sib3x17
Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.
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TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. GUTTED BUILDING - DAY 1
With the rubble-strewn room bathed in a green haze, our view
SHIFTING from side to side as though we were at sea, CHRIS
steps into frame.
He seems confused, squinting as he looks around, light
flooding in from the empty window frames.
Outside, a STORM continues to barrage the RUINED CITY visible
through the windows, with strong winds HOWLING as they slip
through the deserted streets.
Chris hears someone SOBBING and moves closer, trying to
locate the source of the sound as it echoes around the
desolate building.
He takes a few cautious steps forward, bringing up his KATANA
as he tenses, ready for anything.
The SOBBING grows louder as he approaches the entrance to one
large room, again filled with nothing but trash and debris.
Chris frowns, cocking his head to one side as he hears a
VOICE through the sobs, repeating a phrase over and over
again:
VOICE
This isn't what I wanted... this
isn't what I wanted...
Chris steps forward, about to look into the room as we:
WHITE OUT:
2 EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE - DAY 2
CLOSE ON Chris, bundled up tightly on a SLED, thick blankets
keeping him warm as FREEZING WINDS blow across him.
PULL BACK to find he's part of a longer train - three more
sleds, one of them home to JULIE who's wrapped up just as
securely as he is.
Each sled is pulled up the sloping mountainside path they're
on by a pack of HUSKIES, the sled riders barking quick
commands to the dogs as they haul their baggage onwards.
Several more figures are huddled on the sleds, wrapped
tightly against the cold which leaves a layer of FROST over
them.
3 EXT. MONASTERY - GATES - NEXT 3
Cresting a hill, the sleds find themselves at the top of a
slope, looking down towards a delicate building nestled
between two craggy hillsides.
It's a MONASTERY, ornately decorated and brightly-coloured
against the snow surrounding it, with a set of large iron
GATES at the head of an archway-covered path to the main
entrance.
TITLE OVER: SOMEWHERE IN EASTERN TIBET
With more barks to their dogs, the sled riders set off down
the hill, expertly weaving between rocks and following each
other's grooves to make the journey down as smooth as
possible.
They reach the front gates and come to a stop, with two of
the figures from the first sled standing and walking towards
the tall gates.
MICHELLE pulls the fur lining her coat's hood down so she can
see, peering through thick sunglasses at an INSCRIPTION on
one of the stone pillars either side of the gates.
Next to her, TWIST does the same, looking to either side and
following the tall FENCE that surrounds the monastery.
Twist glances up at the sky - thick clouds cover up the sun.
Luckily.
TWIST
(off inscription)
What does it say?
MICHELLE
Hang on.
Twist hops from foot to foot, clearly suffering in the sub
zero temperatures.
TWIST
Well?
MICHELLE
(snaps)
Sorry, I must have skipped Advanced
Tibetan at school! Will you shut up
and let me try and read this?
TWIST
Well, if you don't know any
Tibetan, then how can you read it,
smartass?
MICHELLE
Because I'm cheating.
Michelle reaches down into her coat's collar, lifting up the
GOLD CRYSTAL that hangs round her neck. It's GLOWING
brightly, and Michelle's lips move as she reads down the
inscription.
MICHELLE (cont'd)
"To all those who would enter the
Budokan... announce your presence
and step inside... only if you be
friends... or turn back now."
Twist glances to her right and sees a GONG and hammer hanging
from a support. She grabs the hammer and BASHES the gong, to
a glare from Michelle.
TWIST
What? We're friends, right?
Michelle starts to speak, but stops and looks up - the ECHO
from the gong is bouncing around the valley, far louder than
it should do.
MICHELLE
If you've started an avalanche, so
help me...
But to both girls' surprise, the gates CREAK - and then
slowly SWING OPEN.
Twist shoots a smug grin to Michelle, then turns to the
waiting sleds and WHISTLES.
TWIST
Up and at 'em!
As the first sled pulls up to them, the girls hop back on,
and we PULL BACK as the convoy make their way along the path
up to the front entrance.
4 EXT. MONASTERY - MAIN ENTRANCE - NEXT 4
The three sleds park up, the riders going to see to their
dogs as the others clamber off the sleds and shake the snow
off.
DANYAEL and NAOMI join Twist and Michelle as they stare up at
the monastery's imposing entrance.
DANYAEL
Reckon we should knock?
TWIST
No, they know we're here. We
gonged, after all.
MICHELLE
Come on.
The foursome start up the steps to the entrance as DIEGO and
SYREN step into frame, both still a little bruised from their
recent encounter with the Trinity.
DIEGO
I hope Chris was right about this
place.
SYREN
He was. I mean, it only took us
just over a week to get this far,
right? I'm sure it'll be quicker on
the way back down.
She grins, and it takes Diego a second to realise she just
cracked a joke.
DIEGO
Let's go.
He helps guide her up the staircase, joining the others as
they wait by the front doors.
TWIST
So... now what?
As if to answer her, the tall doors start to SWING OPEN,
revealing a smiling MONK dressed in the orange robes of his
order waiting for them.
MONK
(bows)
Greetings, friends.
Michelle bows, nudging Twist to do the same.
MICHELLE
Hello. We come in peace.
The monk blinks. Michelle clears her throat and continues.
MICHELLE (cont'd)
Er... some of our friends are ill,
and we've been told you and your
people may be able to help them.
MONK
Of course. Please, come inside.
He waves for them to enter, and Michelle and Twist cross the
threshold.
TWIST
(quietly)
Ever wonder how these monks always
know perfect English?
Michelle glares at her to be quiet as the others follow her
inside.
PULL BACK as a group of more MONKS leave the monastery,
descending the stairs to retrieve Chris and Julie from their
sleds.
BLACK OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
5 INT. MONASTERY - HALLWAY - DAY 5
The team assemble in the main hall that branches off to other
parts of the monastery, watching as other monks quietly pace
past them.
Twist watches as Chris and Julie are set down onto stretchers
and carried past them, turning to the Monk who let them in.
TWIST
Where are you gonna take them?
MONK
Somewhere they can rest while we
make preparations.
(to Michelle)
What is the nature of their
affliction?
MICHELLE
The woman is possessed by an ixtab,
and the man has recently used a
great deal of dark magic.
The Monk's face flickers, not liking the phrase 'dark magic.'
DANYAEL
(quickly)
Using it for good, don't worry.
TWIST
Yeah, we had to stop this, uh,
hadoken -
DIEGO
Hurakan.
TWIST
Yeah, one of them. Big monster.
Huge.
The Monk smiles, accepting their story.
MONK
Then there is much we can do to
help both of them. Come.
He motions for the team to follow.
6 INT. MONASTERY - CORRIDOR - NEXT 6
The Monk leads them down a wide, triangular corridor.
Tapestries and paintings hang from the walls, with candles
and incense burners set into the ceiling.
TWIST
Nice place you've got here. Kind of
'Tomb Raider' meets Ikea.
MONK
The Budokan monastery has existed
here for many generations.
DIEGO
Our friend Christopher studied here
long ago. That's why we knew to
come back here.
The Monk stops, frowning. The team wait as he turns round.
MONK
Your friend, Christopher... is
he...
TWIST
Part vampire? Yep. Guilty as
charged. As for me, I'm all vamp.
(to Danyael)
And him.
(to Naomi)
And her.
(to Diego and Syren)
These two... no idea.
MICHELLE
(hisses)
Twist!
TWIST
What? He asked!
MONK
It is alright. I just wanted to be
sure.
He starts to walk on, Michelle shooting Twist yet another
sharp look as the team follow.
MONK (cont'd)
The tale of Christopher's time here
is still told today. He was
definitely one of our most...
unusual students.
The Monk leads them into:
7 INT. MONASTERY - GARDEN - NEXT 7
The team blink with surprise as they step into a blooming
GARDEN, with plants and herbs blossoming wherever they look.
More monks tend to the gardens, which spill across many paths
and cover most of the space on offer.
NAOMI
It's beautiful...
Twist looks up and sees a SKYLIGHT is set into the ceiling.
Even with the sun obscured by clouds, there's plenty of
natural light here.
MONK
Please, take a moment to rest here
while I make preparations for your
stay.
MICHELLE
Thanks. We appreciate it.
They exchange bows before the Monk leaves them. Twist spots
several BENCHES and CHAIRS set in place around them, flopping
down into one.
TWIST
Man! I thought I'd never make it to
see another chair again.
She starts unfastening the many layers of her clothing, the
others also shedding their thick coats.
DANYAEL
Looks like Chris left a good
impression with these guys.
DIEGO
He stayed here for some time, or so
Sanctus once told me. They taught
him much about understanding his
nature.
Syren smiles, running her hands across several flowers as she
soaks up the atmosphere. A dozen small FOUNTAINS add a gentle
patter of running water to the scene.
SYREN
I like it here. It's quiet, but
it's the right kind of quiet.
TWIST
(jokingly)
And yet, there you are, talking.
Syren rolls her eyes, letting the remark roll off her.
DANYAEL
So what can we expect now? I mean,
how long will it take to sort Chris
and Julie out?
MICHELLE
Hard to say. This is unfamiliar
territory for me. Seeing as I
haven't been called away, I can
only assume this is where I'm
needed for now, so that probably
means we're looking at a week,
maybe more.
TWIST
A week here wouldn't be so bad.
She turns in her seat, putting her feet up on Diego's lap as
he sits next to her. She points to her heavy boots.
TWIST (cont'd)
Remove and massage, s'il vous
plait.
Diego just raises an eyebrow, so Twist tries the Puppy Dog
Eyes instead. With a sigh, Diego starts unfastening her
laces.
DANYAEL
(to Naomi)
Wanna go take a look around?
NAOMI
Sure, why not.
(to others)
Are you guys okay here?
MICHELLE
We'll come and find you if we need
you.
Naomi nods, following Danyael as the duo leave the garden.
8 INT. MONASTERY - CORRIDOR - NEXT 8
The two vampires stay close as they stroll down another of
the monastery's long corridors.
NAOMI
You know, I was thinking...
DANYAEL
(weary)
Oh, here we go again.
NAOMI
Now's a perfect time to tell them.
DANYAEL
Can't we concentrate on getting
Chris and Julie back on their feet
first?
NAOMI
I know, I know. I'm not saying do
it now, just...
He stops, taking her hands.
DANYAEL
Naomi. I meant what I said and I
will tell the others. But not until
I know Chris and Julie are okay.
Naomi lowers her head and nods.
NAOMI
Alright.
DANYAEL
Good.
He pulls her close and KISSES her. She sinks into it, taken
by surprise, smiling as he pulls away.
NAOMI
What was that for?
Danyael just grins, taking her by the hand and leading her
away as we CUT TO:
9 INT. MONASTERY - BEDROOMS - NEXT 9
The Monk opens the door to a modest, sparsely-furnished room,
showing Twist and Diego inside.
MONK
This will be your room. I
appreciate that you may not have
the luxuries you of the West are
accustomed to, but -
TWIST
(looking round)
Well, now you mention it, what
about a -
DIEGO
(quickly)
It's fine. It's more than fine.
Thank you.
The Monk nods, leaving them and closing the door.
TWIST
(hands on hips)
You don't know what I was going to
say.
DIEGO
Somehow, I doubt I'd have liked it.
He steps past her, laying his bulky backpack on the floor by
the bed, but when he turns round Twist suddenly PUSHES him
back onto the bed!
DIEGO (cont'd)
What the -
She stands before him, hands still on hips, a wry smirk on
her face.
TWIST
Diego... shut up.
And without taking her eyes off him, she starts to roll up
her t-shirt.
Diego chuckles, knowing there's little he could do to fight
this, and we CUT TO:
10 INT. MONASTERY - CHAMBER - NEXT 10
Michelle steps through a doorway and into a large, dimly-lit
room filled with STONE PEDESTALS.
Lying on two of these are Chris and Julie, each one
surrounded by several ELDERLY MONKS. Some CHANT, some swing
INCENSE BURNERS and others daub SYMBOLS onto Chris and
Julie's skin.
Michelle stays back and watches them at work, a younger Monk
coming to stand by her.
MICHELLE
What are they doing?
MONK
I believe the closest example is
washing your hands before you eat.
(off her look)
They are cleansing your friends of
any residual energy, making sure
nothing will interfere with the
healing process to come.
MICHELLE
(gets it)
They're sterilising them.
The Monk nods, and Michelle watches the Elders at work again.
MICHELLE (cont'd)
Can I ask you an honest question?
MONK
Of course.
MICHELLE
What are their chances?
The Monk hesitates.
MICHELLE (cont'd)
That bad?
MONK
Please understand, we have already
sensed great pain and darkness
surrounding both of your friends.
It will not be an easy process to
even strip that away. Without
achieving that first step, the true
healing cannot begin.
MICHELLE
Is there anything I can do to help?
MONK
We shall see. You are one who walks
with Death, are you not?
MICHELLE
That's one way of putting it.
MONK
Then if all else fails, you shall
be needed to help their souls cross
over to the other side.
That doesn't leave Michelle looking too upbeat, and as
concern creeps into her features we CUT TO:
11 INT. MONASTERY - GARDEN - NEXT 11
Syren sits alone on a bench, happily letting the smells and
sounds of the tranquil garden wash over her.
An ELDERLY MONK takes a seat beside her, sitting in silence
for a few moments.
ELDERLY MONK
This is -
SYREN
Oh!
She JUMPS a mile, not even having heard him sit down.
ELDERLY MONK
I'm sorry, child. I did not mean to
frighten you.
SYREN
No, it's alright, I just... you're
very quiet.
ELDERLY MONK
(chuckles)
I have had many years to practise.
The Monk studies her, realising that she didn't see him take
a seat.
ELDERLY MONK (cont'd)
How do you find our gardens, even
without your sight?
SYREN
More beautiful than anything I
could've imagined.
ELDERLY MONK
(smiles)
I am glad we agree.
SYREN
There's so much... life here. I can
feel it all around. It's like I
could just reach out...
She holds out her hand, closing her eyes and starting to HUM
a simple melody.
Tiny WISPS OF LIGHT start to gather in the air over her hand,
and as the Monk watches with amazement, the lights cluster
together and form the shape of a FLOWER.
With a brief FLARE, the lights are gone - and in their place
is a delicate FLOWER! Syren opens her eyes, holding the newly
created flower up.
SYREN (cont'd)
... and touch it.
As the Monk gapes in wonder at her, we CUT TO:
12 INT. MONASTERY - CORRIDOR - LATER 12
It's a few hours later, the light filtering in from the
mountains outside tinged with red as the sun sets.
Danyael is pacing down the corridor, looking like the weight
of the world is on his shoulders.
He passes the door to Twist and Diego's room - just as she
steps outside. Her hair's a mess, her clothing rumpled - it's
pretty clear what she was just doing.
She freezes when she makes eye contact, knowing she's been
caught and suddenly almost squirming with embarrassment.
TWIST
Uh... hi.
DANYAEL
Hi.
A beat.
DANYAEL (cont'd)
They're, uh, making us a banquet in
a half hour. You know, to honour
our arrival.
TWIST
Oh. That's... that's nice.
DANAYEL
Yep.
(beat)
Well... see ya.
He starts to walk on, but Twist quickly calls out:
TWIST
Danyael?
He stops, half turning round.
TWIST (cont'd)
We... we need to talk.
(beat)
About Naomi.
Danyael grins, like he's laughing at some private joke.
DANYAEL
Yeah. Yeah, we do.
TWIST
Wait here.
She quickly ducks back into her room, returning a moment
later looking a lot more presentable. She jogs up to Danyael,
and the duo start walking again.
Neither of them speak for a long moment.
DANYAEL
Look, I'm -
TWIST
I just thought -
They stop. Chuckle.
DANYAEL
Go on.
TWIST
Thanks.
(deep breath)
Hoo boy. How to start this one.
Uh...
DANYAEL
Would it help if I said I knew you
didn't like her?
TWIST
It's not about that.
(beat)
Well, it is, kinda, only -
DANYAEL
Twist, it's okay. You won't have to
worry about that for much longer.
TWIST
What? Why?
DANYAEL
We'll get to that. You go on.
Twist bites her lip, clearly struggling with how to word
this.
TWIST
Naomi, she... Danyael, I think
she's bad news.
DANYAEL
Right.
TWIST
You remember Kate? The master
criminal who almost stiffed us over
those magic gauntlets that ended up
being as useful as the square root
of crap all a while back?
DANYAEL
Yeah...
TWIST
Ever wonder what happened to her?
DANYAEL
(puzzled)
Naomi stopped her from killing you.
TWIST
No, Danny, that's not it.
He stops. Turns to her.
DANYAEL
You just... you never call me
'Danny.' Ever.
(suspicious)
Twist, what's this about?
TWIST
Naomi and I'd cornered Kate in that
old building, only Naomi got behind
her and got Kate in a headlock.
She pauses, but Danyael wants to hear this one.
TWIST (cont'd)
(swallows)
She forced Kate to get that prison
warden homing mark thing off me...
and then she killed her.
DANYAEL
Not seeing how this is different to
the story I already know.
TWIST
Danyael, Naomi just snapped her
neck as soon as Kate took the mark
off me.
(beat)
She lied to you. To all of us.
Danyael doesn't know what to make of this. He takes a step
back from Twist.
DANYAEL
No, that's not...
TWIST
That's what happened! What, you
think I'd make this up just to get
you to drop her?
DANYAEL
(long beat)
Actually, yes.
Twist's jaw drops.
DANYAEL (cont'd)
But that's not important now.
TWIST
You... huh?
Danyael lowers his head and takes a breath.
DANYAEL
Once Chris and Julie are better...
I'm leaving. Me and Naomi.
Twist is stunned. She just stares at him.
DANYAEL (cont'd)
Things with us...
(shakes head)
This just isn't the same team it
used to be. There's too much...
there's just too much stuff going
on with all of us. It's getting in
the way of what we're here to do. I
can do more good out there with
her. Helping other rebels get ready
for what's coming.
(beat)
My mind's made up, Twist.
TWIST
(soft)
You're... you're leaving?
DANYAEL
I'm sorry it had to come out like
this. I'm just... I'm sorry.
He walks away, and Twist can do nothing but watch him leave,
too shocked to even form a sentence.
Danyael looks up as he walks towards us - and there are TEARS
in his eyes as we:
BLACK OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
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Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.