THE LOVE SONG OF PRINCE MICHAEL AND CECELIA

 

Written by

valsadie@aol.com

 

This page originally appeared at http://members.aol.com/valsadie2/mjscreenplay.htm - see explanation for new location...

SECOND DRAFT

June 28, 1998

REGISTERED WGAw#: 718505

FIRST DRAFT:

December 11, 1990

E-Mail: valsadie@aol.com

You are visitor # since this page was originally published on America Online on October 11, 1998. Page updated 05/03/2002. Copyright 1998-2002. All Rights Reserved.

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Val's Set of Bookmarks!

As this is an unwieldy document for the internet, I'm providing bookmarks every ten pages. These bookmarks are in the form of various graphic bars. In the course of reading the screenplay, when you get to a bookmark and want to read the rest later, click on the "Back to Top" link and then find the corresponding page number link up here. Make a Netscape Bookmark or Explorer Favorite of the page number link. Then when you can come back to finish reading the story, you can come back to the point where you were last. Get it? Got it? Good :>! See below for the bookmark page number links:

Castle
Page 10

chattering birds
Page 20

eighth notes
Page 30

diamond shaped
Page 40

squiggles
Page 50

eyes watching
Page 60

land of Noicen?
Page 70

blushing rose
Page 80

carved leaves
Page 90

green staff
Page 100

thorned roses
Page 110

snarls
Page 120

star and branches
Page 130

swords
Page 140

emblems
Page 150

bouquet of flowers
THE END/Guestbook

Flowert Banner

"THE LOVE SONG OF PRINCE MICHAEL AND CECELIA"

FADE IN:

INT. NOICEN CASTLE LIBRARY - DAY

PRINCE MICHAEL, a tall and exceptionally handsome twenty-one-year-old Black man dressed in matching regal sweater and slacks and black leather boots, is sitting at a finely polished mahogany table, listening intently to the older and bespectacled Black tutor, LORD WILLIAMS, who is standing before him pointing at a map of Noicen and the much larger kingdoms surrounding it.

Williams points to a kingdom on the map that has been divided into six subsections.

Michael nods reluctantly.

Williams closes the open atlas on the table.

Michael rises from his chair and stands.

Williams bows to Prince Michael, who acknowledges the gesture and then walks out of the room.

CUT TO:

INT. NOICEN CASTLE GYMNASIUM - DAY

Prince Michael, now in fencing costume, puts on his helmet and assumes the stance before his instructor, LORD DENNIS.

The two men begin to parry lightly. Michael moves stiffly.

Michael and Dennis parry again, with Dennis picking up the pace of the charges. Michael reacts, but it's not enough. Dennis fights through and the tip of his sword reaches the heart on Michael's chest, ending the battle.

Dennis puts down his sword and removes his helmet, and Michael does the same.

Abruptly, a SERVANT rushes in.

Michael and Dennis drop their helmets and run out of the gymnasium, followed by the servant.

CUT TO:

EXT. NOICEN CASTLE - DAY

Outside Noicen castle on this overcast day stand rows of men, women and children, all members of the working class of Noicen, all looking sad and anxious at the castle's windows.

BEGIN TITLES

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. DOOR TO KING JOSEPH'S BEDROOM - DAY

Outside the door of King Joseph's bedroom stand rows of men, women and children, all members of the royal court of Noicen, all looking sad and anxious at the door. A ROYAL GUARD stands at the door.

END TITLES

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. KING JOSEPH'S BEDROOM - DAY

KING JOSEPH, a handsome and older Black man with a commanding presence and dressed in African royal robes, lies unconscious, propped up on pillows on an impressive bed that is laid with the majestic silken bedclothes of a monarch. His crown lies on the small table beside the bed.

QUEEN KATHERINE, a beautiful and older Black woman dressed in long, flowing royal robes, sits on the bed beside King Joseph, holding his hand and looking very sad and worried.

Suddenly Michael -- back in his regular clothes, no longer in the fencing costume -- rushes into the room with a cold towel. At a look from his mother, though, he calms down and closes the door gently behind him and walks over to her.

Michael gives Katherine the towel, which she places on Joseph's forehead.

Katherine shakes her head slowly.

Michael sits beside her on the bed.

INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE KING JOSEPH'S DOORWAY - DAY

MAGUS, the Royal Magician of King Joseph's court, is a quiet and distinguished Black gentleman obviously possessing great power, both mystical and spiritual. He walks down the hallway, the people of the court clearing an open pathway for him to the door to Joseph's bedroom. He opens it and steps inside.

CUT TO:

INT. KING JOSEPH'S BEDROOM - DAY

Magus walks into the room and bows and closes the door behind him. He slowly approaches the bed.

Magus looks carefully at Joseph -- and he feels Joseph's cheeks with the back of his hand.

Magus takes a small vial of green liquid from his belt. He gently pours the liquid down Joseph's throat. Slowly, Joseph's face changes, from a solid stillness to a grudging animation. His eyelids flutter and he begins to stammer.

Joseph's eyes slowly open. At first blurrily and then clearly he sees the smiling faces of his wife and son, and also of Magus.

Michael looks up at Joseph. But he cannot bring himself to make the request. He looks at Katherine.

Joseph begins to picture the events he relays to them all.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. NOICEN CASTLE - THRONE ROOM - 15 YEARS AGO

King Joseph and Queen Katherine, noticeably younger, sit upon their throne. Lords and ladies of the court are present.

Joseph finishes explaining something and smiles. He then removes his crown and hands it to the SIX-YEAR-OLD PRINCE MICHAEL.

Younger Michael accepts the crown with young, eager hands. He holds the crown to his head and begins to skip around the throne room, to the amusement of his parents and the court.

Younger Michael does indeed seem to be shouting, "I am king! I am king!"

Younger Michael leaps atop a table in the center of the room and makes an imperial stance, looking down upon the whole court. He folds his arms across his chest --

And the large crown slips unceremoniously from his head onto his shoulders!

The entire room erupts into merry laughter!

Younger Michael, with the crown laying on his shoulders, looks quite dejected.

Joseph and Katherine laugh along with the court.

DISSOLVE TO:

BACK TO KING JOSEPH'S BEDROOM - PRESENT

Joseph and Katherine quietly chuckle at the memory.

Magus ruefully laughs at the story, but he looks over for Michael's reaction.

Michael smiles, but he then rises slowly from the bed and stands above his father.

Michael bows serenely. Joseph smiles at Michael and a proud light enters his eyes.

Magus bows, smiling.

Magus walks to the door and opens it to the waiting guard and members of the court.

A huge cheer goes up from the guard and members of the court!

CUT TO:

EXT. NOICEN CASTLE

And this cheer is echoed by the members of the working class!

CUT TO:

EXT. SKY ABOVE NOICEN KINGDOM - DAY

The sun comes from behind the clouds and shines brightly over the whole kingdom.

CUT TO:

Castle Banner
Page 10 | Back to Top

EXT. NOICEN MARKETPLACE - HORSE'S POST - DAY

The next day, Michael enters the marketplace on his horse, accompanied by THREE ROYAL GUARDSMEN on horseback. HAKEEM ABDUL, a tall and proud Black man in his late twenties, approaches the prince.

Michael dismounts his horse and the first guardsman ties it on the post with the others.

Hakeem accompanies Michael and the three guardsmen to the heart of the busy and bustling marketplace just ahead of them.

IN THE HEART OF THE MARKETPLACE

There are lines of booths in which men and women display their various wares, which include pastry danishes, rag dolls, and lengthy, embroidered dresses.

Everywhere people barter and gossip, laughing merrily. A flurry of cheers, bowing and curtsying ensues and progresses as Michael proceeds down the square.

Hakeem and Michael stop at the booth that Hakeem shares with his wife, ADJOUA ABDUL, a pretty young Black woman who makes Black rag dolls. She is setting these out on trays. She looks up and smiles at the two upon their arrival.

Adjoua curtsies before the prince.

Michael accepts the curtsy and smiles a little nervously.

The son of Adjoua and Hakeem, BRANDON ABDUL, comes up to the group lugging a box of Hakeem's zucchini bread -- but he can't see, the box blocks his view.

Brandon accidentally bumps Michael, who turns around and smiles at him. Brandon's face lights up.

Hakeem smiles and takes the box from Brandon. He opens it up and gestures for Michael to pick a slice of the zucchini bread inside it.

Everyone in the marketplace is quiet and looks on as Michael takes a slice of the zucchini bread and bites into it.

His satisfied smile brings a cheer from everyone.

CUT TO:

SERIES OF SHOTS

Throughout the day Michael:

A) Assists elderly Black MRS. ANNA BETHUNE with her many packages.

B) Listens to a GROUP OF OLDER, BEARDED MEN by the tools section of the marketplace, nodding often. They're all drinking out of large metal cups -- drinking ale. The men encourage Michael to take a swallow. At first, he begs off, but he finally acquiesces and takes a drink -- and his face quickly sours and then he coughs, choking! The men laugh, which Michael accepts good-naturedly.

C) Smells and purchases flowers from Latina MRS. MARIA FLORES while she gossips with her friends.

CUT TO:

EXT. NOICEN MARKETPLACE - HORSE'S POST - LATE AFTERNOON

The three guardsmen are sitting on the ground finishing up a snack.

All the guardsmen laugh heartily.

Just then, Michael approaches with THE CHILDREN OF NOICEN, about forty children of various ages and races, including Brandon. One of the older boys, MARLON, has a guitar.

A groan comes up from the children.

Michael slyly winks at the children.

The children all wink back. Then they begin to leave, bowing and curtsying as they do.

The last child leaves and Michael turns to face his guardsmen.

The guardsmen chuckle good-naturedly, as they and Michael mount their horses.

The prince smiles and sets his horse toward home, with the guardsmen following.

CUT TO:

EXT. NOICEN FOREST ROAD - LATE AFTERNOON

Michael and the guardsmen ride slowly past Noicen forest, where a huge spanse of the trees are clearly dying.

Michael picks up the trot and the guardsmen follow suit as they approach the castle.

CUT TO:

INT. NOICEN CASTLE COUNCIL CHAMBERS - NIGHT

LORD SAMUELS, LORD JABBAR, LORD JOHNSON, and LORD SAMAD are bitterly arguing around a table.

At the head of the table Michael is ignored, unable to get a word in edgewise.

The weariness of the day finally catches up to him -- he places his hands on the table and rests his chin on top of them. Then he turns his head and places his cheek on his folded arms and closes his eyes to sleep.

It is Samad who stops the arguing to indicate that Michael is sleeping.

The lords all look at Michael and smile. They whisper.

The lords file out of the room quietly.

The BELL TOWER outside begins to strike eleven o'clock.

Katherine then enters the room and gently wakens Michael, leading him from the table and out of the room.

CUT TO:

INT. KING JOSEPH'S BEDROOM - MORNING

Katherine sits beside Joseph, holding his hand and laughing.

Katherine leaves the room.

CUT TO:

EXT. NOICEN CASTLE COURTYARD - MORNING

Michael, noticeably weary, is about to mount his horse. Katherine appears in a window right above the courtyard.

Michael leaves the courtyard, yawning.

CUT TO:

EXT. NOICEN MARKETPLACE - MORNING

The NOICEN TOWN CRIER stands in the center of the marketplace on a small platform.

Brandon, looking sad, runs from the center of the marketplace.

CUT TO:

EXT. ROAD TO NOICEN SCHOOLHOUSE - MORNING

The road is full of the children of Noicen walking to the schoolhouse. Brandon catches up to and whispers into the ear of one of the other boys and then he looks sad as well. Together they spread the word to all the other children on the road.

CUT TO:

EXT. NOICEN CASTLE - AFTERNOON

The children are creeping around the castle, keeping out of sight from the guards, and looking at the windows.

Brandon steps away from the group and looks up at the window right above them.

INT./EXT. CASTLE - WINDOW RIGHT ABOVE CHILDREN

Katherine hears the hushed call for Michael from outside the window. She looks out of it at the children below.

BELOW THE WINDOW

Brandon steps away from the group and bows, which prompts the other children to follow suit in paying respects to Katherine, bowing or curtsying.

AT THE WINDOW

Katherine smiles.

BELOW THE WINDOW

Brandon nods.

AT THE WINDOW

Katherine remains, looking down and accepting each child's parting curtsy or bow until all of them have paid their respects and are walking back down the road from the castle to Noicen.

Katherine stands pondering the children, until that pondering leads her from the window and heading down the hallway.

CUT TO:

INT. PRINCE MICHAEL'S BEDROOM - DAY

Adorning the walls of Michael's room are framed drawings of Michael in fantastical worlds, idealistic visions of Noicen -- but he is always alone in the pictures. The few pictures that contain other people feature them clustered together away from him. He is always in the background, brooding...

Michael lays in bed, looking at the pictures, staring at them, as if expecting them to answer some question.

There is a knock on the door.

Michael quickly stops staring at the pictures and recovers into a more natural sleeping position.

Katherine opens the door and enters the room, smiling comfortingly. She sits on Michael's bed and takes his hand.

Katherine smiles.

The realization of Michael's actions hits Katherine like a glass of cold water. She is completely caught off-guard.

Katherine rises slowly, wringing her hands together. She turns from Michael.

Katherine turns back around to face Michael.

Katherine nods... And nods again.

CUT TO:

EXT. NOICEN ROYAL ROAD - DAY

The children walk along, happily chattering.

The smallest girl, LILA, suddenly takes notice of an object flying briskly in the sky. She stops and points up at it.

Brandon and the rest of the children stop and look up at the object, which is shaped vaguely like a bird with stiff wings.

The rest of the children nod their heads in agreement and continue walking.

CUT TO:

Bird Banner
Page 20 | Back to Top

EXT. "THE BIRD"/FLYING CARPET - DAY

Only the bottom of this object is a bird -- it is actually the flying carpet of CECELIA BARNETT, a pretty young Black woman -- rather outrageously wearing pants in this day and age!

She does have with her a bird -- a mechanical bird, named BIRDY, who talks and sings.

She's singing (to the tune of Pebbles' "MERCEDES BOY") "MAGIC CARPET BOY." Birdy sings backup.

Cecelia looks over the edge of the carpet.

CECELIA'S POV - KINGDOM OF NOICEN FROM ABOVE

She sees the expansive Noicen Castle of King Joseph, surrounded by beautiful woodlands, mighty hills, and a crystal blue lake.

BACK TO SCENE ON CARPET

The flying carpet changes direction and starts heading down, taking Cecelia out of the CASTLE ROOF GUARD'S view to the back of the castle.

CUT TO:

EXT. MAGUS' WORKSHOP - DAY

Magus is practicing his telekinesis, moving small objects around his room with his mind. Right as he has "picked up" a small glass bowl --

He is startled by Cecelia's scream and "drops" the bowl. Magus stands over the broken glass on the floor. He sighs.

Cecelia bounds into the room, full of light and fire.

Magus points down at the floor.

Cecelia looks down and sees the broken bowl. She looks back up at Magus and grimaces, laughing.

Magus focuses on the broken glass on the floor and closes his eyes.

THE BROKEN GLASS

magically comes back together into a bowl!

THE BOWL RISES

and puts itself on the table above.

Cecelia sighs impatiently.

Cecelia smiles and properly approaches Magus, who hugs her.

Magus hesitates before responding.

EXT. NOICEN FIELD - TOP OF HILL - DAY

Lila's face lights up, happy!

LILA'S POV

Prince Michael runs up the hill with most of the children of Noicen.

BACK TO SCENE

The rest of the children are already atop the hill, including Marlon with his guitar.

Michael and all of the children stand in a clearing in the forest that's sunny and bright. The wind is a playful breeze. The children all crowd around Michael.

Michael bows good-naturedly before the children.

Michael gestures to Marlon.

Marlon nods excitedly and takes up his guitar. He begins playing a really energetic tune.

The children all dance as Michael sings and dances with them.

At the end of the song, Michael and the children all fall down on the ground laughing.

WE PAN DOWN

to the bottom of the hill.

Down below at the bottom of the hill -- where no one can see him -- a rather burly man in his early 40s who's dressed in poor shoddy clothes, FRANCIS D. TOOKIE, laughs and applauds.

BACK AT THE TOP OF THE HILL

Marlon begins playing a slower song. As the children sit on the grass, crowded around Michael, he sings a beautiful ballad, "SOMEDAY I`M GONNA FIND MY LOVE."

Two of the older children, LUIS and ANITA, are quietly holding hands. Luis whispers into Anita's ear and she then blushes and nods. They shyly get up and begin to dance to the music.

Some of the younger children point at them and silently giggle, while others of them get up and start to imitate them, making fun of them.

Soon everyone is up and dancing, except Marlon, strumming his guitar...

And Michael, who remains seated, singing alone...

AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL

Francis D. Tookie suddenly takes off down the road, passing a sign reading "NOICEN MARKETPLACE THIS WAY."

CUT TO:

EXT. NOICEN MARKETPLACE - DAY

Francis arrives at the marketplace and leaps atop the town crier's platform in the center of the marketplace. He clears his throat grandly.

The people of the marketplace express a curious interest in the raggedy man.

The people, including Hakeem and Adjoua Abdul and Maria Flores, chatter among themselves and look at Francis with much amusement.

The marketplace cheers its agreement.

Francis indicates a height with his hand.

Hakeem and other men by him march up to the platform and grab Francis on either side, taking him down from there.

The men take Francis down the same road from which he'd come. Everyone in the marketplace follows them.

CUT TO:

EXT. NOICEN FIELD - BOTTOM OF HILL - DAY

The procession reaches the bottom of the hill where Francis had been watching Michael and the children before.

The procession stops when they hear music coming from above. Everyone, including Hakeem, looks up at the hill.

TOP OF THE HILL - HAKEEM'S POV

Hakeem sees Michael still singing the ballad, with the children dancing around him.

BACK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL

The people stare wide-eyed in amazement.

Francis alone smiles.

The people begin to quell their amazement and do begin to listen...

AT THE TOP OF THE HILL

Michael sings, swaying to the melody of the song.

One by one the people of Noicen are all struck at the beauty of Michael's voice and his song and they begin to sway with him in time to the music.

At the point where all eyes are on Michael, Francis slips away from Hakeem and the other men.

Francis looks toward the road ahead.

Francis skips happily past a sign that reads "WELCOME TO LEGANSELOS."

CUT TO:

eighth notes
Page 30 | Back to Top

INT. LEGANSELOS - PALMER'S RESTAURANT - DAY

Francis enters the restaurant and goes right up to a GROUP OF MEN laughing at the bar -- in which Francis' brother-in-law, HARRY GIORDANO, a fat, mean-looking man, is in the center, the loudest of them all.

Harry spots Francis.

Everyone turns away from Francis.

Harry turns and looks at Francis sardonically.

Harry laughs.

A hushed silence spreads throughout the bar.

The restaurant erupts into laughter.

The restaurant again roars with laughter.

The restaurant falls silent. The patrons all look at one another. Then one by one they all rush out.

Francis leads Harry out of the restaurant.

CUT TO:

EXT. NOICEN FIELD - TOP OF THE HILL - DAY

The children scream for Michael to go back to singing "SING A SONG OF GLADNESS" and he does.

Michael gets up and they all start singing and dancing the song together.

AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL

The childrens' parents dance along to the song as well.

BACK AT THE TOP OF THE HILL

Michael gets into the song, dancing incredibly with rhythmic stops, re-starts, and really complex dance moves. Soon everybody is just watching Michael dance, cheering him on to continue, praising his ability.

AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL

The parents cheer Michael on, too.

In the middle of the dancing, a crowd of people, both adults and children, come running down the road from Leganselos.

CHARLIE, a rather depressed-looking Leganselos boy, looks up at the hill.

MARY, Charlie's teenage sister, lights up when she looks up and sees Michael.

Two teenage girls, TINA and TRICIA, who are dressed much richer than Mary and Charlie, push their way up to Mary and Charlie's front row.

She picks up the hem of Mary's many-patched skirt.

Mary swallows and ignores the two girls and looks up at Michael.

From behind them comes Francis with the bewildered Harry, both looking up at the hill.

Harry digs into his pants pocket, fishes out his money, and gives half of it to Francis.

More and more people gather at the bottom of the hill, from both Noicen and Leganselos, reaching into the hundreds, with everyone dancing and singing along with the song.

AT THE TOP OF THE HILL

Michael pricks up his ears at the noise, knowing he is hearing more singing than he should, but he shrugs it off and keeps dancing with little Lila. Then he signals to Marlon to finish the song, and Michael suddenly hits an incredibly sustained note that ends truly soulfully, falling all over itself as all the children whoop and clap!

But the cheers and applause go on even after the children have stopped, confusing Michael and the children.

Michael starts to descend the hill, looking confused, until his question is answered and a look of horror crosses his face.

AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL

As the children join hands with Michael to walk down the hill, the people of Noicen and Leganselos all join him -- gathering around him, surrounding him.

Michael and the children reach the road that leads back to Noicen and are greeted by the remaining mass of people from Noicen and Leganselos.

As Michael walks down the road, people who are complete strangers to him start to shake his hand and praise his voice, compliments to which he politely gives thanks.

Hakeem makes his way through the crowd to Michael.

Francis approaches Michael and Hakeem through the crowd.

Michael struggles to keep his composure.

Francis extends his hand to Michael. Michael shakes it.

Francis spots Harry behind him, taking notes.

The crowd obeys and clears a way for Michael to get through them.

FURTHER BACK DOWN THE ROAD

Harry heads back to Leganselos.

EXT. NOICEN MARKETPLACE - HORSE'S POST - DAY

The crowd is still with Michael as they reach the horse's post.

The guardsmen watch the multitude, confused.

Michael signals them to follow, and they do, on horseback, leading his horse behind them.

CUT TO:

INT. NOICEN CASTLE - THRONE ROOM - DUSK

HERBERT, THE HEAD NOICEN ROYAL GUARD runs into the room and an anxious Joseph and Katherine turn from the window to him.

EXT. NOICEN CASTLE GATES - DUSK

The people are all crowded around Michael and it seems impossible to open the gates to let Michael in without all the other people coming in as well.

The GATE GUARD stands looking quizzically at Michael.

Francis stands beside Michael.

The people obey and clear away from the gate, letting Michael in the courtyard.

Not far from the gate stand Tina and Tricia with Mary.

The three girls leave the scene and head toward the side of the castle.

The gate guard closes the gate on Michael's three guardsmen coming in with Michael's horse.

CUT TO:

INT. NOICEN CASTLE THRONE ROOM - DUSK

Michael runs right to Katherine and hugs her, crying.

Katherine holds down her head and does not say a word.

Michael crumbles to the floor, rolled up in a ball, utterly crushed and defeated.

Joseph looks down at his only son with pity, finally remembering Michael's truly sensitive interior. He then sits down on the floor next to his son and taps him.

Michael shyly looks at him and sees the gentle and understanding smile on his face. Michael turns over and sits up to face his father.

Michael nods.

Michael and Joseph rise from the floor.

Joseph then takes note of his wife and remembers his earlier comments to her. He walks over to her and kisses her cheek. Katherine looks up at him and smiles.

Suddenly Herbert rushes in, feverish and frantic.

Michael's eyes start to fill with tears.

Katherine nods and takes Michael out of the room. Herbert follows.

CUT TO:

Diamond-Shaped Bar
Page 40 | Back to Top

INT. DOOR OUTSIDE MICHAEL'S BEDROOM - EVENING

Herbert reaches Michael's door and he bows respects to Michael and Katherine as they approach. He opens the door for them.

INT. MICHAEL'S BEDROOM - EVENING

The three are greeted by the squeals of three very excited teenage girls -- namely Tina, Tricia, and Mary.

Herbert takes the three girls out of the bedroom and closes the door behind them.

Katherine stops when she notices that Michael isn't listening but has stopped to pick up his favorite picture -- the one of him in the field -- from the floor. It's a little crumpled now and has a shoeprint on it.

Michael straightens the picture out and wipes the dirt from it.

Suddenly the rumblings outside turn into discernible shouts directed toward the window.

Katherine and Michael go to the window and look out.

VIEW FROM WINDOW

The people, led by Mary & Tina & Tricia, are all singing in unison (to the tune of "WE LOVE YOU, CONRAD" from musical "BYE BYE BIRDIE.")

The people all start whooping and shouting and start singing the song over and over.

BACK IN THE BEDROOM

Katherine and Michael turn from the window and look at one another. Then Michael goes to Katherine and hugs her.

Michael sighs resignedly.

She watches Michael sink down into himself, crossing his arms and looking into the floor.

INT. MAGUS' LAIR - EVENING

Magus sits watching the crowd from his window. Cecelia runs in and looks out of the window.

Cecelia is silent to hear the song.

Magus looks up sadly.

CUT TO:

INT. NOICEN CASTLE TOWER - EVENING

Indeed the tower is quieter and the people only dotted lights from their torches in the small window. A small bed sits in the corner of the tower room. And nothing else.

Michael and Katherine look around, despairingly.

Neither believe her words.

Michael hugs his mother.

Katherine nods. She turns from him to wipe away her tears.

Katherine smiles, which makes Michael smile.

Katherine leaves the room.

Michael goes to the window and watches the people below.

VIEW FROM THE WINDOW

Down below the people are still chanting and singing outside Michael's bedroom window.

MARY, TINA AND TRICIA

and some of the other people around them are beginning to nod off a bit.

BACK UP IN THE TOWER

Michael goes to the bed and lies down upon it.

He begins to hum "SOMEDAY I'M GONNA FIND MY LOVE" before succumbing to the emotions of the day, crying, and then falling into a troubling sleep.

And then Michael begins to dream...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. NOICEN CASTLE GAME - NIGHT (A DREAM)

It's an eerie night full of terror and electricity. An incredible NUMBER OF PEOPLE stand outside the small castle gate.

Excitedly, they count down from 10 to 1 and push at the gate, bringing it down to the ground. They rush through the courtyard to the door of the castle.

INT. NOICEN CASTLE DOOR - INSIDE CASTLE - NIGHT

The guards run as the door falls down, pushed open by the people. The number of people seems to have again doubled, with Mary, Tina, and Tricia leading the pack of people who come streaming into the castle. They chant and cheer in unison.

INT. TOWER - NIGHT

Michael awakens to the sound of the people stomping up the stairs, chanting his name, with the chanting getting louder and louder!

Michael pushes himself back on the bed, trying to push himself into the very wall, wide-eyed with fear.

INT. TOWER DOOR - NIGHT

Herbert's eyes widen as he drops his weapon and runs down the hallway in the other direction!

INT. TOWER - NIGHT

With Michael plastered against the wall, the people, still chanting, break down the door.

Michael can do nothing as all the people push themselves into the room squealing with delight that they've found him. And then the squeals build to a huge scream.

The people chant this over and over as they pull at Michael's hair -- like it's spaghetti! -- and rip at his clothes.

But everybody wants to get in the room! And as more people get in, the room is filled more and more past capacity, squeezing together everyone inside.

And then Michael can talk no more -- he's being squeezed to death.

CUT TO:

INT. TOWER - DAWN (AWAKENED FROM THE DREAM)

Michael awakens abruptly, shooting up out of bed screaming.

Michael breathes heavily, trying to calm down.

Herbert suddenly enters, frightened by the scream.

Michael can only whimper in reply.

Michael cautiously crawls out of bed and looks out of the window.

VIEW FROM THE WINDOW

Michael sees that all the people are still there! They're all laid across each other sleeping, but they've obviously been there all night.

BACK IN THE TOWER

Michael stares out of the window.

Michael considers a certain thought, and then he looks back up at Herbert.

Herbert is a little taken aback at the emotional force of the last word.

Herbert leaves the room, closing the door behind him.

Michael goes to the wall and leans his head against it, staring at the people through the window.

INT. MAGUS' LAIR - DAWN

Magus stands at the window shaking his head.

Cecelia, sleeping on her carpet -- that is hovering a few feet above the floor -- awakens yawning. She notices Magus at the window.

Cecelia focuses inward for a moment and the carpet takes her over to the window next to Magus.

There is a knocking at the door.

A look passes between Cecelia and Magus. Cecelia focuses inward and the carpet takes her into the other room. She closes the door behind her.

Herbert opens the door.

Magus walks out of the door with Herbert.

CUT TO:

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INT. TOWER - DAWN

Herbert opens the door to admit Magus into the room and then he goes back outside, closing the door behind him.

Inside the room, Michael practically pounces on Magus as he leads him to the window.

Magus is clearly startled.

Michael begins to quietly weep again.

Magus sighs and has pity on Michael.

Then a look of determination enters Magus' eyes as he raises his arms. He gently waves his hands over Michael's head and a glowing energy glass prism rises out of Michael's head, which floats out of the window and down to the outside of the castle.

EXT. NOICEN CASTLE GATE - DAWN

The prism settles calmly on the ground by sleeping Mary's head.

Then the prism explodes, shocking awake Mary and everyone else.

The prism thunderously expands into a huge and long wall that comes to surround the whole castle.

INT. MAGUS' LAIR

Cecelia stares in horror at the wall that appears racing past the window.

EXT. NOICEN CASTLE GATE

All the people, including Mary, Tina, and Tricia, back up from the wall slowly, amazed and frightened.

Tricia looks up at the top of the wall and screams.

Behind the wall a fierce dragon stands, roaring to life, looking down at the people.

The people all run en masse away from the castle down the road back to Noicen's marketplace.

INT. TOWER

Michael stands in the window watching the people running, as does Magus, looking terrified behind Michael.

Michael turns to look at Magus.

Magus relaxes a little.

Michael turns back to the window as Magus leaves the room.

Katherine and Joseph are coming down the hallway just as Magus comes out of the room.

Herbert is looking out of the nearby window, scared. He turns to Magus.

INT. MAGUS' LAIR - MORNING

Cecelia is staring at Magus while sitting on her hovering carpet.

Cecelia rolls her eyes.

Cecelia takes this all in and nods.

Cecelia looks away, unable to face Magus' admittance of helplessness.

CUT TO:

INT. TOWER - MORNING

A look passes between Joseph and Katherine. They sit on the bed.

Michael stares out the window at his wall and dragon.

Joseph stops short and Michael looks at him.

Joseph and Katherine look at each other and then look down, defeated.

Katherine rises from the bed and walks over to Michael, followed by Joseph.

Katherine hugs Michael.

Joseph looks grim.

CUT TO:

INT. MAGUS' LAIR - MORNING

Magus and Cecelia still sit talking, Cecelia still on her flying carpet.

Cecelia floats her carpet toward the window.

Cecelia turns to look at Magus.

There's a silence while they look at one another.

And then Cecelia flies off, her carpet lifting her out of the window.

CUT TO:

EXT. NOICEN CASTLE - MORNING

Cecelia zips out of the window and quickly up above the wall.

The dragon sees her out of the corner of its eye and turns toward her and growls.

Cecelia goes up higher and stops to fully survey Noicen Castle with the huge wall around it that's guarded by the fierce dragon.

Cecelia shakes her head.

And then she sees a strange sight that makes her stop the carpet.

CUT TO:

EXT. ROAD TO NOICEN CASTLE - MORNING

Anna Bethune and Brandon are walking slowly up to the wall.

Brandon is near tears.

Cecelia quietly lowers her carpet behind a tree near Anna and Brandon. She listens to their conversation.

Brandon starts to cry.

His crying really touches Cecelia. She leaves her carpet by the tree and walks over to the crying Brandon.

Cecelia crouches down beside Brandon.

Cecelia's face falls, and she stands.

Anna reaches out to her.

Cecelia accepts and shakes Anna's hand.

Cecelia trails off and shakes her head.

Then she stops. A look of determination crosses her face.

She suddenly looks toward the tree.

The carpet zips out from behind the tree and comes to Cecelia.

Cecelia gets aboard the hovering carpet.

Anna is surprised and Brandon's eyes pop out.

Cecelia smiles.

The carpet lifts Cecelia high up in the air towards the tower.

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INT. TOWER - MORNING

Michael is dressed now. He's sitting on his bed drawing.

It's a picture of him in a forest where the trees are really dragons with long forked tongues and claws ready to grab and eat him!

Cecelia comes to the window and does a double-take at seeing Michael.

Cecelia smiles to herself. Then she zips away from the window.

Michael looks at the window, sees nothing unusual, and then goes back to his drawing.

But Cecelia comes back to the window.

Cecelia zips away again.

Michael looks back up at the window and stares at it, a little longer this time... before looking back at his drawing.

Cecelia returns to the window.

Cecelia again zips away.

This time, Michael rises from the bed and walks over to the window.

EXT. TOWER WINDOW - MORNING

Cecelia floats on her carpet right by the window in its "blind spot" as Michael looks out of the window.

Michael goes back to his bed.

Cecelia floats back to the window.

Michael sees Cecelia floating outside the window and gasps.

Michael rushes back to the window and sees that the carpet Cecelia's sitting on really floats.

Michael slides the window's curtain in Cecelia's face.

Cecelia slides the curtain back.

Cecelia is stunned silent. But she recovers.

Michael only stares angrily at Cecelia.

And then suddenly the dragon growls loud and monstrously.

Cecelia jumps back a little, startled.

She looks down and gasps.

CUT TO:

EXT. WALL AROUND CASTLE

There is the dragon right below her, swatting at her.

Cecelia looks back up at Michael, frightened.

The dragon growls again, even louder than before.

Cecelia jumps back just a little higher than before.

The dragon growls again.

The dragon growls its loudest and jumps at Cecelia.

Cecelia avoids it by flying away on her carpet at top speed into the air.

The dragon finally quietly just stares at her figure as it disappears into the sky.

Michael stares, too...

EXT. MAGUS' LAIR - DAY

Cecelia opens the door, floats in by the carpet, and slams the door.

She jumps off the carpet and points to a corner, which the carpet automatically goes to, folding itself neatly.

All the while Cecelia is muttering and sputtering, saying disparaging things about Michael.

Magus rushes in from the next room and smiles, pleasantly surprised.

Cecelia goes to the next room and slams the door. Magus walks over to the door and knocks on it. Cecelia opens it and stares at Magus.

Cecelia stops and then smiles at Magus.

Magus smiles back.

Cecelia then turns serious again.

Magus nods.

Cecelia closes the door.

Magus looks skyward.

INT. LEGANSELOS THRONE ROOM - DUSK

Francis and Harry are ushered into the throne room by a ROYAL LEGANSELOS GUARD. They walk the long red carpet up to the imperious -- and rather young; early 30s Black man -- KING DOUG.

A sign reading "KING DOUG" hangs above his throne. PRIME MINISTER MORLEY stands behind Doug's throne.

Doug holds before him a copy of Harry's newspaper, which has the headline "NOICEN PRINCE BIZARRE!"

Francis looks at Harry and rolls his eyes.

Harry boldly steps forward to Doug.

Francis looks away and shakes his head.

Francis turns and leaves the room.

Harry turns and watches him go.

Harry turns back to Doug and smiles.

Doug squeals in fear.

Morley puts his hand on Doug's shoulder, calming him.

Both Doug and Morley smile.

Francis pokes his head back into the room, unseen by the others.

Morley and Harry cheer!

Francis, still at the door, looks on in terror. He then looks down... and then looks back up determinedly. He leaves the room.

CUT TO:

INT. TOWER ROOM - MORNING

The next morning Michael lies in bed drawing.

It's the same picture of him in the forest of dragon trees -- but above it he's drawing the silhouette of a girl on a flying carpet...

Suddenly Cecelia appears at the window on her carpet.

This startles Michael.

He smiles at first, but he then swiftly turns stern.

He rises from the bed and approaches the window.

Cecelia smiles at Michael.

Michael almost smiles back, but he recovers.

Birdy appears from underneath the carpet and he pushes a button underneath it. Music begins to play, the song "MAGIC CARPET BOY" (to the tune of "MERCEDES BOY").

Michael shakes his head.

Then Cecelia stands up on the carpet and starts to dance. The carpet magically starts to expand to compensate for her moves.

Birdy flies above, singing and chirping.

Michael is fascinated.

At the end of the song, he's laughing and clapping.

Cecelia lifts the carpet so Michael can see the wings below it.

Michael smiles.

Cecelia floats the carpet inside the room.

Michael boards the carpet, sitting next to Cecelia.

The carpet lifts the two of them up and out of the room, out the window.

CUT TO:

Noicen?

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EXT. THE SKY ABOVE NOICEN FOREST - DAY

The two fly along on the carpet easily over the forest heading toward the marketplace.

Michael continues to gaze upon Noicen as Cecelia sneaks a look at him.

When she turns away and looks at Noicen, Michael sneaks a look at her.

CUT TO:

EXT. NOICEN FOREST - CLEARING - DAY

Cecelia takes the carpet to a hill on the outskirts of Noicen.

She settles on a clearing that seems deserted -- until a basket is seen, which Cecelia lands the carpet beside.

Michael is not fooled, but he plays along.

Cecelia muffles Birdy, closing his beak with her hand.

Birdy manages to get out a laugh, but he stops at a look from Cecelia.

Cecelia looks at Birdy and gives him a look of "So, there!" She then loosens his beak.

Cecelia starts emptying the basket on the carpet, laying the food between her and Michael. They start eating.

Suddenly from behind a tree comes Francis.

Cecelia and Michael, stunned, look in Francis' direction.

Michael smiles and quickly squeezes Cecelia's hand. Cecelia smiles back at Michael.

Michael rises to summon Francis over.

Francis comes over and sits on the carpet with Michael and Cecelia. Francis moves to take a sandwich.

Francis takes a sandwich and begins eating it.

Michael looks at Cecelia.

Cecelia nods.

Francis looks at Cecelia.

Francis doesn't get the joke.

Francis poses to box Cecelia. Cecelia laughs.

Both Cecelia and Michael hold back their laughter.

Michael and Cecelia eat normally as Francis' eyes bulge at the carpet rising about five feet above the ground.

AT A TREE NOT FAR AWAY

hides Harry, who's nodding and smiling and taking notes.

BACK AT THE CARPET

Cecelia's bracelet suddenly snaps and drops, leaving her wrist exposed -- but visible to Harry only.

HARRY

does a double-take.

CECELIA'S WRIST

has on it a unique reddish-brown, rose-shaped birthmark.

HARRY

gasps.

CECELIA

hurriedly covers her wrist while Francis hands her the bracelet.

HARRY

stares at Cecelia's wrist.

Harry sneaks quietly away from the scene and runs out of the woods.

BACK AT THE CARPET

Cecelia puts her bracelet back on and looks at Francis.

Cecelia looks confused and glances at Michael.

This time Michael and Cecelia laugh aloud.

Francis at first frowns before he gives in and laughs along with them.

Michael senses his seriousness.

Michael stiffens.

A look passes between Cecelia and Francis.

The carpet lifts the three of them into the air, heading towards Leganselos.

CUT TO:

EXT. LEGANSELOS - DAY

Leganselos is a thoroughly urban nightmare. Buildings almost completely surround the people and garbage sits ignored in the street.

Children sit on the steps of their houses, staring out at nothing.

In the middle of one street two teenage boys are fighting. Some of the kids watch, cheer them on. Other kids and teenagers walk away, scared.

Adults just go back in their houses and lock their doors.

ON THE FLYING CARPET

Michael is shocked.

Cecelia focuses inward and the carpet starts to descend.

CUT TO:

EXT. FRANCIS' COTTAGE - DUSK

The carpet lands quietly behind high bushes by Francis' small cottage.

Francis nods and smiles and then starts off to his cottage.

But then he turns back.

Francis nods.

Francis goes off to his cottage.

The door opens and a tiny child, a girl named NORMA, runs out to Francis.

Michael and Cecelia duck behind the bushes.

Francis picks up Norma and kisses her.

Francis' wife MARILYN comes out of the cottage holding BABY FRANCIS in her arms.

Marilyn looks at Francis apprehensively.

Francis slowly shakes his head as he takes Baby Francis into his arms.

Francis hugs Marilyn with his free hand.

Norma runs along with them back into the cottage.

Cecelia and Michael rise back out of the bushes. Cecelia can only shake her head.

Michael nods, taking it all in.

Cecelia nods and the two turn back to board the carpet.

CUT TO:

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INT. TOWER - NIGHT

Cecelia lands in the tower room itself.

Michael and Cecelia rise up off the carpet.

Cecelia nods.

Suddenly there is a banging at the door.

Cecelia turns to go, but Michael pulls her back in.

Michael and Cecelia stare at one another.

That strikes a chord in Cecelia. She stops struggling against Michael and comes back into the room, looking at him.

Cecelia takes his hand. Michael squeezes it.

Joseph and Katherine enter the room the room and gasp at the sight of Cecelia.

Herbert enters the room.

Herbert sees Cecelia.

INT. CASTLE CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT

Cecelia and Michael sit at a long table, opposite Katherine and Joseph.

Herbert escorts Magus into the room, and then stays back at the door as Magus walks ahead.

Magus takes the seat at the head of the table. He stares at Cecelia.

Cecelia glances at Michael.

Magus smiles.

Michael glances at Magus. Then he looks down.

Cecelia shoots a look to Magus.

Magus clears his throat.

Cecelia looks at Magus.

Michael, Magus, and Katherine look at Joseph pleadingly.

Joseph takes notice of all of their expressions and then looks at Cecelia.

Magus smiles at Joseph.

As does Katherine.

And Michael.

Everyone turns and looks at Michael.

Michael looks apprehensive.

Michael rises from his chair.

Everyone watches Michael leave the room, looking on sadly.

Then Katherine turns her attention to Cecelia.

Herbert approaches the table as all of them rise from the table.

Cecelia goes to Herbert and looks back at Katherine.

Cecelia walks out of the door with Herbert.

CUT TO:

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INT. TOWER ROOM - NIGHT

Michael walks into the tower room and closes the door.

He sits on his bed and hugs himself.

Suddenly, a loud and ugly voice comes from outside the window, a rougher version of Michael's -- it is the DRAGON speaking.

Michael goes to the window and looks down.

VIEW FROM WINDOW

Michael sees the dragon sitting there, looking up at him.

Michael doesn't get it, though.

Michael's eyes grow wide.

The dragon mercilessly cackles.

The dragon chuckles nervously and ends up growling as he walks around the corner.

EXT. NOICEN SQUARE - MORNING

The town crier stands in the center of the marketplace, surrounded by the people of Noicen, including Brandon and Hakeem.

Brandon smiles at Hakeem.

CUT TO:

EXT. CENTER OF LEGANSELOS - DAY

The center of Leganselos lies right outside Doug's throne room window.

Doug stands with Morley looking down at the LEGANSELOS TOWN CRIER.

The PEOPLE OF LEGANSELOS are all gathered around the Leganselos town crier, who stands on a little platform.

The people gathered around include Harry and Francis and his family, and also Mary, Charlie, Tina, and Tricia.

Norma looks excitedly up at Francis.

Just a few feet away, Tina, Tricia, Mary, and Charles talk about the announcement.

A few feet away from them, Harry smiles evilly. He turns and looks up at the throne room window at Doug and Morley.

INT. KING DOUG'S THRONE ROOM - DAY

Doug walks slowly away from the window, silently pondering.

He arrives at his throne on the other side of the room and he sits down upon it.

Morley watches, waiting.

Doug smiles at Morley.

CUT TO:

EXT. TOWER ROOM - DAY

Cecelia is helping attach the sword belt around Michael's waist.

Cecelia stands back and Michael then draws out the sword, fast as lightning.

Michael breaks off, then resumes.

Cecelia's eyes grow wide and she rushes with Michael to the window.

VIEW FROM WINDOW - MICHAEL'S & CECELIA'S POV

The dragon seems to smile up at them both and it then walks lumberingly away.

AT WINDOW

Cecelia looks aghast.

Cecelia's eyes grow wide with understanding. She nods.

Michael and Cecelia leave the room.

CUT TO:

EXT. NOICEN CASTLE - DAY

A MIXED GROUP OF THE PEOPLE OF NOICEN AND THE PEOPLE OF LEGANSELOS are gathered cautiously around the castle, sitting on the hills surrounding it.

The dragon looks over the side of the wall, growling and laughing at anyone who gets too close to it.

EXT. COURTYARD - DAY

Michael and Cecelia walk hand in hand.

Michael looks at Cecelia.

Cecelia kisses Michael on the cheek.

Michael gazes down at Cecelia.

Cecelia smiles at Michael.

Michael caresses Cecelia's cheek.

Michael takes Cecelia into his arms and kisses her... and then he kisses her again, longer...

The dragon's ugly cackling roar startles them and they stop.

They both look toward the wall.

He starts to leave but Cecelia holds on.

Cecelia looks down, swallows, and then looks back up at Michael.

They smile at one another.

Michael then looks toward the throne room and waves.

IN THE THRONE ROOM WINDOW

stand Magus, Joseph and Katherine looking on, smiling, but still looking concerned. They all nod.

BACK IN THE COURTYARD

The dragon is heard, laughing lustily.

Cecelia takes and squeezes Michael's hand... and then lets it go.

Michael and Cecelia separate, Michael heading out of the courtyard and Cecelia heading in the opposite direction, back towards the castle.

Michael reaches the gate and exits out of it.

CUT TO:

EXT. WALL AROUND CASTLE - DAY

Michael stands in the area between the wall and the castle.

The towering wall stands before him.

MICHAEL

looks at the wall, concentrating on it.

THE WALL

magically lowers in height to half its size.

ON THE HILLS SURROUNDING THE CASTLE

The people gathered there cheer, now able to see Michael's battle with the dragon.

TINA, TRICIA AND MARY

push their way forward through the rows of people on their hill and scream excitedly.

Charlie joins them and shakes his head at them at first, acting stoic -- but he breaks down and cheers Michael with everyone else.

HAKEEM, ADJOUA, AND BRANDON

sit cheering on their hill.

FRANCIS, NORMA, MARILYN AND FRANCIS, JR

sit not far from them, also cheering for Michael.

WE PAN DOWN TO HARRY

who sits a little below the hill with his arms folded. He looks up and scowls at the families above.

WE PAN BACK UP AND ACROSS TO DOUG

who sits apart from the main crowd, in his throne on a makeshift platform, which is beside thick shrubbery. Morley stands beside him, leaning on a tree.

Doug rubs his hands together.

 
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BACK AT THE WALL AROUND THE CASTLE

the dragon comes from around the corner of the castle and faces Michael.

Michael swallows. Then his eyes catch fire.

Michael quickly draws out his sword and a cheer comes up from the crowd.

But the dragon chuckles.

Michael lunges repeatedly toward the dragon, but the dragon dodges him at every turn.

Michael attacks the dragon again, plodding on.

The dragon just laughs -- with fire!

Michael steps in and swats at the dragon with the sword.

Michael is tiring. He looks out at the people.

THE PEOPLE ON THE HILLS

are becoming discouraged and are frowning.

BRANDON

particularly doesn't like the progression of the fight.

THE PEOPLE ON THE HILLS

pick up on Brandon's booing, repeating it toward the dragon.

BACK AT THE WALL

the dragon smiles. Then his face suddenly transforms into Michael's.

THE PEOPLE ON THE HILLS

are instantly hushed. The all look toward Michael.

BACK AT THE WALL

the dragon magically gets back his own face and laughs and looks down at Michael.

MICHAEL

gasps and his eyes widen in desperation. He looks toward the throne room.

IN THRONE ROOM WINDOW - MICHAEL'S POV

Joseph holds onto the frightened Katherine, who has her hands clasped on her chest.

Magus struggles with himself to keep his hands clasped together.

Cecelia stands a little apart from them, with her hands on the window in front of her -- seemingly plastered upon the window.

BACK AT THE WALL

Michael looks back at the dragon.

JOSEPH, KATHERINE, MAGUS AND CECELIA

look stricken.

THE PEOPLE ON THE HILLS

look likewise stricken and shocked.

BACK AT THE WALL

Michael looks up at the dragon.

The dragon looks confused.

MICHAEL

drops his sword.

CECELIA

gasps.

BACK AT THE WALL

Michael opens his hands wide.

FRANCIS

looks alarmed.

BACK AT THE WALL

Michael is slowly approaching the dragon.

THE DRAGON

is starting to visibly shrink.

MICHAEL

smiles.

THE DRAGON

cries out in pain.

AT THRONE ROOM WINDOW

Cecelia cries out in elation.

Magus smiles and nods.

Katherine and Joseph are confused.

Joseph looks back down at the battle.

BACK AT THE WALL

the dragon continues to shrink. He's now near Michael's height -- and falling...

DOUG AND MORLEY

look on in shock.

Morley steps over to the heavy shrubbery and addresses it.

A GROUP OF FIFTEEN LEGANSELOS SOLDIERS fully dressed for battle in chain mail come out of the shrubbery and run forward, heading toward the castle.

Doug rises from his throne, and he and Morley walk toward the castle.

BACK AT THE WALL

the dragon is only a foot tall now.

THE WALL

also begins to shrink, along with the dragon.

THE DRAGON

lets out a whimper as he becomes ever smaller.

THE WALL AND THE DRAGON

both shrink out of sight and in their place become their original energy prism.

The prism floats up and back into Michael's head.

THE PEOPLE

erupt into a heady cheer, jumping up and down excitedly and clapping.

IN THE THRONE ROOM WINDOW

Cecelia also jumps up and down, clapping and cheering.

Magus, Joseph, and Katherine are a bit more reserved in their joy, but are excited nonetheless.

BRANDON

is also jumping up and down, clapping and cheering.

FRANCIS

also cheers and claps excitedly, as does Norma.

Suddenly Doug and Morley and the Leganselos soldiers rush by.

BACK AT THE CASTLE

Michael signals the people to quiet down, and the cheering din hushes.

Suddenly Doug and Morley arrive onto the scene.

The Leganselos soldiers come forward, surrounding Michael.

Michael gasps, trapped.

AT THE TOP OF THE CASTLE

Herbert and a LARGE GROUP OF NOICEN ROYAL GUARDS stand looking down. They begin to rush down below.

BACK AT THE CASTLE

the Leganselos soldiers circle around Michael.

Suddenly Hakeem and Francis arrive onto the scene.

Two of the Leganselos soldiers turn and hold them back at their swords.

Hakeem looks at Doug.

Harry rushes up, going over to Doug.

Doug turns from Francis to his guards.

The Leganselos guards all now begin to charge toward Michael.

But they don't realize that the dragon -- and all his ruthlessness -- is now inside Michael. Michael picks up his sword and lunges back at the soldiers, tripping some of them up and slapping others away with his sword.

Michael is seemingly a man possessed, unafraid to fight the bloodthirsty men. He knocks several of the soldiers into the walls of the castle, knocking them out.

When a final group of seven soldiers comes charging for him, he stands ready and waiting for them to come, until at the last possible minute he does a front flip over them.

And then he does a back flip into them, landing on them and knocking them out.

When Noicen's guards finally arrive on the scene, there's nothing for them to do.

Suddenly Michael rushes to Doug and puts his sword to Doug's throat.

Harry yelps and runs off into the crowd.

Morley reaches out for Michael.

Francis and Hakeem come up behind Morley and grab him, holding him back.

Hakeem looks over at Francis.

Francis and Hakeem exchange a look. And then they both kick Morley in the seat of his pants.

Michael is slowly twisting the sword at Doug's throat.

Cecelia, followed by Magus, Katherine and Joseph rush onto the scene from the courtyard gate.

Michael gently presses the sword into Doug's throat.

Michael traces his sword across Doug's throat.

The people give out a mighty cheer of approval.

Doug gulps and whimpers.

MICHAEL

raises an eyebrow.

DOUG

swallows.

THE PEOPLE

give a roar of disapproval.

ONE LEGANSELOS MAN

boos heartily.

 

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BACK AT THE CASTLE

Michael signals to the people and they quiet down.

THE LEGANSELOS MAN

looks at everyone from Leganselos. He turns back to Michael.

BACK AT THE CASTLE

Doug breathes a sigh of relief.

Michael lowers his sword from Doug's throat.

The people erupt into a cheer of approval.

Michael and Doug shake hands.

THE PEOPLE

begin to sing "GOD SAVE THE KING." Everyone is happy!

TINA, TRICIA AND MARY

Sing happily in harmony together.

CHARLIE

pretends their singing is horribly off-key and he scrunches up his face.

BRANDON AND NORMA

dance together, laughing.

ADJOUA AND MARILYN

coo at baby Francis, Jr.

BACK AT THE CASTLE

Doug begins to walk back to his throne.

Francis and Hakeem release Morley. As Morley walks over to Doug, Francis trips him.

Then Francis and Hakeem throw their arms around each other's shoulders, singing along with everyone else. Magus joins them, singing heartily.

Katherine sings while looking lovingly at the smiling Joseph.

Michael runs over to Cecelia and picks her up, holding her above his head and looking at her as they sing.

HARRY

stands leaning a tree in the shade, watching Michael and Cecelia. He smiles devilishly.

INT. NOICEN CASTLE - BANQUET HALL - NIGHT

The men and women of the court of Noicen, adorned in their finest clothes, chatter amongst themselves at the tables in the great hall.

Up the stairs leading to the doorway stands Herbert dressed formally. He holds a tall, decorated staff. He hits the staff upon the floor, calling for everyone's attention.

The members of the court rise from their seats and look expectantly at Herbert.

Magus enters the room in completely formal royal magician's wear. He bows and descends the stairs to light, short applause.

Herbert again strikes his staff on the floor.

Joseph and Katherine enter wearing their majestic finery. They stand at the doorway a minute, collecting the longer applause and shouts from the court of "Long live the king!" They then descend the stairs.

Herbert strikes his staff against the floor one last time.

The expectant cheers from the court are long and loud and then Michael and Cecelia enter the room, also wearing majestic finery. Cecelia's dress makes her look like more of a princess than a wandering traveler.

As Michael and Cecelia descend the stairs, the members of the court applaud and offer shouts of "Congratulations!"

The couple shake hands and offer responses of "Thank you" as they walk past everyone on the way to their seats at the long table at the other end of the hall.

The table is exquisitely decorated. It sits on a dais above the other tables and faces them. Magus, Katherine, and Joseph stand behind their seats.

Michael and Cecelia get to their seats, which are the two in the very middle. They join Magus and Katherine in looking at Joseph.

Joseph then sits down and they all follow suit.

The members of the court then take their seats.

The small orchestra on the other side of the room begins to play a light jazz song.

Royal servants serve the food and fill goblets with wine while the court members chatter amongst themselves.

When every plate has been served and every glass filled, the servants stand back against the wall and look at Joseph.

Joseph then stands with his goblet in hand and addresses the court.

The court cheers.

The court cheers again, though noticeably less enthusiastic.

Joseph nods.

Cecelia looks down, smiling secretly.

Magus glances at Cecelia.

The court cheers, this time mightily and loudly.

Cecelia smiles, taking it all in.

The court begins to cry, "Speech! Speech!"

Joseph gestures for her to rise.

Cecelia stands up shyly and the cheering dies down.

Cecelia takes a breath.

HERBERT

is still standing at the doorway. He notices some noise outside the room and looks down the hallway -- and he stiffens.

BACK AT THE BANQUET TABLE

Abruptly a GROUP OF FOREIGN SOLDIERS bursts into the room.

Joseph stands immediately.

CECELIA

recognizes the seal on the soldiers' uniforms -- that of a ram -- and her eyes grow wide.

MAGUS

gasps.

AT THE TABLE

Cecelia sits down suddenly, and her eyes swiftly fill with tears.

Michael looks from Cecelia to the foreign soldiers.

AT THE DOORWAY

The man's voice comes from the center of the group of foreign soldiers. The solders in front step aside to reveal the man -- who is royalty and he is dressed as such -- KING AMIRI. Beside him is Harry.

Amiri and Harry begin to descend the stairs and approach the table.

An audible gasp goes up from the court.

Joseph looks shocked.

Amiri and Harry arrive at the long table. Amiri points at Cecelia.

Cecelia/Tatiana wipes away her tears and shakes her head fiercely.

Cecelia/Tatiana gives Amiri a dirty look.

Joseph looks at Magus. Magus sadly nods.

Another audible gasp spreads throughout the banquet hall.

Cecelia/Tatiana can stay silent no longer. She stands and addresses Amiri.

Everyone in the banquet hall looks at Michael. He stands, unbending, commanding.

Michael takes Cecelia/Tatiana's hand.

Their hands grip one another's.

Harry breaks the silence by beginning to applaud Michael.

Cecelia/Tatiana bursts again into tears and Michael takes her into his arms.

Amiri offers his hand to Cecelia/Tatiana.

Michael glares at Amiri.

Cecelia/Tatiana looks at Amiri and then goes to Joseph and Katherine. She takes their hands and kneels down before them.

They answer Cecelia/Tatiana, but look at Amiri.

 

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Amiri goes over to Joseph and Katherine.

A dead silence befalls the court.

Cecelia/Tatiana slowly rises to her feet, defeated.

Katherine rises from her seat and looks at Cecelia/Tatiana.

Katherine hugs Cecelia/Tatiana.

Cecelia/Tatiana pulls back from the embrace.

Katherine whispers in Cecelia/Tatiana's ear.

Cecelia/Tatiana turns from Katherine and embraces Joseph.

Amiri turns slowly away from the table, stung.

Cecelia/Tatiana walks slowly over to Michael.

Michael looks over at Amiri.

Michael looks over at the small orchestra.

The court cheers Michael on.

Michael sings, bringing tear after tear to Cecelia/Tatiana's face.

At the song's end, Michael slowly wipes Cecelia/Tatiana's tears away from her cheek, caressing it at the same time.

Cecelia/Tatiana boldly, in front of everyone, kisses Michael, and he kisses her back -- they kiss like they're the only two people in the world, much less the room.

Amiri trades looks with Joseph and Katherine and Magus, as well as members of the court.

Amiri gruffly clears his throat.

The force in his voice shakes Cecelia/Tatiana away from Michael.

Amiri himself walks behind the table and yanks Cecelia/Tatiana away from Michael.

Amiri -- pulling Cecelia/Tatiana along like a sack of potatoes -- and Harry ascend the staircase to the doorway.

Amiri reaches at the doorway and turns to address Joseph one last time.

Amiri and Cecelia/Tatiana and Harry exit out of the banquet hall, with the Cleo soldiers directly behind them.

Their departure leaves a devastating pall over the banquet hall.

Queen Katherine reaches out to Michael to console him, caressing his shoulder.

Joseph likewise approaches Michael

Michael looks at both of them but can only talk soundlessly.

Joseph and Katherine look at Magus.

Magus looks at Michael.

Michael buries his head in his hands.

Then he lifts his face back up. It is full of pain and anguish.

Michael bursts into tears and runs from the banquet hall, faster than anyone can follow.

Everyone in the banquet hall looks at Magus.

Magus looks wearily away from all of them.

INT. TOWER ROOM - NIGHT

Within the tower Michael stares out of the window, perhaps hoping to see Cecelia and her carpet.

An urgent knock comes upon the door.

Michael obediently leaves the window and opens the door, letting his father in.

Then Michael returns to his vigil at the window.

Joseph sits upon the bed, looking up at Michael.

Michael shrugs.

Michael shrugs again.

Michael whirls around to face Joseph.

Michael bows his head.

Joseph finally understands, nodding.

Michael looks up at his father and smiles through his tears.

Michael hugs Joseph.

They hug again and break apart.

Michael returns to the window.

Joseph rises from the bed to go.

Joseph leaves the room.

Michael looks at the door. Then he determinedly closes the tower window and strides to the door.

INT. TOWER ROOM DOOR - NIGHT

Michael comes out of the room. He dramatically closes and locks the door.

Herbert smiles.

Michael takes the key and throws it out of the window.

Herbert cheers!

EXT. ROAD TO CLEO - AMIRI'S CARRIAGE - DAY

Amiri's carriage, which carries the ram emblem of the kingdom of Cleo, rumbles down the road accompanied by the soldiers on horseback.

Up ahead lies Cleo's small, no-frills, fortress-looking castle.

INT. AMIRI'S CARRIAGE - DAY

Cecelia sits on one side of the coach, a distance apart from Amiri. Cecelia looks out of the window at the castle.

Amiri says nothing. Cecelia turns away.

Cecelia looks back at Amiri, shakes her head, and turns back to the window.

CUT TO:

EXT. ROAD TO CLEO - DAY

Farther down the road Michael and Magus walk along, disguised as beggars.

A carriage passing by throws them a few coins and keeps going. Michael looks up in surprise.

Magus begins picking up the coins. He looks toward the passing carriage.

Michael crouches down to help Magus pick up the coins.

Michael and Magus stand back up and go on walking down the road.

Both Michael and Magus stop and bow their heads.

CUT TO:

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INT. CLEO CASTLE - THRONE ROOM - DUSK

The sun sets in a window by the thrones.

Within the room by the window stands QUEEN ORORO, a beautiful, older Black woman, looking anxious.

The HEAD CLEO ROYAL GUARD (JOHN) at the doorway suddenly strikes his staff upon the floor.

Ororo turns from the window and faces the doorway.

The arrogant, surly PRINCE CROMWELL enters, along with his condescending father, KING ROGER.

Cromwell lets out a tremendously agitated sigh.

At that moment Amiri enters.

And Cecelia follows.

Ororo's eyes fill with tears.

Ororo runs to Cecelia and hugs her. Cecelia responds politely, guardedly.

Cecelia looks up and sees Cromwell.

Cromwell perks up and smiles, looking Cecelia up and down.

Roger smiles.

Cecelia frowns.

Cecelia's eyes widen.

Cromwell approaches Cecelia.

Cecelia snickers.

Ororo bows her head in frustration.

Amiri turns to the head Cleo royal guard, John, at the doorway.

Cecelia spits on Cromwell.

Cromwell moves to strike Cecelia, but Roger steps in and stops him.

Amiri and John take Cecelia and escort her out of the room.

Ororo weeps soundlessly.

CUT TO:

EXT. ROAD TO CLEO CASTLE - NIGHT

Magus waves his hands around Michael's head and a prism emerges.

The prism hangs in the air and materializes into a flying carpet.

Magus and Michael board the carpet.

The carpet rises up,through the trees. Michael and Magus float on Michael's flying carpet, blocked from easy view by Cleo's forest of trees.

The castle looms ahead.

Magus points to a tower on the castle.

The flying carpet picks up speed and heads toward the tower.

CUT TO:

INT. CLEO CASTLE - TOWER ROOM - NIGHT

Cecelia leans against the canopy bed and sings a song about being alone and in despair and perhaps wanting to die, but she changes her mind and decides to live, and won't die just because life has gone against her, but will live and stick it out. (Whew!)

EXT. SKY OUTSIDE TOWER - NIGHT

Michael and Magus hear Cecelia's singing and go to the tower room window.

Michael looks through the barred window to the tower room.

INT. TOWER ROOM - WINDOW

Cecelia goes to the window, grabbing on the bars. They're spaced far enough apart so that she could slip between them...

Michael kisses her through the bars. Then he looks at her.

Cecelia understands and is quickly upset.

EXT. CLEO CASTLE - ROOF - NIGHT

John comes up upon the roof to a GROUP OF FIVE ROYAL CLEO GUARDS, who all have bows and arrows.

The guards raise their bows, positioning their arrows, and look up.

TOWER WINDOW - ROYAL GUARDS' POV

Magus and Michael, sitting on the flying carpet outside the tower, are perfectly within their sights.

Michael and Magus turn and look down in surprise at the guards on the roof.

Cecelia sticks her head through the window bars, also surprised.

BACK AT THE CASTLE ROOF

John calls up to Cecelia.

EXT. TOWER WINDOW - ROYAL GUARDS

Cecelia looks at Michael.

Michael collects his thoughts.

Then he turns to Cecelia.

He turns the carpet to face John and the other guards.

Cecelia restrains a gasp.

EXT. CASTLE ROOF - CECELIA'S POV

Cecelia watches as Michael floats the carpet down to land on the castle roof.

The royal guards lower their bows and arrows and gather around Michael and Magus as they step up from the carpet.

John quickly snatches up the carpet.

Michael looks back up at Cecelia before he descends the stairs to the castle.

Cecelia looks back down at Michael, a little tearfully.

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INT. HALLWAY TO CLEO CASTLE PRISON - NIGHT

The five guards and John escort Michael and Magus down the hallway to the prison cells. A gate is at the end of the hallway.

At the gate to the jail cells stand Cromwell, Roger and Amiri, waiting.

Michael restrains himself.

Cromwell snickers.

Michael looks at Magus.

Michael turns to face Cromwell.

Cromwell begins to dance.

INT. CLEO CASTLE - CECELIA'S ROYAL BEDROOM - DAY

Cecelia stands on a platform in her overly fancy wedding dress. TWO WOMEN ATTENDANTS are putting the finishing touches on the dress. Cecelia is coldly polite and generally unresponsive to them and their questions and tuggings.

There is a knock on the door.

The door is opened on the outside by TWO CLEO DOOR GUARDS. Ororo steps into the room and the two guards close the door behind her.

Cecelia ignores Ororo.

Ororo starts over.

Cecelia looks back down at Ororo, though still wary.

Ororo turns and walks to the door.

She turns back to face Cecelia before leaving.

Cecelia looks frightfully at Ororo.

Ororo leaves the room.

Cecelia bows her head in prayer.

And then she makes a sobbing sound, covers her face with her hands, and runs into her bathroom and slams the door.

The attendants look down.

INT. CECELIA'S BATHROOM

Cecelia brings her hands down from her face, revealing her not to be crying at all.

Cecelia knocks slightly on a panel right by the door, and another door opens to a secret passageway.

Cecelia goes into the secret passageway and closes the door behind her.

CUT TO:

INT. CLEO CASTLE - JAIL CELL - DAY

The JAIL CELL GUARD walks over to the cell containing Michael and Magus -- a dark, dank, windowless room.

Magus lies on the floor asleep, bound in shackles and blindfolded.

Michael stands sleeping locked in a stockade.

The jail cell guard growls loudly, jolting the two awake.

The jail cell guard laughs heartily as he unlocks the jail cell door and goes to Magus. He undoes Magus' shackles and drags him out of the cell. He picks up a rope and ties Magus' hands behind his back.

TWO CLEO ROYAL GUARDS come in and grab either arm of Magus.

Michael looks groggily at the jail cell guard.

The jail cell guard picks up a bucket of water and goes back into the cell and throws it in Michael's face.

The jail cell guard lets Michael out of the stockade and pushes him out of the cell.

The jail cell guard takes a sword from the wall.

The jail cell guard tosses his sword at Michael.

Michael barely catches it and its weight seems to weigh him down. He moans in anguish.

Michael stumbles over to Magus.

Magus nods, and then a thought occurs to him.

But before Magus can finish his thought, TWO MORE CLEO ROYAL GUARDS come in and grab Michael. The guards make sure to keep Magus and Michael apart. Together with the jail cell guard they all leave the prison and walk down the hallway.

CUT TO:

EXT. CLEO CASTLE - GRAND CHAPEL - DAY

MEMBERS OF THE COURT OF CLEO are escorted into the gaily decorated grand chapel by ROYAL USHERS, who take them to their seats before the altar.

They chatter amongst themselves with greetings and such, waiting for the event to begin.

Cromwell enters the chapel and walks down the aisle to the altar. He turns around to face the congregation.

The congregation titters and mutters their disapproval.

Ororo sits with Amiri in the front row on the bride's side, rubbing her hands together nervously. Amiri beams happily.

Roger, sitting in the front row on the groom's side, folds his arms smiling, awaiting the fray.

ON THE ALTAR

At the minister's doorway hides Cecelia, watching all the proceedings.

GRAND CHAPEL - CECELIA'S POV

Cecelia sees the gloating Cromwell at the altar, a few feet away.

Further away, at the door to the chapel, the guards bring in Michael, who still carries the heavy sword, and the bound, blindfolded Magus. The group stops short of the altar.

Magus' guards hold Magus tightly.

Michael's guards push Michael onto the altar. Michael wearily stands before Cromwell.

CECELIA

gasps and conceals herself better behind the door, still peeking out.

She looks anxiously at Michael.

ON THE ALTAR

there is light parrying between Michael and Cromwell.

But then Cromwell makes an unexpected lunge and cuts Michael's shoulder. Michael cries out in pain, both stunned and hurt.

The fighting becomes more heated.

The cut has stung Michael out of his weariness. He meets every thrust of Cromwell's sword. Anger inflames him.

The battle spills off of the altar and continues down the aisle, knocking some of the congregation out of their seats.

Cromwell is winning, swaying his sword back and forth at Michael.

Michael can only back up in response, trying to avoid Cromwell's flying sword.

Cromwell makes a particularly vicious advance that sends Michael sprawling to the ground. Cromwell knocks the sword from Michael's hand and holds his sword at Michael's throat.

Cecelia runs out from the altar.

Cecelia tries to run down the aisle to Michael, but two of the guards block her pathway.

Cecelia begins to cry.

Magus slumps down.

Cecelia shrieks.

Magus, his guards looking at Cromwell and Michael, shrinks away from them. He mutters to himself.

Michael suddenly starts to glow all over! Michael's eyes widen.

Cromwell, startled, jumps away from Michael.

Cromwell looks over at Magus.

Michael's glow then concentrates itself in his right arm and then it travels down to his hand, where it changes into a sword.

Michael eyes the sword quizzically.

Magus stumbles, revealing the strain of the spell.

Michael sees Magus staggering.

Cromwell looks over at Michael and laughs.

Cecelia shakes her head, confused.

Magus collapses.

 

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Cecelia tries to turn to Magus but again, the guards block her pathway.

Michael slowly rises to his feet.

Cromwell trips him, knocking him back down to the floor.

Michael catches Cromwell off guard and he jumps to his feet.

Michael and Cromwell match strike for strike like never before, with Michael struggling, managing to force Cromwell backwards, all the way back to the altar.

The guards are scattered and Cecelia manages to get back to the minister's doorway.

Michael and Cromwell battle on the altar after a few more parries and thrusts until Michael makes one great lunge and plunges the sword right straight into Cromwell's heart.

Everyone in the chapel gives out a great cry.

Cecelia looks on, stunned.

Cromwell falls to the floor, his sword dropping out of his hand beside him. Michael pulls his sword back out of Cromwell.

But there's no blood!

Cecelia runs over to Michael and they both watch Cromwell begin to glow all over -- like Michael had. The glow then subsides and Cromwell amazingly rises to his feet.

Michael puts the sword into his own body, where it disappears into him.

Cecelia gasps.

Cecelia stares at Michael, feeling his chest for a wound that is not there.

Amiri and Ororo and Roger rush up to the altar.

Cromwell smiles at his father, approaches him and hugs him.

Roger is shocked.

Cecelia goes over to Magus, pulls off the blindfold, and tries to awaken him.

Magus' eyelashes flutter and he slowly arouses.

Cecelia smiles.

Michael approaches and kneels down to Magus, next to Cecelia. He unties the binds around Magus' hands.

Michael and Cecelia help Magus to stand up.

Cromwell stands before Amiri.

Cromwell begins to walk to the door, and Roger follows.

Amiri stands there, shaking his head.

Michael, Cecelia, and Magus approach Amiri.

Everyone within the grand chapel cheers "HIP HIP HOORAY" THREE TIMES.

Michael and Cecelia hold one another and smile.

CUT TO:

EXT. CLEO - CENTER OF THE KINGDOM - MORNING

A CLEO TOWN CRIER stands surrounded by the PEOPLE OF CLEO.

The people of Cleo give a huge cheer!

CUT TO:

EXT. CLEO CASTLE - OUTSIDE GROUNDS - DAY

Amiri and Ororo, Michael and Cecelia, and Magus stand outside the Cleo castle.

Michael steps away from Cecelia and sits on the ground.

Magus waves his arms around Michael's head and a prism emerges, which transforms itself into an ever-growing carpet that breaks into the very earth and expands under the whole kingdom of Cleo.

CUT TO:

EXT. CLEO/TODRETI BORDER - DAY

SOLDIERS OF THE TODRETI ARMY march from Todreti towards Cleo -- passing a sign reading "CLEO/TODRETI BORDER" -- all carrying lit, flaming torches.

The CAPTAIN OF THE ARMY is on horseback.

EXT. CLEO ON FLYING CARPET - ARMY'S POV

The captain is interrupted -- and shocked! -- by the sight of Cleo high up in the air on the huge carpet, floating over the hill and over the army's heads.

BACK AT THE BORDER

The army looks at it, puzzled and frightened and fascinated.

Amiri calls down to the army soldiers.

The captain rushes over the hill and sees what is left of Cleo --

A big hole in the ground.

CUT TO:

EXT. CLEO CASTLE/CARPET - DAY

Everyone stands watching the land below.

Cecelia nods.

Amiri and Ororo look at one another.

Ororo and Amiri smile with Cecelia and hug her.

INT. NOICEN CASTLE - THRONE ROOM - DAY

A MESSENGER FROM CLEO walks in and bows to Joseph and Katherine, who sit upon their thrones, looking concerned.

Katherine and Joseph look at one another and then step down from their thrones.

The two follow the messenger out of the throne room.

CUT TO:

EXT. NOICEN CASTLE - ROOF - DAY

Katherine, Joseph, and the messenger join the gaping guards on the roof, including Herbert.

Michael, Magus and Cecelia, and Ororo and Amiri approach the roof in their own flying carpet.

Michael turns to the hovering Cleo. He stops to concentrate and he gestures out to the carpet, making it land Cleo neatly on top of the dead forest area.

The people of Cleo can be seen dancing and celebrating.

Amiri and Ororo present Cecelia to Michael, Joseph, and Katherine.

Michael and Cecelia embrace one another and then begin to kiss...

CUT TO:

INT. NOICEN CATHEDRAL - DAY

Michael and Cecelia finish the kiss at their wedding at Noicen Cathedral.

The "NOICEN WEDDING MARCH" begins to play as they separate.

Michael turns to the congregation, which includes Katherine and Joseph in the front row on the groom's side, Ororo and Amiri in the front row on the bride's side, and behind them a mixture of court members and townspeople from both Noicen and Cleo.

Michael separates from Cecelia. They turn to face the congregation.

A huge cheer goes up from the congregation.

Another cheer goes up from the congregation.

The biggest cheer goes up from the congregation!

Michael and Cecelia then begin to sing to one another, pledging their love for each other, in a song called "YOU HAVE TO FIGHT FOR A HAPPY ENDING."

The congregation joins them, singing of the hope they have for the joining of the kingdoms and the great joy to be alive.

Then Brandon and the rest of the kids come up the aisle, including Marlon and his guitar.

The kids lead the congregation in singing and dancing "SING A SONG OF GLADNESS."

Michael and Cecelia kiss again, and then join in the singing and dancing.

FADE OUT.

bouquet of flowers
THE END | Back to Top

Leave any questions or comments for me concerning this screenplay, "The Love Song of Prince Michael and Cecelia," in the guestbook below, or e-mail me directly at valsadie@aol.com. You can find out more about the story itself by reading my initial entry in the guestbook. You are especially welcome to write me if you'd like to purchase this screenplay and produce it -- oh, yeah, MJ, this means you!

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