(2)syl
 
H    e    a    v    e    n        C    i    t    y    s    c    a    p    e        N    i    g    h    t    m    a    r    e    s

17: Prologue    18: Darkopolis    19: The Calamity Clown    20: Serpentblood    21: Molested    22: The Darkening (i)


 
  Date Posted: 11.15.1997 
 
 
ETHAN COOPER PRESENTS
 
A DOWNfALL PRODUCTION
 
BLUE ANGEL DARKENING
 
 
 
 
ACT I
HEAVEN CITYSCAPE NIGHTMARES
 
PROLOGUE 
DATE: 12.11.2195
TIME: NIGHT
 

NOTE: All action is from (2)SYL's POV.  The view is jerky and uneven--matching the rising and falling of syl's footsteps.  View changes often and rapidly with the swiveling of syl's head.  We are not omnipotent.  We see only what she sees.  We hear only what she hears.  We know only what she knows.  We are (2)syl. 

FADE IN ON 

EXT.    A DIMLY LIT STREET 
 

(2)SYL (voice-over)
Been wandering the streets for hours now.  I'm lost.
 
Swivel to the side.  The wirewitch JACK is there.  Beneath a dark cloak we can only see more black.  She's wearing a skinsuit.  The hood of her cloak is the only thing hiding her hairs stalks.  Her face is cloaked in shadows, but her eyes are there. 
 
Swing back to center.  Scattered fires are the only sources of light.  Figures dart in and out of vision, between shadows, never staying in the light too long.  SOUND:  MUFFLED EXPLOSIONS. STIFLED SCREAMS.  MISC.  View jerks back and forth swiftly, looking for the source of the noises.  The sounds are far away though so the view swings back to center. 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
I feel vulnerable out here.  Maybe this wasn't a good idea.
 
SWING TO: SYL'S WALKING FEET. 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
Unfortunately, it's the only idea I can live with at the moment--the only way I can survive.  Surviving.  That's all that's important now.  Too me, that's all that matters...
 
SWING TO: JACK.  Her head is bowed.  She facing forward so we can only see the profile of her hood. 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
...except for JACK.  She matters.  I can't fully explain it and that's probably because I don't want to, but it doesn't change how I feel.
 
SWING TO: FORWARD VIEW 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
Still don't have any weapons.  It's highly unlikely that Aran didn't have any stashed back there, but they were hidden well.  JACK couldn't find anything and neither could I.  JACK doesn't need weapons, but I would feel safer...or would I?  Would I know how to use a weapon if I had one?  I'm not sure.  But somehow a shock-whip or an ignitor would feel comforting right now.  Since I don't have either of those, I'm going to have to rely on the only weapon I have.
 
SWING TO: JACK. 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
Her.
 
JACK's hair stalks move beneath her cloak.  This gives her a misshapen form and an inhuman--animated quality.  The cloak against her back appears to ripple. 
 
JACK
No trouble so far.  We're not doing so bad.
 
(2)SYL
Cyberspace going down must have people distracted.
 
JACK
It's been several days.  I thought people would be over their initial shock.
 
Lines of interference begin to appear. 
 
(2)SYL
Yeah, but maybe...
 
Interference becomes stronger.  View fades to black several times. 
 
(2)SYL (words forced)
...it's harder...
 
The interference is full-blown static now.  View fades black and blinding white.  Static sounds come to the foreground as all other sounds seem distant.  The view swings back and forth.  (2)SYL is reeling. 

SWING TO: JACK.  But only for an instant.  View is going wild now. 
 

JACK (concerned suddenly)
syl?
 
(2)SYL (words fading)
...for some of us...
 
SWING TO: GROUND.  (2)SYL's hands are visible on either side.  She's obviously kneeling.  The ground gets closer, but is hardly noticeable because the view is so disturbed. 
 
JACK (faint)
Oh glitch.
 
View flashes to black once or twice then goes out.  Sound goes quiet.  Syl is unconscious. 
 
  Date Posted: 11.22.1997 
 
DARKOPOLIS
DATE: 12.11.2195
TIME: NIGHT
 

View is completely black for ten seconds--an eternity.  There is no sound during this time.  Peaceful. 

Sound comes back rapidly now.  Quiet at first, but volume goes up quickly.  We hear (2)SYL gasp for breath and then the view flashes rapidly with the following images: 

ECU.    ARAN'S FACE, FROM THAT FIRST NIGHT.  HIS EYE MOVES SLIGHTLY. 

EXT.    A NIGHT SKY.  THE MOON IS ROTTING. 

ECU.    A WIREWITCH EYE.  THE SWIRLING IN IT FORMS A SKULL. 

EXT.    AN ALLEY.  A DARK FIGURE COVERED IN SHADOWS.  THE FIGURE IS LAUGHING. 

CU.    JACK.  SHE'S HOLDING HER SEVERED HAIR STALKS.  HER BODY CONVULSES. 

INT.    A CLEAR, LEVITATING SPHERE.  INSIDE IS A HUMAN FIGURE BATHED IN FLAMES.  A GIGANTIC TALONED FOOT BEGINS TO DESCEND. 

ECU.    AN EOA ROARING, IT'S MOUTH FILLED WITH BLUE BLOOD.  THE EOA BLINKS. 

CU.    BLUE BLOOD AND RED BLOOD STREAMING DOWN BARE LEGS AND MIXING IN A SMALL POOL IN-BETWEEN. 

EXT.    ARAN, UNMOVING.  HIS BODY BURSTS AS HIS MACHINERY INSIDES CRAWL OUT OF HIS SKIN. 

CU.    THE WARLOCK 3-43 LEANING IN TO DELIVER THE WITCHKISS.  HIS TEETH GLISTEN, DRIPPING WITH BROWN EOA BLOOD. 

EXT.    SYL, OUTSIDE HERSELF, LOOKING AT HERSELF.  SHE'S KNEELING NAKED IN A WASTELAND.  SHE'S COVERED IN BLUE BLOOD.  IN HER RIGHT HAND IS A HAIR STALK.  IN HER LEFT HAND IS ARAN'S SHREDDED TRENCHCOAT. 

View pauses then FADES TO BLACK. 

View is completely black for ten seconds--an infinity.  There is no sound during this time.  White noise. 

Sound comes back in a flash.  Sounds are overly loud.  (2)SYL inhales as view goes from black to JACK's face.  JACK is leaning close, concerned. 
 

JACK
syl?  syl?
 
(2)SYL (breathing heavily)
I'm okay.
 
JACK
You just blacked out, syl.  What the glitch happened?
 
(2)SYL
Don't know.  Glitch, that was...
 
JACK
What happened?
 
(2)SYL
What the glitch is happening to me, JACK?!?  The static--it just won't stop!  It--it just keeps coming back.  That was the--the worst it's ever been.
 
JACK
What are you talking about?  Static?  What do you mean?
 
(2)SYL's hand comes up, resting on her forehead, framing the view.  JACK is barely visible. 
 
(2)SYL
I--I saw...
 
JACK
What?  You're not making any sense!
 
(2)SYL
Horrible things, JACK.  I saw horrible things.  I...I--
 
JACK
syl, you're mumbling, glitch!  Talk to me!  I can't help you if you don't start talking to me!!
 
(2)SYL's hands lower.  (2)SYL's view of JACK is no longer blocked. 
 
(2)SYL
It started my first night.  It seems to come and go at random.
 
JACK
What are you talking about?
 
(2)SYL
The static.  I--I don't know what it is, but it's something in my head.  It's a--a noise.  When it starts, I can't think, I can't function.  It's pure discord and I am cosmically glitched when it kicks in!
 
JACK
I'm sorry, syl.  I didn't know.
 
(2)SYL
That's okay.  I never told you.
 
JACK
What are you going to do?
 
View swings back and forth.  The two are on the side of the street in the shadows.  No other people can be seen. 
 
(2)SYL
Where are we?
 
JACK looks around, then turns back to (2)SYL. 
 
JACK
The central hub of the city isn't far from here.
 
(2)SYL
Then let's go.
 
JACK
Are you going to be okay?
 
(2)SYL
I seriously doubt it, JACK.  But I'm glitching the future, remember?  So right now I don't care.
 
JACK (inaudibly)
I care.
 
(2)SYL
What?
 
JACK
Nothing.  Let's go.
 
The view rises.  (2)SYL blinks.  Black veil scrolls down the screen and then up again. 

Time has passed.  View is in slow-motion now.  (2)SYL sees: 

EXT.    BRIGHT LIGHTS SHINE DOWN, ILLUMINATING CROWDS OF PEOPLE.  THE PEOPLE ARE DRESSED IN RAGS, HUDDLING TOGETHER FOR WARMTH. 

(2)SYL BLINKS 

EXT.    A MAN LEANS AGAINST A BUILDING.  HIS LEFT ARM IS ROBOTIC--A MASS OF TWISTED FLESH AND METAL. 

(2)SYL BLINKS 

EXT.    A STREET DOCTOR BECKONS FROM AN ALLEY.  HIS EYES ARE GLOWING RED AND HE HAS NO TEETH. 

(2)SYL BLINKS 

EXT.    A YOUNG GIRL WITH PURPLE HAIR AND METAL FANGS AND NO SHOES BACKS AWAY FROM THREE SMALL ADOLESCENTS.  THE ADOLESCENTS SWARM HER, BUT RETREAT WHEN THE GIRL REVEALS HER FOUR ARMS AND KILLS ONE OF HER ATTACKERS. 

(2)SYL BLINKS 

EXT.    A FIGHT BREAKS OUT AMONG TWO WOMEN.  NEITHER HAVE HAIR AND BOTH BARE ROBOTIC LIMBS.  ONE OF THE WOMEN SPITS ACID AND THE OTHER WOMAN GOES DOWN SCREAMING, CLAWING HER EYES. 

(2)SYL BLINKS 

EXT.   AN ANIMAL THAT CAN'T BE DESCRIBED LIES AGAINST A WALL.  IT HAS NO LEGS AND BLEEDS FROM A WOUND IN ITS SIDE. 

(2)SYL BLINKS 

EXT.    A GIANT DOMED BUILDING IS SET APART FROM THE OTHERS.  IT'S PAINTED IN BRIGHT, GARISH COLORS AND WILD PATTERNS. 

(2)SYL BLINKS 

(2)SYL BLINKS 

(2)SYL BLINKS 

SWING TO: THE GROUND  (2)SYL's feet are there. 
 

(2)SYL (whispering)
This place is evil. 
 
SWING TO: THE DOMED BUILDING. 
 
(2)SYL
What's that?  I don't remember that at all.
 
JACK
Didn't you see the sign?
 
SWING TO: JACK 
 
(2)SYL
What?  What sign? 
 
JACK (disbelieving)
How can you miss it?  We're standing right under it! 
 
View swings to up.  The sign is so big that it is partially hidden by nearby buildings.  The sign is lit up with particle glow tubing and mirror inversion pulsars.  It is so bright and garish that it is hard to read, but the sign reads: 
 
THE UNIVERSALLY COSMIC CIRCUS OF AMAZING WONDER
 
Underneath the sign is a newer sign which reads: 
 
!!!!!WE'RE IN BUSINESS EVEN IF CYBERSPACE IS COSMICALLY GLITCHED!!!!!
 
(2)SYL
Oh, wow.
 
JACK
Do we really want to go in there?
 
SWING TO: JACK 
 
(2)SYL
I think it's circus time, JACK.
 
SWING TO: THE DOMED BUILDING
 
  Date Posted: 11.25.1997 
 
THE CALAMITY CLOWN
DATE: 12.11.2195
TIME: NIGHT
 
 
View moves forward as (2)SYL walks towards the entrance to the circus.  JACK is off to the right and a little ahead.  Her head is down in order to better hide her face.  The circus is gaudy and loud, bright lights glaring and blaring into the view. 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
I was mistaken before with what I said to JACK.  I have been here before.  I don't have a clear memory, but it's a strong feeling now.  Feels like an eoa's gnawing on my skull.
 
JACK
We're in danger here, syl.  Too many lights.
 
(2)SYL
We won't stay long.
 
JACK
I'll keep that in mind the first time some modie notices that I'm a wirewitch and decides to prove something.
 
View moves through the entrance to the circus.  This place is gigantic, spanning many city sectors.  There are booths everywhere.  Garish displays of freakish nightmare natures abound at every turn of the view. 

INT.    ROBOTS JUGGLING.  THEY REMOVE VARIOUS LIMBS AND TOSS THEM BETWEEN EACH OTHER. 

(2)SYL BLINKS 

INT.    A SMALL CIRCULAR STAGE.  A WIREWITCH STANDS DISPLAYED THERE, HEAD DROOPED, BEATEN.  THE FAINT GLOW OF PULSE SHIELDING CAN BE SEEN SURROUNDING THE STAGE.  A CROWD SURROUNDS, THEIR MOUTHS OPEN.  A SIGN ON THE STAGE READS: "LIVING PROOF OF THE BASTARDIZATION OF HUMANITY."  SOMEONE THROWS AN OBJECT AT THE SHIELD, CURSING.  THE OBJECT DISINTEGRATES. 

(2)SYL BLINKS 
 

(2)SYL (whispering)
Those monsters.
 
JACK
She's not a real wirewitch.
 
(2)SYL
How do you know?
 
JACK
I don't.
 
(2)SYL BLINKS 

View continues on.  Only a few eyes lock with (2)SYL's.  The rest remain fixed on the ground or on some distant attraction. 
 

(2)SYL
So, in reality, you don't want to believe that a wirewitch would be subjected to that.
 
JACK (after a pause)
Yes.
 
(2)SYL
I'm with you, JACK.  I don't want to believe that either.
 
JACK
I don't see--
 
A voice cuts JACK off.  The voice is a rumbling deep modulation.. 
 
VOICE
Hey, Blue Beauty! 
 
View swivels, attempting to find the source of the voice. 
 
(2)SYL
Who said that? 
 
VOICE
Over here, Blue! 
 
View continues to swivel.  No source located yet. 
 
(2)SYL
Where'd that come from? 
 
JACK
Hold on...over there. 
 
SWING TO: WHERE JACK IS POINTING. 

Not far away is a man standing in the middle of a crowd.  The crowd seems to flow around him, giving him room without really noticing him.  He is a strange sort of figure, as it appears that he has attached bladed and spiked pieces of metal to his entire body.  The most noticeable part of his attire is the crown on his head which has spikes which extend several feet above his head.  The figure beckons with an arm gesture. 
 

(2)SYL
What the glitch is that?  How's he casting his voice like that?
 
JACK
Aw...glitch.  Glitch!  It's a rivot bot.  I knew this was going to get us trouble.
 
(2)SYL
What do you mean?  Will he attack us?
 
JACK
I don't know.  Probably not.  Never can tell with those g'ekks.
 
(2)SYL (almost laughing)
Such language!
 
JACK
I'm serious, syl.  He has potential.
 
THE RIVOT BOT
I've got a secret!  Come here and see!
 
(2)SYL
We'll be fine.
 
JACK
If not, it'll be nothing new.
 
View moves toward THE RIVOT BOT.  As it gets closer, it is apparent that he is smiling.  He has an abnormally wide smile which is as wide as his face.  JACK isn't visible because she's standing behind (2)SYL. 
 
(2)SYL
Who are you?
 
THE RIVOT BOT
I?  I am Carl--Calamity Carl!
 
JACK
What do you want with us?
 
CALAMITY CARL
I've got a secret!  Carl does have a secret!
 
JACK
Get to the point, 'bot.
CALAMITY CARL steps forward, grabbing (2)SYL by the arm.  SOUND: JACK inhales sharply. 
 
JACK
Let go of her, 'bot.
 
CALAMITY CARL (smiling)
No harm intended.  I will not hurt your blue-haired friend...or you.
 
JACK
Let her the glitch go or--
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
For some reason I know I'm not in danger.
 
(2)SYL
It's okay, JACK.
 
CALAMITY CARL
Yes, it will be--just fine.  Carl has secrets.
 
JACK
You little, g'ekk.  Get the glitch to the point!
 
CALAMITY CARL
I have five secrets.  Listen and Carl will tell.
 
(2)SYL
I'm listening.
 
CALAMITY CARL's voice changes.  Suddenly, his voice is serious--different.  There is urgency there. 
 
CALAMITY CARL
First secret: You, blue-haired one, you have a blue spark inside you.  Feed it and it will grow to consume you.  Let it die--and you will die.
 
JACK
What the--
 
(2)SYL BLINKS 
 
CALAMITY CARL
Second secret: That wirewitch is more dangerous than you could ever imagine.  She will destroy you.
 
(2)SYL BLINKS 
 
CALAMITY CARL
Third secret:  Both of you, apart you are separate wholes, but together you are incomplete.
 
(2)SYL BLINKS 
 
CALAMITY CARL
Fourth secret: There are more eoas.  They will come for you.  You have little time.
 
JACK
How could---
 
(2)SYL BLINKS 
 
CALAMITY CARL
Fifth secret: You will bring only pain to those you come to know.  You will hurt your friends and your enemies will plague you.  There is no escape!  You can do nothing!  In short, you...are...glitched!!!
 
(2)SYL BLINKS 

And CALAMITY CARL is gone.

 
  Date Posted: 11.30.1997 
 
SERPENTBLOOD
DATE: 12.11.2195
TIME: NIGHT
 
 
View is in slow motion, panning around in a complete circle. 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
Calamity Carl is gone.  He vanished right in front of me.
 
View comes to stop on JACK. 
 
JACK
Glitch!  That little vootch has photon redirectors.  We'll never find him if he doesn't want us to.
 
(2)SYL
Do we want to find him?
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
Of course I do.
 
JACK
I do.  I want to rip his arms off after I find out what he meant by all those "secrets."  How the glitch does he know about us?
 
(2)SYL
Not sure.
 
JACK
I think we should leave this place.
 
(2)SYL
Yes, I think you're right, but not just yet.  I don't think we're done with this circus.
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
Or maybe this circus isn't done with us.
 
JACK
I'm not sure why you believe that, but--
 
(2)SYL
Believe me, JACK, I have the same doubts you do.  It's just that--
 
JACK
It doesn't matter, syl.  What I was trying to say is that I trust you.  I'm willing to follow your lead for now because there's something about you, syl.  If you say we're not done here, then we're not done.  I can accept that, but it doesn't mean that I have to be completely comfortable with placing ourselves in danger.
 
(2)SYL
Thanks.  Your trust is important to me.
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
Because I can't trust myself right now.
 
JACK
syl, I just want to tell you something.
 
(2)SYL
Yes, what is it?
 
JACK
I'm not dangerous to you, despite what Carl said.
 
(2)SYL
I wonder who he is?
 
JACK
He could just be a freak.  Could've siphoned that information straight from our brains.
 
(2)SYL
My brainwaves could be tapped, but yours?
 
JACK
It is unlikely.  My mind does work differently than yours.
 
(2)SYL
I think we'll find out though.  I think we'll be seeing him again.
 
JACK
I can't wait.
 
JACK's eye reflects a twinkle and then view moves from JACK back to (2)SYL walking forward.  The view swings back and forth as (2)SYL scans the crowd and the chaos around her. 

INT.    TWIN ANDROIDS BECKONING TOWARDS THE DOORWAY TO SOME BIZZARE ATTRACTION 

(2)SYL BLINKS 

INT.    THREE MEN WITH BALD HEADS AND PRISTINE WHITE TRENCHCOATS AND YELLOW VISOR GLASSES STARING BACK AT (2)SYL.  AT FIRST THEY HAVE SMILES, BUT THEY QUICKLY FADE TO HARD LOOKS. 

(2)SYL BLINKS 

INT.    A GIGANTIC STAGE LIT WITH PALE GREEN GLOW TUBES.  A ROBOTIC SNAKE IS DISPLAYED AS A WIDE BACKDROP.  THE SNAKE HAS NO HEAD AND THE WOUND IS GUSHING GREEN LIQUID.  ON THE STAGE DANCE TWO PAINTED FIGURES. 

(2)SYL BLINKS 
 

JACK
Serpentblood.
 
(2)SYL
What?
 
JACK
The band on stage.  Their name is Serpentblood.
 
(2)SYL
Oh.
 
INT.    THE FIGURES ON STAGE ARE TAKING TURNS BEATING THE STAGE WITH ROBOTIC LIMBS.  THE CROWD WATCHING IS COMPLETELY SILENT, APPARENTLY MESMERIZED BY THE REPETITIVE THUMPING. 
 
(2)SYL
Do you like them?
 
JACK
Yes.  I find their rhythms extremely soothing.  When cyberspace was up, I would tap into live data streams of their recordings.  The rest of the coven did not enjoy them as much as I did.
 
(2)SYL
Ever seen them live like this?
 
JACK
We're not seeing them live.  Take a closer look.
 
View freezes on Serpentblood for a moment.  After a few seconds, lines of distortion can be seen. 
 
(2)SYL
It's a projection isn't it?
 
JACK
Yes.
 
(2)SYL
Have you ever seen them in person?
 
JACK
No.
 
(2)SYL
Let's get closer.  This is interesting.
 
View moves into the watching crowd.  The crowd is silent, but not unmoving.  View is jostled and jerky.  (2)SYL closes her eyes and all that can be sensed is the beat.  SOUND: ROBOTIC LIMBS HITTING THE STAGE. 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
Interesting.  Now that I'm in the crowd, I don't feel like talking.  It's as if their mood has been transferred to me.  I can feel the beat that Serpentblood is producing.  It's in sync with my heart.  It's in sync with my soul.  In sync with myself.
 
SOUND: (2)SYL'S HEARTBEAT.  At first it is out of sync with the banging of Serpentblood, but after a few beats her heart and the banging are beating simultaneously. 

(2)SYL's eyes open.  The crowd is pulsing, swaying with the monotonous beat.  Most of the crowd has their eyes closed.  The few that have their eyes open have only blank stares. 
 

(2)SYL (voice-over)
Empty.  They look so empty.  The pounding pulse has them in its talons...
 
(2)SYL BLINKS 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
It has me too.
 
(2)SYL BLINKS 
 
View begins to turn slowly towards JACK.  The crowd sways and JACK sways with it.  But as JACK comes into view, it is evident that JACK has thrown off her cloak.  Though she still wears her black skinsuit, the fact that she is a wirewitch is exposed to the crowd. 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
Glitch, what is she doing?!?  I've got a glitched feeling about this.
 
JACK's blue skin sparkles in the glow of the lights as her naked hair stalks wave and wriggle to the beat.
 
  Date Posted: 12.09.1997 
 
MOLESTED
DATE: 12.11.2195
TIME: NIGHT
 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
I've got to get to her.
 
JACK is only a few steps away, but the crowd is pressed close.  View pushes forward towards JACK. 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
If somebody notices her like that we're in trouble.
 
(2)SYL reaches JACK and grabs her arm.  View focuses on JACK's face.  Her eyes are still, unflowing.  Her head moves side to side with the beat.  (2)SYL shakes her. 
 
(2)SYL
JACK!
 
JACK's eyes begin to flow again.  She stops swaying. 
 
JACK (calm)
What is it, syl?
 
(2)SYL
It's you, JACK!  What the glitch are you doing?  Your cloak!
 
JACK (looking around)
Oh glitch!
 
JACK ducks out of view.  View pans around. 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
Hope nobody saw her.
 
View continues to pan, searching.  JACK's head pops up.  She's wearing her cloak and hood once again.  Her face is not visible. 
 
JACK
Glitch, syl.  I'm sorry.
 
(2)SYL
That's all--
 
JACK
It's just that the music--
 
(2)SYL
JACK, don't--
 
JACK
I don't know what happened there...
 
(2)SYL
JACK!  It's all right.  We're still alive.  Let's just get out of here.
 
JACK (after a pause)
Yes, good idea.
 
View follows JACK as the two make their way out of the crowd.  As they wander towards an exit, view continues to jerk left and right and even back in search of anybody or anything following.  Nothing is obvious.  They exit the circus. 
 
JACK (after a few moments)
What do you think Calamity Carl meant by those things he said?
 
(2)SYL
I don't know.  I don't even want to think about it right now.
 
JACK
Tired?
 
(2)SYL
I could use some sleep.
 
JACK
I can go extended periods without, but I need to sleep at least once every few days.  It all depends how much exertion my body has undergone.  But yes, I could sleep now.
 
(2)SYL
We need to find a Haven.
 
JACK
It is possible there's one in this part of the city, but is likely to be full already.
 
(2)SYL
Possibly, but we do need some sort of shelter.
 
JACK
If nothing else, you can lie down and I'll stay awake and watch over you.  I can go awhile longer without rest.
 
(2)SYL
As a last resort, that's a solution.  Let's try to find a Haven first.  I don't want to put you through that.
 
JACK (quietly)
I could do it, syl.
 
(2)SYL pauses, looking at JACK, but she doesn't say anything. 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
Still trying to figure JACK out.  She must be so lost--her coven's gone.  She's an outcast in this world.  Hmm, maybe that's why I'm glad to have her near.  It's good to have a companion in my personal hell. 
 
View swings back to forward as the two continue away from the circus.  But the situation turns tense as we suddenly know that somebody is following them. SOUND: MULTIPLE MUFFLED FOOTSTEPS. 
 
(2)SYL (speaking under her breath)
Glitch!
 
JACK
I know.  There are three of them.  Not sure, but I think they're Dokks.
 
(2)SYL
Well, at least they're human then.  Any ideas?
 
View swings to the side, towards JACK. 
 
JACK (pointing)
Down there.
 
View swings to a wide alley where JACK is pointing. 
 
(2)SYL
Don't we want something more public?
 
JACK
Not for what I'm going to do.  Hurry.
 
View follows JACK into the alley, just off of the main street.  JACK stops and view spins to face the street.  Three figures stand silhouetted against the dim glares of lights from the street.  The three are virtually identical in all aspects.  They wear white trenchcoats and yellow visors. They are bald. 
 
JACK
I'm going to immolate these g'ekks.
 
View swings to JACK.  Her cloak lies on the ground.  She is changing, her body increasing size.  Spikes and blades appear all over her bare skin. Her teeth elongate and sharpen. 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over) 
This was a bad idea.  All of this. 
 
JACK (almost growling) 
Ready? 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over) 
What does she expect me to do?  I can't do anything here. 
 
JACK 
Stay behind me, and I'll-- 
 
But JACK is cut off as the view goes bright green.  SOUND: HIGH-PITCHED WHINE.  JACK is thrown to the ground by some force, her body bathed in green tendrils of energy. 

CU: JACK'S BODY QUIVERS WITH THE GREEN ENERGY ASSAULTING HER. 

View swings up.  The three figures blocking the exit flicker and disappear.  They are only holograms.  View swings to the dark end of the alley, where the three real Dokks are standing.  They are advancing calmly. 
 

(2)SYL (voice-over) 
This was a real glitch of an idea.  I-- 
 
There is movement from one of the Dokks and green energy streaks towards the view.  SOUND: (2)SYL GRUNTING.  View jerks back just before it goes completely green. 

View stays green for ten full seconds.  SOUND: (2)SYL WHISPERING.  HER WORDS ARE UNINTELLIGIBLE.  SMALL MOANS CAN BE HEARD. 

View snaps to crisp and clear again. 

CU. A DOKK FACE AS HE LEANS IN CLOSE TO (2)SYL.  IT IS EVIDENT THAT (2)SYL IS BEING PUSHED UP AGAINST THE ALLEY WALL. 

View turns to the right.  JACK is a few feet away, standing up, but pressed against the wall by another Dokk.  JACK is back to her normal form.  She is shorter than the Dokk, her head only coming to the middle of his chest.  JACK is silent except for her heavy breathing.  Her eyelids are drooping. 
 

(2)SYL
Are you okay, JACK? 
 
View is jerked back as the Dokk holding (2)SYL yanks her head to face him. 
 
DOKK ONE 
Hello there, keetcha.  You can call me One. 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over) 
Keetcha!  What a sick abandoned g'ekk! 
 
DOKK ONE
Now listen here.  Do not talk to the witch. 
 
(2)SYL
Let us go. 
 
DOKK ONE (getting in (2)SYL's face) 
Not likely, keetcha.  Not likely. 
 
(2)SYL 
What the glitch do you want? 
 
DOKK ONE smiles slowly.  He has perfect teeth.  He doesn't move for a moment, then he begins to laugh.  The other two Dokks join him. 
 
DOKK ONE (menacing) 
We want to cut you up into little pieces and sell your organs and limbs.  The wirewitch can be sold as a whole, but you are going to have to be disassembled...slowly.
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
I was afraid of that.  Glitch, this is not happening. 
 
DOKK ONE's eyes go down, surveying (2)SYL's body. 
 
DOKK ONE
And, can you blame us?  Your...parts are in excellent condition, keetcha.  You will bring me much pleasure to dismember. 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
Don't see a way out of this one.  If only JACK hadn't been nullified.  Glitch!  Where's Aran when you need him? 
 
View swivels to the left.  The third Dokk stands there with a device in his hand.  He points it at JACK and then at (2)SYL.  Static invades the view for a second then stops. 
 
DOKK THREE
You are not going to believe this, One. 
 
DOKK ONE (turning his head)
What is it, Three? 
 
DOKK THREE
We have a couple of maidens here. 
 
View swings back to DOKK ONE. 
 
DOKK ONE (after a pause)
Curious.  Even the witch? 
 
DOKK THREE
Yes, they're intact. 
 
DOKK ONE (leaning close)
Now this is a very curious development, keetcha.  I knew your hair was real and that by itself was enough to make selling your head as a unit worthwhile.  But this--this is not what I expected. 
 
CU. DOKK ONE'S EYES, GLARING THROUGH HIS YELLOW VISOR. 
 
DOKK ONE
Do you know how rare a blue-haired virgin is?  Glitch!  A virgin is rare enough, but to have two rarities in one female is--is--well, unheard of!  Not to mention a youngling wirewitch!
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
I hear something in his voice. 
 
DOKK ONE
I can finally get out of this glitched city! 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
Something abnormal in his voice.  He's lying.  He doesn't care about money.  No, he must be insane--just rambling and talking for no apparent reason.  I'm glitched in ways I don't think I can even imagine. 
 
SOUND: FAINT STATIC BUZZING.  IT SEEMS TO COME FROM FAR AWAY. 

DOKK ONE stops talking.  He pulls back a few inches.  His smile is gone. 
 

DOKK ONE
Keetcha, don't worry, you won't be a virgin much longer. 
 
SOUND: STATIC.  A LITTLE LOUDER NOW. 
 
(2)SYL (voice-over)
No.  Glitch no. 
 
(2)SYL (calmly)
If you touch my friend... 
 
View swivels to the right, to DOKK TWO.  He pulls JACK's face close to his.  His tongue extends, almost touching her cheek, but it stops short. 

View swivels back to DOKK ONE. 
 

(2)SYL
If you touch me... 
 
DOKK's hand comes into view, in front of (2)SYL's face.  View swivels down, following the hand.  It hovers, centimeters away from (2)SYL's breasts. 
 
(2)SYL
I will kill you all. 
 
SOUND: STATIC.  IT'S A CONSTANT HUM NOW.  The view breaks up periodically. 

View swivels up to DOKK ONE's face.  An obviously insane smile cracks.  View jerks back down to DOKK ONE's hand.  It moves to touch (2)SYL.  Her body recoils as she inhales, but he touches her breasts anyway. 

SOUND: (2)SYL RELEASES A GROWL AND THE HARSH BUZZ OF STATIC DROWNS OUT ALL OTHER NOISES. 

 
  Date Posted: 12.10.1997 
 
THE DARKENING (i)
DATE: 12.11.2195
TIME: NIGHT
 
 
(2)SYL BLINKS.  THE STATIC COVERING THE VIEW DISAPPEARS. 

SOUND: GRINDING STATIC CAN BE HEARD CONTINUOUSLY.  NO OTHER SOUNDS CAN BE HEARD. 

View swings up to DOKK ONE's face.  He's grinning lewdly. 

THE STATIC SOUND STOPS. 
 

(2)SYL (quietly)
You're glitched.
 
SOUND: LOUD GRINDING STATIC. 

DOKK ONE's face goes blank.  Then his body jerks with an impact and his eyes go vacant.  View swings down to his chest.  (2)SYL's fist is buried deep inside it.  DOKK's hand is no longer touching (2)SYL's chest.  No blood is visible until (2)SYL moves her hand inside him, grinding his insides.  Her forearm muscles are moving and working.  Blood finally seeps downward, spilling onto the street.  View swings up to DOKK ONE's face. 
His mouth is open in a silent scream, but all that comes out is blood, spraying onto the view and onto (2)SYL.  His body goes into convulsions and then his body jerks.  (2)SYL's hand comes into view.  It is covered in dark blood.  DOKK ONE slumps to the ground, twitching and dying. 

STATIC FILLS THE VIEW. 

(2)SYL BLINKS.  THE STATIC COVERING THE VIEW DISAPPEARS. 

View swings to the right, where DOKK TWO is holding JACK against the wall.  His tongue is back in his mouth, but it is open slightly in shock.  He mouths invectives which can't be heard over the static.  View advances as DOKK TWO shoves JACK behind him.  JACK slumps to the ground and DOKK TWO reaches under his trenchcoat, pulling out his weapon.  He raises it and fires.  View jerks downward and spins around as (2)SYL dives to the ground, sliding on her back.  She is now facing the dark end of the alley where DOKK THREE had been standing.  The green energy beams from DOKK TWO's weapon nail DOKK THREE dead on.  DOKK THREE goes down in a heap, the weapon he was trying to use and the other device he had go flying. 

STATIC FILLS THE VIEW. 

(2)SYL BLINKS.  THE STATIC COVERING THE VIEW DISAPPEARS. 

View twirls around as (2)SYL goes on her hands and knees, rushing at DOKK TWO.  Red liquid slides down the view in small streaks.  (2)SYL has blood in her eye.  Half of the screen goes red.  View collides with DOKK TWO and he goes flying backward, falling back towards JACK's body.  View holds and JACK's eyes open.  She is on her back and sees DOKK TWO about to fall on top of her.  Her skinsuit around her midsection begins to raise as if something is growing from her stomach.  A thin spike pokes through the material, growing longer with every moment.  DOKK TWO falls, impaling himself on the spike.  Death is instantaneous as the spike can be seen exiting through his neck.  The spike continues to elongate.  It is purple with blue skin and red blood. 

STATIC FILLS THE VIEW. 

(2)SYL BLINKS.  THE STATIC COVERING THE VIEW DISAPPEARS. 

View glances at JACK.  (2)SYL's hand extends into view and pulls DOKK TWO's deadweight off of JACK.  She does it with one hand.  JACK attempts to sit up, but view is already moving to DOKK TWO's dropped weapon.  It is a small hand weapon, curved and compact.  (2)SYL holds it up close to the view.  It is difficult to see because of the red obscuring half the view. (2)SYL's hand comes close, wiping the red away.  The view is mostly clear. 

View spins towards the dark end of the alley where DOKK THREE is lying, sprawled where he fell.  View approaches and (2)SYL stands over him.  He is unconscious, but still breathing.  (2)SYL kneels, bringing the weapon down, it's barrel resting against his chin. 

SOUND: GRATING STATIC INCREASES IN VOLUME. 

(2)SYL pushes DOKK THREE's mouth open with the gun and pushes the barrel in. 

SOUND: JACK YELLING IN THE DISTANCE.  IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE OUT WHAT SHE'S SAYING. 

(2)SYL pulls the trigger.  DOKK THREE's mouth and eyes flash green for a moment and then his head is obliterated in an explosion of green snake energy tails and red gore.  Blood bathes the view once again, but is wiped away by (2)SYL's hand.  View is still streaked and smudged, but it is possible to see.  View backs off from DOKK THREE as (2)SYL stands up. Where there should be a head, there is only a gigantic stain.  (2)SYL drops the weapon.  It spins downward, the sound of it's impact with the ground lost in the static still buzzing. 

STATIC FILLS THE VIEW. 

(2)SYL BLINKS.  THE STATIC COVERING THE VIEW DISAPPEARS. 

View spins, coming face to face with JACK.  A huge red stain covers JACK's entire chest.  Her navel can be seen through the hole in her skinsuit.  Her hairstalks are not moving and her shoulders are hunched.  She is talking, her eyes serious, but all that can be heard is the static. 

SOUND: ABRUPTLY, THE STATIC STOPS.  BUT NOW THERE IS NO NOISE AT ALL.  COMPLETE SILENCE REIGNS. 

View moves downward.  (2)SYL's lower body is thoroughly contaminated with blood and chunks.  Her hands open and move toward the view.  They are streaked with blood.  Her hands move closer and closer and (2)SYL puts her hands over her eyes and the view goes to crimson until we... 

FADE TO BLACK 
 

(2)SYL (voice-over)
I just felt my soul grow dim.  What have I done?
 
END OF ACT I
 

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