Ep 1. Tears of Sadness

In the vibrant kingdom of Fantasia, a young and courageous warrior named Atreyu embarks on an epic adventure to save his beloved land from a mysterious force known as The Nothing. In the pilot episode of "Neverending Story" titled "Tears of Sadness," viewers are swept away into an enchanting world filled with fantastical creatures, breathtaking landscapes, and profound emotions.

The episode opens with a glimpse into the idyllic realm of Fantasia, a place where dreams and stories come alive. However, a sense of foreboding lingers in the air as trouble looms on the horizon. It is here that we meet Atreyu, a spirited and valiant young warrior of the Plains People. Atreyu is entrusted with a perilous mission by the Childlike Empress herself – to uncover the origin of The Nothing, a dark and destructive force that threatens to engulf Fantasia and wipe out every story.

Guided by his loyal stallion, Artax, Atreyu embarks on a treacherous journey across the vast lands of Fantasia. The first leg of his expedition takes him through the picturesque and lush Southern Forests, a place teeming with vibrant flora and fauna. With each step, Atreyu encounters peculiar beings that have appeared to lose their magic and are gradually succumbing to the despair brought upon by the encroaching Nothing. Their tears, once beacons of joy, run dry in parallel to the shrinking of Fantasia.

As Atreyu traverses the Southern Forests, he stumbles upon a peculiar creature known as Engywook, a wise but idiosyncratic old gnome. Engywook is accompanied by his eccentric wife, Urgl, who possesses an unyielding curiosity about Atreyu's quest. Engywook and Urgl, both survivors of The Nothing's grip, share a cautious alliance with Atreyu, offering their wisdom and guidance.

Together, they seek the knowledge of the ancient Morla, the oldest living creature in Fantasia and the Great Turtle of the Swamps of Sadness. Morla, a reclusive and melancholic being, awaits their arrival atop his towering shell, imparting ancient secrets and insights about the origin of The Nothing. Through their cooperative effort, Atreyu, Engywook, and Urgl gradually uncover fragments of the truth, piecing together the puzzle of The Nothing's insidious nature.

However, their hope is tainted by the sorrow and anguish woven within the very fabric of Fantasia. The oppressive darkness of The Nothing fuels sadness in every corner of this realm of the imagination, dampening spirits, and draining hope from the hearts of its inhabitants. As the tears of Fantasia run perpetually dry, the impact of their quest becomes evident, with each tear serving as a symbol of the dwindling life force in this once-thriving land.

Throughout "Tears of Sadness," viewers are mesmerized by stunning cinematography that captures the enchanted landscapes of Fantasia, from the verdant Southern Forests to the hauntingly beautiful Swamps of Sadness. The episode's emotional depth is enhanced by a poignant musical score that swells with melancholy and resilience, reflecting the challenges faced by Atreyu and his comrades.

As the episode concludes, Atreyu, Engywook, and Urgl continue their journey, driven by the urgency of their mission and the need to understand the true power behind The Nothing. Their path leads them deeper into the heart of Fantasia and into uncharted territories, where the true nature of this darkness awaits. "Tears of Sadness" serves as a gripping introduction to "Neverending Story," a series promising an epic and emotional tale of courage, resilience, and the enduring power of imagination in even the most dire of circumstances.

Note: "Neverending Story" is a fictional show and does not currently exist.