Narrator: In Darkness, they rise, in light, they hide. A Poisonous plague of the human condition slithers through us like the venom of a serpent. But even those who fight feel its sting. Why do those who watch over us seemingly endure their pain alone? When the world is at its peak of darkness those who are fallen rise again, but when the veil of peace sheaths the world, those who are here to save it, do not hear the calling.
Deep Unsettling Voice: It is because we who are shrouded in darkness, embody the light which we have been birthed to protect, consume; conquer. We desire light because we are from the light. We are truth.
(Micah wakes from yet another nightmare late into the night. A cat meows and jumps into an open window of a fire escape before him. Drops of Rain are falling and Micah stands out on the fire escape listening to the relaxing sounds of thunder following the rain. The moment does not last long as behind him is the hooded young man sending shivers down Micah's neck with just his presence alone.)
Micah: Okay, I'll listen to you.
(A briefcase is thrown on the counter and everyone gets into position in the therapist's office as Micah lies down once again to undergo a state of hypnosis. As he lies on his back, both his therapist and the hypnotist silently watch with deep anticipation to find out whether or not their attempt has worked. Micah opens his eyes and turns to face them both.)
Hypnotist: Who do I have the pleasure of speaking with? Is that you, Micah?
Micah: It's me, but now HE's here. (Says to therapist) He's standing behind you,
(The therapist turns around but of course does not see anyone, but in Micah's mind he sees the young man in the hood standing behind her as a shadow; the Therapist then turns back to face Micah.)
Therapist: What do you see, Micah; can I talk to him?
Micah: What do you want?!
(It stays silent and does not say anything.)
Micah: I went through all this work to bring you out and hear what you have to say; so talk.
(The figure does not speak, but its breathing can be heard heavy and faint and it sways side-to-side, with the sound of the squeaking floor in rhythm with his motion.)
Therapist: Micah, what is he saying? Is he doing anything out of the ordinary?
Micah: WHAT DO YOU WANT?!
(It stops and turns its body completely to the right. it casually, yet swiftly, approaches Micah. It shoves its face in Micah's to paralyze him with fear and all Micah can do is shake and see fire blazing through its eyes. Micah stares deeply into them and begins to cry as it disappears.)
[4 years ago, morning time]
(Micah stands over the graves of his father and his mother, and the sound of birds chirping above him takes his eyes off the ground for a moment. He sees 3 birds playing together on a tree branch above him, then two of them leave, leaving the third one on its own. Micah just continues to stare at it, but before drifting too far, the third bird leaves and Micah looks in front of him to see a tall man in a Red Hood across the field of the empty graveyard. Micah takes a step forward but then chills go through his spine when the man suddenly appears behind him.)
Micah: Wh- who are you? I know you're familiar, but I don't know you.
(Red Hood just silently kneels down beside Micah and gives him a side hug. Micah does not feel threatened even though the man's voice sounds very unsettling and slightly inhumane.)
Red Hood: I met your mother. She was tough; always playing with the boys on the playground. It's tragic to see what they both left behind.
Micah: (Turns but does not see his face) Who are you?
Red Hood: (Sighs) Mourn your mother, boy. I am not important, but a name or a face.
(The man stands a few feet away from Micah. Micah tries to see who he is, but can't quite make out his face.)
Micah: What am I supposed to do now? I feel so lost; I don't know what to do. How can I be a hero when I can't even protect my own mom? (Begins tearing up)
Red Hood: We all go through that phase don't we; when we feel lost. You'll need to find your own resolve. You can't let yourself get so lost that you forget what you were put here for and how to be a hero to this world. I know it's hard, but sometimes the hardest lessons triumph the greatest victories. (Puts his hands in his pocket and looks up in the tree)
(Micah looks up to see two birds playing together on the same branch, but there birds are different from the few earlier.)
Micah: I miss her. I just wanna be close to her again. I'd do anything.
Red Hood: (Stays silent for a short while) Nothing can be done about that.
Micah: Please, I just wanna be close.
Red Hood: This moment is defining for you, Micah. I can tell that something in your soul is awakening.
Micah: Why couldn't I save her?! (Flashes of an exploding building pass through his mind) Why couldn't I have been better?! (The look of terror on his face is seen in a quick flash through his mind) Please, help me; I can't be a hero; I can't save anybody. I can't save the world!
Female Voice: MICAH!
(Micah awakes on the ground in front of his mother's grave and both Monica and her friend are seen standing over him; making sure he's okay; aggressively hugging him.)
Monica: Micah, you had us worried sick! You can't just run off like that; you know how dangerous this neighborhood is!
Camille: (Deeply Concerned) Sweetie, are you okay? The groundskeeper said he saw you talking to some shady guy wearing a hood!
Micah: It's okay, Monica; it's ok. I'm a hero. I just have to move on and save the world. I'll be okay; Bruce Wayne lost his parents. This just means I-I can be a better hero. (Smiles and awkwardly hugs his cousin Monica)
(Monica is not sure what to think and she just looks up at Camille in slight concern. The two aren't sure how to respond but they are happy Micah is okay and give him a big hug.)
[Present day]
(The gentle sound of the outside rain followed by the light strike of thunder slowly brings in the mood as the therapist sits in her seat across from Micah and the hypnotist stands in the corner with his arms crossed, staying out of the way.)
Therapist: So your mother died in a fire and you felt you couldn't protect her. This guilt seems to be what's holding this figure in your mind and what's shutting you out from the world. You said so yourself you began isolating. You "disconnected" from the world around you and doing so, reconnected to your internal world- the part of you which is real.
Micah: But then, who's that guy?
Therapist: I cannot answer you this, but the physical features of the hooded young man you're seeing comes from the man you spoke to that day at your mother's grave. He knew your mother and you only wanted to be close to her one last time. It would make sense why you grew an emotional attachment to him as well; you wanted to know what he knew about your mother. It was new information about someone you thought was gone forever and had no more layers to give. Also, you mentioned that when you were a child you had trouble socializing and you felt neglected even by your mother.
Micah: I loved my mother.
Therapist: But when things got sour for her, she turned into a different person and left you at the babysitters multiple times. Your computer seemed to be your only friend once you finally got one and you weren't so alone anymore. You finally had an "outlet" that made you feel you could express joy without worry that you'd be abandoned or let down or judged. The closest connection you ever got from your mother that correlates with the feeling you had for your computer, was the unstable foundation of your mom's split personality with Jessica- her deceased sister. The idea of that split personality is how you've associated and connected with her and now that she's gone, developing the same condition as her is your way of coping and feeling close to her again. (Attempts to look him in the face) Now, Micah, does everything I say make complete sense to you?
Micah: (Wipes the tears out of his eyes) A part of me knows it's all true. I just don't know what's real anymore other than my sadness. And I know that's why sadness is my reality. The world is in chaos and people are killing each other. There are riots, racism, discrimination, and political problems, and I don't know how to bare it or how to stop it. I feel powerless, like when I couldn't save my mom, and that's why I gave up; that's what triggered my personalities to split.
Therapist: The world is changing, Micah, and a lot of hatred is flooding this world. The truth is, you are the world and you have to overcome hatred you have for yourself.
Micah: I hate myself for not being strong and helping my mom! I hate this world for being so messed up! I can't save these people nor can I attempt to save them. They chose that!
Therapist: Sometimes, Micah, the best thing you can do is see yourself in them and fix the issue within yourself. You don't really hate these people do you? You hate what they've become and-
Voice: -and what they reflect. The program which bounded them- int-
Therapist: -o being what they are.
Micah: They are a program. We are a program.
(The hooded young man slowly walks cross his vision and kneels a few feet before Micah, filtering his therapist's words to be interpreted through Micah's mind.)
Voice: Programmed to be what they are fed. Your inner brokenness is your super power- I am your super power. You are humanity's glitch, it's chaotic foundation, a growing pain leading to evolution of the human experience. You are a virus to the program, Micah. A true hero saves the world by destroying it. Keep it in "peace", ignorant bliss, or destroy the societal structure they are familiar with which keeps them miserable until the day they fall in their grave. Your mother wasn't happy. She was society.
Micah: H-How?! How was my mom-
(Micah's entire mind transforms before their eyes and it's almost as if a big bang births through his chest.)
Voice/Micah: My mother separated her mind because there were many parts to her that were unfulfilled, misunderstood, and taboo in the eyes of the world. My mother was hurting inside and each of her multiple personalities were parts of herself she couldn't cope with because society didn't let her.
Voice: Your mother was the victim of the very system you created me to reconfigure.
(Once again a light roar of thunder is heard and an ambience of peace fills the room following to the sound of heavy rain falling. The room remains silent for a good while and everyone just takes in what has happened.)
Therapist: Power or no power, almost every client I've worked with comes to this bypass. This bypass I recognize as god-
[Fades to black]
[Parkman residence, Los Angeles, late into the night]
(Matt aggressively wakes from a loud banging sound. His obviously exhausted wife slides over in bed and lets out a moan, instantly going back to sleep. The sound of something falling over in the next room over assures Matt that he wasn't hearing things. Matt cautiously walks out in the middle of his dark hallway attempting to listen out for a person's thoughts, but all he can hear is the sound of loud rock music playing as he uses his power. He shuts off his telepathy and silence fills the house once again.)
Matt: Matty?
(Heavy footsteps are heard and Matt quickly rushes into his son's room, only to get whacked in the face and knocked out instantly by a Mexican man with a heavy fist. Lying on the bed is Matt's son with his wrists, ankles and mouth taped shut while unconscious. The closet opens and out comes Lester wearing all black; measuring a vial of clear liquid into a syringe.)
Lester: You did make sure to hold your punch back, right? I could've sworn I heard a crack.
Mexican Man: Holding back my hits is something I frequently have to do, I made sure I didn't kill him.
Lester: (Gets closer to him and slightly whispers) Look, man, I know we had this conversation before but you look obviously suspicious wearing robin' clothes with no mask; what's up?
Mexican Man: When I wear a mask, I do so for the right reasons.
Lester: So beating some sweaty chump up in the ring and holding him down 'till he cries for his moms is a right reason?
Mexican Man: (Angered) You hired me to be your muscle, not tell you my personal business. What you're doing to this family is already bad enough, just do what you need to and get out.
Lester: Alright, Undertaker, I'll get outta your way. (Rushes into Parkman's room silently)
(Lester stands over Matt's wife and injects a clear fluid in her neck with his syringe. He takes it out and quickly secures the top. In comes the "Undertaker" watching Lester's every move.)
Mexican Man: How long does that last?
Lester: About 6 hours. Hopefully they don't have work in the morning cause nothing's getting them up within that time, not even if an earthquake hit this place.
Mexican Man: You sure this is the way to go?
Lester: He needs to know the importance of trust.
Mexican Man: And this is really going to teach him?
Lester: Come on, Oscar, don't start with that moral talk now that we're already half way through the plan. He got at me; now I need to get back at him. I need to cover myself from now on.
Oscar: What exactly was your plan?
Lester: To scare him and make him think I had his family; to teach him honesty. (Holds his hands together and covers his face) But by the time he wakes up, his family will be safe in their bedrooms, and I'll be gone.
Oscar: You really didn't want this, did you?
Lester: I'm not a violent man, but I do need a new start.
Oscar: I know someone who may be able to help you. He should be able to help you clear your mind of the sin enduring your guilt.
(At a church a priest sits in the isle reading a bible late into the night. The sound rain can be heard again, following the roars of thunder. The doors open to the sanctuary and in comes a young woman with long dark hair crying. She sits in the front isle attempting to pray but her hands shake uncontrollable; she speaks her prayer in Spanish. The priest looks over at her and after a short moment of giving her space, he takes a seat next to her.)
Father Mauricio: What seems to be troubling you, child?
Mexican Woman: Father, I need help. I thought I was purged of my demon, but it came back and now I've killed more people… I cannot live with myself, Father. I'm trying to have faith, but why would god put me through this again?! I don't understand. I don't understand. I don't know if I even want to.
Father Mauricio: Murder is a serious thing, but I am only a vessel for the lord. I can tell you that he forgives you, which he does, but you have to be the one willing to accept that forgiveness. God only gives us as much as we are willing to give ourselves.
Mexican Woman: How can I live with hurting innocent people?! I hate this!
Father Mauricio: (Gently places his hand on hers to calm her down) You must not have hate for yourself, child. That hate in your heart is a poison that kills. It is a virus that hurts everyone you come in contact with.
Mexican Woman: Father, I am convinced that God hates me and wants to see me suffer.
Mauricio: He only wants to see you triumphant. This hate in your heart, have you felt it before in your life?
Mexican Woman: Many years ago, about 5 years.
Mauricio: What was different then?
Mexican Woman: People died and the demon made me do it.
Mauricio: Child, your soul has been traumatized with hatred and death. It has affected you greatly, but it does not have to control you. Serving God, I have learned that every difficult tribulation we face is only a weakness HE exposes us to in order to overcome and be stronger in that area of who we are. This death you carry inside you only comes out to hurt people, correct?
Mexican Woman: Yes, when I am angry or scared.
Mauricio: What you must do is walk through the flames of hell just as his son did and overcome what triggers this demon.
Mexican Woman: Hatred makes it stronger.
Mauricio: Than maybe it's not just the demon, maybe you must learn to not hold hate in your heart. You said you purged the demon, but it returned, how do you think that is?
Mexican Woman: I saw how much people were getting hurt, the riots in the country, it was almost like Mexico all over again, and It triggered the hatred I had once before. Now I started hating myself even more and people around me died.
Mauricio: You must understand why that demon is here and has been created by you. No horse shall lay where no hay or water is within its sight. That means you have sheltered your demons with how you feel. This demon will not rest inside you, if there is nothing there to keep it sustained.
Mexican Woman: But then why when I tried holding it back, did it get stronger and not weary?
Mauricio: Because your reasoning for keeping it bound is the very thing strengthening it.
Mexican Woman: I tried to be a good girl; a woman of god, but there are too many layers. Just when I think I know what it is I'm supposed to be doing, there is something new to learn.
Mauricio: As we grow, so does the soul and so does our understanding in everything we see, touch, hear, smell, perceive, understanding, and feel. This includes our understanding in the Holy Word. Reading the bible has a different meaning in a strong spirit than a weak mind. (Gently taps her on the back twice and smiles) And I can see in your eyes, your soul is strong.
(The woman just looks up at him slightly confused, yet only a tiny bit hopeful. She then quickly turns away and rubs her hands together slowly.)
Mexican Woman: I know that what you say is probably true, but I can't do this. (Looks up at the large cross on the alter) I can't do this anymore. (Turns to Mauricio) Thank you, Father.
(She stands to her feet, wipes her tears, exits the isle, and leaves the church. As she walks out alone in the rain late into the night, a shady black car with bright blue lights slowly drives beside her. Cold and lost, she peaks at the car but does not make it obvious. She tries to walk faster, but then the cars taps on the gas and jerks the car slightly. She pretends not to notice and sees a turn leading onto the next street. The window is rolled down and a man covered in tattoos and with fake gold teeth gives her a smile while he checks out her butt. He continues to creep his car beside her.)
Doz: Dang mamacita, you're hotter than a jalapeno; I better wear a glove when I handle you.
Mexican Woman: (Slightly afraid) Please, just leave.
Doz: Leave, or else what, you gon lay me out right here on the street? (Smirks) Don't threaten me with a good time.
(She ignores him and continues walking. He knows he's not going to get much of a response from her.)
Doz: Where you headed so late, boo; you need a ride? (Checks her out again and whispers to himself) Cause shoot, I know I need one.
Mexican Woman: I am not interested, please go away.
(She finally turns the corner going to the next block but sees what appears to be an endless stretch of dark road. She looks beside herself and sees him parking right beside her. He keeps eye contact as he puts his car in gear.)
Doz: I'm just saying, lumps, it's raining out here and stuff, and you a'int got no ride.
Mexican Woman: I do, it's right there. (Points to the nearest car down the street)
Doz: (Laughs hysterically) Yo, you honestly too cute to get away with lying. You gonna have to convince me that's your car down there, or I'm gonna have to keep- (Sings the rest of his words) keep nagging at you- (Laughs and talks normal) Where're your keys at? (She doesn't say a word; he laughs again) I'm saying, hop in and I'll keep you warm for a bit, you know; love thy neighbor and all that. Look honestly, if I wanted to hurt- (Pulls out a pistol shoves it in her face with the safety off) I would've done it a long time ago and forced you in here myself, but I'm a gentleman; I'm not like that. (Turns safety off and slowly lowers the gun back into the car) Now come on, I'm saying, just let me help out. I had a confession but when I saw you… I knew I had to come help you instead. (She still remains silent) I'll give you my gun for collateral. You can pop me one right in the dome piece if you feel even the slightest bit of discomfort. Let me just take you home.
Mexican Woman: (Walks around to the passenger's side) I can protect myself, thank you.
(She gets into the car and quickly he raises up the window, turns on the heater and hands her a large towel from the back seat.)
Doz: Here, dry yourself off with that. (Drives off down the road) So where am I headed?
Mexican Woman: About 8 miles that way.
Doz: 8 miles?! Dang, girl, what'd you do that was so bad you walked 8 miles for a confession?! It must've been bad. What's your name, by the way?
Maya: Eh… Maya.
Doz: (Checks for cars before doing an illegal U-turn as he talks) Nice meeting you, Maya; the homies call me Doz, but my government name Jerome.
Maya: W-why do you- have a towel in your backseat?
Doz: For smokin' fools. You never know when you gotta do a clean up, you know. So what's your story, junk in the trunk?
Maya: I am from Mexico. I crossed the border looking for a man who could help cure me of- this poison I had. He tried to kill me- he hurt me after I fell in love with him, and now I'm on my own. I had a brother but a man I met on the road killed him…
Doz: Dang, you got bad luck wit dudes, huh? You need to get you one of them therapists to help you dissect that.
Maya: What is your story?
Doz: Shoot, grew up with a dream to be a farmer, got involved in the game instead, trying to make money to get out of the hood, got lost along the way and now I own the hood. My minds been bent so far, I can't even fathom- being a farmer anymore. I've touched so much death, how could I possible give life, you know what I'm saying?
Maya: What do you mean?
Doz: See, I knew there was something. Same reason why you attracted those dudes is the same reason why we're talking right now. You're grieving, a'int you? You lost someone. I recognize that stench on you. Who did you lose?
Maya: … Many people.
Doz: (Grabs a brown stick from his console, lights it with a lighter and begins smoking it. Hope this doesn't bother you.
Maya: It does…
Doz: Well, I'm betting you don't have any money for this little cab ride so let's just look passed our differences and call this payment, a'ight? (Chuckles)
(Maya just silently stares out the window keeping to herself. Doz sees her body language as she withdraws from the conversation and he puts what he was smoking out in the ashtray.)
Doz: I'm sorry you lost people. I'm not gonna say that's easy to deal with, cause it definitely a'int. That's something you don't get over.
(The sound of the tires rolling over the street is the only noise which fills the car with sound, along with the rain.)
Doz: Who did you kill?
Maya: What?
Doz: Who did you kill? I know you took someone off the menu and you a'int a baby about it either. (Makes a right turn at a street light) I looked at you and thought- you looked so innocent, but at the same time I felt the grim reaper with you. I thought you were his victim, but you were its handyman. Let me ask you, do you trust me?
Maya: … You are a stranger, why would I have trust in you? So… no.
Doz: Good, I wouldn't trust me either. Show me the body.
(After some time passes, Doz and Maya walk into an apartment complex and bodies of various people are seen scattered across the courtyard and balcony areas. After seeing the damage done, Maya can't help but to hug herself and breathe a bit heavier.)
Doz: Dang, girl, I knew you had talent. Your count might be bigger than mine. (Chuckles)
Maya: Talent? You call that talent? What kind of a sick person are you?
Doz: The same kind of person who shares that disease inside of you. My sickness is no different from yours, except for the fact that I've embraced what I am.
Maya: I AM NO KILLER!
(Maya's eyes turn black and the life begins to suck out of Doz. His eyes turn black as well, but he quickly turns over to his side and begins throwing up an abnormal amount of black and red blood. He turns his head over to Maya and some of the blackness in his eyes have faded but tears of blood also streams down one of his eye sockets. Doz aggressively grabs her shoulders.)
Doz: Control it, girl! Tone that down! Chill!
(Maya's attempts to calm herself down but deeply struggles to do so. After a short while she begins to calm down and the tears of black return to normal tears for both of them. Doz just casually coughs it off.)
Doz: I see you. (Slowly backs away from her and smiles)
(Doz stands about 3 feet from her and lets out a light laugh, casually spitting out more blood from his mouth.)
Doz: (Looks over to the side) Come here.
(Maya and Doz enter the outdoor pool area that was a few feet from them and Doz sits on one of the beds. Maya doesn't feel comfortable but after a short time takes a seat beside the one he sits on. Doz just stares at the pool and drifts off a bit. Once again he grabs something from his pocket. He puts it in his mouth, lights it with a lighter and takes two long puffs of it before tossing it into the pool.)
Doz: You see that. No, you don't. You see a pool, water. Some see it as redemption. Anyway I'm not into that philosophical stuff, ya know. I can just see what I know and I know you hurt inside. Your emotions come to life, girl. But you focus so much on hating yourself, that's all you can see.
Maya: I know it's not my fault, but-
Doz: First thing's first- you were the vessel that brought this plague to these people. Don't forget that?
Maya: I didn't know what I was doing. Life was fine for me, I was surviving.
Doz: Death, is all around us. Look around you, know what is around you. Not just in this complex but out there in the world. How many people do you know have been affected by these changes happening in our country? I bet you can't fill all 10 fingers. Nah you just go by the information you hear out there on the news every day. Nothing wrong with that, it's good to know the truth, but truth is lucrative; it does not discriminate and it affects us depending on our heart. I know people who say the end of the world is coming because they're scared. Politics are getting crazy, people are rioting in the street; people getting put in the grave early. But who's really to blame? Is it an invisible force distracting us from understanding free will, or is it the big man upstairs' fault for giving us free will? Either way it don't matter where you go or how you live, death will always be around, no matter who you are, but how you choose to live your life, that is what's most important. You gotta live your life at the end of the day Junk in the trunk.
Maya: I choose to live it away from all of this, but this curse inside me-
Doz: Why does it gotta be a curse? Look, you're not hearing me, focus on your life and walk through this madness as if you were blind from it, otherwise do something about it. You do something by being what this world needs. You can't change people! Everyone feels as long as they can see injustice and they acknowledge it they're doing something about it. Nah, all information we're given harms us or builds us, but we are told that everything threatening is harmful. I remember I used to grow up and have cramps all the time around my body. And I'll never forget, my pops, my dad- he said, "Jerome, that's just growing pains." I thought growing was a good thing. He told me it was a necessity.
(The moment grows silent for a few seconds.)
Doz: Some kid, little Tyrell; he owed my corner man some money and didn't pay up. Word on the street is he bought a firearm off the market and by then we knew he wasn't giving up cash, but he was giving up life. I was on my way to tie him up, torture his moms, blast her in front of him, then blast him as he sat there starring at his mother squirming for life. You know what that brings, huh? Does that bring justice? To these streets it does! I passed the church but something told me to wait. I had to meet my homies to get set up to kill this kid but no, something said wait. I thought about going in for a confession, but something said, wait! I saw you and whatever told me to wait, told me to stop. I knew I just had to get at you. These tattoos all over by body were inks, scarring me for life. I've killed myself so many times, but never properly did it; broken bones, broken jaw, slit wrists, overdose, none of that worked! (Holds her by the back of her neck with his arm and presses his forehead against hers) My inner self is trying to live again, and I feel death is the only true way I can feel live. I know what it's like having that poison inside you cause I had it too. It was hatred for myself that renewed me into the monster you see now! You look at me as a maniac, killer, addict, but you refuse to see yourself in me, because you can't see passed what separates us. People don't wanna look at the truth in themselves in the other person. (Slowly removes his arm from around her neck)
Maya: (Calmly looks back and forth into his eyes and whispers her sentence) I see myself in you. I see the anger, the rage, the betrayal… You use this gangster life as a safe place because your world inside is pain and death and you lifestyle is a reflection of that.
(Doz aggressively grabs Maya and throws her in the freezing cold pool. He looks down at her body and tries to pull something out from the back of his shirt but stops to "wait"… It's silent and she doesn't move. After a concerning 14 seconds, Maya rises out of the water and takes a deep inhale. She begins coughing and quickly crawls out of the pool. She's down on her hands and knees coughing up water and Doz draws his pistol from out of his shirt. He attempts to take the safety off but he's then stuck by the sound of laughter. Maya lifts her head up but Doz hides his gun behind his back before she sees, remaining slightly confused by her laughter.)
Doz: A- Aye yo, whatchu laughing for? (Confusingly chuckles)
(Maya just bursts out laughing and quickly rises to her feet, squeezing the water out of her hair. Doz tucks away his gun into the back of his pants. Maya just continues to laugh uncontrollably for another 13 seconds.)
Maya: I give up! I accept I am crazy! (Says in Spanish) This woman is crazy! (Continues to laugh for a few more seconds before stopping) I feel selfish, for being happy when all of these people are dying. But I have to be strong in myself and take control of my own happiness. I've killed and I've hurt. I'm not saying it was right, but I did it, and no one is going to make me feel better unless I am willing to feel better with myself. I don't have to fear the darker side of myself, because-
Doz: what you fear, controls you. (Exhales deeply and aggressively grabs the side of her hair) I was afraid of being happy, because I know being happy means I risk losing what I know. I dug this grave; I can't be afraid to lay in it. (Loosens his grip and places his other hand on the other side of her face) I know what it means now to bring life to something when you've killed so much… this moment right here. Your innocence helped me understand mine. It was buried but not dead.
Maya: You've helped me understand that not letting guilt control me doesn't mean I don't care about the world. Being happy through the storm doesn't have to be a bad thing.
Doz: Keep that innocence girl, you need to know the difference between owning your power and retaining the best parts of yourself. Some people feel empowered and lose their innocence in the process, like I did. I a'int innocent, but make sure you let yourself feel something, even if you decide to not let it affect you.
(Maya begins laughing again and coughing is heard; followed by the sound of 12 individuals around the area deeply inhaling.)
Doz: Yo, I think that's you.
(Maya returns to the church and sits beside the father who has been sitting in the same spot the entire time reading his bible.)
Father Mauricio: 2nd Chronicles is an interesting book. I believe it is the 14th book of the Christian bible. (Closes the bible) Have you learned forgiveness, child?
Maya: I do forgive what I have done.
(Maya looks over and the Father has disappeared… like a puff of smoke… Maya takes a breath, bows her head and says a prayer.)
[Manhattan, alleyway]
(Late into the night, two shady individuals sit in a car parked in an alleyway. A light turns on near a backdoor and it opens to reveal a butcher. He looks both ways in the alleyway then gives a signal for the two to enter. They get out of their vehicle swiftly and walk to the trunk. They open the trunk to find a woman tied up with her mouth taped and terrified for her life. The two individuals grab her and force her out of the car. They carry her toward the open door and the butcher holds the door open for them. Once everyone is secured inside the Butcher takes one last look in the alleyway to make sure no one is watching. He looks left, then right, then straight ahead to get his lights punched his. He lets out a groan and falls to his knees unconscious. Peter shakes his fist in pain Gabriel descends from a roof top to stand beside Peter.)
Gabriel: I don't think you needed to hit him so hard.
Peter: The first time we did this, I didn't hit him hard enough and it complicated things.
Gabriel: You must've reversed time.
Peter: It was tricky but I figured out how to do it. Let's go; the next part is gonna be ugly.
(Both Peter and Sylar rush into the back of the kitchen and see the woman held at gun point by one of the shady guys.)
Shady Guy: Don't get any closer! I will empty the clip into her head!
Peter: I know.
(He shoots at her 3 time point blank and she lets out a squealing sound. He looks at Peter and Peter raises his fist, opening his palm and revealing the bullets in his hand. The man turns the gun on Peter and shoots 8 times, only for the bullets to get stuck in mid air.)
Shady Guy: Dang it, vigilantes!
(Sylar holds the bullets mid air using telekinesis. The second guy from the care hides behind a grill aiming his gun at Sylar without him noticing. Peter teleports behind him and knocks him over the head with a pan. Sylar uses a bullet to dart the man in the knee, causing him to fall to the ground. Peter quickly gets the girl out of the way and unties her.)
Peter: Hey, are you okay?
Woman: I'm fine, just a little shaken up.
Peter: Okay, do you have any idea why they took you?
Woman: I discovered I'm an evo. I can make things work, even if they're broken; at least, that's what I've noticed. I only just discovered them today but it was in public and these men happened to be at the grocery store around that time.
Peter: Okay, I can get you home safely just get some air, okay? Did they hurt you at all or inject you with anything?
Woman: Just roughed me up a bit, nothing I couldn't handle.
Peter: Alright, go.
(Sylar stands over the man while he holds his leg in pain and lightly moans.)
Shady Guy: You punks aren't going to get away with this. You throw me in jail and you'll still have others to worry about. There's a whole army of us! You freaks don't stand a chance.
Peter: (Grabs the man by his collar and throws him against the wall) Who are you people?! What're you doing with people like us?!
Shady Guy: Selling you off to trade, using you for fights. We've always existed but since you freaks were made public, business has taken off in the black market. You have no idea how much more money you people are worth
(Peter knees him in the gut and throws him to the ground.)
Sylar: I don't think we want to kill him just yet. He was being cooperative.
Peter: I don't care, we're not play things or slaves for profit!
Sylar: I get it, let's just keep calm for now. Go check on our lady friend, Hmm?
(Peter looks up at him and Sylar gives him a nudge. Peter lets out a sigh and goes out back to check on the woman.)
Woman: (Panicking on the phone) The psycho tried to kill me, yes I'm sure!
Peter: Hey-
(He terrifies the woman and she drops her cell phone to the ground after a loud scream,)
Woman: Please don't do that! (Sighs and turns around) after grabbing her phone) Thank you, for saving me; I'm fine now. I called the cops.
Peter: I'm sure you are fine, but are you sure you don't want me to take you home.
Woman: No, thank you, but what's your name?
Peter: Sorry, I'm trying to stay more anonymous these days.
(Sylar bursts through the door.)
Sylar: Peter, we've got a problem.
Peter: (Sighs in annoyance) Really?
Woman: Peter! (Smiles) Thank you so much, I promise I'll keep you a secret! I won't mention your name at all to the police when they get here.
Peter: (Nods) Thank you.
(Peter aggressively shoves Sylar back into the kitchen.)
Sylar: Hey, sorry, I didn't mean to ruin your game, Romeo.
(The two enter the kitchen.)
Peter: (Angered) What is it?
Sylar: Cameras all over this kitchen. I count 5 of them.
Peter: I already dealt with them. I made sure everything was clear before I unfroze time. I'm not new at this.
Sylar: Well… I'm impressed.
Peter: (Sighs) Whatever, let's get these guys tied up for the police to handle.
(Both Peter and Sylar are walking the streets side by side moments later.)
Sylar: Thank you, again, Peter, for teaching me how to do the right thing. I know it's not easy giving our history but-
Peter: Don't talk. Don't say another word to me- don't PUSH it, alright.
Sylar: Okay. Same time tom-
(Peter closes his eyes and teleports away.)
Sylar: Have a good night too, I guess.
(Instead of flying away, Sylar bumps into somebody nearby and shape shifts into them while he keeps walking to blend in through the stormy night. Peter makes it back to his apartment and pulls a diet can of soda from out of his refrigerator. He closes it and as he turns around he sees someone in the shadows starring back at him.)
Peter: Hello?
(Suddenly there are three loud bangs on the front door of his apartment. Peter opens the door and it's his coworker Kelly with a slight look of nervousness across her face, a bottle of apple cider in one hand, and a movie of some kind in the other hand.)
Peter: Hey, uh, Kelly, what's up? (Cautiously looks back and forth down the hallway)
Kelly: You look so paranoid, are you expecting someone else this late at night? (Giggles) Um… May I come in? I brought some un-popped popcorn and our movie.
(Peter gives her a funny look.)
Kelly: You forgot about our date night, didn't you? Oh, Peter. (Giggles)
Peter: Ah, I'm so sorry, I must've forgotten. Come in, please.
(Kelly walks into his apartment with a huge smile on her face and looks around at his somewhat empty apartment space. Although there's not much to be seen, she still enjoys being in the living room with her present love interest. Peter closes the door behind her then stares at her with his arms crossed.)
Peter: Kelly, I don't have a DVD player so I know we didn't set this date up. Why are you really here?
(Feeling exposed, Kelly laughs it off in hopes it might ease the tension in the room between them.)
Kelly: Well, Peter, I just had so much fun talking to you that I- wanted to- see you again and… have another date with you…
Peter: Okay.
Kelly: … (Places her things on the dining room table not too far from them) Sorry, I just… Sorry.
(Lost in how she feels, Kelly just stands there slightly embarrassed by the situation, but patiently awaits Peter to say something that'll take the situation to where it needs to go.)
Peter: (Sighs and rubs his eyes with his fingers) Kelly, look, I know how you feel about me, but it's not okay to just show up like this. I do have a life other than my job.
Kelly: Yeah… (Looks away in humiliation and tightly closes her eyes) Wow, I'm so sorry. (Opens her eyes and looks up at him) I didn't mean anything weird by it. I just wanted to spend time with you is all and I thought… I could, ya know? (Folds her arms)
Peter: It sounds like you're alone and just needed some company.
Kelly: I'm alone all the time, but I like you, Peter and I just wanted you to know how I felt! (Calms herself down) I know you're alone too and I wanted to be there for you. (Pulls out the chair beside her and takes a seat)
(She finds the courage to look up at Peter, silently inviting him to sit before her. Peter understands her silence and walks over to the table to have a seat right next to her.)
Kelly: Do you ever get the feeling you were meant to- be someone different, but then someone stole that from you?
Peter: … (Stares at her with a scowl) Everyday.
Kelly: I know. (Sniffs) When I told you about my dad and how he broke me by letting- (Clenches and rubs her sweaty hands together) those men do what they felt like- when I was a little girl; I could see in your eyes that you've had to fight that monster too. (Rubs her shoulders slowly and turns her head away) I wasn't scared at the time; I felt special. I felt centered in who I was. Thinking about it now, fills me with adrenaline. (Turns to him and stares into his eyes for a good few seconds before looking away) I felt good when it happened… and partially- (Slightly tears up) -a piece of me- some broken piece of me- wants it again…
(She aggressively cries out without care or worry of anything, but she quickly comes back to her senses after about 8 to 12 seconds, wipes her face, and regulates her breathing.)
Kelly: I've never felt special, but when those men had their way with me; violating every crevice, and of my soul, I felt significant, like I belonged; like I was cared for. I felt disgusted in myself the entire time and afterward- but it still put a smile on my face. (A tear rolls out of one eye) I just wanna feel special again to someone like what those men made me feel, and- my dad... I enjoyed that pain and the helplessness. I loved feeling like I could've defend myself, because no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't protect myself; It was in my own home. When I screamed, I didn't know it was me. I was somewhere else, out of my body, listening to the screams of "some girl". I lost so much I never knew was inside me. (Takes a long deep breath) Peter, how could he do that to me? I'm not myself anymore... (Heavily tears from sudden boil of rage) I never will have the change to grow with that better part of myself that was stolen from me…! I was robbed an entire lifetime. But I liked the feeling of the better parts of my love and my heart being killed by these men. I don't like being dead but I love the idea of being killed. (Wipes her face and takes a moment of silence to embody herself) You and I are connected through our pain, Peter- like the world, Peter. How did your father destroy you? (Slides her hand over his hand and stares him in the eyes) When you speak the pain in your heart, you aren't going to be okay, but you aren't going to be alone, either. I am your pain and you are mine, no matter how our stories differ. (Whispers to him) Share your pain.
(Nothing can describe the moment, but Peter just lets go without any shielding emotions.)
Peter: I was always lost in my head, dreamy. I always fantasized about how I could save the world. I grew up- slightly autistic, so it wasn't easy to communicate well, but I knew what was in my heart and it was love and strength. I was special, then I became a threat, then I had to rediscover myself and in the processed was used by a man I thought was my friend, who wanted to save people like me but then almost made me destroy them; literally kill them. Finally embracing who I was to the fullest extent, I realized how special I was and how much I was capable of. But then, after 3 years of thinking he was out of my life forever, my father shows up and the first thing he tells me is to give him a hug. I thought this man was dead, and I was relieved to see him again after…- anyway, I reached in to give him a hug- and in one deceiving movement, he- stole everything I had. I trusted him and he did what he did to me with only one touch. He didn't just steal what I had, he stole the essence of who I was. He stole my light. He stole everything I worked for. I trusted him and he robbed me. (Takes a deep breath) I know my story is nothing like yours but-
Kelly: It doesn't matter. You trusted your dad, lowered your walls, which I know isn't easy and once you did, he violated that sacred part of you and took something precious. How you feel inside should never be diminished by the story that triggered why you broke in the first place. Tell me, Peter, what do you do that makes you feel connected to your dad?
Peter: What do you mean?
Kelly: Normally, when someone violates us like that, we do something or pick up a habit similar to how deep we've been affected.
(Peter looks down at his hands and stares at them thoroughly.)
Peter: It makes sense now that you mention that. (Lowers his hands)
Kelly: Being a soul you were violated. That damaged your confidence and trust in yourself.
Peter: Even with all the power I had, I still couldn't protect myself. I know I shouldn't feel that way but something inside of me still doesn't feel quite right.
Kelly: It's the weak part of yourself not wanting to be left behind. You're trying to move on but there's still a piece of you without a strong enough foundation to grow with the rest of you, because of it, the parts of you that are growing overshadow the part of you not strong enough to grow.
Peter: I can learn to trust myself again, I'm just not sure where to start.
Kelly: You just did. (Smiles) You need to deal with your father, Peter, like how I need to deal with mine.
Peter: My father's dead.
Kelly: Then deal with his memory.
(Kelly gets up and gives Peter a big hug expressing her care for him. Although he cannot see, Kelly has a huge smile on her face and she basks in the exchange of their energies. She closes her eyes gently and relaxes.)
Kelly: You know what's strange? Hugging you right now in this moment feels similar to what I've been searching for. (She stops hugging him and gives him a smile) Thank you so much, Peter, for giving me this moment of… god.
Peter: Thank you, for opening up to me. I know it's not easy opening up like that.
Kelly: I think that's enough for tonight; I'll see you again at work okay. (Kisses his cheek)
(Kelly grabs her bottle of sparkling apple cider and walks up to his front door. He opens it for her and as she leaves, Peter offers her back her DVD. She just smiles and giggles at him.)
Kelly: It gives me an excuse to come by again. (Walks off down the hall with her hands behind her back)
(Peter gives her a smile as she leaves and he closes the door right away. As he locks it, he turns around with a sense of renewal over him, yet… he also feels unsettled as a sudden cold breeze shoots through his apartment, followed by the sounds of footsteps leading to his back bedroom over the squeaky floorboards. The moment is slow to pass… and out of nowhere, a loud bang interrupts the moment. Peter runs down the hall and catches up to Kelly. Kelly turns to him and Peter engages a passionate lip-locking kiss.)
[Unknown Location, Claire and Brandon]
(Claire stands at a campfire in the middle of the forest surrounded by tents alone. She pokes a stick into the fire multiple times before dropping it to her feet and looking up, nearly missing the shooting star crossing through the wondrous dark sky. The night is beautiful and the sound of popping wood compliments the soothing atmosphere.)
Claire: Dad, I wish you were still here right now to see this.
(Out of nowhere, her friend Brandon sits on a log next to the one Claire is sitting on.)
Brandon: Well, queen Petrelli; are you ready to reconnect with your roots?
Claire: Is she ready?
Brandon: Yeah, she's all rested up.
(Brandon notices that Claire just stares endlessly at the sky.)
Brandon: Earth to Claire; are you still with us? (Lightly chuckles)
Claire: (Breaks her stargazing) Sorry, Brandon, I just- I was just thinking if I made a mistake. We're in a forest right now camping out with a bunch of kids whose parents abandoned them or had to run away for having powers. I exposed them and they're suffering because of me.
Brandon: This world is a product of our own making. Look, Claire, we've traveled for awhile together and we've seen good and bad. Every decision has consequences it's all about how you look at things. These kids are free. Sure they steal to get ahead but other than that, they're in paradise. They all accept each other without judgment. I wouldn't think too much passed that. Come on, that little girl Brenda's waiting.
Claire: That little girl- She only has the ability to swap powers between people, right?
Brandon: As far as she knows, yes.
Claire: So when she switched mine with that other kid to heal his wounds, I should've gotten his ability to control metal.
Brandon: That sounds about right.
Claire: Then what is this…?
(Claire focuses on the fire and amplifies it, causing it to rapidly grow twice the size.)
Brandon: That's a neat trick; where'd you pick that up?
(Claire focuses around the fire carefully and large rocks begin to levitate around the fire. She drops the rocks then looks around only to hear the leaves tapping against each other from the sudden increase of wind.)
Brandon: (A bit freaked out) Are you doing this?
Claire: Yes! This doesn't make sense…
Brandon: Maybe it doesn't have to. You're getting your power back anyway in a few minutes so this won't matter.
Claire: But this doesn't make sense. I feel like this is mine. Whenever I think about using my healing power externally, I'm able to control nature!
Brandon: Don't get too attached, Claire. We don't know how this girl's ability fully works and we don't wanna risk you losing your power for good, okay. Once we do the transfer, the kids have agreed to give us our tires back so we can get the car fixed. Let's just get through this night.
Claire: yeah, okay… (Getting up)
(Time is stopped and Brandon looks up to see everything at a standstill. Out of nowhere, the man in the red leather hoodie, covering his face is seen standing in front of Claire; facing her)
Red Hood: It is important she doesn't discover how to externalize her power.
Brandon: Look, man, she's grown; she's gonna do whatever she wants and discover new things about herself. It was only a matter of time before she realized this power. How do you plan on handling this situation now that she's awakening?
Red Hood: I'm not going to kill her obviously, but she must not have access to this power. Having access to power prematurely only risks corrupting its true potential with the limited understanding of the one possessing it. Claire is not ready, nor has she grown enough to be able to handle the power.
Brandon: Eventually she will rediscover what she can do.
Red Hood: If she doesn't, the world will end. But for now, it remains asleep until the day of HELE.
Brandon: I can do my best… I won't be able to keep her from asking questions.
Red Hood: Figure it out.
(Claire falls forward and Brandon catches her as time once again moves forward.)
Claire: Whoa, what just happened?
Brandon: You're exhausted. You're mortal now; that means your body needs rest. (Smiles)
Claire: You're right; let's go get my power back.
Brandon: (Smiles) Sounds good.
(Later that night, Brandon is talking on a phone in secret, which strangely gets reception in the darkened woods.)
Brandon: The importance of Claire's abilities remaining secret is biblical. I need you to do this for me, please.
Claire: Hey.
(Startled, Brandon quickly gets off the phone and turns around to look at Claire starring at him from behind.)
Claire: You okay?
Brandon: Just fine. Just… checking in with an old pal. (Smiles)
(Back in nowhere, in a house, a front door is opened, welcoming in the blazing blizzard. Standing in the doorway are two familiar individuals. They look down to see a pile of decomposing bodies. One of the familiar figures reveals himself as the Haitian. He approaches a portrait and examines it thoroughly, revealing the three bodies to be a mother, a young daughter, and the third decomposing body being... Brandon…?)
TO BE CONTINUED…