Crossroads: A Changing of the Guard

 Fox Meridian, 30s, rogueish, sits up at the edge of bed, lighting a cigarette. He clutches an obsidian stone dangling from his neck. A woman with brightly colored hair and wild eyes sits up. She appears sprightly and full of life.

Pixie: You ready for the party tonight?

Fox nods, his eyes distant.

Fox: Yea...

Pixie: What's wrong?

Fox: Just thinking.

Pixie: Well stop. That is not what tonight is for.

Fox smirks and stands. The city scape is lit up in the distance, casting his silhouette back onto the room. He takes a long drag, puts on his hat, and turns.

Cut to: Fox is behind the bar spinning bottles and pouring drinks. Many people in outrageous costumes and hair are buying drinks and laughing. A performance group is on stage, juggling knives and singing. A taller man in a leather coat walks in.

Wilson: I got you. Go have fun...

Fox nods, smiles and pulls out his stick bag. Stepping up to the billard table, he pulls out the two sides of Lucille and looks around, twisting the two parts into his cue stick.

Fox: Alright. Who's game tonight?

Ball after ball is sunk into the table as cash is handed to Fox or Pixie. Angry men of all different shapes and sizes walk away from the table as Fox knocks back a collins glass of whiskey. Music is playing. People are dancing and laughing. It seems like this world will be full of joy and vibrance forever.

A tall, powerful man in a long coat walks in. There is the sound of wings fluttering. The party continues, but everyone is taking notice of this man. There is fear and reverence in their eyes. This man does not meet anyone's gaze as he walks to the bar.

Wilson: Michael, what can I do ya for?

Michael: Whiskey. Neat.

Michael pulls out his wallet. Wilson holds up a hand.

Wilson: You know your money's no good here.

Michael shakes his head.

Michael: Please take it.

Michael sets several ancient gold coins on the counter. Wilson pours a drink and slides the glass over. As Wilson turns, Michael holds up a hand.

Michael: Leave the bottle? Please.

Wilson pauses, concern on his face.

Wilson: Since when do you say please?

Michael doesn't answer. Wilson leaves the bottle on the counter. Michael looks at the glass and the bottle. He unscrews the cap and chugs.

At the billiard table, Fox and Pixie are counting money. Fox looks up at Michael. Pixie is chewing gum.

Pixie: You know him, don't you?

Fox: Everyone knows Michael.

Pixie: Yeah. But he's talked to you.

Fox shakes his head.

Fox: Lots of people talk to each other.

Pixie: Michael don't talk to lots of people.

Fox sifts through the money and looks back at Michael. Michael is hovering over his now empty glass.

Fox: I'm going to go get us a drink.

Pixie: I want a cosmo!

Fox slides next to Michael at the bar. Several sets of eyes take note of this.

Fox: I'll have what he's having.

Fox notes Michael's death grip on the bottle.

Fox: Different bottle though. I see this one's taken.

Michael: Tonight's not a good night.

Fox lights a cigarette.

Fox: I can see that. Wanna tell me what's wrong?

Michael: No.

Fox: Gonna anyways?

Michael closes his eyes for a moment. There is the sound of electric crackle throughout the building. The lights flicker out, the music cuts in and out. It seems as though the air itself is vibrating. Fox is clearly uncomfortable, but tries his best to play it cool. Wilson slides a glass over to Fox. Fox downs it, nods and smiles awkwardly.

Fox: Keep em coming.

Wilson shakes his head and casts Fox an odd look. Fox gives a slight shrug. Wilson sends over another glass, this one poured a lot heavier. Fox mouths 'thank you.' Wilson walks to the other end of the bar.

Michael: I have to leave.

Fox: Want me to walk you out.

Michael just stares at Fox. Fox goes rigid. There is a long, tense moment. Finally Michael pats the counter.

Michael: Why not? Take a walk with me...

Michael stands up to reveal the empty whiskey bottle in front of him. Fox takes a big gulp and follows. He and Wilson exchange one last look, Wilson's of “what are you thinking?” Fox's of “I have no idea.” He and Pixie exchange a look of concern. Then Fox takes his hat and exits the building with Michael.

Out on the street, there are vagabonds playing accordion while a man on stilts walks down the street. They walk in silent through the colorful streets of the city.

Michael: I've been called away.

Fox nods. Then pauses. Then looks over at Michael. Fox repeats this with the finality of the grave.

Fox: Called away...

Michael: Yes. I'm leaving Crossroads. And no, I've no choice in the matter.

Fox looks around at the sultry and exotic eyes that watch them from the shadows.

Fox: Crossroads should be fine...

Michael: Sure...

Quiet.

Fox: You're not coming back are you?

Michael: Not in your lifetime.

Fox: Can we do something before you go?

Michael: I'm not a carnival ride.

Fox: Oh no, I wasn't going to.... wait. What?!

Michael: Weren't you going to ask if-

Fox: No.

Quiet.

Michael: Oh.

More quiet.

Michael: So what were you going to ask.

Fox: I've got this bottle of Japanese, scotch styled whiskey that I've been saving for a special occasion. I figure this counts.

Michael nods. His face impassive.

Michael: I'd like that.

Inside Fox's apartment. There are old books, old instruments and other assorted items that makes his home look more like an antique shop. Two scotch glasses sit on the table, open bottle between them.

Fox: So wait, you mean to tell me you nuked Gomorrah because the men there wanted to have sex with you?

Michael: Wanted to rape me. Consent was never on their minds.

Fox: Oh. Well, ya. That's ickier.

Michael: And Lot had offer his virgin daughters up as rape instead. The whole place had to go.

Fox: And Sodom?

Quiet.

Michael: I... don't actually remember.

Quiet. Then they both start chuckling.

Fox: One of the most told stories in history, and we forgot why it happened.

Michael nods.

Michael: That happens more than you'd believe.... *sighs* It feels good to laugh.

Fox: I've never seen you.

Michael: It's not easy to relax when everyone looks up to you. Or fears you. Or hates you.

Fox: Hey, I'm just looking for a drinking buddy.

Michael nods.

Michael: Crossroads will need you after I'm gone.

Fox: I'm... not in that game anymore.

Michael looks at Fox's necklace.

Michael: That's too bad...

Fox: Yea...

Michael: I'm sure Crossroads will be fine.

Later. It's 3:30. Fox has fallen asleep on the couch with an open book in front of him. It looks like he and Michael were going over some bit of research. Michael is focused on writing in another book. He closes the book and sets it on the table with a small note on top of it. He looks around the apartment. Walking into Fox's room, he opens a small wooden box. He stares inside for a long moment, then places his hand inside the box. A bright light flashes. Michael smiles and closes the box back. Then he vanishes.

Some time later, Fox stirs. He looks around and blinks. He puts his hand on his head and groans.

Fox: An Archangel in my house, and I pass out drunk. Classy Fox...

He sees an envelope on the table. He opens it and starts reading the letter. There is a click at the door and Fox leaps behind a chair with a gun drawn. In doing so, he knocks a book off the table, the book that Michael was writing in.

Pixie: It's me Fox.

Fox: Come on in.

Pixie enters and closes the door behind her. Not until the door is closed does Fox lower the gun.

Pixie: It's okay. I'm alone. Damn you're paranoid...

Pixie walks to the bar, mixing herself a drink. Fox picks up the book and closes it. He grabs a sticky note, draws a strange sigil on it, and sticks it on the door.

Pixie: So what's going on with Michael?

Fox: He left.

Pixie: He was here?

Fox: Yeah. But that's not what I mean. He's gone.

Pixie: Gone where?

Fox: He's left Crossroads.

Pixie drops the martini shaker on the ground. She fumbles to pick it up, grabbing a towel clean the mess. Fox walks over to help. Pixie holds up a hand.

Pixie: It's fine. I got it.

She takes a few deep breaths and sets the martini shaker back on the table.

Pixie: When's he coming back?

Fox: He's not.

Pixie is clearly fighting back tears. She slams the martini shaker on the counter.

Pixie: What do you mean he's not coming back?! He's Michael. He can't just leave!

Fox: He said he got called away. That he wouldn't be back. Not in my lifetime...

Pixie: This is boned. You know how boned we are, right?

Fox: Pix, calm down. Everything's going to be fine. No one even needs to know he's gone.

Pixie: They're going to figure out.

Fox is silent for a moment.

Fox: Let's not worry about it right now, okay?

Pixie: Are you the only one he told?

Fox: I think so.

Pixie: Why you?

Fox: Dunno.

Sweep to the edge of town. There is a dark alley that ends in complete blackness. A distant howl of wind can be heard, following by a chittering sound. Then scratching and whispers. Then inhuman laughing.

6 Months Later.

A girl is running through the streets. Something is following her. Lights flicker as she runs. An inhuman growl is heard. She stops in front of a doorway, panting. She looks around. She seems to have outrun it. Then the door opens behind her. She is pulled in screaming by an unseen force. The door slams shut. The wind howls. A cat walks past the door.

Wilson: Fox, can you check on table 7?

Fox: I'm not even working tonight.

Wilson: Samantha's running late.

Fox: Okay... fine.

Fox walks over and sticks his hip out. Adopts a sultry voice.

Fox: Hey there fellas, what are you having to drink?

The man gives him a dry look.

Man: The cocktail waitresses used to be cuter.

Fox: It's a dark time for us all.

Back at the bar. Wilson is holding the phone. It keeps ringing. He hangs up. Fox appears with a tray and a ticket.

Fox: I need four cosmos. And I think the big one's sweet on me.

Wilson looks at the table. The large man just looks up with a permascowl.

Wilson: Yeah... what did they really order.

Fox: They're all vodka drinkers apparently. Boring...

Wilson: Yeah, versus those people that always drink whiskey neat.

Fox: Hey, I drink beer too.

Wilson: You rebel you.

Fox: Any word on Samantha.

Wilson: No.

Wilson starts pouring drinks.

Fox: You think something's wrong.

Wilson: People keep disappearing in the boroughs. Ever since Michael left.

Fox: Who said Michael left?

Wilson: No one needed to. It's just obvious he's gone.

Fox stares at the bar.

Wilson: What did he say to you that night?

Fox: Just that he wouldn't be back in my lifetime.

Wilson: Well you need to hurry up and kick the bucket. This town is going to shit.

Fox: Where's the love?

Wilson: Seriously man. Something's wrong.

Candy walks by.

Fox: Candy, can you watch the fort?

Candy: What you losers running off for?

Wilson: Samantha's missing.

Candy sobers. She just nods, speechless. Wilson grabs his leather jacket, Fox his stick bag, and they're off.

Outside an apartment. They knock.

Wilson: No answer.

Fox pulls out a lock pick and opens the door.

Wilson: That how you start all your dates?

Fox: Only when I'm heading to your place.

Wilson: Tease...

They open the door and look around. No one's there.

Wilson: Great...

Fox: Maybe she's headed to the bar.

Wilson: She'd have been there by now.

Silence.

Wilson: Fox. There's something seriously messed up. Can't you summon some juju and get things back to how they were?

Fox holds up a hand.

Fox: I'll help find Samantha.

Wilson sighs.

Wilson: So you're really just going to ignore what's going on around here?

Fox: Becoming a hero gets more people hurt.

Wilson looks at the black pendant hanging around Fox's neck.

Wilson: You really need to let that go.

Fox: She doesn't get to. Neither do I.

Wilson scratches his head and looks around.

Wilson: So where do we start?

Fox picks up a brush.

Fox: Follow me.

Back at Fox's apartment. He has several open books on the table. He finishes drawing a diagram and holds a necklace with a simple stone at the end of it. It circles in his hand. He rubs a brush against the stone. The stone keeps swinging.

Fox: Okay. Let's go.

Wilson: Go where? It didn't do anything.

Fox: It's pointing West.

Quiet.

Wilson: No it's not.

They open a rickety looking door outside a run down building. They walk in with flashlights, looking around. They can hear flies buzzing. They look down. Wilson punches the wall.

Wilson: Fuck!

Fox is quiet. Wilson gets in Fox's face.

Wilson: Do you see?! Do you see this now?! This. This is what's happening... goddammit... there's not even enough of her left to....

Fox is silent.

Wilson: Well?

Fox: I didn't do this.

Wilson: You're not stopping it either.

Fox: Fuck you. Okay? I didn't ask for this shit to happen. But you know what happens if I start going all crusader on this shit? First, they'll probably kidnap Candy, and the other girls. Torture them. Send us pictures and videos, to make sure we know. Then performers, your other staff. Maybe even you. Cut off pieces of them, burn them alive, feed them to dogs. Burn the bar down. Burn my apartment complex down.

Wilson: So we do nothing? Because you're afraid.

Fox: I'm... thinking of more than just me.

Wilson: No. You're thinking of Amanda. And you've got to bury that shit and move on. People are dying here.

Fox: People are dying everywhere.

Back at the bar. There is a performance onstage. The crowd is not as large as before. A pall is hanging over the place. Fox is sitting at the bar when a group of pale men in dark clothes enter. Fox glances at Wilson. Wilson shrugs. The men in black shove their way through the crowd and pull up a table.

Fox: Why do you let those clowns in here?

Wilson: You know of a way to keep them out? One that won't start a war?

Fox sighs and looks back to them harassing the cocktail waitress. Fox stands up.

Wilson: Fox?

Fox walks over.

Wilson: You're not about to do something stupid are you?

Out of Fox's site, Wilson smiles. Fox continues walking toward the table. He strikes a match and lights a cigarette. One of the vamps flinches. Fox chuckles. The waitress storms away.

Fox: Not afraid of a little fire are ya?

Vamp 1: You better get that shit out of my face.

Fox: I just wanted to check in with you gentlemen. You're welcome to come here, but there are certain rules of decorum that are expected. Like being polite to the waitresses.

Vamp 2: Do you have any idea who we are?

Fox: Judging from the clothes and complexion, I was assuming pro surfers.

Vamp 2 hisses. Fox just stares dryly.

Fox: That ever work on anyone?

Vamp 3: Don't push your luck meat bag.

Fox: Just wanting to make sure everyone gets to enjoy the bar.

Fox stands up and walks away from the table. Vamp 1 hisses and lunges at Fox from behind. A wooden baseball bat smashes into his face. Wilson appears behind it. The bat has BITCH, BE COOL burned into the side of it, pointed at Vamp 1 who is holding his bloody nose. The other two Vamps jump to their feet.

Wilson: If you can't behave, you're outta here.

Vamp 2: You don't tell us what to do.

Fox is already taking his pool cue out of his bag. Vamp 3 stands, putting his hand on Vamp 2's shoulder.

Vamp 3: It's fine. Doesn't even matter. We're going to go...

Vamp 2 glares, but follows. Vamp 1, seeing the other two leave, stumbles behind. Wilson sighs.

Fox: Still don't know why you put up with them.

Wilson: One, because there's too many in town now. Two, I can keep an eye on them in here. Now they're pissed and going to be looking for someone out there to take it out on...

Fox is silent.

Wilson: Didn't think about that, did you?

Candy, the Waitress walks up.

Candy: You should just go take 'em out.

Fox: I'm not in the vamp hunting business.

Candy: And here I thought you were some kind of hero...

Candy walks off. Fox sighs and walks to the bar, pouring a tall drink.

Fox: I don't do that anymore.

Later, Fox and Wilson are walking down the street. The streets look more ominous than before.

Wilson: Neighborhood's really taken a turn.

Fox: It's not so bad...

Wilson just looks at Fox. Fox lights a cigarette. Wilson lights a cigar. They both exhale.

Wilson: I'm going home. I'll see you tomorrow night, okay?

Fox nods, walking down the streets alone. He hears a scream. He pauses, shakes his head and keeps walking. After several moments of silence.

Pixie: Someone help!!

Fox: Pix?

Fox comes running. He rounds the corner to see Pixie with her clothes torn. The Vamps from the bar are holding her while Vamp 3 is biting into her throat and drinking her blood. Pixie is shaking. Fox runs up and kicks Vamp 2 in the face. He pulls out his pool cue while Vamp 1 charges him, knocking him to the ground. Fox pushes a button in the bottom half of the cue, producing a blade, which he uses to stab Vamp 1 in the throat. Vamp 1 grabs his throat. Fox jumps to his feet, striking Vamp 1 several times with his sticks.

He turns to be attacked by Vamp 2. They fight back and forth, knock down, drag out style. Fox begins muttering to himself.

Fox: In seratum, non tethnili octum, zeratos.

Fox taps the wand, the smaller half of the pool cue on Vamp 2's head.

Fox: Burn

Vamp 2 grabs his head, screaming and falling to the ground. While he is flailing on his back, Vamp 1 attacks again. Fox and he exchange blows until Fox runs the bladed pool cue through Vamp 1's chest. Vamp 1 falls to the ground. He turns to see Vamp 3 let Pixie go. She crumples to the ground.

Vamp 3: I was finished anyway...

Vamp 3 leaps up along the side of the building and vanishes. Fox looks around above, the falls to Pixie's side, holding her throat.

Pixie: You came to help me...

Fox: Yea Pix. Stay still...

Pixie: I thought you weren't getting involved.

Fox: I'm not.

Pixie laughs, then coughs, spitting out blood. It sprays onto Fox's face.

Fox: Don't.. you're-

Pixie puts her hand on Fox's face.

Pixie: Sorry, didn't mean to...

Fox shakes his head.

Fox: Not what I was... you're going to...

Pixie: Die?

Fox: No. Please don't...

Pixie: You gotta be faster next time champ...

Pixie's hand slides down Fox's face. Fox shakes her, touching her face.

Fox: No. No no no no no no no...

Fox squeezes her hand. Touches her throat, as though he's trying to bring her back. He hears screaming behind him. Vamp 2's eyes are wide with madness. He comes in swinging. Fox fights back with pure rage and fury, dropping his sticks and just punching Vamp 2 repeatedly. Vamp 2 grabs him suddenly. Fox struggles to pull away when he realizes Vamp 3 is behind him, charging in with the bladed stick. Fox turns, about to be impaled when Pixie jumps up, taking the staff through the chest. Fox screams.

He head butts Vamp 2 in the nose, pulls the stick from Pixie and runs Vamp 2 through with it. He turns and charges toward Vamp 3. Vamp 3 turns and runs. Fox chases. Fox is running through the streets, tears rolling down his cheeks. Running and running. Vamp 3 is nowhere to be seen. Broken down, he returns to Pixie.

There are 2 other Vamps standing in the alley with Vamp 3 behind them.

Vamp 4: You messed up.

Vamp 3: Should've kept walking.

Vamp 4: This'll be war.

Fox holds out his wand as they all vanish. He puts his staff into his bag, lifts Pixie, and walks back to the apartment. He sets her down on the couch, just staring at her. He pours a drink. He brings it to his lips with his hand shaking. He throws the glass and screams.

Later, Wilson and Candy are there, along with doctors and old timey looking police.

Wilson: So what now?

Fox: I need to take a walk. I just wanted someone here... okay?

Wilson: Where are you going?

Fox: I just need some air. And... to not be here. Okay?

Wilson: Sure thing man.

Dark Gothic house. Several vamps are standing, sitting, drinking, draining unwilling victims.

Vamp 3: So I say we torture everyone in the bar...

Vamp 5: Just burn it down.

Vamp 4: We can start with the pretty one, Candy. Just to send a message...

The door at the top of stairs opens.

Fox: That won't be necessarily gentlemen. We'll be finishing this tonight.

Vamps stand.

Vamp 3: You just want to die early?

Vamp 4: We'd much rather you suffered longer...

Fox nods, and throws a bottle onto the floor. There is the sound of screaming as the Vamps hit the floor, holding their ears. Fox draws something on the door in chalk and closes it. Once they recover, they run to the door.

Vamp 4: He's warded it.

Vamp 3: So? We'll go out the other way.

Vamp 5 is by the rear door.

Vamp 5: This one's sealed too.

Another Vamp tries to open a window.

Vamp 6: There's salt and brick dust at the window sill. We can't get out.

Vamp 4: But why would he...

Outside, Fox's eyes are cold and distant. He lights a book of matches and lets them fall to the ground. They trail a line of fuel, fire leaping across the ground toward the building. We see the flickering of the fire in Fox's eyes as screams erupt from inside.

Fox: No feuds...

Back at the bar. Wilson and Fox are drinking.

Wilson: So that craziness in the Ravenna Borough. That was you?

Fox shrugs.

Wilson: Why the change of heart?

Fox: Pixie didn't deserve what happened. If... if I'd reacted sooner... she'd still be alive.

Wilson: You can't start doing that to yourself again.

Fox: Damned if I do, or damned if I don't; so I might as well try to do the right thing, right?

Wilson is quiet a moment. Finally he holds up his glass.

Wilson: To Pix.

They both drink

Wilson: What are you thinking?

Fox: That Crossroads needs Michael. But it's going to get me.

Wilson: What did you two talk about that night?

Read in Michael's voice: “Being a guardian isn't about doing what you want. Or even what's best for you. It's about putting yourself aside for them. It's about staring into the darkness while the lambs sleep, to keep the wolves at bay. This is why, although I loved them, I stayed apart. I couldn't get too close for fear of protecting the few I knew over the many that needed me. This is your road now. You choose this no more than I did. You're simply the one who can. As I was. Please watch over my little lambs. I still love them, and will ache in my heart forever for missing them.”

Wilson: So what's your game plan?

Fox: I've got a few old friends to visit.

Cut to different scenes of exotic people, fencing while smoking a pipe, breathing fire, reading while playing chess, traveling under water.

Fox walks up to an old mansion. A goth woman in a top hat answers the door.

Jekyl: Oh, it's you.

A flamboyant man, exquisitely dressed pops up from behind her, with another man in black slacks, a white tank top with black suspenders and a bowler.

Raphael: Fox! How have you been?

Fox: I've been better. Crossroads is in trouble.

The three all exchange looks.

Raphael: Let's sit down to tea and absynthe and see what we can do.

Jekyll rolls her eyes. Tristan walks inside juggling and Raphael looks at the sky and consults his pocket watch.

Raphael: I thought he'd be here ten minutes ago.

The door closes.

Back at the edge of Crossroads. The same dark alley as earlier. The strange whispers and distant chittering can be heard. The is a sound of glass slowly fragmenting. Nails on a chalkboard. Hoarse laughing. And a hand lands from inside the shadows.