sib3x02
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                                      ACT THREE

               FADE IN:

        18     INT. MOTEL ROOM - TRUCK STOP - NIGHT                    18

               And we open, as ever, on Syren. Aside from her bandaged head
               wound, she's now sporting a little cut just below her nose
               from the impact.

               We slowly pull out and see her curled hair is now a little
               ruffled, as is the dress - and as she stares in front of a
               large mirror, Syren presses her bruised stomach and winces a
               little.

               It becomes clear we're in a pretty dingy, overnight motel
               room within the truck stop, and as we see Syren stare at
               herself, we hear a heated discussion in the background. 

                                   TWIST (O.S.)
                         I don't see what the big deal is. I
                         just gave her another lesson, the
                         kind you guys weren't prepared to
                         give.
                             (beat)
                         She got a free dress out of it!

                                   JULIE (O.S.)
                         The dress is beside the point! You
                         went and intentionally put Syren
                         through an ordeal she didn't
                         deserve to go through. That she may
                         not have been ready to go through!

                                   DANYAEL (O.S.)
                         I agree. It was a little much,
                         Twist. How did you think getting
                         Syren's ass kicked could help?

                                   TWIST (O.S.)
                         Because it's what she needs. She'll
                         never be able to survive doing what
                         we do if she can't even stand up to
                         a bunch of stupid hicks!
                             (beat)
                         What about you, Diego? You gonna
                         side with the Syren Defense Force,
                         too?

               We finally cut away from Syren and onto Diego, as he stands
               next to where Twist, Julie and Danyael are engaged in the
               heated discussion.

                                   DIEGO
                             (quietly)
                         I will side with no-one.

               And with that, Diego moves off - removing himself from the
               field of conflict.

                                   TWIST
                             (after a beat)
                         I stand by what I did. Taking Syren
                         to that bar helped her far more
                         than just talking to her about risk
                         and danger and anger ever could.

                                   SYREN (O.C.)
                         She's right.

               Everyone stops and looks at Syren in surprise at hearing
               this, including Twist herself.

                                   SYREN (cont'd)
                             (facing them all)
                         At first, I too was angry with
                         Twist for what she did. But I think
                         she is right. That anger is a
                         necessary evil that must be applied
                         if one is to survive.
                             (beat)
                         Another lesson I needed to learn.

               Syren then approaches Julie personally, as the rest of them
               reflect on her words.

                                   SYREN (cont'd)
                         I've learned about how to live from
                         Danyael, how to fight from Twist...
                         from you Julie, I need to learn how
                         to love.

               The request instantly makes Julie feel uncomfortable.

                                   JULIE
                         You, uh... what?

                                   SYREN 
                         Danyael has taught me how to love
                         music. Twist... I think Twist was
                         trying to teach me to love making
                         myself look my best. But I don't
                         know what love really is.

                                   JULIE
                         I'm not... sure I'm the right
                         person to...

                                   SYREN
                         Please, Julie...
                             (almost pleading)
                         Show me how to understand love.

               Julie can see the real need in Syren for this, and can't
               bring herself to say no.

                                   JULIE
                             (slight smile)
                         Okay.

               With that, Julie looks at the others before leading a
               grateful Syren away to do just that.

               Once they leave, a beat of silence lingers.

                                   TWIST
                             (over-buoyant)
                         So! Did I miss anything while the
                         Diva and I were unleashing the
                         whoop-ass?

                                   DIEGO
                         Sanctus made contact.

                                   TWIST
                         And?

                                   DANYAEL
                             (shakes his head)
                         Nothing. No leads on Chris.

               Twist considers this for a moment.

                                   TWIST
                             (shrugs)
                         Didn't think there would be.

               She begins heading for the door, but Danyael looks surprised
               at her reaction.

                                   DANYAEL
                         Don't you even care?!

               Twist gives him a sharp look for a moment, before opening the
               door and stomping out.

               As she goes, Danyael looks at Diego, who shrugs himself a
               little - a shared lack of female understanding.

                                   TWIST (O.C.)
                             (calling)
                         Diego!!!

               Hastily, not wanting to incur the wrath, Diego nods a little
               to Danyael and exits, closing the door behind him.

               As Danyael is left alone to think about everything, we CUT
               TO:

        19     INT. VAN - NIGHT                                        19

               We're driving in the Chicago suburbs, and it's all quiet
               within the van.

               Julie drives, while Syren sits in the passenger seat. There's
               a sense these two are rarely alone together, and Julie
               doesn't really know how to converse with her.

               A long beat, of Julie driving focused, and Syren looking out
               of the window.

                                   SYREN
                             (finally)
                         Do you think about him?

               The question isn't one Julie expects, and she looks a little
               puzzled.

                                   JULIE
                         Think about who?

                                   SYREN
                         Chris.

               Another long beat, as Julie sighs at the question, finding it
               hard to answer - but it's clear in her face the answer is an
               absolute 'yes'.

               Before she can respond, though, Julie notices something up
               ahead.

                                   JULIE
                         We're here.

                                                                CUT TO:

        20     EXT. DRIVEWAY. HOUSE - NIGHT                            20

               Pulling off the street, the van parks on a fairly large
               driveway leading up to a modestly-sized three bedroom
               detached house.

               Julie emerges from the van and approaches the house and looks
               up at it, memories stirring. Syren follows, approaching next
               to her.

                                   SYREN
                         What is this place, Julie?

                                   JULIE
                             (beat)
                         This used to be my home.

               With that, Julie heads for the door, pulling out a set of
               keys, as Syren observes the place before her - a very
               soulless looking residence.

        21     INT. FOYER - HOUSE - NIGHT                              21

               The house is entirely dark, it's cold and it's dusty. The
               contents inside are half-packed away - it's obvious no one
               has been in here for quite some time.

               Julie closes the door behind Syren as she enters last,
               looking around and getting a sense of the place. She SHIVERS,
               rubbing her arms.

                                   SYREN
                         This is a lonely place. I can feel
                         it.

                                   JULIE
                             (nods)
                         It is now.
                             (beat)
                         Even though I still own it, I
                         haven't been back much at all since
                         I joined the team. Haven't had the
                         time. Or the will.

                                   SYREN
                         Why did you bring me here?

               Julie glances at her, considering the answer herself.

                                   JULIE
                         C'mon. It's upstairs.

               With that, Julie extends her hand and Syren takes it, being
               led up the gloomy staircase slowly.

        22     INT. ROOM - HOUSE - NIGHT                               22

               A practically pitch-black room upstairs, illuminated only by
               moonlight. Outside, we hear footsteps approach and the door
               soon opens.

               Syren steps inside first, and Julie follows - she pausing
               momentarily before switching on the tall lamp light in the
               corner.

               And the light illuminates the room we've so far not seen -
               it's a half-finished NURSERY, replete with wallpaper of cute
               animals that covers half the room and a barren cot in the
               corner.

                                   JULIE
                         Well, this is it. This is what I
                         wanted to show you.

               Syren steps into the room, running a hand along the
               wallpaper, soaking up the vibes in the air.

                                   SYREN
                         This room... it means a lot to you,
                         doesn't it?

                                   JULIE
                         It did. This nursery was my future
                         at one point. It was all about what
                         was to come.

                                   SYREN
                         You were pregnant?

               A beat, as Julie looks around the room, controlling her
               emotions.

                                   JULIE
                         Yes. I was.
                             (thinks)
                         With my husband Brendan.

                                   SYREN
                         I never knew you were married.

                                   JULIE
                         It's not really something I ever
                         talk about. Not considering the way
                         it ended.

                                   SYREN
                         He left you?

                                   JULIE
                         In a manner of speaking.
                             (beat)
                         He died.

               Syren turns in her direction, sympathetic.

                                   SYREN
                         I'm sorr-

                                   JULIE
                             (cuts her off)
                         No! Don't be sorry. Because I'm
                         not.
                             (beat)
                         Brendan was the best and worst
                         thing that ever happened to me. I
                         loved that man. And I hated him,
                         for causing the accident that made
                         me lose my baby. 

               Even more sympathy pours from Syren, as Julie continues
               pouring out her feelings.

                                   JULIE (cont'd)
                         You wanted to know why I brought
                         you here? You wanted me to help you
                         understand love? Well... love is
                         pain. Love hurts you as much as it
                         makes you feel alive like nothing
                         else.
                             (beat; stifling tears)
                         And if you hold on to that love, if
                         you hold on... to those feelings
                         that I know you have for Chris...
                         you will feel that pain every
                         single day for the rest of your
                         life.
                             (shakes her head)
                         Because we're never going to see
                         him again. Like my baby, he is
                         gone. And he's never coming back.

               A beat, as Julie tries not to cry at the thought of this,
               compounded with being here in this room.

                                   SYREN
                         Are you in pain too, Julie? Do you
                         feel the same way I do?
                             (beat)
                         You can't let him go either, can
                         you?

               Julie looks away and doesn't answer, but Syren knows the
               silence means 'yes.'

               Sensing her friend needs some alone time, Syren begins
               heading out of the room into the darkness of the landing.

               Still fighting her hardest against the tears, Julie looks
               around the nursery and we pan around to the front of her...

               ... as behind her, there's a brief GLOW of ethereal blue
               light - something is hanging in the air just behind Julie!

               Sensing a presence, Julie turns around quickly - but the
               manifestation is gone. 

               Though the moment leaves Julie quite unsettled, as we CUT TO:

        23     INT. FOYER - HOUSE - NIGHT                              23

               Negotiating the staircase down to the darkened foyer, Julie
               composes herself after that trip down memory lane, ready for
               the trip home.

               She is a little concerned, however, to find no sign of Syren
               by the door as expected. 

                                   JULIE
                         Syren?

               Reaching the ground floor, Julie looks into the nearby lounge
               upon getting no response.

                                   JULIE (cont'd)
                             (calls)
                         Syren? Where are you?

               Now she starts getting worried - a blind girl alone in a dark
               house.

               Pulling out her cell phone, Julie begins accessing it as she
               opens the front door, making her way outside - not looking as
               she walks.

               Which means as the door opens, she doesn't immediately notice
               Gainey waiting on the other side!

                                   GAINEY
                         Lovely evenin'.

               And before Julie can react, Gainey unleashes a hard PUNCH
               square on Julie's face - knocking her out cold.

               The phone clatters away as Julie hits the deck and Gainey
               chuckles smugly, and we see him retreat towards his van now
               parked in the driveway.

               As he goes, we see three of his Rednecks dragging a bound and
               gagged Syren from around the rear of the house - her
               struggling doing no good.

               Gainey enjoys the sight of Syren being bundled into the back
               of the van, and he jumps into the front as it powers up and
               begins reversing away.

               At which point we pan across to the sight of Julie - still
               spark out, as we:

                                                             BLACK OUT:



                                  END OF ACT THREE
                                      ACT FOUR

               FADE IN:

        24     INT. GAINEY'S LAIR - NIGHT                              24

               Open on Syren once again - only this time, she's not in a
               salon, or shopping centre, or club or anywhere else. She's
               bound and gagged, tied to a chair inside some dingy hideout,
               her head bowed.

               She lets out a soft GROAN as she comes round, lifting her
               head and moving it side to side, trying to pick something up
               from her surroundings.

               She hears VOICES and strains to listen closer, managing to
               pick out a conversation:

                                   REDNECK #1 (O.S.)
                         You really reckon she'll come back?

                                   GAINEY (O.S.)
                         You see the way the other one stuck
                         up for her in that fight? Sure
                         she'll come back.

                                   REDNECK #2 (O.S.)
                         The hell's a vampire doing hanging
                         round with some pretty young thing
                         like that, anyway?

                                   GAINEY (O.S.)
                         Why do you think?

               A beat - then a series of low, dirty CHUCKLES from the rest
               of the gang.

                                   REDNECK #2 (O.S.)
                         Oh, I get it...

                                   GAINEY (O.S.)
                         Keep an eye on the streets. Come
                         find me the second that blonde
                         piece shows her face within a mile
                         of here. Soon as she makes it to
                         her friend... we get to finish what
                         we started.

               Syren looks suitably distressed, trying to stay calm but not
               doing all that good a job as we cut to:

        25     INT. MOTEL ROOM - TRUCK STOP - NIGHT                    25

               Julie is pacing up and down, an icepack pressed to the bruise
               forming on her jaw as Danyael, Twist and Diego look on.

                                   JULIE
                         I can't believe I let that happen!
                         I just took my eyes off her for a
                         second, and, and...
                             (to Twist)
                         This is all your fault!

                                   TWIST
                         My fault?

                                   JULIE
                         If you hadn't gone back and started
                         that damn grudge match with those
                         hicks, none of this would've
                         happened!

                                   DANYAEL
                         Why isn't anybody addressing the
                         main issue here?

               The girls whip to face him, angrily snapping:

                                   TWIST
                         What?

                                   JULIE
                         What?

               Danyael blinks, then carefully replies:

                                   DANYAEL (cont'd)
                         How are we going to get Syren back?

                                   DIEGO
                         Danyael is right. We can argue over
                         whose fault this may or may not
                         have been later.

                                   JULIE
                         It's Twist's fault. We've
                         established that already.

                                   TWIST
                         Hey!

               She starts to snap back - but her phone RINGS. She quickly
               digs it out and checks the caller ID.

                                   TWIST (cont'd)
                         It's Syren!
                             (into phone)
                         Syren? Where the hell are you? Are
                         you alright? What happened to those-

               She stops as Gainey's low, wheezy CHUCKLE can be heard. Twist
               narrows her eyes, looking to the others.

                                   TWIST (cont'd)
                             (into phone)
                         Where is she?

                                   GAINEY
                             (filtered; through phone)
                         She's safe and sound. Won't be fer
                         much longer, however, so I suggest
                         you get your tight little tush over
                         here right now so we can organise
                         some kind of trade.

                                   TWIST
                         'Trade'? What, you want to swap
                         bubblegum cards now?

                                   GAINEY
                             (laughs)
                         Cute. Almost as cute as your friend
                         - not that she's gonna stay that
                         way fer long when my boys and I are
                         done though with her.

                                   TWIST
                             (seethes)
                         Now you listen to me, you boozed
                         up, inbred hunk of sh-

                                   GAINEY
                         Hey! You gonna hear me out so's you
                         know where to find me, or bitch
                         down the line at me all day?

               Twist turns to Julie, who shoots her a stern look - don't
               play games with these guys.

                                   TWIST
                         I'm listening.

                                   GAINEY
                         Good. Head on over to the old mill
                         up on McAlmont...

               We start a DISSOLVE as Gainey continues:

        26     EXT. OLD MILL - NIGHT                                   26

               Gainey's directions roll on as we see the outside of his
               lair, a ramshackle old steel mill on the outskirts of town.

                                   GAINEY
                         ... can't miss it, it's the only
                         damn thing standin' fer a few
                         miles. We'll be waitin' fer ya.

               Gainey finishes as we cut inside to:

        27     INT. GAINEY'S LAIR - NEXT                               27

               Gainey clicks the phone off, tossing it to one of his goons
               as he makes his way back over to Syren.

                                   GAINEY
                         You awake yet, precious?

               Syren's been keeping her head down, but as Gainey GRABS a
               handful of her hair and YANKS back hard, she can't help
               letting out a muffled YELP of pain.

                                   GAINEY (cont'd)
                         Good. Glad to see it. Didn't want
                         you missing any of this, after all
                         the trouble we've gone to.

               Syren tries to speak, but the gag deadens her words.

                                   GAINEY (cont'd)
                         What's that, honey?

               He pulls the gag away from her mouth, and to his surprise
               Syren launches into:

                                   SYREN
                         My friends will come for me.
                         They'll make sure you don't get
                         away with any of this. They spend
                         their days killing things like you.

               Gainey laughs at her defiance, shaking his head as he strolls
               back over to his posse.

               The rest of the Rednecks are lounging around on some old
               scavenged armchairs, casting glances back towards the captive
               Syren.

                                   REDNECK #1
                         So... what's the plan?

                                   GAINEY
                         Plan's the same as it was before.
                         Wait for the blonde one to show up,
                         then kill 'em both.

                                   REDNECK #2
                         So why don't we kill that one now?

                                   GAINEY
                         Where's the fun in that?

                                   REDNECK #1
                         Well, speakin' of 'fun'...

               Gainey raises an eyebrow as #1 leans in closer.

                                   REDNECK #1 (cont'd)
                         Me and the boys, we've been
                         thinkin.'

                                   GAINEY
                         Dangerous occupation.

                                   REDNECK #1
                         If we're gonna kill this one
                         anyhow, why don't we have a little,
                         you know... 'fun' with her first?

               Syren can't help but listen in, trying not to show her
               obvious distress at what she's hearing.

                                   GAINEY
                         What kind of fun did you have in
                         mind?

               #1 grins, showing off his set of nicotine-stained FANGS, then
               gets up and strolls back over to Syren.

                                   REDNECK #1
                         How about it, honey? You wanna
                         provide me and the boys with a
                         little entertainment before your
                         friend arrives?

                                   GAINEY
                             (warning)
                         We need her alive. Can't use her as
                         bait if she's dead!

                                   REDNECK #1
                         I know that!
                             (turns back to Syren)
                         I'm gonna keep her alive, all
                         right.

               He leers down at her, licking his lips, but Syren just tilts
               her head towards him:

                                   SYREN
                         If you hurt me, my friends will
                         make sure you die first.

               The gang burst out LAUGHING.

                                   REDNECK #1
                         Is that right? And what would they
                         say if I did...

               He suddenly LUNGES down towards her, sinking his fangs into
               her neck! Syren lets out a SHRIEK as the gang continue to
               laugh raucously!

               #1 takes a deep GULP of Syren's blood, holding her down
               firmly as she struggles to tear herself away from him - but
               his eyes suddenly pop open as he drinks.

               He pulls away, leaving Syren with two bloody BITE MARKS and
               blood trailing down her pale neck.

               Gainey's laughs die down as #1 staggers backwards, clutching
               at his throat.

                                   GAINEY
                         What's wrong? What is it?

               #1 turns to face them - and the gang react when they see his
               eyes are GLOWING!

                                   REDNECK #2
                         The hell...?

                                   GAINEY
                             (roars at Syren)
                         What did you do to him?

               She's too dazed to answer, and as #1 staggers another step
               closer to his gang, they all scatter, not wanting to come
               into any contact with him.

               The rest of his skin starts to GLOW, his whole body starting
               to give off SMOKE, as he claws frantically at his throat,
               trying to scream but not making a sound!

                                   GAINEY (cont'd)
                         What did you do? What did you do?

               Syren looks up, hearing #1's distress but not knowing what's
               going on as Gainey marches over to her...

               ... and with a final, agonized GASP, Redneck #1 EXPLODES in a
               shower of FLAMES and BLOOD!

               The rest of the gang reel back in horror as they're SPATTERED
               with the remains of their comrade, gobs of fire spreading
               across the floor and furniture.

               Gainey looks in utter shock from the SCORCH MARK left behind
               to Syren, who looks just as confused as to what the heck just
               happened as we cut to:

        28     EXT. OLD MILL - NIGHT                                   28

               In a cloud of dust, the black van speeds up the trail leading
               to the mill, SKIDDING to a halt just outside the rusted front
               gates.

               The team jump out and race inside, weapons as the ready as we
               return to:

        29     INT. GAINEY'S LAIR - NEXT                               29

               Gainey marches over to Syren and PUNCHES her hard across the
               jaw, as the others behind him hastily stamp out the small
               fires that Redneck #1's combustion created.

               Gainey grabs her by the throat, making Syren GASP for air as
               he roars into her face:

                                   GAINEY
                         What'd you do to my boy, you little
                         bitch?!?

                                   SYREN
                         I don't... I don't...

                                   GAINEY
                         I'll give you 'I don't know'...

               Gainey's eyes mist over, turning a deep, baleful RED as he
               HISSES, a long set of FANGS stretching from his jaws!

               He rears back, ready to finish her off - and the door BLASTS
               in two as Twist barges through it!

               She hits the deck and skids along the floor, carried by her
               momentum, but recovers just as Danyael, Diego and Julie tear
               through after her.

                                   TWIST
                         Syren!

               Gainey whips round, and Twist is straight into action,
               landing a BOOT into Gainey's face and knocking him away from
               her.

               The others get stuck into the rest of the gang as Twist
               hurriedly starts to untie Syren.

               Diego waits as one Redneck charges him, ducking and FLIPPING
               the vamp over his shoulder, twisting on one foot and drawing
               a STAKE before SLAMMING it into the vamp's chest!

               That one's gone before he hits the ground, landing just
               beside Danyael as he trades punches with the next opponent.
               He's clearly a better fighter now than we've seen for a
               while, getting the Redneck in an armlock and HEADBUTTING him
               with some force.

               Julie's gun BLAZES as she sends several rounds into the gut
               of the nearest vamp, who ROARS in pain as he burns from the
               inside out, DISINTEGRATING into ASH in moments!

               Syren is finally free, and Twist helps her up and out of the
               chair - before Gainey TACKLES them both to the floor!

               Twist spins away, straight into the grip of Redneck #2, who
               pins her to the floor as Gainey GRABS Syren by the hair,
               pulling back sharply!

               She cries out in pain as Gainey pulls a KNIFE, getting ready
               to cut her throat!

                                   GAINEY
                         Let's see you sing your way outta
                         this one, you little-

               SNIKT! Gainey freezes - then his arm FALLS AWAY at the elbow!

               He drops back like a stone as Diego FLICKS the blood from his
               sword, taking Syren's hand and helping her back up.

               Twist is still struggling with her opponent, but a swift KNEE
               to the groin and a tidy judo FLIP sends him hurtling away
               from her.

               She FLIPS to her feet, and as Danyael tosses her bat over to
               her, she neatly grabs it, swings and SMASHES it into the vamp
               all in one fluid movement.

               He crashes to the ground, and Twist wastes no time in KICKING
               a nearby chair, yanking a stake-sized hunk of wood from it
               and STAKING the vamp to the floor.

               He shudders and finally falls still, leaving just one behind -
               Gainey.

               With Diego supporting the woozy Syren, the team close in on
               Gainey as he flops around on the floor, in shock from the
               loss of his arm.

                                   GAINEY (cont'd)
                         My... my... you cut... you cut
                         off... my...

                                   JULIE
                         Danyael, you wanna finish him?

                                   TWIST
                         Why bother? He's 'armless now.

               A beat. She SNORTS with laughter and walks away, leaving this
               to the others.

               Danyael passes a handy stake to Syren as Diego steps away
               from her, and Gainey watches her with wide, terrified eyes as
               she tilts her head down towards him.

                                   GAINEY
                             (whimpering)
                         Please... please... I didn't...
                         don't...

               Syren turns the stake round in her hands, staring off towards
               nothing, before finally shaking her head and turning away
               from the pathetic form of Gainey.

                                   SYREN
                         I can't.

               Danyael and Diego exchange a look.

                                   DANYAEL
                         'Can't' what? Stake him? He's a
                         vampire, Syren. That's what we do.

                                   DIEGO
                         He tried to kill you.

                                   SYREN
                         I know he did, but... no. I can't.
                         I just...

               She holds the stake out, offering it to the boys.

                                   SYREN (cont'd)
                         One of you two should finish him.

               Danyael shrugs and reaches for the stake, but Diego takes it
               instead, stepping up to Syren with a smile.

                                   DIEGO
                         Congratulations.

                                   SYREN
                         What for?

                                   DIEGO
                         You have already learnt the lesson
                         about life I was planning to teach
                         you.

               He gently takes her by the shoulders and turns her back to
               face Gainey.

                                   DIEGO (cont'd)
                         The quality of mercy.

               Syren tilts her head as he continues:

                                   DIEGO (cont'd)
                         It is what separates us from them.
                         The ability to feel pity, even for
                         our worst enemies. To know that
                         death is not always the answer, and
                         that retribution and vengeance are
                         not always the best motivations for
                         any warrior.

                                   SYREN
                         I... I think I understand.

                                   DIEGO
                             (nods)
                         Good.

               She turns away, starting to walk back towards the others...

               ... and with a sudden movement, Diego steps forward and RAMS
               the stake down into Gainey's chest!

               Syren spins round, her shocked expression matching Gainey's
               as the last of his life force slips away, and he falls still
               at last.

               Syren's face is one of confusion as Diego strides towards
               her, his features impassive.

                                   DIEGO (cont'd)
                         Mercy must be saved for those who
                         are worthy of it. Never forget
                         that.

               He walks past her, and Syren stares down towards Gainey as
               Julie approaches her, putting an arm round her and guiding
               her away. We DISSOLVE TO:
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