Chapter 2 of Part 2 Exterminators

<body> <center> <table border="0" width="730"> <tr> <td> <center> <table border="0" width="730"> <tr> <td> <a href="#godenough">God Enough</a><br> <a href="#byfire">By Fire Light</a><br> <a href="#hellsborder">Hell's Border</a><br> <a href="#show">The Show</a> <br></br> <br></br> </td> <td> <a href="#guest">Guest of Honor</a><br> <a href="#sides">Sides Taken</a><br> <a href="#godscometh">Gods Cometh</a><br> <a href="#newsinister">A New Sinister</a> <br></br> <br></br> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="730"> <tr> <td> <a name="godenough"></a> <h2>EXT- BEACH- DAY</h2> <p>The ship is beached, a husk of what it was. Scattered around like rats, bewildered ORCS roam the sands: left so beaten, they do nothing.</p> <p>And down the way is ISAGOTH, finally dragging her dripping body from the sea. Ripping off his straps and flight gear is SARGOS, leaping from the exhausted beast in a total rage.</p> <p>But he dead stops at ALDRIC.</p> <p>The anger fades, leaving something that Sargos has never shown before - fear.</p> <p>Yet Aldric doesn't act on it. He merely shakes his head into a snarl...</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> My forces.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>And he walks away. He's marching back to the ship, back to GREYGEN. There is only one thing said.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Release the Trackers.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But the orcs aren't hopping to. Instead, they gather before him, trapping Aldric with Greygen's barks.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> Are you God?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The shout riles the orcs, lighting their defiance.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> (cont'd)<br> Is Magwitch God?!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Aldric has frozen. But he's not afraid. When he faces Greygen, he's not afraid. And Aldric's definitely not afraid when he slices the Orc King's belly.</p> <p>The cut's deep, but not fatal, merely an iron fisted love nip.</p> <p>Still, Greygen charges, snatching a broad sword offered up from the crowd.</p> <p>He's strong, but slow: each swing calmly dodged or blocked by Aldric. His skill unmatched, Aldric puts a new bite in the simian at every turn, ultimately bleeding him into submission.</p> <p>Knees giving, Greygen is down, his power spent, the fight lost.</p> <p>Eyeing the orcs, Aldric stares them all down to low bows. His alpha status restored, he looms over Greygen a king's king and hisses...</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> I'm God enough for you. Now do as I say and...</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He screams across his renewed disciples.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Let loose the fucking Trackers!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The front of the freighter opens to the beach. Away from the wide, blacken mouth, the orcs run far. Within that deep shadow, large glints bob and drift closer - eyes.</p> <p>In a flash and a shriek, the TRACKERS explode onto the sand and into the forest. Despite a mere glimpse of their visage, horror remains on the faces of all.</p> <h2>EXT- CAMPFIRE- NIGHT</h2> <p>The embers crackle within pure, vibrant flames, bolstering its own true natural energy. Almost caressing the fire with his voice, MAGWITCH pays homage to this humble symbol.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> From the atomic power of a single microbe to the gravitational pull of the moon. That's what the Bianox owns, that's what his wielder will master: all at once to one atom at a time. Absolute power. If we never had a God then, we would have one now.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>In the glow, Magwitch finds JOHN, making him squirm on his log seat.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> And he would be just as human as the rest of us.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John nods.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> What's atomic, what's a microbe, what's gravity?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Never mind.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Look, if this Bianox screwed up the world and if it's this God thing, why not just use it and fix what's wrong?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His eyes twist up to John.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> I tried once, came close. But compassion overpowered my under- standing. Humanity is an awful mistress.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Escaping his grim nostalgia, Magwitch tries to be funny.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> (cont'd)<br> People, can't live with them, yet they're still there.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Again, John shifts on his log, looking for a way out. He finds it in the trees - AGATHA.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You know what... I'm just...</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Forget it, he just goes.</p> <a name="byfire"></a> <h2>EXT- WOODS- NIGHT</h2> <p>In the dim trees, JOHN hunts for his strange beloved - AGATHA. She is there, stretching down from the dark branches, a sultry monkey, ambushing him gently.</p> <p>Putting him to the wood, she has him, her prey, gazing into him with the deepest of hungers.</p> <p>And it makes John speechless. He wants to speak - say something. But the words have stumbled. Fallen.</p> <p>He has been bewitched, captured by those wolf eyes going soft.</p> <p>With ginger nips, she feasts on him. Feeling her teeth, John looks skyward, definitely not knowing what to do. He can only stutter: freeze like a limp dog.</p> <p>But that stops when the pain comes. Flinching, John holds her back, finding the blood trickle down his chest. Still, with only her sultry stare, she lulls him, stating a simple fact.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> I will hurt you, John. But you're going to like it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>So, he's dragged down: dragged down to be devoured by her love... somewhat literally.</p> <h2>EXT- TREE- NIGHT</h2> <p>BOB sits there in the tree, stoic as he scans the woods - on guard. HELGA arrives in that tree. She looks to him. He glances to her, but keeps watch.</p> <p>So, Helga comes to his branch. Head down, looking the other way, she takes his hand. No words, he puts his arm around her and they spoon, watching the stars.</p> <p>She looks to him. He looks to her.</p> <p>And she then pounces, throwing them both out of the tree in a loving embrace.</p> <h2>EXT- WOODS- NIGHT</h2> <p>Scratching and clinging, BOB flies down and crashes. On his back, he groans, helpless under a groping HELGA. Shining gaze going wild, she's letting out a frenzy she has never shown.</p> <p>She's hungry.</p> <p>He squints in pain but then finds her eyes...and goes pale. Silver teeth drawn, she gets him.</p> <h2>EXT- CAMPFIRE- NIGHT</h2> <p>MAGWITCH scowls in the firelight, listening to the moans and yelps echoing from the trees.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> I hate people.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- WOODS- NIGHT</h2> <p>HELGA snaps up, BOB's clothes still in her mouth. She's listening to something: no sounds, but she can hear. Bob cuts the silence as he huffs up to his elbows. She puts a gentle pinch to his Adam's apple and keeps her ear perked to the night.</p> <p>Then what needed to be heard is heard and she is gone.</p> <p>Bob is left behind...to drop right back to the ground.</p> <h2>EXT- WOODS- NIGHT</h2> <p>JOHN rolls onto AGATHA, both snickering before HELGA pulls his head back.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> I'm busy.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> Listen.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She focuses on the silence. In a flash, she is out from under John and is off with Helga.</p> <p>Sighing, John pulls his pants up, finding a scratched and haggard BOB coming out of the shadows.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> What happened to you?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Helga.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Bob, I've come to realize that I like girls with issues.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> And they ran.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Well, they... they have issues.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Bob goes back to camp. Still dressing, John follows.</p> <h2>EXT- CAMP- NIGHT</h2> <p>Teeth clicking, MAGWITCH keeps his back turned to JOHN and BOB.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> All right, so what the hell's going on?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Think they'd tell me?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Bob's gaze then snaps to the woods.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Bob?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He doesn't answer, just stares and draws his sword. John goes for his. It's not on him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Great, my sword's out there.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Leave it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> It's right over there.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Magwitch now smells what's coming.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> You don't have the time.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But John is already gone.</p> <h2>EXT- WOODS- NIGHT</h2> <p>Easing through the first set of trees, JOHN finds his sword nestled in the leaves and quietly reaches.</p> <p>But one of the trees steps on it.</p> <p>No, not a tree: a paw and a leg.</p> <p>He looks up this large leathery limb to the man size horns - a mandible. They spread apart. More fun past them: teeth, fangs - a big mouth of a hundred slimy bone daggers.</p> <p>To this sight, John leaves the sword... and runs like hell.</p> <h2>EXT- CAMPFIRE- NIGHT</h2> <p>Scurrying and screaming, JOHN is racing right back to BOB and MAGWITCH.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Trouble! Trouble!! Trouble!!!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>And out it comes, its horns and howl exploding from the trees - the TRACKER.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <p>It crashes between them, twisting its large sinewy body after John.</p> <p>He ducks around a tree. It rams it down.</p> <p>Bob pulls Magwitch back, but only to bring him to the other TRACKER.</p> <p>The horns smash the dirt, Bob slicing. The horns swing back, knocking him down.</p> <p>A tree flies. Bob is running. It's chasing.</p> <p>John is jumping and crawling as the beast pounds through the forest after him. He's back in the camp and in the open.</p> <p>From the woods it stomps down, looming over him like a mad elephant. But not for long, the horns are in the air, diving right for him.</p> <p>John screams.</p> </td> <td> <img src="trkr1wa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Tracker"> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But those tusks fly back. He's spared. Almost, it's AGATHA. She's dug in to its neck, stabbing the flesh. It lurches, ramming itself into the trees, forcing Agatha to jump.</p> <p>She lands, stands, eyes leering to a surprised, thankful John.</p> <p>Bob yanks Magwitch out of the other Tracker's charge, the thing full force lodging it self in the trees. It's locked in, easy prey for HELGA as she leaps on, punching her sword in.</p> <p>Bob isn't waiting. He's by her, carving the thing's side.</p> <p>But the Tracker breaks free, launching Helga and hammering those horns at Bob.</p> <p>From the fire, Magwitch grabs a burning log.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Run here!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Bob does, leading the Tracker. Seeing his chance, Magwitch pokes its eye with the burning branch. It flies back, getting Helga and Bob on it like pests.</p> <p>Ducking the horns, Bob thwacks its leg, sending the beast crashing. But still, it swings and stampedes.</p> <p>Shrieking over the passing roar, Magwitch calls.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> (cont'd)<br> The neck, you have to sever the spine!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The other Tracker bursts from the trees. Agatha stabs it and is taken for a ride, the thing going right for Magwitch. John yanks him to safety, just being missed as it hits the woods.</p> <p>Bob has taken out another leg of his Tracker opponent. It still swings those horns at him, making it extra hard for Helga to crawl up its neck.</p> <p>But she does, locking in and ramming that blade right between the beast's vertebrae.</p> <p>With a tense spasm, like a surging machine, the Tracker drops.</p> <p>And the last one is still coming.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Bob!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He throws his blade high, Agatha catching it in mid-air and landing on the Tracker.</p> <p>Blade into spine and that beast skids into death.</p> <p>The Trackers twitch and fade out, leaving their victors bloody and haggard.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> So, we were just bait?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> At least you're good for something.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She wipes her face.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> What are these things?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> These things are old. Relics of what we use to make.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> They're Trackers.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> That's what they're supposed to do, but they're not that good at much of anything.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC (os)<br> Except in distracting the enemy so they can be surrounded.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>They all see him, ALDRIC - him and every ORC. It's a trap and they're in the middle.</p> <a name="hellsborder"></a> <h2>EXT- WOODS- DAY</h2> <p>On a road, the ORCS march, horse and orc in pace, heading steadily to a burning horizon.</p> <h2>EXT- ORC KINGDOM- NIGHT</h2> <p>Past the trees and the valley, just at the river, are the peaks and tips of the new orc kingdom. Why the "new" orc kingdom?</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA (os)<br> This was Samson's kingdom: the first line of defense before the great city, before the Bianox. We own it now.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>From the bars of their wagon cage, JOHN and HELGA look out to what the orcs now have.</p> <p>The first city to the great city, great in itself: the old towers loom like withered trees, gangly arms scarring the sky. And despite the bright flaming hues, this place is dark.</p> <p>Welcome to the border town of hell.</p> <h2>EXT- CAGE- NIGHT</h2> <p>Again, JOHN winds up in a cage. Glancing around, seeing only BOB, HELGA and ORCS, he sits in the hay and waits.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> So what do we do?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Helga shifts. Bob broods.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> That's what I thought.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- CAGE- NIGHT</h2> <p>MAGWITCH is thrown into his own prison, where he is watched by curious ORCS. ALDRIC worms his way through to him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Keep the guards at a distance.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Made this cell just for me, eh?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> In hope.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Always in hope. If you think that torture or threats will work, that I would rather live than keep you ignorant, you should be smarter.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> I think, old man, that I won't stop until you do tell. One way or another, I will win our future back from you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Spoken like an evil man.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> One day, you'll have to tell me your morals: help me understand your insanity.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Just remember to return the favor.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Not going to win the last world, Aldric just skulks away.</p> <h2>INT- ROOM- NIGHT</h2> <p>Deeper within Samson's ex-castle, AGATHA hangs by the wrists. In the room's center, she dangles, feet clamped and perched on a log. And again, she's left bare in the least of clothe. Again, she's shown as slave.</p> <p>To the door's creak, her eyes snap: ALDRIC, entering with a goblet in his hand. As a gesture, it's extended to her lips but, thinking, he reneges.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> I guess it would come back in my face, wouldn't it?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Her answer is a simple glare. So he dips his fingers and starts touching. </p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Welcome home.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The ginger caresses make her squirm, then growl... then scream. She screeches, forcing him back with a wild howl.</p> <p>But that only really wakes him. Tossing the goblet, he seizes her, pulling Agatha close, keeping his face just out of reach of her teeth.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Oh, how I forgot the fire.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>And his hands have no shame, digging into every soft curve: each of her muscles tensing to stone at his touch.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Eons of living and still animals we: only warped by abstraction. If you just knew the need you serve.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> A real honor.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But she's cut short. Eyes faltering almost to tears, she must look high - look away. Those hands have found something below. Molesting what's truly precious, Aldric's fingers have mastered her defiance back to chokes.</p> <p>Now he talks. Lays his law.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> I healed every scar. Every time, renewed. Pain without even a shadow of damage: you should have felt immortal. Instead, you became a hateful little girl. Grow up and take your suffering like the rest of the adults.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But she overcomes, wills her eyes back to his. And, though she is at his mercy, Agatha becomes higher and mightier.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Some god you'd make.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>This finally stops him, Aldric's perverse grin relenting to a sobering sigh.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> All right, hate me. I tortured you with sex. God forbid.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Now he comes close again, driving in his grim warning.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> But you better pray you stay captive. Because, if you lead that withered monster to the Bianox, all nightmares come true - not just yours.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Then lets go, hitting the door and letting PRIESTS come in.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Get her cleaned and dressed, make it something showy.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>INT- HALL- NIGHT</h2> <p>ALDRIC is marching, taking out the KEY. The pill splits in his palm, levitating from the skin.</p> <h2>INT- ROOM- NIGHT</h2> <p>In an act of anger no different than using his fist, ALDRIC smashes a table with a punch of white energy from that KEY.</p> <p>He doesn't even notice SARGOS watching.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> My Lord!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> So much future in this small thing and so many barriers guarding it. And I still need that old dung heap. Destiny an inch from my hand and I'm still trapped. I need a show.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <a name="show"></a> <h2>EXT- CAGE- NIGHT</h2> <p>ORCS train rifles on JOHN and BOB and HELGA. The gate is opened.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ORC<br> You two.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>It's John and Bob. They're taken. Helga's left behind.</p> <h2>EXT- ARENA- NIGHT</h2> <p>Well, it's a party. Drums are pounded wildly as the fires worm around the stage. The crowd is there, all ORCS. They're cheering - it just sounds like demonic howling.</p> <h2>INT- ARENA- NIGHT</h2> <p>JOHN is tied to a post. He's in a dress. Confused, he can only absorb the fires and shrill barks.</p> <p>BOB is there too, but he's not talking. He's just quietly awaiting whatever approaches.</p> <p>The HANDLER is near him, sifting through mechanically enhanced horns.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HANDLER<br> Which one would you like?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> What are they?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HANDLER<br> Dragon calls.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> You got dragon calls?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HANDLER<br> That's what these are.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Hey, John, why don't we have dragon calls?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Stunned, John peers up from toiling ORCS strapping him tighter to his post.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I don't know.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HANDLER<br> Which one would you like?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Razorback.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HANDLER<br> Prefer the quick and painless, eh?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Something like that.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The Handler smiles and lifts the strange three-part horn from the rack.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HANDLER<br> I'm not supposed to use this one: a request from Lord Aldric himself. But me and my honor.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John looks to another orc, flicking at his dress.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> So what am I, the damsel in distress?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The orc whips around with a long, curly blond scalp.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ORC<br> Oh, you better believe it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Squirming, John is engulfed by the laughing orc, seized by the hair.</p> <h2>EXT- STAGE- NIGHT</h2> <p>Blonde hair and leather hanging from his head, JOHN just sighs as his post is hammered into the stage.</p> <p>The fires are extinguished. The arena begins its decent into dark silence.</p> <h2>EXT- ARENA- NIGHT</h2> <p>Upon his throne, ALDRIC eyes AGATHA: his bounded and tied queen in leather harem's bikini. Sliding back her hair, he can only revel in his possession.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Maybe we'll skip the retraining.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> No. Re-train me all the way. If you win, I don't want to remember I ever was.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Like the arena fires, the spark of his joy fades, swallowed into black. With the steady beat of foreboding drums, the stage is set.</p> <h2>EXT- STAGE- NIGHT</h2> <p>Against the rhythm, an ORC kicks a clunking steam generator, finally bullying it into a wheezing, spitting half-life.</p> <p>In heaving surges, the spotlights awaken, spewing jittery streams across the dirt.</p> <h2>EXT- ARENA- NIGHT</h2> <p>In the back glow, AGATHA spies the keys dangling from the GUARD. She puts her gaze back on the show though and thinks.</p> <p>Teeth snarl, throats growl as ORCS writhe in anticipation.</p> <h2>EXT- STAGE- NIGHT</h2> <p>Silence stops though when the lights fall on JOHN. The quiet now bursts into symphony of roaring wilderness laughs.</p> <h2>EXT- ARENA- NIGHT</h2> <p>But AGATHA isn't one of them. She's gone cold, foreseeing the awful outcome.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Aldric, don't do this?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>ALDRIC's scowl twists to a smile. No time for hate or retribution, all of her feelings disappear and drop on John's execution.</p> <a name="guest"></a> <h2>EXT- STAGE- NIGHT</h2> <p>The rest of the light finds BOB. He stands at the other end: unbounded and with sword. Those laughs become a thunder of cheers, making him and JOHN lock a worried glare.</p> <p>A third player is coming: one that needs a dragon-call. Like an alien whale, the horn blares over the arena, shutting out all other sound. And, with each bone-chilling howl, the call makes way for the ominous waiting.</p> <p>All gazes aim high to the shadowy abyss above, searching in hope, in dread, for the guest to come.</p> <p>But Bob isn't afraid. He winks at John, getting the "damsel" to wonder and stare high.</p> <h2>EXT- ARENA- NIGHT</h2> <p>Kicking back, GREYGEN watches the show: the casual spectator. But then he hears that call again. It strikes a chord. It's familiar.</p> <p>To his bugging simian eyes, he knows. He tries to warn ALDRIC but it's too late. The wind is already here.</p> <h2>EXT- STAGE- NIGHT</h2> <p>The spotlights stretch upward as the breeze cuts JOHN's hair. Within their beams, a leathery belly is glimpsed skimming the light.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <img src="rzbk2wa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Razorback"> </td> <td> <p>Then, tearing the air and punching the dirt, the beast lands, stretching its scowl through the dust - RAZORBACK.</p> <h2>EXT- ARENA- NIGHT</h2> <p>ALDRIC leans out to leer back to GREYGEN who can only pretend to be just as shocked.</p> <p>Agatha smiles.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Nervous, Aldr...?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But SARGOS's blade zips it for her.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> How about you?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Aldric has no comeback, only the need to watch and wait.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>There are no cheers, no hoots: just one unified gawk from everyone. If there were a phrase for each lip, it would be "oh shit."</p> <h2>EXT- STAGE- NIGHT</h2> <p>Except for BOB. Running past RAZORBACK, he clambers to JOHN, pure confidence booming from him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Don't worry, I've got a plan. It's Razorback.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I can see that.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Yeah, we've got a simpatico thing going.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You do?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Bob smiles a nod.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> This is where we're all going to die. You know that, right?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Scoffing, Bob pats his shoulder and trots back to the seething, snarling monster.</p> <p>He slows to a walk though, standing right under its greasy fangs.</p> <h2>EXT- ARENA- NIGHT</h2> <p>ALDRIC, JOHN, AGATHA, SARGOS, GREYGEN, the ORCS, all watch in suspense.</p> <h2>EXT- STAGE- NIGHT</h2> <p>Ignoring the huffs and the teeth, BOB takes a breath, takes a chance, and, with that slow twirl of the sword, bows before RAZORBACK.</p> <p>There is nothing but silence as he puts himself at the mercy of the beast. No attack, no death by tearing, the dragon has left him alone.</p> <p>And all are awed... until Bob looks up.</p> <p>Because now come the teeth.</p> <p>He dives, dodging Razorback's bite. It's after him.</p> <h2>EXT- ARENA- NIGHT</h2> <p>ORCS hoot. GREYGEN sighs. ALDRIC smiles and AGATHA sinks.</p> <h2>EXT- STAGE- NIGHT</h2> <p>Cheers echo BOB's escape from RAZORBACK's chomps, the man crashing into JOHN.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> What about the simpatico thing?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Bob works the words through his pants.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> I don't know.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Well, here's your friend.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Leaping, Bob dodges another toothy snap. Rolling, he finds himself under it, staring right into its diving mouth. On reflex, he stabs its gums.</p> <p>Razorback reels back, bringing the crowd to a hush.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> I... had to. I had to!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>No mercy, the dragon spits flames. He jumps, just missed by its pounding plume. Again, Bob clings to John's post.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I know quality time didn't work, but you need to get him to do what he did last time.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John's eyes pop.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Dragon. Dragon!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The bite passes Bob and goes right for a screaming John. But a slash to the dragon's foot saves him.</p> <p>Its teeth grind, eyeing a now very serious Bob. He isn't playing anymore. But Razorback never was. It faces him, black-eyed mug grinning red.</p> <p>Sword up, he eggs the beast on, still listening to John's shouts.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Push him!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Remaining steady, his eyes scan the stage, the CROWD.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Push him.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Razorback is coming. It isn't taking in for a blast. No. Teeth gleaming, it's coming to bite Bob in half.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> (cont'd)<br> Push him.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His answer is found on a throne, built above the ORCS and the man perched on it - ALDRIC.</p> <h2>EXT- ARENA- NIGHT</h2> <p>Seeing BOB's glare, ALDRIC feels what's coming. Feeling the same, AGATHA rediscovers the GUARD's keys.</p> <h2>EXT- STAGE- NIGHT</h2> <p>Serpent neck curving back, RAZORBACK is cocking for the snap. Gaze jumping to one of the spotlights, BOB has his plan.</p> <p>Diving under the dragon's slamming jaws, he rolls, slides to the light. With teeth looming above, there's no time for aiming. Bob kicks the light and prays.</p> <p>The spinning beam distracts Razorback though, long enough for Bob to jam the brightness on the throne and ALDRIC. Seared by hot metal, he lunges, landing before the incoming gaping mouth.</p> <p>But it stops. The muscles slump, the teeth close. He sees its eye. Razorback is looking up.</p> <p>The head rises.</p> <h2>EXT- ARENA- NIGHT</h2> <p>Lips curling, eye twitching, the very sight of ALDRIC is thrusting RAZORBACK into madness. It's swelling.</p> <p>Taking the knife from AGATHA's neck, SARGOS is backing away.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> He's going to fire.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Free to make her move, she rams herself and the chair at the GUARD, taking all three off the platform.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Stop her!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But Sargos instead saves him from the blast. The flames smash the entire platform and a lot of the ORC CROWD surrounding.</p> <p>When the fire passes, the orcs look to each other... and their dead. To the insult, the simians roar into a frenzy and charge.</p> <h2>EXT- STAGE- NIGHT</h2> <p>The ORCS are stampeding on stage, swords and axes flailing; meeting steel with bone as RAZORBACK cooks and gnaws their onslaught.</p> <p>Amidst the riot, BOB reaches JOHN, cutting his ropes in one chop. Second move, he yanks him down, escaping the stream of flames swinging by.</p> <p>Using head, teeth and fire, Razorback smashes, throws and burns the orcs. But they keep coming. They won't stop coming.</p> <a name="sides"></a> <h2>EXT- ARENA- NIGHT</h2> <p>SARGOS and ALDRIC surge from the benches, ducking another fireball. From the flames, he spots Agatha's chair - empty.</p> <p>But she's not far. Standing from the blaze, AGATHA calls.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Aldric!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He holds Sargos back and pulls his blade. Handing him the KEY, Sargos is sent away.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Is this what you want?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Her eyes spark.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Then come take it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <img src="ag1wa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Agatha rising"> </td> <td> <p>They charge and clash. Stabs, swings, bites, punches, the entire attack is carried through in a single explosive frenzy.</p> <p>But a blast divides them, Aldric left to search. She's gone.</p> <p>Shots from above. Sargos stumbles and falls. Scanning the mystery, he sees something moving beyond the flames.</p> <p>Looming over the burning chaos, she rises. Tight in those thin leathers, eyes shining fire: mighty, wild and horrifying. Agatha: gun in one hand, the key in the other.</p> <p>Rage overcoming her, betrayal overcoming him, their glares are in lock. But then she's away: stealing his prize, lost to his falling gaze.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- ARENA- NIGHT</h2> <p>Fleeing the roars and howls, JOHN and BOB make their escape, charging through a sea of debris and enemy fire.</p> <p>One ORC is upon them, but Bob is quick, striking the ape down. From it he pulls up a machine gun, shoving it into John.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I don't know how to use this!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Get Helga and Magwitch. I'm helping Razorback.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Why?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He spins his sword.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Because.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Not another word, Bob is running back to the stage.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Bob! Dammit.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>An orc charges, John shoots him, being thrown back into the mud. Gun shaking in his hands, John feels something he hasn't really felt before - power.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Woo!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The next orc gets it too.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Wooo!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Now he races, moving and shooting.</p> <h2>EXT- STAGE- DAY</h2> <p>BOB slices his way through ORCS to RAZORBACK. The dragon is overwhelmed, its battle becoming a futile attempt for survival.</p> <p>Bullets pierce it. It screams, swinging its head and biting. No more flames, it's out.</p> <p>Quickly, Bob cuts down an ORC, grabs his gun and shoots, dispersing the crowd. Taking its chance, wings flapping, Razorback is escaping.</p> <p>The HANDLER, still perched on his calling stand, fires. Not stalling, Razorback kicks the platform, shattering it with him and the horns.</p> <p>They all scatter, skidding right to Bob's feet. It draws his eyes up, seeing the old dragon push high and swoon to safety. Tipping the sword to his forehead, Bob sends his goodbye, the blade sparking with gunfire.</p> <p>The orcs are attacking him now.</p> <p>He dives and ducks. The last orcs are circling, spitting shots at Bob's cover. He's too far in the stage. His last moment is behind this sheet of jagged metal.</p> <p>But, to his surprise, a wind comes. Back from the sky, Razorback's thank you or F-you: a last blast of flame carving apart the remaining orcs.</p> <p>It drops another strafing run, clearing all life, searing Bob's cover and soars to the stars.</p> <p>From the smoke, Bob spies near him a horn: the three-part, surreal dragon-call of Razorback. Snatching it from the ashes, he rises, the last man standing.</p> <p>Call in hand, under those stars: the sole survivor... the sole chosen.</p> <h2>EXT- CAGES- NIGHT</h2> <p>More ORCS plummet back to sudden shots. JOHN howls past- the wild hunter.</p> <p>He turns a corner, new ORCS. Ducking back, he escapes sparking lead. Finding a portal, he aims and mows them down.</p> <p>Still feeling his strength alive in steel, John is giddy.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Oh yeah!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Hearing his yelps, the GUARDS around HELGA's cage train their rifles into the fire bright mist. Watching for John, they don't see AGATHA slinking down from the shadows.</p> <p>Pouncing fast, she gouges one neck. Whipping to his partner's gurgles, the guard faces BOB, absorbing steel soon after.</p> <p>Impaled, the guard lands at John's feet.</p> <p>Wide eyed, he gazes up, seeing with genuine comfort his fellow warriors.</p> <p>Noticing John's excited eyes, she smirks to Bob.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> I think he found his weapon of choice.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John huffs. She snaps Helga's lock.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Be careful, you only have so much of it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha hands her a rifle and sword, shrugging to everyone.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Well, we all know where we're going.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Ready as one, all four agree without word or gesture.</p> <h2>EXT- MAGWITCH'S CAGE- NIGHT</h2> <p>From the echoing blasts and wails, ORCS march to confused, stir crazy GUARDS.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ORC<br> We're moving him.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He points to MAGWITCH.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GUARD<br> It's an attack?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>A searching glare leveled on the old man, the orc is rethinking.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ORC<br> Maybe it's divinity.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Magwitch grins.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Maybe.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But it's too late. The orc seizes to the crack of a rifle and falls. The bullets rattle in, shredding the guards like deadly rain.</p> <p>From the beating, an orc pushes up, dropping to the slicing ring of BOB's blade.</p> <p>They all appear: walking or crawling down to Magwitch's cage. JOHN's eyes glance to AGATHA, he waits for her and HELGA to break the lock.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You ready, old man?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Magwitch comes up to the bars, an inch from her face.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Fate has never been so right.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The lock is chopped and that iron creaks, unleashing his rotted form.</p> <p>Through the jungle of hard metal lines, they're running.</p> <h2>EXT- ORC KINGDOM- NIGHT</h2> <p>The sun is rising over AGATHA and BOB, pulling MAGWITCH through the old buildings.</p> <p>Behind them, guns trained, are JOHN and HELGA, bringing up a close rear.</p> <h2>EXT- BLACK BEAST DEN- NIGHT</h2> <p>Boots clanking over iron, ALDRIC looms over long straight knit bars. Below him, a zoo of growls is churning.</p> <p>The beasts are awakening.</p> <p>Drooling blood, SARGOS sways to his side, surrendering a garment to Aldric's awaiting hand. It's Agatha's forgotten sash.</p> <p>With only a moment's lament, it's dropped to the things below. In a great writhing horror, their squeals erupt.</p> <p>His scowl like a scar, Aldric grits his command.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Open it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> It's her scent.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He has to pause, hurting when he says it.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> She made her choice. Let them eat her alive.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Sargos pushes the lever. Clanking before them, the gate rises, unveiling the BLACK BEASTS to the open.</p> <p>Bursting into screams, their spread jaws swallow all that can be seen.</p> <h2>EXT- ARENA- NIGHT</h2> <p>Gawking with the rest of his ORCS, GREYGEN snaps to that terrible sound - the howls.</p> <h2>EXT- ORC KINGDOM- NIGHT</h2> <p>AGATHA and BOB whirl to the shrieking, to the pounding of the stampede.</p> <p>But HELGA is looking at her, going cold to the thunder.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> We can't out run them.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>JOHN just grits his teeth, saying nothing. MAGWITCH watches Agatha. They all watch her, waiting as the horrors get louder.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> High ground, now.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>They go, charging into the nearest building.</p> <h2>INT- BUILDING- NIGHT</h2> <p>Clinging to what they can, AGATHA and HELGA lead the climb up the skeletal frame.</p> <p>BOB is right behind them, almost carrying MAGWITCH from step to beam.</p> <p>But JOHN stops, peering out to the warm graveyard.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> They're coming!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- TRAIN- NIGHT</h2> <p>ALDRIC marches with SARGOS next to the old, ramshackle machine. The howls echo. He ignores them.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Have Greygen clean up what's left. He doesn't stop until the key is found.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> Yes, my lord.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>INT- BUILDING- NIGHT</h2> <p>AGATHA and HELGA get to what's left of a floor and prone themselves.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> How many do you think?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Hundreds.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She's right seeing the beady flood roll in. In the dark behind, MAGWITCH curls, keeping quiet. JOHN is left with him, BOB taking his gun and aiming with the girls.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You said the Bianox was something?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> A conduit for the Earth's energy.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> And the key?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Same thing and no.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> But it can be a weapon?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Picking up on the debate, Agatha's eyes are twisting back to them.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> What can be a weapon?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Don't play games.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> They're spreading.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She turns to them.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> (cont'd)<br> They're surrounding us.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- BUILDING- NIGHT</h2> <p>Splitting into two rabid streams, the BLACK BEASTS charge around the building, creating a wall of fanged flesh.</p> <a name="godscometh"></a> <h2>INT- BUILDING- NIGHT</h2> <p>Tense eyes stabbing into MAGWITCH, AGATHA hisses every word.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> They'll move in anytime now.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>JOHN, BOB, HELGA: they all watch him with the same panic.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> I won't.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Why not?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> You don't know. That power grips you- the Earth, the universe... life, everything flowing through. You don't know what it's like when death truly loses all meaning. I won't.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> If you don't, we lose - Aldric wins. There's no way out of this!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She holds the KEY out to him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Please!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The demands shove Magwitch to his feet. Like a caged animal, he's pacing.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Dammit, before they move.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> You don't know what you're starting.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> I don't care. It's not ending here. Whatever the darkness is, this is the right time to face it. Earth, the universe, life: you're the only one who can save it. Please, don't let it die because you're afraid.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Then those eyes rise to her, Magwitch leaving his hesitation for a dark scowl.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Believe me, after this, you'll know what fear is.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>No more words, the key is called, flying from Agatha's hand to his. At his open palm, it splays out beyond the pill into its full bladed pendulum.</p> <p>And, to bright stares, it starts to spin.</p> <p>Like a ghostly mist, energy steams to it: from the floor, the metal... from them.</p> <p>Almost drifting with the machine, Magwitch sways back down the stairs.</p> <p>Hope and awe filling them, the rest follow.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> What is this?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> A god charging up.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- BUILDING- NIGHT</h2> <p>Streams of energy drift from everything to that KEY: even the surrounding BLACK BEASTS. But not one charges. Instead, they curl back, trembling from the light at MAGWITCH's hand.</p> <p>Behind him, AGATHA and JOHN tremble with them.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Have you ever seen a scared Black Beast?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Who wouldn't be?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He can't look away from the glowing key above Magwitch's head.</p> <h2>EXT- ARENA- NIGHT</h2> <p>From afar, the supernatural aura has mesmerized all the ORCS. It has specially won GREYGEN who, like the rest, is captivated.</p> <h2>EXT- TRAIN- NIGHT</h2> <p>It has also put a snarl on ALDRIC's face. He watches that one city block with SARGOS, gritting in rage and terror to the spectral plume.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> My Lord?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Bastard. Horn.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> My Lord?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Clawing like an animal, he rips the air horn from Sargos's belt and sounds it to his beasts.</p> <h2>EXT- BUILDING- NIGHT</h2> <p>Hearing their call, the BLACK BEASTS rustle amongst themselves, too frozen to pounce.</p> <p>Sweeping the ground, MAGWITCH is drawing an even larger dose of the Earth's power into the KEY.</p> <p>Finally, one gives its scream and charges, followed by more.</p> <p>With out a moment's wait, Magwitch launches them into the air, using their own energy as a cannon against them.</p> <p>HELGA hears the others howl and whips around to fire. Magwitch throws her aside and thrusts them away, sucking in a thrashing river of white.</p> <p>Snapping steel beams with screeching sparks, he crashes a building on the rest. Magwitch then rips up and rolls another one over that.</p> <p>Even more beasts dive in, but their fate's the same. I-beams snapping, foundations thrusting up, the city is swallowing the horde.</p> <h2>EXT- TRAIN- NIGHT</h2> <p>ALDRIC can't look away as that entire city block is uprooted and swept back in a blazing fog.</p> <h2>EXT- BUILDING- NIGHT</h2> <p>As easy as blowing dust, MAGWITCH carves a crater, consuming the buildings, BLACK BEASTS and all.</p> <p>The EXTERMINATORS and GIRLS cower behind him in awe as the KEY flips back to its benign pill form. The wind blows his hair away, and Magwitch stands tall, the mist kissing the man's rot back to flesh anew.</p> <p>The dust clears and before everyone is no more that broken old man, but what cannot be denied as a god in flesh.</p> <p>HELGA is the first to see his face.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> You're... back together.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Overwhelmed with the obvious, he gently agrees.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Shocking, isn't it? Well, my knights, the Bianox is calling... for its demise.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Marching through and past them, Magwitch now leads the confused heroes.</p> <a name="newsinister"></a> <h2>EXT- ORC KINGDOM- NIGHT</h2> <p>But MAGWITCH stops, JOHN and HELGA keeping BOB and AGATHA from pouncing. Before them, just steps away, is GREYGEN: behind him, an army of ORCS.</p> <p>However, there is no charge. Arms stabbing dirt, the orcs bow, realizing their real god.</p> <p>Magwitch knew this all along.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> I need something from you, King Greygen.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Devoted simian eyes lift to him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> Anything, oh Lord.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> The train: where is it?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Greygen points. Magwitch nudges Helga.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> (cont'd)<br> You're an engineer. Lead the way.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> Sure.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>They follow... except Agatha. She turns Magwitch around to her, gazing into him with sheer wonder and suspicion.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Was there someone else in that key?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> The Earth, the universe: all in me now.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He grabs her shoulder.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> (cont'd)<br> Can't you see? I'm full of life.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>A laugh from this new Magwitch and they're moving.</p> <p>Greygen rises with his orcs, seeing them off as the humbled servants they now are.</p> <h2>EXT- TRAIN- NIGHT</h2> <p>HELGA jumps into the train engine as BOB and MAGWITCH scan the area.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> There's nobody here.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Oh, they're here - somewhere.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He looks back to JOHN and AGATHA: John dumbfounded by the train and Agatha lost in Magwitch.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> (cont'd)<br> But why should we worry?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His smile to her is sharp, diabolical.</p> <p>Passing by, he's almost skipping into train. But Agatha doesn't move. She's lost in a realization.</p> <h2>EXT- TRAIN- NIGHT</h2> <p>Smoke popping, cranked wheels spitting, this old engine is rolling. Out of the Hell's Border, once Samson's kingdom, this snaked metal goliath is huffing and puffing to the great city: to the Bianox.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="760" height="60"> <tr> <td body align="center"> <br></br> <p><a href="brhmpg.htm">Home</a>|<a href="cntctpg.htm">Contact</a>|<a href="aboutit/abtit1.htm">About it</a>|<a href="gallerygatepg/gllrygt.htm">Gallery</a>|<a href="extermgatepg/extgt.htm"> Exterminators</a>|<a href="gdgatepg/gdgt.htm">God Dog</a>|<a href="../index.htm">Gate</a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center"> <p>© all rights reserved, artwork and screenplays, E Felter 2003. This website was posted on 2/10/05</p> </td> </tr> </table> </body>