The Chosen One By Brian Godwin (2) FADE IN INT. SUBURBAN HOME/LIVING ROOM – NIGHT Utter chaos. People clad in Goth clothes swarm around, toting guns and ransacking the home. Several have police chief BARBARA NELSON (late 20s) tied to a chair. From the cuts and bruises on her, it is obvious the chief has been worked over. At the front window, a THIN MAN keeps watch. The eye of the storm amid this chaos, LANCE KNIGHT (23) stands dumbfounded. Lance is also sporting some bruises and torn clothes, but he wears a collared shirt in contrast to the Goths around him. The Goths ignore Lance, rushing back and forth in the living room. Suddenly, Thin Man begins yelling. THIN MAN They're here! He retreats from the window, bumping into Lance. Thin Man looks at him with wide eyes and runs to ALICIA DEWITT(19), a leather-clad tough girl. Sneering menacingly at Nelson, she grips Lance's girlfriend AMY DUMAS (24). Thin Man grabs her by her free arm. THIN MAN They're coming in! They're- He is cut off as the door bursts open. POLICE OFFICERS, armed to the teeth, rush in. At their front is detective MARK ROSS (35), his eyes glazed over in rage. ROSS Freeze! Put your hands up, NOW! OPENING CREDITS INT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/BEDROOM – DAY The phone rings loudly on a nightstand beside a large bed. Lance rolls over, rubbing sleep from his eyes, to look at the phone. Amy stirs beside him. Lance looks at her sheepishly as the phone continues to ring. LANCE I told them not to call before nine, sorry. AMY It's okay. The phone stops ringing. AMY (CONT) See, they took the hint. The phone starts ringing again. Disgusted, Lance spins to grab it. He checks the caller ID. LANCE Pay phone? He picks up the phone. LANCE This is Lance, talk to me. (pause, then excited) Yeah? Amy climbs out of bed and walks into the bathroom. INT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/BATHROOM – CONTINUOUS Amy begins brushing her teeth at the sink. In the next room, Lance can be heard getting excited. LANCE That big, huh? Where should we meet? Amy looks into the mirror in the direction of the bedroom. LANCE (CONT) Okay, I can be there in ten minutes. Visibly upset, Amy spits out the toothpaste. INT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS Lance has gotten out of bed and is pulling on his jeans. The phone is cradled between his ear and shoulder. LANCE (CONT) I'll see you then. He hangs up the phone and throws on a buttoned-up dress shirt. Slipping his feet into a nice pair of shoes, he heads for the door. He's stopped, however, as Amy blocks it. AMY Where are you going? LANCE To meet Keith. AMY Keith? What does he want? Lance grabs the remote control and turns on the TV. LANCE (CONT) Huge story downtown - the DA and his family were murdered. Keith's got a lead on it. Lance grabs his coat from the floor. LANCE (CONT) I'll call you later. He tries to step past her, but she stops him by putting her hand on his chest. AMY I thought we were going apartment hunting today? Lance winces – he's forgotten all about that. LANCE Can it wait until tomorrow? Amy rolls her eyes and crosses her arms. Lance goes on the defensive. AMY That's what you said yesterday. And the day before that. And the day before that. And the day- LANCE (interrupting) I know, I'm sorry. A freelance writer has to work twice as hard as an employed one, though. She sighs and steps out of the doorway. He grins, kisses her on the cheek, and rushes out the door. AMY (calling out) I love you. The only reply she gets is the slamming door as Lance leaves. With a sigh, she turns her attention to the television, where a REPORTER is interviewing chief Nelson. REPORTER (ON TV) Inside sources indicate that these murders appear to be cult related. EXT. LARGE HOME – CONTINUOUS A large group of reporters gather around chief Nelson. At the door of the building, police officers check the ID's of anyone attempting to enter. REPORTER (CONT) What is the legitimacy of that rumor? NELSON (visibly tired) No comment at this time. REPORTER The DA had recently promised a crackdown on reported cult activity in this city- NELSON (interrupting) I said no comment. REPORTER Do you find extra incentive to solve this quickly, given your short time as police chief and the controversy surrounding your appointment? Nelson shakes her head. NELSON The only comment I can make is that we have our best detectives on this. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to work. Nelson walks away, and the reporter looks at the camera. REPORTER District attorney Paul McDonald had pledged to rid our city of what he saw as a growing menace. INT. LARGE HOME – DAY Nelson comes through the door of the crime scene. It's a mess – blood is everywhere, and there is strange writing and symbols on the wall. Police crowd the room, most huddling in small groups and stealing glances at the young chief. REPORTER (CONT, VO) We can only speculate that the problems he spoke out against ultimately cost him his life, and the lives of his wife and young daughter. Three bodies lay under bloody white sheets in the center of the floor. Nelson pulls a young COP aside. NELSON Where's Ross? The cop points to a man making sketches in a small black notebook. Nelson strides over to his side. NELSON You're on this one? ROSS You said you wanted the best. NELSON Let's wrap this up quick. The people demand justice, and so do I. Nelson turns and walks away, exiting the crime scene. Ross still hasn't looked up from making notes in his sketchpad. ROSS Justice? Try revenge. EXT. STREET – DAY Lance walks down the street, looking around as he goes. Nothing in particular strikes his eye. He stops in front of a coffee shop and opens the door. VOICE Spare some change, brother? Lance looks down, confused, at the beggar in front of the store. The beggar smirks back and rattles a half-full cup. Lance laughs and shakes his head in amazement. It is KEITH BROWNSTONE (22). EXT. LARGE HOME – DAY Keith and Lance stand outside the crime scene. Keith pulls off his tattered clothes to reveal a black t-shirt and jeans under it. He stuffs the clothes in a bag at his feet. LANCE Is that how you make money between scams? KEITH (smirking) When I don't have hot tips to feed you. LANCE Where you been lately? KEITH Just busy. Got our badges? Lance waves two police badges in the air. LANCE Just for you. KEITH (smirking) Still got it in you. (taking one badge) Let's go. The duo turn and walk inside the building. INT. OFFICE BUILDING – DAY Lance and Keith show their badges to the policeman at the door. He nods and the two walk inside. It is mostly cleared out by now – only a few cops dust for fingerprints. Keith walks over to the chalk outlines in the center of the room while Lance is stopped by the writing (in blood) on the walls. Lance takes out a pad and begins copying it down. Keith notices his actions and walks over. KEITH (reading) "Innocence is sweetest in the presence of evil." LANCE What do you think that means? KEITH You're the smart one, you tell me. LANCE I have no idea what- Keith cuts him off as a police officer walks by behind them. When the officer passes, he looks at the writing. KEITH Are we almost done here? LANCE A little nervous, are we? KEITH Yeah, and you've already gotten a good look. Making sure to get a better one later? Lance smirks and slides a small camera out of his pocket. LANCE Who needs a photographic memory? KEITH (smirking) Good, let's get the hell out of here. The two walk toward the door. On their way out, they pass an entering Ross, who turns and watches them with slight interest as they walk away. EXT. SIDEWALK – DAY Lance talks on a cell phone as he and Keith walk down the sidewalk. Keith hums a tune but Lance doesn't appear to notice. LANCE Those are too high. We need something in our price range. (beat) I'll start looking when I get the chance. We've been tied up all morning downtown. The two reach an outdoor cafι. Keith gestures to a table and Lance nods. Keith pulls out his chair dramatically and Lance waves him off. LANCE (CONT) I have to go, Amy. More work. (beat) If I get the chance. (beat) I love you too. Shaking his head, Lance hangs up the phone. He looks at Keith, who is grinning from ear to ear. Keith looks confused. LANCE What? KEITH Who'd you blow off this time? LANCE My girlfriend Amy. We were supposed to go apartment hunting today. A WAITRESS (16), carrying a small pad, comes over to the table. WAITRESS What can I get you to drink? LANCE I'll have a Coke and a club sandwich. KEITH The same for me, thanks. The waitress makes a note on her pad and walks off. LANCE (CONT) So what's the deal? Keith leans back in his chair and yawns. KEITH Deal? LANCE Where's the angle? KEITH (whining) No lunch first? I'm hurt. LANCE (smiling) I'm sure. Surprised you're not crying your eyes out. KEITH I try not to cry in public. The two laugh and the waitress brings out their Cokes. Keith takes a huge drink of his drink, while Lance doesn't even seem to notice his. Lance takes a large stuffed envelope out of his pocket and slides it across the table. Keith picks it up, tosses it a few times, then puts it away. KEITH Everyone knows the DA was cracking down on reported cults in town. LANCE Yeah, I know that. KEITH Well, some people didn't like that. Keith looks around and licks his lips. He slowly leans forward. His eyes glow like smoldering embers. KEITH (CONT) Word on the street is that there's a pretty big group here in the city, and they had something to do with the DA. LANCE Here? KEITH (smirking) Right here. Right now. Lance leans back and shakes his head in amazement. Keith chuckles slightly. LANCE Where? KEITH Dementia. LANCE Huh? KEITH Dementia. It's a new place downtown. I've heard the gang works somewhere inside. LANCE You've been there. KEITH (smirking) Maybe. But I'm smart enough to keep my nose out of their business. Keith leans in, and his eyes bore into Lance. KEITH (CONT) Question is, are you? EXT. CITY – DAY Time lapse photography shows it change from day to night. EXT. ALLEY – NIGHT Around the corner from Dementia, Lance and Keith huddle in an alley. Although Keith wears the same clothes from earlier, Lance has changed into black leather pants, a white t-shirt, and a leather jacket. He glances around the corner and looks back at Keith. LANCE I can't believe you're not going in. KEITH You thought I was joking earlier? Lance shakes his head and peers back around the corner. Keith checks his watch. KEITH Well, I've got somewhere else to be. LANCE (frowning) Where? KEITH Anywhere but here, hombre. Lance shakes his head and Keith smiles. He looks around and then heads off in the other direction. Lance watches him for a second, then turns his attention back to the club. He takes a deep breath and steps off in that direction. EXT. DEMENTIA – CONTINUOUS The entrance to Dementia is a huge door. At the front stands a huge MEATHEAD (MEAT) bouncer (28). Walking up, Lance nods his head and attempts to step inside. Meat steps in front of him cutting off his path. Lance looks at him, confused. LANCE Hey man, I heard this was an awesome club. You going to let me in or what? The bouncer stares at him, sizing him up, before nodding his head and opening the door. TECHNO MUSIC pounds inside. Lance smiles and steps through the door. INT. DEMENTIA – CONTINUOUS The room is crowded, as young men and women clad in black writhe with the music. Many have on face paint and black lipstick. Nothing can be heard over the thumping bass of the music. Surveying the room, Lance heads for the bar. Two Goth chicks, one with a huge TATTOO and another with a NOSERING, lean on it, nodding their head in rhythm. Lance smirks and positions himself beside Tattoo. LANCE Nice ink. Tattoo turns and smirks at him, then grabs Nosering and begins to make out with her. Lance stands, open-mouthed. They break and Tattoo sneers at him before they walk to the dance floor. Lance watches them leave, still in shock. Behind him, a female starts LAUGHING. Lance turns around to see the bartender, Alicia, watching him with amusement. ALICIA First time here? LANCE (smiling) How could you tell? Alicia just smiles back mischievously. ALICIA What'll it be? LANCE Corona. She opens a beer and places the bottle in front of him. LANCE (CONT) Listen, I don't know how to ask this, but… His voice trails off, and she smirks at him. ALICIA Bi. LANCE What? ALICIA Bi. I'm bisexual. Lance laughs and shakes his head. LANCE No, that wasn't the question. (leaning in closer) My friend told me about a group that meets here, and I wanted to check it out. Alicia appears confused. ALICIA Group? Here? Hold on, let me go ask someone. LANCE Sure. He nods and Alicia moves off into the crowd. Lance turns around and surveys the room. People are dancing to a new song, but the music seems to have the same effect on them. It looks like a normal club. He spots Alicia. She is talking with Meat and pointing toward Lance. He frowns nervously. LANCE Uh-oh. EXT. DEMENTIA – NIGHT Lance is thrown to the ground. Blood streams from his nose and his eye has already started to swell. He also has a few cuts and scrapes on his face and arms. MEAT Get out of here. This is a private party, and you're not on the guest list, punk. Lance is still gasping for breath as Meat walks away. Lance crawls to a nearby alley and turns over on his back. He pulls out his cell phone and starts dialing. INT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/BATHROOM – NIGHT Lance grimaces as Amy applies peroxide to his wounds. Bruises cover his body, and he has bandages over a few scrapes on his arm. Amy is not pleased with the physical state of her boyfriend. AMY Why does this always happen? LANCE (innocently) It's not "always." Amy frowns and rips a bandage off his chest. Lance yelps in pain and she smirks slightly. AMY Sorry, that one needed a new bandage. Let me put another one there. Lance takes the new bandage from her as she drops the old one in the trash. LANCE I think I can handle this now. He stands and walks out, toward the bedroom. Amy sighs and follows him. INT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS Lance crashes on to his bed, face down. Amy sits beside him, on the edge of the bed. AMY When is this going to stop? LANCE Occupational hazard. AMY Not for everyone. Tom Brokah isn't getting beaten up every time he takes a story. LANCE Tom Brokah doesn't do the things I do. Big difference. AMY I just want to know when I can stop worrying every time you walk out the door. If you worked for a paper, instead of freelanced- LANCE (agitated) You know I can't handle commitment. Amy doesn't reply. Uncomfortable silence. LANCE (CONT) I meant to a desk job. AMY (softly) I never said anything. The two lapse into silence, staring in different directions. INT. PRECINCT – NIGHT Alone in the dark precinct, Ross sits at his desk and looks over his notes. He opens the case file and reads a short section. He puts it down and picks up the phone. ROSS (ON PHONE) This is detective Mark Ross in homicide. Can you send the bloodwork on the McDonald case as soon as you get it. (pause) Good, I'll be waiting here at my desk. I don't care if it takes all night. Ross stares intently at his notebook. EXT. CITY – NIGHT Time-lapse photography shows it change from night to day. EXT. PARK – DAY Lance sits on a park bench, talking on his cell phone. Around him, children and their parents play in the sunshine. A few dog-walkers are out, and others are jogging. The wounds on Lance's arms are concealed by a long sleeve shirt, but those on his face are more visible. His eye is a little black, and his cheek is scratched. LANCE I know, but you have to remember that this is a dangerous job. INT. AMY'S APARTMENT/LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS Amy, on the other line, paces the floor in her modest apartment. AMY Dangerous? It's not like you're a policeman. EXT. PARK – CONTINUOUS Lance chuckles a little. LANCE Yeah, they can fight back with guns. AMY (OS) This isn't funny, Lance. (softly) I worry about you. Lance checks his watch and looks at the ground. LANCE I know. I'm sorry. INT. AMY'S APARTMENT/LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS Amy sits down in a chair. AMY I know this is how you make your living. I know you love what you do. I just hope you can be a little more careful. (softer) I've had a bad feeling lately. EXT. PARK – CONTINUOUS Lance is troubled by Amy's tone. LANCE I'm staying away from that place from now on. Checking up on some other things. AMY (OS) Are we getting together tonight? LANCE I can't, too much work. How about tomorrow night? INT. AMY'S APARTMENT/LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS Amy smiles. AMY That works. I'll be by around ten, I have to work. LANCE (OS) That would be great. AMY I love you. EXT. PARK – CONTINUOUS Lance smiles – Amy sounds happy now. LANCE I love you too. Bye. Lance listens for her reply, then smiles and hangs up the phone. He puts it away, and then looks around. Not seeing Keith, he checks his watch. KEITH Hope I'm not too late. Keith steps around the back of the bench and looks at Lance. KEITH (CONT) Rough night? LANCE Very. KEITH Worth it? LANCE (shaking his head) Not really. Got in, checked out the club, hit on a bartender, and she had the bouncer hit on me. Said it was a private party. Keith smirks at him. KEITH Is that it? LANCE Yeah. What? Keith shrugs and pulls out some papers. KEITH Good thing I did some work too. Lance looks surprised, then moves closer as Keith holds out the papers. Lance takes them and begins scanning as Keith speaks. KEITH (CONT) Seems the group practices some strange stuff. Black magic, hypnotism, and get this, vampirism. LANCE Vampirism? KEITH Vampirism. These people believe they're vampires, so they go around drinking people's blood to "live." Some change their lifestyles to come out only at night. LANCE Weird. KEITH (smiling) Yeah, but it makes for a great story when you break it. And you know what's better? He takes a card out of his pocket. It is folded in half, and he hands it to Lance. Curious, Lance opens it. It reads, "Innocence is sweetest in the presence of evil." Lance gasps. LANCE The DA… (trails off) KEITH Found it. (big grin) Looks like you've just been invited to the party. INT. POLICE STATION – DAY Detective Ross sits at his desk in the hectic police station. Phones ring off the hook. At the front desk, a rowdy SUSPECT is being detained by chief Nelson while two other officers restrain him. SUSPECT I have rights, you know! NELSON Answer a few questions, and you can have those rights back. Nelson nods to the officers, and they lead the suspect to the back. Smiling, Nelson walks over to Ross' desk. ROSS Find another suspect? NELSON He's all yours. Ross leans back in his chair and takes his Zippo from his pocket. He opens and closes it with the tips of his fingers. ROSS I think I'll pass. NELSON (surprised) Excuse me? ROSS I'll pass on that one. And any others you round up and bring in. Ross looks up at him and stops playing with his lighter. ROSS (CONT) You bring them in, you take care of them. I've got better ways to waste my time. And better ways to solve this case. He stands, grabs his jacket, and starts to walk away. Nelson stands alongside him and grabs his arm. NELSON Who do you think you're talking to, detective? Ross looks at Nelson's hand on him, amused. ROSS Excuse me, ma'am. But remember who's the detective here, and who's been given the chance because of what she has between her legs. Ross stares at Nelson with cold eyes. For her part, Nelson can't believe it. She releases Ross, and Ross walks out the door. Nelson looks around the room and, seeing that no one noticed the confrontation, takes a deep breath and sinks into Ross' chair. EXT. POLICE STATION – CONTINUOUS Ross steps outside. He lights a cigarette and takes a deep drag. ROSS Asshole. Ross exhales and walks away. EXT. CITY – DAY Time lapse - day to night. EXT. ALLEY – NIGHT It is now night, outside Dementia. Lance stands across the street, wearing his Goth clothes and makeup to conceal his bruises. He checks his watch. Keith is nowhere to be seen. Lance looks down at his invitation, takes a deep breath, and steps around the corner toward the club. EXT. DEMENTIA – CONTINUOUS Meat tends the door. A little nervous, Lance walks over and goes to step past him. The bouncer, however, steps in his path. MEAT You look familiar. LANCE I just have one of those faces, I guess. Meat sizes Lance up, suspicious. LANCE (CONT) (quickly) I have an invitation. He holds out his invitation and the bouncer takes it. After looking it over carefully, Meat steps aside and opens the door. Lance enters. INT. DEMENTIA – CONTINUOUS Inside Dementia, Lance gets as far away from the door and Meat as possible. Inside, it is the same crowd as last night, sexless painted faces writhing against each other to the pulse of a thumping techno beat. Across the room, Alicia is tending to a female customer. She flirts as she pours a new drink. Lance glances at the door one more time before making his way over to stand just out of her line of sight. LANCE Quite a rough reception last night. Alicia looks over at him, obviously surprised that he has returned. She looks out into the crowd, and Lance raises his hands in a submissive gesture. LANCE (CONT) Hey, if you're going to call him over, I can just go ahead and break for the door. He puts the invitation down on the bar. LANCE (CONT) Anyway, tonight I'm part of the party. Alicia looks down at the invitation for a second then smiles back up at Lance. ALICIA Sorry about that. Can I get you another beer to apologize for last night? LANCE Sure, that would be fine. She goes to retrieve a beer, and Lance looks the room over again. Alicia returns with the bottle and places it in front of him. ALICIA What's your name? Lance takes a drink. LANCE Lance. What's yours? ALICIA Alicia. Alicia looks down the bar. A few people are trying to get her attention. ALICIA (CONT) I've got some customers that need help. You sticking around here for a few minutes? LANCE At least a few, then I just need to get to the real party. ALICIA (smiling) Right. Hang out here a second and I'll take you there. Lance nods, and Alicia moves down the bar. Smiling, Lance takes another deep gulp and swings around in his chair. But something's not right. Things are a little blurrier now, and the music is distorted. Lance slowly raises his hand and moves it in front of his face. It blurs as his eyes lose focus. Lance tries to raise the hand holding the beer, but he can't grip anymore. The beer falls to the floor. Suddenly, someone is by his side, lifting him up. Lance is standing now, making his way through the crowd and toward a darkened portion of the room that he hadn't noticed before. The dancers fail to notice his state as he passes them. In the dark corner is a door, tended by Meat. He nods at the person helping Lance and opens the door. The TECHNO MUSIC blaring out blends with the music of the club, and no one notices the change. Lance and his assistant enter a small hall. INT. SANCTUM – CONTINUOUS People line the sides of the halls, talking. A few look up in Lance's direction, but he can barely raise his head to acknowledge them. Most cast their eyes elsewhere as he passes them. The hall opens up into a large room. Goths dance about in this room. Screams mix with the techno music. There's so much red, almost like the room flows blood. Lance's assistant drags him over to a couch and drops him on it. Then he leans down. It is Keith. KEITH Welcome to the party, buddy. Lance tries to appear surprised, but his face isn't agreeing with him. Keith laughs and walks away as Alicia crashes beside Lance. Lance slowly turns to face her. Her face is a mask of fresh blood. She pulls Lance close and begins making out with him. Lance is in no position or shape to resist. His hands become covered in blood as they roam Alicia's face. Over the crowd a booming LAUGH is heard. INT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/BEDROOM – NIGHT Naked and sweating profusely, Lance wakes up in his bed. He takes a second to catch him breath, looking around madly. He looks down at his hands, but there is no blood. Breathing heavily, he lays back down. He notices a note on the pillow beside him and picks it up. It is the card Keith gave him. Under the slogan, "Lance, Meet Me Here Tonight. – Keith" has been written. EXT. CITY – NIGHT Time lapse - night to day. INT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/LIVING ROOM – DAY Dressed in normal clothes, Lance grabs his jacket and heads for the door. Looking back to his room one last time, he throws it open. At the door, prepared to knock, is Amy. LANCE Amy? AMY Lance? What's going on? LANCE I didn't expect to see you here. I was just on my way out. Amy's face falls. AMY You forgot about tonight? LANCE Tonight? Suddenly it hits him – the phone conversation from yesterday. LANCE (CONT) Oh God, I can't, something's come up. AMY The story? Lance twists, not wanting to get into this right now. LANCE It's kind of hard to explain. I just… I just can't do it tonight. AMY (softly) You're going back to that club. Lance lowers his head. He can't hide the truth. LANCE I'm sorry, Amy. AMY I'm sorry too. With that, Amy turns and walks away. Lance watches her go, unable to stop her. EXT. DEMENTIA – NIGHT Lance strides with a purpose toward the door to the club. Meat stands guard. MEAT They're expecting you. Follow me. Lance nods, and Meat opens the door. The two enter. Meat closes it after them. CLICK of door being locked. INT. DEMENTIA – CONTINUOUS The club is deserted – no dancing tonight. The only people here are Lance and Meat. Lance slows momentarily as he takes in the new scene, and Meat is already at the second door. He opens it for Lance. Lance notices that he's being waited on, so he hurries through the door. Meat follows and closes the door. INT. SANCTUM – CONTINUOUS Lance makes his way down the darkened and deserted hall. He reaches the main room, where a large crowd has gathered. In front of the room is an alter. Meat walks past Lance, over stand beside the alter. A figure in robes comes from a door in the back. This is BRYAN. Following him are Alicia and Keith. Bryan stops before the alter and Alicia moves to his right. From her pocket, Alicia takes out a six-shot gun. She hands it over to Bryan. Bryan opens the gun and puts in five bullets, leaving one chamber empty. He places it on the alter and begins mouthing a silent prayer. The room is transfixed, with their heads down. Lance is confused. Keith does not look up, in deep meditation. Alicia glances over and sees Lance, but makes no acknowledgement of him. Bryan's mouth stops, and his eyes open. Almost simultaneously, the Goths stop their prayers and raise their heads. Bryan takes the knife on the dagger and slits his wrist. Blood flows freely. He drips it over the knife, mouthing another prayer, and then steps back. Keith steps forward and picks up the gun. Slowly, he puts it to his temple. LANCE STOP! The assembled crowd gasps and turns as Lance fights his way to the front. Meat, seeing Lance headed their way, grabs him before he can reach the alter and the three people there. Leaving the alter, Meat grabs Lance before he can reach Keith. Lance fights, but the big man is just too strong. He opens his mouth to yell again, but Meat clamps a hand over it and slams Lance down to the ground. Meat raises his fist. Bryan is there, putting his hand on Meat's shoulder. Meat looks up, confused. Bryan merely stares at him, and Meat backs off. Bryan backs away as Lance stands. Lance steps toward Keith. LANCE What are you doing? KEITH I never expected you to understand this, but you can't interfere. LANCE Interfere? KEITH I have to do this. I am the One. LANCE Keith… Lance's voice trails off, and Keith smiles at him. KEITH You cannot understand now, but you will soon. I led you here so you could understand. LANCE You've always been a part of this? From the beginning? Keith nods, and Lance can't reply. Keith looks at Bryan. KEITH "One and only one may rule." Bryan's head nods slightly, but he never takes his eyes off Lance. Keith looks at Lance and smiles again. KEITH (CONT) I am the Chosen One. Before Lance can move, Keith puts the gun to his temple and pulls the trigger. Fire erupts from the side of his head as the gun goes off. His brains spray from the side of his head, and a second later his lifeless body drops to the ground. The crowd gasps. Lance breaks his spell and rushes over to his fallen friend. Alicia looks at Meat. ALICIA Dispose of the body. Meat nods and makes his way over to it. He wrestles it free from Lance's grasp without a fight, and drags it through the back door. Lance sits on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably, as a black shadow falls over him. He looks up into the dark eyes of Bryan. BRYAN Of anyone, you should have known he was not the Chosen One. Enraged, Lance grabs the gun from the ground and points it at Bryan. He pulls the trigger. CLICK There is no bullet. Lance stares at the gun in shock as Bryan snatches it from him and stalks away. Alicia follows him, smirking at Lance. Lance collapses from the shock. The room is empty save for Lance. INT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/BEDROOM – NIGHT Lance buries his head in his pillow and cries. His body is wracked with sobs, uncontrollable in his sorrow. The door cracks and Amy peeks in. AMY Lance? Lance does not reply, continuing to cry. She rushes over to him. She sits on the bed and puts her hand on him. He jumps and looks at her with frightened eyes. It sinks in that this is his girlfriend. He collapses in her arms as she strokes his hair. AMY What happened? Lance just shakes his head no, over and over, and she takes the hint. She kisses him on the head, and runs her fingers through his hair, rocking him back and forth. She pulls his head back a little and kisses his forehead. He looks up at her, eyes red and watered. Their eyes lock for a second, and then she leans down and kisses him tenderly on the lips. He kisses her back, holding tightly, and the two begin to kiss again. And again. And again… EXT. ALLEY – NIGHT The alley is awash with flashlights as police flood the scene. A few are taking blood samples while two have a few witnesses over to ask questions. Detective Ross steps under the police tape and walks over to where two officers stand near a body under a sheet. Without a word, Ross crouches and lifts the sheet up. Under it is a very dead Keith. Slight confusion crosses Ross' face – hasn't he seen this person recently? He notices something in the dead man's shirt pocket and moves closer. It is a card, folded in half. Shielding it from the officers, Ross pockets it. Slowly, he rises, recovers the body, and exits the scene. EXT. CITY – NIGHT Time lapse - night to day. INT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/BEDROOM – DAY Amy lies asleep on the bed. Lance comes out of the bedroom, pulling on a shirt. He has a note in his hand, which he drops beside her. Then he turns and walks out. A CU of the note – it reads "I have to know more. I'm sorry. I'll call later. I love you. Lance" EXT. DEMENTIA – DAY Lance walks up to the front door of Dementia and turns the knob. It is locked. With a sigh, he begins looking around for another way inside. EXT. ALLEY – CONTINUOUS Lance reaches a side window and looks inside. Unsatisfied, he takes off his jacket and wraps it around his arm. Then he shatters the glass with his protected elbow. Being careful to not cut himself, he climbs through the window. INT. DEMENTIA – CONTINUOUS The club is pristine from the inactivity of last night. Lance looks around – the room is so big when it's empty. He walks over to the back door and turns the knob. To his surprise, it creeks and opens. He makes his way down the hall. INT. SANCTUM – CONTINUOUS Lance advances down the hall and makes his way into the darkened sanctum. When he reaches it, the alter is gone, as are all signs of the gathering from the previous evening. After looking the bare room over, he starts checking the walls. Out of the corner of his eye, he catches a glimpse of movement. He spins around, but nothing is there. He goes over to investigate and starts checking that wall. When he sees something again, where he was just standing. Lance is definitely frightened by now, starting to back toward the hall. Suddenly, a booming LAUGH echoes through the chamber. That's it. Lance bolts. EXT. ALLEY – CONTINUOUS In a hurry, Lance stumbles out the window. He cuts himself a little on the window, not being a careful as he was on the way inside. He stumbles out and puts his back to the opposite alley wall. He slides down, never taking his wide eyes off the club. INT. PRECINCT – DAY Ross sits at his desk, studying the card intently. He has a sketch of it in his small notebook. His brow furrows in concentration when it hits him. FLASHBACK Two days previous, when Ross passed Lance and Keith heading out of the DA crime scene. Ross jumps up, grabs his coat and notebook, and darts out the front door. INT. PRECINCT/CHIEF'S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS Chief Nelson watches Ross jump up and run out the door. EXT. CITY – DAY Time lapse – day to night. INT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Wearing his Goth clothes but no makeup, Lance heads for the door. As he opens it, the phone rings. Lance turns as the answering machine gets it. AMY (ON MACHINE) Lance, this is Amy. If you're there, pick up. I just saw on the news that Keith had been killed. I'm really worried about you. I guess you're out. I'm going to call your cell, but if you get this please call me. I love you. Lance takes the cell phone out of his pocket. After staring at it for a second, he switches it off. Then he turns and leaves. EXT. DEMENTIA – NIGHT Lance walks up to the door. Meat is gone, having been replaced by an equally large BONEHEAD (BONE). As he reaches the door, Lance looks up at him. LANCE Well? Bone looks him over and nods once. BONE Alicia is waiting for you at the bar. Lance nods his head, and Bone opens the door. EXT. CAR – CONTINUOUS From a car across the street, Ross watches the exchange between Lance and Bone. Lance enters the club. INT. DEMENTIA – CONTINUOUS Lance walks into the club and immediately makes a beeline for the bar. The club is particularly crowded tonight, as Goths writhe on the dance floor. Lance fights the crowd and makes it to the bar. Lance reaches her, but she does not look up at him. ALICIA Bryan has never asked to see an uninitiated before. LANCE Bryan? ALICIA This way. She steps from the bar and heads for the back door. Lance falls in step. INT. HALL – NIGHT Lance and Alicia make their way down the main hall, but suddenly take an unexpected detour. Lance looks confused – he's never noticed that door before. Or the next one that they go through. Or the next. Soon, Lance is lost in a maze of doors and hallways. If Alicia was not here, he'd be out of luck. Finally, Alicia stops before a door and opens it. ALICIA In here. He will be with you momentarily. Unable to disagree, Lance steps through the door. INT. CHAMBER – CONTINUOUS Lance steps through the door and is immediately thrown by how luxurious the chamber is. There are books everywhere, and two large, comfortable chairs sit in the center of the room. In front of them are a small table and a decanter of red wine. Lance spins as the door slams. He rushes back and turns the knob, but it is locked. Sighing, he walks over to a bookcase and examines the books. Finding one he particularly likes, he opens it and begins reading. BRYAN Find anything interesting? Lance spins, thrown off guard. LANCE (stuttering) H-how did you- BRYAN (interrupting) Please sit down. Still uneasy, Lance (still holding the book) makes his way to the seat opposite Bryan and sits. He looks Bryan over, who smiles gently at his stare. BRYAN (CONT) I wanted to extend my condolences over last night's loss. Keith was a valuable member here, and we were sorry to see him leave us. LANCE (pissed) What did you do to him? Bryan looks at Lance, then laughs slightly. It's the same laugh that Lance has heard before, the last time just today. His blood freezes and he turns pale. BRYAN All in due time, Lance. Shall I start at the beginning? His mouth now dry, Lance cannot reply but shakes his head. Bryan pours him a glass of red wine and hands it to him. Lance looks it over suspiciously, and Bryan laughs. BRYAN (CONT) You'll just have to trust me that the drink is not spiked. Lance flushes, angry. LANCE I don't have to trust you. BRYAN Of course not. I apologize for that. It was, however, for your own safety. LANCE What do you mean? Bryan studies Lance for a second before gesturing to the book in Lance's hands. BRYAN You're an inquisitive man. LANCE It comes with the job. BRYAN A freelance writer always has to be one step ahead. LANCE How did you know I was a writer? BRYAN I've done my homework. Lance takes a taste of the red wine, breaking the pace of the conversation. Bryan looks amused. BRYAN There, now, that wasn't so bad. LANCE (venomously) As bad as brainwashing innocent people to commit murder or kill themselves? BRYAN "Innocent?" What an odd choice of words. LANCE Odd? I wouldn't call that odd. (pause) I'd call drinking people's blood odd. Bryan eyes narrow slightly, and Lance smiles. LANCE (CONT) I've done my homework. Bryan and Lance study each other intently for a moment. Neither even looks up when Alicia opens the door. She walks over to Bryan's side and whispers in his ear, and he smiles before rising. BRYAN An interesting theory. Lance puts his glass down and rises from his chair. The three walks to the door, Bryan then Lance then Alicia, and Bryan stops at the door. BRYAN (CONT) Interesting. I like that. Alicia walks past, watching the two men. Lance's eyes meet hers, and she flashes a slight smile. If Bryan likes him, she does too. Lance is thrown a little off guard, and Bryan smiles and draws Lance close. BRYAN (CONT) Do you like little Alicia? Perhaps the two of you should become better acquainted another night. LANCE (confused) Another night? BRYAN Your "invitation" was from three days ago when you used it. I doubt it's any more valid today. Lance winces. Alicia touches Lance on the arm, and he looks at her for a brief second. When he looks back toward Bryan, Bryan is gone. Lance looks around as Alicia starts away. After looking back at the chamber one last time, Lance follows her. EXT. DEMENTIA – NIGHT At the front door of Dementia, Alicia stops. She motions to Bone, who nods and steps inside. She turns back to him and slips her arms around his waist. ALICIA Bryan wants you to come back tomorrow night. (flirtatiously) And so do I. She kisses him softly on the cheek. Lance draws back a little, but her lips hit their mark with little other resistance. INT. CAR – CONTINUOUS In the car, Ross watches Alicia let Lance go and walk back inside. Lance looks back at the club for one last time before walking away. Silently, Ross exits the car and follows him. EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING – NIGHT Lance reaches his apartment building and walks up the stairs. A little behind him, Ross walks up to the door and checks the mailboxes. He sees Lance's name by a box, and he writes down the apartment number. Satisfied, he walks across the street and sits at the bus stop there. He picks up a newspaper from the ground, opens it, and begins reading. INT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/BEDROOM – NIGHT Lance sits at his computer, making notes and looking up information. EXT. CITY – NIGHT Time lapse – night to day. EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING – DAY Ross lowers the paper. He doesn't even appear tired. He checks his watch, then makes a note in his notebook. Closing the book, Ross stands and leaves the bus stop. INT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/BEDROOM - DAY The camera pans back to Lance, and somewhere during the transition he has fallen asleep on his keyboard. He appears to have taken a lot of notes. EXT. PRECINCT – DAY Still wearing the same clothes from last night, Ross fights a crowd of journalists clustered in front of the precinct. Some yell a few questions in his direction, but he ignores them. INT. POLICE STATION – DAY After getting a cup of coffee, Ross sits down at his desk and cracks open the case file. He takes out his small notebook and begins comparing his notes to the file. From her office, Chief Nelson pokes her head out. NELSON Ross, could I see you for a second? Ross hears her and smiles slightly, but doesn't look up from his work. Nelson gets visibly pissed – she doesn't like being shown up in front of her officers. NELSON (louder, more forceful) Now. Ross chuckles, closes his notebook, and walks over to the chief's office. Nelson steps aside to let him in, then slams the door behind her. INT. CHIEF'S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS Slightly amused, Ross takes a seat in front of Nelson's desk. Struggling to remain in control of her anger, Nelson takes her chair. ROSS Something wrong, chief? These past few days you just haven't seemed- (sinister) Happy. NELSON We need to have a talk about your attitude as of these last few days. I don't care what you think about me or how I got here. I do not appreciate you ignoring me in front of fellow officers. You will show me the proper respect. ROSS Or what? NELSON Or what? Or I'll take you off this case so fast it will make your head spin, detective. Ross is up in a flash, in Nelson's face and fuming. ROSS Take me off the case? That would be your worst mistake, bitch. Surprised, Nelson shrinks back a little. Ross turns and exits the office. Nelson can barely move. INT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/BEDROOM – DAY Lance picks his keys up from a table and walks out the front door, locking it behind him. EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING – DAY Lance steps out of his apartment building and stars down the street. POV someone watches Lance leave and steps off after him. MONTAGE. CITY – DAY Lance walks through the city, heading to Hades. His unknown follower stays out of his sight but is keeping up with Lance. EXT. DEMENTIA – DAY Lance walks past the front door of Dementia, instead heading for the side door like he did yesterday. He reaches the door, and the window has been repaired. He sighs and pushes hard on the door. AMY What are you doing? Lance spins around, thrown off by the sudden appearance of his girlfriend. LANCE Amy, what are you doing here? AMY Is this it? LANCE What? AMY The club. The story. Is this it? Lance briefly racks his brain for a lie, but can't come up with anything. He sighs and nods. AMY (CONT) And Keith…? Lance can only nod again. LANCE Keith was involved in it. He drew me in. AMY Drew you in? What in the hell is going on here? Lance looks around, hoping no one heard Amy growing increasingly louder. LANCE Listen, we can't talk about this here. What about meeting later tonight? AMY Later? Why not now? LANCE I've got a little more work to do on this. Amy doesn't like this one bit – she puts her hands on her hips and frowns. Lance looks hopeless. LANCE Amy, please, I need to do this. He walks over to Amy, puts his hands on her shoulders, and looks into her eyes. LANCE (CONT) Please. Amy looks into his eyes, and then starts tearing up. She pulls him close as her tears begin to flow. AMY I love you so much. I'm so scared. LANCE I love you too. Amy's eyes are closed, now sobbing. Lance holds her tighter, then opens his eyes and looks at the club. His eyes open. They are cold as ice. EXT. CITY – DAY Time lapse – day to night. EXT. DEMENTIA - NIGHT Lance stands in front of Dementia, wearing the same clothes he wore earlier. Amy is nowhere to be found. POV Ross. Across the street, Ross watches Lance intently as he smokes his cigarette. Lance steps to the door. No one is at the door tonight, but there is music on the inside. He knocks on the door but no one opens it. He tries to turn the knob. It's locked. As he goes to knock again, he hears LAUGHTER. Lance spins and looks around. LANCE Who's there? He hears more LAUGHTER from the alley, and goes to investigate. POV ROSS. Ross watches Lance dart for the alley. He quickly throws his cigarette out and runs across the street in pursuit. EXT. ALLEY – CONTINUOUS Lance walks down the dark alley, looking at every shadow as he goes. He hears more LAUGHTER from nearby and walks toward another alley. As he turns the corner, Ross steps into the alley. Frantic, he looks around for Lance. Then he hears laughter and footsteps down another alley. He turns and goes this way. EXT. ALLEY #2 – CONTINUOUS Lance steps down another dark alley, hears LAUGHTER, and darts down a connecting alley. Ross comes around the corner, hears the same LAUGHTER, and heads down an alley. EXT. ALLEY #3 – CONTINUOUS Lance follows the LAUGHTER down the alley, but the sound seems to be coming from everywhere. He spins around, frustrated. LANCE Who's there? The laughter abruptly stops. Lance stands, on edge, then slowly turns back around. Bryan stands there, arms crossed against his chest. He uncross his arms and steps into the darkness. Lance looks to where he came from, then follows Bryan. EXT. ALLEY #4 – CONTINUOUS Ross steps around the corner, following the laughter. It abruptly stops. Ross looks around, searching for any sign of Lance. Someone starts LAUGHING, but this time it is different. Lance looks down and sees that it is a BUM. He looks up at Ross and rattles a cup. BUM Spare some change? Ross can't believe he lost Lance – he was right behind him. Ross loses it. The bum starts LAUGHING again, as Ross furiously starts kicking bottles and throwing trash cans. During Ross' tantrum, the laughter stops. Ross looks back around, and the bum has disappeared. EXT. CITY – NIGHT Lance has caught up to Bryan, although he struggles to keep pace as he walks. Bryan does not slow or look back for Lance. The two reach a street corner, where Lance finally grabs Bryan by the shoulder and spins him around. LANCE What in the hell is going on? BRYAN You wanted answers. A hooker, ELIZABETH, approaches the two men. She looks like she's had a rough life, but still keeps going. She smiles at Lance and Bryan. ELIZABETH Either of you looking for a little company tonight? Bryan turns his head to look at her, and Elizabeth freezes. He smiles slightly and extends his arm. Without a word, Elizabeth takes it and the two walk off. Lance just stares, then follows behind. EXT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/BEDROOM – NIGHT Elizabeth lies on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Lance and Bryan sit in chairs at the foot of the bed, looking at her. Lance clears his throat. LANCE What are you going to do to her? Bryan looks at Lance, holds his gaze, then laughs. BRYAN I had forgotten how novel folklore made people. LANCE What do you mean? Bryan stares intently at Lance, searching his eyes. BRYAN Tell me about your first time making love. LANCE What? What does that mean- BRYAN (interrupting) Did you feel something there? Bryan leans forward, eyes dancing hungrily. Lance shrinks back a little. LANCE There was something there, yeah. BRYAN An energy. (leans back) That is what I feel, each and every night, magnified one hundred fold. Bryan looks at Lance, a gleam in his eye. BRYAN We feel that energy. LANCE By drinking blood? Bryan laughs and smiles in amusement. BRYAN So quick with your folklore. But yes, that energy is in the blood, although that's not the only place to find it. LANCE Where else can you find it? BRYAN (whimsically) Anywhere, if you look. Some places give more than others, you understand. LANCE Is it like a drug? BRYAN Like a drug? Addictive? Tell me, what are your addictions? Maybe you like to gamble. Maybe it's your work. Maybe your lover. Lance looks down, having no reply. BRYAN (CONT) Addiction can be found in everything. LANCE How does it work? Bryan smiles – Lance is interested rather than scared. BRYAN For most, it doesn't. LANCE (confused) I don't understand. BRYAN Most cannot reach that state. Some serve as guardians, granted powers in return for protection. Others serve as concubines, our consorts, powerful but subservient as our seconds. LANCE Alicia. Bryan smiles, and gestures to Elizabeth. BRYAN Or sheep, unaware until we open their eyes. LANCE Oh my God- BRYAN (sharply) God has nothing to do with this. LANCE But where do you…? Lance's voice trails off, and Bryan looks at him simply. BRYAN One reaches the highest plane. One becomes as powerful as Death himself. LANCE The Chosen One. BRYAN If he passes the test, he destroys the One before him. LANCE "One and only one may rule." Bryan smiles. On the bed, Elizabeth stirs slightly. LANCE (CONT) Why me? BRYAN (amused) Who ever said it was you? LANCE (confused) But you said- BRYAN (interrupting) The next ascension would mean that I would cease to exist. Why would I do that? Lance lapses into silence. BRYAN (CONT) Think about that before you make any assumptions, my young friend. (looking at Elizabeth) The question is not what am I going to do to her. It is what are you going to do to her? Elizabeth stirs a little more. Bryan rises smoothly and extends his hand to Lance. BRYAN (CONT) Come. LANCE (horrified) I can't- BRYAN (interrupting) Yes you can. Lance looks into Bryan's eyes and rises. He starts toward the edge of the bed, Bryan directly behind him. Lance sits down beside Elizabeth, and Bryan sits beside him. Elizabeth's eyes open, and she looks up at Lance, confused. ELIZABETH What…? Bryan leans into Lance, his lips next to Lance's ear. BRYAN Do it. Lance is fixated on Elizabeth and can only nod to Bryan's suggestion. He leans into Elizabeth, who is too frightened to move. ELIZABETH (weakly) Please… Lance's eyes close, and he bends down. Elizabeth does not fight as he turns her neck to the side. Just before his teeth hit her neck, though, he stops. Bryan leans down. BRYAN Do it. Lance leans close, fighting, and then suddenly breaks free from both Elizabeth and Bryan. He makes for the door, but it is locked. He shakes it and pulls, but it will not budge. Behind him, he hears two people LAUGHING. He turns around. Elizabeth is gone, replaced by Alicia. The two are laughing. LANCE How? The laughter stops, and the two stare at Lance for a moment. Alicia motions with her finger for him to come over. Unable to stop his body from complying, Lance walks over and sits between them. He looks at Bryan, confused, and then turns to Alicia. Alicia pulls him close, and Lance does not fight. The two begin to kiss. Bryan leans over to Lance's ear. BRYAN (whispering) I am the Chosen One. Lance and Alicia keep kissing, and Bryan starts to laugh. EXT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/BEDROOM – NIGHT The apartment is dead silent now. In the bed, Alicia and Lance lie asleep. Bryan is not there. A door OPENS. AMY (shocked) Lance? Hearing his name, Lance stirs slightly and looks up at Amy. Beside him, Alicia opens her eyes. Alicia's eyes meet Amy's, and she smiles. AMY Oh my God. Oh my God. Lance's eyes open wide in shock, and Amy slowly backs out of the room, shaking her head. Lance looks around, but Alicia is in bed and Bryan has gone. A door SLAMS. Lance jumps out of bed and runs for the door. LANCE Amy, come back! INT. HALL – CONTINUOUS Lance bursts out his door, in his boxers and frantic. He searches the hall. LANCE Amy? (louder) Amy? There is no reply. Lance looks down the hall one more time, his heart breaking, and then walks back into the apartment. INT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS Lance walks back into the bedroom and looks at the bed. Alicia is gone. Not really surprised at this point, Lance shakes his head. EXT. CITY – NIGHT Time lapse – night to day. INT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/BEDROOM – DAY Lance sits at his computer, looking up some information on the Internet. He sits it down with a sigh and picks up the cordless phone beside him. He dials a number. LANCE (INTO PHONE) Amy? Amy, this is Lance. Amy, if you're there, pick up. Please pick up. INT. AMY'S APARTMENT – CONTINUOUS Lance is talking into an answering machine. Beside the phone, there is a photo of Lance and Amy in happier times. LANCE (ON MACHINE) Please, pick up. Things happened last night that I need to talk to you about. It's about the story. This can't wait. INT. LANCE'S APARTMENT/BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS Lance runs his hand through his hair, getting more and more desperate. LANCE (INTO PHONE) I need to talk to you. We need to sort this out. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I love- There is a BEEP as the machine cuts Lance off. He slams the phone down in disgust. LANCE Damn! He looks at the phone, then the computer screen. Across the room, the television cuts in with an update on the investigation. Lance turns around, interested, as chief Nelson speaks at a press conference. NELSON Our sources have narrowed this list down to a few possible groups. Rest assured, the killers will be brought to justice and brought to justice swiftly. I echo the late DA's hard stance toward these cults, and assure all of you that they will be dealt with in the harshest possible way. Lance nods a few times, then jumps up and grabs his notepad. He darts out the door. EXT. PRECINCT – CONTINUOUS Nelson nods to the assembled reporters, concluding her speech. NELSON Thank you for your time. We'll alert you when more information becomes available. Nelson steps away from the podium as flash bulbs go off and reporters yell questions in vain. A few make a move toward her, but police block them off. Nelson pulls one ROOKIE aside. NELSON I need you to pull the file of Detective Ross and bring it to my office ASAP. The rookie nods, and Nelson pushes him away. Determined, she steps into the precinct. EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING – DAY Lance steps outside and begins running to the club. He turns a corner into an alley. Where he runs straight into Ross, who knocks him down. Unfazed and unmoved, the detective leans down. ROSS Let me help you up. LANCE Thanks- Lance is cut off as Ross punches him in the gut. Lance collapses, gasping for breath and looks up at Ross with wide eyes. Ross doesn't respond – he's too busy drawing him foot back to kick Lance over and over. Lance is really taking a beating, not having a chance to respond. LANCE (weakly) Help… police… Ross takes out his badge and shoves it in his face, then kicks him in the gut. Lance lays on the ground, beaten. LANCE (weakly) You're a cop… Ross smiles, then draws his gun from his shoulder holster and puts it to Lance's temple. ROSS Which means there will be no questions when I say you pulled a gun on me. Lance shrinks away, but cannot move very far. Ross stoops and gets right into Lance's face. ROSS (CONT) You tell those bastards that Mark Ross is coming for them. Tell them it's payback time. He slowly puts his gun away, then kicks Lance one good time. Lance curls up again, and Ross walks away. When he leaves, Lance rolls on to his back, gasping for breath. EXT. CITY – DAY Time lapse – day to night. INT. DEMENTIA – NIGHT Inside the club, Goths strap on weapons. People don't talk, instead focused on their task of getting ready for war. Alicia is present, but Bryan is not. Lance bursts in the door, still hurting from his earlier wounds. When he enters, no one looks up. As he makes his way to Alicia, he looks at a few people, but none return his gaze. Finally he reaches Alicia. LANCE What are you doing? ALICIA Waiting for you. (to Goths) We're leaving now. A few nod, and they start heading for the door. Alicia steps toward the front, but Lance grabs her by the arm and holds her. LANCE What- ALICIA (interrupting) We have to take care of a little problem. (smiling) You should be honored. We don't often let outsiders see what we're about to do. LANCE What if I refuse to go? Alicia smiles, then looks at Thin Man from earlier and nods. He nods back, then steps behind the bar and hauls someone up. Amy. Lance gasps as Thin Man leads Amy over. She is bound and gagged, and looks at the group with wide eyes. Thin Man hands her to Alicia, who smiles at Lance. EXT. SUBURBAN HOME/LIVING ROOM – NIGHT On the couch, chief Nelson pours over Ross' file. She looks over it a few brief seconds before here eyes get wide. NELSON Joshua Ross. Oh my God. She drops the file and grabs the phone, dialing quickly. EXT. DEMENTIA – NIGHT The Goths leave the scene, stepping into a dark alley. Across the street, Ross steps out of the shadows and smiles. INT. SUBURBAN HOME – NIGHT Chief Nelson puts down the phone and shakes her head. She looks at the file one more time, making sure she has her facts correct. Nodding her head in assurance, she puts the file down. Suddenly, the door explodes open. Before the chief can react, the room is full of Goths, each waving guns. Alicia steps in, Darth Vader style, holding Amy and followed by Lance. As she enters, two Goths close and secure the door. Alicia smirks down at Nelson. ALICIA Hello, chief. We didn't like those comments you made earlier today, so we came to convince you to change your mind. EXT. SUBURBAN HOME – CONTINUOUS Ross is across the street, behind a tree. He watches the scene for a second, a hungry look in his eyes. Then he takes the walkie-talkie from his pocket and speaks into it. ROSS This is detective Ross, requesting backup. INT. SUBURBAN HOME – NIGHT The chief has been worked over pretty well, and is now tied up and gagged like Amy. Amy herself is still a fixture at Alicia's side. This is a replay of the first scene, as the Goths swarm and Lance stands transfixed by the madness. At the window, Thin Man begins to yell. THIN MAN They're here! EXT. SUBURBAN HOME – CONTINUOUS Ross stands before several POLICEMEN, barking instructions. ROSS They are armed and dangerous, but don't fire until I say so. I mean that. He gets directly in one officer's face. ROSS If anyone in this unit fires the first shot, I will shoot you down like a dog in the street. Do you understand? The policemen look at each other, then nod. INT. SUBURBAN HOME – CONTINUOUS Thin Man has bumped into Lance and backs away toward Alicia. He grabs her free arm. THIN MAN They're coming in. They're- He is cut off as the police kick in the front door and stream in for cover. Ross is at their lead, madness flashing in his eyes. ROSS Freeze! Put your hands up, NOW! But it's a standoff. No one budges. A LARGE OFFICER beside Ross nods. LARGE OFFICER He said to put your hands up. Ross' brow suddenly crinkles in confusion. He lowers his gun slightly and turns to Large Officer. Large Officer turns toward him. It is Meat, dressed as a policeman. Ross' jaw drops. ROSS Josh? Meat smiles at Ross and nods. He suddenly turns on Ross and blows him away, several times. The remaining officers react immediately, firing at Meat. Bullets rip through him, and he falls on the body of his brother. The Goths react as well, opening fire. Lance dives behind the couch as Nelson ducks as best as she can. Alicia can't move fast enough, and both she and Amy are quickly hit in the firefight. Lance sees that both are down. LANCE (screaming) NO! Not caring for his own safety, he leaves his cover and runs for Amy and Alicia. Seeing motion, an officer shoots him in the leg. Lance doesn't even register it. He reaches Amy and grabs her. She's badly wounded, dying quickly. He removes her gag and she spits up blood. AMY Lance? LANCE Oh my God, Amy… AMY Lance? LANCE Amy, I'm here. Amy looks scared. AMY Lance, where are you? I can't see you. LANCE I'm right here, I'm here. AMY Lance, please don't leave me. (crying) I can't see you. All around him, the Goths are dying. The cops have turned the tide, and even Nelson has made it over and has a gun. Lance, now crying as well, just looks down at Amy, not knowing what to do. LANCE Amy- AMY (hysterical) Lance, I can't see you. I don't want to die. Please… Her body starts wracking with spasms, and Lance holds her close as they both cry. Finally, she shudders and does not move. He holds her out and looks at her. She is dead. He looks over at Alicia, full of holes and not moving. The Goths are falling fast, no longer even coming close to holding their own with the trained officers. Lance feels a presence at his side, and looks up. Bryan. He holds Amy's body out. LANCE Please help her. Bryan simply shakes his head. Lance looks up at him, full of sorrow, and Bryan extends his hand. BRYAN Come. Lance takes his hand and stands as the last Goth dies violently. Bryan spins Lance around, so that his chest is to Lance's back. Bryan takes Lance's hands with his own. Lance looks down. There is a gun in his hand. The officers begin shooting at Lance, but Bryan maneuvers Lance and the bullets miss. Lance returns fire, hitting an officer. The ballet continues, with Bryan always pulling Lance out of danger, until all the officers are killed. In the corner, Chief Nelson fires her last bullet at Lance. Lance, with Bryan's help, dodges it. In frustration, Nelson throws her gun. Bryan steps away from Lance to catch it, and Lance sags from his injury. Bryan smiles at Lance, and goes to kneel beside Nelson. At this point the chief is frozen in fear. Bryan looks up at Lance, and Lance nods and kneels beside Nelson. Bryan looks at Lance intently. BRYAN Do it. Lance stares at Bryan intently. The screen goes BLACK as Nelson SCREAMS. INT. SANCTUM – NIGHT Bryan and Lance burst through the door. Lance's face is covered in blood, and he has a wild look in his eyes. He now walks naturally, no sign of his earlier wound. Bryan is calm, walking over to the alter. LANCE What happened to me back there? Bryan merely looks up at Lance and smiles, then kneels before the alter. Lance barely notices. LANCE (CONT) Did you see me? Did you see? Bryan's lips move in silent prayer, but no words can be heard. LANCE (CONT) That was amazing. I've never felt like that. Is that what it's like? Lance looks over at Bryan, and puzzlement crosses his face. LANCE (CONT) What are you doing? Lance stares at Bryan as he finishes his silent prayer. Bryan rests for a second, then stands and takes something from his pocket. A gun. He hold it up for Lance, then pulls out five bullets. Lance stands, open mouthed, as Bryan loads five chambers and leaves one empty. Spinning the chamber, he closes the gun and places it upon the alter. Lance's eyes light up. LANCE You're right. Bryan does not look up from his chore. He takes a small knife from beside the alter and slices open his wrist. Bryan then drips some of his blood over the gun as he mouths another silent prayer. Lance walks over and snatches the gun from the alter just as Bryan finishes. Bryan looks up, amused. LANCE (CONT) You're right. You're right, it's time. You've been in charge here for long enough. (proud) Now it's my time. Bryan looks up at him, a slight smile on his face. Lance laughs. LANCE (CONT) Your time is over. Look at what happened! Lance gestures around the room grandly. LANCE (CONT) Where are your people? Where are they now? He waves the gun and paces. Bryan doesn't move, only watching him intently. LANCE (CONT) (excited) But now it's my time. It's my time! My power! Mine! Mine! Now screaming, he points the gun at Bryan. LANCE (CONT) Your time has ended. Lance puts the gun to his temple. LANCE (CONT) (screaming) I am the Chosen One! The screen goes BLACK as the gun FIRES. There is dead silence for a moment, then we hear the sound of Bryan LAUGHING. CREDITS *****ALTERNATE ENDING***** Now screaming, he points the gun at Bryan. LANCE (CONT) Your time has ended. Lance puts the gun to his temple. LANCE (CONT) (screaming) I am the Chosen One! The screen goes BLACK as the gun CLICKS. After a second of dead silence, the gun FIRES. CREDITS 1 1