WICKSTON
Wait why are we running away? He seemed like a nice guy.
URI
Nice- NICE GUY!? Wickston, that was a Demon! Do you have any idea what those guys do to guys like us!?
WICKSTON
Hmmm, I don't know.
Throw them a pizza party!?
Uri lifts him up to his face to get a better look, and gives him the most puzzled look.
URI
Pizza - What!? Wickston... Now isn't the time for jokes!!
Wickston gives him a puzzled look back. They manage to get a bit of a distance away from The Fiddler.
URI
I knew coming in this damn forest was a bad idea.
WICKSTON
Oh come on, Uri it's not so bad.
URI
Wickston, we almost got cooked by trees, had huge freaking boulders almost crush out our guts, quicksand nearly devour me whole, and fell off the side of a cliff into the den of a Demon!!!
Uri begins looking around.
URI
And now...I think we're lost!
He tries looking for the map in his bag.
URI
And our map is gone...
NOBODY
You should've never come here.
URI
Why did I think I could do this...?
NOBODY
You're gonna die out here.
URI
We're gonna die out here...
NOBODY
I guess everyone was right about you.
URI
I... I can't do this... I'm not strong enough...
Tears start rolling down the side of his face.
URI
I was an idiot to think I could help you get home... I'm nothing but a second rate Witch... who couldn't cut it when it really counted...
THE FIDDLER
Don't you think you're being hard on yourself?
URI
No! I'm-
He looks up to realize that The Fiddler is standing right in front of him with a big goofy smile.
URI
(Breathless)
Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh-
THE FIDDLER
How many times are you gonna mention that I'm a Demon?
URI
WHERE DID YOU COME FROM!?!?
It zooms out to reveal that they are right back where they left him.
THE FIDDLER
You two made a huge circle. It was very entertaining to watch.
Uri facepalms himself.
URI
Son of a-
THE FIDDLER
You two seem lost.
WICKSTON
A little yes! We lost our map Mr. The Fiddler!
URI
Wickston don't talk to him!
WICKSTON
We are on our way to the Flower Festival in Floralia!
URI
We don't even know if that's the right place!
THE FIDDLER
It is.
Uri looks over back at him wide-eyed.
THE FIDDLER
Floralia, near Giant's pass, by the border of Bigmas, right?
URI
Uh... yeah that's the one.
THE FIDDLER
I've never been myself, but heard that the flowers are to die for. Soft and ever so fragrant.
WICKSTON
Yes!!! Rolling hills as far as the eye can see!
URI
Rolling Hills in a forest? This place just keeps getting weirder.
THE FIDDLER
Well... if you guys are lost, I know the way to at the very least Giant's Pass, I could take you.
He looks over at Uri and smiles.
THE FIDDLER
If you like.
(Beat)
That is... if you are ok with traveling with a "D-D-Demon."
He chuckles a little and reaches his hand out to help Uri off the ground. Uri stares into his big beautiful eyes and takes his hand without even realizing.
WICKSTON
Can we Uri!? Oh please Uri!
THE FIDDLER
Uri, huh? That's a pretty name. I think that means God of light in Witch right.
URI
God of... What?
Uri snaps out of it and takes his hand back.
URI
Look here bub, I don't know what you're trying to pull here, but it ain't gonna work!
He looks over to Wickston who's giving him puppy dog eyes with the single tear.
URI
(Sigh)
Fine. Not like we have much of a choice...
(Beat)
Can you really get us to Floralia...?
THE FIDDLER
Heh! You're traveling with the world's best Wandering Bard! I can get you just about anywhere! And sing you a song too!
URI
Please... no singing. Just help us get to where we are going please...
THE FIDDLER
How about a Ballad?
URI
No.
THE FIDDLER
What about an Ode? Old de Uri!
URI
Gods no...
THE FIDDLER
A Villanelle...?
URI
I'm regretting this!
THE FIDDLER
Final offer! A Rondel!
WICKSTON
Ooh do you know any Limericks!?
THE FIDDLER
Do I!?
There once was a candle named Wick,
Whose flame was both clever and quick.
He’d dance through the night,
With a flicker of light,
And set every shadow to flick!
Wickston's eyes light up!
URI
Please, Don't encourage him!
THE FIDDLER
Final, Final Offer! Chanting!
He begins chanting rhythmically.
THE FIDDLER
Oh Uri, oh Uri, so gloomy, so gray!
He scowls at the sunshine, it frightens the day!
Wickston gives them a round of applause.
URI
...Don't make me hurt you.
THE FIDDLER
Fine, fine I'll just hum.
Uri rolls his eyes.
THE FIDDLER
Shall we?
NOBODY
DON'T DO IT!
URI
Sure...
The three of them are walking throughout the forest. Wickston is in his humanoid form trying to get to know The Fiddler. Uri is walking a little bit behind him keeping his distance.
WICKSTON
So you've really been throughout this forest?
THE FIDDLER
(Chuckles)
You got it little one. I've been all over, traveling and playing Ol Zephyr here.
He lifts his violin for him to see. Wickston's eyes began sparkling at the very sight of his beautifully handcrafted instrument.
WICKSTON
Ooooh~! I really liked your song and dance from earlier!
THE FIDDLER
Heh, thanks! It's always a pleasure to spread the joys of song!
His eyes look behind him at Uri, who is acting like he isn't listening in on their conversation.
THE FIDDLER
You know... Music has always been a big part of my life! Ol Zephyr use to belong to My father.
He left it for me. Before he...
He cuts himself off and looks down sadly. When he realizes they are both looking at him, and tries to change the subject.
THE FIDDLER
Uhm! Anyways, so Uri you seem to be trailing behind. Why don't you join us up here!?
URI
Uhm...I'm fine back here thanks...
THE FIDDLER
I don't want you getting lost, the landscape is always changing here in the forest. It's easy to get lost.
URI
I'll take my chances.
THE FIDDLER
It's ok I don't bite...
WICKSTON
Yeah come on Uri!
NOBODY
What's with this goodie, goodie act? He's just trying to lower your guard!
Uri stops in his tracks.
URI
Look...
(Beat)
You and I are NOT friends... you said you can take us to Floralia... so can we just do that... we don't need to bond.
NOBODY
Not like you trust a Demon anyway!
THE FIDDLER
Hey Uri don't be like that.
NOBODY
Don't get sucked up into all that Charm and charisma crap. You see right through him.
URI
(Muttering to self)
What's his game...?
NOBODY
He's waiting for you to let your guard down so he can steal Wickston!
The Fiddler gives Wickston a pat on the head.
THE FIDDLER
Well at least you like me Wickston.
Uri's eyes tighten in anger, he gets in between them and pulls Wickston close to him.
URI
GET YOUR GRUBBY CLAWS OFF HIM!
Everyone stops walking and there is a short awkward silence. The Fiddler gives him a confused face, when it dawns on him what he means.
THE FIDDLER
Oh! Oh.
For a moment, he just stands there, stripped of his usual bravado, looking small and deeply hurt.
THE FIDDLER
You think I wanna eat him... don't you...?
Uri says nothing, he looks away from him and starts clutching Wickston tightly.
URI
I'm not stupid... I've heard the stories... I've read about the war... about the Blood feud... I'm aware what Demons do...
THE FIDDLER
(sighs)
Have you... ever met a real Demon before...?
URI
I- well no...
THE FIDDLER
That's what I thought...
(Beat)
...Yes, some Demons eat Familiars... however... I do not...
(Beat)
Then again... I guess I'm not like most Demons...
He clutches his Violin in his hand tightly, Uri notices and starts letting his grip of Wickston go a little.
Wickston runs over to The Fiddler and gives him a hug on his legs.
THE FIDDLER
You know... I'm not clueless... I know my people have done some terrible things... but I would never do anything to hurt either one of you...
URI
I...
Before Uri can finish his thought, in the distance a bush begins rumbling behind them. Wickston and Uri hear nothing. The Fiddler's ears perk up. With a fluid motion he quickly draws out his Bow and violin, then pivots on his foot into a 180-degree turn. Following the motion he does an Arco with the bow, and a wave of magical energy comes flying out of the Violin and into the bush.
THE FIDDLER
Haaah!!
Out of the bush flies out a throne's angel Ophanim.
URI
What the-!
THE FIDDLER
GET BACK!
The Ophanim’s many eyes whirl around its massive head in a dizzying pattern, before snapping into focus—each one locking onto them with unnerving precision.
URI
WHAT IS THAT THING!?
THE FIDDLER
It's an ophanim! It's gonna attack get back now!
The Ophanim’s eyes pulse with a sinister glow before unleashing a chaotic barrage of searing laser beams, firing in every direction like a storm of light. The Fiddler reacts instantly, diving out of the way with a graceful twist. In one fluid motion, he draws his bow across his violin, releasing a shimmering Arco wave aimed at the creature—but the shot veers wide, striking harmlessly against the trees beyond.
THE FIDDLER
Crap! Uri! Take Wickston and get out of here!
URI
But...
THE FIDDLER
GO!
Wickston runs over to Uri, he picks him up and makes a B-line out of the line of fire. One of the eyes sees them and takes a shot at them.
The Fiddler quickly draws his bow again, sending a powerful blast of magic straight into the incoming laser. The two forces collide midair with a blinding flash, erupting into an explosion of light and sound that rocks the surrounding air.
Uri stops, glancing at him for a moment, then they keep moving. The Ophanim starts getting angry, it focuses all its lasers into one blast at The Fiddler.
Once The Fiddler sees they are safely out of the way, a bunch of energy starts flowing around him, and music starts playing from nowhere.
THE FIDDLER
Let's dance you twinkly eyed son of a bitch...
The Fiddler closes his eyes, drawing a deep, steadying breath as he reaches inward, aligning himself with the ancient magic coursing through his blood. With a swift, practiced motion, he pricks his finger on one of his own fangs. A single drop of crimson wells up; he wipes it carefully across one of Ol’ Zephyr’s strings.
The violin hums with new, primal energy as he draws the bow across the blood-marked string. The music shivers through the air, and the world itself seems to tremble in response. From the swirling mist around him, four identical clones materialize, each one shimmering with a faint, otherworldly glow.
Moving in perfect harmony, the clones rush to his side, forming a living shield just as a searing blast tears toward them. They absorb the impact without hesitation, standing firm as The Fiddler’s music rises, fierce and defiant—a breathtaking display of power, magic, and unbreakable spirit.
It fires a laser at each of the clones; they take the hit and quickly dematerialize.
URI
Whoa...
While this is happening, The Fiddler leaps into the air and delivers one huge final Arco blast at it.
THE FIDDLER
How bout an E!!!
The Ophanim takes the blast full force, and falls out of the air unconscious, The Fiddler lands ever so gracefully, light as a feather. Wickston and Uri are staring in awe.
WICKSTON
THAT WAS AMAZING!!! HOW DID YOU DO THAT!?!?!?
URI
That was... Thank you...
THE FIDDLER
Oh... That was nothing, you should see me when I try. I told you I wouldn't let you get hurt.
Uri's face blushes a little.
URI
Uhm. Well then. Yeah. Ha!
THE FIDDLER
We should get out of here, Ophanim rarely travel alone.
Uri looks down, takes a deep breath and prepares to speak when, unknown to anyone else a dark shadowy hand covers his mouth.
NOBODY
Don't tell me you're gonna let that change your mind about him. Don't be an idiot! You can't trust anybody!
Uri shakes off the negative voice in his head.
URI
Nuh-NO!!
Wickston and The Fiddler both turn around back to him.
URI
Fiddler I'm sorry... I was very rude to you! And You've...
(Beat)
...you've done nothing but be kind to us... to me... I'm... sorry. Thank you for saving us back there...
Wickston looks between the two of them. The Fiddler smiles, walks over to him and sticks his hand out. Uri reaches out to give him a handshake, but The Fiddler pulls him in and gives him a hug.
THE FIDDLER
What are friends for.
Uri's stares off into space in shock. The Fiddler lets him go, and starts back on his way. He gestures his hand “Come on”.
THE FIDDLER
Now come on man, we are burning daylight. It's a long way to Floralia!
A fragile lightness stirs inside Uri, one so small he’s almost afraid to acknowledge it. Could he really trust someone again—someone so wild, so unpredictable? The thought lingers, absurd yet tempting, and for the first time in what feels like forever, a soft, unguarded smile creeps onto his face.
URI
Hey wait for me!
Post Credits
From a distant perch, a shadowed figure peers through the distorted glass of a strange, glinting lens, silently observing the scene unfold. Without a word, they raise a slender piccolo to their lips and play a few soft, haunting notes. At their command, the Ophanim dissolves into the air—its massive form unraveling into a swirl of cherry blossom petals that vanish into the wind, leaving behind only an unnatural silence.
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