags. As she moves, her body gets pulled furtherand further into the sand.

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He gains a little ground and gets so close. Her chest sinksin the sand. She reaches out to him, their fingers nearlytouch.

She gets sucked under.

ASHER (CONTD)(to his unicorn)Give me water.

In one graceful movement:

Ashers unicorn stops short, kneels, and touches the sandwith its horn. Instantly a POOL OF WATER rises up and spreadsout across the sand.

Asher dives off his unicorn and disappears into the water.

His unicorn steps into the water and waits.

Several moments pass. The water swirls silver and black.

Ashers arm BURSTS through the water and GRASPS his unicornsleg. The unicorn crouches as Ash pulls himself out of thewater with Ava holding on - barely. He climbs on and theunicorn runs back to the riders.

The water fades as soon as the last hoof steps out of it.

Asher holds Ava tight - shes slumped over - out cold.

EXT. ANCIENT FOREST CAMP - NIGHT

The camp sits in a small clearing amid an ancient forest ofgnarled trees packed so close that the branches have growntogether in places. A river snakes around.

Ava, wrapped in a blanket, sits by a small fire. Shes lostin the flames. A mound of OLD WEAPONS and PARTS lay nearby.

Solana settles in next to her. She hands a cup to Ava.

SOLANA

Willa made this for you.Ava takes the cup, smells it and sets it down.

SOLANA (CONTD)What happened today -

Ava snaps out of it.

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AVAI could have died.

SOLANAYes, but you didnt. And now yourestronger. You are who you tell

yourself you are. So tell yourself -I am strong. I can do what Imust. Every day.

Solana nudges Ava and smiles. Ava returns a half-smile.

SOLANA (CONTD)Now rest.

Solana gets up and touches Avas shoulder.

SOLANA (CONTD)You will amaze yourself one day.

Ava watches her walk away.

Asher storms up to her.

ASHERYou should have told me!

He stomps off. Solana follows him.

Palani witnesses their exchange and runs to Asher. Ava looksback to the fire.

EXT. ANCIENT FORREST CAMP - NEXT MORNING

Asher and Palani tend to their unicorns. They brush the coatswith water and laugh. Asher flicks a little water at her andPalani throws a rag at him - smitten.

Ava walks by. Ashers focus turns to Ava. He watches herpass. Palani stops laughing.

Ava walks to the gourd of water and washes her face.

SOLANA (O.S.)Tomorrow we will ride to Mesira.

Ava turns around.

SOLANA (CONTD)Why not today we see what youremade of?

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EXT. MEADOW - DAY

Ava and Asher are atop their unicorns facing each other in alush meadow. The grass bends in the breeze. The sky is grey.

ASHER

Unicorns know more than you canimagine. He can sense everythingyou feel, so it is best to be calm.They are the only creatures thatcan exist in between harmony andchaos. It is in that place wherethey thrive. It is in that placewhere all our energy is balanced.

AVAWhat happens if there isnt abalance?

Asher looks away.

AVA (CONTD)Die? Is this what Kraye wants todo? Throw off the balance?

ASHERIts what hell do if we dont stophim.

He and his unicorn step closer to her.

ASHER (CONTD)

Are you ready?

AVAAs Ill ever be.

He takes off. Like a bullet.

Ava watches him go. Looks around. Leans into her unicorn.

Her unicorn takes off into a dead sprint. She jostles, buthold on. She rides. She tightens her grip on her unicornsmane and leans further into him.

Its not long before she catches up with Asher.

ASHERWell?!

AVAI...

She looks out at the land in front of her.

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AVA (CONTD)...I love this.

Her trance is broken when she sees Asher has stopped, helooks down in the grass.

Avas unicorn stops for her. She looks down to see:

An appaloosa-type unicorn lay fallen in the meadow. Itsblack eyes open wide, frozen in fear and death. Black liquidflows out of the animals nostrils.

EXT. ANCIENT FOREST CAMP - DAY

The riders stand together, all eyes on Ava and Asher.

ELKEIts already happening.

GWENAELLEThis is worse than we thought.

ASHERWe must go to Mesira now.

SOLANANo. We stick with the plan.

Solana walks off.

Palani steps to Asher who walks away.

WILLATomorrow.

EXT. ANCIENT FOREST CAMP - DAY

Ava collapses outside her tent. She wraps a fresh bandagearound one of her many scrapes and bruises.

Elke, Gwenaelle and Palani strut in from doing a perimetercheck.

Gwenaelle walks past Ava.

GWENAELLEJust when you think its over...

Elke is right behind - she stops in front of Ava.

AVAYes?

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ELKELets see if you can catch me.

Elke takes off in a sprint.

AVA

Oh this I can do.

Ava pops up and bolts after Elke.

EXT. OPEN LAND/OUTSIDE CAMP - MOMENTS LATER

Ava comes up behind Elke. Shes coming in fast. Elke turnsand is surprised and pleased by how fast Ava caught up.

Elke tries to kick it in gear, but shes no match for Ava.Ava overtakes her and runs into the distance - triumphant.

EXT. ANCIENT FOREST CAMP - AFTERNOON

Ava and Willa sit around a fire. Willa skins what appears tobe a lizard. Ava looks at it in disgust as she tinkers witha homemade DEVICE.

It looks like a smooth metal baton.

WILLAAnd then you bake it?

AVA

Yes. And you can put differenttoppings on it like pineapple orpepperoni. Lots of cheese. Crust.Hmmmmm.

WILLAI have no idea what you are talkingabout.

AVASo delicious.

Ava makes some adjustments to the baton.AVA (CONTD)

Can I have some of that powder youshowed me earlier?

Willa finds a pouch next to her and hands it to Ava.

WILLABe careful with that.

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Ava gently opens the bag and taps some into the opening atthe top of the baton. She twists it and something clicks.

Solana walks up to them. Ava stands up to greet her.

We really see Avas transformation now. Shes tan, her

muscles are a little more defined, but the biggestdifference is how shes carrying herself now.

Pure confidence.

SOLANAAva. I have something for you.

Solana hands her a sword. Its slick. The blade is sharp andsmooth and the hilt is INSCRIBED.

Ava takes it with reverence and inspects it.

AVAThanks.

SOLANA(re: the hilt)

A prayer of strength. Are youprepared for tomorrow?

(re: baton)Whats that?

Ava sets the sword down and hold the baton over to a pile ofweapons. She twists it and switches a small lever.

The weapons start to tremble. An arrow flies up out of thepile. The head sticks to the baton.

Willa and Solana move in closer and inspect the baton.

WILLAWhat is that?

Ava beams.

AVAA magnet.

SOLANAYoure full of surprises Ava.

Solana walks off past the grazing unicorns.

Ava picks up her sword and admires it.

Willa giggles, grabs her sword and hops in front of Ava.They spar like two kids.

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Willa suddenly stops.

WILLAThis will be very different inMesira.

AVAI know.

WILLAPerhaps we wont all make it outalive. Weve accepted that. Areyou ready?

Ava looks at her new sword, trying to read the prayer.

WILLA (CONTD)(reciting)

You hold the power, now be the

strength.

EXT. OUTER CAMP - NIGHT

The riders stand or squat in a circle. Several pits of fireilluminate the area. Ava looks around for answers. Asherfalls in next to her, giddy. Everyone has their swords ready.

AVAWhats happening?

ASHER

Ring of ruin!

AVARing of what?

He bounces into the circle. The riders whoop and holler.

With flourish, he eyes the rest of the riders and stops atSolana. He points his sword at her.

She nods and steps into the circle. They both smile, readyfor the fight.

Ava leans in toward Willa.

AVA (CONTD)Are they going to fight? For real?

WILLAWatch.

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The fight begins. Neither hold back. They fight fiercely,each having their own victories. Ashers strength is matchedby Solanas agility and ingenuity.

They end at a draw and share a sibling smile. Asher bows tohis sister and walks back to the circle.

Solana turns to Elke. Elke steps forward, twirling her sword.

More whoops and hollers. Ava joins in.

ELKEIll go easy on you.

Solana charges and Elke pushes back.

OUTER CAMP - MINUTES LATER

Elke walks back to the circle while Palani stands up anddusts herself off. Elke just schooled her.

Once up, she doesnt hesitate to point her sword at Ava.

Ava looks right and left. Blinks. Gulps. Steps forward.

She holds her swords up and Palani bats it away with hers.

The riders whoop to get Avas energy up.

Palani charges, Ava defends but gets knocked down.

ASHERCome on Ava! Fight!

Ava focuses on Palani. Breathes.

Palani charges again. Ava slips around her and diverts theattack, sending Palani stumbling forward.

PALANIYeah Ava. Fight.

Palani attacks. Ava defends with the sword - her movements

are more natural and fluid with each move.The riders cheer.

Ava raises her sword and brings it down hard. Palani defends,but isnt quick enough. Her sword gets knocked out of herhands. Ava stands there, waits for her to pick it up.

GWENAELLEWhat are you doing?

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ELKEAmateur.

Palani charges her like a linebacker.

They fall hard to the ground. Asher steps forward to break it

up, but Solana stops him with a raised hand.

Ava feels the shock for a second before her face darkens andshe flips Palani over on her back and pins her arms down.

AVAWhats your problem?!

Palani sweeps her leg over and frees herself from Avas holdfor a moment, but Ava is able to grab and pin her again.

PALANIGet off me!

SOLANAAlright. Enough.

Ava holds for a moment, then lets go. Palani jumps to herfeet and storms off. Ava does too in the opposite direction.

EXT. CLEARING BY THE RIVER - NIGHT

Ava stomps to the river, kneels and splashes her face.

Asher runs up from behind. Ava whips around.

ASHERAre you OK?

AVAYeah.

(bitter sarcasm)Super game.

ASHERPalanis just like that sometimes.

He steps closer. She tries to ignore him.He notices her necklace and touches it.

ASHER (CONTD)Beautiful.

AVAIt was my moms.

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ASHERWas?

AVAShe died.

ASHERShe is still with you. I see it.

Ava chokes up.

AVAI miss her.

They hold each others gaze. He leans in.

Gwenaelle runs up.

GWENAELLE

Come on you two. We have to restfor tomorrow.

They smile at each other and turn back to camp.

EXT. ANCIENT FORREST CAMP - NEXT MORNING

The riders pack up for the ride into Mesira.

Suddenly, SHADOWS spread across them. Its the hawks.

Everyone looks up.

AVAWhat are they?

WILLAWe dont know.

ASHERTheyve been following us forweeks.

AVA

Should we be worried?ELKE

No. They will be though. If theyever land.

Solana takes one last look up to the hawks before leading theriders off on the road to Mesira.

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EXT. ROAD TO MESIRA - DAY

The riders ride hard. Solana leads with Elke, Asher, andWilla right behind.

Palani and Gwenaelle flank them. Ava is close behind.

They are all hunched down, melding to the bodies of theunicorns. Flying.

EXT. BASE OF MOUNTAIN RANGE - DAY

The mountains rise straight from the cracked earth. It goesup high and nearly vertical with rough, unforgiving edges.

The riders stop and all look up at the monstrosity.

SOLANA

Mesira lies on the other side.

GWENAELLEI can smell the sea.

Solana and her unicorn start the long climb up on theseemingly invisible path.

Elke, Gwenaelle, and Palani follow her.

WILLAAre you good?

Ava gives a nod, never taking her eyes off the steep path.

Willa follows the pack. Asher falls in beside Ava.

ASHERAfter you.

Ava suppresses a smile, looks up the mountain, and followsthe group. Asher brings up the rear.

EXT. TOP OF MOUNTAIN - HOURS LATER

The riders drink water and rest. The unicorns are agitated.

They look out at what lays before them.

They see the sea crashing up against the cliffs. To thenorth, a HEAVILY FORTIFIED CITY lay along a bay. SHIPS withbrightly colored sails rock in the harbor.

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AVAThats Mesira?

Elke spits in the direction of the city.

AVA (CONTD)

I take that as yes.

SOLANAWell camp here tonight.

Ava unrolls her bedroll. Asher sets up next to her. Palanisets up her roll away from the group.

Solana crouches over her pack. Willa approaches.

WILLA(nodding to the unicorns)

Somethings wrong with them.

SOLANAI know.

WILLAWere close.

SOLANAYes.

WILLAWill they be able to resist him?

SOLANAWe can hope.

EXT. TOP OF MOUNTAIN CAMP - NIGHT

Solana grunts and writhes on her bed roll, in the grips of anightmare. Ava, awake still, notices.

Ava crawls over to her to wake her. The second Ava lays ahand on her, Solana grabs her wrist and pins her down with aknife pressed to her throat.

Ava freezes. Solana snaps out of it and releases Ava.

SOLANADont ever do that again.

AVAAre you OK?

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SOLANAYes. I just...

AVANightmare?

SOLANAYes.

AVAMe too. Every night.

Solana slumps back down on her bedroll - looking unguardedfor the first time.

EXT. THE EDGE OF CAMP - MOMENTS LATER

Ava and Solana sit at the edge of the mountain overlooking

the city. There are a few FIRES burning, but otherwise thecity is dark.

The waves crash against the rocks below.

AVASo you can talk to your unicorn?

SOLANANo. Not talk exactly. I am bondedto him. We share the light.

AVA

How?

SOLANAIts hard to explain. I can feeleverything he does. But with thelight comes the dark.

Solana pulls a blanket tight around herself. Ava watches her.

SOLANA (CONTD)You should rest.

Ava gets up to go back to bed. On second thought:SOLANA (CONTD)

Ava?

Ava turns.

SOLANA (CONTD)Whatever happens tomorrow, I amproud of you. Know that.

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AVAMe too. Good night Solana.

Solana looks back out to sea.

EXT. TOP OF MOUNTAIN CAMP - MORNING

Game day. Everyone is electric. Pumped for whats to come.

Everyone except Elke who is calm. She stands over her displayof weapons - the sword, the club, the whip and the disc witha razor edge.

Ava walks up to her and looks down at the weapons.

ELKEI cant decide.

AVATake them all.

Ava walks off. Elke considers.

ELKEYes, of course. Take them all.

She gathers up her weapons and begins affixing them to herleather halter and belt.

Ava goes to her unicorn and rubs his side. Willa comes to hisother side and pets him too.

AVAThey cant come?

WILLANo. We cant risk it. Ill takethem down to the shoreline and waitfor you.

AVAIs this going to work?

Willa slaps the unicorns haunch and he runs off.She looks out at Mesira. Cant find an answer.

EXT. TOP OF MOUNTAIN CAMP - MOMENTS LATER

The riders huddle around the map Elke drew.

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PALANI(to Elke)

This is how you escaped?

Elke nods.

Solana points to an origin point of the tunnels far beyondthe city. It looks to be nestled at the base of IMPALAREBOWL - a giant crater at the base of the mountains.

SOLANAWell enter here. Willa you knowwhat to do.

Willa nods. Solana grabs her satchel.

EXT. SIDE OF MOUNTAIN - DAY

Without the unicorns, all the riders minus Willa navigatedown the mountain.

The rock transforms to ragged edges to smooth as silk andundulates like burnt orange waves.

The riders move in determined silence.

EXT. IMPALARE BOWL - DAY

The group stands at the edge of the giant bowl that funnelsinto an opening a its base. The sides are steep, smooth and

speckled with sharp branches of long-dead trees.

ELKEThe opening has a steep drop so goslow-

Before she can finish, Palanis foot hits a loose edge andshe falls into the bowl. Sliding fast. Palani grabs a branchbut it snaps. She continues to slide.

Ava grabs Elkes disc weapon from behind her and extracts hershield. She kneels on it like on a sled and pursues Palani.

The smooth shield gives her speed. She cuts down any branchin her way with the disc weapon.

ELKE (CONTD)Thats one way to do it.

Shes gaining on Palani who is flailing and bleeding from allof the run-ins with the branches.

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Ava gets within five feet of her.

AVAGrab my hand!

Palani squirms around and looks back.

Ava cuts down another branch and reaches out for Palani.

They grasp hands. Ava looks at the opening. The bowl issteeper now and theres less and less to grab onto.

With her free hand, Ava reaches out for a branch.

She misses it.

They keep sliding. Faster. Twenty feet from the opening.

Ava looks around. Theres a large branch below them, far off

to their left. She throws the disc at it.

AVA (CONTD)Hold on!

PALANIWhat are you doing?!

The disc cuts the branch off at the base. The branch and discslide beside them into the opening. The disc flies in first.The branch and the girls make it at the same time.

Ava lets go of Palani and slides further ahead. She kicks the

branch so it forms a beam over the opening. Her body slamsinto it. It holds.

Palani misses the branch and falls into the opening. Palanireaches - Ava reaches for her hand and...

Grabs her. They look down at the 30 foot drop.

Ava pulls her up. They lay panting against the steep rock.

PALANI (CONTD)Thanks.

The rest of the riders slide down to them.

GWENAELLEI didnt know you were in such ahurry.

ASHERAre you alright?

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Palani thinks he may be asking her, but no, he goes straightto Ava and inspects her. Palanis hatred of Ava returns.

AVAIm fine.

Gwenaelle slaps Ava on the back.

SOLANA(to Ava)

That was foolish.

Solana turns to Palani.

SOLANA (CONTD)Are you alright?

PALANIFine.

Asher leans into Avas ear and whispers:

ASHERIt was brave.

He helps her up and they look down through the opening.

INT. TUNNELS - CONTINUOUS

Gwenaelle is the last to drop in the tunnels.

Solana takes the branch that held up Ava and Palani, breaksit in two and wraps a piece of cloth around the top. Shelights the cloth with a bit of dust from her pouch.

She leads the riders through the dark, dank tunnels.

Elke follows, with Asher behind her holding the map. The restare close behind.

The walls are covered with deep grooves and dried blood.

Solana comes to a five-point intersection. She stops.

Asher steps forward with the map. He turns it around andaround, clearly does not have his bearings.

Elke takes the map, glances at it.

ELKEThis way.

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She turns to the left and leads the way down the dark tunnel.The rest follow.

EXT. TOP OF MOUNTAIN CAMP - DAY

Willa rounds up the unicorns to lead them down a path, towardthe shore below. She hums a melody to try to calm them.

SCREECH!

Willa looks up. Several hawks swoop in, blocking the passagedown to the shore. Willa grabs her bow and cocks an arrow,ready to shoot.

They fly off toward Mesira before she can get a good shot.

INT. TUNNELS

Elke stands in front of a small wooden door.

GWENAELLEWhere does this lead to?

Elke shoulders it open and steps through, smiling:

ELKEI have no idea.

Solana and Gwenaelle follow.

AVA(to Asher)

Shes a little crazy isnt she?

ASHERYoure just now figuring that out?

They go through too.

INT. STOREROOM - CONTINUOUS

Ava and Asher push their way through a maze of empty shelvesinto the middle of the room.

Elke cracks the outside door to check for guards.

Solana opens her bag and extracts five red hoops. She passesone to each of the riders.

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SOLANAPut these on and keep your headdown.

The riders put the rings on.

EXT. STREETS OF MESIRA - NIGHT

The streets are desolate. Solana leads them through theinsane streets and alleys.

The twists and double turns rival that of the tunnels. Thebleak houses are all connected creating one building. Theyall look the same - lacking life.

The streets are lit by ORBS OF LIGHT floating above randomparts of the street.

Elke pushes to the front and stops at a corner. She peeksaround it.

ELKEWere here.

Solana turns to the rest, focusing on Ava.

SOLANARemember what we came here to do.

Solana slips around the corner. They follow to see:

A massive THREE STORY BUILDING made of smooth white stone.Rows of arched windows line the top story - the only way inbecause the entrance is barricaded by a web of thick chains.

ASHERNo guards?

Solana creeps toward the entrance. She looks up to thewindows and smooths her hand over the walls. She takes outher dagger and pierces the wall. It sticks.

SOLANA

Lets go.

INT. STABLES - MOMENTS LATER

Its pitch black save for the faint light from outside.

In the dark:

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Sounds of fumbling around. Something falls. A light fromabove comes on. Solana puts away her pouch with the dust.

The light reveals nothing. Not one unicorn in sight.

There are three stories of stables with ramps on all four

corners. Each stalls has a set of four LEG CHAINS.

The riders climb down to the main floor and look around.

AVAWhere are they?

Ava walks into a stall and looks at the heavy chains stainedwith dried blood. She picks one up.

She inspects the walls.

From behind her, the shadows start to shake and move together

to form a TWISTED BALL of dark matter. The air around theshadows vibrates.

Ava sniffs and puts her hand to her nose to cover the smell.

She touches the walls that are scarred with deep groves, likethe tunnel. Horn marks.

A liquid black ribbon curls toward the back of her head andis about to touch her when she whips around.

Kraye materializes out of the dark matter as she turnsaround. He grabs Ava by the arm and pulls her close.

KRAYEThere you are.

Like an animal, he inhales her scent. She struggles while hestudies her face.

SOLANA (O.S.)Kraye!

Kraye turns Ava around and holds her by the throat. His otherhand is covered with a hand plate. He smiles at Solana and

Elke as they advance toward him.KRAYE

Hello beauty.

SOLANAWhere are they?

KRAYEMust we always talk about them?

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ELKELet her go.

Elke pushes closer with her sword ready. Kraye tightens hisgrip around Avas neck, lifting her off the ground.

Kraye holds his free hand out to Solana.

KRAYEJoin me?

Solana looks at Ava. To Kraye.

SOLANAGive her back.

Kraye looks puzzled. Smirks.

KRAYE

Thats not in my plan.

Asher plows through - sword raised.

Kraye flicks his wrist, a thin, METALLIC WHIP with a blade atthe tip emerges from inside his wrist. It lashes out.

The blade goes for Ashers jugular, but Asher ducks andevades. Kraye twists his arm again and the whip circles downto Ashers legs, encircles them - with another yank, Ashergoes flying into another stable.

The whip dissolves into smoke as it retracts.

KRAYE (CONTD)While I am entertained, Ava and Imust be going.

(to Solana)Thank you my dear.

Kraye raises his free arm and - POOF - they are enveloped bya swarm of green/grey smoke.

Gwenaelle and Palani run up and see the last bits of smoke.

GWENAELLEShes gone?

ELKEYes.

PALANIFinally. Now what?

Solana stares at the spot where Ava disappeared.

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INT. PALACE COMPOUND/KRAYES STUDY - DAWN

A dark dungeon of a room. No windows. Tables and shelvesfilled with potions, papers, ancient books, decaying animalparts and plants.

The door opens, allowing for a sliver of light to come in andreveal Ava, crouched on the floor. Shackled.

The door opens further to reveal a girl SLAVE. Red hooparound her neck. She carries in bread and water on a tray.

The slave tiptoes in and sets the tray down several feet infront of Ava. The girl turns to leave.

AVAWait.

The slave stops dead in her tracks, but doesnt turn around.

AVA (CONTD)Help me. Please.

SLAVEI cant.

AVAPlease. My friends and I are hereto help the unicorns. To help you.

SLAVENo youre not.

With that she leaves, shutting the door behind her.

Ava grabs the bread and inhales it. She gulps the water.

KRAYE (O.S.)Friends?

Ava whips around to see Kraye saunter out of the dark cornersof the room. He kneels in front of her. She recoils.

KRAYE (CONTD)

I would say you chose the wrongfriends.

AVAWhat do you want?

KRAYEOh. What I want is already here.

He slides his finger down her face.

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EXT. STEPS OF PALACE - DAWN

Solana sprints up the white stairs to the castle courtyard.The rest of the riders are close behind her.

ELKE

This is not the plan. Solana!

Solana ignores Elke and runs straight toward a group of SIXGUARDS stationed outside the courtyard.

She raises her sword and CRASHES into the first guard. Hefalters for a moment, but fights back. The second guardjoins in.

Elke takes the third guard. Metal CLASHES as the swords fallheavy. Asher, Palani and Gwenaelle each take on a guard.

The second guard comes in behind Solana and lifts his sword

above his head when - SWOOSH - a dagger lands right in histhroat. He falls. Solana looks back.

The dagger came from Asher.

Solana takes advantage of this moment to take her own daggerand stab the first guard in the chest.

The riders stand over the fallen guards.

ASHERWhat is he going to do to her?

Solana looks up to the palace and runs in.

INT. KRAYES STUDY - SAME

Kraye stands over his massive desk and flips through adecrepit book.

KRAYEIm not a monster. Despite whatthey say. I...feel.

He picks up a cup and brings it to her. He holds it to herlips, but she purses them.

KRAYE (CONTD)I just cant help myself. I wantwhat I want and take it.

He forces the liquid from the cup down her throat.

She coughs and spits it out.

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AVAYou wont be able to control themall.

Kraye giggles and goes back to a book, sliding his fingeralong the pages.

KRAYE(reading)

When a visitor arrives and thestars rain light, the one whospeaks the words will be swallowedby the night.

AVAYoure killing them!

KRAYEI couldnt disagree with you more.

Now give me what I want.

Kraye rushes to her and reaches out to touch her forehead assmoke curls out. She jolts, eyes roll in the back of her headthe second his finger hits her flesh.

EXT. PALACE COURTYARD - DAY

The courtyard is stark lined with white columns.

Solana runs into the middle. The riders follow in.

SOLANAKraye!

PALANIWhat are you doing?

SOLANAI made a mistake.

GWENAELLEWhat about the unicorns?

PALANIWere not prepared.

SOLANAKraaayyyyeee!!

ELKEIm ready.

The riders huddle together - weapons ready.

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Kraye slinks in and leans against a column behind them.

KRAYEI knew you couldnt stay away.

Solana and the riders whip around. Solana advances.

SOLANAWhere is she?

KRAYEI believe that is no longer yourconcern.

Asher comes forward.

ASHERWell tear this place apart untilwe find her.

Kraye giggles.

KRAYEReally?

Asher lunges, Solana holds him back.

SOLANANo unicorns. Deals off.

KRAYEYou can have them back if they

survive.

She swings her sword up and about to attack Kraye when:

AVA (O.S.)Stop!

Ava steps forward to the column next to Kraye. A red ring isaround her neck. Her eyes the now-familiar black static.

She and Kraye smile at each other.

Solana freezes as Ava steps to her. Ava pushes the blade downand gets into Solanas face.

AVA (CONTD)Did you really think that youd getaway with it?

SOLANAAva...I...

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Ava reaches behind her back to grab a DAGGER thats strappedto her waist, while Solana searches her face.

AVAYoure done.

Ava grabs her dagger and raises it.

THIRTY GUARDS step through the spaces in between the columns,the riders form a circle, backs together, defensive position.

SCREECH!

Everyone looks up. Its the hawks - blasting in - divingstraight into the courtyard.

Six of the human-sized birds swoop in and grab six guards bythe shoulders and carry them away, dropping them over thepalace walls.

Even though outnumbered, the riders seize upon the chaos andbegin to attack the guards.

Kraye holds a finger to Ava, as one would a dog to stay, andsaunters to the middle of the courtyard. He looks up to seethe biggest and most magnificent hawk barreling towards him -talons out.

Kraye smirks and claps his plated hands above his head - apulse of energy moves through the air, toward the hawk.

The talons morph to legs, the wings to arms, the feathers to

armor and the beak to a the face of a chiseled and formidableMAN - CHENA (25) catches himself and charges Kraye, tacklinghim to the ground.

All of the other hawks transform into men. They fall or rollto the ground, grab a weapon and fight.

The riders, although confused, continue the attack.

Kraye and Chena spring to their feet and circle each other.

KRAYE

I knew you would drop in my dearChena. How do you like fightingalongside women?

CHENAYour enemy is my friend.

Kraye thrusts his arm out, sending smoke toward Chena wholeaps in the air fanning his arms out. FEATHERS SHOOT OUT ofhis arms allowing him to leap high and long.

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Chena descends upon Kraye who curls his arms over himself anddisappears in a plume of smoke.

CHENA (CONTD)Coward.

Chena lands, his feathers retracting, and looks around.

Elke, foot resting on a dead guard, picks her nails with herdagger. Palani and Gwenaelle walk toward several hawk men,introducing themselves.

Solana kicks over a dead guard and runs to where Krayedisappeared. Chena walks up to her.

SOLANAWhere is he?

CHENA

Ran off.

SOLANAHave you been following us?

CHENAMaybe.

SOLANAWe should go.

CHENATo the harbor.

SOLANAMore guards are coming.

He smiles and spreads his arms - they transform into wings.

Ava walks toward the palace, but Asher grabs her by the arm.She struggles and attempts to slap him.

He grabs her hand and pulls her in to him.

ASHER

Ava! Its me. Ash.Nothing except black static eyes. She tries to hit him again.He restrains her.

ASHER (CONTD)Let me take care of you.

She looks at him dead in the eyes, defiant. He throws herover his shoulder and joins the others.

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All of the soldiers are transformed back into hawks. Solana,Elke, Gwenaelle Palani sit atop four.

SOLANACome on Ash!

ASHERIm not flying on that.

EXT. SKY - MOMENTS LATER

Ash holds onto the neck of a hawk as they SOAR over the cityof Mesira to the harbor.

Ava, hands bound, sits in front of Ash. Her eyes rolling backinto her head.

The rest of the riders and hawks fall into V formation.

EXT. SHORELINE - SAME TIME

Willa and the unicorns make it down to the rocky shore to asmall cove. She does her best to soothe their agitation.

WILLASshhh. Wait here.

She walks north to a rocky point. The only way around it isto run through the sand when the waves pull back. The windowis only a few seconds before a forceful wave slams against

the rock.

She watches it - times it.

The sea pulls back and she runs around the rocky point.

THE HARBOR - AROUND THE POINT

A long crescent-shaped beach stretches out before her. Thecity sits above, nestled in the jagged rock.

The massive ships with colorful sails rock in the water.

THREE GUARDS, necks bound by red rings, stand post 15 feetahead, backs turned to her. One pivots to see Willa exposed.

He points his sword at her.

She is about to turn and run back around the point when:

One of the other guards turns. Hes young (18) eyes dark andempty. Its BELEN, Willas lost brother.

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Willa squints.

WILLA (CONTD)Belen?

Belen blinks. If it werent for the static eyes, his handsome

features would exude a gentle kindness.

WILLA (CONTD)Belen!

One of the guards pushes past Belen, extracts a METAL DISCfrom his belt and FLINGS it toward Willa.

The disc shoots out of his hand and as it gets closer, itEXPANDS to form a super-fine MESH NET.

Willa waits too long, turns to run, but the net is alreadyupon her. She skids to the sand and is cocooned by the net.

The guards stand over her. She struggles in vain.

The guard who threw the disc kneels down to her face, knifein hand. He pokes his knife through the small holes into herskin, not enough to draw blood, yet.

Willa holds in her cries.

The second guard pull out his bow and arrow, loads a bow andpulls back. Belen watches, motionless.

WILLA (CONTD)

Belen! Wake up!

The water around the point recedes and forms a massive wavearound the point.

The unicorns rush around the point, horns down for attack.

Elkes unicorn takes the guard with the bow and arrow -skewering him in the gut and tossing him like a ragdoll.

The other guard fumbles to get another disc, but is trampledby three unicorns.

The wave crashes down.

Willas unicorn touches the net - it dissolves to nothing.

Belen grabs his sword and stands in defense. He raises it asSolanas

The Riders: Share the Light

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