Dominion, episode 1.15 - "Oni"

[Allan]

Welcome to the (incredibly late) 15th episode of Dominion, Oni. It's taken a little over a month for me to get it written and posted, thanks to a really hectic schedule leaving me little time - or too tired - to write.

This episode is in many ways the final chapter of the second act of Dominion's first season, about the rise of Oni, as suggested by the convoluted title.

Like the previous episode, this wasn't the easiest to write, though it seemed to turn out well enough.

Also, the trivia for this episode has been posted. Be sure to read this episode first, as it contains spoilers.

This episode contains two songs:

• Chunky Chunky Air Guitar by the Whitlams
  
• Electricity by Something for Kate

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

Pages: 47

Words: 10,480

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

[Allan]

Clem:
Previously on Dominion:

EXT. ARASHMAHAAR, CLIFF – NIGHT

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

BOB (shouting):
Hext! Turn around.

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

BOB:
I mean it, Hext.

Hext turns around to face Bob.

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

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

BOB:
A lesson?

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

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

HEXT:
Maybe he is, even if you really don’t want to get on his bad side. The thing is, though, he is trying to prevent a certain Old One known as the Oni from rising. I’m guessing you would have heard of him by now.

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

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

INT. NEW YORK CITY, WOLFRAM & HART MEZZANINE LEVEL

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

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

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE ROOM

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

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

KATSUO (subtitled from Japanese):
I have.

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

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

EXT. VAHLA HA’NESH – NIGHT

We return to Vahla Ha’Nesh. Illyria stands upon her throne in her demonic glory. Thousands of reptilian warriors – now more evolved since we last saw them, with more humanoid features – bow down to their master.

CAPTION:
Twenty million years ago… give or take.

The reptilian warriors rise to their feet. In synchronicity, they draw bows and arrows, and take aim at Illyria.

They fire their weapons.

NARRATOR (V.O.):
Illyria betrayed me. Ten million years later, I would finally have my revenge.

The impact of thousands of arrows striking Illyria throws her from her throne. She plunges toward the ground and lands on her back. Hard.

Behind Illyria, Oni’s spider-like silhouette can be seen approaching. Oni eventually comes into full view and stands directly behind Illyria.

Oni plunges an arm into Illyria’s chest, impaling her. Illyria screeches in agony, and the crowd of reptilian demons cheers.

NARRATOR (V.O.):
Only five million years later would her followers exact their revenge on me.
(beat)
But that hardly matters now. For you shall set me free, Illyria…my love.

[Allan]

Teaser[/u]

EXT. VAHLA HA’NESH, PLANES – DAY

The sun shines brightly above the desert land below. Thousands of reptilian demons are scattered across the planes, kneeling toward a mountain. A primordial Old One, ONI, standing at about thirty feet tall with rock-like dark purple skin under a flowing mane and eight spider-like legs stretched out on both sides, stares down at his many worshippers.

Oni raises one of his legs above his head in a gesture of victory and lets out a high pitched scream. The thousands of reptilian demons beneath him rise to their feet in a single synchronised move. They lift their arms above their heads, gripping spears. The demons hiss in delight.

FLASH TO:

EXT. VAHLA HA’NESH, PLANES – NIGHT

A full moon shines down from the night sky as ILLYRIA, standing at about thirty feet tall in her primordial form with claw-like feet resembling those of an eagle, five tentacles on each side of her humanoid body, and flowing dark blue hair, stands upon her throne. Illyria stares down at thousands of reptilian warriors bowing down in worship.

In synchronicity, the demons rise to their feet and draw bows and arrows. In a single synchronised move, they aim the arrows toward Illyria, whose expression suddenly changes. Her confidence is gone and she watches the demons fearfully as they fire their weapons. Thousands of arrows soar through the air and strike her, one after the other. The impact of the flurry of arrows knocks Illyria backward and throws her from her throne.

Illyria plummets toward the ground and lands on her back as the demons hiss toward each other victoriously. Oni’s silhouette slowly approaches in the background and soon reaches Illyria before being seen in all his glory behind her.

Oni lifts an arm into the air, striking Illyria’s chest and impaling her. Illyria screeches in agony, to the delighted hisses of the reptilian demons. Oni lifts Illyria’s twitching body above his head in a display of victory as black blood drips from her body.

ONI (V.O.):
You betrayed me, Illyria.

FLASH TO:

EXT. VAHLA HA’NESH, PLANES – DAY

The reptilian demons hold their spears above their heads as Oni gradually makes his way down the mountain.

ONI (V.O.):
Twenty million years ago, you tried to take my life. You wanted to rule Vahla Ha’Nesh on your own.
(beat)
You were greedy.

Oni approaches the bottom of the rocky mountain and the reptilian demons part to either side of the planes, creating a path for him. Oni walks through the path as the demons hiss and wave their spears into the air.

ONI (V.O.):
In a time before language when there was only war, we broke the mould. We knew something more than those who served us. We knew love.
(beat)
And yet, you betrayed me. So I had to react. We fought bloodily, knowing that one of us would not survive. That was you, Illyria.

Oni continues to walk down the path before approaching a gigantic spear that towers at about fifty feet from the ground. Illyria’s body is impaled on it. Oni kneels down before Illyria’s corpse in respect.

ONI (V.O.):
Just five million years later, your remaining followers would have their revenge. And I, the final Old One, would be laid to rest.
(beat)
However, a few short years ago, you managed to rise again. You forget your place, your calling. Soon, I shall rise, and I will remind you of your true place.

Oni rises to his feet.

ONI (V.O.):
You tried betraying me, and you failed. After twenty million years, I trust you have learned your lesson. I am reasonable; grudges come and go, but true love is forever.
(beat)
Soon, the full moon will light up Earth’s sky and I will be born anew. And when that night comes, we will be together.

Oni strikes at the spear holding Illyria’s carcass, snapping it. Illyria crashes down and Oni catches her. He kneels to the ground and rests her body peacefully.

ONI (V.O.):
Stand before me, Illyria.

Illyria’s body begins to glow and a celestial form of WINIFRED BURKLE rises from it. She stares directly at Oni firmly.

FRED (V.O.):
Illyria is gone, demon. My friends and I will stop your attempts to rise.

ONI (V.O.):
Surely you jest, Illyria. There is nothing you can do to prevent my return.
(beat)
You and I shall rule the dimensions together.

Fred shakes her head.

FRED (V.O.):
Leave me alone. And trust me, things will be far better for you if you don’t return.

Oni slams an arm down into the ground with brute force, sending shockwaves across the ground. The image of Fred slowly morphs into Illyria’s current form.

ONI (V.O.):
If you were dead, Illyria, I would not be seeing you right now.

ILLYRIA (V.O.):
I will prevent you from returning, Oni.

ONI (V.O.):
How can you prevent what you are the catalyst for?

INT. DOMINION BAR, ILLYRIA’S ROOM

Illyria, in her Winifred Burkle form, wakes up in the darkness. She stumbles out of bed and staggers across the floor and fumbles for a light switch. She flips the switch and the light in her ceiling flickers before switching on.

Illyria walks shakily across to her mirror. She stares at the mirror.

P.O.V. ILLYRIA –

Illyria’s reflection slowly morphs into her demonic form.

ILLYRIA:
I will stop you.
(beat)
I have to stop you.

In the reflection behind Illyria, the door slowly opens. The Tengu, in an evolved demonic form similar to Illyria’s, steps through the door. He laughs eerily.

– END P.O.V.

Illyria swivels around toward the door and stares, shocked, at SHELL standing in the doorway wearing her pyjamas and fluffy bunny slippers.

ILLYRIA (startled):
Shell?
(beat)
What are you doing?

SHELL:
I heard noises, and thought I’d check on you. Is everything okay?

ILLYRIA:
I’m fine.

SHELL:
You’re sure?

ILLYRIA:
Of course I am.

Shell shrugs her shoulders.

SHELL:
Okay, then. Try to get some sleep. It’s late.

Shell closes the door behind her as Illyria switches off the light. She returns to bed and closes her eyes.

ONI (V.O.):
We don’t have long until the full moon, my love. We must prepare…

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:
Kevin Sorbo as the Tengu
Ken Watanabe as Katsuo Sakamoto / Oni
Ron Rifkin as Hext
Peter Weller as the Wanderer
Callum Blue as the Jack of Spades
Natasha Gregson Wagner as Beck Richardson
Aya Ueto as Tok
Julie Gonzalo as Miranda Hendricks
And Alexis Denisof as Wesley Wyndham-Price


Created by Allan Whatford with Marie Menninga.

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

END CREDITS.

[Allan]

Act One[/u]

INT. DOMINION BAR

The Dominion Bar is filled to capacity, buzzing with activity as demons of all shapes and sizes dance and cheer while watching the stage as music blares in the background.

Music – “Chunky Chunky Air Guitar” by the Whitlams:
She came from the Cocos Islands with a limp and a snow-shaker huh
Hocked by a fine Arabian ginger Monsignor
He said, "You aints gets nothing 'cause nothing gets make by Koreans"
He had dubbin in his hair and he played the tambourine

Multicoloured lights flash around the stage as THE WANDERER stands up on stage, dressed in a sparkling red shirt, jeans and dark sunglasses, strumming an imaginary guitar. A banner is stretched across the wall behind him, reading “Air Guitar Competition – Tonight!”

Music (continued):
They gave him a medal, they caught him shaving his hairpiece
Locked him in confinement wired like a banshee with a blade
She came to him in a dream disguised as a bus crash
Through the mud, the blood and the tears they kissed
And then they slipped away they were singin'

The Wanderer jumps around the stage like a rock star, strumming his imaginary guitar with relish. The crowd cheers him on in encouragement.

Music (continued):
Chunky chunky air guitar now
Chunky chunky air guitar
He was getting down like a freak show
She was going off like a whale
Chunky chunky air guitar now
Chunky chunky air guitar

Shell stands toward the front of the stage, dancing along to the music. Illyria stands next to Shell, watching the performance in confusion. Illyria turns to Shell.

ILLYRIA:
I do not understand. Why does he not simply play a real guitar?

SHELL:
I dunno. Maybe he just figures it’s more embarrassing to not do it.

Music (continued):
Bellhop blues with a midget butt-boy in Sweden
Chockfull of puss and wolved by a little french maid

BOB stands in the corner of the Dominion, shaking his head. He is the only person not enraptured by the performance; in fact, he is completely ambivalent to it. Bob glares toward the front of the stage and toward Shell and Illyria.

Music (continued):
Eloped with a sister, married in tag-team wedding
Sticky like a girl under cover of a Japanese glade

Bob pushes past the crowd and fights his way through the customers and walks toward Shell and Illyria.

Music (continued):
She came from the Cocos Islands, She came from the Cocos Islands
She came from the Cocos Islands, She came from the Cocos Islands
And they were singing

The Wanderer leaps into the air, strumming his imaginary guitar with relish. He subtly glances down toward Shell as Bob approaches her from behind and places a hand firmly on her shoulder.

Startled, Shell swivels around to see Bob.

BOB:
Shell, is this really the time for partying?

SHELL:
Now’s as good a time as any. Come on, get into it!

Bob shakes his head.

BOB:
During our altercation with Hext, he mentioned Oni. That leads me to believe we need to be on our toes. We need to prepare so we can prevent him from rising.

SHELL:
Can’t we do it after the competition?

BOB:
No. Come to the office with me now.
(beat, to Illyria)
You too, Illyria.

Bob turns around and disappears through the crowd. Shell looks at Illyria and shrugs her shoulders before the two follow Bob slowly.

SHELL (under breath):
What’s his problem?

ILLYRIA (under breath):
Bob hasn’t been himself since Hext and the Tranquility vine.

SHELL (under breath):
But that was weeks ago.

ILLYRIA (under breath):
Well, if you ever have to break free to escape the perfect life, let’s see how well you adjust.

Shell nods her head in reluctant agreement as she and Illyria pick up the pace to catch up with Bob.

Music (continued):
Chunky chunky air guitar now
Chunky chunky air guitar
He was getting down like a freak show
He was getting down like a freak show
He was getting down like a freak show
She was going off like a whale

The Wanderer strums in the air and runs around the stage. The crowd cheers loudly as he leaps high into the air and lands on his knees, sliding across the stage for his finale.

The crowd roars in delight as the music stops playing. The Wanderer rises to his feet as KALINKA steps onto the stage, holding a microphone.

KALINKA (to audience):
Could you please give a warm round of applause for the Wanderer.

The audience claps and cheers wildly as the Wanderer grins at the attention. He looks across the Dominion to see Clem watching from behind the bar. The Wanderer nods to acknowledge Clem, who responds with a friendly wave.

The Wanderer waves to the audience before turning around and walking off the stage.

KALINKA (to audience):
Next up, we have a Thricewise demon named Cedric. Cedric will be performing to “Cherry Pie”.

The audience claps as Kalinka turns to leave the stage.

INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM’S OFFICE

Bob stands next to the doorway as Illyria enters the office, followed by Shell. Bob slams the door closed and glares at the two of them.

BOB:
Sit down.

Shell scurries to a seat and sits down. Illyria glares at Bob.

ILLYRIA:
Do not presume to think you can make orders of me, Bob.

BOB:
Illyria, I am not in the mood. Sit down.

Illyria glares at Bob, her silence is deafening. Bob sighs.

BOB:
Illyria, please. Just sit down.

ILLYRIA:
Fine.

Illyria walks toward a chair next to Shell and sits on it. Bob stares down at the two of them.

BOB:
What was going on out there?

SHELL:
Um…we were enjoying the show?
(beat)
Well, I was. Illyria wasn’t sure what to make of it.

BOB:
I saw that much, Shell. But do you really think that now is the time to be dancing around giggling over performances on stage?

SHELL:
Actually, yeah. I do.
(beat)
After the past couple of weeks looking for the Tengu, I kinda needed to blow off some steam.

BOB:
You can blow off steam after we prevent Oni from rising, Shell.

SHELL:
Well, do we have any leads?
(beat)
The Tengu hasn’t been seen anywhere in New York since your ordeal with Hext. It looks like he’s cleared out and taken the Slayers with him.

ILLYRIA:
I have Spike investigating Los Angeles to see if the Tengu may be there.

Shell looks at Illyria, confused.

SHELL:
L.A.? What makes you think the Tengu would be there?

ILLYRIA:
That is where I rose.

BOB:
Los Angeles occupies the ground which was once Vahla Ha’Nesh. It’s where the Old Ones resided millions of years ago.

SHELL:
And you think that’s where he’s returning? I mean, it’s not like the city’s without enough demonic problems as it is.

BOB:
I doubt that’s Oni’s primary concern.
(beat)
That said, it is a slim chance.
(beat)
Are you certain the Tengu is no longer in New York, Shell?

Shell nods her head.

SHELL:
As certain as I can be. He’s not in the usual haunts, and neither are his Slayers. Wolfram & Hart doesn’t seem to be up to anything at all suspicious.

BOB:
Wolfram & Hart are always up to something suspicious, Shell.

SHELL:
Okay, they’re not up to anything more suspicious.
(beat)
And according to Detective Lockley, demonic crimes seem to have dropped exponentially.

Bob shakes his head.

BOB:
You involved a mortal in this?

SHELL:
Kate’s familiar with the world, Bob. And she’s helped us in the past.

BOB:
Either way it’s dangerous, Shell.

Illyria looks toward Bob and Shell.

ILLYRIA:
So, where does that leave us?

BOB:
I wish I knew. We need to locate the Tengu and destroy him as soon as possible.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Clem hands a demon a drink as the Wanderer approaches the bar. Clem grins.

CLEM:
What can I get you?

WANDERER:
Nothing, thanks, Clem. I’m fine.

CLEM:
So what brings you here? I’m guessing it was more than just the air guitar competition.

The Wanderer smiles as he nods his head.

WANDERER:
How very perceptive, Clem.
(beat)
I come with a warning.

Clem rolls his eyes.

CLEM:
Oh come on…Another big bad?

WANDERER:
The big baddest. Um, the biggest baddest?
(beat)
You get my drift.

Clem nods his head.

CLEM:
I do.

WANDERER:
Oni is scheduled to rise on the night of the next full moon.

CLEM:
How do we stop him?

WANDERER:
I cannot tell you that, Clem. My place is to traverse the many dimensions, and to chronicle the events, never interacting. Nothing more, nothing less.

CLEM:
But you interacted with the air guitar competition.

WANDERER:
My job keeps me hidden in the shadows, rarely seen. It gets lonely, so occasionally I indulge myself and become the centre of attention.

CLEM:
Right…
(beat)
You can’t give me any advice?

WANDERER:
Maybe politely ask the Tengu to not raise his master?

CLEM:
You think that would work?

The Wanderer shakes his head.

WANDERER:
I doubt it.
(beat)
Farewell, my friend, and good luck.

A white light begins to glow around the Wanderer. It slowly expands, enveloping his entire body, before he fades away. Customers begin to queue at the bar and Clem looks toward the stage and lifts his arms into the air, waving them furiously toward Kalinka.

Kalinka points to her microphone and shakes her head. Clem responds with an exaggerated nod. Kalinka shakes her head and turns her back to Clem.

Clem sighs and looks at his first customer, a pale YELLOW DEMON.

CLEM:
You couldn’t do me a favour could you?

YELLOW DEMON:
What is it?

CLEM:
See that blonde Vengeance Demon over there? Go over there, and…

YELLOW DEMON:
Ask her to marry me?

CLEM:
She’s already married.
(beat)
More or less.
(beat)
Get her to come over here.

YELLOW DEMON:
What’s in it for me if she’s not to be my bride?

CLEM:
Um…free drinks for the night?

YELLOW DEMON:
Deal.

The yellow demon disappears into the crowd and approaches Kalinka. As Clem fixes his customer a drink, he watches the demon talk to Kalinka. The demon points to the bar, and Kalinka sighs.

Kalinka pushes through the crowd back to the bar as the yellow demon follows her.

KALINKA:
Offering free drinks isn’t very cost effective, Clem.
(beat)
What is it?

CLEM:
I need you to watch the bar. I have to talk to Bob.

KALINKA:
I need to be on stage, Clem. If you haven’t noticed, I’m hosting the competition.

Clem smiles sheepishly.

CLEM:
Actually, I did notice. You’re doing well.

KALINKA:
Sweet talk me all you want, but we have paying customers who are after a show that is running quickly. Paying customers who will be bored.

CLEM:
But if they’re bored, they’ll buy more drinks. It’s commerce in action.

Kalinka pauses in thought before nodding her head.

KALINKA:
Fine, Clem, go see Bob.

Clem grins and begins to fight his way through the crowd. He looks back and waves to Kalinka. Focusing on Kalinka instead of watching where he is going, Clem bumps into a humanoid demon dressed in a business suit. His features are concealed by the crowd of demons around him.

CLEM:
Sorry about that, sir.

The humanoid demon nods his head as Clem disappears out the back of the bar. The demon smiles as we get the first look at his face – he is the TENGU, appearing in his humanoid form.

TENGU (under breath):
Don’t worry, Clem. You and your friends are dying, regardless.

INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM’S OFFICE

Shell jumps, startled, as the door to Clem’s office flings open. Clem rushes inside, panting.

BOB:
Is everything okay, Clem?

Clem breathes deeply, regaining his breath, before answering.

CLEM:
The Oni will rise…

SHELL:
Well, that’s great. Should we just give up now?

CLEM:
He’ll rise on the next full moon.

Illyria’s expression changes to dread. Shell notices and shoots Bob a worried glance. She’s not used to expression coming from Illyria’s face, let alone something so concerned.

Illyria stands and steps toward Clem. She stares at him seriously. Clem steps back, slightly nervous.

ILLYRIA:
How do you know this, Clem?

CLEM:
The…the Wanderer told me.

BOB:
The Wanderer? Isn’t he just a myth?

SHELL:
Says the big demon guy. Really, when it comes to the supernatural, you really shouldn’t be so quick to judge, Bob.

Bob shoots Shell a disapproving glare and Shell slumps down.

SHELL (under breath):
Okay, now’s not the time…

CLEM:
He’s more than a myth, Bob. I met him a few months ago and he says he’s been watching us.

BOB:
And he was here? Tonight?

Clem nods his head.

CLEM:
Yup. In the air guitar comp.

Shell looks at Clem, her interest piqued.

SHELL:
It wasn’t that guy in the red shirt and sunglasses, was it?

Clem nods his head.

CLEM:
Yeah, that’s him. He was really good.

Shell grins to herself.

SHELL:
So, what you’re saying is, if Bob let Illyria and I stay and watch the show, we could have seen what info he could give us?

CLEM:
Yeah, I guess.

Bob shoots Shell another disapproving stare.

SHELL:
Right. Not the time…

ILLYRIA:
How do we stop him?

CLEM:
I don’t know. The Wanderer suggested we ask the Tengu nicely to not raise the Oni.
(beat)
It was hard to tell if he was being serious or not.

ILLYRIA:
Did he tell you anything that would help, Clem?

CLEM:
It’s a start, right? I mean, that gives us…

BOB:
A little over two weeks.

EXT. TOKYO, CITY STREET – NIGHT

A half-crest moon shines in the night sky above the brightly lit city street. Neon signs are plastered over cluttered skyscrapers towering above the street as it bustles with activity, even at this late hour. People come and go from buildings and cars slowly drive down the road.

CAPTION:
Tokyo, Japan

A feminine silhouette can be seen leaping past a neon sign atop one of the skyscrapers as MIRANDA HENDRICKS, dressed in a kimono with a katana strapped to her waist, walks out of a theatre.

The silhouette leaps from the roof of the building and lands on the one next to it. We get a closer look at her – a female 19-year-old ninja of Japanese descent, dressed in cherry-red body armour, with a small headset attached to her ear. The ninja’s hair is tied in two pigtails which blow in the wind behind her. She is known only as TOK.

Tok grips a katana strapped to her back with her left hand, poised to draw it. She presses her headset gently with her right hand as she begins to speak into it.

TOK:
Miranda Hendricks has just left the theatre. I can take her down now.
(beat)
I understand that she is a Slayer, but I do have backup.
(beat)
Understood. I will follow Miranda and alert you when I have discovered her destination.

Miranda begins to walk down the street cautiously. She looks left and right as she slips through the crowd. As she walks down the street, Tok leaps from rooftop to rooftop in pursuit.

INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM’S OFFICE

Clem turns around as he hears a knock at the door and rolls his eyes.

CLEM:
Sounds like Kalinka wants me back at the bar.

Clem opens the door slowly to reveal the Tengu standing in the doorway. Clem opens his mouth in shock as the Tengu brushes past him and enters the office.

BOB:
You are not welcome here.

The Tengu simply smiles.

TENGU:
Take a seat, Bob. I have a proposition for you.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE.

[Allan]

Act Two[/u]

INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM’S OFFICE

The Tengu stands confidently in front of the office’s doorway. Clem nervously steps to the side and out of the Tengu’s path. Bob steps toward the Tengu and ejects his spikes from beneath his wrists as Shell looks to Illyria nervously.

TENGU:
Bob, I asked you to take a seat. Do not make me ask you again.

Bob lifts both arms and presses his spikes against the Tengu’s throat. The Tengu shakes his head nonchalantly and morphs into his demonic form. He looms above Bob, whose spikes are now pressed against the Tengu’s lower chest.

BOB:
I get it. You’re trying to intimidate me.

CLEM:
He’s, um…he’s intimidating me.

TENGU:
Come on, Bob, plunge those spikes into my chest. You know you want to.
(beat)
Of course, with the spell protecting your sanctuary, you’d just be impaling yourself.

Bob refuses to move, instead simply staring at the Tengu in silence.

TENGU:
It looks like we’ve reached a stalemate here. You can’t hurt me, and more importantly, I can’t hurt you.
(beat)
So sit down and allow me to talk.

ILLYRIA:
He has a point, Bob.

Bob nods his head and walks across to Clem’s desk and sits on it. The Tengu glares at Clem who then scurries across to his desk and sits next to Bob.

BOB:
Okay, Tengu.
(beat)
Speak.

TENGU:
As you are no doubt aware, twelve nights from now, Oni shall rise.

SHELL:
We’ll stop it, you know.

TENGU:
I sincerely doubt that.

CLEM:
Um, but what if we ask nicely?
(beat)
Earth’s a really nice place, and we’d hate to see him destroy it. And I know you’re evil and all, but I’m sure you have other evil schemes you could hatch instead.

The Tengu looks at Clem in disbelief and shakes his head.

CLEM (to Bob):
It was worth a try, wasn’t it?

SHELL:
Why are you here, Tengu? I always figured you were smarter than a Bond villain, but all you’ve done right now is show up and gloated about your evil scheme.
(beat)
And if you think that gloating before throwing us into a tank full of flesh-eating piranhas is going to do your cause any good, you’re seriously deluding yourself.

TENGU:
What is it with Earthlings and pop culture references?
(beat)
I am simply here to tell you that any efforts you may make to prevent Oni from rising will be futile. You will waste your time, and you will endanger your lives.

BOB:
For somebody about to raise a demon to usher in the apocalypse, you sure are considerate.

TENGU:
And you will also endanger the lives of your loved ones.

The expression on Shell’s face turns to fear, then anger.

SHELL:
Son of a…

Shell clenches her fist and leaps from her chair and into the air, throwing a punch at the Tengu’s face. Before Shell’s fist can connect with the Tengu’s face, Shell flies back and onto the floor, receiving the impact of her attack.

TENGU:
I will never understand your connection to Earth. Unlike the mere mortals who inhabit it, you can be anywhere you choose. But instead, you choose to fight a losing battle.

ILLYRIA:
Regardless of the plane of existence in which Oni rises, all he stands for is death and destruction.
(beat)
That must cease.

TENGU:
Spoken just like a jilted lover.
(beat)
Regardless, you have proven to be pests. However, I do see some skill hidden within you all.
(beat)
Join me, and your skills shall be rewarded. When Oni rises, you shall keep your lives….along with the lives of the Jack of Spades and Beck Richardson.
(beat)
Stand against me, and you stand against Oni. Your deaths will not be quick.

Clem gulps nervously and Bob slowly stands from the desk. He walks slowly toward the Tengu. Shell picks herself up from the ground and stares at the Tengu.

SHELL:
Never.

BOB (to Shell):
Shell, allow me.
(beat, to Tengu)
You promise to give us all our lives.

Shell shoots Bob a dirty stare.

TENGU:
I do.

Bob nods his head.

BOB:
Then let us give it some consideration.

EXT. TOKYO, ABANDONED WAREHOUSE – NIGHT

The Tokyo skyline shines brightly in the distance as Miranda stands alone outside the warehouse. Unlike the city street, the area is far quieter, with no traffic filling the road. In the distance, a PUNK TEENAGER approaches in the shadows. He lurks toward Miranda, before pulling a knife and running toward her.

PUNK TEENAGER (subtitled from Japanese):
Give me that sword!

Across the road, Tok watches from a rooftop. She grips her katana, poised to draw it. Tok continues to watch as Miranda swiftly draws her katana and slices off the punk teenager’s hand. The teenager reels back, gripping his bleeding wrist.

Tok’s eyes expand in horror as she watches. Miranda steps toward the teenager and stabs him through the chest. The teenager drops to the ground as blood spills from his wound. He gasps and struggles to breathe his final breaths. Tok presses her finger on her headset.

TOK:
She just murdered a boy who tried to mug her.
(beat)
I understand that, but I cannot let her get away with killing somebody.
(beat)
Okay, but she will pay for that as soon as we know what she’s doing.

Tok continues to study Miranda. Miranda withdraws a mobile phone and dials it before lifting it to her ear and speaks into it. Tok watches, unable to hear what Miranda is saying. Miranda paces back and forth uncomfortably, before becoming more animated in her conversation. Tok keeps her finger against her headset.

TOK:
She’s on the phone to somebody. I can’t hear what she’s saying, and I can’t get much closer without revealing myself.
(beat)
Okay, I shall keep you informed.

INT. DOMINION BAR – CLEM’S OFFICE

Shell, Illyria and Clem stand in the office, stunned, as they stare at Bob. The Tengu has since left, leaving them on their own.

SHELL:
What the hell just happened, Bob? I know you’ve been a little cranky since Hext screwed with you, but now you’re just throwing everything in?
(beat)
If you want to sell out to the Tengu and Oni, then be my guest. But don’t sell us all out.

Bob shakes his head.

CLEM:
Bob, I’m sorry, but I have to agree with Shell. I thought we wanted to stop Oni, rather than just save our own lives.

ILLYRIA:
That was an excellent tactical move, Bob.

Shell and Clem glance at each other in confusion.

CLEM:
Huh?

BOB:
Evidently, we have the Tengu scared. He’s worried that we’ll stop his master from rising. If he thinks we’ll work alongside him, I may have bought us some time to see what he’s up to.

SHELL:
But committing to help him can’t be good, Bob.

BOB:
And that’s why I won’t. I told him we’ll think about it, and we can use that time to make sure we get Jack and Beck to the Dominion and protect them. When we have them, we can concentrate on locating the Tengu and the Slayers, and stopping them once and for all.

Shell nods her head.

SHELL:
Okay, that sounds fair enough.

BOB:
I haven’t seen Jack in a few days, Shell, do you know where he is?

SHELL:
He’s renting an apartment in New York. Figures if he spends more time on Earth, it’ll help him understand me a bit better.
(beat)
Personally, I think he’s more interested in keeping his mind off Grimmfaerie, though.

Bob nods his head.

BOB:
Well, this situation should help him with that, then.
(beat)
And Beck’s in New York, right?

SHELL:
Yeah, she is.

BOB:
Good.
(beat, to Illyria)
Do you know where Beck’s apartment is?

ILLYRIA:
I do.

BOB:
Good. Illyria, get Beck and bring her back here. Shell, you do the same with Jack.

CLEM:
And I should probably get back to the bar…

Bob smiles.

BOB:
Yeah, the Tengu is the least of your worries when you have Kalinka’s wrath to contend with.

Clem rushes out the door, followed closely by Shell and Illyria.

BOB:
Be safe, you two. Just in case the Tengu’s playing us.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, STREET – DAY

The city street is reasonably busy, with people walking down both sides of the road. Cars fill the street as they drive to their destinations.

Music cue – “Electricity” by Something for Kate:
I'm running here
Every focus is splintered
Every attempt he can afford

A taxicab screeches to a halt as Shell runs in front of it and across the road. As she makes it across the road, the cab begins to move again.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, ALLEY – DAY

A MUGGER stands in the dark alley as Illyria, in her Winifred Burkle form, runs through the alley. The mugger pulls a gun from under his jacket and points it at Illyria.

Music (continued):
Rendered pointless and it's streaming down
Senses together they move cleaner than transit will allow
And sometimes I wanna move cleaner than transit will allow to be

Without a second thought, Illyria snatches the gun from the mugger and throws it to the ground. She keeps running, ignoring him as he reaches down to pick his weapon up.

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, JACK’S APARTMENT COMPLEX – DAY

Jack’s apartment complex is fairly old and quite run down. Old, beaten up cars are parked along the side of the road. Shell rushes to the door and presses the buzzer. There is no response. She presses it again and again, more and more furiously.

Music (continued):
Electricity
Electricity

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, BECK’S APARTMENT COMPLEX – DAY

The apartment complex is neat. While not the most upper class complex that the city has to offer, it is well maintained. Illyria approaches the door and presses the buzzer. There is no response. Illyria pauses, before punching her fist through it.

Music (continued):
Electricity
Electricity

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, JACK’S APARTMENT COMPLEX – DAY

Shell repeatedly presses the buzzer. She breathes rapidly, as she worries about her boyfriend. An OLD LADY approaches Shell and smiles toward her. The old lady withdraws a key from her handbag and unlocks the door. Shell rushes inside.

Music (continued):
Now in between
Leaving and arriving
I can try to digest this sequence of events
Again I draw it out

EXT. NEW YORK CITY, BECK’S APARTMENT COMPLEX – DAY

Without a second thought, Illyria smashes both fists through the door to Beck’s apartment complex and rips it free from its hinges. Illyria swings her arm and hurls the door away effortlessly. She steps inside.

Music (continued):
And again I get delayed reaction
I get splinters
I watch the people and the cars
It's slow motion

INT. NEW YORK CITY, JACK’S APARTMENT COMPLEX

The lights are dimmed in the apartment complex. Shell runs up the stairs frantically, leaping over four steps at a time.

Music (continued):
They're beautiful like breaking glass
Not yet broken

Shell bangs at Jack’s door and waits briefly before throwing her entire weight at it. The door collapses and Shell falls inside.

INT. NEW YORK CITY, BECK’S APARTMENT COMPLEX

In a blue-tinted blur, Illyria rushes up the complex’s stairs. While in excellent condition, the stairs can be heard creaking from the pressure of Illyria’s movements.

Music (continued):
My motion is silver on the point
Of a moment - splinter - moment

Illyria bursts through Beck’s front door. Beck’s apartment is completely trashed. Her furniture is broken and the walls, floor and ceiling have all been burned. Illyria walks through the apartment solemnly, trying to find any sign of Beck. She morphs into her demonic form and stands firmly. The expression on her face turns to anger.

Music (continued):
My vision, the colour of

INT. NEW YORK CITY, JACK’S APARTMENT

Shell looks around Jack’s apartment in stunned silence. His furniture lies in ruins and his windows are broken. Shell looks to the ground and sees thick, dark red blood smeared across the carpet. She collapses to her knees, trembling.

Music (continued):
Electricity
Electricity
Electricity
Electricity

EXT. TOKYO, ABANDONED WAREHOUSE – NIGHT

Headlights can be seen through the darkness and a rumbling engine can be heard. As the lights draw nearer, Miranda waves. A white van drives toward her and parks. The van’s doors open and two VAMPIRES step out.

Tok continues to watch from her vantage point and speaks quietly into her headset.

TOK:
This isn’t good. We have two vampires.

Tok draws her katana, ready to leap into the fray.

TOK:
They’re opening up the back of the van.

The vampires open the back of the van and step inside. Tok watches for a few seconds and scales the building’s roof for a better view.

TOK (under breath):
Damn.
(beat, into headset)
I can’t see what they’re doing inside the van.
(beat)
Yes, the Slayer is still standing outside of it. She’s watching them.

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

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

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

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

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

TOK:
Eww…

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

TOK:
They are human bodies.

Tok stumbles and knocks a pebble to the ground. The vampires swivel around and look up at the roof across the road to see Tok.

TOK:
My cover’s blown. I’ll have to take care of this.

Tok leaps from the rooftop and lands squarely on the ground, in a crouching position. She rises, holding her katana in front of her. Vampire #1 rushes toward Tok with all his speed and leaps into the air. Tok manoeuvres around the vampire and stands behind him. In a single movement, she slices her katana toward the back of his neck, decapitating him.

As vampire #1 disintegrates into dust, Tok stares at vampire #2. The ninja runs toward the vampire and kicks him in the chest. The vampire reels back as Tok effortlessly leaps over his head and kicks him in the back. The vampire collapses onto all fours and Tok walks up behind him. Her katana comes crashing down over his neck, decapitating and dusting him.

Miranda turns to face Tok and grins with delight.

MIRANDA:
Oh, you’re good.
(beat)
Slayer?

TOK:
Hardly. I’m just a girl.
(beat)
But I’ll still kick your ass.

Miranda draws her katana and runs toward Tok. Miranda’s katana slashes at Tok, who blocks the attack with her own weapon. Miranda slashes toward Tok again, and again the attack is blocked.

Tok returns Miranda’s blows, and the Slayer blocks each one. With her free fist, Miranda punches Tok viciously in the stomach. Tok crumples to the ground, and Miranda slams her foot down on Tok’s head.

MIRANDA (condescending):
Don’t worry about it. You can’t expect to beat me. I’m a Slayer.

Miranda kneels down to Tok’s unconscious body.

MIRANDA:
But when you wake up, if you’d like a job, give me a call.

Miranda reaches down and lifts the headset from Tok’s head. Miranda attaches it to her own ear and presses it gently.

MIRANDA:
Hi, I don’t know you, and I’m hoping you don’t know me. I just thought you’d like to know that your little errand ninja is out of action.

Miranda removes the headset and drops it to the ground. She slams her foot down onto it, crushing it beneath her heel.

INT. LOS ANGELES, WOLFRAM & HART FOYER

The main foyer of Wolfram & Hart’s L.A. branch is bustling, yet in slow motion. Demons and lawyers go about their business, meeting and greeting each other. Winifred Burkle stands alone, watching in a disoriented state as the world goes by slowly, as if she were trapped in time.

Fred’s face lights up and she grins. She waves into the air.

FRED (V.O.):
Wesley!

Across the hallway, WESLEY WYNDHAM-PRICE returns Fred’s gesture. Unlike everybody else in the office, Wesley is moving at the same pace as Fred. He rushes past the lawyers and demons, not giving a second thought to the fact that their surroundings are moving slowly.

As Wesley reaches Fred, he embraces her.

WESLEY (V.O.):
Fred. I’ve missed you.

FRED (V.O.):
It’s only been half an hour, silly.

WESLEY (V.O.):
Really? It feels like years since I’ve seen you.

Fred leans toward Wesley and places her lips on his. The two kiss softly in a gesture of love, rather than passion.

ONI (V.O.):
Winifred Burkle is holding you back, Illyria.

As Fred and Wesley continue kissing, the people filling the foyer begin to disappear. As everybody vanishes, so too does the foyer itself. Fred and Wesley fail to notice, they are just content with one another’s company.

WESLEY (V.O.):
I love you, Illyria.

FRED (V.O.):
Illyria? I know you had a thing going on with Lilah, but who’s Illyria?

WESLEY (V.O.):
Fred. I love you, Fred.
(beat)
Illyria.

Slowly, Wesley disappears from Fred’s arms.

FRED (V.O.):
Please, Wesley...why can't I stay?

Fred slowly morphs into Illyria. The black surrounding her lights up and Illyria finds herself in Vahla Ha’Nesh.

ONI (V.O.):
The first lesson a Watcher learns is to separate truth from illusion, because in the world of magics, it's the hardest thing to do. The truth is that Fred is gone. To pretend anything else would be a lie.

Oni slowly appears in Wesley’s place. Illyria embraces him, just as Fred was embracing Wesley.

ILLYRIA (V.O.):
What do you want from me?

Slowly, Illyria and Oni begin to grow. As their statures rise, their forms gradually morph into their pure demonic primordial forms.

ONI (V.O.):
You are a perversion, my love.
(beat)
You have squandered much time. Winifred Burkle’s humanity resides within you, and it is holding you back. In just three more nights, I shall rise.

ILLYRIA (V.O.):
Where will you rise?

ONI (V.O.):
If you were truly my love, you would know. But your humanity is preventing you from discovering the answer.

INT. DOMINION BAR, ILLYRIA’S ROOM

Illyria, in her Winifred Burkle form, wakes up. Groggily, she sits herself up on the edge of her bed. She looks tired, suffering from weeks of dreams.

ILLYRIA (under breath):
Not again…
(beat)
Where the hell are you?

ONI (V.O.):
Your humanity is preventing you from discovering the answer.

FLASH TO:

EXT. ARASHMAHAAR, CLIFF – NIGHT

Illyria, in her Winifred Burkle form, watches meekly from a concealed area as Bob grips D’Hoffryn by the throat and dangles him over the edge of the cliff and toward the abyss below.

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

FLASH TO:

INT. DOMINION BAR, ILLYRIA’S ROOM

Illyria, now in her demonic form, stands firmly beside her bed.

ILLYRIA:
Hext.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO.

[Allan]

Act Three[/u]

INT. DOMINION BAR, BOB’S ROOM

Bob’s room is cloaked in darkness. Through the shadows, Bob’s figure can barely be seen lying on his back, stirring around. A knock can be heard on his door and Bob’s figure slowly rises. Bob reaches for the wall and ignites a flaming torch, illuminating his room. As the flame flickers to life, Bob’s room is revealed to be simple, comprised predominantly of stone and very similar in appearance to a crypt. A lone ‘N Sync poster is taped to the wall.

Bob, shirtless with dark pants, walks past the poster and toward the door. He opens it and stares blankly as Shell, dressed in her pyjamas, steps inside.

BOB:
What do you want, Shell? You can’t sleep?

SHELL:
My sleep’s been a bit broken of late. I’m a bit worried, you know.

Bob nods his head.

BOB:
Jack and Beck…we’ll find them.

SHELL:
I know, Bob. It doesn’t stop me from worrying.
(beat)
You?

BOB:
I’ve barely slept in weeks. Since…you know.

SHELL:
Yeah. Look, if you need to talk about it…

BOB:
Thanks, but no.

Shell nods her head.

SHELL:
Well, if you ever decide to open up, we’re all here for you.
(beat)
But that’s not why I’m here. It’s Illyria. I ran into her in the bar, and…

Bob shakes his head almost knowingly.

BOB:
And what?

SHELL:
She’s gone to pay Hext a visit. She says he can lead her to the Tengu.

Bob shakes his head.

BOB:
Damn it. After what he did to me?

SHELL:
I hate to say it, but he could be our only lead.

BOB:
He can’t be trusted.
(beat)
Let me get ready. I’m going after her.

Shell nods and turns to leave. She spies Bob’s ‘N Sync poster.

SHELL:
‘N Sync, Bob?

BOB:
I like them.
(beat)
Besides, Joey Fatone is a musical genius.

INT. ENCHANTADORA DIMENSION, HEXT’S HUT

Hext sits alone in the modest living room of his hut, chuckling to himself as he reads an ancient scroll. He is seated in front of an open fire, burning brightly with a green flame. The room looks inviting, with various paintings and sketches of himself; a brown, furry woman who appears to be his wife; and four children – two resembling Hext, and two resembling his wife.

Hext looks up and smiles to himself. He rolls the scroll and places it next to his chair before walking to the door. He opens the door and returns to his seat.

Illyria steps inside the hut and looks around, perturbed. Hext gives her a friendly wave.

HEXT:
Illyria, this is a pleasant surprise, my dear.
(beat)
I’m sorry you can’t meet the wife and kids; they’re having an outing with my brother. I’d be there myself, but we don’t really see eye to eye.

ILLYRIA:
What do you know about Oni?

Hext stands up and guides his hand toward a chair.

HEXT:
Come, sit down.

ILLYRIA:
I will stand.
(beat)
What do you know about Oni?

HEXT:
I’m doing spectacularly well, thank you for asking.
(beat)
And as for what I know about Oni, he’ll…
(beat)
Hello, Bob.

Illyria swivels around toward the open door as Bob pushes his way through.

BOB:
Illyria, get out of here.

Bob tries to brush past Illyria, but she reaches her arm out, blocking him.

ILLYRIA:
No, Bob. After what Hext did to you, you are not thinking straight.

BOB:
Coming from you, Illyria, that’s almost funny.

Bob pushes past Illyria and moves toward Hext. Illyria grabs Bob by the shoulders and hurls him into the wall, knocking down the pictures of his family.

HEXT:
My wall!

Illyria steps toward Hext and grabs him by the throat.

ILLYRIA:
Bob wants you dead, demon. And if I didn’t require answers, I would allow that to happen.
(beat)
So answer my question, or Bob will kill you.

Illyria loosens her grip slightly, allowing Hext to speak.

HEXT:
I doubt that.
(beat)
In any event, Oni is due to rise in just three nights from now. So I really do appreciate you taking the time from your hectic schedule to pay me a visit.

ILLYRIA (under breath):
So, the Wanderer, my dreams… they’re all true.

HEXT:
I’m afraid so.

ILLYRIA:
Where will he rise?

Illyria turns to see Bob climbing to his feet.

ILLYRIA:
Tell me, or…

Hext rolls his eyes.

HEXT:
Hmm…Japanese theme, samurai Slayers, ninja vampires…
(beat)
It’s definitely not Timbuktu.

Illyria looks at Hext, perplexed.

HEXT:
It’s Japan, Illyria.
(beat)
I cannot believe you guys didn’t think of that.

ILLYRIA:
Where in Japan?

HEXT:
I wish I could tell you, I really do.
(beat)
But you’ll just have to settle for my well wishes.

Illyria glares at Hext. He looks back at her in complete earnest. Illyria drops him to the ground and turns to leave.

ILLYRIA (to Bob):
Are you coming?

BOB:
Give me a minute.

ILLYRIA:
Bob…

BOB:
Illyria. Give. Me. A. Minute.

Illyria nods her head and leaves Hext’s hut. Bob reaches down toward the ground and picks up a picture of Hext with his family.

BOB:
Nice family, Hext.

HEXT:
Thanks, Bob. That means a lot. You know, I gave you an opportunity to have one of your own. But you squandered it, and here you are.

BOB:
You gave me an opportunity to live a lie.
(beat)
But your family’s real. I’m going to take it on faith that you’re not messing with us. Because, if it turns out you are, you will lose your perfect life.

Hext gulps with concern as Bob clenches his fist, crushing the picture of Hext’s family. Bob drops the picture and leaves Hext’s hut.

INT. DOMINION BAR

The Dominion Bar is dimly lit and customers are nowhere to be seen. Shell, Clem and Kalinka stand around quietly as the entrance swings open. Illyria enters, followed by Bob.

BOB:
Good, you’re all up.

KALINKA:
Thanks to Shell waking us up. This had better be good, Bob.

CLEM:
At least you can get a decent night’s beauty sleep, Kalinka. I’ve been sleeping on my desk.

BOB:
Illyria and I paid a little visit to Hext.

CLEM:
What, the guy who…

Shell glares at Clem sternly and shakes her head furiously. She gestures to him to be quiet. Clem nods.

BOB:
Hext confirmed that Oni will indeed rise in three nights.

KALINKA:
Thanks, Bob. Can I go back to bed now?

BOB:
No.
(beat)
Hext also mentioned that he will rise in Japan.

Clem shakes his head.

CLEM:
Um…did he happen to say where? I mean, there are a lot of temples in Japan.

BOB:
He says he doesn’t know.

SHELL:
After everything, can we trust him?

BOB:
I don’t know, Shell. But it is all we have.

Shell nods her head.

ILLYRIA:
I say we scour Japan. We investigate every temple.

BOB:
I agree.
(beat)
The Dominion is closed for business until we have this sorted. All our resources must be spent stopping Oni.

SHELL:
And saving Jack and Beck.

BOB:
That’s not the priority right now, Shell.

Flabbergasted, Shell stares at Bob.

ILLYRIA:
Bob is right. It is two lives or billions.

BOB:
Okay, get some weapons and head out.

Illyria, Clem and Kalinka walk out behind the back. Bob turns to Shell.

BOB:
Shell, wait.

Shell turns to Bob.

SHELL:
Yeah?

BOB:
We will save them, Shell. But now we have to focus on the matter at hand.

SHELL:
This is the matter at hand, Bob. It’s all connected.
(beat)
The Tengu came, made us an offer, just to show us that he took our friends

Bob lowers his head.

BOB:
I know.

Shell turns to leave and Bob opens his mouth, stopping her.

BOB:
And Shell, can you help me keep an eye on Illyria?
(beat)
She’s too close to Oni. I’m worried she’ll do something stupid.

SHELL:
Sure thing. But just so you know, she’s not the only one having problems with this.

INT. DUNGEON

The dungeon is dark, with very little light entering. Miranda is holding a bo staff as she glares at Tok, who is constrained by chains. The Tengu stands behind Miranda, in his demonic form, and next to him stands KATSUO SAKAMOTO, dressed in formal business attire.

Miranda pokes her bo staff violently at Tok’s stomach.

MIRANDA:
Who do you work for?

Tok does not answer. Miranda responds by slamming the bo staff into Tok’s stomach again.

MIRANDA:
You’ve been here over a week, ninja. Do you wish to die?

Tok looks up at Miranda and smiles. The Tengu turns to Sakamoto.

TENGU:
Does the girl even speak English?

Sakamoto steps toward Tok and leans into her ear.

SAKAMOTO (subtitled from Japanese):
As you have no doubt noticed, my friends can be quite violent.
(beat)
We found your headset, and we know you’re working with somebody. So simply tell me who sent you, and I can ensure that your death will be painless.

Tok spits directly at Sakamoto’s face. He wipes the saliva away and turns to Miranda.

SAKAMOTO:
Have fun with her, Slayer.
(beat)
I’ll be upstairs. I have to make a call.

INT. DOMINION BAR

Bob paces back and forth across the dance floor of the dimly lit, virtually empty bar, agitatedly. Shell, Illyria, Clem and Kalinka watch him with concern.

BOB:
We’ve spent the last three days scouring Japanese temples and we have nothing. Not even the slightest lead.
(beat)
And Oni is due to rise tonight.

Shell nods her head solemnly.

BOB:
Illyria, is there anything at all that you can think of that may help us?

ILLYRIA:
No. I’ve been having dreams, but they feature Oni and Winifred Burkle.

SHELL:
Is there any link between them?

ILLYRIA:
No.
(beat)
Wait…

Shell looks at Illyria warmly as she is filled with hope, not just to stop Oni, but to help her friends.

SHELL:
What is it?

ILLYRIA:
Millions of years ago, I took Oni as my lover. My dreams also feature Wesley.

CLEM:
As in Fred’s boyfriend?

ILLYRIA:
Yes.

Bob grimaces at the thought of Illyria’s past love life.

BOB:
So Oni is playing you and your emotions.
(beat)
But does that give you any indication of where you can find him?

ILLYRIA:
The dreams – Wesley and I – were at Wolfram & Hart.

KALINKA:
That’s a bit of a stretch, isn’t it?

BOB:
Stretch or not, it’s the best we have. And the Tengu was in the New York branch.

SHELL:
But is Wolfram & Hart in Japan at all?

KALINKA:
They have three offices. Osaka, Tokyo and Sapporo.
(beat)
I visited them all when doing a vengeance tour of Japan. Lovely country, by the way.

BOB:
Okay, the full moon is out tonight, and we need to stop this. We have no idea when Oni will rise, or from which Wolfram & Hart office. Shell, head to Osaka. Clem, Kalinka, you go to Sapporo. Illyria and I will head to Tokyo.

CLEM:
Um, Kalinka and I aren’t exactly warriors, Bob.

BOB:
Kalinka, if you find Oni, can you use your magic to contact me telepathically?

KALINKA:
I think so…

BOB:
Don’t think so, do so.
(beat)
Grab your weapons, everyone, and get going.

INT. SAPPORO, WOLFRAM & HART FOYER

Clem and Kalinka enter the foyer. They are each carrying a sword as they proceed carefully. Clem looks around his surroundings and sighs as he notices that there is nobody in sight.

CLEM:
It’s empty?

KALINKA:
I don’t like this one bit, Clem.

Clem and Kalinka continue walking. Clem points toward a statue of a frightened woman in the distance.

CLEM:
That’s kinda creepy.

The two walk toward the statue and Kalinka jumps in shock.

CLEM:
What is it?

KALINKA:
It’s not a statue. It’s Beck.

Clem rushes toward Beck and stares at her, stunned.

CLEM:
Can you…help her?

Kalinka places her hands on Beck’s petrified face and closes her eyes. Seconds later, Kalinka opens her eyes. The pigmentation is gone, instead her eyes glow bright white.

Kalinka begins to scream in fright and collapses to the ground. Clem drops to his knees and places his hands over Kalinka. He shakes her gently.

CLEM (worried):
Kalinka?
(beat)
Kallie…?

INT. OSAKA, WOLFRAM & HART FOYER

Shell carries a battleaxe as she enters the foyer. She looks around as three VAMPIRES eye her off.

SHELL:
Don’t mind me, guys.
(beat)
It’s better that way. Trust me.

The vampires grin to each other as Shell keeps walking. Shell’s eyes and mouth open widely as she sees Jack, petrified, standing as the foyer’s centrepiece.

SHELL:
Oh my God, Jack!

Shell rushes toward Jack and stares at her boyfriend.

SHELL (under breath):
What have they done to you?

Shell turns around as the three vampires approach slowly.

SHELL:
What have you done to him?!

The vampires fail to respond. Shell slashes her battleaxe at vampire #1, decapitating him. As the vampire turns to dust, vampire #2 rushes toward her. Swiftly, Shell decapitates the vampire, dusting him.

Shell turns to vampire #3 and punches him in the face. The vampire reels back and Shell kicks him in the stomach, knocking him to the ground. She straddles him and punches his violently in the face.

SHELL:
Tell me what you’ve done to him!

The vampire simply grins.

VAMPIRE #3:
It’s a message from Oni.

Shell lifts her battleaxe and slams it through the vampire’s neck. He dissipates into dust underneath her. Shell scrambles to her feet and toward Jack. Tears begin to well up in her eyes and trickle down her cheeks.

SHELL (under breath):
Jack…

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART CONFERENCE ROOM – NIGHT

Through the window, a full moon can be seen illuminating the night sky. Bob and Illyria walk across the empty conference room.

ILLYRIA:
You do not trust me.

BOB:
It’s not a matter of trust. You’re too close to Oni, and he is relying on that.

Bob and Illyria swivel around as they hear a door close behind them. The Tengu, Miranda and Sakamoto step toward Bob and Illyria. Miranda draws a katana and Sakamoto grips the Spear of Destiny.

SAKAMOTO:
I’m glad you could make it, Illyria.

INT. DUNGEON

A beaten and bruised Tok violently rattles the chains binding her to the wall. She fights with all the strength inside her, to no avail.

TOK (shouting; subtitled from Japanese):
You can let me out now! The joke’s over!

Tok sighs in the realisation that her attempts to escape are futile. She looks toward the ground and grins, as she sees something moving. In a flurry, two miniature black-suited creatures leap into the air, smashing tiny swords against her chains. Tok drops to the ground, free.

TOK (subtitled from Japanese):
Thank you, my ninja puppets.

The two creatures step into the light, and their appearance can be seen. Standing at about ten inches tall, the NINJA PUPPETS bow to Tok. A third ninja puppet enters, dragging Tok’s katana toward her and dropping it at her feet.

NINJA PUPPET #3 (subtitled from Japanese):
They’re upstairs in the conference room.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART CONFERENCE ROOM

Miranda leaps toward Bob, kicking him violently in the head. The attack sends Bob reeling back, and he responds by ejecting the spikes from below his wrists. Miranda slashes her katana toward Bob furiously, and the demon barely repels each attack.

The Tengu watches, shaking his head.

TENGU:
That is enough, Miranda Hendricks.
(beat)
We just need to incapacitate him for the time being.

Miranda ceases her attack and bows toward the Tengu.

MIRANDA:
Of course, my Daimyo.

The Tengu raises his fist, telekinetically lifting Bob into the air. The Tengu then opens his hand, forcing Bob’s limbs to stretch apart. With all his strength, Bob struggles to resist the Tengu’s pull with all his strength, to no avail. Blood begins to trickle from Bob’s ears from the stress, but he keeps fighting.

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

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

Bob stares at Sakamoto, horrified.

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

TENGU:
That is enough.

The Tengu clenches his fist, crushing Bob and knocking him unconscious. With a violent gesture, the Tengu throws Bob into the air, sending him crashing through the wall.

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

ILLYRIA:
It’s…

Sakamoto is gone. In his place stands ONI.

ONI:
It is I, my love. Oni.

INT. SAPPORO, WOLFRAM & HART FOYER

Clem shakes, panicked, as he cradles Kalinka in his arms gently.

CLEM:
Come on, Kallie, you can get through this…
(beat)
Please…Look, I know we’ve had our problems, but…but, I love you. I really do.

Unbeknownst to Clem, a translucent image of the Wanderer stands in the background, watching solemnly.

INT. OSAKA, WOLFRAM & HART FOYER

Tears stream down Shell’s cheeks as she stares at the petrified Jack.

SHELL:
Jack…Please make it through this.
(beat)
We need you. I need you.
(beat)
I love you…

Behind Shell, the Wanderer fades into the background in a translucent form. He shakes his head sadly. Slowly, the Wanderer fades away into the ether.

INT. TOKYO, WOLFRAM & HART CONFERENCE ROOM

Illyria grips the Spear of Destiny, standing her ground firmly as Oni steps toward her. She glares at him with great resolve.

ILLYRIA:
I am not your love. That was millennia ago.

Oni sniffs into the air. His face hardens as he becomes angry.

ONI:
You reek of humanity, Illyria.

ILLYRIA:
Humanity is the advantage I have over you.

With the back of his hand, Oni slaps Illyria across the face, hurling her backward through the air. Illyria crashes onto the floor, dropping the Spear of Destiny. Surprised, Oni looks down at her.

ONI:
And you’re somewhat…weakened?
(beat)
What has this era done to you?

Blood runs from Illyria’s face as she stares up at Oni.

ILLYRIA:
It has given me perspective.

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

ONI:
Then keep your humanity.

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

TOK:
No!

Miranda jumps toward Tok and grabs her firmly.

MIRANDA:
You’ll have to tell me how you escaped someday, Houdini.

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

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

Oni grabs Fred by the neck and grips her firmly.

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

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

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

WANDERER (under breath):
It’s too late. Oni has risen.

INT. TOKYO, TOK’S HOME

Tok’s home is very inviting. The walls are painted in a white colour, paintings are placed tidily on the wall, and a mantelpiece holds various family photos from over the years. A middle-aged Japanese woman, TOK’S MOTHER, places the telephone down.

TOK’S MOTHER (calling; subtitled from Japanese):
Tok, you have a phone call!

Tok, dressed in comfortable casual clothing and still nursing her bruises, runs toward the phone and picks it up.

VOICE (O.C.):
I hadn’t heard from you in weeks. I feared you were dead.

TOK:
That fear was misplaced.
(beat)
However, I failed you. Oni has risen.

INT. SCOTLAND, SLAYER HEADQUARTERS

RUPERT GILES sits alone in a surveillance room wearing a headset. Various monitors featuring visuals of various Slayers fighting demons can be seen in the background.

GILES:
I trust you did everything you could, Tok.
(beat)
I have an agent on her way to Tokyo as we speak. She will rendezvous with you within the next 24 hours.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE.

CLOSING CREDITS ROLL.

Guest starring Anthony Stewart Head as Rupert Giles

Written by:
Allan Whatford

Story Editor:
Marie Menninga

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

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

[Allan]

Next on Dominion:[/u]

When we last saw our heroes, Clem and Shell were crying; Kalinka had collapsed; Jack and Beck were petrified; Bob was savagely beaten; and after having Illyria ripped from her body, a very mortal Winifred Burkle plummeted to the ground from a skyscraper.

Oni has risen, and who can stand in his way? Rupert Giles has his idea, resulting in a familiar Slayer appearing at the Dominion. But what are her motives, and whose side is she on?