"Fate 1x07: Identity"
by
Roonblah
Based on characters created by Joss Whedon
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. PARK - DAY
It's a beautiful sunny day. The park is green and idyllic.
DAWN and DEVON walk side by side along the grass, Dawn
carrying a container of TAKE-OUT COFFEES.
They approach--
SAMUEL
Ahh excellent timing.
NADYA smiles up from a picnic blanket. Dawn cheerfully hands
Samuel and Nadya their coffees.
DAWN
It was quite a walk, but as
official coffee bearer, it is my
solemn duty.
NADYA
(takes a sip, savoring)
Your place in the universe is
secure.
Dawn quirks an eyebrow at JASON, checking over the arsenal
he's carrying: a CROSSBOW, SWORD and a COUPLE OF DAGGERS.
She glances around the open space surrounding them.
NADYA
Don't worry. I've used a glamour
to hide us. I'd forgotten how
useful the simpler magicks were
until our recent little adventure.
Dawn looks over their stuff spread over the ground. Jason's
weapons, Samuel's bag of texts, Devon's bag of potions, the
bag of keys.
DAWN
And I'd forgotten how much luggage
we have. I wish there was a
simpler way to travel dimensions.
(sits down, balancing
her and Jason's coffee)
How come the great adventures
never talk about storage problems?
2.
JASON
Because Samwise carried everything.
(takes his coffee and
sits)
Thanks 'Rise.
He looks across at Devon, who is uncoincidentally glancing
elsewhere. He stares at his coffee.
JASON
But, I have been thinking about
the same thing. We're lugging a
lot around.
SAMUEL
Yes, but we are alone out there.
Mostly. We've had a few fortuitous
encounters, but those have been
rare.
Jason's WATCH beeps.
NADYA
Speaking of helpful.
She stands, closes her eyes and opens her palms. A MINI-
PORTAL opens and closes, leaving behind the clear CRYSTAL
BALL from Episode 6. It HOVERS mid-air until Nadya takes it.
NADYA
There's no significant colour
variation. The world is free of
any disease that could affect us.
(to Jason)
I'm glad your Doctor Karvan
brought this for us. Where on
earth did she find it?
JASON
Friend of a friend of a friend. I
don't want anymore surprises.
DAWN
I second that and pass the
amendment.
DEVON
It won't stop them from coming.
(as though she knows)
We haven't learned what we need
to yet.
Dawn frowns at that thought.
3.
JASON
(not harshly)
Killjoy.
Devon looks up at him. He doesn't turn away. She does.
Samuel stands.
SAMUEL
Then let us be surprised again.
He retrieves his bag.
EXT. FOREST - DAY
The PORTAL closes. The gang, all decked in their various
bags and props take in the new world. It's a beautiful sunny
forest, not unlike the idyllic area they just left. Everyone,
except Devon, relaxes and takes in the surroundings as though
it were an everyday occurrence to step onto another world.
JASON
This doesn't look too bad.
Devon sways a little and grabs a tree for support. Dawn
notices and gets closer to Devon.
DAWN
Are you okay?
DEVON
Don't you feel that?
NADYA
Feel what?
SAMUEL
Are you uhm... sensing
something?
Devon shakes her head.
DEVON
No it's...
Her eyes dart around for something--
-- there -- she sees a ROCK. Fairly large.
Her eyes turn WHITE. She points a hand at the rock. The
others have no idea what she's doing. They turn and look at
the rock.
Devon punches the air with her hand--
4.
-- the rock doesn't move--
-- Devon is THROWN BACK by the force of the invisible blast.
Her own power.
She lands and rolls along the ground.
Dawn and Jason rush to her. She looks up, dazed.
DEVON
Something's wrong with this world.
NADYA
Oh my. Look!
The others stare in shock as world SHIFTS. Instantly, like a
camera regaining focus. The trees TRANSFORM from beautiful
and lush to twisted and sinister versions of themselves. The
shadows lengthen and jarr, as though the sun vanished and
reappeared somewhere else in the sky suddenly. It is dark
and windy: cold.
JASON
Another surprise.
DAWN
Let the learning begin. Rah.
FADE OUT.
END TEASER
5.
ACT I
FADE IN:
EXT. FOREST - DAY
Jason helps Devon to her feet. She is very pale and already
visibly weak. Jason feels her face with his palm. She shrugs
him off.
JASON
You're burning up.
(to the others)
I think she's allergic to this
place.
Dawn hovers.
DAWN
Are you okay? I mean, has that
ever happened before, your mojo
backfiring?
Devon shakes her head.
SAMUEL
It is quite troubling. I had
thought that your powers in
particular could not be controlled
or targeted by external forces.
DEVON
I feel twisted inside. Stretched.
JASON
(to Nadya)
Can we send her back home?
(to Devon)
And don't act all martyred.
She doesn't even get too annoyed at him.
NADYA
(sincere)
Of course. I'll reopen the portal.
I'm sure we can track the next
key without you.
Devon and Dawn share a brief look.
6.
DAWN
I guess if it'd be better for you...
Dawn gives a reassuring little smile.
Nadya steps to where the portal opened originally. She
touches her hand to the air. Nothing happens. Frowning, she
concentrates again. The PORTAL SPUTTERS OPEN. It's wobbly
and a bit off colour, but it opens fully.
Dawn stares at it, concerned.
NADYA
Perhaps this world slows magicks
too.
(shrugs)
I think the hotel at the boat
yard would be the best bet. We'll
meet you there when we return.
Devon heads toward the portal--
Dawn abruptly pulls her back.
DAWN
Wait! That bad world detector,
the crystal ball the doctor gave
us, send it through first.
NADYA
(laughs)
Why? This is the same portal we
came through. It only goes back
to where we came from.
DAWN
Please.
Nadya humours her and unwraps the crystal from her bag. She
brings it close to the portal, about to send it through when--
The crystal TURNS BLACK AND MOLTEN RED. It SMOKES.
Nadya drops it as if burned. It rolls away from the portal
and resumes its clear colour. Nadya waves a hand and the
PORTAL CLOSES. Dawn goes to retrieve the ball, thinking.
NADYA
What the hell-
SAMUEL
The portal is tainted.
Devon lethargically sits down where she stands.
7.
DEVON
This place.
NADYA
This place is a destination, not
the way. It can't twist the path
that was set before it. It's
impossible.
DEVON
I feel
it.
NADYA
How wonderful that you feel it
now
... after
we arrived at a place
that we can't bloody leave. It
would have been nice--
JASON
Nadya. There's no way any of us
can predict what we're in for. We
knew that when we started this.
NADYA
Oh yes, this
. The quest for the
all important keys. Which
coincidentally we wouldn't be on
if she hadn't sent the keys over
weird and wonderful dimensions in
the first place. Next time you
want to throw objects through an
unstable portal, look where
they're going first. How do we
know the next portal we step
through won't be on Mars?
DAWN
(to herself)
That's why.
(to the others)
We can't! That's the whole point
of having keys.
(to Nadya)
You remember the school? The one
where I got my tats?
She holds up her arm that is has no visible tattoos on it.
She realises they can't see them and waves the notion away.
8.
DAWN
Not important. But, the highlighted
factoids are that portals are
difficult to control and can be
extremely dangerous unless you
have about two centuries of
Hogworts under your belt.
NADYA
Okay yes. That's why we use the
keys.
DAWN
Exactly! Keys take out the
guesswork. They take care of the
little things, like only opening
to safe places that, you know, we
can live in.
NADYA
I remember that bit of the class.
DAWN
And
they also make sure the
portals don't open in impractical
places, say under the ocean, in a
volcano, through a wall-
JASON
Wait. Those are options? Actual
could-happen options?
(to Devon and Samuel)
Did you know about this?
DAWN
Back to me, hi.
(pacing)
So anyway. I think this dimension
upsets the natural order of things.
So Devon, who is Miss-always-in-
control kinda isn't. And portals
created by keys are...
NADYA
The opposite of what they should be.
SAMUEL
Balance.
(off their looks)
We are seeing the opposing spectrum.
He waves over the scenery as it SHIFTS BACK to the sunny,
happy forest it was before.
9.
SAMUEL
This world is at war with itself.
JASON
And it's taking it out on us. Why
is it never easy? How the hell
are we going to get out of here?
DEVON
(quiet)
There's another way to open tears
between worlds without keys or
great power.
SAMUEL
(sharply)
That way is dangerous, often comes
with a great price and very rarely
actually works.
DEVON
It'll work. I've got most of what
we need. I just need a line of
power to guarantee it.
She stands up shakily.
JASON
And that would be?
DEVON
A confluence of power. A line of
direct contact.
JASON
Are you talking about a ley line,
like at Stonehenge? I'm sure we'll
find one of those just lying
around here.
SAMUEL
Most worlds should have them.
JASON
Most worlds only change when the
sun goes down. Rules seem to break
around here.
DEVON
We just need to rip a hole. It'll
buffer the keys and we can have a
normal portal.
(to Samuel and Nadya)
So, can you two find a line
without magic?
10.
They both nod, not too enthusiastically.
DEVON
(cont.)
Good then--
JASON
(holds up a hand)
No wait. Let me guess. You and
Dawn find the next key. What about
me?
DEVON
(waves in the general
direction of Nadya)
You can go wherever
you want.
Looking a little nauseous, she heads toward a little
travelled path through the forest. There is a larger path in
the opposite direction.
Jason almost seems tired as he watches her go on without a
backward glance. Putting on a happy face, he gives a quick
little wave to the others and darts ahead to catch up with
Devon.
She sidesteps automatically, like south pole pushing away
from south, glaring at his smiling face.
Dawn gives a long-suffering grimace. She hands Nadya the
crystal ball back.
DAWN
Good luck. I've gotta make sure
Alice and the Hatter don't kill
each other.
(mumbles)
I'm pretty sure finding an
invisible line will be easier.
Samuel and Nadya give a bemused chuckle and take off down
the wider path.
INT. CAMP - DAY
ON AN AMULET
It's round and has the picture of a female deity interwoven
among ancient symbols. This is one of the keys. A huge fist
grabs it and takes it to--
An OLD MAN, not quite human, dressed similarly to a medieval
peasant, kneels on the floor of the large, open TENT that
looks as makeshift as the surrounding tents.
11.
He cowers before--
WARCRY, more human in appearance than demon, mid-thirties,
very large and muscled, dressed like a warrior. There is an
EMBLEM etched into his clothes: three close-together claw
marks (last seen in episode 1). He holds the amulet in front
of the man.
WARCRY
Well, old man. Let's hope you
have better success than the ones
before you. Do your magicks.
OLD MAN
But- but we told you. This world-
Warcry wallops the old man's face.
WARCRY
This world may be a world of
exiles, but I know many of you
chose to come here. You would not
do that if you had no means of
escape. Open the door!
The old man does nothing.
WARCRY
Open the door or I kill them all
now.
The old man looks out the side of the tent. There is a large
CAGE made of wood. Inside are half a dozen PEOPLE, all
wearing similar types of clothing, but all very different in
species.
The old man concedes and bows his head. Warcry smiles and
places the amulet in the old man's hands. The man begins to
CHANT, it's lyrical but unintelligible. The man's eyes TURN
BLACK and he throws the amulet in the air. It HOVERS in
between the man and Warcry. Warcry eyes it expectantly.
A PORTAL BALLOONS OUT from the amulet, growing around it,
writhing like a jellyfish. The portal stabilises and the
amulet DROPS to the ground.
The old man falls on his hands, exhausted.
Warcry walks to the edge of the tent and breaks off a BRANCH
from a tree next to it. He holds the leafy end toward the
portal and pushes it through. He pulls it back out. The
leaves are WITHERED, scorched and seem horribly diseased.
The old man gets very afraid.
12.
Warcry growls, living up to his name, and tosses the branch
through the portal. He turns to the old man.
OLD MAN
No no. Please. I told you. This
world--
Warcry grabs the old man and tosses him through the portal
too. The PORTAL CLOSES.
The people in the cage WHIMPER and hold each other for support.
Warcry picks up the amulet and looks at them, still very
angry. He looks to the side at someone off camera.
WARCRY
Go back to the village. Find me
one who can control this power.
Or you will suffer the same fate.
EXT. FOREST, STREAM - DAY
The forest is back to beautiful and serene. The sound is not.
Devon leans over a large rock off camera, RETCHING. Jason
sits on the rock and holds her hair up for her.
JASON
That's it. Just keep doing... that.
He grimaces and looks a fair distance away at--
DAWN
scoops water from the stream into a BOWL, which looks like
it's used to grind ingredients. She has both Devon's large
bag and the bag of keys beside her. She places the bowl on a
flat rock and opens Devon's bag, digs through the potions, a
little flummoxed.
DEVON
Brings herself upright and sits on the rock beside Jason.
She resembles a toad, green and grumpy. Jason seems to be
considering something. By his glances, it's something
involving Devon. Finally, he plucks up the courage and--
JASON
Okay. Know this might not be the
best time, but... you want to
talk about-
(off her look)
Didn't think so.
13.
He gets up and walks away, with his hands in his pockets.
He's frustrated, and lacking anything to do, he approaches
Dawn.
JASON
Not to spoil our little mission,
but she's getting worse.
DAWN
I know. Which one's the purifying
one?
Jason crouches next to the bag and points out a BLUE POTION.
Dawn nods in thanks and pours some of it into the water.
Devon sits on the rock, extremely pale, almost feverish-
looking. Jason watches her safely across the distance. She's
a little too out of it to care.
JASON
I don't think she can find the
next key in this condition. It's
probably why she's sick in the
first place.
DAWN
Uhm how so?
JASON
(fast)
She's sick. Nadya's not. I figure
it's 'cause Nadya's just a witch
using
magic, whereas Devon, being
a key-thingy, actually is
magic.
Which is
power, like a portal, so
she's twisting inside out like
they are.
(puffs out his chest)
Good theory right?
DAWN
(surprised)
Actually yes.
(off his questioning
look; hurriedly)
But you often have good ideas.
JASON
Thanks 'Rise. Validation's always
good.
DAWN
I'm sorry. It really is a good
theory.
14.
They both smile, then look worriedly to the side as the sound
of RETCHING begins anew. Dawn gets up and takes the bowl of
water.
DAWN
Uhm my turn. I thinking girl talk.
JASON
(looking across at
Devon thoughtfully)
She'd probably be better with you
as company anyway. Let's hope the
others are having better luck.
EXT. FOREST, VILLAGE - DAY
Samuel is holding a makeshift DIVINING ROD made from a branch.
The forest switches back to scary and gloomy.
NADYA
Urgh that's still creepy.
(shrugs)
Flammae.
Nothing happens.
NADYA
(louder)
Flammae.
Still nothing.
SAMUEL
I think perhaps you should--
NADYA
Flammae!
A giant PLUME OF FLAME leaps up from her hand. Samuel dives
out of the way. Nadya is thrown back. The fire extinguishes
with her.
SAMUEL
(cont. with a sigh)
-- stop trying.
NADYA
Sorry.
Samuel gets up and dusts himself off.
SAMUEL
It's understandable. This lack of
control must be frustrating.
15.
He helps her to her feet.
NADYA
I should be getting used to it.
Especially on these unpredictable
little detours.
SAMUEL
That is the nature of the keys I
suppose. To bring us to the roads
less travelled.
NADYA
I'd rather they took us by the
most direct path.
He smiles, and looks ahead.
SAMUEL
There seems to be a village ahead.
NADYA
Are we erring on the side of
caution? I don't know how useful
I would be in a fight with my
amazing, uncontrollable fire.
Samuel grimaces ahead.
SAMUEL
Let's investigate from a safe
distance.
(admits)
I too wish for a simpler
experience on these worlds.
Cautiously, they keep behind the trees and peek into the
village.
EXT. VILLAGE - SAME
The village begins with some sporadic rundown cottages on
the outskirts. The more one travels into the village, the
more the decayed buildings cluster, until the closeness of
the buildings form claustrophobic alleyways and dead ends.
There are a few VILLAGERS walking around. They look as scary
and twisted as the forest.
ON NADYA AND SAMUEL
Crouched in the forest, looking over some bushes into the
village. They share a look. Nu-uh are they going in there.
At the edge of the village, they see--
16.
A GROUP OF SAVORTE DEMONS
Round up and push some villagers along to a path leading
through the forest, a little ways past Nadya and Samuel.
ON NADYA AND SAMUEL
NADYA
Oh no...
SAMUEL
Savortes.
NADYA
Do you think they've beaten us to
the key?
SAMUEL
If they have, we'll need to leave
fast. Let's go.
They both sneak away from the village. But not unseen.
From a house on the outskirts of the village--
A gnarled, wizened old CRONE (UND) stares through the forest
from her window. She is hunched and garbed in black. The
words shifty and mean-spirited apply.
She can see nothing through the trees, but it's almost as
though she can. She watches for a moment with narrowed eyes,
then closes the wooden shutter.
FADE OUT.
END ACT I
17.
ACT II
FADE IN:
EXT. FOREST, STREAM - DAY
Devon drinks from the bowl. Dawn waits. Ahead of them, Jason
tries to skip stones along the stream, giving them space.
Devon puts the bowl down.
DAWN
Better?
DEVON
Not really. But thanks.
DAWN
So... Jason has a theory.
Dawn watches Devon, who stares ahead impassively, too tired
to make any effort.
DAWN
Okay, and you not dismissing it
before you've even heard it tells
me this is really serious.
DEVON
I'll live. I always do. So what's
the theory?
DAWN
It's an incomplete theory, but it
does make a funny kind of sense.
He thinks you're sick because
you're the key, which you're not,
that would be me. But I'm not
sick. I feel pretty good actually.
Senses are humming. Keydar is
pinging. I've never felt them
more strongly right now, even if
they are broken-kinda.
(thinks)
In fact, it almost felt like
someone tried to use one a little
while ago. I don't think it worked.
It didn't feel...
(MORE)
18.
DAWN (CONT'D)
complete, and it's still here.
(gives a self-conscious
shrug)
But I could be way off. I haven't
been able to open another portal
since that evil witch almost
killed us all, and Nadya's always
feel so weird.
DEVON
You're a direct link. She's not.
I guess that makes a difference
to how they feel.
DAWN
I guess. It could also explain you.
Devon raises her eyebrows.
DAWN
You're directly connected to your
powers and she's not to hers.
That's the only reason I can think
of for this place to affect you.
Of course, I should be heaving up
kittens too by that logic.
DEVON
Not if you're shielded from what
this world does. You are more
powerful than the the other keys.
DAWN
So you think maybe I could open a
safe portal out of here? By myself?
DEVON
Maybe. But then... are you ready
for what that means?
DAWN
You mean am I ready to declare to
the universe that I am.. The Key
dum dum dum?
(shrugs)
I know you and Samuel want to
keep me safe from whoever is after
us but... sooner or later they're
gonna figure it out. I can't hide
behind someone stronger forever.
And it's not fair to you.
(sad laugh)
Your blood can't open doors.
19.
DEVON
(low)
You'd be surprised.
JASON
Heads up.
He approaches them, with all the bags. He looks over their
shoulder as a shrub shudders. Samuel and Nadya step through,
definitely looking worried.
JASON
That was quick. Success?
He dumps the bags on the ground beside him.
NADYA
Yes and no. We thought it best to
regroup.
DAWN
(standing up)
Why?
SAMUEL
Savortes are here.
NADYA
We saw them taking villagers
somewhere. From the feel I got, I
think they might have been priests
or mages.
DAWN
(realising)
The Savortes have the key.
NADYA
We don't know that yet. They could
have been using the villagers to
search for the key.
Devon cuts Dawn off.
DEVON
No, they have it. Someone else
opened a portal a little while
ago. If they're looking for people
with power...
SAMUEL
They don't know how to leave here
either.
20.
JASON
(rubbing hands)
Hmm. Their bad. Anyone else
thinking grand theft opportunity?
DAWN
You're a little too excited by that.
JASON
Aren't you?
NADYA
Don't get too excited. I have
very little control over my powers,
neither does Devon, and there
were over half a dozen that we
counted. There could be more. And
as much as I admire your fighting
skills...
(shakes her head)
Options are depleted. I say, we
leave and when they return this
key to a more stable dimension,
we take it back.
JASON
(good naturedly)
Hey, you forgetting what a master
thief I am? What about you needing
this key to find the next?
NADYA
(trying to sell her
plan)
I've been using the keys in
conjunction with the linking
crystals enough so that I think I
would be able to sense when this
one is returned to our world.
Soon, I may not even need to
follow the line of succession.
I'm getting stronger all the time.
But not here. So there's really
no need to stay or for you to
risk yourself trying to get this
one back. You'll be outnumbered
and-
DEVON
Shhhh.
Devon clasps her head and looks like she's holding on by a
thread. Any noise will disturb the contents of lunch.
21.
DEVON
He's going to have to get it now.
The Savortes are less of a threat
than who they're working for.
(holds up a hand to
stop Nadya from
interrupting)
The only advantage we have is
staying ahead and if they take
this key, then we're...
DAWN
Screwed.
NADYA
(to Devon)
Or, perhaps you, being the most
important key of all, could try
and get some of the keys yourself.
Carrying on your quest by myself
is already a little tedious.
SAMUEL
Ladies...
Devon and Nadya look away from each other.
JASON
(looking at the sky)
I better get started if I want to
track their camp before whatever
passes for night around here
arrives.
Dawn lifts the bag of keys and hands them to Samuel. She
turns to Jason.
DAWN
I'm coming with you.
Jason doesn't even try to argue with her "resolve" face.
DAWN
(cont.)
But, I kinda need a weapon.
Jason just smiles and lifts his pack onto his shoulders. He
hands her the sword, while he brandishes his crossbow.
SAMUEL
Follow the main path to the
village. We found a line toward
the east of it. We'll set up the
portal in case we have to--
22.
JASON
Speedy Gonzales out of here. Got it.
Dawn and Jason head off in the direction Samuel and Nadya
arrived in, slipping away through the bushes.
Nadya looks around, bored and frustrated. She glares at Devon,
who sits on the rock with her eyes closed, as though
meditating. Samuel sits next to her.
SAMUEL
Are you feeling any better?
Devon grumbles as an answer.
SAMUEL
Well... if you are able in a few
moments, we should head towards
the village and get ready.
NADYA
If Jason and Dawn make it to us.
We don't know exactly what we're
up against.
(fails to hide her
curiosity)
What makes you think they're
stronger than me?
Devon opens her eyes lazily.
DEVON
Fortune favours the wheel. It
spins around, up and down, but
never tilts or falls.
NADYA
(waits)
Lovely. I'll ask again when you
haven't lost your mind.
She tosses her hands up and starts to pace. Devon sighs.
DEVON
What we're doing is good. It could
be a greater good. So there must
be both an equal and an opposite.
23.
NADYA
That's the silliest theory I've
ever heard. Good and evil overcome
each other all the time. The
strength of an opponent can't be
measured by how much you
have to
gain.
(folds her arms)
It's decided by power.
Devon merely shrugs and closes her eyes again. Nadya glares
at her for a moment. Samuel is thoughtful.
EXT. FOREST, PATH - DAY
Jason studies the ground. Dawn does the same around him, but
it's rather obvious she's not seeing what he is. He nods in
a direction.
JASON
That way.
Dawn takes his word for it. They both head that way.
DAWN
Where'd you learn all this?
JASON
Tracking?
DAWN
Tracking. Fighting. Whatever.
You're Bruce Wayne, except without
the crazy alter-ego.
JASON
(sardonic)
Yeah, cos I don't need an alter-
ego to do something stupid.
(shakes it off)
But you said slayers start young,
so did I. My education wasn't
exactly traditional in my teen
years.
DAWN
(guessing)
Your parents were spies.
JASON
No they... no. I was just a
strange kid. My choice.
Dawn knows when not to push a subject.
24.
DAWN
I was always following my sister
around. Trying to learn how to be
a superhero. And all she wanted
was for me to be normal and stay
out of trouble.
JASON
She must be proud of you.
DAWN
Uhmm... why?
JASON
Because you've uprooted yourself
to follow what you believe in.
You don't need to be here, doing
all this, but you do it anyway.
DAWN
And on the objective fence,
looking at you...
She smiles and waves over him.
JASON
This is what I do. If I wasn't
here I'd be in South America
dodging pygmy demons looking for
some pointless treasure.
DAWN
I guess we all have reasons for
being here.
JASON
Yeah. Even the people who don't
care.
(grumbling)
Or don't wanna care. Or pretend
to care. Or anything.
Dawn sees his agitation and makes a guess.
DAWN
Have you slipped away from the
conversation we were having, and
subtly landed with a loud thud on
the subject of Devon?
Jason chances a glance at Dawn, but she is open and hasn't
jumped to any conclusions.
25.
JASON
I know it must be hard for her,
having this thing over her head.
Oooh she's a key. But, that's not
all she is. You know. She is a
person. Occasionally she shows it.
Dawn watches him closely. He is sincere, and she's touched.
JASON
(cont.)
She's got a bum wrap out of life.
No one ever has a happy story.
But she keeps pushing m--
(catches himself)
-- us
away because of what she is
or what she's capable of. And she
shouldn't. Because she's more
than some all-important proper
noun. She's... she's.. her
and...
does this make sense?
He stops and looks at her. She pauses and nods.
DAWN
More than you know.
(it's her big moment)
Jason, I think you should know
something about her. Devon's not--
JASON
(whispers)
Down.
He grabs her and pulls her to the ground. He peers through
the bushes that are keeping them hidden. A few SAVORTES move
through the forest.
Jason turns and gestures to Dawn. They get up and silently
follow.
EXT. FOREST, STREAM - DAY
Samuel helps Devon to her feet. She looks as bad as she
possibly can. It's any wonder she's standing at all. Samuel
worriedly looks over her.
SAMUEL
Do you think you'll be able to walk?
DEVON
Yes.
26.
He doesn't quite believe her and supports her with his free
arm that isn't laden with bags. She weakly scoops up the bag
of keys and her own bag and places the straps over her
shoulder. Nadya takes her own bags and watches Devon,
concerned.
SAMUEL
(reassuring both
himself and her)
The village isn't that far. You
can rest there. Won't be long
until we leave.
They move along together. Devon increasingly needs to lean
on him as they go. It takes a great deal of effort on her
part to keep moving.
Nadya follows behind; it's all she can do.
DEVON
Wait. Stop.
Almost feverishly, she glances round the forest, tugging
Samuel in the direction of her gaze. The world SHIFTS again,
but that's not what has her worried. Her breathing becomes
more erratic. She stills and looks in Samuel's eyes.
DEVON
(upset)
I'm sorry.
SAMUEL
Sorry for what?
Devon FAINTS. Samuel catches her. He is now overladen with
bags and an unconscious girl.
The TREES AND BUSHES RUSTLE around them. Samuel's eyes widen.
SAMUEL
(to Nadya)
Run!
Nadya hesitates, but knows she is no help. She dumps whatever
she's carrying, turns and runs as--
MEAN-LOOKING VILLAGERS burst through the foliage and surround
Samuel and Devon. He hasn't even tried to run. The villagers
all carry crude weapons, pitchforks and the like. They close
in around Samuel.
FADE OUT.
END ACT II
27.
ACT III
FADE IN:
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
Nadya runs. She's out of breath. Fueled by desperation. She
keeps looking behind her.
The forest has shifted into the dark and scary version of
itself.
The branches claw at her. Block every path she tries to take.
She trips--
-- lands in a heap on a bed of leaves.
It's just the shock she needs. She lies without moving and
tries to regain her breath. Her eyes shift around the forest.
There's no other movement.
With conscious effort, she pulls herself back up, and stands.
She faces the direction she ran from.
There is silence in the forest. The only sound she hears is
her own BREATHING.
She takes a deep breath--
-- and another and another --
She squares her shoulders, nods to herself, and walks
steadily forward, back the way she came.
EXT. VILLAGE - NIGHT
The villagers push Samuel along. One carries Devon, the
others carry the gang's various luggage to--
UND'S HOUSE
She opens the door and stands aside to let the procession
through.
INT. UND'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Samuel is pushed into a rickety wooden chair. Devon is placed
on the shabby interior's only bed. Samuel finally gets a
real good look at Devon.
28.
She's pale and very, very still. It's serious folks.
The hovel is tiny and old-style, very few creature comforts.
Each room bleeds into the other. The kitchen and "bedroom"
are within walking distance.
Und moves over to the hearth. A POT simmers over the flames.
The parade of captors stream back out of her house, save one.
UND
(to the last villager)
Leave us.
Her voice is corrupted and harsh. The villager shakes his head.
UND
Go.
She is not loud, nor does she look up at the man, but her
command is felt. The villager leaves speedily, shutting the
door behind him.
Und sniffs the contents of the pot, stirs it and nods to
herself. She ignores Samuel and heads toward Devon. She
touches Devon's forehead.
SAMUEL
(getting up)
What are-
UND
Sit.
Samuel's legs twitch as though he is about to obey. With
great effort he stands.
SAMUEL
I will not until you tell me what
you mean to do with us.
Und passes her eyes quickly over him, amused by his bravado,
but hardly impressed.
UND
I am doing my duty. Pray it is in
time so that you can do yours.
She stoops over Devon. Samuel can't see past Und.
He rushes forward--
-- the world shifts. The house becomes less hovel-like, more
cosy.
29.
Samuel stops and with surprise sees--
UND
stand back from Devon and turn toward Samuel. She is no
longer a crone, but a stately woman dressed in white,
unstooped, unhaggard, with long, white, flowing hair. She is
in her forties and her face speaks of wisdom.
SAMUEL
I... I was not aware the people
of this world...
UND
Are as inconstant as the path we
walk.
He looks over Devon.
UND
She may yet survive. I will give
her what strength I can. But she
must not remain in this world for
much longer.
SAMUEL
We are trying to leave.
UND
And you will soon. But there are
lessons that need to be learned
here.
SAMUEL
(a memory, stares at
Devon)
We haven't learned what we need
to yet.
UND
Answers are patiently realised
Guardian.
(nods over Devon)
I have much work to do first.
Time is shorter now.
EXT. CAMP - NIGHT
Jason and Dawn peer through the trees. Savortes loiter around.
Warcry can be seen within his tent. He places the key around
his neck. Dawn watches this, knowing.
DAWN
He's got the key.
30.
JASON
How do you know?
DAWN
Well, look at how angry he is.
Warcry YELLS at a Savorte. It scurries off.
DAWN
(cont.)
'Sides, it's that amulet around
his neck. It clashes with the
rest of his outfit.
(off Jason's look)
It does!
JASON
Hey look.
He points to the cage with the scared villagers in it.
JASON
I think we just found a way in.
He grins and moves off.
EXT. VILLAGE - NIGHT
Nadya creeps out of sight at the edge of the forest. The
town is once more in its dark and creepy phase.
She ducks when she sees--
A VILLAGER TALKING TO THREE SAVORTES
The villager points towards Und's house. The Savortes talk
amongst themselves, then one moves off quickly--
--toward Nadya.
She lies low in the bushes and holds her breath. It comes
dangerously close to where she is. She can just see its feet
as they move past her.
Waiting for a moment, she slowly raises her head and looks
behind her. The Savorte is gone. She turns back to the village.
The two remaining Savortes are creeping toward Und's house.
When they reach it, one stands guard at the front door, while
the other stealthily makes its way to the other door and
does the same.
Nadya quietly backs away from her position and fades into
the forest.
31.
INT. UND'S HOUSE - NIGHT
In her ugly phase, Und tips a bowl of the liquid from the
pot into Devon's mouth. Her eyes flutter open briefly, but
she slips back into sleep soon after.
UND
She is weak, but will recover
some strength. Strength enough to
wake once more.
Samuel watches over Und's shoulder. The crone straightens
and the world shifts again, leaving the radiant Und in
control. Samuel studies her intently.
SAMUEL
Does the changing...?
UND
Hurt? No longer. I lived pain for
many years when I first came to
this world.
She motions for him to sit at the table, opposite where she
stands. She readies two drinks from other bottles in her
kitchen.
SAMUEL
This is not your home?
UND
It is now. Through choice.
(hands him a cup)
This world is a place of exiles,
outcasts, and those who have
chosen to come here. You must
have guessed the nature of this
place?
SAMUEL
An inkling perhaps. There is no
true essence of balance. Simply a
tangible war between states of
being.
Und smiles and nods.
UND
There is no curse with strength
enough to remain. No real power
with which to subdue another. No
sight that cannot be unseen.
(MORE)
32.
UND (CONT'D)
Mind, body, soul, twisted and
broken. Parts of oneself made
separate. Unless one cannot
unweave the web within.
She tilts her head at Devon. He turns to stare at her too.
SAMUEL
Is that why she falls? Her power
cannot be made separate from her.
UND
It is one reason. But the other
may be more significant. Mmm, she
has a vast collection.
Samuel startles. Und is looking through Devon's bag of vials.
She pulls a vial out.
UND
See that.
(showing him)
That is the trademark of Rargar.
He is an amazing potions brewer.
I would say despite the
circumstances of their introduction,
her meeting with him was quite
fortuitous.
SAMUEL
How would you know any of her life?
UND
I knew much. Once. One forgets
how much when one waits.
SAMUEL
And what have you been waiting for.
She busies herself mixing various ingredients in a large bowl.
UND
(waves a graceful hand,
ignoring the question)
There are people on many worlds
who live as though blessed. Luck,
it is called. But in equal measure,
there are those who suffer much
misfortune and seek escape from
their existence as quickly as
they are able.
(MORE)
33.
UND (CONT'D)
These beings are merely tools of
powers that endlessly battle for
dominion. Pieces in a cruel game.
Sometimes, their lives are simply
destroyed for a whim.
SAMUEL
(sadly)
And she is one of these people.
UND
(leans forward)
No... she is quite
different.
Gods cannot use her to win their
wars and their bets. She is enemy
to them both. Alone. One. Neither
good nor evil controls her purpose,
but both surround her always. Do
you know why?
He sits back for a moment and thinks.
SAMUEL
Because she is balance. But also
imbalance. She is chaos and order.
UND
For many eons, there has been one
like her. Walking, existing,
shadows. History renders their
identity obscure. Gods, demons,
angels. Not all were as
otherworldly as you believe. Some
of them fade into the emptiness
of time with no one ever feeling
or seeing their solid shape.
(dreamy)
But others... the chaos and beauty
that surrounds them lights the
fire of memory and infamy for
eternity.
(sober)
You must understand, guardian.
Her choices are irrelevant. Her
mutable role is constant. And
that is a reason she suffers here.
This world will sever the strings
of the tapestry that she will weave.
SAMUEL
I don't understand. How do you
know of any
of this?
34.
UND
I have waited. I have waited so
long.
SAMUEL
For her?
UND
Not her. But I have served my
part to unravel one thread. She
is the last. And this lesson is
over.
Samuel frowns in complete confusion. Und does not move, the
conversation, such as it was, forgotten and ignored. She
fixes her eyes in front of her. Samuel follows Und's stare,
and sees that Devon is waking.
EXT. UND'S HOUSE - NIGHT
The Savorte by the back door makes a good guard post. It
looks around boredly.
THWACK
It drops to the ground, unconscious.
Nadya looks down at it, her weapon, a BRANCH, held high.
Peeking around the corner of the house, she spots the Savorte
by the front of the house. It hasn't noticed anything out of
the ordinary.
Squeezing her weapon like it's a bat about to hit the winning
home run, she takes a deep breath and starts to sneak forward.
EXT. CAMP - NIGHT
Jason sneaks quickly around the back of the camp. Dawn
follows a short distance behind, keeping low. They near the
tented areas. There's enough fire light to light their way.
There is MOVEMENT ahead.
Jason pushes himself against a tree and holds up a hand for
Dawn to stop. She pauses and ducks beneath some foliage,
watching him.
He stretches forward, looking around the tree. Warcry stalks
into his tent, clearly displeased about something.
Dawn pokes her head over the bush. She catches a glimpse of
the Amulet-key before Warcry disappears.
35.
Jason waits a moment, then chances to move forward again. He
glances around before ducking into the area where the cage is.
The captives are alert to his presence immediately. He holds
his fingers to his lips. They make no sound.
JASON
(whispers)
You understand me? I'm here to
get you out of there.
Various captives nod. Jason starts fumbling with the lock to
the cage as Dawn catches up and keeps an eye out for any
Savortes.
JASON
There's only six of them here and
nine of us.
He looks away toward the camp area as he gets the cage door
open. The captives move out of the cage. Jason heads back
for a closer look at the camp, motioning to the captives to
follow him.
JASON
I think we can take them.
There is complete silence behind him. He turns around.
Dawn shrugs apologetically. The captives run off in the
distance. He watches them go with a bland expression on his
face.
JASON
(turning back)
Note to self. Learn motivational
speaking.
He returns his attentions to the camp. There is barely any
movement. The Savortes are bored and showing it. They mull
about, betting on their games, one is even snoozing.
JASON
Least you're here.
(waits in silence)
Right?
He looks back for Dawn. She's right beside him, smiling widely.
DAWN
Like I'd leave.
JASON
You're a constant.
36.
DAWN
But you know, I do have prior
arrangements...
JASON
No one wants to be a rebel anymore.
DAWN
Okay. So how do we wanna handle
this. I take care of the 5 uglies
on the right. You get Mister
Pissy-Pants Hercules.
Jason smirks.
JASON
Alright. Let's go.
They start forward.
A SUDDEN UNINTELLIGIBLE SHOUT causes Dawn and Jason to drop
to the ground. A Savorte, the one from the village, rushes
into the centre of the camp, yelling in its demonic language.
The lethargic Savortes spring to attention.
Warcry steps out of the tent and listens to the demon. He
smiles.
WARCRY
Finally. A way out this infernal
hellhole. Come!
Dawn and Jason know what this means.
JASON
Devon.
INT. UND'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Und, in her crone phase, mothers Devon by trying to get her
to drink more of her brew. Devon, typically, tries to wave
her off.
UND
More will strengthen you further.
DEVON
I'm strong enough already.
Und hrumphs. Devon is very shaky on her feet and doesn't
look that much improved.
DEVON
Where are the others?
37.
SAMUEL
I do not know.
DEVON
We still stick to the plan.
UND
Yes. Ready an escape.
Devon flicks an annoyed glance over Und, then looks at Samuel
in question.
SAMUEL
I told her nothing. She has a
penchant for accurate guessing.
UND
See.
Und points at the bowl that she was preparing something in.
UND
(cont.)
I've already prepared for your
leaving. It simply needs the final
ingredient.
Devon considers. Her hand stretches toward a knife on the
table. Und stops her.
UND
Stay your blood child. You have
shed enough already.
Und takes the knife and SLICES her hand. She lets the blood
drip into the bowl. Samuel grimaces.
SAMUEL
(doubtful)
Will that truly open a tear?
Und lifts her arm away from the bowl. Samuel moves forward
to tend to her wound. She brushes him off.
UND
Ready.
They all turn as the door whips open. Nadya steps over the
unconscious Savorte and holds her branch high, looking around
at everyone.
UND
Welcome.
38.
Nadya takes in the relaxed state of everyone.
NADYA
(disbelieving)
You're all right.
UND
Of course not.
Und points past Nadya, out the door.
OUTSIDE
Warcry and his Savortes march toward the village.
INSIDE
Nadya and Samuel look miserable, in complete contrast to Und
and Devon's lack of caring.
SAMUEL
I rather hate running.
FADE OUT.
END ACT III
39.
ACT IV
FADE IN:
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
Warcry and his crew march along, torches held high. Swagger
in their steps. Home in their mind's eyes.
Warcry fingers the amulet-key.
BEHIND THEM
Jason and Dawn follow a short distance back, keeping out of
sight.
JASON
Wait.
He looks through the trees toward the village. Nadya, Samuel,
Crone Und and Devon sneak into the heart of the village.
Warcry hasn't seen them yet.
JASON
Time to detour.
They veer away from their pursuit of Warcry and head in the
direction of the gang, careful not to reveal themselves to
the bad guys.
EXT. VILLAGE - SAME
Crone Und rushes ahead of the others, cradling the bowl in
her arms. Nadya runs along beside her with Devon's bag of
vials. Samuel now only has his bag of texts, and Devon is
struggling with the bag of keys. Devon is actually struggling
with the chore of breathing.
Und stops and looks back at the two slow stragglers. Nadya,
too, turns around.
UND
Do not stop.
Devon has no choice. She leans heavily against the wall of
the nearest building. Samuel stops beside her, both concerned
and struggling with his own forward motion.
SAMUEL
Can you make it?
40.
Devon doesn't answer. It's the answer he didn't want to be
given.
UND
(takes a step toward
them)
All this will be for nothing, all
lost, lest you move
.
Nadya moves toward the others too, her concern over these
words very apparent.
NADYA
(whispers)
Oh no.
Warcry and the Savortes have spotted them.
Samuel tries to help Devon. She pushes him away.
DEVON
No. Get the portal ready.
She stumbles blindly toward a nearby alley. Samuel makes to
grab her. Und stops him.
UND
No, she is right. It is into the
hands of fate this rests.
SAMUEL
Fate doesn't exist here.
UND
Then it is who she is that will
decide this. Come!
Samuel holds himself near the mouth of the alley, staring
down two choices. Und does not wait and moves off. Samuel
tears himself away to follow her. Nadya pauses before him
and gives a small smile.
NADYA
Maybe fate just needs a helping
hand around here.
She heads into the alley after Devon. Samuel allows himself
a moment's luxury of relief, before he rushes after Und.
EXT. VILLAGE, CENTRE - NIGHT
Devon runs along into the centre of the village. It is a
square of some sorts with a fountain in the middle.
41.
She gropes along the walls for support. The torches give her
light, but it seems like she can barely see where she is going.
Nadya catches up.
So does Warcry and the Savortes. They spread out.
NADYA
Look out!
Nadya pulls Devon out of the way before a Savorte charges
into her. The two girls make a run for it, trying to get
around the fountain before they are cut off from an escape.
Devon stumbles. She uses the step of the fountain to help
herself up. Nadya takes hold of her arm and tries to steer
her through the Savortes as they gang up and take jumps at
them.
The Savortes encircle the fountain, continuously cutting
them off. Nadya is growing desperate, looking for an opening.
She's pulling Devon along like a Raggedy-Anne doll.
Warcry lazily strolls through his minions; he knows they
have nowhere to go. Victory is written all over his face.
Nadya stops. They're trapped.
WARCRY
I really, really want to get out
of here. You can guess one choice
that I'll give you. The other is
I bleed one of you dry until I
leave this prison. I don't really
care which.
NADYA
(pretending bravado)
It's not our fault you're here.
WARCRY
(gives a harsh laugh)
Well it is someone's. This
hellhole was not my choice.
(points to amulet)
This key was taking us to another
world, more accurately, to a world
where, well, I suppose it was
where you and those other keys
were. But the strange thing is,
we were pushed here by something
more powerful before we reached it.
Nadya realises something.
42.
WARCRY
I thought you'd know something
about that. After all, you are
the people that lost the keys in
the first place.
NADYA
We didn't lose them. We merely
gained an advantage.
WARCRY
Which you've now forfeit. Whatever
power you have, you will use it
to return me home.
Nadya lowers her lashes and looks to the side. She gives a
sexy smile.
NADYA
Enjoy the headache.
WARCRY
What?
THUNK
He gets a ROCK right to his noggin. He stumbles to the side.
ON DAWN
holding ANOTHER ROCK in her hand at the edge of the centre,
ready to snowball anyone who looks sideways at her.
JASON
charges into the centre from another direction, using fists,
elbows, weapon and head to bash, batter and generally render
unconscious as many minions as possible.
Nadya spins out of his way. Devon drops to her knees, making
a handy obstacle for falling Savortes in the process of being
pummeled.
Dawn dumps the rock and grabs her sword as a Savorte heads
toward her. She easily deflects him and gives him the run
around. Her sights are set on bigger fish. Skirting bad guys,
she hops onto the step of the fountain, runs around to the
other side, throws her sword across the square so that both
hands are free and--
-- JUMPS onto Warcry's back. She hangs off his back like a
baby monkey, kicking and gouging and being a pest.
Devon looks up with foggy disbelief.
43.
DEVON
Dawn!
Warcry reaches back and grabs her. He gives a good yank.
Dawn yelps, then sails through the air as he tosses her aside.
She rolls along the ground. Warcry gives a feral snarl and
stomps in her direction to finish the job.
He is TACKLED out of frame by Jason.
Devon crawls over to Dawn. Dawn gets up, a little winded,
but okay. She looks at Devon and smiles.
In her hand, THE AMULET. She puts it around her neck.
DAWN
Score another one for the littlest
thief.
Devon stares at the key, putting together meaningful thoughts
in her head. She looks around.
Jason is fighting off Warcry and Savortes alike but Nadya
was right: they are sorely outnumbered. Nadya is trying to
help with magick, but all she is getting is little wisps of
smoke.
Devon grows very peaceful. Dawn sees that look. Dawn knows
that look.
DAWN
No. No. Whatever you're thinking.
Forget it.
Devon reaches up weakly and pulls the strap from the bag of
keys over her head. She pushes it into Dawn's hands.
DAWN
No.
DEVON
You don't need me to protect them.
Devon struggles to her feet. Dawn hops up.
DAWN
No! There doesn't always have to
be sacrifice.
DEVON
(looks toward Warcry
and Jason fighting)
It's not sacrifice Dawn. It's
what I have to do.
44.
DAWN
(almost a plea)
No more dying.
DEVON
I told you. I always live.
(meaningfully)
It's time
. Open the door. Go.
Devon steps away, puts her fingers to her lips and WOLF-
WHISTLES. Jason turns toward her, and in response, so does
Warcry.
DEVON
You want the blood of the living
Key? It's the only way to get out
of here.
(faux smiles)
You won't get.
It seems a feat of pure will, but Devon pushes herself to
run. She finds a gap in the carnage and gets into another
alley.
Growling, Warcry pushes Jason aside. He bashes into the step
of the fountain with a loud crack from his shoulder. He
grunts in pain but bears it.
Nadya sees this, and makes a quick choice. Once again, she
runs in the direction of Devon, yelling back at Dawn as she
passes.
NADYA
Take care of him and get the
portal ready. We'll be there.
Dawn spies her sword nearby. She makes a run for it and uses
it to defend herself. But Warcry ignores her.
WARCRY
(to his crew)
Take care of them.
He too goes after Devon.
Dawn batters a couple of Savortes away as she makes her way
to Jason. She holds the sword, ready to defend him. In pain,
he gets to his feet. He holds one arm stiffly.
DAWN
Is it broken?
JASON
Don't think so. Dislocated. Useless.
45.
He spies the Savortes getting up again.
JASON
Give me the bag.
Dawn frowns at him.
JASON
(with an unworried
grin)
You're gonna have to kick their
asses for the both of us.
DAWN
That... I can do.
She hands him the bag, looks at the Savortes... and smiles.
EXT. VILLAGE, ALLEY - NIGHT
Devon pushes herself, but is very obviously losing steam and
the will to stay conscious. Nadya reaches her, shoves her
shoulder under Devon's arm and drags her forward.
NADYA
Keep going.
DEVON
Why are you here?
NADYA
One, you're the point of this
quest, and two, I'm going to love
the look on his face when your
luck turns against him.
DEVON
We're gonna see his face sooner
than you think.
Both girls look ahead--
It's a DEAD END.
EXT. VILLAGE, OUTSKIRTS - NIGHT
Crone Und and Samuel stand on a flat clearing a fair distance
from the village. They draw a pentagram from the contents of
the bowl. The paste smears red on the ground.
The landscape seems more in flux here, warping and shaping
itself back and forth into a cliff and normal hill beside
them. Und remains constant here.
46.
JASON (OS)
Go go go go!
Samuel looks up as Dawn shoots past the last building and
into the clearing. Jason is close behind her. There are a
handful of Savortes behind him.
They have a way to go before they reach Samuel and Und.
UND
Continue with the ritual. Or it
is for naught.
Samuel nods, and reluctantly turns to help Und, sporadically
looking over his shoulder at Jason and Dawn.
ON DAWN AND JASON
Running close together, a short distance ahead of their
pursuers.
DAWN
Stop!
The ground beneath them shifts. A CANYON forms between them
and Samuel. Another ground shift and Dawn gets shunted to
one side. She rolls dangerously close to the edge of a new
CLIFF. She looks over the edge, and sees nothing but blackness.
She pushes herself to her feet immediately and her eyes fall
on--
JASON
standing out of reach, cut off from her by trenches and
canyons. He is not however cut off from the Savortes. And
they are all heading towards him. Their eyes are set on one
thing: the bag of keys around his neck.
Dawn looks across helplessly at him, and then Samuel, who
also appears unable to aid Jason. Jason fumbles to get a
knife out of his stash. He holds it ready in his good hand,
jaw clenching.
Dawn grabs the amulet around her neck. She did it
unconsciously and without real intent, but she looks down at
it as though she felt it there. She examines it almost
without thought, an automatic response to it being in her
grasp.
A FAINT LIGHT SHIMMERS across the amulet's surface.
Dawn understands.
47.
She shuts her eyes, shuts out the sound, the world. Her
breathing is all she hears.
ON SAMUEL
He can see what she's doing.
SAMUEL
(whispers)
Yes.
ON DAWN
Around her, fronds of subtle LIGHTING spark around her. They
move vertically and horizontally all around her, some snaking
like ribbons, some simply outlining clouds.
It takes a few moments for the Savortes to notice the
lightning in the sky, the radiant pastel hues playing along
the clouds behind Dawn. When they do, all eyes are on her.
Jason blinks a couple of times at the sight. Dawn's voice
builds as the power around her does. Today she has power;
today she knows it.
DAWN
You want the keys? You want The
Key? The one you'll die for. Kill
for. The one that brings chaos to
the universe.
(laughs)
Well here I am! I'm not hiding.
The world can see me. I'm a great
maze of chaos playing in the
sandbox. Here's my mess.
Her eyes take on the familiar energies of her portals, only
no portal comes. The lightning around her coalesces and
shoots past her like a wall of water, making the air scream.
DAWN
Hope you like it.
The Savortes only have time to look uncomprehendingly at the
lightning before it hits them and Jason.
The Savortes shimmer out and disappear in the wake of the
wave. Jason remains unscathed. He looks around in amazement.
Dawn breathes out, drained but relieved. Jason's eyes settle
on Dawn. He gapes in amused awe.
48.
EXT. VILLAGE, ALLEY - NIGHT
Nadya pointlessly looks behind them. Warcry is all she sees.
He nears. Nadya lets Devon rest against a wall. She steps
forward to meet him, a brave face for all the world to see.
WARCRY
What's this? The great last stand.
NADYA
No... this is your chance to walk
away.
He laughs. It's a good throaty chuckle that is designed to
elicit irritation. Nadya is dead serious.
WARCRY
I'll admit, this job has been
more trouble than the pay, but
what exactly makes you think I
would want to walk away now?
NADYA
It's quite simple. Advantage. I
have it. You don't.
WARCRY
I don't see any.
NADYA
(nods at Devon)
You're looking at one of the last
remaining keys of power. Without
her, your masters have no hope of
fulfilling anything, even with
the others.
WARCRY
Still not seeing.
NADYA
Then I'll spell it out. I will
take her and perhaps this entire
world down with me if you do not
let us go.
WARCRY
Your powers are useless here. All
magicks are.
49.
NADYA
Not entirely true. They are
somewhat unpredictable. But
adequate for my purposes.
Channeling it into her, I could
very well destroy a thousand
dimensions, not just this one.
Let's find out.
Nadya's eyes start to BURN BLACK. The air around them
tangibly starts to QUIVER. Fragments of nothing break off
and swarm around their heads; the sky sounds like it's
SCREAMING. There's enough quaking and shaking to make him
take her seriously.
WARCRY
You wouldn't dare.
NADYA
Of course I would. Be this close
to that
power and not use it to
my benefit? Wouldn't you do the
same? Step away from this now.
You will lose today.
WARCRY
Only this day?
NADYA
(shrugs)
The advantage may shift in your
favour. I don't care. Find a hole
and wait for your master. Don't
get in my way today.
Warcry steps to the side. The magicks in the air immediately
cease.
WARCRY
If it's a bluff, it's a good one.
I make no promises for the others,
but you can leave my sight.
Nadya nods and him, it's almost regal. She helps a very
groggy Devon to her feet. They move past Warcry, who does
not move a muscle.
EXT. VILLAGE, OUTSKIRTS - NIGHT
The clearing shifts back to safe and normal. Jason walks
across to Dawn.
JASON
You're the Key.
50.
DAWN
Yeah... I kinda... I'm sorry.
JASON
Don't be. That was something
.
DAWN
(incredibly insecure)
Really?
JASON
Really. What I said about Devon
still applies. What you are isn't
who you are.
(drapes a brotherly
arm around her)
Still my little sunrise.
She laughs, trying to believe him. They walk toward Samuel.
Jason stops them.
JASON
Wait. This means all you girls
are superheroes.
DAWN
(genuine)
So are you. You don't need
superpowers to save the day.
JASON
Aaah. Warm and fuzzy moment. But
the next world we go to, better
have radioactive spiders.
DAWN
Still figure you for Bruce Wayne.
They laugh together. Samuel points behind them. Nadya helps
Devon along the clearing towards them. Jason goes off to
help Nadya with Devon, using his good arm to carry her.
SAMUEL
They seem to have fared just as
well. But I think we've outstayed
our welcome.
(to Und)
Thank you for your help.
She smiles. The world shifts and she becomes beautiful once
again.
51.
UND
It is my purpose here. But I have
one more thing to fulfill.
She turns to Dawn. Samuel takes that as a hint and moves to
talk to Nadya, making sure everyone is out of earshot.
Dawn is a bit surprised and flummoxed by this new person
suddenly taking her by the shoulders and holding her at
arms's length as though an old friend.
UND
I have waited a long time to speak
to you. Dawn, sister of sacrifice.
And much more.
DAWN
Who-
UND
Unimportant. I have a message.
Simple as it is, you must remember
it, and when the time comes, you
will know.
Dawn is completely still, almost holding her breath.
UND
You are not simply the Key, a
door, a portal. You are a
pathmaker, creator, and shaper.
Good and evil will hunt you, mean
to control you, but remember...
you are choice
.
She leans forward and kisses Dawn on the forehead, and stokes
a piece of Dawn's hair, almost motherly.
UND
Good luck child.
She walks away with a sad smile, never looking back. Dawn
watches her go.
To the side of Dawn, A PORTAL OPENS within the pentagram.
Dawn can't help but look at it briefly.
She glances back toward the clearing Und was walking towards.
The woman is gone.
OFF DAWN'S CONFUSION
FADE OUT.
END SHOW
Sophocles Screenplay Software 2007
www.sophocles.net