	Login Help

Screenwriter Community

by Karen Brantley (karenbrantley2018@gmail.com)

Rated:

Genre: Family User Review: NOT YET
RATED
UPDATED: 12/18/2018 Aranda, a young angel is swept away from Christmas past, into the future and back again in this powerful tale. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: CONTACT: Karen Brantley at karenbrantley2018@gmail.com or call: 434-713-6854--432 Mac Road, Blairs, VA 24527 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COPYRIGHT Š2018 KAREN BRANTLEY. NO PORTION OF THIS SCRIPT MAY BE PERFORMED, PUBLISHED, REPRODUCED, SOLD OR DISTRIBUTED BY ANY MEANS, OR QUOTED OR PUBLISHED IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING ANY WEB SITE, WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF KAREN BRANTLEY.

STAR-A CHRISTMAS TALE

EXT. THE STARS - NIGHT

FADE IN:

We soar through the stars. We pass Venus, Saturn, Jupiter,
soaring past the moon of Earth and pause.

STANNA OF THE STARS,an angel, is standing in the stars. Her
wings flaring high. Her long hair dancing around her. Her
blue eyes flare as blue as the earth. She is holding an
unlit candle.

A mighty giant hand breaks the darkness of space. God's
forefinger stretches out and lights the candle.

A BRILLIANT STAR bursts from the flame of the candle. It
moves aside to reveal the stairway leading to the gates of
heaven.

TITLE: STAR--A Christmas Tale

MUSIC BEGINS: THE GATES OF HEAVEN III-EMOTIONAL ORCHESTRAL
TRACKS-REVOLT PRODUCTIONS MUSIC (AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE FOR A
LISTEN)

EXT. THE STAIRCASE TO HEAVEN - NIGHT

Camera pushes we see: THE ORNATE GATES OF HEAVEN OPEN.

Giant torches are lit, leading the way.

Stanna, flies in, lands and walks up the staircase.

1
(STANNA/NARRATOR)
A story must be told. I shall be
bold. It is a story of the angels
untold. Many an angel has walked
the stairway to heaven, good and
bad. But there was never a day so
sad, as the day STALENTAD broke
into heaven and demanded he be
given his way.

CAMERA GOES THROUGH THE GATES INTO:

INT. THE CRYSTAL CASTLE - DAY

ROLL CREDITS

THROUGH the ornate double throne doors.

PAN THROUGH: The throne room-sparkling, opulent.

The DOORS CLOSE.

Angels flying and milling about-long white loin cloths
floating through the air. Wide leather belts and glowing
swords-chests bare.

SUDDENLY: The throne room doors SLAM OPEN.

In strides STALENTAD, a demon, having dark, twisted features
with equally dark and twisted wings. Tall, strong, fearless
in his black armour and sword.

A powerful, musclebound angel FLIES DOWN AND LANDS in front
of Stalentad.

It's AVILA the Commander, BREATHING HARD, adrenaline filling
the air.

SOME COMMOTION AS-

A company of armed warriors, called DAGGUARDS, BREAK THROUGH
the crowd, joining Stalentad.

CHEERS BREAK THE SILENCE AS:

Stanna appears in a bright flash of light, standing before
the golden throne.

25
(DIALOG)
...Stanna of the Stars!

No break of stares between Avila and Stalentad.

SWASH-The drawing of Avila's sword

2
(AVILA)
Stalentad, what is your word?

            3
      (STALENTAD)
These angels will never find my
words to be a note of pleasure
this day! I am here to do you a
            (MORE)

3 (cont'd)
service!

With a GUTTERAL GROWL, Stalentad pushes the sword away,
circling Avila arrogantly.

CLAP!

Stalentad's hand draws in the audiences attention. He lifts
his chin high.

SWASH!-The sword is returned to it's sheath.

3
(STALENTAD(CONT.)
Now let's get down to business.
My question is this, why do you
care that humans die? Why don't
you mind your own business? They
are worthless to you all. Let us
be rid of their plagues and
stupidity. I'm sure you all can
agree. You can receive no profit
from even one of their skins.
Let's make a bargain and you'll
save your own skins.

2
(AVILA)
No, no. You miss the point. What
use is any skin?
This just goes way back and well,
it still means something enough to
us to say we are of the same seed
of God.
We will never forget that. Our
continued protection is forsworn
by God. You know this. This vow
can not be broken, not by you nor
I. This is a ridiculous counter by
you Stalentad. Go home before you
tempt God and be sent to hell.

Stalentad WHIRLING onto Avila.

3
(STALENTAD)
Nahh! It will be warmer there.
How do you stand it in this cold,
impotent place.

2
(AVILA)
It's not so bad. You haven't seen
much. I'd offer you a tour but you
don't seem much in a good mood.

3
(STALENTAD)
Don't change the subject. I'm not
stupid. A gentle reminder to you
sheep. We will not allow anyone to
help Earth or humans. We will rule
them. They are cows.

Avila attempts a handshake-EXTENDING his hand to Stalentad.

Stalentad THROWS UP HIS FIST-WIGGLING his middle finger.

Smiling and unflustered, Avila returns his hand to the hilt
of his sword.

2
(AVILA)
You are still my brother,
Stalentad.

3
(STALENTAD)
You're a sap.

The "P" echoes in the throne room.

SLAP!

Avila's wings FLAIR UP IN ANGER.

CREAKING leather armor.

STANDING toe to toe.

3
(STALENTAD)
I am not your brother, sister, or
friend! God made me dead to you.
Look at me. I am better than you!

2
(AVILA)
We are no less that equals.

3
(STALENTAD)
Child,you are certainly still in
diapers.

Stalentad CIRCLES Avila again-FLUFFING feathers as he goes.

Avila angry now-flushed, pushed, and ready to fight. Bait is
taken...hands THROWING UP in fists.

2
(AVILA)
Ok, enough. You will retreat
immediately and pull your
Dagguards out of Heaven NOW!

Hands now to Stalentad's chest, a mighty push-

Stalentad takes two steps backwards...feigning surrender.

3
(STALENTAD)
Ah, well put. You all claim to be
one with your God of love. If you
love me,let me have my way.

SWASH!

SUDDENLY: Stalentad draws his sword.

2
(STALENTAD(CONT.)
Or DIE! Draw, pigeon or loose
your head without a knick.

SWASH!

Avila draws his sword-

Pointedly at Stalentad.

2
(AVILA)
Stand down Stalentad. We will not
allow you to have your way. With
this sword, I'll send you to hell!

3
(STALENTAD)
I look forward to meeting you
there.

CLANG! CLANG!

SWORDS CLASH.

SUDDENLY: Avila PUSHES Stalend back, THROWING his sword up
into the air-

It spins between them.

3
(STALENTAD)
You cheat!

SPINNING AWAY, Avila DIRECTS the sword with his finger to
PLUNGE toward Stalentad's chest.

2
(AVILA)
Not! This should end the problem
though.

DODGING the plunge, Stalentad lunges toward Avila.
Sword retrieved-

Battle begins again.

CLANG! CLANG! SWOOSH!

Avila's sword slices Stalentad's chest and stops just short
of piercing his throat.

3
(STALENTAD)
No matter what you do with me, we
will still take the child!

Two steps forward-

Sword goes into Stalentad's throat.

He vanishes

EXT. THE HEAVENS NIGHT SKY - LATER

BONG! BONG!

Golden bells ringing-

Snow falling.

CLANG! CLANG!-on the ground swords CLASHING.

WOOSH!

Enormous white wings FLYING through the air.

CLOSING her eyes against the wind, ARANDA, an experienced
fourteen year old angel, long luxurious hair flowing in the
air, slips her hand into her mother's hand.

Hand on the hilt of his sword, Avila, leads the way home to
their MANION.

ARANDA, daughter to Avila and SYLVAN is a very innocent
young girl. She's petite with huge sparkling eyes. Her hair
is very long and usually loosely woven together with ribbons
and pearls.

Avila, along with his wife, SYLVAN, and his daughter, Aranda
fly up and away from the Crystal Castle, toward the
direction of their home (manion).

2
(AVILA)
We must take great care flying to
our manion. Follow me.

Over hilltops and rooftops, the landscape is littered with
the twinkling lights of candles.

SYLVAN, an ageless beauty, long flowing braids, an air of
sophistication about her, SLOWS down a little and trails a
bit behind her husband.

A MID-AIR TURN, Avila spots his family dragging behind.

2
(AVILA)
Sylvan, Aranda! Hurry! It's
getting late!

Wings lift high, push hard, and SPEED increases-
The gap is CLOSED.

CLOSE IN ON: ANGELS CRUISING BY IN A FAMILY GROUP.

Hands fly up in friendly greeting.

Recognition OPENS Aranda's eyes wide-

Following her friend, TAPPY fly by.

4
(ARANDA)
Mother! Look! It's Tappy!

8.
Avila and his family fly down and land at the front door of their home. They go in.

Tappy is fourteen and enamored of Aranda. His golden brown hair ruffles in the wind, bound in the back with a long braid. He pauses mid-air-reaching an arm as if to embrace her. A stern look from his father prompts him to continue on. Romantic SMILES are EXCHANGED between the two-they pass by each other very closely. Avila swings with a wide turn- Then a slow decent. Feet land on lush green grassy turf. CAMERA GOES THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR INTO-


INT. THE AVILA FAMILY MANION - NIGHT

CREAK! The wooden door opens- CAMERA GOES THROUGH INTO: A large living room. Wooden floors, spinning wheel, rough hewn furniture, but comfortable. Even a rocking chair. Carding tools for wool on a stool. Crackle, Crackle- The fireplace is lit and glowing. With ease, folding wings in, Sylvan gently drops Aranda's hand and heads toward the dinner table. Avila quickly settles himself at the head of the table and sits down. Taking a customary place near the fire, Aranda picks up the carding tools and begins carding wool for thread. LATER: Pipe smoke circles Avila's head as he draws a quill pen

across parchment paper-empty used plate pushed aside.

Quiet eating sounds and spoons crossing plates of beans and
bread.

Tock-

Spoon put down on empty plate-blue eyes intent on her
mother.

4
(ARANDA)
Mother, what happened today?

Creak-

A chair pushes back.

Sylvan's loving arms come to wrap around Aranda. They rock
together.

5
(SYLVAN)
Nothing to worry about baby.

Kissing Aranda on the cheek, a smile opens up the both of
them.

5
(SYLVAN)
Help me to clear the table?

4
(ARANDA)
Yes Mother.

Dishes stacked neatly.

AFTERWARD-

Aranda heads toward her bedroom door,PUSHES the latch, going
in.

CAMERA GOES THROUGH THE DOOR TO:

INT. ARANDA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

25
(DIALOG)
Muffled voices in the kitchen.

10.

Ear to the door-

Aranda decifers nothing of the conversation.

Delicate bare feet cross the floor, going to a curtain
hanging from the ceiling. She goes behind the curtain.

She exits in a night gown, LIGHTS another candle, and climbs
into bed.

Soft voices along with the door opening-Sylvan enters
smiling, quickly going over to her daughter.

CLOSE IN: Aranda's face.

Her mother touches her hair and sits down on the bedside.

5
(SYLVAN)
Aranda, I need to tell you
something.

4
(ARANDA)
What mother?

5
(SYLVAN)
Something most unusual has
happened. Nothing to worry about,
but...

Sylvan softens her smile.

5
(SYLVAN(CONT.)
Your father and I will be going
away for a little while...not for
long.

4
(ARANDA)
Away?

Aranda sits up in the bed.

4
(ARANDA(CONT.)
Why?

            5
      (SYLVAN)
Well...it's actually a mission.
Pappa and I were chosen to do
            (MORE)

11.

5 (cont'd)
something very special to help
someone.

4
(ARANDA)
Why wasn't I chosen too?

5
(SYLVAN)
No children are to go-and I must
mid-wife.

4
(ARANDA)
Mid-wife? What kind of mission is
this really?

5
(SYLVAN)
A young couple,on earth actually-
Mary and Joseph are going to have
a baby. Holy God has determined
that the baby is His son. They
need a lot of help with that.

4
(ARANDA)
Oh...I want to help mother. I
could be very helpful. I can do a
mission. I'm fourteen mother.
Couldn't you ask again? I don't
want to stay here without you.
And..and I think something scary
happened today at the throne
today. Did it?

4
(SYLVAN)
Your father took care of that. It
will be perfectly safe, my
darling. I would feel better that
you are here at home. But, I will
do this for you. I'll ask again.

4
(ARANDA)
Oh, thank you mother.

A loving hugs brings them together.

12.

5
(SYLVAN)
I also want you to know that your
Papa and I have chosen Beatrude to
come and stay with you.

4
(ARANDA)
Oh...I like her mother, but I'll
not need her. Don't you think?

5
(SYLVAN)
We'll see. You should really stay
her where it's safe. We have to
go to earth. Please know, we will
be back in three shakes of a
lamb's tail. I love you, my
Aranda. Don't forget your prayers
and get some sleep.

CLACK-

The door latch MOVES.

THE BEDROOM DOOR OPENS.

Avila joins his family, WRAPPING his strong arms and wings
around them both.

2
(AVILA)
Now don't you worry my brave
little angel. I want you to know
that no matter how far your mother
and I seem to be, we are always
with you. I love you my beautiful
baby girl. Now close your eyes
for me and go to sleep.

Sylvan leans over and BLOWS out the candle. She STANDS up
and WALKS toward the bedroom door-going out.

CLOSING her eyes and FOLDING her fingers together,Aranda
sends a silent prayer.

Stanna APPEARS in front of Aranda's bedroom window-UNSEEN.

She TURNS her head toward the window, GLIMPSING a slight
motion outside of the window.

13.

1
(STANNA/NARRATOR)
Other creatures in the heavens
were decidedly busy this night
too. Each one had interned
various works of good deeds and
evil schemes. Seeing in and being
in, those of another world far
away were planning intervention as
their work. One had done just that
as he peered through the open
glass-less window of the manion of
Avila.

EXT. OUTSIDE ARANDA'S BEDROOM WINDOW - MOMENTS LATER

CLOSE IN ON: PRANZIC AND FEETZIL

A human looking Feetzil is an odd, short, plump, little guy,
with a large bulbous nose, almost no hair-unkempt in his
worn out boots and uniform.

The large fairy type head of Pranzic blends with his
four-foot winged body of a dragon in miniature. His scales
ooze from the different atmosphere.

This duo PEEKS through the window at Aranda.

Aranda, turn in bed, her back to the window, notices
nothing.

Pranzic CATCHES a drip of ooze with his finger, FLINGING it.

15
(PRANZIC(V.O.)
Drat this air.

8
(FEETZIL)
Stupid, you got it on me.

15
(PRANZIC(V.O.)
Shhhh...

Feetzil wipes it off with disgust.

8
(FEETZIL)
That's just yucky.

14.

15
(PRANZIC(V.O.)
Shhh...we gotta go or be seen.

Pranzic yanks Feetzil up by the shoulders and flies up to
the roof just before Stanna looks out the window.

They vanish into the night.

INT. ARANDA'S BEDROOM - MORNING

Light streaming through the window.

A breeze blows a feather and small white flowers into the
room.
SUDDENLY: A TINKLING SOUND FROM OUTSIDE.

WAKING UP, Aranda sleepily turns toward the window. She sits
up and THROWS off the covers.

Toes touching the the floor-entering the shaft of light.

CLOSE IN ON: NIMBI, APPEARING OUTSIDE THE WINDOW.

A delicate miniature unicorn, Nimbi's mane and tail are
laced with tiny white flowers.

She LIFTS UP and places her hooves on the windowsill.

6
(NIMBI(V.O.)
Hello Aranda, I'm Nimbi.

Aranda's eyes widen with surprise and delight.

4
(AMANDA)
Nimbi...what brought you here?

Nimbi smiles.

6
(NIMBI(V.O.)
I understand you have a wish. I
came to help you with that. God
heard your prayer last night.

4
(ARANDA)
Oh yes, I did make a wish...I
didn't know unicorns could grant
wishes.

15.

6
(NIMBI(V.O.)
I don't actually grant
wishes...may I come in?

4
(ARANDA)
Of course.

A pillow is promptly taken from the bed and is placed on the
floor.

Flowers jump up from the floor when air hits them as the
pillow lands.

A QUICK HOP-

Nimbi is inside and settling on the pillow-with a polite sit
and another smile.

6
(NIMBI(V.O.)
I have a question for you. Do you
know we could be transported by
just a thought?

A surprised look crosses Aranda's face.

5
(ARANDA)
No. Transported?

6
(NIMBI(V.O.)
When I was your age, I went to the
Valley of the Unicorn, which is
very blue and very wide. It lay
between lavender mountains. It was
my Grandstah who brought me to the
Stones of Knowledge. Would you
like to go there and see what my
Grandstah showed me Amanda?

4
(ARANDA)
Where are the Stones of Knowledge?

            6
      (NIMBI)
It is where the trees are always
singing a distant tune with the
living wind. The wind is a gentle
blowing sound that sways and
tinkles with the sparkle of the
            (MORE)

16.

6 (cont'd)
Crystal River. All you need to do
is pick a flower from my mane and
close your eyes. Then we will be
standing on the snowy white banks
of the Crystal River.

Nimbi turns and looks at her mane.

6
(NIMBI (CONT.)
Pick a flower from my mane,
Aranda. Close your eyes, and we
will be transported.

CLOSE IN ON: A WHITE FLOWER WITH PINK CENTER. ARANDA'S
FINGERS PICK IT.

Dark feathery lashes flutter closed-

A breeze FILLS the room.

Sparkles in the air surround the pair as they vanish.

EXT. THE VALLEY OF THE UNICORN - DAY

The sound of waves on a shore-

Tinkling sounds-arranged in a mysterious, magic tune.

The sound of falling of water nearby.

EYES OPEN TO SEE: flowers drifting down like snow.

PAN OUT: We see crystal blue waters breaking on a white
sandy shore. A sparkling waterfall. Lavender mountains and-

A large stone staircase leading up the side of the
waterfall.

Flower still in her fingers, Aranda looks at Nimbi.

4
(ARANDA)
I think I can hear voices in the
water.

6
(NIMBI(V.O.)
They are the water people that
live here...see that staircase?

17.

4
(ARANDA)
I do.

Hesitant steps begin across the sand-

The first step.

CLOSE IN ON: ARANDA'S FOOT

Pointed toes daintily TOUCH the surface of the first stone.

A BRIEF MUSICAL TONE PLAYS.

Another TOUCH-

The same note.

The timid foot LANDS.

A QUICK HOP lands both feet on the rock.

A solid note PLAYS for four beats.

Bravely stepping upward, each stone plays a note creating a
magical tune.

Stepping onto the top stone, the complete magical tune plays
in full.
A rainbow of colors fill the air, as a waterfall surrounds
Aranda.

SUDDENLY: A large burst of light-

Out of it, a large sparkling ORB appears-

Directly in front of Aranda.

7
(ORB(V.O.)
I am the guardian of the Stone of
Knowledge. What to you seek?

5
(ARANDA)
A wish.

7
(ORB(V.O.)
What is your wish?

18.

5
(ARANDA)
I need to be old enough to go on a
mission with my parents. I AM
fourteen. I feel I'm old enough.
But, they say I am not. Can you
change that?

7
(ORB(V.O.)
Time is time, Aranda. That which
we can not change, we must endure.
I will grant you this, you will
rise to each occasion in life with
courage. Remember each lesson in
life as more than a cherished
past, but as a light that will
carry you forward. I can give you
a GIFT that will not be in a box
or have a bow.

4
(ARANDA)
A gift?

7
(ORB(V.O.)
Your gift is in the timelessness
of the stars.

5
(ARANDA)
The stars? I don't understand.

7
(ORB)
I must show you something.

The ORB OPENS UP-

The sun, stars, planets, moon, and earth rush past-spinning
in space.

SUDDENLY: The tree of life APPEARS within the ORB.

7
(ORB(V.O.) (CONT.)
I leave you with this, my gift.
You have received the stepping
stone of knowledge and
understanding. Now, you are ready
to go through the stars.

19.

The THE ORB VANISHES.

Aranda DROPS the flower.

EXT. THE TREE OF LIFE - AFTERNOON

The sun is setting,sizzling on the horizon of a desert.

The sound of raptors occasionally break the silence.

CLOSE UP ON: THE TREE OF LIFE

A TWISTED ANCIENT tree. Covered with a thorny vine.

SUDDENLY: A large owl screeches from its nesting perch on
the tree.

A glowing stream of light beams down from the heavens.

Stanna APPEARS, her wings flared high. She APPROACHES the
tree.

Stanna is standing close to the tree looking up at it.

1
(STANNA)
This tree...the Tree of Life
stands in the midst of an
undisturbed tract of land to be a
fair world away from mankind.

HANDS OUTSTRETCHED-

She touches the tree.

1
(STANNA (CONT.)
The world of men have long
forgotten this tree and the tract
of land, barren-among thorns and
rushes where dark angels are
determined to see it remain.

The Tree of Life MOVES IT'S LIMBS.

THE OWL SQUAWKS. It lifts it's wings and flies away toward
the sun.

            1
      (STANNA (CONT.)
Now, only that enormous owl has
braved the thorns and has created
for herself a nest in this deadly
            (MORE)

20.

1 (cont'd)
place, dwelling there with other
meat eaters and dragons.

The Tree of Life MOVES IT'S LIMBS.

THE OWL SQUAWKS-

It lifts it's wings and flies away toward the sun.

1
(STANNA/NARRATOR)
Now, only that enormous owl has
braved the thorns and has created
for herself a nest in this deadly
place, dwelling there with other
meat eaters and dragons.

Stanna LIFTS HER HANDS OFF THE TREE-

She turns her head toward the horizon to see-

Dark silhouettes of of Dagguards and a dragon moving slowly
over it.

Stanna looks at the tree once again.

1
(STANNA)
This once noble tree remembers the
past, waiting for the day when God
comes to revive it in the sight of
man and angel. Now, it has fallen
prey to the very evil it would
have diminished into vapor. As the
days come and go, THE OWL AND THE
ARGUMENT GROW OLD. Both of them
however, have remained for all
generations with an eternal life
that has robbed mankind.

The sun sets-

SUDDEN: Darkness.

EXT. THE DESERT - NIGHT

PAN OUT AND FOCUS ON: A LATE ARRIVAL-

FEETZIL (the nanny)

He kicks at stones, real and imagined.

21.

8
(FEETZIL(CONT.)
Arguably, it's cold.

Fluffing his beard-

A punch at the sky.

8
(FEETZIL(CONT.)
This is the most unequal way to
design a planet's warmth, Lord!

Another punch.

8
(FEETZIL(CONT.)
I've been reduced to a...nanny,
once we have the child.

A brief pause.

8
(FEETZIL(CONT.)
I should be in charge. Not Critz.
I'm smarter.

His foot KICKS a large stone-

BOP-

A look of satisfaction as the stone sails into the distance.

8
(FEETZIL(CONT.)
Ah foo...

The eyes twinkle-

The nose lifts-

He begins to jog.

The camp in close sight.

EXT. TREE OF LIFE - MOMENTS LATER

OVERHEAD VIEW OF THE CAMPSITE-

FEETZIL SLOWS TO A WALK just yards away.

CRITZ the Commander stands up from the campfire.

22.

Critz, a thirtyish, 6 foot man, short black hair on a flat
head. Carefully groomed in Roman uniform.

9
(CRITZ)
The nanny is here. Nanny! Where
is the child?

Sniggers erupt within the group.

Feetzil breaks through the group, headed straight for the
food.

9
(CRITZ)
Stretch my work to be too long
Feetzil!

8
(FEETZIL)
Aye, Critz. Hail to thee oh
Commander.

Critz unsheathes his sword and points it at Feetzil's
throat.

8
(CRITZ)
Why are you here? Give me now the
word from Stalentad! I have work
to be done. This is the last day
of the days, before HEROD. I MUST
HAVE THE CHILD NOW!-Nanny.

Feetzil blinks and swallows hard. His eyes open wide with
fear.

8
(FEETZIL)
Stalentad is dung de...head. But I
have word from my own gut. Pranzic
has the child chosen. The plan is
in motion.

Critz halts his sword's pierce.

9
(CRITZ)
You've got gut?

Feetzil grabs his belly and jiggles it with both hands.

23.

8
(FEETZIL)
Aye lord, plenty.

9
(CRITZ)
And that speaks?

Feetzil shakes his belly again.

8
(FEETZIL)
Ah yes Lord. Listen.

Feetzil points to his belly, then, to his ear.

9
(CRITZ)
Aye, you idiot!

7
(FEETZIL)
But, seriously Lord. That owl over
there told me. She did! She
flapped and hooted and said she
has Stalentad's spirit.

9
(CRITZ)
Ah you! Now, I can not kill it
for food! You had better be right
or you'll be my dine tonight.

8
(FEETZIL)
Hey, hey, the owl trying to tell
me something. Oh!

Feetzil cuffs his hand to his ear.

8
(FEETZIL)
She has word for you, Lord Critz.

9
(CRITZ)
She has word?

8
(FEETZIL)
Yes, Lord. Prazic will get the
child.

24.

9
(CRITZ)
Fool...get to work! Go and bring
the child with Pranzic.

Critz's finger JUTS OUT at Feetzil.

9
(CRITZ(CONT.)
You still have WORK to do!

Feetzil looking longingly at the cooking meat.

8
(FEETZIL)
Mmmm...what's that?

Critz points to the meat on the spit.

9
(CRITZ)
That's a toe-it's your turn to
donate next.

8
(FEETZIL)
Ah nuts, not my toes Lord. Bad
for you. And I'm off
toes...uh...bad for the heart ya
know.

Feetzil thumps his heart.

Critz storms over to Feetzil. He grabs him by the throat and
tosses him far to the side.

9
(CRITZ)
Critz rips meat off for himself.

Feetzil retreats to trot back into
the distance.

The Dagguards settle down to a
continued silent meal.

EXT. AVILA MANION - DAY

In the Avila family flower and tree garden. Trees
flowering.
Angelic sculptures liberally placed throughout.

25.

Formally dressed angels walking and gathering in a garden
party setting.

Angelic children running, skipping, and playing throughout
the garden.

Children are gathered together, GIGGLING.

Adults are raising glasses of wine to their lips.

Quiet chatter spreads throughout the garden.

Sylvan enters along with BEATRUDE. They join a group of
women.

Beatrude, is mid-twenties. She has long curly red hair,
wearing a garland of flowers.

Avila is joined by Lieutenant Commander SIMON, an angel in
his late twenties, tall, trim, gallant.

Aranda is playing tag with Tappy around a large tree.

Avila raises his hands in salutation.

Avila raises his hands in salutation.

2
(AVILA)
Welcome to our manion everyone.

Simon approaches Avila with hand extended. They shake hands.

10
(SIMON)
Congratulations, Commander Avila
on this mission. Our prayers and
hopes go with you and Sylvan to
Israel.

2
(AVILA)
Thank you Lieutenant Commander and
Thanks for being here today.

Avila raises his chin to address the everyone.

            10
      (AVILA)
It's wonderful to have you all
here to celebrate with us. I want
to thank everyone for their
prayers and support. Sylvan and I
are very happy and excited to be a
            (MORE)

26.

10 (cont'd)
part of this very important
upcoming mission.

10
(SIMON)
Commander, when do you leave?

2
(AVILA)
In two days.

10
(SIMON)
All appears to be quiet and back
to normal since you rid us of
Stanlentad. I still can't believe
he got into Heaven without notice.

2
(AVILA)
I was astonished too. I barely
recognized him. We are still
investigating how he got in.

5
(SYLVAN)
I shiver with the thoughts of that
monster here in Heaven.

2
(AVILA)
You have nothing to worry about,
my wife. We are all safe here.

A maid arrives with refreshments on a tray.

Beatrude joins Sylvan.

5
(SYLVAN)
Everybody, I want to say, Thank
you to Beatrude, who has agreed to
stay with our Aranda in our
absence...Thank you Beatrude.

Smiles and hugs around.

            13
      (BEATRUDE)
This is such a lovely garden
party, Sylvan and I'm so very
happy and proud to be with Aranda
            (MORE)

27.

13 (cont'd)
during your absence.

5
(SYLVAN)
I'm sure Aranda will feel the
same. We are all very excited
about this mission.

Aranda and Tappy standing by a large nearby tree, stop their
conversation-listening to Sylvan.

Stanna walks up to Sylvan.

1
(STANNA/NARRATOR)
This is a day to truly celebrate.
A proud day indeed. It good to
know the good lord will be with us
all. I too have been chosen to go.
I'll be close by.

5
(SYLVAN)
That is truly a comfort sweet
Stanna. I'm so glad we are such
good friends.

Stanna, Sylvan, and Beatrude walk into the manion through
golden double doors.

Aranda and Tappy begin talking quietly by the tree. Aranda's
smile is gone. She looks sad.

11
(TAPPY)
What's the matter Aranda?

4
(ARANDA)
I don't want them to go without
me. But, I'm not old enough. I
want to part of the mission. I
know can help.

11
(TAPPY)
Oh...

4
(ARANDA)
Tappy, you're truly brilliant. Can
you think of what to do?

28.

Tappy takes a moment to think and looks up at the sky.

11
(TAPPY)
Perhaps there's a way.

Tappy leans over and whispers into Aranda's ear.

EXT. OUTSIDE THE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM - NIGHT

One large brilliant star is in the sky.

SUDDENLY: A sparkling shaft of light beams down from the
star.

A large group of angels APPEAR dressed as common people of
the day with wings covered.

An equal group of camels are with them.

The light vanishes.

Avila steps away from the group with two camels in hand.

Sylvan joins him. She PETS the nose of a camel.

Avila has two camels in hand.

2
(AVILA)
Mmmm....smell this air.

Sylvan sneezes.

5
(SYLVAN)
I think I'm allergic.

2
(AVILA)
No...no. You'll get used to it.
Come over here and let's get you
on a camel.

5
(SYLVAN)
Camel? It's sweet but, are there
no horses? Where are the horses?

            2
      (AVILA)
Horses? Sylvan did you not pay
attention to lessons? There are no
            (MORE)

29.

2 (cont'd)
horses here.

5
(SYLVAN)
But, I do not ride camels,
husband.

1
(AVILA)
You do now, wife.

Avila offers a hand up to the camel for Sylvan.

Sylvan looks at the camel with dismay.

2
(AVILA(CONT.)
Your ride awaits, my beloved.

Sylvan sneezes again.

Avila laughs and pushes Sylvan up to the camel's back.

5
(SYLVAN)
Our meal soon, husband?

2
(AVILA)
Yes, my love. Next life.

Avila mounts his camel and claps his hands.

The angelic camel caravan moves forward into the darkening
distance.

INT. AN INN A DISTANCE FROM BETHLEHEM - NIGHT

CLOSE IN ON: A lit candle in the window of an old Inn.

CAMERA ZOOM PAST: Candle into the small Inn room.

CLOSE UP ON: MARY and JOSEPH ENTERING the room.

Advanced in pregnancy, Mary is dressed traditional Hebrew
clothes, head covered. Her exhaustion is apparent.

JOSEPH is equally tired. He is dressed in travel worn
clothing.

Mary immediately goes over to the glass-less window to take

30.

in the view.

Joseph walks in behind Mary with two satchels. He places
them down and goes over to the bed. He pats it to check for
comfort.

Stanna appears next to Mary at the window-unseen.

1
(STANNA/NARRATOR)
Such a long journey. I can see
their hearts full of hope and
faith. At least they have found a
place to rest at this comfy Inn
before they reach Bethlehem.

Mary turns to watch Joseph, smiling.

12
(JOSEPH)
It seems like the entire world has
covered the land. I think they may
be headed for Bethlehem for the
census too. I feel we are indeed
fortunate to have this comfort
before we are left again to face
the last leg of our journey to
Bethlehem.

Joseph joins Mary at the window, placing an arm around her
shoulders. He also takes in the view.

12
(JOSEPH)
There is business outside that I
must attend to my dove. I won't be
long. Are you well enough?

13
(MARY)
I am well, my husband. I have all
I need. Give my salutations to the
angels this eve for me will you?

12
(JOSEPH)
How did you know I was going to
meet with angels?

13
(MARY)
I know lots of things.

31.

Mary smiles and puts her hand on Joseph's arm.

13
(MARY)
Please be good to me Joseph. Tell
me more of what the angels say to
you this night.

12
(JOSEPH)
I am always good to you, Mary.

Joseph kisses Mary on the forehead.

12
(JOSEPH)
Who are they? What do they look
like? Do they really have wings?
Are they tall or short? Have they
magical powers

12
(JOSEPH)
Whoa! whoa! One question at a time
ok? I can only do one thing at a
time Mary. One thing.

Joseph lifts one finger in example.

13
(MARY)
I would like to go with you.

12
(JOSEPH)
This is man's business, my wife.

Mary's smile fades to disappointment.

Joseph lifts Mary's chin with a gentle finger.

12
(JOSEPH)
Kiss me now and I will go.

They kiss.

Mary's slender hand reaches to Joseph-

She gives him a canteen.

32.

11
(MARY)
Here, take this canteen.

Joseph quietly takes it and turns to the door and leaves.

Mary walks back to the window to watch the sun set.

As the sun sets, she sees a growing campfire in the
distance.

EXT. A CAMPSITE NOT FAR FROM THE INN - EVENING

A small campsite is filled with tents, several cook fires,
and camels resting nearby.

Avila stands up from his seat by the fire when Joseph
approaches.

Joseph walks into the camp. He goes directly to Avila. They
embrace in the traditional way as if they were family.

12
(JOSEPH)
God be the blessing on you this
eve! I see the stars are with you!

2
(AVILA)
I see Mary standing at the window.

Avila's eyes flare a blue light when he looks out to Mary's
window.

joseph's eyes widen in surprise.

12
(JOSEPH)
How can you see that far? It is
not possible.

2
(AVILA)
That's why God sent me I guess. I
have good eyes.

Avila smiles in Mary's direction.

2
(AVILA)
She is an amazing woman, your
Mary.

33.

1
(JOSEPH)
Yes, I know. We are truly blessed.

2
(AVILA)
Have you eaten? Have some of this.
It's very good.

Avila offers food over to Joseph from the cook fire.

Joseph accepts the food.

12
(JOSEPH)
L'chaim. To life!

JOSEPH: L'chaim. To life!

AVILA: L'chaim!

Avila and Joseph begin to eat.

2
(AVILA)
We will break camp tonight. We
will be ahead of you to Bethlehem.
It is clear to us that it will be
dangerous there for you and Mary.
At the census,do not say she is
with child. I merit no lie. But,
you must disguise her pregnancy as
much as possible. Tell Mary to
pretend to be bread and butter
fat. Stow your belongings, hidden
well, outside the city. You can
return for them later. And lastly,
do not appear to anyone as if you
have money. Dress in your poorest
of clothing. Cast your eyes down
and pass as best you can remaining
unseen. When next we meet, Mary's
labor will have begun.

12
(JOSEPH)
We are worried that there will be
no family or midwife to help. What
should I do?

            2
      (AVILA)
Sylvan, my wife, will deliver the
babe Joseph. Don't worry, she is
            (MORE)

34.

2 (cont'd)
highly trained to midwife to be
Mary. She is a healer through our
Holy God on high.

Avila picks up a satchel and a jug of wine. He hands it to
Joseph.

2
(AVILA)
We must part now. Take this meat
with you to Mary. We will leave
the fire lit. The guard will not
check it unless we douse it. Three
today came to nose about. We fed
them and joked. None worry right
now. Go slowly home. Here is a
dram of wine. Drink it and breathe
heavy of the drink when you are
asked any question. They believe
we are drunken traders and like it
that way. Shalom. Peace be with
you Joseph.

JOSEPH: Shalom.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE MANION OF AVILA GARDEN YARD - DAY

Outside in Avila's manion garden yard there are flowering
trees, bushes, and statuary place meticulously throughout.
Beatrude and several angel children are looking around,
behind trees, bushes, and the statuary.

BEATRUDE is a petite, plump, cheerful guardian angel. Pink
ribbons and pearls trail down her long, loosely braided
hair.

Pranzic the draggleet is well hidden outside the garden yard
wall.

Aranda is also hiding outside the garden wall, unaware of
the presence of Pranzic..

Beatrude's wings flutter with frustration. She then motions
to the children, including Tappy to come to her.

            14
      (BEATUDE)
Now children, Aranda must be here
someplace. Look about very
carefully. Let's find her. We
            (MORE)

35.

14 (cont'd)
have meal time coming up soon.

The children spread out and continue to search.

14
(BEATRUDE)
Amanda! Where are you child? You
must come where I can see you.
Seek and find is not a game I wish
to play today.

As the search continues, the children are calling out
Aranda's name.

14
(BEATRUDE)
Aranda! Where are you child?
Please come to eat. I've made your
favorite cookies.

Tappy looks around the back of a large tree.

11
(TAPPY)
Where could she be?

14
(BEATRUDE)
She was just here a moment ago.

11
(TAPPY)
She couldn't be far.

14
(BEATRUDE)
Do you think she would have gone
for a fly away?

11
(TAPPY)
Well, I don't know. She does love
to fly.

14
(BEATRUDE)
She was told specifically not to
leave the ground.

Tappy shrugs and walks over to the shrubs near the gate.

36.

11
(TAPPY)
No! I don't see her! Aranda!
Where are you?

Tappy crosses his arms and leans against the garden yard
stone wall.

Standing at the doors, Beatrude is now fanning herself with
her apron. She waves the children to gather back with her
again.

14
(BEATRUDE)
Children, come inside. I must
call for help. She just isn't
here.

Tappy steps close to the garden gate and peeks outside.

11
(TAPPY)
(whispering to Aranda)
Hurry now and be safe. Looks like
our plan is working.

CLOSE IN ON: Pranzic, switching his tale like a cat.

PRANZIC APPEARS behind Amanda with a large canvas bag in his
hands.

PRANZIC is a four-foot tall dragon/fairy creature. His wings
resemble that of a bat. He has extremely large blue eyes
and pointed ears. He stands on two feet-erect. He has what
seems like arms and hands with an apposing thumb. The hands
have pads, like a dogs paw with small claw-like nails.
Pranzic is standing wide-eyes and child-like.

15
(PRANZIC)
Randy, Randy, be my candy.

Pranzic swoops the bag over Amanda. kidnapping her and flies
off.

INT. THE CRYSTAL CASTLE - DAY

The Throne room is filled with armored, war-ready angels.

Stanna is standing in her place next to the throne.

37.

Simon brings in a rope bound Pranzic, front and center of
the throne.

1
(STANNA)
Heaven is asunder as everyone
wonders what happened to the
child. Could this wild creature
have taken her?

Simon approaches the throne.

10
(SIMON)
This is a red-handed catch. We
caught this creature flying down
from the clouds. We are sure he
has taken the child,Aranda. We
heard his thought trails. He
stopped thinking, as soon as he
realized we had heard it.

Pranzic looks at the crowd displaying his innocent looking
wide eyes.

15
(PRANZIC)
I have not ever been a creature of
darkness. I am a creature of your
heavens! Let me make my house
where I need too.

10
(SIMON)
This is only one of at least three
others that we did not yet catch.
We learned this much more, before
he changed his story.

15
(PRANZIC)
Awe....not!

10
(SIMON)
This creature has certainly found
heaven to be a place that it
thought it could use as a
venerable playground!

15
(PRANZIC)
What can I say? I just play.

38.

10
(SIMON)
What did you do with the
child,Aranda?

15
(PRANZIC)
I do nothing with Aranda. We are
just play friends. We were playing
seek and find and well she hid.

Pranzic wiggles his fingers under the rope.

15
(PRANZIC)
Please let me go. I do no harm. I
will help you find her.

10
(SIMON)
There are no dragglets in the
kingdom of heaven. You can not be
trusted.

SIMON: There are no dragglets in the kingdom of heaven. You
can not be trusted.

15
(PRANZIC)
I'm here

10
Yes, that's the problem.

The doors of the throne room open.

Nimbi suddenly breaks through the crowd, stumbling forward
with a bloody spot on her coat.

6
(NIMBI)
Pranzic took Aranda!

nimbi crumbles to the floor.

Stanna goes to Nimbi and wraps her arms and wings around
her.

Simon draws his sword.

Several angels surround Pranzic with drawn swords.

39.

10
(SIMON)
Tell us where the child is!

15
(PRANZIC)
God should be able to tell you.

10
(SIMON)
Your word will save your life.
Make a choice.

15
(PRANZIC)
I make no choices. You make them.

10
(SIMON)
Choose!

Pranzic sneers back at Simon.

15
(PRANZIC)
No!

10
(SIMON)
Then die!

Simon swings his sword at Pranzic and misses.

Pranzic falls to the floor.

Simon recovers quickly from the mis-swing. He then thrusts
his sword to Pranzic's throat and begins to pierce him.

Pranzic grimmaces in anger.

15
(PRANZIC)
A child for a child!

CUT TO:

INT. HEROD'S COURT - DAY

HEROD'S courtroom is filled with many lavishly dressed
guests. He is sitting on his throne. His court jester is
standing in front of him.

40.

THE COURT JESTER is a creature from from the Dagguards in
disguise. He is extremely, short--the size of a small dwarf.
He has extremely large black eyes, sharp teeth, and
oversize head. His cap is belled on the two ends which
conceal pointed ears.

The Court Jester begins dancing and humming.

Stanna appears standing next to Herod's throne, unseen by
the others.

1
(STANNA)
It is the days of Herod and the
word had covered the land that the
King had heard a savior was
prophesied to come. This angered
Herod, as he felt he was their
savior. He was so angry that he
decided that in order to stop them
from saying this, he sent out an
army with orders to kill every
boy-child of Israel that they
could find.

A servant is standing next to Herod holding a tray of cake.

Herod juts out his hand and points at the Court Jester.

16
(HEROD)
Break this cake for me!

Herod point to the cake being presented by a servant.

The court jester brightly swings his legs around and pick's
up a piece of cake.

17
(COURT JESTER)
My King, thou art the art of gods.
I must carry this to the worms of
my belly.

The court jester stuffs the cake into his mouth.

16
(HEROD)
Trying me again! I must not forget
to have the worms in that belly
counted when I have it split for
the next Jester's fun!

41.

Herod snorts and laughs.

16
(HEROD)
Where is the virgin mother? Tell
me now! You have the seeing eye.
Use it and live a day longer.

17
(COURT JESTER)
Where is this woman?

The court jester closes his eyes and goes into a trance.

17
(COURT JESTER)
The woman is left for the house of
Nathan in Bethlehem, my Lord. My
mind is singing a song for you, my
King. I will sing it for you if
you give me more cake.

Herod motions for more cake.

16
(HEROD)
Sing! Or I'll have my lions eat
YOU instead.

The court jester stuffs more cake into his mouth, closes his
eyes and goes back into trance.

17
(COURT JESTER)
Grave to grave, Tree to see, held
there to be a trade. A child for a
child. Mary will be...

16
(HEROD)
Be?

17
(COURT JESTER)
Be it known a child is to be at
the tree. Give her to me and two
children will die. One without
wings. One with wings. Trade one
to Herod, and no Jesus will there
be!

42.

16
(HEROD)
Hold! What?

Critz suddenly bursts through the crowd in full Roman
uniform. He bows before Herod.

9
(CRITZ)
I have what you seek, my King. She
is held and watched by my men.
Mighty Lord, you must recall that
such a thing must be dealt with by
your own royal hand. I await your
agreement to bring you to her.
Upon your command we move.

16
(HEROD)
The woman is held?

9
(CRITZ)
By my men, sire.

16
(HEROD)
And where? NO! Don't answer that.
We will go. You will return to
your post. I will send secret
missive to you as to my Departure
to join you there.

Herod stands up from his throne and descends to join Critz.

16
(HEROD)
For this my fine warlord, you will
receive that robe worthy of Caesar
himself.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE CENSUS TAKER'S TENT - DAY

Under a Roman tent, there are people clustered at the edge
of the front of the tent. It's a dark and very rainy day.

A married couple, DAVID and VENTA are looking nervous. David
is young and unsure but comes from a family with money.
Venta is young, pregnant, and dressed well.

43.

A ROMAN CENSUS TAKER is tall, loud, greasy looking,
un-bathed, unshaven, and very rude. He's seated under the
tent with a quill pen and parchment paper on a rough table.

THE ROMAN CENSUS TAKER is tall, loud, fat, greasy looking,
un-bathed, unshaven, and very rude. He's seated under the
tent with a quill pen and parchment paper on a rough table.

Stanna appears standing next to the Census Taker, unseen.
Then, She walks to the edge of the tent and puts her hand
out under the rain, as if to catch some.

1
(STANNA)
The rain taps out a pattern for
fingers to follow, as moments
pass. The census has begun in
Bethlehem with lines formed by the
tent of the census-takers in
zigzag patterns, massed, and loud.

            18
      (ROMAN CENSUS
       TAKER)
How many in the house?!

DAVID and VENTA step up to the Census Taker's table.

19
(DAVID)
Three.

            18
      (ROMAN CENSUS
       TAKER)
Three?! Show yourselves in counted
numbers! Got that you buzzards?

19
(DAVID)
My wife, Venta is with child.

The census taker points to the tent next to them.

18
(ROMAN CENUS TAKER)
She's got one day to prove it by a
Roman physician. See the man down
to the next table for that.

The Roman census taker belches loudly.

44.

            18
      (ROMAN CENSUS
       TAKER)
I've got to stop eating that goat
cheese!

The census taker waves his hand in the air at his breath.

Critz walks in under the tent. He bends down to the ear of
the census taker.

9
(CRITZ)
How many women with child are in
Bethlehem today?

The census taker looks up at Critz.

            18
      (ROMAN CENSUS
       TAKER)
Hmmm...why?

9
(CRITZ)
Need it for the census-man over
there. Gotta have names and
whereabouts of 'em too.

The census taker pounds the table with a fist.

            18
      (ROMAN CENSUS
       TAKER)
Nuts! I don't have time for that
crud! Do you not see the time of
day and this line!

9
(CRITZ)
Not my groan.Just get it for the
man now.

The Roman Census taker shoves a papyrus paper at him.

            18
      (ROMAN CENSUS
       TAKER)
Here's the work that your man
should have done. Take the woman
with you to next tent. She's one
of those with child in Bethlehem
today.

45.

Critz goes over to Venta and takes her by the arm.

Venta turns to her husband with fear in her eyes.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE TREE OF LIFE - NIGHT

The Tree of Life is still and quiet. The owl is resting on
it;s nest.

A silhouette of a dragon walks across on the horizon in the
darkening distance.

The Dagguard camp is quiet. Food is roasting over the fire.

David and Venta are bound with ropes and sitting near the
campfire. They are unharmed.

Aranda is sitting on the ground also near the campfire. She
is not tied up. She is still dressed in her party
cartanian.

Stanna appears next to the Tree of Life-unseen by the
others.

1
(STANNA)
The gathering at the Tree of Life
held such strife here this day.
Most might not see a way out of
this quandary, but God has a plan.
Sometimes it's difficult to
understand.

Feetzil walks over to Amanda, wagging his finger at her like
a fussy nanny.

8
(FEETZIL)
Do you know what? I could cut out
your heart and feed it to that
worthless owl over there just like
that!

Feetzil smacks his frog-like lips together with a snap of
his finger and his last word.

46.

4
(ARANDA)
No you won't. You're not as bad as
that. I know you're just bored
like me.

Aranda stands up and kisses Feetzil on the cheek and steps
away, toward the tree.

Critz walks up behind Feetzil.

Aranda steps a little closer to the tree and begins to FLY
UP.

Feetzil and Critz turn to watch Amanda.

8
(FEETZIL)
Forgot you're not gonna sleep,
little fleet wet-wart! Sit back
down! Believe me I will feed you
to that owl. Look! Be a good
little angel like you're supposed
ta and make GOD proud and you'll
get to leave this not so nice
place!

9
(CRITZ)
Feetzil get her down now! We must
break camp now and move to
Bethlehem and wait there!

Feetzil wagging his finger again is red-faced and
frustrated.

8 (9)
(FEETZIL AND CRITZ)
Get down now!!!

4
(ARANDA)
Yes, Feetzil.

Aranda flies higher and closer to the tree of life.

8
(FEETZIL)
That's the wrong direction! I
said, get back here!

47.

9
(CRITZ)
Feetzil!

The Tree of Life's limbs move without a wind.

A bright star appears in the sky.

1
(STANNA)
Aranda, make a wish and touch the
tree.

Aranda turns and places her hands on the tree.

4
(ARANDA)
Oh Holy Father, I wish upon the
star here, that I will be as
mighty as a tree and always be
close to thee.

8
(FEETZIL)
Creature of light, believe me I am
of night and I will kill you if
you don't come down!

9
(CRITZ)
Feetzil! Playing with the child is
the last thing you will ever do
here. I have to do everything for
you, you witless blob!
This is the final time! Move! I
want her down and now!

Critz lunges toward Amanda with a jump, pinning them both to
the tree.

Suddenly, the Tree of Life opens up INTO A DIMENSIONAL DOOR,
emitting a brilliant light, sucking both Aranda and Critz
into the tree.

Moments later, Feetzil jumps in after them and disappears
through the door.

CUT TO:

48.

EXT. THE GRAVEYARD - AFTERNOON

PRESENT DAY.

A graveyard sits close to a park complete with baseball
field. A very large weeping willow tree sweeps the edge of
the graveyard. The sun is setting. There is a gate near
the willow tree in the graveyard wall.

THE SUN IS SETTING.

BRENDON CONNOR, is a young American boy near the same age as
Aranda. He loves baseball and lives in a nearby apartment
complex with his mother Betty and brother Joshua.

Brendon walks into the graveyard, dressed in a baseball
uniform carrying a bat and glove. He had just finished
playing an off season game with a neighborhood rival.

Stanna walks toward the willow tree. She is unseen to others
there.

1
(STANNA)
Trees usually give with the
seasons. The winds blow with the
fall of the leaves, as they bring
in a shining array of colors. Such
is life. The Willow is one tree
that sings a sad song all year
long. Its' leaves seem silver. A
sign of old age? It was more. And
the days are not always the way we
want them to be.

Stanna places her hands on the trunk of the willow tree.

1
(STANNA)
Brave new ideas come from minds
that are linked to one another.
What can happen when a tree is
linked to another to feed the land
and really give more to the world
than it seems too.

The tree shivers with the wind.

Brendon notices the willow tree when he hears the shiver. He
does not yet see the figure laying underneith it. He begins
to slowly walk toward it.

49.

1
(STANNA)
Graveyards are silent aren't they?
We want them to be. The park was
built right next to the graveyard.
Neither the park nor the graveyard
are silent. They borrowed from one
another and give in an ironic way
to life to both the seen and the
unseen.

Brendon stops just short of the edges of the willow tree and
looks up at the graying sky.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
13 zip! Thanks God, for helping us
to win. By the way Lord, I wish it
would snow tonight. I guess we
need a miracle. By the way, it's
almost Christmas.

Brendon suddenly catches sight of the figure under the tree
due to sudden movement by the figure. He rubs his face with
his hands, blinks and looks again.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
UH...OH...

Brendon lifts the branches of the willow tree and approaches
the figure, Aranda.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
I'm not a coward. I'm not a
coward. I'm not...

Brendon gulps hard and walks closer to the quiet, still
figure. He stares down at her for a few moments, then
summons the courage to reach out and touch Aranda on the
shoulder.

Aranda moves.

Brendon jumps back a step.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Awe, geez.

Aranda shakily sits up. Her eyes widen when she sees
Brendon. Then, she looks up at the willow tree.

50.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Ummm....you ok?
(pauses)
Oh...I'm Brendon Connor. Who are
you?

4
(ARANDA)
(softly)
Aranda.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Uh...in a graveyard. Umm...I'm
Brendon Connor. Who are you?

4
(ARANDA)
Aranda.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Aranda....well, are you ok to
stand up?

Brendon takes Aranda's hand and helps her up as they stand
up together.

Aranda's wings flare up with the stand.

Brendon sees Amanda's wings. His jaw drops open with
amazement. He takes full stock of the angel in front of him
with an up and down look at her.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Gee, you're pretty and your eyes
sparkle, like glitter is in'm or
somethin'. You're an angel aint
you? How did you get here?

Aranda is still a bit stunned. She stares back at Brendon
for a moment. Then, she looks for his wings and finds none.

4
(ARANDA)
Why don't you have wings? Where
is here?

51.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
I'm human and this is a graveyard.
My home is over there.

Brendon points in the direction of the apartment complex
beyond the graveyard gate.

18
(BRENDON CONOR)
Did you fall from heaven?

Brendon points to the sky.

Aranda looks up at the sky and shakes her head "no."

4
(ARANDA)
Critz kidnapped me. He jumped at
me and pushed me through the tree.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
How can that be? You came from a
tree? I thought angel's came from
heaven.

4
(ARANDA)
Heaven is my home, but Critz took
me from there.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Who's Critz?

4
(ARANDA)
He is a Roman Commander.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Oh....wow...ok, I asked. I think
this is a job for mom. Ok let's
go.

Brendon, still holding Aranda's hand leads her toward the
graveyard gate. They walk through the gate and disappear
into the darkness.

Stanna follows the children through the gate and closes it.

52.

Moments later, Critz appears under the tree. He gets up
quickly and goes in the direction of the children.

Shortly after Critz into the darkness, Feetzil appears under
the tree,He sits up and rubs his eyes in disbelief. He
spots Critz disappearing in the distance.

CUT TO:

INT. BETTY'S APARTMENT - EVENING

BETTY'S apartment is tidy and decorated with a Christmas
tree that is in the works. Ornaments are in a box nearby.
She is busy preparing dinner in her small apartment kitchen.

Her eldest son, Joshua is busy playing a game on his
computer.

Brendon Conner enters through the front door. Aranda walks
in with him.

Brendon Connor walks through the door with Aranda.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Mom I'm home! I brought a friend
to dinner. Uh mom, don't freak,
she's an angel.

21
(BETTY)
What? Why would I freak?

Betty walks in from the kitchen, wiping her hands with a tea
towel. Then she see the wings. But it doesn't register yet
that they are real.

21
(BETTY)
Well now, a Christmas angel.
What's her name?

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Aranda.

Betty notices Aranda's wings.

21
(BETTY)
So Aranda, what play are you in?

53.

4
(ARANDA)
Play?

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
She's not in a play mom. She's
real.

21
(BETTY)
OK Brendon, dinner time. You and
Aranda go in.

The children walk forward and past Betty. They sit down at
the table.

Betty's eyes widen with the realistion that Aranda's wings
are real.

Betty drops the towel and follows the children to the table.

Joshua leaves his chair, closing his computer. He whistles
and follows his mother to the table.

Joshua and Betty sit down.

Betty puts her hands under her chin with a very wide-eyed
expression.

CUT:

INT. BETTY'S LIVING ROOM - LATER

Dinner is over.

Joshua enters the living room, goes to a chair and sits
down.

Betty disappears into the bathroom.

Brendon and Aranda enter the living room. They both choose
seats near the Christmas tree.

Brendon picks up the remote control and turns on tv.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Aranda, do you have a tv at home?

54.

4
(ARANDA)
No. What is a tv?

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Oh, OK. , you can watch shows on
it and with wifi connection, you
can play games, shop and more.
Look I'll show you.

4
(ARANDA)
Is that a tree?

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
It's our Christmas tree. You know
Christmas?

Aranda just shakes her head "no."

Brendonchooses a channel.

Dr. Zues's "The Grinch," begins playing.

Betty enters with curlers in her hair.

Joshua puts light up reindeer antlers on his head.

Aranda's jaw drops, eyes wide with surprise.

Brendon catches Aranda's surprise.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
What's up Aranda?

4
(ARANDA)
What's that on his head?

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Reindeer antlers.

Betty picks up a box of chocolates and pops a piece of candy
in her mouth. She looks at Brendon and then, Aranda.

21
(BETTY)
Wanna play a game of 20 questions?

55.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
No mom.

Betty goes over to Aranda and sits on the chair arm. She
lowers the candy box in front of her.

21
(BETTY)
Candy?

Aranda looks up at Betty with a smile and takes a piece of
chocolate. She imitates Betty and pops it in her mouth.

4
(ARANDA)
Mmmmm...it's good. Thank you for
candy. We don't have candy at
home.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
That's aweful.

21
(BETTY)
So, Aranda, how did you really get
here? I mean where's home?
Where's mama?

Aranda looks at Betty's curlers.

4
(ARANDA)
What's that in your hair? Is it a
decoration?

Betty reaches up and pats the curlers.

21
(BETTY)
Curlers. Just a minor decoration.
They come out in the morning
after a headache. Where's your
mama?

4
(ARANDA)
On a mission to help Mary and
Joseph with their baby.

56.

21
(BETTY)
You mean, as in Jesus?

4
(ARANDA)
Yes, I think so. The baby isn't
born yet.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
I know mom. That can't be.

Betty's eyes widen.

21
(BETTY)
Sweetie, that was over 2000 years
ago. Uh, you're saying you came
from the past?

4
(ARANDA)
No, I came from the tree.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Mom, that's all you're gonna get.
Aranda, what you wanna watch?

Aranda looks at the tv, a little confused.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
You watch it Aranda. Anything you
want. Just look at the screen
there. See?

4
(ARANDA)
I don't know.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
That's ok. I'll choose.

Brendon starts to flip through channels.

Joshua picks up his cell phone and begins texting.

57.

1
(JOSHUA)
Mom, I have a Christmas party
tomorrow. OK?

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Mom, can I take Aranda ice skating
tomorrow?

21
(BETTY)
No, yes, no...

22
(JOSHUA)
Yes, Mom? It's at 7 and I'll be
home by midnight.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Please Mom? Aranda needs to have
fun for a change. Don't you
think?

21
(BETTY)
Don't you think we should get her
home soon? People might talk and
weird people might show up from
some government thing. I don't
think we should keep an angel,
honey. Even God might be missing
her. I'm sure her mom does.

4
(ARANDA)
(smiling at Brendon) I can stay.
Mama and papa don't know where I
am. I don't think I can find them
now.

Betty mutters under her breath.

21
(BETTY)
OK....not happening. This is not
happening.

Betty shifts down to squat in front of Aranda.

58.

21
(BETTY)
OK, baby. I really need to know
where your parents are.

4
(ARANDA)
Bethlehem.

22
(JOSHUA)
Mom, you want tickets to
Bethlehem. I can get them for
you. I'm good at this.

Joshua lifts the phone up and rocks it in punctuation of the
question.

22
(JOSHUA)
better yet, maybe she can fly us
there.

20
(BETTY)
No. Stop.

Betty gets up and goes to the phone.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Who you callin' Mom?

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
NO! Mom!

21
(BETTY)
Then get her to tell us the truth.
We need to get her home.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Sure Mom. We'll just go outside
on the balcony ok? We
can....chat.

Betty looking stern.

21
(BETTY)
Fine.

59.

Betty puts the phone down.

Brendon goes to aranda, putting his hand out.

Aranda takes his hand and stands up. Together they walk
over to the sliding glass doors.

A light snow is falling.

Brendon opens the sliding glass doors. They step out
together.

Betty closes the curtains with a finger wagging at them as a
warning.

CUT:

EXT. THE BALCONY - NIGHT

The balcony is fairly large. It;s complete with patio
chairs and a gas grill.

Joshua steps out through the doors with headphones on his
head attached to his phone.

Brendon snatches the headphones off Joshua's head.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Hey! Get outa here!

22
(JOSHUA)
I'm your chaperone.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
No way! Get outa here!

Brendon opens the door and pushes Joshua back in, closing
the door quictly behind him.

22
(JOSHUA)
Hey!

Aranda's eyes are drwn to the headphones and phone.

4
(ARANDA)
What's that?

60.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Headphones. You can listen to
music with them from this phone.

4
(ARANDA)
Oh...

Brendon picks his favorite Christmas song by Justin Beiber,
"Christmas Love." He places the headphones on Aranda's
ears. She hears the song.

MUSIC BEGINS:CHRISTMAS LOVE BY JUSTIN BEIBER

Baby I will not pout
Baby I will not cry
Cause I got your love this Christmas time
When the snow's on the ground
And it's freezing outside
I got your love this Christmas
On every list I've ever sent
You're the gift I love the best
So deck the halls and all the rest
Warm me upWith your Christmas love
Hey angel in the snow
I;m under the mistletoe
You are the one
You're my very own Christmas love
Tell Santa I'm cool this year
My present is standing right here
Thank God above for my very own Christmas love, yeah
Like a eautiful tree, you can light up the room
Your kinda star can't be removed
Like a beautiful carol, I get lost in your song
And I will forever sing along
On every list I've ever sent
You're the gift I'd love the best
So deck t halls and all the rest
You are the one
You're my very own Christmas love...

The music quietly continues during their conversation.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Hey angel, wanna go for a fly and
tell me all about your mom and
dad?

4
(ARANDA)
You fly?

61.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Uh, no. But you do. Can you fly
and take me with you?

4
(ARANDA)
Maybe.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Let's try.

Aranda Brendon clasp hands. Aranda lifts her wings and
drifts up. Brendon's feet start to leave the ground

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Oh my God, wow!!

They drift higher up to the level of the next apartment
balcony. They pass by the family inside, unnoticed.

Within minutes, they are as hight as the apartment complex.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
God, it's cold out here. We are
high up. Let's go somewhere safe.

Brendon points to the playground below with a ungle Jim.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Let's go there ok?

4
(ARANDA)
ok.

Music softly goes to instrumental accompanyment.

CUT:

EXT. THE PLAYGROUND - MOMENTS LATER

The playground below glimmers in the falling snow. It's
filled with swings, slides, and a Jungle Gym. It's
decorated with Christmas lights.

Aranda and Brendon fly to the covered Jungle Gym platform
within the playground and GO IN.

62.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Wow! This is too cool!

1
(ARANDA)
It's so beautiful here. So many
lights here. We only have
candles.

18
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Wow. How can you do it in a
non-tech world?

4
(ARANDA)
Non-tech?...We just do.

Aranda turns and looks deeply into Brendon's eyes.

4
(ARANDA)
I told the truth about mama and
papa.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
How can that be Aranda? They all
lived 2000 years ago.

From the balcony: A loud call from Betty.

21
(BETTY)
Brendon! Where are you? Brendon!!
Brennnnnndonnnn!!!

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Oooops, Mom is gonna have a cow.
Better get back.

4
(ARANDA)
Where can she put a cow?

Brendon pokes his head out of the Jungle Gym.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Mom! We're her! We're coming!

63.

21
(BETTY)
How in the world?

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Coming!

He turns in close to Aranda.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Look, I hafta tell mom
something...ok...I got it, I'll
say...um...

Brendon and Aranda stand close enough to kiss.

Brendon suddy looks up.

Mistletoe is hanging above them.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Look there! Mistletoe.

Brendon leans in and kisses Aranda lightly on the lips.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Wow...kissed by an angel. Let's
fly together forever, Aranda.
Don't worry, I'll tell mom
something.

They both smile.

Together, the walk to the edge of the platform,lift off, and
drift back up to the balcony.

CUT:

INT. THE BALCONY - MOMENTS LATER

The snow is falling harder and sticking to the railss and
floor.

Betty is wearing a jacket. She is on the balcony waiting
with her foot tappping impatiently.

Aranda and Brendon fly in to the balcony, landing in front
of Betty.

64.

22
(BETTY)
Oh! Oh my god!...flying???
Really??

Betty tu.rns and swings the door open angrily

22
(BETTY)
In now!

Brendon and Aranda obey.

22
(BETTY)
(loud from within closed doors)
Have you lost your minds?

CUT:

INT. BRENDON'S BEDROOM - MORNING

A bedroom for a young boy, small, complete with the usual
twin bed. It's tidy and decorated with baseball
memorabilia. Brendon is asleep on the couch,covered with a
quilt. His head is deeply plunged into the pillow.

Aranda is asleep in the bed, wearing an overlarge tee shirt
from Betty, covering her wings.

Aranda wakes up first. She sleeoily takes in the strange
room around her. Looking at the window, she see it's
snowing. She tries to read the posters.

4
(ARANDA)
(whispers)
Baseball...

The lanp on the table next to her catches her attention. She
reaches out and touches it. It comes on.

4
(ARANDA)
Oh!

Aranda sit up in bed.

Brendon wakes up and turns toward Aranda. He smiles
sleepily.

65.

22
(BRENDON CONNOR)
A lamp. Good morning. reasy for
a day? I want to go ice skating.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE MANION OF AVILA GARDENYARD - DAY

In the garden yard, it is lightly snowing, but there are
flowers and berries still on a vine.

Beatrude walks into the garden yard to a bench and sits
down, weeping.

Stanna appears and walks over to Beatrude placing, an arm
around her shoulders.

1
(STANNA)
Shhhh...sweet Beatrude. I have
found someone who can help. Her
name is Myam. She is a white dove.
God has told me she can find
Aranda. If he sent an angel, you
could get lost or worse, even
killed. The dove has a better
chance to avoid all that.

14
(BEATRUDE)
Where is Myam?

Beatrude looks up at the sky.

14
(BEATRUDE)
Oh how I wish I were a dove.

Stanna reaches over and plucks a cluster of berries and
hands it to Beatrude.

Beatrude closes her eyes.

1
(STANNA)
Listen and love. Come dear dove.

MYAM, a heavenly-white dove that has under-feathers that
shimmer in rainbow colors. She can communicate
telepathically and sometimes speaks words. She is the size

66.

of a normal dove. She drifts down with a small white flower
in her beak. She lands on Beatrude's lap.

14
(BEATRUDE)
Crying in the heart of Aranda. Do
you hear it in your mind beloved
dove?

21
(MYAM)
I do.

14
(BEATRUDE)
I can not ask you to take your
life away from this world. I have
not asked anyone anything I could
do myself. I place this in your
keeping, to decide if you will. I
lifted you up to God. He has told
me that only a dove can go where
Aranda is lost in a world very
different from ours and very far
away.

Beatrude wipes away a tear.

14
(BEATRUDE)
I have something for you Myam. I
have a thread from Aranda's
cartanian. I will also lift her
name up to the HOLY FATHER to help
you find her. Here I have a
cluster of berries to give you
nourishment and strength in your
search. They are magic. The power
shields you from death. I am
placing my heart with yours.

Beatrude ties the berries around Myam's chest with a bright
yellow string.

14
(BEATRUDE)
Do you accept this mission, Myam?

26
(MYAM)
I do. I will find Aranda. God is
with me..and you too.

67.

14
(BEATRUDE)
Courage and love. Go dear dove.

Myam flies up and away to the Holy Father.

Myam lifts off with a flurry of white and shimmering
pastels. She disappears into the distance.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE DIMENSIONAL DOOR - NIGHT

A crystalline light creates a gleaming path to a dimensional
door that leads from Heaven to Earth. The dimensional door
appears to be a starry hole in space.

THE HANDS OF GOD are cradling Myam, carrying her along the
path to the dimensional door.

27
(THE VOICE OF GOD)
Enter into the earth, my child,
without my line of birth to aid
you. I have heard Aranda. Listen
and you will hear her too. Enter
and live. I will call you back
safely to heaven. This I vow with
my love to do so. Now go beloved
Myam.

Myam lifts off God's hands and flies into the dimensional
door.

Stanna appears on the path leading to the door. She stops
just short and does not go in. There is a wind that blows
out of the door lifting her hair and wings.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE CROSSWALK NEAR BETTY'S APARTMENT - DAY

In an American city at a Main Street crossing. A sign across
the city marks the city park. Aranda's wings are concealed
by a large coat.

BETTY, Brendon Connor's mom, looking very worried, is
dressed casually in jeans and a coat. Her hair is up in a
butterfly clip.

68.

Betty, Brendon Connor, and Aranda stop at the curb of the
crosswalk across from entrance to the park that is next to
the graveyard.

They are waiting for the "walk" sign to change.

Stanna appears at the entrance of the park, unseen by the
others.

1
(STANNA)
Winter holds a cold in most cities
that is bitter. Critz, however had
assimilated to his surrounding
with very little trouble.

Critz is loitering next to a mini-market door, close to the
crosswalk, watching Betty and the children.

Feetzil is watching Critz from behind a large trash can.

9
(CRITZ)
I relish this new work in this
time. Immortality, isn't that what
its all about? The tree is the
key. It's an inter-time
inter-loping that I must succeed
at to strike the Christ-child
dead. I feel like a God. Why, I'm
more intelligent than the source
they have sought to imitate all
these eons.

Critz moves up behind the children quickly. He makes a
powerful, fast move by running up to both children and
swoops them both up. He turns and runs quickly out of sight.
Betty has no time to react fast enough to keep up.

Betty turns around and screams.

14
(BETTY)
Oh no! Oh my God! The children!
Stop that man!

CUT TO:

INT. BETTY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Betty's living room is in disarray. It's getting closer to
Christmas.

69.

Tissues are strewn about.

Betty walks over to the family Christmas tree and places an
ornament on it. Her eyes are clouded with tears.

JOSHUA walks to a comfy chair, sits down and places a lap
top computer on a small table in front of him.

Stanna appears near the Christmas tree-unseen.

1
(STANNA)
The winter sky just didn't betray
the season. As the clouds drift
across the purple-blue sky the
city began to think about Santa,
except for Betty and Joshua who
are brokenhearted and praying for
a miracle.

21
(BETTY)
I just can't believe that God
hasn't heard my prayers. We need a
miracle, NOW! The police haven't
even called. I just don't know
what else to do.

Betty grabs a tissue and blows her nose. She picks up an
angel ornament tree topper and sits down on the arm of the
sofa.

22
(JOSHUA)
Mom, the police are on it. The
APB is out. I'm emailing right
everyone to search right now.
We'll have that miracle.

Joshua continues to tap on his computer.

21
(BETTY)
The police don't even know who
they're really looking for. I just
couldn't bring myself to tell them
she has wings. I figured IF they
find her, they would figure it out
themselves when the saw her.

70.

22
(JOSHUA)
Hey mom, I've got something.

Joshua points to the computer screen.

Betty walks over to look at the computer screen.

CUT TO:

INT. THE CHURCH OF THE SAINTS - NIGHT

The Church of the Saints is a large church sanctuary,
complete with decorated huge Christmas tree.

Brendon and Aranda are sitting on the top step leading to
the podium, next to a large, lit Christmas tree.

REVEREND RANDALL is a devoted Catholic priest. He is
slightly balding, has a nearly perpetual smile with a
twinkle in his large eyes. He wears the traditional robes
of a Catholic priest.

Reverend Randall is at the podium, rigid with fear.

Critz is pulling on Reverend Randall's robe, pushing a gun
to his head.

Stanna appears standing next to the children, hidden, but
seen.

1
(STANNA)
(In thought)
Christmas Eve mass had ended and
everyone had left for the night.
Father Randall had looked forward
so much to the fine dinner waiting
for him and restful music from the
choir tapes he had ordered just
for this year's Christmas Cantata.
Truth be known he had seen this
before and couldn't see what else
he could do, but pray that he
could get to the gun. He felt it
was necessary to keep a gun after
the last robbery. The gun of
course, was not within reaching
distance and being killed by his
own gun entered his mind too.

Critz grips Reverend Randall tighter by the throat.

71.

9
(CRITZ)
Get me some money now.

24
(REVEREND RANDALL)
I don't have any money. We don't
keep any here in the church.

9
(CRITZ)
You take in money. I know you do.
In donations.

24
(REVEREND RANDALL)
It goes straight to the bank on
Sundays. It's now Wednesday. We
have people coming to practice for
the Christmas Cantata soon.

9
(CRITZ)
They will have money. Feetzil,
you go look for food and money in
this church. Now, go.

Feetzil jumps up and exits out a side door.

Reverend Randall suddenly steps forward into Critz and
throws his hands up between Critz's hands in a self-defense
manuever..

The lights on the Christmas tree blinks.

Critz is forced to let go of Reverend Randall.

Reverend Randall reaches quickly into the podium and gets
the gun.

Critz lunges at Reverend Randall.

Brendon Connor quickly pushes Aranda to her feet.

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Aranda! Run! Fly! Get back to the
tree!

The gun is fired.

72.

Critz lifts off the gun that Reverend Randall is holding. He
lunged down the aisle holding his belly, running out through
the church doors after Aranda.

1
(STANNA)
The church held it's breath for
the Christmas Eve that still
waited for Jesus to be laid in a
manger.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE SKY - NIGHT

The sky is filled with stars. Stanna appears in the stars.

Aranda flies as high and as fast as she can go. She is
caught in a heavy wind and is flying directionless. The
wind current pushes her from the Church of the Saints to
another park and to another tree.

4
(STANNA)
In fear
and in tears
she flew
she barley knew
where she could be
and landed under another tree
Far from the Chuch of the
Saints...

Aranda shivers and looks toward the heavens for an answer.
She hears none. She flies higher.

4
(ARANDA)
Mama, PAPA! Where are you?

(pauses)
(through tears)
Please hear me...
Read my mind to find...

Another powerful gust of wind takes over Aranda.

SWIRLING DOWNWARD MOTION,AS DEBRI AND WIND CONSUME THE
ANGEL BRINGING HER TO THE GROUND.

SCREEN GOES TO BLACK.

73.

CUT TO:

EXT. A GREAT OAK TREE - NIGHT

A great Oak tree in another park, It's a dark night. A light
snow is falling

Aranda has fallen and is laying still under the tree.

A silhouette of a man walks walks under the tree and picks
Amanda up. He walks toward a path that leads out to a
Christmas lighted city.

Stanna appears under the great oak.

1
(STANNA)
The dark and stormy night shook
Aranda
on a flight that nearly took her
life.
Though her parents could not hear
her call,
God did and saw her fall.
So did a man who undeniably did
not hestitate.
He picked her up and again changed
her fate.

CUT TO:

INT. JOHN'S APARTMENT BEDROOM - DAY

The man that picked Aranda up is JOHN. He's taken her to
his apartment and straight to his bedroom. It's an
expensive flat with the air of a successful man. There is a
snow-globe from his childhood sitting on the lamp stand.

John is a thirty-something. He's athletic. He's single,
quiet, strong, and self-sufficient.

John is sitting on the bedside, placing a wet folded
washcloth on her forehead.

Stanna appears in the room, standing at the window, unseen
to John and Aranda.

74.

1
(STANNA)
John could see his work was cut
out for him the moment he saw her
wings. He decided not to call 911.

4
(ARANDA (SOFTLY)
Papa...

Aranda's eyes open.

John lifts the cloth and kisses her on the forehead.

23
(JOHN)
I'm sorry baby, Papa isn't here.
I'm John.

23
(JOHN)
Where's papa?

23
(JOHN)
I don't know. Where's home?

4
(ARANDA (SOFTLY)
Heaven.

23
(JOHN)
Ah...that makes sense. Then he
must be there.

John smiles gently and turns the cloth on her forehead.

23
(JOHN)
So little angel, what's your name?

4
(ARANDA)
Aranda.

23
(JOHN)
Well Aranda, How did you come to
be under the Oak tree? You were
unconscious when I found you.

75.

4
(ARANDA)
Critz was after me. I flew from
the church. It was terrible in
the sky and wind and I fell.

Myam suddenly appears at the window outside. She perches on
the windowsill, then taps on the glass with her beak.

John, Aranda and Stanna look at the window, seeing Myam.

23
(JOHN)
Oh my God, what's this?

John walks over to the window and opens it. There is no
screen.

Myam flies in and lands on Aranda's lap. She drops a berry
and the bright yellow string in her hand.

4
(ARANDA)
(great surprise)
This is a string from my
cartanian...and the berry is from
Mama and Papa's garden yard.

23
(JOHN)
It appears we have a little
messenger and a message from home
Aranda.

Aranda and John watch in awe as Myam lifts up and flies out
to the living room and the Christmas tree.

CUT:

INT. JOHN'S LIVING ROOM - LATER

John's living room is decorate with a large decorated
Christmas tree with a sparkling star on the top. Now, Myam
adorns it.

John and Aranda walk through the bedroom door and enter the
living room.

Myam flies over and perches on Aranda's shoulder. Aranda
sits in a chair. She closes her eyes as if to pray. Her
eyes flutter open when Myam lands.

76.

John stares intensely at Aranda.

23
(JOHN)
Too bad no written note? No words

4
(ARANDA)
No words...

26
(MYAM)
Words...

23
(JOHN)
Words?
(gently to Myam)
Words about Mama and Papa?

26
(MYAM)
Mama and Papa seek Aranda.

23
(JOHN)
Where is Mama and Papa?

26
(MYAM)
Waiting in Bethlehem.

4
(ARANDA)
They are on a mission. And I got
here through a tree because of
Critz.

23
(JOHN)
Whoa, two things. To Bethlehem on
a mission? And what tree?

4
(ARANDA)
The willow tree. Brendon Connor
found me there.

23
(JOHN)
Brendon Connor? Who is Brendon
Connor?

77.

4
(ARANDA)
Brendon Connor is a boy. He lives
in an apartment with Betty and
Joshua. We walked there from the
graveyard where he found me under
the willow tree.

23
(JOHN)
Where is the willow tree?

4
(ARANDA)
In the graveyard.

23
(JOHN)
You said someone Critz was after
you and a church. What church
Aranda?

4
(ARANDA)
Critz took me and Brendon Connor
to the Church of the Saints.
Reverend Randall tried to save us.

23
(JOHN)
Reverend Randall tried to save
you?

4
(ARANDA)
Yes, he got his gun and I flew
away.

23
(JOHN)
Hmmmm...wow. Wait a minute, The
Church of the Saints rings a bell.
I remember it from my childhood.
I used to attend there. In fact, I
think I can find his phone number
and give him a call.

4
(ARANDA)
A call?

78.

23
(JOHN)
Uh huh...

John picks up the phone.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE STABLE BEHIND THE INN-BETHLEHEM - AFTERNOON

Mary, Joseph, Avila, and Sylvan are gathered in the stable.
Mary's labor has begun.

Joseph and Avila walk outside the stable to guard and wait.

Sylvan lovingly attends Mary by her side, preparing for the
delivery.

Stanna appears next to Sylvan, visible to everyone. She's
quiet and blending in.

1
(STANNA)
(In thought)
The world awaits with great
anticipation the birth of Mary's
baby. Time seems to stands still
as she breathe's heavy with labor.

2
(AVILA (O.S.)
God and His star are with us
Joseph. Soon many angels will
join us.

12
(JOSEPH (O.S.)
I stand amazed Avila, at God's
grace and miracles. I will soon be
a proud Papa.

Mary raises her head with a contraction.

13
(MARY)
(Groaning)Ahhh....!

5
(SYLVAN)
Breathe now Mary, breathe.

79.

12
(JOSEPH (O.S.)
Is the baby coming?

5
(SYLVAN)
Not yet Joseph. You must be
patient. This is a difficult
birth and will take time.
shhh...patience....patience....

FADE TO:

INT. THE CHURCH OF THE SAINTS - NIGHT

Inside the sanctuary of the church. The Christmas tree is
lit. No signs of previous violence is present.

Aranda and John walk into the church and down the isle
toward the Christmas tree.

Reverend Randall walks in from a sanctuary door to meet
them at the Christmas tree.

23
(REVEREND RANDALL)
Come child.

Aranda runs forward up to the Reverend Randall, giving him a
big hug.Reverd Randall reaches around Aranda for a quick
handshake-retaining the hug.

24
(REVEREND RANDALL)
John, it's wonderful to meet you.
It's a miracle you have brought
Aranda back to us.

23
(JOHN)
Thank you Reverend Randall. Do
you recognize me since I've grown
up?

Reverend Randall comes around to John with a broad smile.

            24
      (REVEREND RANDALL)
I sure do. You grew up to be a
man to be proud of, John. I'm so
glad you have come back. Too bad
you can't attend every Sunday
again. But I do understand the
            (MORE)

80.

24 (cont'd)
distance is a problem.

23
(JOHN)
I wish that to Reverend. I miss
this beautiful church and I miss
you most of all.

24
(REVEREND RANDALL)
Well, Aranda you look fantastic! I
was so worried about you. I
prayed hard that our Father in
heaven would help you and He did.
Where are your wings?

4
(ARANDA)
Under my coat.

24
(REVEREND RANDALL)
May I see them?

4
(ARANDA)
Yes, Father Randall.

Aranda opens and removes her coat, handing it to John. Her
beautiful wings spring up. She turns around for Reverend
Randall to have a full view of them.

Suddenly, Reverend Randall's cell phone rings. He presses it
to answer.

24
(REVEREND RANDALL)
Hello yes, God bless you for
calling right back Ms. Connor.
They are here now. I'll send them
straight to you and don't worry.
Merry Christmas.

Reverend Randall hangs up the phone.

            24
      (REVEREND
       RANDALL(CONT.)
John, this is the phone number to
Brendon Connor and his mother
Betty. It's best you go quickly.
The police are still searching for
Aranda and the monster Critz. He
            (MORE)

81.

24 (cont'd)
is still at large, so please be
careful. Are you aware of what
happened here?

23
(JOHN)
Aranda has told me enough to find
you. What did happen here?

24
(REVEREND RANDALL)
It was the scariest night of my
lifetime. I was just opening the
doors to the church. We were to
have choir practice for our
Christmas pageant coming up. When
this man shoved two children
through the door at me. He looked
and even smelled of evil. He
shoved us all toward the alter
after locking the doors. When we
got to the alter is when I
realized the little girl had the
wings of an angel. I also realized
my world had changed in an
instant.

23
(JOHN)
Oh my God.

            24
      (REVEREND RANDALL)
Exactly, God was with us, but we
were thrown into this good and
evil struggle that I could barely
comprehend. Well, this man, this
creature stood over me and told me
I was dead if I didn't do exactly
what he said. Then the little
angel suddenly blurted out, "He's
Critz." The monster picked her up
and nearly hurled her to the
ground but suddenly he stopped as
if to remember something and then
just put her down and said, "You
two go sit at that tree and don't
move!" They sat down at the
Christmas tree and got quiet. I
was trying to figure out what to
do. I had a gun hidden in my
pulpit but I couldn't get to it.
Then, the monster said to me, "Get
            (MORE)

82.

24 (cont'd)
God here now! I need a word with
him." I said, "I don't know how."
Then he sneered and spat at me."
He lifted me off the floor with
one hand. He had grabbed me by my
collar. Then, I told him I needed
to pray at the alter. Then, he
dropped me. I saw my chance to
get the gun. I was able to step
backwards to my pulpit and bowed
my head. I pulled out the gun and
pointed it at him. That's when the
boy shouted, "Amanda, fly! Get to
the tree!" He rushed toward me and
I fired. That monster fell back
and onto the boy. The angel, who
now I know is named Amanda,
actually got up and flew to the
doors of the church, unlocked them
and flew out. The demon got up
with blood from a gushing wound,
growled and ran after her. The
boy was bloodied too. I rushed to
him. I took out my cell phone and
called 911. Thank God he wasn't'
badly hurt and we got him safely
home to his mother. After speaking
with Brendon Connor and Betty, his
mother, I realized the absolute
truth of the situation. It was
not jut a bad dream. It was real.
And Oh Amanda, you are the
greatest proof of God's true
existence.

24
(REVEREND RANDALL)
She most certainly is. But
Reverend, so is the clear and
present danger.

            24
      (REVEREND RANDALL)
That's why John, I wish to give
you this cross. Perhaps if can
protect you against the demon,
should you see it. And Aranda,
you fly as fast as you can away
from it. Come to me. I'll get
help fast. Now John, you and
Aranda must go quickly and safely.
It's almost Christmas. God is
            (MORE)

83.

24 (cont'd)
with you. Now it's time to go.

23
(JOHN)
We will be careful Reverend and we
will be on guard for Critz. I have
had the greatest blessing of all
is to hear God tell me when I
prayed to him for help and
guidance, that I could be her
father here on earth. I won't let
God or Aranda down.

24
(REVEREND RANDALL)
Wonderful John. Please keep in
touch with me.

23
(JOHN)
I will Father.

Aranda and Reverend Randall hug.

John, Amanda, and Reverend Randall walk back down the isle
toward the door.

24
(REVEREND RANDALL)
Merry Christmas!

11 (34)
(JOHN AND AMANDA)
Merry Christmas Father!

FADE TO:

INT. BETTY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Betty's apartment is lit up for Christmas Eve. A light snow
is falling outside the windows.

John and Aranda arrive at Betty's apartment door. John
knocks on the door.

Betty opens the door.

John and Aranda walk in when the door opens.

Betty peers nervously outside into the quiet darkening
night.

84.

21
(BETTY)
We just can't believe your here!
We have a thousand questions, but
we won't bother you with that now.
Please come in, sit down. Have
some Christmas cookies!

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
(smiling broadly)It's a miracle
your back Aranda. I'm so happy to
see you.

John and Aranda sit down on the couch and take a cookie.

Brendon leans down and hugs Aranda.

21
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Mom, can I give Aranda her present
now?

21
(BETTY)
Brendon had total faith that he
would see Aranda again, so he got
her a present. Go get it sweetie.

Brendon goes to the tree quickly, picks up a present and
walks over to Aranda, handing it to her.

Aranda opens the present.

It's an Ipod and headphones loaded with music for Aranda.
The first song that plays is,"Christmas Love."

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Allow me.

Brendon places the headphones on her head. They come close
enough to kiss and close eyes, but stop short by a sound...a
clearing of the throat.

John stands up.

            23
      (JOHN)
Betty, I would like to ask a
favor. Aranda would like to go
visit the willow tree where
Brendon found her. Would you
            (MORE)

85.

23 (cont'd)
mind?

21
(BETTY)
I guess that would be OK. Brendon
has been wanting to go there, but
I was a little afraid of it.
Brendon, do you still want to go?

20
(BRENDON CONNOR)
Yes Mom, I do. Aranda, do you want
to go?

4
(ARANDA)
Yes.

1
(BETTY)
Well then, that settles it. Let's
get our coats and visit the willow
tree shall we?

Everyone puts on coats and walks to the door. Aranda is
carrying her Christmas present with her.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE PARK - NIGHT

The park is brightly lit with Christmas lights. A beautiful
large Manger scene is in the park. A path leads to the
graveyard.

Aranda, John, Betty, Brendon, and Joshua enter the park
happily.

Fettzil is trotting not far behind them.

Myam is flying just in front of them.

Everyone walks quickly, continuing down the path that leads
to the graveyard.

They walk past empty park benches until they come close to
the grave yard. On the last bench, someone seems to be
asleep on the bench with a newspaper over his head.

Everyone exits the park and enters the edges of the
graveyard and toward the willow tree.

86.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE WILLOW TREE - MOMENTS LATER

The graveyard is dimly lit, deserted and quiet. The willow
tree can be seen in the distance.

The willow tree shimmers in the Christmas snow and
moonlight.

Myam is flying around the tree.

Aranda and Brendon start walking faster than everyone else.

Aranda slips her hand from Brendon.

Just feet away from the tree, Aranda picks up her wings out
from under her coat, wrapping her present in the coat and
flies toward the tree.

Stanna appears next to the tree.

1
(STANNA)
Where a tree stands that God had
touched before, the tree gives a
light that nobody ever
understands. The willow sings a
song of sadness and could not
leave its tears for the world to
hear.

A strong wind picks up.

The air is suddenly filled with voices.

23
(JOHN)
No..no..no..NO!

Critz jumps up from the bench and newspaper. He bolts toward
the willow tree from behind the group.

Feetzil is right behind him.

Critz grabs Aranda and jumps toward the trunk of the tree.

Feetzil grabs Brendon and jumps toward the trunk of the
tree.

The dimensional door is opened within the willow tree, with
a bolt of bright light, sucking Critz, Aranda, Feetzil, and

87.

Brendon in.

Screams fill the air.

John jumps into the willow tree behind them all.

The dimensional door remains open revealing a scene beyond.
It's an active battle between angels and Dagguards.

23
(BETTY)
OH no! They're all in there!
Someone get them out!

25
(JOSHUA)
How Mom??

Everyone throw up hands exclaiming, "I don't know!"

Myam flies through the dimensional door.

Betty and Joshua stop in front of the dimensional door
within the tree staring inside.

The snow comes down with a heavy flow.

BACK TO:

EXT. THE TREE OF LIFE - NIGHT

The Tree of Life is on the opposite side of the willow tree.
The land surrounding the Tree of Life is filled with
warriors, angels and Dagguards. Some on horseback. The sky
is bleak. The dimensional door has remained open through
both the Tree of Life and the willow tree.

Critz has made it onto the back of a loose horse. He
gripping Aranda. He urges the panicked horse to run away
from the scene.

Feetzil releases Brendon and runs after another loose horse.

John runs up to Brendon, grabs him and picks him up. He
turns toward the Tree of Life

Myam can be seen flying over the battle scene.

Avila appears on horseback, in pursuit of Critz and Aranda.

Suddenly, the dimensional door within the two tree begins to
close.

88.

Seeing this, John catches a horse from a dead Dagguard
rider. He picks up a sword from the ground, then puts
Brendon on the back of the horse behind him. They gallop in
Aranda's direction.

Avila catches up with Critz's horse first. He attempts to
snatch Aranda off the back of the horse and succeeds.

Avila rides away in a gallop. Then, dismounts the horse
mid-gallop leaving Aranda alone on the horse, galloping
away.

Avila flies back to Critz, sword raised. Critz raises a
sword hr had found on the battle field. They battle
fiercely.

John and Brendon on horseback, close in on Avila and Critz.

BACK TO:

EXT. THE WILLOW TREE - MOMENTS LATER

Panic covers the scene on the side of the willow tree.
People had gathered there from the park along with the
police. Brought there by the light and commotion.

THE POLICE, trying to bring the crowd to the outside the
perimeter of the tree with no success.

Betty and Joshua has remained close to the tree, also in
panic state.

An excited police officer, just outside the tree's perimeter
fires a shot from his gun into the air.

The crowd screams and ducks.

The willow tree emits a terrible sound that vibrates the
ground with an eardrum crushing pulse.

Everyone falls to the ground.

The willow tree closes completely.

BACK TO:

EXT. THE TREE OF LIFE - MOMENTS LATER

The dimensional door in the tree has closed. The shaking
ground has caused angels and Dagguards to fall to the ground

89.

as if dead.

Aranda has disappeared into the darkness on horseback.

Avila swings his sword in a death blow at Critz and it
lands.

Critz vanishes.

Feetzil is seen flying away into the darkening distance.

John and Brendon still on horseback are standing close by,
see Critz vanish.

2
(AVILA)
Follow me!

Avila mounts another loose horse.

John with Brendon holding tight, steers the horse to gallop
behind Avila.

Avila, John, and Brendon disappear into the darkening
distance.

The night suddenly becomes silent, as silvery leaves,
snowflakes, and feathers drift through the air.

FADE TO:

EXT. THE MANGER INSIDE THE STABLE - EVENING

Dramatic, triumphant orchestral MUSIC BEGINS.

A clear starry sky. The north star hangs low in the sky.

The stable is crowded with angels, Joseph, Mary, and the
baby Jesus in his cradle, a manger.

Avila walks over to Joseph and places an arm around is
shoulders.

Sylvan walks over to Mary, leaning over looking at the baby,
smiling.

Stanna appears, standing next to Mary.

            1
      (STANNA)
Mary had lay stretched in her long
gown hewn with wool and saw the
stars of heaven unfold above her
            (MORE)

90.

1 (cont'd)
when she gave birth to her baby.
The night had come to the day with
the cold air that only a winter
could bring. Mary was no ordinary
girl, she heard the voice of God
and of angels. Centuries have told
the story of the son she brought
forth.

The sign was the STAR above them
and it held a light that no one
had ever seen before. It entered
into the Earth and shone its light
for all to know that the Christ
child was born.

The entire caravan of angels and camels cluster around the
manger and cave.

John, Aranda, and Brendon are now disguised in traditional
Hebrew clothing They walk up together and gather close to
Avila and Sylvan

Some of the angels de-cloak and fly up above the manger.

2
(AVILA)
May I hold the child?

13
(MARY)
Yes.

2
(AVILA)
El Shaddai!

Avila carefully lifts the baby up from the manger.

Avila raises the baby up to the stars in the heavens.

Joseph joins him in voice and celebrations. Everyone
rejoicing in the Lord with praise.

2
(AVILA)
(TO jOSEPH)
I have instruction from our
Heavenly father to tell you soon.
We must keep your family safe. We
will speak again soon my brother.

91.

12
(JOSEPH)
(smiling broadly)

God's will be done,brother!

1
(STANNA)
And with a shout, a cry of a baby
and another shining tear, the tree
was born but the forest was yet to
grow.

FADE TO:

EXT. THE STAR - EVENING

MUSIC SWELLS

The entire host of angels along with Aranda, John, and
Brendon are gathered in the desert, standing under the
brilliantly lit Star.

Suddenly, a bright shaft of light appears from the STAR,
shining down on them all and they all vanish into the starry
darkness.

FADE:

BACK INTO THE STARS. WE SEE A LIT CANDLE IN THE DISTANCE.

A STAR NOVA'S AS CREDIT ROLL

FADE OUT.

Feedback

There is currently no feedback for this screenplay.

Leave Feedback

You must be logged in to leave feedback.

Home My Account Products Screenwriter Community Screenwriter's Corner Help