Act Three[/u]
INT. SACRED HEART HOSPITAL, INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
The faint sounds of the chaotic storms outside can be heard from inside the intensive care unit. Various patients, including BECK, lie in their beds, hooked up to various machines. A worn out DR. KOBAYASHI stands at Beck’s side, inspecting her. There has been no change in her condition. She is catatonic with white eyes, and the shi mark is still on her hand.
NURSE RICHARDS enters the intensive care unit and approaches Dr. Kobayashi.
NURSE RICHARDS:
Dr. Kobayashi, you’re obsessing over these four girls. You haven’t slept in well over 24 hours. You really need a break.
DR. KOBAYASHI:
There has to be something I can do, Nurse Richards.
Suddenly, the lights and machinery shut down, as the intensive care unit blacks out.
DR. KOBAYASHI:
What the…?
NURSE RICHARDS:
I think it’s a result of the storms.
DR. KOBAYASHI:
Damn it, these patients
need these machines. We need to get the power back, immediately.
EXT. GRIMMFAERIE DIMENSION, CAVE ENTRANCE – DAY
Jack and Shell stand outside the access point. They look at the entrance to the cave in disbelief.
SHELL:
I don’t believe this. How are we supposed to save Earth when we can’t even get there?
JACK:
I don’t know, Shell.
(beat)
Could the access point be broken?
Shell shrugs her shoulders.
SHELL:
I don’t know. It’s possible, I guess, but with the bitch of a witch ruling this place, I kind of doubt it.
Jack nods his head in agreement.
JACK:
You’re right Shell, this
is most likely the Queen of Hearts’ doing.
(beat)
And it looks like we’d better head back toward her kingdom. On the way, we can try to figure out a way of making her fix this.
SHELL:
Look, I really hate to get all negative Jack, but we don’t have time for this. We
need to get this urn back to Earth, and we need to do it
now.
JACK:
I understand that, Shell. Trust me, I do. But as it stands, we can’t get back to the Dominion. All we can do is hope that in this case, late is better than never.
Jack looks at Shell with a worried expression and smiles sweetly. He stretches his arms out and hugs Shell softly.
JACK:
We’ll save the Earth, Shell. And Beck and the other girls will be okay.
EXT. GRIMMFAERIE DIMENSION, ELVEN VILLAGE – DAY
The elven village does not appear to be inviting to outsiders, with houses made of stone surrounded by overgrown grass and shrubbery. The village is fenced off with an entrance at the front, where two ELVEN GUARDS with faces covered in war paint stand guard. The Kingdom of Hearts can be seen in the background, overlooking the village.
A strong wind begins to blow and the image of the village fades away into nothing but pitch black. The elves in the village stare toward the sky as a gigantic image of the Queen of Hearts appears.
QUEEN OF HEARTS:
The Jack of Spades has returned to this dimension, and is trapped here with his companion. However, as long as he is allowed to live, he poses a threat not just to my kingdom, but to Grimmfaerie itself.
(beat)
You must depart immediately, and destroy the Jack of Spades. Failure will
not be tolerated. I have allowed your village to live in peace in return for your loyalty. Should you return without Jack’s corpse, your village and your lives shall be forfeit.
The image of the Queen of Hearts disappears and the elves rush around their village in preparation for war.
INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM’S OFFICE
Bob, Illyria and Kalinka sit in their chairs, flipping through books as the door swings open and Clem rushes inside.
ILLYRIA:
Clem. Should you not be working in the bar?
CLEM:
Okay, guys, do you want the good news, or the bad news?
BOB:
Let’s go for the good news. We seldom get any these days.
CLEM:
Shell and Jack went to the right place. The Urn of Hearts is
exactly what they need, and they have it.
KALINKA:
That is great news.
(beat)
But why do I get the impression that the bad news is about to put a dampener on this?
Clem cringes at the news he is about to give.
BOB:
What is it, Clem?
CLEM:
Shell and Jack are, um…kind of
stuck in Grimmfaerie.
BOB:
What do you mean by “stuck” there?
CLEM:
They’re trapped there.
Bob looks alarmed as Clem shows him the book and opens it.
CLEM:
See, Bob?
(beat, reading):
“They are now the Urn’s guardians, and the very enchantment that binds spirits within the Urn also binds its guardians to the Grimmfaerie dimension, where they must live the remainder of their days.”
ILLYRIA:
Where did you get this book?
CLEM:
Jack brought it back with him earlier. Lorne was having a read and found this stuff.
Bob looks back down toward the book as more text appears on the page.
BOOK TEXT:
Six hundred and fifty elven men, women and children, each of them wearing armour and carrying weapons, depart their home. They are dressed in armour, and are painted with the elven markings for battle. Each and every elf shares a single goal: destroy the Jack of Spades and Shell Moore.
Bob looks toward Clem, Kalinka and Illyria.
BOB:
This is getting worse.
(beat)
Illyria, Kalinka, you two get some weapons and head for Grimmfaerie.
ILLYRIA:
You are not coming?
BOB:
No, I need to stay here with Clem to ensure that no demons try to escape to Earth. And as much as I hate to admit it, Illyria, you are more powerful than me. We need your strength to save Shell and Jack.
KALINKA:
Um…what about me, Bob? I’m not exactly more powerful than you.
BOB:
No, you’re not, and I hate sending you into battle. But Illyria will need you to locate Shell and Jack, and to lift the spell on the Urn so they can bring it back.
Illyria turns to Kalinka.
ILLYRIA:
Try to survive. We do not have time to find another witch.
Kalinka shakes her head at Illyria’s remark and the two of them leave Clem’s office.
EXT. GRIMMFAERIE DIMENSION, RIVER – DAY
Jack and Shell walk alongside a river. The river is a beautiful sight to behold – it is crystal clear, however it is moving at an incredible pace with strong torrents flowing through it.
JACK:
So, since we’re alone, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.
SHELL:
Yeah? Now’s as good a time as any, I guess.
JACK:
A few weeks ago, when we went out to that club on that “excursion”…
SHELL:
And you got kidnapped?
JACK:
Yes,
that night. Before we were attacked, that was a date, wasn’t it?
Shell smiles sheepishly.
SHELL:
Um, I don’t know…
Jack grins.
JACK:
You don’t know, or you’re being coy?
Shell lowers her head, embarrassed about being put on the spot.
SHELL:
I guess it was, but then everything went so crazy. You were kidnapped and then we had to fight the Tengu…
JACK:
Things
do tend to go a bit crazy.
(beat)
But afterwards, we never tried again.
SHELL:
Well, how do we top you getting tortured for a second date?
JACK:
You’d be surprised. I was thinking when we get back and save the world again, we should try it again.
Shell looks into Jack’s eyes, and the two of them smile. Shell opens her mouth to respond but jumps, startled by a splashing noise coming from the river. Jack and Shell look down to see a beautiful MERMAID staring back up at them.
MERMAID:
They’re coming for you.
Jack and Shell glance at each other before looking back down at the mermaid.
JACK:
Who’s coming?
MERMAID:
The elves, and they number in the hundreds.
SHELL:
Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
JACK:
It’s a bad thing. A
very bad thing.
(beat)
The elves live their lives with the sole purpose of serving the Queen of Hearts.
MERMAID:
You must—
The mermaid’s words are cut short as an arrow strikes her through the head. Blood seeps from the wound and spills into the river as her whole body floats to the top of the lake and drifts away. Shell and Jack watch in horror.
SHELL:
We must what?
JACK:
Run.
SHELL:
We have to get to the Queen of Hearts’ kingdom, Jack.
JACK:
I know that, Shell, but we can’t do it if we’re dead.
Jack and Shell hear the army’s footsteps and turn to see the army of elves approaching. The elves in the front draw their swords, while the elves in the back shoot a flurry of arrows at the duo.
Music cue – “Tell Me Where It Hurts” by Garbage:
What is my day going to look like?
What will my tomorrow bring me?SHELL:
Okay, we run.
Music (continued):
If I had x-ray eyes, I could see inside
I wouldn’t have to predict the futureJack grabs Shell’s hand and they run as fast as they can from the army of elves. The elves see the two run, and those in the front carrying swords chase after them.
Music (continued):
I wish that you would do with some talking
How else am I to know what you’re thinking?Jack’s hand breaks away from Shell’s and they keep running as they draw their weapons.
Music (continued):
If only people would say what it really was
What it really was
What it really was that they wantedJack is running in front of Shell as she trips over a rock and falls to the ground. Jack stops, turns around and extends his hand to Shell, helping her up from the ground. The first three elves arrive, slashing their swords at them.
Music (continued):
Tell me where it hurts
to hell with everybody else
All I care about is you and that’s the truth
They don’t like me; I can tell
But you do, so they can go to hellJack ducks the attack from the first elf and Shell extends her sword, blocking the attack from the second. Jack stabs the first elf through the chest and Shell kicks the second in the stomach, sending it colliding into the third elf.
More elves approach rapidly as an arrow soars toward Shell. Jack leaps at Shell, knocking her out of the way as the arrow strikes him in the back of the shoulder. The two tumble from the ground and into the river. The torrent carries them downstream rapidly.
Music (continued):
Did they ever give you a reason
To believe in something differentJack and Shell fight to keep their heads above the water as arrows fly through the sky, almost hitting them. The elves with swords stand and sneer, unsure of their next tactics as they watch Jack and Shell disappear downstream.
Music (continued):
If you’re looking for love, for what it’s worth
I have plenty of it lying around here somewhereJack and Shell tumble off a cliff and down a waterfall, plummeting toward a lagoon below.
Music (continued):
If you are looking for disappointment
You can find it around any corner
In the middle of the night I hold on to you tight
So both of us can feel protectedJack’s head bobs up from the water and he turns to see that Shell is dazed from the fall. He reaches across and grabs her hand, carrying her to the shore. The two climb up to shore, breathless, as they gaze into each others’ eyes.
EXT. GRIMMFAERIE DIMENSION, CAVE ENTRANCE – DAY
Illyria stands over Kalinka, who is sitting cross-legged on the ground. Kalinka is surrounded by various mystical objects set alongside a half-empty bag. Her eyes are closed and her hands placed lightly on her knees. Kalinka tilts her head back slightly as a white candle in front of her flickers. Blue mist surrounds Kalinka as she remains still, opening her eyes to reveal they are now white.
KALINKA:
Shell. Jack.
The mist flows into a ball and it expands and flattens itself to reflect an image of a map. A single area glows brightly before the mist slowly disappears. Kalinka’s eyes fade back to their usual hazel colour and she stands up.
ILLYRIA:
Shell and Jack are close. We can be there in ten minutes.
KALINKA:
Actually, we can be there sooner. They’re within range for a teleportation spell.
EXT. GRIMMFAERIE DIMENSION, LAGOON SHORE – DAY
Water drips from Shell and Jack as they stand on the sandy shore. They are covered in cuts and their clothes are in tatters. Shell notices the arrow lodged in Jack’s shoulder.
SHELL:
Oh my God, you’re hurt!
Jack grimaces and nods his head.
JACK:
I don’t suppose you could rip it out, could you?
Shell nods her head and Jack turns around. Shell reaches for the arrow and yanks it out. Jack grunts from the pain.
SHELL:
Jack, sit down. Wait for me, and I’ll head toward the kingdom.
JACK:
I’m going with you, Shell.
SHELL:
No, you’re not, Jack. You’re hurt.
Jack shakes his head.
JACK:
I’m fine, Shell.
SHELL:
You’re not fine. You’re
stubborn.
Jack grins.
JACK:
Yeah, maybe I am, Shell. But I’m not letting you do this on your own. We have hundreds of elves after us, and I’m not letting you out of my sight.
Shell smiles.
SHELL:
That’s so sweet.
Shell leans toward Jack and kisses him on the lips. Jack responds awkwardly before returning the kiss.
Behind Jack and Shell, a luminous white light appears and Kalinka and Illyria appear. Kalinka smirks and Illyria watches as if there is nothing happening between the two of them. Kalinka coughs politely to alert the two of their presence.
Jack and Shell turn around to see Kalinka and Illyria.
KALINKA:
Let me guess, you two got yourselves trapped here just so you could have a bit of time to yourselves.
ILLYRIA:
Is the Urn of Hearts alright?
Jack points to the ground where the urn sits in the sand.
JACK:
Yeah. It’s a little wet, but it’ll be fine.
ILLYRIA (to Kalinka):
Do your spell quickly.
Kalinka picks up the urn and stretches her arms, holding it high above her head.
KALINKA:
Oh mighty spirit of Hearts, release the Jack of Spades and Shell Moore of Earth from your grip.
Illyria spies a horde of elves approaching in the distance and turns to Jack and Shell.
ILLYRIA:
Elves. Wait here.
Illyria rushes off toward the elves and fights swiftly and brutally. She stabs one elf and decapitates another. Individually, the elves are out of their depth, but their numbers gain on Illyria and begin to overwhelm her.
Swirls of orange energy flow out from Jack and Shell’s mouths and dissipate into the air.
SHELL:
Well, that was weird.
(beat)
And it kind of tasted like Jaffas.
Kalinka turns to Shell and Jack. She smiles.
KALINKA:
So, how about I bring us all back to the access point so we can go home?
INT. DOMINION BAR
Bob stands by the main entrance of the bar, staring down the customers. They all sit in their seats, not willing to get on Bob’s bad side. Clem stands behind the bar and hands another cocktail to Lorne, who reads the book.
LORNE:
Looks like we can expect the kiddies any minute now.
(beat)
And love is
most definitely in the air.
The door opens beside Bob as Shell, Jack, Kalinka and Illyria enter. Jack and Shell look at each other and smile, even through their injuries. Bob turns to greet the group.
BOB:
You’re back. Did you retrieve the Urn of Hearts okay?
Shell nods her head and shows it to Bob.
SHELL:
It’s right here, Bob.
BOB:
Good.
(beat, to Kalinka)
Do you think you can get the elementals back into the Urn?
KALINKA:
It won’t be a problem, Bob. It’s just a simple binding spell.
Bob nods his head.
BOB:
Alright, you should get to it, then.
SHELL:
I’ll come with you, and then I can get to the hospital and check on Beck.
JACK:
I’ll come to.
Bob rests his hand on Jack’s shoulder.
BOB:
Before you go, Jack, there’s something you should know.
Bob signals across the bar to Clem and Lorne. Lorne rushes toward Bob and Jack with the book.
BOB:
This book has been chronicling your adventures with Shell in Grimmfaerie.
JACK:
What?
BOB:
Your
entire mission in Grimmfaerie has been written in this book.
JACK:
Everything? Even the bit about Shell and I…?
Bob nods his head as Lorne shows Jack the book.
BOB:
It’s in there.
JACK:
Looks like I’d better get back to that little old lady.
Jack, Shell and Kalinka leave the Dominion Bar. Lorne takes another look at the book’s page.
BOOK TEXT:
And once the spirits were bound, the Jack of Spades and Shell lived happily ever after…
EXT. NEW YORK CITY, WOLFRAM & HART – NIGHT
Kalinka, Jack and Shell fight to stand their ground through the pouring rain and violent wind. Flames burst from the offices in the Wolfram & Hart tower and the ground shakes as reptilian demons stare at Kalinka. Jack and Shell have their swords poised, ready to attack.
Music cue – “Lithium” by Evanescence
Lithium, don't want to lock me up inside
Lithium, don't want to forget how it feels without
Lithium, I want to stay in love with my sorrow
Oh but God I want to let it goKalinka places the Urn of Hearts on the ground and stares up at the sky.
KALINKA (chanting):
Urn of Hearts, heed these words. Bind the earth, bind the water, bind the wind and bind the fire. Bind these elemental forces so they may be reunited with their masters.
The urn begins to glow and the ground stops shaking as a brown ethereal entity floats down into the Urn. The rain stops pouring as a blue ethereal entity glides down into the Urn, followed closely by a translucent one as the wind stops. Finally, a bright red ethereal figure glides into the Urn as the fires stop burning.
Music (continued):
Come to bed, don't make me sleep alone
Couldn't hide the emptiness you let it show
Never wanted it to be so cold
Just didn't drink enough to say you love meKalinka quickly places the lid on the Urn as the reptilian demons slither away. Jack places his hand on Shell’s and the two of them look up at the stars shining from the sky above.
JACK:
Who’d have thought it’s actually a nice night out?
Kalinka passes the Urn to Shell.
KALINKA:
Good luck, Shell.
SHELL:
Thanks.
(to Jack)
Are you coming?
JACK:
No, I’d better see what I can find out about the book that old woman gave me.
Shell nods her head.
SHELL:
See you back at the Dominion, then?
Jack leans in and kisses Shell on the cheek.
JACK:
Count on it.
INT. SACRED HEART HOSPITAL, INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
Dr. Kobayashi leads Shell through the darkness toward Beck’s bed. The lights begin to flicker as the hospital powers up.
Music (continued):
I can't hold on to me
Wonder what's wrong with meSHELL:
Looks like there’s power again.
DR. KOBAYASHI:
It’s too little too late, I’m afraid. We lost quite a few patients.
SHELL:
Oh, my God…
DR. KOBAYASHI:
Your friends survived. They were somehow unaffected by the power outage.
SHELL:
I’m glad to hear it, but I’m so sorry.
Music (continued):
Lithium, don't want to lock me up inside
Lithium, don't want to forget how it feels without
Lithium, I want to stay in love with my sorrowShell opens the Urn, and the four elementals float out toward their hosts. The fire elemental reaches Beck and floats inside her mouth and nostrils. The shi marking disappears from her hand and colour returns to her eyes.
BECK (half asleep):
Spike?
Shell smirks to herself.
SHELL:
Welcome back to the land of the living.
BECK:
Oh, hey, Shell. Did I miss anything exciting?
INT. NEW YORK CITY, SECOND-HAND BOOKSTORE
The bookstore’s front door slams open and Jack strides inside and toward Agnes.
Music (continued):
Don't want to let it lay me down this time
Drown my will to flyAGNES:
Hello, young man. Look at the lovely weather outside.
Jack draws his sword and points it at Agnes’ throat.
JACK:
The book. Why did you give it to me?
Agnes grins as she morphs into a banshee, appearing as a beautiful woman with flowing blonde hair. She opens her mouth to speak, revealing razor-sharp teeth and a forked tongue.
AGNES:
It’s a message from my Queen. She will
always be with you, Jack. There is no hiding, and there are
no happy endings.
Music (continued):
Here in the darkness I know myself
Can't break free until I let it go
Let me goJack stabs his sword through the banshee’s neck. She gasps as she slowly slides downward and off the sword, hitting the ground. Still breathing, the banshee stares up at Jack disdainfully.
JACK:
Tell your Queen that I beg to differ.
Jack turns away from the banshee and leaves the bookstore.
INT. DOMINION BAR
The bar is fairly quiet as many of the patrons have left for the night. The book sits on the bar, open at the last page of the tale.
BOOK TEXT:
And once the spirits were bound, the Jack of Spades and Shell lived happily ever after…
Slowly, more text appears on the book, completing the passage.
BOOK TEXT:
And once the spirits were bound, the Jack of Spades and Shell lived happily ever after – until the Queen of Hearts got her final revenge.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE.
CLOSING CREDITS ROLL.
Written by:
Allan WhatfordStory Editor:
Marie MenningaSpecial Thanks:
Everyone who read this episode (and any of them, really!) - I hope you enjoyed it. Any comments in the
feedback thread are appreciated. Thanks.
Dominion © 2007 Allan Whatford
