Original subtitles

Previously on Theodosia... Your magic could bring you

fame and fortune. Why not put on a show here?

"Will the Wondrous - live at the Arcade for one night only." Eh?

Any progress on the cuneiform?

It is nothing but garbled nonsense.

Grandad really didn't want anybody reading this.

Theo!

Nigella, it's really important that I can trust you with this.

Of course, I'm here to help.

So, the Serpents really are back.

If these Serpents are as dangerous as you say they are,

we have to be prepared.

Nothing is going to stop me.

"It was the best of times.

"It was the worst of times.

"It was the age of wisdom.

"It was the age of foolishness.

"It was the season of light.

"It was the season of darkness.

"We had everything before us.

"We had nothing before us.

"We were..."

..not listening to a word I'm saying.

I was just resting my eyes.

OK, it's been a hard week's learning.

I think we can let you off for the last five minutes.

Busy weekend ahead.

What? Oh, yeah, Will's show.

And Theo's birthday.

Sure, of course, that too.

Hey, almost-birthday girl, you coming or what?

Where? Er, to help with Will's big magic show.

Dunno, might have mentioned it about a billion times.

Oh. Yes, yeah. I'll catch you later, guys.

I...

This close to deciphering Grandad's journal.

After what happened,

shouldn't we maybe just lock the pyramidion away?

Seriously, no more weird nightmares.

And besides, that thing's been in the museum for decades -

it never hurt anyone until we started poking it. OK.

I know you mean well, but Aapep is somehow involved,

and for future reference,

a giant snake who wants to destroy the sun? Always dangerous.

Theo? You're planning to stay?

I thought you were off to help Will.

Oh, I'd love to, but,

I mean, you've seen what the pyramidion's capable of.

Let me help.

Don't worry, I won't touch anything dangerous.

But if we can safely make sense of it,

then you can join your friends.

Thanks, Nigella.

Maybe she's right. What if we're not being supportive enough?

Am I the worst best friend ever?

Who am I kidding? Of course I'm not.

Hey, Theo's just being Theo. She'll say when she needs us.

Henry, you're going to lose that hand.

Sorry. Um... Penny Arcade?

Bit of warning next time!

Is that a Henderson-Backley Cinematograph?

You know, in the biz, we just call it a camera.

So, where do you want me?

As far away as possible.

I have an extremely important film to make.

Your loss.

What kind of film? Action? Comedy?

Well, her ladyship didn't say,

but prepare to be blown away by a sumptuous visual feast.

If it doesn't involve me, then major yawn. Let's go, fanboy.

You know, I still can't quite believe it.

All that dangerous magic inside.

No, no. Nigella, please. Be careful. It's not safe.

Sorry. Don't want to end up in a deadly dreamworld.

That was the last pyramidion.

We've got no idea what this one can do.

I'll bet it's bad, though.

The big snake's kind of a giveaway.

Maybe snakes just have a bad rep?

Most snakes, maybe.

But that snake is Aapep. Seriously bad news.

So, you're trying to unlock this dangerous thing because...?

Because maybe it's something to do with the Serpents of Chaos.

Maybe it's a weapon that we can use against them and Aapep.

All I know is that Grandad kept this thing in here for a reason.

It'd be nice if he mentioned what that reason was.

Naughty Great Uncle Harold.

I bet there's something in his journal.

I need to work out how to understand it, though.

That looks like it's going well.

Well, I did find one spell that I think might work.

It's just it is a little bit complicated.

Well, I don't know magic,

but I do know two heads are better than one.

Action.

Next, we behold an alabaster vessel from the 15th Dynasty.

Do not be deceived by its simplicity,

such a fine...

You're too far away. Move closer.

Look, I know what I'm doing.

And for the last time, this thing doesn't record sound. Hmm.

Nigella tells me the British Museum have filmed their entire collection.

I will not be outdone by that insufferable Lord Snowthorpe.

Don't you worry, your ladyship, I was born with a gift.

I could be the next Georges Melies.

Yes, yes. Enough wittering. Move that contraption closer.

Aaaand act...

HE SIGHS QUIETLY

This gives a whole new meaning to moving pictures.

The mystified wall has a mind of its own.

Turn your back on it at your own peril.

HE GASPS

Oh!

Well, what do you think?

Uh, yeah. That was awesome, mate.

Safiya?

I mean, it's good, but, um...

..this is a real show, in front of a real audience.

Shouldn't you be doing something bigger?

I thought we were being supportive.

She's right, the routine's weak.

If this goes right, Artie might make this a regular event.

I just need to blow the audience away,

but right now, I've got nothing.

Luckily for you,

being massively impressive is my speciality.

Hear me, Ancients.

Thoth, god of wisdom and writing,

reveal to me this text's true meaning.

THEO COUGHS

Maybe you got the words wrong?

Oh, remind me of the Egyptian word for "hopeless"?

You know, the worst part is, the key's probably right here,

but my clumsy brother spilt ink everywhere.

It's nothing as fancy as magic,

but there's an old trick my dad taught me... if you'll let me?

Yeah. Go for it.

A week's worth of hard study,

and you solve it in under ten seconds with a pencil.

More like five seconds, but, yeah.

They're hieroglyphs.

"Em-un... u...

"Hemiunu." Why do I know that name?

Because he designed the Great Pyramid.

Yes!

Of course!

Safiya keeps saying how he's one of her ancestors.

Hey, I didn't know you were interested in Egyptology.

I've been studying. It is my dearest cousin's favourite subject.

So you think this Hemiunu could be some kind of...

Keyword for the monoalphabetical cipher.

Well, we just need to take these letters that I've already translated

from the cuneiform and perform a character substitution.

See?

I can be smart.

"To anyone reading this...

"Augustin and I have seen our wildest dreams exceeded.

"We may have unearthed

"the greatest archaeological discovery of all time."

The pyramidion - he found it at the Great Pyramid.

Well, don't stop, keep reading.

You need something spectacular, like a...

..like seeing the pyramids for the first time.

Not all of us have had that pleasure. Neither has your audience,

which is exactly why you should give your show an ancient Egyptian theme.

I don't know. It sounds a bit... extra.

I'm a street magician.

No, it's brilliant.

You could tell one of those old legends Theo likes.

I bet she'd love that.

Well, if she was here.

If she ruins things with Will over that ancient box of tricks...

Anyways, there's no time to build an Egyptian set.

Who said anything about building? I've got a much better idea.

Lady Throckmorton points at another ancient pot. Take 47.

And action.

Here we find another remarkable specimen,

procured by yours truly from the Valley of the Kings.

I'm sorry, your ladyship, I can't crank any more.

Hmph! Gross unprofessionalism.

I shall have to start that entire speech anew.

Oh, for the last time, there's no flaming sound!

I shall retire now, to prepare for my next scene.

I suggest you use the time to rediscover your can-do attitude.

Are you really sure about this?

There must be somewhere else we can film. It's not like there's anything

we can do about it, not with Granny on the prowl upstairs.

And these are the perfect props.

Do you want your show to be unforgettable or not?

OK, I guess.

But no-one touches the pyramidion, all right?

We passed the test, didn't we? It's safe now.

But let's not take any chances. Look, I don't want to trigger

anything magical after what happened last time.

Yeah. You should have seen mirror me.

Total diva. So high maintenance. Completely unlike me.

Whatever. I'm not facing the Head of the Serpents again.

I mean, if it was him.

Or was it a dream?

A really freaky, nasty dream.

EERIE WHOOSHING

You OK?

Yeah, yeah, it's just a... just a breeze.

OK, let's make this thing spectacular.

Just wait, this is going to look exactly like ancient Egypt.

WHOOSHING

Once Henry develops that film,

it's going to blow your audience's minds. Yeah? I hope so.

I just need to get this performance right.

Relax, OK?

What happened to Chill Will?

Ooh, possible stage name?

Maybe not. No, You're right.

I'll think of something better.

Incrediwill?

It's fine.

Theo. Hey.

I'll, erm, see you in there, Theo.

Yeah. Yeah, I'm going to go...

I'm going to go get started on your costume. Heh!

So, how is your magic show coming along?

Better now, I think.

Not sure where I'd be without Henry and Safiya.

Just don't let them take over, yeah?

Safiya? Take over? That's so not like her!

I'm pretty sure she's thinking of a new magic name for you. What?

No. Totally not.

Well, you know, just remember that

this is supposed to be your big break.

I mean, this the start of an amazing career, Will.

Yeah? You think so?

Oh, I know so.

Houdini himself will lock himself away,

throw away the key when he sees how good you are.

He kind of does that already, you know.

I sort of hoped you'd be helping me too.

Oh, Will, Will, I'm sorry. It's just the pyramidion...

Yeah, no, I get it. And I don't know

what dangers it holds and... Honestly, it's fine.

I shouldn't have. It's fine.

Hey, Will, do you mind if I borrow Theo?

Sorry, Will, I need to sort this out.

I know. End-worlding magic stuff.

Will, I promise I won't let her miss your show.

Guess I'll see you later.

I'll be there, front row.

Nigella has the children entirely in hand.

Believe me, Your Ladyship,

A Henderson-Backley Cinematograph does not go wandering off.

I assume you're referring to that contraption behind you.

Yes, exactly.

I believe the phrase is, "Lights, camera, action."

"Augustin too had fallen into a strange dream.

"When we awoke, we found the pyramidion's sides fallen

"and another pyramidion within it.

"A coincidence, surely, and yet,

"could this be some form of ancient protection?

"Why such a great effort at concealment?

"What must the pyramidion contain?"

I was kind of hoping you'd tell me that. This is great. Don't stop now.

"Naturally, this fiendish artefact continued to surprise us."

"What appeared an indiscernible pattern was, in fact,

"a test of our mental aptitude."

Oh, I knew there was more to this thing.

It's another puzzle.

If we can just...

Oh, wait, no.

Will's magic show. I promised him I'd be there.

We've got time. He won't even be warming up yet.

And we are so close to solving this thing.

Yeah, you're right. We can't stop now.

That's the spirit.

OK, let's do this.

Get your refreshments before the show begins.

Milkshakes, sodas, fizzy wurzletons.

Take, take, take. Lovely-jubbly.

Go on, son. There you go.

Hey, Not a bad turnout, eh?

No. Brilliant idea of mine.

I don't know, Safiya, this isn't really my style.

Remind me, Will, which one of us was the talk of Milan last spring?

The Magic Circle guy came. I looked him up.

He's Neville Devenham.

The one who sold out the Hippodrome for 18 whole months.

Awesome. This really could be your big break.

Oh, man.

I really need to get this right.

Where's Theo? Have you seen her?

Um... H-have-have you never heard of being fashionably late?

That doesn't sound very Theo.

Let's go, let's go, let's do it. CHEERING

Go out there, put on a fantastic show

and make Theo feel awful for missing it.

CHEERING CONTINUES

Ladies and gentlemen,

what you are about to witness is a tale as old as time.

A story of ancient gods and a battle fought down the aeons.

But first, my fabulous assistant will present this simple box,

empty as you can see.

And now, illuminate!

AUDIENCE GASPS

Ladies and gentlemen, behold.

AUDIENCE GASPS

Ra...

..come!

AUDIENCE GASPS

Aapep...

..come!

Every night, Ra,

god of the sun,

sails his golden ship through the underworld.

I think this one needs to go that way.

OK.

And that completes the top. Yeah.

Before every dawn,

he must defeat the giant serpent Aapep

so the sun can rise again...

..and light can defeat the darkness.

And this one?

Yes, there's a line.

But Aapep is very powerful

and the battle is mighty.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

I think this is it.

Ah, no! You know, we have no idea what's inside this thing.

But that's what you have to find out, isn't it?

Two fearsome gods at war,

the fate of the world in their hands.

But there can only be one victor.

WHOOSHING

Come.

AUDIENCE GASPS

How did he do that?

AUDIENCE MURMUR

HE HISSES

HE GROWLS

What's going on, Will?

OK, I don't know. It's something to do with magic. Real magic.

Maybe we can turn the projector off? That's where those things came from.

Henry! It's not stopping.

The pyramidion must have affected the film.

Great day for Theo not to show up!

AUDIENCE SCREAM

Incredible! Look, it's Aapep battling Ra.

WHOOSHING

Oh, wow. OK, that's new.

Look, what's this notch?

You see this?

It looks like something's supposed to fit in there.

Like some kind of locking mechanism?

I'm going to check the journal, there might be a clue.

"It was as though Ra himself was smiling upon me.

"At once, I knew exactly how to complete this ancient test.

"But what happened next, nothing could have prepared me for.

"I, Harold Throckmorton, could see magic."

EERIE WHISPERING

SCREAMING

Stay in your seats, folks! This is all part of the show!

Will, do something!

SHE SCREAMS

Run for your lives!

We need to stop them before they destroy the arcade. With what army?

Let's think. What would Theo do?

I dunno, some sort of cage spell? No, she's smarter than that.

She'd find a way to reverse the spell.

That's it. Those monsters came from the film, right?

Maybe we can throw the projector into reverse

and suck them back in? It's worth a try. But I'll need time.

And to not get my head blown off.

I've got this.

Oi, you two!

Why don't you grab a chair and watch some real magic?

Under one of these...

OK! Well, that definitely got their attention.

Me and my dumb ideas.

Any chance of hurrying up?

We're trying, but modern stupid, modern technology...

OK, I'm starting to regret winding these guys up.

Nearly done, just hold on a second. SHE SHRIEKS

Wind faster!

- SHE SHRIEKS - Got it!

Ha! We did it! We're amazing!

Uh-oh.

This is bad.

Grandad.

Grandad could see magic.

Why didn't he tell anyone?

Maybe he didn't want anyone to know.

I mean, you didn't even tell me about your power, did you?

No, no, no, you're right.

But if Grandad had it, does that mean my powers come from the

pyramidion or did he hand them down to me or...? I...

Hey, this is a lot to get your head around.

No, I have to know. Of course you do.

But maybe if we find whatever fits into this slot,

it might give you all the answers you need.

No, wait, there's more, there's more.

Grandad says the Egyptian legends are all true.

Hurry up! Take everything you can!

They had to take the pyramidion and leave Egypt immediately.

Because the Great Pyramid isn't a tomb.

It's a prison.

It's Aapep.

Aapep is trapped inside the Great Pyramid.

The pyramidion is holding the key.

This is the most dangerous artefact on the planet.

CHAINS RATTLE