The Serpent Curse - Kiah Meets Critter
An excerpt of my screenplay The Serpent Curse, essentially the teaser clip if it ever gets made.
EXT. AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK - DAWN
Kiah's pupils shrink into focus as a sudden RUSTLE from the brush pulls her awake. She watches in snake vision, spotting a BEARDED DRAGON looking around aimlessly, like he doesn't know where to go.
Kiah looks at her tail, and wiggles it, making the brush around her VIBRATE. The Bearded Dragon stops to turn in its direction, curiosity lighting his face.
Slowly the Bearded Dragon makes its way toward Kiah, a satisfied look on its face. Kiah prepares to spring.
Another step from the Bearded Dragon, VIBRATING through the ground to Kiah-
And Kiah launches, ready to bite. The Bearded Dragon reflexively puffs out its neck in a HISS. Kiah stops, staring into its face, and the Bearded Dragon backs up in victory.
BEARDED DRAGON: See, I knew I was fierce. You were going to eat me, but because of my fierceness, you were too afraid.
KIAH: Oh my goodness, you're so adorable.
BEARDED DRAGON: I'm... What?
Kiah loops herself around the Bearded Dragon, enamored by his cuteness.
KIAH: You're so cute. I think I'm going to keep you as a pet.
Kiah reaches for Critter's nose with her tail and-
KIAH: Boop.
BEARDED DRAGON: What!? No!
KIAH: Oh. Well... My brother's hungry anyway.
Kiah prepares to strike again-
BEARDED DRAGON: I mean no. I'm all for you not eating me, but... A pet? I'm not a pet type. Don't you think I'd be a great body guard instead?
KIAH: Nah. You're not intimidating enough.
BEARDED DRAGON: But... You didn't eat me because my fierceness, remember?
KIAH: Uh, No, you're too cute to eat. (Beat) Well, not unless absolutely necessary. Now come on.
Kiah starts to slither away, but the Bearded Dragon hesitates uncomfortably.
KIAH: You know, it's absolutely necessary that I have a pet at the moment.
Without any further hesitation, the Bearded Dragon follows Kiah.
EXT. AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK - MOMENTS LATER
Kiah and the Bearded Dragon reach the tree where Birrani is still tied up.
KIAH: I think I found some help.
The Bearded Dragon looks up at the other two snakes.
BEARDED DRAGON: Oh, I see. You weren't hungry, so you decided to feed me to your friends instead. You're ordering me "to-go".
KIAH: Don't be silly. My brother needs help out of that tree, and you're the one for the job.
BEARDED DRAGON: And how do I know you won't eat me when I'm done?
KIAH: Do we look like we would do that.
Bearded Dragon looks at their faces.
BEARDED DRAGON: Well...
KIAH: Okay, here's the deal, free my brother, and I'll make sure my family doesn't eat you. On purpose. Now about your family and friends... I'm not going to make any guarantees.
BEARDED DRAGON: Oh, I don't have any family and friends here. I'm off on my own to see the world and become independent.
KIAH: You're my pet. Obviously, your plan is going better than expected.
The Bearded Dragon goes silent as they climb the tree. Kiah looks at her family.
KIAH: Just so you know, I declared this adorable thing as my pet, so there will be no eating him when he's done.
BIRRANI: Oh man, but I'm so hungry.
Kiah looks at him.
BIRRANI: Okay.
Kiah turns to the Bearded Dragon
KIAH: Now, to give you a name.
BEARDED DRAGON: I already have a name.
BIRRANI: Seriously, we're doing this now?
KIAH: How about Critter.
BEARDED DRAGON: My name's Kyle.
KIAH: I like Critter better.
Critter SIGHS.