Children Screaming
“[children laughing]
[Julius] It was so funny, Father. [laughs]
[man] And Percy, too.”
“Percy is that you,” Keyleth points to a brown haired boy who resembles Percy the most.
“Yes,” Percy's face looks far away as he self continuously pushes back his now pure white hair. He recognized this as one of his more common recurring nightmares, “you might want to cover the children's eyes.”
“[laughs] (its a dinner party everyone appears to be having a good time. There are a bunch of kids who closely resemble Percy and Cassandra)
[laughing]
- [woman laughs] (the dream is shifting into a nightmare and a slaughter of the family)”
Percy and Cassandra instinctively grab each other's hands. Percy closes his eyes. Many people gasp.
“Percy this is..” Keyleth has one hand covering her mouth
“- [panting] (him and Cass are escaping through the woods)
- [dogs barking]
- [Percy] Hurry, Cass!
- [woman] That man...
- [whimpers]
[man] Reality knocking
at your door.
[panting]
- [grunts]
- [Johanna screams]
[man cackles] (after flashing through many deaths it cuts back to Percy running)
[horse neighs] (the two are being chased)
[panting]
[grunts] (Casandra is shot by three arrows before falling Percy reaches for her.)
[gasps]
[breathing shakily] (Percy wakes up)”
“The Briarwood will not be allowed to get away with this Lord De Rolo you have my word,” Uriel swears
“They already have gotten away with it,” Cass says bitterly, removing her hand which was still clasped within Percys.
“[sighs]
Bad dream? (Vex ambushes Percy concerned as he leaves his room)
Is there any other kind?”
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪ (theme song)
“- [birds chirping]
- [rooster crows]
[sighs]
Good morning, everybody. (Keyleth is chipper despite it being early mourning)”
“Well that's a mood change,” Scanlan muttered under his breath, however Vex leans over and swats at him, “what its true!”
“[all grumbling] (nobody else seems very awake)
- [Vex] Why?
- Why is she yelling?
- Oh, good morning, Vax.
- [muffled] Morning.
[gasps, wails] (he elbows him between the legs)
Seven to two. [strained] I never agreed
to this stupid game.
[sighs] Must you?
We can't all bealoof tight-a**es, de Rolo.”
For once Vox Machina kept their mouths shut this is definitely the wrong time to comment on Percy’s need to loosen up. Luckily that's what little sisters are for.
“Honestly you're free and you're not even enjoying it,” Cassandra complained about her brother who grumbled a little.
“I'm simply suggesting you could all benefit from some well-practiced restraint.
- [moans]
- Emotions aren't meant to be bottled up. Maybe you should cut loose once in a while.
[pounding on door] (Its Allura she enters)
Hello? Uh, Vox Machina? Uh, are you here?
- [Keyleth] It's stuck.
- [door thumping]”
Allura sighed at her friend's antics.
“[Scanlan] Ugh, f*cking doors.
[Vex] These old hinges are rusted.
[Pike] Grog, give it a little shove?
[Grog] Yep, one sec. (the door slams open) [chuckles]
Lady Allura, welcome. Hope you didn't feel the need to bring a housewarming present.
I didn't. Alas, I'm only here to remind you that Sovereign Uriel expects you at his dinner.”
Realization that the Briarwoods will be at this dinner seeps in. Percy pales further
“- Oh, shit. That's tonight?
- Finally. A proper evening of protocol and civilized conversation. (Percy looks excited)
[Allura] It's more than a party. Dignitaries from across the realm are here to form a new security pact. We must put our best foot forward.
- Right. W-Which foot is that?
- [plate shatters]
[Scanlan] Hey, Pike, want to be my date? I promise to be on my best-worst behavior.
[Pike] Oh, I-I'm okay.
Lady Allura, we appreciate the gravity of the situation and will present ourselves with the utmost dignity.
(Vax goes from respectful to suddenly elbowing Grog in the groin)”
“You were saying brother,” Vex sighed
“Nice one Vax!” Grog smiled
“[grunts, coughs]
Yeah. [strained] Good one. Seven to five. (Grog crumples)
Five? He was just at two.
Oh, yeah, that was a three-pointer. You see, the rules of ball-tag are as complex as they are beautiful.
I-I shall brief them on royal etiquette and manners. You have my word, nothing will go wrong.
[cries] My balls. Hurts so much.
(seen change to the party
Remember what we practiced. Be reserved, be charming. Protocol.
[grunts] [sighs] Just follow my lead.
Sorry. If you brought weapon, they must be checked.”
All of Vox machina clutched their chosen weapons a little tighter.
“[grumbles]
(they reluctantly hand in there weapons)
- [laughter]
- [indistinct chatter]
(the party has already begun)
[sergeant-at-arms]
From Kraghammer, Gradim Greyspine.
From Emon, Vox Machina?
[Scanlan] [sighs] Is that all you got? Allow me. [clears throat]”
“And there goes protocol,” Percy sighed
“Vox Machina, champions of justice, hunters of dragons, destroyers of chastity.
- [people gasping]”
“I regret inviting you all,” Uriel looked done.
“Right, let's stick together. Follow my lead for formal greetings, and...
(the group splits up and dissolves in to the party)
Or, you know, do whatever.
[scoffs] How's anyone supposed to get drunk from these things?
Uh, I'm pretty sure they're just fancy shots, Grog.”
“Actually that very expensive champagne,” Salda sighs
“Two for you, and three for me.
- Ooh. Cheers.
- Cheers.
[gulping]
- [glass shatters]
- [both exhale]
(they chug each glass before moving on to the next at an alarming speed)
What are you looking at? Doofus.
[Scanlan] What-what? You want to get freaky with me?
Sir, I don't even know you.
You are a libertine and a cad, and I like it.
Reginald, what in the world?
I just asked where the privy was.
[laughter]”
Percy groaned, putting his face in his hands.
“This is fantastic. Diplomats are here
from all over Tal'Dorei. Fort Daxio, Kymal, Westruun. Even...
- [sergeant-at-arms] From Whitestone, Lord Sylas and Lady Delilah Briarwood.
(the two enter and a terrified looking Percy is thrusted into a flashback)”
“Oh, no,” Pike closed her eyes a little
“- [woman screams]
- [hyperventilating]
- [metal scraping]
- [grunting]
(we can hear this happening as Percy continue to stare terrified at the Briarwoods)
- [man cackles]
- [woman screams]
Percy, what's wrong?
It's... it's them.”
The group shifts subtly closer to Percy as he explains what they have only caught glimpses of onscreen.
“Whitestone was my home. Until those fiends took everything from me.
What do you want us to do?”
“What? Don’t you want more of an explanation than that before you help me?” Percy looked at Vox Machina genuinely confused.
“That can wait darling,” Vex looked at him concerned
“Should we say something? To Uriel?”
“Yes please tell me,” Uriel gives the group a significant glance.
“We can't.
[grunting]
Looks like they're staying overnight.
Why don't I make myself scarce and slip into their chambers? See if I can figure out what they're up to.”
“No honestly brother did you not see the brigands before get ripped apart,”
“I did but he didn’t,” Vax gestured to the screen
“Yeah, sounds like a plan. But in case of trouble, we should have a safe word.
- Grog, suggestions?
- Right. The safe word is "chenga." (hes says with confidence)
Okay. My safe word's "mommy."”
“Scanlan!” Vex complains.
“[laughter from the people around him]
And somehow you guys look worse every time we see you.
Where's Vax?
Oh, uh, he has the squirts.
I see. Delightful. Well, if you'll follow me.
Seats for the sovereign's dragon slayers.(they're all sitting down for dinner)
[laughs]”
Vex looked down. It seems even when she does something right she’ll be looked down upon. Vax grabs her hand as if reading her thoughts.
“[growls softly]
Ooh, shit's about to get real.
[silverware clinking]
- [knocking on wood]
- [sergeant-at-arms] Attention please be given to our Sovereign Uriel Tal'Dorei III and Empress Salda Tal'Dorei.
-(everyone stands) [clears throat]”
“Didn’t you give the etiquette classes,” Cassandra sighed
“I doubt they were listening,” Percy sighed
“- Hmm?
[gasps softly]
- Uh... Huh? (Vox Machina stands)
- Oh.
Nothing like a dragon attack to bring us all together, eh?
- [soft laughter]
- Thank you, everyone, for making the journey in. Please, allow men to introduce our dining party. We have Arbiter Duala Juun, Master of Law.
- [applause]
- To her left, Seeker Assum...
[Keyleth whispers] Percy? Percy.”
Keyleth leaned closer to her best friend Percy. Who blinked surprised, not overly comfortable with physical contact but allowing it anyway.
“P-Percy.
[Scanlan whispers] He's just staring like a perv.
He said the Briarwoods took everything. What does that mean?”
“I suppose I could have given a better explanation,” Percy looked down
“Its alright darling,” Vex gave him a sympathetic look
“We cannot be caught unprepared again.
- [all] Hear, hear.
- [man] Agreed, Sovereign.
Percy, talk to us.(Pike throws her spoon at him) Percy.
[scattered gasps]
[chuckles]
- I'm fine.(Percy finally speaking)”
The room gave Percy a big ‘no your not’ look.
“- Oh, yeah, sure.
Percy, I say you just walk over to the Briarwoods, say hello to break the ice, then punch them in the face. See what happens.”
“That would be satisfying,” Percy smiled a little thankfully at his (friend) companion.
“- Grog, no.
Eh, I don't hate Grog's idea.
Uh, we have to wait. Give Vax a chance to gather some intel.
(cuts to Vax)
Hmm? (he slips behind the guard)
Hmm. (this time he distract s the guard using his belt which transforms into a snake)
- What the bloody hell?
- f*cking snake!
Come on. (cuts back to dinner)
[Uriel to the Briarwoods] I must confess, I was rather curious whether you would come. Our messenger did not return. In fact, I've heard dark rumors about Whitestone.”
“Oh no,” Cassandra paled
“That's good we're confronting them,” Uriel glanced at her confused as did everyone else.
“They can control people though,” Cassandra shakes her head
“They say no one travels in or out of your lands.
Lies spread by drunks and knaves. If no one left Whitestone, would we be sitting before you, Sovereign?
[Uriel] Perhaps. Or perhaps I might be forced to send a garrison of troops to check on your city.
[Sylas] You won't need to do that.
(Uriel's eyes briefly turn gold) You are right. There's no need. In fact, Whitestone needs to be protected. Yes. Whitestone's independence is not to be challenged.”
“Oh,” Uriel voices quietly as Salda grips her husband's hand tightly.
“- Ooh. Nice catch.
- [laughter]
Have we… met before?”
Percy starts to shake so slightly that only Keyleth who is leaning on him and Cassandra who has been watching closely noticed.
“[gulps]
Uh...
We haven't met. I'm Vex'ahlia. I'm so sorry, what was your name again?”
“Thank you,” Percy sighed in relief. Vex just nodded
“Delilah. What an absolute pleasure to meet the Protectors of the Realm. My husband Sylas.
- Charmed.
[Scanlan] Uh, those are beautiful beads. I have a set just like it, you know.
-(Keyleth confused) Beads? I've never once seen you...
- Eh?
Ew.”
“What do you mean?” Gren asked Scanlan who blinked and looked at his parents who were glaring murderously at him.
“I will leave that to your parents,”
“♪ ♪
[hissing]
- [laughter]
- [indistinct chatter]
(Delilah begins) interestingly enough, we're not originally from Whitestone.
Of course you're not.
Tell me, have you heard how we became caretakers of Whitestone? The official story is that city was administered by the de Rolo family until they succumbed to a rare disease. But I'm afraid the truth is, we concocted that tale to protect their legacy.”
“She's not going into this,” Vax hissed protectively
“The sad reality is that the de Rolos abdicated. They grew bored of ruling, and after their children raided the treasury, they abandoned their people to rot.”
Percy griped his hand so tight that it turned white. His nails carving crescent moons on the inside of his hand.
“- Liars! (Percy stands up)
- [gasping]
[murmuring]
Ugh. Thank you, Sovereign Uriel, but I think we will retire for the night. It was a lovely dinner. We especially enjoyed the company. So refined. Excuse us for a moment.
[chairs scraping on floor]”
“Vax,” Vex realized and everyone straightened up.
“Percival, darling, what did we say about emotions?
You don't understand.
Then help us understand.
[sighs] The Briarwoods… they murder my entire family.”
Vox Machina shifted closer to Percy.
“We got what we came for. Uriel was more pliant than even I anticipated.
The Whispered One?”
“Who,” Scanlan leaned forward
“But finding the boy was unexpected. Our circumstances have changed.
(Vax is trying to hide)
[whooshing]
- [explosive pop they appear behind him]
- [Vax gasps]
Oh, uh, beg your pardon. Just turning down your bed. Forgot those little… pillow mints. Um… (the couple walk towards him threatening) Oh, gosh you're a handsome couple. Lost my train of thought. Be right back.”
“Smooth,” Scanlan snorted
“This isn’t funny Scanlan,” Vex glared at him who raised his hands in surrender
“[gasps back at the party]
Percy, why didn't you tell us?
I've tried to tell many over the years. No one's ever believed me.”
“So you did try,” Cassandra mulled over the news
“Of course,”
“I thought you just ran and never looked back. You certainly didn’t when you abandoned me.
“If I knew you were alive,” Percy began before looking down
“I know,” Cassandra assured her brother, “it doesn’t change the fact that you left,” Percy looked down ashamed.
“[gasps] Wait. Vax is up there. What if he needs help?”
“You've just realized,” Vax shuck his head
“Plus, he's got the squirts! Okay, I'll distract, you go... quietly.”
“Please don’t cause to big a seen,” Salda sighed
“- [clears throat]
- [murmuring, gasping]
Ladies and lords, allow Scanlan Shorthalt to delight you with an after-dinner song I like to call "Pull My Beads of Love."”
“Or cause a scene!” Salda threw her hands up in the air as Kaylie covered her mouth trying not to throw up.
“A-two, three, four! Give me a tug!
♪ Ha ♪
♪ Now, I don't really know what you're thinkin' ♪
- Ugh.
- ♪ When you're lookin' at a gnome like me ♪
♪ Ow! But I can show you somethin' special, whoa! ♪
[back with Vax] trembling breaths]
You are a curious one. And you look delicious.
[groans] (Sylas bites Vax)”
“Brother!” Vex grabs Vax who looks at the screen pale.
“[groaning weakly]
[Sylas] Come now. Let's get this over with.
[Vax grunts breaking free]
[groaning he jumps out the window]
[weakly] Chenga...
(at the party)
Vax.
We have to move.
(at the weapons booth) We lost the ticket?
Screw it. Grog!
[Grog] Come here, f*ck!
- [guard grunts as he throw them]
- [crashing]
[all panting as they run]
(With Vax the Briarwoods teleport down to him)
There's no way out tonight, my friend.
- [bird screeches]
- Hmm?
[screeching]
- Whoa!
- Sylas! Delilah! (Percy yells at him)
“So I suppose we're not stealthing,” Vax hesitantly teased his friend while he stared at the screen stone faced like he never heard him.
“- [gun clicks]
- [he fires]
Would you look at that, dear? It's the pup who survived, all grown up.”
Percy flinched his mind going back to when she called him a pup while Anna made him scream. The sound of his own scream drowned everything out.
“Percy,” Cassandra's voice cut through the fog of the memory. “Percy, it's ok she's not here. She can't hurt you,” which she doesn't matter. Cassandra stayed there clutching my hand as I blinked back to reality. Vox Machina cast concerned glances but clearly had been warded away by Cass.
“Cass?”
“I'm right here. I’m safe,” the two stayed together as she nodded to continue the show.
“Step off, b*tch.
(they begin to fight)
No one kills Vax but me!
[Pike] I've got you, Vax. Come on, come on, come on, please.
[grunts as she heals Vax]
Thanks, Pickle.”
“Thank you,” Vec whispers as well when Vax repeats his on screen words. Pike nods, feeling immense relief.
“Had him right where I wanted him.
[Delilah] I think not.
[Keyleth] Ah, cr*p!
- [laughs]
- [yells] (the fight continues)
These are Emon's "Protectors of the Realm"?”
Vox Machina tenses doubting they are good enough to have this title.
“[Percy shoots him and Sylas grunts before smiling as he heals]
Oh, sh*t. That ain't good.
[laughs]
My blade thirsts.
You got a sword. Oh, that's cute.
[Grog charges with his ax blade rings]
You were saying?
So, we're not doing terrible, right?
No, this is terrible.
(back to Scanlan)
♪ Pull on
my f*ck' beads ♪
♪ Of love, of love ♪
♪ Pull on my f*ck' beads ♪
♪ Of love, of love ♪
♪ Ow! ♪”
“Dang they love me,” Scanlan smirked
“[yelling and grunting the fight continues]
[blade rings]
[Grog groaning]
[Pike] Oh, no.Hold on, Grog! Ah. Oh, you the best, Pike.
[grunting]
Ooh, I bet that hurt.
This little one is entirely too much trouble.
- [yells as dark purple energy shoots out from the ground]”
Pike pales seeing her holy symbol crack.
“- [whooshing]
[screams]
Ball tag time!
[groaning and panting]”
“I can’t believe that did something,” Allura shook her head
“Your gods can't help you now.
- [Pike gasps]
- Oh, no, no, no! Pike!
[yells]
[man] What's going on? Go get the captain!”
“About time,” Vex shook her head
“- [man ] There they are. In the courtyard!
- [man ] Over there! Desmond!”
“Nope that's the Briarwoods men,” Scanlan groaned
“[horse neighing]
Lady Briarwood, I did as you ordered. Your belongings are here...
[yelps, grunts he shoves him off] I'll drive, thank you.
Stop them!
Come visit us sometime, Percival. You're always welcome back home.”
“Oh, she is so dead,” Vex glared and Cassandra clutched her brother's hand.
“[clicking his gun is empty]
[Percy] No! I had them. Had them! And you let them slip away. (there's a shadow sweeping around him)”
“Whoa, don’t blame us,” Scanlan raised his hands up despite not actually being there.
“Percival, whats that,” Vax asked him. Percy closed his eyes remembering a dream from long ago.
“[all gasp softly]
[Keyleth] I-I didn't...
Everlight. [gasps]
No. No, please.
[Desmond groans softly as Percy stalks towards him]
[Percy] You.
[grunts]
[Desmond gasping]
Start talking. Why were the Briarwoods here? What were they after?
Uh, they were invited like you. By Sovereign Uriel.
Sylas and Delilah have never left the confines of Whitestone before. Why here? Why now?”
“Percy you need to calm down,” Vex glanced at Percy
“[eerie hissing the shadow engulfs him]
Answer me... now.
What the actual f*ck?”
“I agree with that statement!” Scanlan gasped
“Holy sh*t, Percy. What are you doing?
[Desmond] Please.
I'm-I'm only a servant. They-they don't tell me anything. Please don't hurt me. Please don't hurt me!
[groaning Percy shoot of his hand]
Percy, stop.
[whimpering]
[gasping]
You fool. Now your soul is forfeit. (his voice is more demonic)”
“Gasp, Percy,” Keyleth whispered shaking
“[gasping]
[Uriel] Halt right there! What is the meaning of this? Guards, arrest Vox Machina.”
“This isn’t ideal,” Percy said slowly, finally speaking up.
“You think,” Cass gives him a look
“[guard] Quickly! Go, go! Nobody move! Hands where we can see 'em.
[Scanlan whoops and laughs]They loved me in there. Oh, I was on fire.”
“I should have run the other direction,” Scanlan sighed disappointed
“Huh? f*ck.”
“Whose ready for the next episode!” Darcy cheered. The room all sent glances Percy’s way.
“Percy…” Keyleth started
“Let's just watch I ‘m sure all will be relieved,” no one liked the answer but they all accepted for now.