Desperado – Season 1, Episode 15: The Gift of Rage

To rescue Elio from the demon locked inside the safehouse, Talia gave up her body to obtain Samedi’s help. Down in the basement, they found Elio infected with the red plague and must now act quick to retrieve Catrina once and for all.

You can find more information, including our full cast list and transcripts, at DesperadoRadio.com.

Credits:

Written and produced by Samy Souissi

  • Elio – Samy Souissi
  • Shinji – Tibet Boyer
  • Talia – Tami Ige
  • Baron Samedi – AJ Bediako
  • Samar – Kawtar Morchadi
  • Zylla – Caroline Mincks
  • Joan – Emma Blacklay-Piech
  • Asher – Patrick Hutcherson

Additional voice work by A.R. Olivieri, Tal Minear, and Brad Colbrook.

Transcript

Previously in Desperado…

To rescue Elio from the demon locked inside the safehouse, Talia gave up her body to obtain Samedi’s help, and must now act quick to retrieve Catrina once and for all…

SFX: intro music

ELIO

(To Talia)

You know, when you- When he… called the spear back to him – The Baron… I saw him. He smiled at me and it was… perfect. Assured and sincere, you could see it in his eyes as well, in the way he walked- it said “You’re gonna be fine.” It was just like that night on top of the pyramid. And if you could understand how desperate I was for that feeling. If it weren’t for the crystal in my blood I think I would have dropped to my knees. But it just didn’t let me. 

So much power… So close to my claws…

SFX: the ‘shiiinnnng’ as Talia withdraws her blade from the demon

BARON SAMEDI

(In Talia’s voice/body)

It’s nothing personal really. Just a tough world out there. Make one mistake and your friend gets exorcized – and then the guilt, little man, like clockwork. Making her stand there, powerless against… lightning and poetry. What you’ve done to her soul in a week, I’ve tried to achieve for months.

SFX: The crystal activates and Elio jumps at Samedi

SFX: Samar’s mist appears. Swords draw.

SAMAR

Don’t.

ELIO

Samar…?

SAMAR

We’ll fix this- I promise, but-

BARON SAMEDI

(amused)

“This?”- Patronizing little bitch.

SAMAR

Maybe we’ll fix that now, actually.

BARON SAMEDI

Oh, try me, Scheherazade.

ELIO

The Baron brought his weapon a little higher.

SAMAR

What is that supposed to do?

BARON SAMEDI

Prideful little thing, isn’t she?

ELIO

He looked past Samar, and at me. 

BARON SAMEDI

It stabs, my dear. Some better than others…

ELIO

He wasn’t aiming for her…

BARON SAMEDI

(laughing)

The look on your faces – You’d think I just locked you in with a demon and left you to die.

ELIO

It’s not what happened.

BARON SAMEDI

No, of course not. She knows what she’s doing. She would never forget that you’re… a foreigner.

Never assume that what she was taught about fear is universal. Presume that adults everywhere, train their kids to keep a steady heart… against what lurks in the dark. No, she would never mistake a cultural trait for common sense, and send you to your death. A lost, godless believer, all doubts and dread… against a fearborne. I mean look at the size of that thing! You fed it just by yourself. It’s remarkable!

SFX: Shinji whooshes in.

SHINJI

Guys! (gasp)

ELIO

Shinji stay back!

SHINJI

What happened to your face…?

ELIO

I’m okay, just stay away from him-

BARON SAMEDI

(chuckling, amused)

Oh for fuck sake! Don’t we all want the same thing? Just help me kill the Old Man and you can have your friend back? Speaking of… where the fuck is Catrina?

SHINJI

Guys! …I think Asher just got called in. 

ELIO

When was that?

SHINJI

Just now.

ELIO

No. No, no! We were supposed to have a week!

BARON SAMEDI

And you wasted 2 days making this place demon proof, huh? Rough. Anyway! I’m driving! 

SFX: footsteps as Samedi walks away

ELIO

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck-

SHINJI

Was that a joke?

ELIO

We can’t leave Talia like that!

SAMAR

And we won’t. But for now she’s made her choice.

SHINJI

There has to be something!

SAMAR

Not tonight, no. And frankly, we’ll need all the help we can get.

SHINJI

How can you say that!

SFX: footsteps as Samedi comes back down the stairs.

BARON SAMEDI

Hey, I don’t have the keys.

SAMAR

You’re not driving. Let’s go!

SFX: Seatbelts click.

SHINJI

That was the weirdest car ride of my life.

ELIO

Samar took the wheel, Samedi/Talia in the passenger seat, while Shinji and I sat in the back.

SFX: car drives down the road at speed

SHINJI

And now what?!

SAMAR

I’ll sense it! We get away from London and I can safely project myself. I’ll find them!

ELIO

Did Asher leave?

SHINJI

No, still in the flat – Elio you have CLAWS!

ELIO

I know, I know, it’s not a big deal, it’s fine- I got it under control – okay? It’s just- A little trick, I learned… it’s all gonna workout once we get my goddess back.

SHINJI

Samar?

SAMAR

He’s gonna be okay sweetie!

SHINJI

What happened to you?

ELIO

What happened to you?! Talia? Because I went in, did my thing, and suddenly he’s here and the world’s falling apart!

BARON SAMEDI

It’s not falling apart, it’s coming together. If there’s one thing that little devil knows, it’s timing.

SAMAR

You’re reading too much into it.

BARON SAMEDI

And you have no idea who he is.

SAMAR

If he was that powerful we wouldn’t have to do this.

BARON SAMEDI

He’s never questioned his powers, little girl. His Lady has no moral, friends or foes. Luck doesn’t care who loses. As long as she wins.

(deep sigh)

…Yes. It really takes the fun out of calling people idiots when they actually are.

(Shinji laughs.)

ELIO

(To Shinji)

Dude…

SHINJI

Sorry. I-I’m nervous – it caught me off guard.

BARON SAMEDI

Not one, not two… three gods were disposed of… at once. All outside the circus of course, because nothing matters more… than to keep it safe. And you wouldn’t believe the chain of events it started! The witches, the crystal, the timing – And of course, the queer serendipity of fucking the perfect guy to spy on. Which bring us all here, going exactly where we should be. You gave 3 cards to the goddess of luck and expected her not to play them?

SAMAR

Trust a god to make you think you’re just a pawn.

BARON SAMEDI

Trust one to know when he is. Wanna bet?

SAMAR

What do I get?

BARON SAMEDI

Humility.

SAMAR

Not interested.

SHINJI

I think Asher just left.

SFX: we are transported to a vault in the S.C.U. Four agents are gathered around Catrina’s crystal, waiting. We hear footsteps approaching, then a heavy metal door opens.

JOAN

I appreciate your swiftness, Agents . And I understand you were not expecting my call until next week, but I dare venture the three of you are ready?

SFX: Military salute.

Good. Zylla, you’re lead, Eric’s your wingman. Asher and I cover the right flank.

ASHER

Understood.

JOAN

10 minutes, let’s go.

SFX: Driving sounds. Fast.

ELIO

If they leave now we’ll never intercept them!

SHINJI

I can.

SAMAR

No. We don’t split. Not again.

ELIO

Zylla knows! Her crusaders won’t even have to cover potential routes! They’ll know exactly where to be! All of them!

SFX: Footsteps in the vault.

JOAN

No sword, Thompson?

SHINJI

Joan approached, the Kalsara locked away inside a crate she carried on her back.

ASHER

Dusk path, madame. Haven’t used a blade since the Academy trials.

JOAN

I had you pinned as Dawn, with all the languages. You seem like the type to tinker with their brain.

ASHER

We tend to play with… others instead.

JOAN

Right. Perception weaver?

ASHER

Craftsman, yes.

JOAN

(dismissive)

Yeah, they change the name every other year. Were you taught by Coleman?

ASHER

No, he – He left, the year before I got in.

JOAN

Dodged a bullet there. Eric, what is the wind saying tonight?

ERIC

How much it misses the ocean, madam.

JOAN

Perfect. If we ride along the coast, it’ll carry us right through. Ask your question Thompson, I can hear your heartbeat from here.

ASHER

Oh- Misplaced curiosity, madam. I wouldn’t bother you with it. (a beat as Joan waits.)

They say you killed him. Professor Coleman.

JOAN

I did. Day after I graduated. Some people you just don’t… craft – with.

ASHER

I can tell you nobody missed him much.

JOAN 

Oh they did and they do. That’s why I ask. Zylla! Lead the way.

SFX: Winds 

SHINJI

Can you sense anything yet?

SAMAR

I’m a bit busy!

BARON SAMEDI

I offered to drive.

ELIO

How long till we get there?

SAMAR

There to what? The trap?! I don’t know!

SHINJI

Stop the car.

BARON SAMEDI

Oh, that’s brave!

SHINJI

Stop the car!

SFX: Door opens. Shinji flies off. Car drifts. Comes to a halt.

SAMAR

(sighs)

…Idiot.

BARON SAMEDI

See? No fun.

SFX: winds stop and we return to the studio

SHINJI

I did jump out of the car, didn’t I?

ELIO

Pretty tame compared to the rest of the night.

TALIA

Alright, I’m ready. Been ready. Give me all the insight. What was going on inside your head, loverboy? Risking your life for a guy you just met.

SHINJI

… He was kind to me.

TALIA

And?

SHINJI

And maybe it’s enough.

TALIA

…You know… Maybe it is.

SHINJI

And had this… feeling, again. Like with Kasumi. Joan, Elio… I knew what it meant. I just wanted it to stop.

SFX: Howling winds once more

JOAN

Thompson.

ASHER

Yes, madam?

SHINJI

She didn’t say anything else, but he understood. 

There’s a… a stigma, among witches, about the Dawn Path. People often think of it as… archaic. For brutes, people with no imagination, no real power. And, supposedly, the Dawn Path is a lot less challenging. It’s easier to gain muscle than to conjure a storm so… Asher once told me that nobody chooses the Dawn, you end up there. 

Except for Joan. There hasn’t been a Dawn witch like Joan in decades. Someone who understood there was a lot more to the human body than strength or speed. At the Academy, they thought her ears were so keen she could hear people’s thoughts. See through walls and shit like that. Truth is, they weren’t that far off. 

Emotions manifest in so many, infinitely subtle ways. Heartbeat, tone, sweat, posture- those are the big ones, the obvious ones. But for someone with the right eyes, the right ears… can you imagine how much more there is? 

That night, as the four of them were flying above a forest, somewhere between London and Salisbury… something caught Joan’s attention.

Could have been anything… just an instinct…

She glanced at Zylla and saw her… … waiting. Pent up like a runner. Was it just the mission? Or… And then- 

SFX: Howling winds. Projectile whooshes through the air.

JOAN

Get down!

SFX: It hits something with a flash.

SHINJI

With Joan it was matter over mind. She had spent years developing her abilities and she knew many of them belonged entirely to her subconscious. There was no need to analyze. If her gut said jump… She jumped.

SHINJI (CONT’D)

And a blazing light surged from the forest. A golden star, meant to blind the agents so Zylla could make her move. The flare ignited as the inquisitor threw her weapon. Guided by faith, the blade flew in a perfect circle, killing the one named Eric almost immediately. But Joan had already leaped, taking Asher down with her. The sword cut through their empty gliders, then came back to Zylla.

JOAN

Hold on!

SHINJI

Joan’s body became incredibly dense… 

SFX: Fall. Earth crumbles.

The impact turned the ground to sand in an instant. Joan broke both her legs and probably a few other things… but Asher was completely unharmed.

ASHER

Are you okay?

JOAN

She destroyed the gliders…

ASHER

Communications are down too- Where’s Eric?

JOAN

Thompson… listen to me. I need to heal. I won’t be able to move for a few minutes. Take this, and run.

SHINJI

She had already dropped her backpack, and shoved the crate in his arm.

ASHER

The debris can’t be far, we can mend one of the gliders and-

JOAN

There’s no time!

SHINJI

Voices echoed through the forest, searching for them.

JOAN

GO!

SHINJI

And Asher started running.

SFX: Running. Asher disappears in the forest.

SFX: Glider whooshes and lands.

ZYLLA

(smugly)

Great form, “madam”. The landing could use some work.

JOAN

You call that an ambush? 1 out of 3? Pathetic.

SHINJI

A group of five crusaders emerged from the darkness, swords and rifles at hand.

PRIOR JACKSON

Lady Zylla…

ZYLLA

Prior Jackson! You never disappoint.

PRIOR JACKSON

Lord willing.

ZYLLA

Where are the rest of your men?

PRIOR JACKSON

After the crystal, Inquisitor.

ZYLLA

Call them back… We found it.

PRIOR JACKSON

But-

ZYLLA

The box is empty. Can you not sense its wicked presence?

SFX: Blade hisses through the air 

SHINJI

Zylla hurled her weapon. The great blade hissed through the air, dancing on the edge of the Kyteler point… 

SFX: surge of power

JOAN

What is this…?

Power surged from the crystal. The blood loss made her hunch her forward, hands on the ground…

The cost had never been so high during any of the tests.

ELIO

Relatable.

SHINJI

On the edge of consciousness, Joan saw her enemies closing in, and with all the strength she had left, she whispered:

JOAN

Don’t close your eyes in the darkest night, don’t turn away from that dreadful sight-

Bind this pain to my voice, let them hear… my MIGHT!

SFX: Banshee scream, surge of wind.

SHINJI

The three closest soldiers died instantly, and the fourth in agony, much later. The soundwave ruptured lungs and brains at once. Only Zylla and her lieutenant were left standing, ears bleeding. Drained of all strength, Joan collapsed on the ground.

SFX: Body hits the dirt.

CRUSADER

Inquisitor!

SHINJI

The rest of Zylla’s troops had arrived. A dozen crusaders total.

ZYLLA

I’m fine! Bring me that crystal… And then her tongue.

SHINJI

Goddess, they cut her fucking tongue…

PRIOR JACKSON

Isn’t it a beautiful night for a fire, Lady Zylla?

ZYLLA

No. The emperor has questions for her. Where is Miller’s unit?

RANDOM CRUSADER

They’re about to engage the fugitive. Should I call them back?

ZYLLA

Let them have him. Best not to leave any witnesses. Move up!

SFX: Running and heavy breathing. Machine gunfire.

SHINJI

Asher heard the first gunshots and resolved to hide. It was never supposed to be that kind of mission. He wasn’t a field agent. He had no protection charms, no trinkets, nothing to shield him against bullets. He heard the men running towards him, calling and whistling like to a lost puppy. He braced himself… hoping he wasn’t too out of practice… but then-

SFX: WOOSH.

CRUSADER 1

What was that?

CRUSADER 2

I… I saw a shadow

CRUSADER 1

Stay alert! He’s still a warlock.

SHINJI

There were five of them… And then there were four.

SFX: Shinji dives lightning fast. The Crusaders don’t see him. We merely hear the slicing of his wings.

CRUSADER 4

Look out!

SFX: Slash.

SHINJI

I barely felt the difference. My wings cut through flesh like they did the wind. I dropped from the sky aiming for a head, and suddenly… I had split a man in half. And on to the next one. 

SFX: Slash.

My wings punctured a heart, a stomach, slashed a throat – and now they were two…

SFX: Four rapid fire gunshots.

I shot the fourth one, pivoted slightly. And following my  lead, the wings dug into-

SFX: Shield deploys with a ‘shiiinnnng’.

A shield. A massive metal plate covered in holy scripture. All my momentum was sent back to me and my wings vanished in a flash of pain, throwing me to the ground. The crusader let down his shield and drew back his other arm, sword ready to fly.

And then… he froze. 

SFX: Finger snaps… once… twice… three… four… five… slowly fading out.

Petrified by that sound, a snap of a finger that went right through my brain, and echoed a thousand times in the air, becoming a note… low and monotonous, numbing my soul. I think… I think I thought about turning around, but the idea was gone as soon as it appeared. Washed away by… by what had turned into music.

SFX: Howling winds and whispers

ASHER

(his voice echoing slightly with each word)

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan, a stately pleasure-dome decree: Where Alph, the sacred river ran through caverns measureless to man, down to a sunless sea.

SHINJI

Asher covered my eyes with his hands and brought me closer to him. He carried on… shielding me from the paradise he spoke off.

ASHER

There were gardens bright with sinuous rills, and forests ancient as the hills. Could I revive within me, This savage place and greenery? I would sigh once, so quietly… At last! Serenity.

SHINJI

Asher’s hand closed around mine, lift up my arm… 

SFX: Gun cocks. Large orchestral swell. Deep breath…

SFX: Gunshot rings out with an echo. Shield deactivates. Body thuds to the ground.

The Dusk knowledge is to witchcraft what Chaos Theory is to mathematics. The study of willpower’s very essence, its components… A sound, an idea… and how they interact. To potentially understand what each facet of this power can do. The rhymes lose meaning, but the spells grow more and more intricate. Lies and poems come to life, luring their victims into dreams… and to nightmares.

Asher brought his hands to my shoulders and turned me around. A strange… iciness, to his expression. His voice had kept steady, his breathing slow, and the bullet hit right between the eyes. Not a field agent, but… still S.C.U.

ASHER

What are you doing here?

SHINJI

Are you okay?

ASHER

No! Of course I’m not okay- what are you doing here?

SFX: Samar teleport

SAMAR

Yeah, what the fuck dude?!

ASHER

(gasp)

SHINJI

It’s okay! It’s okay! She’s a friend.

SAMAR

Not for long if you keep doing that.

SHINJI

We’re here to help.

ASHER

How did you find me? Who are you?!

SAMAR

(interrupting)

Long story, where’s Joan?

SHINJI

I noticed the box at Asher’s feet, and asked:

Is that-?

SAMAR

No, it’s empty.

ASHER

What?

SAMAR

There was only you two when I anchored. The crystal is somewhere else.

SHINJI

Asher opened the crate at once… and then dropped it, stunned.

ASHER

She kept it…

SAMAR

Typical.

SHINJI

Where are the others?

SAMAR

About ten minutes away.

ASHER

Others?

SHINJI

Alternative witchcraft, remember… There’s a few of us.

SFX: punch. Shinji grunts.

SAMAR

Be quiet, you narc.

SFX: running

BARON SAMEDI

(far away)

Did we miss the party?

SHINJI

That was a fast ten…

SAMAR

I have no concept of distance.

BARON SAMEDI

Aw, man. You got them all!

SAMAR

Where’s the car?

ELIO

In a tree.

SAMAR

The- For fuck sake!

ASHER

(recognizing Elio)

You…?

ELIO

Have we met?

BARON SAMEDI

Oh, is that the boyfriend? Nice.

SAMAR

The crusaders. How did they get here?

ELIO

Their transport must be somewhere.

BARON SAMEDI

Only one way to find out.

ASHER

You want to go after them?!

SAMAR

See the two swords in the back? Take a hint.

ASHER

Those are crusaders! –

BARON SAMEDI

Hey! The big one had cars key in his pocket!

SAMAR

You two, let’s go. Shinji, be quick.

ELIO

Samar ran off, Samedi and I after her.

ASHER

If we get out of range from whatever’s jamming my radio I can call for reinforcements – Shinji, you have no idea what these people are capable of!

SHINJI

I owe it to my wings. I need to do what they were meant for. So just… stay safe… please.

ELIO

Samar’s instinct had been right. We found the clearing where Joan had fallen, and the crater dug by her scream.

BARON SAMEDI

Oh, this is going to be fun.

ELIO

Didn’t take us long to find the dead crusader’s truck. And this time, the Baron drove as Samar tried to locate Catrina.

SAMAR

…South. Towards the sea.

BARON SAMEDI

I love the beach!

SHINJI

They must have a ship.

BARON SAMEDI

Ooh, Sherlock’s on fire tonight.

SFX: Howling winds and crashing waves.

PRIOR JACKSON

The witch is bound and the crystal secured.

ZYLLA

What about Miller’s unit?

PRIOR JACKSON

We’ve… lost contact.

ZYLLA

That Warlock had more in him than I thought. Let’s leave before the rest of them get wind of this. (a beat) Wait…

CRUSADER 

Lady Zylla?

ZYLLA

Set sail immediately. Protect the crystal! She’s coming…

SFX: winds die down

ELIO

When we arrived the ship had almost vanished, lights off in the dark ocean. Zylla was waiting on the shore, a sword in each hand. 

SFX: Whooshing wind. Landing.

SAMAR

Shinji, the Kalsara is on that boat, find it. Elio, you and the bastard are with me.

BARON SAMEDI

Him and who?

SAMAR

You heard me. And Shinji? Give in. All you have to worry about is breathing.

SHINJI

Ok.

ELIO

Shinji took off. 

SFX: Flying off.

We saw Zylla look up from where she was, then raise her blade to the sky… and duck.

SFX: SPEAR.

BARON SAMEDI

Look away and you’ll miss the show, little girl.

ELIO

Before she could aim her weapon, Samedi’s spear narrowly missed her. And Shinji was gone.

Samar materialized above Zylla, swords drawn…

SFX: Samar teleport.

…and their blades clashed once more. Using his oldest trick, Samedi recalled his weapon from behind Zylla, but his target side-stepped, and the spear almost impaled Samar instead.

SFX: Whoosh of Samedi recalling his weapon before Samar disappears into her Mist.

SAMAR

What are you doing?!

BARON SAMEDI

No need to be so dramatic.

ELIO

But the Baron kept his spear in hand this time, while both him and I dodged a flying sword. Zylla had let go of her weapons entirely, bringing iron to life. The gigantic weapons became a whirlwind of death around her, forcing the Baron and Samar to retreat… But the swords followed. The inquisitor fought the both of them at once, rooted in place by her own focus.

ELIO (CONT’D)

… And I saw my opening. I lunged forward…

SFX: attack and land

…and dug my claws in her armor, the crystal brought to frenzy by the scent of power. It barely made a dent. Zylla locked my arm in place, smiling. A quiver went through the ground… 

SFX: dirt crumbles and breaks apart

Four blades emerged from the sand

SFX: Four sharp, rapid cuts through the air.

ZYLLA

And when the Lord delivers them to you… Show them no mercy.

SFX: Swords fly.

SAMAR

ELIO!

SFX : Wind… flight.

SHINJI

(internal dialogue)

– Come on, come on – Higher – Where are you…? There! The boat! How many of them on the bridge? 6-7? Too many. You can’t turn back- It’s too many! Stop this! – Breathe, breathe-

SFX: Deep breathing.

(narration)

During Elio’s reeducation, Samar had invited me to meditate along with them. I used to find it a bit scary at first. Something about trying to keep a quiet mind was… It’s the opposite of what I’ve always done, really. Stay distracted so the memories can’t catch up… the- the wings, they- they stay hidden, but… Samar insisted. And – to be fair, she also put something in my tea to help me relax before our 2nd session – because the first one didn’t go so well… 

After that it was easier. And flying became easier as well. I could trust my wings. I could feel the spirit’s suggestions without fearing them. I had suppressed it for so long that… it was just… my nature? Before I learned to breathe. Let the fear crash on the shore of my mind… And stay. Until it washes away. 

In…. And out. And finally. A voice.

SHINIGAMI

Nana Korobi, ya oki.

SHINJI

A proverb that I haven’t heard since I was back home. 

Fall down seven times, get up, eight.

My heart slowed down, loosening my shoulders…

In… and out…

SFX: Wind steadily beating beneath his wings.

SFX: Death dive.

Heart…

SFX: Slash.

Yes! 

SFX: Slash. Slash. Slash. Pained groans.

(Deep breathing)

Good. Now the crystal.

I ran inside the ship, stepped into a corridor, and-

CRUSADER

Intruder!

SFX: Badass superhero-like music. Gunshots. They thunk as if against metal.

SHINJI

My wings wrapped around me instinctively, and… that’s how I found out they were bulletproof.

CRUSADER

Protect the crystal!

SFX: Wing slash. Guard grunts.

SHINJI

I went after the voice and down to the hold…

SFX: Wing slashes. Grunts. Fuck ‘em up, Shinji!

…disposed of two more crusaders, one of whom tried to shield a crate with his body- which… you guessed it, was what I was looking for. 

SFX: crate breaks open. c

I took the crystal out and stopped for a moment, exhaled… The way it hummed in my hands felt like a smile. I heard something move behind me…

SFX: chains rattle.

…turned around, and held back my wings at the last moment. Wounded and broken, chained in a dark corner, was Joan. She was still alive! But I couldn’t carry her… Instead I cut the gag from her mouth and she took a deep breath in relief.

JOAN

(deep inhale)

SHINJI

Break free.

SFX: Flight.

And I left. There was probably more than a dozen men on that ship, but… I wasn’t gonna try my luck any further.

SFX: Drum heavy music. We return to the beach…

ZYLLA

And when the Lord delivers them to you…. Show them no mercy.

SFX: Swords.

SAMAR

Elio!

ELIO

A millisecond later and I think I’d be dead. But something pushed me out of the way.

SFX: collision.

Asher’s glider rammed my body at full speed, throwing me to the ground. Arrived at the scene, the warlock had dismounted in mid-air and hurled the wooden frame like a missile. Broke most of my ribs at once, but at least I was in one piece. Couldn’t say the same about the glider.

ASHER

Come on, I just fixed it!

ZYLLA

(warcry)

ELIO

Another blade thrown at me, but Samar intervened.

SFX: Mist and clang.

ASHER

Stones and sand, obey my hand. (echoing) Obey… obey…

ELIO

Still prone on the ground, I felt the sand latch on to my leg, then yank me towards Asher.

SFX: Swords and sand flying.

…Zylla carried on her assaults, but the sand rose and crashed all around, shielding me entirely. 

SFX: Sand shield deploys.

…So she went for Asher… but Samar was quicker.

SFX: Swords clashing. Spear. It lands in its target with a squishy thud.

BARON SAMEDI

I said don’t look away!

ELIO

The Ivory blade threw the inquistor back into the water, impaling her on the shore. Samedi recalled his weapon and Zylla’s body sunk under the waves.

SFX: Swoosh as Samedi recalls his blade

BARON SAMEDI

Can you believe this? Who the fuck wouldn’t keep an eye on me? How’s the little toy doing?

ELIO

(pained)

Shut…the fuck up.

ASHER

Hard to tell, but it’s not looking good.

SAMAR

Boys… Not over yet.

ELIO

Her dark hair covering her face… the inquisitor rose from the sea.

ZYLLA

(to herself)

Lord, if you wish to test me, I’m ready.

ELIO

A golden aura flared all around her, mending her wounds before our very eyes. Her weapons flocked back to her, and started rotating faster and faster. A ring of carnage, through which the light pulsed… sending a burning wind against the shore.

SFX: Spinning blades.

BARON SAMEDI

Hmmm… This is a problem.

SFX: Shockwave.

ELIO

…And the wheel came for us. The sand wall Asher tried to raise didn’t even slow it down. 

SFX: Sand hits the blades, but it doesn’t affect their speed. They keep spinning and flying through the air, slicing through the sand like wind. 

It would have torn through Samedi’s bones and my crystal skin just as easily. However, amidst the wind, the sand, and the lightshow… 

Something we hadn’t noticed was… Shinji. Who had landed right behind me, the Kalsara in hand.

SFX: Landing. Spinning.

SHINJI

Hey.

SFX: Spinning intensifies. Crystal sound. BLOOD SHIELD. Music stops.

SHINJI (CONT’D)

Elio’s Kalsara absorbed Catrina’s essence immediately, returning the goddess back to him.

ELIO

It was… so much stronger than the first time. The world exploded. In black and crimson a column of smoke engulfed the shore, lifting me in the air. The blood shield dispersed Zylla’s sword like straws in the wind. Most of them broke on impact. And it was all here… The memories, the joy and glory and the… the pride. The terrible, terrible pride of a wounded goddess. The crystal on my skin turned to ash, consumed by Catrina to heal my bruises and harden the shield.

SHINJI

And give you a suit? Apparently? What is it called again? With the short jacket and the ornamented pants?

ELIO

A charro- And you know that was armor right?

SHINJI

The suit?

ELIO

Yeah. Blood.

SHINJI

I mean, you looked very… Mexican.

ELIO

I… I try.

SHINJI

I’m not sure you remember, but as you came down, Samedi offered a hand.

You twirled closer to him. I… I don’t really think you were… completely there anymore.

BARON SAMEDI/TALIA

As lovely as ever, sister.

ELIO/CATRINA

Tell me, Baron… what is it we do best?

SAMAR

Hey, can I help you?

ELIO/CATRINA

…Oh, yes, I like her. Will you dance with us, mist-walker?

SHINJI

Samar tossed one of her blades to Elio, and said:

SAMAR

About time you ask.

SFX: Mist.

SHINJI

Then vanished. Samedi aimed his spear, I deployed my wings, and… Elio… You just- you just winked.

SFX: Mist.

ELIO

Zylla had been waiting for us… down to three swords. The Baron’s spear suddenly tore through the red smoke and the inquisitor crossed two of her weapons to parry…

SFX: Spear flies. Swords ring.

…leaving an opening in her back… Where Samar reappeared.

Zylla’s third blade narrowly blocked the assault – gave her time to disengage – so she could send another to keep Shinji away. She blocked, and dodged, and stalled her demise, quite admirably, honestly. All the while I just… walked. She made the mistake of glancing at me and Samar struck.

SFX: Slash.

ELIO 

The spear followed, pushing her healing abilities to their limit. Still… she kicked Samar away, called the blade to her hand, and turned to face me. 

SFX: Blades flying, slashing.

ELIO (CONT’D)

She had swung a bit too hard, not expecting resistance. And the aftershock broke her guard wide open. I stopped aside from a falling sword, leaned back… let another one flew over me, and again.

SFX: Blades whoosh past him and thunk into surfaces.

I’m personally not mad about Crusaders healing abilities. It means they can bleed… 

A lot.

SFX: Blades slashing.

With each strike, it became clearer. I could feel the voices guiding my eyes, criticizing her form. This muscle memory transcended generations. In a final burst of rage, Zylla sent all her weapons after me.

SFX: Blades fly. Blood shield deploys.

My heart faltered. My hands grew cold. But still I took one last step… 

…And axed her head.

SFX: Slash. Squishy thud. Quiet. Body falls. 

SFX: Waves. 

SAMAR

That was a lot.

SHINJI

I don’t think she’ll grow that back.

ELIO

The red mist left my eyes and Catrina receded. I saw Samar relax a little more. Shinji jumped to embrace me.

SHINJI

You got me worried for a second there.

ELIO

And for a moment… we thought we won. 

But some pawns you can’t take, without Him noticing.

SFX: Lightning, light-beam, deep choir.

ELIO

We all felt it… the second before it struck. Pure… dread.  

A crackle of energy in the air. Let there be light. The Old man’s eye ignited in the sky. All the way from across the ocean… eclipsing the moon. 

We were… petrified. We knew… 

We- we just knew there was nothing we could do. We could feel the weight of centuries behind that power. Winds and clouds gathered together, stirring thunder and enraging the ocean. The mother of all storms was about to strike… and there was nowhere to run… 

OLD MAN

(in an ominous, disembodied voice)

…I SEE YOU…

ELIO

And… people don’t get it. 

People know fear, and even panic for some of them… but… doom? That feeling saying there’s nothing you can do… but cower… 

When you believe you’re about to die… you start wanting to… 

Just to make it stop.

SAMAR

Elio… you fought this before, you’re not powerless.

SFX: Hug.

…I’m your anchor, remember?

ELIO

She took my face between her hands, and kissed me. But the terror didn’t disappear, just shifted. Why was she still here? She could escape, she could live! Why?

…I told her, I said:

No. You have to go!

SAMAR

Your shield, Elio.

ELIO

(voice cracking)

No blood. No blood. There’s not enough blood in this world for-

SAMAR

Blood is nothing without sacrifice.

ELIO

(breath shaking, trying not to get emotional)

And… s-she put a dagger… in my hands…

SAMAR

Honor your gods, Elio. Like they demand.

SFX: Elio’s fingers creak around the dagger’s handle as Samar pushes it into his hand. 

ELIO

No… No! I won’t let you-

SAMAR

I choose where I go.

ELIO

(breathing heavily)

I just found you…

SAMAR

Elio, look at me. — We’ll have lifetimes.

SFX: winds and thunder rage outside.

…I’ll ask only one thing. Do you hear me?

ELIO

(Elio sobs. He knows what he has to do.)

Stop… Please stop…

SAMAR

Return my swords to my family. Return them red, with His blood. Promise me.

ELIO

(breath shaking, in tears)

On my name, and yours… I swear it.

SAMAR

Thank you. Now hold me close. And say your prayer.

SFX: Embrace.

ELIO

Awaken, Mother…. Bind us in your embrace…. And save the flesh of new… with the blood of old.

SFX: Waves crash. Storm intensifies. BURSTS. Then quiet…

…A pillar of lightning descended. Sand turned to glass. The waves evaporated, and everything else became ash. The eye let go of the clouds and the moon returned with the ocean.

SFX: softly crashing waves

Samar was gone… her strength given to the shield. Body claimed by the mist she was born in… 

And we lived.

TALIA

And I wasn’t even there…

SHINJI

Can’t say I was either.

ELIO

Maybe it’s for the best. 

TALIA

…She would have loved doing this.

SHINJI

Yeah-

ELIO

(chuckling)

No, she would have been so bored. (sniffle) I mean who knows, honestly- Maybe. Do you mind if I-

SHINJI

Yeah. Yeah, no – I’ll finish up.

ELIO

Thanks.

TALIA

I’ll come with.

SFX: Door closes.

SHINJI

…We started this because… the truth has to be passed on… So this never happens again. That night, is why we left England… and went after the Old Man once and for all.

It might be a while before we get to tell the rest of this story, but… there’s one last thing you need to know about…

…About Joan.

SFX: whoosh as Shinji lands.

(Shinji’s voice in the cell)

Break free!

SFX: He quickly takes off and flies away.

JOAN

(inner thought)

No! No! …NO!… Get up. Get up, Marlowe. Swim back to the shore. Get out of here!

SHINJI

But she couldn’t… 

All the will in the world could not replace the blood she had lost. And so they came down to the hull… attached her again… starved her for days… 

In this hell she came to hate… me. Because my words played in her head for days on end…becoming cruel, and mocking –

“…Break free.”

SHINJI (CONT’D)

And with those words, my hands… I tend to sign when I talk. So many hours spent practicing, it became a habit. And while most people think a rhyme is the only way to cast a spell… the Dusk archives argue against that. Is power in the idea? Or the language?

Or did centuries of traditions accidentally wire our brains that way? And is it possible… to go further?

SHINJI

Joan brought her hands together, and signed the word from memory. 

JOAN

Break.

SHINJI

…But nothing. The chains were not even scratched.

JOAN

Come on… BREAK!

SFX: Gasp. Waves. The boat creaks and strains. Joan lets out a primal scream. Waves surge and crash as the boat breaks. The storm rages and overtakes the craft, suspensful music playing as the storm dies down and the waves become softer…

SHINJI

Hours later, her fingers still holding on to a floating wreck, Joan washed up on American shores.

SFX: siren song-like outro music

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