Episode 4 - Miracles of the Lucky

Recap and Capture (00:00 – 1:30)

Visuals of soldiers and guards’ boots splashing through puddles of mud as they spread out, encircling the inn. The rhythmic stomp of their advance is almost drowned by the heavy rainfall.

Inside the inn, three soldiers barge through the entrance, tracking thick mud across the pristine wooden floors. The innkeeper rushes forward, furious.

Innkeeper (angrily):
“Oi! You can’t just storm in here like—”

Before he can finish, a guard slams a hand into his chest, shoving him aside.

Guard (coldly):
“Stay out of it. Orders from above.”

The innkeeper stumbles back, clutching his chest, fear mixing with anger. Other staff members retreat nervously into the corners of the room.

Lightning flashes through the windows, a loud CRACK of thunder rattling the shutters, briefly illuminating the guards’ wet armor and tense expressions.

Upstairs, one soldier shouts over the storm:

Guard Captain:
“We know you’re in there! Come out quietly and no one gets hurt!”

Silence. The only reply is the pounding of rain on the rooftop and the faint creak of the wooden beams above.

The guards exchange uneasy glances. One nods sharply, signaling the others to move in.

With a sudden kick, the door bursts open, slamming against the wall with a crash.

Opening Song (01:30 – 3:00)

L.E.I. [DELETE]

Escape Through the Storm (03:00 – 12:00)

Replay with the sudden kick, the door bursts open, slamming against the wall with a crash. The three guards storm inside with swords drawn—

—but the room is empty.

The camera pans across the scene: two wanted posters crumbled on the desk, an open window, a chair toppled on its side, the curtains swaying violently from the wind.

One guard curses under his breath, stomping through a puddle forming beneath the window.

Guard:
“Damn it, they slipped right through our fingers!”

The captain snarls, crumpling one of the posters in his fist.

Guard Captain:
“They can’t have gotten far. Spread out. Find them before the rain washes away their trail.”

The camera lingers for a moment on the crumpled poster in the captain’s hand before cutting to Darin and the porter staying low while standing on the roof

The rain falls in relentless sheets, hammering rooftops and streets with a deafening roar. Lightning flashes across the dark sky, briefly illuminating the chaos below.

The downpour masks everything — footsteps, voices, even the rattling of armor. Soldiers push forward, rain pinging sharply against their helmets and breastplates. The storm drowns out their movement as they advance on the inn.

The camera follows two soldiers glancing down, heads bowed to shield their eyes from the stinging rain. Because of this, they fail to notice a dark silhouette slipping above them in the night.

The Escape Begins

High above, Darin crouches low, boots splashing lightly as he lands on the sloped rooftop of the inn, Porter clinging tightly to his back. She buries her face into his cloak, her arms wrapped firmly around his shoulders, trembling but silent.

Darin’s breath comes in sharp exhales as he braces himself. He spots the next roof across a narrow gap — the town pub.

Darin (gritting his teeth):
“Hold on tight.”

He leaps. His boots hit the slick wooden shingles with a loud, hollow THUD.

Inside the pub, the noise cuts through the laughter and chatter. Patrons freeze mid-drink, several mugs slamming down on the bar.

The camera pans upward as heads tilt, eyes widening. A few bold drunks stumble outside to peer into the rain.

Patron #1 (excited, pointing upward):
“Aww, shit! The guards are after someone!”

Patron #2 (joining in):
“Bet it’s that guy who took the Black Cat! Wasn’t he staying at the inn?”

Patron #3 (shouting over the storm):
“OH, he’s a dead son-of-a-bitch!”

Patron #4 (laughing darkly):
“The Black Cat strikes again!”

Patron #5 (somberly, under his breath):
“...I honestly have pity for the poor bastard.”

The murmurs rise into a storm of gossip and excitement, a frenzy building beneath the already chaotic night.

The Hunt Intensifies

Darin slides down the pub roof and lands on a lower ledge, his boots hitting with a controlled impact. He crouches low and peers around the corner.

Behind him, the inn door bursts open with a violent CRASH. Three soaked guards storm into the rain-soaked street, swords drawn, eyes scanning wildly.

Guard Captain (shouting):
“THEY’RE GONE! SPREAD OUT! FIND THEM—ALIVE!!!”

The words hit Darin like a blow. His eyes widen, breath quickening as the reality sets in.

A flash of lightning briefly illuminates his face, revealing pure horror and confusion.

Darin (inner thoughts, panicked):
“This… this is happening. They think I kidnapped her. I’m a criminal now.”

He shakes his head violently, gritting his teeth.

Darin (inner thoughts, desperate):
“But I’ve followed every damn rule! Never caused trouble, never… this doesn’t make sense!”

No time to think. He grabs Porter’s wrist tightly and darts into the labyrinth of side streets. The storm swallows their sound as they vanish between buildings.

Blocked at Every Turn

The inner city streets are a maze of alleyways and narrow passages. Darin’s boots splash through puddles as he pushes forward blindly, rain hammering on rooftops above.

Up ahead, a squad of stationed guards notice their figures moving quickly through the rain.

Stationed Guard (suspiciously):
“Hey! Halt!”

Darin freezes for half a second — then pivots, bolting in the opposite direction.

The guard’s voice echoes, growing louder as more join in:

Stationed Guard (yelling):
“There! There they are!”

The alarm spreads. Shouts overlap as locations are relayed, boots thundering against wet stone streets.

The rain begins to let up, visibility improving — a bad sign for Darin and Porter.

The Dice Begin to Roll

Porter’s body jerks slightly as a strange, dark energy pulses around her.

Her aura flickers — a faint black outline briefly envelops her form like smoke before collapsing inward. A blackened dice materializes in the corner of the screen, cracked and splintered, as another fracture appears: [2].

Darin doesn’t notice — too focused on survival — as he rounds another corner and comes face-to-face with more guards blocking the street.

Darin (under his breath):
“Shit—!”

He pivots again, ducking into a narrow alleyway. His breath is ragged now, his soaked clothes clinging to his skin.

He gently sets Porter down against the wall.

Darin (whispering, urgent):
“Stay here. Don’t move.”

He crouches low, peering around the corner as one guard sprints past — but another stops abruptly, locking eyes with him.

Guard (yelling):
“Here! HERE! I FOUND THEM!”

Instantly, the sound of pounding boots grows louder. Two more guards appear, blocking the exit of the alleyway.

[Commercial]

3. Escpe Through the Storm II (13:30 – 19:00)

At this exact moment, Darin’s own aura flickers violently — a brilliant golden outline bursts around him for a split second, like a flare of divine energy.

In the corner of the screen, a golden dice appears, rolling dramatically before landing on 20 — Natural 20.

Improvisation and Escape

Darin’s eyes dart wildly. He spots a full barrel of collected rainwater leaning precariously on the edge of the alley wall.

As the guards lunge forward, he kicks the barrel with all his strength. The wood splinters, releasing a sudden flood of water.

The rushing torrent sweeps the two closest guards off their feet, slamming them into each other before they crash face-first into the thick, sopping mud.

Without missing a beat, Darin grabs Porter’s wrist and bolts down the newly opened path, weaving through narrow gaps between buildings.

The Ally Appears

They slam against a tall stone wall bordering the edge of town. Trapped.

Darin presses his back to the building, chest heaving. His eyes flick around wildly until he notices a small structural weakness — a chunk of the wall looks ready to give.

Using the building as leverage, he pushes with his legs and back, straining against the stones. With a grinding CRACK, the wall gives way, collapsing into rubble.

He tumbles forward into what appears to be… a soldiers’ quarters.

Porter scrambles after him, leaping over the broken stones just as a tall, shadowed figure steps into view.

Mysterious Guard (calmly, almost joking):
“I told you to keep your head down, didn’t I?”

Darin instantly reacts, drawing his dagger and taking a defensive stance. Lightning flashes, revealing the man — no armor, just a dark green sleeveless shirt and black slacks. His posture is relaxed, almost casual.

Mysterious Guard (hands up):
“Whoa, whoa, no need for that.”

Suddenly, another guard rushes in, breathless and shouting:

Second Guard:
“Great job, you got ’em!”

The first man snarls in annoyance:

Mysterious Guard:
“For fuck’s sake—”

With a swift strike, he knocks the second guard unconscious, letting his limp body fall to the floor with a thud.

Darin lowers his dagger slightly, still confused and tense.

Darin (hesitant):
“...Why are you helping us?”

Mysterious Guard (grinning boldly):
“I’m sick of this hellscape’s inner workings. I know you didn’t kidnap her.”
He points to Porter.
“I saw the whole thing.”

Darin blinks in shock, pieces clicking into place. He realizes this man was one of the guards who escorted them into the Guild Master’s office earlier that day.

Recognition flashes across his face.

The Escape Route

Shouts grow louder in the distance — the other guards are closing in fast.

Mysterious Guard (snapping to action):
“Welp! No time for formalities. Let’s get the hell outta here!”

He rips a loose board from the floor, revealing a hidden stash beneath. He grabs a packed sack with practiced ease.

Mysterious Guard (grinning):
“Nothing like a getaway bag, am I right? Quick, follow me!”

The trio sprints through the quarters. They stop at what appears to be a large, immovable boulder wedged against the wall.

Mysterious Guard (straining):
“Help me out here, quick!”

Darin leaps over, pushing with all his strength. The stone grinds and shifts, revealing a narrow hole leading outside the town’s defenses.

Mysterious Guard (strained):
“Hurry up! This thing isn’t light, you know!”

The Porter slips through the gap first. Darin follows immediately after, while the guard pushes the stone back into place, sealing the exit perfectly.

Freedom and Aftermath

They emerge into the dense forest beyond the town walls. The storm has faded here, leaving only dripping leaves and distant rumbling thunder.

The trio moves swiftly between the trees, staying low, the canopy above shielding them from view.

Back at the town, sentries remain oblivious, still scanning the gates and streets while their quarry slips silently away into the night.

Finally, miles away, the group collapses near a thicket, chests heaving as they catch their breath. The ground here is dry, untouched by the earlier storm, but a chilling wind sweeps through the trees like a tunnel, carrying the storm’s cold air behind them.

The mysterious guard drops to a sitting position, leaning back and laughing almost manically.

Mysterious Guard (cackling):
“Oh man, I haven’t felt a rush like this in years!”

Darin glances at him warily while the Porter clings to his back once more, silent but clearly shaken. The three sit in uneasy alliance, with the town lights glowing faintly in the far distance.

Resting, Miracles and Memories (18:30 – 23:30)

[They build a small fire to try and stay warm, drying out the cloaks and any of the rations they didn’t use at the dungeon prior.]

The man speaks,

Guard: “So this is the infamous Black Cat, huh? She doesn’t seem evil or mean.”
He leans toward the fire, smirking slightly.
“You do live up to your name though. I mean, the whole nine lives thing.”

Darin, with a sharp tone,

Darin: “Who are you? And truly, why did you help us?”

The man sits back, still relaxed.

Renn: “The name is Renn. Joined the guard about a month back. Didn’t fit in with the other adventuring groups. Most just used porters to spring traps — didn’t sit right with me. Plus, I hate seeing people die for no reason, including the statless.”

As the adrenaline began to wear off, Darin winces, clearly in pain. He pulls off his boot, revealing his ankle starting to swell and discolor, the discomfort visible on his face.

Darin: “That’s not good,” he mutters to himself.

The porter notices his injury and crawls closer to inspect it, hesitant but determined.

Porter (softly): “M-M... may I try now…?”

Darin looks at her, caught off guard by her request, then gives a small nod.

Darin: “If you think you can, sure. Just don’t push yourself.”

She closes her eyes, hovering her hands above his ankle. Slowly, her fingers interlock with one another as she begins to chant in a low, whispering voice.
A green and gold aura envelopes her hands, glowing faintly in the dim firelight.

Cut to her blackened dice tumbling in darkness. A fragment of the black shell cracks and falls away.

Back at the campfire, she takes both of her glowing hands and gently places them on Darin’s swollen ankle. The aura pulses brightly — the swelling instantly recedes, and the bruise fades before their eyes.

Renn jerks back, caught completely off guard.

Renn: “Well, that’s something you don’t see every day! How’d you learn that? Hell, when?”

She sits back, her work done, placing her hands in her lap with a bright, proud smile.

Renn glances between the two of them suspiciously.

Renn: “Am I missin’ something here? Is she more than just a porter?”

Darin shakes his head with a sigh.

Darin: “She just surprises me at every turn.”

Looking toward Renn now, Darin extends his hand.

Darin: “I’m Darin. Thanks again for saving us.”

Renn clasps his hand with a firm grip.

Renn: “Likewise. I was getting tired of that job anyway — full of lies and deceit.
Folks you think are allies? They’ll stab you in the back quick.”

Darin raises a brow.

Darin: “Wait… didn’t you knock one of the guards out?”

Renn chuckles.

Renn: “Like I said, stabbed in the back. Not literally.”

Renn tilts his head toward Eyra.

Renn: “What about her? Is she just gonna keep being ‘Black Cat’?”

Darin stares at her thoughtfully, his voice full of quiet conviction.

Darin: “You’re right. It’s about time I stop worrying about what others think.”

Renn shrugs with a lopsided smile.

Renn: “Whatever works…”

Darin pulls his boot back on, then kneels in front of the porter.
She blushes, looking up at him nervously as he takes her hands in his.

Darin: “How about it? Do you have an idea you’d rather be called?”

She shakes her head slowly, tears beginning to swell in her eyes.

Porter: “I trust you… please give me a name.”

Darin stares into her eyes and suddenly freezes.
A memory surges into his mind — vivid and real.

Flashback

He’s sitting at a work desk.
A colleague walks up, grinning, with a new hire beside him.

Colleague: “Kazuha! She just started with us — will you show her the ropes?”

The younger Darin rises, bowing slightly.

Darin: “I’m Kazuha. Kazuha Nobu.”

The young woman beams with a radiant smile.

Aira: “Yoku. Aira Yoku. Please, I’m in your care.”

She bows low, then raises her head again.

The memory fades, snapping Darin back to the present moment.

Darin whispers softly, almost breathless:

Darin: “Eyra…”

Her reaction is instant and violent.
Her eyes shoot wide open as she snatches her hands away, clutching her chest where her faded crest lies.
Her body convulses, wracked with tremors.

A golden aura bursts forth, shining brilliantly where her hands are pressed.

Darin panics.

Darin: “Eyra!?”

Renn scrambles to his feet, equally shocked.

Renn: “What the hell’s happening?!”

Darin: “I—I don’t know!”

Her luck aura flickers wildly. It’s a radiant golden glow, so bright it illuminates the entire clearing.

(The audience can see the light — but the characters cannot.)

Her Vision

She finds herself in another place.
A little boy is laughing, playing with her.
She calls out to him, her voice joyful.

Suddenly, the boy runs off — and ahead, a dark silhouette emerges.
Its silver, round eyes glimmer with malice.

Panic surges through her. She sprints toward the boy, shoving him out of harm’s way.

The specter raises its arm, claws glinting in the darkness, and swings down, raking through her torso.

The vision glitches and fades, the world bleeding into crimson static before abruptly cutting to black.

Dice Imagery

A close-up of her dice tumbling in slow motion.

Fragments of the black shell break away piece by piece. Between impacts, flashes of her vision flood the screen — the boy, the silver eyes, the fatal strike.

At last, the black shell completely disintegrates, revealing a brilliant golden dice beneath.

It clatters to a stop, its top face displaying a Black Cat silhouette where the darkened 20 once was.

Eyra snaps back to reality, gasping.
She’s curled in a kneeling fetal position, trembling, then slowly relaxes as her breathing evens out.

She removes her hands from her chest, revealing something remarkable:

The lines of her crest are whole again, glowing faintly as the lines are restored. The yellow gem remains faded, but the connections are restored.

Darin’s eyes go wide.

Darin: “No way…! W-What is happening?!”

Eyra meets his gaze, her expression soft and serene. She looks down at her crest, then back to him.

Renn, still baffled, blurts out:

Renn: “Darin…? Can you secretly cast magic too?!”

Darin ignores him, crawling closer to Eyra.

Darin: “A-a-are you okay? Are you hurting?”

Eyra smiles warmly through tears.

Eyra: “Eyra… my name is Eyra.”

She takes a shaky breath, trying to explain.

Eyra: “I don’t know what that was, but… there was a boy.
A monster with silver eyes.
I ran to the boy and pushed him away, and… I think it killed me.”

Her voice breaks slightly as she looks up at Darin wiping away the tears.

Eyra: “I’m sorry. Thank you for my name. It’s… beautiful.”

Renn exhales dramatically, then grins.

Renn: “Darin… that was pretty cool. Do me next.”

Eyra giggles softly.
Darin snaps his head toward Renn, scowling.

Darin: “Shut up! The hell is that supposed to mean?!”

Final Visual

Their playful bickering fades as the camera pans downward to the forest floor.

A golden, blood-stained dice rests beside Eyra’s newly reborn golden dice. Darin’s dice shows a white-on-gold 20. Eyra’s dice displays a second golden dice: the Black Cat emblem as the 20.

Slowly, a third dice — dark green — rolls into frame.
It comes to a stop… showing another 20.

The party is growing.

Fade to black.