Dominion, episode 1.07 - "Indecent Proposal"

[Allan]

Episode Notes

And here we are with the seventh episode of Dominion, entitled Indecent Proposal. It's a little later than I'd hoped, and I have nothing to blame except procrastination on my part. Hopefully I'll have the next couple of episodes - which should really kick the season into high gear - a little sooner.

This episode predominantly features Kalinka, her history as a Vengeance Demon, her relationship with Clem, and a titular "indecent proposal".

This episode features four songs:
- Cherry Lips, by Garbage
- Short Skirt/Long Jacket, by Cake
- Superfreak, by Beatfreakz
- Four in the Morning, by Gwen Stefani

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

Pages: 43

Word count: 8,939

Hope you enjoy the episode. As always, and feedback, positive or otherwise, is apreciated in the Dominion Feedback thread.

[Allan]

Clem:
Previously on Dominion:

INT. TENGU TEMPLE

A vast hall, the Slayer Headquarters resembles that of a Japanese temple. Scrolls of calligraphy adorn the walls, and the centrepiece of the hall is a large statue of the Tengu demon – humanoid, with an incredibly large nose, with a pair of wings spread out behind it.

Within the temple, fourteen Slayers in traditional Japanese garb can be seen, sitting silently in a state of meditation. A fifteenth slayer, wearing a white kimono, lies dead in front of the statue. Dried blood across the abdomen has stained the kimono.

The doors to the Temple open, and Sarah walks in. The remaining Slayers remain in their positions.

Sarah approaches the statue slowly. She arrives at the statue, and sees the corpse – it’s Bianca. Sarah lowers her eyes, allowing herself a brief second of mourning, before kneeling before the Tengu statue.

VOICE (O.S):
Did you deliver the package?

SARAH:
Yes, my Daimyo.

VOICE (O.S):
And they received the message?

SARAH:
I believe so.

VOICE (O.S):
Then you have regained your honour, Sarah Welles.
(beat)
Unlike your friend, who regained hers only through death. Now, dispose of her body, and join your fellow Slayers in meditation.

SARAH:
Thank you, my Daimyo. I assure you that your mercy has not been misplaced.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Kalinka looks toward Bob and sees D’Hoffryn.

KALINKA:
D’Hoffryn. What brings you here?

D’HOFFRYN:
You’ve been a little quiet on the vengeance front lately, Kalinka.

KALINKA:
You know that I’ve given that up.

D’HOFFRYN:
I know you tried to resign. I also know that I refused to accept it.

D’HOFFRYN:
You do know how fragile your loved ones can be, do you not?

INT. DOMINION BAR

FRED:
I wish this would just end!
(beat)
I wish all the damage was just undone.

Kalinka’s face morphs into her Vengeance Demon visage. It’s a truly frightening sight startling everyone save Clem, D’Hoffryn, and the darkness who seems oblivious.

KALINKA:
Done.

Kalinka stares at the darkness. She focuses on it as it morphs into a cloudy state and moves toward her. The darkness stops in its tracks, unable to move.

Kalinka keeps staring at it as it slowly compresses itself into nothing. Once it reaches the size of a pinhole it explodes before being sucked away into a miniature vortex.

Slowly, light blue balls of light slowly float out from the vortex before it disappears.

D’Hoffryn slowly claps his hands.

D’HOFFRYN:
That was nice work, Kalinka.
(beat)
The lack of violence was rather disappointing, but the power it took to do that was impressive.
(beat)
Rest assured that I will return soon. It seems that you still have quite a lot of potential.

D’Hoffryn turns to leave and Kalinka morphs back into her human form.

KALINKA:
Don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, MAIN HALL

The room is empty, except for Kristina, who can be seen through the doorway. She looks frightened and tense. A commanding voice booms at her from further inside the room.

TENGU DEMON (O.S.):
How dare you, you insolent little girl? How dare you go against orders? And not only were you disobeying orders, my orders, by bringing the girl here, but you captured her only to let her go again. A plan that had been thoroughly considered would not have met with such disastrous results.
(beat)
I’m afraid you’ll have to meet the same end as your friend Bianca.

With this, the Tengu demon steps forward, his presence inspiring an awesome sight. The statue that had been erected in his honor and Kristina are dwarfed by his size. His massive frame seems to engulf the room, his wings folded behind him. He takes another step forward, reaches for the Slayer’s neck, and snaps it with a simple flick of his wrist. Her body crumples to the floor as the demon turns and disappears back into the darkness.

[Allan]

Teaser[/u]

INT. SALEM, COURTHOUSE

The Salem Courthouse is almost entirely wooden, with architecture from the late seventeenth century.

CAPTION:
Salem. 1692.

JUDGE JOHN RICHARDS presides over the courthouse. The room is full of angry people.

JUDGE RICHARDS:
Bring in the accused.

Two SOLDIERS step out of the room and return, violently dragging KALINKA – currently with raven coloured hair – into the room. Her hands are bound behind her back and she is thrust in front of Judge Richards. The crowd scream and yell at her.

JUDGE RICHARDS:
Susannah Martin, you are accused of bringing Satan’s will upon Salem.
(beat)
How do you plead?

KALINKA (Susannah):
Not guilty.

The crowd looks at each other and they start muttering amongst themselves. One BOY begins to throw rocks at Kalinka.

BOY:
Liar! She’s a witch! She worships Satan!

Richards looks at the audience.

JUDGE RICHARDS:
That is enough.
(to Kalinka)
Do you deny having dealings with the witch known as Tituba?

KALINKA:
No. I do not.

JUDGE RICHARDS:
Then do you deny practicing witchcraft?

KALINKA:
No. I do not.

JUDGE RICHARDS:
Then how can you plead not guilty?

KALINKA:
I am wicca. My spells help people, not harm them.
(beat)
Satan has nothing to do with it.

JUDGE RICHARDS:
So, there is no aptitude for your magicks to do any harm?

KALINKA:
I did not say that.
(beat)
And should you wish to murder me – as you have already done to so many of my brethren – you will feel my wrath.
(beat, turns to crowd)
This entire town will.

Judge Richards looks to the crowd and then Kalinka. He laughs.

JUDGE RICHARDS:
You miserable little witch. You defy everything that the good people of Salem – the pure citizens of Salem – stand for.
(beat)
I sentence you to death at nine o’clock tonight.

Kalinka breathes deeply, attempting to digest what the Judge has just told her. The two guards grab her violently and drag her away from the stand. The crowd cheers in joy.

KALINKA (to self):
Oh Goddess Hecate, grant me the power to teach these men the error of their ways.

Kalinka’s eyes glow white momentarily before fading away.

GUARD #1:
I’m blind!

GUARD #2:
What’s happening?

Kalinka breaks free of the guards and runs toward the exit. The crowd gives chase and people start pelting rocks at her. One hits her on the side of the head, knocking her to the ground. The crowd closes in on Kalinka, and people kick her repeatedly.

INT. PRISON

Kalinka is unconscious after her altercation in the courthouse. She is chained to a wooden post, and it is apparent that her comfort was not a priority. A rat scurries past her feet and outside her tiny cell toward others like it, which house more accused witches.

Kalinka slowly comes to, and looks up to see a DARK FIGURE concealed in the shadows.

KALINKA:
Who…are you?

The figure steps out from the shadows. His name is D’Hoffryn.

D’HOFFRYN:
My name is D’Hoffryn, Kalinka.

KALINKA:
I’m afraid you have me confused with somebody else. My name is Susannah.
(beat)
Susannah Martin.

D’HOFFRYN:
Yes, Susannah Martin is your mortal name. And in a few short hours, you can die a painful, mortal death as Susannah Martin.
(beat)
Or you can live forever as an immortal.

KALINKA:
D’Hoffryn, is it? Why would you offer this to me?

D’HOFFRYN:
I see great potential in you, Kalinka. In the face of death, you are defiant. You have a certain fire in your eyes. I like it.
(beat)
You have a wonderful aptitude for vengeance. And to be honest, that’s something I can use.

Kalinka stays silent.

D’HOFFRYN:
But if you’re not interested, you can always die a fiery death.

EXT. SALEM, COURTHOUSE – NIGHT

A full moon shines in the night sky down to the street outside the courthouse below. The street is covered in mist, and through it hundreds of men, women and children watch as Kalinka and two other witches – WILMOTT and ALICE – are strapped to large wooden poles. The three women struggle to no avail as LARGE MEN wearing pure white cloaks and hoods tie the ropes around them.

The large men test the knots to ensure they are secure. When satisfied with their handiwork they turn around and leave the accused. They nod to REVEREND PARRIS who walks in front of the women displayed before the town. He raises his hand to the crowd, requesting silence.

REVEREND PARRIS:
Fair citizens of Salem, here stand before you three aberrations. These women have tarnished the sanctity of Salem before our very own God. They have renounced the Almighty in favour of Satan!
(beat)
You are gathered here to bear witness as their sins are burned from their souls so they may greet God in the peaceful afterlife.

Reverend Parris turns to the women.

REVEREND PARRIS:
Now is your final chance to repent for your sins, women.

Kalinka spits at Parris.

REVEREND PARRIS:
So be it. May your souls burn in Hell for all eternity.

One of the large men returns to Parris and hands him a flaming staff. Parris takes the staff and uses it to ignite the planks holding the women.

Cheers from the crowd can be heard as the planks burst into flames. The women struggle to break free of their bonds to no avail.

WILMOTT (yelling):
Damn you!

ALICE (yelling):
You may destroy our bodies, but we will see you in Hell!

Wilmott turns her head to Kalinka, who is remaining silent.

WILMOTT:
How can you be so calm?

KALINKA:
Oh, they’ll get theirs.

ALICE:
I wish.

KALINKA:
What do you wish?

ALICE:
I wish that they would know what it is like to burn like this.

Kalinka’s face morphs into her Vengeance Demon visage. She smiles, secure in the knowledge that she can reap her vengeance on the people of Salem.

KALINKA:
Done.

The flames stop moving up the planks and move down toward the ground. They spread across the ground toward the panicked crowd.

KALINKA:
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

The flames swirl around the crowd and leap about, incinerating them. The large men in white and Reverend Parris retreat to the courthouse. As they enter, the courthouse explodes into flames.

Smoke billows from the courthouse and Kalinka walks inside.

INT. SALEM, COURTHOUSE

Kalinka walks through the burning building and toward Reverend Parris, who slowly crawls along the ground to Kalinka. He looks up at her as he struggles to breathe.

REVEREND PARRIS:
Who…who are you?

KALINKA:
My name is Kalinka.

EXT. SALEM, COURTHOUSE – NIGHT

In the shadows, D’Hoffryn watches as Kalinka leaves the courthouse and it collapses behind her. He smiles.

D’HOFFRYN:
Oh, you’ll go far, my dear Kalinka…

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:
Alyson Hannigan as Willow Rosenberg
Andy Umberger as D’Hoffryn
Erica Durance as Sarah Welles
Alexandra Breckenridge as Simone Matthews
Amanda Michalka as Ashley Roberts
Kali Rocha as Halfrek

END CREDITS.

[Allan]

Act One[/u]

INT. DOMINION BAR

The Dominion Bar is closed for business and BOB and SHELL watch as WILLOW ROSENBERG goes about her business. Willow reaches into her backpack and pulls out a pouch. From the pouch, she sprinkles fairy dust throughout the bar area.

SHELL (to Bob):
Kalinka’s not going to be happy about having to vacuum that off the floor.

Bob smiles at Shell and approaches Willow.

BOB:
Need a hand with that?

WILLOW:
No thanks, Bob. You might contaminate the spell.

BOB:
Fair enough.

SHELL:
So you’re friends with Kalinka?

WILLOW:
Not really, no. I know Clem from back in the Sunnydale days.

SHELL:
Oh, before it was hit by terrorists.

WILLOW (smiling):
If you call the First Evil drawing its power from the mouth of Hell to create an apocalypse a terrorist attack, then yes.

SHELL:
Wow.
(beat)
The sad thing is I’m not even surprised.

Willow reaches into her backpack again, this time withdrawing two candles.

WILLOW:
It’s Shell, right?
(beat)
Could you hold this?

Willow passes Shell a candle.

BOB:
Right. I must contaminate the candles, too.

WILLOW:
Sorry, Bob. Soulless demons and protection spells don’t usually mix. It’s kind of like electricity and water.
(beat)
Speaking of soulless demons, are Clem and Kalinka around?

BOB:
Nope. They have a date.

WILLOW:
Aw, how sweet.

SHELL:
Sure it is, if floppy ears do it for you.

WILLOW:
Okay, Shell, close your eyes and lift the candle above your head.

Shell closes her eyes and lifts the candle above her head. Willow’s eyes glow with a white radiance and the candles ignite. Willow closes her eyes and lifts the candle above her head.

WILLOW:
Oh, Goddess Hecate, please offer your protection to this dimension. Allow no violence or ill-will, and have those do to each other what they would have done to themselves.

The fairy dust begins to glow before hovering above the ground. Slowly, it disappears.

BOB:
I like it when spells are pretty.

Willow opens her eyes.

WILLOW:
All done.
(beat)
And, Bob, you may want to think twice before letting demonic entities slip into the bar.

BOB:
Clem told you, huh?

Willow smiles sweetly to Bob, and is quickly distracted as she sees ILLYRIA enter the bar in her Fred form.

WILLOW:
Hi, Fred. I didn’t know you were staying here.

Shell and Bob look at each other awkwardly.

ILLYRIA:
Willow.
(beat)
I’m no longer seeing anyone. He’s dead.

WILLOW:
Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.

Illyria turns around and leaves the room.

WILLOW:
She seems different.

BOB:
You don’t know the half of it.

INT. PHENLAH DIMENSION, RESTAURANT

Demonic customers sit at tables throughout the restaurant, eating their meals. Toward the back of the restaurant a LARGE GREEN DEMON is beating away on skulls, playing them like drums with a surprisingly enjoyable beat. Toward the centre of the restaurant Kalinka and CLEM sit together on a table for two.

A small WAITER with bright purple skin approaches the table.

WAITER:
May I take your order?

KALINKA:
Do you have salads in this dimension?

WAITER:
That we do.

KALINKA:
I’ll just take one of those, thanks.

WAITER:
And for the gentleman?

CLEM:
I’ll take the snake stew, thanks.

WAITER:
I’ll have your meals out to you shortly.

The waiter walks away, and Clem smiles to his wife.

CLEM:
It’s nice to get away from the Dominion for a night, isn’t it?

KALINKA:
I guess.

CLEM:
Is everything okay, Kallie?

KALINKA:
Sure.
(beat)
Think we can trust Bob and Shell to run the bar?

CLEM:
I think we shouldn’t worry about it.
(beat)
It’s a night off, and we should enjoy ourselves.

KALINKA (distant):
Right.

CLEM:
Kallie, are you sure—

KALINKA (snapping):
Yes!

CLEM:
Well, you don’t seem it. Ever since D’Hoffryn came by the bar, you’ve been acting strangely.

KALINKA:
Well, excuse me for being worried about what he wants.

CLEM:
Look, he can’t hurt you here, so relax.

KALINKA:
Like he can’t get to me at the Dominion Bar?

Clem pauses and takes a deep breath.

CLEM:
He can show up at the Dominion Bar, and yes, he can harass you. But let’s not forget that you turned your back on him as well as your calling as a Vengeance Demon.

KALINKA (sarcastically):
You’re making everything so much better, honey.

CLEM:
D’Hoffryn isn’t known for showing mercy.
(beat)
But yet, he did nothing, even though the protection spell wasn’t working when he paid his little visit.

KALINKA:
Well, Willow should have that fixed by now.

CLEM:
Hopefully.
(beat)
But that’s not what I’m getting at. His powers only work on Earth and Arashmahaar. You haven’t been travelling to either place, and that’s why he hasn’t gotten to you.

KALINKA:
Earth is my home, Clem. Do you know what it’s like to not be able to go there?

CLEM:
No…no, I don’t.
(beat)
But you chose to quit.

Kalinka shakes her head at her husband. She is not impressed.

KALINKA:
I chose to quit. And do you know why? So we could open a bar together. So we could live together as a couple.

CLEM:
Then start acting like you’re part of a couple. You’re distant, you keep treating the bar as simply a business that we’re partners in rather than something we’ve built as a couple, and we haven’t had sex in…

Kalinka shoots Clem an icy stare.

CLEM:
Well, a couple of days.

KALINKA:
Well, the way you’re going, it’s going to be a couple more days, minimum.

Clem looks at his wife, not sure what to say next. They are both overtaken by an awkward silence.

CLEM:
So much for a romantic dinner, huh?

Clem reaches across the table to hold his wife’s hand.

CLEM:
Kallie, you mean the world to me. And I’m worried about you.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Shell looks at Willow with a startled expression.

SHELL:
You know Illyria?

WILLOW:
Who’s Illyria?

SHELL:
The crazy lady. Fred.

WILLOW:
She never seemed crazy to me. She’s just a really sweet girl.

SHELL:
Wow. Things have changed since she became a power hungry old one.

ILLYRIA (O.S.):
I heard that.

Shell pulls a horrified face.

SHELL (whispering):
Oops.
(beat)
She’s been having some issues lately.

Willow looks around awkwardly before quickly changing the subject.

WILLOW:
So, Clem and Kalinka are on a hot date?

SHELL:
Yeah…apparently. Those two are an…“interesting” couple.

Willow grins.

WILLOW:
Well, Clem’s an “interesting” guy!
(beat)
Though, it seems like men are drawn to Vengeance Demons, which I’ll never understand.

BOB:
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. I’d hate to piss a Vengeance Demon off.

SHELL:
Yeah. Considering how easily she destroyed that thing a couple of days back. We couldn’t even touch it.

WILLOW:
You don’t need to worry, Shell. Someone would have to make a wish for her to be able to do anything to you.
(beat)
My friend Xander was engaged to a Vengeance Demon once. Anyway, he got cold feet – and that is a really long story I won’t bother you with – and she was upset with him, and spent all her time trying to get people to make a wish against him.

SHELL (worried):
Did they?

WILLOW:
No, he’s fine. But Vengeance Demons are neutered unless somebody makes a wish.

BOB:
Yeah, like how Illyria had to make that wish before Kalinka would act.

SHELL:
Wow. She could be one of the most powerful demons out there, and she’s just a glorified genie.
(beat)
Hey, do you think if I wished for a puppy, she’d make one?

WILLOW:
Not unless it’s a puppy of evil.

In the background, the front door to the bar can be heard opening. Out of the corner of his eye, Bob sees a MYSTERIOUS FIGURE enter.

BOB:
I’m sorry, we’re closed.

Bob doesn’t turn around to see who’s there. Instead, his muscles just tense in preparation in case it’s somebody looking for trouble. The door can be heard opening again as the mysterious figure leaves.

BOB:
Well, that was anti-climactic.

SHELL:
You were hoping for someone to cause a ruckus because they wanted a drink five minutes before opening?

Bob grins.

BOB:
Well, without Clem and Kalinka here, we could have a bit of fun.

WILLOW:
Wow, it’s about opening time already? I’d best be going.

BOB:
Alright, Willow. And thanks again.
(beat)
If you ever need a favour, you know how to find us. And give Kennedy my regards.

Willow turns to leave the bar.

WILLOW:
Will do. Good luck running the bar on your own.

BOB:
Believe me, there’s nothing Shell and I can’t handle.

INT. PHENLAH DIMENSION, RESTAURANT

The waiter walks to Kalinka and Clem’s table, carrying their meals.

WAITER:
Your snake stew, sir. I trust you will find it delicious.

The waiter places a large bowl in front of Clem. A snake’s head hangs over the top.

CLEM:
It looks great, thanks.

The waiter drops Kalinka’s salad in front of her, and looks at her disdainfully.

WAITER:
And your…salad, ma’am.

KALINKA:
Thanks.

Clem watches in disgust as Kalinka takes a bite of her salad.

CLEM:
Eww…I don’t know how you can stomach that stuff.
(beat)
Are you sure it’s safe?

Kalinka smiles.

KALINKA:
It’s fine, honey. Would you like to try some?

Clem shakes his head.

CLEM:
I think I’ll just stick with the reptiles.

Clem shoves a huge spoonful into his mouth, slopping it over his face.

KALINKA:
Clem…

CLEM (while chewing):
Yeah?

KALINKA:
I know you’re worried about me. And in all honesty, I’m worried about me too. I’m scared of what D’Hoffryn will do if and when he manages to get me in a position where I’m not safe.
(beat)
Where you’re not safe. He’s the master of Vengeance Demons for a reason, Clem. Taking my life won’t be good enough for him. He’ll want to make me suffer emotionally, not physically. I’m worried that he’ll come after you.

Clem swallows his mouthful of stew.

CLEM:
We’re a married couple, Kallie. Your problems are my problems. If he comes after me, I’ll deal with it then. Granted, I hope that I’ll have Bob by my side to help, but it’s not just your problem. It’s ours.

KALINKA:
No, Clem. It’s my problem.

CLEM:
What part of being a couple don’t you understand, Kalinka? I took your hand in marriage for better or for worse. And worse includes your former master coming after you.

KALINKA:
He’s not my former master, Clem. He still is. As long as I’m a Vengeance Demon, I am beholden to him.
(beat)
And could we please drop it? Your stew’s getting cold.

CLEM:
I’ve lost my appetite, Kalinka.

Clem stands up from his chair.

CLEM:
I’m going outside to get some air.

Kalinka opens her mouth to respond to Clem, but closes it as no words come to her. Clem turns around and walks away from Kalinka. On his way out the door, Clem bumps shoulders with an unseen figure.

Back at the table, Kalinka holds her fork and stares at her food blankly, lost in thought as she pokes and prods at the salad.

VOICE (O.S.):
Kalinka.

Kalinka looks up from her food and her face turns pale. She is looking up at D’HOFFRYN.

KALINKA:
D’Hoffryn. Imagine running in to you here.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE.

[Allan]

Act Two[/u]

EXT. LONDON, STREET – NIGHT

A horse pulls a luxurious carriage along the road. The architecture of the buildings along both sides of the road is of 19th century origin. The horse stops and the carriage door opens. From it steps Kalinka – her hair still raven, though now longer – dressed in very formal attire.

CAPTION:
London. 1844.

Kalinka nods to the CARRIAGE DRIVER before walking toward a dark alley. The driver looks at her nervously.

CARRIAGE DRIVER:
‘Tis a bit dangerous, isn’t it, madam?

Kalinka turns her head back to the driver and smiles cheekily.

KALINKA:
Dangerous for whom?

Flustered, the carriage driver is lost for words. He briefly contemplates an answer before shrugging Kalinka’s comment off and driving away. The “clops” of the horse’s hooves can be heard riding into the distance as Kalinka enters the dark alley.

EXT. LONDON, DARK ALLEY – NIGHT

Kalinka steps into the alley and sees a POOR MAN on his hands and knees weeping. Two small bodies can be seen lying on the ground in front of him.

KALINKA:
What’s wrong?

POOR MAN (sobbing):
My…my children.

KALINKA:
What happened to them?

POOR MAN:
I…I…oh, my god, I killed them.
(beat)
I can’t get a job, and couldn’t feed them.

The expression on Kalinka’s face doesn’t change. It’s cold, hardened from years of witnessing – and dealing – untold horrors.

KALINKA:
Pick yourself up off the ground.

As the poor man stands up, the bodies can clearly be seen. A seven-year-old boy TIMMY and his six-year-old sister PIP lay dead in a pool of their own blood, next to a blood-spattered rock.

POOR MAN:
I…I just wish I could take it back.

Kalinka’s expression finally changes. She smiles as her face morphs into her Vengeance Demon visage.

KALINKA:
Done.

Together, the two children rise to their feet. The poor man cannot believe his eyes.

POOR MAN (ecstatic):
Timmy! Pip!
(to Kalinka)
How can I ever thank you?

KALINKA:
Apologise to your children.

POOR MAN:
I am so sorry. I don’t know how I can apologise enough to you children.

Swiftly, Timmy clobbers the poor man’s leg viciously with the rock, knocking him to the ground. Timmy stands over his father and repeatedly slams the rock into his head. Pip reaches to the ground and picks up a large stick. She points it at her father’s stomach and slams it down, stabbing him. She withdraws the stick and repeats the motion over and over.

Kalinka savours the view of the children killing their father with satisfaction.

POOR MAN (with dying breath):
I’m…sorry…

INT. PHENLAH DIMENSION, RESTAURANT

As the restaurant bustles around Kalinka and D’Hoffryn, Kalinka freezes as if time had stopped.

D’HOFFRYN:
Last time I saw you, Kalinka, I mentioned that I wasn’t done with you.

KALINKA:
How did you get here? You can teleport through Earth and Arashmahaar, but Phenlah?

D’HOFFRYN:
You own the Dominion Bar, Kalinka. Is it that hard to believe that somebody could just use it to get from one place to the next?

KALINKA:
So, you are powerless here.

D’Hoffryn’s expression changes as anger sweeps over him. He ferociously grabs at Kalinka’s throat and squeezes her windpipe.

D’HOFFRYN:
Oh, my powers mightn’t be accessible in this hole for a dimension, but I am far from powerless. And from here, it doesn’t look like anybody’s rushing to wish for you to stop me.

Kalinka attempts to open her mouth but her words are unable to escape from D’Hoffryn’s grip.

D’HOFFRYN:
Now, Kalinka, you have a choice. Your first option is you listen to me. Your second option is I put you out of your misery here and now, in front of these patrons. And your loving husband comes in to find you dead, and forever lives with the knowledge that you died because he was outside having a temper tantrum.

D’Hoffryn releases his grip slightly.

D’HOFFRYN:
So, which one is it?

KALINKA:
The first one.

D’HOFFRYN:
That’s disappointing, but it was predictable.

D’Hoffryn releases his grip entirely. Kalinka rubs her neck, which is still red from D’Hoffryn’s stranglehold.

KALINKA:
What do you want from me?

D’HOFFRYN:
There is a disgruntled young Slayer who goes by the name Simone. Do you know her?

KALINKA:
Should I?

D’HOFFRYN:
She works from the Tengu Temple.

KALINKA:
Oh, one of those Slayers.

D’Hoffryn smiles.

D’HOFFRYN:
Oh, yes. I have it on excellent authority that Simone cares to make a wish. And this, in case you’re yet to realise, is where you come in.

KALINKA:
Not a chance, you son of a bitch.

D’HOFFRYN:
Oh, how could I have forgotten that you and your friends aren’t on the best of terms with these Slayers?
(beat)
Isn’t it lucky that I simply don’t care?

KALINKA:
It’s a trap.

D’HOFFRYN:
Maybe it is a trap, Kalinka. Or maybe, it’s simply a Slayer trying to get revenge at her own for some reason. And if that’s the case, it might prove useful to you and your friends.
(beat)
But you won’t know until she makes the wish, will you?

Kalinka pauses before opening her mouth.

KALINKA:
Fine.

D’HOFFRYN:
Oh, don’t sound so miserable about it, Kalinka. You used to live for vengeance. As much as someone who isn’t technically alive could, anyway.
(beat)
And if you decide that getting clever with me and trying something silly is a good idea, I would just like to remind you that your husband does still visit Earth. And there, my powers work spectacularly.

D’Hoffryn turns around and leaves Kalinka. As he reaches the front of the restaurant, Clem enters. D’Hoffryn pats Clem on the shoulder and smiles.

D’HOFFRYN:
Good evening, Clem. You really do have a lovely wife.

Clem’s face turns to dread as he barges past D’Hoffryn and runs to his wife.

CLEM:
Kalinka! What did he want?

Visibly upset, Kalinka looks up toward her husband and rises from her chair.

KALINKA:
Come on, Clem. We’d better get back to the Dominion.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, TRAINING ROOM

The training room of the Tengu temple is reminiscent of a large gymnasium. Various pieces of training equipment are lined up against the walls. However, the centre of the room is empty – save the Slayers standing there.

SARAH WELLES stands on her own as she stares down a group of five Slayers. SIMONE MATTHEWS and ASHLEY ROBERTS stand at the front of the group. Sarah watches the girls and draws a katana from a sheath strapped to her waste.

SARAH:
Come.

Music cue – “Cherry Lips” by Garbage:
She gave you everything she had
But she was young and dumb
She'd just turned twenty-one
She didn't care to hang around
So when the shit came down
Why she was nowhere to be found
This life can turn a good girl bad
She was the sweetest thing
That you had ever seen

Ashley is the first girl to run at Sarah. She runs at full speed toward the Slayer and draws a bo staff as she reaches about half way. Responding quickly as Ashley approaches, Sarah slices her katana toward Ashley’s head. Ashley lifts the staff to block the blow.

SARAH:
Nice work.

Music (continued):
You're such a delicate boy
In the hysterical realm
Of an emotional landslide
In physical terms

Ashley shifts her pose to the offensive and Sarah leaps backward. Ashley runs toward the slayer at full force and slams the bo staff onto the floor, using her velocity to vault toward Sarah.

In a single move, Sarah nonchalantly steps to the side and punches Ashley in the side of the head, knocking her to the ground. Sarah looks up toward the remaining five Slayers and smiles.

SARAH:
If one of you is unable to take me, you might all want to come at once, instead.

Music (continued):
With your cherry lips and golden curls
You could make grown men gasp
When you'd go walking past them
In your hot pants and high heels
They could not believe
That such a body was for real

Simone looks directly into Sarah’s eyes but does not move a muscle. The three Slayers behind her, however, run directly at Sarah.

SLAYER #1 draws a katana and slashes toward Sarah’s chest. Sarah blocks the blow easily with her katana.

SLAYER #2 makes the most of the opportunity, drawing a bo staff and swinging it behind Sarah’s back. With her free hand, Sarah catches the staff and wrestles it free from the Slayer.

SLAYER #3 draws two sai from her belt and jumps at Sarah. The Slayer throws the sai from her right hand at her opponent, quickly followed by the one in her left. Sarah ducks both weapons and blocks the Slayers’ attack.

SARAH:
And now you’ve discarded your weapons. Not the smartest of moves.

Music (continued):
It seemed like rainbows would appear
Whenever you came near the clouds would disappear
Because you looked just like a girl
Your baby blues would flash
And suddenly a spell was cast

Sarah breaks herself free from Slayers #1 and #2 and promptly punches Slayer #3 in the face, sending her reeling backward. Before Slayer #3 can regain her footing, Sarah jumps into the air with a swift roundhouse kick, knocking her to the floor unconscious.

Slayer #1 slashes at Sarah again, which she blocks with Slayer #2’s staff. Sarah swipes her katana at Slayer #1, which she swiftly blocks, knocking Sarah’s katana to the floor. Sarah smiles and kicks her foot into Slayer #1’s knee, breaking it.

Slayer #2 dives to the ground and secures Sarah’s katana. From the floor, Slayer #2 swipes up toward Sarah, which she blocks with the staff. Sarah slams the staff down at the sword, knocking it free from Slayer #2’s hand, and again slams the staff down at Slayer #2’s head.

Music (continued):
You're such a delicate boy
In the hysterical realm
Of an emotional landslide
In physical terms

Sarah looks up at Simone.

SARAH:
You’re still yet to attack. Either you’re scared, or you’re cocky.

SIMONE:
Oh, I’m looking forward to this.

SARAH:
So, it’s cocky, then.

Sarah drops the bo staff to the ground and picks up the two katanas.

Music (continued):
You hold a candle in your heart
You shine the light on hidden parts
You make the whole world wanna dance
You bought yourself a second chance

Swiftly, Simone throws six shuriken directly at Sarah. Sarah effortlessly deflects them with her swords, sending one spinning back toward Simone, slicing her cheek.

SARAH:
If you want to get rough, you have to expect blood.

Simone wipes the blood from her cheek.

Music (continued):
Go baby go go
We're right behind you
Go baby go go
Yeah we're looking at you
Go baby go go
Aw we're right behind you

Simone’s eyes narrow in focused determination. She runs at Sarah, draws a katana, and strikes repeatedly. Defensively, Sarah blocks each blow.

SARAH:
I sense somebody’s a little narky.

SIMONE:
Kristina is dead, because of you.

Sarah smiles.

SARAH:
That’s right, Simone. Use that anger.

Music (continued):
Go baby
Go baby
Yeah right behind you
Go baby
Go baby
Aw we're right behind you

Simone grasps her katana firmly with both hands, and slices down forcefully. The blow knocks the katana from Sarah’s right hand. Simone slashes the sword at Sarah, slicing her arm.

SIMONE:
And now I have that blood I was after, you bitch.

Simone kicks Sarah in the stomach, sending her reeling back. Sarah regains her footing as Simone brings her katana down towards her head. Sarah drops her katana, and catches Simone’s with both hands, and pulls it free. The katana lands on the ground.

Music (continued):
Go baby
Go baby
Yeah we're looking at you
Go baby
Go baby
Aw we're right behind you
Go baby
Go baby
Yeah we're looking at you

The Slayers breathe deeply as they stand weaponless, staring each other down.

SARAH:
All this effort for Kristina?
(beat)
She was stupid, and the Tengu killed her. She paid the price.

Simone attacks Sarah with a flurry of kicks and punches. Some of them connect while most of them are blocked. Sarah clenches her fist and punches Simone with a backhand to the face, sending her hurtling into the ground. Sarah reaches to the ground and picks up a katana. She places it against Simone’s throat.

SARAH:
You’ve managed to piss me off, little girl. And now you can pay the price.

Sarah is distracted by a deep voice in the background.

DEEP VOICE (O.C.):
No.

Sarah turns around, and sees the TENGU in his full glory, standing at around double her height.

TENGU:
She has fire in her heart. We can channel it.

Sarah bows to her master.

SARAH:
Understood, my Daimyo.

Sarah rises and turns to her defeated opponent.

SARAH:
Clean this mess up, would you?

INT. DOMINION BAR

Bob and Shell stand next to each other behind the bar. Their eyes are wide open, and the fear on their faces is evident.

BOB:
I’m a warrior. You’re a Slayer, kind of. We’re strong. We can do this.

SHELL:
I mean, we’ve saved worlds before.

BOB:
Exactly.

SHELL:
But this?

BOB:
How hard can it be?

Bob and Shell watch as customers line up at the bar, awaiting service. The first DEMON, standing at about three feet high, and with blue skin, looks toward Bob.

DEMON:
Tequila, please.

Bob rushes around trying to find the bottle. Finally, he finds a bottle, and pours the drink into a glass. He hands it to the demon.

DEMON:
That’s vodka. I want tequila.

BOB:
Dammit.

Shell sees Illyria, still in her Fred form, across the bar. She waves, catching her eye.

SHELL:
Hey, Illyria…Fred… whoever.
(beat)
Think we can get some help here?

Illyria morphs from Fred into her natural form.

ILLYRIA:
You two appear to be doing adequately.

Again, Bob passes the demon a drink.

DEMON:
That’s bourbon.

Shell looks toward Illyria.

SHELL:
Please?

Illyria shakes her head.

ILLYRIA:
I am a goddess. I am a murderer.
(beat)
I am not a barmaid.

Yet again, Bob passes the demon a drink.

DEMON:
Say it with me: Te-qui-la.
(beat)
If I wanted scotch, I would have asked for scotch.

BOB:
Just take the damn drink, okay. It’s on the house.

The front door to the Dominion Bar swings open. Shell rolls her eyes and looks at Bob.

SHELL:
Not more customers?

Bob grins.

BOB:
No, reinforcements.

Clem and Kalinka enter the bar, and neither of them appears to be happy.

CLEM:
So, D’Hoffryn wants you to do a job for him?

KALINKA:
As I told you on the way out of the restaurant, yes. That’s exactly it.

CLEM:
And you’re going to do it? Just like that?

KALINKA:
Yes, I really am. I have to.

CLEM:
No, you really don’t have to, Kallie.

Kalinka throws her hands up into the air.

KALINKA:
Why do I even bother trying to talk to you, Clem? It’s obviously going in one ear and out the other. You’re a demon, and you know that sometimes, demons do demon-y things.

Clem pauses before opening his mouth. He looks toward the bar and sees Bob and Shell struggling, but is oblivious.

CLEM:
Yes, I understand that, but it doesn’t feel right.
(beat)
Who are you wreaking vengeance on?

KALINKA:
That’s my business, okay? It’s better that you don’t know.

CLEM:
I’m your husband! We should share these things.

KALINKA (sarcastically):
“Hi, honey. How was your day? Oh, that’s great. Today, I went out and slaughtered people on the whim of a wish.”
(beat)
I’m sorry, but that’s not going to happen.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, THRONE ROOM

The lights in the Tengu’s throne room are switched off, with two flaming torches providing the only light in the room. The Tengu sits on his throne, alone in the virtual darkness. He looks up as a door opens.

TENGU:
You may enter.

Simone enters the throne room and slowly approaches the Tengu. Once she is two metres away, she lowers herself to her knees.

SIMONE:
I apologise for my behaviour this evening, my Daimyo. I lost my temper with Sarah.

TENGU:
You possess fire in your heart, Simone Matthews. As a Slayer – and as my agent – this shall prove to be an invaluable asset.
(beat)
How far are you willing to go to exact your vengeance?

SIMONE:
As far as is necessary, my Daimyo.

TENGU:
Even though I am the one who took the very life from her?

SIMONE:
Yes, my Daimyo. You took Kristina’s life, but she was acting under Sarah’s direction.

TENGU:
Then take yourself to the abandoned warehouse two blocks from here.
(beat)
Sarah Welles has her enemies. One of whom may be able to assist you.

SIMONE:
Thank you, my Daimyo.

TENGU:
Do not thank me, Simone Matthews. Return to me when you have achieved your results.

Simone nods and returns to her feet. She bows to the Tengu and leaves the throne room.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO.

[Allan]

Act Three[/u]

INT. LOS ANGELES, COFFEE BEAN CAFÉ

Various customers sit at the café, relaxing over a cup of coffee or a slice of cake, chatting in the friendly atmosphere. Music plays quietly in the background.

Music – “Short Skirt/Long Jacket” by Cake:
I want a girl with a mind like a diamond
I want a girl who knows what's best
I want a girl with shoes that cut
And eyes that burn like cigarettes

CAPTION:
Los Angeles. 2001.

Kalinka – now blonde – sits at a table toward the centre of the café with HALFREK. Kalinka has a coffee sitting in front of her, while Halfrek sips on a cup of tea.

KALINKA:
You’ve hardly said a word to me since we got here, Halfrek. Which is odd, given you’re the one who invited me out for coffee.

HALFREK:
I’m worried about you, Kalinka.

KALINKA:
You? Worried? That doesn’t sound quite like you.

HALFREK:
You’ve been slipping, Kalinka. Back in the day you rivalled Anyanka in the vengeance game, but recently, you’ve been very reluctant.

KALINKA:
Maybe times are changing.

Kalinka points out the window to the street outside. The sun is shining down, and all seems well in the world outside.

Music (continued):
I want a girl with the right allocations
Who's fast and thorough
And sharp as a tack
She's playing with her jewelry
She's putting up her hair
She's touring the facility
And picking up slack

KALINKA:
Look at the world out there. Humans are changing. They’re softer.
(beat)
And look at the people in here.

HALFREK:
What about them?

KALINKA:
Just look, Halfrek.

Halfrek looks around the café. The patrons are eating and drinking as they chat jovially with each other.

Music (continued):
I want a girl with a short skirt and a lonnnng jacket…
I want a girl who gets up early
I want a girl who stays up late
I want a girl with uninterrupted prosperity
Who used a machette to cut through red tape
With fingernails that shine like justice
And a voice that is dark like tinted glass

HALFREK:
Do you have a point with this, Kalinka?

KALINKA:
Do any of these people look to you like they need vengeance?

HALFREK:
Honey, everybody needs vengeance. I can guarantee you that at some point in all these peoples’ lives, they have been wronged.

KALINKA:
Maybe they have. But they look like they’re going along with their lives just fine without us.

Halfrek shakes her head.

Music (continued):
She is fast and thorough
And sharp as a tack
She's touring the facility
And picking up slack

HALFREK:
Kalinka, the world isn’t changing. You are. And to be perfectly honest, we need all hands on deck ever since Anyanka became human.

KALINKA:
Really? So why aren’t you wreaking vengeance on the wronged?

HALFREK:
This city has a vampire looking out for it. “Helping the helpless,” or something along those lines.

KALINKA:
A vampire working as a champion to the people, huh?
(sarcastically)
No, nothing’s changed, whatsoever.

HALFREK:
Kalinka—

KALINKA:
You know what? Maybe I have changed. And maybe that’s for the best.

HALFREK:
D’Hoffryn won’t be happy.

Kalinka stands up from the table.

KALINKA:
Well, I’ll have to deal with that when it comes.

Music (continued):
I want a girl with a short skirt and a lonnnnng.... lonnng jacket

Kalinka turns away from Halfrek and walks out the door.

INT. DOMINION BAR, STORE ROOM

Kalinka opens a chest full of weapons and withdraws a sword from it. She swipes it into the air, practicing. Clem stands behind her with a worried expression.

CLEM:
Since when did you need to take weapons when going out vengeancing?

KALINKA:
Since now, honey. Expect the unexpected. You know the drill.

Clem rubs his forehead, worried.

CLEM:
Honey, I really wish you’d tell me what’s going on.

Clem looks at his wife, seriously.

KALINKA:
That won’t work, sweetie. There’s no malice intended, and besides, Willow stopped by here and fixed things up, remember?

Kalinka turns away from Clem and exits the room.

INT. DOMINION BAR

The bar area is getting even busier, with the many patrons getting rowdier at Shell and Bob’s lack of expertise in their newfound roles. Clem and Kalinka come storming from the back of the bar. Kalinka is holding a sword as Clem follows, frustrated. Bob and Shell continue about their business, oblivious to the situation.

CLEM:
You’re seriously doing this? At least let me come with you.

KALINKA:
Clem, no. I am a Vengeance Demon, and you are not. This is my responsibility, and there is no need for you to come along.

CLEM:
But there’s a need for you to take a sword?

Kalinka pauses before tenderly placing her hand on her husband’s shoulder.

KALINKA:
Clem, I haven’t done this for a while. Going out, getting revenge for someone. And I have never been sent anywhere, having been told that there will be someone waiting to make a wish.

CLEM:
And that’s my point.

KALINKA:
But I’ve been doing this for over three hundred years, sweetie. I’ll be fine. It’s just a quick job and I’ll be back here, and D’Hoffryn will leave us alone.

Clem opens his mouth in protest, but realises it is futile as his wife kisses him on the cheek.

KALINKA:
I love you, Clem.

CLEM:
I love you too, Kallie.

Kalinka turns away from Clem and walks out the door. His gaze is interrupted as Shell runs up behind him and grabs his shoulder.

SHELL:
Clem! I know this is supposed to be your night off and all, but Bob and I really need you and Kalinka behind the bar.

CLEM:
Didn’t you just see what happened?

SHELL:
Um, should I have?

CLEM:
Never mind…

SHELL:
So, you’ll help us?

CLEM:
Shell, the bar is the last thing on my mind right now. You guys handle it and if anything goes wrong, we’ll look after it in the morning, okay?

Clem turns away from Shell and leaves the main bar area. Shell returns to behind the bar with Bob.

BOB:
So, are we getting the assist?

SHELL:
Nope. Looks like Clem and Kalinka are fighting.

BOB:
They’ll get through it. They always do.
(beat)
But we really need to focus on getting through the night ourselves, okay?

INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM’S OFFICE

Clem’s office is a fairly simple affair. It is quite small, with a desk holding a computer with the rest of it covered in loose paperwork waiting to be filed. A chair sits behind the desk, with two more sitting in front of it.

The office’s door opens and Clem slumps through it and to the chair behind his desk. He flops himself down haphazardly.

CLEM (under breath, to self):
What is she doing…?

Clem looks up with an excited expression.

CLEM:
Kalinka?

Clem’s face turns sour when he sees that it is not his wife, but rather Illyria.

CLEM:
Oh, it’s you.

ILLYRIA:
Don’t sound so excited.

Illyria approaches Clem’s desk.

CLEM:
Illyria, I know you’re having a hard time right now with the whole Fred thing, but I’m not really in the right frame of mind to talk you through it.

ILLYRIA:
No, you’re not.
(beat)
But maybe I can help you.

Clem laughs, and is quickly silenced by an icy stare from Illyria.

CLEM:
You’re serious.

ILLYRIA:
I am.
(beat)
You’re worried about your wife, aren’t you?

CLEM:
No…yes…sort of. I’m worried that she’ll do something she regrets.

ILLYRIA:
But she is a Vengeance Demon.

CLEM:
Yeah, she is. But she’s turned her back on all that. She’s grown past it all. But then D’Hoffryn came along, and…

ILLYRIA:
I dislike him.

CLEM:
Yeah, we all do.
(beat)
Anyway, I think he’s forcing her to do something for him.

ILLYRIA:
Something that is already in her nature?

CLEM:
But it’s not. It was…

ILLYRIA:
And it still is. I have been alive for thousands of years, and have never questioned my nature. But ever since…ever since Winifred Burkle has been inside me, I have started to question it. But that does not change my nature.
(beat)
When I was in Los Angeles, I allied myself with Angel. A vampire with a soul.

CLEM:
Yeah, Spike and Buffy have mentioned him.

ILLYRIA:
But his soul did not change his vampiric nature. It just helped him fight against it.

CLEM:
So, basically, Kalinka still has evil tendencies? Thanks, that makes me feel so much better.

ILLYRIA:
She does. But over the past couple of months, I’ve gotten to know her. She’s strong and determined. She will fight.

Clem smiles toward Illyria.

CLEM:
Thanks.

INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE

Kalinka enters the warehouse, which is dilapidated from years of neglect. The area is adorned in dust and cobwebs. Kalinka finds a power generator and pulls the lever. Nothing happens.

KALINKA (under breath, to self):
Just great.
(beat)
Hello?

Suddenly, Simone drops from the rails above and lands in front of Kalinka.

SIMONE:
You’re her? The Vengeance Demon?

KALINKA:
I am. And I assume you’re the Slayer?

SIMONE:
You knew I’d be here?

KALINKA:
I did, but that doesn’t matter. You have a wish to make, so I suggest you do so quickly.

Simone grins at Kalinka’s demeanour.

SIMONE:
Direct and to the point, I like that.
(beat)
Sarah Welles was responsible for the death of my friend. I wish you would avenge her for me…in person.

Kalinka grimaces before her face morphs into her Vengeance Demon visage.

KALINKA:
Done.

Simone can’t help but laugh.

SIMONE:
Wow. You really don’t like the idea of that, do you?

KALINKA:
You want vengeance, and I am compelled to deliver. Still, it’s more up close and personal than I generally like to get.

SIMONE:
Oh, you’ll be fine.

Kalinka swiftly grabs Simone by the neck and lifts her above the ground with ease.

KALINKA:
I’m well aware of that, you condescending little bitch.

Kalinka throws Simone across the warehouse.

KALINKA:
Now, pick yourself up and take me to the temple.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, SARAH’S QUARTERS

Sarah’s quarters are fairly simplistic, with a single bed to the side of the room and a wardrobe and dressing table on the other side with a Japanese scroll hanging on the wall above it. Sarah lies in her bed, asleep.

Suddenly the door crashes open and Kalinka steps inside her room. Kalinka sees Sarah sleeping, draws her sword and runs to her bed and strikes at her. As Kalinka’s sword crashes down toward Sarah, in a single movement Sarah leaps off the bed and onto her feet. She is fully dressed and is holding a katana.

KALINKA:
So, Simone did betray me.

Sarah grins.

SARAH:
Oh, she didn’t do so knowingly, so don’t exact any vengeance on her. The Tengu knew she wanted me dead, and arranged for you to meet me here.

KALINKA:
Why?

SARAH (sardonically):
So I can kill you.

Music cue – “Superfreak” by Beatfreakz:
She's alright, she's alright, she's alright
That girl's all right with me, yeah
Superfreak, superfreak
Superfreak, superfreak
Superfreak, superfreak
The girl's a superfreak
Superfreak, superfreak
Superfreaky

Sarah jumps into the air and slashes her katana down toward Kalinka’s head. Kalinka jumps out of the way.

SARAH:
So, the Vengeance Demon has some moves. This should get interesting!

Kalinka runs toward Sarah, slashing her sword at her. Sarah blocks each attack and kicks Kalinka in the stomach.

SARAH:
Okay, that was just sloppy.

Music (continued):
She's a very kinky girl
The kind you don't take home to mother
She will never let your spirits down
Once you get her off the street, ow girl
She likes the boys in the band
She says that I'm her all-time favorite
When I make my move to her room it's the right time
She's never hard to please

Kalinka reels from the blow and crashes into Sarah’s dressing table, smashing it. Various personal effects fall out, including various knives, stakes and shuriken. Kalinka looks down and grins.

KALINKA:
That’s quite the collection you have there, Sarah. Mind if I borrow some?

Kalinka picks a knife up from the ground and hurls it at Sarah. Sarah deflects it with ease.

SARAH:
Come on, I expected better.

Having used the knife as a distraction, Kalinka is now standing. Sarah runs toward her, and Kalinka lifts her hand toward Sarah’s shoulder to block the attack. Sarah yells in pain and reels backward. Her shoulder is bleeding heavily.

SARAH:
Ugh, you stuck me.

Sarah rips a shuriken from the wound.

Music (continued):
She's alright, she's alright, she's alright
That girl's all right with me, yeah
She's a superfreak, superfreak, she's superfreaky
She's a superfreak, superfreak, she's superfreaky
Oh oh oh... superfreak, superfreak
Oh oh oh... she's a superfreak, superfreak, superfreaky

SARAH:
That would have had to hurt you, too.

KALINKA:
Yeah, but I heal quickly.

Kalinka raises her hand to Sarah who watches with a stunned expression as it heals in front of her. Sarah shakes her head and runs directly at Kalinka, impaling her through the chest. Kalinka falls to the ground.

Music (continued):
She's a very special girl
The kind of girl you want to know
From her head down to her toenails
Down to her feet, yeah
And she'll wait for me at backstage with her girlfriends
It's such a freaky scene, ow girls

With a satisfied expression, Sarah looks at Kalinka.

Kalinka slowly stands up and withdraws the katana from her chest.

KALINKA:
Please tell me they taught you girls how to kill a Vengeance Demon at Slayer High. This is getting quite embarrassing.

Holding both swords, Kalinka steps toward Sarah. Sarah steps back, unsure of her next move.

SARAH:
I…I wish Simone would just go to Hell for this.

Kalinka smiles.

KALINKA:
Done.

Music (continued):
She's alright, she's alright, she's alright
That girl's all right with me, yeah

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, HALLWAY

Simone is standing in the hallway, laughing at the sounds of the battle she has caused. Suddenly a portal opens above her head. Wind blows throughout the hallway, and a large, red, demonic hand reaches down through the portal and grabs Simone, pulling her up inside. The portal closes as quickly as it opened.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, SARAH’S QUARTERS

Kalinka smiles and drops her weapons.

KALINKA:
Congratulations, Sarah. You broke the spell with your wish.

SARAH:
And that’s it? I mean, we’re not exactly friends.

KALINKA:
No, we’re not. But I get the feeling that this will drag on and on, and I’m not in the mood right now. But believe me when I tell you that I will be there when you die.

Kalinka turns her back to Sarah and leaves her quarters. Sarah watches, stunned.

With a burst of flame, D’Hoffryn appears in Sarah’s quarters.

D’HOFFRYN:
Let me guess, Ms. Matthews wished that your bedroom gets trashed.

SARAH:
Get out of here, D’Hoffryn.

D’HOFFRYN:
By the tone in your voice, I’d say that you were unable to kill the demon?

The expression on D’Hoffryn’s face becomes fierce.

D’HOFFRYN:
Express my discontent to your master, would you? This was not what we agreed on.
(beat)
The Tengu calls himself a follower of Oni. And I will tell you now that Oni does not tolerate failure. And neither do I, for that matter.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Shell and Bob rush around behind the bar, frantically trying to keep up with the rush of customers.

SHELL (to demonic customer):
Your drinks, sir.

DEMONIC CUSTOMER:
I’m a woman. My husband will murder you for that.

BOB:
Not in here, he won’t. Just take your drinks.

The door to the Dominion Bar opens and Kalinka walks in. Bob waves to catch her attention, but Kalinka is too focused to notice. She walks straight past the bar and through the door to the back.

INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM’S OFFICE

Music cue – “Four in the Morning” by Gwen Stefani:
Waking up to find another day
The moon got lost again last night
But now the sun has finally had its say
I guess I feel alright

Clem ponders Illyria’s words as he sits at his desk. He looks up as Kalinka walks in the door.

KALINKA:
Clem!

Kalinka walks to her husband and opens her arms for a hug. Clem simply steps back in avoidance.

Music (continued):
But it hurts when I think
When I let it sink in
It's all over me
I'm lying here in the dark
I'm watching you sleep, it hurts a lot
And all I know is
You've got to give me everything
Nothing less cause
You know I give you all of me

CLEM:
No, Kalinka. Just…no, not right now.

KALINKA:
Clem, I love you.

CLEM:
I know that. And I love you, too.
(beat)
What happened?

Music (continued):
I give you everything that I am
I'm handin' over everything that I've got
Cause I wanna have a really true love
Don't ever wanna have to go & give you up
Stay up till Four In The Morning & the tears are pouring
And I want to make it worth the fight
What have we been doing for all this time?
Baby if we're gonna do it, come on do it right

Kalinka pauses.

CLEM:
Well?

KALINKA:
I was asked to meet a girl to exact vengeance for her.

CLEM:
Who was it?

Music (continued):
All I wanted was to know I'm safe
Don't want to lose the love I've found
Remember when you said that you would change
Don't let me down

Clem places his hands on his hips as Kalinka fails to respond again.

CLEM:
Well?

KALINKA:
I don’t know.
(beat)
I couldn’t go through with it.

Clem smiles softly toward his wife. He steps toward her, stretches his arms open and hugs her tightly.

CLEM:
Don’t worry, Kallie. Everything will be fine.

Music (continued):
It's not fair how you are
I can't be complete, can you give me more?
And all I know is
You got to give me everything
And nothing less cause
You know I give you all of me

Clem kisses his wife tenderly on the cheek as a tear slowly runs down it.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE.

CLOSING CREDITS ROLL.

Written by:
Allan Whatford

Story Editor:
Marie Menninga

Special Thanks:
Everyone who's managed to get through this (and any other) episode - I hope you're enjoying it. Any comments would be appreciated in the feedback thread. Thanks.

Dominion © 2007 Allan Whatford[/i]

[Allan]

Next on Dominion:[/u]

The Tengu, with the aid of Sarah and her rogue Slayers, decide to launch an attack on the inhabitants of the Dominion Bar in an effort to destroy them all.

Will they succeed?