“Pilot”
A young demigod and his friends go on quests to save humanity from the madness of an ancient foe and save his father from the depths of the underworld.
TEASER
INT. MORPHEUS’ STUDY – LAND OF DREAMS
A man gently places the needle on an old record-player and a solo piano starts playing a delicate piece.
He pours a cup of tea into a black and white striped cup and sits in a wing-back armchair as a fire crackles behind him.
Very few features of the room can be seen and those that can be seen, shift and change ever so slightly.
This is MORPHEUS. God of Dreams and leader of the Oneiroi, the spirits of dreams. His chiseled Adonis-like dark features showcase a whimsical lavender tattoo line tracing along the left side of his face and down his neck, disappearing under his meticulously pressed shirt.
Gentlemanly dressed with a bespoke vest featuring a slight paisley pattern, silver buttons and silver chain leading to a silver pocket watch, he is very much at ease.
There’s something both inviting and terrifying about him as he speaks to the camera and sips his tea.
MORPHEUS
Humans never learn, do they. They do seem to keep trying, though. That’s what I admire most about them. I suppose you would call that madness--trying something over and over again and hoping that this time it will be different. Granted, don’t we all share in that curse? Our struggle against the never-ending darkness. But what if, just once, something changed?
A chess board appears on a table next to him. The black and white pieces already midway through a complex game. Each side already missing several pieces.
A woman’s hand moves one of the white pieces and the record player catches and skips, stuck on two chords.
MORPHEUS
What if, instead of struggling with the same madness over and over again--
Morpheus leans over and moves a black pawn.
MORPHEUS
The King makes a change.
The record player catches and keeps playing forward. The music carries over and transitions to a young woman rehearsing.
.DREAM SEQUENCE – INT. CONCERT REHEARSAL HALL – NIGHT – TWENTY YEARS AGO
Moonlight streams into a dark room. A single light stands next to a black baby grand piano and illuminates the young woman at the piano.
LYRA COLLINS sits as she rehearses the enchanting solo piece from Morpheus’ record player. No more than 20 years old, her slight frame and short dark hair speak of a certain elegance as her delicate fingers dance across the keys.
A slight darkness lingers in the room.
She closes her eyes, letting the music flow through her as it swells and crescendos before giving way to a peaceful melancholic softness. She smiles.
EREBUS
Who would’ve thought that something so broken could be so beautiful.
Startled, Lyra quickly turns around to see a man casually sitting on the floor. EREBUS sits with a huge smile across his face.
Meet the King of Darkness, creator of the Underworld. His dark eyes, well-cut suit with a loosened tie and slightly opened shirt, combined with his mischievous charm immediately disarm Lyra. His black hair shimmers with a blue tinge in the moonlight. A set of small tattoos frame each cheekbone.
LYRA
Who are you?
Instantly, Erebus is sitting next to Lyra with his hand on her chin as he inspects her. Mist swirls with the movement.
EREBUS
Orpheus was right, you are stunning.
Lyra slaps his hand away. Not knowing how he was suddenly next to her, she stands up and takes a step back.
EREBUS
Play for me again, won’t you?
LYRA
What?
With a glint in his eye and a playful smile, Erebus disappears in a gentle gust of wind. The room noticeably brightens.
END DREAM SEQUENCE
Morpheus moves another piece on his chess board as the next piano piece plays through and becomes more complex.
MORPHEUS
But what of it? Can one such playfully orchestrated note really be called a movement? Surely he’s tried this composition before. Is it perhaps the desperate plea of a man trying to change a future, to try something new?
The woman moves another white piece on the board.
MORPHEUS
Or is this all part of a clever plan simply designed to distract his opponent?
Morpheus places the black king in the center of the board.
MORPHEUS
Or maybe, the madness has already consumed him and hope is lost.
The woman smiles.
MORPHEUS
(smiling)
But is hope itself madness?
ACT ONE
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL ROOFTOP – NIGHT
Perched on the rooftop’s ledge like a gargoyle, OBERON, an older-looking slender white-haired goth teen scans the area. Next to him stands a figure obscured by the night.
OBERON
It’s approaching.
Silence.
OBERON
Sir?
Oberon looks up and sees the 15 y/o happy go-lucky, slightly short and awkward teen next to him who has white ear buds in and is completely ignoring everything.
REVE COLLINS’ fingers dance in the air as if playing the piano as his head nods in tune with the music in his ears.
With eyes closed, a half-smile plays on his face that’s both charming and genuine.
With an exhausted sigh, Oberon goes back to scanning the area. How on earth did he become this kid’s babysitter?
Down below, the ground moves slightly. Suddenly, a giant cockroach-looking creature crawls out of soil, antenna waving about.
OBERON
(calmly)
It’s here!
No response. Oberon smacks Reve’s leg and indicates to the creature. Reve, suddenly aware of where he is, takes out an ear bud and sees the giant bug.
REVE
Ewww! Seriously?
OBERON
Nightmares come in all shapes and sizes, you know that.
REVE
That’s so gross. It’s one thing when I can squish it with my shoe. It’s an entirely different thing when it’s bigger than I am!
OBERON
(to himself)
So, get a bigger shoe.
Reve didn’t hear what Oberon said and looks over to him, “huh?”. Oberon shakes his head, “nevermind”.
REVE
Hey, Obie. Watch this!
Reve outstretches his hands and lets his fingers manipulate the air below. He breathes in deeply as a dark mist starts to collect on the ground, surrounding the giant bug. It skitters around, trying to find an escape.
The bug slows down, except for its antenna, when it abruptly races up the side of the building and heads right towards Reve and Oberon.
Startled, Reve lets out a SCREAM. Oberon gives him an “are you kidding me?” look. Reve responds with a shrugged “what?”
The giant cockroach races up and nearly hits Reve who quickly dodges to the side.
OBERON
Shall we?
Reve looks over to Oberon who dissolves into a dark cloud. Reve reaches into the cloud. The cloud condenses and Reve pulls out an intricately detailed black dagger that’s about the length of his forearm.
The cockroach creature turns and charges towards him again.
After a short struggle, he manages to kick it, flipping it onto its back. He quickly thrusts the dagger into the bug’s head. It thrashes about and finally stops moving.
Reve stands up, looking a bit exhausted, and dusts himself off a bit.
OBERON (O.S.)
Look out!
All at once, the giant bug explodes in a burst of yellow-green gooey guts, splattering Reve.
He drops the dagger and Oberon reforms, standing next to him.
Reve gags.
REVE
I think my mouth was open.
OBERON
(inspecting the bug)
These types always burst, but at least you can tell when it’s dead.
REVE
Seriously, can we go now? I need to burn... everything.
OBERON
It’s already dissolving. Besides, purifying would work better than burning.
The bug’s form, including all its goo dissolves and evaporates.
REVE
I didn’t mean
[literally]
. Doesn’t matter. I can still feel it on me and in my mouth. Tastes like sunscreen and burnt dirt.
Oberon opens his mouth to comment and thinks better of it.
OBERON
Right. Let’s get going.
(with a smirk)
You’ve got a big day tomorrow.
Oberon smiles to himself as he turns and walks off the edge of the building.
REVE
Please don’t talk about my social life’s crisis while I’m still dripping in tonight’s crisis.
Reve tries to brush off more of the evaporated guts as he follows after Oberon, disappearing over the edge.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY – NEXT DAY
Reve stands at his locker searching for the correct notebook.
His best friend STEVE stands next to him. A little taller than Reve, Steve is the more subdued and smarter of the two.
STEVE
So you gonna ask him today?
REVE
(confidently)
Yeah, after school.
STEVE
What’s the plan?
REVE
(stopping)
Plan?
STEVE
Yeah, dude. What’re you gonna say? How’re you gonna approach him?
REVE
I was just planning on winging it. Is that not a good idea?
He closes up his locker and the two start walking to class.
STEVE
What? No.
Their friend BRITTANY joins them. She’s a sweet girl who has a calming presence about her. Everything about her is warm and graceful.
BRITTANY
What’re we talking about?
STEVE
Reve has decided to “wing it”.
Brittany laughs with a loud SNORT. The boys look at her surprised.
BRITTANY
Sorry. Yeah, don’t do that, Reve.
REVE
Great! Then what am I supposed to do?
STEVE
What did Joey do when he asked you out, Brit?
BRITTANY
(smiling)
It was really sweet, actually. We were at karaoke with a group of friends and he sang a song for me.
REVE
And that worked? I don’t have time to plan something like that.
STEVE
Don’t do that, either. Joey can get away with stuff like that. He’s way more confident than you are.
REVE
Dude!
STEVE
You need something easier.
(seeing his classroom)
Here’s my class. Catch you after! I’ll think of something good for you.
Steve ducks into his classroom.
REVE
You sure I can’t just wing it?
BRITTANY
Reve, remember the last time you “winged it” in class?
REVE
Oo. Poor Mrs Peters. She never saw it coming.
Brittany gives him a “my point exactly” look.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM – CONTINUOUS
Brittany and Reve walk into class and sit down. Reve sits next to RACHAEL, the short, spunky, and chic friend.
REVE
Hey Rach.
RACHAEL
Hey Reve! So, you gonna do it today?
Reve pouts and puts his head down on his desk with a THUNK.
Rachael looks over to Brittany.
BRITTANY
He was planning to “wing it” and Steve told him not to.
RACHAEL
Ah. Yeah, don’t do that.
REVE
(with his face on the desk)
This sucks!
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT – LATER
Reve stands just outside the school’s door and watches a handsome, popular boy, ORION “RION” RIGEL, talking with some friends down the sidewalk.
Reve stands frozen and stares like a weirdo.
Steve and Rachael exit the doors and see Reve. They follow his line of sight and see Rion waving goodbye to his friends.
Reve doesn’t move. Rion starts walking towards them.
STEVE
(nudging Reve)
Dude, now’s your chance!
Steve and Rachael try to artfully duck away, but then Reve grabs Steve by the arm.
REVE
(pleading)
Don’t leave me!
Rion approaches.
RION
Hey guys. Hey, Reve.
RACHAEL
Hey. See ya.
STEVE^
Hi.
Reve manages to smile at him as he waves and continues to walk past.
After Rion rounds the corner, Reve releases Steve’s arm and hangs his head in shame.
STEVE
That was sad! Have a bit more confidence in yourself.
REVE
You told me not to say anything!
STEVE
No, I just said not to wing it.
RACHAEL
It’s ok, Reve. Just figure out what you want to say and try again tomorrow.
REVE
Yeah.
STEVE
You want a ride?
REVE
Huh? Nah. Think I’ll walk today.
STEVE
Ok. See ya tomorrow. Remember, we’ve got practice after school tomorrow, too. Your house!
Reve nods as Steve and Rachael walk off to his car.
With renewed confidence Reve turns and takes a step forward.
Immediately, he hangs his head again.
OBERON (O.S.)
Just be direct and ask him out already.
REVE
You saw that?
Oberon materializes out of a nearby shadow and steps off the wall, landing gently onto the ground.
OBERON
Or I could put him in some sort of danger that you rescue him from. That always seems to work.
REVE
Oh my god, no! What?
OBERON
What? I’m a shadow demon. Trust me, it’s very easy to put a human in danger.
REVE
Just... stop. I’ll figure it out. And no putting anyone in danger!
OBERON
Yes, sir.
They keep walking in silence.
OBERON
Sir?
REVE
What?
OBERON
It’s just, are you really planning to walk all the way home?
Reve stops and looks at Oberon.
OBERON
It’s really hot today.
Annoyed, Reve turns back and takes another step forward. In a gust of wind, the two figures disappear.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL ROOFTOP – CONTINUOUS
RITZA HART, a 15 y/o demon huntress apprentice with long red hair that’s pulled back, watches through binoculars as Reve and Oberon disappear from sight. She wears a black military jacket that displays the demon hunter insignia on the sleeve and a cross-body pack stocked with a number of odd looking ammo.
RITZA
Gotcha.
She sits back and pulls out her cell phone.
RITZA
(on the phone)
Demon Hunter Apprentice Ritza Hart reporting in... Yes, sir. He appears to have at least one shadow demon with him. Though, could just be a goth kid, hard to tell. Should I take them out?... Oh, okay... Yes, sir... No, sir... You got it. Sir. Thank you, sir.
She hangs up the phone and smiles gleefully to herself.
INT. COLLINS HOUSE – NIGHT
An older Lyra enters. She’s about 40 y/o now, still a beautiful and graceful woman, but with an air of stately confidence.
LYRA
I’m home!
She kicks off her shoes and puts her bag down on the table.
As she looks through the mail, she calls upstairs.
LYRA
Reve?
Reve opens his door and leans over the stair railing.
REVE
Hey, mom.
LYRA
Is your father home, yet?
REVE
You mean, Alex? Not yet.
LYRA
You know it wouldn’t kill you to be nicer to him.
REVE
Let’s not chance it.
LYRA
How was school?
REVE
Fine.
LYRA
(slyly)
So, did you ask out that Rion yet? How’d it go?
REVE
Come on, mom.
He gets up and starts back to his room.
LYRA
Oberon?
Oberon materializes perched on the banister like a gargoyle.
OBERON
He froze.
REVE
You guys all suck!
Reve walks into his room and shuts the door. Lyra and Oberon exchange a laugh. Lyra heads into the kitchen as Oberon gently jumps off the banister, landing without a sound, and follows after her.
INT. REVE’S ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Reve dejectedly throws himself on his bed. GIZMO, Reve’s cat, jumps up onto the bed and lays down next to him.
Reve looks over to the cat.
REVE
You’re not gonna start asking me about how it went now, are you?
Gizmo looks up at Reve, yawns, and then lays her head back down.
EXT. ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE COLLINS HOUSE – CONTINUOUS
Ritza sits in a tree and watches Reve through his window.
Reve gets up off his bed and sits at a digital piano in his room.
She jots something down in her notebook and looks back toward his room. The cat, Gizmo, sits in the window starring at her.
RITZA
Stupid cat, what’re you looking at?
Ritza sits back again, pouting, and pulls out an odd-looking gun that she starts cleaning. It’s a bit larger than a regular hand gun and with a big cylinder surrounding the barrel that’s covered in runes and markings.
RITZA
Maybe just a little test. You know, to gather intel. Captain said to observe, after all.
She laughs gleefully to herself.
ACT TWO
INT. HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM – NEXT DAY
Reve confidently enters class and sits down next to Rachael and Brittany.
REVE
Ladies.
RACHAEL
Hey Reve.
BRITTANY^
Hey.
RACHAEL
Someone’s looking more confident today.
BRITTANY
Did you figure out what you’re gonna do?
REVE
Yup!
RACHAEL
Spill!
REVE
I’m gonna invite him to practice after school.
BRITTANY
With the boys?
REVE
You guys will be there, too, right?
RACHAEL
I wasn’t planning on it.
REVE
Please! I’ll buy you anything you want from the vending machine.
BRITTANY
Come on, Rachael. It’ll be fun.
RACHAEL
Alright. I’ll bring the popcorn.
Reve beams with excitement.
EXT. SCHOOL STADIUM – AFTERNOON
Reve and his class are jogging laps around the school’s track.
Ritza walks up, carrying a bottle of water, trying (and failing) to be inconspicuous. She walks up to where the students have lined up their water bottles and bags on the edge of bleachers.
She searches through them to find Reve’s backpack and reusable water bottle. Looking around, she quickly opens and empties the bottle’s water. She then uncaps the bottle she brought, which has a cross and the word “Holy Water” written on it.
She pours the holy water into Reve’s bottle, snickering to herself. Some STUDENTS nearby look on curiously.
RITZA
(mocking a conversation)
“It’s so hot today. I think I’ll have a drink from my water bottle.”
Ritza laughs to herself and then gets up and hides by a nearby bleacher to watch.
Moments later, Reve and his friends jog up to the bleachers, having just finished their laps.
REVE
Geez, it’s hot today!
STEVE
Coach is pretty sadistic making us run laps in this heat.
They find and grab their water bottles. Ritza looks on with glee.
One of the nearby students who saw Ritza mess with the water bottles calls over to Reve.
STUDENT
Hey, I think someone spit into your water bottle or something.
REVE
What?
STUDENT
Yeah, I wouldn’t drink out of that if I were you.
REVE
Ew. Dang. Thanks!
Reve pours out his water bottle on to the ground.
Just then, Rion jogs up out of breath.
STEVE
Hey Rion.
REVE
Hi, Rion!
RION
Hey guys. Can I have a sip of your water? It’s too hot out here to run laps and I forgot mine today.
REVE
Sure! You can have some of mine!
RION
Thanks!
Steve nudges Reve, as he just dumped the contents of his water bottle out.
REVE
OH, but, actually I’m out of water.
RION
Oh, ok.
REVE
I was just going to head over to the water fountain to refill it. Want to come with me?
RION
Sure!
EXT. WATER FOUNTAIN – MOMENTS LATER
Reve and Rion are standing in the shade at the water fountain. Rion is drinking as Reve refills his water bottle.
RION
Oh my God, I feel so much better.
REVE
Yeah, water is pretty epic like that.
Rion smiles and indicates to the design on Reve’s reusable water bottle.
RION
Cool design.
REVE
Thanks! It’s reusable. Obviously. Gotta do what we can to save the planet, right?
RION
Definitely.
Reve stares at the water as Rion looks at him and smiles.
REVE
So, uhm, hey--
RION^
Hey, I was wondering--
They both stop and laugh nervously.
REVE
You first.
RION
Well, I was just wondering if you maybe wanted to hang out sometime?
REVE
Really?!
RION
I mean, you don’t have to. I was just--
REVE
No.
RION
Oh, ok. That’s fine--
REVE
No, I mean, no-- I was just going to ask you the same thing.
RION
Really?
REVE
Yeah.
RION
Alright then!
Rion smiles wide and starts to walk back to the class.
REVE
Wait! What’re you doing tonight?
RION
Tonight?
REVE
Yeah. My friends and I have practice tonight. Would you maybe want to come watch? We kinda suck, but we’re not too bad.
RION
Practice?
REVE
Less than Stellar.
Rion stares at him looking slightly confused.
REVE
I should explain, “Less than Stellar” is the name of our band.
(goofily smug)
We write our own reviews.
Rion tries to hide a laugh and smiles back at him.
RION
Sounds like fun.
REVE
Really?!
RION
Just text me the time and address.
REVE
I will!
Rion jogs off to rejoin his friends as Reve stands there with a big goofy grin on his face.
Ritza looks on from her hiding spot as Reve goes back to filling his water bottle.
RITZA
Band practice, huh? Perfect.
EXT. COLLINS HOUSE SEPARATE GARAGE – EVENING
JOEY and Brittany pull up in the driveway and park the car as Reve and Steve are setting up in the open garage.
Steve is setting up his drum kit as Reve positions the keyboard just so. Joey, the more athletic and popular of the trio, walks up with his guitar in hand as Brittany carries her book bag.
JOEY
Hey guys!
STEVE
Hey, man.
REVE^
Hey.
BRITTANY
Where’s Rachael?
REVE
She’s inside making popcorn.
BRITTANY
What time did you tell Rion to get here?
REVE
(suddenly nervous)
I told him 6:30, so that we’d have time to warm up and not suck.
Reve sits and plays one note before standing up in a panic.
REVE
This is gonna work, right?
Steve and Joey exchange amused looks.
JOEY
Of course it will! Who can resist a guy in a band?
STEVE
Just don’t screw up.
REVE
Thanks, for that. Because I didn’t have enough on my mind already.
STEVE
Just calm down.
JOEY
You guys ready for a sound check?
The guys nod. Joey stands up and crosses to his amp and plugs in his guitar.
Just then, Rachael enter with popcorn in hand and takes a seat next to Brittany.
Joey counts down and the boys play a LOUD CHORD when Oberon pops in from the side door and interrupts them.
OBERON
You guys need anything?
REVE
No, Obes. We’re good.
OBERON
You’re sure?
REVE
Yup. Thanks.
OBERON
I’ll be right over here if you need anything.
REVE
Got it. Thanks.
Oberon takes a long look scanning the space and makes eye contact with everyone.
Rachael smiles back flirtatiously, which throws Oberon. He quickly nods and hits the garage door button to close it.
OBERON
And keep this closed. Letting all the air out.
Oberon closes the side door behind him.
RACHAEL
Reve, what’s his deal again?
REVE
Who, Obie?
RACHAEL
Yeah. He’s cute!
REVE
Trust me, he’s not your type.
Reve plays a few playful chords on the keyboard as the garage door finishes closing.
JOEY
Ready? One, two...
The guys play another LOUD CHORD when suddenly Oberon opens the side door again and leans in.
OBERON
Sorry, sorry guys. Reve, could I borrow you a sec?
REVE
Seriously? We’re just about to start here.
OBERON
It’s important.
Reve, frustrated, stands and goes over to Oberon.
REVE
What?
OBERON
Outside.
REVE
Fine. Sorry, guys. Be back in a minute.
Reve steps outside and squeezes past Oberon who is awkwardly standing in the doorway.
REVE
Dude, move.
OBERON
I can’t.
REVE
What?
OBERON
I can’t.
REVE
What do you mean?
OBERON
I mean, someone placed a devil trap circle under the door mat.
REVE
What?!
Reve bends down and picks up the corner of the door mat to peer underneath. He sees the corner of a circular design with a few runes showing.
REVE
How the hell--?
OBERON
I don’t know, but you should get everyone out of here before--
Suddenly, a smoke bomb goes off in front of them. The boys shield their faces and cough. As the smoke clears, they see a fully decked out Ritza standing before them.
RITZA
You’ve fallen into my trap, demon scum!
OBERON
More walked onto than fallen into--
RITZA
Shut up!
REVE
Who are you?
RITZA
Your worst nightmare!
REVE
Right, but like... do you have a name?
RITZA
I am Demon Hunter Apprentice Ritza Hart. Your doom is now assured!
REVE
Uh huh. So, what do you want exactly?
RITZA
I just told you! Your doom!
REVE
Sorry, I’m a little busy right now, so can we do this another time?
RITZA
Don’t mock me, demon!
REVE
I’m not a [demon]--
Ritza jumps to the side and throws a some small packets at them. Reve dodges, but some hit Oberon and sizzle in steam as they hit him. He cries out in pain as the packets sting him.
REVE
Are you okay?
OBERON
Don’t worry about me, sir. Just some holy water. I’ll be fine.
REVE
(to Ritza)
What the hell is wrong with you?
RITZA
(laughing)
You and your kind are a blight upon humanity and it’s my sacred duty to destroy each and everyone of you before you corrupt any more souls!
Ritza throws another bomb at the two boys, which creates a watery mist around them. Oberon groans in pain again.
REVE
Crap! I’ll draw her away.
Reve dashes past Ritza into the middle of the driveway, pulling the mist in behind him and away from Oberon. Oberon coughs up some blood as the mist leeches away from him and dissipates.
RITZA
Nice moves, but it won’t work for long.
Ritza attacks him directly with lightning fast jabs and kicks. Reve defends himself and blocks almost every move. One of her kicks catches him in the jaw and he goes flying into the garage door.
JOEY
(from inside the garage)
You okay out there?
REVE
Yeah! I’m fine. Just... knocked over the garbage can.
Reve stands up and tries to talk Ritza down.
REVE
Look, I don’t know who you are or why you’re here -- other than the whole doom thing -- but, I’m not what you think!
RITZA
Like I’d believe your lies, demon!
REVE
I’m not a demon!
RITZA
Care to test that theory?
REVE
What? No. How would you even--?
Ritza draws her strange looking gun from its holster and points it directly at Reve.
RITZA
This, is a Demon Hunter Caster.
REVE
A what?
RITZA
Pretty impressive, huh? Casters are ancient weapons that allow us hunters to fire concentrated prayers and exorcisms. They are perfectly harmless to humans, but for demons, they can send you right back to the underworld where you belong.
Ritza looks through the ammo on her belt and makes a particular selection.
RITZA
Here. This one should do the trick. A Uriel grade shot should be sufficient.
She loads the bullet into the caster and cocks the gun. The gun activates and the cylinder on the end begins to spin as the runes glow. A whirring sound starts to charge as the caster warms up.
REVE
Hey, what are you doing? Just stop and put the gun down. Wait! STOP!
Ritza FIRES the gun.
Time nearly stops. Reve can hear his heart beat. He sees the gun fire and the bullet slowly makes its way towards him.
Darkness surrounds him, he shuts his eyes, and hears an UNEARTHLY HOWL and SCREAM.
A brilliant orange light illuminates the universe.
Time restarts.
Reve opens his eyes to see Oberon standing in front of him, arms outspread, protecting him. Oberon falls to his knees, a smoking hole in his chest.
REVE
(whispering)
Obe.
(screaming)
OBERON!
Reve catches Oberon as he falls and the two sink to the ground.
Ritza looks disappointed.
RITZA
Missed. Still though, gotta give him credit. He managed to break through devil’s circle.
Joey, Steve, Rachael, and Brittany rush out of the side door.
JOEY
What’s going on?!
STEVE^
What happened?
BRITTANY
Reve!
REVE
(commanding)
Stay back!
The friends stop in their tracks. Rachael sees Oberon.
RACHAEL
Oberon!! Is he okay?
In a breath, Reve is up and places an unconscious Oberon in Joey’s arms.
REVE
Take care of him for me.
Joey nods. In the next breath, Reve is standing a foot in front of Ritza, brimming with rage.
Ritza jumps back, surprised.
RITZA
So that’s all it took for you to show your true colors? I just had to kick your puppy? Not that I would actually kick a puppy. They’re cute. And innocent.
REVE
(growling)
Leave.
RITZA
(smiling)
After it just got interesting? Careful. Your Dark is showing.
Reve extends his hands out on either side of him, drawing the darkness into himself.
The Dark solidifies into an inky liquid that creeps and climbs up Reve’s arms. First, his fingers, then his hands, then his arms are covered in black slime.
BRITTANY
Guys? Is it just me, or is it getting brighter out?
They look around them. The street lights are still on, but everything else gets noticeably brighter as if the darkness was retreating. Everything except Reve.
A black storm cloud begins to coalesce around him.
Electricity crackles at the edges of dark and light.
Ritza takes a few more steps back as she takes in everything.
RITZA
How? How are you--? Wait. What ARE you?!
She tries to quickly load her gun again. Her fingers fumble, but finally manage to load a bullet and cock the gun. The caster roars to life as she aims it at the black storm cloud that is Reve.
REVE (O.S.)
Last chance. LEAVE!
RITZA
(trying to sound brave)
I won’t! It’s my sacred duty! I won’t falter in the face of evil!
REVE (O.S.)
I warned you.
Time nearly stops again. This time, the wind stops swirling, frozen in place. Ritza gasps. Reve opens his eyes, which are now pure black. And then, all the accumulated darkness suddenly and forcefully launches forward at Ritza.
Ritza SCREAMS and shields herself as the dark consumes her.
A bright light flashes. Time restarts.
In a moment, everything resets. Ritza is gone. Reve sinks to his knees and passes out.
ACT THREE
INT. COLLINS HOUSE – LATER
LIGHTNING CRACKS and THUNDER RUMBLES as a storm rolls outside. Reve wakes up laying on his couch. Panicked, he quickly sits up and takes in the scene.
Oberon is laid out on the couch next to him, unconscious, his chest bandaged. Rachael applies a damp cloth to his forehead.
Joey stands at the window looking out at the street. Steve sits staring at the ground.
Brittany walks in with a tray of drinks and a fresh bowl of water and towels.
BRITTANY
Reve!
Everyone looks over to see Reve sitting up.
REVE
Uh, hey guys.
BRITTANY
Are you okay? You’ve been passed out for almost an hour!
Brittany rushes over and sits next to Reve, checking his forehead. He gingerly pulls away from her.
REVE
I’m fine. What... what are you guys doing?
BRITTANY
Well, after you passed out, it started raining so we thought it’d be better to bring everyone inside.
REVE
(muttering to himself)
Everyone...
Reve tries to remember what happened.
REVE
Oh my God, Rion!
BRITTANY
Don’t worry. He texted and said that he had to take care of his little sister and couldn’t make it after all.
REVE
Oh, ok. Good...
Realization spreads on his face and he looks over to Oberon, who struggles in pain as he lays unconscious. Reve bolts up and rushes out of the room.
BRITTANY
Reve!
STEVE
Where’d he go?
Brittany rushes after him and finds him in the kitchen ransacking drawers.
BRITTANY
What are you looking for?
REVE
It’s gotta be here somewhere. Where did she put it?
BRITTANY
Reve. Just stop for a moment. You need to tell us what’s going on.
Reve stops and stares at her, pained. He pushes past her and looks through the pantry to find what he’s looking for: a small black bottle with label on it written in an unknown language.
REVE
Next to the spices? Really, mom? That’s so dangerous.
Reve rushes back into the living room.
REVE
Excuse me, Rach. May I?
She gets up and sits on the other couch.
Reve sits next to Oberon and opens the small jar. A black wisp starts to escape. He lifts Oberon’s head a bit and pours the black smoke into his mouth. Reve gently places Oberon’s head back down and caps the bottle again.
With his head hung low as he stares at the small bottle in his hand, he sinks off the edge of the couch and onto the floor.
RACHAEL
Will he--will he be okay?
REVE
Yeah. He should be fine now. He’s a lot stronger than he looks.
An awkward silence hangs in the room as the friends look to each other. Reve continues to hang his head.
Brittany takes a tentatively step forward.
BRITTANY
Re--
REVE
(quietly)
Don’t hate me.
BRITTANY
What? Why would we--?
Joey crosses over to him and lifts him to his feet by the shirt collar.
JOEY
What the hell, man?!
BRITTANY
Joey!
Reve looks up at Joey with a tear in his eye. He stands up and puts his hand on Joey’s. Joey lets him go. Reve slowly walks towards the window.
REVE
I didn’t want to have to tell you guys. There was no reason to and I thought it was safer that way.
BRITTANY
What are you talking about?
STEVE
Just talk to us.
REVE
I’m not who you think I am.
STEVE
Then who are you?
REVE
A “what”. Not a “who”. I’m a “what”.
STEVE
Okay. So then, “what” are you?
Reve looks up for the first time and sees his friends all starring at him.
REVE
(stalling)
I mean, it’s not as simple as just a “what”. It’s more complicated than that--
BRITTANY
Reve!
RACHAEL^
Reve!
Reve flinches.
OBERON
He’s half-demon.
Oberon opens his eyes and sits up. Reve stares at the ground.
STEVE
What do you mean half [demon]--
OBERON
His mother is human and his father is... not.
RACHAEL
I thought his dad was an architect.
BRITTANY
(whispering to Rachael)
That’s his step-dad.
RACHAEL
(whispering back)
OH. Oops.
JOEY
And that girl? Who was she?
REVE
I don’t know. Usually demon hunters avoid direct confrontation and rarely when there’s humans around, you know--
(indicating them)
--you guys.
JOEY
She’s a “demon hunter”?
REVE
I guess.
JOEY
And she was, what, trying to kill you and hit Oberon instead?
REVE
I dunno.
JOEY
Because you’re what, “half” evil or something?
REVE
You heard her. Sacred duty and whatnot.
JOEY
But, you’re half-human.
REVE
I guess that doesn’t matter.
RACHAEL
Well, it does to us!
REVE
What?
BRITTANY
We know you. You’re not evil, Reve. If anything, I think these two idiots are more evil than you.
RACHAEL
True. Joey did make us watch all the Sharknadoes.
JOEY
Hey! Those are cinema gold!
REVE
(looking up)
You mean...?
STEVE
You’re such an idiot.
His friends surround him.
JOEY
Did you actually think we’d hate you because of your bloodline? We’re a little confused, but we wouldn’t hate you.
STEVE
Have a little faith, dude.
Steve pulls him into a big hug, which quickly becomes a group hug.
OBERON
(disgusted)
Seriously?
Oberon tries to stand. Reve and Rachael help him up.
REVE
Careful!
OBERON
I’m fine.
(to Reve)
We need to talk.
Oberon stumbles on his way out of the room. Reve catches him and helps him sit on the stairs.
REVE
You gotta take it easy.
OBERON
You should pack what you need. We need to get you out of here tonight.
REVE
What? I’m not leaving.
OBERON
Sir!
REVE
No.
OBERON
Your father asked me to protect you and I will not fail him again!
REVE
You can barely stand!
JOEY
(looking out the window)
Uh, guys?
OBERON
She attacked you in the open!
REVE
So?
OBERON
So?!
JOEY
Guys?
REVE
Shouldn’t we try to find out who she is?
OBERON
What good would that do?
JOEY
GUYS!
OBERON
What?
REVE^
What?
JOEY
(pointing out the window)
Reve’s mom is home.
REVE
Shit! Everyone act cool!
Lyra opens the door and walks in looking at the mail. No one has moved. Lyra closes the door, kicks off her shoes, puts her bag down and continues towards the kitchen, walking past Reve at Oberon at the stairs.
LYRA
Hi everyone. Reve, Oberon.
She stops. Turns around and really looks at everyone. Oberon, still in bandages, waves.
LYRA
Boys, kitchen. Now.
OBERON
Yes, ma’am.
REVE^
Yes, ma’am.
Reve and Oberon follow Lyra into the kitchen.
BRITTANY
I wonder what his dad was like?
RACHAEL
So what do you think Oberon’s deal is?
BRITTANY
What?
RACHAEL
Well, clearly he’s not human, right? So, what do you think?
BRITTANY
How would I know?
STEVE
Probably some type of demon.
(everyone stares at him)
What? Big gaping hole in his chest and now he’s up and around like nothing happened. Sounds like “demon” is probably a safe bet.
JOEY
So, are we talking “demon” like angels and demons, Lucifer, and that sort?
STEVE
There’s actually a lot of cultures out there that have some sort of “demon” mythos. It’s kinda a generic term, really.
JOEY
Right, but--
RACHAEL
Why don’t you just ask him when he comes back?
JOEY
Maybe I will.
RACHAEL
Good.
INT. COLLINS KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS
Lyra makes herself a cup of tea as Oberon and Reve sit on bar stools around the center island.
LYRA
Alright. Someone want to fill me in?
OBERON
Apologies, ma’am. Hunters found us somehow. Not sure if it’s an isolated event or if there are more coming. Neither of you is safe here and I recommend that both of you leave immediately. I still have some contacts that would be willing to hide you both.
REVE^
We were just having band practice and some chick attacked me and Obie, so I had to defend myself. I had to! Now, Obes wants us to leave and I don’t want to go. Oh and everyone kinda saw, so now they know about me, but they’re cool and weren’t. freaked out at all! So that’s good.
Lyra sips her tea as she listens.
LYRA
(to Oberon)
Are you alright now?
OBERON
Still a little sore, but I’ll be fine.
LYRA
Good.
OBERON
Ma’am, we don’t have much time--
LYRA
Let them come.
OBERON
Ma’am?
LYRA
Who the hell do you think you are? Suggesting that we leave our home just because some child showed up?
Were you not the one who decimated the 3rd Legion in chaos and shadow or was Reve’s father, your Master, simply lying?
A fire burns in Oberon’s eyes.
LYRA
If you don’t think you can handle a few demon hunters, then you should leave.
OBERON
Mistress.
LYRA
(softening)
Oberon, has it been too long that you’ve forgotten? My beloved Eri entrusted his most precious son to your protection. He wouldn’t have done that if he didn’t trust you implicitly, as I do, as my son does. If you truly believe these hunters to be that great of a threat, we will go where you lead. The protection of our lives are in your hands.
OBERON
Now I remember why he was so taken with you. Apologies, mistress. I am your servant and I will protect you both with my life.
LYRA
(smiling)
Good.
Lyra walks out of the kitchen with a determined smile on her face.
REVE
Damn.
OBERON
Indeed.
ACT FOUR
INT. COLLINS HOUSE – CONTINUOUS
Lyra strides out into the living. Everyone looks up, waiting to see what happens. With a renewed fire, Oberon walks in behind Lyra as Reve trails in.
LYRA
Right. You kids probably have a lot of questions, which I’ll answer in turn. First, though, is everyone alright?
Everyone nods and Lyra turns back to Oberon and Reve who have followed her from the kitchen.
LYRA
How did the hunters find you? Your father’s protection should have kept you hidden.
REVE
I didn’t do anything!
OBERON
I have noticed more Nightmares lately.
RACHAEL
Nightmares?
REVE
Phantoms, spirit creatures. Twisted balls of negative energy that attach to people and feed off the darkness in a person as it corrupts their heart.
RACHAEL
Delightful.
REVE
We killed a giant cockroach looking one last night.
RACHAEL
Ew. Seriously?
REVE
That’s exactly what I said!
RACHAEL
So gross.
JOEY
And you killed it?
STEVE
I thought you hated bugs.
REVE
It was so gross and it’s guts exploded on me. I thought I was gonna--
OBERON
Anyways!
LYRA
What would cause Nightmares to increase?
OBERON
They shouldn’t, not at this rate, at least. Unless...
Oberon’s face goes pale as he darts a look over to Lyra.
All at once, a wind picks up inside and the room goes dark.
BRITTANY
What’s happening?!
OBERON
Reve?
REVE
It’s not me!
The rush of flapping wings is heard as a male voice speaks from the darkness.
MORPHEUS (O.S.)
And here I thought you’d be more difficult to find.
The wind stops and the lights restore. Standing in the middle of the room is Morpheus, his Adonis-type dark features contrast with a pair of beautifully vibrant blue-green pointed butterfly wings coming out of his back.
He looks around him and shrugs his shoulders back. Instantly, his beautiful wings disappear into his shoulder blades.
MORPHEUS
Oberon. It’s been awhile.
OBERON
Morpheus?
Morpheus walks over to Oberon and gives him a strong embrace that lifts him off the ground. Oberon struggles as his arms are pinned against his sides.
MORPHEUS
Good to see you! How have you been?
(seeing Reve)
You must be the Prince.
(bowing)
I am honored to finally meet you. Your father has spoken of you often.
REVE
Really?
RACHAEL & JOEY^
Prince?
Morpheus sees Lyra, walks over to her, and kneels before.
MORPHEUS
Milady, your beauty enchants all who look upon it. My Lord sends his affection and awaits the time he can bathe in your melodies once more.
Morpheus gets up and approaches Reve’s friends.
MORPHEUS
(smiling)
Humans, welcome.
He takes Rachael’s hand and kisses it.
MORPHEUS
May your reality become everything your dreams wish them to be.
OBERON
Morpheus, what are you doing here?
MORPHEUS
I bring a message.
REVE
From my father?
MORPHEUS
Concerning your father.
OBERON
What happened?
MORPHEUS
Melinoë.
JOEY
What?
MORPHEUS
Milady Melinoë, the goddess of nightmares and madness.
JOEY
Oh, right. [huh?]
OBERON
That’s not possible. Erebus sealed her in the underworld.
Morpheus makes his way around the room inspecting random objects.
MORPHEUS
She broke the seals. It has been awhile, Oberon, and My Lord of Darkness hasn’t exactly been focused of late.
He throws a glance towards Reve.
REVE
I didn’t do anything!
OBERON
But still. He would have thrown her back in the moment she escaped.
MORPHEUS
He would have, but her madness took him by surprise.
STEVE
What do you mean by “her madness”?
MORPHEUS
Honestly, Oberon. Why are these humans even here? Each individual contains a bit of madness within their soul, child. Most aren’t affected by it, but Melinoë has the unique ability to loosen the chains of sanity and unleash a soul’s madness.
With her Nightmares, she can arouse the deepest evils and madness, and if left unchecked, can push the world towards annihilation.
REVE
What happened to my father?
MORPHEUS
Honestly, we don’t know. My brothers and I have been unable to reach him since she escaped.
REVE
We have to find him!
MORPHEUS
(laughing)
You?
REVE
Well, why the hell did you come here then?
MORPHEUS
As I said, I’m delivering a message.
OBERON
What message, specifically?
MORPHEUS
(eyeing Oberon)
Why, to tell you that she’s coming and Phobetor is with her.
OBERON
Shit.
MORPHEUS
Yes, my little brother is a shit, but a dangerous one.
(to Reve)
If you want to find your father, Phobetor is your best bet.
REVE
How do I find him?
LYRA
Reve--
REVE
No, I want to know.
MORPHEUS
Oh trust me, child. He will find you.
(leaning into Reve)
A word of advice? Trust the voice of Chaos within.
REVE
What?
MORPHEUS
Oh, and be careful. The monsters in your dreams are oft more dangerous than the ones you can see.
REVE
What? What does that even [mean]?
MORPHEUS
Oberon, always a pleasure. Milady, ever am I at your service. Humans. My Prince.
With a smirk, Morpheus spreads his wings, the lights flicker and go out for a moment. When they come back on, Morpheus is gone.
STEVE
Okay that--was cool.
REVE
What the hell was that?
OBERON
Morpheus. The leader of the Oneiroi--they’re dream spirits.
REVE
What did he mean by the voice of Chaos?
OBERON
Who knows. Dreams never make sense.
REVE
Why did he keep calling me “Prince”?
Oberon looks over to Reve and then to Lyra.
LYRA
Well, sweetie, your father, Eri-- Erebus, was a powerful demon lord, as you know.
Rachael reads from her phone.
RACHAEL
In Greek mythology, Erebus was born out of the primeval void, Chaos. He was the personification of the deep darkness and shadows, but not just the darkness of night, but of the underworld, as well. According to Wikipedia.
OBERON
Reve, he created the underworld.
REVE
Wait, I thought Hades was the god of the underworld.
OBERON
Hades governs it. Your father, built it.
Reve stands speechless.
INT. SMALL DORM ROOM – NIGHT
Ritza lays unconscious on a small bed in a sparse dorm room, her breathing thready.
There’s a small desk to one side, a map on the wall with several places marked, old books stacked neatly on the desk, an overhead light, and no windows.
.DREAM SEQUENCE – EARLIER
Overwhelming darkness instantly surrounds Ritza.
Hundreds of screams fill the void starting as a whisper and quickly escalating to an ear-shattering wail.
Ritza screams as she drops to her knees and tries to cover her head and shut out the screams of anguish.
END DREAM SEQUENCE
The door to her room suddenly opens and startles her awake.
Standing in front of her stands a meticulously dressed man in a black military uniform holding a case folder. She sees the face of Captain Orion Rigel and stands at attention.
RITZA
Captain!
Ritza stands and salutes her Captain.
Rion ignores her and looks down at the bed with an annoyed look of pain.
RION
I gave you explicit instructions not to interfere.
RITZA
My apologies, sir!
RION
What the hell were you thinking?
RITZA
I just thought--
RION
You were supposed to observe and wait for instructions only. Dammit. Why didn’t you wait for me?
RITZA
I’m sorry, sir.
He doesn’t hear her.
RION
Now look at you.
RITZA
I feel fine, sir.
Rion grabs the medical chart at the end of the bed and sits down at the desk.
RITZA
Really, I feel good. I can get back to work anytime.
He flips through the chart and looks back to the bed. Ritza follows his gaze and sees that she’s still laying, unconscious, in the bed.
RITZA
Holy crap! What the hell is going on? Captain?! Hey! Can you hear me?! What’s going on?
Rion looks back at the chart and opens the case folder.
On one side is a photo of Reve and another of Oberon, along with a profile and several pages behind it. On the other side is a stack of reports, but on the top is a photo of a woman with half-black and half-white hair sipping tea seated at an outdoor chess park.
Ritza starts to hear whispers.
RITZA
Captain?
Rion closes the folder and gets up.
RION
I will fix this, Ritza. I promise you that.
(whispered)
Come back to me.
The whispers get louder.
RITZA
Sir?
Rion leaves and closes the door behind him, leaving Ritza alone.
RITZA
Don’t leave me alone. Please.
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