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Language:
English
Series:
Part 3 of Choices Interconnected Universe
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Published:
2020-10-24
Completed:
2021-10-13
Words:
69,259
Chapters:
43/43
Kudos:
21
Hits:
1,012

Defenders of the Flame

Summary:

A film screenplay-style rewrite of The Elementalists, Book 1, with major changes and surprising connections to other Choices books tossed into the mix!

Notes:

For those of you unfamiliar with me or my Choices Interconnected Universe project, it's essentially a series of film scripts based on different Choices books, all set in the same universe and building up a larger overarching storyline. Think the MCU films, but with Choices storylines and characters. This is the third in the series, following after rewrites of Endless Summer Book 1 and Most Wanted. You don't have to read the other two to enjoy this one, but it will definitely enhance the experience!

If you’re wondering about the title, rest assured it will make more sense as the story unfolds. (And yes, there’s a reason for it besides just “It sounds cool.”)

Unlike my previous two scripts (which stuck fairly close to canon), there has been a fair amount of changing around with this one, especially regarding the worldbuilding and magic system. I tried to make this story a little less “Hogwarts-lite” and more its own thing. For example, one major change here is that magick has been renamed to “stoichi,” from “Stoichiea” (Greek for “Elements”) and “Chi.” The other worldbuilding changes will be revealed as the story progresses (and, where necessary, elaborated on in the relevant scene’s notes!)

And that's all I have for now! As for the rest of the changes to the story... you'll have to discover them alongside Fiora!

Chapter 1: Prologue, Scene 1: Cycle, Broken

Summary:

A familiar scene, from an unfamiliar perspective.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

FADE IN:

 

INT. HARTFELD UNIVERSITY DORM ROOM - DAY

 

ALYSSA CZASA sits on a futon, staring with excitement and disbelief at a letter clutched in her hand. She is so engrossed in the letter that she fails to notice as the door to the room swings open. Her roommate, FIORA LUXEN, enters and sets down her backpack.

FIORA: Hey, Alyssa.

Alyssa does not respond. Fiora goes to grab a snack from the fridge.

FIORA: …Alyssa? Hey, you there?

ALYSSA: Hm?

Alyssa finally looks up.

ALYSSA (excitedly): Oh! Hey, Fiora! You are not gonna believe what just happened!

FIORA: Well, whatever it is, it’s gotta be better than my day at least. Spent the last four hours at the library, and wrote exactly one paragraph-

Alyssa stands up and waves the letter in front of Fiora.

ALYSSA: Remember “Party on the Quad?” When we entered that contest thingy or whatever it was? I won!

FIORA: Yeah, I kind of do, I knew it was a waste of–wait, what?

ALYSSA: I won! Check it out, I’m going on vacation!

Fiora takes the letter from Alyssa and scans it, her eyes widening in surprise.

FIORA (surprised): Well, what d’you know? Guess those things aren’t completely rigged after all. Have you told the guys yet?

ALYSSA (embarrassed): Now that you mention it–

FIORA: You forgot, didn’t you?

ALYSSA: …Maybe?

Fiora laughs halfheartedly, then shrugs and sits down on the futon as Alyssa pulls out her phone and calls her brother, IAN CZASA. As Alyssa talks to him, Fiora looks over at her with a sad smile.

ALYSSA (on phone): …Hey, no, I was gonna say that! Shut up for five seconds, would you? I won that contest I entered back at “Party on the Quad,” and I’m going on a free vacation!

She pauses as her brother replies.

ALYSSA (on phone): Wait, seriously?! Didn’t think this could get much better, but that’s awesome! Guess it would’ve been a lot more awkward if I didn’t know anyone on the trip.

Another pause.

ALYSSA (on phone): Diego, too? Even better! Wish I could say the same for Fiora, but… doesn’t look like she won. Guess that would be a little too much to hope for. You two wanna stop over here tonight so we can figure all this out?

Alyssa pauses for Ian’s reply, then hangs up the call. She turns back to face Fiora, who quickly forces herself to smile.

ALYSSA: Of course Ian always was the lucky one. Wish you could’ve won too, Fiora.

FIORA: It’s… it’s okay. I’m really happy for you! Honest!

Alyssa sits down next to Fiora.

ALYSSA: Look, it’s okay to be a little jealous. Trust me, we both know I’d be crazy jealous if it were me getting left behind.

FIORA (sighs): It’ll be fine. Do you have any idea how terrible I’d feel if you gave up this chance ‘cause of me?

The two of them laugh.

ALYSSA: Yeah, I can only imagine. But hey, at least the trip isn’t for another three weeks!

FIORA: We’d better make ‘em count!

Notes:

And we're starting in a different story entirely... if this scene seemed familiar, it takes place at the same time as the first chapter of my ES screenplay, where the Czasa twins star as our two MCs. And yes, the two halves of Alyssa and Ian's phone conversation were written together, so you can combine them and they'll make sense!