Episode 12 - Trials of Faith (Part 2)

EPISODE 12 - Trials of Faith (Part 2)



REN BLACK
“Rachel? I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t tap out right now.”


HIRO AKASHI
“No no no no no, we can’t lose our paladin in the middle of a demonic battle of souls!”


REN BLACK
“Akashi, we’ve gone from shits creek to rapids. She’s not responding.”


HIRO AKASHI
“Can’t you do something? Like some magic or, I don’t know, summon someone else to help?”


REN BLACK
“With that bell in effect, time outside of this room is at a standstill. We’re all we’ve got. Best think of something else.”


HIRO AKASHI
“Hell if I know what to do! It’s not like I go ripping demons out of bodies every day. We are screwed!”


REN BLACK
“Easy, easy… Stay with me Akashi. We may be treading in deep water but with my experience and your intellect, we can recover! Check her bag, she must have something in there.”


HIRO AKASHI
(Takes several deep breaths)
“Right, right, bag, bag, where is the bag?”


REN BLACK
“It’s on the table, next to the bed!”


HIRO AKASHI
“Ok, ugh I have these crackers!”


REN BLACK
“Too late for that. Hold on, Rachel. We're figuring something out.”


HIRO AKASHI
“There’s not much over here. Holy water?”


REN BLACK
“No good, there’s only a few drops left. Keep looking.”


HIRO AKASHI
“I’m looking, there’s nothing else in this bag but some candles, matches, and a rosary.”


REN BLACK
“Come on Rachel, stay with me. Look if you’re gonna do something, do it now! Her pulse is getting weaker.”


[Akashi grabs the bell from the table.]


HIRO AKASHI
“How about this?”


REN BLACK
“Are you insane? Neither of us knows how to use that damn thing. It could blow up on us!”


HIRO AKASHI
“That doesn’t sound like something a champion would say!”


REN BLACK
“Akashi, no!”


[Akashi rings the bell. Uri is settling into his room at Victor's when he hears the ringing of his father's bell and the ripples of energy it sends forth.]


URI
“Now this is unexpected. Who are you to be tampering with my strings?”


HIRO AKASHI
“The better question is who are you?”


URI
“I am Uri, God of Time. Keeper of the Loom. I’m a pretty big deal. And what I would like to know is where you came from, and how you were able to use that bell.”


HIRO AKASHI
“I don’t have time for this. I have friends who need my help.”


URI
“(Laughs) Oh, don’t you worry your pretty little head about that. We have all the time in the world.”


HIRO AKASHI
“How are you doing this?”


URI
“As stated, I am the God of Time. This is merely a minute fraction of what I can do.”


HIRO AKASHI
“Right now I don’t understand what is going on and back there I have a demon to vanquish and my partner to save.”


URI
“Sounds like you have your hands full. You are here because you rang that bell. A significant magical item that belongs to someone more powerful than yourself.”


HIRO AKASHI
“It’s not like I stole it. I was desperate.”


URI
“Desperation leads to destruction if one is not careful. That item has a failsafe so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands, and yet here you are with all your extremities. That says something.”


HIRO AKASHI
“I’m not commonly on a path to destruction so if you could cut me a break I’d appreciate it.”


URI
“Do you have the habit of speaking to Gods in such a manner? Perhaps I should give you a lesson on what it feels like to be truly helpless?”


HIRO AKASHI
“Ok, ok, I will do anything if you can help me, name any price.”


URI
“Subjugation? More my brother’s thing but lucky for you I am in a good mood. How about this? I will lend you my aid in exchange for bringing me that disruptive little trinket.”


HIRO AKASHI
“I’m sorry but it’s not mine to give. Besides, if you want it so badly then how come you can’t just take it?”


URI
“With all manor of fancy magics come lovely rules that dictate function and operation. This particular item has a strict rule of transference. For you to be able to even pick it up must mean the owner is hovering between life and death.”


HIRO AKASHI
“How do I know that I can trust you?”


URI
“That’s the neat part kit, you don’t. Call it a leap of faith.”


HIRO AKASHI
“Faith is in short supply these days.”


URI
“You got that right, but what choice do you have? It’s either trust me or watch everything turn to ash. Go on, toss that coin.”


HIRO AKASHI
“Fine! I’ll do it! I’ll get you the bell if that’s what it takes.”


URI
“Your malleability is appreciated (Chuckling). Now pay close attention. For I will not be repeating myself.”


HIRO AKASHI
“Thank you, I won’t fail.”


URI
“Firstly, observe here. There are endless strings stemming from every sentient being. All these threads come together to form a pattern. What we need to do is remove the unwanted entanglements without unraveling all that connects your friend to the demon.”


HIRO AKASHI
“There are so many… All interwoven and taught. It’s a mess!”


URI
“It takes a lifetime to comprehend, and several more to master. But most importantly, a profound attention to detail.”


HIRO AKASHI
“Now that we have located it what do we do?”


URI
“We must pinpoint where to sever it. You must be precise. Down to the 247th zeptosecond, but no… I don’t think we need to go that far.”


HIRO AKASHI
“How is that even possible?”


URI
“It is in my job description. What a poor God of Time I would be if I couldn’t perform such a menial task.”


HIRO AKASHI
“Fair enough, my apologies.”


URI
“Ahh, here we go. See this glint right here.”


HIRO AKASHI
“I don’t see anything but the string.”


[Uri whacks the back of Hiro’s Head]


URI
“Forgo peripheral distractions and hone your focus. And with a little help from me, you should be seeing it soon.”


HIRO AKASHI
“I-I see something. It’s getting brighter!”


URI
“There you go. Granted, Godly intervention goes a long way. But it all begins with potential.”


HIRO AKASHI
“Wait until I show Black!”


URI
“Oh, sweet child. He is blinded to what we see. I suppose you would have to be the one to show him.”


HIRO AKASHI
“Why can’t he see them? I mean Black is really strong.”


URI
“There is no question about that, however, start striking things willy nilly and the stark difference between a master surgeon versus a cleaving butcher is all the more apparent.”


HIRO AKASHI
“I can tell he holds a lot in… Explains his befuddlement to all this. But now I’m confused as to how I’m supposed to help him.”

URI
“Easy. There is something that tethers you two. Come now Akashi, a clever boy like you must have noticed something upon meeting Black. The ease of your companionship, the way you tease one another. I dare say there’s chemistry here!”


HIRO AKASHI
“So what, cosmic forces have paired us up for some predestined narrative? Don’t I have a say in this?”


URI
“Of course, we are not without free agency. Currently, I find myself engaging with you. This judgment I make is purely by my own design! Or so I hope.”


HIRO AKASHI
“There’s this strange sensation when I’m with him. A familiar feeling I can’t put my finger on. Are all strings like ours?”


URI
“That’s a wonderful question. Perhaps if you seek me out upon your return, I might indulge thou.”


HIRO AKASHI
“What? Is the bell not enough.”


URI
“There will be a different means of compensation for that tidbit of information.”


HIRO AKASHI
“How will I know what to offer if you don’t show me the price tag?”

URI
“Life has a knack for revealing what we need to know as those opportunities manifest. As for Black, there are worse men to be tied to. Don’t be afraid to strengthen that bond, for it may be the very means to brave what’s to come.”


HIRO AKASHI
“Ominous. I don’t suppose you’re graciously willing to indulge me in what’s to come?”


URI
“There is a time and place for everything and there is somewhere else I wish to be. Good luck young Akashi, you are going to need it (Laughs).”


HIRO AKASHI
“Uri, wait, I’m not ready yet. I have so many questions.”


URI
“I know, that’s what keeps things interesting! Always needing to know what is going to happen next keeps you moving forward. Lastly, though, we are not on a first-name basis.”


[Uri snaps his fingers bringing Akashi back to Black]


REN BLACK
“Akashi. Akashi! Storm of swords, answer me, Hiro!”


HIRO AKASHI
(Regaining composure)
“I’m back.”


REN BLACK
“Back? What the hell happened!? I told you not to touch that thing!”


HIRO AKASHI
“No, it’s good. We’re good now, I know what to do!”


REN BLACK
“Not sure what epiphany you came to standing around like a space cadet-”


HIRO AKASHI
“Ren, I need you to have a little faith in me and follow my lead.”


REN BLACK
“Time’s almost up, take the reins.”


HIRO AKASHI
(Assertive)
“To cut to the chase, I need you to clear your mind and focus solely on what I’m about to manifest. I’ll guide you.”


[Hiro places the palm of his left hand on the back of Ren’s head, gesturing out with his right]


REN BLACK
“What…? How are you doin-”


HIRO AKASHI
“Less talking, eyes forward.”


[The intensity escalates as Hiro proceeds to physically manifest the strands.]


REN BLACK
“Ethereal strands… Philip mentioned such a phenomenon…”


HIRO AKASHI
“Let’s see how far visual learning takes us.”


HIRO AKASHI
“Once I have the demon’s strand in hand-
(strained noises of struggle)
-It’s on you to make the cut. Wait for the glint and put… Your back… Into it!”


REN BLACK
“Hiro I- My flames will engulf both of you!”


HIRO AKASHI
“Then refine those flames into a wakizashi. We need precision.”


REN BLACK
(Exhales)


[Black exhales, summoning his wild fox fire and condensing it into a smaller form.]


HIRO AKASHI
“I found you, hide and seek is over.”


[Hiro reaches out, grasping the Demon’s string and wrapping it around his hand to ensure a better grip. The thin threads cut into his skin.]


HIRO AKASHI
“(Winces in pain) It’s cutting my hands. He never said it was sharp!”


REN BLACK
“There, Hiro! I see it!”


HIRO AKASHI
“Then do your damn job!”


REN BLACK
“From Ashes to ashes - Demon to dust. Playtime’s over, you wretched hellish husk.”


[Ren lifts his blade high and brings it down with a swoosh severing the string. Rachel gasps for breath and begins coughing up some black mass that slowly starts shifting into the demon.]


RACHEL KNIGHT
(Chokes and gasps for breath)


HIRO AKASHI
“Holly, hell that worked! It’s about time you showed your face.”


[The demon solidifies and looks at Black]


DEMON
“Is that all you got? Those flames pale in comparison to the ones in Hell.”


REN BLACK
“Your optimism is somewhat refreshing. See I’m not the only one with flames. Ain't that right, Rachel? Having a physical body has its flaws. You best Prepare to feel the wrath of God like never before! ”


[Black steps aside as Rachel stands fully her wings spread out as she draws her flaming sword from the sheath. Angelic tones fill the room as the demon tries to hide from the light.]


RACHEL KNIGHT
“I call your name BLAUTEL and hold dominion over you. You have violated this world with your filth. How about we skip the formalities and get straight to the banishment? Seems someone let go of their bargaining chip.”


[The sword swings in the air as she slices the demon in two burning it with the holy fire of God. The Demon’s cries fade away in the fire.]


REN BLACK & HIRO AKASHI
(Determined)
“Amen.”


[Rachel sheaths her sword and falls to her knees.]


RACHEL KNIGHT
“By the grace of Yahweh, we are victorious today. However, it is overshadowed by the putrid taste of demon filth in my mouth. You still got that flask?”


REN BLACK
“You know I do. I think we could all use a drink. Here, you first.”


RACHEL KNIGHT
“Greatly appreciated”


[Rachel takes a swig, rinses her mouth out, and spits it out the window.]


HIRO AKASHI
“Will her soul know where to go?”


REN BLACK
“That’s a good question. I’m not sure.”


RACHEL KNIGHT
“Yes, she knows, although she is sad to leave her family behind, she understands that she is going to a better place. I shall deliver her personally to our father. She is exhausted, it would be difficult to make it on her own.”


HIRO AKASHI
“I knew you could do it Megami.”


RACHEL KNIGHT
“Hiro, could you gather my things? It's time to restore order.”


HIRO AKASHI
“I can do that.”


REN BLACK
“Give my regards to his Son and let him know I am ready to resume our talks at his convenience.”


RACHEL KNIGHT
“I truly cannot fathom how the two of you get along as well as you do.”


REN BLACK
“Well, that's easy Rachel, he loves all sinners and saints alike. There is a respect for standards like that.”


HIRO AKASHI (Apprehensive)
“Here’s your things.”


RACHEL KNIGHT
“Thank you Akashi, you did a marvelous job. I dare say we could not have done this without you. Would you kindly return the bell?”


REN BLACK
“Come on Akashi, what’s wrong with you? hand over the bell so we can all go home.”


HIRO AKASHI
“The thing is, I promised to give the bell to the God of time in exchange for telling me how to save you.”


REN BLACK
“When things were going bad, Rach, Hiro picked up the bell. I told him not to.”


RACHEL KNIGHT
“I must have been closer to death than I thought. Hiro, was he an older gentleman with a furious facade?”


HIRO AKASHI
“No, he was young, handsome. One of his eyes looked strange, he said his name was Uri, God of Time. And was very adamant about it.”


REN BLACK
“It’s not like him to offer help to some rando holding a rare magical item. No offense, Akashi.”


HIRO AKASHI
“Some taken, carry on.”


REN BLACK
“Thank you, then there was the exchange with Philip last night. Something doesn’t sit right with me. Did he say anything else to you?”


HIRO AKASHI
“Nothing much, he talked about the strings and told me to come find him when we get back.”


RACHEL KNIGHT
“Vague, he must have told you where to find him so you can deliver on what was agreed?”


HIRO AKASHI
“That’s just it. He didn’t, he just told me to find him when I get back, so that means he is somewhere in Darkness Falls.”


REN BLACK
“Good thing we happen to be heading in that direction. How about we pay our “merciful” God a visit?”


HIRO AKASHI
“What about the promise? What will happen if I don’t bring it?”


REN BLACK
“Then let’s not go empty-handed. A promise to a deity is no joke, as Rachel can back me up on.”


RACHEL KNIGHT
“Quite. I would be remiss as to not assist in these matters, I hereby transfer ownership of the bell to you, Hiro Akashi. But, I expect it to be returned when possible. Do I make myself clear?”


[Rachel hands Ren the bell.]


HIRO AKASHI
“I may have agreed to bring it to him. Though the specific wording of our verbal contract didn’t explicitly state I had to relinquish it. Don’t worry. I got this.”


RACHEL KNIGHT
“Best make sure you are prepared when playing games with Gods, Hiro. The craft began with them.
Now, both of you would benefit from a hot meal. And most certainly, a bath.”


[A bright light is cast down from some unknown source. There was a sensation of peace and tranquility. An angelic sound seems to come from the light.]


REN BLACK
“I can’t argue with that. Looks like that’s your ride. I’ll let Victor know where you’re going.”


RACHEL KNIGHT
“Thank you, Ren, Akashi, may the light of God be with you.”

REN BLACK
“And also, with you. Not that you need me to say it. I mean look at you Rachel, you're bathing in it.”


RACHEL KNIGHT
(Snickers, giggles, laughs, giggles, laughs, snickers)


[Rachel ascended into the light and as if was chasing her up the light and Rachel vanished from sight and the room fell silent.]


HIRO AKASHI (Astonished)
“Do you always have to have the last word? I mean we just witnessed an actual miracle, and you are acting like these things just happen!”

REN BLACK
“Do you think so little of me? I just have a great sense of when to add levity after a dramatic event. It helps when it’s over. We should get going.”


HIRO AKASHI
“That's for sure.”



EXT. ON FERRY - EARLY DAY - SUNNY

[Akashi and Black quickly made their way back down to the car and wasted no time driving to the docks.]
[Ferry boat horn blows.]


REN BLACK
“Look, fortune smiles upon us this day, the ferry was here and we had no trouble climbing aboard.”


[Ferry boat horn blows.]


HIRO AKASHI (Sarcastic)
“Thank God for small favors.”


REN BLACK
“Ain't that the truth? I owe you one big guy.”



EXT. FERRY - MORNING - SLIGHT WIND


[They boarded the ferry and just before the island was out of sight Deckard pulled up and began shouting something unheard over the waves and engine. Drezz Deckard walks up to the railing. Black and Akashi are standing watching the frustration of the FBI agents.]


PHILIP DECKARD (VO)
“CURSE YOU REN BLACK! YOU WAIT UNTIL I CATCH UP WITH YOU! YOU BASTARD!”


DREZZ DECKARD
“He sure seems hot under the collar. You know I never get bored seeing him blow up like that (Laughs).”


[Akashi jumps at the sound of his voice.]


HIRO AKASHI (Surprised)
“Eeep, Where the hell did you come from?”


DREZZ DECKARD
“My dungeon, why?”


REN BLACK
“I thought you said you would be here in the morning.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“It’s always morning somewhere is it not?”


REN BLACK
“I hope you're gonna fill me in on what just happened and why it had to happen the way it did.”


HIRO AKASHI
“This I would like to hear. If we had gotten there sooner maybe she wouldn’t have had to suffer like that.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Hiro was it?”


HIRO AKASHI
“Yes?”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Hiro, do not mistake my lack of empathy as being merely for display alone. There was a reason behind the events and the need for them to unfold in time in accordance with the pattern. For now, that is all I will say.”


HIRO AKASHI (Snarky)
“That’s not a satisfying answer.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“I never implied that it would be.”


REN BLACK
“Hold it off there, Akashi. We can always gather ourselves and come back with some well-formulated questions for him later.”


HIRO AKASHI
“I’ll make sure to write them all down.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Tenacity, I like that in a Man.”


HIRO AKASHI
“Don’t you have a wife or something?”


DREZZ DECKARD
“She is my treasure.”


REN BLACK
“Speaking of your wife, how is she?”


HIRO AKASHI
“If you don’t mind me asking, what’s her name?”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Not at all, her name is Tragedy. (Chuckle) We have been a little playful up the past two nights.”


REN BLACK
“You know it’s not nice to kiss and tell (Laughs)”


HIRO AKASHI
“I’d like to meet her sometime.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“A wonderful idea, we will be free later tonight.”


REN BLACK
“Sounds good. It’d be nice to catch up. If nothing else she’s fun to be around.”


HIRO AKASHI
“Great! I’ll make dinner.”


REN BLACK
“Oh , before we part ways I got this for you. These are the samples I got from one of the bodies we found.
Maybe you can turn something up in case Philip;s teams aren't up to the task. Sub-par equipment and all.”


DREZZ DECKARD
“Philips staff couldn’t find their way out of a tissue paper bag. I’ll let you know what I find.”


[Ren pats his back]


REN BLACK
“Good man, that’s what I like to hear.”


THE END EPISODE 9


---------------------------------------------------


[Doji is in the mirror, Red is sitting on the edge of Gabriels desk. A bowl with water rests in front of Gabriel. They are watching the events unfold.]


RED
“I will say this Gabriel, you know how to put on a great show, It paid off. Now we know a few more of their dirty little secrets.”


GABRIEL
“If you are going to do anything right you best do it with style. Perhaps with their attention turned to the Fujiwara's for a time we will be free to move forward with gathering the others.”


DOJI
“You have both exceeded my expectations. It is true that there is much work to be done, but this information will prove invaluable, Don’t forget that we need a way into Darkness Falls if we are to succeed in luring his companion and force his hand.”