Metal Hurlant Chronicles (2012) s02e05 Episode Script
Second Son
1 Narrator: The last fragment of a once-living planet.
Its body blasted into dust by the madness of its own inhabitants.
While its head was cursed to roam aimlessly through time and space, screaming in pain and sorrow.
In legend and in fact, it is known as Metal Hurlant.
My friends and companions, I hope you have appreciated this repast.
Now we shall have some fun.
My sons, Byron and Tybalt, will entertain us.
And they know better than to disappoint me.
How could we be your sons, if we weren't up to the task? Right, brother? Right.
Then show our guests how much we appreciate their company.
It will be my pleasure, as always.
Be my champion and show me how skilled you are.
Some of my skills I'll show you in private.
Come on, brother.
Let's renew our battle again.
Shall we begin? You do so enjoy these games father makes us play.
Hard to answer that without sounding like a complete ass, but Yes, I do.
And I will continue to, for what is there not to enjoy about winning every time? You're always so sure of yourself, brother.
One day, your arrogance will be your downfall.
I look forward to see that day.
Sadly though, I don't see any improvement.
( grunts ) Come on, Byron.
Are you even trying? By Aethon's teeth, you really fight like a milkmaid.
( gasping ) Forgive me, Lady Laerana.
I had hoped Byron's swordplay would prove entertaining, not a danger to your lovely dress.
Not at all, my prince.
Tonight has been quite entertaining.
Tybalt, I demand you show me the respect I deserve.
The respect that you deserve? Father? If it pleases you, I will end this fight in eight moves.
Now, this is entertaining.
Does anyone care to place a wager? ( chatter ) Absolutely thrilling.
Ahh, I'm on the edge of my seat.
You have seen nothing so far, Stanley.
The best is yet to come.
I can't wait to see how he will disarm his brother.
Maybe he's got a surprise up his sleeve.
Oh.
Mmm, ahh.
This is definitely a day I will not soon forget.
We are ready.
You may proceed.
It's a fight I can win.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.
He killed him.
And once more, I have defeated my younger brother.
Well, my friends, if you'll excuse us.
King: Tybalt! Aren't you forgetting something? My apologies.
The excitement of my victory made me forget my manners.
Forgetting my sword like that.
( horn blows ) My Lord, an emissary from the Techno King has arrived.
The Techno King? Greetings, King Tobias.
I, 7.
3, have been sent here as a representative of the great Techno King to inform you that his rebirth process is now complete.
And because of this great event, I am here to investigate, by the demand of our Lord, the possibility of renegotiating our agreement.
Investigate? ( scoffs ) Proceed as you wish.
Acknowledged.
Beginning investigation.
Verification in progress.
Investigation results are negative.
Byron: This castle has a curse upon on it.
At least, it is a curse for me.
Some might call it a blessing or the grace of magic.
7.
3: Renegotiation still impossible.
Retreat in progress.
Please enjoy the rest of your day.
Well fought, brother.
Don't patronize me.
You think I'm weak.
( laughs ) You're right, brother.
I've seen better fighting at the commoners' tournaments.
Enjoy the rest of the night.
I'll try.
Byron: Within these walls, no wound is fatal.
Only the elderly die on the castle grounds.
My father, King Tobias, when he will die, his eldest son will take the throne.
Tybalt.
Do not be so hard on your younger brother.
You're right, father.
I should know better than to expect so much from him.
Byron: Yes, this castle's enchantment is definitely a curse as my elder brother never leaves the protection of its grounds.
Not a very interesting night after all.
My brother is still a wuss, and the Techno King still makes trouble.
I'm pretty sure there are better ways to enjoy my nights.
I have many ways to improve your night.
How do I know your boasts aren't mere empty temptations? I know everything a man like you needs.
I can still remember the first time.
It was in an alley of the castle.
Oh, I'm sorry, my Lord.
Oh, no--no, it's my fault.
I was thinking about this game that my brother wanted to play.
My Lord The game begins.
That's better.
It was his first of a long series of kills.
From that moment on, he would bully me on any occasion he could.
Yes.
If I'm right, this potion should give me quite a burst of energy.
Good, Byron.
Ah, you're not like your brother, who thinks about women, not about alchemia.
You can't win every time, brother.
You'd like that to be true, wouldn't you? Yeah.
Dear brother, have a nice death.
( choking ) I'm burning, like my blood is on fire! Oh, Byron.
This shall be painful.
My prince, you should not be filling your head with so many dark thoughts.
Then tell me what I should be thinking of.
My body is a reminder of every painful death my brother's caused me.
And my own father encourages it with his desire for entertainment.
We both know that everything has got to end one day.
- For our sake - Mm-hmm.
I hope that it's soon.
For our sake.
Come.
( moaning ) Dear Laerana, say you will always be mine.
I will, my prince.
And after tonight, you will be my king in waiting.
I don't know if I can do it.
He is cruel, but to kill my own brother? I mean, really killing him, for good.
You must not lose faith.
We've talked about this for so long.
Why does he hate me so? My dear prince, you are so naïve.
He knows that you are his better.
That's why he's so cruel.
Despite his physical strength your interest in the outcome of life, politics, and spirituality makes you far more a potential leader.
Do you believe that? Yeah.
Believe me, my prince.
It's more than obvious.
But there is more to it.
I've heard he intends to send you away.
Truly? Are you surprised, Byron? You are the greatest threat to his place on the throne.
But we are brothers by blood.
You mean the very same blood you're splattering everywhere each week, when you are killing each other? But being banished? It is him or you, Byron.
Fortunately, you have me.
And he does not.
Laerana: As you know, I paid a visit to the alchemist who likes you so much, and was able to secure one of his amazing elixirs.
After the banquet, I will visit him tonight, and pour this into his wine.
The apothecary assured me that even the strongest man will become quite compliant.
Laerana, you make my mind come alive with possibilities.
Tell me, what kind of torments do you want me to do to my brother? One does not kiss and tell, my prince.
Come and drink with me before we get into bed.
I don't need alcohol to celebrate my victory, when I have you.
( moaning ) ( sighs ) Are you adventurous? A bed is not the only place where we can enjoy ourselves.
( sighs ) You won't be able to resist joining me for a midnight ride outside the castle.
I've been here waiting for you.
Well, here I am.
I am sorry, brother.
But it's either you or me.
Tybalt, what have I done? You disappoint me, my son.
Father.
When Lady Laerana told me of your scheme, I would not believe her.
Now, I can see she has spoken the truth.
Seize him now.
You knew my plan.
You let me kill my brother.
( groans ) For a moment, I was actually scared.
I should have known you would fail at this, too.
This was once the tower of the wizard, who enchanted our castle during the time of myths.
The tower fell into neglect after he died.
But his enchantment remained within this place.
Until today, this secret was only passed down from king to eldest son.
That is why we sign our treaties here.
It is neutral ground outside the castle, but its magic affords protection against treachery.
You are perhaps my son, Byron, but you plotted to murder the crown prince.
The punishment for that crime has stood for centuries.
We will take you back to the castle, where you will be tortured to death, every day, for the rest of your life.
Out of my sight! Laerana.
You were to be my queen.
How could you betray me? My silly prince.
Why would I plot treason with the second son, when I can prove my loyalty to the first? Have a good life, Byron.
I know I will.
Its body blasted into dust by the madness of its own inhabitants.
While its head was cursed to roam aimlessly through time and space, screaming in pain and sorrow.
In legend and in fact, it is known as Metal Hurlant.
My friends and companions, I hope you have appreciated this repast.
Now we shall have some fun.
My sons, Byron and Tybalt, will entertain us.
And they know better than to disappoint me.
How could we be your sons, if we weren't up to the task? Right, brother? Right.
Then show our guests how much we appreciate their company.
It will be my pleasure, as always.
Be my champion and show me how skilled you are.
Some of my skills I'll show you in private.
Come on, brother.
Let's renew our battle again.
Shall we begin? You do so enjoy these games father makes us play.
Hard to answer that without sounding like a complete ass, but Yes, I do.
And I will continue to, for what is there not to enjoy about winning every time? You're always so sure of yourself, brother.
One day, your arrogance will be your downfall.
I look forward to see that day.
Sadly though, I don't see any improvement.
( grunts ) Come on, Byron.
Are you even trying? By Aethon's teeth, you really fight like a milkmaid.
( gasping ) Forgive me, Lady Laerana.
I had hoped Byron's swordplay would prove entertaining, not a danger to your lovely dress.
Not at all, my prince.
Tonight has been quite entertaining.
Tybalt, I demand you show me the respect I deserve.
The respect that you deserve? Father? If it pleases you, I will end this fight in eight moves.
Now, this is entertaining.
Does anyone care to place a wager? ( chatter ) Absolutely thrilling.
Ahh, I'm on the edge of my seat.
You have seen nothing so far, Stanley.
The best is yet to come.
I can't wait to see how he will disarm his brother.
Maybe he's got a surprise up his sleeve.
Oh.
Mmm, ahh.
This is definitely a day I will not soon forget.
We are ready.
You may proceed.
It's a fight I can win.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.
He killed him.
And once more, I have defeated my younger brother.
Well, my friends, if you'll excuse us.
King: Tybalt! Aren't you forgetting something? My apologies.
The excitement of my victory made me forget my manners.
Forgetting my sword like that.
( horn blows ) My Lord, an emissary from the Techno King has arrived.
The Techno King? Greetings, King Tobias.
I, 7.
3, have been sent here as a representative of the great Techno King to inform you that his rebirth process is now complete.
And because of this great event, I am here to investigate, by the demand of our Lord, the possibility of renegotiating our agreement.
Investigate? ( scoffs ) Proceed as you wish.
Acknowledged.
Beginning investigation.
Verification in progress.
Investigation results are negative.
Byron: This castle has a curse upon on it.
At least, it is a curse for me.
Some might call it a blessing or the grace of magic.
7.
3: Renegotiation still impossible.
Retreat in progress.
Please enjoy the rest of your day.
Well fought, brother.
Don't patronize me.
You think I'm weak.
( laughs ) You're right, brother.
I've seen better fighting at the commoners' tournaments.
Enjoy the rest of the night.
I'll try.
Byron: Within these walls, no wound is fatal.
Only the elderly die on the castle grounds.
My father, King Tobias, when he will die, his eldest son will take the throne.
Tybalt.
Do not be so hard on your younger brother.
You're right, father.
I should know better than to expect so much from him.
Byron: Yes, this castle's enchantment is definitely a curse as my elder brother never leaves the protection of its grounds.
Not a very interesting night after all.
My brother is still a wuss, and the Techno King still makes trouble.
I'm pretty sure there are better ways to enjoy my nights.
I have many ways to improve your night.
How do I know your boasts aren't mere empty temptations? I know everything a man like you needs.
I can still remember the first time.
It was in an alley of the castle.
Oh, I'm sorry, my Lord.
Oh, no--no, it's my fault.
I was thinking about this game that my brother wanted to play.
My Lord The game begins.
That's better.
It was his first of a long series of kills.
From that moment on, he would bully me on any occasion he could.
Yes.
If I'm right, this potion should give me quite a burst of energy.
Good, Byron.
Ah, you're not like your brother, who thinks about women, not about alchemia.
You can't win every time, brother.
You'd like that to be true, wouldn't you? Yeah.
Dear brother, have a nice death.
( choking ) I'm burning, like my blood is on fire! Oh, Byron.
This shall be painful.
My prince, you should not be filling your head with so many dark thoughts.
Then tell me what I should be thinking of.
My body is a reminder of every painful death my brother's caused me.
And my own father encourages it with his desire for entertainment.
We both know that everything has got to end one day.
- For our sake - Mm-hmm.
I hope that it's soon.
For our sake.
Come.
( moaning ) Dear Laerana, say you will always be mine.
I will, my prince.
And after tonight, you will be my king in waiting.
I don't know if I can do it.
He is cruel, but to kill my own brother? I mean, really killing him, for good.
You must not lose faith.
We've talked about this for so long.
Why does he hate me so? My dear prince, you are so naïve.
He knows that you are his better.
That's why he's so cruel.
Despite his physical strength your interest in the outcome of life, politics, and spirituality makes you far more a potential leader.
Do you believe that? Yeah.
Believe me, my prince.
It's more than obvious.
But there is more to it.
I've heard he intends to send you away.
Truly? Are you surprised, Byron? You are the greatest threat to his place on the throne.
But we are brothers by blood.
You mean the very same blood you're splattering everywhere each week, when you are killing each other? But being banished? It is him or you, Byron.
Fortunately, you have me.
And he does not.
Laerana: As you know, I paid a visit to the alchemist who likes you so much, and was able to secure one of his amazing elixirs.
After the banquet, I will visit him tonight, and pour this into his wine.
The apothecary assured me that even the strongest man will become quite compliant.
Laerana, you make my mind come alive with possibilities.
Tell me, what kind of torments do you want me to do to my brother? One does not kiss and tell, my prince.
Come and drink with me before we get into bed.
I don't need alcohol to celebrate my victory, when I have you.
( moaning ) ( sighs ) Are you adventurous? A bed is not the only place where we can enjoy ourselves.
( sighs ) You won't be able to resist joining me for a midnight ride outside the castle.
I've been here waiting for you.
Well, here I am.
I am sorry, brother.
But it's either you or me.
Tybalt, what have I done? You disappoint me, my son.
Father.
When Lady Laerana told me of your scheme, I would not believe her.
Now, I can see she has spoken the truth.
Seize him now.
You knew my plan.
You let me kill my brother.
( groans ) For a moment, I was actually scared.
I should have known you would fail at this, too.
This was once the tower of the wizard, who enchanted our castle during the time of myths.
The tower fell into neglect after he died.
But his enchantment remained within this place.
Until today, this secret was only passed down from king to eldest son.
That is why we sign our treaties here.
It is neutral ground outside the castle, but its magic affords protection against treachery.
You are perhaps my son, Byron, but you plotted to murder the crown prince.
The punishment for that crime has stood for centuries.
We will take you back to the castle, where you will be tortured to death, every day, for the rest of your life.
Out of my sight! Laerana.
You were to be my queen.
How could you betray me? My silly prince.
Why would I plot treason with the second son, when I can prove my loyalty to the first? Have a good life, Byron.
I know I will.