"Fate 1x08: Passions of a beautiful life"
by
Roonblah
Based on characters created by Joss Whedon
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. TOWN - DAY
The birds are singing. The sun is shining. The tree tops
radiate shades of healthy greenness.
A SIGN happily announces: PLEASANT FALLS, FORGET YOUR
TROUBLES AND SMILE
EXT. GUEST HOUSES - DAY
A bright, pastel-blue painted door opens and SAMUEL steps
out, reading a tourist brochure on the town. JASON follows,
and shuts the door behind him. He pulls on his shades and
takes in the sight around them. They're surrounded by a few
other touristy chalets; all equally colourful and vibrant.
Samuel is rapt in the booklet and doesn't notice--
NADYA, DAWN and DEVON approach from another direction. Nadya
and Dawn are dressed to take full advantage of the sunshine.
Devon's dress sense, unsurprisingly, shows little regard for
daylight. She shuffles along, staring at the ground.
Dawn takes a big, noisy SLURP from her slurpie. Jason smiles.
JASON
(as Dawn suppresses a
burp)
Ladies.
Nadya gives him a dazzling grin. He returns it half-heartedly,
but his eyes stray briefly to Devon. She doesn't acknowledge
him; her eyes are fixedly locked on her feet.
Dawn loudly drains her slurpie. She yanks out the straw,
revealing a very purple tongue.
DAWN
Keys locked up?
JASON
Safe in safe.
NADYA
And to make absolutely sure...
2.
She pulls a vial of red POWDER from her wrap. She lines the
bottom of the door with the powder. It glows and disappears.
DAWN
Hooboy, that brings back
memories. Lemme guess. Hell
god alarm?
NADYA
Magic dampener. A crude, but
effective way to shield the
keys from anyone trying to
detect them.
She gives Dawn a blank expression; one that plainly says
she's trying not to smile.
DAWN
(prompts)
And?
NADYA
And acts as an alarm if anyone
but me tries to enter.
Dawn smiles. She knew it. She licks some ice off her straw.
Satisfied, the group heads down the street and into the
centre of town. Samuel isn't seeing much of the surrounds.
His nose is firmly stuck in the booklet. He is guided along
by the movement of the others.
EXT. TOWN, OPEN PLAZA - SAME
Dawn sees a bin and tosses her slurpie in it. There's no
litter to be seen anywhere; everything is clean, neat, with
no sign of poverty or bad taste. Even the cars sparkle.
DAWN
So what's our plan for today?
This is the first time we don't
have to go hunting for a key.
I say we play hookie. Who's
with me?
JASON
Amen sister! My vote is for
mini chocolate eclaires and
duckshoot at the faire.
DAWN
(hopefully)
There's a faire?
3.
SAMUEL
Hmm.
Everyone stops and turns. Samuel is frowning at the brochure.
JASON
What's the problem?
DAWN
Don't say there's a problem.
(whine)
We're going to the faire.
Samuel looks up and blinks; as if noticing for the first
that everyone is there.
SAMUEL
This map is inaccurate. I can't
find this road, much less the
address of the man Mister Giles
wishes me to meet. Do you
suppose there's another
Pleasant falls in Canada?
Jason snatches the brochure from Samuel. He gives it a brief
glance, loses interest and tosses it behind him. Devon
reaches out and catches it with little effort.
JASON
Not a problem. I'll take care
of it. But you sure you read
that secret code of yours right?
Samuel gives him a withering glare.
NADYA
It was rather fortunate that
you Watchers had the foresight
to create a code.
Samuel laughs heartily.
SAMUEL
It wasn't foresight. It was a
game. Most of us had no
intention of being serious old
men when we were younger. So
we played with old codes while
we shirked our duties at the
academy. Of course, the key
was to pretend we didn't know
them after we left.
(MORE)
4.
SAMUEL (CONT'D)
It was tradition.
(sombre)
Those were simpler times.
Jason steps to the curb and wolf-whistles. A shiny, yellow
taxi pulls up beside him. He smiles at the others, and leans
down to the driver and has a conversation.
DAWN
So much for thinking he had
Wolverine tracking skills. So
who is this guy you're meeting?
SAMUEL
Someone with a key. That is
all I know. But perhaps, he
will know more about this
Melarna character.
Dawn smiles hopefully; it's a slim hope.
JASON
Address is right. Good man
Francis here will take you
there and wait for you.
SAMUEL
Off I go then. Try and behave.
Samuel smiles at them, and gets into the cab. Jason taps the
roof of the cab and it drives off obediently.
JASON
And that takes us officially
out of the treasure hunt.
Playtime begins. Suggestions
anyone?
DAWN
Still voting for the faire. I
like carousels.
Jason turns to Devon. His eyes linger as he waits.
DEVON
(shrugs)
Whatever.
NADYA
Taxi!
Dawn and Jason turn questioningly to Nadya.
5.
Nadya is no longer dressed in casual clothes, but rather a
BRIGHT RED POWER SUIT with an expensive executive brief case.
Her make-up and hairstyle are both severe. She taps her foot
impatiently as she waits for a cab.
NADYA
I'm going to be late for my
meeting.
Jason and Dawn exchange resigned looks.
DAWN
(pout)
No faire.
FADE OUT.
END TEASER
6.
ACT I
FADE IN:
EXT. OPEN PLAZA - DAY
Jason and Dawn stare at their newly furbished Nadya, at a
complete loss for words. Nadya doesn't look at them, her
eyes are scanning the road for a taxi. Devon watches with
raised eyebrows, almost amused.
JASON
Uhh. Nadya.
She ignores him. He shrugs at Dawn; she shakes her head. She
has no clue. He tries again, this time going up to Nadya and
tapping her on the shoulder.
JASON
Excuse me.
Nadya looks at him, a superior look of annoyance on her face.
It quickly changes when she realises what a dish he is. Her
eyes roam over him; dangerous, feral, in charge. She steps
forward with a sway of her hips and stretching of the lips
Jason backs off as much as he can without physically taking
any steps backward.
NADYA
Well hello. What can I
do for
you?
JASON
(uncomfortable)
Uh.
He looks to Devon and Dawn for support. Nothing there but
Devon enjoying him squirm. He turns back to Nadya.
JASON (CONT.)
So. Are you feeling okay? You
know, yourself? Human?
(fielding)
Possessed?
NADYA
(excuse me)
What?
7.
Now she's the one backing up. Taking in all three of them
watching her closely like she's a lab rat.
NADYA
You're not one of those weird
religious cults are you?
JASON
No! No. Nothing like that. You
just seem... upset. Not in
character. I mean not-
Jason can't seem to believe what the fudge he's talking about.
He reverts to a trusted favourite: he lays on the deep-fried
southern voice. The husky lazy drawl, not the Kentucky
hillbilly soprano.
JASON
(the sex)
I was just thinking that
someone like you shouldn't
wear that frown. It's the wrong
outfit. What's the problem?
Can I make it better?
Devon gags: can he be any smarmier? Dawn is keeping her laugh
to herself. Nadya actually buys it.
NADYA
I'm late. Big day. Got places
to be.
JASON
Skip it. We'll do something
better.
NADYA
Mmm you do tempt me, but I
can't set a bad example. I'm
the new boss after all.
JASON
Boss. Really. Of what?
NADYA
(like it means
something)
Jettacon.
JASON
That's. Unexpected.
8.
NADYA
Yes I know. I'm the youngest
vice president in the company's
history.
JASON
Calls for celebration huh?
NADYA
I'll be free all night, Mister...
JASON
Mandrake. Jason.
NADYA
I know that name.
Jason waits hopefully.
NADYA
Jayne and Keif Mandrake,
Mandrake Enterprises, Mandragon
international?
JASON
(not the answer he was
hoping for)
Yeah, that'd be it.
The fact pleases Nadya.
NADYA
I look forward to our dealings
then. Nicole. Diamond. Don't
forget my name. I'll be
expecting yours to be announced
at Surestimé. Eight o' clock.
(switch to annoyance)
Excuse me, what
are you looking
at?
Nadya glares at Devon, who is staring past her, over her
shoulder.
DEVON
(dismissive)
Nothing you'd notice.
(to the others)
It's a localised enchantment,
not a possession.
NADYA
Wh-
9.
DAWN
How do you know?
DEVON
It's not just her.
Dawn and Jason peer across at a BUS STOP.
ON AN OLDER COUPLE
WIFE
Harold! Harold! What is the
matter with you?
HAROLD
Don't think I'll sing! I know
them tricks. I ain't going
back to the slammer.
He backs away from this wife.
WIFE
Slammer? You've never been to
jail. You've never even had a
parking ticket. Harold!
Harold runs away from the bus stop. Some ONLOOKERS look very
uncomfortable; others don't notice at all. Nadya is one of
them. She is growing more concerned with these weirdos by
the second.
JASON
Okay, so magick it is. What
are we thinking? Mind
transference?
DAWN
Ooh. Costumes that turn people
into what they're wearing.
JASON
Except Nadya wasn't wearing
the red suit before she became
Le Femme Le Trump.
NADYA (OS)
(high-pitched shout)
Taxi!
A car SCREECHES to a halt. Nadya hurries to open the door
and throws in her case.
10.
JASON
Wait! Nady- Nicole. We can't
split up.
NADYA
You people are completely
looney. Up your dosages.
(climbs in)
Oh, and in case my rather
impressive escape hasn't clued
you in, dinner is off!
She slams the door shut and the cab pulls away. The trio
resignedly watches it go.
JASON
Great.
He sighs and turns back to Devon and Dawn.
JASON
Uhm. Girls.
Dawn and Devon turn around. The open plaza has now become
one of those coffee spots with tables taking over the entire
plaza. The nearest table is right next to Devon and Dawn.
PATRONS are at the table sipping tea, lattes or coffees like
the joint had always been there.
Overly pretty WAITERS and WAITRESSES wander around the tables;
they don't seem to have been hired for their waitressing
skills.
A sign helpfully announces COFFEE SPOT - THE ONLY SPOT TO BE.
JASON
Stay tuned for another
thrilling mind-job.
EXT. WORLEY HOUSE - DAY
The cab stops. Samuel climbs out and looks at the house. In
comparison to the town, it is dark, ominous and imposing.
FRANCIS
I'll wait here mister, like
the young fella said.
SAMUEL
Yes. Thank you.
Samuel seems reluctant to go to the house. He starts toward
the door and knocks when he reaches it. He waits a few
moments before he hears the door being unlocked.
11.
There is more than one latch.
The door is pulled open and a wizened bitter face pokes out,
JAKOB WORLEY (80s).
WORLEY
Eh. You that Zabuto?
SAMUEL
Yes, Samuel Zabuto, pleased to-
WORLEY
(turning away)
Come in if you're going to.
He shuffles off. Samuel steps inside.
INT. WORLEY HOUSE - SAME
WORLEY
Shut the door.
Samuel does so with a frown. He peers down the hallway and
sees the back of Worley enter a room. Samuel follows.
INT. SITTING ROOM - DAY
Worley shuffles over to a large, cozy chair. He doesn't seem
to care for the rituals of hospitality.
Samuel picks a spot on a couch opposite the man.
WORLEY
You're a Watcher aren't you?
SAMUEL
Yes-
WORLEY
Smell Watcher all over you.
Nosy, interfering busy-bodies.
Just want, want, want.
SAMUEL
I'm sorry, but what-
WORLEY
Bah. Phone me in the night
asking about Goddesses and the
Key. What Key? There's no one
Key. And now they want the one
I have. I found it. It was at
great expense too.
(MORE)
12.
WORLEY (CONT'D)
I know an it
in another
dimension who catalogued it by
its resonance and contacted me.
But no, Watchers have to
interfere. Give it to him, he
says. Or he'll call the coven.
It's blackmail. My collection
isn't dangerous-
SAMUEL
I don't understand. Mister
Giles-
WORLEY
Hmm. Another Watcher. Thinks
he's different does he? And
this mess with the slayers...
Hmmm. Watchers.
Samuel takes a deep breath.
SAMUEL
Look. I came here for a key. A
key I was told you had and
were willing to give me. If
you have changed your mind,
then I suggest you tell me now
so that I can make plans to
retrieve it without your
permission. I assure you, we
have more need for that key
than you do, and you would not
like the methods of the other
people after it.
Worley stares at Samuel - a tense showdown - and bursts into
laughter.
EXT. COFFEE SPOT - DAY
Dawn, Devon and Jason sit at a table in silence. A pretty
waiter drops off three cups of tea, smiles and leaves. They
still sit without moving, regarding their teas. Their
conversation is completely relaxed.
DAWN
(off hand)
Why did I order tea? I hate
tea. Giles couldn't even make
me drink tea.
She takes a sip. Everyone shrugs, and drinks their tea.
13.
JASON
Okay. Solutions. Or a
definition of the actual
problem. What do we know?
DAWN
Nadya is a totally different
character, complete with
matching briefcase. We're
drinking tea in a place that
didn't exist this morning. And
I don't know, I'm not, not...
They all glaze off, thoughtful.
DEVON JASON
Worried? Worried?
DAWN
Yeah. I feel like I could sit
here...
JASON
All day.
DEVON
And talk.
JASON
You know, I'm getting that too.
Like I actually want to
exposition.
DAWN
It'd be kinda pleasant if it
wasn't so...
JASON
Mind-numbingly boring.
DAWN
Yeah..
Devon stares off into the distance and gives a funny little
wave toward something.
DEVON
An answer.
Dawn and Jason turn in their seats, not too concerned.
JASON
(plainly)
What the heck is that?
14.
In the middle of the plaza, a WOMAN (DAYDREAMER) sits at a
table, staring at nothing - daydreaming. Behind her-
HER DAYDREAM
A FUZZY, GAUSIAN scene plays out in its own SEPARATE BUBBLE
alongside the woman. There is a HOTTIE in an unbuttoned silk
shirt holding another WOMAN, dressed exactly as Daydreamer,
with a crappy wig that mimics her hairstyle. The pose is
very much a Johanna Lindsey cover.
DEVON
A dream sequence. And that-
(points)
-is a flashback.
ON THE FLASHBACK
A teenage BOY (Angry teen) leans over an older MAN lying on
the floor. Angry teen is wearing a cut off T-shirt and denims,
very much the rebel. The older man wears a tuxedo. There is
a false looking red SPLASH on the white shirt above the
cummerbund. Angry teen is crying fake tears.
ANGRY TEEN
(to himself)
You bastard, Conroy. You killed
my father. I'll get my revenge.
If it's the last thing I do. I
swear.
Angry teen stands up and clenches his fists.
The FLASHBACK ENDS. Angry teen's clothes are now different,
more mature. The older man is wearing slacks and a golf shirt.
He gets up - extremely confused - and wanders away. Angry
teen hasn't even noticed.
ANGRY TEEN
(to himself)
Oh yes Conroy. My revenge will
be sweet. You will not see me
coming. Oh no.
He gives a snarl and stalks off.
Dawn starts to laugh.
DAWN
Oh no. It can't be.
DEVON
I think it is.
15.
JASON
What are you talking about?
DEVON
It's daytime serial.
Jason just raises an eyebrow; he doesn't get it.
DEVON
A soap opera. We're in a soap
opera. A real life soap opera.
DAWN
Oh, that's a relief.
JASON
Why is that exactly?
DAWN
Because I think I know how it
could have happened. Which
means we get to save the day.
JASON
Let me guess. A key did it.
DAWN
(affronted)
No.
(thinks)
No. It's a demon. Red skin,
horns, fire, zoot suit.
JASON
Beelzebub?
DAWN
Not unless he lied to me. He
told me his name was Sweet
between musical numbers. He
came to Sunnydale. Life became
a musical. Singing, dancing,
weird guys with wooden heads.
(off their looks)
I don't know what was up with that.
He's an okay demon as far as
(MORE)
16.
DAWN (CONT'D)
they go, no world domination
plans, but he wanted to marry
me at age 15 and almost made
my sister burst into flames
after she bitch-slapped her
friends with a contemporary
pop hit.
(shrugs, old news)
He only shows up when he's
invited and my guess is, he'll
be hanging out at the coolest
digs this town has. Did I just
say digs? He took over
Sunnydale's only night spot.
We've got to nick him in the
bud before people immolate.
Unless...
JASON
What? How could it get any
worse than this?
DAWN
Well, maybe people will melt
into soap bubbles instead of
crispy people-chips. I'm not
sure if the same thing will
happen. New rules.
DEVON
(inspects the brochure)
This coffee spot, a community
auditorium and a pseudo-Irish
pub are the only social
gathering places. But we'd
also better check for deaths
by burning.
JASON
Goody. Field trip to the morgue.
DEVON
I'll do it. You don't have the
stomach.
JASON
Yes I do.
DEVON
No you don't.
JASON
I've seen plenty dead things.
17.
DEVON
Should I remind you about the
quaint little cave with the
firedragon and the pile in the
corner that consisted of equals
parts fresh red-
JASON
(squeamish)
Please don't describe.
DEVON
So you want to go to the morgue?
JASON
(casually)
No, you can go.
Devon shakes her head.
DAWN
Ookay. I've got the auditorium,
Devon's got the morgue and you
get a pub.
(looks around)
Definitely no red demon here.
Meet back here in an hour?
JASON
Sure. Unless we turn into
someone else.
INT. JETTACON, LOBBY - DAY
Nadya looks radiantly regal in front of a crowd of OFFICE
WORKERS. Beside is a bouncy man in a suit, TONY. Most of the
office workers have goofy smiles on their faces, like they're
extras. A few are completely flummoxed.
TONY
I know we're all really excited
about the new direction. Onward
and upward. Ookay. I know
you're all welling on the
inside. So, without further
ado, the woman who will
shepherd in this new era of
business for Jettacon, our new
vice president.
Tony begins to clap enthusiastically, ushering in everyone
else to do the same.
18.
Nadya glows, in the non-demony way, under the spotlight. She
raises her hands to still the crowd.
NADYA
Thank you. Thank you. Let me
just say I'm absolutely
optimistic about Jettacon's
future prospects. You've done
well to make this the most
profitable company in this
town. But I see more. For us.
I look forward to steering
this ship to greater horizons.
To pushing the boundaries and
seeking new avenues. To growing
Jettacon into the most
successful enterprise in the
country.
She gives a salesman-smile to the crowd. Tony and most of
the office workers clap along really enthusiastically. Nadya
basks in it.
CONFUSED WORKER 1
Uhm dude, when did we get vice
presidents around here?
CONFUSED WORKER 2
Dude, when did the company
change its name from 'Tony's
print jobs'?
(looks around)
Where's my desk man?
INT. SITTING ROOM - DAY
Worley hands Samuel a pipe-like bronze antique, the KEY.
Samuel's eyes shift to the door. He starts to get up.
Worley pours Samuel another cup of tea. His escape thwarted
by good manners, Samuel sits back in his seat and politely
smiles at the cup.
SAMUEL
If you don't mind my asking,
how did you know this was a-
WORLEY
Key of Mammitu. Oh I liked the
legend, not very popular among
'proper' circles you know.
Scholars like to think
Mammitu's brother just willed
his way into hell, but not
even Gods have that power.
19.
SAMUEL
I'm not familiar with the
entire history.
WORLEY
Only a select few are. Proper
circles. Downplay the mythology
and you downplay the threat.
You understand this of course?
Worley peers over his tea-cup at Samuel. It's a small test.
SAMUEL
Yes. It's happened for
centuries between Slayers and
Watchers, and the Council and
their emissaries.
WORLEY
At least you are an honest
Watcher. I've been told to
tell you all I know, but I
know nothing of this being
Melarna.
SAMUEL
Do you perhaps know why they
would need all of these keys
to reclaim her?
WORLEY
A theory only.
SAMUEL
I'd be interested in hearing it.
WORLEY
Reality is made of walls. Do
you agree?
(off Samuel's nod)
To get through a solid,
insurmountable obstacle, one
must... punch
a doorway between
the walls of reality. The
Triunctura created strong walls.
Very strong. So you would need
to use the true energy itself,
or something very close to it
to get through.
(MORE)
20.
WORLEY (CONT'D)
Anyone seeking to harness the
objects that were originally
created to safely control that
energy, must be attempting to
do that. This Melarna must be
imprisoned in the deepest of
dimensions. Nasty people often
are.
(waves over the key in
Samuel's hand)
The original keys of Mammitu
have long since been destroyed
by time, but that key and its
brethren may very well do the
same job.
Samuel looks down at the key, thinking.
SAMUEL
These are copies?
WORLEY
No no, not quite. Still
original. They were reforged a
few hundred years ago when the
Triunctura were rediscovered.
SAMUEL
What is this Triunctura? I
have researched portals
extensively in the past and
never heard of it before.
WORLEY
The Triunctura is another of
those unpopular theories that
serious scholars choose to
debase. But I know
, and others
like me know. We are not wrong.
(leans back)
I like expulsionists. They
truly believe that gods and
angels waged wars against the
demons and monsters to claim
this plane for mortals. It
wasn't like that, you know.
They were all expelled, all of
them, good and evil. The
Triunctura was never given a
true name. We don't know where
it came from or how it was
made, but we know this.
(MORE)
21.
WORLEY (CONT'D)
It was a trinity of energy
that spilled out and built the
walls to our world, dividing
sides and pushing all other
powers from our dimension. It
created order from chaos and
it is why we have a world to
claim as our own.
Samuel shifts in his seat: this is a big piece of news for
him. Worley glances at the key again.
WORLEY
So yes, people choose to ignore
that the Triunctura is fact.
It is a safer belief, because
the truth is far more
frightening than demons and
angels and wars. That key in
your hand, even with all its
brothers cannot come close to
the power of the Triunctura.
Keys and spells can take you
to other mortal planes, and
though some may seem hellish
or heavenly, they are merely
grains of sand on the beach
overlooking the true walls
between worlds. Walls that
should never be breached.
SAMUEL
(dry mouth)
And where is this Triunctura now?
WORLEY
(sadly)
Destroyed. Knights during the
Crusades found the trinity and
razed it with holy fire to
prevent evil from using it. I
suppose it was for the best.
Improperly used, the power
could be used to collapse the
walls between worlds and
unleash never-ending chaos.
Worley stares into nothing.
22.
OFF SAMUEL'S CONCERN
EXT. TOWN - DAY
Dawn walks along the streets by herself. A girl on a mission.
WORLEY (VO)
Still. I would give a thousand
wealths to see such a power.
FADE OUT.
END ACT I
23.
ACT II
FADE IN:
EXT. AUDITORIUM - DAY
The auditorium isn't massive, but there are a fair amount of
people going into and out of it. There is a big colourful
banner hanging over the door.
INSERT: PLEASANT FALLS DANCE-OFF
Dawn smiles, pretty impressed with herself.
INT. AUDITORIUM - SAME
Dawn marches inside and immediately scans the crowd milling
in front of the make-shift STAGE.
There's no red demon in a zoot suit to be seen.
TICKET GIRL (OS)
Hi there. You want to put you
put your name down for the
dance-off tonight?
A cheery TEENAGE GIRl pops beside Dawn with a clipboard.
Dawn blinks at her, distracted.
TICKET GIRL
It's a great prize. A full pub
lunch for two.
(whispers and nods
over at someone)
Plus, it's a good way to
impress a certain guy of your
dreams.
Dawn ignores whoever she's referring to.
DAWN
Are there any backrooms to
this place?
TICKET GIRL
Uhm no. Only a closet of a
ladies room. I suggest you
change before you get here.
But we do have a huge selection
of music, so that's not a
problem.
24.
DAWN
So what you see here is what
you get. Nothing strange going
on?
TICKET GIRL
Only some old guy dancing the
robot. I bet he's like thirty.
DAWN
Okay then. Buh bye.
She turns to go, and almost collides face first with a tall,
blonde hottie. He could be in his mid-twenties, but he's
wearing a high school football jacket. He's flanked by THREE
CHEERLEADERS and a couple of no-necked JOCKS.
BRIDGE
Well lookey, lookey who decided
to show up. Bit early in the
day for you, huh freak?
His pals snicker at his so-called insult.
DAWN
(WTF)
Excuse me?
BRIDGE
You honestly think you have a
chance in the dance-off?
(he smiles back at his
pals)
Or have you finally opted to
give in to your true nature
and be the joke of the universe?
I could use a good laugh.
Again, his posse laugh in agreement. Dawn rolls her eyes.
DAWN
Okay, I'm not going to take
this personally because you're
stuck in some drama, but get
real
. I'm not a cast member in
your fantasy so go find someone
else to play the clichèd boy-
hates-loser-girl-or-does-he
storyline. Kinda outgrew that
a swallowed high school ago.
She brushes past him and the psuedo-hyenas, more important
things on her mind. Bridge regards her for a moment, almost
curiously.
25.
EXT. COFFEE SPOT - DAY
Samuel is deep in thought. He wonders into the coffee spot,
dodging tables, chairs and patrons without really noticing
them.
JASON (OS)
Yo Sam.
Samuel scans his surrounds and sees Jason at a table with a
tall latte in front of him. He moves across to join him.
JASON
You look as bad as I feel.
Rough time with the little old
man?
SAMUEL
Uh, no, not really. Where's Dawn?
JASON
Nancy Drewing. Trying to solve
our current dilemma.
SAMUEL
Oh. We have a dilemma?
JASON
When don't we have one? This
week's theme is losing our
minds.
(thinks)
Again. Town's under some sort
of spell. Nadya got hit by it.
She thinks she's the queen of
the business world. It's really
scary.
He stares into his latte.
SAMUEL
If it's a spell, we should be
able to reverse the effects.
I'm sure you don't need to be
afraid for her.
26.
JASON
I'm not afraid for her, it's
this
.
(energetically waves
over the latte)
Followed my lead. It was dead.
Came back here and ordered a
double mocha latte with
hazelnut creme. What the hell
is that? I don't know! I bet
it's a fruity LA thing.
(shakes his head)
And feelings! I want to talk
about my "feelings".
(almost pleading)
Make it stop.
Samuel is more than a little confused. Jason sighs and glares
at the latte again.
JASON
Me and Nadya make sense, don't
you think?
SAMUEL
(uncomfortable)
Uh-
JASON
She's pretty. I'm pretty. We
have healthy egos. It would
make sense that we'd want to
be with each other and make
each other feel good about
ourselves, and not constantly
put me down and give me the
cold shoulder, or just pretend
I don't exist. She's so
confusing.
SAMUEL
(really trying)
She is
under a spell.
JASON
Huh? No, we're not talking
about Nadya. That's what I'm
saying, Me and Nadya make sense.
This.
(gestures at himself)
This
does not make sense. I
can't think of a single thing
we have in common, but I keep circling.
She's probably the last person
(MORE)
27.
JASON (CONT'D)
I should have in my head. But
there she is.
SAMUEL
I'm sorry, are we talking
about... Dawn?
JASON
(fast)
I wish. Having sappy,
unnecessary dialogue about a
magical key in human form with
an older sister that could
beat me to a bloody pulp seems
preferable to the reality.
(takes a gulp of latte)
I'm so screwed.
Samuel doesn't have a response; he doesn't have a clue. He
glances to the side and sees a MAN COLLAPSE DRAMATICALLY.
Jason doesn't even react.
DOCTOR
Let me past. I'm a doctor.
The doctor rushes over and kneels down by the man.
SAMUEL
Oh my...
JASON
Don't worry about it.
The doctor stands up and sternly regards the crowd around him.
DOCTOR
I'm afraid...
(dramatic pause)
This man is in a coma.
There are collective GASP from the onlookers. A woman SCREAMS
and faints.
JASON
You can't walk from one end of
this town to the other without
tripping over some poor schmuch
in a coma. Someone needs to
give this town better storylines.
He shakes his head.
28.
DAWN (OS)
Someone needs to give this TV
an off switch.
She slouches into a chair.
JASON
(blandly)
No red demon?
DAWN
(nods)
No red demon.
She glances at the commotion.
DAWN
(blandly)
Another coma?
JASON
(nods)
Another coma.
DEVON
No dead bodies at the morgue
either.
Jason stands up, smiling. He pulls out a chair for her. She
stares at him like he's grown a second head. He catches
himself and sits down quickly. Devon shakes it off and sits
down beside him.
DEVON
There's been two deaths in the
past few days. One guy got up
and left the morgue claiming
to be his own twin brother.
The other body disappeared.
DAWN
He's probably someone's arch
nemesis. So we're back on
square one. Okay, time for the
Watcher to get with the
theories.
(turning toward Samuel)
Oh, did you get the key okay?
She double-takes. Jason and Devon's eyes widen.
Samuel has gone Shaft. He's got the leather jacket, the
shades; he's channeling the inner tough guy.
29.
He licks his thumb and flicks to another page on a small,
pocket-sized notebook. He poises his pencil above the page.
SAMUEL
(New york cop)
So this key, you say it's
expensive, very elite?
DAWN
Oh great.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Nadya is at a desk typing on a laptop. She wears reading
glasses and is glancing between screen and printouts with
efficient ease. There is a KNOCK on her office door.
NADYA
(not looking up)
Yes.
MINDY, early twenties, pretty and sweet, opens the door and
pokes her head through the gap.
MINDY
Mister Reynolds is here.
NADYA
Excellent. Send him in.
MINDY
You sure. What about that
headache?
NADYA
No ringing ears.
(smiles)
I'm ready for the meeting.
She snaps her laptop closed and stares at the door with a
cat-ate-the-canary smile. REYNOLDS, upper thirties, too
pretty to be serious, walks in with a briefcase. Mindy shuts
the door behind him.
REYNOLDS
Miss Diamond. A pleasure.
Nadya stands and motions for him to sit in one of the seats
opposite her desk. He shakes her outstretched hand before he
does so. She leans against the desk in front of him.
30.
NADYA
I'm so glad you could make
this meeting today. I make it
a habit to get to know the
people I'll be working closely
with. I have a feeling Jettacon
and Reynolds holdings will be
doing a lot of business together.
REYNOLDS
I hope so too. Your plans seem...
NADYA
Impressive?
REYNOLDS
Ambitious.
(smiles)
Some of your ideas are a lot
riskier than I'd expect from
Jettacon.
NADYA
It's time for a new direction.
You can't expect any rewards
unless you push the boundaries
that others are too afraid to.
I expect people won't
understand, but ultimately, my
way is the best.
REYNOLDS
You're not exactly shy, are you?
NADYA
I get what I want.
She looks him over: he'll do. Reynolds is somewhat distant.
NADYA (CONT.)
I think you'll find that trait
is beneficial to your money.
So, how about we finalise those
contracts and get started.
REYNOLDS
Oh yes, of course.
He lifts his suitcase and places it on his lap. He clicks it
open and pulls out some documents. Nadya takes them from him
and lets her fingers linger on his for a moment longer than
they need to. He really hasn't noticed, at all.
31.
Nadya waits for some sort of reaction from him, shuffles a
little to accent her cleavage, and when that gets no response,
gives up and walks around to her chair. She sits and opens
the contracts, pen poised.
NADYA
(pressing a button on
the phone)
Mindy, please call Carson to
witness the Reynolds account.
She deftly signs pages as she flicks through them. As she
does so, Reynolds grows restless, jittery, having internal
monologues. Nadya keeps peering over her glasses at him,
growing annoyed. He sighs. Nadya puts the pen down, frustrated.
NADYA
Is there something wrong?
REYNOLDS
Uh no. Carry on.
Nadya picks up the pen.
REYNOLDS
(quite suddenly)
Have you ever been in love?
NADYA
(huh?)
I'm sorry. What?
REYNOLDS
Love?
NADYA
(flustered)
Uhm. I'm not sure where you're
heading with this.
REYNOLDS
(waxing lyrical)
Love is a beautiful thing.
Sure, it's not without its
complications, but... it makes
things seem worthwhile. Life
is hard and empty, and even
when you have all your father's
money... it's a bitter wealth.
You can't buy the pieces to
fill your holy heart.
Nadya is sure he's lost it.
32.
NADYA
Are you quite serious?
REYNOLDS
Yes! A thousand times yes!
He gets up and paces. It's chest-thumping stuff.
REYNOLDS
Having the right person care
for you is the most enriching
experience anyone can ever
hope to have. Don't you
understand?
NADYA
(fake smile)
Yes of course. Now about the
contracts-
REYNOLDS
(epiphany)
I need to... I need to find
her, to tell her how I feel.
Knowing her has made me better.
My past can't hurt me. My
future seems assured.
(eyes all a-shiny)
I only hope you can feel what
I do one day. I promise you,
there's nothing that you can
touch you if you already know
the touch of love.
NADYA
Right! Brilliant!
(holds up the contract)
Signature?
REYNOLDS
I can't. I love her.
Consequences be damned. I'm
going to marry my stepsister.
He races out of the office, the wind of love at his heels.
Nadya stares open-mouthed at the door, contract and pen still
held aloft. With a forced show of infinite patience, she
places them back on her desk, gets up and walks to her door.
She looks out.
33.
INT. JETTACON, LOBBY - SAME
An angry WOMAN in a corporate outfit that has a very full
skirt SLAPS a MAN, and spins away, SKIRT FLOWING dramatically.
The man grabs her and pulls her back into a bone-crushing
kiss. She's helpless against him. Heaving bosoms ahoy.
Nadya steps further into the lobby, taking this and
everything else in.
Further down the hall, another WOMAN collapses into tears,
clutching a phone to her chest.
Nadya heads to Mindy's desk.
NADYA
Mindy. You haven't noticed
anything... strange happening
around here today?
MINDY
No. I don't think so. Like what?
NADYA
Just people acting out of
character?
MINDY
(looking around)
No.
NADYA
Right...
(discretely)
You wouldn't perhaps know if
there's any sort of place in
this town that uhm... has
references to magic or the
occult?
MINDY
(total shock)
Oh my god!
Nadya grimaces.
NADYA
It's okay. I was just kid-
Mindy scribbles on a piece of paper furiously.
34.
MINDY
Has one of your family members
been possessed by Satan who
wants to use him or her to
wreak awful revenge on an
innocent upstanding family,
thereby throwing our beloved
community into turmoil?
Nadya's eyebrows just reached the ceiling. Mindy hands her
the note.
MINDY
I hate
it when that happens!
You can tell Madame Divine to
put any specialised services,
spell ingredients or books on
the company tab.
Nadya wisely walks away.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Jason and Dawn run into the plaza, fairly out of breath.
JASON
You know, for an old guy with
a bum leg, he sure does
disappear quick.
DAWN
I noticed. Why'd he take off
anyway? Aren't we his case?
DEVON (OS)
We're not meant to be in his
scenes.
She joins them, not out of breath.
JASON
Why are you suddenly an expert?
DEVON
He has his own storyline, we're
not in it. Might as well just
let him go.
35.
JASON
Sure. And when his dangerous
line of work kills him, we can
rewrite him as his twin brother.
Screw that. I'm keeping an eye
on him. Least Nadya has a nice
normal job.
(thinks)
I'm going to the police station.
He stalks off. Dawn is torn between going with him and
staying with Devon.
DAWN
Maybe he's right.
DEVON
I don't think we're meant to
do anything.
DAWN
We always do something.
DEVON
It's not always about us.
DAWN
Mostly it is.
She gives a small smile and runs after Jason. Devon looks to
the side, and sees-
EXT.MADAME DIVINE'S MAGIC AND OCCULT SHOPPE - SAME
Devon approaches. There is lace trim around the windows;
pretty pink flowers are all that can be seen - it looks more
like a tea shop. There's a sign on the door; in pretty girly
writing amongst flowers.
INSERT: GONE EXORCISING; BACK IN FIVE MINUTES
Devon shrugs and leaves.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Dawn catches up to Jason.
DAWN
So, what are we going to do
when we find Samuel?
36.
JASON
Don't know yet. Something.
Maybe if we slap him. Cold
water. Maybe?
DAWN
(laughs)
Good plan.
JASON
Hey, this is out of my league.
I pay other people to solve
these problems.
DAWN
Guess you're gonna have to use
your gray stuff.
He glares at her.
DAWN
(teasing)
I meant your brain.
JASON
I know what you meant, brat.
(seriously)
Jason. Brain. Bad.
DAWN
You're thinking about Devon
again, aren'tcha?
He stops, a little in shock.
DAWN
What? I have eyes. You and her,
the shifty glances, the pointed
lack of flirting with Nadya,
well not serious flirting
anyway. Basically, you're kinda
annoyed with your head 'cause
it isn't meshing with your
heart so you're sitting around
doing nothing about anything
related to them hoping it'll
all sort itself out.
JASON
Is your role in this kooky
daytime show to be the
insightful, psychic person?
37.
DAWN
(laughs)
No. I've just been around
stupid boys before. I know how
their sad little minds work.
And I'm a firm
believer in
getting issues out in the open
instead of letting them fester
into a homicidal rage where
you try and kill your sister.
(quickly)
For example!
JASON
I made her like me. It's my
fault.
DAWN
Yeah, it's your fault for being
charming and heroic. Damn you
and your noble ways.
JASON
I don't know how to fix things
like this. Nadya, at least,
likes me back.
(small smile)
So, from a wise girl to a
stupid boy, got any advice?
DAWN
(grin)
I... I...
She gets confused.
JASON
Dawn. Dawn, what is it?
DAWN
How many times do I have to
tell you not to call me that?
Jason double-takes. It's GOTHIC DAWN; black hair, black lips,
an overabundance of eyeshadow and a Devon-like black outfit.
The look is completed with a satchel on her back.
OFF DAWN
FADE OUT.
END ACT II
38.
ACT III
FADE IN:
EXT. STREET - DAY
Jason is at a loss. Dawn glares at him.
JASON
Deja vu. Uhm Dawn?
DAWN
Look, it was cute when we were
kids, but that nickname isn't
who I am!
JASON
Oookay. And your real name
would be?
DAWN
Cute! Real cute. If mom were
still around, she'd kick your
ass.
JASON
Oh. Oh! You're my sister!
DAWN
Do we have to get into this
now? I'm already late for class.
Not that I care. I hate that
place. I don't know why we had
to move to this stupid town.
JASON
Neither do I. Forget school.
Let's go meet with our friends.
DAWN
Don't make jokes.
JASON
Dawn, I'm really not.
DAWN
Aurora! The name's Aurora!
Jason doesn't know how to handle the situation. Dawn calms
down upon seeing this.
39.
DAWN
I know you did all this for me,
and I'm trying, I really am,
to be a better sister for you.
You didn't ask for dad to walk
out on us. You didn't ask for
mom to die. And I know you
really didn't ask to take care
of a brat sister that gets
into trouble all the time and
makes your life so hard.
(getting teary)
I'm really sorry. I wish it
was the way it was when we
were kids. But it's not. It's
just not! And it'll never be
again.
JASON
Hey Da- Aurora. It's okay.
Everything's going to be okay.
I'll take care of everything.
DAWN
(really crying)
I'm sorry that you have to.
(runs away)
I have to get to class.
JASON
Dawn!
Jason just watches her go; helpless.
INT. POLICE STATION - DAY
Samuel swaggers into the station. There are uniformed COPS,
milling about, not really doing anything. Extras.
CAPTAIN
Jefferson! Jefferson! Get your
ass in here.
Samuel smirks and heads into the captain's office.
INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE - SAME
He shuts the door behind him and tosses himself into a chair.
The CAPTAIN is a stereotypically chubby, balding guy who
looks like he's about to explode.
40.
CAPTAIN
Jefferson. Please explain to
me why you're harassing the
one person I strictly forbid
you to go within twenty miles of.
SAMUEL
Well, chief, why don't you
explain to me again why it is
the warrant for Dereboza was
rescinded? He's dirty.
CAPTAIN
I don't care if he hasn't
bathed since the Blue Jays
last won the series. He's off
limits until the feds are done
with their case.
SAMUEL
By then, the bastard will be
out of the city with whatever
the hell he's just got his
hands on.
CAPTAIN
What are you talking about?
Nothin's gone down in weeks.
SAMUEL
Something called the key. I'm
guessing it opens something
big. Something the feds don't
even know about. I'd like to
know what that something is.
CAPTAIN
Stay out of it Jefferson. He
could hold the key to Fort
Knox, but it's out of your
hands. The commissioner won't
let you get away with another
mistake.
Samuel gets up and heads to the door.
SAMUEL
Ain't a mistake if I'm right.
He steps out with a cocky smile.
CAPTAIN
Jefferson. Jefferson!
41.
EXT. COFFEE SPOT - DAY
Devon smiles; a genuine, really can't deny it smile.
A table across from her, a really HOT TOPLESS MALE WAITER is
cleaning the table with his shirt.
WAITER
(deep, husky voice)
I'm sorry I had no cloth with me.
Devon giggles, shakes her head and goes back to reading the
brochure.
JASON
And then there were two.
He slides into a seat opposite Devon, thoroughly depressed.
JASON
Can't find Samuel and now
Dawn's become a Marilyn Manson
groupie. We need to fix this.
Devon, are you even listening
to me?
DEVON
Hmm? Sorry. Have you seen the
price of properties in this
town?
(impressed)
Very reasonable.
JASON
That's because everyone's nuts.
A little focus please.
Devon sighs and looks up.
DEVON
What do you expect me to do?
Parade through Main Street and
hope whatever is causing this
attacks me 'cause I'm so nummy?
JASON
Great. I'm trapped on Days of
Our Lives and she gets a sense
of humour. All must be set
right in my world.
He clutches his head in his hands.
42.
JASON
I don't even know where to
start looking for the next
dead end. Samuel's got answers,
Nadya's got solutions and even
Dawn's pretty good with coming
up with fixes... you seeing a
trend here? All the helpful
people are gone.
DEVON
I doubt it's intentional. The
effects are too broad.
JASON
Still betting I'm right. We're
the most useless and we're fine.
Devon watches him.
DEVON
I wouldn't say we're fine.
She looks away as he looks up at her.
DEVON
We're just not centre stage.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
It's your regular high school, complete with rows of lockers
and all the stereotypes you could possibly ask for.
Dawn unlocks the combination on a locker. She sticks some
books in and pulls some others out. As she's placing them in
her bag, she gets BUMPED from behind. She drops her books
and drops down to scoop them up.
Bridge beats her to it and grabs one of her books; a journal.
She looks at him under lidded eyes.
DAWN
(stands)
Can I have that back please?
BRIDGE
(glancing within it)
Why? I think I want to keep it.
DAWN
(reaching out)
Give it back!
He dodges her. His cronies giggle.
43.
BRIDGE
Seriously, there's some choice
words here.
(reads)
In the dark, nameless I,
searches for the light within.
She manages to grab it off him.
BRIDGE
What's up Aurora
? Not living
up to your name? You a little
overshadowed by... everyone
else on the planet?
He eats up the laughing praise his posse is sending him way.
BRIDGE
Good luck in the dance-off,
freak. That ain't gonna be the
place were you shine.
(walking away)
It'll be the place where you
fall, and we laugh and laugh
and laugh.
OFF DAWN'S HURT
INT. MADAME DIVINE'S MAGIC AND OCCULT SHOPPE - DAY
Nadya pushes the door open and steps inside. She coughs a
little and brings a hand up to her nose.
MADAME DIVINE
Lavender and lilac. My own
blend. Isn't it delightful?
NADYA
Mmhmm.
She takes in the shop with it's overabundance of pink, lace
and flowers. MADAME DIVINE resembles a big pink doily.
MADAME DIVINE
How can I help you dear?
NADYA
Uhm. This may sound a little
strange, but I need to look
up... spells.
MADAME DIVINE
(nodding)
Alright dear. What kind?
44.
NADYA
Transformation of personality
I suppose.
MADAME DIVINE
(leading Nadya to a
book shelf)
Is there a special someone you
want to bend to your will? Do
you want to enslave a
troublesome man to your desire?
I have some lovely rose-scented
mind control spells? Hmm?
NADYA
No! I just want a spell to
make things... normal.
MADAME DIVINE
I don't understand.
NADYA
I've just had a business
meeting where the man
practically burst into song. I
think something is wrong with
people in this town and, quite
frankly, it's inconvenient. My
career is very important to me
and I can't have lucrative
business associates unfocused.
Or completely insane.
MADAME DIVINE
Oh. I'm not sure magic like
that exists. I'd best look in
the back then. But feel free
to take a look at my exquisite
range of love potions.
Madame Divine flounces away through a bead drape. Nadya turns
her nose up at all the wares.
WARLOCK
Hey.
Nadya startles as a GOTHIC WARLOCK walks out from behind
another book shelf. He's young; no more than a teenager
experimenting.
45.
WARLOCK
You feel it too, right?
Something strange. Something
magical. Things aren't what
they seem.
NADYA
(curious)
Yes.
The warlock gives an uncharacteristic whoop.
WARLOCK
Awesome! I knew it!
He notices Nadya's surprise.
WARLOCK
No one's believed me today.
NADYA
Do you know what's causing this?
WARLOCK
No. I tried to do a locator
spell for the source, but I
need a second.
NADYA
Fine. A second, an hour, will
you be able to sort it out?
WARLOCK
No I meant second as in second
person. I don't have enough
power on my own.
NADYA
Well, what kind of person do
you need? Someone else like you?
WARLOCK
(thoughtful)
You don't have any power and
all, but I think you'll do.
NADYA
Alright fine. Let's get started.
I need to salvage the rest of
the work day.
46.
WARLOCK
We just need to find some place
to do the spell. My mom would
flip.
Nadya takes a deep, premeditated breath.
EXT. DOCKS - DAY
The docks are of the "is this real?" variety: pillars of
wood lined up on a clean deck with no water to be seen. There
is the sound of WATER sloshing about, and some horribly
glittery reflections on the deck. For some reason, there is
FAKE FOG wafting across the pillars.
Samuel emerges from the fog and meets with SOURCE, a jittery
fella. He keeps looking around him.
SAMUEL
And?
SOURCE
What? No hello for old pals?
Samuel glares.
SOURCE
Okay yeah fine. Dereboza has a
meet on the South Pier. Someone
important. They're making a
trade.
SAMUEL
Mmm. You know what it is?
SOURCE
Hey, you don't pay me enough
for that.
Samuel surges forward, a bluff, but the source gets it.
SOURCE
No! No! I don't know!
Samuel reaches into his jacket for a wallet. He counts out a
few bills and hands it to the source.
SOURCE
Gee thanks. That's real generous.
SAMUEL
What's the time of this meet?
The source looks behind Samuel.
47.
SOURCE
Oh. I'd say a lot sooner than
you think.
There is an audible CLICK of a gun. Samuel shifts his eyes
to the side.
WORLEY
In a scary Italian suit, completely out of place for him,
smirks. He's surrounded by neckless GOONS, extras from other
scenes. They all have guns pointed at Samuel too.
WORLEY
Hello Detective. We've been
expecting you.
FADE OUT.
END ACT III
48.
ACT IV
FADE IN:
EXT. DOCKS
The source plods over to Worley. Samuel shakes his head.
SAMUEL
Oh that's gonna cost you.
SOURCE
I don't think so. You're not
so good with payment.
SAMUEL
We'll see.
Worley gives the source a large wad of cash. The source
counts it all, licking his lips.
WORLEY
See Detective. I reward those
who please me. And taking care
of nosy cops, pleases me.
The source starts to walk off. The goons stop him.
WORLEY (CONT.)
Of course, I don't take too
kindly to people that talk to
nosy cops in the first place.
SOURCE
But-
SAMUEL
Told you.
WORLEY
Bring them. The tide does not
suit me.
The Goons approach Samuel. He puts his hands up and lets one
of them take his side-arm. The Goon starts to frisk him-
SAMUEL
You put that hand near my pants
and you'll lose more than you
bargained for.
49.
The Goon laughs, not even bothering to search below Samuel's
jacket, and pushes Samuel forward to march along with the
source, who is brown-scared.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
The warlock checks out the office. He's wearing a RUCKSACK.
NADYA
Mindy, please ensure I am not
disturbed. For any reason.
She shuts the door and locks it. She notices the warlock
looking around.
NADYA
What?
WARLOCK
It's just... this is the kinda
place people like me avoid.
The lighting is a little harsh.
NADYA
Sorry. I'll be sure to ask for
an altar in my next office.
Can we get this over with?
WARLOCK
Yeah yeah.
He pulls a large fold-out MAP out of his bag and lays it on
the floor. He sits cross-legged in front of it and pulls out
some candles, herbs and a bottle of powder.
Nadya kneels beside the map. She lights the candles as he
prepares.
WARLOCK
Okay, so I'll say the cool
sounding stuff, you remember
what your part is right? Right.
We close our eyes, then poof,
blow the powder and the source
of the madness is revealed on
the map. In theory.
NADYA
I really hope you're not
wasting my time.
50.
WARLOCK
I'm not. Serious man. I just
haven't done it with a girl
before.
Nadya rolls her eyes. She pours a handful of powder into her
right hand, and pours some in his right hand too. The hold
their hands above the map and close their eyes.
WARLOCK
Goddess Thespia. We walk in
shadow and in darkness without
your light. O benevolent
Thespia, we implore you. Light
the way through the darkness;
guide us with your knowlegde
and wisdom.
They each blow on their hands with eyes closed.
WARLOCK NADYA
(flatly) (with absolute command)
Reveal. Reveal. Reveal. Reveal. Reveal. Reveal!
A SURGE OF POWER, like a wave through the air, shoots from
Nadya toward the map. It makes contact with Warlock. He gasps
in surprise; his eyes shoot open.
Nadya opens her eyes and quickly scans the map. There is a
small BURNING CIRCLE around a specific area. The burning
disappears, leaving a scorch march like a cigarette burn.
NADYA
It worked!
Warlock jumps to his feet, clearly freaked out.
WARLOCK
Yeah yeah it did. I gotto go.
Home. Mom will be waiting.
NADYA
But we've got to stop the source.
Warlock yanks on the locked door, and starts fumbling with
the lock in his bid to escape.
WARLOCK
No no I can't. It's too much.
The power. Too much. I gotta go.
He gets the door open and dashes through. Nadya shrugs and
brings the map with her as she heads out the door.
51.
EXT. COFFEE SPOT - DAY
Devon stares off at something in the distance, shaking her
head. Jason is on the phone.
DEVON
Oh you idiot. Never trust the
blonde ones.
Jason slams his cellphone shut. He leans on the table and
glares across it.
JASON
My guy can't narrow this thing
down.
(looks up)
Sun's going down. Okay. Your
turn.
DEVON
Funny.
JASON
No, what is funny is when you
become a cheerleader with a
really short skirt and fluffy
pom-poms. I really think that
sounds about right for you.
And just desserts for
everything I have to put up with.
DEVON
I didn't know you had
to put
up with me.
Jason slouches in his chair.
JASON
See me ignoring that, because
I have more important things
on my mind. One being the
obvious, the other being the
key that Samuel says is missing.
Think I should retrace his
steps? Maybe I'll get lucky.
DEVON
Technically it wasn't Samuel
that said it.
(ponders)
Technically we have no idea if
the other keys are safe either.
52.
They share a look and get out of their seats quickly. A
pretty waitress bumps into Jason, spilling juice all down
his shirt.
WAITRESS
Ooh gosh. Sorry.
Jason squeezes his eyes shut. Of course it had to happen.
The waitress starts sponging up his front with her cloth.
WAITRESS
If you could just-
JASON
I'm not taking my shirt off.
The waitress seems genuinely perplexed.
WAITRESS
But-
She keeps dabbing at him.
JASON
I'm not taking it off. No. Nu
uh. Go away.
He shoos her away from him. Devon is smiling widely.
JASON
Pom poms. Big fluffy ones.
He walks straight on past her.
INT. AUDITORIUM, STAGE - NIGHT
The three cheerleaders from earlier are on stage shaking
their POM POMS. They DANCE to some extremely poppy, remixed
mainstream music. Think Britney Spears before the bun in the
oven. It's fairly obvious they've confused dancing with
cheering. Their moves are forced, superficial and completely
posed.
ON DAWN
As she enters the auditorium, with a backpack slung over her
shoulder. Her huge amount of make-up almost hides her
complete nervousness. She takes a deep breath and stares
across the auditorium at--
BRIGDE
He's checking out the cheerleaders on stage.
53.
Dawn looks down at herself: a dark shadow in comparison to
the girls on stage. She walks up to Ticket girl.
DAWN
Hi. Is there anywhere I can
change?
TICKET GIRL
(grimaces)
Oh. I hope you have little
elbows.
(points)
Ladies room is over there.
Dawn gives a small nervous smile and heads in the direction
of the loo.
TICKET GIRL
Hey!
(Dawn looks back)
Good luck!
Dawn nods and gives another small, shy look toward Bridge
before opening the door.
EXT. DOCKS - NIGHT
The fake fog ominously swirls and sways in front of Samuel
and the bad guys as they walk past some crates. Samuel
shiftily glances between his evil escourts as Worley talks:
he's probably been doing it for a while.
WORLEY
I'd offer you a grave, but
pier 22 is so much more
convenient for me. The tide is
most agreeable.
SAMUEL
Careful Dereboza. Anything you
say now, can and will be used
against you.
Worley gives a villainous laugh. His lackeys do the same.
WORLEY
Oh Detective, I am going to
miss our encounters.
SAMUEL
(sees his moment)
So am I.
54.
Samuel's STUNT DOUBLE, barrels into one of the lackeys,
knocking him aside. The Double makes an impressive leap-roll
behind a crate, grabbing a PISTOL from an ANKLE HOLSTER.
Samuel aims the gun over the crate. FAKE GUNSHOT SOUNDS ring
over the air as splinters of wood explode near him. He
returns fire, with equally fake sounding gunshot.
INT. APARTMENT, HALL - NIGHT
Nadya walks out of the stairwell and into a badly-kept
hallway. She scrunches her nose and braves the decay,
completely out of place in her two hundred dollar shoes.
She walks past open door after open door. The building is
almost devoid of all life. Almost.
She hears SOBBING.
NADYA
(approaching a door)
Hello?
She nears the door and listens. The sobbing is coming from
behind there.
NADYA
Hello? Are you okay in there?
The sobbing continues.
Nadya looks up and down the hall. There is no one else around.
Biting her lip, she puts her hand on the door knob and turns
it.
The door is locked.
She reaches up and fiddles with her hair. The perfect coif
falls apart and she reveals a HAIRPIN in her fingers. She
gets to work on the door lock.
EXT. GUEST HOUSE - NIGHT
Jason unlocks the door and opens it.
JASON
(turning back)
After you.
Devon shakes her head and steps inside CROSSING THE LINE
NADYA MADE.
55.
INT. APARTMENT, HALL - NIGHT
Nadya clutches her ears in silent agony. She slams herself
back against the wall opposite the door, whimpering in pain.
INT. GUEST HOUSE - NIGHT
Jason shuts the door behind him and Devon. The room is a
cream nightmare. Cream walls, cream cotton bedspreads, boring.
There are TWIN BEDS.
Jason spies something across the room.
JASON
Yes. We're in business! Dev,
take a rummage through there
while I check on the keys.
He rushes toward the closet and opens the door. There is a
SAFE on the top shelf. He punches in a code. The lock CLICKS.
Jason takes a breath and opens the door.
ON JASON'S FACE
He squeezes his eyes shut, frustrated. He reaches into the
safe.
ON DEVON
looking at something in her hand.
JASON (OS)
Dev.
She turns around. Jason holds the pipe-like key Samuel picked
up from Worley.
JASON
We have all the keys... plus one.
He turns back and deposits the key back in the safe. He locks
the door again.
JASON
He must have come here first.
Devon shrugs as Jason sidles up to her.
JASON
Well?
DEVON
Well what?
56.
He points at what she's holding. It's one of Samuel's scrolls.
His bag is open on one of the beds.
JASON
Is there anything in there
about breaking curses?
DEVON
I don't know. I can't read them.
JASON
(is she for real)
Then why are looking at it!?
DEVON
You told me to.
JASON
Forget it.
He grabs the scroll and stuffs it into Samuel's bag before
dumping it on the floor. He stares at the blank wall in front
of him.
Devon stands unmoving beside him. The tension is not the
friendly sort.
JASON
You might as well go. I don't
think there's anything you can
do.
DEVON
(annoyed)
Because I can't read foreign
languages?
He sharply turns to face her, really getting up and close.
He's that pissed off.
JASON
No. Because you're not even
trying. You don't care about
this. I just want to make
things normal-
DEVON
This is
normal for me!
They hold a staring contest. Devon looks away first.
57.
DEVON
You want things to be normal,
but I don't even know what
that is. But you... that's all
you want. Everything has to go
your way. Every challenge must
be conquered. Every girl has
to like you or you'll...
you'll...
JASON
I'll what?
DEVON
I'm not a challenge Jason.
JASON
Never said you were.
They re-enter their staring challenge. Both defiant. Jason
moves first. He reaches for her hand. She looks down as
Jason's fingers entwine with hers. There is morbid fascination
in her curiosity over his actions.
His other hand cups her face. She startles, fear showing.
His eyes haven't moved from her face. Devon looks back at
him, confused, scared, hopeful.
DEVON
I'm not a challenge.
JASON
(moving in for the
kill)
You're the only one.
Smoochies. Hot and hungry. Reciprocated on both ends.
Neither have noticed that THE ROOM HAS CHANGED. There is
only one bed; scarlet silk sheets; the lights are dim and
sinful shadows play across the room.
INT. AUDITORIUM, STAGE - SAME
Dawn stands alone on the stage. A bright light upon her.
Darkness all around her.
The make-up is gone. Her clothes resemble the clothes Dawn
would usually wear. She still has black hair.
There are a few CHUCKLES from the side, as Bridge and his
cronies check her out.
She closes her eyes and waits.
58.
MUSIC: FEIST - INSIDE OUT
Dawn begins to dance. Her movements are natural and unforced.
There is no fake posing. She's dancing from the heart.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
(note the music plays throughout the scenes)
Nadya jiggles the hairpin out of the lock as she opens the
door and steps inside the apartment. The apartment is dark,
but flickering light reflects off her face. Light from a
television screen.
Nadya approaches it.
INT. AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
Dawn opens her eyes as she really gets into the dance. The
CROWD are really beginning to warm to her. Some are bobbing
in time, some are clapping in time.
Bridge begins to look at her with new, less-venomous eyes.
EXT. DOCKS - NIGHT
Samuel continues to shoot. He hasn't run out of ammo.
INT. AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
Dawn now has THREE BACKUP DANCERS - they are perfectly
coordinated with her. They are all smiles, even Dawn is
having a fantastic time.
Bridge walks closer to the stage, entranced.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
Nadya stands in front of a couch with a very FAT DEMON on it.
The demon is watching a soap opera on the TELEVISION and
CRYING her eyes out.
NADYA
Excuse me. Excuse me!
FAT DEMON
He left me. He left me.
NADYA
Sorry. I don't know if you're
aware of this, but you're
making the entire town like
your TV show.
59.
FAT DEMON
(wailing)
He left me. He left me!
NADYA
Look. I can't help that. Please,
you need to stop whatever it
is you're doing. I have
important things to do. There's
so much to do.
FAT DEMON
He left me. He left me.
NADYA
Please stop-
FAT DEMON
He left me. He left me!
The demon is growing more hysterical by the moment. Nadya
doesn't know what to do.
INT. AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
The dance has the crowd in full swing. Dawn is putting her
all into it.
Bridge gives her a big seductive smile. She looks at him
through lidded eyes, not giving him any clues.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
The sobbing and the wailing mixes with the music.
NADYA
Please stop it.
EXT. DOCKS - NIGHT
Samuel reloads his gun and starts firing again. The gunshots
are added to the wailing and the music.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
The cacophony of all the sounds is almost tangible to Nadya.
She's growing desperate.
NADYA
Stop it. Stop it.
Without thinking, she shoots her hands in front of her.
60.
NADYA
Stop it!
Power BLASTS from her hands and hits the demon.
THE MUSIC STOPS ABRUPTLY
Nadya startles and stares at the miserable demon as it dies.
A wave of opaque energy shoots out of the dead demon. It
hits Nadya and she reverts to her usual self: WEARING WHAT
SHE WAS BEFORE SHE TRANSFORMED.
INT. AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
Everyone quickly stops dancing. Dawn's hair is back to being
brown and she wears her original outfit. She glances around,
embarrassed. Everyone else is the same.
There is a stunned, uncomfortable silence. Without anyone
saying a word, people shuffle out the exits.
Bridge, who now resembles an even slimier gigolo type teenage,
tries to save face by smoothing his hair. He looks up at
Dawn and gives a wink.
BRIDGE
Hey, you wanna-
She glares at him like he's pondscum and heads off the stage.
He gets the hint and walks away in the opposite direction.
EXT. DOCKS - NIGHT
Samuel's gun disappears. There is no fog. Samuel falls on
his ass.
Worley and his lackeys are now regular people in regular
clothes, completely confused.
INT. GUEST HOUSE - NIGHT
MUSIC: ALL THIS AND MORE - ROCKETBOB
Jason has Devon against a wall, with her legs wrapped around
him. They are both still fully clothed. Things haven't gotten
that dire yet.
Abruptly, they pull away from each other's lips. They stare
at each other, breathing heavily.
The room has changed back to the cream disaster, complete
with twin beds and normal lighting.
61.
Neither have noticed. Again.
They start again. Less urgent. They have all night.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
Nadya hasn't moved at all. She stares at the dead demon.
The tears haven't quite dried on its face.
OFF NADYA
FADE OUT.
END SHOW
Sophocles Screenplay Software 2007
www.sophocles.net