Dominion, episode 1.17 - "Order & Chaos"

[Allan]

Once again, I'll apologise for the lateness of this episode - it's a little over a month after 1.16. I blame Christmas and the general business in December for this, though the following couple of episodes may be also be a little late so I can concentrate on getting the final ones out in a timely fashion (so this means me building some lead time and not posting episodes as soon as they're done - assuming I don't take too long to write them).

This episode flowed out of me relatively easily (when I found the time to write), though the tone of it ended up being different than I was originally aiming for (something a little more "low key"). With that in mind, I hope it works.

With five episodes after this one to go for the season, I'd like to thank everyone who's stuck with it this far. We're getting to the tail-end of the season, and hopefully you'll feel rewarded by the end of it (as opposed to, say, cheated ).

The trivia for this episode is up, so be sure to check it out when done with this episode.

This episode contains two songs:

• We Didn't Start the Fire performed by Billy Joel
  
• Spellbound performed by Siouxsie and the Banshees

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

Pages: 44

Words: 9,753

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

[Allan]

SHELL:
Previously on Dominion:

EXT. TOKYO STREET – NIGHT

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.

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. TOKYO, TOK’S BEDROOM

FRED:
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:
You and your demon friend tried to stop him, as did I. We all failed.

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

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.

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 turns around to face Bob.

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.

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.

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.

[Allan]

Teaser[/u]

INT. ENCHANTADORA DIMENSION, HEXT’S BEDROOM

Hext’s bedroom is very modest in appearance. The homely room is part of a small clay hut and is obviously very well-maintained. A king-size bed sits against the back wall, with a chest of draws sitting next to it, under a small window. The chest of drawers has a sundial sitting on top of it, along with various magical trinkets. The walls of the room have various ancient scrolls, featuring text, and some paintings of Chaos Demons. A wardrobe sits on the other side of the room.

A sleeping HEXT, wearing brown cloth pyjamas and a nightcap made from similar material, rolls from his back to his side and slowly wakes up. He lifts his head to the sundial and sees the time.

HEXT (groggy, under breath):
Ugh, it’s morning already.

Hext looks behind him, puzzled, as he notices that he’s alone in his bed.

HEXT (under breath):
Wow, she’s up early.
(beat)
Guess I’d best do the same.

Hext slowly pulls himself from his bed and walks toward the wardrobe. He lifts his nightcap from his head, revealing a terrible case of bed-hair, long and straggly, with a bright magenta colour. He glances in the mirror, but thinks nothing of it, places the nightcap on the shelf, and opens the wardrobe. Hext glances inside the wardrobe and sees a rack full of identical brown cloaks hanging.

HEXT (under breath):
What to wear…what to wear…

Hext reaches into his wardrobe and pulls one of the cloaks out. He lifts it into the light and inspects it thoroughly before hanging it back up. He reaches for a second cloak and inspects it before shrugging his shoulders.

HEXT:
Ah, this one will do nicely.

INT. ENCHANTADORA DIMENSION, HEXT’S KITCHEN

Hext walks into a modest kitchen and past the wooden kitchen table. He smiles as he sees a female demon, VERZUA, standing at a little over six feet tall with matted brown fur, holding a hotplate containing various small, demonesque lizards over an open fire.

Hext sniffs into the air and smiles. He walks up to Verzua and places his arm around her lovingly before standing on his toes to reach up and kiss her on the cheek.

HEXT:
How is the sexiest woman in all the dimensions this morning?

VERZUA:
Fine.

HEXT:
Mmm…that smells absolutely delightful. What’s the occasion?

VERZUA:
Breakfast.

HEXT:
Well, it is the most important meal of the day, after all.

Verzua ignores Hext and keeps cooking. Hext looks at his wife, perplexed.

HEXT:
Is everything okay, honey?

Verzua turns to her husband and looks at him with a blank stare.

VERZUA:
Everything is fine, Hext.

Hext takes a step backward. His expression changes to fear.

HEXT:
Where are the children?

VERZUA:
In the living room.

Hext nods his head and turns around. He scrambles out of the kitchen as quickly as he can.

INT. ENCHANTADORA DIMENSION, HEXT’S LIVING ROOM

Hext rushes into his living room and notices his four children – ZISK and MREP, his sons, resembling Hext with pale grey skin and magenta hair; and BLEQ and RIKKA, his daughters, resembling their mother and covered in brown matted fur – simply standing, and stumbles as his foot steps on a rubber ball sitting on the floor.

HEXT:
Oh come on, you guys, who left that ball there?

ZISK:
I apologise, father.

HEXT:
No smart alec remarks for dear old dad?

ZISK:
No, father.

Hext shakes his head in disbelief.

HEXT:
So, what’s the plan for the day, kids?

The four children simply shrug their shoulders. Hext reaches down for the ball and picks it up. He throws it at Zisk’s head. The ball bounces from the boy’s head and fails to elicit even the tiniest of reactions.

HEXT:
Well?

RIKKA:
That wasn’t very polite.

Hext takes a deep breath.

HEXT:
What is going on here?

ZISK, MREP, BLEQ AND RIKKA (in unison):
Order. There must be order.
(beat)
This household needs order. The dimensions need order.

HEXT:
Oh, no…

Verzua enters the living room slowly. She looks at Hext and the children.

VERZUA:
Breakfast is served.

HEXT:
Thanks, beautiful, but I just remembered that I have that…thing I have to do.

VERZUA:
That is unacceptable. You must be orderly.

Hext looks at his wife, panicked.

ZISK, MREP, BLEQ, RIKKA AND VERZUA (in unison):
Without order, there is only chaos. Order must rule.

HEXT (under breath):
He’s gone too far.

Hext takes a second to glance up at a painting of his family, all very happy, and sighs sentimentally. He looks toward the door and rushes toward it as his family members all follow him with their glances.

EXT. ENCHANTADORA DIMENSION, PLANES – DAY

Hext rushes through the Enchantadora planes in a panic. A small number of demons walk through the planes blankly. A CHAOS DEMON, dripping slimes as he walks, approaches Hext.

CHAOS DEMON:
Order is the way of life.

HEXT (horrified):
How did he get to you?

Hext briskly pushes past the Chaos Demon and rushes toward a small, dilapidated hut and stands in front of the door. He pauses before lifting his hand toward the door.

HEXT (under breath):
Oh, that cannot be the password.
(beat)
Order.

Hext tugs at the handle, opening the door.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Hext enters the Dominion Bar, which is buzzing with activity as various demons sit around and eat their breakfast. The jukebox plays in the background, and KALINKA rushes to a table seating three DEMONS and passes them their breakfast.

Music – “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel:
We didn't start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world's been turning

Hext walks past the tables and gasps as he spots the table at the back of the bar. BOB is sitting and chatting with a demon similar in appearance to Hext. The demon features pale grey skin and magenta hair, though his is short and slicked back tidily. He is also wearing a brown cloak, but it is cut to resemble an expensive jacket. The demon is VEXT.

Music (continued):
We didn't start the fire
No we didn't light it
But we tried to fight it

Bob looks up at Hext and his disposition turns from pleasant to angry.

BOB:
Get out, Hext. You are not welcome in here.

HEXT:
Bob, I know I’m not your favourite person right now, but you have to get away from my brother.

Bob doesn’t say a word as he stands from his chair.

Music (continued):
We didn't start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world's been turning

Bob glares as Hext as he ejects the spikes from below his wrists.

HEXT:
Bob, please, just listen to me.

Hext steps back nervously as Bob lifts his arm, aiming a spike at Hext.

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 Perlman as Bob

Guest-Starring:
Eliza Dushku as Faith Lehane
Ken Watanabe as Oni
Callum Blue as the Jack of Spades
Natasha Gregson Wagner as Beck Richardson
Ron Rifkin as Hext
Neil Flynn as Vext
Julie Gonzalo as Miranda Hendricks
Aya Ueto as Tok

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]

EXT. TOKYO, CITY STREET – NIGHT

Stars shine in the sky above Tokyo as people make their social runs through the city, moving from one bar to the next. A crowd stands at an intersection waiting patiently for the pedestrian light to turn green. FAITH stands among the crowd with FRED, the two of them looking inconspicuous.

The pedestrian light flickers before turning green and the crowd begins to walk across the road. Faith turns her head to Fred.

FAITH:
You sure you’re up to this?

Fred nods her head.

FRED:
Yes, Faith. I appreciate your concern, but as I told Tok, I need to feel like I’m doing something. You’re a Slayer, Tok’s a ninja, and I’m…well, I’m me.
(beat)
Besides, I thought I handled myself well enough in L.A.

FAITH:
You did seem capable. But this is different. It’s dangerous.

Fred smirks to herself as she shakes her head. The two of them step from the road and onto a footpath.

FRED:
Dangerous? You do know that I managed to rescue Angel and the others from a mind controlling goddess, right?

FAITH:
Okay, okay, I’ll give you that one. Just keep your eyes peeled.

FRED:
For what, exactly?

FAITH:
I hope we’ll know when we see it, Fred.

Faith stops in her tracks and points toward the roof of a nearby building. A demonic gargoyle stands on the roof.

FAITH:
How often do you see gargoyles in Tokyo?

FRED:
Honestly? I wouldn’t know. This is my first time here.

FAITH:
You know what? This is my first time here, too, and I’m not exactly a student of international architecture.
(beat)
It still looks out of place, though.

Startled, Fred jumps back as the gargoyle turns its head.

FRED:
Did that just…

Faith nods her head.

FAITH:
Yeah, it’s a demon, all right.

The gargoyle spreads its wings and leaps into the air. It flies from the roof and into the sky above. The gargoyle is stopped mid-flight as a lasso suddenly wraps itself around its legs. It turns its head backward and screeches shrilly.

The lasso tightens as the gargoyle struggles to break free. The rope leads back to the roof and TOK emerges from the shadows, struggling to keep the gargoyle secure. Eventually, Tok manages to shift her weight and uses the gargoyle’s momentum against it to spin it around through the air. With one final movement, Tok slams the gargoyle against the building, shattering it. A translucent spirit floats up from the gargoyle and floats into the ether.

FRED:
That was the killer?

Tok scales down from the building and on to the street below. She waves as she approaches Fred and Faith.

TOK:
Spirits are descending on the city, drawn to Oni’s pull. That was one of them.

FAITH:
One of them? How many of these things are we going to have to kill?

TOK:
There’s no telling. Still, the puppets can sense them.

Tok looks up to the roof above and six NINJA PUPPETS, each dressed in black bodysuits, leap from the shadows and across the rooftop. Tok lifts her hand in a gesture for them to keep moving forward, and they scurry off ahead.

FAITH:
I never thought I’d see the day where I was fighting alongside puppets.

Fred giggles to herself.

FRED:
I fought alongside a puppet once. It was Angel, so it mightn’t count, but he was so adorable!

FAITH:
Y’know, I think that’s about the scariest thing I’ve ever heard, Fred.

INT. DOMINION BAR

The demons in the bar stop eating their food and simply stare at Bob, stunned, as he approaches Hext. Kalinka places a plate on a table and rushes toward the two.

KALINKA:
Bob, calm down.

Bob turns his head and glares at Kalinka with a deathly stare.

BOB:
Do not tell me what to do, Kalinka.

Bob turns his head back to Hext and presses the spike against his throat. A GREEN DEMON toward the front of the bar starts clapping.

GREEN DEMON:
Yeah, baby! Let’s see some blood!

HEXT:
Why not, Bob? You know as well as I do that as soon as you go to break the skin you’ll be spilling your own blood.
(beat)
And after you collapse on the ground and die in a pool of your own blood, believe it or not, I will really miss you.

Bob slowly retracts the spikes back under his wrists.

BOB:
What do you want, Hext?

HEXT:
Your help, Bob.

Bob grins.

BOB:
No, really, Hext. What do you want?

HEXT:
Really, Bob, I’m here for your help.
(beat)
I see that you’ve met my brother.

Hext lifts his hand and waves to Vext, who nods in acknowledgement.

BOB:
With the light grey skin and the pink—

HEXT:
The magenta hair. It’s a family trait, and I am quite proud of it.

BOB:
The pink hair, yeah, I saw the resemblance.

Vext stands up from his seat and walks toward Hext, Bob and Kalinka.

VEXT:
Well, it’s been fun, but I must be off.
(beat)
These family reunions never go smoothly.

Vext takes a step to walk toward the exit and Kalinka steps in front of him, blocking his escape.

KALINKA:
Oh, no you don’t. I don’t know what’s going on here, but if you two are going to treat the Dominion like it’s the “Jerry Springer Show” and make fools of yourselves in front of a live audience, you will tell me.

VEXT:
Personally, I prefer Oprah.
(beat)
But unfortunately, I am running short on time and have things that need to be done. I’m certain my brother will be more than happy to enlighten you.

Vext pushes past Kalinka and walks toward the Dominion’s exit. He opens the door and steps through. The green demon leaps up from his chair.

GREEN DEMON:
Don’t take that diss! Get out there and kill him!

Bob and Kalinka glare at Hext, ignoring the green demon’s remarks.

GREEN DEMON:
Well if you’re not going to kill him, can I?

BOB, KALINKA AND HEXT (in unison):
No!

BOB (to Hext):
Hext, give me one good reason why I should trust you.

HEXT:
I led Illyria and yourself to Oni, did I not?
(beat)
And if it weren’t for me, your paths would never have crossed.

BOB:
Illyria is…gone.

Hext lowers his head.

HEXT:
Really? And by “gone”, I’m guessing you don’t mean she’s on vacation and enjoying the Pylean sun.

BOB:
If there is more to Oni than you are letting on, you had best tell me now. Because if you are not giving us the full story, I will hold you responsible for her death.

HEXT:
That doesn’t make any sense. Oni loves Illyria. You should be able to use that against him.

Bob glances around the bar to see the customers rapt by the drama.

BOB:
Let’s do this in private.

KALINKA:
Bob, we have customers.

BOB:
Well, serve them then, Kalinka.

Bob turns and begins to lead Hext toward the back of the bar.

GREEN DEMON:
Well, can you make sure you bring him back out here before you kill him?

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART OFFICE SUITE

ONI stands in the opulent office suite with his back facing the window overlooking the Tokyo skyline. He is holding the Spear of Destiny in his hands, admiring it. Oni looks up as he hears the door to the office open and MIRANDA HENDRICKS steps inside. She bows to Oni, who refuses to return the gesture.

ONI:
I see that the spirits are arriving in the city in preparation for my ascension.

MIRANDA:
They are. The local authorities are investigating the increase in deaths, chalking them up to mortal murders.

ONI:
Let them investigate. Their futile attempts will be for nothing.

MIRANDA:
Agreed.
(beat)
However, they are not the only ones fighting this. Our source informs me that the Slayer Faith, the ninja Tok, and Winifred Burkle are fighting against them.

ONI:
Winifred Burkle? Illyria’s former host?

Miranda nods her head.

MIRANDA:
It turns out the woman is quite tenacious.

ONI:
So it seems. Does she believe that because she was once inhabited by an Old One she is still more than mortal?

MIRANDA:
I don’t think that’s it. She was fighting alongside the souled vampire before Illyria took her over.

Miranda and Oni hear a knock at the door. Oni glances toward Miranda who opens the door. She bows before stepping and allowing Vext to enter.

ONI (to Miranda):
You may leave us now.
(beat, to Vext)
Welcome.

INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM’S OFFICE

SHELL sits alone in Clem’s office, looking up at the petrified versions of JACK and BECK solemnly.

SHELL:
You know, guys, I really don’t know what to say. We’ve been trying to find a way to undo what Oni did to you guys for weeks, and we will get there. I promise you that we will find a way, and it’ll be soon. I miss you guys.
(beat)
And hell, we’d better figure out something soon, because the temptation to dress you up in silly costumes and post them on the net is almost too much to bear.

The door to the office opens and Bob leads Hext inside. Shell turns around, surprised to see Hext there.

SHELL:
I know I’ve been spending most of my time in here, but what have I missed? Since when are you two on speaking terms?

BOB:
We’re going to need this office, Shell.

SHELL:
I’m kinda in the middle of something here, Bob.

Bob looks at Jack and Beck.

BOB:
I don’t think they’re going anywhere in a hurry.

Shell looks at Bob sadly; the hurt is evident in her eyes. She brushes past him and exits the office, slamming the door loudly behind her.

HEXT:
You know, Bob, I think I preferred the jolly old Cessation Demon to this grumpy grouch of a guy determined to ostracise everybody close to him.

BOB:
We were never close personal friends, Hext.

HEXT:
You’re not getting this, did you?
(beat)
You didn’t notice that you managed to really upset Shell. I barely know the girl and I can tell that she thinks the world of you.

Bob pauses before looking at the door, then back at Hext.

BOB:
I’ll deal with Shell’s feelings later.
(beat)
Why are you here?

HEXT:
Let me start at the top. As arrogant as this may sound, I am the Lord of Chaos. I always have been, in some form or another, and you have no idea how much I hope I always will be. If something happens, well, you can kiss any form of free will goodbye.

BOB:
So, for all intents and purposes, you’re responsible for all those kids in the ‘80’s with mohawks and paper clips in their noses spray painting anarchy symbols on walls.

HEXT:
That’s as gross an understatement as I’ve ever heard, but for all intents and purposes, yes.
(beat)
My brother, Vext, who you met earlier tonight, is the Lord of Order. While he’s my brother, as you can imagine, we’ve never quite seen eye to eye.

BOB:
Funny, I always believed I was fighting to maintain order.

Hext smiles to himself.

HEXT:
You believed what you wanted to believe, Bob. Nothing more, nothing less.
(beat)
The fun thing about order and chaos is that they both must be represented. Without chaos, pure order would remove any form of free will. Without order, chaos would result in the end of all that is.
(beat)
Everyone must lean toward one or the other. Even Gods. For example, a few years ago there was a Goddess called Jasmine running about, a pure acolyte of order. Anybody who came into any contact with her lost their free will. On the other side of things, there was a Goddess called Glorificus running rampant in Sunnydale. She was pure chaos, and while I personally found her to be quite amusing, she had to be stopped, before, well, she destroyed that dimension.
(beat)
And that brings me to my brother. While we are complete opposites, he has always understood the necessity for a combination of order and chaos. We fight, we wage war, and we both try to get the upper hand on each other. Order and chaos are in such stark contrast that they need to. And there’s always the obligatory sibling rivalry, too. But they also need each other to thrive.
(beat)
But Vext has managed to instil pure order in our home dimension.

Bob shakes his head.

BOB:
Why do I doubt that this is simply because your brother has pissed you off and you want me to give him a lecture?
(beat)
What does this have to do with me, Hext? Look around you. We have two allies who are incapacitated and we’ve lost Illyria. Shell is a wreck, and neither Clem nor Kalinka are warriors.
(beat, sarcastic)
Which leaves us in a beautiful position with Oni, don’t you think?

Hext grins.

HEXT:
See, I knew there was a reason I was so fond of you, Bob. You just answered your own question there.

BOB:
What?
(beat)
Oni?

HEXT:
That’s exactly it.

BOB:
How so?

HEXT:
Back in the day, the Old Ones ruled Vahla Ha’Nesh with an iron fist. Why do you suppose that is?

BOB:
They’re on the side of order.

HEXT:
Bingo. They’re acolytes of order.
(beat)
So, if my brother has decided to up the ante on order, then it stands to reason—

BOB:
It stands to reason that he’s working on something with Oni.

EXT. TOKYO, CITY STREET – NIGHT

Fred, Faith and Tok run past some tourists taking a photo in front of a twelve-foot tall statue, in pursuit of a small gargoyle running across the ground.

FAITH:
Damn, this little bastard’s quick.

TOK:
We need to stop it before it attacks somebody.

Fred draws a crossbow and aims it toward the gargoyle. She aims carefully and fires an arrow. The arrow misses its mark as the gargoyle jumps out of the way. It glares up at Fred, before running toward her and leaping at the crossbow, smashing it.

FAITH:
You okay?

FRED:
I’ll live.

Faith chases the gargoyle at full speed. She leaps into the air toward it and crashes down, tackling it. The gargoyle fights to break Faith’s grip, to no avail, as the Slayer draws her dagger. Sparks fly as Faith stabs at its stone exterior, hacking away at it. The gargoyle begins to chip and break, crumbling away in her hands.

Through the broken gargoyle, a translucent spirit floats up and into the night sky before disappearing. Faith wipes the sweat from her brow.

TOK:
That was impressive.

FAITH:
Nah, it was nothing.
(beat)
What I wouldn’t give to wrestle with something a little bigger and stronger.

Fred’s mouth opens with a gasp and she points behind Faith.

FRED:
Um, Faith, you may get your wish.

The statue slowly begins to move. The twelve-foot tall GOLEM swats the tourists away and steps toward Faith who turns around to see it.

FAITH:
Crap, looks like I spoke too soon.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART OFFICE SUITE

Vext stares out the window before turning to face Oni. The Lord of Order grins.

VEXT:
So, my friend, you wish to instil order within the city.

Oni shakes his head.

ONI:
Not the city, no. This entire dimension. Its inhabitants will turn to me, no questions asked, no attempts at insurgence, nothing.
(beat)
They shall recognise me as their one true master.

VEXT:
Pardon my saying so, but from the sound of things you could probably use some assistance within your own ranks.
(beat)
I believe that you have had troubles with your Slayers breaking ranks.

ONI:
It was one Slayer and that was the Tengu’s mistake. He has paid for his ineptitude.

VEXT:
I am glad to hear that, Oni.

ONI:
However, there are three people who are currently posing problems. They are Faith Lahane, Tok Daijin and Winifred Burkle.
(beat)
I would like you to see to it that they no longer have the capacity to cause me harm.

Vext nods his head.

VEXT:
Consider it done.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE.

[Allan]

Act Two[/u]

EXT. TOKYO, CITY STREET – NIGHT

People run and scream in all directions, panicked, as they scramble in their attempts to escape the golem as it steps through the city. The golem reaches down and swats people away effortlessly.

Fred, Faith and Tok look up at it with concern as they step back.

FRED:
That’s kinda big, guys.

FAITH:
Well, if that’s as big as monsters here come, I’m a little underwhelmed after all those “Godzilla” movies lied to me.

TOK:
Mechagodzilla would be great to have on our side right about now.

Faith runs toward the golem and leaps into the air. She reaches the upper half of the golem’s arm and grips tightly as she pulls herself toward its head. The Slayer clenches her fist tightly and slams it into the golem’s face.

FAITH:
Argh, dammit!

Faith shakes her hand and looks at her knuckles, which are scraped, as traces of blood emerge from them.

FAITH:
Stupid rock monster.

Faith flips herself upside down and kicks the golem squarely in the face with both feet. It staggers back before shaking off the impact. With it’s free arm, the golem reaches for Faith and grabs her by the throat. The golem lifts Faith above its head and hurls her into the air and across the road, smashing through a store window.

FRED:
Faith!

Fred rushes across the road toward Faith as Tok stands alone to face the golem. Tok draws two katanas and stares at the creature as it steps toward her. The golem swipes its arm at Tok, who responds by jumping back and dodging the attack. The creature lunges at Tok as she leaps into the air and slices her katanas across its abdomen. Tok lands safely behind the golem as it turns around toward her.

INT. TOKYO, ANTIQUE STORE

Fred steps inside the broken window and extends her hand toward Faith. Faith accepts the gesture and Fred helps her to her feet.

FRED:
Are you okay?

Faith grins cockily.

FAITH:
Five by five.

The STORE OWNER, a Japanese woman in her late-forties, rushes across the shop and waves her arm furiously at Faith.

STORE OWNER (shouting, subtitled from Japanese):
You are paying for the damage to that window, young lady!
(beat)
Just because I sell antiques doesn’t mean I’m made of money!

Faith looks at the store owner before looking at Fred blankly.

FAITH:
Do you have any idea what she’s saying?

FRED:
If I had to guess, I don’t think she’s very happy about the damage.

FAITH (to store owner):
How about I stop that monster from killing you – and really trashing your store – and we call it even?

Faith and Fred turn around and rush out the window. The store owner continues to wave her arms furiously.

STORE OWNER (shouting, subtitled from Japanese):
You get back here, or I’ll call the police!

EXT. TOKYO, CITY STREET – NIGHT

The golem grabs Tok by the waist and lifts her into the air. Tok struggles to escape its grip and looks up toward a roof across the road.

TOK (shouting, subtitled from Japanese):
Ninja Puppet Clan, attack!

The six ninja puppets reveal themselves on the rooftop across the road and leap off the roof, one after the other. Fred watches in amazement and Faith shakes her head.

FAITH:
This is ridiculous.

The ninja puppets ascend toward the golem before leaping toward him, jumping over its arms, shoulders and head. The golem swats his arm at them in annoyance, however can’t connect with the speedy little ninjas. In frustration, the golem drops Tok and continues to swat at the puppets.

Puppets #1 to #4 each draw little katanas and slash at the golem. Their weapons fail to cause any damage, but they continue to frustrate the golem. Puppets #5 and #6 jump to the ground and run behind the golem. Puppet #5 nods at puppet #6, who throws a grappling hook toward his ally. Puppet #6 catches it and the two puppets walk back, creating tension the rope.

As puppets #1 to #4 continue to leap about the golem, it steps back in its frustration. Eventually, it steps back and trips on the rope being held by puppets #5 and #6. The golem staggers back before crashing to the ground, shattering. A translucent spirit rises from the rubble and floats above the Tokyo skyline before disappearing out of view.

Fred grins and claps her hands before turning to Faith.

FRED:
I guess it’s true what they say. The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

FAITH:
And the more pieces they break into.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART OFFICE SUITE

Vext steps toward the window and looks down at the street below. People rush about madly. He shakes his head in disgust before turning to Oni.

VEXT:
It’s disgusting, isn’t it? Everybody is always in such a hurry, madly running along in random succession.

ONI:
And you can put an end to this?

VEXT:
You sound as though you doubt me.
(beat)
I am the Lord of Order, so of course I can put an end to this madness.

ONI:
See that you do. And be warned that I do not take to failure kindly.

VEXT:
If by that you mean you’ll kill me, I doubt it.

Oni smiles.

ONI:
I wouldn’t?

VEXT:
Without order, there is only chaos. Which would make it fairly difficult to rule, in my estimation.
(beat)
Without order, you’d be nothing more than another fish in a sea of chaos.

Oni glares at Vext disdainfully.

VEXT:
Okay, you’d be a big fish. A shark even, with your power level.
(beat)
But you get my drift, right?

EXT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART ROOF – NIGHT

Oni and Vext stand atop the roof of Wolfram & Hart, looking over the city. The lights shine brightly, blinking in various colours.

ONI:
This rooftop allows you to reach this entire dimension?

VEXT:
It shall do quite nicely.

ONI:
Then let’s get this over with.

Vext lifts his arms into the air and closes his eyes.

VEXT (chanting):
Order…There must be order…Fill this dimension with order…Bleed the chaos from all those who possess it…

Vext begins to glow as a yellow aura surrounds him. The aura begins to expand before washing over the night sky.

EXT. TOKYO, CITY STREET

Fred and Faith walk across to Tok, the ninja puppets and the destroyed golem. They look down at the rubble.

TOK (subtitled from Japanese):
Ninja Puppet Clan, vanish.

The puppets leap off into different directions, disappearing from view.

FAITH:
Freakiness aside, those puppets are nice toys.

Faith reaches down and picks up a rock and inspects it.

FAITH:
They do a nice job.

FRED:
So where do we go from here?

TOK:
I would suggest that we find the source of the problem.

FAITH:
Oni?

Faith drops the rock and lights a cigarette. Tok nods her head.

TOK:
Yes, though not on our own.
(beat)
Your friends at Dominion could—

FAITH:
Fred’s friends. Not mine.

VOICES (in unison, O.S.):
Order. There must be order…

FRED:
Do you guys hear that?

An ambient yellow light appears from down the road and slowly floods the area, washing over Fred, Faith and Tok. The yellow glow disappears, leaving the three standing still and staring blankly.

FRED, FAITH AND TOK (in unison):
Order. There must be order…

INT. DOMINION BAR

Shell sits at the bar with a sad expression as Kalinka wipes the counter. Customers sit in the dining area and continue to eat.

SHELL:
I know that Bob has a lot on his mind after Hext, Illyria and all this stress with Oni, but is there any need to take it out on everyone?

KALINKA:
Probably not, but everyone deals with life in their own way. Bob will get over it.

SHELL:
He’d better deal with it soon, because he’s really starting to piss me off.

BOB (O.S.):
Yeah, I love you too, Shell.

Shell swivels around startled to see Bob standing a couple of feet behind her, with Hext by his side.

SHELL:
Ah, crap. Sorry, Bob.

BOB:
Well, I was a bit callous in the office. Let’s just call it even.
(beat)
We have reason to believe that Hext’s brother is up to something with Oni.

Kalinka looks at Bob stunned.

KALINKA:
Look, I’m hardly Oni’s biggest fan, but can you really trust Hext? Especially after what he did to you?

The green demon stands up.

GREEN DEMON:
No, you can’t! Just kill him already.

BOB (to Kalinka):
Any shot of getting Willow to adjust the protection spell so we can hurt certain customers?

GREEN DEMON:
That’d be awesome!

BOB (to green demon):
I was talking about hurting you.

The green demon lowers his head, insulted.

GREEN DEMON:
Oh…

The green demon turns to leave the bar. Bob smirks to himself.

BOB:
And no, Kalinka, I don’t trust Hext one little bit. But if he’s right about his brother, we need to act now.

HEXT:
As I explained to dear Bob, Vext is the Lord of Order. If he’s working with Oni, he’ll likely be sapping the dimension of free will, making it that much easier to rule.

SHELL:
Damn, I hate cheaters. They take all the fun out of everything, I swear.

BOB:
We need to get out there and stop him.
(beat)
Where’s Clem?

KALINKA:
No idea. I would have appreciated a little help with the customers, but he’s a no-show.

Bob shakes his head.

BOB:
Damn it, we’re a body down for the fight.
(beat)
Kalinka, stay here and look after your customers, Shell and Hext, you two come with me.

HEXT:
Oh no, Bob. I’m a lover, not a fighter.

BOB:
Since I’m not looking for your love, Hext, you’re fighting.
(beat)
And if what you’re saying is true, you may be the only one who can stop Vext.

Hext rolls his eyes before nodding his head.

HEXT:
Fine. But only because you’re my number one guy, Bob.

EXT. TOKYO, CITY STREET – NIGHT

Shell, Bob and Hext step out from behind an alley and look around the city. Everything is quiet and peaceful, yet eerie, as people walk around slowly and silently.

SHELL:
Okay, it’s a Friday night, so why’s everyone acting like they’re zombies?

A group of seven people approach Shell, Bob and Hext. They stop and stare at the trio.

Music cue – “Spellbound” by Siouxsie and the Banshees
From the cradle bars
Comes a beckoning voice
It sends you spinning
You have no choice

GROUP (in unison, subtitled from Japanese):
You represent chaos. You are abominations to the natural order.

Bob turns to Hext.

BOB:
Your brother?

HEXT:
I’m afraid so.

GROUP (in unison, subtitled from Japanese):
You must be destroyed.

Shell draws a sword and grips it firmly. She turns to Bob, panicked.

SHELL:
The way I see this is, we can fight or we can run. Personally, I don’t want to hurt these people.

Music (continued):
You hear laughter
cracking through the walls
it sends you spinning
you have no choice

The crowd begins to walk again, and one YOUNG MAN grabs Shell by the arm.

YOUNG MAN (subtitled from Japanese):
You must respect order.

SHELL:
Look, I have no idea what you’re saying, but I’m guessing you’re being controlled by someone.

Music (continued):
Following the footsteps
of a rag doll dance
we are entranced
Spellbound

Shell pulls her arm free of the young man and steps back slowly. Bob turns his head back and sees a second mob, this time with twenty people, approaching them.

BOB:
This is going to make things a little more difficult.
(beat)
Move forward. Quickly, forcibly. Try not to hurt anyone.

Hext looks at Bob in disgust.

HEXT:
What? It’s our lives or theirs, and I hate to break this to you, but we’re trying to achieve something.
(beat)
Sometimes, you have to expect a slight amount of collateral damage.

BOB:
Right, it adds to the chaos.

Hext grins.

HEXT:
The man’s starting to get it!

Bob shakes his head.

BOB:
It’s not happening, Hext.

Music (continued):
Following the footsteps
of a rag doll dance
we are entranced
Spellbound

Bob looks at Shell, then shoots a dirty glance at Hext.

BOB:
We move forward and we do it quickly.
(beat)
We just need to get past them.

Bob, Shell and Hext rush toward the group.

Music (continued):
Spellbound
Spellbound

Bob and Shell push past the group and make their way past them. Shell keeps running, though Bob stops as he notices that Hext is no longer at their side. Bob swivels around to see Hext get knocked to the ground by the group. The group kick the fallen Hext repeatedly in swift succession.

Hext, bleeding from the mouth, grins.

HEXT:
Order, really? There’s no fun to be had there. It defies your instinct; it defies the very nature of humanity. And it’s that very instinct which makes you such an appealing type of creature.
(beat)
Chaos. It’s the natural being.

Slowly, the group of people stop kicking Hext. They look toward each other, finally snapped from their trance. Hext stands up and wipes his mouth clean.

HEXT:
Now, wouldn’t you rather instil a little chaos into a world gone crazy?

The group of people run across the road to a sports store. They pick up rocks and throw them at the window, shattering it, and sounding an alarm. Bob and Shell rush toward Hext.

SHELL:
What the hell have you done, Hext?

Music (continued):
And don't forget
When your elders forget
To say their prayers
Take them by the legs
And throw them down the stairs

The group raid the store, each of them grabbing bats, clubs and various pieces of sporting equipment. They rush toward the larger group and begin to attack them violently.

Hext grins to Shell.

HEXT:
Oh, just creating a slight diversion.

Bob shakes his head.

BOB:
Hext, what did I tell you?

HEXT:
Hmm… You told me not to hurt them. You didn’t tell me not to let them hurt each other.

BOB:
Stop them.

HEXT:
I could, but either way, someone’s getting hurt. They can hurt each other, they could hurt us, or we could hurt them.
(beat)
At least this way, we have a clear path to Wolfram & Hart.

EXT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART ROOF – NIGHT

Vext turns away from the edge of the roof and walks toward Oni.

ONI:
So it is done?

VEXT:
Naturally. Everybody in this dimension is subject to your will, your very own order.

MIRANDA (O.S.):
Not everybody.

Oni swivels around to see Miranda walk across the roof.

ONI:
How dare you interrupt, Slayer?

Miranda bows before her master.

MIRANDA:
My apologies, Oni.
(beat)
However, I thought it prudent to advise you that Shell, Bob and Hext have arrived in this dimension.

ONI:
And Hext is protecting them from Vext’s will?

VEXT:
Um, not exactly.

Oni lashes out his arm and violently grabs Vext by the throat.

ONI:
What do you mean by “not exactly?”

VEXT:
My spell only affects those who are here when I cast it.

ONI:
You really are quite useless, aren’t you?

Vext struggles to shake his head through Oni’s grip.

VEXT:
Right now, it’s those three against the whole wide world.

Oni slowly releases Vext.

ONI:
And?

Vext closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

VEXT:
Bob, Shell Moore, Hext…They defy order. They stand for chaos.
(beat)
Do not allow their chaos to spread. Deliver them to Oni.

Vext opens his eyes.

VEXT:
Expect to be seeing them soon.

EXT. TOKYO, CITY STREET – NIGHT

Bob and Shell watch the chaos ensue as the two groups fight violently.

SHELL:
We have to stop this.

Bob perks his ears, listening to something in the distance.

SHELL:
Bob?

Bob lifts his forefinger to his lips.

BOB:
Do you hear that?

SHELL:
Hear what?

VOICES (quiet, O.S.):
We must deliver Shell Moore, Bob and Hext to Oni.

HEXT:
They’re talking about us?

VOICES (louder, O.S.):
We must deliver Shell Moore, Bob and Hext to Oni.

BOB:
They know we’re here.

A speeding figure blurs forward and tackles Shell to the ground. Shell pulls herself up to see that she is face to face with Faith. Tok leaps into view, kicking Hext to the ground. Bob turns to defend Shell and Hext before feeling an arrow pressing against his lower back, being held firmly by Fred.

FAITH, TOK AND FRED (in unison):
Shell Moore, Bob and Hext. We must deliver you to Oni.

BOB:
So much for us having the element of surprise.

HEXT:
Hey, ladies.

The six ninja puppets drop from the rooftop and draw their katanas as they surround Bob, Shell and Hext.

SHELL:
At least these are the cutest bad guys I’ve ever come across.

FADE OUT

END OF ACT TWO.

[Allan]

Act Three

INT. BASEMENT

Smoke slowly emanates from the floor of the basement as various demons sit around their tables, drinking. CLEM walks toward the back of the basement, approaching the bar. He lifts his hand in a friendly gesture to MAX, the green reptilia. Max smiles to Clem as he returns the gesture.

Clem reaches the bar and sits on a stool, opposite Max.

MAX:
Hey, Clem, long time, no see. How’s it going?

CLEM:
Honestly, Max, things have been better.

MAX:
Still having those woman problems, huh?

CLEM:
Actually, things may be looking up with Kallie. I mean, we’re not rock solid, and we’re not actively working things out, but we’re enjoying each other’s company. It’s nice.

Max smiles as he passes Clem a drink.

MAX:
Glad to hear it, my friend. But you’re still not the happy-go-lucky Clem I’ve come to know and love.

CLEM:
Well, Oni has risen, which means bad things for Earth. I kind of really like that place, and by association at the Dominion, it means I’m dragged into this whole big thing, and I’m way out of my league.
(beat)
My friends Jack and Shell have been frozen into some kind of petrified state, and another friend, Illyria, well, she’s sort of been destroyed and replaced by a mortal. It’s kind of complicated.

Max nods his head sympathetically.

MAX:
You know, Clem, as much as I love having your business, it sounds like you’re needed at the Dominion.

Clem takes a sip of his drink.

CLEM:
No, I really don’t think so. Kallie likes to run the bar her way, and Bob and Shell are the fighters. Me, I’m just kinda useless with that stuff.

MAX:
You’d be surprised.
(beat)
So, you figured the remedy is a couple of hands of poker?

CLEM:
If you have the kittens.

MAX:
They’re out the back. The others should be here shortly.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART FOYER

A VAMPIRIC RECEPTIONIST sits behind the desk in the foyer. She stares into the distance vacantly, missing any form of personality. The building’s front doors open and Faith enters, followed slowly by Tok and Fred.

FAITH:
I have Bob, Shell and Hext for Oni.

VAMPIRIC RECEPTIONIST:
Where are they?

Tok turns her head toward the door and it opens as the six ninja puppets drag the unconscious Shell, Bob and Hext inside. The receptionist nods her head and lifts the handset of her phone and dials.

VAMPIRIC RECEPTIONIST (into phone):
Ms. Hendricks?
(beat)
Faith, Tok and Winifred have the captives for Oni.
(beat)
I shall pass on your message.

The receptionist places the phone back down and looks at Faith.

VAMPIRIC RECEPTIONIST:
Take them to the atrium.

Faith nods her head.

FAITH:
Understood.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART ATRIUM

Various lawyers and demons walk around the lower level of the large, dual-layered atrium blankly. Oni, Vext and Miranda enter on the higher level. Oni looks down at everyone.

ONI:
Leave this place.

The lawyers and demons nod their heads and exit the atrium in an orderly fashion. Oni turns to Miranda.

ONI:
Your Slayers will succeed in their task?

MIRANDA:
They will. I sent six Slayers, even though one should be enough.

The doors to the lower level of the atrium open and Faith, Fred and Tok enter, followed by the puppet ninjas, dragging Bob, Shell and Hext inside. Vext smiles in satisfaction.

VEXT:
I see that my brother is capable of adhering to order, even if he is simply unconscious.

Miranda draws a katana.

MIRANDA:
Shall I kill them, my lord?

ONI:
No. They have proven to be worthy adversaries. If Vext can ensure that they adhere to his order, then they shall prove to be worthy allies.

VEXT:
May I suggest I kill my brother?

Oni glares at Vext.

VEXT:
With Hext dead, there shall be no more chaos. There will be nothing but order.

ONI:
Do it.

Vext nods his head and leaps onto the atrium’s lower level. He approaches Hext and draws a knife. Shell leaps from the floor and grabs Vext violently by the throat. In a single, swift movement, she knocks the knife from the demon’s hand.

VEXT:
What is the meaning of this?

SHELL:
It’s called playing possum. It’s not the epitome of order, I know, but the look on your face makes it all worth it.

Oni watches the display with anger, then glares at Faith.

ONI:
Faith. Stop her.

Faith rushes to Vext’s aid as Bob leaps in front of her. He extends the spikes from below his wrists.

BOB:
For some reason, Faith, the others trust you. Me, not so much. So I won’t shed too many tears if you leave here with a few holes.

Faith draws a sword and strikes toward Bob. He blocks the blow, trapping her sword between his two spikes, and kicking her in the stomach. Faith drops to the floor, winded.

Shell viciously punches Vext in the stomach and drops him to the ground. She nods to Bob with satisfaction and the two run up the stairs toward Oni and Vext, followed closely by Fred, Tok and the puppet ninjas.

BOB:
We end this now, Oni.

ONI:
That suits me perfectly, Bob.

Oni lifts his hand and swats Bob effortlessly to the atrium’s lower level. Bob crashes to the ground violently. Hext looks up and slowly crawls toward Bob, looking at him with concern.

BOB:
Forget about me, Hext. Sort your brother out.

Hext scrambles toward Vext and lifts him over his shoulders, carrying him from the atrium. Oni turns to Miranda.

ONI:
Stop him.

Miranda leaps to the lower level and runs toward Hext. She draws her katana. Shell leaps down after the Slayer and draws her own sword.

SHELL:
The way you followed the Tengu around, and now Oni, I really never thought you could be more of a lapdog. I guess this whole night has proven me wrong.

MIRANDA:
You must respect the order.

SHELL:
The only way I will ever respect you is if you learn to think for yourself.

In the background, Hext manages to escape through the atrium’s doors.

EXT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART ENTRANCE – NIGHT

Hext stumbles out the door as he carries his brother toward the stairs. He lifts Vext above his head and throws him down the stairs before following. Hext looks around his surroundings and lifts his hands into the air. A blue light glows around them, before flowing through his body.

HEXT:
Let this order end. Let chaos rule.

Hext harnesses the blue energy and focuses it toward his brother. He fires a concentrated amount of intense blue energy toward Vext. A yellow aura envelopes Vext, shielding him from Hext’s blast, sending repulsions scattering, shattering all the lights in the vicinity. Hext steps toward Vext, who stands to face his brother.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART ATRIUM

An explosion can be heard from outside and the atrium’s lights flicker before dying. Shell looks at Bob, scared.

SHELL:
What the hell was that?

BOB:
I don’t think I want to know.

Shell punches Miranda, knocking her unconscious, before following Bob from the atrium.

EXT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART ENTRANCE – NIGHT

Vext steps toward Hext.

VEXT:
Really, Hext? Do you think you can stop me? Order already rules in this dimension.

HEXT:
Oh, it won’t for long, Vext.

VEXT:
Just like it won’t be ruling in Enchantadora? I really feel for your wife and children.

Hext shakes his head solemnly as Vext grins.

VEXT:
That’s what this is all about, isn’t it?
(beat)
You really couldn’t care less about this dimension, you just want your family back.

HEXT:
Yeah, I really do miss them. But if I destroy you, all your order is undone.

VEXT:
You wouldn’t have the stomach to kill me, Hext.
(beat)
How about you run on home, let me have this dimension, and I’ll give you back your family.

Hext’s expression becomes angry. His eyes begin to glow blue.

HEXT:
I would rather just kill you.

With all of his willpower, Hext unleashes a huge amount of blue energy, enveloping Vext’s body. Vext vibrates rapidly, unable to break free and screams in agony.

The doors to the building swing open and Bob rushes out, followed by Shell.

BOB (shouting):
Hext!

Hext turns his head toward Bob, refusing to let Vext free of his grasp.

BOB (shouting):
Let him go!

HEXT:
You want this order to end, don’t you, Bob?

BOB:
Not at the cost of pure anarchy, Hext.
(beat)
You’re the one who told me that both order and chaos must be represented equally. You and your brother are two sides of the same coin.

HEXT:
He took my family from me, Bob!

BOB:
I know how you feel, Hext.
(beat)
We’ve lost Jack and Beck, and you’ve seen first-hand what has happened to Illyria. Believe me, I know exactly what it means to lose the ones you love.
(beat)
And destroying Vext will not accomplish anything.

Hext takes a deep breath and releases Vext from the blue energy. He steps toward Bob.

HEXT:
You’re right, Bob. Thanks.

Vext rushes toward Hext from behind and fires a blast of yellow energy at him, trapping him in its thrall.

VEXT:
Your friend is wrong. One must rule, and it will be order.

Hext summons all his willpower to break free of Vext’s blast, but to no avail. Shell rushes toward Vext and stabs him in the shoulder. Distracted by the sharp pain, Vext loses his concentration, allowing Hext to fire his blue energy and break free.

The blue and the yellow energy mix together as the brothers struggle against each other. The green energy flows through the air, spreading wildly.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART ATRIUM

The atrium rumbles as green energy flows through it, knocking everybody to their feet and sending the ninja puppets scattering across the floor. Faith and Tok climb back to their feet. Faith rubs her hand over her forehead.

FAITH:
What the hell is going on?
(beat)
I haven’t had a headache like that since that night when I downed a bottle of bourbon while clubbing.

Tok looks toward Oni, who shatters the railing on the higher level of the atrium in anger.

TOK:
We should run. We cannot defeat him on our own.

FAITH:
Much as I hate to ever agree with running, I think you have a point.

Faith and Tok run from the atrium, followed by the ninja puppets.

EXT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART ENTRANCE – NIGHT

The green light dissipates, fading away into the ether. Hext collapses to his knees, exhausted. A tear wells from his eye.

HEXT:
My family…

Bob places both spikes against Vext’s throat. Vext smiles.

VEXT:
Oh, come now. You just told my dear brother not to kill me, so I doubt you will.

BOB:
I’m not planning on it, Vext. But unless you release his family, I intend to make your life very painful.

Vext nods his head and Hext stands up.

HEXT:
And that’s why you’ll always be my number one guy, Bob.

BOB (to Hext):
Don’t push it.

Tok and Faith rush out from the door and Bob swivels around toward them, offensively. Shell stands next to the demon, with her sword poised for battle.

FAITH:
Guys, I know you’re not my biggest fans, but isn’t that a little harsh?

Bob smirks.

BOB:
Okay, it looks like the gang’s all here.

SHELL:
Then can we get out of here?

BOB:
That sounds like the plan.

EXT. TOKYO, DOMINION ACCESS POINT – NIGHT

A red sun can be seen rising in the distance behind the Tokyo skyline. Bob, Shell, Hext, Vext, Faith, Fred and Tok walk slowly through the alley and toward the Dominion’s access point. The three of them are tired and worn out.

HEXT:
Well, this is our stop.
(beat, to Faith, Fred and Tok)
And I shall bid you lovely ladies adieu.

Hext reaches out his hand and Bob grabs it, lowering it back to Hext’s waist.

BOB:
Not so fast, Hext. Wait here.

Bob leads Faith, Fred and Tok away from the group.

BOB:
Faith, you’re welcome to come in if you like. I know we got off on the wrong foot last time we met, but maybe we can try and do something about it.

Faith nods her head appreciatively.

FAITH:
Thanks, big guy. But I think I’d better stick with these two. At least for the moment.

BOB:
Tok, Illy–Fred…Get out of town.

TOK (surprised):
What?

BOB:
Oni’s not playing with kid gloves, and you two are mortal. You’ve managed to help, but I get the feeling that we’ve royally pissed him off.

FRED:
Thanks, Bob, I appreciate your concern.
(beat)
But I’m staying right here and doing what I can to stop him. Especially with all these gargoyles he has running through Tokyo.

Bob rubs his hand gently on Fred’s shoulder.

BOB:
You’re sure?

Fred nods her head and turns to Tok.

TOK:
I shall fight alongside her.

BOB:
Look after them, Faith.

FAITH:
Always.

Bob turns away from Faith, Fred and Tok. He turns toward Shell, Hext and Vext and walks toward them. He is surprised by the expression on Shell’s face – she’s grinning from ear to ear.

BOB:
I haven’t seen this look for a while, Shell. I like it.

SHELL:
Hext thinks he and Vext can help with Jack and Beck.

BOB:
Really?

HEXT:
When I saw them in the office, they were frozen solid.

VEXT:
It is the ultimate form of order. We can restore them.

Bob takes a deep breath.

HEXT:
Bob, I know that the little experience with the Tranquility Vine hasn’t done much to endear me to you, but maybe we can call things even between us?

BOB:
Do it.

INT. DOMINION BAR

A few customers sit quietly at their tables while Shell and Bob stand anxiously. Kalinka glares at Bob.

KALINKA:
Are you absolutely, one hundred percent, without a single doubt, sure that you can trust Hext, Bob?

BOB:
No, Kalinka, I’m not.
(beat)
But I think he’s on the level this time, and that’s all we have.

KALINKA:
You’d better hope you’re right, Bob.

A green light emanates from below the door to the back room before disappearing. Bob, Shell and Kalinka turn to face the exit. They wait and the door remains closed.

SHELL (unsure, under breath):
It’s all okay, Shell. Don’t panic.

The door swings open and Jack runs toward Shell and embraces her firmly. The two kiss passionately, much to the disgust of Bob who turns his back to them and raises his hand briefly.

BOB:
Hey, Jack. Welcome back.

Jack pries himself free of Shell.

JACK:
Thanks, Bob. Hi, Kalinka.

Jack resumes kissing Shell. The door swings open again and Beck rushes through and hugs Kalinka, then Bob. She turns her head toward Shell and Jack.

BECK:
Wow, looks like they’re making up for lost time.
(beat)
But am I the only one feeling a little awkward right now?

Bob shakes his head.

BOB:
Not at all.

BECK:
Well, I guess we could make out…

BOB (chuckling):
Not at all.

Hext and Vext enter slowly through the door and Bob looks up.

BOB (to Beck):
Excuse me for a second, Beck.

Bob walks toward the brothers.

BOB:
Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.
(beat)
And Hext, consider us even.

HEXT:
Thanks, Bob. You always have been my number one guy.

BOB:
Don’t push it. I’m still cautious.

HEXT:
And so you should be, Bob. Be cautious of everybody. Oni’s dangerous, and he will stop at absolutely nothing to stop you, even if that means manipulating those closest to you.

Bob nods his head.

BOB:
Noted and appreciated, Hext.

Vext turns to his brother.

VEXT:
I suppose it’s time for us to sort out your family, then.

HEXT:
It’s well and truly past time, Vext. Am I going to get an apology?

VEXT:
I wouldn’t count on it.

INT. BASEMENT

Clem sits at a table with three other DEMONS. Each one of them holds a hand of cards as kittens meow from a box on the floor. Clem places his hand on the table, grinning as he reveals his cards to his friends.

CLEM:
Four aces.

DEMON #1:
Crap, I’m out.

Demon #1 drops to the floor suddenly, impaled by a flaming arrow. Six SLAYERS approach their table. Slayer #1 reloads her crossbow and ignites the arrow, as the other five aim theirs at patrons.

SLAYER #1:
I’d say he’s definitely out.

Slayers #2 and #3 fire their arrows at demons #2 and #3, killing them. Clem watches, stunned, as Max rushes to the table, exasperated.

MAX:
What the hell is going on here?

SLAYER #4:
What are you, dense? We’re doing what Slayers do. Slaying.

Slayer #4 fires an arrow into Max’s throat, killing him. She reloads her crossbow as the other Slayers fire at the customers and behind the counter, igniting the bottles of alcohol. The basement bursts into flames.

Slayer #4 aims her crossbow directly at Clem’s head.

SLAYER #4:
Hi, Clem. You’re coming with us.

CLEM:
What?

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART OFFICE SUITE

Oni glares at Miranda, furious.

ONI:
You failed me.

Miranda kneels down before Oni and looks up at him.

MIRANDA:
I apologise, my master.

Oni turns away from Miranda and walks toward the wall and lifts the Spear of Destiny from its display. He admires it and turns toward Miranda.

ONI:
Rise.

Miranda rises to her feet and looks at Oni, nervously.

ONI:
Over the course of the night, you have done nothing to prove your worth. Pray that your Slayers successfully retrieve Clem.
(beat)
I have my doubts that you are a suitable vessel. Illyria’s essence has been trapped in the Spear of Destiny for almost long enough. When she is reborn, she will see things my way.
(beat)
If you cannot prove your worth, I will find a vessel who can.

MIRANDA:
I understand, my master.

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[/i] © 2007 Allan Whatford[/b]

[Allan]

Next on Dominion:[/u]

Beck and Jack are finally free of Oni's grasp, however Clem is missing after his altercation with the Slayers.

Bob embarks on a mission to rescue Clem, however he must do so without Shell. The Slayer is also missing, on a spiritual journey guided by Senaya.