Dominion, episode 1.22- "But Words Will Always..."

[Allan]

This is it - the season finale of Dominion, and it's hard to believe we're actually here. I came up with the concept for this series in January 07, and sixteen months later, here I am, posting the final episode of the first season. It took a little longer than anticipated, and I really am shocked to see it all culminate in 951 pages, or 211,313 words.

And even more scary, is there's more to come yet. Dominion season two will debut in June, and I'm currently 17 pages through the initial episode. With any luck, I can have a bit written by then, to speed up the rate that I post the episodes at. I think I've learned a lot from this season (and its numerous mistakes ), and am confident that the next 22 episodes will be more rewarding than these ones.

I would like to thank Marie for her invaluable assistance with editing the series, and anyone who's been reading (especially Paul for his feedback - even if I am waiting for him to catch up on episodes ). I've enjoyed writing this season, and I'm looking forward to writing the next.

I was going to post the trivia for episodes 20-22 with this, but haven't had time to write it all up. Hopefully it'll be online in the next few days.

This episode contains two songs:

• Big Wheel by Tori Amos
  
• Mad World by Gary Jules

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

Pages: 48

Words: 11,826

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. NEW YORK, HI-FI STORE – NIGHT

The image on the televisions cuts away from the anchorwoman to footage of various demons emerging from the portals and scattering throughout the city.

ANCHORWOMAN:
In just over 72 hours, the chaos has spread through all of Asia and through Europe. Preliminary reports suggest that this activity is making its way into the United States. The Secretary of Defence has recommended that everybody stays indoors until these reports can be confirmed.

EXT. NEW YORK, CITY STREET – NIGHT

Kate turns around to see SARAH WELLES, holding a katana, and dressed in a black jumpsuit.

SARAH:
Hi there.

The demon slashes its claws at Officer Smith’s throat, cutting it deeply. Officer Smith gasps and puts his hands around his throat to try and cover the wound. Sarah jumps toward the demon and slashes her katana, slicing the demon’s wrist. The demon’s hand drops to the ground as yellow blood oozes from the wound. Sarah turns to Kate.

INT. NEW YORK CITY, SUNRISE CINEMA SCREEN #2

Bob looks to Fred and she nods her head, knowing what he is about to ask the X’arff.

BOB:
Somebody has been betraying us, informing Oni of our every move. Who is it?

The X’arff looks at Bob and smiles eerily. Bob lowers his head, knowing that he is not going to like what he is about to hear.

X’ARFF:
It is Kalinka. She has been working with Oni for months.

Fred holds Bob gently as he looks at her, distressed. She rubs his shoulder tenderly.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, DOMINION ACCESS POINT – NIGHT

Gusts of wind begin to fill the alley and blow fiercely around Kalinka. Her black hair flaps violently in the wind and she takes a step forward before levitating into the air. Something catches Kalinka’s attention and she looks down toward the street. A figure concealed in the darkness approaches.

The figure approaches and Kalinka grimaces as she recognises it as D’Hoffryn. D’Hoffryn walks toward Kalinka and looks up at her sympathetically.

D’HOFFRYN:
Kalinka…I am sorry about your husband.

KALINKA:
I doubt that, D’Hoffryn. What did you have to do with this?

D’Hoffryn shakes his head.

D’HOFFRYN:
Nothing, Kalinka. You were playing with forces you had no purpose to. You played two sides against each other, and Clem was caught in the middle. You did this.

INT. TOKYO, CAFÉ

Bob reaches into his pocket, withdraws the amulet and hands it to Fred.

BOB:
It’s called the Amulet of Voltok. It covers whoever wears it in a magical aura, making them, for all intents and purposes, a demon.

Fred shakes her head and looks at Bob sadly.

FRED:
Bob, I just told you that I’m happier like this. Just as plain old Winifred Burkle.

BOB:
No, Fred, that wasn’t what I meant. It means you can access the Dominion.

INT. NEW YORK CITY, SUNRISE CINEMA SCREEN #2

The worried expression slowly fades from Fred’s face and turns into anger. She stares up toward the X’arff, who looks back down at her condescendingly.

X’ARFF:
If a true demon cannot stop me, why not give up yourself, little imposter?

Fred places her hand on the Amulet of Voltok and closes her eyes. She takes a deep breath and reopens them. Her eyes and the amulet both begin to flicker and come to life as a gentle glow emanates them. The glow spreads from Fred’s eyes and throughout the rest of her body. Its strength begins to increase and Fred continues to shine more and more brightly.

Fred presses her hands against the screen and slowly, they sink inside, as if it were made from liquid. Not noticing that the phenomenon is out of the ordinary, Fred sinks her arms inside the screen and reaches for the X’arff.

X’ARFF:
What are you doing?

FRED:
Destroying you.

Fred’s stretches her arms out widely and grabs both sides of the X’arff’s head. The X’arff begins to glow as the power surging through Fred spreads to it. The X’arff shrieks in pain as Fred’s power continues to flow through it. Fred pulls the X’arff free of the screen, revealing it to be the size of a regular baby’s head. Fred floats to the ground as the screen bursts into flames.

X’ARFF:
How did you do that?

FRED:
I…I don’t know.
(beat)
And I don’t care.

Fred squeezes the X’arff firmly, and it bursts into tears, crying as any baby would. Fred ignores the crying and presses it tightly, before it implodes in her hands. She nonchalantly dusts her hands off and turns to Bob, who is still cowering and gripping his head.

INT. SUNRISE CINEMA, FOYER

Shell helps Bob up from the ground as Sarah, with her katana drawn and poised for battle, rushes toward Fred. Sarah leaps into the air and slices the katana down toward Fred, who dodges the attack with uncanny speed. Fred knocks the katana from Sarah’s hand and grabs the Slayer by the throat. Sarah struggles unsuccessfully to break free of Fred’s grip.

Bob looks at Fred with concern and sincerity.

BOB:
Fred, take off the amulet and give it to me. Please.

FRED:
I can’t…the power…

BOB:
The power is unstable, Fred.

Bob reaches for the amulet and rips it from Fred’s neck. Fred drops to the ground in exhaustion as the power flowing through her body disappears.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Jack steps toward D’Hoffryn and Bob leaves Faith’s side to join him. The others watch silently.

D’HOFFRYN:
Actually, I would say that as far as she is concerned right now, you are insignificant.
(beat)
Kalinka is going to do whatever it takes to stop Oni. She blames him for her late husband’s death. It will likely end in her death.

Bob shrugs his shoulders.

BOB:
I don’t see too many of us shedding tears over that.

D’HOFFRYN:
However, it may not. Kalinka has shown great power since Clem’s death, and I cannot predict how far this power can go.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, SKYSCRAPER ENTRANCE – DAY

The sun has risen and the city streets are bathed in sunlight. Kalinka stands over Victor’s body, breathing deeply as black energy flows through her body. She reaches down, lifts Victor’s corpse above her head, and hurls it through the city.

D’HOFFRYN (V.O.):
Between her witchcraft, and her anger, her power could be unimaginable. If unchecked, it could result in the destruction of this entire plane of existence.

[Allan]

Teaser[/u]

INT. NEW YORK CITY, KATE LOCKLEY’S APARTMENT

Kate’s apartment is small and fairly humble, clean but not very tidy. SHELL sleeps on the couch with a rug covering her body and FRED sleeps on a mattress placed on the ground toward the back of the living room. Sunlight creeps in through the curtains hanging from a glass door leading to a balcony.

A scratching can be heard coming from outside the front door, unheard by the sleeping Shell and Fred. Gradually, the scratching becomes louder before the doorknob falls off the inside of the front door. The door slowly opens with a squeak.

A FIGURE enters slowly, standing at approximately seven feet tall and wearing a flowing maroon cloak and hood. Underneath the hood, the figure has pale, wrinkled grey skin and glowing blue eyes. It looks around its surroundings and slowly steps toward Shell and leans over her. It lowers its face toward hers.

Fred opens her eyes and groggily looks up at the figure, slowly realising that Shell is in danger.

FRED (shouting):
Get away from her!

Fred leaps from her mattress and runs toward the figure. Surprised, the figure pauses and stares at Fred, who rushes past the couch and leaps toward it. The figure swiftly lashes out its arm and grabs Fred by the throat and presses it firmly.

Fred struggles for breath as Shell wakes up and leaps off the couch. She steps toward the figure with her fists clenched. The figure throws Fred across the room, and she hits the wall heavily.

SHELL:
Let me guess, Oni sent you to kill us?
(beat)
Nice to see the Old One’s feeling the pressure.

The figure says nothing and simply stares at Shell.

SHELL:
Not one for the witty banter, huh? I can live with that.
(beat)
Still, you won’t be living for much longer.

With all her strength, Shell punches toward the figure, who swiftly steps away. Shell throws a second punch, and again, the figure darts away from her. Shell leaps into the air and kicks toward the figure’s head. The figure simply grabs Shell’s foot and uses her momentum against her, hurling her through the window as glass shatters around her.

SHELL:
Oh, come on! Kate was good enough to let Fred and I crash here, let’s not trash the place.

Shell takes a step toward the figure, but is interrupted by the sound of a gun firing. She turns toward the back of the living room and sees KATE LOCKLEY, still dressed in her pyjamas, aiming her gun at the figure. Shell turns back to the figure, who has managed to dodge Kate’s bullet.

Kate fires her gun three more times, this time managing to hit the figure, who reels back in horror. Kate fires her gun, hitting her mark again. Shell grins and steps toward the figure.

SHELL:
See what happens when you mess with a Slayer?
(beat)
Her friend shows up and shoots you.

Shell rushes toward the figure and tackles it to the ground. She straddles it and glares down at it, staring deep into its eyes.

SHELL:
So, are you going to tell me what you’re doing here?

The figure doesn’t speak. It simply hisses at the Slayer.

SHELL:
Not good enough.

Shell punches it in the face.

SHELL:
I’ll ask you again. What are you doing here?

Fred lifts herself up from the ground and walks toward Kate. Together, the two approach Shell and the figure cautiously.

SHELL:
Well?

FIGURE:
Oni sent me to stop you before you can prevent Illyria’s ascension.

SHELL (shocked):
What?
(beat)
Illyria’s dead.

The figure grins.

FIGURE:
She is simply…dormant.

SHELL:
When is this happening?

FIGURE:
Midnight.

SHELL:
Oh, naturally. Evil always happens at midnight. And let me guess, there’ll be a full moon and everything?

The figure grabs Shell’s arm and throws her over the couch. Shell jumps up and rushes toward the figure, which speeds away and out the shattered window. Shell turns to Fred, who stares back at her nervously.

SHELL:
Is there something you’re not telling us, Fred?

Fred shakes her head.

FRED:
I wish I knew, Shell, I really do.

Footsteps approach the apartment and Shell adopts a defensive stance. JACK enters, followed by BOB. Shell grins and rushes toward Jack, hugging him tightly.

SHELL:
I missed you, Jack.

Bob looks at the shattered window.

BOB:
You can get reacquainted later. What happened in here?

KATE:
Some cloaked demon thought it’d be a fun idea to come and trash the place.

BOB:
You guys okay?

SHELL:
Fred’s a little shaken. Apparently Illyria’s making a comeback.
(beat)
And we were having enough trouble with one Old One.

FRED:
I barely remember Illyria, but she was on our—your side, right?

BOB:
Yeah, but…

SHELL:
She was kinda temperamental. And Oni no doubt wants her for a reason.

Bob nods his head.

BOB:
We’ll discuss this at the Dominion.
(beat, to Fred)
I was going to suggest you stay with Kate, but in light of the revelation, are you willing to wear the amulet again?

Fred slowly nods her head.

FRED:
Not like I have a choice, is it?

BOB:
Kate, I only have one…

KATE:
Bob, don’t. This is my city, and I intend to stay. You guys go and stop Oni.

Bob nods his head.

SHELL:
Where’re the others?

JACK:
In Tokyo, looking for Beck.
(beat)
Faith went, took Sarah with her. We figured it’s safer than leaving her alone at the Dominion.

EXT. TOKYO, CITY STREET – DAY

The blue sky above the city is saturated in clouds of smoke, rising from flames burning throughout the landscape. Embers drop to the ground as FAITH and SARAH walk through the deserted street.

FAITH (calling):
Beck! Tok!

Sarah follows Faith and shakes her head in confusion.

SARAH:
I don’t get it, Faith. Beck said she wants to stay here in Tokyo and help Tok. Why are we even bothering?

FAITH:
We need her back at the Dominion. There’s no point in being separated. We need to combine our forces so we can take down Oni.

SARAH:
Right, and whose decision was this? I’m part of this team, and I don’t recall getting a vote.

FAITH:
You’re not part of this team, Sarah. You are with me for one reason and one reason only. We don’t trust you.

Sarah throws her arms up in frustration and glares at Faith.

SARAH:
You don’t trust me? I’m here helping you all, and I’m not about to stray. At the very least, if I do, Oni will kill me.

Faith and Sarah turn around a corner and continue to look for Beck and Tok.

FAITH:
Believe me, I get that. I’ve been where you are.

SARAH:
You were brainwashed by the Tengu?

Faith shakes her head.

FAITH:
No, but I walked a very dark path. It all started with a crazy-ass “father figure” who gave me what I thought I needed.

SARAH:
Which is?

FAITH:
A father figure. Someone to love me, not use and abuse me.
(beat)
But it comes down to this. You want our trust, you earn it. It mightn’t be easy, but that’s what it takes. Don’t whinge, don’t cry, just get the job done and show us you can be trusted.

Sarah sighs as they keep walking.

SARAH:
You’re sure they’re in the city? We’ve covered it twice already.

INT. DOMINION BAR

The Dominion Bar is empty, left in the neglected state that it has been in for the past few days. The glasses, bottles and shelves are destroyed, the furnishings in the bar are broken, and the walls are cracked and burned. Five small figures concealed in the shadows are scattered across the floor.

The door to the bar opens and Bob enters, followed closely by Fred, Shell and Jack. Bob glances around the bar and shrugs his shoulders.

BOB:
They’re still not back.

SHELL:
You don’t suppose something went down, do you?

JACK:
If it did, I’m sure Beck will be okay. She’s quite capable, and she’s with Tok, who knows what she’s doing, and knows Tokyo. And let’s not forget about her bizarre little pup…

Jack rushes toward one of the small figures and looks down at it.

JACK:
…pets?

Jack reaches down and lifts the small figure from the ground and steps into the light. It is revealed to be a slaughtered puppet ninja.

JACK:
Okay, I recant my previous statement. It looks like something did go down.

Fred rushes across the bar and picks up a second ninja puppet.

FRED:
My God…they’re all dead.

SHELL:
What do you think happened?

Bob walks toward Fred, who shows him the puppet. He lowers his head sombrely.

BOB:
Nothing good.
(beat)
This is Oni’s idea of a message.

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
Ron Rifkin as Hext
Callum Blue as the Jack of Spades
Natasha Gregson Wagner as Beck Richardson
Erica Durance as Sarah Welles
Elisabeth Rohm as Kate Lockley
Aya Ueto as Tok
Julie Gonzalo as Miranda Hendricks
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 OFFICE

Paintings of samurai adorn the walls of the small office as sunlight shines through a small window overlooking the city below. BECK paces back and forth agitatedly as TOK sits still with her legs crossed on the desk, calm but sad.

BECK (sarcastically):
Well, it sure was nice of Oni to give us a room with a view.

TOK:
At least he didn’t kill us.
(beat)
Which means we still have a chance of stopping him.

BECK:
Or, you know, at least hope that Shell can.

Outside the office, a WINGED DEMON can be seen soaring through the air and toward the window. It stares inside and hisses viciously, startling Beck. Beck responds by igniting her hand into flame and hurling a fireball toward the window. Before the fireball strikes, it dissipates into the ether as the demon flies away.

BECK:
Because I really don’t see a way of us getting out of here any time soon.

Beck and Tok swivel around as the door to the office opens and ONI steps inside. He looks at the two of them with satisfaction. Beck swivels around as she hears Oni speak from behind her and looks at him in confusion.

ONI:
Does Shell Moore have the words?

Beck turns her head back to see Oni standing by the door. She turns back to see him behind her, and then turns back to the door, to see him move behind her at super speed.

BECK (to Tok):
Did you see that?

Tok nods her head.

TOK (to Oni):
Does this room sit outside of time? Is this a trick?

ONI:
It is no trick. Human vessels are…brittle. This body has trouble containing my power.

Beck smirks to herself.

BECK:
So sorry to hear that, Oni. Really, I—

Before Beck can complete her sentence, Oni stands in front of her and grabs her by the throat.

ONI:
Just because the enchantment in this office prevents you from using your powers, do not presume to believe it has a similar affect on me.

BECK:
So what’s next for the big bad Oni, huh? After a new vessel? If you choose Tok or I, at least you’ll be sexy.

Oni effortlessly throws Beck across the room.

ONI:
Do not toy with me.

BECK:
Okay, okay…I just find it amusing is all…

ONI:
You find what amusing?

BECK:
Only that you’re supposed to be the boss around here, and instead of sending Miranda, you come along yourself.
(beat)
I mean, Tok and I should probably feel honoured. Just as long as you still have control of your Slayers.

Oni stares at Beck, irritated.

ONI:
Tell me what I need to know, or I will destroy you.

Tok steps off the desk and walks toward Oni.

TOK:
No you won’t.
(beat)
We are here as bargaining chips. You’re expecting Shell, Bob and the others to try to stop you, and you’ll threaten them with our lives.

Oni glares at Tok before turning away from her. He walks toward the office’s door, walks out and slams it behind him.

INT. NEW YORK CITY, KATE LOCKLEY’S APARTMENT

Kate slides a drawer on her mantelpiece open and withdraws a pistol. She opens it and inspects the bullets inside, before placing it in the holster strapped to her shoulder. Kate turns around and walks toward a chair that has her jacket hanging over its back. She lifts the jacket off and puts it on. Kate is distracted by the sound of footsteps and draws her gun as she swivels around.

Kate aims her gun at a feminine figure who shows herself to be KALINKA. Kate grimaces.

KATE:
It’s you.

KALINKA:
I see you remember me, Detective Lockley.

KATE:
And I seem to remember you murdering people. And from what I hear, not much has changed.

Kalinka steps toward Kate.

KATE:
Don’t.
(beat)
Stay right there, keep your hands where I can see them.

Kalinka smiles.

KALINKA:
If I wanted to hurt you, Detective, I wouldn’t be needing concealed weapons.

Kalinka takes a step toward Kate, who fires her gun in response. Upon hearing the gunshot, Kalinka lifts her hand, stopping the bullet in midair. She flicks her wrist and sends the bullet flying away.

KALINKA:
I need to ask you a question.

KATE:
Then shoot away.

KALINKA:
I’d tell you to do the same, but you already tried that.
(beat)
Do my friends think I’m responsible for my husband’s death?

Kate refuses to lower her gun and keeps it aimed firmly at Kalinka. She shakes her head.

KATE:
You have an interesting definition of friendship, Kalinka. You betrayed them. You sold them out to Oni.

KALINKA:
I had my reasons.

KATE:
I don’t give a crap about your reasons. The fact is you did it.

KALINKA:
I did it so Clem and I can be together.

KATE:
And that worked beautifully for you, didn’t it?
(beat)
It was those actions that got him killed, Kalinka. So do your “friends” hold you responsible? I would imagine so. So why don’t you teleport out of here like a good little Vengeance Demon so I can go about helping this city?

Strong gusts of wind blow through Kate’s apartment, knocking pictures off the walls before getting stronger and toppling furniture over. With all her strength, Kate stands her ground, refusing to lower her weapon.

KALINKA:
You don’t understand!

KATE:
You know, I probably don’t. I tend to see things in black and white, like, you know, Vengeance Demons being evil and all. But here you are, throwing quite the temper tantrum. How about focusing that into something productive?

KALINKA:
Oh, I intend to. Soon, Oni will be destroyed.

KATE:
Well, good luck with that. I’m on my way out to protect this city.

Kalinka pauses and reaches for the pendant strapped to her neck. She caresses it before looking at Kate one last time. A bright light surrounds Kalinka before she teleports away, vanishing from view.

EXT. TOKYO, CITY STREET – DAY

Two SMALL CHILDREN, a boy and a girl, rush across the road in a panic. Tears flow from their eyes as they scramble to escape a large FURRY DEMON, which, on all four legs, is chasing them. The terrified children are stopped in their tracks by a woman, CHIYOKO, who steps out from an alley and looks down at the

CHIYOKO (subtitled from Japanese):
What’s wrong, children?

The boy points back toward the demon. He is too terrified to say a word. Chiyoko nods her head understandingly and takes the childrens’ hands.

CHIYOKO (subtitled from Japanese):
Come with me.

Chiyoko leads the children into the alley and rushes toward a door. She opens the door and leads them inside.

INT. TOKYO, RESTAURANT

The restaurant is opulent and everything is in order. Unlike most of Tokyo, it seems to be unaffected by the chaos sweeping the city. Chiyoko leads the children toward a table and sits them down on chairs.

CHIYOKO (subtitled from Japanese):
You will be safe here.
(beat)
Now tell me what happened.

The children stare up at Chiyoko silently.

CHIYOKO (subtitled from Japanese):
Unless you tell me what happened, I cannot help you.

BOY (subtitled from Japanese):
That…that monster ate our parents. It tried to eat us.

CHIYOKO (subtitled from Japanese):
If you could make a wish about that nasty monster, what would it be?

GIRL (subtitled from Japanese):
I wish my parents would come back.

Chiyoko looks down at the children sorrowfully.

CHIYOKO (subtitled from Japanese):
Sadly, I cannot assist you with that.
(beat)
But what would you like to happen to that nasty monster?

BOY (subtitled from Japanese):
I wish something would eat it.

Chiyoko smiles as her face morphs into her vengeance demon visage. The panicked children simply stare up at her in horror.

CHIYOKO (subtitled from Japanese):
Done.

EXT. TOKYO, ALLEY – DAY

The furry demon walks through the alley, sniffing the ground, trying to pick up the scent of the children. A large shadow looms over the demon and it turns around. A gigantic SERPENTINE DEMON lunges toward the furry demon, who simply yelps as the serpent swallows it whole.

Behind the serpentine demon, D’HOFFRYN enters the alley. The demon slides itself around and glares at D’Hoffryn, who smiles at it.

D’HOFFRYN:
Down, boy.

The demon stares at D’Hoffryn as he walks past it and toward the door to the restaurant.

INT. TOKYO, RESTAURANT

D’Hoffryn enters the restaurant and sees the children crying while staring at an unaffected CHIYOKO. He walks toward the Vengeance Demon.

D’HOFFRYN:
Lovely work there, Chiyoko. I’m not certain that Tokyo needs more demons at the moment, but the serpent is a glorious beast.

The children look toward D’Hoffryn with fright and then look at each other. They leap from their chairs and rush toward the exit, leaving the restaurant. The sounds of the serpentine demon hissing from outside can be heard, followed by the bloodcurdling screams of the children. The noise then disappears.

D’HOFFRYN:
Though, for future reference, if you raise a demon and it kills your customers, you do limit the potential for repeat business.

CHIYOKO:
I’m assuming that this is not a social visit.

D’HOFFRYN:
Sadly not. I was wondering if you have seen Kalinka.

Chiyoko shakes her head.

CHIYOKO:
No, last I heard she got herself married and was staying well away from this dimension.

D’HOFFRYN:
Her husband and his friends have been fighting against Oni, and that led to his death. As I am sure you can understand, this may make Kalinka rather dangerous. She is out to destroy Oni, which could prove bad for business. With the amount of destruction he is causing, there will be a wonderful need for vengeance.

CHIYOKO:
Word on the street is that Oni’s long lost lover will be rising at midnight. If Kalinka is out for Oni’s blood, chances are that she will be there.

D’HOFFRYN:
Thank you, Chiyoko. You always have been loyal to me.

Chiyoko nods her head thankfully. D’Hoffryn raises his hand and points it at Chiyoko, who bursts into flame and burns to death.

D’HOFFRYN:
However, you have also been loyal to your friends. My apologies, but I cannot risk you warning Kalinka.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Shell, Bob, Jack and Fred stand together in the Dominion Bar, inspecting the dead puppets. Their attention shifts to the Dominion’s entrance as they hear Faith enter the bar, followed by Sarah.

FAITH:
Guys, I’m really sorry, but…

BOB:
You can’t find Beck.

Faith shakes her head.

SARAH:
I think they realised they’re fighting a losing battle and ran.

SHELL:
I doubt it.

SARAH:
Yeah, well not everyone has superheroics inside of them.

FRED:
Beck and Tok have proved on multiple occasions that they do, Sarah.

JACK:
Besides, we found these poor guys.

Jack shows Faith the puppets. Faith shakes her head angrily.

FAITH:
Oni did this?

BOB:
That’s the theory.

FAITH:
But they never leave Tok’s side. And she was with Beck.

SHELL:
Yeah, we think Oni has them.

FAITH:
Damn, that sucks. We need to go get them!

Bob shakes his head.

BOB:
No, we need a plan, Faith. Oni has been twelve steps ahead of us for months now. We need to stop him. And if we’re going to do that, we’re going to need a plan.

SHELL:
Well, we’d better come up with something quickly.
(beat, to Bob)
You know how we were attacked at Kate’s? Well, the demon who came after us told me that Illyria will be rising at midnight.

Bob looks at Fred worriedly and she nods her head.

SHELL:
And I don’t know about you guys, because I don’t think leaving our attack until the very last minute is the greatest idea. I know it works well in movies, but I’m not too hot on putting it to the test.

BOB:
Agreed, Shell. Just make sure you can channel the words.

SHELL:
I don’t know how, Bob.

BOB:
Well, you’re going to have to figure it out. And it’s best you do so sooner rather than later, Shell.

SENAYA slowly materialises behind Shell, unnoticed by her and everybody else in the room.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, STREET – DAY

Kate walks through the deserted city street, gripping her gun firmly. She hears a clanging sound around the corner and runs toward it. Kate turns around the corner and sees three PALE BLUE DEMONS, each of them tall and thin with foot-long claws extending from each finger, rummaging through a rubbish hopper. Whimpering can be heard coming from the hopper and Kate approaches the demons with caution.

KATE:
Step away from the hopper now.

The demons turn around to face Kate, each of them snarling at her hungrily. Kate nervously takes a step backward, moving her gun as she aims at each demon individually.

KATE:
I’m warning you. Step away from the hopper. Now.

The demons slowly walk toward Kate and she holds her gun firmly. Beads of sweat run from Kate’s brow as she concentrates on the demons. The first demon lunges toward Kate viciously and she fires her gun. The bullet strikes the demon in the arm but the impact fails to slow the demon down. Kate fires a second bullet followed closely by a third. Black blood drips from the demon, however it moves toward her swiftly.

Kate steps back and fires her gun at the demon a fourth time. The bullet strikes the demon between the eyes and it drops to the ground, dead. The second and third demons stare at her and hiss.

Kate fires her gun at the demons, missing them completely. The second demon lunges toward Kate and slashes her gun away with its claws. The third demon follows the second and slashes Kate through the stomach. Kate drops to the ground as blood pours from the wound. The attempts to crawl away, but finds herself paralysed, unable to move. She stares up at the demon as it lunges over her, drooling.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Senaya stands behind Shell, completely unnoticed by the Slayer who is staring at Bob. Bob looks back at Shell and shakes his head.

BOB:
Look, Shell, I know it’s tough. You have the words and you don’t know what to do with them. I get that, and I feel for you. But right now, it’s do or die. You need to figure out how to use them and you need to do it now. I don’t know what Oni wants with Illyria, but if he’s going to all this trouble, it’s nothing good.

Fred steps toward Bob.

FRED:
Thanks, Bob, that makes me feel so much better.

BOB (to Fred):
Sorry, Fred, but this is not about you. Oni stole the essence of Illyria from you, and my guess is that he wants her without you.

JACK:
Why do you suppose that is?

BOB:
Just a guess, but Fred’s humanity was coming through.

SHELL:
And Oni’s evidently not a fan of humanity.

Senaya steps toward Shell.

SENAYA:
Humanity is what will save you, Shell.

Startled, Shell turns around. She smiles as she sees Senaya.

SHELL:
So, I have to be nice to him?

SENAYA:
Humanity will prevail. Humanity must prevail.

Faith turns to Bob in confusion as she watches Shell talk to nothing. Senaya is invisible to the rest of the room.

FAITH:
Okay, all those years when Buffy and co were calling me crazy? At least I didn’t have an imaginary friend.

BOB:
Leave her be, Faith. So far, this imaginary friend has managed to help Shell.

Shell shakes her head, trying to understand Senaya’s cryptic words.

SHELL:
Yay for humanity. But if it comes down to the human spirit, why haven’t the people of Earth just stopped Oni?

SENAYA:
Slayers are linked to humanity. Slayers are also linked to the Old Ones.
(beat)
And your link is the strongest of them all…

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, STREET – DAY

The two demons salivate as they lean toward Kate. Kate grimaces, unable to move, and her eyes dart toward her gun which sits out of the way and out of reach. She breathes deeply, before closing her eyes, resigning to her impending death. Footsteps approach.

FEMALE VOICE (O.S.):
Step away from her.

Kate opens her eyes and sees Kalinka walking toward the demons, who stare back at her.

KALINKA:
Tell me: Is your master still in Tokyo?

The demons say nothing. Instead, they simply snarl at Kalinka.

KALINKA:
Wonderful. I had to find the two demons who don’t speak.

Kalinka looks down at Kate briefly, before slowly hovering into the air. She stares down at the demons.

KALINKA:
On the off chance that you can speak and you’re choosing not to, consider this your last opportunity to tell me.

The demons say nothing to Kalinka. They continue to simply snarl and drool. Kalinka shrugs her shoulders nonchalantly and raises her hands into the air. Her hands begin to glow as her eyes turn pitch black. Her raven hair blows behind her, and the demons scream as they disintegrate. Their ashes blow away in the wind.

Kalinka flies higher into the air and looks down. Her hands glow more brightly and the wind surrounding her blows with greater ferocity.

KALINKA:
Let those demons of this city feel my wrath. And let Oni take this as a message. I am coming for you.

The wind begins to blow violently, smashing all the windows in the nearby area. Alarms of all types blare in the background, and are soon drowned out by the screeches of demons dying in agony throughout the city. The wind continues to blow until, eventually, no more screaming can be heard. The demons in New York are all dead.

Kate stares up at Kalinka in fear as she descends toward the ground. Kalinka looks down at Kate and smiles sympathetically.

KALINKA:
I am sorry, but I can’t help you.
(beat)
Right now, Oni is my priority.

Kate watches Kalinka in disbelief as she turns around and walks away from her. Blood continues to haemorrhage from her stomach as Kalinka disappears.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE.

[Allan]

Act Two[/u]

INT. DOMINION BAR

Bob, Fred, Jack, Faith and Sarah stare at Shell in confusion as she speaks with Senaya. The five of them are unable to see Senaya, and seem to fade into the background as Shell becomes enraptured in the conversation.

SHELL:
What do you mean by my link with the Old Ones is strong? Is this some kind of Jedi/Force thing? Because if you’re about to tell me that Oni is my long lost father, I’m going to walk away from this conversation right now.

Senaya looks at Shell coldly. She doesn’t say a word.

SHELL:
Oh, come on…

SENAYA:
Senaya was not the first Slayer, Shell. Senaya is the spirit that was infused by the Shadow Men to create the First Slayer.

FLASH TO:

EXT. VAHLA HA’NESH – DAY

Shell and Senaya stand alone in the vast desert planes of Vahla Ha’Nesh. Shell stares around in confusion, slowly realising that she has been transported to a place devoid of all civilisation.

SHELL:
Where are we?

SENAYA:
Where we always have been.

SHELL:
This is not the Dominion Bar.

SENAYA:
It is. Your perspective has simply changed to another place…another time.

Shell rolls her eyes.

SHELL:
Right, I’ve got to be really particular when I ask my questions, don’t I?
(beat)
Where has my perspective changed to, Senaya? What am I looking at?

SENAYA:
Vahla Ha’Nesh. This is a land before human existence, millions of years ago. This is where Oni was born; this is where Illyria was born. The two were lovers before love even existed. As long as they were not warring for control of Vahla Ha’Nesh, that is.

SHELL:
Wow, the original Romeo and Juliet. That is sweet and all, but what does it have to do with me?

Shell watches in awe as ILLYRIA, in her primordial form, approaches from the distance. Illyria stands at about thirty feet tall on feet that resemble an eagle’s claws and has five tentacles on each side of her body. Illyria has pale blue skin over a humanoid torso and flowing dark blue hair.

SHELL (knowingly):
Illyria.

On the opposite side of the planes, Oni, in his primordial form, approaches. Oni, who stands at about the same height as Illyria, has rock-like dark purple skin under a flowing mane and eight spider-like legs, approaches proudly. Next to Oni is a BABY OLD ONE. It stands at about Shell’s height and fumbles in its attempts to keep up with Oni as he walks toward Illyria. The baby’s appearance appears to be a combination of both Old Ones, with pale blue skin over a humanoid torso, with eight wobbly spider legs. It walks alongside Oni, stumbling to keep pace with its father.

SHELL:
And that would be Oni.
(beat)
The baby…
(beat)
Senaya?

Shell turns to Senaya who nods her head.

SENAYA:
The child is the spirit of Senaya.

Shell grins, managing to find some amusement in the situation.

SHELL:
So…Oni’s your long lost father!

Senaya turns to Shell, ignoring her delight.

SENAYA:
I am you, Shell Moore. You are me.
(beat)
The spirit of Senaya flows between us.

SHELL:
So…I’m an Old One?

SENAYA:
No.
(beat)
No. The Shadow Men merely infused us with her spirit.

Shell watches in horror as Illyria rushes toward the baby Senaya. She lashes out a tentacle at it, before Oni blocks it with one of his legs and stabs it with a second, pinning it to the ground. Illyria struggles to break free, but to no avail. Oni approaches her with a leg extended toward her head and she pushes him away with a free tentacle. Illyria stares down at the baby Senaya as Oni approaches, screeches at it and runs away into the distance.

SHELL:
Illyria’s trying to kill Senaya?

SENAYA:
Illyria foresaw what Oni did not. One day, should Senaya continue to live, she would destroy not only Oni and Illyria, but all of the Old Ones, along with Vahla Ha’Nesh. She would usher in a new age.
(beat)
It was only a matter of time before Oni would destroy Illyria to protect their youngling. Her death just resulted in there being one less Old One for Senaya to destroy.

Shell shakes her head and runs her hands through her hair, confused by all the information that Senaya is providing.

SHELL:
So I can destroy Oni?

Senaya nods her head.

SENAYA:
You can. And if need be, you can also destroy Illyria.

SHELL:
That’s good to know…I guess.
(beat)
Can I also turn blue, or purple, or any other funky colour like those two?

SENAYA:
No.

FLASH TO:

EXT. VAHLA HA’NESH, PLANES – NIGHT

The Dominion Bar has replaced the visual of Vahla Ha’Nesh. Shell looks around to see Bob, Fred, Jack, Faith and Sarah staring at her. She turns to Senaya.

SHELL:
Damn, that would’ve been pretty cool.

Senaya disappears and Shell looks around the bar disoriented. Bob, Fred, Jack, Faith and Sarah acknowledge Shell’s awakening and Jack promptly rushes to her aid.

JACK:
Everything okay, Shell?

Shell hugs Jack and nods her head slowly.

SHELL:
Yeah, I’m good, thanks.
(beat)
I think.

SARAH:
You sure? Because muttering to yourself isn’t the general idea of “good,” you know.

Shell shoots Sarah an icy stare.

SHELL:
I said I’m good, okay? If I say I’m good, I’m good, so drop it.

Bob walks toward Shell while Faith runs behind the bar and pours Shell some water.

BOB:
What happened? Was it Senaya?

Shell nods her head as Faith returns with a glass of water and hands it to Shell.

SHELL:
Thanks, Faith.
(beat)
Yeah, it was. Apparently the Slayer spirit is connected to the Old Ones. Faith, would you know anything about that?

FAITH:
I’d heard that our power was linked to a demonic source, but that’s about it.

SARAH:
Sure, ask Faith…

SHELL:
Then do you know anything about it, Sarah?

SARAH:
No.

SHELL (to Sarah):
Then shut up.
(beat, to Bob and Faith)
Apparently I’m the spawn of the Old Ones. And I have to figure out a way of using it.

Startled, Shell turns her head.

SENAYA (O.S.):
Strength. Resilience. Hope.
(beat)
Come with me, Shell. Learn the power of these words.

Shell turns back to Bob and Faith.

SHELL:
I have to go.

BOB:
Go where?

SHELL:
I don’t know. But don’t try anything until I get back, okay?

FAITH:
When will you be back?

SHELL:
I don’t know that either.

Shell gestures to Bob and they walk toward a corner together. Shell leans into Bob’s ear.

SHELL:
Look after Fred, okay? Because if Illyria rises, and takes her body again, I think I’ll have to kill her.

Bob looks toward Fred, who looks back at him awkwardly. He nods his head to Shell as she turns away and exits the Dominion Bar.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART OFFICE

Beck and Tok sit alone in the office, bored. Beck turns to Tok.

BECK:
So, Oni hasn’t been back for a while. Think he’s quietly panicking?

Tok smiles.

TOK:
Well, he does have a big night ahead of him.

Beck nods her head and points to the window. The light is starting to fade as dusk descends upon the city.

BECK
He doesn’t have long to go.
(beat)
Hey, check this out.

Beck ignites her hand and quickly throws two fireballs at it, followed by a third one underneath, moving her hand so the flame spreads. She grins as she looks as the smiley face she has just made, before it dissipates into the ether.

TOK:
At least the spell’s good for something.

BECK:
Makes for a great party trick. If we were having a party in here, at least.
(beat)
They’ll be here soon, Tok. And they will stop Oni.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART CONFERENCE ROOM

MIRANDA sits alone on the floor of the large conference room with her legs crossed. Her eyes are closed and she is in a relaxed, meditative state. The door quietly opens and Oni steps inside. He looks at Miranda.

ONI:
Rise, Miranda.

Miranda opens her eyes and stands before Oni. He nods his head and she takes a step forward and walks toward him.

FLASH TO:

EXT. NON DIMENSION

The Non Dimension is pitch black. Shell follows Senaya as they walk through it, stunned by the sheer emptiness of it all.

SHELL:
I don’t get it. There’s nothing here.

SENAYA:
You are correct. There is no light, there is no darkness, no life, no death. This dimension is simply nothing.
(beat)
This is where I introduced you to the words, Shell. Strength, resilience and hope. You must fill this void with the words. Only then will you be able to defeat Oni and Illyria.

FLASH TO:

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART CONFERENCE ROOM

Miranda steps toward Oni and bows before him. As soon as she rises, he punches her in the face with the back of his wrist, sending her hurtling to the back of the conference room. Miranda stands up and glares at him.

MIRANDA:
What was that for?

ONI:
Respect is a form of strength. I may be your master, but once you are inhabited by Illyria, I no longer will be. Do you understand?

Miranda nods her head and Oni punches her again. She begins to climb to her feet and Oni speedily runs toward her, slamming his foot down on her back. He glares down at her.

ONI:
Does this make you angry?

MIRANDA:
No.

FLASH TO:

EXT. NON DIMENSION

Shell stares at Senaya in confusion.

SHELL:
How do you expect me to fill this void?

SENAYA:
Strength is not a physical attribute, Shell. It is willpower; it is courage. Find your inner strength and fill this void with it.

Shell closes her eyes and concentrates. She breathes deeply, and gradually light begins to break through the nothingness. A slow breeze begins to blow through the air and a desert forms around Shell and Senaya. Shell opens her eyes and looks around, surprised by her surroundings.

SHELL:
This isn’t exactly what I imagined by filling the void, Senaya.

Senaya smiles to Shell.

SENAYA:
This is where you found the strength to defeat the slug, and therefore, represents the strength you have within.

FLASH TO:

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART CONFERENCE ROOM

Oni lifts his foot from Miranda and helps her to her feet. She moves her hand to wipe the blood from her nose and Oni grips it, pulling it away from her face. He shakes his head.

ONI:
What is your fate, Miranda?

MIRANDA:
To act as a vessel for Illyria.

ONI:
No.

MIRANDA:
But—

ONI:
Do not argue.
(beat)
Your fate is to resign yourself to Illyria. And ergo, you must resign yourself to that fate. Do not fight for it, do not fight against it. It is simply your fate.
(beat)
Unless you can stop me. Try it.

Miranda throws a fist at Oni, who instantaneously moves away from it. She turns herself around and kicks toward him, and again, he has moved away from her before she can land the attack. Miranda stops her attempts.

ONI:
You cannot stop me, can you?

MIRANDA:
No. And I accept that.

FLASH TO:

EXT. NON DIMENSION

The image of the desert dissipates. Shell looks at Senaya as the two of them stand in the void of nothingness.

SHELL:
Let me guess; now it’s time to focus on my inner resilience?

Senaya nods her head.

SENAYA:
It is. As with strength it is an aspect of both willpower and courage. You must believe that you can stop both Oni and Illyria.
(beat)
Do you believe it?

Shell nods her head. Her and Senaya’s surroundings begin to morph again, and they find themselves standing within Shell’s cell at Mosaic Wellness Centre.

SENAYA:
What does this place represent to you?

SHELL:
Captivity. Pain.

SENAYA:
And yet you endured it. You moved on.

FLASH TO:

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART CONFERENCE ROOM

Oni leads Miranda to the window overlooking the city. The sun has set outside and clouds of smoke block the stars shining in the sky.

ONI:
How do you feel about Earth’s imminent destruction?

MIRANDA:
It is not my place to say.

ONI:
Do you feel nothing?

MIRANDA:
I feel a sense of loss.

ONI:
Good. Can this realm be saved?

Miranda lowers her head.

MIRANDA:
No.
(beat)
There is no hope.

FLASH TO:

EXT. NON DIMENSION

The vision of Mosaic Wellness Centre disappears, leaving Shell alone with Senaya in nothingness. Senaya steps toward Shell.

SENAYA:
Finally, you must discover hope. Do not look for it externally, you must find the ability to provide it. Provide it for those who cannot find it for themselves; for those who do not have the strength or courage to do so for themselves.
(beat)
Find this hope, and you will be able to lead others.

SHELL:
And with that comes courage and willpower again, right?

Senaya nods her head.

SHELL:
Wow, I never thought this’d be so easy.

Shell and Senaya’s surroundings change again, this time to a construction site at Sunnydale, California. Shell stands alone among a dozen potential Slayers, each of them enraptured by her. Shell smiles and Senaya approaches her.

SENAYA:
The longer Oni stays on Earth, the less hope Earth feels. You must restore that hope, Shell.

FLASH TO:

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART CONFERENCE ROOM

Oni nods to Miranda approvingly.

ONI:
Come now. Illyria will rise soon, so time is of the essence. Together, Illyria and I can destroy Shell Moore and secure our power.

FLASH TO:

EXT. NON DIMENSION

Senaya smiles to Shell.

SENAYA:
You possess the inner power to defeat your foes, Shell. You are a Slayer. You do not just embody the spirit of Senaya, you are the spirit of Senaya.

Senaya disappears, leaving Shell standing alone in the darkness. Shell smiles to herself, turns around and walks away confidently.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Faith wields a sword, as does Jack, while Miranda sheathes her katanas and Fred holds her crossbow. Bob walks toward the group.

BOB:
I don’t know how much longer we can wait for Shell. We don’t have long.

Bob looks toward Fred and the amulet around her neck.

BOB:
Fred, are you able to wear the amulet into battle? It may protect you from Illyria.

Fred nods her head.

FRED:
I’ll try, Bob.

The door to the Dominion Bar opens and Shell enters. Bob looks at her nervously.

BOB:
Well, I guess something can be said for showing up at the last minute.

SHELL:
Then let’s get to work.

EXT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART ENTRANCE – NIGHT

The city is concealed in darkness as various demons gather outside the front of the building. A HORNED demon points forward as Shell leads Bob, Jack, Fred, Faith and Sarah toward the building.

Music cue – “Big Wheel” by Tori Amos:
I've been on the other side
Got my lips smacked
Now they're dry
Then you
Call me
Call me in

Shell draws a sword and points toward the crowd. Bob and Jack flank her sides, followed by Fred and Sarah. Faith stands firm at the rear.

Music (continued):
You think I am your possession
You're messing with a Southern girl
But my recipe is on
With your stale bread

Shell breathes deeply.

SHELL:
Okay, guys, it’s do or die. We take the demons, we get inside.
(beat)
Once we’re in, Bob, Sarah and Fred, you come with me. Faith, you and Jack find Beck and Tok.

Jack nods his head.

JACK:
Understood.

The demons descend from the building’s entrance and rush toward the group.

Music (continued):
Yeah it's hot
But baby I don't need your cash
So baby maybe I'll let your
Big wheel turn my fantasy

The demons stop in their tracks as Kalinka slowly descends from the sky above to between Shell, Bob, Jack, Fred, Faith, Sarah and the group of demons. Kalinka looks at the group coldly.

KALINKA:
Go back to the Dominion. This is my fight.

Music (continued):
Don't you throw your shade on me
I've been drinking down your pain
I'm gonna turn that whiskey into rain

Shell grips her weapon strongly. She shakes as her anger at simply seeing Kalinka begins to rise and glares at her.

SHELL:
No, Kalinka. Just go; leave us alone.

Music (continued):
Wash it away
Wash it away
Wash you away boy
Let's go

KALINKA:
Do you really see that happening, Shell? Believe me, you do not want to try and stop me.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO.

[Allan]

Act Three[/u]

EXT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART ENTRANCE – NIGHT

Kalinka hovers in the air and Shell glares at her disdainfully and steps forward.

SHELL:
This is your fight, is it? After you sold us out to Oni, after you got Clem killed?

KALINKA:
Clem should never have died, Shell. That was not part of the plan.

SHELL:
But he did, Kalinka. What could have been worth the risk?

KALINKA:
Oni promised me freedom from D’Hoffryn. Clem and I were supposed to be together forever.

Kalinka lands on the ground. Shell stares at her, exasperated by her pitch black eyes and hair, and shakes her head in disgust. She is trembling and tears begin to well in her eyes.

SHELL:
But that didn’t work quite the way you’d hoped, did it?

Shell lunges toward Kalinka, who, in a panic, launches blue bolts of electricity from her hands toward Shell. Shell ducks past the blast of electricity and tackles Kalinka to the ground. Shell punches Kalinka in the face violently and turns back to Bob, Jack, Fred, Faith and Sarah. Shell nods her head and the group rushes past her and engage the demons protecting Wolfram & Hart’s demons in battle. Shell can hear the battle ensuing, but barely acknowledges it. She is focused on Kalinka, who she again punches violently.

KALINKA:
Shell, let us work together.

SHELL (shouting):
Shut up!
(beat, collected)
You caused all this chaos because you wanted to be free of D’Hoffryn, Kalinka. The sad thing is I understand that. But did the thought of asking us for help even occur to you?

Shell straddles Kalinka and pushes her head to the ground. With her free hand, Shell reaches for Kalinka’s pendant and rips it from her neck. Shell looks at it, smirks to herself and stands up. She looks at Kalinka as she climbs to her feet.

KALINKA:
Give that to me, Shell.

Shell shakes her head. She drops the pendant on the ground and slams the heel of her shoe down on it, crushing it. Kalinka simply watches, horrified.

SHELL:
Now you’re free of D’Hoffryn, Kalinka.
(beat)
Naturally, as with everything in this world, and I’m guessing every world out there, it comes with a cost. You’ve lost your immortality. You’ll grow old like the rest of us. Horrifying, isn’t it?
(beat)
But you’ll do so without Clem, Kalinka. And that was your doing. Not mine, not Oni’s, yours.

Kalinka shakes her head in disbelief.

KALINKA:
You…made me mortal?

Shell nods her head.

SHELL:
And your mortality is all you have left.

KALINKA:
Oh…not everything.

Kalinka raises her hands, and gusts of wind begin to blow. Shell fights to hold her ground as she stares at Kalinka.

SHELL:
Don’t do this, Kalinka.

KALINKA:
If I have nothing, I obviously have nothing to lose.

Bodies of demons lie scattered across the building’s entrance. Bob, Jack, Fred, Faith and Sarah are still standing, each of them tired, but still running strong on adrenaline. Bob rushes toward the horned demon and ejects the spikes below his wrists. The demon lunges at Bob and the two demons clash and roll to the ground. Bob grins as he stabs the demon through the head, killing him instantly.

Bob stands to the ground and looks toward Fred, who begins to glow brightly. She beats a demon across the head with her crossbow, killing it, and fires arrows at three more. She sees Jack, who is slowly becoming overpowered by a large demon and rushes toward them. Fred tosses her crossbow to the ground and pulls the demon from Jack and hurls it through the air. She runs after it and punches it through the chest, killing it, and grins.

Faith and Sarah stand back-to-back, each of them holding their weapons as demons surround them.

FAITH:
You know, if you want to betray us, Sarah, now’d be the time.

SARAH:
Funny.

Sarah rushes toward the demons, slashing with her katanas. She decapitates the first demon with her right and stabs a second with her left. A third demon approaches Sarah and she slashes both katanas through its amdomen, killing it. Three more demons rush toward Sarah and begin punching and clawing at her, slowly overpowering her. Faith shakes her head and rushes toward the demons. She stabs the first demon through the back, killing it, and kicks the second and third demons forcefully, sending them scattering backward to give her and Sarah more space. Faith rushes toward the second demon, decapitates it and turns back to see Sarah do the same to the third. She rushes back to Sarah and shakes her head scornfully.

FAITH:
Y’know, Sarah, rushing into battle without thinking is just as stupid as betraying us.

SARAH:
I survived, didn’t I?

FAITH:
Thanks to me. Next time I mightn’t bother.

Bob rushes toward Fred and looks at her softly. He extends his hand toward her.

BOB:
Fred, take off the amulet. Give it to me.

Fred shakes her head.

FRED:
I can’t do that, Bob. I need it.

BOB:
You’re making short work of the demons, but you’re losing your soul.

FRED:
That’s funny, coming from you.

BOB:
Fred…please.
(beat)
We’ll be fine without it. It’s just not worth it.

Fred shakes her head and runs away from Bob and toward two more demons. She lifts them into the air and smashes them against each other, killing them instantly.

Kalinka stands with her arms stretched above her and glares at Shell. Violent wind swirls around her as Shell fights through it to approach her.

SHELL:
I don’t want to hurt you, Kalinka. But if you continue this, I will kill you.

Kalinka ignores Shell’s words and the force of the wind increases. Lightning clouds form in the sky and a clap of thunder can be heard as a lightning bolt strikes from above, aimed for Shell. Shell leaps out of the way as it hits the ground and hurls a sword at Kalinka, stabbing her through the stomach. Kalinka looks at Shell as if she had betrayed her and nurses the wound. Shell walks toward Kalinka and pulls her sword free.

SHELL:
Focus your energy on healing yourself, Kalinka. We’ve got Oni, and you are the last person we want – or need – help from.

Kalinka nods her head as a tear runs down her cheek. Shell briefly looks at Kalinka with pity before rushing toward the entrance of the building. She notices that there is a gap in the demons’ defence, allowing access into the building.

SHELL (shouting to Bob, Jack, Fred, Faith and Sarah):
Guys! We have an opening! Quickly!

Bob, Jack, Faith and Sarah rush toward the entrance, followed by Shell. Shell does a quick count and turns to Jack.

SHELL:
Where’s Fred?

JACK:
She didn’t make it?

Shell rushes back and sees Fred, engaged in battle.

SHELL (shouting):
Fred! Come on!

Fred turns back to Shell.

FRED:
I’ll be there later. You guys get inside and find Oni. I’ll make sure they don’t follow.

Shell nods her head and rushes inside with Bob, Jack, Faith and Sarah.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART OFFICE

Beck and Tok watch out the window at the chaos ensuing outside. Beck turns to Tok and grins.

BECK:
I can’t believe it. It looks like they’re in the building.

TOK:
They’ve all made it?

BECK:
Fred’s still outside…but it looks like she’s wiping the floor with everyone.

Beck and Tok jump into the air, startled, as the door to the office caves in. They spin around to see Faith enter, followed by Jack. Beck rushes across to Faith and hugs her thankfully. Faith smiles sheepishly.

FAITH:
I love you too, Beck, but there’s a time and a place for it. Considering the world is about to end right here and right now, this is neither.

JACK:
Come on, guys, we’ve gotta run.

Faith draws a sword and tosses it to Tok who catches it.

FAITH:
It’s not Japanese steel, Tok, but…

TOK:
It will suffice.

BECK:
Don’t I get one?

JACK:
Just light everything up.

Beck grins as she leaves the office with Jack, Faith and Tok.

JACK (to Tok):
Look, about the puppets, I’m sorry.

Tok nods her head solemnly.

EXT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART ROOF – NIGHT

Oni stands on the roof of Wolfram & Hart with Miranda standing in front of him. Ten VAMPIRES, dressed in black armoured uniforms, stand next to them. Oni holds the Spear of Destiny confidently and gazes up at the portal, which is still swirling above the building.

ONI:
It is almost time, Miranda. Your mind, your body and your spirit must all be clear.

Miranda nods her head but is distracted as the doors leading to the building smash open. Shell steps onto the roof, followed by Jack, Bob and Sarah. Oni looks at the group and smirks cockily.

ONI:
Good evening, Shell. I can’t say that this intrusion was entirely unexpected, but I was expecting more of you.

SHELL:
Don’t be insulted, Oni. Everyone else will make it to your little party soon enough.

Oni looks to the vampires who step toward Shell, Bob and Sarah. They are stopped, however, by a bright light, which begins to glow brightly. Miranda looks at Oni.

MIRANDA:
Was a bright light part of your plan?

Oni shakes his head and the light disappears and D’Hoffryn materialises in its place. D’Hoffryn smiles to Oni and turns around to Shell, Bob and Sarah.

D’HOFFRYN:
Ms. Moore, how lovely it is to see you. I must apologise for the intrusion. After all, the fate of reality as we know it is at stake.

Jack, Faith, Beck and Tok arrive on the rooftop and stare at D’Hoffryn. They grip their weapons, ready to attack. Shell raises her hand, gesturing for them to stop.

D’HOFFRYN:
I had plans for Kalinka, Shell. Plans that required her to maintain her calling as a Vengeance Demon. So, tell me: why did you feel the need to take her immortality?

Shell rushes toward D’Hoffryn, who sidesteps her easily. Shell stops herself before rushing into the vampires. Oni turns to the vampires and nods his head.

ONI:
Destroy them. Now.

EXT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART ENTRANCE – NIGHT

Fred collapses against the wall of the Wolfram & Hart tower and breathes deeply. She looks toward a group of four demons that are approaching her and glances down at the Amulet of Voltok around her neck. She shakes her head.

FRED (under breath):
What are you doing to me?

Fred shakes off her doubts and stands tall, ready to face the demons. They run toward her and she runs toward them. Fred collides with the first demon, the impact sending it reeling backward. She pushes her way past another demon and runs after the first. She grabs it tightly and hurls it into the remaining three, sending them scattering. Fred grins to herself and rushes toward the demon and snaps its neck.

The second and third demons run toward Fred quickly. She stands still, smiling with perverse enjoyment as they rush toward her. The demons reach her and she grabs them each by the throat and squeezes tightly, strangling the life from them. The demons pass out, dead, and she tosses them aside.

Fred turns toward the fourth, and final, demon. The demon snarls at her and steps back but Fred steps forward. The demon stands nervously as it watches her every move. Fred grabs it by the throat and punches it in the face. The demon struggles to break free unsuccessfully and Fred punches it again and again. The demon is dazed and Fred continues to punch it repeatedly, each punch more powerful than the last. Fred continues to punch the demon as green blood spatters into the air, relishing the moment.

She hears a crash from above and looks up at the tower’s roof to see Shell, Bob, Jack, Faith, Beck, Tok and Sarah struggle against D’Hoffryn and the vampires. A vampire kicks Tok in the stomach, sending her reeling toward the edge of the roof. Tok barely manages to keep her footing.

Fred shakes her head and tosses the demon to the side.

FRED (under breath):
They need me.

Fred rushes through the building’s entrance and into the foyer.

EXT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART ROOF – NIGHT

The vampires and Oni swarm over Shell, Bob, Jack, Faith, Beck and Tok. Sarah watches Miranda standing alone as she watches the fight calmly and rushes through the chaos to face her.

SARAH:
You seem awfully calm, all things considered.

MIRANDA:
It is almost time. Soon I will be more than all of you combined.

Sarah shrugs her shoulders.

SARAH:
Yeah, whatever.

Sarah draws her katana and rushes toward Miranda. She slashes her sword and Miranda leaps over it, dodging the attack.

MIRANDA:
Fighting an unarmed opponent, Sarah? So much for honour.

SARAH:
I have a feeling that taking you out will save us all trouble later down the track.

Sarah slashes her katana at Miranda again, who dodges the attack.

MIRANDA:
You know, you’re probably right.

Sarah slashes her katana down and toward Miranda’s head. Miranda grabs Sarah’s wrist, stopping the blow from landing, and with her free arm, thrusts her elbow into Sarah’s arm, breaking it. Sarah yelps, dropping her katana, and Miranda kicks her in the stomach, knocking her do the ground. Miranda reaches for the katana and plunges it into Sarah’s chest. She grins as she looks down at the blood seeping from Sarah’s chest.

MIRANDA:
See you in the afterlife, Sarah.
(beat)
Or maybe I won’t. Who knows what will happen when Illyria takes over my body?

Faith is the first to see Sarah fall and is horrified by the sight.

FAITH (shouting, panicked):
Sarah!

Faith decapitates a vampire, turning it to dust, and rushes to Sarah’s aid. She kneels down at Sarah’s body, holding her head to see her take her last breath.

FAITH (under breath):
Damn it.

Faith leaps to the ground and stares at Miranda. She rushes toward her, but is stopped in her tracks by Oni, who grabs her by the throat.

ONI:
I take no pleasure in seeing a Slayer die. But that does not mean I won’t crush the life from you.

Shell lunges toward D’Hoffryn, but is blocked by two vampires. She shakes her head in frustration.

SHELL:
Knew I should’ve brought some stakes.

Shell runs toward the vampires and with two slashes, decapitates the both of them. As they burst into dust, Shell runs toward D’Hoffryn, who punches her with the back of his fist, sending her stumbling back.

Fred arrives on the rooftop and runs toward Bob, who is struggling against a vampire. Fred grabs the vampire around the throat and pulls him away from Bob. She grips it tightly and uses her free hand to rip its head off. Bob looks at Fred, disturbed.

BOB:
Okay, that’s effective, albeit a little messy.

Fred collapses to her knees and begins shaking. She looks up at Bob, evidently distressed.

FRED:
Bob…get this thing off me…please.
(beat)
I can’t take it any more…I need to just be Fred.

Bob nods his head and reaches down toward Fred, lifting the amulet from around her neck. He smiles to her sweetly and she returns the gesture thankfully. Bob turns his head to see D’Hoffryn following Shell.

BOB (under breath):
Let’s see what this thing does to a demon.

Bob grips the amulet in his hand and rushes toward D’Hoffryn. Stunned, D’Hoffryn turns around to see Bob connect with him and place the amulet around his neck. He looks at Bob in confusion.

D’HOFFRYN:
Wh…what have you done to me?

A vampire leaps toward Bob, knocking him and D’Hoffryn to the ground. The two demons tumble along the rooftop and over the edge. Bob grips D’Hoffryn as the two of them glow white as they fall toward the ground, disappearing just before they hit the pavement.

Shell scrambles to the edge of the rooftop, tears forming around her eyes. She looks at the ground, confused as to Bob’s fate.

Jack, Beck and Tok stand next to each other, struggling against the six remaining vampires. The first vampire lunges toward Beck and moves in to bite her throat. Jack pulls it away with all his strength, pushes it away and decapitates it.

BECK:
Thanks for that!

JACK:
Just be willing to return the favour.

A vampire lunges at Tok and she holds her katana firmly, stabbing it through the chest. She pushes her katana in further, knocking, and pinning it, to the ground.

TOK (subtitled from Japanese):
It mightn’t be wood, but my guess is it still hurts.

Beck steps forward and ignites a fire in the palm of her hands. She launches the flame into the vampire, incinerating it, and turns around to face the remaining four vampires. The fire in her hands glows more and more brightly, and she launches a flurry of burning flame at them, incinerating them all instantly. She turns to Jack,

BECK:
Consider it returned!

Oni looks down at the Spear of Destiny which begins to glow brightly and turns to Miranda.

ONI:
It is time.

Miranda kneels before Oni and closes her eyes contentedly.

MIRANDA:
Then I am ready.

Oni holds the Spear of Destiny above his head as the others watch on. Horrified, Fred rushes toward him. She jumps over the top of Miranda, knocking her out of the way and Oni unwittingly slams the spear down, impaling Fred through the back. As she breathes her final breath, the Spear of Destiny falls from her back and over the edge of the building. Oni looks down, staring at Fred’s lifeless body, and shakes his head disappointedly.

He turns away from Fred and reaches toward Miranda. He picks her up by the throat and glares at her.

ONI:
How could you let her get in the way?

Miranda gasps for air.

MIRANDA:
It wasn’t my—

ONI:
Enough.

Oni crushes Miranda’s throat, killing her, and nonchalantly tosses her body over the edge of the building. He steps toward Shell, who is trembling with anger.

ONI:
Do not presume to think this means you have won, Slayer.

SHELL:
You…killed her.
(beat)
You killed Fred, you son of a bitch.

Shell rushes toward Oni and punches him with all of her strength, sending him reeling backward. Oni regains his footing and shakes his head, confused by Shell’s power. He pushes her away and glares at her.

ONI:
Apparently, the words do flow within you.
(beat)
Still, they are of little value if you are unable to harness them.

SHELL:
Are you willing to bet on that?

Shell rushes toward Oni again with all of her strength. She slams her body into him, sending the two of them tumbling from the building. Shell grips his body, using it to protect herself from the impact of the fall as Jack, Beck, Faith and Tok watch in horror.

JACK:
She’s gonna be okay, she’s gonna be okay…

Faith nods her head and places her hand on Jack’s shoulder.

FAITH:
Look, Jack, I’d bet on it. Don’t worry, ‘kay?

The doors to the roof burst open and eight SLAYERS storm the rooftop. Beck looks at the others nervously as the Slayers draw their weapons.

BECK:
I guess this means Kalinka didn’t kill all the Slayers, right?

In the background and unnoticed by everybody on the roof, Fred’s body slowly begins to morph. Her skin and hair change colour, being taken over by a blue tinge.

EXT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART ENTRANCE – NIGHT

Oni stands up and brushes Shell aside.

ONI:
You stupid girl. I created you and every one of your kind.
(beat)
It is only fitting that I destroy you as well.

SHELL:
Then I dare you to try it, Oni.
(beat)
I have the words. Strength, resilience and hope. Clem and Fred are dead, Kalinka is a backstabbing bitch, and I have no idea what happened to Bob. But I can’t focus on any of that now, and I won’t. You see, I know what has to be done. And I have the power to do it.

Shell steps toward Oni, and an image of Senaya appears over her.

ONI:
Senaya…

SHELL:
I want you to remember these words, Oni. Take them to your grave.

SHELL AND SENAYA (in unison):
Strength.
(beat)
Resilience.
(beat)
Hope.

The image of Senaya floats inside Shell, causing her to glow briefly as her aura surrounds the Slayer.

SHELL:
Those words represent everything you stand against, Oni. You would sap everybody of their strength, resilience and hope, making them easier to rule over. I mean, where’s the fun in world domination when people fight back?

Shell clenches her fist and punches Oni violently in the jaw, sending him reeling back.

SHELL:
That’d be strength.

Oni punches toward Shell with all his strength and she ducks the attack, bringing herself behind him.

SHELL:
And that’s resilience right there.

Oni looks around as various people, dishevelled from the city’s destruction emerge from their various hiding places. They look at Shell in awe.

SHELL:
Look around at all these people, Oni. Looks like they may actually have hope.

Oni punches toward Shell again and she catches his fist. He pushes with all his strength, breaking free of Shell, and clenches both fists together. He slams his fists into Shell, sending her flying through the air and crashing into the Wolfram & Hart building, shattering the wall, and burying her in a pile of rubble.

Shell claws her way free of the rubble and looks at Oni with a disconcerting smile.

SHELL:
Is that all you’ve got, “Daddy”?

Oni rushes toward Shell, who leaps out of the way. She sees the Spear of Destiny on the ground and runs toward it. Oni sees Shell running for the spear and scrambles to get there before her. Shell reaches the spear a split-second before Oni and swivels around, stabbing him through the heart. Oni looks deeply into her eyes and drops to the ground.

Music cue – “Mad World” by Gary Jules:
All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places, worn out faces
Bright and early for their daily races
Going nowhere, going nowhere

Shell kneels before Oni and stares at him. He looks down at his wound and the acidic blood pouring from it and looks back up at Shell. Blood is trickling out from his mouth.

ONI:
A war is coming, Shell. Are you certain you’re on the right side?

SHELL:
Oh, do shut up.

Shell looks down at Oni as he dies and then up toward the roof of the building. A blue blur speeds along the rooftop as Slayers tumble off it, one by one. The audience surrounding Shell smile with relief and satisfaction as the portal above the tower fades away.

MONTAGE:

EXT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART ROOF – NIGHT

Music (continued):
Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression, no expression
Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow
No tomorrow, no tomorrow

Jack, Beck, Faith and Tok look at each other, surprised, and then look at Fred – now ILLYRIA – standing before them among the destruction. Faith shakes her head in the realisation that Fred had sacrificed her humanity, and Beck runs toward her, hugging her. Jack nods his head toward her and Tok surveys the destruction one last time before turning around and leaping from the rooftop.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, STREET – NIGHT

Music (continued):
And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had

Kate lies on the city street, barely breathing. She clutches at her stomach, holding it as she lies in a pool of blood. An ambulance is parked behind her as two PARAMEDICS run toward her and lift her onto a stretcher. They nod their heads and smile, a gesture which Kate struggles to reciprocate.

INT. NEW YORK CITY, DILAPIDATED APARTMENT

Music (continued):
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very
Mad world
Mad world

Kalinka sits alone on a couch in a dilapidated and half destroyed apartment, holding a glass and a bottle of wine. A rat scurries along the ground as Kalinka attempts to pour another glass of wine. The bottle is empty and Kalinka hurls it across the apartment, shattering it on the far wall. She begins to sob and collapses on the ground, crying uncontrollably.

EXT. ARASHMAHAAR, DOMINION ACCESS POINT – DAY

Music (continued):
Children waiting for the day they feel good
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday
And I feel the way that every child should
Sit and listen, sit and listen

Bob stands at the access point as D’Hoffryn stands behind him, laughing. He opens the door, looks inside and closes it. He breathes deeply, says a word, and tries it again. Frustrated, he slams the door closed. He turns around to see D’Hoffryn laughing, amused by Bob’s failed attempts to return home. Bob grabs D’Hoffryn by his shoulders and yells at him.

END MONTAGE.

EXT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART ENTRANCE – NIGHT

Music (continued):
Went to school and I was very nervous
No one knew me, no one knew me
Hello teacher tell me what's my lesson
Look right through me, look right through me

Jack, Beck, Faith and Illyria gather around Shell, who is still staring down at Oni’s lifeless body. She looks up as Jack snuggles into her and kisses her on the cheek. She breathes a sigh of relief and turns to Illyria.

SHELL:
Fred…Illyria…are you okay?

Illyria doesn’t respond.

BECK:
You did it, Shell.

Music (continued):
And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had

Shell shakes her head.

SHELL:
No, Beck, I messed up. If I’d acted sooner, Clem might still be alive. We lost Sarah, Fred, for all intents and purposes, sacrificed her life, Bob’s, God knows what happened to him…and Kalinka’s still out there somewhere.

BECK:
And I think we have more crazy Slayers running around, too.

JACK:
Not now, Beck.

Music (continued):
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very

Faith turns to Shell.

FAITH:
I’ve got some friends who are on their way to clean up after Oni and pick up the stragglers.
(beat)
Maybe they can help figure out what happened to Bob.

Shell nods her head and snuggles tightly into Jack.

Music (continued):
Mad World
Mad World
Enlarging your world
Mad World.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE.

CLOSING CREDITS ROLL.

Written by:
Allan Whatford

Story Editor:
Marie Menninga

Special Thanks:
Everyone who read this episode (and any of them, really!) - I hope you enjoyed it. Any comments in the feedback thread are appreciated. Thanks.

Dominion © 2007-2008 Allan Whatford

[Allan]

Next on Dominion:[/u]

Four months have gone by since the final battle with Oni. Kalinka has betrayed those closest to her, Clem lies dead and Bob is still missing. Unable to bring herself to return to the Dominion Bar, Shell, along with Jack and Beck, forges new alliances while training to stop the impending war, as prophesised by the dying Oni; while Illyria does everything she can to rescue Bob.

Who is behind this war, and can everybody stop it in time? And what link does it have to Jack's home dimension, Grimmfaerie?

Coming June, 2008.

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