sib1x13
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        25     INT. LIMO (MOVING). TWILIGHT.                           25

               Several police cars whizz past us, sirens wailing. Chris
               watches them go as Kitana drives, his eyes studying his new
               acquaintance carefully.

                                   KITANA
                         So let me make sure I understand
                         this… you're a vampire, but half?

                                   CHRIS
                         A bit more than just half, but yes,
                         that's the short version of it.
                             (grins)
                         Do you think I got short-changed?

               Kitana grins, sensing that he can trust Chris.

                                   KITANA
                         What brings you to Tokyo?

                                   CHRIS
                         In a word, trouble. In two words,
                         igni reptilicus.

               That registers with Kitana, who stares at Chris before
               suddenly realising who he is.

                                   KITANA
                         Mr. Chris?

                                   CHRIS
                             (smirks; nods)
                         Took you long enough! Christopher
                         Berkeley, at your service, your
                         chapter boss Mr. Tanazaki called me
                         out here to help you with your
                         reptile problem. You must be Kitana
                         Agamuchi.

               He extends his hand. Kitana nods, shakes.

                                   CHRIS (cont'd)
                         Good to meet you at last. So, I
                         hear that you're actually part of a
                         Yakuza spin-off group?

                                   KITANA
                         Yes. We are the Tokyo chapter of
                         "The Shadow," a society dedicated
                         to maintaining the peace of this
                         city.

               Kitana pulls the car to a stop at the opposite end of the
               street to a burning building. A fire engine howls past us,
               and a crowd has gathered outside the building.

                                   KITANA (cont'd)
                         I used to be a committed Yakuza,
                         but then "The Shadow" contacted me
                         and told me that forces within the
                         Yakuza hierarchy were planning to
                         raise a dangerous mythological
                         creature as part of their bid for
                         control of this city. They enlisted
                         me as a mole in the organisation.

               Visible through the limo's cracked windscreen, firemen race
               out of the fire truck, grabbing their hoses as they try to
               contain the fire. A handful of police officers are keeping
               the crowd back.

                                   KITANA (cont'd)
                         I learned about demon involvement,
                         right the way up to the highest
                         ranks of the Yakuza. Not everyone
                         approved, Boss Tanaka in particular
                         fought against it.

                                   CHRIS
                         What happened to him?

                                   KITANA
                         He was killed. Two holes in the
                         neck. Understand that at the time,
                         with no real evidence, I believed
                         it to be a simple Yakuza death. Top
                         level Yakuza hitmen use a drill as
                         a symbol of their kills.

                                   CHRIS
                         When did you find out conclusively
                         about the demonic involvement?

               Outside in the street, the fire ERUPTS as another explosion
               wracks the building. The firemen are sent scattering by an
               almighty blast of fire. Both men inside the car pause as they
               take in the scene.

                                   KITANA
                         Not a few minutes ago, when I saw
                         that Woo had the face of a devil.
                         They did not die like men.

                                   CHRIS
                         No, they certainly don't! They do
                         die, fortunately, as you saw. I
                         think it's time I started showing
                         you and your colleagues how to
                         fight back against these creatures.
                         Now, I think firstly we should go
                         and meet-

               A loud ROAR sounds outside, and Chris pauses.

                                   CHRIS (cont'd)
                         What was that?

               Kitana is gazing over to the burning building.

                                   KITANA
                         We may already be too late…

        26     EXT. TOKYO – BURNING BUILDING. NIGHT.                   26

               We're looking up at the burning building from street level,
               as the remaining firemen scramble back out of the way of the
               flames.

               The crowd around the fire start to yell and shove each other
               out of the way as the police try to move them back, but
               everyone stops and starts to point up towards the roof as a
               tall, black figure appears in the flames.

               It stands there for a few moments before a huge pair of wings
               FLIP out from its back, and there are several screams from
               the crowd as the creature steps out to the edge of the roof
               and then out into space, slowly starting to descend to street
               level.

               Yelling, screaming and pointing up at the descending
               creature, the crowd start to run away, followed by the
               terrified looking police and firemen.

               Chris and Kitana jump out of the car, Chris drawing his sword
               and looking across to Kitana, whose face is graven.

                                   CHRIS
                         What on Earth is that thing? Isn't
                         that a-

                                   KITANA
                         It's a Jun Mao… the Fire Demon.

               We're looking up from street level again, much closer now as
               the demon lowers itself gracefully down to land lightly on
               its feet. It's a tall, thin, jet black humanoid with scaly
               skin and a long, reptilian head. Its long, leathery wings
               stretch out behind it as its golden eyes scan the crowd
               around it. Little ripples of flame dance across its skin, and
               after a beat it throws its head back and LAUGHS, a cross
               between a roar and a full-throated belly laugh that just
               completes the picture.

                                   CHRIS
                             (resigned)
                         Well, this can't be good…

               The demon takes a step forward, a nervous circle of police
               officers before it, guns raised. The demon's eyes narrow as
               it scans them, before a shouted order from one officer has
               them all FIRING at the monster, their bullets pinging off the
               Jun Mao's thick scaly hide.

               The officers run out of ammo, still edging backwards as the
               Jun Mao takes another step forward, then with what seems to
               be a grin, it rears back and BREATHES FIRE out at them.

               The police scream as several officers are burnt to a crisp
               where they stand, others running away in flames. The nearby
               firemen start spraying the police and the demon with water,
               but to no avail.

               The crowd has dispersed by now, and the fire crews are
               starting to run as the Jun Mao charges over, slamming into
               the fire truck and rocking it on its wheels.

               The demon reaches out and grabs hold of one of the firemen,
               lifting him off his feet and into the air.
               The FIREMAN screams, both in fear and from the red-hot touch
               of the demon.

                                   FIREMAN
                         Please! I have a family!

               With a grunt, the Jun Mao SNAPS the fireman's neck and throws
               him off screen.

               Chris and Kitana dive to the side as the dead fireman crashes
               into the windscreen of the limo like a rag doll. Chris
               stands, looks at the fireman and sighs.

                                   CHRIS
                         Poor bugger…

               Kitana grits his teeth and reaches for his pistol, but then
               remembers something and draws the ornate dagger from his
               pocket. Chris' eyes go wide as he sees it.

                                   CHRIS (cont'd)
                         Is that a Takeshii dagger?

                                   KITANA
                             (looks at dagger)
                         I don't know. Woo attacked me with
                         it in the restaurant.

                                   CHRIS
                             (grins)
                         Good old vampires, they always plan
                         ahead! That's a Takeshii dagger
                         you're holding, Kitana, it's the
                         only thing that can kill one of
                         those demons. Woo must have kept
                         one handy as a back up plan, in
                         case his new pet got a little too
                         rowdy for him...

               The Jun Mao demon is shoving the fire truck onto its side
               when it spots Kitana and the dagger. ROARING at the two men,
               it leaps into the air, using its wings to cover the distance
               in a single bound, preparing to roast Chris and Kitana from
               the air.

               Chris shoves Kitana out of the way, both of them narrowly
               avoiding the flames that ignite the battered limo.

               Chris is first up, and he looks up as the Jun Mao lands with
               a THUD a few feet away. Chris steps carefully forward, sword
               ready as the demon GROWLS at him.

                                   CHRIS (cont'd)
                         Good job I like my steaks well
                         done!

               Chris LEAPS forward, but the demon is too fast and SWATS him
               out of the air. Chris flies backwards and THWACKS into the
               side of the fire truck.

               Kitana is next up, trying a stab with the dagger but the Jun
               Mao knocks it out of his hand, and then hits him with a
               ferocious backhand that sends Kitana through the air, into
               and straight through the wall of a nearby building.

               Chris slowly gets to his feet, shaking the cobwebs clear,

               and stares at the Jun Mao. It stares right back at him, the
               Mexican stand-off lasting a few moments before the Jun Mao
               smiles, jumps into the air, and with wings flapping flies out
               of sight. Chris shakes his head.

                                   CHRIS (cont'd)
                         Priceless. Bloody priceless.

               Chris runs forward, scooping up the abandoned Takeshii dagger
               and running out of frame after the Jun Mao.

        27     EXT. TOKYO SKYLINE – TWILIGHT                           27

               Its mighty wings flapping, the Jun Mao flies through the sky.
               Hanging in the air, it stares down at the bright lights of
               the Carnival below. A slight smile crosses its features.

        28     EXT. FINAL TOKYO STREET – TWILIGHT                      28

               The most colourful, and outlandish Carnival ever is in
               progress, with firecrackers popping as model dragons prance
               down the street, flanked on both sides by crowds of cheering
               citizens.

               With a ROAR, the Jun Mao lands in the middle of the street,
               but the crowd clap, believing him to be a Carnival
               attraction. The Jun Mao cocks its head to one side, not
               understanding why they're not afraid and running away!

               Chris burns round the corner, racing for the carnival.

               The Jun Mao approaches a small JAPANESE GIRL, who is cheering
               the demon on and waving a sparkler. The demon reaches one
               huge black claw out towards the girl, who starts to look a
               little frightened, and the Jun Mao starts to grin, before:

               SMACK! Chris jump-kicks the Jun Mao so hard that it is sent
               sprawling the other way. Chris turns to the crowd.

                                   CHRIS
                         Get out of here! Quickly!
                         Definitely not part of the show!

               The crowd continue to clap, and Chris sighs, shakes his head
               and turns to face the Jun Mao, picking itself up.

                                   CHRIS (cont'd)
                         Now then, I believe we had some
                         business to attend to!

               The Jun Mao whips round to face him, ROARS and darts forward,
               claw lashing out. It's too fast or Chris, and the blow gashes
               him across the chest.

               He staggers backwards, managing a tidy backflip as the Jun
               Mao tries to sweep his legs out from under him.

               Chris turns and PUNCHES the Jun Mao, but as his hand hits the
               demon's superheated scales, there is a HISS and Chris leaps
               back, clutching his smoking hand with a yelp.

               The Jun Mao chuckles as it sizes up its foe. Chris rubs his
               injured hand, and then slices out with his sword. It SHATTERS
               as it hits the demon, who laughs again and KICKS Chris in the
               chest, sending him rolling to the floor.

               Chris picks himself up, and draws the dagger, causing the Jun
               Mao to GROWL at him. Chris grins.

                                   CHRIS (cont'd)
                         This ought to do the trick…

               Chris lunges forward, and the Jun Mao grabs for his hand, but
               Chris dodges the swipe. The Jun Mao lunges for Chris' neck,
               but Chris KICKS him away.

                                   CHRIS (cont'd)
                         Come on, is that all you've got?

               The Jun Mao inhales, and Chris' eyes go wide.

                                   CHRIS (cont'd)
                         Apparently not…

               The Jun Mao BREATHES FIRE out towards Chris. Chris leaps out
               of the way, the blast igniting one of the abandoned carnival
               floats behind him in a burst of firecrackers.

               Chris lands on his feet, and quick as a flash turns and
               THROWS the dagger towards the Jun Mao.

               It glides towards the Jun Mao, but at the last moment the
               demon casually knocks it away.

               The Jun Mao looks back round to see Chris, standing right
               before him, his arm reaching out behind him. Chris has
               snatched the dagger out of the air, and is poised to plunge
               it into the demon's chest.

                                   CHRIS (cont'd)
                         Now that was clumsy.

               With a SLAM, Chris stakes the dagger down hard into the
               demon's chest, right into its heart. The Jun Mao HOWLS in
               pain, and Chris holds on grimly, gritting his teeth as his
               hand starts to smoke and blister from the heat of the demon's
               skin, before he lets go of the red-hot knife at last, letting
               the dead demon sink to the floor.

               Chris stands over it for a few moments before the frightened
               crowds start to emerge from their hiding places, and within
               moments, Chris is surrounded by a crowd of grateful, cheering
               carnivalgoers, and the music and buzz of the carnival soon
               starts up again, everyone carefully avoiding the steaming
               body of the Jun Mao.

               We pull back as a smiling Chris accepts the thanks of the
               people around him, shaking hands warmly.

                                   CHRIS (V.O.) (cont'd)
                         I'd just planned to go in there as
                         an advisor, let other people do the
                         work in case my involvement got
                         anyone killed, but once I saw the
                         Jun Mao, my instincts kicked in and
                         I just ran to help out. Once I'd
                         finished it off, and the people
                         around me were thanking me for
                         saving them, well… it all just
                         started to make sense.

        29     INT. BAR. NIGHT.                                        29

               Chris looks a little happier, and Twist smiles proudly at
               him. She nudges him, and he breaks into a chuckle.

                                   CHRIS
                         Alright, so… that was a good
                         moment.

                                   TWIST
                         And don't forget the other bit! You
                         know, the present off the grateful
                         townsfolk of downtown Tokyo?

        30     EXT. TOKYO - STREET. NIGHT.                             30

               Standing on the steps of a temple in the city centre, Chris
               bows respectfully as a bearded old PRIEST holds out a sword
               in its scabbard to him.

               A crowd of respectfully quiet onlookers watch as Chris takes
               the katana from the Priest, before unsheathing it and slicing
               it a few times through the air.

               It's the master-crafted katana we've seen Chris using before
               now, and with a broad grin and another bow, he puts the sword
               back away. The gathered crowd cheer Chris on, and he bows to
               them as well.

                                   CHRIS (V.O.)
                         Bloody nice sword, too!

        31     INT. BAR. NIGHT.                                        31

               Twist knocks back another shot.

                                   CHRIS
                         Alright, I see where this is going.

                                   TWIST
                         Good. Now let me remind you of my
                         motivation. Maybe it'll make you
                         see that running away is just going
                         to lead to another cycle of hiding
                         in the wilderness, and that's no
                         good for anybody.

               Chris looks blankly at her.

                                   TWIST (cont'd)
                         Oh, come on, you must remember the
                         second mission you ever took me out
                         on? We'd crossed swords with
                         Malkuth, but a few days later I
                         went back into my shell as I
                         started remembering more about what
                         I'd just been through in… well, you
                         know, down there. You took me out
                         to track down a kidnapper that'd
                         snatched this rich family's
                         daughter… remember? Once upon a
                         time in California.

                                                             BLACK OUT:



                                  END OF ACT THREE
                                      ACT FOUR

                                                               FADE IN:

        32     INT. CALIFORNIA - MOTEL. AFTERNOON.                     32

               INSERT OVER - California.

               Twist is sitting on the edge of one of the two single beds in
               the plain motel room, wrapped up in a thick blanket. Her
               unwashed, straggly hair spills down across her shoulders as
               she hunches up, staring blankly at a chirpy cartoon on the TV
               in front of her.

               She looks like she's been up drinking for a week, but she's
               only been out of her private room in Hell for a few weeks,
               and it's taking some time to readjust.

               The curtains are drawn and gaffa taped to the wall against
               the sunlight, but Twist still shuffles back nervously as
               Chris opens the door to the room and heads inside. 

                                   CHRIS
                         Ah, you're up. Goodness, you look
                         rough! Bad dreams again?

                                   TWIST
                         Yeah, pretty much. Sorry chief, I
                         don't think I'm gonna be much use
                         for anything today. I just want to
                         sit here, phase out and watch TV
                         till my head stops going 'yaaargh!'

               Twist manages a weak smile, her eyes lighting up as Chris
               deposits a jar full of blood on the drawer next to the TV.

                                   TWIST (cont'd)
                         Is that for me?

                                   CHRIS
                         As long as you promise to do one
                         thing for me.

                                   TWIST
                         What?

                                   CHRIS
                         I'm going out on a job this
                         evening, and I want you to come
                         with me.

                                   TWIST
                         W-what? No! Didn't you hear me
                         mention the nightmares? Or the
                         screaming?
                         Listen, I know I'm getting better,
                         and kicking Malkuth's ass last week
                         was cool and all, but-

                                   CHRIS
                         Twist, after that last mission,
                         you've just been sat around,
                         waiting for me while I go out and
                         work. I know you've been through
                         Hell, literally, and I'm sure your
                         relapse is all part of the healing
                         process, but you need to start
                         occupying yourself again. The
                         quickest way to speed up your
                         recovery process is to just get out
                         there and start doing things again.
                             (grins)
                         Trust me, I'm a doctor.

                                   TWIST
                         I… I don't know if I'm ready…

                                   CHRIS
                         Don't be silly, of course you are.
                         You've been through an experience
                         that would have reduced most people
                         to gibbering wrecks with nothing
                         more than a slight case of Prozac
                         Nation chic. I think you'll be
                         fine.

               Twist's eyes can't stop flicking back to the jar of blood,
               and Chris reaches over to it, grabs a disposable plastic cup
               and pours out a cupful. Twist reaches out grateful hands for
               it and takes a deep gulp.

                                   CHRIS (cont'd)
                         It's only pig's blood, but it'll do
                         the trick. Now then. This is a very
                         simple mission. I've been dealing
                         with this local wizard family to
                         get hold of a supply of rare
                         potions, but it seems that one of
                         the family head's daughters has
                         gone missing, and they fear that
                         she's been kidnapped.

                                   TWIST
                         So what, we find the kid and you
                         get your potion-y stuff?

                                   CHRIS
                         That's the plan, yes. It should be
                         pretty straightforward, so I'd like
                         you to come along. You did a great
                         job last time out, and I think
                         this'll help you a great deal.

               Twist considers this for a few moments, sipping the blood
               again before nodding.

                                   TWIST
                         Alright. I'll do it.

                                   CHRIS
                             (smiles)
                         Excellent.

        33     EXT. CALIFORNIA - STREET. NIGHT.                        33

               It's the evening now, and Chris and Twist are standing across
               the street from a large, mansion-like family home. Three
               luxury cars are parked on the drive, sealed behind high
               gates. Similar houses line the road. The duo are dressed in
               blacks to blend into the background.

                                   TWIST
                         So what are we waiting for?

                                   CHRIS
                         Rattray, the father, is setting off
                         tonight to go and deliver the
                         ransom money, and we're going to
                         follow him!

                                   TWIST
                         Sounds simple… too simple. What's
                         gonna go wrong?

                                   CHRIS
                         In theory, nothing, this is a
                         relatively simple operation. We
                         follow Rattray, and when he makes
                         the drop for the cash, we spring to
                         action and rescue the girl.

               Twist opens her mouth to reply, but Chris holds up a finger
               for quiet as the gates outside the house slide open, and a
               black Jaguar pulls off the drive and heads down the street.

               Twist glances across at Chris as he gets to his feet,
               gathering up his katana and backpack.

                                   TWIST
                             (incredulous)
                         We're going on foot? He's driving a
                         fricken Jaguar! What are we gonna
                         do, fly all the way there?

                                   CHRIS
                         Don't worry, we're taking a
                         shortcut.

        34     EXT. CAR PARK. NIGHT.                                   34

               The Jaguar rolls into view on a deserted car park next to a
               closed supermarket, with one other car in view parked beneath
               a broken street lamp.

               As the car stops, RATTRAY steps out, a tall, immaculately
               dressed man with long, dark dreadlocks. He takes a large
               metal briefcase out of the car and starts to pace slowly over
               to the second parked car.

               We're closer to the second parked car, a black sports model,
               as the gruff-looking PENZON steps out of it, watching Rattray
               approach.

               We pull back a little to pick up a row of bottle banks, and
               then with a muffled WHOOMPH there is an explosion of smoke,
               and Chris and a startled looking Twist appear. She leans
               against the bottle bank, dazed.

                                   TWIST
                         What the… what did you just do?

                                   CHRIS
                         Transport spell. Low level stuff,
                         really, but it does the trick.

               Chris looks out towards Rattray and Penzon, and puts a finger
               to his lips to keep Twist quiet.

               The business-like Rattray tries not to show his nerves as he
               strides up to Penzon, who is smoking nonchalantly.

                                   PENZON
                         Glad you could make it, I was
                         gettin' kinda lonely, and I know
                         that the girls in this part o' town
                         make for some pretty good company…

                                   RATTRAY
                             (coldly)
                         Where's my daughter?

               Penzon motions back towards the car.

                                   PENZON
                         Relax, suit, she's safe.

               A second, smaller man steps out from the back of it with
               ELENA, Rattray's daughter, held tightly. Rattray gasps at the
               sight of her, but before she can speak she is bundled back
               into the car.

                                   RATTRAY
                         I swear, if you've so much as
                         scratched her, I'll-

                                   PENZON
                         Hey, would I do that? I'm a
                         businessman, same as you.

                                   RATTRAY
                         You're nothing like me, scum. I
                         brought you the money, now give me
                         back my daughter!

                                   PENZON
                         Sure thing. Why don't you toss it
                         on over here?

                                   RATTRAY
                         Elena first. I want to know she's
                         safe before I hand this over.

                                   PENZON
                             (shrugs)
                         It's your funeral.

               Penzon calmly draws a handgun and FIRES at the shocked
               Rattray, who crumples to the floor. There is a SCREAM from
               inside the car as Penzon scoops the briefcase up out of
               Rattray's fingers, badly wounded but not dead. He glares up
               at Penzon, who throws a mock salute.

                                   PENZON (cont'd)
                         Thanks.

               Twist starts to dash out, but Chris holds her back. She
               throws a look back, struggling to be let go.

                                   TWIST
                         What are you doing? Let me go!

                                   CHRIS
                         Twist, no! We can't move till he's
                         gone, he could kill the girl!

                                   TWIST
                             (frantic)
                         She's already dead if we let them
                         go!

               Twist wrenches herself free of Chris' grip and jumps out from
               behind the bottle banks, starting to run towards Penzon, who
               is almost back at his car.

                                   PENZON
                         What the-

               Penzon throws his cigarette away and starts FIRING his gun at
               Twist, who keeps running for him despite two of his bullets
               clipping her as she runs.

               Penzon dives into the car and starts the engine as we see
               Chris reach the fallen Rattray in the background.

               Chris sits the wheezing demon up, hand held to a bloody patch
               on his shirt.

                                   CHRIS
                         Are you alright?

                                   RATTRAY
                         I'm… still alive… if that's what
                         you… mean…

                                   CHRIS
                         Here, let me take care of this.

               Chris closes his eyes and holds his hand over the bullet
               wound. There is a soft glow of yellow light from beneath his
               hands, and Rattray gasps.

               Chris yanks his hand back and then opens his palm, holding it
               out to Rattray. A blood-stained bullet lies there, which
               Chris drops into Rattray's hand.

               Racing as fast as she can, Twist closes right up to Penzon's
               sports car, and LEAPS for it as it starts to smoke its tires
               and pull away.

               Twist grabs onto its rear bumper, managing to haul herself up
               onto its roof as it tears away, out of the car park and off
               screen, to the tune of 'Korosu' by Boris.

        35     EXT. CALIFORNIA - STREET. NIGHT.                        35

               Hanging on for dear life, Twist rears back and PUNCHES down
               on the roof of the car, leaving a fist-shaped dent.

        36     INT. SPORTS CAR. NIGHT.                                 36

               Penzon ducks as Twist punches the roof again, frantically
               reloading his gun and trying to drive at the same time. Elena
               is struggling in the back, kicking out at the second man
               trying to restrain her.

                                   ELENA
                         You killed him! You killed my
                         father!

                                   PENZON
                         Shaddap, damn it!

               Penzon SLAPS her hard and she slumps backward in the seat,
               before raising his gun to the roof and FIRING.
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