Dominion, episode 1.14 - "For the Demon Who..."

[Allan]

Welcome to Dominion 1.14, For the Demon Who Has Everything. It's a mouthful of a title, though is borrowed from Alan Moore's brilliant Superman story "For the Man Who Has Everything" (incidentally, the story was adapted in an episode of Justice League Unlimited - if you can manage to see the episode, I recommend it).

The episode is continued from 1.13. I've wanted to tell a Bob-centric story like this since initially creating the character when coming up with a broad idea for the season, though Marie's Past Mistakes really cemented what the heart of the story would be. So many thanks, Marie.

This wasn't the easiest episode to write, though I'm personally reasonably happy with the result. That said, it could just be my own bias at work, since I've had this in my head for many months now. It also has the longest word count to date, if not the most pages.

I'm hoping that the episode's trivia will be online within the next day or so. So check that out, too.

This episode contains one song:

• What a Wonderful World by Joey Ramone

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

Pages: 42

Words: 10,682

I hope you enjoy the episode. Any feedback, positive, negative, or just plain rude, in the Dominion feedback thread is always appreciated. Thanks!

[Allan]

Kalinka:
Previously on Dominion:

INT. NEW YORK CITY, WOLFRAM & HART MEZZANINE LEVEL

A lawyer, Sienna Campbell leads a Japanese man in his forties, Katsuo Sakamoto across the marble floor and introduces him to a group of people.

SIENNA:
I would like to introduce you to Katsuo Sakamoto from our Tokyo branch.
(beat)
He’s here in relation to the Oni.

JACK (shouting):
Everybody, stay away from the blonde woman! Do not say a word to her.

KATE:
What? Your tactics are all about stranger danger?

ILLYRIA:
Kalinka’s power relies on people making wishes. As long as nobody makes a wish, she’s harmless.

With a swift punch, Illyria sends Kalinka crashing into a wall on the other side of the room.

D’HOFFRYN:
It’s simple, really. During our last encounter, I thought that Kalinka may be a little more difficult to convince the next time. And somehow, she just so happened to swallow a Persuasion Worm’s egg.
(beat)
It looks like it may have hatched.

INT. TRAINING ROOM

We see Bob and Brigette, the blonde from the alley, sparring. There are shelves against the far wall, full of various knives and swords. Next to it is a chest. The lid is open just enough to show a couple crossbows and a variety of other large weapons. In the main area of the room are a variety of training apparatus. Brigette is using a punching bag hanging in the middle of the room, easily causing it to swing back and forth.

BOB:
You know, I’m here to protect you, not help you work out, Brigette.

BRIGETTE:
Yeah, but if you’re going to be here anyway to “protect” me, don’t you think you could manage doing something useful, too?

She winks playfully at Bob, who’s obviously annoyed by her use of air quotes. She grabs a pair of knives from a rack on the wall and starts to throw them at a dart board across the room.

BRIGETTE:
And besides, if your job is to protect me, wouldn’t helping me protect myself count?

EXT. PHILADELPHIA GRAVEYARD – NIGHT

She comes within feet of the cemetery’s exit when she stops once more to examine a headstone with two ornately carved cherubs on it. She’s so fixated on the grave that she doesn’t notice a vampire rising from a grave just a few rows behind her. Although confused, the lust for blood is evident on the young vampire’s bumpy face. He spots Brigette and starts to move toward her, still unsure, but undoubtedly hungry.

Bob can be seen turning a corner, coming into her view. He’s quick to spot her stalker, but before she can acknowledge his presence the vampire strikes.

The vampire slowly stands, making himself known. Bob, who had started walking hurriedly toward Brigette, sees the vampire and calls out to Brigette. But it’s too late. Before Brigette can turn around the vampire has her in his grasp, one hand tightly wrapped around her waist, the other cupping her mouth. Brigette’s helpless eyes widen, full of fear, as she looks at Bob who stands in shock only a few yards away.

Before Bob can control his fear and rush to Brigette’s aid the vampire has his teeth in her, drinking hungrily. He senses a bond between the young woman and the demon, taking extra satisfaction in his kill as Bob looks on.

In one last gesture of perverse pleasure the vampire lifts his head to look directly at Bob while swiftly breaking Brigette’s neck before turning to leave the cemetery.

Bob, grief now taking the place of his fear, starts to move, but instead of hunting the vampire he runs to Brigette, falls beside her and cradles her body in his arms, tears forming in his eyes.

EXT. ARASHMAHAAR – NIGHT

Arashmahaar is dark and foreboding to the point where even Bob looks uncomfortable walking through the dimension. Spirits fly through the air hauntingly as Bob approaches a figure in the shadows who has his back to him.

BOB:
D’Hoffryn, we need to talk.

The figure turns around to face Bob and steps out from the shadows. Bob looks at the figure with confusion as he reveals himself to be Hext.

HEXT:
D’Hoffryn’s not here, Bob. But imagine the coincidence of me running into you here.

[Allan]

Teaser[/u]

EXT. VRIXAL DIMENSION, PLANES – DAY

A red sky overlooks an arid world with a black ground littered with granite rocks. The wind is incredibly strong, blowing dust and rocks through its path. A female CESSATION demon with charcoal-coloured skin, and of a similar appearance to Bob, fights her way through the wind.

BOB (V.O.):
My name is Bob, and I am a Cessation demon.

The female Cessation demon approaches a cliff and looks down before leaping off it. She lands about fifty meters below and continues to walk, approaching hundreds of large eggs that are resting in the valley.

BOB (V.O.):
I was born about three hundred and fifty years ago, give or take. After the second century, you tend to lose count. Birthdays just don’t have the same meaning when you rack up so many of them.

One of the eggs begins to shake and wobble, before a tiny fist smashes through it. The little fist fights its way through the egg before a second one smashes through. The fists push and pull their way through the holes, cracking the shell further. The egg falls over and rolls for almost a meter as the fists struggle to break free. Eventually they do, and a baby Cessation demon – BOB – climbs his way out from the eggshell. Bob’s mother runs across to greet him.

BOB (V.O.):
I was the first of all my siblings to hatch from the egg. My mother was very proud. I was her first born son.

EXT. VRIXAL DIMENSION, VALLEY – NIGHT

Night has fallen over the dark valley and the female Cessation demon stands among hundreds of baby demons.

BOB (V.O.):
It didn’t take long for my siblings to hatch…all two hundred or so of them. And to think about all the humans that find twins hard to manage.

The baby Cessation demons all roll around, playfully. Their mother stands in the shadows, watching them proudly.

BOB (V.O.):
My mother named me “Bob”. I guess she liked the name. I guess she really liked the name, because she named every single one of my siblings “Bob,” as well. That shows a distinct lack of originality.
(beat)
Still, I don’t know how well I’d fare if I had to name two hundred kids.

EXT. VRIXAL DIMENSION, VALLEY – DAY

The wind blows strongly, which is commonplace in the Vrixal Dimension. The young demons are now a few years older, and steadier on their feet. Bob watches them from the distance, standing in the shadows.

BOB (V.O.):
When you’re one of two hundred children with the same name, it takes sibling rivalry to a whole new level.

Bob stretches out his arms and extends the spikes from his wrists. He leaps at one of his siblings and stabs him through the chest. The other demons look at him in shock and Bob begins to attack them all viciously, hacking and slashing his way through them.

EXT. VRIXAL DIMENSION, VALLEY – NIGHT

Dead Cessation demons pile up from the ground. The pile begins to rumble and Bob climbs out from the pile, stained in the blood of his siblings. He is the last demon standing.

BOB (V.O.):
I didn’t hate my siblings. I didn’t even dislike them. But when you’re one of that many children with nothing to distinguish yourself from the others, you feel the need to assert your individuality. So I did just that.

Bob’s mother stares at him in horror. She extends spikes from below her wrists and leaps into the air and rushes toward Bob, consumed by blind rage. Bob looks scared for a brief moment before running into battle against his mother. She stabs at him and he ducks, before jumping into the air toward her. Bob grips his mother’s neck with both arms and presses, crushing her windpipe. She falls to the ground, dead.

BOB (V.O.):
My mother didn’t appreciate me killing them. I’m no mother, but I do know that losing the ones you care about is never a pleasant experience.
(beat)
But I killed her anyway. That left me an orphan.

EXT. VRIXAL DIMENSION, PLANES – DAY

A fully grown and easily recognisable Bob walks through the arid planes alone. He hears a hissing sound and swivels around. In the distance behind him, a GIANT SERPENT slithers toward him.

BOB (V.O.):
My home, the Vrixal Dimension, is not the most hospitable of places, especially when you need to survive on your own.
(beat)
The land is full of demons, and none of them are the kind who you would invite out for a quiet beer.

The giant serpent slithers toward Bob at a furious speed. It reaches him and stops, towering over him at 30 meters high and hundreds of meters long. It opens its mouth and swallows Bob whole.

BOB (V.O.):
And sometimes, you needed to improvise.

The giant serpent rolls around in pain. Its stomach begins to twitch before a hole bursts through it from the inside. Bob, covered in the serpent’s entrails, climbs out from the wound.

EXT. VRIXAL DIMENSION, KINGDOM – DAY

Bob sits upon a throne made from stone, overlooking his world. A gigantic statue in his honour towers in the sky above him. Hundreds of demons kneel before him, and three concubines lie back around his feet.

BOB (V.O.):
Word about my aptitude for survival soon spread across Vrixal. The inhabitants considered me to be a fierce warrior, and learned to stay out of my way.
(beat)
Until one day, an interdimensional portal was discovered, leading to a pocket dimension. They made me King, to rule over them, and to protect them, should anybody arrive from another dimension.

A large, THREE-EYED demon approaches the throne, dragging an unconscious body along the ground behind him. He kneels before Bob and presents the body. It is HEXT.

The three-eyed demon rises and shakes Hext until he wakes up. Hext steps toward the throne and smiles to Bob.

BOB (V.O.):
In all honesty, ruling over Vrixal was overrated. Granted, I had more than my fair share of concubines, and had millions of demons worshipping me, but life got boring.
(beat)
Until I met him.

INT. EARTH, TRAINING ROOM

Shelves rest against the far wall of the training room, and are stacked with various weapons. An open chest sits next to it, filled with crossbows. Bob watches as BRIGETTE aptly punches a punching bag.

BOB (V.O.):
Hext offered to show me what the various dimensions have to offer, and eventually led me to a young girl, Brigette, who just happened to stumble upon the realms of the supernatural.
(beat)
I was charged with protecting her.

Brigette turns to Bob and grins cockily. Bob shakes his head, but can’t help but smile.

INT. DOMINION BAR

The Dominion Bar is brightly lit, bustling with demons of all shapes and sizes who are sitting, drinking and relaxing. CLEM stands behind the bar, next to KALINKA. The two of them smile toward each other and briefly hold hands before Clem rushes to serve a customer.

Clem hands the customer a drink, and we see that she is SHELL. Shell smiles and takes the drink. Brigette approaches the bar and sits down next to Shell. They clink glasses and grin before sipping their drinks.

BOB (V.O.):
And that brings us to today. I have a job as a bouncer, at the Dominion Bar, which now occupies the pocket dimension. Brigette has learned to adjust to the world around her, and I have a second girl under my protection: Shell.

Bob approaches Shell and Brigette and the two girls grin and rush over to him. Bob smiles, finally at peace.

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:
Ron Rifkin as Hext
Kevin Sorbo as the Tengu
Ken Watanabe as Katsuo Sakamoto
Jordan Hinson as Brigette

Created by Allan Whatford with Marie Menninga.

Based on the TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel”, created by Joss Whedon.

END CREDITS.

[Allan]

Act One[/u]

INT. DOMINION BAR

The Dominion Bar is full of demonic customers. The lights are bright, and everybody inside the bar is happy as music plays in the background. It’s as if all the demons don’t have a care in the world.

Music - “What a Wonderful World” by Joey Ramone:
I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I say to myself
What wonderful world

Bob walks across the bar’s floor and approaches Shell and Brigette. The two look at each other and grin before running across the floor to him.

SHELL:
Bob, you’re back!

Music (continued):
I see skies of blue and clouds of white
Bright sunny days, dark sacred nights
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

Bob smiles as he shakes his head.

BOB:
You sound like you doubt me, Shell.

SHELL:
Never, Bob.

BOB:
And I trust you looked after her, Brigette?

BRIGETTE:
Of course, Bob. I’d never let you down.

BOB:
And I’d never let you girls down, either.

Music (continued):
The colors of the rainbow are so pretty in the skies
Are also on the faces of people walking by

Shell and Brigette both smile at Bob’s sentiment.

SHELL:
So, how was it? How was the trip home?

Music (continued):
I see friends shaking hands saying
How do you do?
They're really saying
I love you

Bob walks toward a couch and sits on it. Shell and Brigette follow and sit opposite him.

BOB:
It was great.
(beat)
Even though my time there was…interesting, it still feels like home, y’know?

BRIGETTE:
You miss it?

BOB:
Occasionally. But I have you two girls here with me, and you make me proud.

Brigette points her fingers to her mouth, and makes vomiting noises. Shell playfully elbows her friend in the arm.

Music (continued):
I see babies cry, I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll ever know
And I think to myself

BOB:
I’m serious, Brigette. Over the past few years, you’ve really blossomed. You’ve gone from a girl, just a bystander in the world around you, to a true warrior.
(beat)
And somehow, and I still can’t explain this, but somehow you can access the Dominion Bar. You have no mystical abilities to speak of, and yet, here you are.

Music (continued):
What a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself
What a wonderful world

Brigette smiles at Bob’s praise sheepishly.

BOB:
And you, Shell, you’ve exceeded what anybody could ever expect from a Slayer. Your visions of Senaya keep telling you you’re something more, and you keep proving it.

Music (continued):
And I say to myself
What a wonderful world

SHELL:
It’s not enough to stop the Tengu, though.

BOB:
We’ll get there, Shell. Don’t worry.
(beat)
I take it you two have kept up your training during my absence?

Shell and Brigette nod their heads.

BOB:
Good. Let’s take it outside, and show me what you’ve got.

EXT. MYXYZ DIMENSION – DAY

As far as demonic dimensions go, the Myzyz Dimension is relatively pleasant. The sky has a purple tint, illuminated by a violet coloured sun. Mountains can be seen in the distance, past a nearby crypt in open fields.

The crypt’s door opens and Brigette steps out from it, followed by Shell and then Bob.

SHELL:
Wow, as far as holiday locations go, maybe you should have tried here, Bob.

BOB:
Don’t let the scenery fool you, Shell. This dimension is as dangerous as just about any of them out there.

BRIGETTE:
So, what’s the plan of attack?

Bob smiles.

BOB:
Attack’s the key word, Brigette. You attack Shell.

Brigette nods to Bob and turns to Shell.

BRIGETTE:
Got it.

Brigette runs toward Shell at full speed. She jumps into the air and launches a flying kick in Shell’s direction. Shell blocks the kick and grabs Brigette’s foot, using her momentum against her and throwing Brigette to the ground. Brigette lands with a somersault and stands, unfazed, and turns back to face Shell.

SHELL:
Nice.

BOB:
Less talking, more fighting, Shell.

Shell turns her head and nods to Bob. Brigette uses Shell’s distraction to sucker punch her on the side of the head. Shell shakes off the punch and responds with a kick to Brigette’s stomach, sending her reeling backward.

Brigette regains her footing as Shell rushes toward her. Shell starts kicking and punching toward Brigette rapidly, and Brigette manages to block every blow.

BOB:
Good work, girls.

Shell kicks toward Brigette, who catches her foot with both her hands before it makes contact. Shell jumps into the air with her free foot and kicks toward Brigette’s head. Brigette ducks the attack and Shell lands on the ground. She shakes her head in frustration.

Shell rushes directly toward Brigette and clenches her fist before punching her in the chest. The impact from Shell’s punch knocks Brigette into the air before she lands three metres away. Shell stares in shock before running to Brigette’s aid.

SHELL:
Oh, no! Slayer strength, I’m so sorry.

Shell rushes toward Brigette and offers her a hand. Brigette takes Shell’s hand and stands up as she sweeps her foot at Shell’s ankle, knocking her to the ground. Brigette grins before helping Shell up from the ground.

Bob walks toward Shell and Brigette, who are breathing deeply after their workout.

BOB:
Shell, you’re strong, but you cannot simply rely on your “Slayer strength”. At the end of the day, you will fight many powerful adversaries, many of whom will be just as strong, if not stronger, than you.

The ground begins to rumble and Bob looks down at the ground cautiously before stepping back.

BOB:
Brigette, Shell, be careful.

Shell and Brigette look at each other with worried expressions and look toward the ground as it begins to shake more violently. Bob continues to step away.

BOB:
Run.

Shell and Brigette begin to run as fast as they can toward Bob, who also turns and runs from the shaking ground. The ground begins to collapse behind Shell and Brigette before completely disappearing as a gigantic TENTACLE rises from it. Brigette yells, panicked, as the tentacle wraps itself around her waist and lifts her twelve feet into the air.

Bob and Shell both swivel around as they hear Brigette yelling. Bob stares in horror.

FLASH TO:

EXT. ARASHMAHAAR – NIGHT

Spirits soar through the night sky of Arashmahaar as Bob stands alone. Orange thorned vines are wrapped around him, pricking his skin, and lodged in his ears and nose. Bob suddenly shakes, as if he were having a fit.

BOB (shouting):
Brigette! No!

FLASH TO:

EXT. MYXYZ DIMENSION – DAY

Bob’s face turns from horror to seriousness as the tentacle shakes Brigette in mid-air. Bob rushes toward the tentacle, and extends the spikes from below his wrists as it disappears back underground, taking Brigette with it.

Shell turns to follow Bob.

BOB:
Shell, stay up here. The hole will be a tight enough fit as it is, especially with those tentacles flailing about.

Bob leaps into the hole after Brigette. The ground shakes in synchronicity with the sounds of violent crashing which can be heard underground. Shell approaches the hole cautiously and looks down.

SHELL (under breath):
Oh, that’s just gross.

Shell falls on her hands and knees as the ground continues to shake more and more violently. She picks herself up and dusts off her hands just as a high pitched screeching is heard from below the surface.

Shell steps back toward the hole and smiles as two feminine hands grip the ground. Shell reaches down into the hole and one of the hands grips her arm. Shell pulls upward, and with her free hand, reaches down and grabs the second hand. Shell slowly pulls Brigette free.

With Shell’s help, Brigette climbs up to the ground. Brigette is covered in dirt, her clothes are torn, and she has a few minor cuts.

SHELL:
Are you okay, Brigette?

Brigette grins and nods her head.

BRIGETTE:
That was better than any amusement park.

SHELL:
And Bob?

Brigette points to the hole as Bob pulls himself up and out of it.

BOB (sarcastically):
Sure, help the girl, but not the demon…

SHELL:
You’re big enough and ugly enough to handle yourself, Bob.

Brigette rushes toward Bob and hugs him.

BRIGETTE:
Thanks for the save, Bob.

BOB:
While hugging’s all well and good, that Decademon still has nine more tentacles. And I think it’s safe to say that I pissed him off.

Shell, Brigette and Bob rush back toward the crypt’s access point as nine more tentacles lash out toward them. They reach the access point safely as the nine tentacles thrash wildly through the air.

BOB:
See? I told you this place was dangerous.

SHELL:
Blubber.

Shell opens the door to the crypt and holds it open as Brigette and Bob enter, before following them inside.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE ROOM

The executive conference room is large, with a table seating 38 EXECUTIVES taking up the majority of the space sitting in the middle. Another executive, the SPEAKER, stands at the front of the room, next to a projection of an ancient sketch of the Oni of Vahla Ha’Nesh, standing tall, with his spider-like legs stretched outside.

SPEAKER (subtitled from Japanese):
We are waiting for one more person. Once he arrives, we can begin.

The door to the conference room opens and KATSUO SAKAMOTO enters, carrying with him a long bag. Katsuo bows to the speaker, who, in kind, returns the gesture.

KATSUO (subtitled from Japanese):
I apologise for running late.

SPEAKER (subtitled from Japanese):
That’s fine, Sakamoto. I trust the trip to our New York office was successful?

KATSUO (subtitled from Japanese):
It was.

SPEAKER (subtitled from Japanese):
That pleases me.
(beat)
And you retrieved the item?

KATSUO (subtitled from Japanese):
I did.

Katsuo takes a seat at the table among the executives.

SPEAKER (subtitled from Japanese):
Then let us begin.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Clem and Kalinka stand behind the bar and a couple of demons sit on the stools opposite them, quietly drinking. Kalinka looks at her watch impatiently.

KALINKA:
Where is Illyria? Bob will be back any minute now.

CLEM:
Don’t worry, Kallie. Has Illyria ever let Bob down before?

Kalinka smiles to her husband as the door opens to reveal ILLYRIA, carrying a parcel with a cake box sitting on top of it. Illyria carries the parcel and cake toward the bar area and behind it, to greet Clem and Kalinka.

KALINKA:
So, what did you get him?

ILLYRIA:
It is a surprise.

KALINKA:
It’s supposed to be a surprise for Bob, Illyria. He’s the birthday boy.

The main door opens again, and Bob steps through, followed by Shell and Brigette. Kalinka runs from behind the bar and toward Bob as Clem helps Illyria lift the cake package from the parcel.

KALINKA (shouting):
Surprise!

SHELL (under breath, to Brigette):
And the sonic death ray strikes again.

Bob looks at Kalinka, perplexed.

BOB:
Surprise? What am I supposed to be surprised about?

KALINKA:
Happy birthday, Bob.

Shell and Brigette look at each other with confusion.

BOB:
My birthday?

Illyria walks across the bar area and hands Bob his parcel. Bob awkwardly accepts the gift.

BOB:
I haven’t celebrated my birthday in over a hundred years. And honestly, I don’t even remember when it is.
(beat)
I don’t know how you’re supposed to know the date.

ILLYRIA:
I do not know it, and I suspect that information is lost in history.
(beat)
But I thought it would be…nice…for you to celebrate your birthday. And today seemed like as good a day as any.
(beat)
Unwrap your gift now.

Bob peels the wrapping paper off the box and opens the lid. He looks down into the box and grins, before lifting the gift from the box. Kalinka takes the box from Bob’s hands as Bob admires a stunning crystal ball with mist swirling through the centre of it.

BOB:
Is this?

ILLYRIA:
It is the Orb of Me’Lihoh.

BOB:
How did you get this? I thought it was lost.

ILLYRIA:
Most do. But like your birthday, as well as your happiness, the Orb is not lost. It is with you forever. Like I am…like we are.

Brigette leans toward Shell.

BRIGETTE:
Is that sentiment coming from Illyria?

SHELL:
What can I say? Bob’s been good for her. They’ve been good for each other.

Bob smiles softly to Illyria and reaches his arms around her. The two look into each others’ eyes and kiss softly.

SHELL:
That said, I wish the two would get a room.
(beat)
There are some things you just don’t want to see, you know?

Brigette smirks in agreement with Shell’s remark as Illyria steps away from Bob.

ILLYRIA:
I also brought cake.

Illyria waves to Clem, who picks up the cake and carries it toward Bob and the group.

KALINKA:
No candles, though. They pose a fire hazard, especially when you’d need three hundred or so of them.

Clem opens the box to reveal a large cake with bright green, translucent icing.

CLEM:
But you can still make a wish, Bob.

Bob smiles to his friend.

BOB:
I’m right, Clem. I have everything I could wish for right here.

Startled, the group jumps as the main door swings open violently. A VAMPIRE runs into the bar, completely panic-stricken. The vampire’s forehead is bleeding and blood is trickling down his face.

VAMPIRE:
He…he’s…

Bob turns away from the group and toward the vampire.

BOB:
He’s what? And who the hell is he?

The vampire’s eyes dart back and forth before he finally responds to Bob.

VAMPIRE:
It’s the Tengu…
(beat)
He’s taken control of New York. It’s in preparation…

BOB:
In preparation for the rise the Oni.
(beat, to group)
Brigette, Illyria, Shell, grab some weapons. It looks like we’ll need to stop the Tengu now. Clem and Illyria, you two stay here and look after the bar.

Clem nods his head and Bob passes the Orb to Kalinka. Clem and Kalinka walk back behind the bar and Kalinka sits the Orb on top of it as Brigette, Shell and Illyria rush toward the back room.

BOB (to Clem and Kalinka):
And please save a slice of cake for me for when I get back.

The mists in the Orb swirl around majestically and slowly fade to reveal the face of Hext. Hext smiles. He is very pleased about something.

FADE OUT

END OF ACT ONE

[Allan]

Act Two[/u]

EXT. BRINKOL DIMENSION, VOLCANO – DAY

Shell and Illyria stand atop a gigantic volcano, surrounded by purple clouds. The two of them stand side by side, each of them gripping a sword, as six HORNED DEMONS walk up the volcano toward them. The two are covered in dirt, and Shell’s clothes are torn.

SHELL:
Remind me why we’re here trying to get ourselves killed again, Illyria.

ILLYRIA:
It is training. Bob has indicated that if we are to stop the Tengu, you require more training.

SHELL:
I require training? What about Clem? What about Kalinka?

ILLYRIA:
They are not warriors. It is not their battle.

SHELL (sarcastically):
Lucky me.
(beat)
And why isn’t Bob here with us, anyway?

ILLYRIA:
He went to see D’Hoffryn. After the latest situation with Kalinka, he’s not very happy.

SHELL:
Well, I’m not too happy about being here, either.
(beat)
But at least we can enjoy the view.

The horned demons run up the volcano toward Shell and Illyria. The two look at each other and leap over the demons. Illyria steps back and nods to Shell. Shell accepts that as her cue to start fighting alone.

Shell slashes the first demon through the stomach and kicks it in the knees, sending it crashing to the ground and rolling down to the base of the volcano. The second demon slices it’s sword down toward Shell’s head, which she easily blocks with her sword. Shell punches the demon in the throat, and stabs it as it collapses toward the ground. The third and fourth demons run toward Shell as she leaps into the air, kicking her legs to either side of her body. Shell’s feet connect with the demon’s heads and snap their necks. Shell hurls her sword toward the fifth demon, killing it as the sword impales its chest. Without a second thought, Shell turns to the final demon and runs toward it. Before the demon can attack, Shell grabs it by the throat and hurls it into the top of the volcano.

Shell turns to Illyria and grins.

SHELL:
Six demons down and I didn’t even crack a sweat. Who says I need more training when I can do that?

ILLYRIA:
You are quite strong, Shell. However, you are also quite stupid.

Shell looks at Illyria with shock and offence. The ground beneath the two of them begins to rumble.

ILLYRIA:
You just sacrificed that demon to the volcano. It is about to erupt.

SHELL:
That’s not a good thing, is it?

ILLYRIA:
Not in the slightest.

SHELL:
We run?

Illyria nods her head.

ILLYRIA:
We run.

Illyria and Shell turn around from the top of the volcano and begin to run down it as fast as they can. Their feet slide as they struggle to keep their footing. The volcano continues to shake underneath them.

As Shell and Illyria approach the bottom of the volcano, lava begins to spill from the top and flow down toward them. The two increase the pace and keep running. Ethereal spirits fly from the top of the volcano, laughing eerily.

ILLYRIA:
Ignore the spirits. They’re harmless.

Illyria runs past Shell, grabbing her by the hand. Illyria’s speed increases to a superhuman level as she fades into a blue blur, dragging Shell toward safety.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE ROOM

The speaker at the front of the room points to the sketch of the Oni projected onto the wall behind him.

SPEAKER (subtitled from Japanese):
As you should all be aware, this is the Oni.
(beat)
It is prophesised that he shall rise on the next full moon. Once risen, he shall reshape this world into his own vision.

One of the executives raises his hand. The speaker nods.

EXECUTIVE (subtitled from Japanese):
A demon reshaping the world into his own vision? Demons have tried this many times, and somebody has always stopped them.
(beat)
And isn’t that a good thing? We are lawyers and we capitalise on the things that go bump in the night.
(beat)
If the Oni recreates the world, wouldn’t that be counterproductive?

The speaker walks toward the executive.

SPEAKER (subtitled from Japanese):
Oh, we will be rewarded for our loyalty to the Oni, don’t worry about that.

The speaker continues to walk toward the executive and pulls a knife from his pocket. He presses the knife firmly against the executive’s throat.

SPEAKER (subtitled from Japanese):
I would be more concerned about your lack of loyalty.

The speaker stabs the knife into the executive’s throat and slashes it open. The executive gags and gasps for air as he clutches his throat before falling face first onto the table.

SPEAKER (subtitled from Japanese):
Does anybody else have any concerns?

The executives at the table remain silent and shake their heads and Katsuo smirks, obviously enjoying the example being made of the executive. The speaker returns to the projection of the Oni.

SPEAKER (subtitled from Japanese):
Good. Then I may continue.
(beat)
As our dearly departed friend pointed out, self-appointed heroes do have a history of stopping demons. This is the case with some inhabitants of the Dominion Bar.

The image of the Oni disappears and is replaced by a photo of Shell.

SPEAKER (subtitled from Japanese):
First and foremost, our primary concern is this girl. Her name is Shell Moore, and she is one of the many Vampire Slayers running around. Rumour has it that she is more than a simple Slayer, however, and she contains the power to destroy the Oni.
(beat)
Naturally, she must be eliminated.

The image of Shell disappears and one of Bob appears in its place.

SPEAKER (subtitled from Japanese):
The majority of the inhabitants within the Dominion Bar are negligible. They are lower level demons, and while they may be alongside Shell, they cannot offer much assistance.
(beat)
The exception to this rule, however, is a Cessation Demon by the name of Bob. While his past is shrouded in mystery, he has allied himself with the demon known as Hext. We do not know Hext’s motives, however it is believed that he is working to prevent the Oni’s rise. Through Hext, Bob is a powerful ally of Shell Moore’s.

The image fades away and is replaced with one of Illyria.

SPEAKER (subtitled from Japanese):
And this brings us to Illyria. She hails from Vahla Ha’Nesh and has fought alongside the Oni. And while she has allied herself with Shell Moore, it is prophesised that she will be the one who ushers in the Oni’s return.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Customers sit around the dimly lit bar area drinking while Clem and Kalinka sit behind the counter quietly. They glance at each other periodically, though are not fully comfortable working so closely together.

The entrance to the bar swings open violently and Illyria storms into the Dominion, followed by Shell. The two warriors are battered, and Shell nurses the odd cut and bruise.

SHELL:
How was I supposed to know that would happen, Illyria?

ILLYRIA:
It was a volcano in a mystical dimension, Shell.

SHELL:
It’s not like there was any signage. If there was a sign saying “Do not throw demons in the volcano,” I wouldn’t have thrown him in it. I would have found another way to kill him. I might have used the sign, for instance.

The demonic customers look at Shell uncomfortably, unsure where her talk of killing demons is leading to.

SHELL:
And in case you haven’t noticed, I don’t have that much experience with mystical volcanos.

ILLYRIA:
No, you don’t, Shell. And that is exactly why you should have been more careful.

Shell looks at Illyria and grins.

SHELL:
Wow, you sounded just like Bob right then.

Illyria doesn’t acknowledge Shell and instead approaches Clem and Kalinka at the bar.

ILLYRIA:
Has Bob returned yet?

KALINKA:
No, he hasn’t. He’s been gone for…

ILLYRIA:
…about a day.

CLEM:
But that’s not unlike him, you know? Sometimes Bob gets something on his mind, and he just, you know, disappears for a while.

Shell follows Illyria to the bar and looks at Clem worriedly.

SHELL:
He does?
(beat)
Why?

KALINKA:
It’s just Bob. He doesn’t like to talk about things and he just disappears. Sometimes for days on end.

SHELL:
Does he do that when there’s a demon out there we still have to kill?

KALINKA:
We don’t usually have demons to kill, Shell. It’s generally bad for business.

SHELL:
Am I the only one who’s thinking that maybe we should check out Arashmahaar and make sure the big guy’s okay?

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, STREET – NIGHT

Crowds of people run down the side of the street in blind panic. Traffic is jammed, the drivers beeping their horns furiously as they attempt to flee the city. Bob, Shell, Illyria and Brigette, each of them looking fit and well, fight through the crowds and walk toward the pandemonium. Shell turns her head to see a TEENAGER knock down a LITTLE OLD LADY, trampling over her without a second thought.

SHELL:
Isn’t it great how everyone comes together in times of crisis?

Shell pushes through the crowd to reach the old woman and helps her to her feet.

LITTLE OLD LADY:
Thank you, my dear. But aren’t you and those friends of yours going the wrong way?

Shell smiles to the old lady.

SHELL:
Not at all. We’ll stop this. We always do.

Bob looks toward Brigette, who looks very nervous.

BOB:
Is everything okay, Brigette?

BRIGETTE:
You mean aside from the impending apocalypse?
(beat)
Here we are, going off to fight the Tengu for the final time. There’s you, a Cessation Demon, who has been killing demons for years. There’s Illyria, an Old One, one of the most powerful beings in any dimension. And then there’s Shell. A Slayer, or whatever the hell she is.

BOB:
You’re in safe hands.

BRIGETTE:
That’s my point, though, Bob. You all have these strengths…these powers. And then there’s me, a girl with a sword who just so happens to be joining you in the fight.
(beat)
Look, I’m not worried about being the weak young girl who will be killed in battle. I’m aware of the risks, and while I know you’ll do everything you can to protect me, it’s a possibility.

BOB:
Brigette, I would never let that happen. For as long as you fight beside me, I will make sure you live.

BRIGETTE:
Bob, I know that, but I am prepared for the worst. It’s just that, I’m a mortal. What can I bring to the table?

BOB:
You’re a very capable mortal. I’ve known you for a little over five years now, and in that time, you have proven yourself time and again. You have heart and you have spirit. There was a time when I was worried about bringing you into battle with me, and when that vampire almost killed you those years ago, I did have my doubts. But believe me when I tell you that you are an asset.
(beat)
Not only do you possess the skills of a warrior, but you, along with Illyria and Shell, keep me honest. You keep me from crossing the line, and falling back into the abyss. You keep me fighting the good fight.

Shell returns to the group and looks toward Bob and Brigette.

SHELL:
Wow. It looks like I missed a real “Brady Bunch” moment there.

Illyria reaches out in front of Bob, indicating for him, along with Shell and Brigette, to stop.

ILLYRIA:
It looks like we’re almost there.

The road is barricaded by twenty SLAYERS dressed in kimonos. They each have a weapon drawn, poised for battle.

BOB:
Let’s do this, guys.

EXT. ARASHMAHAAR, PLANES – NIGHT

Shell and Illyria walk through the planes of Arashmahaar. The world is enveloped in darkness as spirits soar through the air, cackling quietly and eerily. A shiver runs down Shell’s spine as she looks around her demonic surroundings.

ILLYRIA:
Keep your eyes open, Shell. If you see Bob, or even D’Hoffryn, let me know.

SHELL:
Will do, Illyria.
(beat)
What Clem and Kalinka were saying about Bob earlier, about his disappearing acts, why do you think that is?

ILLYRIA:
He doesn’t seem very happy.

SHELL:
Coming from you, that’s oddly amusing.

Illyria glares at Shell.

SHELL:
Sorry.
(beat)
But why doesn’t he mention it? I like the guy, but he’s just so guarded.

ILLYRIA:
Not everybody wears his heart on his sleeve, Shell.

SHELL:
After I was kidnapped by the crazy Slayer, Kalinka mentioned something about Bob being haunted, bringing back memories of a girl. Apparently she died under his watch like five years ago.

ILLYRIA:
I doubt that’s the only reason. I suspect Bob has an entire history that he doesn’t like to discuss.

Shell grins.

SHELL:
Well, maybe we can ask him now.

Shell points out into the distance, where Bob can be seen.

SHELL:
There he is.

Shell and Illyria run toward Bob. As they approach Bob, Shell’s grin soon fades away.

SHELL:
What the hell?

Shell and Illyria look at Bob, who is entangled in orange thorned vines. The vines are wrapped around him tightly, piercing his thick skin, and are lodging themselves inside his ears and nose. While the vines appear as though they should be causing Bob great amounts of pain, he looks like he is at peace.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, STREET – NIGHT

Ten Slayers lie on the ground, unconscious, as Bob, Illyria, Shell and Brigette fight the others. Bob violently slams the eleventh Slayer to the ground. Slayers #12 - #15 jump at Bob in a swift synchronised attack, knocking him to the ground. Shell turns to help him, and Slayer #16 uses her distraction to knock her to the ground. Illyria swiftly punches Slayer #17 in the head, knocking her unconscious, and then repeats the manoeuvre with Slayer #18, and again with Slayer #19. Behind Illyria, Brigette trades sword blows with Slayer #20.

Bob rises to the ground and glances toward Brigette, as the Slayer knocks her to the ground.

FLASH TO:

EXT. PHILADELPHIA, GRAVEYARD – NIGHT

The graveyard is enveloped in darkness as Bob watches in horror. A VAMPIRE looks directly into Bob’s eyes while swiftly snapping Brigette’s neck. Her lifeless body drops to the ground as the vampire turns to leave the cemetery.

FLASH TO:

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, STREET – NIGHT

Bob shakes his head in confusion, failing to comprehend the memory that just flashed through his mind. In a furious flurry, Bob quickly knocks down Slayer #12, then grabs Slayer #13 and hurls her directly at Slayer #14, knocking them both to the ground. Slayer #15 turns pale before turning and running away from Bob, only to be caught by Illyria, who swiftly punches her in the head.

Shell kicks Slayer #16 in the stomach, knocking her onto her back. The Slayer stares up at Shell as her foot comes crashing down on the Slayer’s head, knocking her out. Brigette continues to trade sword strikes with the Slayer. With one final blow, the Slayer knocks Brigette’s sword from her hands, and runs directly toward the unarmed girl.

Bob rushes to Brigette’s aid, just as she ducks the Slayer’s attack, and trips her. Brigette reaches to the ground and picks up her sword, before butting the handle down on the Slayer’s head, knocking her unconscious.

BOB:
Nice work, everyone.

Brigette walks across to Bob.

BOB:
See, I told you that you’re an asset.

BRIGETTE:
I know you’re a demon and all, but “I told you so” is never very becoming.

ILLYRIA:
Wolfram & Hart is just across the road.

SHELL:
Well, odds are, that’s where we’ll find the Tengu.

EXT. ARASHMAHAAR, PLANES – NIGHT

Shell and Illyria step closer to the ensnared Bob with caution. Shell stares at him and turns to Illyria.

SHELL (confused):
What’s…happened…to him?

ILLYRIA:
He’s at peace.

SHELL:
He’s at peace? Is this a demon thing for “he’s in trouble”? Because where I come from, “at peace” is generally considered to be a good thing.
(beat)
And Bob all wrapped up in something that looks like it slithered out of “War of the Worlds” doesn’t seem like a good thing to me at all.

ILLYRIA:
No, he’s at peace.
(beat)
But it isn’t a good thing, Shell. Bob has been ensnared by a Tranquility Vine.

SHELL:
What, it’s a plant?

ILLYRIA:
No, it’s a demon. It’s known as a Tranquility Vine because of its appearance.

SHELL:
Wow, that’s just…wonderful.

ILLYRIA:
It feeds off its captives’ emotions, and traps them their hearts’ desire.

SHELL:
And what’s that, exactly?

ILLYRIA:
You’d have to ask Bob.

SHELL:
That’s going to be difficult, isn’t it?

Shell looks down solemnly as Illyria nods her head. Shell waves her hand in front of Bob’s face.

SHELL:
Hello, Bob? Are you in there?


FLASH TO:

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, WOLFRAM & HART – ROOF – NIGHT

The clouds in the night sky begin to swirl, spiralling around rapidly, slowly opening a vortex in the night sky. The Tengu, in his human form, stands at the edge of the building’s roof. He smiles, his gaze focused on the vortex. Behind the Tengu, the door to the roof opens and Shell, Illyria, Brigette and Bob step outside.

TENGU:
I am so glad you could join me. It’s too little, too late, I’m afraid. Within minutes, the Oni shall rise to take control of this dimension.

The Tengu turns around to face his opponents.

TENGU:
Drop your weapons. Surrender to me, and I will ensure your survival.
(beat)
Admittedly, you will be the Oni’s slaves, but it will be preferable to the alternative.

Bob, Brigette, Illyria and Shell refuse to answer. They stand silently, staring at the Tengu in stoic silence.

TENGU:
So much for a witty retort.

Brigette slowly draws her sword. Bob watches her from the corner of his eye, worried.

BRIGETTE:
That’s a lovely suit you’re wearing. It’s a pity that it will soon be stained with your blood.

Brigette runs toward the Tengu.

BOB (calling):
Brigette! No!

The Tengu morphs into his demonic form and immediately whips out his arm, grabbing Brigette by the throat. He lifts her into the air and dangles her over the side of the skyscraper. Bob, Illyria and Shell watch in horror.

FLASH TO:

EXT. PHILADELPHIA, GRAVEYARD – NIGHT

The vampire stares at Bob sadistically as he snaps Brigette’s neck with ease.

FLASH TO:

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, WOLFRAM & HART – ROOF – NIGHT

Shell turns to Bob for their next step.

SHELL:
We attack him?

BOB:
We attack him.

Illyria, Shell and Bob each draw their swords and run toward the Tengu. Illyria reaches him first and slashes her sword at the arm which he is using to dangle Brigette. The sword slices through the Tengu’s arm cleanly and it drops off the Tengu’s body, taking Brigette with it.

Bob leaps into the air and past the Tengu. He reaches over the edge desperately and narrowly manages to grab Brigette’s hand.

BOB (to Brigette):
I’ve got you.

Bob lifts Brigette up and onto the roof as Shell and Illyria trade blows with the Tengu. The Tengu telekinetically lifts Illyria into the air and throws her off the building. Bob watches in horror as Illyria plummets down.

SHELL:
Bob, it’s Illyria. We’ve seen her handle far worse than that before.

BOB:
It still pisses me off, though.

Bob runs directly toward the Tengu and punches him in the face. The Tengu takes a step back and Bob punches him again, and then again.

EXT. ARASHMAHAAR, PLANES – NIGHT

Underneath the Tranquility Vine, Bob begins to smile. Shell grins.

SHELL:
He knows we’re here to help him.

Shell begins to tug on the Vine with all her strength, but with no luck. It won’t loosen its grip of Bob.

VOICE (O.S.):
So, you’re the infamous Shell Moore. The Slayer with the power of words.

Shell and Illyria turn around to see Hext smiling toward them.

SHELL:
And who the hell are you?

ILLYRIA:
Hext.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, WOLFRAM & HART – ROOF – NIGHT

The Tengu brushes Bob aside and Shell leaps into the air, kicking him in the head. The Tengu grabs Shell’s foot and throws her down onto the roof.

TENGU:
For somebody whose key ability is the power you have over words, you really don’t like to use them.

SHELL:
You want words?
(beat)
How about you go back to that godforsaken hell dimension you spawned from, you sanctimonious mother f—

Shell’s words are drowned out as lightning strikes from the vortex in the night sky behind the Tengu, who is grinning over Shell’s remark.

BRIGETTE:
Okay, that isn’t what I expected by the power of words.

Shell rushes toward the Tengu and starts punching and kicking him with all her strength. The fury of Shell’s attacks push him close to the edge of the building. In one swift movement, Brigette plunges her sword into the Tengu’s chest.

The Tengu screams in pain and steps back, toppling off the building’s roof and toward the pavement.

EXT. ARASHMAHAAR, PLANES – NIGHT

Shell and Illyria stare at Hext disdainfully. Hext smiles nonchalantly, appearing to be blissfully unaware of their outrage.

HEXT:
How is that identity crisis of yours, my dear Old One?

ILLYRIA:
What have you done to Bob?

HEXT:
Now, now, Illyria, there’s no need to be so rude. Bob did this to himself.

SHELL:
Regardless of what Bob may or may not have brought on himself, tell me how to stop this, or so help me…

HEXT:
Shell, Bob tells me that you are quite the capable young girl. And keeping that in mind, you have my absolute confidence that you will be able to figure it out for yourself.

Shell steps toward Hext.

SHELL:
I don’t know who you are, or what Bob has told you about me, but tell me what I need to know. Now.

HEXT:
Bob is a very happy demon. He has everything he needs, everything he wants. Do you really want to be the one responsible for taking all that away from him?

SHELL:
Try me.

Illyria runs toward Hext and grabs him. She presses her hand around his throat, gripping it tightly.

ILLYRIA:
And you can try me, too.

HEXT:
You are but Bob’s charges. You are incapable of giving him the happiness that he desires.

Shell turns away from Hext and Illyria and leans into Bob’s ear.

SHELL (whispering):
Bob, can you hear me? You need to snap out of it.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, WOLFRAM & HART – ROOF – NIGHT

Bob, Shell and Brigette lean over the top of the Wolfram & Hart office complex and stare at the Tengu lying on his back with Brigette’s sword still in his stomach.

BRIGETTE:
Oh, my God, I…

BOB:
You did good, Brigette.

SHELL:
Is it over?

BOB:
Not quite.

Bob lifts his head, feeling disoriented.

SHELL (V.O.):
Bob, you need to snap out of it now. Whatever you’re seeing, it’s not real.
(beat)
Bob, please…

Brigette turns to Bob and looks at him with a worried expression.

BRIGETTE:
Bob, what’s wrong?

BOB:
Um… I thought I heard…
(beat)
It’s nothing. Let’s finish this.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO.

[Allan]

Act Three[/u]

EXT. ARASHMAHAAR, PLANES – NIGHT

Shell leans in toward Bob’s ear.

SHELL:
Come on, Bob.
(beat)
Whatever you’re seeing, it’s not real. It might be nice and happy, with butterflies and cupcakes, but it is not real. That Hext guy, he’s done this to you.

Shell lifts her hand and signals for Illyria to assist her. Illyria throws Hext aside and walks toward Bob and Shell. She grabs the Tranquility Vine and tugs at it with all her strength as Hext turns around and disappears into the darkness. As Illyria pulls the vine, it doesn’t loosen its grip; it actually tightens its grip around Bob. Its thorns pierce Bob’s skin further and blood trickles from his wounds.

SHELL:
Bob, please.

FLASH TO:

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, WOLFRAM & HART – ROOF – NIGHT

SHELL (V.O.):
We need you.

The vortex continues to swirl in the sky above the Wolfram & Hart building. Bob turns and looks at Shell, confused.

BOB:
What did you say?

SHELL:
Nothing. I didn’t say a word.

BOB:
That’s strange. I could have sworn that you said something.

SHELL:
Well, you are over three hundred years old, Bob. You’re probably hearing things. Or going senile.

Bob shakes his head in faux offence, before turning to Shell and Brigette.

BOB:
Run down the stairs, you two, and meet me out the front. I’m going to make sure the Tengu doesn’t get back up again.

BRIGETTE:
What, from up here?

BOB:
Just go.

Brigette nods her head and runs toward the roof’s entrance with Shell. Bob turns around and steps off the top of the building and falls speedily to the ground. Bob crashes into the pavement face first, shattering the concrete underneath him. Illyria sees Bob’s rough landing, rushes across to him, and stretches her arm out to help him stand.

ILLYRIA (concerned):
Bob, are you okay?

BOB:
I’m brilliant, Illyria. Absolutely brilliant.

ILLYRIA:
You hit your head. I think you have a concussion.

BOB:
Illyria, I’m fine.
(beat)
I’m just pleased that our problems with the Tengu are finally about to end.

ILLYRIA:
So am I, Bob.

Illyria leans in toward Bob and kisses him on the cheek. The two walk side by side toward the Tengu, lying on the ground, impaled by Brigette’s sword. Blood is spilling from the wound and across the pavement.

BOB:
Get up, Tengu. We are finishing this now.

Illyria looks to the sky as lightning strikes out from the swirling vortex. Bob keeps staring at the Tengu, who doesn’t move. Bob reaches for the sword lodged in his stomach, and rips it from the wound. The Tengu opens his eyes and stares back at Bob.

TENGU:
Come on, Bob, finish this. End this little fantasy.

Bob holds the sword above his head and pauses in hesitation. The vortex swirls violently and lightning strikes from it, toward Bob.

ILLYRIA:
Bob!

The lightning strikes the sword, making it glow a bright yellow. The current from the lightning travels down to the blade, through the handle, and surges through Bob, who clenches in pain.

Bob fights through the pain of the lightning strike and plunges the glowing sword into the Tengu’s heart. The Tengu begins to glow yellow and Bob withdraws the sword. Gradually, the Tengu’s body burns and is soon nothing more than charcoal.

The Tengu’s remains slowly begin to swirl around in the air and rise into the night sky. Bob and Illyria watch them float high into the air, toward the vortex. The vortex’s power sweeps the Tengu’s remains inside of it before it closes. Bob wipes his brow and reaches his arm around Illyria’s shoulder and smiles.

BOB:
We did it.

EXT. ARASHMAHAAR, PLANES – NIGHT

Shell rips at the Tranquility Vine in frustration. She feels a sting and jumps backward, shocked. Shell looks down at the palm of her hand to see that she’s cut it.

SHELL (under breath):
Now look what you’ve gone and done, Bob.

ILLYRIA:
Bob, you’ve obviously done something to anger Hext. I don’t know what it is, and I don’t care.
(beat)
If you don’t fight it, Hext has won. And I know you do not like to lose.

Shell looks at the blood seeping from her hand and steps back toward Bob.

SHELL:
Bob, listen to me. Life is not meant to be perfect, and what I can gather, yours hasn’t been. But you’d be the first person, well, demon, to tell me that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. And nothing has killed you yet, Bob. You’re strong enough to fight this.
(beat)
Illyria mentioned to me that there was apparently a girl once. You took her in, like you did me, and she died. I’m sorry, Bob, I really am. I know you’re not the touchy-feely type, and I know that you’re not the type of guy who likes to talk about his feelings. And if you could hear me, you’d no doubt be groaning over my little speech.
(beat)
But we’re here for you, Bob. All of us are, even Illyria.

Illyria darts a dirty look toward Shell.

ILLYRIA:
I am, Bob.

SHELL:
Bob, fight this. We need you. And more than that, if you don’t, we’ll miss you.

Bob’s eyes flash open for less than a second and then close. He begins to twitch softly, and Shell turns to Illyria and smiles.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, WOLFRAM & HART – ENTRANCE – NIGHT

Bob holds Illyria gently as he hears Brigette and Shell run out from the building’s entrance. Bob lets go of Illyria and steps toward the girls.

SHELL:
So what did we miss?

BOB:
Not a lot. The Tengu disintegrated. It was pretty anti-climactic, really.
(beat, to Brigette)
Brigette, could we talk? In private?

Brigette nods her head worriedly and Bob leads her away from the group.

BRIGETTE:
Bob, I know what you’re going to say. My running directly at the Tengu was reckless, and I could have gotten myself killed.

Bob smiles and shakes his head softly.

BOB:
Actually, that wasn’t what I was going to say. You fought well, Brigette, and without you, I don’t think we could have stopped him.
(beat)
But that isn’t why I need to talk to you. You shouldn’t be here.

BRIGETTE:
I know, I’m a mortal. But you just said…

BOB:
This isn’t about you fighting along my side, Brigette. You shouldn’t be here, on Earth. You shouldn’t be at the Dominion.

Brigette looks at Bob, confused.

BRIGETTE:
Bob, what are you trying to say?

BOB:
I can’t shake this feeling that you don’t belong here.
(beat)
Brigette, you’re a great girl, and you mean a lot to me. I don’t know how to say it, but I don’t think you exist.

BRIGETTE:
Bob, that’s ridiculous.

Bob leans down toward Brigette and shakes his head solemnly.

BOB:
No, Bridget, it isn’t. And believe me, I wish that weren’t the case. You’re a memory, and a very fond one. But you shouldn’t be here.
(beat)
None of this should.

A tear builds in Brigette’s eye and runs down her cheek. She looks into Bob’s eye and gulps, knowing the truth. Bob looks at Brigette sorrowfully as she reaches her arms around Bob, hugging him. Bob reaches to hug Brigette back, but his hands glide through her as she fades away into the ether.

BOB (under breath):
Goodbye.

Bob looks toward Shell and Illyria. Shell gives him a friendly wave before she and Illyria fade away. Slowly, Bob’s surroundings fade into black.

EXT. ARASHMAHAAR, PLANES – NIGHT

Bob’s eyes slowly open and he looks around groggily. He tilts his head downward and sees the Tranquility Vine wrapped around him.

BOB:
Brigette?

Shell exchanges a glance with Illyria before shaking her head.

SHELL:
Brigette isn’t here, Bob.

BOB:
Right, of course she isn’t.
(beat)
She’s dead.

Bob flexes his muscles against the Tranquility Vine and snaps it apart with ease. Bob collapses to his knees, drained of energy, as the pieces of the Tranquility Vine slither away into the darkness.

SHELL (quietly, to Illyria):
Let me guess, it’s like a Rubicks Cube. A bitch to figure out, but when you know what to do, it’s simple.

BOB:
Where am I? What happened to me?

ILLYRIA:
You are in Arashmahaar.
(beat)
It was Hext.

Shell extends her hand to help Bob climb to his feet.

BOB:
Hext? What did he do to me?
(beat, then knowingly):
Hext. I will kill him.

SHELL:
Whoa, Bob, you can barely stand. Just take a breather, okay?

BOB:
Where is he?

Shell looks around to see that Hext has disappeared. She looks toward Illyria who is just as clueless about Hext’s whereabouts as Shell.

SHELL:
Um…it looks like he’s gone.

Bob closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He opens his eyes and looks toward Shell and Illyria with deathly seriousness.

BOB:
He’s still around. I can sense him.

EXT. ARASHMAHAAR, CLIFF – NIGHT

Hext stares out over a cliff, deep in thought. He smiles to himself, enjoying the view. A dark shadowy figure approaches in the distance, slowly revealing itself to be Bob. Bob walks past some boulders and steps closer to Hext, and extends the spikes from below his wrists.

BOB (shouting):
Hext! Turn around.

Hext keeps his back turned to Bob and continues to stare out into the distance.

BOB:
I mean it, Hext.

HEXT:
Bob, I was hoping you’d pass my little test. Given your friends’ concerns, I had my doubts, though.
(beat)
Come, stand with me, and have a look at this view. It’s quite calming, which is odd for a Hell dimension, don’t you think?

BOB:
I’m not here to make small talk, Hext.

Hext sighs.

HEXT:
Fine, Bob, have it your way.

Hext turns around to face Bob.

HEXT:
It’s always business with you, isn’t it? You really need to relax. Kick back, take a day off. Heck, come visit me at my hut and I’ll introduce you to the family. My wife makes the most amazing apple pie.

Bob ignores Hext’s words and continues to walk toward him.

BOB:
Why, Hext?

HEXT:
Take a breather and ask yourself “why not?”

Bob shakes his head. He steps toward Hext and grabs him by the throat. Bob lifts Hext into the air and lifts him over the cliff.

BOB:
Trust me on this, Hext. I am not in the mood.

Hext stares down at the abyss below him.

BOB:
It’s a long way down, Hext. My guess is it’ll be a rough landing.

HEXT:
You had to be taught a lesson, Bob.

BOB:
A lesson?

HEXT:
You work for me, Bob. You do as I say when I say it. I’ve tolerated your little missions of mercy here and there, and I respect your need to train Shell Moore. I’d expect nothing less, since I led you to her. Oh, she’s a lovely girl, by the way.
(beat)
But you’ve been keeping a very loose grip of her, lately. Allowing her to meddle in Kalinka’s business like that? Well, it didn’t make D’Hoffryn the happiest demon.

BOB:
D’Hoffryn is the least of my concerns, Hext.

HEXT:
Maybe he is, even if you really don’t want to get on his bad side. The thing is, though, he is trying to prevent a certain Old One known as the Oni from rising. I’m guessing you would have heard of him by now.
(beat)
And yes, D’Hoffryn’s a demon, and some of the less enlightened even go as far as to describe him as “evil”. But, when it comes down to the crunch, he doesn’t want to see the Oni rise. If he rises to enslave the Earth…well, it’s bad for business.

Bob swivels around and hurls Hext to the ground. Bob stands over him, pressing a spike from his wrist against Hext’s throat.

BOB:
That does not change what you did to me.

HEXT:
And what was that, exactly? D’Hoffryn wanted you eliminated, and he’s not the only one. But I like you, Bob, I really do. So, instead of killing you in cold blood, I thought I might let you live a happy retirement.

Bob applies more pressure against Hext’s throat.

HEXT:
What did you see, Bob? A wife? Children?
(beat)
Oh, I know what you saw…that young girl you got killed a few years ago. She was alive and well, wasn’t she?

BOB:
Do not mention Brigette. You have no right.

HEXT:
Painful memories are a bitch, aren’t they? So, why don’t you get it done and kill me, already?

Bob’s arm trembles as he presses the spike against Hext’s throat.

HEXT:
Oh, I get it. You can’t kill me, can you?

Bob pauses for a brief moment and retracts the spike into his wrist.

BOB:
Shut up, Hext.

Bob lifts Hext off the ground and violently slams him into a boulder. With his free hand, Bob punches Hext in the face brutally. Blood seeps from Hext’s nose. Bob punches him again and then again.

Hext doesn’t say a word, nor does he fight back. He just takes Bob’s punches. Bob throws another punch at Hext, and then another. Each punch is harder, as the fury builds up within Bob.

BOB:
You incapacitated me, Hext. You filled my head with a false sense of security, a false sense of hope. How would you like for all your dreams to be in front of you and taken away in an instant?

Bob punches Hext again. Blood flows from various abrasions across Hext’s face and Bob continues to punch him.

BOB:
You dangled Brigette’s memory in front of me like I was a kitten with a piece of string. You showed me what could have been if she didn’t get killed.

Bob punches Hext one last time and throws him to the ground. He stares down at Hext, trembling in sheer anger as Shell and Illyria approach, watching. Shell cringes and Illyria tilts her head away before Bob’s face softens. He steps backward, away from Hext.

Hext’s bruised and bloody face smiles.

HEXT:
Go home and get some beauty sleep, Bob. You’re soon going to be one busy demon.

Bob steps over Hext’s body and walks toward Shell and Illyria. A tear swells in the corner of his eye.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Demons sit and drink casually at various tables across the Dominion as the door opens. Bob enters the bar, followed by Shell and Illyria. He slumps himself down on a stool in front of the bar as Kalinka finishes serving a customer. Shell approaches slowly and sits beside Bob.

KALINKA:
Bob, it’s great to see you. Did you have a nice break?

Bob looks at Kalinka and rolls his eyes. Shell signals to Kalinka to be quiet. Bob isn’t in the mood for trivial conversation.

SHELL (awkwardly):
So…
(beat)
I’m sorry about what happened to you, Bob.

BOB:
Thanks, Shell. For everything.

Bob lifts his arm to signal for Illyria and she walks across to him.

BOB:
And thank you, Illyria.

ILLYRIA:
Are you sure? If the Tranquility Vine gave you a perfect life…

BOB:
It was an illusion, all of it. I’d rather live the real thing.

Illyria nods her head and turns to leave. Bob smiles as he watches her exit and Shell stares at him in disbelief.

BOB:
Shell, if you don’t mind, I have something I need to do alone.

SHELL:
Sure, Bob. You know if you ever want to talk, I’m here, right?

Bob nods his head.

BOB:
Thanks, Shell. You’re a good friend.

Bob lifts himself up from the stool and walks toward the bar’s exit. Toward the back of the bar, a demon enters a number into the jukebox before it starts playing.

Music - “What a Wonderful World” by Joey Ramone:
I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I say to myself
What wonderful world

Clem enters from the storeroom and watches Bob leave. He turns to Shell with concern.

CLEM:
Is Bob okay?

SHELL:
He’s a little shaken up.
(beat)
But I think I saw him checking out Illyria.

CLEM:
Huh. I always thought he was gay.

EXT. VRIXAL DIMENSION

Music (continued):
I see skies of blue and clouds of white
Bright sunny days, dark sacred nights
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

Bob looks around to see nothing but absolute darkness. It is not night, it is not a world cast in shadow, it is simply nothing.

BOB (V.O.):
My name is Bob, and I am a Cessation Demon.
(beat)
Many years ago I was born, and I killed my family. Older, and theoretically wiser, I ruled over my home dimension. I was bored, and that’s when I met Hext. My adventures with Hext led me to a young girl, Brigette. She died, and it is forever with me.
(beat)
I abandoned my home, never to return. Until now. And it’s too late. They made me their ruler to protect them and I left. Now, there’s nothing left.
(beat)
Nothing at all.

Bob looks around, horrified. He cannot believe what he is seeing.

Music (continued):
The colors of the rainbow are so pretty in the skies
Are also on the faces of people walking by
I see friends shaking hands saying
How do you do?
They're really saying
I love you

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE ROOM

The speaker looks past all the executives in the room and focuses his attention on Katsuo.

SPEAKER (subtitled from Japanese):
I trust that you have brought the item you secured during your visit to New York, Sakamoto?

KATSUO (subtitled from Japanese):
I have.

Katsuo walks toward a table at the back of the conference room. He opens the box and withdraws a staff tipped with two sword-like blades, rather than one regular spear-head. The executives stare at it in awe.

KATSUO (subtitled from Japanese):
I present to you the key to releasing the Oni. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Spear of Destiny.

Music (continued):
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself
What a wonderful world

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE.

CLOSING CREDITS ROLL.

Written by:
Allan Whatford

Story Editor:
Marie Menninga

Special 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[/u] © 2007 Allan Whatford[/b]

[Allan]

Next on Dominion:[/u]

Katsuo Sakamoto has acquired a legendary weapon, considered in most circles to be nothing more than a myth: The Spear of Destiny. Not only is the spear a powerful weapon, while in the correct hands, it can do the unimaginable...

...Resurrect the most powerful foe that anybody at the Dominion Bar has ever faced; a demon so powerful that the Tengu serves him.

The demon known as the Oni.