WAITING FOR OCTOBER S1 – E6 – “To The Mountain”
by D.J. Sylvis
ANNOUNCER: There is a world – one of many that touches ours – known as October. One of the archetypes; one of the realities that is a source for our stories. It is not difficult to reach, if you know the way – you can experience their wildness for yourself, adventure there, and live, and love. But be wary – perhaps more than any other existence, here there be monsters …
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Forest background, morning – (ongoing)
SOUND: Jeep on a gravel road, stopping; doors open, footsteps (one is Yvonne, note her cane)
HODAG
Are you sure I can’t walk with you for a while?
YVONNE
I appreciate the offer, but going solo is kind of the point of the thing.
SOUND: Yvonne struggling with her backpack
YVONNE
Dammit. Would you mind lifting up this pack and I’ll just …
(grunting and finally getting her arms in)
Thank you. I might be a little overprepared.
HODAG
Look, I know it’s not your first trip to this side, and I don’t mean to stick my nose in …
YVONNE
But … I’m gonna be okay out there. Promise. I know every monster I meet isn’t gonna roll over and show me their belly for pets.
HODAG
Right. Except for Yahoos, of course, that’s their main defense strategy. Expose that belly and damned if you fall for it.
YVONNE
Sounds like a few cats I know. Don’t worry, Hodag, I’ve done plenty of hikes on my own, tangled with unpleasant creatures and always made it home safe in the end.
HODAG
That’s the kind of thing that sounds impressive, but then the story comes to the “Until …”
YVONNE
Don’t jinx me. I appreciate your concern, and the ride, the bag of trail mix, the guidebook you loaned me for “Hiking the Edges.” I’m ready to get this done.
HODAG
If you’re sure.
YVONNE
I’ll let you know when I come back around to the home safe part.
SOUND: A couple of footsteps behind Hodag’s next line as he walks around the jeep
HODAG
Please do. I won’t be too far –
SOUND: He gets in the jeep, starts it up, honks the horn (overlaps with below)
HODAG
(the Moon bit is almost obscured)
– just finishing some tasks on the Moon.
YVONNE
On the what now? Never mind; drive safe!
SOUND: The jeep honks, then pulls away and drives off
YVONNE
He could have at least said, “Walk safe!” back to me. Wait, shit, did I get my water bottle? Pull yourself together – it’s carabined to the side of your pack right where you left it. Wait, carabinered? That’s probably right? Quit stalling, hopalong, let’s get this show on the road.
SOUND: A few footsteps on gravel, then into grass and weeds
YVONNE
Speaking of roads, there’s bound to be a trail around here somewhere … not like I’m gonna veer off and miss the mountains. And whatever lives on them. Beneath them. Beyond them.
(after another step or two)
“If I take one more step …” – that’s the problem, Vonnie-girl, you’re still thinking of yourself as the Samwise of the story. No more following after, no more getting caught up in someone else’s narrative. It’s time to choose your own. The only thing you’re leaning on is the cane. Well, it sounds like I’m full up on aphorisms. Butt, get into gear!
SOUND: A few more footsteps, getting further away as if she’s leaving us, and then one final line that’s also distant:
YVONNE
There is a trail! Protagonism, here we come.
SOUND: We hear her keep going, humming the tune to “The Road Goes Ever On”, fading as she goes
SOUND: Forest background ends
(The scene ends.)
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Mountainside background, early afternoon – ongoing
SOUND: Footsteps slowly approaching, a bit staggered if possible (Yvonne leaning on her cane); as well as Yvonne humming to herself
YVONNE
(approaching as she goes, singing the poem as in E2)
“Tell all the truth but tell it slant —
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth’s superb surprise …”
SOUND: She stops for a moment, breathing a little hard
YVONNE
Can’t help but tell the truth slant when you’re this far up the mountain, right Emily? I’m fine, I’m just fine, just need a bit of a breather. And I’m starting to wish I’d gotten that Endpages app before I headed out – but I’m still not set up for service here. Let’s hope that doesn’t wind up biting me in the ass.
(brief pause, a little doubtful)
I mean, if I get really lost, all I have to do is focus on the pull again and let it bring me home. Easy as pumpkin pie. Oops, I wouldn’t want to offend any pumpkins that might be listening.
(she laughs)
Steady now. You’re nowhere near high up enough to blame your sense of humour on low oxygen levels. I’ll keep it in my back pocket for later on, though. Now, for some of that unidentifiable trail mix …
SOUND: She opens a bag and eats a handful; then drinks from her water bottle
SOUND: She begins walking again (note the cane)
YVONNE
And away we go. What’s the rest of that poem …
(brief pause, singing it as before)
“As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind —”
(she chuckles)
Again, you’re pretty relevant. Good thing I brought my clip-on sunglasses – the absolute height of fashion.
SOUND: We hear some rustling in the tall grass off to one side; Yvonne’s footsteps stop
YVONNE
Hellllllllo over there? Who is it this time? Current count is four jackalopes, two squonks, one of those marmot-looking things, and a handful of little mushroom dealies that ran away before I could get a picture. Whatever you are, I’m friendly.
SOUND: More significant rustling, and a little bit closer
YVONNE
Reasonably friendly. If you come at me, I’m ready with the business end of my cane. I’m not sure which end that is in a fighting situation, but I’ve used them both.
(brief pause)
Identify yourself or scamper away, I don’t have time for in-betweeners. Don’t make me … poke you with my cane …
SOUND: She lunges forward, poking the grass with her cane
GREY
Ouch! What the hell?
YVONNE
Grey? Dammit, what are you doing here?
GREY
Being attacked for no reason. Why did you poke so hard?
YVONNE
Why didn’t you answer when I called out?
GREY
Because I was busy with … wolf things. I thought you’d just keep going. You’re not going to last long on your own, poking things that rustle in the bushes.
YVONNE
You weren’t even going to acknowledge me? Nice, I guess I know how you feel when Karo’s not around. Wait, how did you know they’re not around? Is this some monster power thing?
GREY
No, I have a phone. Hodag knew I was around; he called so I could keep an eye out.
YVONNE
So you could help, or so you could avoid me? Never mind, it doesn’t matter. I didn’t mean to interrupt your important wolfen business, I’ve got my own things to do.
SOUND: She starts walking, making it a few paces before Grey speaks
GREY
You think you’re gonna make it to the kaiju?
YVONNE
(stops walking)
Who says that’s where I’m headed?
SOUND: He walks to catch up to her
GREY
You’re this far up the mountain, you’re not a climber, a naturalist, or a geologist; you’re not a giant or a troll or a goblin; you’re not searching for some special flower or lichen. I don’t know what’s going on with you and Karo, but I’m assuming this is some trip so you can prove yourself to them. And this is the biggest deus ex monstrum in the hemisphere.
YVONNE
Maybe I just closed my eyes and pointed at the map. That’s probably not a thing here, is it? Whatever, I can see the kaiju if I want to.
GREY
It is the third most popular destination for humans in October.
YVONNE
What’s first and second? Probably Council stuff, right? Never mind, go back to marking your territory, I’ve got this.
GREY
There are safer solo quests.
YVONNE
Don’t call it a quest, that sounds dorky. And I’m not trying to prove myself. I’m just … taking a day hike into the mountains, wherever it winds up is where I’ll be.
GREY
Have you ever had to negotiate with a boulder golem? Or stared a glawackus in the eyes? Did you only bring one water bottle?
(he sighs heavily)
Karo would kill me if I let you go alone.
YVONNE
I didn’t ask for a sidekick. Especially not a … big walking carpet like you.
GREY
I’m a werewolf, not a Wookie.
YVONNE
How did you even know that reference? God, there probably is a sci-fi world out there somewhere with actual Chewbaccas and so on. I’m not ready for that place.
GREY
Are we hiking or what? It’s a long way to get there before dark.
YVONNE
If anyone asks, I did this on my own.
GREY
Whatever you say.
SOUND: They start walking together, fading as they go
SOUND: Our standard transition music to indicate time passing
SOUND: Still walking, more wind around them as they’ve gone higher, less grass at their feet
YVONNE
What’s that plant over there?
GREY
(kinda bored by this point)
Blackfern. Don’t pick those.
YVONNE
Why not?
(after a moment or two with no answer)
I still think that was a pegasus a ways back.
GREY
It was a deer.
YVONNE
Maybe two. It might have been pegasi.
GREY
It was one. It was a deer. I could smell it.
YVONNE
What’s that moss called, the glowy stuff on that rock there?
GREY
Do I look like a botanist?
YVONNE
You offered to be my guide; that comes with a few questions.
GREY
I’m just here to make sure you don’t get yourself killed.
YVONNE
And you can’t tell me about the flora and fauna while you do that? You were a lot more helpful when Karo asked you things.
GREY
Karo had good reasons.
YVONNE
All right, fine.
GREY
(after a moment)
Hold up for a minute.
SOUND: They stop, Grey takes a few steps to the side and we hear some foliage rustling
YVONNE
I want you to notice that I didn’t ask what you’re doing.
GREY
Wolf flowers. It’s why I was up here in the first place.
(after a moment)
They help us regulate the change.
YVONNE
Can’t you do that anyway? You seem to pretty much switch at will.
GREY
There are situations where it gets more difficult … and if you hold back too long, it might happen anyway.
YVONNE
Kind of like the pull.
GREY
A lot of young pups cross over to your side just to change and run amok, then they wind up getting caught, or almost caught. Their life might depend on being able to blend in.
YVONNE
I don’t think of my world as being the dangerous one.
GREY
I’ve got what I need. We can go.
SOUND: Back to the regular walking as they go; after a few moments:
YVONNE
Karo … wants to move back. At least they’re thinking about it.
GREY
What would that mean for you?
YVONNE
I don’t know. I didn’t react all that well to the idea, honestly. But … they’re thinking, and I figured I should get a feel for the place on my own before the choice comes up.
GREY
Ah. I mean, I’d be glad to have them, we were … best friends, back in the day.
YVONNE
Sure.
GREY
You should have seen the two of us together, busting plotlines all over the school.
YVONNE
It must have been a pretty big –
SOUND: She’s cut off by the sound of a giant bird swooping down towards them with the force of an airplane diving, and a terrific screech at the same moment
YVONNE
(overlapping, shouting to be heard)
What the hell?
GREY
Get down! I don’t want to –
YVONNE
Shouldn’t we run?
GREY
Get down!
SOUND: We might hear them fall to the ground, but mostly it’s still the bird noise – which after a moment, starts to fade as it climbs again, with one final screech as it goes
GREY
(shouting after it)
That wasn’t funny, you asshole!
(brief pause)
Didn’t even hear me. Fucking Piasa birds.
YVONNE
Shit! What just happened?
GREY
A Piasa bird. They wouldn’t hurt you – I don’t think – but they like to divebomb hikers just to be jerks. They’re smaller cousins of the Thunderbird.
YVONNE
Smaller cousins?
GREY
You don’t want a Thunderbird coming down at you! I think these guys have some sort of size complex in comparison.
YVONNE
Well, I’m officially glad you’re here now. Could you, uh, help me back on my feet? And my cane wound up over there somehow.
GREY
Sure. Here.
SOUND: A bit of movement as he starts to help her up
SOUND: The transition music again so we know time is passing
SOUND: Even windier now, and they’re walking on rock and gravel, no grass
GREY
Grab my hand!
YVONNE
I can make it, I’m gonna try again!
GREY
Yvonne, grab my hand. You don’t get points for being a stubborn …
(he growls a little under his breath)
YVONNE
Fine! If it means that much to you.
SOUND: Both of them grunting as Grey hauls her up over a boulder, scraping rocks
YVONNE
Okay! Okay. Let’s sit for a minute.
(brief pause)
I admit, that was tricker than I expected.
GREY
You think?
YVONNE
Could you help me get this pack off? There’s a sweater somewhere in the bottom. Not all of us come with one preinstalled.
SOUND: Behind the next line or two of dialogue, a bit of grunting as they get the pack off, a zipper opening and Yvonne rustling through her backpack
SOUND: The wind becomes a bit quieter (still more than early in the scene, though)
GREY
It’s okay you’re jealous. I’m glad you brought something; it’s pretty cold closer to the top.
YVONNE
I was hoping for more of an up-and-around trajectory than up-and-over.
GREY
We won’t go the whole way to the top, just close.
YVONNE
Awesome. I’m gonna fuel up while we’re sitting. Might I interest you in peanut butter and honey?
GREY
I’ve got some jerky.
YVONNE
I should have thought before I asked; I know wolves mostly eat meat.
GREY
In this form, I’m still omnivorous, but if I have to change again this’ll help.
SOUND: For a moment, we hear slight wrapper noises and eating between the two
GREY
So … what’s Karo’s life even like on that side? It must not be too bad, they’ve stayed long enough.
YVONNE
Their job isn’t the greatest these days, I think they used to have more fun. They spent a while traveling with this kinda carnival-sideshow thing, you know, firebreathing, tests of strength … every once in a while, they still perform local if they’re asked. They’ve got a little place downtown, lots of books and toys – they’re kind of a hoarder, but in a fun way. And I can’t say much about books.
GREY
You don’t live together?
YVONNE
We were kinda … starting to have that conversation, sideways between other things, right around the time when … I hadn’t thought about that before. It was right around when they started telling me stories and building up to that first trip over. Huh.
GREY
They did bring you, though.
YVONNE
Yeah. I should think of it that way.
(brief pause)
It’s been a pretty big thing, them coming back and digging into things. You know.
GREY
I thought I did. I’m not as sure anymore.
YVONNE
There are some major plot holes that need fixing. That stuff with their parents was bad enough to start with, but then … you sounded pretty proud of that school, but what the Council did to Karo, it’s really screwed up. Not knowing what kind of monster they even are …
GREY
Hang on, what? What do you mean, they don’t know?
YVONNE
They said the Council doesn’t like talking about what a kid’s gonna grow up to be. And since Karo left so young, and their parents were, frankly, assholes …
SOUND: Grey barks, jumping up and pacing around
GREY
Well yeah, but – they still don’t know? At all? Shit, how can they … and being in your world all that time, then coming back they must feel like … why didn’t they say anything?
YVONNE
They had a hard time even admitting it to me.
GREY
Shit! No wonder they’ve had trouble with their place over here. No wonder they got caught up again by the Lindworm! I never even noticed. I never knew.
(after another moment of pacing)
Are you ready? Let’s get going again. Let’s do something.
YVONNE
Sure. Help me get this pack back on?
(while she struggles with the straps)
I think Karo’s had to struggle with too many secrets for too long. I’m not upset they want to come back – I’d give them the world if it helped things. I just don’t know what it means for me.
SOUND: They get going again, we hear them walk for a bit without speaking
GREY
Humans do live over here. Some of them. Or keep crossing back and forth.
YVONNE
So I keep hearing.
(brief pause)
Maybe I should just suck it up. I know it tears at them that I’m not just happy to be here. If I’d had more time to prepare myself, I probably would have faked it ‘til I made it.
GREY
How long do you think that would have worked?
YVONNE
Yeah, well.
GREY
What’s your life like on that side? Too much there to leave?
SOUND: We hear Grey scaling a ledge that’s in their way
YVONNE
I don’t know what I’ve got back there, completely. That’s part of the problem. Umm … I think I’m gonna accept your help on this ledge.
GREY
I didn’t offer. Here, grab my hand.
SOUND: Both of them grunting as he helps her up
YVONNE
Thank you.
SOUND: They start walking again; the wind increases some
YVONNE
I mean, I’ve got a life. My parents would miss me, I guess; I’ve got a few friends and it’s not like this explains well. But like you said, I could go back and forth. My job is important to me, but I’m assuming you’ve got libraries too.
GREY
There are a few, not many, really. There are bookstores.
(brief pause)
It’s dangerous to keep that many stories close together. Things have to be more … contained.
YVONNE
Great. That just piles on with all of my other worries, hooray.
(after a moment)
Look, tell me something. You’ve lived your life in this world, and I don’t have to tiptoe around our relationship.
GREY
For sure.
YVONNE
Doesn’t the whole “our lives are stories here” thing get to you? Knowing that you’re being … written? Plotted? Planned out by someone else? Doesn’t it bother you?
GREY
You’ve got religion on your side.
YVONNE
But that’s different. That’s people dealing with the unknown. You know that everything here exists because of a story. That’s how it started, how it’s going, how it’s gonna be.
GREY
There are other ideas about it. Pantsers versus plotters, complete fiction deniers, researchers who get real deep into analyzing the elements of structure.
YVONNE
Oh, yeah. Gabi was doing something like that.
GREY
I’m pretty casual myself, philosophically, but there’s room for discussion.
SOUND: The wind picks up
YVONNE
But you still believe you’re living some sort of story.
GREY
I guess.
YVONNE
The whole idea just bothers the heck out of me. Shit! Sorry, I might need to slow down a little.
GREY
Of course. Here.
SOUND: The walking becomes a bit more sedate; wind dies down some
YVONNE
Thank you. Yeah, it just … now I’m thinking about my story.
(after a pause)
Ever since Karo and I had our … whatever it was, discussion, I’ve been around and around in my head about it. My parents were in their teens when I was born; my grandparents – my mom’s mom and dad – didn’t believe in abortion, but they were at least not gonna let me be the anchor holding down two kids’ futures. They raised me themselves, and when Marilyn left for college … she came home at holidays, but even then spent most of her time with friends, and our family dinners were … awkward, to say the least. She and Eddie stuck it out together, surprising everyone, but they stuck it out in Ithaca.
(brief pause)
So it was little Vonnie and the grands for most of my childhood! It wasn’t that bad – there were a lot of rules, but not as much actual follow-through when I broke them. It was hard getting away at night – no time for clubs, no afterschool job. I had to stick close by in case it was a bad time with Granddad. He was bedridden before my freshman year.
(brief pause, a little tired)
I’m sorry, but I need another break. Is it much farther in this direction?
GREY
We’ve still got a ways. Here, there’s room around this side to sit.
SOUND: They stop again for a bit
YVONNE
So yeah, I spent most of my time around the house. Good thing that was also when the internet started to happen – I lived way too much of my life on message boards and in chat rooms. With no real supervision in that realm … I was in way too many online relationships; catfishing before Catfish was cool. Lucky for me, it took a solid hour or so to send a selfie back then!
(brief pause)
And I mean, there were books, always books. Books by the armful at Goodwill or Salvation Army; bags of books on the last day of the library clear-out; books folks would beg you to take away from their garage sales. Sitting at my desk with my mouse in one hand and a falling-apart paperback in the other – it’s a tale as old as time.
(brief pause)
Halfway through college, Granddad went into the hospital and didn’t come out again. For about three days, Grandma held herself together – but after the funeral, you could just watch her deflating, like a party balloon starting to sink. So when life went on from there, only my patient had changed.
(brief pause)
You talk about getting caught up – the Lindworm’s got nothing on her. I don’t know how I made it through grad school, found a job, actually got there every day – I only left in the mornings after her daytime care showed up, and then they went off shift the minute I was home. Every appointment, every shopping trip, every time she wanted to wheel around the park … I was responsible. I couldn’t go out with the other library workers, I couldn’t stay for any of the programs that we’d set up for after hours. But how big a jerk would I be to complain, after everything she’d done for me?
(brief pause)
I couldn’t even date, not really. I talked to Karo for months and months online before I could slip out during Grandma’s nap for a quick face to face. We held hands on a bench and talked about books until I got too anxious and headed back home. That was my only escape.
(brief pause)
I know we should get going again. Long story short, I was keeping Karo at arm’s length until Covid happened – you didn’t get that over here?
SOUND: Both of them standing up, gathering themselves
GREY
It doesn’t catch with us the same way. The Council set up guidelines for humans crossing back and forth.
SOUND: They start walking again; Yvonne continues her story
YVONNE
We were okay for a while; even at work they put us behind big plexiglass windows. But either from being on transit, or some delivery person … it hit Grandma hard. By then, they’d closed the libraries and I was doing part-time stuff online; good thing, because we couldn’t have the daytime care coming in and out anymore.
(brief pause)
We made it through,but … then it hit the second time, I don’t know which one of us caught it first, but … she was done. She didn’t even fight that time. She stopped criticizing how I kept her room, she stopped eating … it wasn’t long after that.
GREY
I’m sorry.
YVONNE
Thanks.
SOUND: We just listen to them walk for a bit
GREY
It must have been a pretty huge change for you.
YVONNE
It was. Oh boy, it was. It was …
(guilty laugh)
Terrible, but it was absolute freedom, first time in my life. I didn’t know what to do with myself! I went to evening lectures; I joined a knitting group. I even rearranged the living room – I know, I’m such a free spirit.
GREY
And you spent more time with Karo.
SOUND: They stop for a moment
SOUND: In the background beneath the wind, we hear the very slightest hints of a deeper, earth-rumbling, scraping sound, beginning to build
YVONNE
And I spent time with Karo. First love, really, right out of the gate. First time out of confinement.
GREY
(just a little anxious)
I can see where this is going.
YVONNE
I want to be with Karo in any world. I want them to be where they belong – where they’ll have the best. But I just got out of a life where I was … okay, is that rumbling noise something normal?
GREY
You can hear it now? It’s nothing … let’s just walk again.
SOUND: They start walking again, faster than before; the background noise is getting louder
YVONNE
Grey! You’re going too fast, which makes me think … whatever this is, it’s not nothing.
GREY
It’ll be nothing as long as we keep moving. It’s a Bolter – think if a monster were also a landslide.
YVONNE
(having to raise her voice by now)
Like a coming-down-ready-to-bury-us landslide?
GREY
More of a scoop-us-up-and-keep-going landslide. Like a whale gathering krill.
YVONNE
You couldn’t mention that as soon as you heard it?
GREY
You were telling your story, and I didn’t think we’d stay in its path! We still won’t as long as we – shit!
SOUND: They both stop walking suddenly
GREY
Shit!
YVONNE
That’s a lot of ledge! Can you handle it?
GREY
Well …
YVONNE
Can we back down the trail until we’re out of the way?
GREY
Not fast enough! Shit, if I could get a running start …
SOUND: In among the wind and the much louder sounds of the Bolter now, we hear Grey run, leap, and cry out suddenly as he hits the wall and falls down
GREY
Dammit! Not even close!
YVONNE
What I would give for that Piasa bird right now!
GREY
I don’t know what else to do. Maybe if we crouch down under the lip, there’s a chance –
BERGEN
(far above them)
Hey! You down there!
YVONNE
Hello? Can you help us?
GREY
I can’t see. Who is it?
YVONNE
Does it matter?
BERGEN
What the hell are you doing? There’s a Bolter coming!
GREY
I can’t jump high enough! Do you have a rope?
BERGEN
Grab her hand, and then –
GREY
(overlapping)
And then what?
SOUND: A sudden thud, as if something very heavy fell back against the cliff
BERGEN
Grab my hand.
YVONNE
Can you tell who it is?
GREY
No time! Hold on, I’m gonna –
SOUND: The sound of the Bolter descending becomes overwhelming – and then the entire thing fades as the scene ends
SOUND: Mountainside background ends
(The scene ends.)
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Mountainside background, late afternoon (ongoing)
SOUND: The Bolter landslide effects are fading out, distant
SOUND: We can hear Grey and Yvonne gasping, catching their breath
YVONNE
Oh gods … oh hell …
GREY
Shit … shit shit …
BERGEN
What the hell were you doing down there? What are you thinking of?
YVONNE
I’m sorry … we were just trying to …
BERGEN
I’m not blaming you. Werewolf! Whatever your name is.
GREY
Grey –
BERGEN
(overlapping)
You’ve been up here before, you know, you heard. You brought her this far. You’re responsible.
YVONNE
I didn’t give him much choice.
BERGEN
You’re both fools, but he’s the fool who should know better. I’m surprised it’s the first time I’ve had to save your tail.
GREY
I’m only here because –
BERGEN
I know, I’ve heard it already. You too, Ms. Human. I can hear everything that happens on this mountain anyway, but the two of you aren’t exactly reverent.
YVONNE
I’m … sorry if we offended you.
BERGEN
I’m not asking for an apology. Especially not a nothing one like that. And you might as well ask, I can see the question in your eyes.
YVONNE
I think I know … you’re a giant, right? Grey said there’d be giants.
BERGEN
Close. I’ve got cousins who are giants; I’m a troll. More rocks, less overall bigness.
YVONNE
You live this far up?
BERGEN
Sometimes. You were camping on my back door for long enough, talking my ear off. I followed you from there.
YVONNE
Well … thank you. For saving us.
BERGEN
I shouldn’t have had to, but …
GREY
Okay, enough with the insults. You think you could have done better, troll lady? Judging me from your seat up on the mountain … hold on just a second … this particular mountain … oh shit, I know who you are.
BERGEN
Finally, he puts it together. I’ve seen you at the scrapyard a time or two.
GREY
That’s funny, I don’t remember meeting you.
BERGEN
You didn’t.
GREY
(under his voice, to Yvonne)
Be careful, it’s another Fundamental.
YVONNE
What?
SOUND: A bit of a scraping boulder-y sound as Bergen moves a bit
BERGEN
He said, “Be careful, it’s another Fundamental.” But my name is Bergen. The rest of it is just a part of my story, same as anyone.
YVONNE
Right, you’re just written to be some kind of super-monster.
GREY
(whispered)
Yvonne!
BERGEN
Something like that. I keep an eye on the changes in the world, the way things work under the surface. All the plans and ideas and gadgets that folks throw away, I …
YVONNE
Reduce, re-use, recycle?
BERGEN
Re-distribute. Clean them up, tighten the bolts, leave them out on the lawn for the taking. Or, if it’s something where the time really has passed, break it down for parts. It’s a living.
YVONNE
I guess it’s important that all the plot points and character notes get used again. There’s only so many stories you can tell.
BERGEN
Right, you were stuck on that. I heard you.
SOUND: That same boulder-y sound again as she comes closer
BERGEN
I might be able to help. I’ve been around this world a few thousand years, I know a thing or two. And I’ll get you to the kaiju – safely.
GREY
What do we have to do for you?
BERGEN
Tell me more about Karo. I heard you talking about them … that’s why I followed you to start with.
SOUND: An almost shy boulder sound as she turns away
BERGEN
I used to … I knew their parents way back when. Not a big fan of how they left things, but they didn’t ask my opinion. I’ve always wondered how …
(after a moment, back to them, brusquely)
Like I said, it’s my business to know what’s coming around again. Sounds like Karo is one of those things.
SOUND: More boulder sounds as she stands up
BERGEN
I’m going to get a few things. I’ll be back.
SOUND: Heavy footsteps moving away quickly
GREY
Where did that come from? Bergen knows Karo? The Bergen? Karo?
YVONNE
I’m still not getting who she is, but if she knows things –
GREY
Fucking Fundamentals. Usually, you’d maybe see one a year and that’s plenty. Shit, she probably heard me say that.
YVONNE
You know, you have been in a mood since I ran into you this morning. What’s got your fur in a tangle?
GREY
Nothing. We better be ready when she comes back.
SOUND: The standard transition music we use for a jump in time
SOUND: Mountainside background, later afternoon (ongoing)
SOUND: Slow, plodding footsteps – mostly Bergen, but a bit of Yvonne and Grey
YVONNE
(a little out of breath)
That’s where we … wound up at an impasse, and it was my idea to take separate trips … on this side to sort ourselves out a little. I don’t even know where Karo’s going … we weren’t saying a whole lot to each other after that.
GREY
I’ve tried texting them a few times, no response.
YVONNE
You didn’t say you were doing that.
BERGEN
The child’s looking for answers – I think I know where they’ll go. But I’ll keep that to myself for now.
YVONNE
Are they going somewhere safe?
BERGEN
She asks, sliding up a mountain to see the wildest creatures in this world.
YVONNE
Okay, but we’re going to see them from a distance. Right?
GREY
They don’t even notice we exist.
BERGEN
Wrong again, pup. They don’t care, most of the time – but they notice. And they could cross the valley in the time it takes to prick up your ears.
GREY
You’ve been close up with a kaiju?
BERGEN
I’ve fought a few.
(brief pause)
At least I was fighting – for them, it was probably a game before dinner.
SOUND: For a moment, they’re just walking – and we hear Yvonne stumble on the rocks
SOUND: Everyone stops; the wind is picking up
YVONNE
(in pain)
Shit!
GREY
Are you okay?
YVONNE
It’s just … I need another break, at least. I’m sorry.
BERGEN
Here, I can carry you; easier the whole way around.
YVONNE
I don’t think that’s – oh!
SOUND: Bergen scoops her up with another rock-slide-y sound, and starts walking again
BERGEN
You’re next to nothing at all, and it’s not far now. Easier for us to talk, too.
GREY
(a bit distant)
I’m right behind you!
YVONNE
(after a moment)
This all seems like a pretty big coincidence, you finding us. If coincidence is even a thing here.
BERGEN
That’s a fair question. You did drop down on my doorstep with news of someone I thought was gone for good.
YVONNE
Why does Karo matter to you? They can’t be the first monster to leave October … or come back again after a long time gone.
BERGEN
That is a longer tale to tell … and one Karo ought to hear before anyone else. Especially since it sounds like it’s got to do with some of what they’re grappling with.
YVONNE
I can introduce you, after we …
BERGEN
Maybe. If it’s the right time.
YVONNE
Of course. If we’re all together and the plot calls for it …
SOUND: Music cue starting beneath the next line – “Story Song”
BERGEN
(sighs)
You two are on opposite sides of the same misreading. They’re worried they can’t pick up the loose ends of their story; you’re afraid of getting tangled up and carried along for the ride.
YVONNE
She says, while she’s literally carrying me.
BERGEN
Both ways, you’re treating life like an outline that’s already been written. All you do is follow one bullet point to the next until you reach the resolution.
YVONNE
Maybe not that deliberate, but … everything I’ve experienced on this side, I’ve been swept up in the narrative.
GREY
That’s how it feels for everyone, at some point.
YVONNE
Yeah, but you grew up here. Karo grew up here. That’s what’s natural for you.
BERGEN
You’re focused on the wrong things. Karo wants to find their place in the story. You want to make sure you get your own story. But a story’s not about the plot points, it’s what you do with what you’re given. How you change. How you make change.
YVONNE
But I’ve been caught up in other stories already.
BERGEN
And that’s only happened here?
(brief pause)
I’ve lived in this world since it was new, before the first crossings, before the Endling was the Endling. I know every cave, every peak, every lake and ocean. I’ve been a part of every major change October has gone through. My story spans millennia. And yet, today it’s been changed by meeting you.
YVONNE
Okay, but … that’s nice to say, and you definitely changed my life – we were about to reach “The End” before you came along! But you can’t say that stories don’t matter – you’re one of the protectors of this world! You’ve got to be tied up in the stuff that makes it tick.
BERGEN
In some ways. But I’m not like Auncle Lantern, or Marwa, or the GrandMoth. I make sure nothing gets discarded because it didn’t fit. I’m not satisfied seeing stories run over and over with only minor variations.
GREY
You make it sound like the way things are here isn’t anything special. This world is important; this is where we’re safe. That’s why Karo needs to come back in the first place!
BERGEN
Hold up a second.
SOUND: They stop walking for a moment
BERGEN
You’re right, this is a special place. A safe place. For Karo, for Yvonne, for you and I and everyone who brings their story here. But it is such because we can change it and remake it. You chose to come up the mountain; to protect someone in need; to take foolish chances and to trust someone who rescued you from them. You choose to ask questions – a little rude at the end there – and what we say might change things further. We could turn around right now and forget the top of the mountain and the kaiju; change our stories completely.
GREY
That sounds just the same as in any other world.
BERGEN
This world is different. It came from a different place, and we grew in it differently. But that’s another set of options, another way to change things. It’s not a trap we’re caught in.
YVONNE
Okay, this is … a very important conversation, obviously, but it’s also very awkward that I’m still being carried while it’s happening. Could I just slide down, please?
SOUND: Bergen lowering her down to her feet again
YVONNE
That’s better. And I appreciate everything you’ve been saying. It’s a lot to think on. And a lot to talk to Karo about when I get back. But before that … we’re not forgetting the kaiju, right? We’re not turning around.
GREY
Of course not.
YVONNE
Good. I really want to see them. And … hopefully there’s a washroom in between times? Or some sort of … I’m gonna have to go in a snowbank, aren’t I?
SOUND: Mountainside background fades out; we hear our transition music again
SOUND: Mountaintop background (quieter, the wind has slowed down); footsteps
SOUND: Somewhere far in the background, we’re starting to hear the kaiju
YVONNE
I appreciate the both of you, but if I hear one more, “This is the last little climb, Yvonne, and we’re there for sure,” I’m tossing someone down the mountain.
BERGEN
I’d like to see you try. But we are close. Grey, are you set up there?
GREY
Good to go, just pass her up. Here, grab my hand.
SOUND: Bergen lifting Yvonne, Grey and Yvonne grunting a little as he hauls her up
YVONNE
Okay. Okay. My butt is still freezing, by the way.
BERGEN
I’m coming up.
SOUND: Rocks sliding together as Bergen ascends the cliff
SOUND: Music cue – “Jurassic Kaiju” – starts with Yvonne’s next line and continues
YVONNE
Maybe I just want to believe, but I’m starting to hear something.
BERGEN
Let’s go find out.
SOUND: They start walking again; the kaiju sounds are getting louder
YVONNE
Any last-minute advice? Do not tap on the glass, do not feed the animals?
GREY
I know what Bergen said, but they’re gonna be pretty far off.
SOUND: Footsteps slowing down as the reach the top, kaiju sounds increasing
GREY
It’s nothing to be … nervous … about …
SOUND: From a medium distance, we hear the two kaiju move – one is a thunderous Godzilla-type stride, the other more like a giant scorpion – we hear them moving closer
SOUND: A couple of sudden, ear-splitting roars
BERGEN
I think they might have noticed us! What do you think?
GREY
That’s … that’s … I was wrong, Yvonne. They’re – close. They’re very close.
SOUND: We can hear the kaiju close enough to be breathing, growling quietly (if you could add some snorts and breathing in the distance to go along with their other noises?)
YVONNE
Okay, I’ve seen the kaiju, they’re … very big, very very big. Maybe we should go now.
GREY
I … did say I’d keep Yvonne safe.
BERGEN
It’s all fine. Hold your ground.
SOUND: More of the kaiju snorting and moving a little (just back and forth, not distant)
GREY
Oh wow, they are close.
YVONNE
You’re not going to Jurassic World this right in front of us, are you?
BERGEN
I don’t know what that means. But I’ve got an idea. Yvonne, step up here with me.
YVONNE
I really don’t want to!
BERGEN
It’s okay. If they make a move, I’ve got you.
SOUND: Some more snorting and movement from the kaiju
YVONNE
I’m not … so sure that …
SOUND: A few hesitant footsteps
GREY
What are you trying to do?
BERGEN
Just showing Yvonne that she’s got some power in this world. Stand right here, look at those beasts. Stare them right down.
SOUND: A bit of a movement from the kaiju, accompanied by a squeal and a roar
YVONNE
No no no, they don’t like that at all.
GREY
Get her down! You fight them if that’s what you want.
BERGEN
It’s all okay.
(gently, to Yvonne)
You know how it feels when you give in to the pull of your world? Try to do that, but focus it … outside yourself, make it a push instead of a pull. Imagine that’s a bubble moving towards them.
YVONNE
I don’t … holy rollers, they are just huge. They’re staring back at me …
BERGEN
Just keep on pushing. Look at those beasts. They couldn’t even exist on your side.
SOUND: One of the kaiju roars again, but in the end it sounds more confused than anything.
GREY
They’re doing it. They’re backing off.
SOUND: We hear the kaiju starting to move, slowly, uncertain
YVONNE
What? They’re really … what? I did that with my …
BERGEN
Reduce, re-use, recycle.
YVONNE
Okay.
BERGEN
I’m gonna go take a few pictures. Won’t be long.
SOUND: We hear Bergen’s heavy footsteps and slight rock-slide-y noises fade
SOUND: We still hear the kaiju moving back a little bit along with this (getting more distant), bit by bit to the end of the scene
GREY
That was impressive.
YVONNE
Let’s hope I don’t have to do it again. Look at them, though. It’s a … brave new world that has such creatures in it. Have they got names? I didn’t even wonder until this minute.
GREY
I don’t know for sure … it’s not like we can really ask them.
(brief pause, guiltily)
And it does seem a little … disrespectful to name them myself.
YVONNE
But?
GREY
But … I call the smaller one Bitey, and the one with the claws – Pinchy.
SOUND: We hear the kaiju one more time in the distance, fading with Yvonne’s line over them
YVONNE
(fading at the end)
Bitey and Pinchy! Wait until I tell Karo. Oh, while my phone’s still got a charge, I think I can fit them into frame now for a selfie. Get in here, wolfboy, you’re a part of my story now.
SOUND: Mountaintop background fading out
(The scene ends.)
(The episode ends.)
PRODUCERS: Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Waiting For October.
Our show is written by D.J. Sylvis, with sound design by Caroline Mincks, and music by Trace Callahan.
This episode featured Tina Case as Yvonne, Dallas Hawthorne as Grey, Mette Marie Fisker as Bergen, Cass McPhee as Hodag, and as always, Cat Blackard and Josh Rubino as our kaiju.
Our co-producers are D.J. Sylvis, Tina Case, and Sarah Müller. Our associate producers are Fool & Scholar Productions, Kathleen Lucas, Marcus Briggs, Martin Chodorek, Rebekah B.
A special thanks to our Patreon supporters who have helped make all of our stories happen! If you’d like to support our work or celebrate the folks who make it happen visit our Patreon at patreon.com(backslash)monkeymanproductions.
Today our Crowdfundr shoutout is to James Des Cotes and Jeff Xilon. Thank you for your support!
This time around, I’m here to recommend a story steeped in a world of myth – Forged Bonds, an emotionally captivating retelling of the story of Aphrodite and Hephaestus. I’ve been caught up in it since the first episode, and if anything about mythology, love stories, and political entwinement catches your interest, you should check it out.
For us, we’ll be getting ready for our next monologue minisode – and Karo is visiting an old friend but someone completely new to us – Enoch, the Mothman! It’ll be a quieter story after this episode seeing the kaiju, but I think you’ll enjoy! Until then!
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
