Dominion, episode 1.16 - "You Slay Me"

[Allan]

Welcome to Dominion, episode 1.16 - "You Slay Me". The title should be fairly self-explanatory - it's all about Slayers.

As with the previous episode, apologies for the lateness. I've been feeling a little burned out, especially when it comes to writing, though I seemed to recuperate and get my second wind when beginning act two. Hopefully this will continue so I can get the rest of the season (just six episodes left!) out in a timely fashion.

This episode wasn't a particularly easy one to write (and I'm likely sounding like a broken record after the last two), since it deals with the ramifications of the previous episode, introduces a character Joss fans should know (though is new to Dominion, and looks at the Slayers. There was a lot to get through.

I have already posted the trivia for the episode. I encourage you to check it out, but not until you've read this episode, since it contains spoilers.

This episode contains one song:

• These Boots are Made for Walkin’ – Nancy Headbanger Mix performed by Boy George

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

Pages: 47

Words: 9,675

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

[Allan]

BOB:
Previously on Dominion:

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.

INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM’S OFFICE

Shell stares at the book as the words start swirling around each other and blurring together. Key words start to appear.

BOOK TEXT:
Oni

BOOK TEXT:
Senaya

BOOK TEXT:
First Slayer

BOOK TEXT:
Shell Moore

The words on the pages slowly fade away and in their place is a sketch of Senaya. The sketch morphs into SENAYA herself, who looks directly at Shell.

SENAYA:
Shell Moore. The Slayers who serve the Oni betray the ideals of a Slayer. They betray me and therefore, they betray you.

EXT. TOKYO, ABANDONED WAREHOUSE – NIGHT

The vampires slowly step out from the back of the van. Each of them is carrying what appears to be a person, wrapped up in fabric.

TOK:
They’re carrying something each. Please tell me they’re not human bodies.

The vampires place the items on the ground and Miranda approaches.

MIRANDA:
Let’s see what you’ve brought me.

The vampires begin to unwrap the fabric. Tok’s eyes widen as she scales the rooftop for a better look.

TOK:
Eww…

The vampires tear the last of the fabric off, to reveal Jack and Beck, petrified solid. Their expressions are ghastly, displaying only sheer terror.

TOK:
They are human bodies.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART CONFERENCE ROOM

Sakamoto aims the Spear of Destiny at Illyria. He breathes deeply and rushes toward her. In a swift movement, Illyria snatches the spear from Sakamoto’s hand and plunges it directly into his chest. The Spear of Destiny begins to glow brightly and Sakamoto grins as blood pours from the wound.

Sakamoto’s body drops to the ground. Illyria watches in horror as his body begins to glow with a red tinge. Slowly, the glow fades away and Sakamoto’s skin becomes rough with a dark purple colour. Finally, the colour in his eyes fades away as his eyeballs become a blood-red colour.

Bob stares at Sakamoto, horrified.

BOB (exhausted):
Illyria…
(beat)
What have you…done…?

Slowly, Sakamoto’s body rises. Illyria holds the Spear of Destiny firmly as she watches.

ILLYRIA:
It’s…

Sakamoto is gone. In his place stands Oni.

ONI:
It is I, my love. Oni.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART CONFERENCE ROOM

Oni shakes his head and kicks Illyria violently. He reaches to the ground and lifts the Spear of Destiny. He holds it above his head, and slams it down at Illyria and through her chest.

ONI:
Then keep your humanity.

The door to the conference room crashes open and Tok rushes inside.

TOK:
No!

Miranda jumps toward Tok and grabs her firmly.

Tok struggles to break free of Miranda’s grip to no avail. Gradually, a translucent image of the Wanderer appears behind the two girls, unnoticed by everybody in the room.

Illyria lies on the ground, unconscious. Slowly, her blue skin fades away and her hair becomes a brunette colour. Illyria is gone. In her place lies Winifred Burkle.

Oni grabs Fred by the neck and grips her firmly.

ONI:
It’s not even worth crushing the life from you.

Oni casually throws Fred toward the window. Fred’s body crashes through the window and plummets toward the ground below.

With a great surge of strength, Tok breaks free of Miranda’s grip and scrambles toward the window after Fred. By the time Tok reaches the window, Fred has fallen from view.

INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM’S OFFICE

Shell sits at the desk, reading intently. Instinctively, Shell turns around. Senaya is standing behind her.

SENAYA:
Ever since the friend of Buffy Summers gave every potential the power…the line has been broken.

SHELL:
What? Potential power? Broken lines?

SENAYA:
The Tengu feeds off power that should not exist, and with it, he grows more powerful.

SHELL:
And what power is this again?

SENAYA:
The power of the Slayers. There should only be one. There should only be…Faith.

[Allan]

Teaser[/u]

EXT. TOKYO, STREET – NIGHT

It’s late at night, with the only light emanating from the flashing glow of neon signs atop the city’s high-rise buildings. Rain pours down heavily, beating down against the ground violently.

FIRST SLAYER (V.O.) – from “Intervention”:
You think you're losing your ability to love.

A YOUNG WOMAN in her mid 20’s emerges from a dark alley. The rain pours down over her dishevelled hair and torn clothing as she turns her head, looking behind her. The young woman pants in distress.

FIRST SLAYER (V.O.) – from “Intervention”:
You're afraid that being the Slayer means losing your humanity.

The young woman glances behind her one last time and runs across the road. She is almost hit by a car, though barely notices as it is the least of her worries.

FIRST SLAYER (V.O.) – from “Intervention”:
You are full of love. You love with all of your soul.

A FEMININE FIGURE leaps from the shadows and runs from the alley toward the young woman. She is an athletic brunette, however her other features are concealed.

FIRST SLAYER (V.O.) – from “Intervention”:
It's brighter than the fire…blinding. That's why you pull away from it.

The young woman makes it across the road however the feminine figure is still in pursuit. The feminine figure easily ducks and weaves her way through the traffic, effortlessly stalking her prey.

FIRST SLAYER (V.O.) – from “Intervention”:
Love is pain, and the Slayer forges strength from pain.

An OLD MAN walks down the side of the street, keeping dry under an umbrella as he slowly hobbles. The young girl runs into him and trips over. Both of them fall to the ground.

FIRST SLAYER (V.O.) – from “Intervention”:
Love…give…forgive.

The young woman scrambles to her feet, ignoring the old man. Somehow, she feels compelled to run toward a dark alley. She is drawn to it, as if there is an unseen force guiding her.

FIRST SLAYER (V.O) – from “Intervention”:
Risk the pain. It is your nature.

The young woman reaches a door and bangs on it desperately.

There is no answer.

The young woman turns around to face her stalker. She gasps.

FIRST SLAYER (V.O) – from “Restless”:
Love will bring you to your gift.

The feminine figure approaches in the darkness, her features still concealed in the shadows of the dark alley. The figure’s hand reaches to about the height of the young woman’s chest and thrusts toward her.

The young woman explodes into dust. The feminine figure steps through the dissipating dust and into the light. As we see her, we recognise her as FAITH LEHANE.

Faith grins as she sees a large DEMONIC FIGURE standing in the shadows.

DEMONIC FIGURE (O.S.):
I assume you know the password.

Faith nods her head.

FAITH:
You may as well come out of the shadows. You can bet I’ve seen way scarier monsters than you.

Faith gulps and steps back, startled, as the demonic figure steps from the shadows. He is BOB, and he is not impressed.

BOB:
I doubt that.
(beat)
Your kind is not welcome here.

FAITH:
My kind?
(beat)
Oh, right, me Slayer, you demon, we fight.

Faith reaches behind her back and draws a large sword. She aims it toward Bob’s throat. Bob cracks his knuckles before relaxing his arms and ejecting the spikes from below his wrists.

BOB:
It’s been a long a few weeks.
(beat)
Glad I can finally take it out on one of you Slayers.

Faith slashes her sword toward Bob, who lifts his arm and blocks the blow with his spike. Bob lifts his arm and breaks free from Faith’s sword. The Slayer slams the blade down toward Bob’s head, but he catches it between his palms.

Bob lifts his foot and kicks Faith squarely in the stomach, sending her reeling back. Faith loses her grip of her sword and crashes to the pavement. Bob drops the sword on the ground and steps toward Faith.

Faith leaps into the air and kicks toward Bob. Bob grabs Faith’s ankle and uses her momentum to slam her into a brick wall. Faith drops to the ground and Bob retracts his spikes before grabbing her firmly by the throat. He lifts her into the air and glares directly into her eyes as blood trickles from her mouth.

BOB:
Who sent you?

FAITH (gasping, barely audible):
Gls…

BOB:
What do you want?

FAITH (choking):
Tk…nja…

BOB:
Ninja?

Faith flails about, trying to break free from Bob’s grip. She slowly nods her head. Bob sighs and loosens his grip slightly.

BOB:
What ninja?

FAITH:
Her name’s Tok.
(beat)
Don’t ask me what her parents were thinking.

BOB:
And she has a penchant for red armour?

FAITH:
Dunno, I never met her. But from what I hear, it’s not a stretch.

BOB:
Password.

FAITH:
What?

BOB:
The password to this establishment. What is it?

FAITH:
Echo.

Bob drops Faith to the ground. She glares up at him.

BOB:
I’ve been looking for her over the past few nights. You’d better come inside.

Faith looks at Bob, flabbergasted.

FAITH:
Well, gee, it sure was nice to meet you, too.

Bob turns his back to Faith and walks toward the door.

BOB:
Come on, I don’t have all night.

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 Winifred Burkle
And Ron Pearlman as Bob

Guest-Starring:
Eliza Dushku as Faith Lehane
Ken Watanabe as Katsuo Oni
Kevin Sorbo as the Tengu
Julie Gonzalo as Miranda Hendricks
Callum Blue as the Jack of Spades
Natasha Gregson Wagner as Beck Richardson
Erica Durance as Sarah Welles
Aya Ueto as Tok
Andy Umberger as D’Hoffryn
Sharon Ferguson as Senaya


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. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART CORRIDOR

Twenty SLAYERS stand along the walls of the opulent corridor in silence. Each one of them holds a katana firmly. At the end of the corridor, MIRANDA HENDRICKS stands guard, protecting two large doors. An elevator stands on the opposite end of the corridor.

The Slayers each turn their head toward the elevator as they hear its bell ring. The doors slowly slide open, revealing the TENGU, in his humanoid form and dressed in an expensive suit. The Tengu steps from the elevator and walks down the corridor, as the Slayers bow to him in succession.

The Tengu ignores the Slayers as he approaches Miranda, who kneels before him. The Tengu nods his head in recognition.

TENGU:
Rise, Miranda Hendricks.

Miranda rises to her feet.

TENGU:
Oni has asked that I meet with him.

MIRANDA:
I know, my Daimyo.

Miranda turns to the doors behind her and opens them, revealing a large office. The Tengu steps past her and into the room. Miranda takes a footstep to follow the Tengu before he swivels around to face her.

TENGU:
No. You wait outside.

Miranda bows before her master.

MIRANDA:
Of course, my Daimyo. I apologise.

The Tengu enters the office and Miranda closes the large doors behind him.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART OFFICE SUITE

The Tengu steps inside the large office suite. The walls and ceiling are made from solid marble, and the floor is covered in maroon carpet. The Tengu glances at the various scrolls with Japanese text that adorn the walls and then at the Spear of Destiny, set as the centrepiece of the office. At the back of the office, ONI stares at the view of the Tokyo skyline through a large window.

The Tengu walks toward Oni, who does not move.

ONI:
Thank you for arriving so quickly.

TENGU:
It is my duty to serve you, master.

Oni turns to face the Tengu, who bows before his master. Oni steps toward him and stares down at his subject with disdain.

ONI:
Rise.

The Tengu rises to his feet.

ONI:
This world…it is so…different.

TENGU:
You have been gone for a long time, master.

ONI:
That I have been.
(beat)
But what of Vahla Ha’Nesh?

TENGU:
It has died in the absence of the Old Ones.
(beat)
In its place is a metropolitan city by the name of Los Angeles. The city of angels.

Amused, Oni smiles to himself.

ONI:
Well, that is an ironic turn of events.

TENGU:
And it is now nothing more than a breeding ground for demons. Another one of Wolfram & Hart’s projects.

ONI:
Yes, I shall return there once it is more…hospitable.
(beat)
But until then, this city shall have to make do.

Oni steps toward the Tengu.

ONI:
But I did not invite you here to make small talk.
(beat)
These Slayers who work for you. Tell me about them.

TENGU:
When the reign of the Old Ones ended, the world changed. Other demons…lesser demons…began to make their way to this plane. Eventually a group of shamans known as the Shadow Men bound a young girl with the heart of a demon.
(beat)
Since then, there has always been a single Slayer on a path to rid the world of our kind.

ONI:
A single Slayer?

TENGU:
Until a few short years ago. The Slayer known as Buffy Summers died, and a second was called. But Buffy Summers returned and there were two.
(beat)
Later, while doing battle with the First Evil, she somehow granted all girls with the potential to become a Slayer with those abilities.

ONI:
How many?

TENGU:
About two thousand of them.

ONI:
And these girls are our enemies?

TENGU:
They are if they’re taught as much.
(beat)
But these girls have the hearts of demons. There is darkness within each and every one of them. Darkness which I have exploited.

Oni nods.

ONI:
But these Slayers can pose a threat.

TENGU:
A threat to whom? These Slayers are aligned with us. There is one girl, however, Shell Moore. She may prove to be a problem to us.
(beat)
She is a Slayer, but there is something…more about her. It appears that she is reincarnated from Senaya, the original Slayer. She is allied with Illyria, and the demon Bob, who attacked us three nights ago.

ONI:
Then we destroy her. Just as I did to Illyria.
(beat)
These Slayers of yours, they are all faithful to our cause? And capable?

TENGU (hesitating):
Yes.

Oni whips his arm out and grabs the Tengu the by the throat. He clenches it firmly.

ONI:
Why the hesitation?

TENGU:
We have suffered losses. It is natural in war.

ONI:
That it is. But there is something you’re withholding.

TENGU:
One Slayer broke free of our grasp. Sarah Welles.

ONI:
Where is she now?

TENGU:
I do not know.

Oni hurls the Tengu across the room violently, sending him crashing into a wall.

ONI:
You do not know? And is it possible that the other Slayers could turn on us?

The Tengu hesitates before nodding his head.

ONI:
Then ensure that they do not.
(beat)
You are aware of how easily I can destroy you if you fail?

TENGU:
Yes, master.

ONI:
And while I appreciate you orchestrating my return, do not presume that it will protect you from my wrath.
(beat)
Get out of my sight. And next time I see you, appear in your true form. This mortal disguise offends me.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, FACTORY – NIGHT

The New York skyline shines in the distance behind a lone figure sitting atop a roof across from the factory, watching as a truck arrives. The truck stops and two VAMPIRES exit it. Vampire #1 waves toward the front of the factory where three more vampires, dressed in black, approach.

VAMPIRE #3:
You have the girls?

VAMPIRE #1:
They’re in the back.

Vampire #4 grins and rubs his hands with glee. He licks his lips.

VAMPIRE #4:
Excellent. I hear they’re blood is better than that of regular girls’.

Vampire #4 begins to walk toward the back of the truck as vampire #2 grabs his shoulder, stopping him.

VAMPIRE #2:
No. We’re under strict orders not to taste them.

VAMPIRE #4:
Since when do I listen to orders?

VAMPIRE #2:
Since he’ll make sure we’re all dust if we spill a drop of their blood.

Vampire #4’s face morphs into its demonic form as he clenches his fist and thrusts it violently into vampire #2’s face. Vampire #2 morphs into his demonic form and grabs him by the throat.

Vampire #4 breaks free of vampire #2’s grip and pushes him aside. Vampire #4 rushes toward the back of the truck and rattles the padlock.

VAMPIRE #4:
Any of you boys have the key?

Vampire #5 shakes his head.

VAMPIRE #5:
Since when did you need a key?

Vampire #5 walks toward the back of the truck and rattles the lock before ripping it away from the door. Vampire #4 grins and steps toward the door. In a flash, vampire #5 pulls a stake from his pocket and slams it into vampire #4’s chest, turning him into dust.

VAMPIRE #5:
But I don’t wanna be dust, either.

Vampire #5 swings the truck’s back doors open and steps inside. Vampire #1 follows him. Six girls, all in their late teens, lie on the ground unconscious.

VAMPIRE #5:
It’s a damn shame we can’t eat, though.

VAMPIRE #1:
Come on, let’s hurry this up. Get these girls inside.

Vampires #1 and #5 each pick up a girl and throw them over their shoulders.

The figure on the rooftop can now be seen clearly as she steps into the light. She is SARAH WELLES, dressed in a casual jumper and jeans.

SARAH:
Looks like this is my lucky night.

Sarah leaps from the rooftop and rushes toward the factory. Vampires #2 and #3 hear Sarah’s footsteps and rush toward her.

SARAH (under breath):
When the Tengu packed up and left town, I really thought he’d take you guys with him.
(beat)
But I guess you can find vampires willing to do your dirty work anywhere.

Vampire #3 smirks to himself.

VAMPIRE #3:
I know you. You’re the deserter.

SARAH:
You know, I prefer to be called “Sarah.” But it’s not like you’ll be alive for us to get acquainted, so I’ll let that pass.

Sarah thrusts a stake into vampire #3’s chest and grins as he bursts into dust.

SARAH:
One down, three more to go.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Faith wanders around the dimly lit Dominion Bar, gripping a stake firmly in her hand. The bar is bereft of customers and Bob stands in the corner, arms crossed, watching Faith cautiously. CLEM sits in front of the bar silently before looking up and recognising Faith.

CLEM:
Wait a minute, I know you…

Faith swivels around.

FAITH:
What, we do?

CLEM:
Yeah, you’re a friend of Buffy’s. We met briefly back in Sunnydale.

FAITH:
If by “friend” you mean we tolerate each other, then I guess so.
(beat)
Claude, right? Clyde?

CLEM:
It’s Clem.

FAITH:
Right, Clem. Got it.
(beat)
So what is this place?

BOB:
It’s the Dominion Bar. We’re closed for business right now. We’re a little…under staffed.

FAITH:
Wow. What happened to demons lurking in crypts?

BOB:
I didn’t invite you to make small talk. You may be able to help us.

Faith nods her head.

BOB:
I’ll be right back. Shell should be here to hear what you have to say.

Bob walks across the bar and glances coldly at Faith before exiting t the back room.

FAITH (to Clem):
I don’t think your friend likes me very much.

Faith lights a cigarette and takes a drag.

CLEM:
Don’t take it personally. We’ve had some issues with Slayers. That, and he’s kinda been in a bad mood lately.
(beat)
So, how’s the gang? I saw Willow a few months back.

INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM’S OFFICE

Still in their petrified state, JACK and BECK stand against the wall of Clem’s office. Shell sits on a seat in front of them and looks down at a book, reading it to them.

SHELL (reading):
Suddenly, the wolf appeared beside her.
"What are you doing out here, little girl?" the wolf asked in a voice as friendly as he could muster.
"I'm on my way to see my grandma who lives through the forest, near the brook," Little Red Riding Hood replied.
Then she realized how late she was and quickly excused herself, rushing down the path to her grandma's house.

Shell looks up to see Bob enter the office. She lifts her hand and gives Bob a half-hearted wave and a smile, then looks back down to the book.

SHELL (reading):
The wolf, in the meantime, took a shortcut...

BOB:
Shell.

Frustrated, Shell closes the book and looks at Bob.

SHELL:
What is it?

BOB:
You’re needed in the bar. We may have a lead on the ninja from that night.

SHELL:
Can’t you handle it?

Bob shakes his head sympathetically.

BOB:
No, Shell, I can’t.

SHELL:
Look, I know that ninja may lead us to Illyria…or Fred, or whatever, or at the very least maybe give some insight about what happened, but I can’t leave them. I really can’t.

BOB:
If Clem can leave Kalinka be, Shell, you can leave Jack and Beck. And who knows, it might help us figure out how to save them.

BOB:
What are you reading them?

SHELL:
“Little Red Riding Hood.”
(beat)
I couldn’t think of anything else to say to them.

Bob smiles to Shell gently.

BOB:
Clem was reading “Sleeping Beauty” to Kalinka.

SHELL:
Real subtle of him, huh?

BOB:
You coming?

Shell nods her head and stands up. She places the book on the seat and turns to Jack and Beck.

SHELL:
We’ll figure this out, guys. I promise.

Bob turns to leave the office and Shell follows slowly.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, FACTORY – NIGHT

Vampires #1 and #5 throw the unconscious girls to the ground and vampire #1 lunges at Sarah, who responds with a roundhouse kick to the vampire’s head. The vampire stumbles back and Sarah grabs him by the throat and thrusts her stake into his chest.

Vampire #1 bursts into dust as vampire #2 takes Sarah’s distraction as his cue to attack. The vampire wraps his arm around Sarah’s throat tightly, pressing against the Slayers windpipe firmly. Sarah gasps for air and struggles to break free of the vampire’s grip before thrusting her head back into his face, breaking his nose. The vampire releases Sarah, who in turn swivels around to face her opponent.

VAMPIRE #2:
Damn, that hurt!

SARAH:
A broken nose is the least of your worries.

The vampire takes a step back and Sarah hurls her stake at him, striking him directly in the chest.

VAMPIRE #2:
You’re right. That really hurts.

Vampire #2 turns into dust and Sarah draws a katana. She turns toward vampire #5, who runs directly toward her, seemingly oblivious to her weapon. Effortlessly, Sarah slices through the vampire’s throat, decapitating him as his body stumbles to the ground and his head flies into the air. Sarah watches in satisfaction as the vampire turns to dust, which dissipates in the breeze.

Sarah holsters her weapon and glances into the back of the truck to see the remaining four girls, still unconscious. She looks at the factory before walking toward it. She sees the other two girls on the ground, and taps one gently with her foot.

SARAH (under breath):
Damn, how many Slayers are they stockpiling?

Sarah walks toward the entrance to the factory and stops just short of it. She takes a deep breath before walking any further.

FLASH TO:

INT. NEW YORK CITY, FACTORY

Sarah is strapped to a chair with her eyelids forced open, surrounded by various SLAYERS in the same situation. There is a large screen taking up the whole wall in front of them, displaying images which fly rapidly.

The first is a painting of Senaya bound and screaming as the Shadow Men surround her. Second, Sarah sees video footage of a gang of vampires raiding a bar, followed by rapid images of them violently killing the bar’s staff and patrons. These shots are followed by various clips of demons running rampant. Finally, the screen shows Faith dusting vampiric children in an old house.

FLASH TO:

INT. BUILDING

The building is engulfed in flames as the walls, floor and ceiling burn. The Slayers stand silently and watch as the Tengu, in his demonic glory, steps through the flames and laughs maniacally.

TENGU:
You are the Chosen Ones. Together, you will operate as one. You will act as my eyes and ears. You will slay those who oppose me. I am the Tengu, and I am your Daimyo.

FLASH TO:

EXT. BUILDING – NIGHT

The building burns brightly in the background, its flickering flames illuminating Sarah as she stands solemnly.

TENGU (V.O.):
You are warriors born of noble blood. You have the strength to destroy most demons with ease.

Sarah looks down to see a young girl bound and gagged with her head trapped in medieval-style stocks.

TENGU (V.O.):
You are far from ordinary girls. You are above them.
(beat)
Prove it to me.

Tears stream from the girl’s eyes as Sarah lifts her katana above her head.

TENGU (V.O.):
Destroy this girl.
(beat)
Destroy her, Sarah Welles.

Sarah blankly brings her sword crashing down toward the girl. Blood spatters into the air and onto Sarah’s clothing.

TENGU (V.O.):
That was magnificent.

FLASH TO:

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, FACTORY – NIGHT

Sarah reels back from the factory, haunted by her memories. She collapses to her knees and keels over, throwing up on the ground. She wipes her mouth and climbs to her feet.

Sarah walks toward the two unconscious Slayers and draws her katana. She looks down at them mournfully.

SARAH:
I’m sorry.
(beat)
It’s better this way, trust me.

Sarah slashes her sword down toward the first Slayer, killing her. She steps toward the second Slayer and brings her katana crashing down.

SARAH (under breath):
I truly am…

Sarah walks to the truck and climbs into the back. Her katana can be heard slashing against the metal as she kills the remaining Slayers.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Faith and Clem sit awkwardly before the Slayer turns to the demon.

FAITH:
So, this is a bar, right?
(beat)
Have anything to drink?

Bob leads Shell into the main bar.

BOB:
Shell, this is Faith. Apparently she can help us find Tok.

SHELL (under breath):
Faith?

Shell turns her head, looking backward intuitively. A visage of SENAYA appears.

SENAYA:
The line of the Slayers is contaminated. There should be but one Slayer, there should only be Faith.

Faith stares condescendingly at Shell, who appears to be distracted by an invisible friend.

FAITH:
Um, are you right over there?
(beat, to Clem)
And I thought I had issues.

Startled, Shell turns back to Faith.

SHELL:
Um…hi.

INT. TOKYO, TOK’S BEDROOM

The walls in Tok’s bedroom are adorned in traditional Japanese art and the floor is lined with stuffed animals. The door opens slowly and TOK enters. She walks slowly to her bed and kneels down to it.

TOK:
Are you awake?

The bed’s covers begin to shift and WINIFRED ‘FRED’ BURKLE sits up and smiles to TOK.

FRED:
Yeah, I am. Thanks for looking after me.

Tok smiles back to Fred.

TOK:
Don’t mention it.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE.

[Allan]

Act Two[/u]

INT. DOMINION BAR

Shell looks at Faith uncomfortably as Bob stands beside her, staring the Slayer down. Clem stands next to Faith nervously.

SHELL:
So this Tok…she’s the ninja we’re trying to find?

FAITH:
Sounds like it. But Giles didn’t mention you guys or this bar.
(beat)
So excuse me if I’m a little sceptical.

Faith reaches behind her back and fidgets with her belt. She grips a dagger in preparation for trouble.

BOB:
I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Faith. You’ll end up getting hurt.

FAITH:
If I had a dollar for every demon who told me that before I killed him, I wouldn’t be living in such a ratty apartment.

Clem quickly steps in front of Faith and raises his hands.

CLEM:
Faith, it’s okay. There’s a protection spell here that will make you suffer from any violence you try to inflict.

Faith nods her head and looks at Bob.

BOB:
Yeah. There’s that too.

Faith releases her grip from the dagger.

SHELL:
So, this Tok, do you know how we can find her? It’s really important. She can help us find a friend.

FAITH:
And would this “friend” be the Old One who released Oni? Because the way I hear it, she’s just another demon.

Bob shakes his head in disgust.

BOB:
“Just another demon?” Do you have any idea of what’s going on here?

FAITH:
I know everything I need to. Old One rises, aided by co-Old One. I, being the Slayer—

BOB:
A Slayer.

FAITH:
Okay, being a Slayer, Bob, I have a job to do. Slay said Old One and anyone who happens to be helping him.
(beat)
And if that happens to be your friend, I’m sorry, I truly am. But it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve killed someone who has friends, and I doubt it’d be the last.

BOB:
That’s real charming.
(beat)
Illyria did not mean to raise Oni. She was fighting alongside us trying to stop him from rising. Things went wrong.

FAITH:
They always do.

SHELL:
Faith, trust me on this, Illyria is innocent.
(beat)
What can you tell us about Tok? Is she formidable? You know, in case of the worst case scenario.

FAITH:
Well, she’s a ninja. They’ve been known to put up a fight. But she’s working for Giles.

CLEM:
I think you’d like him, Shell. He’s a friend of Willow’s.

BOB:
I’ve heard of him. The last Watcher.

FAITH:
More or less.

SHELL:
So Tok’s another Slayer?

Faith shakes her head.

FAITH:
No, she’s not a Slayer. As far as I know, she’s mortal. And if Giles is using a mortal when he has five hundred odd Slayers working with him, my guess is she’s very formidable. Worst case scenario, of course.

CLEM:
Please, can you tell us where we can find Tok? We need to find our friend, and she might be able to help my wife.
(beat)
Something happened to her.

Faith reaches into her pocket and Bob swiftly ejects the spikes from below his wrists. He steps toward Faith and Shell hastily grabs him by the arm.

Faith withdraws a piece of paper from her pocket.

FAITH:
Wow, paranoid much, big guy?

Faith unfolds the piece of paper to reveal an address scribbled messily on it. She hands it to Clem.

FAITH:
That’s her address.

Bob nods his head appreciatively.

BOB:
Let’s do this.

INT. TOKYO, TOK’S BEDROOM

Fred climbs out of bed and smiles to Tok.

FRED:
I really appreciate you looking after me like this.
(beat)
What time is it?

TOK:
It’s a little after midnight. Would you like something to eat or drink? You’ve barely had anything since you’ve been here.

FRED:
My appetite is slowly coming back. I’ll fix us something up. What do you like?

Tok shakes her head.

TOK:
No, you’re a guest here.
(beat)
Besides, my mother’s already making it.

Fred chuckles quietly.

FRED:
Okay, thanks.
(beat)
Can you remind me what happened again? Everything’s so fuzzy. You mentioned something about me being a demon…

TOK:
You were known as Illyria and you had some connection with the Old One called Oni.

FRED:
And Oni’s the bad guy, right?

Tok nods her head.

TOK:
He is.
(beat)
He’s out to destroy the world. You and your demon friend tried to stop him, as did I. We all failed.

FRED:
My demon friend?
(beat)
Angel? Lorne? Spike?

TOK:
Spike? The sexy vampire? No, he was charcoal coloured and quite horrifying.

FRED:
The sexy vampire? Remind me to quiz you about that one.
(beat)
What about Wesley and Charles? Have you seen them?

Tok shakes her head and Fred’s smile disappears from her face. She looks down sorrowfully.

FRED:
They’re dead. Wesley and Charles, both dead.

A tear rolls down Fred’s cheek. Tok places her hand gently on Fred’s shoulder.

FRED:
The demon was Bob, wasn’t he?
(beat)
I’m starting to remember.

INT. DOMINION BAR

The door from the bar’s back room opens and Shell and Faith step out. Shell carefully sheaths her sword as Faith grins from ear to ear, admiring the crossbow in her hands. Bob, standing next to Clem, shakes his head at Faith disapprovingly.

FAITH:
Gotta say, you have a nice selection of weapons back there.
(beat, glancing down at crossbow)
This baby’s the bomb.

BOB:
Be careful with that, Faith. It’s not a toy.

FAITH:
After nine years slaying, I think I have the crossbow down. But thanks.

BOB:
We good to go?

SHELL:
As good as ever.

Behind Bob, the entrance to the Dominion Bar opens. Bob shakes his head.

BOB:
We’re closed.

Bob hears footsteps and turns around to see Sarah walk in, her clothes spattered in blood from earlier. She looks shaken.

BOB:
Didn’t you hear me? I said we’re cl—
(beat)
Crap. It’s you.

INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM AND KALINKA’S BEDROOM

The lights are dimmed in the bedroom. All Clem’s belongings have been moved out, and the room is now kept in an immaculate condition. A chair sits beside the bed, with a copy of “Sleeping Beauty” resting on it, open at about halfway though.

Kalinka lies on the bed, unconscious. She is still, aside from very shallow breaths. Slowly, her eyelids begin to flicker.

D’HOFFRYN (V.O.):
Kalinka…

Kalinka’s eyes begin to move more rapidly, and she slowly begins to move in her sleep.

A translucent, astral image of D’HOFFRYN appears beside Kalinka’s bed. He looks down toward her.

D’HOFFRYN:
Kalinka, wake up…
(beat)
This is the Tengu’s trickery, but you belong to me. Never forget that.

Kalinka begins to toss and turn, before her eyes suddenly dart open. She lifts herself up from her bed and looks around the room. D’Hoffryn’s image is gone.

KALINKA:
D’Hoffryn?
(beat)
What happened to me?

Kalinka continues to look around the room and sees nobody. Everything is in order, though she notices the book on the chair and smiles to herself. She grimaces and lifts her hand to her forehead.

KALINKA (under breath):
Ow, my aching head.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Bob stares at Sarah with frustration.

BOB:
First her, now you. What is this, Slayer Central?
(beat)
This isn’t coincidence, is it?

FAITH:
What the hell? I’ve never seen her before.

Clem turns to Faith.

CLEM:
Evil Slayer.

FAITH:
Oh.
(beat, under breath)
I can relate.

Shell steps in between Bob and Sarah.

SHELL:
What do you want, Sarah? Last time we saw you, you helped us stop the Tengu before running away…and killing a cop in the process.

SARAH:
Survival of the fittest, Shell.
(beat)
I have some info for you guys. Assuming you want it.

BOB:
Right. And what will we have to do for you?

Sarah pauses, contemplating her words before opening her mouth to speak.

SARAH:
Not a thing, Bob. Look, I want the Tengu dead as much as you do.

FAITH:
The Tengu? He’s Oni’s bitch, right?

SARAH:
Oni’s risen?

Clem nods his head solemnly.

SARAH:
Then you’re really going to want to know about this. The Tengu’s Slayer factory is still operational.

SHELL:
“Slayer factory?”

Sarah nods her head. Faith shakes hers.

FAITH:
I hate to break this to you, but there’s no such thing as a Slayer factory. We’re not toys and we’re not made by elves in Santa’s workshop.

Sarah shoots Faith a condescending stare then turns to Bob.

SARAH:
And who is this?

BOB:
Don’t ask.

SARAH:
They’re not making Slayers there, they’re brainwashing them. It’s how they got to me, to Miranda, and the rest of us. It’s fairly low-tech, given these are big, bad, demon types.

BOB:
So you want us to go and liberate your little Slayer friends, is that it?

SARAH:
Something like that. There were three Slayers there earlier this evening.

FAITH:
He’s amassing an army.

BOB:
Three Slayers is not an army, Faith.

SHELL:
No, it’s not. But the chances are he’ll be sending more in there as he finds them. I mean, it’s not like the number of Slayers working with the Tengu was minimal.

Bob shakes his head in frustration.

BOB:
You’re right, Shell.
(beat)
But we really need to find Illyria.

SHELL:
Think she can hold out a little longer while we check this out?

BOB:
I don’t know.

FAITH:
Look, I can guarantee you that Tok is one of the good guys.

BOB:
Until you prove yourself, Faith, your quote-unquote guarantees don’t mean much.

Clem looks at Faith apologetically.

SHELL:
Make the call, Bob.

Bob takes a deep breath.

BOB:
We check this out.
(beat, to Faith)
But if anything happens to Illyria, and I find out you’re not on the level, you will suffer. Mark my words.

FAITH:
Consider your words marked, big guy.

Shell turns to Sarah.

SHELL:
Looks like you have your back up. What can you tell us about this place?

SARAH:
It’s a factory. It’s generally manned by a few vampires who operate the machinery and torture the Slayers. Occasionally, you’ll find the Tengu there for some intensive training, but I wouldn’t expect him there now. There seemed to only be new recruits, and he doesn’t make himself known until he has their allegiance.

BOB:
It sounds fairly straight forward. We go in, we destroy the facility, and we get out.

Faith and Shell nod their heads.

SARAH:
Then let’s get moving.

INT. TOKYO, TOK’S KITCHEN

The kitchen is tidy and very homely. Tok sits with Fred at a modest, wooden kitchen table. They have bowls sitting in front of them, filled with dessert. TOK’S MOTHER enters the kitchen and passes them each a hot chocolate.

TOK’S MOTHER (subtitled from Japanese):
Here you go. I’ll leave you two to talk in private. About boys, demons, or whatever it is you young women like to discuss.

TOK (subtitled from Japenese):
Thanks.

Fred nods her head.

FRED:
Thanks.
(beat, to Tok)
Your mother’s lovely.

TOK:
She’s great. And really cool about the demon hunting thing. Ever since my father died…well, she knows it has to be done.
(beat)
What about your parents?

FRED:
They’re great; I really think you’d like them. And they were also really cool about the demon hunting thing, which is kinda surprising, and oh my God, I’ve got to let them know I’m okay. The last time I saw them, or Illyria saw them, my soul was gone and she was inhabiting my body. They thought I was dead. And I guess I was, really.

Tok smiles to Fred, happy to hear her story.

TOK:
So you remember?

FRED:
I’m…starting to. Everything’s still fuzzy. I remember being a science geek, and I remember the first time I listened to the Dixie Chicks. Next thing I know, I’m in Pylea and Angel saved me. I had a bit of a crush on him.
(beat)
He looked after me, and I helped fight the good fight. Then we ended up working for Wolfram & Hart in L.A., and Illyria took over me. A few years later, I ended up at the Dominion and my soul somehow started to re-establish itself.

TOK:
The Dominion?

FRED:
It’s like this bar for demons. It sits in a pocket dimension, accessible from anywhere, and attracts demons from all over the place.

TOK:
And this is where your friends are?

FRED:
Yeah, I guess. They were more Illyria’s friends, sort of. I’m not sure that they actually liked her, or me, or whatever.
(beat)
I’m sorry, I’m getting these memories back, and it’s like I’m two different people. It’s really confusing.

Tok smiles sympathetically and gets up from her chair. She gently places her hand on Fred’s shoulder.

TOK:
It’s okay, Fred. You’re doing well, everything considered.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, FACTORY – NIGHT

Bob, Shell, Faith and Sarah approach cautiously through the shadows and reach a barb-wire fence surrounding the factory.

SARAH:
This is the place. We’ll have to climb the fence.

Shell nods and easily scales the fence and jumps over onto the other side, followed by Faith. Sarah climbs up and over the fence, landing softly on the opposite side. Bob begins to climb the fence and reaches the top as it collapses underneath him. He hits the ground loudly as the entire fence collapses. Bob stands up and looks at the destruction sheepishly.

FAITH:
Real stealthy. If the vamps heard that and kill us all, it’s your fault.

BOB:
Don’t worry, Faith. I’ll just feed them you.

Shell nudges Bob playfully before shooting him a quick stare. She takes a few steps forward, ahead of the group, and points to the two dead Slayers on the ground.

SHELL:
Um, guys, do you see this?

BOB:
Slayers?

SHELL:
There’s one way to find out.

Shell runs toward them, followed closely by Bob and Faith.

SARAH (quietly):
Um, guys?

The trio is too far ahead to hear Sarah. Sarah shakes her head and runs after them.

Bob leans down to the Slayers and presses against their necks, checking for a pulse.

BOB:
They’re definitely not going anywhere.

SHELL:
Slayers?

BOB:
They fit the bill.

FAITH:
Man, what kind of sick bastard would do this?

Sarah takes a step back nervously.

SARAH:
Um, I would.

Faith swivels around, stunned.

FAITH:
What?!

SARAH:
Look, they were going to be tortured by the Tengu. If I didn’t kill them, they’d be well on their way to being your enemies, alright?

FAITH:
Look, there are people out there who can help them. Giles, for instance. Hell, even Buffy, much as I hate to admit it.

Faith clenches her fist and punches Sarah in the face. Sarah staggers back and draws her sword.

SARAH:
Don’t judge me.

Sarah draws her katana and poises it, ready for battle.

FAITH:
Look, after some of the things I’ve done in my life, I’m the last person who should be judging you.
(beat)
But murdering innocent girls? That’s just messed up.

Faith reaches behind her back for her dagger and Bob grabs her by the arm and presses it tightly.

BOB:
Let this go.
(beat, to Sarah)
And you, sheath your weapon, or you’ll be on the receiving end of it.

Faith struggles to break free of Bob’s grip.

FAITH:
She murdered them!

SHELL:
Look, I don’t like this either, but we have to keep moving. We can sort this out later.

Faith slowly stops struggling.

BOB:
Can I let you go?

FAITH:
Fine, let’s just get inside the place.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART CONFERENCE ROOM

Oni stands at the head of the conference room, with the Tengu, appearing in his demonic form, and Miranda standing on either side of him. Oni looks over a crowd of twenty-five SLAYERS, dressed in kimonos and holding katanas. He turns to the Tengu.

ONI:
These are your fiercest warriors?

TENGU:
They are.

ONI:
Good. Your betrayer has allied herself with Shell, Bob, and another Slayer and they have discovered your facility. They intend to destroy it.

TENGU:
How do you know this?

ONI:
I have my sources, and that is all you need to know.
(beat)
I am certain you are aware of how unpleasant it would be if they were to succeed?

TENGU:
I am.

ONI:
Good. Take your Slayers and ensure that they do not.

Oni reaches his hand forward and a portal, glowing with a bright purple colour, opens against the far wall.

ONI:
This will take you straight there. Do not fail me.

TENGU:
Of course not, Master.

The Slayers turn toward the portal and begin to walk through it.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO.

[Allan]

Act Three[/u]

INT. NEW YORK CITY, FACTORY

Shell, Bob, Faith and Sarah cautiously walk through the dilapidated factory. They grip their weapons as they look around their surroundings, which appear to be abandoned. Dust rests on the walls and the floor, seats with locks to bind those using them stand on the ground, a large screen rests against one wall and a projector hanging from the ceiling against the opposite wall. Various canisters are stacked against the side wall. The group’s footsteps echo as they approach and nobody appears to hear them.

BOB:
What’s going on, Sarah? You lead us here and we find nothing but this abandoned factory and Slayers you murdered.

SARAH:
This facility is for programming Slayers. I swear!

SHELL:
It looks like it was, Sarah. Now, it just looks…abandoned.

SENAYA (O.S.):
This place trains abominations. It should be destroyed.

Shell swivels around, startled.

SHELL:
What?

Faith glances up toward Bob.

FAITH:
Is she okay?

BOB:
Is everything alright, Shell?

SHELL:
Yeah. This place is just giving me the creeps, is all.

BOB:
Is it Senaya?

FAITH:
Senaya? As in the First Slayer? The Primitive?

SHELL:
It’s a long story, Faith. And I don’t have time to get into it now.

FAITH (sarcastic, bitter):
Fine, keep me out of the loop. It’s not like I’m not used to it or anything.

SHELL:
I really think we need to destroy this.

FAITH:
And that’s what the voices in your head are telling you to do?

SHELL:
That’s what Senaya is telling me to do, yes.

SARAH:
Well, that’s why we came here, right?

BOB:
At the very least, it won’t hurt.

A beam of light shines from the lens on the projector, and an image flickers onto the screen. The image is an ancient painting of Senaya, tied up, and horrified as the Shadow Men surround her. A shrill scream emanates from the projector, filling the factory.

Startled, Bob, Shell and Faith swivel around in different directions, drawing their weapons. They scan the area for any sign of trouble. Sarah is drawn to the image on the screen. She is horrified and tears begin to well up in her eyes, but she is incapable of looking away.

FAITH:
I see something.

Without hesitation, Faith runs toward the projector, where a VAMPIRE, dressed in all black can be seen fleeing. Without skipping a beat, Faith aims her crossbow at the vampire, and fires a single shot toward his back. The arrow strikes the vampire’s back and pierces his heart, turning him to dust.

INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM AND KALINKA’S BEDROOM

Kalinka reaches down to the chair sitting next to her bed and picks up the book. She smiles to herself and flips through it. She lifts her head as she hears the door open and turns around. Clem steps inside, with his head hanging low, solemnly, unaware that Kalinka is awake.

KALINKA:
Clem.

Clem leaps into the air, startled. He pauses to capture his breath before seeing Kalinka, and grinning ecstatically.

CLEM:
Kallie! You’re okay!

Clem hurriedly rushes toward Kalinka and hugs her tightly.

CLEM:
I was so worried about you…

Clem pauses awkwardly and breaks free from his embrace. He takes a step back.

CLEM:
Because the bar needs you, of course. We’ve been closed since you collapsed.

KALINKA (disappointed):
Oh, of course. The bar.
(beat)
What do you mean you’ve been closed? Look, I can understand that you’ve been understaffed, but sometimes you have brave it and still work.

CLEM:
It’s a little more complicated than that. Oni’s risen.

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

Clem shakes his head.

CLEM:
No, it’s not. Illyria’s missing. Shell’s been worried about Jack and Beck. And Bob’s been really cranky. He hasn’t been the same since Hext, and with everything that’s happened, I think he’s just gotten worse.

KALINKA:
It sounds like everything’s falling apart.
(beat)
Are Beck and Jack here?

INT. DOMINION BAR – CLEM’S OFFICE

Clem and Kalinka enter the office and Kalinka walks toward the petrified Jack and Beck. She cringes at the horrific visages before patting them gently.

KALINKA:
I need to fix this.

CLEM:
No, you don’t.
(beat)
The last time you tried, it left you in a coma.

Kalinka shakes her head.

KALINKA:
But I wasn’t prepared.

CLEM:
No, Kalinka.
(beat)
We’ll find a way to save them, but this isn’t it.

Kalinka glances toward Jack and Beck.

KALINKA:
We will find a way. I promise you.

INT. NEW YORK CITY, FACTORY

Shell and Bob step away from each other and keep scanning the area, as does Faith. Sarah keeps staring at the screen, unnoticed by the others.

SHELL:
Come on, surely nobody’s stupid enough to think a single vampire is enough to stop us.

TENGU (O.S.):
You are the Chosen Ones. Together, you will operate as one. You will act as my eyes and ears. You will slay those who oppose me. I am the Tengu, and I am your Daimyo.

Shell, Bob and Faith all jump, startled by the Tengu’s booming voice and stare up toward the screen as he steps through the flames. Shell turns to Sarah.

SHELL:
Hey, Sarah?
(beat)
Hello, Earth to Sarah.

Faith rushes toward Sarah and physically pulls her away from the screen.

FAITH:
Hey, snap out of it!

Sarah looks at Faith, bemused.

SARAH:
Sorry. I can’t do this.

Sarah turns away from the group and runs toward the exit. As she reaches the door, a foot from the other side kicks her to the ground.

Miranda enters the factory, followed by the twenty Slayers. Each one of them is dressed in a kimono and carries a katana. As the Slayers approach, Shell, Faith and Bob step back and draw their weapons.

SHELL:
You know, I think I preferred the single vampire.


Music cue – “These Boots are Made for Walkin’ – Nancy Headbanger Mix” by Boy George:
These boots are made for walkin'
That's just what they'll do
One of these days these boots
Are gonna walk all over you

The Slayers storm through the factory as Bob, Shell and Faith back themselves together.

BOB:
Stay together.

Music (continued):
You keep lying when you oughta to be truthin'
You keep losing when you oughta not bet

Faith takes aim at the pack and fires three arrows toward them. The first two strike their marks in the arm, and the third strikes a Slayer in the chest, killing her. Shell stares in horror.

SHELL:
Faith! Oh my God…

FAITH:
Look, we don’t have time for kid gloves. I hate to break it to you, but it’s kill or be killed. And I’d rather fall into the first category.

BOB:
Much as I hate to agree with Faith, we aren’t in a position where we can worry about if we’re dealing too much damage.

Music (continued):
You keep saming when you ought to be changin'
What's right is right, but you ain't been right yet

Faith keeps firing her arrows at the Slayers, who continue to approach in droves. As the Slayers near the group, Bob begins to slash his spikes furiously, injuring the Slayers. Shell glances toward Bob, who seems to be enjoying the fight a little bit too much as she fights defensively against the Slayers, parrying their blows expertly.

Music (continued):
These boots are made for walkin'
That's just what they'll do
One of these days these boots
Are gonna kick you

The Slayers manage to break through the group, separating them. Faith draws her dagger, ready for some close-ranged fighting, but begins to look worried by the volume of Slayers. A Slayer manages to knock Shell’s sword from her hands, leaving her weaponless as Bob watches in horror before being restrained by the Slayers surrounding him.

INT. TOKYO, TOK’S KITCHEN

Fred takes a sip from her cup as Tok turns to her.

TOK:
Maybe we should visit the Dominion Bar.

FRED:
You think?

TOK:
Aside from the fact they may be worried about you—

FRED:
Or Illyria.

TOK:
Or Illyria, they may be able to help you.

Fred pauses and takes another sip.

FRED:
I dunno, Tok. Part of me feels freer after the fight. Maybe I can give all this up.

TOK:
You know, maybe you can. And maybe you should, but if they can help you figure out what’s happened to you, it’s worth a try, isn’t it?
(beat)
And I’ll go with you. See if I can be of any assistance against Oni.

Fred nods her head and places her cup on the table. She smiles.

FRED:
Okay, let’s do this.

INT. NEW YORK CITY, FACTORY

With a flurry of punches and kicks, Faith manages to break free from the Slayers and rushes toward Shell, who is cut and bruised from her battle. Faith fires her crossbow at the Slayers who turn to face her. Bob wrestles himself free from the Slayers surrounding him.

Faith grins as she notices the canisters against the wall on the opposite end from Shell, Bob and herself.

FAITH (under breath):
Surely the Tengu can’t be that stupid.
(beat, shouting)
Shell! Bob! Take cover!

Shell and Bob glance toward each other in confusion and move toward the back corner.

FAITH (to Slayers):
This has been fun and all, girls, but I’m gonna have to cut this short. A girl needs to have a life, y’know.

The Slayers look at each other, confused, before approaching Faith. Faith winks at them before firing her crossbow at one of the canisters. A clear fluid begins to leak from it.

FAITH (under breath):
Let’s hope this baby’s flammable.

She grabs her lighter from her pocket, hurls it toward the fluid and rushes toward the back wall. The floor ignites and the canisters explode in a fiery fury. Slayers are thrown all over the place and of them only Miranda manages to hold her ground.

Flames burn brightly and Miranda smirks to herself as Faith, Shell and Bob rush to escape the burning building. She follows slowly, keeping her distance.

Faith, Shell and Bob reach the door, and notice that Sarah is nowhere to be seen.

BOB:
Another disappearing act. Why am I not surprised?

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, FACTORY – NIGHT

Shell, Bob and Faith stagger out from the factory as flames burst from it, illuminating the night sky. Shell wipes sweat and soot from her brow.

SHELL:
My ears are still ringing from that explosion.

VOICE (O.S.):
Believe me, you got off lightly.

Shell, Bob and Faith look up to see the Tengu descend from the night sky.

TENGU:
Tell me…How many of my Slayers did you destroy?

FAITH:
Enough.
(beat)
It’s Oni, right?

The Tengu lets out a loud, emphatic laugh that echoes through the area.

TENGU:
Hardly.

The Tengu extends his arm and telekinetically lifts Faith from the ground. He clenches his fist, choking her, and flings her away like a piece of rubbish.

TENGU:
But you must be Faith. A Slayer…and ally of Tok.
(beat)
And to think I thought you would be formidable.

BOB:
You’re backing the losing team, Tengu. We took down your Slayers, we’re about to take down you, and soon we’ll be taking down your master.

TENGU:
Do I detect confidence? That has to be your most admirable quality.

Senaya gradually appears next to Shell, unseen to everybody but her.

SENAYA:
You have the power of words, Shell. Never forget that.
(beat)
Your words can destroy him. Your words can destroy Oni.

Senaya disappears and Shell steps toward the Tengu.

SHELL:
Why don’t you get the hell out of here, Tengu?
(beat)
You know I have the words inside me. You know I can destroy you.

TENGU:
If you knew the words, Shell Moore, you would have used them by now.

Shell pauses, unsure of how to react. She doesn’t notice Miranda exiting the factory until she has two katanas placed against Bob’s throat.

MIRANDA:
Not a move, Shell.

SHELL:
Look, Miranda, you don’t want to do this.

MIRANDA:
Oh, you forget how much fun I can have inflicting pain.

Miranda feels an arrow pressed against the back of her head. Faith is standing behind her, holding her crossbow. Faith draws her dagger and places it against Miranda’s lower back.

FAITH:
And you’re obviously unaware of the fun I can have inflicting pain myself.

TENGU:
Step away from her.

Faith looks at the Tengu condescendingly.

FAITH:
Oh, don’t tell me you actually care about this tramp?

TENGU:
She is a strong ally.

FAITH:
She doesn’t seem that strong to me.
(beat)
How about you tell her to drop her weapons and get the hell out of here, and I let her go?
(beat)
Deal?

The Tengu glares at Faith in silence.

TENGU:
Fine.
(beat)
Surrender, Miranda.

MIRANDA:
What?

SHELL:
I don’t think he’s looking for an argument.

Miranda drops her swords and watches as the Tengu stretches his wings and flies into the night sky.

FAITH:
Pleasure doing business with you.

EXT. TOKYO, DOMINION ACCESS POINT – NIGHT

Fred walks alongside Tok through an alley. They reach the Dominion Bar’s access point and Fred points to the door.

FRED:
This is it.

TOK:
For an interdimensional bar, that’s a little anti-climactic.

FRED:
Wait ‘til you get inside.

Fred walks toward the door and gives it a tug. She opens it and steps inside, followed by Tok. The two look around to see that they are inside a small storage space.

FRED:
What? I don’t understand.

Fred breathes deeply. She is distressed by her confusion.

FRED:
Illyria could always get in…why can’t I?
(beat)
Oh, no…

TOK:
What is it, Fred?

FRED:
Illyria’s really gone. There’s nothing left inside me.

TOK:
Are you certain?

FRED:
The Dominion only allows access to those with some kind of mystic ability. I don’t have that.

INT. DOMINION BAR

The door swings open and Bob skulks in, followed by Shell and Faith. The three of them are worn out.

BOB:
Time to hit Tokyo, I guess.

Clem rushes in from the back room.

CLEM:
Guys! I have a surprise for you.

BOB:
Now really isn’t the time.

CLEM:
You’ll love this. I promise.

Clem opens the door to the back room and Kalinka enters the bar. Shell grins and Bob allows himself a smile.

SHELL:
Kalinka!

KALINKA:
Hey, Shell, Bob.
(beat, pointing to Faith)
You, I don’t know.

FAITH:
The name’s Faith.

KALINKA:
Hey, Faith.

SHELL:
How did you…?

KALINKA:
Wish I could tell you.

BOB:
We’ll have time to catch up later. But we really need to get to Tokyo.

EXT. TOKYO, DOMINION ACCESS POINT – NIGHT

The door to the Dominion Bar closes and Shell, Faith and Bob takes a few steps into the alley. Faith turns her head and sees Tok talking to Fred.

FAITH:
You wouldn’t be Tok, would you?

Tok turns around.

TOK:
I am. And you are?

FAITH:
Faith. Giles sent me.

Tok smiles and Fred notices Shell and Bob.

BOB:
Illyria.

FRED:
Actually, it’s just Fred.

BOB (disenchanted):
Oh.
(beat)
So Oni…he really destroyed Illyria?

Fred nods her head.

BOB:
I’m…I’m sorry.

Faith waves to Bob and approaches the three of them.

FAITH:
So, I found Tok and you found Illyria.
(beat)
So, I guess I’ll be off. I’ll let you know if I hear anything.

BOB:
You do that.

FAITH:
You betcha. Besides, you all owe me your lives, and I will cash them in.

Bob and Shell glare at Faith.

FAITH:
Jeez, lighten up. It was a joke.

Faith walks toward Tok, who turns to Fred.

TOK:
Fred, I’ll give you all some privacy. Will you be alright to get home on your own?

Fred nods her head.

FRED:
Yeah…thanks.

Faith and Tok disappear into the night and Bob turns to Shell and Fred.

BOB:
I do not trust her.

SHELL:
Well, she did save our lives, Bob.

BOB:
After selling us out. Someone told the Tengu what we were doing.

SHELL:
I’m not arguing with that, but Faith? I mean, she’s a little rough around the edges, but Sarah’s never been reliable.

BOB:
I don’t trust Sarah, either. But chances are she’s long gone. Faith we’ll need to keep an eye on.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART OFFICE SUITE

Oni stands alone in the office suite in a trance-like state. The door opens and the Tengu enters, followed by Miranda.

ONI:
Where are the others, Tengu?

TENGU:
Dead. Or injured.

Oni turns to Miranda.

ONI:
Leave us be, Slayer.

Miranda exits the room and Oni turns to the Tengu.

ONI:
You failed me.

TENGU:
I apologise, master.

ONI:
Do not insult me with apologies.
(beat)
Can you at least tell me anything useful for the battle ahead?

TENGU:
Shell Moore has still not reached her potential. She does not know how to use the power within her.

ONI:
Considering you returned alive, I had figured as much.

Oni clenches his fist and punches into the Tengu’s chest and through his back.

ONI:
No heart. Interesting.

The Tengu begins to glow bright green, before becoming engulfed in green flames. As the flames burn, he disintegrates into ash.

INT. TOKYO, STOREROOM

The storeroom is dark and Bob sits alone with Fred.

BOB:
I promise you, we’ll find a way to undo this.

Fred smiles sweetly to Bob.

FRED:
Thanks, Bob. But I’m not sure this is necessarily a bad thing. I’ll miss you guys, but it’s nice just being Fred.

Bob simply nods his head. No words come to him.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Shell sees Kalinka sitting by the bar and rushes toward her, giving her a heartfelt hug.

SENAYA (O.S.):
You must come to terms with the power within you, Shell. You are a Slayer, but you are far more.
(beat)
Follow Faith. She will show you the way of the Slayer. Through her, you can destroy Oni.

Shell pats Kalinka on the back, seemingly unaware of Senaya’s words.

SHELL:
It’s great to have you back, Kalinka.

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 © 2007 Allan Whatford

[Allan]

Next on Dominion[/u]:

The Tengu lies dead at Oni's hands. Luckily for the Oni, he has other agents willing to do his bidding. And just who is Hext exactly, and what are his motives?

Plus, Bob's suspicions about Faith's treachery grow stronger.