Dominion, episode 1.02-"Of Goddesses and Monsters"

[Allan]

Episode notes

Okay, I officially have two episodes in the bag.

After the end of the last episode, Shell and Bob come into contact with Illyria, before embarking on a quest to the hell dimension Veklepaz. Meanwhile, we get glimpses of where exactly Illyria has been over the past few years.

I was really worried about writing this episode, but once I started to get through it, I realise that I prefer it to Password. Of Goddesses and Monsters is darker than the previous episode, and I hope the tone works.

This episode features two songs:
- "Not Ready to Make Nice" by the Dixie Chicks; and
- "Sex Bomb", originally performed by Tom Jones.

Classification: M 15+ for violence, sexual references, and some minor language (using the Australian classification system).

Pages: 41

Word count: 7,637

So, enjoy, and please post comments, concerns, and anything along the lines of "dude, that sucks" in the Dominion Feedback thread. Thanks!

[Allan]

BOB:
Previously on Dominion:

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, STREET – NIGHT

It’s late at night, with the only light emanating from the neon glow of signs throughout the city, and the headlights of the odd car. Rain is pouring, hitting the ground violently. It’s not a nice night to be out and about. Shell, a 22 year old brunette, dirty, yet maintaining a homely attractiveness, emerges from an alley. Her hair’s a mess, and she’s obviously worn out.

Shell reaches a door, and bangs on it.

BOB (O.S.):
Password?

SHELL (half shocked, half confused):
Cream puff?

INT. THE DOMINION BAR

The Dominion Bar is well lit, and very welcoming. It’s fairly large, and very clean. Demon women are sitting all over the place, laughing, giggling, and having a merry old time.

Shell is still worried, but can’t help noticing the odd environment.

Kristine, Bianca and Sarah walk towards her.

Kristine lunges at Shell with her sword, aiming at her stomach.

Shell is frozen, resembling a deer staring into the headlights before being run over.

Kristine is stoped in her tracks. Blood starts to pour from her midsection, as if she were impaled, herself. The other two look on, horrified.

BIANCA:
What the…

INT. THE DOMINION BAR

Clem looks up, and smiles at Shell, as he puts the mop back in the bucket.

CLEM:
Sorry, this is my place, the Dominion Bar. Basically, it’s, well, a bar, where demons from all over the place, whatever dimension, can come for a drink.

EXT. PHOTOK DIMENSION – DAY

We see a giant snake, about seven feet tall and fifty feet long – the dreaded Lizard Beast. The remaining Little Demons scurry behind Bob for protection.

BOB:
Shell, we’d best get out of here.

Just as Bob finishes his sentence, Shell reaches behind him and snatches two spears from the Little Demons.

Shell charges at the Lizard Beast, with a spear firmly gripped in each hand. As she approaches, the Lizard Beast lashes its tongue at her. She jumps, and landing on the tongue, uses it as a springboard, propelling her towards its eyes.

Shell stabs the Lizard Beast in each eye. It screeches with a high pitched scream and flails about, falling off the cliff, taking Shell down with it.

After falling a few feet, Shell leaps towards the top of the cliff, just barely able to grab it. She slowly pulls herself up.

EXT. PHOTOK DIMENSION

Shell is distressed over the vision.

SHELL:
My God… What the hell am I?

A vision of Senaya appears before Shell.

SENAYA:
You are me.
(beat)
I am you.

SENAYA:
We are inexorably linked. Our essence. The essence of the Slayer. The essence of the vampire.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE

SHELL:
And it’s just about time we left.

Shell turns away and begins to leave. Illyria grabs her by the arm firmly.

ILLYRIA:
No.
(beat)
You are coming with me. Now.

[Allan]

Teaser[/u]

EXT. VAHLA HA’NESH – NIGHT

We look down from the distance as we are introduced to a desert land, populated by unspecified demons – or “old ones” – battling.

CAPTION:
Thirty million years ago… give or take.

We zoom in a little closer to see a bloody, violent battle. Hundreds of demonic warriors are battling over this territory.

CAPTION:
Vahla Ha’nesh. These days, more commonly referred to as Los Angeles.

We zoom in even closer, now to the heat of battle. Reptilian demons are engrossed in a bloody battle. Both sides have many casualties, but the rampaging is nowhere near ceasing.

NARRATOR (V.O.):
It is a time before man.

We close in on a REPTILIAN WARRIOR as he is bludgeoned from behind.

NARRATOR (V.O.):
It is a time before life. And a time before death.

The reptilian warrior brings himself back to his feet, and turns to meet his adversary.

NARRATOR (V.O.):
It is a time without language.

The reptilian warrior hisses at his opponent. No words, but the hatred is obvious.

NARRATOR (V.O.):
But not without war.

An OLD ONE, standing at around thirty feet tall, with claw like feet – like those of an eagle – and five tentacles on each side of her body, with pale blue skin over a humanoid torso, and flowing dark blue hair, approaches.

One of the Old One’s tentacles lashes out, knocking the reptilian warriors over.

NARRATOR (V.O.):
This is Illyria.

Illyria, in her primordial form, moves through the desert with a purpose.

NARRATOR (V.O.):
Respect her.
(beat)
Worship her.

The reptilian warriors scatter out of Illyria’s way.

NARRATOR (V.O.):
Fear her.
(beat)
But do not cross her.

Illyria approaches another Old One – ONI – standing at about the same height, with giant spider legs. Oni is protecting its CHILD.

FLASH TO:

INT. TENGU TEMPLE

Illyria, in her current form, stands inside the Tengu temple. Dead Slayers litter the floor as BOB and SHELL turn to walk away from her.

ILLYRIA:
No.
(beat)
You are coming with me. Now.

SHELL:
Aw, crap.

Bob turns to Illyria.

BOB:
Who do you think you are?

FLASH TO:

EXT. VAHLA HA’NESH – NIGHT

Illyria lashes a tentacle at the Oni’s child.

Oni leaps at Illyria, pinning her to the ground.

FLASH TO:

INT. TENGU TEMPLE

Bob clenches his fist, and swings at Illyria’s face, knocking her backwards.

FLASH TO:

EXT. VAHLA HA’NESH – NIGHT

Illyria wrestles Oni, and turns the tables, pinning him to the ground. One of her tentacles slithers away, and returns gripping a huge spear.

Illyria lifts the spear, and plunges it into Oni’s chest.

FLASH TO:

INT. TENGU TEMPLE

Illyria regains her footing. She steps towards Bob and hurls him across the room, slamming him into a wall on the opposite side of the temple.

Illyria walks towards Bob, who is lying against the wall, reaches down and slams his face into the ground.

Shell runs towards Illyria from behind, only to be effortlessly swatted away.

Illyria looks down towards Bob.

ILLYRIA:
You attempt to challenge me. Amusing, but the girl is coming with me.

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER.

OPENING CREDITS ROLL:

Theme: “Crash” by Static-X & Mephisto Odyssey

Starring:
Rachael Leigh Cook as Shell Moore
James C Leary as Clem
Laura Harris as Kalinka
With Amy Acker as Illyria
And Ron Pearlman as Bob

Guest-Starring:
Jennifer Griffin as Trish Burkle
Gary Grubbs as Roger Burkle
Ron Rifkin as Hext
Ken Watanabe as Oni / Narrator

Featuring:
James Marsters as Spike
J August Richards as Charles Gunn
Andy Hallett as Lorne
And David Boreanaz as Angel

Created by Allan Whatford with Marie Menninga.

Based on the TV series' "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel".

END OF CREDITS.

[Allan]

Act One[/u]

INT. TENGU TEMPLE

Bob lies on the ground, semiconscious. He drags himself to his feet and staggers towards Illyria and Shell.

BOB:
You… are not… taking… the girl…

P.O.V. BOB (out of focus, blurry) –

Illyria grabs Shell by the arm.

SHELL:
Is he okay?

ILLYRIA:
You’re concern for that… demon… is unwarranted.

SHELL:
That’s funny, coming from the scary blue bitch.

Shell struggles to break free of Illyria’s grasp. Her attempt is futile, as Illyria punches Shell in the face, knocking her to the ground, unconscious.

Illyria looks down at Shell’s body.

ILLYRIA:
Fine. I will carry you.

Illyria picks up Shell and throws her over her arm before carrying her outside the temple.

END P.O.V.

Bob stumbles after the two, to no avail. He’s having enough trouble standing, let alone giving chase.

INT. DOMINION BAR

CLEM and KALINKA lie on the couch in their underwear, sleeping. Clothes are scattered all over the floor.

CLEM (mumbling in his sleep):
No… I don’t want to use the tentacles…

Clem shifts, and promptly falls to the floor.

CLEM (now wide awake):
Ow!!!

Startled, Kalinka wakes up.

KALINKA:
What is it?

CLEM:
Oh, nothing… I had a dream and fell off the couch.
(beat)
We really should have just gone to the bedroom.

KALINKA:
It wouldn’t have made a difference, honey. You’d just fall off the bed, too.

CLEM:
Yeah, but at least there’s carpet to fall on to!

Clem picks himself up, stretches, scratches his butt, and wanders towards the back room.

CLEM (calling):
Hey, Bob! Shell! How’d it go?

No response.

KALINKA:
Shush, Clem. They’re probably asleep.

CLEM:
I don’t think so…

Clem pokes his head through the doorway out the back.

CLEM:
I really don’t think so.

KALINKA:
Are you sure?

CLEM:
Yeah… They’re not back yet.

Clem turns around and walks back towards Kalinka.

Clem picks up his pants. He rummages around the clothing for his shirt before finding it and putting it on.

Clem looks around the clothing some more before turning to Kalinka.

CLEM:
What’d you do with my belt when you were finished with it?

KALINKA:
It’s next to the fluffy dice.

Kalinka and Clem hear the door open. Kalinka jumps behind the couch and hides, and Clem scurries towards the door, while struggling to keep his belt-free pants on.

CLEM:
Hey, you’re back!

KALINKA:
That’s typical, Bob. You couldn’t wait until I was dressed?

Clem steps back as he sees Illyria in the doorway, holding Shell’s unconscious body.

CLEM:
Hi… um, welcome to the Dominion Bar.

EXT. LOS ANGELES, STREET – NIGHT

As the rain pours, Illyria stands huddled with ANGEL, SPIKE and GUNN. Gunn is badly injured, and is haemorrhaging blood from his stomach.

ILLYRIA:
I wish to do more violence.

An onslaught of DEMONS of all shapes and sizes approaches, including a huge dragon flying overhead.

ANGEL:
I kinda want to fight the dragon.

CAPTION:
Three years ago. Los Angeles.

ANGEL (continued):
Let’s go to work.

Angel looks back to Gunn and reveals a crossbow. He passes the crossbow to Gunn.

ANGEL:
Keep to the back. Keep your distance from the battle.
(beat)
It’s the only way you’ll make it through this.

Angel draws his sword, and leads the charge. Spike isn’t far behind.

Gunn clutches at his stomach, and takes a step forward. Illyria places her hand gently on his shoulder.

ILLYRIA:
Don’t die. Retreat if you must.

GUNN:
Not a chance in Hell.

ILLYRIA:
Do not die.

Illyria moves forward into battle, and Gunn stands behind. He lifts the crossbow and proceeds to fire arrows at the demons.

Spike, in his vampire visage, proceeds to fight two demons. He throws some punches, and the demons punch back. An arrow hits him in the shoulder.

Spike turns back to Gunn.

SPIKE:
Oh, bloody hell!

Spike rips the arrow from his shoulder, and uses it to stab Demon #1 in the forehead, killing it.

SPIKE (calling back to Gunn):
Thanks, though!

Spike grabs Demon #2 and snaps its neck.

In the background, a number of demons can be seen gaining on Gunn.

SPIKE:
Is that all you ponces have in you?

Six demons lunge at Spike, tackling him to the ground.

A number of arrows strike the dragon, making it angry. It swoops down towards Angel.

Angel, with his sword pointing at the dragon, lunges directly into its mouth. The dragon screeches in agony.

Illyria grabs Demon #3 by the throat and hurtles it towards a pack of demons. She draws her sword and hacks away at them. The demons are easily destroyed.

Illyria surveys the area. Angel, Spike and Gunn are nowhere to be seen.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Illyria stands before a startled Clem and Kalinka.

KALINKA:
It’s not that I don’t want to know why you’re holding Shell unconscious, but I’m going to go and get dressed now, if you don’t mind.

ILLYRIA:
I do mind.

KALINKA:
Really? Deal with it.

Illyria reaches out to grab Kalinka, and then pauses.

ILLYRIA:
This… place… I can’t harm you here.
(beat)
Interesting.

KALINKA:
Well, you can stand there and ponder the significance of it all, but I’m going to go and get dressed.

ILLYRIA:
I already dislike you.

Kalinka disappears out the back, leaving Clem and Illyria alone.

They look at each other, and say nothing. There’s an awkward silence.

Clem goes to open his mouth. More silence.

Still more silence.

And finally…

CLEM:
So… Would you like something to drink?

ILLYRIA:
No.

CLEM:
Um… do you dislike me?

ILLYRIA:
Not yet.

CLEM:
Thanks. You know, Kallie’s not that bad.

KALINKA (O.S.):
“Not that bad”? Wow, I never knew you held our relationship in such high esteem, hon.

CLEM (loudly, making sure that Kalinka can hear):
She’s the most amazing woman I’ve ever met!

Kalinka returns fully dressed.

KALINKA:
I mean, I didn’t hear you complaining when I was whipping you last night.

CLEM:
Speaking of which, I still can’t find my—

ILLYRIA:
Be quiet. Your imagery is disturbing.
(beat)
My name is Illyria.

Clem reaches out to shake Illyria’s hand. She looks at it, confused by the gesture.

CLEM:
I’m Clem, and this is my beautiful wife Kalinka.
(beat)
So, do you know Shell?

ILLYRIA:
I met her tonight. I need her.

CLEM:
Well, I’m not sure that scary blue women are her thing, but when she wakes up, if you try telling her how you feel…

Kalinka looks at Clem, and fights back a smile.

ILLYRIA:
I need her to save the world.

CLEM:
Cool.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, STREET – DAWN

The sun rises above the New York City landscape.

Bob runs through the city street, searching for Shell.

BOB (calling):
Shell!

Bob runs around a corner, and past a coffee shop. He stops next to a parked police car, and looks up and down the road.

BOB:
Damn it!

In frustration, Bob slams his fist down on the bonnet of the police car, flipping it over. The car lands upside down, and an alarm starts blaring.

Two POLICE OFFICERS come running out from the coffee shop, towards Bob. They aim their guns at him.

OFFICER #1:
Sir, step away from the car.

BOB:
Oh… You must be this land’s law enforcement.

Officer #2 turns to Officer #1.

OFFICER #2:
What is he, foreign?

OFFICER #1:
My guess is he’s hopped up on drugs.
(beat, then to Bob)
Step away from the car. And keep your hands where I can see them.

BOB:
I appreciate you have a job to do, but I don’t have time for this.

OFFICER #2:
Just shut up and do as we say.

Bob steps away from the car, and stretches his arms out.

Officer #2 takes a pair of handcuffs from his belt, and approaches Bob.

Bob extends a spike from each wrist.

BOB:
Let’s not do this…

In a panic, Officer #1 fires his gun at Bob.

Bob looks down at his chest to find a hole in his shirt.

BOB:
Oh, for crying out loud, that was my shirt!

Angry, Bob runs past Officer #2, knocking him over, and towards Officer #1.

Bob presses the spike from his left arm at Officer #1’s throat. Officer #1 stares back at Bob. He’s petrified.

Bob slowly calms himself down, and lowers his arm and retracts the spikes.

BOB:
Sorry… You’re law enforcement. Poorly trained and obviously impulsive, but that’s beside the point.
(beat)
But I do not have time for this.

Bob runs past Officer #1, and disappears down the street.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Shell lies on the couch, and slowly wakes up. She steps onto the ground, and turns to face Kalinka, Clem and Illyria.

SHELL:
Okay, I’ve been here one single night, and somehow I’ve managed to wake up on this couch after being knocked out twice.

Shell looks at the three again, just registering that Illyria is still with her.

SHELL:
You’re still here. Wonderful.
(beat)
Where’s Bob?

ILLYRIA:
Your demon friend? He is inconsequential.

SHELL:
Where is he?

ILLYRIA:
I do not know. And I do not care.

SHELL:
Well, I care.
(beat)
I mightn’t be able to hurt you here, but as soon as you leave this bar, I’ll…

ILLYRIA:
You’ll fail to injure me.

CLEM:
Illyria, Bob is our friend, too. If he’s hurt, we need to help him.

ILLYRIA:
He will survive. And I would expect him to return.

SHELL:
He’d better.
(beat)
You wanted me, and now you have me. So make it quick.

ILLYRIA:
There is a land in danger. You are required to intervene.

SHELL:
Really? You seem capable enough, why don’t you handle it?

ILLYRIA:
Old Ones are forbidden from that realm.

SHELL:
“Old Ones”? How old are you exactly?

ILLYRIA:
Millennia. I am far older than you can comprehend.

SHELL:
Hmm. Well, you look good for your age.

KALINKA:
Actually, I can see a few wrinkles…

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, STREET – DAWN

Bob runs around a corner, and into a dark alley. He hears a friendly yet creepy voice from the shadows.

VOICE (O.S.):
Bob…

BOB:
Hext.

HEXT steps from the shadows so Bob can see him. Hext is a diminutive demon with pale grey skin. He has shoulder length magenta hair and goatee. He is dressed in a brown cloak.

HEXT:
I have to say, lovely work. Shell Moore managed to find her way to you, and yet you manage to lose her within a matter of hours. That’s classic.

BOB:
It wasn’t intentional.
(beat)
I was protecting her as you requested, and –

HEXT:
And I can see what a brilliant job you’re doing. Go, Bob!

BOB:
I was protecting her from rogue slayers. This demon stepped in, and –

HEXT:
I am aware of what happened, so making excuses is futile.

BOB:
Then, do you know where Shell is?

HEXT:
Isn’t it funny how when you lose something, it’s always in the last place you look?
(beat)
Not to mention the most obvious.

Bob pauses to consider Hext’s answer.

BOB:
The Dominion Bar.

HEXT:
Bingo! Give the man a cookie.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Shell turns to Kalinka and Clem.

SHELL:
So, do you think we can trust her?

ILLYRIA:
I do not lie.

Shell turns back to Illyria.

SHELL:
Would you please just shut up? If I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it.

KALINKA:
So you may want to get used to the silence.

SHELL:
You too please, Kalinka. Bickering with Illyria really isn’t going to help.

CLEM:
I don’t know, Shell. I mean, if she wanted you dead, she would have killed you instead of bringing you here, right?

KALINKA:
Or she’s planning on doing something to you in that dimension…

SHELL:
But Illyria can’t come with me.

CLEM:
Good point. Or maybe there’s something waiting for you in that dimension.

SHELL:
Damn, this is confusing. It’s been one hell of a night.
(beat)
First, I find out that I have these powers. Slayers try to kill me, they capture Bob, then they capture me, then they try to kill me again, then Illyria shows up…
(beat)
I really have no idea what to do, guys.

Shell turns back to Illyria.

SHELL:
Okay, I’ll wait for Bob to come back, and then we’ll go in.

ILLYRIA:
No. You’ve wasted far too much time. Every second you waste will just make your quest more difficult.

SHELL:
And what exactly is this quote-unquote danger?

ILLYRIA:
I… I do not know. I only know that you must face it.

CLEM:
I think I believe her, Shell.
(beat)
Look, if there’s no time to wait for Bob, Kallie and I will go with you.

KALINKA:
What?

Clem turns to Illyria.

CLEM:
This land… It’s not on Earth, is it?

ILLYRIA:
No.

CLEM:
What about Arashmahaar?

ILLYRIA:
No. It’s called Veklepaz.

Clem turns to Kalinka.

CLEM:
It’s not on Earth or Arashmahaar, so D’Hoffryn won’t be able to find you.
(beat)
Besides, it might me nice to get some fresh air.

KALINKA:
Is fresh air worth our lives? Shell’s strong. What can we offer?

CLEM:
Support.

KALINKA:
Fine.

Shell turns to Illyria.

SHELL:
If I find out you’re lying…

ILLYRIA:
You’ll make another empty threat.

Shell looks back to Clem and Kalinka.

SHELL:
You guys are sure?

CLEM:
Sure am.

KALINKA:
I can’t very well let Clem go off and get killed, can I? I’m with you.

SHELL:
Then let’s do it.

Clem, Shell and Kalinka walk to the access point. Clem opens the door.

CLEM:
Ladies first.

KALINKA:
That’s my Clem. Always chivalrous, letting the women walk towards their doom first.

Kalinka, Shell and Clem walk through the door, and it closes behind them.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, DOMINION BAR ACCESS POINT – NIGHT

Clem walks to the access point.

CLEM:
Miss Kitty Fantastico.

Clem opens the door and walks through…

INT. DOMINION BAR

… to find the Dominion Bar empty, except for Illyria.

BOB:
You.

ILLYRIA:
Bob.

BOB:
Where’s Shell? And where are the others?

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE.

[Allan]

Act Two[/u]

INT. DALLAS, TEXAS STREET – DAY

The sun shines over the horizon of this peaceful neighbourhood. Down the street, two kids can be seen playing.

A bus stops on the side of the road briefly before driving away, to reveal that Illyria – as Winifred “Fred” Burkle – has gotten off. She is carrying a travel bag.

CAPTION:
Two and a half years ago. Dallas, Texas.

Fred crosses the road and walks towards a house. She knocks on the door.

The door opens to reveal a homely middle-aged couple: TRISH and ROGER BURKLE.

TRISH:
Oh my God, Fred!

Trish and Roger run out the door and grasp Fred in a welcoming hug.

INT. BURKLE HOUSEHOLD, LIVING ROOM

Fred sits on a couch, next to Roger. Trish enters the room from the kitchen, and passes Fred a cup of hot chocolate.

ROGER:
Fred, we were so worried about you.
(beat)
After all that nasty business in L.A., anything could have happened to you.

TRISH:
We tried calling you, but your number was disconnected. And when you didn’t call us, we worried.

FRED:
I’m… I’m sorry.

ROGER:
Well, that’s all in the past now, honey. We’re just glad to have you home.
(beat)
So, how long can we expect you to stay here before you return to saving the world?

FRED:
Um… I think I’m done with that.

Fred appears as if she’s close to tears.

TRISH:
Oh, is everything okay?

FRED:
Why wouldn’t it be?

Roger and Trish look at each other, concerned. Trish decides to change the subject.

ROGER:
How’s that nice Wesley fella?

FRED:
He’s dead.

TRISH:
Oh no, I’m so sorry.

FRED:
He was murdered. By a demon named Cyvus Vale.

Roger places his hand on Fred’s shoulder gently.

ROGER:
Oh, honey…

FRED:
So I killed him.
(beat)
And then the apocalypse came. It was horrible… Charles was wounded; he didn’t make it.

TRISH:
Thank God you came back to us, Fred.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Bob and Illyria are standing next to the bar. Bob is obviously agitated and angry, and is yelling at Illyria.

BOB:
Veklepaz?! You sent Shell, Bob and Kalinka to Veklepaz? On their own?

ILLYRIA:
I am forbidden from that realm. As are all Old Ones.

BOB:
So you sent them alone?

ILLYRIA:
Yes. I did not know when you would return.

BOB:
It’s a hell dimension. Did it not occur to you that it would be dangerous?

ILLYRIA:
It is dangerous, which is why Shell was required to leave immediately.

BOB:
Shell’s special. She has certain abilities.
(beat)
But Clem and Kalinka are not equipped to survive it.

ILLYRIA:
They offered assistance. Assistance you were not around to offer.

BOB:
Well, I’m going there now. And if they get so much as a scratch, I’ll be coming back for you.

ILLYRIA:
I am an Old One. You are a lower level demon.

BOB:
Rumour has it that you were running around with the Wolfram & Hart crowd, and while you were there, they massively reduced your power.
(beat)
If anything happens to my friends, believe that I will put that to the test.

Bob turns his back on Illyria and walks towards the access point. He opens the door, and turns back to Illyria.

BOB:
If any customers show up, serve them. And be polite.

Bob disappears through the door.

EXT. VEKLEPAZ DIMENSION, PLANES – DAY

A red sun shines over the planes of Veklepaz, bathing the dimension in crimson light. Demonic spirits fly through the area.

A harsh wind blows dust around as Shell, Clem and Kalinka struggle to move forward.

KALINKA:
So, what exactly are we supposed to be doing out here?

SHELL:
I don’t know. All I know is that I’m supposed to face something.

KALINKA:
Excellent. Will we know it when we see it?

SHELL:
I hope so.

CLEM:
What are we supposed to use to fight it with? We don’t have any weapons.

SHELL:
Says the guy who told me that you don’t need weapons at Dominion because it’s a bar!

CLEM:
If it makes a difference, I’ll reconsider that stance when we get back.

KALINKA:
If we get back.

Shell looks up towards the sky, and sees a gigantic pair of eyes in the distance.

SHELL:
Whoa… That’s kinda freaky.

CLEM:
What is?

Shell points towards the eyes.

SHELL:
Those… eyes.

CLEM:
What? I don’t see them.

KALINKA:
There’s nothing there, Shell.

SHELL:
Well, I guess that’s where we’re headed.

Shell presses on towards the eyes. Clem and Kalinka look at each other, shrug their shoulders, and follow Shell’s lead.

EXT. VEKLEPAZ DIMENSION, ACCESS POINT – DAY

Bob steps out of a cave and surveys the area. Ethereal demonic spirits fly around, the next one looking more tormented than the previous one.

BOB:
Just beautiful. Why can’t hell dimensions ever be pleasant?

Bob begins to walk through the arid surroundings.

BOB (calling):
Shell! Clem! Kalinka!
(beat, then under breath)
Some days you really shouldn’t get out of bed.

As Bob walks, he stumbles as he trips over something. Bob looks down to see a decomposing DEMONIC CORPSE.

Bob continues to walk.

DEMONIC CORPSE:
Hey, hey, hey… That’s not very nice.

Bob turns back to the corpse.

BOB:
That’s what happens when you lie in the middle of the road like that, pal.

DEMONIC CORPSE:
Well, “pal”, some of us can’t help being dead.

BOB:
You can talk, can’t you?
(beat)
I have a sneaking suspicion you can walk, too.

DEMONIC CORPSE:
Okay, okay, you got me. Give me a hand and help me up, okay?

Bob walks back toward the demonic corpse and reaches down with his hand. The corpse lifts his hand, and Bob grabs it.

DEMONIC CORPSE:
Whoa, be gentle… The decomposition’s made me a little brittle, y’know?

BOB:
Fair enough.

Bob gently helps the demonic corpse to his feet.

BOB:
There you go.
(beat)
I’m looking for some friends. Two girls and a guy.

DEMONIC CORPSE:
Is one of them a sexy little brunette? And an equally hot blonde? And the guy’s a saggy-looking demon?

BOB:
That’d be them.

DEMONIC CORPSE:
Haven’t seen ‘em.

BOB:
I don’t have time for games. Which way did they go?

DEMONIC CORPSE:
Look, I appreciate you helping me to my feet and all, but I’m really not gonna tell you.

Bob releases the spike from his left wrist, impaling the demonic corpse through the stomach.

BOB:
Let’s try this again.

DEMONIC CORPSE:
I’m dead! Hello! I don’t like your chances of killing me here!

BOB:
“The decomposition’s made you a little brittle, y’know.”

With his spike still impaling the demonic corpse, Bob lifts him right arm with the demon. With his left arm, Bob throws a punch into his chest, snapping the corpse in two.

Both halves of the corpse fall to the ground.

DEMONIC CORPSE:
Oh, come on! I know you’re a demon and all, but you’re not very friendly.

BOB:
Now, are you going to tell me how to find my friends, or am I going to have to break you into smaller and smaller pieces?

DEMONIC CORPSE:
Not a chance, buddy boy!
(beat)
In fact, you have just inspired me to feast on that cute brunette’s soul.

The demonic corpse morphs into a cloud of black smoke, which, inturn, morphs into a gigantic shadow-like phoenix.

The phoenix lets out a thunderous laugh and flies into the distance.

BOB:
Well, I think you’ve just told me which way they went…

Bob runs into the distance in pursuit of the phoenix.

BOB:
Just hope I don’t get there too late.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Illyria paces back and forth, agitated.

The door to the bar opens, and a three-foot-tall FURRY DEMON with long, matted brown fur walks through the door.

ILLYRIA:
A patron.

Illyria walks behind the bar, ready.

ILLYRIA:
You would like a drink?

FURRY DEMON:
Absinthe, thanks.

Illyria proceeds to make a bourbon and Coke, and passes it to the furry demon.

The demon looks at the glass, then back at Illyria.

FURRY DEMON:
Does this look like absinthe to you?

ILLYRIA:
What does it matter? It’s all poison.

FURRY DEMON:
Oh, you think without your fur, you’re so much better than me?
(beat)
Absinthe!

ILLYRIA:
Fine…

Illyria grabs a bottle of absinthe and pours it for the furry demon.

INT. BURKLE HOUSEHOLD, FRED’S BEDROOM

Fred sits on her bed, flipping through a book – “Quantum Dimensional Theory,” by Professor Oliver Seidel.

Dixie Chicks’ “Not Ready to Make Nice” is playing on CD in the background:
Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting

CAPTION:
Eight months ago. Dallas, Texas.

FRED (under breath):
I don’t understand any of this…

I’m through with doubt
There’s nothing left for me to figure out
I’ve paid a price
And I’ll keep paying

Three SUITED MEN walk into Fred’s bedroom.

SUITED MAN #1:
Did you really think you could betray the Senior Partners, Illyria?

The suited men morph into GLOWING RED DEMONS, and Fred morphs into Illyria.

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round

Glowing red demon #2 punches Illyria in the face, sending her reeling backwards. Illyria responds by returning a punch, quickly followed by a second. The demon quickly shakes it off.

It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

Illyria lifts Fred’s bed, and uses it to beat glowing red demon #2 in the head, promptly killing it.

I know you said
Can’t you just get over it
It turned my whole world around
And I kind of like it

Illyria proceeds to crush glowing red demon #1 with the bed, and then hurls it at glowing red demon #3. The bed hits the demon, and both smash out the window, and outside.

ROGER (O.S.):
Fred?

Illyria turns around to see Roger and Trish staring at her, scared.

TRISH:
Oh my God, Fred…
(beat)
What did those demons do to you?

I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don’t mind sayin’

ILLYRIA:
I am not Winifred Burkle.
(beat)
She died. Almost three years ago.

It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger

TRISH:
What do you mean?

ILLYRIA:
She released me, and I took over her body.
(beat)
I destroyed her soul.
(beat)
I killed her.

Trish begins to cry and tears stream down her face. Roger holds his wife firmly but gently, barely able to keep his composure.

ROGER:
Get out of our home.
(yelling)
Now!

And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over

Illyria’s head drops, and she walks past Roger and Trish. She stops and looks back at them before continuing to walk away.

EXT. VEKLEPAZ DIMENSION, TEMPLE – DAY

Shell, Clem and Kalinka walk through the desert and approach a large opulent temple. Three SKELETONS, each holding a sword and shield, stand guard.

Shell, Clem and Kalinka step closer, and the skeletons run toward them.

Skeleton #1 swipes its sword at Shell, and she ducks. She kicks the skeleton in the knee, breaking its leg in two. She jumps backwards.

SHELL:
Come on, boney.

Shell waves to the skeleton with a mocking gesture.

The skeleton hops towards Shell, before toppling over. Shell stands on the skeleton’s arm, reaches down, and grabs the sword. She grips the sword and smashes the pommel into the skeleton’s head, crushing it. She grabs the skeleton’s shield.

Shell turns back toward Clem and Kalinka, who are faring less well, simply trying to dodge the skeletons’ attacks.

SHELL (calling):
Clem! Duck!

Clem ducks as Shell throws the shield at skeleton #2, decapitating it. The skeleton falls to the ground.

Shell runs toward skeleton #3, and looks back to Clem.

SHELL (calling):
Grab the sword and shield!

With one swift hack, Shell shatters skeleton #3’s spine.

KALINKA:
I had it, Shell.

SHELL:
Sure looked like it to me.
(beat)
Grab the sword and shield. We’re heading inside the temple.

Holding their newly acquired swords and shields, Clem and Kalinka stand behind Shell.

SHELL:
Ready?

CLEM:
Not really…

SHELL:
You guys can stay back here if you like.

CLEM:
No, I think I’ll feel safer in there with you.

SHELL:
Okay, we’re heading in.

INT. VEKLEPAZ DIMENSION, TEMPLE

The temple is pitch black.

CLEM:
Is now a good time to mention that I’m scared of the dark?

Shell’s sword starts glowing and then a gigantic flame can be seen, illuminating the temple for the first time. It appears to be built entirely from marble and jade.

A twelve-foot-tall DEMON with red skin and flowing black hair can be seen walking through the flames.

SHELL:
This should be interesting…

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO.

[Allan]

Act Three[/u]

INT. COSMOS CASINO, ENTERTAINMENT HALL

An enraptured audience watches as LORNE sings on stage, wrapping up his encore.

LORNE (singing):
Sex bomb sex bomb, you’re my sex bomb
And you can give it to me when I need to be turned on
No, no
Sex bomb sex bomb, you’re my sex bomb
And baby you can turn me on, turn me on
And baby you can turn me on, turn me on
Baby you can turn me on, turn me on

CAPTION:
Three months ago. Las Vegas, Nevada.

Three LORNETTES, dancers painted green to mimic Lorne, dance in the background. Lorne pours his heart and soul into the song’s finale.

LORNE:
Ooh baby you can turn me on, turn me on
Baby you can turn me on, oh
Baby you can turn me on, oh
Baby you can turn me, on
Well babeee you can turn me oooonnnn….

The audience goes berserk, offering cheers of adulation, followed by a standing ovation. A pair of women’s underwear even makes its way onto the stage.

LORNE:
Thank you, thank you… You have all been beautiful.
(beat)
And could we have one more round of applause for these lovely Lornettes?

INT. COSMOS CASINO, LORNE’S DRESSING ROOM

Lorne enters his dressing room. He’s tired; it’s been a long night. At the back of the room, Fred sits on a chair alone. Lorne fails to notice.

He walks to a table, pours himself a scotch, takes a sip, then turns around.

He sees Fred, and greets her with a stunned expression.

LORNE:
Fr—

Lorne’s stunned expression turns sour when he realises that his visitor is actually Illyria.

LORNE:
Illyria.
(beat)
Could you please not use Fred’s appearance in my presence?

Fred morphs into her Illyria form.

LORNE:
Can I offer you something to drink?

ILLYRIA:
No.

LORNE:
I didn’t think so…
(beat)
If Angel sent you here, kindly tell him not interested. Thanks.

ILLYRIA:
Angel didn’t send me.

LORNE:
No?

ILLYRIA:
I need you to read me.

LORNE:
Now, why would you – Illyria, goddess of all that is – feel the need to be read?

ILLYRIA:
Please.

LORNE:
Someone’s been practicing her manners over the past couple of years.
(beat)
I don’t suppose you know a song?

Illyria pauses for a second before opening her mouth.

ILLYRIA (singing very quietly, and out of tune):
Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting

Lorne begins to look uncomfortable.

ILLYRIA (continuing):
I’m through with doubt
There’s nothing left for me to figure out
I’ve paid a price
And I’ll keep paying

Lorne lifts his hand in a “stop” motion.

LORNE:
Illyria, please stop.

ILLYRIA:
What is it?

LORNE:
Fred’s soul… It was supposedly destroyed.
(beat)
But there’s still a trace of it inside you. It’s getting stronger.

ILLYRIA:
What? That cannot be right.

LORNE:
I’m afraid it is.

ILLYRIA:
So what happens to me? What happens next?

LORNE:
I… I can’t see that.
(beat)
But Fred’s soul is inside you, and it’s fighting back. I think your future depends on which soul – how do I put this gently? – wins.

INT. VEKLEPAZ DIMENSION, TEMPLE

Shell, Clem and Kalinka stare up at the demon. Its name is LORD X’HAL.

They’re scared, and step backward slowly.

CLEM:
I think I was happier when the lights were out.

KALINKA:
Please tell me he’s on our side, and he’s going to help us defeat the threat.

SHELL:
Sorry. I have a sneaking suspicion that we’re here to kill him.

X’Hal looks down at Shell and laughs. His voice sounds like death personified as it echoes throughout the temple.

X’HAL:
Really, little girl?
(beat)
I find it far more likely that I’ll collapse this dimension in on itself.

KALINKA:
Call me crazy, but is this guy destroying a hell dimension necessarily a bad thing?

SHELL:
I’m guessing if we’ve been sent here, it is a bad thing, Crazy.

EXT. VEKLEPAZ DIMENSION, TEMPLE – DAY

Bob walks through the arid desert and toward the temple. He looks around and notices the crushed, broken skeleton pieces that litter the ground.

BOB:
Looks like I missed all the fun.

Bob presses on towards the temple and is stopped in his tracks by the sound of movement in the sand. He turns around and stares towards the ground with a bemused expression.

Through the sand, the skeleton pieces slide together, reconstructing the three skeletons that Shell had previously destroyed.

BOB:
When I said “fun,” I didn’t mean that I particularly wanted to fight you guys. So how about you just break apart again, and I won’t kill you.

Bob turns his head back at the sound of a familiar voice – the demonic corpse, who has regenerated his body into a single piece. In the background skeleton #1 picks itself up off the ground, followed slowly by skeletons #2 and #3. Swords and shields magically reappear in their hands.

DEMONIC CORPSE:
You’re not the brightest demon, are you?

BOB:
Shell’s soul. Please tell me you didn’t—

DEMONIC CORPSE:
Relax, big guy. There’s no way I’m headed inside that temple. So I figure I’ll wait and see if your friend survives before feasting on her soul.
(beat)
But you’re completely missing the big picture here. In case you haven’t noticed, no residents of this dimension can really die. Sure, you can kill us, but we just come back.

BOB:
Hold that thought.

Skeleton #1 moves towards Bob. Bob reacts swiftly with a punch to the ribcage, snapping it open.

The skeleton is still standing, and lunges at Bob with its sword. Bob ejects a spike from his wrist and uses it as a shield from the blow. Again, the skeleton strikes, and again, Bob defends.

The skeleton strikes a third time. Bob catches the skeleton’s arm with both hands as it is about to come crashing down. Bob flexes and snaps the arm backward, breaking it in two.

Bob throws the pieces of the arm to the ground, grabs the skeleton’s skull, and rips it clean off the neck. The skeleton falls to the ground, limp and lifeless. Bob holds the skull in his left hand and picks the sword up from the ground with his right.

Bob charges toward skeleton #2 and thrusts the skull into the skeleton’s chest. The skeleton drops to the ground and Bob proceeds to strike at it repeatedly with the blade of the sword, crushing it to pieces.

Skeleton #3 moves toward Bob quickly and slashes at his arm, breaking the skin. Bob shakes his head.

BOB:
I’ll kill you for that.

DEMONIC CORPSE:
Correction—

BOB:
Shut up.

Skeleton #3 strikes at Bob a second time, missing as Bob dodges the attack. Bob hacks his at the skeleton’s midsection, snapping it in two from the spine. The skeleton’s legs drop to the ground in a lifeless heap, followed by the torso, which is still animated.

Skeleton #3 swipes its sword at Bob’s legs. Bob leaps into the air and comes crashing down on skeleton #3’s head, crushing it.

Bob wipes the sweat off his brow, then checks the wound on his arm. It doesn’t look serious, and he shrugs his shoulders.

DEMONIC CORPSE:
You scare me.

BOB:
What were you saying before we were interrupted? Something about demons here not staying dead?

DEMONIC CORPSE:
That’s basically it.

Bob points to the temple.

BOB:
Who’s in there?

DEMONIC CORPSE:
Your friends.

Bob shoots the demonic corpse a deadpan stare.

DEMONIC CORPSE:
Oh, and Lord X’hal, the ruler of this dimension.

BOB:
Powerful demon?

DEMONIC CORPSE:
Powerful demon.

BOB:
And if he won’t stay dead…

DEMONIC CORPSE:
Trust me, he won’t.
(beat)
And your friends are screwed.

Bob rushes towards the temple and is stopped in his tracks as the three skeletons begin to regenerate again.

BOB:
Not again… These guys are really starting to get on my nerves.

INT. RATTY APARTMENT

Illyria stands inside a dilapidated apartment. The wallpaper is peeling off, the walls have holes, and the carpet looks as if it hasn’t been cleaned in years. A rat scurries along the floor.

She stares out a mouldy window with a vacant expression. She doesn’t notice that on the ground, three storeys below, a man is hitting his girlfriend – or she doesn’t care.

CAPTION:
Two weeks ago. Chicago, Illinois.

In the window’s reflection, something can be seen approaching Illyria from behind. Illyria turns around to see Hext.

HEXT:
Nice digs.

ILLYRIA:
Give me a reason to not kill you where you stand.

Hext pauses, thinking.

HEXT:
No can do, sorry.
(beat)
You look lost. Everything okay?

ILLYRIA:
Who are you?

HEXT:
Oh, sorry. How rude of me.

Hext extends his hand, offering Illyria a handshake. Illyria simply ignores the gesture.

HEXT:
I’m Hext. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

ILLYRIA:
What do you want?

HEXT:
My dear Illyria, it’s what you want.
(beat)
For almost three years you’ve wandered. You’ve lacked purpose. You’ve lacked direction. And something tells me you want it back.

ILLYRIA:
And you can provide this… direction?

HEXT:
Oh, no. That’s not my place.

Hext extends his arm towards Illyria with his palm facing up.

A projection of the Tengu temple appears above his hand.

HEXT:
The Tengu temple in New York City. Be there two weeks from tonight.
(beat)
You’ll meet a lovely young lady by the name of Shell Moore. Take her. Send her to the Veklepaz dimension.

ILLYRIA:
Why?

HEXT:
Does it matter?

ILLYRIA:
Yes.

HEXT:
There’s a dire threat that she’ll need to take care of. Immediately.

ILLYRIA:
Helping this girl is my purpose?

Hext laughs.

HEXT:
No, you silly thing! That’s someone else’s purpose.
(beat)
But it will lead you to yours, Fred.

ILLYRIA:
What did you just call me?

Hext slowly fades away into nothing, leaving absolutely no trace that he was ever in the room.

INT. VEKLEPAZ DIMENSION, TEMPLE

X’Hal is holding Shell above his head while Clem and Kalinka are striking him with their swords from below with very little effect.

Clem and Kalinka hack away, hitting X’Hal below the kneecaps. They are holding their swords loosely and obviously don’t know what they’re doing. Clem drops his sword.

CLEM:
Oh, man…

Bob enters the temple, holding two swords which he acquired through his battles with the skeletons.

Bob looks up toward X’Hal’s face.

BOB:
X’Hal. Drop the girl.

X’Hal looks down at Bob and grins maniacally.

X’HAL:
Fine.

X’Hal throws Shell down toward Bob. Bob leaps into action and catches Shell before she reaches impact.

SHELL:
You took your time, Bob.

Bob helps Shell to her feet.

BOB:
Well, between the sight seeing, the skeletons, and a really annoying corpse, I guess I did.

SHELL:
An annoying corpse? You didn’t take a bump on the head, did you?

BOB:
I’ll explain later.
(to Clem and Kalinka)
Guys. Come back here.

Clem and Kalinka run back toward Bob and Shell.

KALINKA:
This really isn’t working.

BOB:
Yeah, I kinda noticed that.

CLEM:
I have an idea.

Clem’s eyes fold inside his head and in their place six tentacles emerge from each socket.

SHELL:
Um… Eww.

BOB:
Clem, no!

CLEM:
What’s the problem?

The tentacles keep expanding and move toward X’Hal.

BOB:
X’Hal is the lord of this dimension. Hell Lords rarely have any regrets.

SHELL:
He’s the lord of this place? Then why does he want to destroy it?

X’Hal reaches out and grabs a tentacle. He pulls at the tentacle, flinging Clem upward. Using the tentacle to gain momentum, X’Hal throws Clem toward the far end of the temple.

Clem flies through the air before hitting the far wall.

KALINKA (shouting):
Clem!!!

X’Hal grins and looks directly at Kalinka.

X’HAL:
You love the floppy-eared one. I can use that.

BOB:
Why are you doing this? You rule this dimension, why destroy it?

X’HAL:
The inhabitants betrayed me. They decreed that I am a harsh ruler and found a way to bind my essence.

Clem lifts himself off the ground.

CLEM (calling):
I’m okay, guys!
(beat)
I love you, Kallie!

Kalinka smiles back at Clem.

Clem looks around his surroundings and finds a large golden urn, with its lid sitting beside it.

CLEM:
Interesting…

Shell watches as Clem picks up the urn and it begins to glow. She turns to Bob and Kalinka.

SHELL (quietly):
Distract X’Hal.

Kalinka begins to tap dance. Shell looks at her, confused. Bob shrugs his shoulders, and his eyes look towards Clem.

Shell runs toward the far end of the temple.

BOB:
Kalinka, I think Shell meant something more like…

Bob charges at X’Hal.

BOB:
…this!

Bob slams his swords down at X’Hal’s foot.

KALINKA:
Oh. That works too.

Kalinka follows suit and starts striking at X’Hal’s other foot.

Shell reaches Clem and inspects the urn.

CLEM:
What is it?

SHELL:
To be honest, I have no idea.
(beat)
Hand it to me.

Clem shrugs his shoulders and passes Shell the urn. Shell’s expression turns blank, almost as if she were possessed, and she holds the urn toward X’Hal.

SHELL (subtitled from Sumerian):
Urn of Eternity, bind this demon. Bind him so that he may pay for his sins.

The urn glows brightly as wind sweeps through the temple. X’Hal begins to disintegrate into dust, which is being sucked into the urn.

Within moments, X’Hal is completely sucked into the urn. Shell places it on the ground, and turns to Clem.

SHELL:
Clem, the lid! Now!

Clem rushes to grab the lid, and brings it back to Shell. He promptly places it on top of the urn, and a bright white light seals it shut.

Clem looks at the urn with a stunned expression.

CLEM:
Wow.

Kalinka runs toward Clem and hugs him firmly. Bob walks toward Shell and pats her on the back.

SHELL:
So, tell me about this “annoying corpse”.

BOB:
Not much to tell, really. He’s annoying, and he wants to consume your soul.

SHELL:
Fair enough. I’ll just have to kick his ass on the way outta here.

EXT. VAHLA HA’NESH – NIGHT

We return to Vahla Ha’Nesh. Illyria stands upon her throne in her demonic glory. Thousands of reptilian warriors – now more evolved since we last saw them, with more humanoid features – bow down to their master.

CAPTION:
Twenty million years ago… give or take.

The reptilian warriors rise to their feet. In synchronicity, they draw bows and arrows, and take aim at Illyria.

They fire their weapons.

NARRATOR (V.O.):
Illyria betrayed me. Ten million years later, I would finally have my revenge.

The impact of thousands of arrows striking Illyria throws her from her throne. She plunges toward the ground and lands on her back. Hard.

Behind Illyria, Oni’s spider-like silhouette can be seen approaching. Oni eventually comes into full view and stands directly behind Illyria.

Oni plunges an arm into Illyria’s chest, impaling her. Illyria screeches in agony, and the crowd of reptilian demons cheers.

NARRATOR (V.O.):
Only five million years later would her followers exact their revenge on me.
(beat)
But that hardly matters now. For you shall set me free, Illyria… my love.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE.

CLOSING CREDITS ROLL.

Written by:
Allan Whatford

Story Editor:
Marie Menninga

Special Thanks:
Marie, for your patience through all my errors that you helped me sort out.

Everyone who's managed to make it to the end of the episode. Hope you enjoyed it.

© 2007 Allan Whatford[/i]