75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduSHRrUHreCHAPTER 8
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqD3Zquw1t
"SALLY'S STAND"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPCidgwi3x
Sally's hooves hit the dirt road leading to the fortress. The afternoon sun catches on her mane as she trots down the dusty dirt lane.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB924cm3ke
Metro holds the reins loosely, Rose sitting behind him, with both hands resting lightly at his sides.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcqsoUrqem
The guard on the wall leans forward.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOzyc6XAF7
Guard 1:
"... Is that Metro?"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpFoRk8ewl
Guard 2:
"Hey — yeah! And he's brought his girlfriend!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYR60BjSTDy
Laughter whistles. The heavy gate cracks open with a groan.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0klPpl997T
Metro swings off Sally in one smooth motion-he turns back, lifting Rose by the waist, setting her down gently.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJH6uA4V7z
Her feet touches the ground like she's stepping into another world. He pats Sally's neck, letting her wander freely toward the water trough. Mathias spots them immediately. Closing in.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1JIiL4cWz
Mathias: (jaw tightened)
"Hey, you could be in deep if the old man ever finds out you were gone..."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgxkK00Hh0
A few farmhands pretend to sort leaves but listen. The main hall is lit and tall around them.
Mathias keeps his arms crossed, expression firm.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidiD4rjiCq
Metro:
"That's my fault, I should have told someone before I left."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L0eTZTlvi
Lutheran cuts in slapping Metro's shoulder and walks past smiling.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5ZOjPGSfs
Lutheran:
"Hey, your back! We've been looking for ya."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEhd8fMM2O
Mathias leans in slightly, voice low, but sharp enough for Rose to hear.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFpjEzlIpV
Mathias:
"Well... if you don't want a noose around your neck, you best stay near the crop."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwMgD06zlC
The room goes quiet for a moment.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuzBRgz0wF
Rose's eyes flick to Metro — searching, worried.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO34qvfUdq
Metro doesn't flinch. He just exhales, once, slow, controlled. His voice cuts through the tension like a blade.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WZMjCJ9JP
Metro:(shouts)
"PAUL!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKywGZytjrO
Mathias flinches.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY75ShRGjt
"What are you doing here man!?"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7ZI5byRKN
Heads turn.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlyiMr7E15
Paul steps out from behind a stack of crates near a wall, arms crossed, beard a little messier than usual, eyes already locked on Metro with a mix of irritation and affection only he can pull off.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXUBDDm0RO
He scratches his beard.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGSPyFqmoQ
Paul:
"I was... trying to eat breakfast. Then a little bird came, making your problems, my problems."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBLF9CH586
A couple of soldiers grin, cheesing.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OOAL59sgc
Rose tries not to smile, then she glows, radiantly.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLoRpA4ewe
Paul steps forward, boots heavy on the stone floor.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9BEFH5Jgr
"Ana sent a letter from the fortress last night, I found it. So here I am."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjqnhDAt9p
He gestures with both hands open by his hips —
unenthused, unimpressed, absolutely done with everyone's nonsense.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaa7hY8F5z
Metro laughs softly, then moves without thinking.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkn3Doxhmg
He wraps his arms around Paul in a tight, grateful hug.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa5b1mEjJ6
Paul freezes.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSQK5ZF9aD
Looks down at Metro like he's holding a wild animal.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQOpNbewDn
Slowly... Reluctantly... his hands lift and settle on Metro's back.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQi1ng8cfbe
His shoulders drop, head lowered, eyes softening.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk0h6r4hSR
The soldiers stare — not mocking, not joking —
just watching something real.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmE901FVOj
A beat of silence.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKinPPMXaBi
Then —
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanf1VeGwk0
Lutheran: (Lutheran shouts across the hall)
"Alright lads, back to work!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqbTIpsz26
The spell breaks.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCokszp0mQO
Workers scatter.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUymIkvDvB
Soldiers groan and move.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg01t8lOXJs
The main hall returns to its regular motion.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ4nBl6ocD
But Metro and Paul stay there for one more second —Metro steps back from the hug, clearing his throat, trying to act like he didn't just melt into Paul's chest in front of half the fortress.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRbdmJ3XlO
He turns to Rose.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BXoGh7AjW
Metro:
"Paul... — this is Rose."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhC8Er9ZMu
Rose gives a small respectful nod, but has a glowing grin. Eyes shining very brightly.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHP58sD49ZH
Paul nods back with a gentle reassurance.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhAXpTlr1U
Before anyone can speak, a man in overalls and a wide straw hat approaches.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrUCdfcthG
A skinny man, broad shoulders, dirt stained hands. Sun-burned neck.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKw9G8WyblT
One of the lead farmhands — the kind that's been working the land before Metro arrived.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAexVvrUfLJ
He tips his hat.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ax6oGwXKh
Strawhat:
"Metro. Paul. Miss Rose."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGcU4EgU7U
He shifts a bundle of rope on his shoulder.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiReOfXA4IL
"Ana's told us she'll be back with Blake in the morning. She says she'll be ready to help you use that green emerald... We're all excited to see it in action.. Get that magicalness to blossom proper like."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlqdFud0vw
Straw hat's eyes gleam, with a longing dream.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcj8HfqoOT
Metro and Rose exchange a look — anticipation, nerves.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV0McSP3Jz
The farmhand continues, pride creeping into his voice.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vk51Hp0D3
"And thanks to Paul here, we've got 40 acres, layered Native Rain style. Water hits the top section of the field first, funnels downward across the rows of trees, left to right... perfect motion.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrNqveWWkd
Every plant eats."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFT9pnDKv8
Rose eyes widen — impressed — still radiant.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL23Zrjt9u
Paul shrugs like it was nothing.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI4gagZW3b
Paul:
"Old tricks, still work."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOAx6TesGz
Another figure approaches: a woman carrying a woven basket, wearing an apron dusted with flour.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPrSrnWhP2
Strawhat's wife.
Warm eyes. Strong posture. The kind of woman who can feed an army.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVf3o7ahS3
Strawhat's wife: (old English accent)
"Lunch is ready for you and your friends. Set up on top of the cafeteria. Thought you all might be hungry."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7waHWD0zYa
She gestures at the hall, soldiers talking, stirring.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sxkSkmsTt
Metro nods gratefully.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaYnoqXHyy
Rose smiles softly.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5zWX6wGmI
Paul's expression is unreadable. Not cold. Not warm. Just watching. Measuring. Protective.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3VpqsTnoG
The three of them climb the wooden stairs to the cafeteria's second floor/ a separate dining section.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjcLX6GeAM
From above the cafeteria looks wider, somewhat calmer. A few soldiers eating, a few farm hands resting, the midday lull settling over the fortress. Not crowded, not loud. Just a working place catching its breath.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO2PPpf6jn
Metro and Rose sit first. Close together, but not touching. Paul takes the opposite side, facing them directly. The position of someone who wants to see everything.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5iTG1fwNr
The wooden table is simple, warm flatbreads, sliced smoked fish, boiled potatoes with herbs, a bowl of fresh greens, a small crock of butter, and a jug of water, amongst wooden cups.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yh9Tc2pTS
Nothing fancy. Filling, made by people who work with their hands.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Js6gSAm47
Paul doesn't touch the food yet. His jaw works once. Then he speaks — blunt, unfiltered.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXYsXPWXMs
Paul:
"Alright, I'll say it straight."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2evsOWEQz
Metro looks up.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlK4NG1kLS
Paul's voice stays low, but there's steel in it.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZqSYtPDJU
"I don't like you here, and I damn sure don't like Ana and Blake coming back and forth to stay for good."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdw8ruPqf2
Metro tenses, still watching Paul.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tEnnWntHc
"There's soldiers down there that would sell their own mother for a coin."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEs9HKRsCF
He leans forward slightly, face stern.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT642yti0i
"You two need to be out of this place,
Sooner than later."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNbj3EdDlD
Metro swallows.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GuPh41lco
Rose's smile fades completely.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7zXFlOC6r
"As soon as I finish that drying rack in the barn that Ana asked for... I'm headed back. And you —."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIsv176MeT
(He points two fingers at Metro)
"You need to start thinking about how to disconnect from all of this...
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJbKHlCGkE
(Paul looks around unimpressed)
... whatever this evil is.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwG7ycBZgF
(Stares at Metro)
" Before it eats you alive! Before it takes something you can't get back."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukAjQaeRFY
Metro's breath catches. He doesn't argue. He can't.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZGV3DraJL
Rose shifts, her expression tighter now —
(something her mother said) echoes in her mind.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0QiIjJpZA
She speaks quietly. Through the intensity.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0OZKZXD5g
Rose: (weighted words)
"My mother, she said the same things, she thinks Metro is being naive, that the danger is inevitable."—Paul cuts her off.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOQKuyEqYO
Paul:
"IT IS!”
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0DKlAT0jQ
The words land like a hammer mallet.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJvpSe86Uu
Metro finally tries to speak — voice low —
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fbcDoWCH1
Metro: (unsure of himself)
"Look, nothing bad has happened yet. I'm sure if we give it time, it could play out ok... right?"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUk0lcwYZI
It's weak. Even he hears it.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wMW1PDJ0E
Paul's head snaps up.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgntWqkDwT
Paul: (Aggressive now)
"I wouldn't trust one word comin' out of that rat's mouth!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN1gXR6035
Metro freezes. His head drops.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOWhdaAqqj
BOW!
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4ZDiL9FxZ
Paul smashes his fist on the table, eyes sharp, voice cutting over the balcony.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WYnLxYCIa
Paul:
"Don't you go believin' a damn thing that man says!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2ZHrGHk8L
SMASH! (He smacks table open palm strike) —
"ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME!?"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZfV1CnLMH
The words hit like hammer blows.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB9C8QhZCM
Metro looks up slowly — like a man being drilled with a truth he already knows but can't admit.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0zC4WwVqz
His eyes show it.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbiIbbQQKu
Rose watches him. Tightened worry.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfn1UVIULv
"You think time is gonna' fix this? Time is gonna' let that evil sink into your bones. Time is how they get you."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVz3MWeamG
Metro's throat works. He can't find a reply.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5tMhqoobK
Paul sits back down, still staring at Metro like he's trying to force the truth into him by force alone.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECLlcHkJ2r
His words are still hanging in the air like smoke.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWSGKuEl0N
He looks down, tears a piece of bread, and eats slowly — eyes fixed on the distance, not Metro, not Rose.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzzx5vwYKW
Trying to calm the burning fire inside himself.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVt6DWhHKF
- FRONT GATE - CASTLE FORTRESS -
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfuVVmlsCT
Curtis thunders up the dirt road, his white eye patch flashing in the sun.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNCXijQosA
Lilly sits tall in the saddle — hair wild, face set, a one woman army riding straight at the fortress.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYH2Kvt5i5
She pulls Curtis to a hard stop a ways from the gate.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uxP0Vlglg
Dust settles around her, a gathered haze of sandy dirty clouds.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySlh65hxCV
Two guards lean over the battlements.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOE3gnKaiU
Guard 1:
"Hey look! It's the cook!" — THERE
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHekFHpQ5K
Guard 2: "ALRIGHT! Miss Chef is back!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcmh2ibhmj
Guard 1: Open the gate!
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBUfilF2aU
Guard 2:
"Yes chef!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uIHG6yHO3
The gate groans open.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK47ZMXxXgu
Lilly doesn't move, she sits mounted, staring them down like she's about to declare war.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZUCyjZgaC
Sally trots over from the courtyard, ears perked, delighted to see Curtis.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9pRTEJ4rr
The two horses greet each other instantly — bumping noses, tails flickering, little excited hops.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IgT5aEctR
Lilly ignores it.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIfB4Ighgh
She steps off Curtis with a stiff, furious grace.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvkG2X3acJ
— scene continues —
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfqstGz84Y
A red cardinal watches the front gate perched in a distant tree.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0l0ancgunz
Lilly stands like a storm.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlEb6GEPWF
Rose bursts out of the main hall, sprinting across the dirt path. She slams into her mother's arms. Lilly holds her tight.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CtdXv7NPV
Metro jogs toward them from the castle entrance --Slowly, cautious like, trying to read the situation.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl8InmG7Fc
Metro: (waves)
"Hey... how's it going?"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rVMACsL5S
Lilly snaps towards him, like a whip, from the outside entrance —
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZqHLKDn3T
Lilly:
"HOW DARE YOU! steal my daughter away from me! You — Kidnapper!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynyKhuHlyO
She grabs Rose's arm.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡno83RhVK3o
Rose:
"Mom!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjHLg94Zfo
Lilly: (trying to pull Curtis)
"Mount Curtis! We're leaving!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiQxEbEVuC
Curtis is busy flirting with Sally, circling her, nuzzling her neck, completely ignoring Lilly's commands.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYK0iW36tP
"CURTIS! Curtis! We are LEAVING!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nOVPBxT7L
Metro and Rose stand there stunned, like dead weight, witnessing Lilly tug and pull on Curtis, a losing battle.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IylneOL6r
— Then the fortress erupts —
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18jyZqnBCB
All seventy soldiers pour out into the courtyard, boots pounding, voices rising.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYYJwTVDat
Paul watches from the cafeteria balcony, eyes wide, expressionless.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIYWkE8G0Z
Guard 1:
"Hey! That's the lady who brought the spices!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkYiyK40VH
Guard 2:
"Alright! We're eating tonight!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvR8gNgedJF
Guard 3:
"YEAH! Mom's back! On three mates! Chip Chip —"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89w2hnnJSH
Infantry:
"AAAAAYYY!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95iOuAhQip
Hands shoot in the air.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVYhVtxTMY
The courtyard becomes a celebration.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vsJKSfgab
Rose looks overwhelmed, distraught, confused.
Lilly looks utterly bewildered — like she's stepped in a fever dream. Metro's smile starts to creep in softly.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6vLrtwykp
The crowd parts, Lutheran approaches — tall and broad, the chosen infantry leader — the men clear out like he's royalty. He stops, arms crossed, curious, but amused.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj8KHZRHXR
Lutheran stands in front of Lilly, looking down at her small furious frame. Mathias stands behind him.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJ408eKV5A
Lutheran: (Looks around, everywhere but Lilly)
"There she is lads!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuADPJ3wTXb
"Master Chef goddess in the flesh!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXenrfKR1UV
The soldiers roar.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9HEurhfcl
Lilly is red in the face, still furious, she tries to snapback.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qwBdMtWoR
Lilly:
"You've got another thing comin' if you think! —"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjTpI3UpLM
She doesn't finish.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUAhxlShNh
Lutheran and Mathias scoop her up in one swift, practiced motion, hoisting her onto their shoulders like she's the champion of the entire kingdom.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwvcUcwQnK
Lutheran:
"ANOTHER ONE! FOR YOUR HIGHNESS!
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ537evcgk2A
Mathias:
"CHIP CHIP,"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysbprJGkwb
Everyone:
"AAAYYY!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeYIbZBzC0
Straw and gold hay fly into the air like confetti. The courtyard becomes a festival. Lilly kicks, face burning, hair wild.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxzRakCgi5
Lilly:
"DROP ME THIS INSTANT! PUT ME DOWN! RIGHT NOW!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7pMWX7hQe
She twists looking back over her shoulder — desperate — eyes darting for help.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfqlaot3pC
Metro, Rose, ...Curtis?
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVBb6z6b5b
Anyone.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hVIOAnmj6
But the soldiers are too proud, too loud, too joyful.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VlVtok0Ov
Random Soldier: (back of the crowd)
"We'll starve if you leave us!"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJfYS6n05r
The courtyard howls, a mix of laughter and agreeance.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD48lSoi4zJ
Paul watches from above, shaking his head slowly — like he's witnessing divine comedy
The soldiers march proudly with Lilly on their shoulders. Mathias and his men sing in unison, like she's the queen.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzTFYV69xZ
Lutheran and Mathias drop Lilly in the main hall.
The soldiers scatter as Mathias barks.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOxJ0cHaro
Mathias:
"Back to your post."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUctK6KAXt
The main Hall empties.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVtcpqlWgb
Lilly spins on Rose, fury shaking in her voice.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6q7xG9rSRd
Lilly:
"I'm not staying. I don't care how nice these men present themselves to be, we're getting out of here.”
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbIc3QGtlB
She grabs Rose's wrists, tugging, turning away.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCtDj9v1q3
Rose pulls back.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98SyWlKVyD
Rose:
"Mom... no..."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSUEaeF1kb
Lilly turns back, stopped in her tracks, her face falls — defeated — she releases Rose —
then turns that boiling hatred towards Metro.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDLgXWmejY
Just then —
Paul steps in from the side corridor, wiping his hands on a rag, expression flat, like a stone.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliqoFvYST6
He delivers.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBgXLnpmXI
Paul:
"Forgive them."
They've all taken blows to the head...
some recently."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48EwwrfxgQ
Paul steps forward slightly, announcing his presence.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBleFvG6lw
I'm sorry for their behavior, the lifting, the yelling, for the hay, you deserve better than that, you deserve a proper welcome —Not whatever that was."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7FN16hAI0
Paul lifts her hand towards his face.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFo29Tke0O
"My name is Paul...
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHshx7zE2H
"...it's a pleasure to meet you."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXfbgJnSHH
His lips close in on the back of her hand, but his mouth never connects
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvTLi9fk1Y
(head bowed slightly)
"And you are?"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XnCF4W6Wq
Lilly looks confused, flustered, simmering down. She gently takes her hand back, looking away towards the ground, trying to fix her hair, and looks back to Rose, with sort of a desperate look.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6eSnEi1Fc
Lilly: (Looking at Paul with interest, but reluctance)
"I'm Lilly, ugh, Rose's mother.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ydpF7tdkn
"C'mon, Rose, let's go home."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29UgDjcnNO
Rose stands her ground.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1HtuJdfH3
Rose:
"Mom, I told you, I'm staying...at least for a little while..."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVkrpBgFNO
Lilly looks longingly, and fearfully at Rose.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CK5xiVUpN
Everyone notices her love for her child.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡER747Vv5TB
Metro steps forward gently, palms open.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5stXFVFAj
Metro: (gazes longingly at Lilly)
"I don't want anyone to be upset... we should head upstairs, to my room, it's private, and we can all talk there, away from everyone, if that's ok with you..."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4Vq6uNXwq
Lilly looks at him — upset, then blank, expression wiped clean as she tries to hold herself together.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7GNsfpWgE
Metro:(nods)
"Let's go."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZCMJPvLdk
Metro turns and leads the way up the cafeteria stairs. He glances back at Lilly, then Rose. Some follow unwillingly, the tension shifts, an uneasy procession toward the upper hallway. The air feels tight — like the next words spoken upstairs might change everything. The chamber door closes.
The moment the wooden door creaks shut and clicks. Lilly's breath breaks. She tries to speak, voice sharp with fear and anger —
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2SAChsjIu
Lilly:
"I can't lose her. Not to this place. Not to any of this —"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRBLCe4mWH
Her voice snaps. Her knees buckle. She collapses down to the floor, hitting the stone floor, her whole body folding in on itself.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7a8i4jacB
A raw, helpless sob escapes her.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggH53dMwgU
Rose drops instantly, wrapping her arms around her mother from behind, holding her tight as Lilly cries into her shoulder.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAWT1txnNI
Lilly's voice trembles (barely audible)
"I... I just want my daughter safe..."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPVIrhxLNE
Her fingers clutch Rose, voice trembling, like she's terrified to let go. Metro stands frozen, unsure, guilt and worry tighten him. Paul watches, jaw set, waiting for the right moment.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXdWdv1VGQ
Metro kneels down slowly, giving her space, voice low and steady.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfoeTmhHW7
Metro: (whispers)
" Lilly."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqU2EbQXtE
(Slightly higher tone) "I do care deeply for your daughter, more than I know how to say."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJVgWsyPyY
Lilly doesn't look up — she can't —Metro continues, honest and exposed.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZIcb10iV6
"I'm with a notorious leader.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8LD94GjF1
I'm stuck here at this fortress for now, and I can't leave just yet.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOXPP6uyBr
(looks down)
I don't have that freedom."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bgGjmn32J
"But I'm hoping…
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBg5eoOmFKN
(head up toward Lilly's)
things will turn out,
maybe I could be released."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkkJ9TvXpm
(looks Rose, then Lilly)
"I won't keep anyone here against their will.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVonGisW8Qh
Not ever.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOfsjjHV6e
I just want everyone safe."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWWg35LHqd
The room goes still. Lilly continues to cry softly, unable to lift her head. Rose holds her tighter.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2rrAM8r2w
Then looks at her mother, voice soft, but steady.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WMZ4ZnjtO
Rose:
"He's ok mom, I can feel it."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrl2DbcAk9
Lilly sobs soften even more, but she still can't look up. Paul kneels down beside them — slowly, gently, grounding the room.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRdydJL6XB
He speaks gently, but with that unmistakable Paul bluntness.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyKaNMJMUc
Paul:
"She's grown, ma'am.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSBionQoiR
You raised her right."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnywprKcsW
Lilly's breath steadies just a little.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIR8zEfNwO
He adds.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIbVCAWvUi
Paul: (tired, half smiled)
"You can't go dragging her home like a sack of potatoes anymore."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaYPChnhvj
Rose lets out a tiny laugh through her tears. Metro's lip twitches. Paul places his hand on her back gently — reassuring her, catching her gaze faithfully.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkGhisYnNW
Paul:
"She's not lost. She's chosen."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgwjzAW95S
Lilly inhales, looks up at Paul, eyes red, exhaling, face wet, breath calming. She takes her time to look at all three of them. For the first time since she stormed the castle… She isn't fighting. She's surrounded. She's held.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCfc1w281y
She's heard.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxzDq7TQOA
— Scene fades —
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a1uX47nwG
— FRONT ENTRANCE FORTRESS —
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcembIO2SJ
– LATE AFTERNOON —
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7VFRZvLjw
The courtyard is calm, blue birds are heard chirping, flying through the green skies.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTyTr17pu1
Paul and Lilly step out into the cool air, walking side by side toward the wheat and hay fields swaying under the late light.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTheZQIqD8
Lilly keeps her arms folded, eyes low, voice still shaky.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrH7z7FqxqJ
Lilly:
"Do you think it's safe here?"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo85qqR7b1a
Paul doesn't sugar coat it. He never does.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTe6TsPzqon
Paul:
"No. It's not safe."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWd4rDZjO8F
They walk a few more steps.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeT5IZdpMdA
"They're safer with us than alone. That's the only thing I know for sure."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrn9ZxDt9d
Lilly exhales, long and trembling.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfxapUxpt5
Paul glances at her, then adds:
"I'm thinking of a way out. For all of us. Haven't figured it out yet."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3XaIS7LPL
—He glances at her, then offers a dry weary truth.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7ZwcbP3nY
"You know, Metro looked like he was about to pass out when you stormed him. I've never seen him that scared before."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRD1VUfU5N
Lilly: (turns, satisfied)
"... Good."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDhG3LDfnp
Paul smirks.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkJSSPiuYH
Lilly:
"They're crazy if they think I'm cooking again, for all those men, like before."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrc8o57F11
Paul shakes his head.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKPeOqC5ZV
Paul: (soft smile)
"You should see what they cook when you're not here.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHW0YMB9R7R
(A long beat)
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu70fomJf16
Actually, no...
You shouldn't."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVmN0v3Aca
Lilly laughs — a real one this time — short, tired but genuine.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAXutzO8mP
The wind blows the wheat around them. Lilly's hair flows dramatically with it. Her brownish grey streaks glowing magically in the field.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqb1YaFfntX
Lilly:
"Paul, how did you end up here? With them?"
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECFvKh3WkL
They walk a few more steps before Paul exhales, long, and tired.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuqutGS75w
He doesn't look at her when he speaks.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPgTOoMisj
Paul:
"I've known Metro for a long time now. Ana took him in when he was a young, he calls her Ani... she's watched over him ever since he was a toddler. I know him because of her. Metro, Blake and I trade often.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OHGuRWbpS
They're like sons to me.
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWW6i4IcFo
His face tightens.
"I hate that they're wrapped up in this mess...
... with Theron, and the military."
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2KcAtxb8h
He glances toward the distant castle walls, eyes narrowing in disgust. Vision directly on the king's banner...
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDR1N4RbrD9
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OUrGK7kgz
and then Add to home screen.