72: Story 1
int. lounge, night
FOX MERIDIAN, 30s, rugged, worn. He sits at a table
alone, bourbon glass in hand. A dancer takes the stage, singing a
sultry lounge tune. The stage lights and smoke in the air caress her
body as she sways across the stage.
Fox rubs his eyes as though he hasn't slept in days. A waitress walks over.
waitress
Can I get you anything?
Fox holds up his glass.
fox
Another bourbon, please.
A man with a wide brimmed hat walks by and places an envelope on the table. Fox nods and takes it. Several people in the club seem to be eyeing Fox for some sinister reason. One onlooker clearly has fangs.
KALEB BLUE enters. 30s, well built, handsome African
descent. Several eyes turn when he enters, and some look away, trying
not to gain his attention. He walks over to Fox's table.
kaleb
Drinking alone again?
fox
Beats not drinking at all.
kaleb
I don't really think that it does.
fox
Grab a seat?
Kaleb sits down.
WAITRESS
Get you anything?
kaleb
Whatever he's having.
WAITRESS
Sure thing sugar.
kaleb
You, uh... alright?
fox
Never better.
KALEB
Tell me another one.
fox
It's the anniversary.
kaleb
It's been five years.
fox
And she's still just as dead.
kaleb
You can't eat yourself alive for that. That ain't living.
fox
No. I guess not.
Waitress drops off fresh drink
kaleb
Much obliged. You working, or just getting hammered?
fox
Haven't decided yet.
kaleb
So you decide to come to a club owned by Vistain? You gotta come in here knowing what you're doing.
fox
Spending money. I remember hearing she's still fond of it.
kaleb
Yeah. And people have to behave here.
fox
I think it's the guy in the black jacket.
kaleb
You're going to have to be more specific.
fox
He's the one that's been picking off tourists. The
other barons are getting mad. Even Vistain wants it dealt with. It'll
be a nice pay out.
kaleb
You're bounty hunting vamps for other vamps now?
fox
Whatever pays the bills. They're not all bad.
kaleb
But they are all killers.
fox
So are we.
Kaleb goes silent. He takes a drink. One dancers exits the stage. The next dancer takes the stage.
Emcee
I'd like everyone to give a warm welcome to Vixen Velvet!
Vixen Velvet does an erotic strip tease as Fox and
Kaleb drink in silence. Towards the end of her routine, she sticks her
fingers in a glass of dark red wine, letting the droplets of red
trickle down along her body. One man in the audience licks his lips.
ext. empty street, night
FLASHBACK: Fox is seeing the same drops of red falling down on
the tattered body of JUSTINE, 20s, beautiful, her clothes in tatters,
and blood dripping from her mouth. Fox, weeping, holds a trembling
blood soaked hand up to her face.
fox
No...
int. lounge, night
Fox blinks a few times, wiping at his eyes. He downs his drink.
fox
I need to step outside for a sec.
kaleb
Grabbing a smoke?
fox
Sure.
kaleb
Mind if I join you?
fox
Sure.
ext. street, night
Fox lights up a clove. Kaleb a cigar. They stand, leaning against the wall.
kaleb
What we do, it's dangerous. What happened, it wasn't your fault.
fox
Who's was it then?
A sound of howling wind is heard. Kaleb and Fox both shiver.
kaleb
That him?
fox
Probably.
Kaleb pulls out a wicked looking bowie knife. Fox
pulls out a knife and a talisman. Wind picks up and something unseen
knocks them both back. Fox holds up the talisman as the old man from
inside is gnashing his teeth against some unseen barrier.
vampire
A ward. Alongside hawthorn and silver. So you came prepared.
The vampire pulls out a stiletto blade and drags it across Fox's chest, leaving a streak of red behind.
vampire
So did I.
Fox stands back up and the two swing back and forth at each
other. The vampire is clearly faster. Fox is reaching for something in
his belt when there is a dull thud and the vampire falls forward. We
see Kaleb, finishing the swing with the butt of his shotgun. His spins
it around and fires into the vampire twice.
fox
Shit, you're going to get the police down here!
kaleb
That's what you're worried about right now?
fox
The Barons don't want the civilians involved.
Fox jumps up and throws a handful of salt onto the vampire who cries out in pain.
kaleb
Bone fire salt?
fox
Never leave home without it.
Fox jams a stake into the vampire then stabs it in the neck. He starts sawing. Once he's finished, he pulls out the fangs.
fox
This should make Vistain happy.
kaleb
You should come by the house for dinner. Mama misses seeing you.
fox
And Angelique?
kaleb
Don't push it.
Fox leans against the wall, wiping blood off on his pants.
fox
Thanks for uh... checking in on me. I'll be okay.
kaleb
You are anything but okay, and we all know it.
fox
Who all?
kaleb
Anyone that would worry about your raggedy ass.
fox
You sweet talker you.
kaleb
Someone gotta keep it real. Look, I got some business
of my own to attend to tonight. You going to stay alive and out of jail
tonight?
fox
I'll see what I can do.
KALEB
Catch you around then.
Kaleb walks off. Fox pockets the fangs and sheaths
his knife. He goes through the vampire's pockets. He finds a wallet
full of cash.
voice
So you rob the dead now?
Fox spins, knife in hand.
fox
He seemed like he was done with it.
CONRAD, 40, tall and powerfully built steps out of the shadows. He wears a long coat with a Templar symbol on his coat.
fox
Conrad?
conrad
You have ignored our attempts to reach you.
fox
You mean summon me. I'm not part of your boys club.
conrad
You are needed. You will come.
fox
How's that again?
conrad
Come, we will sit and talk.
fox
How about I just tell you to fuck off?
Conrad shakes his head and grabs Fox by the shirt.
Fox slips away and knocks Conrad's hand away. Fox falls into a fighting
stance. Conrad seems more confused than angry.
conrad
You... are sure you want to do this?
fox
You've had this coming.
Conrad reaches for Fox again. Fox gets a few punches
into Conrad's midsection. Conrad swings and Fox side steps. They go
back and forth with punches, Conrad landing shots as well, but Conrad's
punches clearly stagger Fox far more than Fox's faze Conrad.
conrad
Now, shall we talk?
fox
Fuck off.
Conrad shrugs.
conrad
You cannot say I didn't try to be nice.
fox
You never-
Conrad lunges forward, and...
int. bar, night
Fox wakes up laying on top of a bar.
fox
What happened... how did I get here?
bartender
You make Mr. Conrad angry. That is no smart.
fox
I'm good for that. Um, does he have a tab open?
BARTENDER
You really like tempting fate senor.
Fox looks over to see Conrad on a stool.
fox
Hey! You buying?
Conrad nods to the bartender.
BARTENDER
What will it be?
fox
Whiskey. You got Tully?
bartender
Sure thing.
fox
Make it a triple.
BARTENDER
You really like your whiskey eh?
fox
Well, I do have a sudden head ache. Wonder where that came from.
Fox tries to roll off the bar and falls on the floor. He pulls himself up.
BARTENDER
You know senor. I usually no serve people that are asleep on the bar and fall on the floor.
fox
I usually don't wake up at a bar I wasn't drinking in. But here we are.
(Fox looks at Conrad)
I have a feeling we'll all be doing things we don't normally do before the end of the night.
BARTENDER
That was supposed to sound ominous, si?
fox
Well, ya.
BARTENDER
Because it soundly oddly sexual. If you don't mind me saying.
fox
No, ya, I uh... appreciate the critique.
bartender
Here is your drink senor. You are Fox Meridian, yes?
fox
That's me.
bartender
I thought I heard rumor you were good fighter?
fox
Well, against the Terminator here...
bartender
Hmmm...
Bartender scratches chin and walks away. Fox looks in his drink.
fox
Are these fruit flies?
Bartender is already serving another customer. Fox takes a napkin, attempting to dab out the fruit flies from his drink.
fox
So, you wanted to talk?
conrad
Sit.
fox
I am... oh, nevermind, I guess I'm not sitting yet.
Fox slides off the bar, crashing to the floor.
fox
Can I have another drink please?
BARTENDER
Did you already-
conrad
He spilled it.
fox
Not all of it.
bartender
How hard did you hit him?
fox
Yes. How hard did you hit me? Because, I don't remember any of it.
conrad
My organization will be requiring your assistance.
fox
I... hold on.
Fox downs his drink and holds the glass back toward the bartender, wiggling it hopefully. The bartender sighs, shakes his head, and takes the glass.
conrad
I'd like to cover a few things before you are completely inebriated.
fox
Hey, I didn't even plan on drinking tonight.
The bartender gives Fox a sideways glance.
fox
Much. Anyway, getting pulverized, then kidnapped by an angry Anglican-
conrad
We aren't Anglican.
fox
No, you just vanished into the British Isles after
Friday the 13th in 1307, and your symbol ended up on the Anglican flag.
All a coincidence I'm sure...
Conrad takes a deep breath.
conrad
Something has happened.
Fox walks over to the pool table and racks. He starts playing solo. Conrad grunts and walks over.
conrad
What are you doing?
fox
This helps me think.
conrad
Why do you need to think right now?
fox
About whether or not I'm walking out of here in a few minutes.
Conrad takes a deep breath.
conrad
As I said, something has happened.
fox
Something's always happened. What is it this time?
Ghosts? More vampires? Some weird thing in the woods? Someone wake some mummy
or monster up that was sleeping underground?
conrad
An ancient crypt was broken into. There were... warnings that went unheeded by an excavation.
fox
They let the mummy out.
conrad
Not a mummy. A daemonai from the ancient world.
fox
How ancient?
conrad
Pre-Roman. Sumerian.
fox
And you really need help with this?
conrad
There was more than one demon.
fox
How many?
conrad
We do not know.
fox
How bad?
conrad
Bartender. Can you turn on Channel 8?
The bartender nods and grabs the remote. The television shows a city in flames. (If we can't get stock footage of damages, this will be radio or websites.)
reporter
As you can see, most of downtown Covington is on
fire. It is uncertain who started the fire, and firefighters are still
estimating how many buildings are ablaze.
conrad
Can you change to Channel 3?
Bartender clicks remote again. Patients in hospital beds, covered in nasty sores are shown.
reporter 2
The CDC has yet to give a name to this outbreak, but doctors have said that it bears similarities to the Bubonic Plague.
conrad
And Channel 14?
Bartender changes channel again. There are images of mutilated cattle and other animals.
reporter 3
Authorities are still looking for suspects in 17
different cases of animal mutilation. Everything from livestock to
household pets.
fox
That might just be-
REPORTEr 3
This just in. A small boy, Darren Matthews, age 6,
was found mutilated in similar fashion to the animal bodies found in
the Palisade Nebraska area.
fox
Shit. Barkeep!
The bartender sets a beer in front of Fox.
BARTENDER
You drink beer for now. Pace yourself.
Fox takes a long chug, then looks at Conrad.
conrad
Those are just the ones we know about. There may be more.
fox
There's something you're not telling me.
conrad
There are many things I do not tell you. But still,
we need your assistance. You are one of the few 'experts' who can be trusted. As you can see, many lives are at risk, and
already being lost.
fox
Okay, so I assume you already have teams on the ground. What do you need me to do?
conrad
Help us find them.
fox
Pardon?
conrad
The ones on T.V., they leave obvious trail. Others
are more cunning, but still killing. Still spreading misery. I would
you like you to help us find them.
fox
You suspect there's already one here in the city.
conrad
We do. And we know you are able to... navigate this city.
fox
More stuff you're not telling me. Alright. Anything in particular I'm looking for?
conrad
The unusual.
Fox just stares.
conrad
Beyond your usual work. You will know difference between these creatures and a normal haunting or possession, I am sure.
fox
More secrets... fine. Pay?
Conrad places an envelope on the bar, which the
bartender eyes greedily. Fox picks it up and gives the bartender a
funny look. He looks inside and whistles.
fox
You know, you could have lead with this.
Conrad shrugs, noncommital.
conrad
We will also need your assistance with research. Also, normal methods of containment are not working.
fox
How so?
Conrad
They seem resistant to holy objects and exorcism.
fox
How can that be? Those are the rules they live by.
conrad
As I said. This is not the normal hunt.
FOX
These are... ancient aren't they? Pre-Christian?
conrad
They are. So the normal rules don't apply. I trust I can count on you?
fox
Yeah sure. Just...
Fox looks down, realizing he still has blood on him.
fox
Let me take a shower first. Reach out to some folks for help.
Conrad puts on his coat and heads for the door.
fox
That's it? You're just heading out?
conrad
You were expecting hug and kiss maybe? We will check in in 48 hours. We... need you to have something for us by then.
fox
This is that bad eh?
conrad
It is.
Conrad leaves. Fox sighs and stares at his phone for a bit. Finally he dials a number.
fox
Hello? Yeah. I'm going to need your help.
int. fox's apartment, night
Fox stumbles in, still in dirty clothes. He gets the shower going and starts to undress.
reneth
Still getting yourself in trouble eh?
fox
What the - how'd you get in here?
reneth
I still have a key. Remember.
fox
You should have called or something.
reneth
I did. You weren't picking up. And since when are you skittish?
fox
Since I started dating Pixie. She get's... a little jealous.
reneth
And she's with you? You still enjoy playing with fire, eh?
fox
I guess I never learn.
reneth
No, you really don't. My friend at the bar told me you had a run in with Conrad. Conrad the Templar?
fox
Wow word travels fast.
reneth
Did word tell you the Freemason Lodge in Delaware burned to the ground three nights ago?
fox
The one that's actually the headquarters even though the Masons keep pretending its not?
reneth
That's the one.
fox
The one that supposedly had an underground bunker full of ancient artifacts and a standing army?
Reneth makes a clicking sound and points at him.
fox
So Conrad didn't just omit. He outright lied.
reneth
The cloak and dagger types do that.
fox
Well, on the plus side, he's paying.
reneth
To find something they lost. Something that already
destroyed a Templar compound, set fire to a Masonic lodge, and killed a
few dozen people.
fox
How do you know all this?
reneth
Because unlike you, I stayed in the game.
fox
'The game' hurts people. In ways no one deserves to be hurt.
reneth
It also saves a lot of people. A lot hangs in the balance. You know that.
fox
Well, it's going to have to dangle there without me. I, um, really need to shower.
reneth
That an invitation?
fox
Only if I want Pixie to murder me.
reneth
Wow, you're faithful now too...
fox
That's not what happened with us.
Reneth holds up her hands. She gathers her coat and heads for the door.
reneth
Of course, of course. Just, keep in touch. Let me know what you find out?
fox
Yeah sure. And Reneth?
Reneth pauses, looking back over her shoulder.
reneth
Hmm?
fox
Thanks for stopping by. It's really good to see you again.
reneth
Good seeing you Fox. You take care of yourself.
She exits and the door closes with a soft click. Fox groans and heads back into the steaming bathroom.
int. library, day
Fox walks between the aisles, looking at books. He has a pile next to him on the floor and is making notes in a notebook.
titus
Like back in college.
fox
Only now I don't have time to go nap in the alcove.
titus
You slept in here?
fox
Many times. They have couches upstairs.
titus
That you're supposed to be reading in.
fox
Find anything yet?
titus
I've got Ingrid combing through news sources to narrow things down. They didn't really give us a lot to go on.
fox
Yeah... Malachi?
Malachi drops a stack of books onto the table in front of him.
malachi
I was told there'd be Golden Eye.
titus
The old N64 game?
fox
It's not that old.
titus
It really is though. Like, over twenty.
fox
That can't be right...
titus
You know there are new games, right?
malachi
The classics never die man.
fox
What he said. So, Malachi. What do you got?
MALACHI
Still nada.
fox
Great.
titus
So you really got approached by the Templars? The Knights Templar?
fox
Yeah
malachi
That is so fucking cool
fox
It felt, less than cool at the time. Plus, he and I have met before.
malachi
That explain that shiner you're rocking?
fox
He got lucky
titus
I'm sure the life long holy warrior just 'got lucky'. Did you get some licks in at least?
fox
I did. Although I could have been punching an angry grizzly bear for all the good it did
Titus
So why did you fight him in the first place?
Malachi
It was just one guy, right?
fox
Yes. And I fought him because him and all the other
groups like him think they snap their fingers and the world turns. I
don't give a shit about their heircarchies, because I'm not a part of it
titus
Anymore
Malachi starts whistling and wanders back down the aisle behind them, looking through a notebook.
fox
...anymore. And so I don't want involved. Which is
why I left the Golden Dawn in the first place. Yes. Because they were
asking for way more than they were offering.
titus
Still the problem with authority. Aren't you supposed to have grown out of that by now?
fox
Are you even looking?
titus
Yeah man. I'm looking for a needle in a stack of
needles. So, bizarre phenomena. Check. I found out there's a flock of birds that dropped dead in a
field in Kansas
fox
That sounds ominous
titus
Yeah. Except I made some calls and got in touch with
one Jeb O'Malley, who says, and I quote "that just happens every decade
or so"
fox
So not our guy
titus
No. So then I found out a school of fish dropped out of the sky in a city in Japan
fox
That's weird
titus
It is! Turns out that's a thing too. Happens all over the world. They claim its water spouts
fox
Why have I never heard of this before?
titus
Because it's not celebrities or politicians or people killing each other. So it doesn't hit the mainstream media.
fox
I don't watch T.V.
titus
I'm talking about the news, and their click bait focus.
fox
Right. So... anything else?
titus
Here. Here's a list of "weird things" I found. You let me know which one of those sounds like our guy.
Fox looks at the stack of papers.
fox
Great... look. They didn't really give me a lot to go on.
titus
Yeah yeah... So, meanwhile, I'll keep looking, see what else I can find. I've got
a few other friends on this. I should hopefully have a stack twice that
size by the end of the day.
fox
You're all heart
Titus is already walking away
titus
Maybe narrow down what we're looking for!
Fox sighs, sits down and sifts through the stack of
papers. He starts crossing some things out and making notes. PIXIE,
short, spunky, pink haired with piercings and tattoos, appears behind
him.
pixie
So if you're looking for an active demon, what books were you looking at?
fox
Looking for any lore I'm unfamiliar with. Need to see
if there are any signs or abilities from this thing I should be
watching for. This college has always had a good collection of esoteric
lore in their library.
pixie
Gathering you helped?
fox
A bit. But it was like that long before I got here. It's why I came to this university.
Phone rings.
fox
Hello?
kaleb
(OS)
That thing you were telling me to watch out for, without giving me any useful info to go off of?
fox
Yeah?
kaleb
(OS)
Think we may have found something.
int. office, day
Kaleb, Fox and company are sifting through documents in various folders.
pixie
These medical records?
kaleb
Yep. A number of people just got arrested in New
Orleans. Normal folks, no history of violence that suddenly went
berserk. Started screaming, cutting and slashing at people. There's
been others too.
fox
Bath salts?
kaleb
You think I would have brought you this if I thought it was bath salts?
pixie
I hate that these psycho zombies are giving bath salts a bad name. They leave the skin so smooth...
fox
That is unusual. But you think it's our quarry?
kaleb
You got a better lead?
fox
Point. Do we have a source for where it's starting?
kaleb
Sure thing. They're either getting sick in the Central Business District, Midtown, Uptown, The French Quarter, or the Marigny.
fox
Thanks for narrowing it down.
Fox stares out the window for a moment.
fox
So it really is here...
pixie
Lovely
kaleb
You weren't sure?
fox
I was honestly hoping it wasn't. I'd like this shit
storm as far away from my home as possible. But, it's more than we had
yesterday. We start canvassing?
kaleb
We might have some help in that matter.
fox
Oh?
kaleb
Yeah... Cosette Vistain wants to meet with you.
Fox and Titus go still. Pixie gives a strange look.
titus
What did you do to get on her radar?
fox
I didn't do anything!
pixie
Who is Cosette Vistain?
kaleb
She's one of the two barons of New Orleans. Vistain maintains control of The Quarter and The Marigny.
fox
And Reynaud de Chattilon controls the CBD and Uptown.
pixie
Lemme guess. Old and powerful.
fox
Yep. And not someone who's bad side you want to be on.
titus
So we should just leave town. Like now.
fox
She probably just wants a briefing on what's going
on. And if I try to run, she could probably intercept me before I got
out of here.
titus
Fucking wonderful.
fox
Yeah... she say when?
kaleb
Tonight.
fox
She really approached you?
KALEB
One of her mortal underlings. Yeah. de Chattilon and
Vistain are both evil bastards, but they keep things civil. It's the
covens out East and the in the other Parishes that keep our focus these
days.
fox
Things really getting that bad here?
kaleb
Yes and no. Yeah, a lot of new riff raff have wandered into town in the last decade or so. But...
fox
But what?
kaleb
New hunters have arrived as well.
titus
Oh?
kaleb
A few amateurs that got themselves locked up quick.
They're serving time in OPP for made up charges. But the Vatican sent
their knights here for some reason. They been at war with all sides in
the vampire community. So far, they don't distinguish between the good
and bad, and I haven't tried to tell them otherwise.
fox
The Hospitallers? Here?
kaleb
One and the same.
malachi
Who?
fox
Paramilitary wing of the Vatican. Catholic monster hunters. Well geared, and very well trained.
kaleb
We can talk about that later. Let's get this thing with Vistain over with.
fox
You're coming with me?
kaleb
Son, my whole family will be outside. She messes up, and it'll be a stake through the heart for every fang in the joint.
titus
So just to be clear, that's two stakes per vampire?
kaleb
Don't you have some reading to do?
ext. warehouse district, night
They exit their vehicles, looking out over a desolate graveyard of warehouses.
Fox
You sure this is the place?
kaleb
One of them. Yes.
Fox shakes his head. Kaleb points and the group walks
forward. There is a line of people outside. Loud club music can be
heard from inside. A stern man in a suit and sunglasses is letting them
in one at a time. Fox and company walk up.
guard
Do you have an invitation?
Kaleb hands the invitation to Fox. Fox hands it to the guard. Guard looks it over.
guard
This is for one.
kaleb
Oh, I know.
Kaleb and his crew all pull out their guns. Guard reaches for pistol inside his jacket.
kaleb
I wouldn't. If you want to keep your head attached to
your shoulders. See, he'll go in alone. But if there's any funny
business, we go in shooting. And we'll beat down this door using you as
the battering ram. Understood?
The guard tries to keep a stern face but realizes he's clearly outgunned here. He opens the door.
guard
Step inside.
Fox and Kaleb nod to each other.
int. night club, night
Fox enters into what appears to be an opium den.
Smokey haze fills the room. People sit back in alcoves, their faces
hidden. An alluring woman catches Fox's eyes. She trails her fingers
across his chest, then leans in and smells him.
VAMP
MMmmmm smells so savory. You must be him. Lady Vistain is in there.
She points to a table where a woman smokes from a
hookah, letting smoke trail around her like a dragon. A waitress
delivers a drink to a nearby PATRON. The patron goes limp after smoking
and falls from the seat onto the floor. The woman next to him just
watches and smiles. Fox looks at the table and takes the unfinished
drink.
fox
Guess you won't be finishing this...
Fox picks up the drink and steps over the body. He
walks up to Vistain's table. COSETTE VISTAIN, an ageless beauty, her
eyes captivating, her smile deadly. She slides over and indicates for
Fox to sit. Fox does and takes a drink, then coughs.
fox
Ugh, cognac?
vistain
Not to your pallet?
fox
More of a whiskey guy.
Vistain motions to the Vamp, who brings over a glass. Fox nods.
fox
Much obliged.
The Vamp smiles and but her eyes are soul-less. She
looks him up and down and licks her lips, not sensually, but as a wolf
eyeing its prey. Fox shivers and smells the drink before tasting it.
vistain
You'll have to excuse my colleagues. We're not all adept at concealing are... carnal sides.
fox
Carnal or carnivorous? Either way, your Grace. I
present myself in answer to your summons, and discover how I could be
of service.
Vistain gives Fox a curious look.
Vistain
You know the formal greeting.
fox
I walk in a lot of circles.
vistain
Just don't let those circles fall down around your neck.
fox
Pardon?
vistain
You're in the midst of a dangerous web. Comprenez vous?
fox
I'm starting to get that vibe, yes.
vistain
Well, this creature you're after. It is causing
issues in our domain. For myself, my rivals, and my colleagues. Now,
were it merely vexing my rivals, I would be elated. But too much
turmoil in a city is bad for business.
fox
Just enough turmoil to keep people afraid and inebriated.
vistain
Laissez les bon temps rouler. If you can't keep the
people happy, keep them sedate. If you frighten them too much, they are
no longer sedate. They're more like animals ready to stampede. And
stampedes cause such unnecessary loss of livestock.
Fox downs his bourbon and motions for another.
fox
Mmm hmm...
vistain
Where is that churlish wit I've heard so much about?
fox
I've started to learn when to push my luck and when to keep my mouth shut.
vistain
Wise. Others were not so. Others were dealt with in
unflattering ways. But you are different. You are a piece on the board
everyone seeks to move. Why is that?
fox
Everyone liked the hat when they played Monopoly?
Vistain chuckles.
vistain
You really don't know do you?
fox
I guess not.
vistain
Ah well. In any case, to the crux of this meeting. I
need you to do something for me. Because I know Reynaud will be after
the same. I need this demon's blood.
fox
What?
vistain
I know your history. Therefore I have confidence that
eventually you will capture this creature. The loss of life preceding
that will be up to your talents. But I know Reynaud and his pet
warlock, Donovan will want it. I need the demon's blood before they get
it. Or if they get it, I need it to defend myself from whatever they
are planning.
fox
You know this thing could destroy, not just this city, or state, but the whole Southeast if it got out of control?
vistain
Perhaps.
fox
Then why don't we work together to take it down? Then go back to stabbing each other from the shadows?
vistain
Because that's not how this system operates. New
threats always enter the battlefield. Even one as old as this cannot be
played any other way. Those that lose their heads every time the board
is disrupted, tend to lose them for good.
fox
People like me?
vistain
You are mortal. You're experience limited. Your life
span brief. It cannot be helped. You are unable to look at the longer
game, the bigger picture.
fox
And if I can't get it to you?
vistain
You'll likely already be dead. Or in Reynaud's
clutches. Understand, bringing it to me keeps you out of his hands. And
he is... not as friendly towards unruly mortals as I am.
fox
You tried to have me killed once.
vistain
A misunderstanding. And Reynaud wouldn't have just
killed you. He'd have tortured you first. Not for information, no... he
does it for fun. And he's quite... medieval in his methods. I'm sure
you you can draw your own picture.
fox
With my eyes closed.
Vamp sets down another drink. Vistain holds up her glass.
vistain
To the defense of the Crescent City.
fox
To everyone getting to keep their heads.
EXT. WAREHOUSE DISTRICT, NIGHT
Guard and Kaleb's crew are still having their stair
down. Fox exits the building briskly. Kaleb nods to the guard with a
smile and they walk back toward their vehicles. Kaleb turns to follow.
The rest of his crew backs away toward the cars, not taking their eyes
off the guards.
kaleb
Learn anything?
fox
Yeah. Both barons are going to wait for me to catch this thing, then swoop in.
kaleb
Fucking what?!
fox
I had to read between the lines. She's acting like
she's doing me a favor, and that Baron Reynaud will basically mutilate
me if he gets his hands on me. But the point is clear. They both want
demon blood.
kaleb
They believe it will give them power.
fox
And it would. We just don't know what power, or how their bodies would react to it.
kaleb
This keeps getting worse, doesn't it?
Fox presses his forefinger and thumb to bridge of his nose.
fox
Exponentially so.
Fox pauses. He looks at Kaleb.
kaleb
What?
fox
I need to call Pixie and Ren. They need to get out of town.
kaleb
You think he'd-
fox
If it gets him what he wants, nothing is off limits.
Fox pulls out his phone. He's waiting.
kaleb
What?
fox
She's not picking up.
kaleb
Shit.
int. apartment, night
Fox and Kaleb run in. Pixie is tied to a chair. A
group of good old boys are standing in the room. Every one of them is
armed. AVERY BOUDREAUX 50s, stout, surly. Looks like a pit bull meets a
boxer, a man you could strike a match off his chin, lights up a cigar
and grins at Fox.
avery
Nice of you to join us son. We have been waiting a while.
fox
I'm afraid I've already met Jesus. Swell guy, not really my type.
avery
Blasphemy. Funny. Especially in your line of work. When you know the supernatural is real.
fox
If you need anything-
avery
What we need, is this Demon everyone is so stirred up
about. You see, the Boss let's the city run off kilter to a point. But
there are circumstances he don't want getting too off the rails. This
would be one of those circumstances.
fox
So this is just to let me know to deal with this quickly?
avery
Promptly, and to report to the Chattilon residence immediately upon binding the creature.
fox
Afraid you're going to have to take a number.
Avery flicks out a switch blade to Pixie's throat, drawing blood.
fox
Stop!
avery
Think I got my ticket right here. You see, nobody
makes a move in town without the Baron's knowledge, or his say so. So
he says, bring the demon to him. Immediately.
Kaleb's fingers twitch next to his gun.
avery
Ah, as I live and breathe, Kaleb Blues, of the
illustrious Blue family. Still scraping with low lives like Meridian
here? Now, I'm not going to say you won't get a shot off before we pump
you full of holes. But in these confines, you can see there would be
some...
Avery looks at Pixie.
avery
...collateral damage.
Kaleb looks at Fox. Avery tosses a flip phone to Fox.
avery
Good boy. Now. We want this little matter resolved.
Now. Here is a burner phone with a single number in the contacts. You
will call in and report. And if you don't...
Avery hits Pixie in the stomach. She doubles over in pain.
Avery
You're an intelligent man. I'm sure you can put the finer points together.
fox
Understood. I'll report in as soon as I have something.
Pixie glares at Fox as he backs toward the door.
fox
It's going to be alright. I will get this handled. Quickly.
avery
You'd best.
fox
You didn't have to hurt her.
avery
I've found threats are taken more seriously when there's a little blood on the floor.
ext. street, night
Kaleb is trotting to keep up with Fox.
kaleb
So... what's the plan? We really going to come to Chattilon with this demon?
fox
I have other ideas.
int. Morgue, night
Fox storms in. Reneth looks up. Fox is searching through the room.
reneth
What are you looking for?
fox
Nitrous oxide
reneth
You looking to get high? Right now?
fox
Do you have any?
reneth
Over there.
fox
I'm going to need to borrow this.
reneth
Do I even want to know?
Fox
You will soon enough. I'll be back in a bit.
Kaleb peaks in the door.
kaleb
Hi Reneth
reneth
Hi Kaleb
Fox exits with the canister in hand. Kaleb watches him leave, then looks back.
kaleb
Bye Reneth
reneth
Bye Kaleb
Kaleb runs out after Fox
int. apartment hallway, night
Fox is sitting next to the door, canister in hand, a
tube fed underneath the door. He is sitting on top of one of the goons
who has a pillow case wrapped over his head. An elderly Hispanic woman
peers out from her apartment.
woman
Que esta pasando?
fox
Control de plagas.
woman
Por que?
fox
Cucarachas.
The old woman shivers, does a sign of the cross and waves to Fox.
woman
Gracias
fox
De nada.
kaleb
You speak Spanish?
fox
Une poquito.
kaleb
So what's the plan? Get them hopped up on goofy gas and rush them?
fox
Not exactly.
Fox looks at his watch. After a few moments we hear several people falling over. Fox stands and opens the door.
INT. APARTMENT , NIGHT
Fox steps over the fallen bodies. Unties Pixie and picks her up. He hands her to Kaleb and takes guns off a few of the goons.
INT. APARTMENT HALLWAY, NIGHT
They step into the hallway.
Fox
You got her?
kaleb
Sure. Why?
fox
I'll be right back.
Fox walks back in the apartment, gun in hand. We hear
several gun shots. Kaleb looks up and down the hall nervously. Fox
steps back outside, closing the door behind him.
kaleb
Not even a chance to defend themselves...
fox
They seem the sporting type to you?
kaleb
And you were worried about me inviting the police?
The old woman peaks back out from her apartment. She sees the gun in Fox's hand.
old woman
Para cucarachas? Por que?
fox
Enormes cucarachas. Cucarachas muy grandes.
old woman
Oh...my...
The old woman nods, seeming dazed, and closes the door. Kaleb shakes his head.
kaleb
Can we go now? Before the cops show up?
fox
Oh, now you're worried about it? Besides, I thought
you grew up here? Ten gun shots ain't gonna get NOPD here in less than
two hours.
kaleb
Normally true. But those were Chatillon's men in there. You think he ain't got this area watched?
Fox tucks the guns into his carrying case, looking out the window.
fox
True. Let's roll.
int. Fox's house, night
Pixie comes to on a chair. She jumps up, fists clenched.
pixie
Where they fuck are they!? I'm going to rip their dicks off with a cleaver!
fox
It's been handled.
pixie
You didn't give them the demon, did you?
kaleb
If that's a euphemism for shooting someone repeatedly in the head, then yes.
Pixie gets a wistful smile on her face.
pixie
You did that for me?
fox
They crossed the line.
pixie
Aww... I always thought you were too much of a pansy to ever do something like that.
fox
... thanks?
Pixie hugs and kisses Fox.
kaleb
That's what gets you kids going these days?
fox
Don't look at me.
pixie
Oh, you like it...
fox
I do. I really do.
kaleb
You realize Chattilon's going to have a price on your head for that one?
fox
Get the demon. Get out of town now. I got it.
kaleb
You could give it to Cosette. It'll turn the balance of power in the city, but keep you secure.
fox
After that stunt, I'm considering it.
pixie
No you are not. You give something like that to any of these scheming monsters and you have no idea how that will play out.
fox
You're right. The only thing I can rely on is for the factions involved to serve their own interests.
kaleb
What does that mean?
fox
Means I have a plan. But first, we have to catch this demon.
kaleb
We have a clue where it even is?
Fox makes a call on his phone.
titus
(off screen)
You got something for me to work with?
fox
Was calling to ask you the same thing.
titus
Then still nothing. Oh, did you know the horned lizard can squirt blood from its eyes?
fox
Thanks Titus.
titus
No problem. We'll be here if you have an update on this endless rabbit hole you've got us chasing.
fox
Wouldn't that be a goose, you are chasing?
malachi
(off screen)
I'm going to go play Golden Eye!
fox
He knows there are new games, right?
malachi
It's not about that!
titus
Later cat-dog.
Line disconnects.
kaleb
Did he call you Cat Dog?
fox
Because a fox is like a cat dog. I thought he'd given up on that nickname.
pixie
He only does it when he wants to annoy you.
kaleb
So, Cat Dog, what's the plan?
fox
God dammit.
pixie
You need to start hitting up your contacts. See who else has found something?
fox
Think your family would help?
kaleb
If this thing has upset the Loa, they'll know.
fox
Let's try there next.
int, blue residence, day
The decor of the house is a mix of artwork, drying
herbs, a shrine to the loa, and a library. ANGELIQUE, African descent,
late 20s, with piercing eyes, is tying off a gris gris bag and tosses
it to KALEB, African descent, 30s, muscular and imposing. He has a
patch of rattlesnake skin sewn into jacket.
angelique
Here is your mojuba. That should keep the worst of their powers at bay when you meet. Keep it on you.
Kaleb holsters a shotgun, a revolver, a few knives, and some wooden stakes.
kaleb
Thank you.
ANGELIQUE
Stakes? You think there will be vampires mixed up in this?
kaleb
They already are. Fox told me they're already trying to get this thing for themselves.
ANGELIQUE
And where is Fox? I thought he was coming with you.
kaleb
I had him wait outside a moment. I don't like him being alone with you.
ANGELIQUE
Brother...
There is a knock at the door.
ANGELIQUE
That would be him.
She waves her hand and the door opens. Fox steps in and looks around.
fox
There's... no one behind the door is there?
kaleb
You're letting mosquitoes in.
Fox closes the door. Angelique crosses and hugs him.
ANGELIQUE
It is good to have you back around.
fox
How's the family?
kaleb
Those of us left? Good enough.
ANGELIQUE
You might remember that some of us left are still here due to this man.
fox
Happy to help friends. How's Mama?
angelique
She is well. She is speaking with the Loa now. They are working up a defense for this part of the city.
fox
They can do that?
Angelique chuckles.
ANGELIQUE
The Loa can do many things, nonm blan.
kaleb
I'm packed and ready to go.
fox
I don't get to see mama?
ANGELIQUE
She would love to see you. But she has to attend to this. Which is how we know how important this is.
Angelique crosses and places a gris gris bag in Fox's shirt pocket.
angelique
For protection, mon frere.
kaleb
So we are meeting the Catholic knights?
fox
I wanted to, Angelle, have you heard anything?
ANGELIQUE
The world is gasping, and we are it's dying whisper.
kaleb
What?
angelique
Erzulie Dantor shared with me a message. That decay is inevitable, save for the immortals.
fox
A riddle. Great.
angelique
You are lucky. She likes you.
fox
Before I go. Did she leave any?
ANGELIQUE
You are really worried about that? Right now?
fox
I get to come down here like, what? Once every couple years?
ANGELIQUE
(sighs)
She knew. Mama knew... it's in the kitchen.
fox
Yes!
Fox runs off. He comes back with a plate and a piece of pie on it.
kaleb
Aren't we supposed to be meeting the paladins.
fox
Oh, they can wait. MMMMmmmm... oh I've missed this.
ANGELIQUE
Mama puts in enough butter and sugar to stop a rhino's heart. It better be delicious.
fox
No. Don't tell me the ingredients. You're just taking away the magic...
kaleb
Are you done yet?
fox
I'm not rushing this. You know what? I'll finish it in the car. Give mama all my love!
ANGELIQUE
I will, mon ami. You keep yourself alive to tell her yourself, dako?
Fox dances out the door, pie in hand. Kaleb shakes his head.
ANGELIQUE
Be safe my brother. And keep our silly friend alive if you can.
kaleb
I will. I'm not losing anyone else.
Silence.
ANGELIQUE
It wasn't your fault.
kaleb
Who's was it then?
Silence.
kaleb
We'll be back soon.
ANGELIQUE
That boy gonna eat the rest of mama's pie.
kaleb
He better save me some!
Kaleb bows his head and closes the door behind him.
Angelique sighs and sits down. She starts to stir what's in the pestle
in front of her. She puts her face in her hands for a moment and takes
a deep breath.
ANGELIQUE
Shango go with you and kill those monsters.
int. cathedral, day
Kaleb and Fox enter the church. Fox has a knife and
gun strapped to him as well. The priest gives them both a strange look.
A man in black with a long coat emerges from the confessional booth.
SEAN, mid 30s, Irish, with a lean, military build.
sean
What do you mean, bringing weapons into the house of God?
fox
We mean to walk out of it the same way we walked in.
Since you've likely got a few pieces hidden in your active shooter
jacket there, and your boys in the aisles are probably each packing
heat.
Two men in dark coats share uncomfortable looks, like they weren't supposed to be noticed.
sean
Come. Have a seat.
They take a seat in a pew. Sean kneels first and
makes the sign of the cross. Kaleb makes the sign of the cross and
sits. Fox looks at the crucifix on the wall and gives an awkward wave.
sean
You're the occultist.
fox
I've also been called Fox on occassion.
sean
You were a prodigy once, even in the Golden Dawn.
fox
I like symbols better than people.
sean
Before they kicked you out.
fox
Hence why I don't like people.
kaleb
It wasn't that simple.
fox
It's fine. Let him believe what he wants. So, you wanted to meet?
sean
I understand you've been in communication with the heretics?
fox
If you mean the large angry men defending the world from monsters by means of machine guns and bleeding out, then sure.
sean
Seems testy to make new alliances while cavorting with our enemies.
fox
Don't recall signing up for an alliance.
kaleb
Why are we here?
fox
They can't get their hands dirty digging around in
occult tomes for the items that will help them defeat or confine
demons. Elder demons are far beyond the scope of even an exorcism, so
they need someone like me. Which means either they've pissed off their
usual contacts, their contacts are missing, or they're dead.
kaleb
Which one is it?
sean
We haven't heard from them since this all started. We
know there is a cult at the source of this, they've been active for
some time and we've been trailing them. The Legiones Inferorum.
fox
The Legions of Hell? Was the Road Warriors already taken?
sean
They're no joke, sadly. They managed to storm a
central Templar compound and slay all of its defenders. They've also
killed a number of our agents that tried to stop their movements in
various countries. They are numerous, well trained, well equiped,
vicious, and well... not to put too fine a point on it, absolutely
insane.
Fox
So you need me to draw up some glyphs to protect your guys and help you take these elder demons down?
sean
What do you mean by elder demon?
fox
A demon that was active before Christianity. Call
them Solomon era demons if you want, but they've been out of the game
the entire time there's been a church as you know it. Which means your
rules, your magic, you can give me that look all you want, it's a type
of magic, doesn't work on them. They know nothing about it.
sean
Faith is faith.
fox
And naive is naive. And if you go into this naive, you're basically picking out the body bags for you and your men.
sean
How can faith not work against a demon?
fox
The seals of Solomon work because of theurgy, or
divine intervention if you want to call it that. But Solomon learned
his magic directly from God. The Church has chosen not to use that, but
developed a different system to combat them using Latin. But it took
time to work. It required the faith of many people over the course of
centuries to codify into the working library of demon hunting you use
today.
sean
That info is known only to us and the Vatican. How did you find this out? Who told you.
fox
I figured it out. Puzzling out how Kabbalah works,
then researching the history of your work and the history of exorcisms.
Reverse engineer it, and you come up with what I just told you.
sean
The rumors about you don't do you justice.
fox
But they usually add a few inches of height, so I don't argue.
sean
I did expect you to be taller...
fox
Let's focus?
sean
Yes. We would like you to imbue weapons and armor.
But for now, we do not have time. One of these, these elder demons, is
here in the city. Now.
kaleb
Yes, Mama is preparing the defense for the wards.
sean
And the rest of the area?
kaleb
They don't worry about us when things get bad. So we're tending to ourselves this time.
Sean shoots Fox a look. Fox shrugs.
fox
I don't disagree with him, if that's what you're
looking for. But still, this thing needs taken down or contained.
What are you thinking?
sean
If your magic can provide us protection, then we will
try to draw it into close quarters and cut it down with blessed
weapons. Then we can either exorcise it back to Hell, or contain it
with one of your spells.
kaleb
Shall we prepare some gris gris bags for the protection of your men?
sean
We can't use voodoo. Our faith and the blessed weapons and armor from the Vatican are our shield.
fox
Peachy, when do we leave?
sean
Now.
fox
And they wondered why I insisted on getting a good night's sleep last night.
kaleb
You knew about this yesterday and went to sleep?
fox
No. I drank first.
Kaleb shakes his head.
kaleb
The end of the world won't change you, will it?
fox
Man, I hope not. Hey, did you say you were calling some friends?
kaleb
Some friends and some relatives.
fox
Is Angelique going to be there.
kaleb
(looks up)
You're testing me, aren't you?
ext. ruined building, night
The Hospitallers, Kaleb's crew, and Fox all exit
their vehicles. There is screaming heard from all around. A man with
shaggy brown hair and loose fitting gray clothes, GERALD, steps out of
a van. Gerald is thin, calm, and eerily detached in his reactions.
sean
Who is this friend of yours again?
fox
Gerald. The short answer is he's a powerful psychic.
kaleb
But his abilities go beyond what most would associate with that word.
fox
Thus why I brought him with.
There is a shrieking sound in the distance. Everyone grabs their temples, hissing in pain. Everyone save Gerald.
Kaleb
What the Hell is that?
gerald
There is a force piercing into peoples' minds, tearing their sanity like tatters of a withering veil.
fox
Can we do anything about it right now?
gerald
It's... off that way. There is another force much closer.
fox
Gerald, can you... deal with that thing over there?
gerald
You want me to enter into a psychic battle with a demon prince from the ancient world?
fox
Or, you know, play defense for a bit.
gerald
I will do what I can. Protect my body.
Gerald sits down, beginning to meditate. The Hospitallers begin to shiver.
sean
Did it just get really cold out here?
fox
In New Orleans?
Sean is fighting to keep his hands from shaking.
sean
It's freezing out here!
kaleb
Feels fine to us. Perhaps you should taken some of the gris gris after all.
enzo
Do you have any extras?
Sean glares at Enzo.
enzo
What? We feel very cold out here, and they do not.
sean
Shake it off. We have to focus.
fox
You're not going to just 'shake it off', its coming from one of the demons.
A wind howls and the Hospitallers visibly shudder.
sean
Fine. Give us some of the voodoo pouches.
Kaleb leans his shotgun over his shoulder and walks toward the building, past Sean.
kaleb
Didn't bring any extras. Said you didn't need 'em.
Sean sighs. The group head toward the crumbling building.
sean
Why would an ancient demon prince choose an abode like this?
fox
Throughout history the daemonai were drawn to ruins. Perhaps it reminds them of home.
Enzo stumbles. Fox catches him.
fox
You alright?
enzo
Just getting light headed. Like I haven't eaten. It's strange...
fox
Kaleb, we're going to lose these guys before we even
get close to the demon. Do you have anything that can protect them from
this?
kaleb
Hospitality once refused is not always brought about a second time. Besides, we didn't bring any extras. Really.
fox
You guys really came into this with no protection?
sean
We're wearing imbued, blessed armor with silver and
iron in the plating. Its bullet proof, and defends against attacks from
many kinds of creatures. In any other instance, we would have been fine.
Fox sighs. He pats his pockets and pulls out some small shiny stones.
fox
Here, hematite and tqt. It'll lessen the effects of its powers. It's the best I can do.
sean
Thank you. I-
Everyone hits the ground as one of the Hospitallers starts firing their machine gun.
fox
What was that?
Hospitaller falls to the floor.
sean
Cover!
Sean runs to the fallen Hospitaller. Turning him
over, there is a wound seeping with black liquid and blood. Sean levels
his gun.
enzo
What is it?
sean
He's been poisoned.
enzo
By what?
sean
I suspect we're about to find out.
Everyone levels their guns, looking into the shadows.
Something reaches for Fox out of the darkness. Fox yelps as he is
pulled back and Kaleb runs toward him. Fox swings around with a
talisman and the thing in the shadows screeches. As Fox falls forward,
Kaleb fires his shotgun into the shadows behind Fox. Everyone turns,
heading toward Fox.
sean
What was that?
fox
The demon we're after.
enzo
Why does it seem like it is after us then?
raphael
We need to stay focused. This creature must be destroyed.
Raphael pulls a long silver sword from his back.
kaleb
Does this guy think we're about to storm a castle?
raphael
This sword is blessed, coated in holy oil and forged from silver. It will be much to the demon's unliking.
fox
We have to catch him first.
A person falls from the shadows, coughing and sputtering. They keep making a raspy retching sound.
raphael
Is that-
fox
That's not what grabbed me. I think... it's a person.
Kaleb nods to Sean. They pick the person up and exit the building with the others guarding the rear.
ext. outside ruined building, night
raphael
Anything useful from the survivor?
sean
No. Their tongue is missing.
kaleb
And I don't think she can see.
raphael
What would cause this?
fox
Shit.
kaleb
What?
fox
I know who this is.
raphael
How?
kaleb
He reads a lot.
fox
It's Savrok the Viper. Savrenost the Venomous. Sabnock of the Ichor.
enzo
How many names does this one have?
sean
You're one to talk, Enzo Saverio Esposito Salvatore de Lazio.
kaleb
What was all that?
enzo
How else do you keep the genealogy of the father, mother and the region your family is from?
raphael
If you all do not mind, there is still a demon killing people out here?
everyone
Right...
raphael
How do we defeat this... Savrok?
Fox feels around in his pocket before pulling out a copper bracelet with two red gems.
raphael
And what is that?
fox
Copper bracelet with a ruby and red garnet.
enzo
Why would anyone put a ruby in copper?
fox
To instill vitality against supernatural forces. In this case, forces that poison you.
sean
Did you bring any for the rest of us?
fox
What is this? A second grade birthday party? No, I didn't bring enough for the rest of the class.
sean
So only you and Kaleb are protected from this thing?
enzo
We can wait out here. Is fine.
raphael
I will not be waiting out here.
sean
No one is waiting out here. But we are at a severe handicap going back in there.
enzo
We could always come back later?
Sean and Raphael glare at Enzo.
enzo
I am guessing my suggestion was voted down.
fox
We could really use your swords in there. I'd leave
the guns holstered for this one. We're going to have to get him out of
the shadows and slice him a few times to weaken him.
Kaleb holsters his shotgun.
kaleb
And what am I going to use?
fox
You still got your grandpa's knife?
Kaleb pulls out a massive, wicked looking bowie knife.
kaleb
Lucille?
fox
There we go.
raphael
We still haven't addressed how the rest of us our going to keep from getting poisoned.
sean
I can barely keep my teeth from chattering from
whatever else that thing is doing. I hate to admit it, but we might be
walking targets in there.
Fox thinks for a moment. He pulls out a needle.
fox
Alright, while I'm working, the rest of you keep your guns trained on the building.
sean
So what are you doing?
fox
Giving you lot tattoos.
EXT. OUTSIDE RUINED BUILDING, NIGHT
The other Hospitallers are finishing putting bandages
on their arms. Fox is still jabbing Sean repeatedly in the arm. He is
consulting a small notebook with the symbol drawn inside.
fox
Hold still. Alright, there. Finished.
Sean looks down at the Goetic sigil Fox carved into his arm.
fox
There. We're all finished. That is a powerful Enochian charm.
raphael
You have contaminated us with dark magic?
fox
Enochian is actually the language of the angels. So
that's about the holiest symbol apart from a cross you could have on
you. That particular symbol is the anti-sigil to Savrok.
raphael
Then we are ready?
fox
As we're going to be.
raphael
Then let us finish this.
Leaving the wounded, the rest enter the ruined
building once more. They can hear a faint whispering that echoes off
the walls and high ceiling.
savrok
Your words come to me slowly. In screams and whispers. In prayers...
raphael
No one prays to you monster.
savrok
Indeed. They are prayers that die on the lips of the
forsaken. Praying for help that will never come. For unlike your
impotent deity, I am here.
raphael
Not for long...
Raphael unsheathes his sword and lets the sheath drop
to the ground. The other Hospitallers draw their swords. Kaleb draws
his knife. Fox starts putting on rings. Savrok's laugh stirs the air
like a swirling hiss and a whisper.
Eyes appear from the darkness, and Savrok leaps out
at Enzo, knocking him to the ground. A hissing sound is heard as Enzo
screams out in pain. Sean runs to his side and takes a swing, but
Savrok is gone. Every eye is vigilant.
Raphael's eyes scan the room. But he seems to be
sensing something, listening, not just seeing it. Fox begins drawing on
the ground in chalk. Savrok's voice echoes in the air.
savrok
Drawing your conjuring sigils little magi?
Fox glances, but continues his work.
savrok
You are the wizard of this age?
Fox and Raphael exchange a look. A sudden plan shared. Raphael moves away, stalking the shadows.
fox
Oh, you know. I dabble.
Savrok's laugh returns.
savrok
Dabble, little sorcerer? And you seek to challenge S'av'hrok?
fox
Have no interest in 'challenging' you. Just want to
put you back on the shelf where you belong. Hey, if I rubbed that urn,
would you have to grant me three wishes?
SAVROK
Do not confuse the living black fire with the smokeless flame.
fox
Right. I'll mark that in my diary.
savrok
We shall scrawl such beautiful misery onto it's pages...
Raphael lunges and stabs into the darkness. Savrok's
eyes appear in the shadows as he screams an unholy screech of men and
animals dying in unison. Savrok turns and spits black venom at Raphael.
Raphael blocks with a metal gauntlet and flings the bile to the ground.
He twists and wrenches the sword as Savrok continues to scream. Savrok
thrashes, sending Raphael tumbling to the ground.
Fox runs up, placing a parchment with a conjuring circle drawn on it into the shadow.
fox
Where are you, you slippery bastard?
Fox is lost in the shadows for a moment as Savrok's
inhuman screaming continue. Fox screams as well. Sean and Kaleb both
run to help.
kaleb
Where are they?
sean
I don't know. They both vanished into this wall!
Finally a figure in black with scaly skin falls to
the ground. There is a dagger pinning the scroll to his chest. A low,
gutteral gasp escapes his lips. Fox stumbles out of the shadows next.
There is black ichor dripping from his side.
fox
Travels through shadows... neat trick...
Fox collapses to the ground.
INT. FOX'S HOUSE, day
Fox awakes on his bed. Titus stirs. He looks over at Fox, silent. There seems to be a deep sense of worry on Titus' face.
Titus
He woke up before noon! You owe me ten bucks!
MALACHI
Can we order pizza now?
pixie
Who's delivering this early?
MALACHI
I will call until I find a place.
titus
Got to respect a man on a mission.
fox
So glad you all were worried about me.
titus
What? You do this like, once a month. At least.
reneth
Ya. You've plucked the worry fields till they've run fallow.
titus
In other words, we ran out of fucks to give.
fox
Thank you for the translation. I think I got the gist of it.
Fox lays back down, closing his eyes.
fox
We got him though right? Savrok is put away.
pixie
The weird SWAT priests said they'd seal him away for good.
fox
Did anyone call the Templars?
malachi
They said (imitates Raphael) I would tear pages from the good book before I will kneel to those heretics.
fox
No! The demons have to go back to the Templars! They're the only ones who have the seals!
titus
No worries. We gave them yours.
fox
You what?
titus
It's not proprietary. The more folks out there able to seal these things away, the better, right?
fox
That's not- you know what? Have we heard from Conrad?
titus
Not a peep.
fox
That can't be good. I need to head down to their local chapter and see what's up.
Fox goes to sit down and Pixie pushes him back into bed. Fox winces in pain.
pixie
You are sidelined buckaroo. That bogeyman really did some damage this time.
fox
I can't be sidelined. We need someone who can contain them.
titus
Which is why we finally called the Golden Dawn.
fox
You did what?
pixie
What I wanna know, is why they weren't your first call when this all started? Was it more important to go play hero?
fox
What? I never want to go play-, you can't just throw
these groups all together. And you can't just let random people wander
off with demons they don't know how to subdue.
titus
Okay. First, I don't qualify the Catholic Church as
'random people', they've kind of had the demon fighting market cornered
in the Western Hemisphere for the past two milennia. Second, they
didn't wander off. They went to go get more militant men of the cloth
to go round up the rest of these things. So you've got the Catholics,
the Templars and the Golden Dawn all on the case. Which means you can
sit your happy little ass there and let someone else handle it.
fox
They're three groups that all hate each other.
pixie
Then they better put on their big boy pants and learn to get along. Because stuff is getting pretty hairy out there.
fox
What have I missed? How long was I out?
Titus
Well, there's one causing storms off the coast of
India. We're pretty sure back to back hurricanes over there isn't a
dimple in the weather patterns.
<<Other characters list off other demons attacking in various countries>>
fox
You're sure they understood how to draw the diagrams before they left?
titus
Look, the long haired one seemed pretty pompous, so I
focued on the other two. They seemed pretty dedicated to getting it
right.
fox
If the circle is incorrect, it won't seal.
titus
Fine. They'll figure it out. They have a literal army at their disposal.
pixie
Now stop worrying and take your medicine.
fox
You didn't give me any medicine.
malachi
Rocco's is open! What toppings do you want?
reneth
Here's that green tea and honey.
Pixie grabs the cup and gives it to Fox.
pixie
There. Medicine.
reneth
And we need to check and redress those wounds.
fox
Alright. I'll try to get some rest. Look, um... thanks everyone.
pixie
Say thanks by not being a pain in the ass.
malachi
Uh, guys. Toppings. Rocco's waiting.
INT. FOX'S HOUSE, DAY
Fox awakes to his phone ringing.
fox
Hello?
conrad
Where are you?
fox
Home. Why?
conrad
Were you injured?
fox
Yeah. Why?
conrad
You have not listened to news.
fox
I... have not. I'm taking that to mean I need to.
Fox turns on radio.
radio voice male
-with more power outages in the area due to the
intense sudden hurricane battering the east coast. Meteorologists are
baffled as to how it could appear so suddenly on the coast with no
warning.
radio voice female
Thank you John. The string of fires throughout the
buroughs and downtown have fire fighters scrambling to contain the
blaze. Police are on the look out for what they believe to be a gang of
arsonists on the loose.
fox
What. I told you the big stuff was on your heavy hitters.
conrad
Keep listening...
radio voice female
In other news, a strange mob has gathered in Harahan,
attacking people and dragging them from their homes. There is a... is
this for real?
radio voice male
It... it appears so.
RADIO VOICE FEMALE
A... um... hooded figure in a red robe has been seen in the center of the crowd, seemingly conducting them in their attacks.
fox
Shit.
conrad
Yes. Shit.
fox
Someone's figured out how to control one of the demons?
CONRAD
That is what it looks like.
fox
That was quick.
conrad
Not quick. They knew somehow. Before the attack. It just took them this long to track one down. So what do we do?
fox
I... um. Let me think. Okay. This is new territory, but we'll need an exorcist.
conrad
This possession is voluntary. Will that work?
fox
I honestly don't know, but it's our only option right now. I'll... look into some back up plans.
conrad
So you will be contacting the Papists?
fox
Unless you've got an exorcist in your back pocket?
conrad
How many can they summon?
fox
Why?
conrad
When you see the crowd, you will understand. We will need manpower.
fox
If these people are possessed, or magically influenced, they're innocent. We can't just go in shooting.
conrad
Then we will need a larger force for crowd control.
fox
Don't you have any police ties here? Can't you summon an army of SWAT teams?
conrad
In Catholic Louisiana? I think not.
fox
Point. Okay. Let's wrangle who we can and try to keep the casualties to a minimum.
conrad
You have taken to this situation remarkably well,
given your civilian background. When this is all over, perhaps you will think of
joining us.
fox
You still doing the whole celibacy thing?
conrad
There are various orders. But we are not like the Papists.
fox
Hmmm... okay. When do we descend on this mess?
conrad
I would think now. We are en route, should be there in two hours.
fox
But the airport and highways to here are shut down.
conrad
(helicopter sounds in the background)
Silly man. We have our own transportation.
fox
Right. Templars. Got it.
Fox hangs up and stares at the wall.
kaleb
So what's the score?
fox
I imagine you already heard everything.
kaleb
Yeah. But that don't explain the look on your face.
fox
Did you hear him asking how many Hospitallers we could wrangle?
kaleb
Yes. We'll need all hands.
fox
But... specifically Hospitallers. Not cops or army. Hospitallers.
kaleb
We are fighting the supernatural.
fox
I hope that's it.
kaleb
What else could it be?
fox
Two ancient orders with a lot of bad blood going back
seven centuries. I'm just hoping they're not planning on using this as
an opportunity to wound an old enemy.
kaleb
At a time like this?
fox
Now would be the perfect time. Get a bunch of their enemies out in the open? Hit them all at once?
Kaleb rubs his chin.
kaleb
Damn it...
fox
Yeah.
kaleb
So what do we do?
fox
No choice really. We still gotta go.
kaleb
Please tell me you have a plan?
fox
Stay alive?
Kaleb just stares at Fox.
fox
Look, if two groups of ancient holy warriors decide
to start shooting each other up, I don't really know what I can do to
stop them. I'm just hoping they realize that millions of lives at stake
is more important than personal grudges.
kaleb
Here's hoping.
fox
I'll make the call.
int. car, night
Fox is driving. Radio is playing.
RADIO
More reports are coming in from downtown Chicago,
where a fit of mass hysteria has turned into a full blown riot. Cars
are overturned and buildings are on fire throughout the business
district. But no one seems to know the cause of the riot or the agenda
of the rioters. Camera crews report that the rioters seem to be
attacking each other at random.
Whatever is stirring this pandemonium also seems to
be affecting the local prison system. A riot at the Metro Correctional
Center for Chicago also seems to have a massive riot with numerous
injuries and several inmates escaping the prison facility. Jane?
Fox turns off the radio.
kaleb
Don't you want to know what's going on?
fox
Not if I can't do anything about it. I have to stay
focused on the monster we're about to face. If we survive and there's
nothing closer we have to handle, then I'll learn everything I can
about what's going on in Chicago.
kaleb
So you stay focused on one objective at a time. I get it.
fox
It's so I don't get overwhelmed. If I start thinking
about all the lives I'm not saving right now, I might just break down
before we even reach our destination.
kaleb
You still let it get to you like that?
fox
I guess I haven't learned to compartmentalize yet. You?
kaleb
Well, I'm not really used to anything this large
scale. And... yeah. When that thing was hunting my family a few years
back. Well, I wasn't really able to keep my cool or my focus. It's why
I called you.
fox
I was happy to help.
kaleb
We almost got you killed man.
fox
But you didn't. So now we can go get killed tonight.
Kaleb smirks.
kaleb
I don't know about you, but I've got a date with a
rocking chair at age ninety-five, enjoying one last cigar and watching
the sunset.
fox
Then let's check this off our to do list.
ext. warehouse district, night
kaleb
Where are the troops?
fox
We're supposed to meet here.
Conrad and his entourage emerge from the shadows. They are all armed to the teeth.
conrad
The Papists get cold feet?
Raphael, Sean, Enzo and several other Hospitallers round the corner.
raphael
The true servants of God never shy away from ridding the world of evil.
conrad
And yet you are still here...
Raphael growls and reaches for his sword. Several
members of both groups reach for their weapons. Fox steps in between
both groups.
fox
Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa. In case every one forgot,
there is a demon rampaging through this city, dragging terrified people
from their homes and murdering them.
conrad
I thought it was a person that had bound a demon.
fox
I don't know what it is yet. I'll know when we get closer, and we'll act accordingly.
raphael
This may be a person wielding the power of the demon? How can this be?
fox
Demonic magic. Nasty stuff. I'm not sure who this
group is, but they're pretty capable, and pretty insane to try
something like this.
raphael
So are we binding it or slaying it?
fox
The one that's bound the demon to them? We slay. But
we need to pin point who that is first. There are a lot of innocents
out there tied up in this. They're the ones really being possessed.
sean
That's why you asked for the exorcists?
fox
Were you able to find any?
FATHER EPHRAIM, 60s, An old, weary and scared looking priest steps forward.
sean
Father Ephraim. Theologian, philosopher, and exorcist.
ephraim
This is most irregular.
Fox lights a cigarette and stares out into the screaming night.
fox
Irregular indeed.
Ephraim walks over and stands in front of Fox. He seems to study him for a moment.
ephraim
You are sure this will really work?
fox
I'm not sure of anything really. These creatures were
locked away in the days of King Solomon. Before Christ. So all of the
knowledge we have of demons may not even apply to them. But some basic
principles seem to be the same. Some of my magic has been able to keep
me safe.
raphael
Heresy.
ephraim
The Lord manifests himself in myriad ways.
raphael
Quite right Father. So, Fox. Where is this creature?
More screams are heard in the distance. Fox points a thumb over his shoulder.
fox
That direction seems like a good start.
enzo
This seems like the mother of bad ideas.
fox
I never said it was a good idea.
enzo
Then why are we going?
sean
Because there's no other option. Is there?
fox
Not that I can see.
raphael
Why do you listen to this one? He walks in the realms of black magic.
sean
He knows things about these creatures that we do not.
raphael
That seems less reason to trust him, not more.
conrad
You have time to debate your Bible later. We have work ahead.
Conrad nods and motions for his group to move
forward. Raphael nods and Hospitallers do the same. Two columns move
into the city. Fox and Kaleb walk in between them. Fox notices how many
have their guns drawn.
fox
I need to repeat, most of these people are either
possessed, or under the influence of demonic magic. We can't just start
shooting them up.
conrad
What do you propose instead?
fox
We'll have to fight our way through.
templar 2
Is he nuts?
conrad
It is debated.
Raphael looks to Ephraim. Ephraim nods in return.
raphael
It is noted. We shall protect this flock. Use batons
and non bladed weapons. We wish these people to find peace in this
world if it can be provided.
kaleb
That sound really cryptic to you?
fox
Everything he says sounds really cryptic to me. I don't pay it much mind.
kaleb
You sensing the tension though, right?
fox
Kinda hard to miss
kaleb
So how you planning to keep them from each other's throats?
A strange hissing sound is heard.
fox
That.
Dozens of screaming lunatics come running out of the shadows. Their clothes are torn and many have blood stains on them.
conrad
Form up!
raphael
Knights! Defend!
The group takes on a rush of attackers from both
directions. Conrad tackles two to the ground. The Templars and
Hospitallers show their training, taking out numerous attackers very
quickly. But the attackers keep coming. Fox is boxing his way through
the fight, but is taking more hits than some of the others.
conrad
We have to find the one controlling them?
Enzo appears on a nearby rooftop.
enzo
I think I see the cloaked man. He is on the next street.
sean
What are you doing up there?
enzo
Reconnaissance
sean
Why does it look like 'avoiding a fight'
enzo
Because you are looking at it from the middle of a fight
raphael
Enzo! Get down here!
Enzo nods and climbs down.
fox
Enzo, can you show me where he is?
enzo
This way
kaleb
I'll cover your six
raphael
Enzo, we must not get separated.
conrad
I will have some of my men go with them
Kaleb and Fox exchange looks
fox
You both cover us, and stay close. He may have reinforcements up ahead.
Conrad runs up next to Fox. Fox has a suspicious look, but hides it from Conrad. They continue on.
They round the corner to see the Hooded Man watching
as the crowd tears a screaming woman apart. The Hooded Man is laughing
as he watches. Ephraim makes the sign of the cross.
EPHRAIM
This is truly unholy...
raphael
How will we get close enough to him?
A shot rings out and the Hooded Man falls to the ground. Everyone spins around to see Enzo pointing a rifle.
enzo
What? This was the goal, no?
kaleb
He's not wrong.
fox
We don't know if he was the right guy though.
sean
Um, guys.
fox
Ya?
sean
They're not stopping.
They look to see the woman still being eviscerated.
Thankfully she has either died or passed out. The others are tearing at
each other. Some are running off looking for fresh victims. The rest
are looking at the hunters.
fox
Shit.
kaleb
So what was plan B?
raphael
There was a Plan A?
kaleb
See? He does have a sense of humor!
Raphael scowls at Fox. Fox looks back, then at Kaleb.
fox
I never said-
kaleb
You implied. A lot.
fox
(to Raphael)
You have to admit, you do kind of have a stick up your ass.
Raphael shakes his head and braces as the next wave attacks.
sean
How do we get this to stop?
fox
We still have to find the source.
Conrad and the other Templars and Hospitallers arrive.
fox
We need to split up.
kaleb
What is this, Scooby Doo? Splitting up will get us killed.
fox
So will trying to fight this entire mob.
Raphael looks into the distance, seeing more mayhem.
A group of black vans approach and stop near one of the warehouses.
Raphael holds his pistol in the air and fires. Groups of maniacs turn
and approach.
kaleb
You trying to draw them all to us?
raphael
We need to figure out the source? Yes?
fox
Stealth would have been the preferred option.
The next wave attacks. The group is fighting for
their lives. A voice starts speaking to them, but the voice emanates
from one Maniac to the next.
maniaC
You cannot stop us. We are Legion.
fox
Yeah. I think I read that someplace before.
The black vans pull up and Raphael runs towards them.
sean
Thank god, reinforcements?
raphael
Yes. Lets update them on the scenario and get new weapons.
Raphael runs to the van with the other Hospitallers close behind. Two Templars get taken down and mauled in the confusion.
conrad
You are breaking ranks too quickly. We need to hold together!
Raphael jumps into the van.
raphael
Everyone. Inside.
sean
What about the mission?
raphael
This was the mission. Ridding ourselves of heretics. We will return tomorrow and sweep for the demon. Everyone in.
The other Hospitallers climb into the vans. Sean and Enzo are stunned.
sean
We can't really be doing this.
raphael
This was an order from the Arch-bishop. Everyone in.
Sean looks at Ephraim as he climbs into the van.
sean
Father Ephraim. You can't be okay with this.
EPHRAIM
The Templars unleashed this blight upon the world. It is just that it becomes their undoing.
raphael
In. We leave now.
sean
This is wrong.
raphael
These are our orders.
Sean and Enzo exchange a look.
enzo
Going back is suicide. We know this.
raphael
Exactly. We leave and regroup.
Sean steps back.
sean
I'm not leaving them.
raphael
You will be abandoning the Order.
sean
The Order is abandoning Honor.
enzo
Did you really just say that?
sean
Hey man, honor still counts for something. I still need to be able to look at myself in the mirror.
enzo
You could turn the lights low.
sean
I'm going back.
raphael
You're throwing your life away.
sean
I guess I am.
enzo
You are crazy brother
sean
Maybe so. I'll miss you
enzo
I am crazy too it seems
ephraim
There is no reason to sacrifice yourself here for these heretics.
sean
We swore to protect everyone father. Sinner and saint alike.
Sean looks at Enzo. Enzo shakes his head then shrugs.
enzo
Let us get this folly over with.
Sean nods, and heads back toward the battle.
int. Warehouse district, night
conrad
What they doing?
victor
They're driving away!
fox
What?!
victor
Those cowards. They're running.
conrad
No. We have been betrayed. Again.
fox
Great.
Sean and Enzo run up and rescue Victor as he falls to a group of attackers.
conrad
You came back.
fox
What are you, nuts?
sean
Yep. Grade A certifiable.
enzo
He is crazy one. I am here to keep him out of trouble.
victor
I take it your friends aren't coming back.
sean
No. No they're not.
conrad
Okay. So what is plan?
fox
Gerald. We need your help.
victor
Who is he talking to?
kaleb
A friend.
INT. WAREHOUSE DISTRICT, NIGHT - the Gloaming
Everything goes black and white and it is just Fox and Gerald standing in the yard.
gerald
You called?
fox
Yeah. We're in bad shape. We're surrounded by lunatics and we can't figure out where the demonic power is coming from.
Gerald is looking around, his eyes wandering.
gerald
These you are facing. They have been unhinged.
fox
No kidding.
gerald
Their minds have been pushed into a feral state. All except... that one.
Gerald points at one man among the group. He is dressed like all the rest, torn clothes and blood.
fox
Smart. He blended in with the crowd.
gerald
You have it from here?
fox
Gods I hope so. Where are you off to?
gerald
There is a similar wave of violence in Chicago, but worse than this. I am headed there.
fox
Be careful
gerald
You do the same.
INT. WAREHOUSE DISTRICT, NIGHT
Regular sound and color come back into frame and Fox
is jolted back to reality just in time to be clawed across the side of
his face by an attacker. Fox cries out in pain and falls back, tossing
the attacker. Kaleb pulls him to his feet and clotheslines another.
kaleb
Stay sharp man. Can't afford to be dozing here.
fox
Gerald found him. Its that one, right there!
conrad
You heard the man. Attack!
They charge, trying to fight through the swarm. The man in tatters starts laughing.
tattered man
Puzzled it out did you?
fox
Nice disguise
tattered man
No disguise. You can't make it in the Brimstone
Society, unless you're willing to get your hands dirty. You need to
enjoy your work.
conrad
You, you enjoy this?
The Tattered Man gestures toward the Hunters and the
Lunatics attack again. The defenders are weary, and taking more hits,
more injuries.
tattered man
You are facing the next era. And you will simply be pavement in our new world of flames!
A car drives by behind the Tattered Man. Pixie
reaches out the window and breaks a glass bottle over the Tattered
Man's head. He falls forward and Reneth jumps out of the car and shoots
him. As he falls, the Tattered Man gestures toward Reneth. The Lunatics
lunge at Reneth. She turns and shoots one or two but is mauled by the
rest.
Fox screams, trying to pull through the crowd. Kaleb
tries to assist but is mobbed. We can hear Reneth screaming as the mob
bites, claws and beats her savagely. Conrad roars and charges, making a
path for Fox. Kaleb shoulders up with Conrad to tackle the group off of
Reneth. Fox runs to her side.
kaleb
We need the binding circle. Now!
fox
Is she?
Kaleb grabs Fox by the arm and hauls him to his feet.
kaleb
I don't know, but we all will be in a sec if you don't get to work.
They hear laughter and screaming from nearby. They look to see more groups emerging from alleys and between buildings.
kaleb
Go! Now!
The group try to create a perimeter around Fox and
Reneth. Pixie runs out of the car with a baseball bat, swinging for the
fences.
Fox stumbles, his bloody hands shaking. He is drawing the circle when the Tattered Man grabs his arm.
tattered man
You are fraying. I can feel it. Whatever the outcome, you will be joining me in Hell soon.
Fox pulls away and finishes the circle. He falls back
against the car as the mob goes limp. Many fall to the ground. Others
look around in confusion. An EERIE FIGURE appears within the circle. It
points at Fox, speaking in ancient Babylonian.
conrad
What is it saying?
fox
I don't fucking care.
Fox crawls over to Reneth. He cradles her onto his
lap. Pixie sees this and a mixture of jealousy and sadness washes over
her face. Victor steps forward, Kaleb holds up a hand.
KALEB
(softly)
She ain't breathing.
conrad
She has lost a lot of blood. Come. Let us get her to our Temple.
Conrad starts shouting orders. The Templars grab
their gear and get their vehicles. Kaleb and Pixie stand next to Fox as
Fox weeps over Reneth's lifeless body.
int. templar Compound, night
Templars are packing gear. Checking weapons. Conrad
is looking over a map and discussing the next operation with his
subordinates.
Reneth lays on a metal table nearby. The doctor pulls a sheet over her face.
fox
All over again...
Titus walks up.
titus
Last time... it... it wasn't your fault.
fox
No? Who's then? And this?
Titus
You can't go down that road. You know where that road leads.
Fox nods and leans against the wall. Pixie hugs him from behind.
pixie
You still have me.
Fox puts his arm around hers.
fox
So I can get you killed next.
pixie
Maybe. Maybe not. But you can't live like the world's glass, just waiting for something bad to happen. I loved Reneth. We all did. I want to puke right now. But I'm also going to remember everything she did for us. How she lived. How she loved us. She lives on in us.
fox
I'm just not ready right now.
Pixie nods.
pixie
I'm here if you need me.
fox
I know. And I do.
Pixie takes Fox's hand. Conrad looks up from the table. He glances at Reneth before looking at Fox.
conrad
Are you ready for next mission?
Fox is silent for a moment. Still staring at Reneth.
conrad
You are civilian. I understand if you want to sit next one out.
Fox shakes his head, coming to.
fox
What is it?
CONRAD
We have located another one. We have an informant
that says this one will have ., power that will help us capture or
subdue the others.
kaleb
Which means it'll be way more dangerous.
CONRAD
This is most likely.
Kaleb sharpens his knife.
kaleb
When do we leave?
CONRAD
Soon. You, Papist Knights. You still in?
sean
I guess we're not really knights any more. But yeah. We're in. Hell, no where to go now.
victor
You could always-
Conrad silences Victor with a glance.
CONRAD
Good. We are settled. Fox. A word.
int. side room, night
CONRAD
I am not counselor. Nor do I share personal feelings. So I will talk, and you will listen. Understood?
fox
Ja vol commandante.
CONRAD
I have lost good people in this war. I had lost several before I came to you at first. The firestarter.
fox
You tried to take it by yourselves.
CONRAD
Yes. And... we failed. People died. But, someone close to me.
fox
Died too?
CONRAD
Remember what I say of listening?
fox
Roger.
Fox lights up a cigarette.
CONRAD
There is no smoking in here.
fox
It helps me listen.
Conrad shakes head.
CONRAD
Anna. She was... close friend. No jokes. No explanation.
fox
Understood.
CONRAD
She was... set on fire. She burned, and screamed
horribly. But she did not die. They cut hole into her throat so she
could breathe. She... is on tubes that keep her alive. Her face...
melted. Half her body, burned. Burned... so badly.
She is in pain. Constant pain. Because of me. Because of my choice. So, I say, just once. I understand. Okay?
Fox is fighting back tears. He just nods.
conrad
We finish this fight. To honor them. And we hurt in the fight, to pay for our mistakes.
fox
Yeah... yeah, I can get behind that.
CONRAD
Okay. Let us gather men.
int. meeting room, night
Everyone is gathered around with a glass in hand.
They are pouring from a bourbon bottle, except Conrad and Victor who
are pouring vodka.
CONRAD
We may not return from this. So before we leave, we warm the blood, and toast as brothers.
Pixie clears her throat.
CONRAD
Brothers and little pink haired girl.
pixie
I'm verklempt.
Everyone holds their glasses high.
fox
To those we lost.
kaleb
And to those we fight to keep from losing.
sean
And to new friends.
CONRAD
This is not wedding toast. Drink and get in vans.
Everyone takes their drink and heads to their vehicle, weapons and pack in hand.
enzo
I do not think we have new friends.
kaleb
You have us.
sean
I can live with that.
fox
Oh you don't know the half of it. Kaleb's mom can cook like you wouldn't believe. And his sister is smoking h-
kaleb
I will stab you in the leg.
fox
Smoking cigars. Man does she love a good cigar.
KALEb
If you got her smoking, I'm still stabbing you.
ext. hospitaller compound, night
They drive up to a red brick compound. A rampart in front. Cathedral on one side and tower on the other.
sean
What are we doing here?
CONRAD
This is where head demon is hiding.
Sean and Enzo exchange looks.
sean
Look, I was willing to help out on a demon hunt. But if you're looking for payback against the Hospitallers, I'm out.
VICTOR
What are you talking about?
enzo
Do you really not know?
Several Hospitallers appear on the ramparts, swords drawn. Raphael appears in the center.
raphael
So you survived. And decided to come back for revenge. Excellent. We don't have to come looking for you...
CONRAD
One day, Papist, I will gut you from head to toe. But we are hear for the demon.
hospitaller
What is he talking about sir?
raphael
Lunacy. They are looking for any excuse to attack us. Cut them down.
Sean runs out.
sean
Wait!
raphael
The turn coat.
gustav
That is brother Sean. You told us he died in the battle.
raphael
I wanted to spare him the disgrace of turning his back on the Order.
sean
You were going to leave our comrades to die!
raphael
Heretics are never our comrades.
fox
We don't have time for this. Is the demon here or not?
raphael
You know, I forgot to ask. Let me just go knock on
his door and see if he's home. Of course there's no demon here! This is
the fortress of the Hospitallers, the holy knights of God. No demon
would dare.
One Hospitaller starts vomitting. Another doubles over, grabbing his stomach.
sean
Please tell me you have extra gris gris bags.
Kaleb and Fox start passing out charms. Victor falls to the ground spasming before Fox gets the gemstone in his pocket.
pixie
What was that?
sean
Do you have any more charms?
fox
Everyone's safe
enzo
Not everyone
CONRAD
You are going to rescue our betrayers?
sean
They were my brothers up till last night. I can't let them die like that.
Conrad stares for a second, then nods toward the
dying Hospitallers. Kaleb, Sean and Fox run out to apply charms and
gris gris when the lights start going out.
HOSPITALLER
What is happening?
HOSPITALLER 2
The wards. They can't get past the wards.
fox
This one apparently can...
kaleb
Will the circle still work then?
fox
Its older magic, the magic they're familiar with. Christian magic is based on-
pixie
We don't need the history lesson. We got it. They don't know Jesus.
fox
Sure. That.
A raspy whispering voice speaks in an unknown language. Another of the Hospitallers falls to his knees, shaking in pain.
kaleb
The gris gris isn't working.
fox
It's figuring out a way around it, or its using something that gris gris doesn't protect from.
kaleb
Lovely.
Fox runs up to two fallen Hospitallers. Their eyes stare up, lifeless.
fox
We're too late on these guys.
Sean screams in frustration and pulls out his sword.
sean
Where are you demon! Face me!
A low moaning sound is heard, and the camera rushes
toward Sean. Sean grabs his heart and falls to the ground, screaming in
pain.
fox
Fuck!
The Templars all exit their vehicles, weapons drawn.
CONRAD
Scholar. What are we fighting?
fox
I don't know. I've never seen a demon that moves like this.
Out of a cloud of smoke, a shadowy figure appears behind Fox. It touches his back and Fox convulses in pain.
demon
(whispered)
Your soul is tattered. I shall rend it entirely.
It reaches down and Fox screams, shaking. Kaleb runs
up and stabs it. Kaleb and the demon wrestle before the demon vanishes
suddenly and Kaleb falls on to top of Fox. Fox cries out in pain again.
fox
You stabbed me! In the leg!
kaleb
I did warn you.
CONRAD
How do we defeat this thing?
fox
I don't know!
pixie
Hey asshole! You want to possess someone? You things like that eh? Get off on it? You want to come see what's inside my head?
fox
Pixie! Don't!
The essence rushes toward Pixie and she is knocked to the ground. She twitches for a while.
demon
You will submit.
pixie
You don't know my safe word.
The demon and Pixie both scream.
kaleb
What the hell is that?
fox
She's fighting it. Inside her mind.
CONRAD
Draw the circle! Now!
fox
No! I'm not leaving her trapped with that thing!
CONRAD
It was her choice! Do not let her sacrifice go in vain!
Fox still doesn't move. Conrad locks eyes with Fox.
CONRAD
Own the hurt.
kaleb
And keep going.
Fox fights back tears. He screams and charges down
the stairs. He begins drawing the circle while Pixie thrashes around,
screaming, laughing, crying. Fox is staring at the binding circle as he
finishes it. He looks at everyone around him, then steps inside,
completing the circle.
kaleb
What are you doing?
fox
Ending this.
Fox grabs Pixie, who continues thrashing. He is fighting to hold her still. She opens her eyes and looks at him for a moment.
pixie
You dumbass. That was the part where you run.
fox
I'm not good at taking hints. Remember?
Pixie chuckles, in pain.
pixie
Yeah. I practically had to draw you a road map to my bedroom. Fox, I-
She blinks and her eyes go feral. She grabs Fox's face.
demon
Broken soul... tattered soul... let me taste your anguish as I lacerate your mind...
Fox wrestles with Pixie for a few moments before he starts screaming as he falls to the ground, writhing in pain until-
int. unknown room, night
Fox awakes in a nondescript room.
pixie
Well, you fucked up.
Fox looks around.
fox
Purgatory?
pixie
Or limbo. I don't fucking know.
Fox looks around, seeing only walls and shadows.
pixie
So what now?
fox
You bring any cards?
pixie
Fuck me. I'm going to be stuck with your bad jokes forever?
Whispers can be heard all around them. And a sound like something small chewing through a wall.
fox
What was that?
pixie
Its him. Or it. Its crawling around my mind, or soul, or whatever.
fox
Doing what?
Pixie
How the Hell should I know? That's yours and Titus' bag. You tell me.
fox
Can you feel it?
pixie
Yeah
fox
What does it feel like
pixie
Like ice water in my veins. Like a slimey hand
crawling up my esophagus out of my intestines. Like a stitcher
unraveling my insides.
fox
We have to stop it
pixie
How?
fox
Fuck if I know
pixie
Lovely
Fox is walking the edges of the room, touching the walls. The whispers continue. Pixie shivers.
pixie
Would you stop that and just come sit by me?
fox
What? Why?
pixie
Because you need to stop.
fox
Stop?
pixie
Yeah. Stop trying to fix things for now. Stop trying to find a way out. Stop working on something and just be. With. Me.
Fox looks around the room once more. He walks over to
Pixie and sits down. She lays her head against his shoulder. He puts
his arm around her.
pixie
I said hold me, asshole
fox
Well, when you ask so nicely
Fox puts his arms around her
pixie
Hold me like you held her... when she died.
fox
You're not going to die.
pixie
You can't fix this. You probably can't even get out of this. Just, spend time with me before it all goes dark.
fox
I'm not sure it'll work like that.
pixie
Just believe it. For right now. Just be here, with me, right now.
Pixie twitches again, wincing.
fox
It's him again, isn't it.
Pixie nods. Fox moves to get up.
fox
I have to find a way-
pixie
Just stop! Can't you just stop trying to solve the puzzle once and just be here with me?
fox
But you're...
pixie
Going to die?
fox
No.
pixie
We all do. But we don't all live, you know?
fox
Did we live?
pixie
I think so.
Pixie cries out in pain. Fox shifts, but Pixie pulls him close.
pixie
Just talk to me.
fox
Want to hear a story?
pixie
No
fox
So what about?
pixie
Tell me why you started
fox
Started what?
pixie
All the voodoo shit
Fox
I don't do voodoo, that's Kaleb's family-
pixie
You know what I mean.
A hiss. A snapping sound. Pixie cries out in pain.
pixie
Talk
fox
I... I wanted to know what else was out there. I
wanted to delve into mysteries. I felt like there was so much around us
that was unexplained. That we just took for granted. I wanted to know
why. I wanted to know things other people didn't.
pixie
And did you?
fox
I did. I realized there is more than I could have imagined. I realized there were things I wish I hadn't known.
pixie
Do you wish you hadn't done it?
fox
I wish people hadn't gotten hurt
pixie
They would have gotten hurt with or without you. A
lot more would have gotten hurt worse without you there. But that's not
what I asked.
fox
No. If we're just talking about me. I wouldn't trade
any of it. The studying. The searching, researching, learning, growing.
I... wouldn't trade any of it.
pixie
Then you lived.
fox
You know, when we get out of here.
Pixie spasms violently, holding onto Fox. She pants for a moment.
pixie
Out of... out of my head?
fox
Is that where we are?
pixie
It's my guess. Either that or we're in my soul.
fox
Well, when we get out. I want us to go travel.
Pixie is getting weary, tired.
pixie
Where to?
fox
I've always wanted to see eastern Europe. Hungary.
Romania. Bulgaria. See old castles. Meet the locals. Drink alcohol
we've never heard of before.
Pixie's eyes are closed.
pixie
Sounds nice...
fox
I'd raid the local book stores. See if the
universities would let me raid their rare books selections. We'll see
what spooks we can rustle up over there. I'll get a job as a researcher
for a college or something. And we'll hit a new town every weekend.
What do you say?
Pixie has gone still.
fox
Pix? Pix?!
Fox shakes her. He holds her close.
demon
You already know she is gone.
Fox screams and rushes the Demon. The Demon knocks
him to the ground without effort. Fox tries to lunge at the Demon from
his knees and is knocked to the ground again. Fox rolls onto his back,
groaning in pain.
fox
How do you die inside your own soul?
demon
She was... resilient. I have never encountered such a strong will.
fox
She was pretty stubborn when she wanted to be...
demon
You will be trapped here, in the void where her soul once was.
fox
Oh, I thought you'd be moving in. Figured we could be roomies.
demon
Unlike you, I am free to go where I please.
fox
I can think of worse places to pass away...
demon
You have made peace with your passing?
fox
Peace? Buddy, I've been waiting for it.
demon
Lies.
fox
I've buried too many people I care about. Passing
away means I don't have to do that any more. I don't have to carry that
weight. I'm good with it. I'm ready.
Fox sits up.
fox
Wait. Why aren't you leaving?
The demon hovers.
fox
The binding circle! You're trapped in here with me!
demon
It is you who are trapped with me.
The demon reaches forward and Fox writhes in pain.
The demon moves its fingers like its pulling threads from the air and
Fox lurches and convulses in agony.
demon
I never said you were passing. I said you were not leaving here.
Fox coughs and sputters a few times before he can get enough breath to speak.
fox
I'm good with it. As long as you're stuck here with me.
demon
I will bide my time. They will make a mistake. In the meantime, I can occupy myself torturing you.
The demon holds out his hand and sends Fox flying
across the room. The demon closes its fist and Fox grabs his chest,
screaming.
fox
(panting)
You're stalling.
The demon tilts its head and there is a cracking sound that sends Fox lurching and screaming again.
fox
Look... if you're going to ask me out, no point in playing coy.
The demon shakes its fist, throttling Fox from a distance.
demon
I will break you...
fox
You... you wouldn't worry about breaking me... unless you needed something from me.
The demon releases Fox and he falls to the floor panting.
demon
You know how to break the circle. I release you and
you break the circle. I release this human. You do not, I torment you
both in here, forever. Let's see how long you can-
fox
Done.
demon
What?
fox
Done. I'll do it.
demon
You are planning some trick.
fox
You evil types. Always think everyone else is as
conniving as you are. You just gave me the one thing I wanted out of
this. I break the circle, and you float right on out of her. But I'll
have a second circle on me. You try to take her, I'll lock you right
back up.
Pixie's voice can barely be heard, as though she's shouting from far away.
pixie
Don't do it!
demon
It is a deal then. You do not fear the consequences?
fox
I honestly don't care anymore. I'll get another shot
at you one day. Or, you could ease back on the mayhem and me and my
friends won't have to come looking for you.
demon
What?
fox
Look, the End of Days thing is fun. Sure. But you can
have a whole new life in this world. You can keep it low key. Sacrifice
one or two virgins. Mutilate some cattle. Whatever gets your rocks off.
Just keep it under the radar, so you don't have an army of demon
hunters at your doorstep.
demon
I am a Duke of Hell. I am born to rule! Legions obey my commands. Nations tremble at my passing.
fox
And where did all that lead you? Trapped in an urn.
Where did it lead this time? Here. We humans, we're a tenacious lot.
You wipe us out, others will figure out how to stop you, and they'll
come for you. Or you learn to find a balance, like the rest of us.
demon
You have no idea what my existence is like.
fox
Maybe not. But I know what it's like to want to choke
the person that won't stop talking on their phone on the train. Or to
set fire to the place that impounded your car. Or to punch every idiot
that looks at you stupid. I get it. But I don't do it. Because I don't
want to spend the rest of my life fighting, or on the run.
demon
You are suggested I start a new leaf? Cultivate a garden? Start making pottery?
fox
I mean, this keeps happening, right? Might be worth a
shot trying something else. Do whatever you like. Just don't draw a lot
of attention to yourself, and you stop ending up back here.
demon
You are a strange one.
fox
I've heard that before.
demon
And I have your word. I release the girl, you will release me?
fox
Yep. Now listen, I'm going to have to act like it was a mistake though. So... forgive the theatrics.
demon
This does not make us friends
fox
I never said it did.
demon
Hmmm...
INT. TEMPLAR COMPOUND, day
Fox sits up, gasping. He looks around. Victor and
Sean jump up. Conrad sits up straighter. Kaleb walks into the room,
sipping a mug of coffee.
kaleb
How do you not have chicory here?
Kaleb stops and stairs at Fox.
kaleb
You good?
Fox looks over at Pixie. Then he nods. He stands up
and stumbles, sliding into the binding circle, breaking it. Pixie sits
up, eyes vacant.
demon
Till we meet again...
There is a loud sigh and the lights flicker. Then Pixie falls back to the floor.
CONRAD
No! Red alert! The demon has escaped.
Conrad and Victor run out the door. Enzo follows behind. Sean and Kaleb remain.
kaleb
We going after it?
fox
Not right now.
sean
It... didn't escape did it?
fox
I made a trade.
kaleb
They'll kill you if they find out.
fox
Probably. But I'll take that over losing any more people I care about.
sean
You know this just means someone else dies.
fox
I know. And maybe that's on me, maybe it's not.
sean
How could it not be?
fox
Because I had to make a choice between keeping the
dangerous monster locked up, and losing one of the last people in my
life I care about. Anyone that demon faces might have to make that same
choice. I've already made it too many times, and this... this was one
too many.
kaleb
That's not very heroic.
fox
Nope.
sean
So what now?
fox
You moving out of the convent?
sean
They don't let men... nevermind. I don't think Enzo and I are going to be welcome at the chapter houses.
Fox and Kaleb look at each other.
kaleb
We thinking of letting them join the band?
fox
We're a band now?
int. fox's house, day
Kaleb lays Pixie down on the couch. Enzo and Sean both walk in, armed to the teeth.
malachi
Whoa! Are these guys SWAT?
Enzo and Sean look at each other.
fox
They're former Hospitallers.
titus
You can do that? I thought that was like the Mob, you're in for life.
kaleb
Italians really like that whole "in for life" thing.
malachi
Italians?
kaleb
The mafia. The Roman Catholic church. Chianti vitners.
titus
So what's the game plan?
fox
Looks like we're expanding the operation.
titus
For?
fox
Demon hunting. Lots of demon hunting.
Titus sighs and rubs his eyes. Pixie groans and sits up.
pixie
What did you do?
fox
I made a choice.
pixie
So now everyone that gets hurt is on me?
fox
No. It's on my head.
pixie
Is this about Reneth?
fox
Reneth. Celine. Kaleb's uncle and grandfather. I just couldn't lose anyone else.
pixie
But more people will die.
fox
Maybe.
sean
What do you mean maybe?
fox
We had a little heart to heart. I told him if he laid low, we wouldn't have to come after him.
sean
And you think it'll listen?
fox
I have no idea. But I've seen people change their ways before.
enzo
You know this is a demon which we speak of.
fox
Which did favors for Solomon and ancient magi. Which
obeyed sorcerers throughout the centuries. We don't really know a lot
about them, as beings. Just what they can do and to be afraid of them.
sean
They aren't people. You can't apply the same logic to them.
fox
I know. I guess. Or maybe I don't know. I don't what they're capable of. As individuals, I mean.
pixie
So you rolled the dice?
fox
Kinda. Like I said. He messes up, we'll grab him. If he doesn't, well, we have plenty else to keep us company.
titus
So, why are we still here?
fox
Drinks?
sean
I could use one.
enzo
Celebration amongst new friends.
sean
Aye, speaking of which. Ehm... can we crash with you?
fox
Once we get out of the city. Just one stop.
int. bar, night
The crew are all gathered around a pool table and some stools nearby. Enzo's turn is up.
sean
Remember, we're solids.
enzo
How many have you had?
Sean points at Fox
sean
As many as him.
enzo
And how many have you had?
fox
I have no idea.
kaleb
Great...
malachi
Why are we here when the video games are at home?
titus
We need to get you out more. You're getting pale.
malachi
You're hilarious. Also being out at night, inside a bar, is not giving me any Vitamin D.
titus
I think some of those bikers over there would give you some Vitamin D.
malachi
You're the worst.
kaleb
So tell me again why you're stopping here and not getting the hell out of dodge?
A group walks in. Dark and foreboding. At their
center, Cosette Vistain. Kaleb, Sean and Enzo all reach for their
weapons. Fox holds out a hand.
fox
It's okay. I invited her here.
KALEb
Are you insane?
fox
I've probably got a few screws loose at this point. But if you'll excuse me.
Malachi walks over and picks up a drink.
malachi
Did he drink out of this?
titus
How should I know?
Malachi sniffs the bottle, shrugs and takes a drink. Titus shakes his head.
titus
It's a start...
Fox walks over to a booth. Cosette motions for her
entourage to hang back. They and Fox's team glare at each other.
Cosette slides into the booth.
cosette
You do not have the demon.
fox
I do not.
cosette
So you want my people to hurt you.
fox
You didn't ask for the demon. You asked for this.
Fox slides a vial of red liquid onto the table.
Cosette's fangs come out as she licks her lips. She is visibly fighting
to keep control.
cosette
How?
fox
When it possessed my friend. I got the blood before I went in after it.
cosette
You went... in? After the demon?
fox
Yep.
cosette
You are insane
Fox
I've been getting that lately.
cosette
So what's your price?
fox
Protection.
cosette
I can't take Reynaud on. And Damian is after your head.
fox
Tell them what I gave you. Let them know to back off. I just need enough time to get out of town.
cosette
You could have just left. Why this?
fox
Because I want some competition for old Reynaud. He made it personal.
cosette
So this is just to get back at him?
fox
You're complaining?
cosette
Not at all. We'll get you out of town. And... I will owe you one.
fox
I appreciate it.
COSETTE
You know, before you leave. You and I could-
FOX
The one in the pink hair will literally stab me to death.
cosette
I could bring you back.
FOx
She'd do it again.
cosette
You should really talk to her about broadening her horizons.
Pixie is glaring at Cosette. Cosette givees her a
seductive look and licks her lips. Pixie looks flushed for a moment,
then looks away, crosses her legs, and tries to act composed.
cosette
It won't be the same here without you.
fox
I'll make sure to write.
cosette
If you're not being your usual smart ass self... I would like that.
fox
Are... we becoming friends?
cosette
You thought of me when you did not have to. I do not forget something like that. Regardless of the token.
fox
Same. Thank you.
cosette
Finish your drinks. Then we leave.
fox
Understood.
Fox walks back to the group.
fox
Our ride's here.
enzo
You are joking.
KALEB
Just crazy.
fox
Who's coming with?
sean
Hell, I ain't got no place else to go.
fox
Don't want to become a Templar?
sean
Honestly? No. I'm a free agent. I'm tired of taking orders. Want to see what the rest of life feels like.
malachi
Once we're safe. Can we play-
fox
We can play whatever you want man.
Titus shoots his whiskey.
titus
Then let's get rolling.
pixie
We're really doing this?
fox
Yeah. Why not. Let's go feel alive. Together.
pixie
I'd like that.
ext. parking lot, night
The group all get into various vehicles, laughing and
hooting as they pull out. Nearby is a group of armed men. Damian is
standing in the center.
damian
What is Vistain doing?
vamp underling 1
Should we go after them?
damian
Yes. Summon the police, sheriff, and some of our bounty hunters. We're going to make Meridian pay in blood.
The wind shifts. A sound of an eerie breath fills the air.
VAMP UNDERLING 1
What. Was. That?
demon
A warning.
They turn to see a shadowy figure standing behind them.
damian
Who are you?
demon
You've been looking for me.
Damian reaches for his pistol. The Demon reaches out
a hand that it clenches into a fist. They all fall to the ground
writhing in pain.
demon
You are out of your depth, undead... you will learn that sometimes it would do to let well enough alone...
damian
Your... his friend?
demon
Not yet. But I like most people much less than him. So for now, that is enough.
They scream as the camera pans over the city scape, and the cars driving away into the distance.
The end
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