Shadow Stalker - 3.15 - Thorn In My Side

[Lex]

Series: Shadow Stalker
Episode: 3.15 ? Thorn In My Side
Writer: Alex Goddard aka "Lex"
Editor and Proof Reader: Alex Hart aka "Alex"

I do not claim credit for any of Joss Whedon's original concepts, plot lines and characters. The featuring of his creations in this series is simply for my pleasure and your pleasure as a reader and not at all for financial gain as I do all this for free! All characters, plot lines and original concepts not affiliated with Joss Whedon belong to me. Season Three of Shadow Stalker starts alongside Season 5 of Angel and is in association with its "sister series", Rogue Redemption by Amber, and other affiliated series such as Chosen by Heather; BtVS Seasons 8 + 9 and AtS Season 6 by Alex Hart and Haven, which is also by Alex Hart. Enjoy.


TEASER

OPEN ON ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
SOFIA'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

SOFIA is stood in her bedroom, leaning against the dresser. She's looking at her cuticles on her nails and she has her phone to her ear. She doesn't look happy. She looks angry.

SOFIA: Dante is making his decision as we speak. It's almost time to end this.

She sighs, listening to the response.

SOFIA: Of course they don't suspect me. Why would they? Why would any of them have figured out our true plans...

She smiles and turns to look in her dresser. She opens a drawer and reaches in to pick up an object.

SOFIA: And if Dante doesn't pick me, if he picks that boy instead, well we've discussed the possibility of a contingency plan...

She pulls out the object. It's a gun.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
KITCHEN ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

The kettle is boiling and KAIA is stood by it, yawning. With the water bubbling she mixes it with her coffee granules; a last desperate attempt to stay awake and finish her spell.

CHARLIE (O/S): Tired?

KAIA turns to see CHARLIE approaching.

KAIA: Doesn't cover it.

CHARLIE: You should rest. I know you want to help but...

KAIA: Even if I did go to bed, it's not as if I would sleep...

CHARLIE: How do you mean?

KAIA: To put it bluntly, Ea's channelling all his pent up anger into sex...

CHARLIE laughs.

KAIA: I mean seriously, there's only so much a girl can take.

CHARLIE: Well I'm pleased he's found a productive way of releasing his energy... so to speak.

KAIA: True, I just hope it's not a way of displacing grief.

CHARLIE nods, understanding.

KAIA: How are you anyway? Why are you up?

CHARLIE: Nerves mostly. It's all gonna go down soon. We've got all the weapons in place... all we need now is to find out where Sin is and we can stop her before this apocalypse can go ahead.

KAIA pauses.

KAIA: Think you're ready to face her?

CHARLIE: I don't know... We've planned everything up to finding her and stopping her. I'm just not sure whether I'm ready to kill her.

KAIA: Even after everything?

CHARLIE: I know...

She sighs and rubs her face, tired.

CHARLIE: I just need to stop torturing myself over it and just sleep.

KAIA: Want me to make you some tea?

CHARLIE: Caffeine? No thanks.

KAIA smiles.

KAIA: I have a herbal mixture. It used to help us sleep back at home. My mom used to make it for me.

CHARLIE: Oh thanks, I'll be ok though. Maybe Xak could use some though.

KAIA: I gave him some earlier, should have kicked in by now.

CHARLIE: Really?

KAIA: Oh yeah, he'll be sleeping like a baby, I promise.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
XAK AND CHARLIE'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

The lights are off and XAK is lying in bed. He's fast asleep but he's tossing and turning. He looks troubled as the sound of a faint woman's whisper can be heard in the room.

WOMAN (O/S): You killed me... You're a murderer... You always were... You always will be...

XAK sits up, startled. He looks around the room, breathing heavily. He spots someone stood in the corner. The WOMAN.

XAK: (quietly) Who are you?

WOMAN: My name is Jessica Dane.

The WOMAN/JESSICA moves into the little light there is in the room. XAK'S eyes widen by what he sees.

JESSICA: And I'm a woman you killed.

She looks at him angrily. Her skin is deeply scarred and she looks like she's been burnt by something powerful, but not fire. She is played by Gina Holden.

XAK: I don't remember...

JESSICA laughs and walks closer to him.

JESSICA: That's interesting, very interesting. I'm pleased that my death was so meaningful to you...

XAK looks at her.

XAK: But I didn't kill you... I would have remembered...

JESSICA is stood next to him now and she glares at him. There is a mixture of hatred and curiosity in her stare.

JESSICA: You are a murderer Xakiel Thorn and yet you've managed to convince the people in this place that you're a hero?! That's ridiculous... how can they aspire to bring down great evil when it's what they're backing!

XAK shakes his head.

XAK: I'm not that thing anymore.

JESSICA looks disgusted.

JESSICA: You don't even deserve to know the secrets they keep from you.

XAK: What secrets?

JESSICA shakes her head.

JESSICA: Why should I tell you? You killed me...

XAK: You're wrong. I didn't! I wouldn't...

JESSICA: Then let me show you...

She reaches out and touches his face. Instantly the scene ends...


FLASH TO ? SUNNYDALE
SIDEWALK ? EXT.STREETS ? EARLY MORNING

XAK is no longer in bed. He's in Sunnydale.

A man runs past him. He bumps into XAK so hard that he almost knocks XAK backwards. If this was a dream... it was so real.

XAK looks around him and chaos is ensuing. People are running everyone and the sky is filled with what seems to be a ball of white light. He looks up, confused and sees something he thought he'd never see again.

GLORY'S tower. DAWN and BUFFY stood on the edge... underneath them the dreaded dimensional portal.

He'd never seen it from this point of view before and watching where his second life began stuns XAK to tears. Out of the corner of his eye he catches a woman walking confused amongst the cataclysmic rubble. It's JESSICA DANE. She was alive at this point. He looks at her with an eyebrow raised.

XAK: Jessica...

He goes to say her name louder to get her attention but something trumps him in noise. It's XAKIEL.

He erupts out of the portal and as the dreaded winged being soars into existence, he causes a fluctuation in the portal wall. Lightning emits off its edges and strikes the streets and buildings of Sunnydale.

JESSICA turns and looks to see one of the lightning bolts coming right for her. She is too scared to move and she screams. XAK runs towards her but he knows he's too late. She's struck.

She died because he entered this reality, and no one knew.


FLASH TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
XAK AND CHARLIE'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

The vision, the illusion, the dream... it ends. XAK sits up in bed startled.

XAK: (gasping) No...

He looks around the room for her and sees a figure stood in the corner where she was.

It's not JESSICA DANE. It's another person. A man.

XAK: Who are you?

The person moves into view. He looks down at XAK and doesn't say a word. He doesn't look dead, there wasn't a scratch or a mark on him. He looked real, he looked healthy. He is played by Patrick Dempsey.

He was the MYSTERIOUS MAN, and XAK would have to work harder to find out how this poor soul met his end...

MYSTERIOUS MAN: Hello.

XAK looks at him, confused.

XAK: Who are you?

The MYSTERIOUS MAN smiles at their contact.

MYSTERIOUS MAN: You need not let them torture you. You need to wake up to what's happening Xakiel.

XAK'S eyes widen. He knew this man, but who was he?

CUT TO BLACK

END OF TEASER

As the screen remains black for a moment, a moon begins to fade into view and then the words in bright white?SHADOW STALKER. They fade as quickly as they appeared.

[Lex]

ACT ONE

OPEN ON ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
CORRIDOR ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

DANTE is walking down a corridor and he looks like he's been training hard in the gym. He rubs a towel over his face and sighs, his muscles aching. He scrunches his eyes to wipe his face once again and when he opens it, LANCE is stood opposite him. He looks set to be on his way to the gym. They stop and look at one another.

LANCE: Oh hey...

DANTE is silent, thrown a bit.

LANCE: Uh, I was just gonna go for a run.

DANTE: Bit late.

LANCE: Can't sleep. Looks like I'm not the only one.

DANTE doesn't know what to say. LANCE looks around and they are alone. He moves closer to DANTE until they are a few inches away from one another.

LANCE: Have you thought anymore about...

DANTE: (quietly) Please don't make this harder for me.

LANCE looks at him.

LANCE: Is it really that hard?

A sense of yearning takes over him and he reaches out to put a hand on DANTE'S side. It looks as if it is difficult of him to make this gesture.

DANTE doesn't move but he looks to the hand and shivers on contact.

LANCE: (whispering) If there's anything I can do to make the decision easier.

He grips on to the man in front of him.

LANCE: (desperately) Let me know...

There is a long silent pause which is sharply broken by the screams of XAK. LANCE rapidly releases DANTE and they turn in the direction of the screams. They both run towards the sound and away from their problem.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
XAK AND CHARLIE'S ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

DANTE and LANCE open the door to see XAK thriving in bed. His eyes are closed and he is clearly trying to wake up. He's talking under his breath about something but it's incomprehensible.

DANTE and LANCE look troubled by the scene and DANTE rushes to his side.

DANTE: Xak! Wake up.

He grabs a hold of XAK and begins shaking him.

DANTE: Xak!

XAK'S eyes suddenly open and he's still. He looks around the room at DANTE and LANCE. He's breathless.

XAK: Dante?

DANTE: Yeah, it's me. Looks like you were having one hell of a dream.

XAK eyes instinctively look to the corner. There is no JESSICA DANE. There is no MYSTERIOUS MAN.

There is no one he killed.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
KITCHEN ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

XAK is now sat on one of the chairs of the kitchen staring down. CHARLIE'S arm is around him and she looks worried. LANCE and KAIA are stood nearby and DANTE brings over a mug of coffee.

CHARLIE: Ok, tell us what happened?

XAK: I don't even know...

DANTE: Well you were sleeping, that's a start.

KAIA looks to LANCE, pleased.

KAIA: My tea always works.

XAK: Yeah, it did... but I don't think sleep is a good thing for me.

CHARLIE: What do you mean?

XAK: They weren't dreams... They were worse.

CHARLIE: What do you mean?

He looks at her, suddenly hearing another voice.

JESSICA (V/O): You don't even deserve to know the secrets they keep from you.

XAK twitches, trying to shake away the words of his victim. CHARLIE looks at the others and then to him once again.

CHARLIE: Babe, are you sure you're ok?

XAK snaps his head to look at her.

XAK: (angrily) You ask a lot of questions!

Everyone is taken aback slightly by his outburst. CHARLIE takes her hand off of him.

CHARLIE: (beat) Sorry...

XAK'S eyes nervously dart to each and every one of them. To CHARLIE. To LANCE. To his wife.

DANTE was gone.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
CORRIDOR ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

DANTE hurries down a corridor. Not to get away from the troublesome scene with XAK, but to get some space.

He couldn't be swayed in his decision. It wouldn't be fair.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
TRAINING ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? MORNING

It is morning now.

CATE is sat cross legged on a mat in the training room. Her face is blank and her eyes are closed. She is at peace.

TRAFFORD (O/S): Think about somewhere completely calm. Everything is silent. A beach...

He walks behind her, watching her. CATE raises an eyebrow, her eyes are still closed.

CATE: Since when are beaches quiet? Squawking seagulls, children shouting, boats...

TRAFFORD smiles.

TRAFFORD: Ok, imagine somewhere else. Somewhere you feel at peace.

She breathes softly.

CATE: Mm, a shopping mall...

He laughs.

TRAFFORD: Ok, you're clearly not taking this seriously.

She laughs too and opens her eyes.

CATE: Sorry, just meditation is not really my thing. I'm more content punching things or amongst cashmere with 20% off.

TRAFFORD: Spoken like a true Slayer.

She stands and walks towards a bottle of water nearby. She looks a bit thrown. He notices.

TRAFFORD: You ok?

CATE: It's just... I laughed. I talked about clothes and slaying in the same sentence... and I laughed.

TRAFFORD smiles as she swallows a mouthful of water... her mouth suddenly feels very dry.

TRAFFORD: You're really getting there Cate. It's so good to see you like this again.

CATE turns to him and smiles.

CATE: It is... It's just...

She looks away.

CATE: I never want to forget him.

TRAFFORD moves closer.

TRAFFORD: You won't. He'll always be yours. You can be happy you know...

CATE looks at him and suddenly.

CATE: It's because of you, you know.

The instant she said it she felt regretful for saying it. TRAFFORD looks awkward.

TRAFFORD: You don't mean that.

CATE blushes slightly, embarrassed.

CATE: Sorry... I just...

TRAFFORD forces a smile.

TRAFFORD: It's fine. Listen, I have some things to do in the Medical Ward...

He moves towards the exit.

CATE: Right of course... can't let those things...

He leaves. He's gone.

CATE: (finishing her sentence, but quieter) Go undone...

She sighs and puts the water back down on the table.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
BROGAN'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? MORNING

The camera passes around BROGAN'S room. Everything is shaking and the sound of grunting and heavy breathing can be heard. Eventually as the camera passes around to the bed, the sound of relief and exhaustion sounds.

BROGAN and KAIA are lying in bed, visibly naked but shrouded by the sheets in all the dignified places. KAIA looks breathless and BROGAN stares at the ceiling, smiling.

KAIA: God Ea... If you keep this up, I'll be walking like that John Wayne guy by the end of the day.

He laughs.

BROGAN: That's my plan.

KAIA looks to him.

KAIA: Seriously... you can't keep this up.

BROGAN: I won't have to. Once they find out where that bitch is... then I'll be done.

KAIA: Who, Sin?

BROGAN nods.

BROGAN: Then I can channel the kind of energy you just experienced into my trigger finger.

KAIA is silent, worried about the vengeful man lying next to her.

KAIA: I was talking to Charlie about it last night.

BROGAN: About what?

KAIA: Killing Sin.

BROGAN: What's there to talk about? When we find her... she's dead. Why is it an issue that needs to be discussed?

KAIA: Ea... Despite everything I'm still not convinced they know what they're gonna do with her.

BROGAN looks to her now angrily.

BROGAN: Well then they're gonna have to knock me out... because that's the only way I'm gonna let her walk away from me.

KAIA is shaken slightly by the anger in his voice.

BROGAN: No one does what she does and gets away with it...


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
CORRIDOR ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? MORNING

SOFIA is walking down a corridor. She looks troubled.

BROGAN (V/O): No one...

She spots someone coming towards her.

SOFIA: Oh good, Trafford!

The troubled Healer looks her way.

TRAFFORD: Yeah?

SOFIA: You seen Dante today?

TRAFFORD: Yeah he was up early. I think I saw him heading to your department.

SOFIA looks confused.

SOFIA: The Intelligence Unit?

TRAFFORD: That's where you work isn't it?

He carries on walking now while she stands confused.

SOFIA: (to herself) But I checked there...

Then it hits her. She knows where he is.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
XAK AND CHARLIE'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? MORNING

CHARLIE is still asleep. She's slept soundly again. She rouses and her eyes open. Instantly they are drawn to XAK. He's sat on the edge of the bed staring at the corner of the room. His foot is tapping continuously on the floor.

CHARLIE: Xak?

He doesn't reply. She sits up.

CHARLIE: Xak, it's ok. There's nothing there...

He snaps his head to her quickly.

XAK: (sharply) How do you know?

He stands and hurries to the door.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
CORRIDOR ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? MORNING

SEPHY is walking down a corridor looking over some paperwork. She is thrown when the door to her daughter's bedroom bursts open and XAK rushes out. His walk is erratic and out of time with his usual stance. She furrows her brow.

SEPHY: Xak? Is everything alright?

XAK: Just leave me alone...

CHARLIE hurries out of the room in a robe and she looks to SEPHY.

CHARLIE: (entreating) Mom help him, please.

SEPHY: (worried) What's happened?

CHARLIE: He had a dream last night about this woman he killed... he's been acting strange ever since.

SEPHY: (calling after him) Xak! Who was this woman?

XAK turns.

XAK: She's dead! What does it...

He stops dead, seeing something. Stood next to SEPHY and CHARLIE is a WARRIOR. He looks to be in ancient clothing and he has a gaping hole in his stomach. He is played by Neil Hopkins. He smirks at XAK.

WARRIOR: They cannot see me.

XAK: Why are you here?

CHARLIE and SEPHY look confused as to what is happening and look around to try and see who he is talking to. There is no one... at least to them there is no one.

WARRIOR: My name is General Gaston.

The WARRIOR/GENERAL GASTON moves closer.

GENERAL GASTON: And I'm a man you killed.

XAK shakes his head.

XAK: I don't know you.

GENERAL GASTON: (laughing) No you wouldn't. I mean what does that say about you when you can't even distinguish one victim from another?

XAK'S eyes widen as he moves closer. CHARLIE and SEPHY watch helplessly as XAK acts out his madness.

GENERAL GASTON: No wonder she keeps secrets from you...

XAK: Who?

GENERAL GASTON turns and points to SEPHY.

GENERAL GASTON: She knows it all; why your little friend Shelter is so quiet, your origin and why the ailing Elder is keeping secrets from the deaf girl. She knows it all.

XAK glares at SEPHY, who reciprocates with confusion. He turns back to GENERAL GASTON.

XAK: (angry) How do you know all this?

GENERAL GASTON: How do you not?

XAK: Leave me alone... Just go...

GENERAL GASTON: Wish I could... but I have to show you how you killed me. It's the only way...

And with this, the General places a hand on XAK.


FLASH TO ? PLANES
OLD BATTLEFIELD ? EXT.MOUNTAIN BASE ? EVENING

XAK gasps as he looks around. The air he inhales is different to the air he's been inhaling for three years. It's old air. It's air that predates the death that would happen on this spot.

He was back in his home dimension. He was back in hell. He could see the mountain of the gods, he could see his old destroyed village in the other direction.

GENERAL GASTON (O/S): (shouting) Knights! Today we will destroy her. The Beast will end by our swords!

XAK'S attention turns to a large crowd of Knights... The Knights of Byzantium. GENERAL GASTON is sat on an ornately armoured horse at the front of the army. His army look at him with admiration.

GENERAL GASTON (O/S): If the gods will not end this plight then we will!

A dark shadow shrouds the Planes causing XAK and some of the army to look up.

XAK: Oh no...

The roar of XAKIEL above causes GENERAL GASTON to point to the sky.

GENERAL GASTON: (shouting) Kill the Shadow Stalker! We will drag its carcass to the summit!

XAK shakes his head.

XAK: No...

XAKIEL swoops into screen and directly aims for GENERAL GASTON.

The army freeze as XAKIEL grabs the General with its talons. He soars into the sky with the General in his grasp and flings him against the wall of the mountain. On impact every bone in GENERAL GASTON'S body breaks and he slumps to the ground of the Planes.

And all XAK can do is watch as his alter ego picks off each and every one of the army... killing them one by one as ordered by GLORY.

CHARLIE (O/S): Xak! Please! Wake up!


FLASH TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
CORRIDOR ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? MORNING

XAK is lying on the floor of the corridor now. He's shaking. SEPHY and CHARLIE are stood over him. They try to embrace him and then SEPHY sharply slaps him around the face to awaken him. The sheer power of her hand rouses him instantly. He sits up, startled.

He looks at them both as CHARLIE sighs, relieved at his awakening.

CHARLIE: Xak...

XAK looks to her and sees someone stood behind her. He's leaning against the wall. The MYSTERIOUS MAN.

He shakes his head and sighs.

MYSTERIOUS MAN: You shouldn't listen to them. You should listen to me.

And still it plagues XAK. Who was this man he knew so well and so little about?

CUT TO BLACK

END OF ACT ONE

[Lex]

ACT TWO

OPEN ON ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
ELISE'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? AFTERNOON

ELISE is sat on her bed, her hair down. She is smiling softly as she draws, on a large piece of paper, her father from memory. His rugged good looks are shaded in pencil and she looks into his eyes that she created.

She misses him.

TRAFFORD appears in her doorway and he catches her eye.

TRAFFORD: (signing) Drawing again?

ELISE smiles.

ELISE: (signing) I've missed it.

She looks down and then up to him again.

ELISE: (signing) Besides, it's healthier than obsessing over her secret...

She puts the pad down now and reaches down to pick up her running shoes.

ELISE: (signing) Which is one reason why I'm gonna go kick the straw ass off of some training dummy.

He smiles.

TRAFFORD: (signing) I'm sorry I've neglected you recently...

He pauses.

TRAFFORD: (signing) I've been spending too much time with Cate.

ELISE looks confused.

TRAFFORD: (signing) I know you must be pretty mad.

ELISE: (signing) Why are you apologising? You should spend time with her...

TRAFFORD: (signing) I should?

ELISE: (signing) Of course! I like her...

TRAFFORD: (signing) Even after everything?

ELISE: (signing) Well it wasn't easy but I can see how true she's being to herself... It's nice to see such honesty.

She smiles.

ELISE: (signing) She's different now. Good different.

A wicked smirk forms on her face.

ELISE: (signing) The sort of different you should take notice of...

TRAFFORD: (signing) What do you mean?

ELISE: (signing) Do I have to spell it out? Because I will, with my hands.

TRAFFORD smiles weakly.

TRAFFORD: (signing) Look...

CHARLIE (O/S): (shouting) Trafford!

He's distracted and looks to the door.

TRAFFORD: (calling) In here.

The door soon opens and CHARLIE enters, flustered and out of breath.

TRAFFORD: What's wrong?

CHARLIE: You need to come now... It's Xak.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
XAK AND CHARLIE'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? AFTERNOON

XAK is lying on his bed, SEPHY sat next to him. She is stroking his arm. SHELTER is also sat nearby, looking concerned.

SEPHY: It'll be ok Xak...

His eyes darts to her.

XAK: How do you know? Do you know what's happening to me?

SEPHY: No of course not! What would make you think this?

XAK: Can you blame me... You seem to be quite skilled in the art of keeping secrets.

She goes to answer but bites her tongue.

The door opens and CHARLIE and TRAFFORD enter. He's carrying a small briefcase.

SEPHY looks to him.

SEPHY: Oh good. Do you know what's happened?

TRAFFORD nods.

TRAFFORD: Yeah, Charlie brought me up to speed.

XAK: So what is it?

TRAFFORD: Honestly, I've never heard anything like it, but there's definitely something infecting you. It could be psychological, it could be mystical... it could even be some sort of virus.

CHARLIE: How will we know?

TRAFFORD: (to XAK) I'll take a sample of your blood and we'll take it from there.

XAK: Do it.

TRAFFORD nods and moves to the bed, opening the briefcase.

SEPHY seizes the opportunity and stands. She ushers CHARLIE to one side.

SEPHY: (whispering) Go with Trafford, assist him in his research.

CHARLIE: (whispering) Will you be ok?

SEPHY: (whispering) I've asked Shelter to sit with him also. I think he considers me a threat right now. I think her presence will soothe him.

Suddenly CHARLIE'S mouth goes dry at the thought of what she is about to say.

CHARLIE: (whispering) You think he's dangerous?

SEPHY: (whispering) I don't know... but we all know how dangerous his past is. It's only Xak that doesn't understand the true extent of its reach.

They both look to XAK now who is staring at the needle in his arm that TRAFFORD is holding. He extracts blood.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
ARCHIVES ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? AFTERNOON

The scene opens on a picture of CHRISTIAN, which is followed by a sigh. The camera rotates to show DANTE looking at it. He's sat in the corner of the archives. CHRISTIAN'S file is on the floor nearby.

SOFIA (O/S): I thought this had nothing to do with him?

DANTE doesn't look up.

DANTE: How did you find me?

She smiles.

SOFIA: There's surprisingly few places to hide in this place...

She moves towards him and sits next to him. She looks at him sympathetically.

SOFIA: You miss him?

DANTE: He hated me. He hated me so much he tried to kill me and the world... instead all he got was Lance's brother.

SOFIA: (softly) That's not what I asked. It's ok to miss someone that caused you pain... It doesn't make what you feel for them any less.

DANTE loosens his grip on the photo and lets a tear fall from his eye.

DANTE: I don't know what to do.

She looks at him and puts her hand softly on his chin.

SOFIA: I do...

She pulls his face to hers, her lips poised.

He stops.

DANTE: No...

He stands now and quickly makes an escape. She glares at him as he leaves.

SOFIA: (under her breath) You think you have a choice... You don't.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
MEDICAL WARD ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? AFTERNOON

TRAFFORD is sat in front of a telescope looking at the blood sample he took from XAK earlier. CHARLIE is stood nearby with CATE. They both look concerned.

CHARLIE: Anything?

TRAFFORD: It's hard to say.

CATE: But there's something to say? No matter how hard it is to say it?

TRAFFORD: There's something in his body that shouldn't be in there.

CHARLIE: What do you think it is?

TRAFFORD: It looks mystical, but I don't know...

CATE: How would it have gotten in here though, I mean I know the security is down but surely the defences are still running.

TRAFFORD: But without the Intelligence Unit properly running, we can't really be sure how powerful the defences are.

CHARLIE: So they may not be running at full capacity?

TRAFFORD: Exactly, Sin could have sneaked it in anyway...

CATE: So we're presuming it's Sin?

CHARLIE: Perfect distraction. She must be getting close.

CATE: Or scared.

CHARLIE: Either way... we need to get this out of him... before he hurts himself, or us.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
XAK AND CHARLIE'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? AFTERNOON

XAK is sat in bed, SHELTER sat nearby watching him intently. SEPHY is pacing the room and XAK'S eyes never leave her.

XAK: You look nervous.

SEPHY: You're sick Xak, of course I'm nervous.

XAK: What do you care if I get sick?

SEPHY looks shocked.

SEPHY: How can you suggest such a thing after everything we've been through? I care greatly about your well being.

XAK: Great enough to hide things from us it would appear.

SEPHY stops pacing now.

SEPHY: What do you mean?

XAK: The last man that came to me. He told me things. I don't know how he knows them, but he does.

SEPHY pauses.

SEPHY: Elaborate.

XAK: He told me you know a lot of things that none of us do.

SHELTER looks awkward. Was her secret about to come out? XAK looks at her.

XAK: Well I take it he wasn't wrong.

SEPHY: Xak these people are sent to distract you... it's obviously working, but you need to ignore them or you'll fall prey to their lies.

XAK: But it's not lies. You know it and I know it.

SEPHY: (desperately) Xak...

XAK: I'm not going to ignore my past anymore. What do you know?

WOMAN (O/S): Oh she knows a lot, dearie.

XAK turns to see a heavily bruised, cut and indefinitely dead WOMAN sat on his bed. She smiles at him, her crooked smile deformed in the gesture.

XAK: You're another one aren't you?

Once again SEPHY and SHELTER can only let the scene play out as they watch XAK talk to, from their point of view, the empty space next to him.

The WOMAN nods.

WOMAN: My name is Meredith Beaumont...

The WOMAN/MEREDITH moves closer.

MEREDITH: And I'm a woman you killed.

XAK: I don't remember you... I'm sorry...

MEREDITH: Oh dearie, I didn't think you'd remember me. See, unlike the poor General and Ms. Dane... we never made contact. But none the less... because of you, I died.

She unclenches her bruised hand, causing the shattered bones within it to crunch and grind with the gesture.

MEREDITH: I'm here to show you how I died.

XAK: You don't understand. When I was that thing... I wasn't in control of anything.

MEREDITH laughs.

MEREDITH: Poor dearie... You think that beastly dragon killed me? Oh no. You were human when I died.

Her hand touches his face...


FLASH TO ? NEW YORK
ALLEY ? EXT.HOTEL DEVARRO ? NIGHT

XAK is in the alleyway next to the Hotel Devarro. It has not exploded but he remembers this night. In a few hours it will be rubble.

He looks around, desperately at the scene and perhaps some way of stopping it from occurring this time round. He knows there's nothing he can do. Footsteps approach.

He turns to see DANTE walk down the alleyway.

XAK: Dante! Don't go in there!

DANTE cannot hear him. He goes to the door to enter the basement and soon disappears, leaving XAK alone and futile.


CUT TO - NEW YORK
STREET ? EXT.HOTEL DEVARRO ? NIGHT

It is later in the night now. XAK finds himself now stood outside the back hotel. He looks around shocked at the rapid change in location. Once used to his surroundings more he looks around the back of the building and then he looks to the sky and sees it's not long till morning. It would be soon.

MEREDITH (O/S): You're going to have to speak up dearie, I can't hear you!

XAK turns to see a more alive version of MEREDITH BEAUMONT. She looks to be of low class and wears cheap clothes and make up. She's speaking on an old broken cell phone. She looks to be having trouble listening to the voice on the other end.

MEREDITH: No, don't worry hon, I'm almost there. I can't wait to see him. My first little grandson!

She laughs whilst XAK'S face fills with immense guilt. He knew what was coming... he knew she'd never meet her grandson.

MEREDITH: Yes dearie, I can hear him crying to the heavens in the background. You were so brave doing it all at home, I'm so proud hon! (she listens) Oh stop fussing! I'll be fine, you have bigger things to worry about than your old mom! Besides, the streets are empty and I'm only four blocks away...

XAK: Oh no...

He looks at the Hotel, he hears a low flying plane going over head. He hears the sound of something falling from the sky and instinct takes over, causing him to run for cover.

XAK: Meredith!

She can't hear him. She looks up at the sky, hearing the noise but not seeing its source. Before she gets to hear her grandson's cries any longer the building explodes. The sound is deafening and a large chunk of the wall breaks off and hurtles straight for her.

XAK stops running and looks back at the grandmother. He goes to run back for her but he's too late. The rubble is barely an inch away from crushing a generation of her family...


FLASH TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
XAK AND CHARLIE'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? AFTERNOON

XAK gasps for breath at what he just saw. MEREDITH is still sat nearby and SEPHY and SHELTER are almost rooted to the spot, fearing what he's seeing.

XAK: I'm so sorry... I had no idea...

MEREDITH: Yes well...

She sighs.

MEREDITH: An ageing widow dying rarely makes the news. So I just disappeared... my grandson will never grieve me.

XAK shakes his head.

XAK: It wasn't my fault.

MEREDITH scowls.

MEREDITH: (angry) How can you say that?! She's your daughter Xakiel Thorn. You should have controlled her and disciplined her properly like any good parent would do. You shouldn't create a child without thinking about the consequences. Now the world is going to end and my grandson won't live to see his first birthday... all because of you.

XAK: (shaking) I-I'll stop her...

She laughs.

MEREDITH: Look at you... what do you think you can do?! All you've done this year is hide and let others die because you're too cowardly to finish what you started. You're pathetic.

Tears well in his eyes...

XAK: You're right...

SEPHY looks heartbroken that he's becoming influenced.

SEPHY: Xak... please. Don't listen to whatever it is these ghosts are telling you...

MEREDITH motions to SEPHY.

MEREDITH: She's a fine example of keeping things in the dark.

XAK: What do you mean? Everyone keeps telling me that but I don't know why...

MEREDITH smirks.

MEREDITH: That's because it's true. She knows the truth about your parents, and I don't mean the Winlows.

XAK: (incredulous) What?

He turns to SEPHY and she looks at him confused.

MEREDITH (O/S): So do the Syndicate... dearie, they've always known.

The camera closes in on him. The last time he inquired into his past KAIA seduced him... he'd had other things on his mind since then. But right now... nothing would distract him.

XAK was going to get the answers to the part of his life his friends had sealed away for decades.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
MEDICAL WARD ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? AFTERNOON

CHARLIE is stood with CATE.

CHARLIE: I can't just sit here. I don't care what my mom said... I should be with him.

CATE nods, supportively.

CATE: Of course. You do whatever it is you need to do.

CHARLIE smiles weakly.

CHARLIE: Thank you.

She looks to TRAFFORD who's looking through some old books on viruses.

CHARLIE: Will you be ok here?

CATE looks to him too and then back to CHARLIE.

CATE: Just go. Take care of Xak.

CHARLIE nods and then turns, leaving the Medical Ward. CATE sighs softly and then walks over to TRAFFORD.

CATE: Charlie's gone to check on him. Her endless pacing wasn't exactly helping so I didn't see the harm.

TRAFFORD'S eyes widen at what he's just read. He turns to CATE.

TRAFFORD: That may not have been such a good idea...

She looks worried.

CATE: Why?

TRAFFORD: I know what it is infecting him...

CATE: I'm guessing it's not good?

TRAFFORD: It really isn't... Cate, we need to stop him... before he kills one of us.

CATE stares at him, alarmed.

CUT TO BLACK

END OF ACT TWO

[Lex]

ACT THREE

OPEN ON ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
DANTE AND LANCE'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? AFTERNOON

The door to the bedroom opens and LANCE peers in. It's empty so he enters. He goes to move towards the bathroom, grabbing a towel on his way. The door is locked. He tries it again.

LANCE: You know if you're trying to hide, it's a bit pointless... this is my room too.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
DANTE AND LANCE'S BATHROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? AFTERNOON

DANTE is sat, leaning against the door. He looks pensive.

DANTE: I wasn't hiding...


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
DANTE AND LANCE'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? AFTERNOON

LANCE sits down now and leans back on the door too.

DANTE (O/S): I just needed some space... Everywhere I go someone finds me.

LANCE: Finding it that difficult to make the choice huh...

DANTE (O/S): I didn't think it would be. But, you both mean a lot to me...

LANCE smiles weakly, hearing the words.

LANCE: (quietly) You mean a lot to me too... You've given my life some semblance of sense since everything that happened last year.

DANTE is silent.

LANCE: I wasn't expecting to find anything like it; I certainly wasn't looking to find it either... but I did.

DANTE continues to remain silent. LANCE sighs.

LANCE: Anyway, I'll leave you in peace... I'll just grab a shower in one of the spare rooms.

With this he stands and leaves the scene.


FADE TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
DANTE AND LANCE'S BATHROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? AFTERNOON

DANTE is staring ahead in silence. He'd listened to every word LANCE said and tears were falling from his eyes silently.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
XAK AND CHARLIE'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? AFTERNOON

XAK looks drowsy. His eyes flutter open and as he slowly rouses to the sound of people talking.

SEPHY (O/S): So do we know how to deal with this?

TRAFFORD (O/S): It's not so much what we can do...

CATE (O/S): He's awake...

XAK eventually brings himself to sitting up. CHARLIE is sat next to him now. He looks around and sees SEPHY and SHELTER where they were but now CATE and TRAFFORD are present too. Everyone is looking at him. He looks at TRAFFORD in particular with some contempt... knowing that his childhood friend could be a bearer of his most eagerly anticipated secret.

CHARLIE: (softly) Are you ok?

XAK: They're getting worse... I can't snap out of them.

CATE: We think we know what it is...

She looks to TRAFFORD now.

CATE: Right?

He nods.

TRAFFORD: Right, it's showing signs of being a mystical toxin.

XAK: What kind?

TRAFFORD: A similar thing was used in the war of the warlocks. The warlocks would use the toxin on their enemies to distract them. It can be distributed in various ways: injection, air flow, digestion... just about any way imaginable.

CATE: Ew...

CHARLIE: How exactly does this toxin distract them?

TRAFFORD: The toxin plays on the guilt of the subject, giving it actual life to the subject. Whatever it is that's haunting the person would be re-enacted once again.

CHARLIE: So in Xak's case the fact that people have died because of his actions is causing him to feel guilt?

TRAFFORD: Exactly, somehow this toxin knows everything. It's extremely advanced. It will just continue torturing until...

He pauses.

XAK: Until what?

TRAFFORD: If the warlocks didn't manage to break out of the haunting then what they saw drove them mad. In that particular case, over a thousand warlocks killed each other because of the madness... while the ones that inflicted them with the toxin, just sat back and watched.

CATE: God... how horrible.

XAK'S eyes search the room. All he could think about was what the people in the room were keeping from him...

XAK: (quietly) I need to snap out of this...

CHARLIE rubs his arm.

CHARLIE: Of course, we'll do all we can.

CATE: Yeah, don't worry.

XAK shakes CHARLIE'S grip off and then moves to the edge of the bed. He blinks, his head begins to throb.

JESSICA (V/O): (echoing) You don't even deserve to know the secrets they keep from you.

XAK: I need to not be around any of you...

SEPHY: Xak... you can't go through this alone.

He looks to her.

GENERAL GASTON (V/O): (echoing) She knows it all; why your little friend Shelter is so quiet, your origin and why the ailing Elder is keeping secrets from the deaf girl. She knows it all.

XAK: I have to!

He stands and begins staggering towards the door. CATE moves towards him.

CATE: Xak, I can't let you leave.

MEREDITH (V/O): (echoing) She's a fine example of keeping things in the dark.

He suddenly finds it difficult to breathe, to see and to stand. He begins swaying.

XAK: I wasn't asking... I have to...

He makes another step and it is his downfall. He falls to the floor with a definitive thud. His eyes closed.


FLASH TO ? UNKNOWN
BEDROOM ? INT.UNKNOWN ? UNKNOWN

XAK is asleep. He's lying in a bed. The light from one of the windows indicates it is some time in the day. The light falls on his eyes as he moves in his sleep and it causes him to awaken.

He looks around the room, dazed. He's not in the base... he's in somewhere he hasn't been for decades.

XAK: My bedroom...

It's the bedroom in the Winlow's cottage. The door opens.

FLORA (O/S): Oh good, you're up.

XAK looks to the door and sees FLORA, his mother, standing there. She smiles warmly at him, which instantly hits him with a nostalgic feeling of childish want.

XAK: Mom?

FLORA smiles again and moves closer.

FLORA: Your father's fixing you some food. You've been through a lot... but you've forgotten to eat.

She sits on the edge of his bed and all he can do is stare at her.

XAK: (quietly) I thought I'd never see you again... after that day.

FLORA looks down and doesn't say anything.

XAK: Mom, what am I doing here? I need to stop Sin... I can't let this toxin destroy me... I just can't.

She's lost for words.

GABE (O/S): God...

XAK turns to the door to see his father standing there, a plate of food in his hand. He's staring at XAK in awe.

GABE: Look how handsome you've become.

He moves closer and places the plate on the bedside table. He puts an arm around FLORA. XAK stares at them both with love.

XAK: I've missed you both so much.

They smile.

GABE: We've missed you too Son.

FLORA: We'll never stop caring for you.

XAK: I wish I could stay... but I need to stop. I need to need to stop this toxin before I kill my friends.

FLORA sighs.

FLORA: I know you do. That's the last thing we want...

GABE: Which is why we won't be showing you how we died... Screw what the toxin wants.

XAK: But it was my fault you guys died? That's why we're here... and that's why Glorificus was here...

GABE looks at his wife. She looks to him and then to her Son.

FLORA: If you hadn't shown up on our doorstep... we'd still be alive.

GABE: But we wouldn't change what happened. It meant we got you.

Tears well up in XAK'S eyes now.

XAK: There is something then that the Syndicate are hiding? About my past?

FLORA: Yes.

GABE: When you were a child Ea and Kaia's parents went on a consult...

MYSTERIOUS MAN (O/S): Stop...

XAK turns to see the MYSTERIOUS MAN stood there. GABE and FLORA turn to him.

FLORA: You shouldn't be here... You'll get your chance.

GABE: You're breaking the rules Elias.

The MYSTERIOUS MAN/ELIAS looks at them both and shakes his head.

ELIAS: Guess we're both men who don't like to follow the rules...

XAK: What's going on?

He turns to face his parents.

XAK: Mom, who is he?

FLORA and GABE are gone. XAK looks at the empty space they left. ELIAS moves closer to XAK now.

ELIAS: Xakiel, there are things you need to know and these people aren't the ones to tell them to you.

XAK: Why? I don't understand. Who are you?

ELIAS opens his mouth to answer.


FLASH TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
XAK AND CHARLIE'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? AFTERNOON

XAK is lying on the floor of his bedroom and CHARLIE is trying to shake him awake.

CHARLIE: Xak please, snap out of this!

His eyes suddenly open.

CHARLIE: Thank god...

CATE: I'm not sure that was such a good idea...

CHARLIE: What do you mean?

CATE: I think he needs to confront these hauntings. Otherwise whatever it is they're trying to show him...

TRAFFORD: He won't be able to move on.

XAK: There are other ways.

CHARLIE: What do you mean?

XAK: Your mother...

SEPHY looks awkward.

CHARLIE: What?

She looks to SEPHY.

CHARLIE: Mom, what does he mean?

XAK stands and moves closer to SEPHY.

XAK: Oh she knows exactly what I mean. Something tells me the it's not the hauntings that I'm trying to get over... it's the discovering of the secrets she is keeping.

CHARLIE: Xak this is the toxin talking...

XAK: Maybe, but there's an element of truth in it...

He cocks his head to the side slightly and looks at SEPHY.

XAK: Isn't there?

SEPHY: Yes...

XAK: You're keeping things from us... aren't you?

SEPHY: No, only from you...

CHARLIE'S mouth falls open slightly in shock. CATE turns to TRAFFORD.

CATE: (whispering) Come on... we need to do something.

TRAFFORD: (whispering) Like what?

CATE: (whispering) I have an idea...

She leaves the room and TRAFFORD follows. Meanwhile all eyes are on SEPHY as she knows the time has come to tell all...


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
TRAINING ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? AFTERNOON

BROGAN is holding on to a punch bag while ELISE, armed with a gum shield and boxing gloves, lays into the bag with a new focus. BROGAN nods at her, proud.

BROGAN: Good.

She begins punching harder.

BROGAN: Whoa whoa whoa...

He puts a hand up for her to stop. She slows down and looks at him. He speaks to her slowly so she can lip read him.

BROGAN: (smiling) Hey, take it easy Elise... You've done well for today.

She nods feeling futile.

She nods and moves to the side, taking her gloves off and throwing them on the floor. She takes out her gum shield and downs some water from a nearby bottle. BROGAN looks at her and then follows. He taps her on the shoulder and she turns to look at him.

He admires her strength and puts a hand out and places it on her shoulder.

BROGAN: Hey... we'll get through this. We'll get her back. I promise.

She looks at him blankly.

BROGAN: You probably can't even understand me...

She lunges forwards and hugs him. He's taken aback. She understands.

She breaks away and then moves to the side. She grabs a pen nearby and begins writing down something on a pad. He looks at her curiously and then she turns, tearing the page out and hands it to him. He looks down at the page.

"It's ok to be sad. I am."

He smiles weakly at her.

BROGAN: I'm fine... really.

She smiles back at him

BROGAN: I better go...

She nods and he hurries out the room. She sighs and looks down at the boxing gloves on the floor.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
CORRIDOR ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? EVENING

BROGAN is hurrying down a corridor and coming towards him is ECHIDNA. She looks at his urgency.

ECHIDNA: Ea? Is everything alright?

BROGAN: I'm fine...

He doesn't stop and carries on walking forward, a destination in mind. She watches him leave, worried about his state of mind.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
KITCHEN ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? EVENING

KAIA is stood next to the stove, yawning. She's cooking some pasta and looks sleepy. Someone grabs her from behind, causing her to turn.

KAIA: Ea...

BROGAN smirks at her, seductively.

BROGAN: Hey, missed you today. What are you up to right now?

KAIA: Uh well I'm standing next a pan of boiling pasta so let's go with basketball.

He looks into her eyes. She looks freaked.

KAIA: What's wrong?

BROGAN: Nothing, just wanted to see you.

He kisses her and begins moving down to kiss her neck. She sighs, slightly satisfied... slightly infuriated.

KAIA: Ea... no... I literally have minutes to eat. I'm stuck on breaking through the visibility spectrum part of the spell... and I need to...

BROGAN: Forget about it... Come to bed with me instead...

KAIA: I can't. This spell is important...

BROGAN breaks off now and looks into her eyes.

BROGAN: So is this...

He picks her up now and carries her away. She doesn't say anything.

Satisfaction trumps infuriation.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
MEDICAL WARD ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? EVENING

CATE is going through the medical cabinet, while TRAFFORD is stood nearby watching her nervously.

TRAFFORD: Sure you're ok around all this stuff?

CATE: Of course I am.

TRAFFORD: What are we doing here, Cate?

CATE: Just looking for something to help him, well us more...

TRAFFORD: Ok...

She pauses and sighs. She turns to look at him.

CATE: Look, I'm sorry about earlier. I shouldn't have said those things.

TRAFFORD: You don't need to explain... it's completely understandable, it's fine.

CATE: It is?

TRAFFORD: Your emotions are all over the place right now, so I'm not gonna hold a grudge over it.

CATE nods, smiling weakly.

CATE: Yeah, all over the place... that's me...

Then it catches her eye.

CATE: Oh...

She reaches out for the bottle.

CATE: Here it is.

He looks at the bottle, confused... then he realises.

TRAFFORD: Oh I get it... you're good.

He walks away to grab a syringe and CATE looks down.

CATE: (quietly, pensive) Yeah, that's me... good.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
DANTE AND LANCE'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? EVENING

The door to the bathroom opens. DANTE emerges. He walks towards the door...


FLASH TO - ATLANTIC OCEAN
INTELLIGENCE UNIT ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? EVENING

The colours on the screen are blurred, as is the whole image, it looks static.

DANTE: I did it! The disk! Look!

She looks amazed and then looks at the screen of everything that was on the disk.

SOFIA: Oh my god! Dante!

She hugs him thankfully and as she breaks away he kisses her. She lingers for a moment, and as they break away in between them, in the background, LANCE and CONSTANCE watch, but DANTE and SOFIA do not notice them.

SOFIA: Uh...what was that for?

DANTE looks into her eyes.

DANTE: Falling into bad habits...


FLASH TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
CORRIDOR ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ - EVENING

The colours on the screen return to normal as the door to his bedroom opens and DANTE emerges. He begins walking.


FLASH TO ? NEW YORK
WOLF ENCLOSURE ? INT.CENTRAL PARK ZOO ? NIGHT

The colours on the screen are blurred, as is the whole image, it looks static.

DANTE: Damn right you didn't wanna hurt me...

LANCE laughs slightly but still feels weak.

DANTE looks at him more seriously now. Tears almost fall from his eyes as he looks at the weak being before him and what he put himself through.

DANTE: (softly) ...But you came close...

LANCE opens his eyes more as they sit in silence on the floor of the enclosure. LANCE reaches up and places his hand on the back of DANTE'S head. DANTE does nothing.

LANCE pulls DANTE'S head down to his and kisses him. They close their eyes and let the tender contact linger for a moment...


FLASH TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
CORRIDOR ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? EVENING

The colours again return to normal as DANTE proceeds down the corridor.

He's been considering the options long enough... He knew now. He knew who he wanted.

It was time to leave one of them behind... and move on with the one who has stolen his heart.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
XAK AND CHARLIE'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? EVENING

XAK and SEPHY. The face off. CHARLIE and SHELTER are stood nearby watching nervously.

CHARLIE: Xak... maybe you should back down.

XAK: Maybe I shouldn't.

CHARLIE: If my mom wanted to tell us then she will.

SEPHY: Xak, you must understand that everything I've kept from you it's in your best interest for them to remain hidden... The secrets are not my place to tell.

XAK: So what exactly are you hiding?

SEPHY: I know about your origin... so do the Syndicate, it's true. But we vowed to keep it secret until the time came.

XAK: What just like when they hid from me for three years? Yeah, look how well that turned out.

SEPHY: This is different.

XAK breathes deeply.

XAK: What about Elise? The poor girl has been beating herself up for weeks over a secret Ursula has kept from her and Trafford. Care to elucidate?

SEPHY: I will never divulge Ursula's secret. It is hers to disclose and no one else's.

XAK is getting angrier now.

XAK: Fine...

He looks at SHELTER who looks scared.

XAK: But you know about her? The daughter of the late Jethro Elm... Do you know her little secret?

SEPHY: (nervously) Of course I do... She confided in me.

CHARLIE: (realising) She spoke to you... in Greece, on the balcony. She spoke.

SHELTER sits down now.

SEPHY: It's true. We have spoken... but...

XAK: But what?

SEPHY: I can't say!

XAK: Well we thought Shelter couldn't either... but I guess that's a lie too?

SEPHY: Xak don't, this is the toxin making you angry...

XAK: No! What is so bad that can't be said?

SHELTER shakes, on the verge of tears.

SEPHY: (shouting) Because if she speaks she could die!

SHELTER starts crying now. SEPHY sighs.

SEPHY: I'm so sorry Shelter...

XAK: (quietly) What did you just say?

SEPHY: If you really want to know. If you think it'll help you get past this toxin then fine...

She takes a pause and looks down.

SEPHY: Jethro Elm didn't die in war...

CHARLIE: Then how did he die?

SEPHY: Shelter's a descendent of an extremely powerful family. The roots of Elm family go back to Sineya...

CHARLIE: I met her... the first Slayer?

SEPHY nods.

SEPHY: When Sineya was made Slayer she was plagued with various dreams and horrific visions... those visions passed on to her children and so forth. Some of the descendents were well aware of their curse, some were not. Jethro was not, but Shelter is.

XAK: What visions?

SEPHY: Visions of the end.

XAK: What do you mean... she sees the ultimate design of this world?

SEPHY: Not just this world, one day there will be an end to it all. Every dimension and everything in them...

CHARLIE looks at SHELTER, horrified for her.

CHARLIE: Oh my god...

SEPHY: I've looked into her family tree and everyone has died because they spoke about their visions; just saying the words suck the very life from them. It's involuntary, it's random and it can happen at any time. From my research it would seem that in the case of many of her predecessors, it will usually happen in solitude so no one can hear. Shelter cannot help what has been bestowed unto her, which is why she has resigned herself to a life of silence. To save herself...

SHELTER stands now and runs towards the door.

CHARLIE: Shelter don't...

SHELTER doesn't listen. She doesn't look at anyone. And, as usual, she doesn't speak a word...

XAK looks down as she leaves and then looks to SEPHY. The door is open and silently in SHELTER'S wake and two people fill the void. CHARLIE notices and so does SEPHY but XAK doesn't.

XAK: See what your secrets have done...

SEPHY: (loudly) This is not my doing! Shelter confided in me for protection...

XAK'S fist shakes now in anger.

XAK: (angry, shouting) Well you've not done a very good job! Look at us! We're dying and all you can do is keep everything to yourself you selfish, arrogant bi-

He's cut off as one of the figures lunge at XAK and jams a syringe into his neck. It's CATE. She holds on to him tightly and presses down. It happens so quickly.

His eyes begin to flutter shut as he falls back into CATE'S arms.

Asleep.


FLASH TO ? UNKNOWN
SUMMIT ? EXT.MOUNTAIN ? MORNING

The wind is blowing strong and XAK'S hair sways relentlessly in the gusts. He is roused instantly by the cold and the force of the elements. He looks around and sees that he's on top of a flat peak of a mountain. There's a stairway at the side of and he's above the clouds. He looks around at the infinity before him, struck with awe.

ELIAS (O/S): It's really something isn't it?

XAK turns to see ELIAS stood nearby looking out at the sky, inhaling the thin air freely.

XAK: You're the link aren't you?

ELIAS looks at him now.

XAK: You're what's gonna make me break out of this toxin?

ELIAS nods.

ELIAS: Yes. I am the one link between the secrets and the guilt of being responsible for someone's death. You see to you, I fall into both categories...

XAK: Who are you?

ELIAS pauses and takes one last look at the man before him; one last look of confusion, where things didn't slot into place.

ELIAS: My name is Elias Thorn.

XAK listens intently. Thorn.

ELIAS: And I'm a man you killed.

He looks at XAK lovingly.

ELIAS: Xak, I'm your father...

A lone tear falls from XAK now. The grief and realisation of who this man was suddenly hits him.

ELIAS THORN. His father, was dead. And it was because of him.

CUT TO BLACK

END OF ACT THREE

[Lex]

ACT FOUR

OPEN ON ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
SHELTER'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

SHELTER is sat on her bed, she looks tearful and devastated. No one had known until now. Her existence was a time bomb and she had no idea when it would explode.

SEPHY (O/S): I am so so sorry Shelter...

SHELTER looks at her as she enters the room. SEPHY sits down on the bed next to her and looks at her entreatingly.

SEPHY: Can you ever forgive me?

SHELTER looks at her.

SHELTER: It's not your fault.

Her voice is soft and wavering. Her voice is rare.

SHELTER: He deserved to know. They all do.

SEPHY: I need to remind you that we don't know the extent of this. We don't know why you can talk to me freely, or if anyone in your family has managed to survive.

SHELTER: All my family is dead, there's no one.

SEPHY: There's your mother.

SHELTER: You found her?

SEPHY: Not yet but with your permissions I'd like to assign someone to the case when this is all done.

SHELTER: Not Elise. Please, not her.

SEPHY: She should know Shelter...

SHELTER: I couldn't take it if she looked at me differently.

She grabs SEPHY'S hand.

SHELTER: Please Persephone... not her.

SEPHY nods and strokes SHELTER'S face with the back of her hand.

SEPHY: Of course my dear. Of course...

She hugs her now and breathes silently and softly over the cursed woman's shoulder.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
SPARE ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

The door to the bathroom in the spare room opens and LANCE emerges in a towel. He runs a hand through his damp hair and then sees who's stood there.

DANTE.

They stand opposite one another for a moment as DANTE cries softly.

DANTE: I'm sorry...

LANCE: For what?

DANTE: For everything. For kissing Sofia, for thinking I had to think about this when it's you. It's you Lance Emory. You're the one I want...

A shiver runs through LANCE as he stands nervously.

DANTE: Sofia will always mean something to me, but that something is in the past. It's not you that reminds me of Christian... it's her...

He moves around the room erratically.

DANTE: I don't want a reminder of a life I hated. I want someone I can love and who I can grow with and someone who I know after a hard day's work saving the world I can lie next to and say... "yeah... it was worth it, just to lie to lie here at the end... next to you."

LANCE intakes breath, taken aback.

DANTE: So that's why I'm sorry.

LANCE moves closer to him now.

DANTE: I'm sorry it took me so long to realise that...

LANCE: Shh...

He's stood close to DANTE now and he puts a hand on the back of his neck. He pulls him closer and kisses him. Their eyes close in ecstasy and they hold each other. LANCE leans his forehead against DANTE'S, breaking away slightly.

LANCE: (whispering) You're sure?

DANTE: (whispering) Couldn't be more...

LANCE smiles softly and they kiss again. He pulls off DANTE'S shirt now and they fall back on the bed.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
XAK AND CHARLIE'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

CATE has XAK in her arms. She carries him towards the bed and lies him down on it.

CHARLIE: Cate, what did you do?

CATE: It's just an anaesthetic.

CHARLIE: Why?

CATE: Charlie I know you think he just needs some time to work this out but we could all get hurt in the process...

CHARLIE: But he...

CATE: Charlie! Don't dismiss this... your mum could have got seriously hurt back there.

CHARLIE still looks to be finding this difficult to accept.

CATE: Listen to me, I know what I'm talking about.

TRAFFORD listens to her closely.

CATE: These sort of things need working out on your own. You're just so in love with him you can't see that...

CHARLIE: Can I at least sit with him?

CATE: Of course, if you need us... just scream or something.

She smiles at her and hugs her friend. CHARLIE breaks away.

CHARLIE: Thanks Cate.

CATE: (smiling) No need.

She motions to TRAFFORD and they leave. CHARLIE moves towards the bed and sits next to him, watching XAK intently as he lies peacefully on the bed.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
CORRIDOR ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ - NIGHT


CATE and TRAFFORD emerge from the bedroom and she closes the door behind them.

TRAFFORD: You did good Cate. Seriously I'm proud...

CATE looks at him, her arms folded, angry.

CATE: (cutting him off) Shut up. How dare you say that my feelings are all over the place. Yes I was a mess, but I'm not anymore...

TRAFFORD: Cate, I didn't mean to...

CATE: I said shut up. I'm not the one whose feelings are messed up. I know what I feel.

She turns now and begins walking away.

CATE: I know...

He watches her leave.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
XAK AND CHARLIE'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

CHARLIE watches him intently and wraps his dormant fingers around his.

CHARLIE: Come on baby... pull through this...

The camera closes in on XAK'S face.


FLASH TO ? UNKNOWN
SUMMIT ? EXT.MOUNTAIN ? MORNING

XAK and his father are still facing off. XAK looks confused.

XAK: How... you're my father?

ELIAS nods.

ELIAS: I never thought we'd meet.

XAK shakes his head dismissing the meet.

XAK: No, this is the toxin, it's messing with my head...

ELIAS: Xak no. It's me. I'm your link and the only chance you have of defeating this toxin. I know it's a lot to take in but you must know somewhere... deep down... who I am.

XAK looks at ELIAS and although he tries to dismiss it, he knows looking at him that this man brought him to life.

XAK: I killed you?

ELIAS: Because your mother and I had you... I died.

XAK: My mother?

ELIAS: We came from two very different worlds. A lot of people didn't agree with our relationship. When I found out your mother was pregnant... I was killed. I don't know who... I barely remember how...

XAK: Is... Is my mother still alive?

ELIAS: (dismissing this) Xak, we cannot dwell on what's happened... There will be time for that later, but that's not how I can help you right now...

XAK: Why are you here then?

ELIAS: To tell you something you've neglected to notice. The toxin was not relayed into your system by Sin...

XAK: Then how?

ELIAS: There's a traitor in the midst, one who's done well to keep it from you.

XAK'S eyes widen. How could this happen again...

XAK: Who is it?

ELIAS: Think... think deep about everything right up until you arrived at that base. Think. Knowing that and having my forgiveness will abolish the toxin.

XAK: You forgive me?

ELIAS: Not that I feel I need to, but I have a feeling it will help. People die every day because of wrong choices but think about how many people you could save if you managed to stop this traitor in time.

XAK knew he was right. Hearing his voice soothed him. Feeling alleviated slightly, XAK'S mind turns to the question that truly mattered.

Who?

XAK looks around at the floor thinking about everything. Who could it be... Who had betrayed his trust and the trust of everyone close to him?

Who could do such a thing?


FLASH TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
CORRIDOR ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

The camera shows someone in heels walking down a corridor. It's SOFIA. She looks angry. In her hand is her mobile phone. Somehow she's watching security footage of the spare room. She's watching DANTE and LANCE together.

She breathes heavily and with anger. She stops watching and dials a number. She puts the phone to her ear.

The person answers.

SOFIA: My advances were not enough. It would appear he's made his choice, and I'm not it.

She pauses.

SOFIA: Tell me what I need to do?


CUT TO ? UNKNOWN
SUITE ? INT.HOTEL ? NIGHT

The camera pans around a hotel suite in an unknown hotel in an unknown location. A SUITED GENTLEMAN is sat at a desk with a phone to his ear. He's mature but ruggedly handsome. He is played by John Slattery.

SUITED GENTLEMAN: I'm sorry to hear that Sofia.

This is the person SOFIA was on the phone to. She was never speaking to SIN, she never had and never will.

SUITED GENTLEMAN: But you know the contingency plan. If Dante won't come seduced then he will come enslaved.

SOFIA (O/S): (on the other end of the phone) What do I do?

SUITED GENTLEMAN: You have the gun I gave you?

SOFIA (O/S): (on the other end of the phone) Yes.

SUITED GENTLEMAN: Then use it. I'll have an extraction team at the docks tomorrow.

SOFIA (O/S): (on the other end of the phone) Fine.

She hangs up the phone and so does he. He leans back in his chair and sips his drink leisurely.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
CORRIDOR ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

SOFIA closes her phone and pockets it. She brings a hand up to cover her mouth as she cries. She'd fallen for DANTE, even though that wasn't her mission.

She hurries to her room.

SONG: MADONNA ? DEVIL WOULDN'T RECOGNIZE YOU

The song starts up as...


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
BROGAN'S ROOM ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

BROGAN is lying in bed under the covers with KAIA in his arms. They're silent as they stare at the ceiling. He smiles.

KAIA opens her eyes and sighs softly. She looks at him. (The music below plays throughout)

"As quiet as it is tonight
You almost think you were safe
Your eyes are full of surprises
As they cannot predict my fate..."

KAIA: Ea... What are we doing?

BROGAN: Sh...

He keeps his eyes closed.

BROGAN: ...I've decided from now on that post-sex, there is to be no discussion. This is happy time.

KAIA: (quietly, beat) Fine.

There is a pause. (The music below plays throughout)

"Waiting underneath the stars
There's something you should know
The angels they surround my heart
Telling me to let you go..."

BROGAN: Ok, you're killing me not telling me. Spit it out...

KAIA: Just you know... What is this?

BROGAN: Us?

KAIA: Yeah.

BROGAN opens his eyes now.

BROGAN: You even have to ask? You know how I feel about you. I've never felt this way about anyone before, Kaia. Even when you were married to my best friend... It was always you I looked at. You make me forget about anything that's happened and you make me worry less about anything that will happen. You're my one...

KAIA sits up now and uses the sheet to cover herself. (The music below plays throughout)

"I barely couldn't, I barely couldn't recognize
but I've forgotten with who am I to criticize
Somehow I picked the way that you won't even realize
Going through your own disguise..."

KAIA: That's what I was afraid of...

She begins pulling her clothes on. BROGAN looks confused.

BROGAN: What are you doing?

KAIA: You shouldn't say things like that. Not to me.

BROGAN: Why not? I don't need to deny how I feel anymore.

She ignores him.

BROGAN: Kaia, I'm moving on... just like you wanted. There's nothing holding me back anymore.

She pulls on all her clothes. They're entirely black. She turns.

KAIA: Well this should...

BROGAN furrows his brow as KAIA blasts him with a powerful bout of energy. Instantly BROGAN is still. He cannot move ? he's paralysed. He grits his teeth and tries to speak, looking at her desperately. (The music below plays throughout)

"It's like over and over
You pushing me right down to the floor
I should just walk away
Over and over
I keep on coming back for more
I play into your fantasy
Now that's it over you can lie to me
Right through your smile
I see behind your eyes
Now it's over
No more intoxicating my mind..."

KAIA leans over him to get her leather jacket. BROGAN looks her in the eye, a tear tumbling out of his.

BROGAN: (through gritted teeth, paralysed) Why...

She looks at him blankly and shakes her head.

KAIA: I can't explain. There's no point...

She grabs the jacket and pulls back. She puts it on and heads for the door, not looking back. She leaves the door open.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
CORRIDOR ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

KAIA is walking down a corridor. She has a blank expression on her face as TRAFFORD begins walking towards her. He smiles at her and she smirks back. She extends her arm and blasts him with a spell which forces him back. He hits head on a pipe and blood begins seeping from the wound. (The music below plays throughout)

"Even the devil wouldn't recognize you
I do
Even the devil wouldn't recognize you
I do
Even the devil wouldn't recognize you
I do
Even the devil wouldn't recognize you
I do, I do, I do..."

He slumps to the floor. His eyes closed. Still. She steps over him and carries on walking.


CUT TO ? ATLANTIC OCEAN
LOBBY ? INT.KALIPSO SYNDICATE HQ ? NIGHT

KAIA approaches the exit. She reaches for the handle and opens the door. She looks back at the room but then turns once again to the doorway and leaves. (The music below plays throughout)

"Even the devil wouldn't recognize you
I do
Devil wouldn't recognize you
I do
Devil wouldn't recognize you
I do
And devil wouldn't recognize you
I do, I do, I do..."

The door slams. The music comes to an end.


FADE TO ? UNKNOWN
ENTRANCE HALL ? INT.BUILDING ? NIGHT

SIN is stood with her arms crossed. She's in the building that disappeared from Cropley Shores. She looks at the person who enters the room.

SIN: So, how did it go? Was it fun?

The person moves on screen. It's KAIA. She looks at SIN, not sure how to answer.

KAIA: I don't know about fun, but it was quick and painless.

She looks down.

KAIA: For me anyway...

She looks up now, a dark sense of enjoyment and corruption burns black in her eyes.

It was never SOFIA.

It was the wife.

CUT TO BLACK

CAPTION: TO BE CONTINUED...

END OF EPISODE


Cast:
MILO VENTIMIGLIA as XAK THORN
ALEXIS BLEDEL as CHARLIE ADRASTOS
AMANDA SEYFRIED as CATE RITTLE
CHRIS EVANS as DANTE TURNPIKE
CHAD MICHAEL MURRAY as LANCE EMORY
JENSEN ACKLES as EA BROGAN
EMILIE DE RAVIN as KAIA THORN
and SUMMER GLAU as SIN

Special Guest Stars:
MORENA BACCARIN as SOFIA ROSE
GINA HOLDEN as JESSICA DANE
PATRICK DEMPSEY as ELIAS THORN
PAUL WALKER as TRAFFORD ARTAIR
PATRICIA ARQUETTE as SEPHY
NEIL HOPKINS as GENERAL GASTON
BECKI NEWTON as ELISE ARTAIR
GABRIELLE UNION as SHELTER ELM
LAURI JOHNSON as MEREDITH BEAUMONT
ELIZABETH REASER as FLORA WINLOW
MATTHEW JOHN ARMSTRONG as GABE WINLOW
ALI LARTER as ECHIDNA
JOHN SLATTERY as SUITED GENTLEMAN

Special Mention:
MADONNA ? DEVIL WOULDN'T RECOGNIZE YOU

[Lex]

If you would like to give me feedback on Shadow Stalker, visit my thread here! I'm always happy to hear from you and I usually comment on the feedback as well!

TRIVIA AND RANDOM FACTS FOR "3.15 ? THORN IN MY SIDE"

- So yes? There you go. It was never Sofia. From the beginning I've been planning this red herring and well, it worked. If you look back on all the times Sofia and Sin were "on the phone" I never actually said they were on the phone to one another? just "the other person on the other end of the line" or something like that. So yes Kaia's been bad, she's the traitor, but trust me this is only the surface. Just wait till the next episode.

- So it may not have been Sofia on the phone to Sin but who is this Suited Gentleman she was conversing with? What are her plans for Dante? All will be revealed in the final two episodes?

- Xak met his father, Elias Thorn! He's on the banner for this episode and while I only scratched the surface on Elias there is more to him. He won't feature again for a long time now but I am planning to bring his memory back at least. But what of Xak's mother?

- So that's Shelter's big secret? do you like it? There is a bit more to it that has yet to be explained but well as usual you'll just have to wait and find out won't you! I'm not that nice!

- I know a lot of fans will be pleased to see Dante and Lance officially together? but, I wouldn't party for too long. Sofia's not taking the decision lying down and she will use that gun in the next episode.

- Cate and Trafford? Like it, hate it? Is there even anything to hate or like? and will Trafford make it? Find out in the final two episodes!

- If this was Season 1, technically this would be the finale as there were only 15 episodes in Season 1! How do you think it's comparing to other seasons so far? I'd be interested to know!

- I actually consider this to be one of the biggest episodes of the Season, so far. Thinking about the stuff that is revealed regarding Xak, Shelter, Sofia, Kaia and also all the endless ship-athon-ness of the episode.

- Also I will expect hate mail for using Madonna but I do shamelessly love that song and thought it was so perfect for playing Kaia's exit.

- I know you probably have a million questions about Kaia and why she's doing what she's doing. But? "3.16 ? Coma" is a Kaia centric episode and she will be on the banner. As well as FINALLY revealing Ursula's secret, the penultimate episode explains, in flashbacks and in the present day, why Kaia's done what she's done and just what it is that she has done. Be prepared for some shockers though as you discover her involvement with Constance's death and also Charlie's kidnapping?

- Till next time readers?