Act 3 Scene 3:
(The lights turn back on slowly, revealing that nothing has changed or moved in the transition)
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Protagonist: (Desperate, on the verge of tears) Lord Preen, in the quiet of the woods, you spared me. The accomplishments you strive for are never enough for your father, a relentless pursuit that leaves you ever reaching for an unattainable approval. For five years, we shared the burdens of our respective paths. Look beyond the shadows your father casts; there’s another path, one free from the stain of innocent blood, offering redemption for both of us.
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Earl Bigot: (Sarcastically) How touching! Preen, do take the shot. Let the dramatics cease, and the inevitable unfolds.
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Lord Preen: (Shifting his aim to Earl Bigot) Aiming for a place in the annals of history, are we not?
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Earl Bigot: You do not have the guts to—
(Lord Preen interrupts by firing the clockwork bow, hitting Earl Bigot it)
(Stage directions: This is done by blacking out the lights, using a sound effect, and having the fall to the ground with a shout of pain. the Bigot actor should pop up a fake arrow identical to the one in the bow while simultaneously bursting the fake blood packets under the costume. The Preen actor should remove the arrow from the bow and pocket it. After this, the lights should turn back on)
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Earl Bigot: (In shock) You... dare?
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Lord Preen: Yes, I dare, Father.
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(He lowers his bow, leaving his wounded father on the ground)
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Earl Bigot: (Struggling to speak) Narciss has prospered under my forty-year reign, a legacy that I have painstakingly built. From the soaring towers to the opulent palaces, all bear the mark of my ambition. (He pauses, catching his breath) I only wanted what was best for our homeland, for you, Preen. The decisions I made, even when they seemed harsh, were driven by a desire to see our people thrive. (Another pause, interrupted by a fit of coughing) I am proud of the accomplishments we have achieved together. (He takes a laboured breath) I apologize for my mistakes, for not always understanding the full weight of my choices. (His voice weakens, and he struggles to continue) For only thinking of myself. (He fights to breathe) Remember m....e (the last words are a gasp as the Earl of Narciss becomes still)
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Aeroadmiral Noble: (Observing the scene) Lord Preen, by the will of Narciss, you are now the rightful Earl. May your rule bring prosperity and strength to our great realm. (He offers a nod of acknowledgement to Preen)
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Earl Preen: (Taking charge) There will be no invasion. The ÆDF and the Dragoons are no longer our enemies. We have a new path to forge, one that serves the prosperity of Narciss.
(The protagonist gets up, visibly shaken)
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(The lights dim, and the curtain falls as the characters absorb the weight of the unexpected turn of events, leaving the audience in suspense)
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