Dark Inheritance
Warning: Mature themes discussed
Disturbing images described
INT – BELMONT MANOR, MORNING
FADE IN shows JC and ALICE in a large room in the house with various workout equipment. JC stands at a large apparatus with several target sensors on it. He brings his fists up and focuses on the device. He strikes at several in a row, a bell and light going off each time he connects. ALICE smiles and nods approvingly.
ALICE
This is interesting. You're able empower your
attacks so they hit harder. It's similar
to the technique you used at the house.
JC
In that case, I felt three pulses go through
my arm when I hit that guy. Too
bad I injured myself as a result.
ALICE
Your control is getting better. Just stay focused
when you use them and you shouldn't have too many problems.
JC
Why am I able to use such powerful abilities
but my body can't handle them? Aren't they
similar to the ones my ancestor used?
ALICE
You're forgetting that your ancestors were
gods made flesh, as the saying goes. Their
bodies were made to handle them. Our
bodies, however, are more human in setup.
Channeling that much power can have nasty side effects.
JC nods and heads over to a bar press. He grips the weight on it and lifts it with one hand. ALICE stares in amazement.
ALICE (cont.)
How are you doing that?
JC
What? Is this set to a high weight?
ALICE
JC, that weight is set for 200 pounds.
JC looks at the weight in his hand, noticing he's lifting it one-handed with hardly any effort.
JC
It's really that heavy?
ALICE looks at him with a mixture of shock and awe. There's a knock on the door to the room.
ALICE
Come in.
The door opens and a SERVANT walks in holding a large wrapped envelope.
SERVANT
Lady Belmont, this just came for you.
ALICE takes the envelope and dismisses the SERVANT, who exits off camera. ALICE opens the envelope and looks it over.
ALICE
It's the test results from the checkup we had done.
JC
Do you really trust that doctor to keep that info secret?
ALICE
The Belmont family is very influential, especially
with that clinic. Our secrets are safe with them.
ALICE and JC go to the living room and sit down. ALICE opens the file and looks over the results.
JC
(Sarcastically)
So, am I going to live?
ALICE half-smiles and shakes her head. She places the file on a coffee table and points out the various bits of info.
ALICE
According to these test results, there are many
enhancements to your physiology. You have
the vital statistics that put world class
athletes to shame. In addition, your muscle
and bone densities are off the scale.
ALICE turns a page.
ALICE (cont.)
The test of your reflexes shows that they
are also higher than average. Combine all
that with the fact that chemicals don't
seem affect you, and I'd say your body's
at the peak of human physical conditioning.
JC smiles excitedly at this
JC
Awesome! Do I get a cape? Can I pick the color?
ALICE doesn't look amused.
ALICE
This isn't a game, JC! You need to take this seriously.
JC
I've known it was serious since my family shot me in the gut.
JC and ALICE go silent as that statement sinks in. Eventually ALICE sits up and addresses JC
ALICE
I've been thinking about what you asked me last week.
JC looks at her expectantly
ALICE (cont.)
Honestly, I'm not really comfortable with you
leaving the manor grounds. Your family
hasn't given up, and they won't hold
back on account of innocent bystanders.
JC
I understand, Alice, and I'm grateful for everything
you've done for me. But I need to have some
normality in my life. Even if it's just going to a new school.
ALICE nods humbly. She gets up and goes to a closet nearby. She takes out a mid-sized backpack and brings it over.
ALICE
I know, that's why I enrolled you. You start
in a few days. In order to help you,
I had this commissioned.
ALICE gives the backpack to JC. He opens the main zipper and gapes in awe at what he sees.
ALICE (cont.)
As you know, magic still exists even in this day
and age. Many items that possess special
abilities can be acquired if you know where
to look. This is what's called a "bag of holding".
The shot cuts to looking inside the backpack. The interior looks much bigger than the bag itself.
ALICE (cont.)
When you put items into this bag, you can decide
whether it goes in the normal part or the 'holding'
part. In that part, items are totally undetectable
and won't weigh you down. And you can draw them out at will.
JC
What if someone else opens the bag?
ALICE
I've tuned the bag to work for you and
anyone in this family. Anyone else who tries
to go through it will only see the normal part.
Keep your books and everyday things in there.
JC smiles in excitement at his new possession. He stands up and slips the backpack on. He moves a bit to test it out.
JC
It feels like it's clinging to me. I barely feel the weight.
ALICE smiles
ALICE
That's another enchantment. It will connect to you in
such a way that it won't restrict your movement. You shouldn't
have any problems moving or fighting while wearing it.
JC
Thank you so much, Alice. This must have been hard to come by.
ALICE
Oh, don't worry about it.
JC looks appreciatively at her.
ALICE (cont.)
(Cheerfully)
You'll get a job and pay me back soon enough.
JC looks incredulously at her.
ALICE (cont.)
You can use that bag to take things places you normally couldn't.
JC
Like what?
ALICE goes back to the closet and takes out a short device that looks like a baton with a hand guard. Two metal prongs are at its tip.
ALICE
This is a stun baton. If anyone tries to attack
you, it has enough power to incapacitate them.
JC
But I already have a means to fight. Not
just my powers, I'm trained in hand-to combat.
ALICE
But you can't rely on those abilities alone. Over-reliance
on your powers can backfire on you. You should
be prepared for any type of situation.
JC places the baton in the backpack and zips it up.
ALICE (cont.)
In addition, you should keep anything you come
across that's useful in there. No one will
be able to take it from you, unless they
actually take the backpack away completely.
JC
How about the weapons my family's
goons use? Those would come in handy.
ALICE looks uncomfortable at this. She puts her hand on JC's shoulder.
ALICE
JC, I know you feel angry at these people.
A part of you probably wants payback.
JC
(Sarcastically)
You really think so?
ALICE
But you can't let what they did affect you like that.
It will be tough, and I encourage you to do what you need to do,
but I also want you to understand when such actions
are necessary and when they aren't. Will you at least keep that in mind?
JC ponders this for a moment. He nods his head solemnly.
JC
I understand. It's just, what they did was
horrible. I'm worried about what they will do to Judith.
ALICE
Revenge and doing what's necessary can be hard to
distinguish. I'm trusting you to use your head, and your heart.
DIANA comes in with a smile. She has JC's smartphone in here hand.
DIANA
I made some adjustments to your phone.
She takes out an earpiece and hands it to JC.
DIANA (cont.)
You now have an earpiece that links to you phone, it'll
pick up on you voice commands so you can dial
anyone anytime, as well as hear any calls
while your phone remains in your pocket.
DIANA takes the phone and gives it to JC.
DIANA (cont.)
This is my favorite: I added an app that will connect
wirelessly to nearly any data device, allowing you
to hack and access them like a pocket computer.
If the app can't hack it, I can log in remotely and do
it myself. Just make sure I'm available to do so. Cool, huh?
JC looks at his phone in appreciation.
JC
Thank you, Diana and Alice. This is
more than I could have asked for.
DIANA smiles and skips out of the room. JC goes through his phone and flips through his contact list. He sees the numbers for the BELMONTs and their helpers and smiles. Going further, he sees the numbers for his mother, father, and finally, JUDITH. He stares at them for a time and starts to look more depressed than ever. ALICE sees this and reaches into her pocket and takes out a slip of paper. She hands it to JC.
ALICE
I don't know if this will help, but hold
on to this. Read it when you feel down.
She strokes his head before getting up to leave. JC looks at the paper. It's the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley. He reads it and focuses on one of the stanzas:
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud
Under the bludgeoning of chance
My head is bloodied, but unbowed.
JC smiles slightly when he reads this. He folds it up and presses the paper to his forehead.
JC
Hang in there, sis. I'll find you soon.
CUT TO:
INT – JUDITH'S ROOM, AFTERNOON
JUDITH is sitting in her room at her desk with several books on it. She is back in street clothes. She places her hand over the book in front of her, closes her eyes and concentrates. A hum of power is heard along with a rustle of pages. JUDITH focuses harder and the hum becomes louder. Beads of sweat appear on her forehead. Eventually the noises stop and JUDITH is left breathing harder. There's a knock at her door. She wipes her brow and composes herself.
JUDITH
Come in.
The door unlocks and SARAH walks in smiling.
SARAH
How are you doing, dear?
JUDITH
I'm trying those techniques you
said. Not much luck though.
SARAH
Don't try to rush it, give it time.
JUDITH smiles appreciatively. After a moment she addresses her mom.
JUDITH
Mom, you still haven't told me why I can't leave.
SARAH
Yes, I did. Because you're special and need to be here.
JUDITH stands up.
JUDITH
That's not a reason. I had a life before you
brought me here. I went to school. I had friends.
I was on the soccer team. Why do I
have to be locked away from all that?
SARAH
Judith, you're not locked up, you're being protected.
JUDITH
Protected from what? Why won't anyone
tell me what's really going on? And how
come you haven't mentioned JC in a while?
SARAH walks over and places a hand on JUDITH's shoulder.
SARAH
Judith, I promise all will be revealed
in time. I'm asking you to trust me.
JUDITH doesn't look convinced.
SARAH (cont.)
I came here to tell you: we
need to do a physical on you.
JUDITH
(Surprised)
What? Why? I just had
one a few months ago.
SARAH
We need to check you out now that your
gifts have emerged. It won't take long.
JUDITH and SARAH walk down a series of hallways. They are metal with carpeting along the floor. JUDITH looks around taking in the layout. Soon they come to a door and enter. Inside is a full medical examination room, with chairs, a gurney, and various other medical equipment. DR. CLAY, a woman in her mid-thirties, is waiting for them.
JUDITH
Dr. Clay? What are you doing here?
Dr. Clay smiles.
I'm your physician, Judith. You've been my patient for years.
JUDITH smiles at first, but it slowly fades.
JUDITH
So you were in on this the whole time? You knew about me?
DR. CLAY
Of course. I was hoping one day you and your brother
would discover what you are. You're my favorite patients.
JUDITH doesn't look happy at that. SARAH steps in.
SARAH
Dr. Clay, are we ready to begin?
DR. CLAY
Judith, are you ready?
JUDITH looks hesitant.
JUDITH
Okay, let's get this over with.
DR. CLAY
Excellent.
DR. CLAY gets a white robe and hands it to JUDITH. She points to a partition off to the side.
DR. CLAY (cont.)
Take off your clothes and put on that robe.
JUDITH looks shocked. She looks between her and her mom.
JUDITH
Why? Do I have to?
SARAH
Judith, please honey.
JUDITH's face falls. She reluctantly goes behind the partition and hangs the robe over it. Before she starts, she takes her pendant out from under her shirt. She concentrates while holding it. It shimmers before fading from view. The shot cuts to outside the partition as she commences. Shortly, it goes silent and DR. CLAY and SARAH look confused. SARAH goes behind the partition and sees JUDITH is standing in her undergarments, trying to cover herself with her arms.
SARAH
Judith, are you okay?
JUDITH
Mom, please, I really don't want to do this.
SARAH looks very apologetic. She walks over and softly embraces her daughter. JUDITH doesn't return the hug and tenses slightly at her touch.
SARAH
Judith, sweetheart, I promise there's
nothing to be scared of. It's just an examination.
DR. CLAY clears her throat impatiently. SARAH steps back and puts her hands on JUDITH's shoulders.
SARAH (cont.)
Just bear with us, okay. It'll be over shortly.
JUDITH lowers her head in resignation. SARAH pats her cheek and walks back. The shot goes back to DR. CLAY and SARAH as JUDITH resumes. Shortly, she emerges from behind the partition tying the belt of the robe around her. The robe has short sleeves and ends just above JUDITH's knees.
DR. CLAY
Okay then, let's begin.
A montage of the examination commences. DR. CLAY takes JUDITH's weight, checks her heart rate, gives her an eye exam, tests her balance, reflexes, and takes a sample of her blood. The last part shows her handing the doctor a small container containing liquid. DR. CLAY smiles as she places in a secure cabinet.
DR. CLAY
Alright, just one more thing to do.
The three women walk over to a part that has four pillars standing in a square around each other.
DR. CLAY (cont.)
Remove your robe and stand in the middle of these scanners.
JUDITH freezes.
JUDITH
What? No, no way.
SARAH
Judith, we have to do a full body scan. It will
only take a second. Then we'll be all done.
JUDITH sighs and unties her robe. The shot switches to SARAH as JUDITH hands it to her. Discretion shots keep anyone from seeing her. JUDITH steps into the middle of the scanners and stands still.
DR. CLAY
Very good, now keep your arms to you sides.
JUDITH stands there as the scan begins. She follows DR. CLAY's instructions and turns when prompted. All the while the discretion shot shows her with a miserable look on her face. The scan soon finishes and SARAH drapes the robe around JUDITH's shoulders. JUDITH quickly wraps the robe around her and scampers away. The next shows her just finishing redressing. She goes to leave when DR. CLAY approaches her. She hands her a purple lollipop. JUDITH looks at her incredulously.
DR. CLAY
It's grape. Your favorite flavor.
JUDITH hesitantly takes the lollipop.
JUDITH
(Sarcastically)
Thanks.
JUDITH quickly exits the lab and heads back down the hallways to her room. SARAH follows a few steps behind. A few feet from the room she calls out to JUDITH.
SARAH
Judith, is something wrong?
JUDITH turns to her mother with an exasperated look.
JUDITH
My own mother just made her teenage daughter
strip down for an involuntary medical exam.
JUDITH turns and heads towards her room.
JUDITH (cont.)
It was cold in there too.
JUDITH enters her room and closes the door. She shudders when she hears the door lock behind her. She looks at the lollipop before tossing it into the wastebasket. She sits on the bed, brings her knees to her chest and wraps her arms around them.
JUDITH
Calm down, just breathe. That wasn't too
bad. They didn't hurt me. I…I can deal with this.
JUDITH rolls onto her side. She reaches up and the pendant reappears around her neck. She grips it tightly.
JUDITH (cont.)
JC is going to freak out if he finds out about this.
CUT TO:
INT – BELMONT MANOR, LATE AFTERNOON
JC is sitting in the living room reading a book. Suddenly he sits up and an image of DR. CLAY flashes across the screen. A horrified looks come across his face.
JC
Dr. Clay…
FADE OUT