Dominion, episode 1.08 - "Haiku"

[Allan]

Episode Notes

Before I say anything further about this episode, it's not my favourite episode. I hope that you guys like it more than I do, but if not, I understand perfectly.

That said, Haiku, in my mind, is where the season of Dominion starts moving forward. Some groundwork has been laid, and more will be laid later down the track, but with this episode and the next, we start to learn what the Tengu is up to. 1.08 should provide a pay off to this episode, and hopefully the two will form a "complete whole".

I was going to hold off posting this episode for a little while so it would be released closer to 1.08, however it took me longer to write. I'm hoping to get through the next one a little quicker, and have it posted within two weeks (but don't quote me on that! ).

This episode features one song:
- Umbrella, by Rhianna feat. Jay-Z

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

Pages: 44

Word count: 9,771

Hope you enjoy the episode, but as I mentioned above, I understand if you don't - but please tell me either way in the Dominion feedback thread - any thoughts on how to make this series better are always appreciated. Thanks!

[Allan]

Shell:
Previously on Dominion:

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, MAIN HALL

The room is empty, except for Kristina, who can be seen through the doorway. She looks frightened and tense. A commanding voice booms at her from further inside the room.

TENGU DEMON (O.S.):
How dare you, you insolent little girl? How dare you go against orders? And not only were you disobeying orders, my orders, by bringing the girl here, but you captured her only to let her go again. A plan that had been thoroughly considered would not have met with such disastrous results.
(beat)
I’m afraid you’ll have to meet the same end as your friend Bianca.

With this, the Tengu demon steps forward, his presence inspiring an awesome sight. The statue that had been erected in his honor and Kristina are dwarfed by his size. His massive frame seems to engulf the room, his wings folded behind him. He takes another step forward, reaches for the Slayer’s neck, and snaps it with a simple flick of his wrist. Her body crumples to the floor as the demon turns and disappears back into the darkness.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, THRONE ROOM

Simone enters the throne room and slowly approaches the Tengu. Once she is two metres away, she lowers herself to her knees.

SIMONE:
You took Kristina’s life, but she was acting under Sarah’s direction.

TENGU:
Then take yourself to the abandoned warehouse two blocks from here.
(beat)
Sarah Welles has her enemies. One of whom may be able to assist you.

SIMONE:
Thank you, my Daimyo.

INT. PHENLAH DIMENSION, RESTAURANT

As the restaurant bustles around Kalinka and D’Hoffryn, Kalinka freezes as if time had stopped.

D’HOFFRYN:
Last time I saw you, Kalinka, I mentioned that I wasn’t done with you.

D’HOFFRYN:
There is a disgruntled young Slayer who goes by the name Simone.

D’Hoffryn smiles.

D’HOFFRYN:
Oh, yes. I have it on excellent authority that Simone cares to make a wish. And this, in case you’re yet to realise, is where you come in.

KALINKA:
Fine.

INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE

Kalinka enters the warehouse, which is dilapidated from years of neglect. The area is adorned in dust and cobwebs. Kalinka finds a power generator and pulls the lever. Nothing happens.

Simone grins at Kalinka’s demeanour.

SIMONE:
Direct and to the point, I like that.
(beat)
Sarah Welles was responsible for the death of my friend. I wish you would avenge her for me…in person.

Kalinka grimaces before her face morphs into her Vengeance Demon visage.

KALINKA:
Done.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, SARAH’S QUARTERS

Sarah’s quarters are fairly simplistic, with a single bed to the side of the room and a wardrobe and dressing table on the other side with a Japanese scroll hanging on the wall above it. Sarah lies in her bed, asleep.

Suddenly the door crashes open and Kalinka steps inside her room. Kalinka sees Sarah sleeping, draws her sword and runs to her bed and strikes at her. As Kalinka’s sword crashes down toward Sarah, in a single movement Sarah leaps off the bed and onto her feet. She is fully dressed and is holding a katana.

INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM’S OFFICE

KALINKA:
I was asked to meet a girl to exact vengeance for her.

CLEM:
Who was it?

Clem places his hands on his hips as Kalinka fails to respond again.

CLEM:
Well?

KALINKA:
I don’t know.
(beat)
I couldn’t go through with it.

[Allan]

Teaser[/u]

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, DUNGEON

The dungeon is enveloped in darkness and very little can be seen. A female can be heard breathing heavily as if she was struggling for her life. Snarls and growls can be heard indicating that she is not alone – there are others. And finally, chains can be heard rattling.

Suddenly, the darkness is replaced by a flickering light as various torches adorning the walls ignite into flame. SARAH WELLES shies away from the light as her eyes slowly adjust to it. She is chained to a wall by her arms and her face is covered in cuts and bruises. Her clothes are dirty and torn. She has certainly seen better days.

Through the flickering light, Sarah watches as three VAMPIRES approach her. They wear their vampiric faces as they walk toward her. The blood lust is apparent in their eyes. Sarah pulls at her chains violently in an attempt to break free.

Vampire #1 grabs Sarah by the hair and snarls as he leans in toward her.

VAMPIRE #1:
Look at the Slayer, chained up like a yapping little puppy dog.
(beat)
Not so tough now, are we?

Vampire #1 opens his mouth and bites deeply into Sarah’s neck. Blood gushes from the wound as he drinks. Sarah fights in defiance and finally manages to break the chains from the wall. She throws vampire #1 away from her, knocking him to the ground.

VAMPIRE #1:
You broke my tooth, you bitch!

Sarah reaches to her bleeding neck and pulls the broken fang from the wound.

VAMPIRE #1:
Still, what they say is true. Slayer blood is the ultimate high.

Sarah walks toward the vampire as he rises to his feet. Vampires #2 and #3 watch silently, planning their moves against the Slayer.

VAMPIRE #1:
No witty retort? I thought that’s what you Slayers were supposed to be so good—

Vampire #1’s words are cut short as the chain locked to Sarah’s right arm wraps tightly around his neck. Sarah catches the end of the chain with her left hand.

SARAH:
Oh, witty retorts are for amateurs.

Gripping the chain, she pulls both ends violently, cutting into the vampire’s neck before decapitating him. Vampire #1 fades into dust.

Vampires #2 and #3 look at each other and run toward Sarah in unison. Sarah swings the chain from her right arm at vampire #2, and the one from her left at vampire #3. Both chains connect with their targets, managing to anger them further.

Vampire #2 ducks around a second attack from Sarah’s chains and manages to reach her. Sarah grabs him by the throat and lifts him from the ground. She throws the vampire into the air and toward a torch in the wall. The vampire connects with the torch, which drops onto his head. Flames slowly engulf the vampire, turning him into dust.

SARAH:
Two down.
(to vampire #3)
Please tell me you’re a little more coordinated than the other two.

VAMPIRE #3:
Oh, you’ll be begging me for mercy.

SARAH:
I doubt that.

Sarah runs toward vampire #3 and punches him squarely in the face, knocking him backward. The Slayer swiftly follows it up with a roundhouse kick to the chest. Vampire #3 runs toward Sarah and she swiftly avoids him, using the chain around her right arm to trip him. She leaps toward the torch on the ground that killed vampire #2 and picks it up from the ground by its wooden base.

Vampire #3 leaps into the air at Sarah. The Slayer quickly reacts and uses the chain around her left arm to knock him to the ground, slamming him down onto his back. Sarah straddles the vampire.

SARAH:
When will guys learn that overselling themselves will inevitably disappoint the girl?

Sarah brutally slams the base of the torch into the vampire’s chest, turning him to dust.

Sarah rises and rubs her hand on her neck wound and checks for blood. It’s still bleeding.

SARAH:
Damn.

Sarah walks toward the entrance of the dungeon and looks out through the bars. A loud rumbling can be heard and the door opens. Sarah briefly looks at the door with an expression of puzzlement before shrugging her shoulders and walking through it.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, THRONE ROOM

The TENGU sits upon his throne majestically. In front of him kneels ASHLEY ROBERTS.

TENGU:
Rise, Ashley Roberts, and leave me. I have matters I must attend to.

ASHLEY:
Yes, my Daimyo.

Ashley rises from her knees and turns to leave the throne room. She is interrupted as the doors smash open and Sarah enters.

SARAH:
Ashley, get out.

Ashley looks toward the Tengu, concerned. The Tengu responds with a simple nod.

SARAH:
Now, Ashley.

Ashley rushes from the throne room, leaving Sarah alone with the Tengu.

TENGU:
Kneel before your Daimyo, Sarah Welles.

Sarah shakes her head.

SARAH:
I don’t think so.

The Tengu raises his hand, stretching it out. He quickly lowers it, telekinetically forcing Sarah into a bowing position.

TENGU:
That was not a request. Do you feel my power inside of you?

SARAH:
Y…yes…

TENGU:
Then you understand that I could crush you like the insignificant fly you are.

The Tengu releases his telekinetic grip of Sarah and she collapses on the floor before slowly pulling herself back up from the ground.

TENGU:
You failed me, Sarah Welles. You did not destroy the Vengeance Demon, as directed.

SARAH:
I understand, my Daimyo.

TENGU:
Failure cannot and will not be tolerated.
(beat)
However, while imprisoned, you did show some level of aptitude against those vampires, so I shall give you one last chance.

SARAH:
I thank you, my Daimyo.

TENGU:
If you fail, or if you merely repeat your insubordinate behaviour you just demonstrated, I can guarantee you that your death will be far slower and more painful than you can imagine.

Sarah bows before the Tengu.

SARAH:
I understand.

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 Illyria
And Ron Pearlman as Bob

Guest-Starring:
Callum Blue as the Jack of Spades
Natasha Gregson Wagner as Beck Richardson
Kevin Sorbo as the Tengu
Erica Durance as Sarah Welles
Amanda Michalka as Ashley Roberts
Julie Gonzalo as Miranda Hendricks

END CREDITS.

[Allan]

Act One[/u]

INT. DOMINION BAR

The Dominion Bar is closed for business, and SHELL and KALINKA sit alone at a table toward the centre of the bar eating breakfast cereal. They sit in awkward silence which is only broken by the sound of crunching cereal being chewed. Finally, Shell swallows a mouthful of cereal before opening her mouth.

SHELL:
So, last night…

KALINKA:
Last night, I was asked to kill somebody.
(beat)
I couldn’t do it, and I wish that everybody would stop asking me to explain.

SHELL:
That wasn’t what I was getting at, Kalinka.
(beat)
Is everything okay between you and Clem?

KALINKA:
Clem took the situation to heart, and it’s been a little tough on him. And to be honest, it is a little awkward between us right now. But things could be far worse, and we’ll get through it.

Shell smiles to Kalinka and both women turn their heads toward the back exit as CLEM walks in, looking tired. Clem waves to them and approaches the table.

CLEM:
Morning, ladies.

SHELL:
Hey, Clem.

Kalinka stands from her chair and pecks her husband on the cheek.

KALINKA:
Morning, Clem. You’re not looking too well.

CLEM:
I just didn’t sleep too well last night, after everything.
(beat)
And you didn’t make it to bed last night.

Kalinka reaches behind Clem and wraps her arm around him.

KALINKA:
No, I just, um…

CLEM:
Kallie, it’s okay. I love you.
(beat)
But we just need to get past this awkwardness.

Kalinka nods in agreement as the front door to the Dominion Bar opens. JACK enters and waves to his friends.

SHELL (under breath):
Saved by the bell.
(to Jack)
Jack!

Shell leaps from her chair and runs toward Jack. Jack grins at her apparent excitement.

JACK:
Excited to see me, Shell? I was only gone for a day.
(beat)
Earth is an…interesting place.

Shell leans in to Jack.

SHELL:
It’s not that I’m not excited to see you, but I’d thought I’d save you the trouble of talking to those two, over there.

Shell moves her head to subtly gesture toward Clem and Kalinka.

SHELL:
They’re having some issues at the moment. Come and talk out the back?

Jack nods in agreement and turns to leave with Shell. He waves “hello” to Clem and Kalinka on the way past.

INT. DOMINION BAR, BACK ROOM

The door from the main bar area opens and Shell leads Jack inside.

SHELL:
So is that “interesting” in a good way, or in a bad way?

JACK:
It’s interesting in a weird way. Still, I’ve never seen magic like those movies before.

SHELL:
You come from a fairy tale land, and movies surprise you?

JACK:
Well, we don’t have them on Grimmfaerie. I liked them.

SHELL:
Them? Please tell me you did something other than watch movies.

Jack sheepishly shakes his head.

SHELL:
Okay, tell you what, then. Come out with me tonight and I’ll show you the night life, take you out to a club, buy you some drinks. Sound good?

JACK:
What, like a date?

Shell pauses, unsure of how to answer Jack’s question.

SHELL:
Um…More like an excursion. Just to see that Earth offers a little more than movies.
(beat)
Just in an educational capacity.

Jack smiles as he thinks about Shell’s awkward offer. Both are distracted as ILLYRIA enters the room.

SHELL (to Illyria):
Illyria! Jack and I were thinking about hitting a couple of clubs on Earth. Maybe you should come along.

ILLYRIA:
They have music, do they not?

SHELL:
Yeah, that’s much of the point. You listen to music and you drunkenly dance to it.

ILLYRIA:
I do not do music.

SHELL (chuckling):
I’ve seen you listening to Dixie Chicks CD’s, Illyria.

ILLYRIA:
Fine. I don’t do dancing, then.

SHELL:
Bopping along can be considered dancing in some circles.

ILLYRIA:
The answer is still no.

Shell shrugs her shoulders and turns back to Jack.

JACK:
It’s a date, then.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, WAR ROOM

The war room is quite large, with a huge table as the centrepiece. A dozen Slayers, including Ashley, sit at the table watching the front as Sarah stands next to a projected image of Shell on the wall.

SARAH:
This is Shell Moore. While many would consider her a Slayer like you or I, she is, in fact, something else. Many would consider her more. She is a reincarnation of Senaya, the First Slayer. This means that Shell is our primary target, as she is the one who can destroy us.
(beat)
Sarah made her way to the Dominion Bar a couple of months ago, and has been living there ever since. She has forged alliances with the demons there, which makes getting to her a little more difficult.

The projected image changes from Shell to Bob.

SARAH:
Next up, we have a demon known only as “Bob.” We don’t know too much about this guy, except he’s strong, fast and vicious. He seems to consider himself Shell’s Watcher, and has been training her since they first met. His past is shrouded in mystery, but our intel indicates that Shell is not the first girl that Bob has watched over. He appears to be fiercely loyal to Shell, which means that he could be very problematic.

Sarah looks at the projected image as it changes from Bob to Illyria.

SARAH:
However, if you think Bob is scary, you really do not want to meet Illyria.
(beat)
Illyria is a Vahla Ha’nesh demon, or in other words, “Old One.” Our best estimate indicates that she is well over thirty million years old, predating most demons out there, including the Tengu.
(beat)
While she was destroyed with the Old Ones millions of years ago, she recently resurfaced in the Los Angeles branch of Wolfram & Hart. Apparently the management at the time managed to reduce her power levels, but to what degree, we do not know. Any of you who saw her in battle a couple of months back will be aware that you must only approach her with caution.

The image changes from Illyria to Kalinka.

SARAH:
This next demon is Kalinka. Some of you may—

Sarah is cut short by Ashley chuckling to herself.

SARAH:
Do you have something to say, Ashley?

ASHLEY:
Not at all.
(beat)
Though, I’m surprised you’re not hiding from her scary picture after your last encounter.

The other Slayers look around awkwardly. Some of them briefly consider laughing at Ashley’s remark.

SARAH:
I’ll be sure to leave you to destroy her then, Ashley.
(beat)
Kalinka is a Vengeance Demon, who has been around for hundreds of years. She is virtually invulnerable, and her strength is approximately equal to our own. She wears a gem around her neck, and if you destroy that, she becomes mortal.

The image morphs from Kalinka to Clem.

SARAH:
And now we have Clem. To be honest, he is an enigma to us all. Like his wife, Kalinka, he is a demon, and he is hundreds of years old, at our best estimate. However, unlike most demons, he seems to have absolutely no lust for blood. He will fight when need be, and as Ashley can attest, he is more than capable.

The Slayers have a chuckle at Sarah’s remark while Ashley hangs her head in embarrassment.

SARAH:
In addition, he has an ability with his eyes, unleashing tentacles. What these do is unknown, but if I were to guess, we do not want to know.

The image changes once again, this time from Clem to Jack.

SARAH:
And finally, we have the Jack of Spades.
(beat)
From what we have managed to ascertain, Jack is a prince from the Grimmfaerie Dimension, and is, for all intents and purposes, human. He does appear to have heightened strength, but from what we can gather, he is the least powerful of Dominion’s inhabitants.
(beat)
Jack has only been at the Dominion for a few weeks and by all indications, he likes to spend some time on Earth. And for this reason, he is our easiest target.

The image disappears.

SARAH:
A Psychdemon has indicated that Jack will be out in New York City with Shell tonight. Away from the Dominion’s protection spell, we will create a diversion, and bring Jack to the temple for interrogation.

A Slayer raises her hand.

SLAYER:
What kind of diversion?

SARAH:
We will send vampires to cause the distraction, while we take hold of Jack. The vampires are disposable, and the longer we escape Shell’s notice personally, the longer we have Jack to ourselves.

INT. DOMINION BAR

The Dominion Bar is about half full with various patrons of all shapes and sizes sitting down and relaxing over some quiet drinks. Shell enters from the back, dressed in a smart shirt and skirt covered by a leather jacket. Jack, dressed in a shirt, jeans and a denim jacket approaches Shell and looks at her approvingly.

JACK:
Wow, you scrub up nicely.

BOB approaches the two of them from behind Jack and shakes his head.

BOB:
So you two have a big night planned?

SHELL:
Yeah…it’s not a problem, is it?

BOB:
I thought we were going to train, tonight. We haven’t had much of a chance to, lately.

SHELL:
Can we save it for tomorrow? Things have been hectic lately, and I think a lot of what’s been happening could be called on-the-job training.
(beat)
And running the bar last night wasn’t exactly fun.

BOB:
I was planning on training you tomorrow, as well.
(beat)
You can go out and have your fun tonight, but we’ll train twice as hard tomorrow, okay.

SHELL:
Sure thing, Bob.

Jack and Shell turn to leave and are stopped as Bob places his hand firmly on Shell’s shoulder.

BOB:
You’re not going out like that, are you?

SHELL:
Like what? I know you’re training me and all, but are you trying to be my father now?

BOB:
No, I’m not, Shell.
(beat)
But are either of you carrying weapons?

SHELL:
No, we’re not going out hunting, we’re going out clubbing. Granted, many of the people out at night are a little skanky, but I don’t think it’s really fair to impale them on the end of a sword for that.

BOB:
A lot of stuff has been happening, Shell.

SHELL:
Yeah, but not at nightclubs. Relax, we’ll be fine.

Bob shakes his head, realising that he’s not going to convince Shell otherwise.

JACK:
See you later, Bob. And don’t worry, I’ll bring her back in one piece.

EXT. ICEBERG CLUB – NIGHT

A large queue is lining up outside the entrance to the Iceberg Club as music can be heard thumping from the inside. Shell and Jack are near the front, with just one group of people waiting in front of them.

The BOUNCER pulls the red rope blocking the entrance up and the group ahead of the two enter. Shell and Jack try to follow, but the rope comes down before they can enter. The bouncer turns to them.

BOUNCER:
Sorry, guys. It shouldn’t be too much longer.

JACK:
Thanks.
(to Shell)
When you invited me out here, you didn’t tell me that we’d be waiting in line for over an hour.

SHELL:
It’ll be worth it. We’ll get inside, it’ll be warm, and we can blow off some steam.

JACK:
Well, it does seem crowded. You’d never get this many people together in Grimmfaerie unless it was a formal event.

Two clubbers leave, and the bouncer turns back to Shell and Jack.

BOUNCER:
Okay, guys. You can go in now.

Jack and Shell enter the club and descend down the stairs.

Across the road, Sarah watches the queue and turns to the vampire – vampire #4 – beside her. They are both dressed in black, presumably to blend in with the darkness.

SARAH:
Okay, we’re on.

Sarah and vampire #4 run across the road and push to the front of the queue. The girl they cut in front of grabs Sarah by the shoulder.

GIRL:
Hey, no cutting in, you damn emos!

Sarah swiftly turns around and punches the girl in the throat, knocking her unconscious. The crowd gets riled up, pushing and shoving, trying to get at Sarah.

The bouncer sees the commotion and rushes to Sarah and vampire #4.

BOUNCER:
You guys, get out!

Vampire #4’s face morphs from its human form to a demonic vampire visage. The vampire grabs the bouncer by the head and hungrily bites into his neck, draining him of blood and killing him. The vampire throws the bouncer’s lifeless body to the ground.

Sarah waves into the air and five more vampires, all dressed in black, attack the queue of clubbers, killing them one by one. Sarah makes a hand gesture signalling “enough”, and the vampires cease. A few survivors manage to run away.

SARAH:
Damn it, they’re gonna go and get the cops. It looks like we’ll have to be quick.

Sarah sends the six vampires inside the club and waits as Ashley approaches. The two Slayers follow the vampires inside and down the stairs.

INT. ICEBERG CLUB

Music blares through the speakers as hundreds of people, including Shell and Jack dance on the floor.

Music – “Umbrella” by Rhianna feat. Jay-Z:
You had my heart
And we'll never be worlds apart
May be in magazines
But you'll still be my star

SHELL:
So, what do you think?

JACK:
What?

SHELL (shouting):
What do you think?

Jack shakes his head and points to his ears indicating that he can’t hear. The two are oblivious to the six vampires entering the club. Sarah and Ashley follow the vampires and Sarah nods her head to them.

On cue, the vampires start attacking clubbers randomly and violently. While they try to fight back, they are unequipped to do so and only die violent deaths. The vampires don’t waste time feeding; they just snap the clubbers’ necks.

Music (continued):
Baby cause in the dark
You can see shiny cars
And that's when you need me there
With you I'll always share
Because

Shell and Jack look up in disbelief at the vampires attacking the club and leap into action. They run from the dance floor and through the panicking crowds toward a table and chairs. Shell picks up a chair and slams it down on the table, shattering it into pieces. Shell and Jack pick up two pieces of the wooden chair each and move toward the vampires.

Music (continued):
When the sun shine, we’ll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be a friend
Took an oath I'mma stick it out 'till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we'll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella

As the DJ tries to make his escape, vampire #4 leaps over his booth. He grabs the DJ’s head and slams it into the equipment, electrocuting him and silencing the music allowing the clubbers’ horrified screams to be heard.

Vampire #4 turns around to see Shell facing him. She effortlessly plunges a shard of wood into his heart, dusting him.

Shell looks across the club and sees Jack fighting vampires #5, #6 and #7. She moves to back him up, but is thrown to the ground by vampire #8. Vampire #9 is close behind him. Shell sweep kicks vampire #8, sending him crashing into the ground. She moves to attack him but is cut short by vampire #9 who grabs her in a stranglehold.

SHELL:
Jack!

Jack turns as he hears Shell’s scream but is unable to help her. Vampires #5-7 repeatedly punch him, making it difficult to hold his ground. Dazed, Jack manages to plunge his stake into vampire #5’s chest, turning him to dust. Unphased, the vampires continue to punch Jack until he crashes onto the floor. They proceed to kick Jack while he’s down, and he eventually loses consciousness.

Sarah and Ashley watch the commotion with expressions of satisfaction. Sarah points to Jack’s unconscious body.

SARAH:
We’d better grab him fast, while Shell’s distracted.

Shell is bruised and bleeding as she fends off vampire #9’s hold. She finally manages to break his arm, forcing him to release her. Once free, Shell plunges a stake into his heart, turning the vampire to dust.

Vampire #8 kicks Shell in the stomach, sending her crashing into the wall and dropping her stakes. She trades punches and kicks with the vampire before pushing him to the side and grabbing a record from the DJ’s player. Shell holds the record with both hands and slams it into vampire #8’s jugular and through his neck, decapitating him. As the vampire turns to dust, Shell scans the club.

Most of the surviving patrons have left the club and corpses litter the floor. Jack is nowhere to be seen, and neither are the vampires nor the Slayers.

SHELL:
Jack!

With no response from Jack, Shell runs to the centre of the club for a better look.

SHELL (shouting, panicked):
Jack!
(louder, voice cracking)
Jack!!

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE.

[Allan]

Act Two[/u]

INT. DOMINION BAR

The demons in the Dominion Bar continue to drink, enjoying the social atmosphere. Clem and Kalinka stand behind the bar. They are on speaking terms, but they still appear to be feeling a little awkward to one another. Bob paces back and forth, agitated.

As Bob paces past the bar, Clem manages to catch his eye.

CLEM:
I’m sure Shell’s okay, Bob.

BOB:
It’s getting late.

KALINKA:
She’s a young girl enjoying a night out. That’s all, Bob.

BOB:
I know that. I just can’t shake the feeling that something will happen.

Bob is distracted as the front door opens. He turns around to see Shell stagger in. She is bruised, covered in blood, and her clothes are torn and tattered.

BOB:
Shell!

Clem and Kalinka look at each other worriedly as Bob rushes across to Shell.

BOB:
What happened?

SHELL:
We…we were out dancing, and…

BOB:
And what?

SHELL:
We were attacked.

BOB:
Damn it, Shell.

Shell looks at Bob, offended.

SHELL:
Not now, please.

BOB:
I asked you to take some weapons with you, and you refuse. Now you come back, severely beaten. It was irresponsible, given the world you’re living in.
(beat)
Where’s Jack?

Shell looks at Bob in the eyes before shying away.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, INTERROGATION ROOM

The Tengu temple’s interrogation room is pitch black.

FEMALE VOICE (O.S.):
Hello, Jack.

JACK (O.S.):
Who the Hell are you?

FEMALE VOICE (O.S.):
Well, that depends. I can either be a great friend, or your worst nightmare. All it depends on is how cooperative you feel like being.

JACK (O.S.):
I have a sneaking suspicion that you’ll end up my worst nightmare.

Suddenly a floodlight is turned on as it shines directly at Jack. He tries to pull away from the blinding light, however he is chained to a chair and unable to move. His shirt is missing, and his chest and arms are covered in bruises.

MIRANDA HENDRICKS, a Slayer in her early 20s with a surprisingly innocent looking face, approaches Jack. She draws a knife and runs it along his throat.

MIRANDA:
You do realise the more you defy me, the more fun I get to have, right?

With a flick of her wrist, Miranda slices at Jack’s neck, slightly cutting it. A trickle of blood runs down.

MIRANDA:
What can you tell me about Shell Moore?

JACK:
Go to Hell, you harpy.

Miranda grins with sadistic glee.

MIRANDA:
Oh, how I was hoping you’d answer in that tone.

Miranda reaches for a table near the wall and picks up a long metallic tube, no more than two millimetres thick. She presses the tube against the nick in Jack’s neck, causing him to flinch in pain.

MIRANDA:
I’ll ask you again. What can you tell me about Shell Moore?

JACK:
Not much, but I would expect she knows a little more about torture than you.

Miranda smiles.

MIRANDA:
Let’s test that, shall we?

Miranda violently stabs the tube into the back of Jack’s forearm. Blue waves of energy flow through it and into Jack, causing him to convulse violently.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, THRONE ROOM

Sarah enters the throne room and kneels before the Tengu.

TENGU:
Can I assume that your mission was carried out successfully, Sarah Welles?

SARAH:
Yes, my Daimyo.

TENGU:
And you have captured the Jack of Spades?

SARAH:
Yes. He is currently meeting Miranda.

The Tengu nods.

TENGU:
Has Miranda Hendricks’ interrogation yielded any results?

SARAH:
Not yet, my Daimyo. The Jack of Spades appears to be quite resilient, even after the attack at the club.

The Tengu rises from his throne. His large wings stretch out behind him as Sarah watches with a combination of awe and fear.

TENGU:
This is not acceptable. The Jack of Spades’ spirit must be shattered. He must tell us everything he knows.

SARAH:
It is just a matter of time, my Daimyo.

TENGU:
We do not have time, Sarah Welles! You are aware of Shell Moore and the power she possesses. It is only a matter of time until she connects us with the attack on Jack and comes to his rescue.

SARAH:
Maybe that could work to our advantage.
(beat)
It is apparent that Jack cares for Shell, and vice versa. Maybe we can turn that to our advantage.

TENGU:
Bring Shell Moore here? That is a very dangerous ploy, Slayer.
(beat)
Especially so, given the words she has inside her.

SARAH:
Not if we are prepared, my Daimyo.

The Tengu sits back down on his throne and ponders Sarah’s plan.

TENGU:
You may lay the trap, Sarah Welles. However, I warn you that if your plan fails, you will be paying with your life.

SARAH:
I understand, my Daimyo.
(beat)
I shall take control of Jack’s interrogation, and send Miranda and Ashley to leave the message for Shell and her friends.

Sarah rises to her feet and bows to the Tengu before turning to leave.

INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM’S OFFICE

Shell is sitting opposite Bob, and Kalinka is standing next to the door to the office, which is closed.

SHELL:
It was vampires.

BOB:
Vampires?

SHELL:
That’s what I said.

Shell, Bob and Kalinka hear a knock on the office door before it opens. Clem enters quietly and passes Shell a hot cup of coffee.

SHELL:
Thanks, Clem.

KALINKA:
I don’t understand. What would vampires want with Jack?

SHELL:
I wish I knew. We were in the club and they came in and just massacred everyone.
(beat)
They weren’t interested in feeding. They were just murdering people left and right.

BOB:
How many?

SHELL:
Four…maybe five.

BOB:
And you dusted them all.

SHELL:
Yeah, I think so…
(beat)
Maybe not.

BOB:
It’s your job to know these things, Shell.

Shell lowers her head into her hands.

SHELL:
I know.

BOB:
And now Jack’s missing, and the only lead we have is it’s vam—

CLEM:
Bob, now isn’t the best time for a lecture. We need to focus our energies on helping Jack.

Bob pauses before answering Clem.

BOB:
You’re right, Clem. But I just don’t understand what vampires would want with him.

KALINKA:
Could they have been working with the Queen of Hearts? She still has it in for him, doesn’t she?

BOB:
She does, but that’s not her style. She’d want Jack to know she was here, and I’m pretty certain she’d be making sure that Shell and I were well aware it was her as well, after our last altercation.

Kalinka leans against the wall, frustrated by the situation.

KALINKA:
So, where does that leave us, then?

SHELL:
Royally screwed.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, INTERROGATION ROOM

Jack remains strapped to the chair with an expression of excruciating pain on his face. His sweat is mingling with his blood as it drips from various cuts across his body. As the door to the interrogation room opens, Miranda turns around to see Sarah, Ashley and a vampire – VAMPIRE #10 – enter.

Jack tilts his head up slowly, fighting back the pain to do so.

JACK:
I see you’ve invited friends, Miranda. You never mentioned we were going to be having a tea party.

SARAH:
I see Jack hasn’t lost his sense of humour. You should have broken him by now.
(beat)
I’m taking over this interrogation. You will take Ashley to the Dominion Bar and drop a subtle hint as to Jack’s whereabouts.

ASHLEY:
What about the vampire?

Sarah looks to the vampire and nods. The vampire turns to Ashley and viciously bites into her neck and begins to drain her blood. Ashley struggles and pushes the vampire away.

Sarah picks up the metallic tube from Miranda’s table and stabs Ashley in the back of the shoulder with it. Ashley falls to the ground and the vampire resumes drinking her blood.

SARAH:
Oh, he’s for you, Ashley. After your comments in the briefing earlier, I just wasn’t one hundred percent certain that I could count on you. So, by acting as a quick snack for our friend here, we can put that to the test.
(to vampire #10)
That’s enough. We need some life left in her.

Sarah quickly withdraws a stake and effortlessly stabs the vampire in the heart, turning him into dust.

SARAH:
We can’t have a vampire running around after he’s gotten the taste for Slayer blood.

Miranda stares at Sarah in horror.

MIRANDA:
She’s one of us, Sarah.

SARAH:
If that is the case, then all she needs to do is prove it. Take her to the Dominion Bar and let her do her thing, okay?

Miranda lifts Ashley from the ground and helps her limp from the interrogation room. Sarah closes the door behind them and turns to Jack.

SARAH:
Now, Jack, where were we?

Sarah walks across to Jack and sits on his lap, straddling him.

SARAH:
I think it’s a fairly safe assumption that your friends will attempt to save you. And I also think that they will fail.
(beat)
I’m not willing to guarantee that you’ll get out of here alive, but we can still avoid your friends’ sharing that same fate.

Sarah leans her face in close to Jack’s and waits briefly for a response.

SARAH:
Well?

Jack spits directly in her face.

JACK:
My friends have survived far worse than what you can throw at them, and they will continue to do so.
(beat)
They may even try to kill you, but don’t worry. I won’t let them. Y’see, I’m going to have that fun all to myself.

Sarah hits Jack violently with the back of her fist. Jack simply grins cheekily at her.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Shell, Illyria and Bob stand in the Dominion Bar strapping on utility belts and attaching stakes, crosses and holy water. Clem and Kalinka stand behind the bar.

BOB:
Okay, guys, we scope the city for all the regular vampire haunts. There are quite a few of them, so we’ll need to split up to cover more ground. Clem and Kalinka, you two stay put in case the vampires decide to contact us.

KALINKA:
Sure thing, Bob.

Bob turns toward to door and directs Illyria and Shell to leave.

BOB:
Come on, guys. Let’s get this over with quickly.

The door to the Dominion Bar opens and Miranda enters, helping the wounded Ashley as she bleeds from the neck.

MIRANDA:
Somebody! Help!

Shell is the first to respond and rushes to the Slayers’ aid. She turns to Clem.

SHELL:
Clem! Get me a bandage, now!

Clem rushes off to grab a bandage and Kalinka rushes to the Slayers, along with Illyria and Bob.

BOB:
What happened?

MIRANDA (faux crying):
I…I don’t know. There were these monsters…

BOB:
Where were they?

MIRANDA:
Just outside…

BOB:
Outside could be anywhere. What city?

MIRANDA:
New York.

Bob turns to the others.

BOB:
Look after the girl.

Bob rushes outside and leaves the bar.

Clem returns with the bandage and passes it to Shell. Shell inspects the wound and begins to wrap the bandage around Ashley’s neck before pausing in thought.

SHELL:
Wait a minute. The Dominion Bar is only accessible to the mystically inclined, right?

KALINKA:
Yeah, so?

SHELL (quietly):
So why’s the girl playing dumb about what happened? Surely she’d have an idea.

ILLYRIA:
Good point.

Illyria scans the bar for Miranda, but cannot see her. The door to the Dominion Bar can be heard closing.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, DOMINION BAR ACCESS POINT – NIGHT

Bob scans the area looking for anything that could lead him to who was responsible for Ashley’s attack. A dark figure approaches behind Bob. Hearing the footsteps behind him, Bob swivels around to see Miranda throwing a punch at him.

The punch connects with Bob’s face and sends him reeling backward. Bob shakes it off and ejects the spikes from below his wrist. Miranda draws a katana.

BOB:
That was a stupid mistake.

MIRANDA:
I don’t know about that. Things are just getting fun.

Miranda slashes her katana from above her head directly at Bob. Bob blocks the attack with his spikes, and moves his arms to grip the katana. Miranda fights to pull it free, to no avail as Bob rips it from her hands.

As the katana drops to the ground, Miranda launches into the air and kicks Bob in the face. She lands on the ground and kicks him in the knees. Bob hits the ground and slashes his spikes at Miranda, who manages to dodge the attacks.

Miranda approaches Bob and reaches into a small pouch attached to her belt. She withdraws some powder and throws it at Bob’s eyes, creating an explosion followed by smoke.

P.O.V. BOB – Everything is white and Miranda’s silhouette can be seen running away throughout the smoke.

ILLYRIA (calling, O.S.):
Bob!

INT. DOMINION BAR

Shell stares at Ashley’s semi-conscious body.

SHELL:
That neck wound looks like it’s the work of a vampire. Now, this is the funny thing – a friend and I were attacked by vampires earlier tonight, and he has since gone missing.
(beat)
And with your friend’s disappearing act, that doesn’t bode well for your innocence, does it?
(beat)
So, as you can imagine, my patience is running a little low. What do you know about the vampires?

Shell places her hand over the wound.

ASHLEY:
You do realise…that will only…hurt you.

SHELL (under breath):
Damn protection spell.

Shell grabs Ashley by the collar.

SHELL:
Looks like I’ll have to drag you outside, then.

Shell begins to tug on Ashley’s collar before pausing in realisation.

SHELL:
You’re Slayers, aren’t you? You have vampires at the Tengu Temple.

Ashley grins as Kalinka cringes at the thought, which goes unnoticed by either Shell or Clem.

ASHLEY:
You’re smarter than you look, Shell. That’s where you can find your boyfriend.

The door to the Dominion Bar opens and Illyria enters, helping Bob inside.

SHELL:
They’re Slayers. They have Jack at the Tengu Temple. We have to get there. Now.

BOB:
Yeah, I figured that much after my altercation with the other one outside.

ILLYRIA:
We must attend to Bob. He is hurt.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO.

[Allan]

Act Three[/u]

INT. DOMINION BAR

Demons sit at their tables drinking and watching the commotion with the staff and the Slayers. A PINK DEMON turns to his friend at the table and grins in excitement.

PINK DEMON:
What a bonus, I wasn’t expecting cabaret!

Bob, Clem and Kalinka leave Ashley lying on the ground as they rush to assist Bob and Illyria.

SHELL:
What happened?

BOB:
That Slayer attacked me. She threw an explosive powder into my eyes.

KALINKA:
Ouch.

BOB:
Yeah, “ouch” is right, but I’ll live.

SHELL:
Are you okay to fight?

BOB:
Yeah, my vision’s slowly coming back.

Clem turns to Ashley and helps her to her feet.

CLEM:
Come and take a se—

SHELL:
No. We leave her where she is.

CLEM:
If we do that, Shell, she’ll bleed to death.

KALINKA:
And I can’t say I’m pleased with the idea of cleaning up more blood than she’s already spilled on the floor.

SHELL:
She’s one of the Slayers responsible for taking Jack. She deserves everything she gets.

ILLYRIA:
She’s still a human, Shell. You do not want to be responsible for her death.

SHELL:
She brought it upon herself.

Bob stands up and steps toward Shell.

BOB:
That may very well be true, but believe me when I tell you that you do not want to be responsible for her death.

KALINKA:
And take it from me that murder is not the most fun thing in the world, even when you’re avenging someone.

SHELL:
So, we let her live to try and kill us all again?

BOB:
Shell…

Shell shakes her head and breathes deeply.

SHELL:
Fine.
(beat)
Illyria, we’re going to need more weapons than just stakes.

BOB:
So will I.

Kalinka and Clem look at Bob with concern.

CLEM:
Bob, are you sure?

BOB:
I’ve taken worse beatings over the years. I’ll be fine.
(beat)
Shell, can you grab some swords?

Shell turns to walk into the back room.

SHELL:
I’m already on it, Bob.

Shell quickly returns to the main bar area carrying three swords. She throws one each across to Bob and Illyria and straps the third one to her belt.

BOB (to Clem and Kalinka):
We’ll see you two later.

CLEM:
Good luck, guys.

Bob, Shell and Illyria leave the Dominion Bar, ready for battle.

The pink demon starts clapping his hands enthusiastically.

PINK DEMON:
Bravo! Bravo!
(to his friend)
What an awesome show!

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, INTERROGATION ROOM

Jack looks the worse for wear as Sarah stands over him. She is holding a small knife and runs it along his face.

SARAH:
See, the thing is, Jack, Shell has these words inside her. We don’t know what they are, but it is prophesised that they can unleash the ultimate power. So we need your little friend to attempt to rescue you, so we can extract those from her.

JACK:
A dictionary would probably save you a lot of trouble.

Sarah nicks Jack’s face with the knife. A hissing sound can be heard as smoke rises from the wound.

SARAH:
It burns, doesn’t it? I really do love these enchanted weapons.
(beat)
I’ll let you in on a little secret, Jack. By now, Shell and her friends should know where you are, and will no doubt be mounting a rescue mission. So, as far as I’m concerned, you’ve served your purpose. There’s no real point in keeping you alive.
(beat)
Except, of course, I am having fun here, playing with you. It’s like having the pet hamster that my parents would never let me have as a kid.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Clem and Kalinka stand behind the bar with Ashley strapped to a chair. Clem undoes the bandage around her neck and wipes the wound with disinfectant.

CLEM:
It’s looking a bit better, um…what’s your name?

ASHLEY:
Ashley.

Clem wraps the bandage back up.

CLEM:
Okay, Ashley.
(beat)
To be honest, I don’t approve of what you guys are doing, and if you continue this, we will destroy you. That’s just a little something to share with your friends the next time you see them.

Kalinka smiles as she watches her husband. Clem turns and sees the smile on her face.

KALINKA:
Clem, we need to talk, okay?

Clem nods his head.

CLEM (to Ashley):
We’ll be back soon. Don’t run away, please.

INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM’S OFFICE

Clem closes the office door and takes a seat next to Kalinka.

KALINKA:
Things have been a bit awkward between us, haven’t they?

CLEM:
Yeah, they have been, Kallie.

KALINKA:
I’m sorry it took me a while to come to my senses with that D’Hoffryn situation. He had me scared, and I panicked.

Clem nods his head sympathetically.

KALINKA:
But in the end, I made the right decision. I couldn’t go through with it.

CLEM:
You haven’t told me exactly what D’Hoffryn asked you to do, though, Kallie.

Kalinka shakes her head.

KALINKA:
I just…I just don’t want to talk about it. It wouldn’t have been pretty, and the thought of it just makes me feel sick.

Clem opens his mouth slightly and then closes it, rethinking his words. Instead, he simply hugs his wife lovingly.

CLEM:
It’s okay, honey. I love you.

Clem kisses Kalinka.

KALINKA:
I love you too, Clem.

The two embrace and kiss each other tenderly.

EXT. TENGU TEMPLE – NIGHT

Bob, Shell and Illyria stand across the road from the Tengu Temple and survey the area. The trees in front of the temple sway in the breeze and the area appears to be empty.

BOB:
Stay alert, we’re going in.

SHELL:
I don’t see anyone.

BOB:
That doesn’t mean a thing, Shell. Last time I was here, I was attacked by ninja vampires.

SHELL:
So was I, Bob.

ILLYRIA:
Ninja vampires? How…unoriginal.

Bob, Shell and Illyria run across the road, through the bushes and past the statues of the Tengu.

SHELL (whispering):
No vampires yet.

BOB (whispering):
Not yet, no.

ILLYRIA (whispering):
This is too quiet.

Bob, Shell and Illyria reach the main entrance of the temple, clear of any vampires.

BOB:
Too damn quiet.

Bob pushes the main entrance’s door open.

BOB:
Looks like we go in, but be careful.

SHELL:
Yeah, there is no way that this is not a trap.

Bob, Shell and Illyria enter the temple and disappear inside.

A NINJA VAMPIRE drops down from the roof of the temple and lands quietly on the ground. He withdraws a walkie talkie from his belt and places it to his face.

NINJA VAMPIRE:
The girl and two of her demon friends have entered the temple. Shall I follow them?

FEMALE (voice):
No. Stand guard out the front. Make your presence known, in case anybody else decides to join them.

NINJA VAMPIRE:
Understood.

The ninja vampire signals into the air and another fourteen ninja vampires drop from the roof and stand guard around the Tengu Temple’s perimeter.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Clem rushes around the Dominion Bar serving various customers while Kalinka stays with Ashley, and tends to her wound. Ashley looks at Kalinka and grins.

ASHLEY:
So, what does hubby think about your failed attempt to kill Sarah?

KALINKA:
I have no idea what you’re talking about.

ASHLEY:
Who are you trying to fool? I’m a Slayer, and ergo, I was in the building.

Kalinka pauses, unsure of how to respond.

ASHLEY:
Oh, he doesn’t know, does he? He wouldn’t be disappointed in you if he found out, would he?

KALINKA:
My relationship with my husband is our own business, not yours.

ASHLEY:
Still, I do wonder how he’d react if he found out.
(beat)
I’m guessing you’d like me to keep quiet, wouldn’t you?

KALINKA:
I’m thinking you’d like to keep quiet if you want me to continue looking after your wound.

ASHLEY:
I’m a Slayer, demon. And in case you don’t know, we tend to heal quickly.

Kalinka rips the bandage from Ashley’s neck, exposing the bloody wound.

KALINKA:
Not that quickly, by the look of it.
(beat)
So, if you’re trying to blackmail me, how about we simply agree that you keep your mouth shut and I won’t feel the need to drag you outside this bar and kill you slowly.

While Ashley doesn’t say a word, it is evident that Kalinka has scared her. She simply nods to the Vengeance Demon.

Clem approaches the bar and pours a drink for a customer. Ashley looks up at Clem.

ASHLEY:
You have an amazing wife, Clem.

CLEM:
Um…thanks.

As Clem takes the drink to the customer, Kalinka glares at Ashley, evidently unimpressed.

BEGIN MONTAGE.

All is black. Slowly, a translucent image of the Tengu’s face appears.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, MAIN HALL

A group of twelve Slayers sit meditating in the main hall.

TENGU:
My Slayers, your prey has arrived. Shell Moore has arrived with the demons known as Illyria and Bob.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, TRAINING ROOM

Two Slayers are sparring, and quickly cease and bow to one another before standing still.

TENGU:
All three of them are considered to be extremely dangerous, so I warn you: proceed with caution. Shell Moore is to be kept alive, so that we may discover the words she contains within her.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, INTERROGATION ROOM

Sarah stands next to a barely conscious Jack, who is bloody and bruised, still strapped to his chair.

TENGU:
As for the demons, they are disposable.
(beat)
It is imperative that they are unaware of my existence. It is not yet time for them to learn of me.

SARAH:
Yes, my Daimyo.

The Tengu’s face disappears, and Sarah turns to leave the interrogation room.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, TRAINING ROOM

SLAYERS (in unison):
Yes, my Daimyo.

The two Slayers turn to leave the training room.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, MAIN HALL

SLAYERS (in unison):
Yes, my Daimyo.

The twelve Slayers rise to their feet and leave the main hall.

END MONTAGE.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, CORRIDOR

Bob, Shell and Illyria walk down a long, dark corridor making sure they all stay alert. They approach a turn in the corridor, which splits into three different directions. Bob raises his hand to Shell and Illyria, indicating for them to stop.

SHELL:
So, which way do we go?

BOB:
We split up. Shell, you go left, and Illyria, you go right. I’ll continue ahead.

ILLYRIA:
That is a sound plan.

SHELL:
And when one of us finds Jack, how do we let the others know?

BOB:
Find us. Or if you run into trouble with the Slayers, make as much noise as possible so we can find you.

SHELL:
I guess that works.

Bob, Shell and Illyria each walk in their separate directions.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, RIGHT CORRIDOR

Illyria walks down the right corridor and pauses as she hears footsteps running. She draws a sword and waits to face her opponents.

SLAYERS #1-7 appear at the end of the corridor and run toward Illyria.

ILLYRIA:
Only seven? You insult me.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, CENTRE CORRIDOR

Bob walks down the centre corridor and approaches the large doorway which leads into the Tengu’s throne room. Bob rushes at the door and with all of his strength launches himself at it. Bob crashes into the door but fails to get it open. Dazed, he turns around to see SLAYERS #8-14 waiting for him.

SLAYER #8:
You can’t get in there, we have a protection spell.

Bob extends the spikes from below his wrists.

BOB:
That’s fine. Looks like I’ll have you guys to hit instead.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, LEFT CORRIDOR

Shell rushes down the corridor while scanning the area for any Slayers. The corridor appears to be empty, however Shell finds a door which leads to the interrogation room.

Shell kicks the door to the interrogation room, knocking it off its hinges. She looks inside.

SHELL:
Oh, my God. Jack!

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, RIGHT CORRIDOR

Slayers #1 and #2 run quickly at Illyria. Illyria moves even quicker, and swiftly punches them in their faces, knocking the girls unconscious.

Slayers #3 and #4 draw their katanas and jump into the air at Illyria. Illyria dodges their attacks and slashes her sword at both the Slayers, knocking their weapons from their hands. Illyria grabs Slayer #3 by the throat and lifts her into the air before hurtling her at Slayer #4.

Slayer #7 watches on, scared by how quickly and easily Illyria is defeating her friends as Slayers #5 and #6 move to attack her. Slayers #5 and #6 flank Illyria at both sides before she leaps into the air. Illyria lands on Slayer #5’s hand, breaking it. Slayer #6 slashes her katana at Illyria, only for her to duck the attack. Illyria swivels around to Slayer #6 and uppercuts her, knocking her to the ground.

Illyria turns to Slayer #7 who simply stares at her.

ILLYRIA:
Are you going to waste my time like the others?

Slayer #7 throws six shuriken directly at Illyria. Illyria does nothing to dodge them, and each shuriken connects with her torso and bounces off it. Illyria shakes her head as Slayer #7 turns and runs.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, CENTRE CORRIDOR

Slayer #8 runs toward Bob, gripping her katana. Bob dodges the Slayer and slams her into the entrance to the throne room. Bob looks up to see Slayers #9 to #11 running directly toward him.

Slayers #9 and #10 slash their katanas at Bob and he blocks their attacks with his spikes. They slash their katanas more rapidly at him, and he manages to block every one. Slayer #11 runs directly at Bob, kicking him in the stomach and knocking him back.

Slayers #12 to #14 move in as Bob begins to become overpowered by the attacks. They draw their katanas and join their colleagues in slashing at Bob. Bob barely manages to block each attack, the force of which finally knocks him to the ground.

Slayer #14 poises her sword above her head and slams it down toward Bob’s chest, impaling him. Black blood seeps from the wound as Bob’s expression turns from frustration to anger.

BOB:
Oh, you just made a huge mistake.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, RIGHT CORRIDOR

Slayer #7 runs down the corridor as Illyria gives chase. It doesn’t take long for Illyria to catch the Slayer and grab her by her hair and pull her to the ground. Illyria looms over the Slayer.

ILLYRIA:
Where is the Jack of Spades?

SLAYER #7:
I…I can’t tell you. They’ll kill me.

ILLYRIA:
If you do not tell me where he is, I will ensure that you suffer a fate worse than death.

The Slayer pauses before nervously answering Illyria.

SLAYER #7:
He’s in the interrogation room.

ILLYRIA:
Is he alive?

SLAYER #7:
I don’t know.

Illyria perks her ear as she hears the sound of scuffling toward the centre corridor.

SLAYER #11 (O.S.):
Kill him.

SLAYER #14 (O.S.):
He should be dead, already. I don’t understand.

Illyria shakes her head.

ILLYRIA:
Jack will have to wait.

Illyria hurriedly runs down the corridor. Behind her, Slayer #7 draws her sword and kneels on the ground.

SLAYER #7 (under breath):
Forgive my betrayal, my Daimyo.

The Slayer plunges her katana into her stomach, committing seppuku.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, INTERROGATION ROOM

Shell rushes into the interrogation room and wrestles with the rope tying Jack to his chair.

JACK:
It’s good to see you and all, but you’ve walked into a trap.

SHELL:
Yeah, we figured as much when we came to rescue you.
(beat)
Don’t worry, Jack. There is no way I’m letting you forget how much you owe me for this.

Shell manages to snap the rope tying Jack to the chair. Jack turns pale as he points into the air. Shell turns around to see Sarah swipe a bo staff at her head. The attack knocks Shell to the ground.

SARAH:
Oh, how I’ve been looking forward to this.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, CENTRE CORRIDOR

Illyria rushes toward Slayers #9 to #14 as they attack Bob repeatedly. She grabs Slayers #9 and #10 by the back of their kimonos and effortlessly throws them behind her.

Illyria steps back as Slayers #11 to #14 turn to face her.

SLAYER #11:
Do you think you can take us, demon?
(beat)
We’re Slayers.

ILLYRIA:
And I am an Old One.

Illyria moves incredibly quickly toward the Slayers, knocking the weapons from their hands. She violently throws Slayer #11 through the left wall and Slayer #12 through the right. Illyria proceeds to lift Slayers #13 and #14 above her head before slamming them viciously into each other.

Illyria stands over Bob, who is covered in cuts and bruises and still has the katana impaled through his chest. Illyria rips the weapon from the wound.

ILLYRIA:
Are you okay?

Bob picks himself up from the ground.

BOB:
I’ll live. A sword through the chest screws up your mobility, is all.

Before Illyria’s eyes, Bob’s wounds heal. Illyria nods her head.

ILLYRIA:
Jack is being held in the interrogation room. Hopefully Shell has already found him.

BOB:
Regardless, she can probably do with some assistance.

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM

Shell picks herself up from the ground and draws her sword.

SHELL:
You can leave here right now, and I’ll take Jack. There’s no need to do this.

Sarah simply laughs as she discards her bo staff and draws a katana.

SHELL:
Fine, but never say I didn’t warn you.

Shell runs at Sarah and slashes her sword directly at her. Sarah blocks the attack and swipes at Shell. Shell ducks the swipe and stomps her foot down on Sarah’s foot.

SARAH:
Ow! Talk about playing dirty!

Shell leaps away from Sarah to free herself up a bit. As Sarah runs toward Shell, Shell throws her sword to the ground and grabs Sarah’s throat. She presses firmly, cutting Sarah’s circulation.

Shell lowers her hand, and with it, Sarah toward the ground. With her free hand, Shell punches Sarah in the face.

SHELL:
Oh, this feels good.

Shell punches Sarah in the face again, and again. She keeps punching rapidly, drawing more and more blood.

Jack stands up.

JACK:
Shell, that’s enough.

Shell looks toward Jack and looks at him thoughtfully as she realises the viciousness of her attack. She releases her grip of Sarah and drops her to the ground before rushing to help Jack stand.

Illyria and Bob enter to find Jack with Shell.

ILLYRIA:
We’d best leave this place.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Jack sits at the bar and reaches for a glass of water. Shell, Bob, Illyria, Clem and Kalinka stand around him and watch as the last patrons leave for the night.

JACK:
Ow…

SHELL:
It still hurts?

JACK:
Yeah, not all of us heal immediately.

Jack takes a sip of his water.

BOB:
So the Slayers are after Shell?

JACK:
Yeah, that’s what Sarah said. Apparently Shell contains some powerful words inside her, or something.

Shell shrugs her shoulders.

SHELL:
I know a few dirty limericks…

KALINKA:
Did she say anything else?

JACK:
Yeah…She mentioned a demon. The Tengu, I think.

ILLYRIA:
The Tengu? Are you sure?

JACK:
That’s what she said.

Bob takes a seat.

BOB:
This isn’t good, is it?

CLEM:
Not from what I’ve heard. Apparently he’s one of the nastier ones out there.

JACK:
Yeah, and from what I can gather, Sarah will be suffering his wrath for her failure.

SHELL:
Can’t say I’m particularly sorry.

BOB:
We have to rescue her.

Shell, Kalinka, Clem and Illyria all look at Bob shocked.

KALINKA:
Why, so she can try and kill Shell again?

BOB:
No, so we can extract the information we need from her.

Shell nods her head.

SHELL:
That could work.
(beat)
Except for how the hell do we do that? They know us all, and they’ll probably be expecting us.

INT. TENGU TEMPLE, MAIN HALL

Slayers dressed in formal kimonos fill the main hall as they kneel before the Tengu.

TENGU:
Sarah Welles, rise.

Sarah nervously rises to her feet.

TENGU:
You have dishonoured me for the very last time, and the punishment is death.

The Tengu raises his hand and he telekinetically lifts Sarah into the air. He closes his fist and Sarah screams in pain.

Toward the back of the main hall, what appears to be two Slayers rise to their feet. The first one is BECK RICHARDSON, and the second is Illyria in her Winifred Burkle form.

BECK (under breath):
What have you guys gotten me into, here?

ILLYRIA (under breath, as Fred):
Just follow the plan, and we’ll be okay.

Illyria runs toward the Tengu and morphs into her demonic form.

ILLYRIA:
Drop the girl. She’s coming with us.

TENGU:
And what makes you think I’ll do that?

Slayers swarm over Illyria and Beck. Beck smiles as flames ignite from her hand. She hurtles fireballs across the hall, igniting flames. The Slayers rush around, unsure of how to respond.

ILLYRIA:
I have my reasons.

CAPTION:
To be continued.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE.

CLOSING CREDITS ROLL.

Written by:
Allan Whatford

Story Editor:
Marie Menninga

Special Thanks:
Everyone who's managed to get through this episode - I hope you enjoyed it. Any comments in the feedback thread are appreciated, as always. Thanks.

Dominion © 2007 Allan Whatford

[Allan]

Next on Dominion:[/u]

Sarah has failed her Daimyo, the Tengu for the very last time. Upon her execution, she is saved by the unlikeliest of allies - Illyria and Beck - in a bid to extract information about the Tengu.

But will Sarah be willing to assist her enemies, and if so, will Jack exact his vengeance before she is able to?