Ep 46 – Love at First Hiss

SCENE STARTS: (Everyone is still at the cafe. “Proserpina Bops” plays in the background.)

ALINA: Well? What was happening between you and Junichi at the party? How did you miss all the chaos?

SAM: I-I mean, we were talking about… you know, important things.

JESSICA: That’s one way to say it.

DREW: Uh, we’re keeping this PG right?

ALINA: Drew! 

JUN: I don’t wanna hear about my brother’s love life!

DREW: (laughs) Too bad, we do.

ALINA: Yeah, I totally do too.

DREW: See?

SAM: I… Well, we really were just talking!

DREW: Sure you were.

ALINA: Yessss.

JUN: Noooo.

DREW: Oh, I’ll get you a cookie. Now keep talking.

FADE OUT

NEXT SCENE: (The scene starts when Sam and Juni are dancing together in the previous episode. There’s crowd noise as creatures are having fun and dancing around as well to the music.)

JUNI: See? It’s not too bad right?

SAM: I guess everyone is having too much fun to care…

JUNI: Exactly! And we should too.

SAM: Sure, sure. 

JUNI: And besides, your dance moves aren’t that bad…

SAM: If you say so… Say, are you sure that we shouldn’t check on Jessica and Terry?

JUNI: Isn’t Terry like, a mega boss around here? Jess should be fine, relax!

SAM: Okay, okay. I’m relaxing. 

SFX: (The two stop dancing as two seemingly normal people walk up to them.)

NAGA 1: Sam! You’re here!

NAGA 2: Does that mean that Terry’s also here?… Oh, who’s thissss? 

SAM: Hey! It’s been awhile. This is… my friend. Jun. 

JUN: Hi! Yes! We’re friends. And who are you? 

NAGA 2: (giggles) Probably best if we don’t tell you. Wouldn’t want to sssscare away Sam’s “friend.” 

SAM: It’s fine. Jun’s cool. 

NAGA 1: Well, you should both come visit us next time then. Maybe we can give a proper introduction.

SAM: We’ll do our best to come. 

NAGA 2: Good, good. Well then, we’ll leave you with your “friend.”

SAM: Thank you. I promise we’ll meet again soon.

NAGA 1: You better! Humans always die ssso quickly. You should live with no regretssss.

SAM: We will, good bye!

SFX: (The Naga walk away.)

JUN: Mr popular over here I see! What kind of fairies were they? They looked like totally normal people. I wanted to ask, but that probably would have been rude, right?

SAM: Well, they… were actually snake people.

JUN: Snake people?! I… would have never known. Besides that occasional hiss. So why snakes though? Of all animals?

SAM: As with every creature inspired by animals, it depends on how the culture viewed said animal. For example, in Greek mythology, you had the Gorgons. They were feared creatures who could turn you to stone with just a glance. It’s obvious that snakes can be dangerous animals and that the stories created about them give a strong warning not to go near them. 

SFX: (A human turning into stone.)

However, there are stories that idolize that kind of strength and power. Like in India with the Naga, who are often associated with the cobra. Those were the creatures that we just met. 

SFX: (A hiss.)

JUNI: Cobras?! Aren’t those venomous, if not the most venomous snake?! How did you end up becoming friends with them? I mean, not that venomous equals bad, but isn’t it, you know, dangerous?

SAM: They have an affiliation with the underworld. That’s where they live, in fact. They were practically neighbors to Terry growing up.

JUNI: Wow, that explains a lot.

SAM: They’re great creatures. So much so that it’s said that China was also inspired by the Naga and have stories about snakes as well.

JUNI: Really? What kind of stories?

SAM: Nothing about venoms or poisons. Say, how about we go for a walk and I tell you? It’s kinda loud over here.

JUN: Sure, lead the way.

SFX: (They start walking to a quieter area.)

SAM: The story is called: The Legend of the White Snake. 

JUN: Sounds epic! Lay it on me. 

SFX: (Music starts to play. Two women laugh and walk.)

SAM: They always start off with a white snake and green snake. They were either sisters or best friends on an adventure together in their human forms when the White Snake meets a human male and falls in love. 

SFX: (A man and woman laugh until the sound of wind chimes play and a door opens.)

They open up a medicine shop together and all is well until a monk shows up. Shows up and notices that not all is as it seems to be. 

SFX: (A Buddhist tone rings out.)

The monk warns the husband about his wife and even gives him a potion that would reveal her true form. The husband of course, doesn’t believe him, because well, let’s be honest, who would believe a crazy story like that? But he ends up secretly giving her the potion anyways. 

SFX: (The White Snake drinks the potion and hisses.)

SAM: The White Snake’s appearance is revealed and her husband is so shocked, he actually dies from it.

SFX: (Someone gasps and collapses.)

JUN: Wait what? Okay, don’t tell me that’s the end of the story! 

SAM: No, no, no, there’s more. The White Snake, who truly does love her husband, risks her life to find a special herb that could revive him. She succeeds, but the monk once again intervenes and this time, goes as far as to kidnap the husband to keep him away from the White Snake.

SFX: (Magical sounds for the herb and then a huge bag is thrown around someone.)

JUNI: Wow, just what is this monk’s problem?

SAM: Unfortunately, he thought he was doing the right thing. After all, in his eyes, she was a demon. 

JUNI: Even though it was technically the monk’s fault that he died from shock? He should be the one risking his life to fix everything!

SAM: I mean, I agree with you…

JUNI: No, I’m just… annoyed for the white snake. Anyways, it can’t get much worse right? 

SAM: Well… it turns out at this point, she’s also pregnant and physically weakened because of that. 

JUNI: Oh come on!

SAM: She and the Green Snake come together to try and save her husband… only to fail.

SFX: (The White Snake and Green Snake fight against the monk.)

JUNI: Sam, Sam do not do this to me, please tell me this is a happy story.

SAM: Their husband eventually was able to escape on his own and she successfully gave birth to their child…

SFX: (Sound of a baby crying.)

JUNI: But? Why am I hearing a but?

SAM: The monk—

JUNI: Not him again…

SAM: He returns and… ultimately seals away the White Snake. The Green Snake then promises to one day get her revenge.

SFX: (A portal closes.)

JUNI: Dang that’s pretty sad.

SAM: Well, most stories like these end up with a reveal that the female character really was an evil spirit. So that’s why I still like the White Snake. She really did love her husband. 

JUNI: So this happens often? 

SAM: Yeah, in all honesty, it’s a common trope. I believe there are also stories that involve the wives to be revealed as foxes, fish, and all kinds of birds. You know, it seems there’s a common interest with men and mysterious wives who may or may not try and kill them. 

JUNI: I guess that trope is older than I thought… I all of a sudden understand now why you asked us not to talk to anyone here. 

SAM: Well, just to be clear, it’s not like I’m trying to stop anyone from meeting new people, it’s just, I think it’s safe to say that while the monk failed to understand the White Snake’s intentions, it probably wasn’t the best idea to keep it a secret either. 

JUNI: Oh! I absolutely agree. Keeping secrets is obviously such a bad idea…

JUNI: Say, Sam—

SAM: So, uh—

JUNI: Sorry you go first.

SAM: I was just going to ask… Do you have any “don’ts” in a relationship?

JUNI: Me? Well, I’m not that picky at all. That is to say, I’m no pushover or anything, but… I think for me, the most important thing in a relationship is to be able to spend time with them, you know? A completely normal and drama-free relationship. 

SAM: Yeah, I get that. Our lives are so different thanks to the park, so you know, it would be nice to have something stable, comforting. 

JUNI: Exactly! (laughs) I can’t believe I’m asking for something like that. When we first came here, I was looking for the exact opposite. Adventure! Freedom! 

SAM: I think there could be a world where you can have both.

JUNI: Is there anything you want? In a relationship?

SAM: Hm, not really… I guess maybe someone to explore the park with…

JUNI: Didn’t you say one day you’d like to visit other parks as well?

SAM: Sure, maybe one day. Although, I guess if that happens, we’d have to leave Jessica and Terry in charge.

JUNI: That would be potentially dangerous… Wait. Wait. Are you… Are you saying you’d want me to come with you?

SAM: Well, I mean. Yeah. (pause) You really haven’t been very subtle. 

JUNI: I… I guess I haven’t. Have I been coming on too strong?

SAM: If anything, I’m the one who needs to step it up. I mean, it’s… the first time anyone’s ever pursued me.

JUNI: There’s no way that’s possible! The girls talk about you all the time at school!

SAM: Girls are different. They’re… scary. There’s a reason why I don’t talk to anyone in class but you.

JUNI: (stuttering) Okay but you know how that feeds into this mysterious allure that you just ooze right?

SAM: Mysterious allure? I’m just trying to pass my classes.

JUNI: Well what about when you saved Carter during lab?

SAM: I only stepped in because you said something. 

JUNI: But why would you do that? 

SAM: You call me a hero Jun, but… honestly? I think you fit the role better. 

JUNI: That’s a lie if I’ve ever heard one. 

SAM: I mean… You’ve saved me these past couple of months. You help me a lot more than you know… 

JUNI: I didn’t do anything. 

SFX: (Music starts to play.)

SAM: In truth, I was thinking about leaving the park.

JUNI: What? Why would you ever want to leave?

SAM: Because I was lonely. Terry can only come here every now and then, and recently they’ve been traveling more for work. I love the creatures, but I was just feeling a little stuck. You know? 

JUNI: Oh Sam… You should have told us you were feeling this way sooner. 

SAM: Well, I haven’t felt like that in a while now… Like I said, you saved me. 

JUNI: (guffaws and stutters) I didn’t do anything. Uh anyways, traveling! I would love to! Maybe we could go to Japan. You know, if we go right after graduation next year, we might still be able to catch some of the cherry blossoms. It’s always so crowded at that time, but I bet if we find a park, it wouldn’t be as crazy!

SAM: Sure. It’s a… It’s a date. I can ask Terry if they know where the parks are over there. 

JUNI: It’s… a date. Oh my gosh. Like a real date. I mean, this will be happening next year, but wow! We’ll be in Japan—

SFX: (All of a sudden, there’s screaming in the background and creatures are running away. Whistling can be heard.)

JUNI: What’s going on?

SAM: Seems like there’s something happening at the party.

JUNI: The party?… Oh no, Jess!

SFX: (Juni starts to run off.)

SAM: Jun, wait. We’re not going to find her in this crowd. We need to think of a plan. 

JUNI: Right… Right. She was with Terry and Cerberus. Cerberus is huge. They should be easy to find. Do you see them?

SFX: (Cerberus barks from a distance.)

SAM: Um… Yes! Over there!

JUNI: Great, come on!

SFX: (They run off.)

NEXT SCENE: (Sam and Juni reach Terry and Cerberus.)

SAM: Terry! There you are.

JUNI: Where’s Jess?! Wasn’t she with you?

TERRY: I told her to go to you guys!

JUNI: What? But… we haven’t seen her at all.

SAM: Terry, do you know what’s going on? 

TERRY: Have you guys been hearing someone whistling?

JUNI: Whistling? I guess… maybe? But we’re at a party! Someone’s probably enjoying the music.

TERRY: No, it’s a specific tune that they’re whistling. Sam. Listen, I think there’s a vengeful ghost here.

SAM: What?! How is that possible? It’s the summer solstice!

TERRY: I don’t know, but if it’s who I think it is, Cerberus and I should be able to take care of it, but I need to find him first! 

SAM: El Silbon right? Isn’t he almost 10 feet tall? How do we not see him?

TERRY: It depends on his whistling. Listen, you can hear it really well right now.

SFX: (Whistle timeeee)

JUNI: Okay, someone needs to fill me in on what’s going on. I hear the whistle, but I don’t see the creature. What else am I missing?

SAM: El Silbon’s whistling defies physics. The closer it sounds, the further he is. 

JUNI: Uh, sure. Okay, I can try to wrap my head around that. So, what do we do now? Look for Jess first? Or the creature? We can at least use his whistling as a guide.

TERRY: I agree. El Silbon first, we can find Jessica afterwards. 

SAM: Lead the way.

FADE OUT.

NEXT SCENE: (Jessica, Pelu, and the fae are running for their lives as scary music plays.)

JESSICA: (panting) What do we do?!

AOS SHI 2: If you think we can do anything, you’re out of luck. 

AOS SHI 1: Look, can’t your fancy new creature do something? 

JESSICA: We haven’t exactly figured out everything Pelu can do!

AOS SHI 1: What do you mean? How hard could it be to figure out?

PELU: I can do anything Jessica needs me to do!

AOS SHI 2: Someone’s confident!

JESSICA: No, it’s true! We’ve tested out all kinds of situations and it really does seem like Pelu can do anything we ask!

AOS SHI 1: But… How— How is that possible?

JESSICA: We don’t know either… It’s why we haven’t told Terry yet. We’re scared what— 

AOS SHI 2: Let’s talk about this later. You say he can do anything? Can he turn into a dog? A big scary dog.

PELU: I can! I can! I told you I can. I can even be better than Cerberus. 

AOS SHI 2: Then do it! El Silbon is terrified of dogs because that is how his human self died! 

JESSICA: Pelu, please!! We need you!

SFX: (Pelu growls and jumps out. He starts barking and grows bigger until he becomes a sizable dog that can attack El Silbon. El Silbon swings at them just as Pelu also attacks him. Jessica yells with worry as they fight.)

AO SHI 1: Amazing, h-he really turned into a dog…

AO SHI 2: Come on, we should stay out of the crossfire.

AOS SHI 1: This is Incredible… It can stand on its own against this monster?

JESSICA: Wait, I think it’s working.

SFX: (Eventually El Silbon backs off and the whistling gets loud.)

AOS SHI 1: We need to talk. Now.

SFX: (Juni and the gang finally appear.)

JUNI: (from a distance) Jess! Are you okay? What happened?

AOS SHI 1: Shoot, looks like the rest of the humans are here.

JESSICA: (gasps) Pelu, come here! Quick!

SFX: (Jessica quickly grabs Pelu and pulls him back in her bag.)

TERRY: Where is El Silbon? Did you meet him?

AOS SHI 2: (ahem) Ah the demigod and friends. You are all late to the party.

SAM: You two. What are you doing here?

AOS SHI 1: Oh we were just becoming friends with um…. We were all becoming friends, right? (whispers to Jess) Agree or we tell the demigod what really happened.

JESSICA: (winces) Yeah… sure. 

JUNI: Jess, is that true?

JESSICA: I’m fine Juni. The Aos Shi helped us escape from El Silbon. Turns out their bark is just as bad as their bite.

SAM: That’s interesting. What did you guys do exactly? 

AOS SHI 2: We still have a few tricks up our sleeves every now and then, don’t you worry. 

AOS SHI 1: Yes, and all that matters is everyone is safe and sound, right? A nice end to the celebration.

JESSICA: (scoffs) Right… Some party…

FADE OUT.

NEXT SCENE: (Back at the cafe, “Proserpina Bops” plays as the group discusses.)

SAM: You never told us that you were threatened by the Aos Shi…

JESSICA: That’s kind of how blackmail works…

ALINA: She said that’s how blackmail works. 

DREW: I always wondered how you could have possibly been tricked by the fairies.

JUN: Yeah, that’s what Dog told us.

SAM: We should have told Terry sooner if that were the case.

JESSICA: Let’s be real, we should have done a lot of things sooner… 

FADE OUT.

CREDITS: Residents of Proserpina Park is a production written and produced by Angela Yeh. Directed by Angela Yeh. The voice of Jun is Ben Pollizi. The voice of Terry is Molly. The voice of Drew is Ashley Dawson. The voice of Jessica is Jess Syratt. The voice of Alina is Angela Yeh. The voice of Sam is G3. The voice of Junichi is Spencer Hiroshi Field. And the voice of the Aos Si are Cameron Gergett and Dylan Smith.

Dialogue edited by Angela Yeh. Sound design by Angela Yeh and Rebecca Liu. Mixed and Mastered by Angela Yeh. Script edited by Sara Roncero-Menendez. Original music by Hoa Pham. Season 5 cover art by Winona Noronha. Series logo by Macy Tang. For more information about the show, please go to our website residentsofproserpinapark.com