Episode 10 - Best Laid Plans of Vampires and Mad Men

DREZZ DECKARD
“My heart, there is something I must discuss with you now that we have had our fun.”


TRAGEDY
(Inquiringly)
“I assumed by the chaotic state of your lab something was amiss. Is what you are about to say related to the events that transpired in my absence?”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Perceptive as always, We have substantial work ahead of us now that my brothers have brought word of the unrest in the heavens. We will need to put a few extra pieces on the board.”


TRAGEDY
“More pawns or are we adding someone more quintessential? Perhaps it’s time to enlist a knight?”


DREZZ DECKARD
(Contempt followed by peeved)
“That is the million-dollar question. My brothers are not as predictable as I would like. Uri is... he grates on my nerves. He speaks with no tact. With an ego such as his, I doubt he thinks at all..”


TRAGEDY
“I have yet to fully gauge Uri’s mindset and maneuverability for that matter. If we are going to move him around the board, a dabbling amount of subterfuge will be required. From my experience... Even the lesser gods don’t care to be trifled with.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“It pains me to state it, He is not a complete dullard. The fact that we have a present is a testament to his efforts. He has spent centuries fluttering from one string to the next. I fear it has left him stunted in some areas and it reflects in his dealings with others.”


TRAGEDY
“That may seem unfavorable at first glance, but I believe that chink in his armor is what we can exploit.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Philip did reach out to me after the pair departed. He was able to relate to me their conversation and the things he gleaned from the encounter.”


TRAGEDY
“Philip might look slow, but he’s intuitive.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“I should hope so for someone leading a division within the FBI. He had the idea of finding Uri a position here in our ranks or amongst the townsfolk. Having him close will make it easier to keep an eye on things upstairs don’t you think?”


TRAGEDY
“There is merit to that idea. Good things come to those who wait, my love. Uri is a weaver of time after all”


DREZZ DECKARD
“So he is but that has its own problems attached. Uri is gifted like none other. His powers to bend time is a gift many would, and do, want for. It makes him a target.”


TRAGEDY
“We should place him in the care of someone we trust. I can think of a few potential handlers to keep things in order.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“If so, they will need to be capable of handling Uri’s flair for the dramatics. Everything that comes out of his mouth is woven in a myriad of false colors, like a rainbow serpent obsessed with its reflection.”


TRAGEDY
“I can tell by your tone that there is no love lost there my dear. Seeing as he likes to hear himself talk, it should make our job easier.”


DREZZ DECKARD
(Partly melodramatic ending with resentment)
“His presence drains me. Would it kill him to use the door every once in a while? No, he has to come slinking in from the shadows like some thief in the night.”


TRAGEDY
(Growing Anger)
“He did what now? Trespassers will not be tolerated on our hallowed grounds. Perhaps I should teach him a lesson on manners?”


DREZZ DECKARD
“A tantalizing… no, euphoric idea at that darling! Regrettably, I’ve already domesticated the arrogant little welp… Putting the fear of god into another has left him discombobulated. If Philip hadn’t been there I might have stopped time forever!”


TRAGEDY
“That would explain the mess when I walked in. For a moment I thought you had an experiment go sideways, up, down, and tossed around for good measure.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“His visit ended with Uri strapped firmly in place and wheeled away. Let’s say he needed the assistance after I was through with him. (Scoffs) A minor loss if it aided in removing him from my presence. ”


TRAGEDY
“What did he say that got you so angry? I mean it’s been at least half a century since he last came around?”


DREZZ DECKARD
“His disdain for you remains ever strong. Spewing abrasive drivel on how to live my life and who to share it with is like an itch he can’t scratch. He deserved every impact.”


TRAGEDY
“He doesn’t even know me! He has a preconceived notion of who I am! Based on what rumors are lurking in the gaudy halls those deities are so proud of.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“I warned him that if he kept poking you he wouldn’t enjoy the outcome! It serves him right, spending the night wrapped in darkness with only his screams to keep him company should be a good deterrent for a time at least.”


TRAGEDY
“I love it when you talk like that, it’s hard to resist such desires, but back to Uri it seems like he can be a little hard to handle. I mean he lacks any real-life experience from what you’ve told me. I have always thought him jealous of you from the tales Philip has told over the years.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Him? Jealous of me!? From what I can tell he is still a whiny brat who thinks he is above us all.”


TRAGEDY
“And here I thought Gabie's arrogance was bad. Maybe they should date. "(giggles)


DREZZ DECKARD
(Laughs)
“As entertaining as that would be Uri has a big part to play. It would seem that my father has made his move and has set him on course. He did little to no investigation before invading my inner sanctum. As father predicted he would. His inability to keep his emotions in check led him right to us.”


TRAGEDY
“No flute needed just a trail of breadcrumbs. I noticed that owl of his flying around when I got back into town. I’ll have to pay closer attention. The ravens were one thing, but now his critter will be hanging around. (Sighs) We’ll have to come up with a better barrier for this place. Can’t we just say it’s a no-fly zone or something?”


DREZZ DECKARD
“I’ll keep that in mind when I erect a new barrier. Perhaps a bit of your blood would strengthen it, actually.”


TRAGEDY
“If you think it will help. I also have a few artifacts tucked away that might be of benefit. All that I have is yours my love so take whatever you need.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“What if you are what I need?”


TRAGEDY
(Giggles)
“Stop that tickles.”


DREZZ DECKARD
(Playfully)
“I can’t help it when your reactions are this cute.”


Tragedy
(Giggles are cut off)
“Watch that hand, mister! I still have some important tales to tell.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Forgive me, please carry on. What news have you brought from your night's travels?”


TRAGEDY
“A child of surprise was gifted to Gabie and became a dispirited affair. There was nothing I could do to save her. She deserved better than being condemned to an existence in the shadows.”

DREZZ DECKARD
“They sent a decoy, most unfortunate. The others must have been enraged.”


TRAGEDY
“Gabie was raging like a bull. He threw stuff and insulted me, but that’s okay because I threatened to kill him. Red took my side and that really pissed him off! You should have seen the look on his face.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“How is the friendship you have been fostering with this demoness? She must have come to confide in you by now.”


TRAGEDY
“She sure has. I know a lot more about her and her relationship with the Oni in the mirror. They are planning something big. Red said they had started gathering the others. There is talk of a third member, but I have yet to learn anything about them.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Now that is interesting.”


TRAGEDY
“But they won’t tell me their name! Red wouldn’t even confirm their gender… However, last night when she called, they asked me to take care of something for her! She mentioned that we would have a backup in case it was a trap.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Could it be one of the generals they have been looking for?”

TRAGEDY
“No, they are still looking for them. Gabie has been pouring over this old spellbook trying to devise a way to locate them. I’m sure they have been reincarnated, where they are is another mystery altogether.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Perhaps this person is not yet at their full power and must remain hidden for the time being? There is no use throwing around wild speculation. We must get more information if we are to plan accordingly.”


TRAGEDY
“I’ll do my best. After I left Red and Gabie I headed over to the arena. I grabbed Sashiro along the way. One of my contacts had mentioned that the fights would be delayed so I paid Piggy a visit.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“I’m sure he wasn’t expecting you. How did the meeting unfold?”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“It was a little dramatic. Sashiro and I walked up and I banged on the door with a little warning, Little pig, little pig, let me in.”


[Tragedy’s and Sashiro’s footsteps echo through the underground hallway leading to a heavy metal door. She POUNDS on the door heavily three times denting it.]


XORAG
“(Pig snort) Not by the ‘air on me chinny chin chin.”


TRAGEDY
“Don’t be like that or I’ll huff and puff and beat your piggy brains in Xorag. I’m here to register my team for the upcoming arena battles. You know the one where we fight to the death.”


[There is a BUZZ and a loud CLICK as the door CREAKS open. Tragedy offers Sashiro to walk in first.]


SASHIRO
“Hey there piggy.”


[Tragedy follows the hinges CREAK as the door closes behind them with a CLICK.]


XORAG
“Lady Sashiro! (Snorts in acknowledgment) Erhm I don’t know abou’ that Tragedy, last time your team went in the arena you near took out one of mine! You know they ain’t scran, right?”


TRAGEDY
“It’s not my fault the other guy shot them! I was merely an opportunist.”


GUNG GOBLIN
“Opportun-? You fookin monsta! I like a good ol 'skull cracking like the next Gob.. But when you kill one of mine, that’s crossing a line, sweet cheeks.”


XORAG
(Scoffs)
“They do be a beast in their own right, aye, may as well be the Queen of Chaos made flesh.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“I shall tear out the swine’s tongue and make him choke on it!”


TRAGEDY
“Funny you should say that, I told him that only one man gets to call me that! So unless you want me to rip your voice box out, you’d better remember that Pigeh.”


XORAG
(Snorts in disbelief)
“You’re a wonky one ai n'tcha!”


TRAGEDY
“You don’t know the half of it..”


XORAG
“Tonight's fights are on hold due to Arena Damage. We only have the alumni battle left. That will be in three days. If you're in, fork over the cash.”


TRAGEDY
“Duh What kind of lunatic do you take me for? It’s all there. Go ahead and check if you don’t trust me.”


GUNG GOBLIN
“I’m warnin’ ya, Tragedy. I have a lil somethin’ in store if ya try any of that shite again. Oi bossman, I reckon we should charge ‘em more!”


[The GM flips through the money.]


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“(Groans) Can you believe that Pig counted the money right there!”


DREZZ DECKARD
“(Little laugh) I imagine he was scrounging for a morsel of a reason to not have your team participate.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“I guess it makes sense why he sided with that goblin! Old Piggy's days are numbered.”


XORAG
(Snorts in acknowledgment)
“Gung makes a good point, girlies... I’d like to keep the money I make, not piss it away on repairs.”


TRAGEDY
“Cry me a river why don’t ya? All this whining, are we doing this or what?.”


XORAG
“(Grunts) A’ight then, your team will be in the first battle! Let’s see ‘ow long you last this time.”


TRAGEDY
“Don’t worry, we like those odds.”


[The intercom CRACKLES to life with the sound of the GM’s voice echoing through the halls and businesses.]


XORAG
“Orcs, gobs, and all ya feckers in between. We ‘ave our final crew for the bloody skirmish. ”


[Allow pause for fighters to react. Muffled cheering and boos through the door. The speaker crackles back to life.]


Xorag (CONT’D)
(Snort to usher in silence to speak again)
“The Children of Chaos will be the ones to kill if you want to make it to the top. All bets are open. Good luck girls!”


SASHIRO
“Don’t worry about us, we've been working on some new moves so best you have your clean-up crew on stand-by because it’s going to get crazy in there.”


XORAG
“Do us a favor darlin’, an leave my arena in one piece.”


SASHIRO
“I never make promises I don’t intend on keeping. Better double-check those protection spells because it’s gonna be a wild ride.”


TRAGEDY
“(Laughs maniacally) No promises (rambles and laughs.) We’re gonna paint the walls red.”


XORAG
“Gung, how ‘bout you show these (snort) lawless loli’s through, lest they wander off I know some be wantin’ an early show.”


GUNG GOBLIN
“Come on then, no funny business.”

SASHIRO
“Ya, ya, See ya piggy.”


TRAGEDY
“See you later alligator.”


[Tragedy and Sashiro OPEN the heavy door as they walk away. They hear mumblings and screams coming from other game rooms as they pass. The scene ends with the large metal door CREAKS closed.]


GUNG GOBLIN
“Be straight with me, should I put all me coin on ya lot?”


TRAGEDY
“I would if I were you. We’re the real deal.”


[The three walk down the hallway and past the various gaming rooms. Sounds of bets are being made and those who disagree with the results. They pass the food vendors where other teams call out insults as they pass.]


GUNG GOBLIN
“Best watch your backs, gals. There are those looking to damage the goods before the show.”


[A pair of opponents await them. Xeno slams his mug on the counter. He pushed his CHAIR hastily SCRAPING on the metal floor. Azura joins him as they step out to block their way.]


XENO
“Where are you going kitten?”


TRAGEDY
“More flies? How annoying. Maybe I should sever your wings.”


[Metallic SHING as Tragedy pulls her KNIFE out.]


AZURA
“Who you calling flies?”

TRAGEDY DECKARD
“CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT RAT BASTARD PULLED A KNIFE ON ME! Arghhhhh. I should have gutted him.”


DREZZ DECKARD
(Laughing)


GRUNG GOBLIN
“Watch it, Xorag sent me long to keep you lot in line.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“Lucky you, I get to kill you in the arena.”


[Tragedy puts her KNIFE away.]


AZURA
“I’m going for the weakest link, ain't that right Sashiro? I dream of seeing your blood run cold down my hands.”


XENO
“Put your heads on a pike and piss on your bodies I will.”


SASHIRO
“Big words for such a small dick Xeno.”


GUNG
“(Laughs) She ain’t wrong ay Azura?”


AZURA
“(Laughs) Well you know.”


XENO
“Shut your cunt mouths before I shut them for you.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“Shame Xeno, All I see here are victims”
(Insane laughter)


GUNG
“That’s enough! Keep the hostilities for the ring.”


XENO
“(Grumbles) Best not come back before the battle less you lose a limb or two.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“Do me a favor and eat something spicy so you have some flavor when I rip out your heart and eat it.”


SASHIRO
“Come Tragedy, don’t you have a date with your hubby Drezz?”


AZURA (Trembling)
“The mad doctor is, is your husband?”


SASHIRO
“That’s right so if you don’t want to be next on the slab you better bite your tongue.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“Don’t worry guys, I’ll remember to mention you by name. Time to go, Sashiro. Let’s take the expressway. Porta domum.”
[Snaps]


[The sound of swirling magic as the portal opens. A woman stands on the other side of the portal.]


VAMPIRES LUNA
“Welcome home mistress.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“Hey there Luna.”


[Sashiro and Tragedy walk in. The portal closes with a WOOSH.]



TRAGEDY DECKARD
“Then the portal closed with a woosh. I could have killed them all, but lucky for them I cut them a break.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“This could be the opportunity we have been waiting for. You should invite her to train here. I think it’s time I met my wife's new friend after all.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“I think I like where this is going. Red’s too good for that two-bit cheap parlor trick of a boyfriend she’s with now. I mean he has no real personality and toys with everyone around him until they break.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Yes, so you have said. He must have been a force to reckon with if he was capable of establishing bonds that transcended death. Tread carefully, mon cheri. I fear he has the potential to cause more trouble than you give him credit for.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“I know, Philip said the same thing when we met.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“You seem to be meeting with my brother more often these days. What do you two do during these meetings?”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“Is my Drezziekins worried that we are up to no good?”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Even I get jealous from time to time. If I could shrink you down and carry you in my coat pocket I would.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“(giggles) Perhaps I should start visiting your office more often. A little exercise on your lunch break will help you get through your day.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Or make me want to take the rest of the day off altogether.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“The temptation is great. You have brought me more joy than I can express with mere words.”


DREZZ DECKARD
(Smiles)
“You are light to my world, my treasure. Soon we will have all the time we could ever need to explore such pleasures. Until then we must push forward to achieve what’s owed to us.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“I look forward to that. Now that Uri will be here we should have a meeting. A raven came to visit when I picked up Nich from the groomers. Seems he has some business to attend to, but would like a meeting once it’s concluded.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“I’m certain he will inform us of the outcome. Perhaps it is time we had a dinner party? It has been forty years since the last one and this time Uri will be in attendance.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“Dinner parties are one of my specialties. Will this be a low-key event or shall I arrange some entertainment for our guests?”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Father enjoys a bit of diversion before business. No need to make a circus of events. Keep it tasteful. He has been reacquainting himself with the classics as of late. Perhaps an intimate performance?”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“I have just the person in mind. Perhaps Uri could help me collect them? I should have a little talk with him. I do need to invite him after all.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“You read my mind, it would be good to have already established an open discourse with him. I trust you will have it well in hand.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“Do you think bringing a gift would help?”


DREZZ DECKARD
“He has a pension for wine. I believe we still have some of his favorite years in stock.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“I’ll leave that to you. I will also bring Luna with me. If we offer her as an assistant while he gets settled we can keep a better eye on him. Plus Victor likes Luna and her cooking.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“First he demands my attention, then he takes my patience, and now our servant! Alas, sacrifices must be made.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“It will be a great honor to know the master of the house will miss her presence.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Not as much as I miss yours, my little temptress.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“Careful Drezziekins, if you keep talking like that I might need a little more of you before we greet the day.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Perhaps a little tease will keep you on edge until we can be alone once more. Just knowing how you will be consumed with thoughts of me makes the parting sweeter.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
“Mmmm, maybe just a little nibble before we go?


DREZZ DECKARD
“My Belladonna is aptly named. Sweet and deadly. One last passionate embrace before I go.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
(Giggles)
“My dark prince is ever so generous.”


(Drezz nuzzles Tragedy giving a few soft kisses causing her to gasp and giggle.)


DREZZ DECKARD
“Indeed we were. Those nights together were locked away consumed by passion. The heat, pleasure, and pain brought me to my knees more than once.”


TRAGEDY DECKARD
(Giggles)
“Mmmm, you were unhinged and a wild beast last night. I must have been a very good girl.”


[Drezz and Tragedy giggle and mumble sweet words.]




EXT: TOWN PARK - DUCK POND - SUNNY - MORNING

[Uri is standing on the shore of the little duck pond tossing some duck food to the happily quacking ducks as Darkness walks up to stand next to him.]


DARKNESS
(Booming intro, tone shift to warm interaction)
“Greetings and salutations Uri, God of time and keeper of the strings! How is my favorite stepson fairing this fine morning?”


URI
“You are too kind. To put it plainly, my life has been turned upside down given the current events. Next time you fancy sending me a message by way of your feathered cryptid courier, could you possibly flag it to arrive in the morning?”


DARKNESS
“(Laughs) I will try and remember that for non-imperative correspondence.”


URI
“(Chuckle) But to imperative matters. I am under the impression you have something that could not be expressed by message alone.”


DARKNESS
“Your intuition is in line with your mother’s. How is she faring? I am sure this snare in the pattern has her in a state of unrest.”


URI
“She is still perplexed at the complexity of this particular entanglement. Rest assured we are in the process of rectifying the matter. Though if I may be so bold as to suggest, you should provide some time to give personal counsel. I am sure she would welcome you.”


DARKNESS
“I shall do so at my earliest convenience. But presently I have come to meet with you. You have finally decided to take a much-needed sabbatical. Although your timing is far from impeccable.”


URI
“I understand, although it is not without considerable thought on the matter! Philip (tries to suppress a laugh) has presented me with the idea of living here for a moment. And after careful consideration, I believe he might be onto something. Please do not inform him I stated as such.”


DARKNESS
(Darkness gives a hearty chuckle)


URI
“Crediting my brother aside, attempting to rectify an issue remotely lacks perspective. Looking back on how we handled matters regarding the last snag it came at an unfortunate cost.”


DARKNESS
“That is wise. At times our hand is too close to our face and we become blinded to what is beyond.”


URI
“Uhuh..”


DARKNESS
“(Sigh) What I am attempting to relate with this metaphor is that stepping back and putting things into perspective can lead to greater understanding.”


URI
“I fear I have been willfully blinded to other struggles and events that I should have given more attention to. I do not plan to remain here idling away the time so to speak. No, I will surreptitiously observe in the pursuit of enlightenment.”


DARKNESS
“I would like you to share your findings with me so that I may be of assistance if required.”

URI
“If it is your wish then I must concede. The next matter of business for me today would be to find myself a place to stay that is behest of one of my stature. I find that what is currently on the market to be (an amused huff) subpar at best.”


DARKNESS
“I do believe I have a solution to your dilemma in this regard.”


URI
“Please, Do tell.”


DARKNESS
“Anpu has a vast estate that is befitting of a god such as himself. He is of good temperament and will also be responsible for your employment.”


URI
“I get so caught up in our pantheon that I hadn’t considered Lord Anubis as an option. This could work. Where do you propose I shall find him at this hour?”


DARKNESS
“Let me assist you my son and I shall arrange everything. As for your soon-to-be host. He is commonly found in the diner for breakfast. Then he will return to the agency. I would think by the time you walk there he should be in attendance.”


URI
“It is a nice day to stretch my legs, plus it gives me a chance to learn a bit about the town. See the shops and residents of my temporary home.”



DARKNESS
“I will leave you to it. You deserve some time to stop and smell the roses. ”


[The rustling of the leaves on the trees as a pleasant breeze sweeps through.]

URI
“I best be going then. I am sure this will not be the last I hear from you.”


[Darkness seeps away into Uri’s shadow.]


URI
“I don’t know about you my fine feathered friends, but don’t you think it is rude to travel by way of one’s shadow?”


[Uri tosses the ducks the last of the food. They quack as they scurry for the food. He Dusts off his hands and begins to walk to the office.]