TPM: Twelve Past Midnight

Episode 19: When it's Needed

EPISODE 19

“WHEN IT'S NEEDED”

RECAP 

OPENING CREDITS 

FADE IN 

EXT. INTERROGATION ROOM 

JARED sits in a ROOM covered in HEX SPELLS, WARDED MAGIC, and other means of confinement as JARED'S WRISTS and ANKLES are bound as CHARLES stands beside SHANE who was looking into the room as TERESA comes over and shows BENJAMIN a DATAPAD. 

CHARLES 

You sure about this? 

SHANE

Are you going to keep asking me? I told you I can handle it. 

CHARLES 

Just needing to be sure. 

SHANE 

Where's everybody at? 

CHARLES 

I got AUSTIN going to get EMMA for an assignment, ANTHONY should be here soon. 

SHANE 

Sure those two can handle it alone? 

CHARLES 

AUSTIN says they can. 

SHANE 

Okay, what's the plan? 

TERESA

We need everything we can get, we need motive, locations, explanations. 

BENJAMIN 

The name of his mole. 

CHARLES 

Anything he can give us. 

SHANE

You make it all sound so easy. 

TERESA 

He's going to try and get into your head, twist you around, throw things at you that you don't need to know. 

SHANE 

I know the guy. 

TERESA 

How? 

SHANE

I just do. 

TERESA 

a lot is riding on this, twelve past midnight...

SHANE

It's SHANE. 

TERESA 

Regardless. You need to keep your head on, if you start to c***k, I'll pull you out and I'll put someone else in there who can handle it. 

CHARLES 

Not the time for this. 

TERESA

I am just laying out the stakes. 

BENJAMIN 

We'll be watching and monitoring from here. 

SHANE

You're sure this place is secure? 

BENJAMIN 

More secure than the SYSTEM'S BUILDING? Absolutely not. But only the seven people with top level access who know of this location are here and if they try anything...

CHARLES 

We'll have a pretty good indication on who and what. 

BENJAMIN 

But a name is preferable. 

SHANE 

Okay, I'm going in then. 

SHANE steps up to the area and is scanned by ultra-beam light that reads his soul's make up before authorizing his entrance into the room.

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM 

JARED smiles as SHANE comes over and stands in front of him, SHANE not saying anything as JARED watches him as SHANE pulls the chair out from the table and takes a seat. 

JARED

I am a little surprised they sent you in here first. 

SHANE 

Isn't this all part of your plan, having me come in here. 

JARED 

Not quite. Though it is nice to have that sort of convenience. 

SHANE 

I know you're not planning on telling me anything I want to know. So we can go ahead and cut that dancing around bullshit out the way. 

JARED

And what makes you think that? 

SHANE

The little game, the challenge laid out, it was for us to catch you. Not for you to give yourself up. If we caught you we would get the answers, but we didn't catch you, you gave yourself. Which means you never planned on killing someone in my unit, and you also never planned on telling me things we needed to know. 

JARED

Look at you. I always knew there was a reason why I liked you. You just have that “it”. Resilient, tough, can take an a*s whooping. Calculating, thoughtful, but brash, you make decisions on both reason and emotion. It's a rarity. 

SHANE

I remind you of you or something? 

JARED

Not quite, but to people who I admired. 

SHANE 

I guess that's why I'm someone you're targeting. 

JARED 

You could be reasoned with. I need someone who I can trust, who I can confide and trust in. 

SHANE 

Like BELPHEGOR? 

JARED 

A DEMON such as BELPHEGOR can only be trusted so far. 

SHANE 

And I'm supposed to trust that it won't happen to me? 

JARED 

Like I’ve been saying, you're different. 

SHANE 

Who's the mole within the SYSTEM? 

JARED 

I thought we weren't going to be playing this game. 

SHANE 

The person has to run out of uses by now, why protect him or her? 

JARED 

Because that's not how I operate. 

SHANE

You guys are just going to destroy us all anyways, including yourselves, why do you care about loyalty and honesty? 

JARED 

You have to hold on to some convictions, even when the end is in sight. 

SHANE 

Who are the OUTSIDERS? 

JARED 

The reason we're doing what we are doing. 

SHANE 

Specifics. 

JARED 

You don't get that, afraid you need the VIP access. 

SHANE

You're not going anywhere, and we're prepared for another one of your little siege's should yours come for you. 

JARED

That won't happen. And I'll get out of here myself, don't worry. 

SHANE 

So confident. 

JARED 

I have every reason to be. 

SHANE 

Need anything? 

JARED 

Leaving already? 

SHANE

If I'm going to stay in here listening to go on, I think I'm going to need a drink. 

JARED 

Anything strong and clear would be nice. 

SHANE 

Sit tight. 

JARED 

Funny. 

SHANE heads out as JARED watches him go with a smirk. 

EXT. EMMA'S APARTMENT 

AUSTIN bangs on EMMA'S DOOR a few times before EMMA swings it open. 

EMMA

Oh my god, what?!

AUSTIN 

Good morning to you, you sleep? 

EMMA

What? Huh, yeah, yeah, what's going on? 

AUSTIN 

ANTHONY told me he came by and told you about us having to meet up with CHARLES, right? 

EMMA

Oh s**t, yeah, he did, let me get my stuff...

AUSTIN 

No need, me and you are on assignment. 

EMMA

Huh? 

AUSTIN 

Mind if I come in...

AUSTIN pushes his way in as EMMA looks terrified as she shuts her door. 

INT. EMMA'S APARTMENT 

EMMA tries to cut AUSTIN off as he comes into the LIVING ROOM, AUSTIN looking around as everything seems to be in order. 

AUSTIN 

Why are you so jumpy? 

EMMA

I don't like guys barging into my apartment is usually why. 

AUSTIN 

Uh huh. 

EMMA

What's going on? 

AUSTIN 

They need a couple hands on securing those souls we extracted from that COVEN stronghold. 

EMMA 

Okay...

AUSTIN 

So I signed us up. 

EMMA

Uh, why? 

AUSTIN 

We can start by why you declared MEL dead, and why she's sitting on your couch. 

EMMA

What? 

AUSTIN 

MEL, I know you're there. 

AUSTIN looks towards the COUCH as MEL suddenly appears, the cloak shimmering away as EMMA looks defeated, AUSTIN looking from MEL to EMMA as EMMA doesn't meet his gaze. 

MEL 

That was a pretty powerful shielding spell. 

AUSTIN 

It was, but I already knew you were here, so didn't really matter. 

MEL 

Very nice. 

AUSTIN 

EMMA...What the hell are you doing? 

EMMA

What does it look like I'm doing? 

AUSTIN 

It looks like you're harboring a now technically dead witch and are attempting to learn witchcraft from her, am I right? 

EMMA

Yeah, though it's more like sorcery than actual witchcraft. 

AUSTIN 

Goddamnit, EMMA...

EMMA

If you wanna go yell and scream to CHARLES go ahead but...

AUSTIN 

I'm not. 

EMMA

What? 

AUSTIN 

I trust her. And you, so no, I'm not going to say anything, but you're going to have to at some point, and what CHARLES or the others do or say about it...that's on them, and you. 

EMMA

Thank you. 

AUSTIN 

But why? Why do you think this...

EMMA

I won't be taken by surprise again...I wont' feel helpless and weak if I can help it, that's the truth. 

AUSTIN 

But you're EMMA, you never were. Everyone gets taken by surprise once or twice. 

EMMA 

Never again. 

AUSTIN looks to MEL as she nods. 

AUSTIN 

We have work to be done. I expect you'll be here? 

MEL 

I've got nowhere to be going, least not now. 

AUSTIN 

Good. 

MEL 

EMMA, we still have much to go over, do not attempt to use any of the basics you have learned, you have know idea the toll it could take on you under such conditions. 

EMMA

It's just an escort, I doubt we'll see much action. 

MEL 

Always expect the worse, and the worse can never surprise you. 

AUSTIN 

EMMA, we have to go. 

MEL 

AUSTIN. 

AUSTIN goes to leave but MEL comes over and takes his hand, kissing him on the cheek as AUSTIN looks at her confused. 

MEL 

Thank you. 

AUSTIN 

I'm trusting her life in your hands, a stranger. That's not like me. But I am. So I'll tell you this once. You betray her, you harm her, or put in harm's way with this...magic business, I'll kill you myself. 

MEL nods as AUSTIN heads out, EMMA giving her a look as she nods and takes a seat back on her couch, EMMA following AUSTIN out as she closes the door, leaving MEL alone. 

EXT. INTERROGATION ROOM 

CHARLES crosses his arms as SHANE is holding a bottle and two glasses. 

BENJAMIN 

Drinking with the enemy, that sounds like the right course of action? 

SHANE 

Trust me, it's only building up me and his...friendship. Or whatever  the hell it is. 

BENJAMIN 

I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. 

SHANE 

Thanks. 

CHARLES 

Don't believe anything he tells you. 

SHANE

Like what, like the OUTSIDERS? I tend to think that I should at least consider it. 

TERESA 

We have no proof that these...OUTSIDERS are even real, and without knowing anything truly about them we cannot trust him at his word. 

SHANE 

Right. I'm going back in. 

SHANE heads back inside as the scanner reads him over again, allowing him back in. 

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM 

SHANE comes over and sets the BOTTLE down, JARED looking at it as SHANE slides a glass over to him, JARED putting his bound hands on the table as SHANE pours them both a modest glass full of the clear liquor. 

SHANE takes his and leans back in the chair as sipping at it as JARED grabs his and shotguns it down, placing it back on the table as JARED taps the glass. 

JARED 

Another por favor. 

SHANE 

Been awhile since you drank? 

JARED 

Longer than you would imagine. 

SHANE 

Alright. 

SHANE pours him another shot as JARED sips at it. 

JARED 

Has anyone ever told you about my biggest accomplishment when I was RECLAIMING? 

SHANE

You're kinda a kept secret. 

JARED

As I expected. 

SHANE 

But for those who do remember you, the consensus is that you were the best. 

JARED 

I had help. 

SHANE 

So what was this...major accomplishment? 

JARED

My ALPHA UNIT got a tip that an incursion was being planned by some VAMPIRE lords in the HIERARCHY, and they had the numbers to do it, this was...three...four hundred years ago. My OVERSEER was a Pure Demon, named ASTAROTH, he was the best, a former RECLAIMER, then a LEAD, and then worked himself into the SYSTEM, guy knew the ends and outs of everything, and always came along when things got heavy. 

SHANE 

Sounds like a good boss. 

JARED 

Best you could have. 

SHANE 

Go on. 

JARED

So some of the guys I ran with, CLIFF, and RICHARD, CODY, took the direct approach, cut the group at the throat of the UNDERWORLD before they could enter into the FRINGE. But myself, ASTAROTH, even my LEAD, DEVAN, we got a pal of ours to conjure some real strong magic, a teleportation spell, dropped us right into the heart of it, right into the thick of the UNDERWORLD. We killed everything that came at us, VAMPIRE, WEREWOLF, hell even DEMON. We made our stand. We stood our ground, we prevented an army from crossing through and taking this world out. 

SHANE

That's quite a feat. A little weird though. 

JARED 

Why's that? 

SHANE

I mean here you are boasting about how you saved the FRINGE from utter destruction, from a massive coup, and yet here you are hundreds of years later, shackled and bound into a room because you're trying to destroy the very place you were so proud of saving. 

JARED 

Things change. Threats change. 

SHANE 

Of course, but why still hold pride in something if you're trying to destroy it all? 

JARED

I'm not destroying, I'm saving. 

SHANE

You say that, but you can't hide what it is in the end, and what it is, is g******e. 

JARED

   One man's g******e is another man's salvation. 

SHANE 

What's got you so scared that you have to do this, what is going on? 

JARED

I want to tell you SHANE, but I can't do that here. If you would've just joined me like I asked...

SHANE

It's not going to happen. 

JARED 

Never say never. 

JARED takes a drink as SHANE does so as well, SHANE looking unsure as JARED watches him carefully. 

EXT. CONVOY

EMMA gets out of AUSTIN'S car as AUSTIN comes over towards a UNIT that was loading the ALTAR into the back of a FLATBED, a containment unit was holding sensory rods and devices at it as AUSTIN comes over and shakes a MAN who comes over towards him and shakes their hands. 

ANTWAAN 

You must be CHARLES'S boys. 

AUSTIN 

Yes sir, AUSTIN BLACK, this is EMMA LAIN. 

ANTWAAN 

ANTWAAN ROBERTSON, I lead RECLAIMER unit 128.

EMMA

What's the situation? 

ANTWAAN 

Nothing we shouldn't be able to handle. We've got a containment unit here keeping the SOULS in check, my UNIT and you TWO will help escort it to the outer zones. 

EMMA

Why the Outer Zone? 

AUSTIN 

The only way to disperse the souls safely, right? 

ANTWAAN 

Without it causing any kind of cataclysm within the FRINGES populated areas, yes. 

AUSTIN 

 Alright, let's do it. 

ANTWAAN 

Squad 128, let's round this show up and let's get this over with. You two are more than welcome to follow or ride with me. 

AUSTIN 

We won't be far behind. 

ANTWAAM nods as AUSTIN and EMMA get back into AUSTIN'S CAR, as a FIGURE watches them from the top of a building not far as the THREE VEHICLES start up and begin to follow the FLAT BED TRUCK, one in the front the other TWO taking up the rear with AUSTIN'S CAR close behind. 

INT. AUSTIN'S CAR 

AUSTIN follows the CONVOY down the back roads as EMMA stares out the window. 

AUSTIN 

Penny for your thoughts.

EMMA looks at him as he looks down the ROAD, EMMA looking back out of the window. 

MEL 

(O.S.)

The thing about magic, is that too much becomes addicting, it consumes your entire being...

FLASHBACK-EMMA'S APARTMENT 

MEL and EMMA sit on the floor, a few candles lit around them as MEL has EMMA'S hand in hers. 

MEL 

I am not teaching you witchcraft. 

EMMA 

But...

MEL 

You can never be normal, never live a life of normalcy if you go all the way down the hole. Hexes, wards, spells, things like that become too much for one to bear. 

EMMA

So what would I be learning? 

MEL 

Arts. Specifically, COMBAT and DEFENSE. These types of magic will make you more of a sorceress, instead of a witch. You would be a conjurer of magic, direct but not owned. 

EMMA

But wouldn't knowing actually witchcraft be of more service as much as the sorcery? 

MEL 

Witchcraft will lead you down a dark road, the Arts will save you, protect you and those you love. It is predominantly what I know and that is why I will teach you all I know of it, but pure witchcraft, that I will not teach. Can you accept that? 

EMMA

Yes. 

MEL 

Good. Now...would you like to learn how I saved both my a*s and yours back there? 

EMMA

More than anything. 

MEL 

Good. Close your eyes...open your mind...and your soul...allow me in...and take heed to the power that will encompass you...

INT. AUSTIN'S CAR 

EMMA opens her eyes as she looks over to AUSTIN as AUSTIN is still driving in silence. 

EMMA

I should have told you I wasn't turning MELISSA in. 

AUSTIN 

It's alright, I get it. 

EMMA 

Do you? I mean, seriously do you understand? 

AUSTIN 

You're not dealing in witchcraft, as long as you keep strictly to sorcery, should the SYSTEM find out, you...a slap on the wrist at most, hell that containment unit we saw were all sorcerers of some kind, it's not a taboo. Hiding it, and lying about a person being dead to harbor them that's a whole different thing, but learning, nah, It's fine by me. Anything that gives us an edge you know. 

EMMA 

It's not about an edge. It's about protection. It's about never feeling vulnerable, or weak. 

AUSTIN 

It's an extreme to go to, EMMA. Even you have to see that. 

EMMA

I have to do it, AUSTIN. 

AUSTIN 

You don't have to do anything. 

EMMA

Well, I choose to do this then. 

AUSTIN 

And may it work out for you...and us. 

EMMA

You have the hots for MEL? 

AUSTIN 

What? 

EMMA

I saw the looks you gave her, the ones she gave you. If this was a guy, or...someone not as gorgeous would you be so understanding? Would you give me the benefit of the doubt? 

AUSTIN 

There's not that kind of vibe between me and her. She's just...I can see her...aura I guess. 

EMMA

Her aura? 

AUSTIN 

When we were...talking the other day, when she engraved that spell into my memory, it was just a void that she pulled me into, one of darkness, and nothing. And I saw her, this...radiance, I felt no malice, no doubt, nothing to make me think she was disingenuous. After seeing her defend you, willing to die to protect you...That's all I needed to trust somebody in the end. 

EMMA 

You really don't want to bang her? 

AUSTIN 

Not in the slightest. 

EMMA

What's going on with you and NIKKI? 

AUSTIN 

Whole lot of nothing. 

EMMA

Still holding out for her? 

AUSTIN 

For someone who just got caught dabbling in sorcery you sure are asking a lot of...

An EXPLOSION suddenly rocks the road, as the CAR leading the CONVOY explodes, the CAR flipping forward on fire as it crashes about in a heap as AUSTIN swerves from hitting it as the rest of the CONVOY continue on, AUSTIN pushing his EAR COM in as he hears frantic shouting. 

AUSTIN 

Hello!? What's going on?!

ANTWAAN

(O.S.)

Landmine was placed in the middle of the road, one of my guys must not have seen it! 

AUSTIN 

What do we do?

ANTWAAN 

(O.S.)

We're pulling over. 

AUSTIN watches as the CONVOY veers off towards the side of the ROAD, AUSTIN doing the same as EMMA and AUSTIN get out and rush over towards ANTWAAN and his crew as they look at the wreckage. 

AUSTIN 

You think the whole road is like that? 

ANTWAAN 

I don't know how far back or how far forward but I would guess so. 

AUSTIN 

Someone wants these souls. 

ANTWAAN 

The COVEN? 

EMMA

No, we took care of that problem. This is someone else. Someone...oh s**t. 

AUSTIN 

What? 

EMMA

Who else would be gunning for these souls? 

AUSTIN 

The person they were keeping them for...

ANTWAAN 

We got any idea who that may be? 

RECLAIMER 

Boss! You seeing this. 

ANTWAAN and AUSTIN come over as one of his RECLAIMERS points out towards the back end of the ROAD where they had just come from, ANTWAAN watching as a LARGE FIGURE was walking down the street, AUSTIN pulling his PISTOL as ANTWAAN pulls up a MACHINE g*n. 

AUSTIN watches carefully as he shakes his head. 

AUSTIN 

Shit...

EMMA

Is that who I think it is. 

AUSTIN 

Yeah. 

The LARGE FIGURE comes up to shouting distance as he stops, surveying the area as he spins a LARGE BATTLE AXE. 

BELPHEGOR 

Why...fancy meeting you here.

AUSTIN and EMMA look at each other as BELPHEGOR smirked. 

EXT. INTERROGATION ROOM 

DREW watches SHANE and JARED were conversing, NIKKI crossing her arms as DREW looks to see CHARLES and TERESA staring into the room intently BENJAMIN off talking to the TRIO as DREW clears his throat, NIKKI looking at him. 

DREW

This may seem inappropriate for the time and setting, but...I happen to find you rather..fascinating and...attractive. 

NIKKI

Uh..thank you, DREW. 

DREW 

Wow, that was...painful. 

NIKKI

You're a little old for me. 

DREW

I've only been here a few short centuries. 

NIKKI

I mean. 

DREW

Oh, the appearance, yes well, I happen to have a youthful disposition. 

NIKKI

I've noticed. Any other time, I'd take you up on an offer, but...

DREW

You have your eyes on someone else? 

NIKKI

I don't know. 

DREW

One of those huh? 

NIKKI

One of what? 

DREW

Indecisive, man haters. 

NIKKI

I don't hate men, just can't trust them. 

DREW

Well, at least it's not just me. 

NIKKI 

No, not this time. 

DREW

I guess I'll try my luck another time then. 

NIKKI 

I'd like that.

DREW smirks to himself as NIKKI blushes and looks back to SHANE and JARED.

EXT. CONVOY 

BELPHEGOR paces about as AUSTIN and EMMA have their guns raised at him, BELPHEGOR showcasing his new eye as AUSTIN spots it. 

AUSTIN 

I see you got yourself a new eye...

BELPHEGOR 

I happen to be a rather amazing motivational speaker when it comes to obtaining things that I want. 

AUSTIN 

So all this, all this is you? 

BELPHEGOR 

Yep. 

AUSTIN 

And the Witches were keeping the SOULS for you? 

BELPHEGOR 

Not exactly. But I know who it's going to. 

AUSTIN 

So why attack it? 

BELPHEGOR 

I have my own reasons now, and I rather keep this out of the hands of those who want it. 

AUSTIN 

Funny, that's exactly what we're doing. 

BELPHEGOR 

I have my own uses for it though, so there's where we differ. 

AUSTIN 

There's more of us, then there are of you.

BELPHEGOR 

I've gone up against worst odds. 

ANTWAAN 

Then I'll tell you this once. You will drop that DEMONIC WEAPON, you will turn yourself in, or for one time only, you will turn around and go back the way you came and let us take this to the OUTER ZONE. 

BELPHEGOR 

Sorry, hoss. No can do. 

ANTWAAN 

Then you leave me no choice. 

ANTWAAN opens fire BELPHEGOR diving behind the WRECKAGE of the CAR as AUSTIN aims about trying to SPOT him but can't as suddenly the CAR can be seen moving, AUSTIN shouldering EMMA to the ground as he grabs ANTWAAN and pulls him down at the same time as BELPHEGOR roars and tosses the CAR, the FLAMING VEHICLE sailing over the three as it slams into the rest of ANTWAAN'S RECLAIMER'S ANTWAAN standing as he aims about but BELPHEGOR appears and severs ANTWAAN'S LEFT ARM with his AX, ANTWAAN SCREAMING as AUSTIN watches ANTWAAN'S HEAD get severed from his body. 

AUSTIN screams as ANTWAAN falls over as BELPHEGOR smashes his boot into the skull, shattering it as the eyes explode, killing ANTWAAN officially as AUSTIN tries to tackle BELPHEGOR but can't as BELPHEGOR shrugs him off and punches him three times, knocking AUSTIN down as EMMA watches from her spot on the ground, not moving or attempting anything as BELPHEGOR grabs AUSTIN by his shirt collar, Blood coming down his face and nose as BELPHEGOR slams his massive fist into his face a few more times before he lets him go as he was knocked out cold. 

BELPHEGOR turns as EMMA drops her g*n, BELPHAGOR smiling as he looks to see some of the RECLAIMER'S starting to come too. 

BELPHEGOR 

You wait right there, little girl. I'll be back for you. 

BELPHAGOR rushes towards the other RECLAIMER, EMMA looking away as she hears them being mercilessly slaughtered. 

The SOUNDS of dying finally subside as EMMA closes her eyes. 

EMMA

(O.S.)

MEL! CHARLES! ANTHONY! Anybody!

INT. ANTHONY'S CAR 

ANTHONY is driving as he is listening to a poppy song on his media player before he swerves and nearly loses control of his car as he hears EMMA'S PSYCHIC SCREAM FOR HELP. 

ANTHONY gathers his breath as he looks around trying to make sense of everything as ANTHONY takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. 

INT. EMMA'S APARTMENT 

ANTHONY opens them as suddenly he found himself inside EMMA'S APARTMENT, ANTHONY looking around confused as he looks to see MEL standing near the couch, a look of concern on her face as ANTHONY looks at her in horror and confusion. 

ANTHONY

What the hell..?!

MEL 

It's a long story, but you heard her cry right? 

ANTHONY 

EMMA? 

MEL 

Yes, I need your help.

ANTHONY looks at her as she watches him, ANTHONY nodding as MEL looks a bit relieved. 

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM

SHANE has a near full glass as JARED was only half way through one of his. 

SHANE 

I will say this though...

JARED

What's that? 

SHANE 

You are fascinating. 

JARED 

Am I a case study? 

SHANE 

No, just...the thought process a psychopath like you has. 

JARED

So now I'm a psychopath? 

SHANE

Would you prefer a sociopath? No, guys like you prefer heroes. Or savior. 

JARED 

I don't like labels. If that's how you want to objective me, man, go right on ahead, but nothing you put on me will stick, not to me at least. 

SHANE 

Give me something, man, anything please. 

JARED 

Begging? That's unexpected. 

SHANE 

I believe that a guy like you, someone who believes in his heart that what he is doing is right...can be saved. 

JARED

Saved? You think I need saving...?

SHANE

I know you do. I don't know what scared you, what put the fear in you that you think this...that “this” is the way it has to be, but I'm telling you man, it's not...there's always another way, there has got to be another way...

JARED

You think I didn't think of that?!

EXT. INTERROGATION ROOM 

BENJAMIN rushes over as JARED'S outburst suddenly gets everybody’s attention, CHARLES coming in closer as TERESA looks at him. 

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM 

JARED

I didn't go into this submissive and with my head in the sand, I fought it, I searched, and I learned every truth that I could before I learned what I know now, and if you gave me the chance, SHANE, I can make you see the truth that I found. 

SHANE

Don't trust me to find it on my own?

JARED

There's no time. The hourglass is nearly empty. The truth that you would find wouldn't matter. I can spare you the looking, I can show you. 

SHANE 

And you think seeing that and that only would be enough to sway me into helping you destroy the FRINGE? 

JARED 

It'll make you see that we're not destroying...

SHANE

Oh yeah. That. 

JARED 

It's the truth. 

SHANE 

There's always another way. 

JARED

Like it or not. There isn't. 

SHANE 

Then there's nothing left for me and you to talk about. 

JARED 

Not at this moment. I still have faith in you seeing things my way. 

SHANE

 I know I shouldn't...but I still think you can be saved. 

JARED

Then I guess, I'll see you again. 

SHANE 

Yeah. 

SHANE stands and goes to leave, stopping as he turns to face JARED who was watching him keenly. 

SHANE

I don't know what they're going to do to you, but I know that you won't get to live to see whatever comes of this. 

JARED 

So confident. 

SHANE 

Why shouldn't I be? 

JARED 

You have your friends here...I have one of mine. 

SHANE 

I know. 

SHANE nods as he heads out, JARED smirking as he looks towards the DOUBLE SIDED WINDOW, CHARLES studying him as SHANE walks out. 

EXT. INTERROGATION ROOM 

SHANE comes out and looks at CHARLES, not knowing what to say as SHANE heads off. 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING 

AUSTIN comes too as EMMA holds onto him, AUSTIN looking around as he winces in pain as he his arms and legs were bound, EMMA bound as well as AUSTIN looks to see all the CONTAINMENT AGENTS were now laying dead as the ALTAR had been taken from the back of the FLAT BAD and was now placed on the middle of the BOTTOM FLOOR of the ABANDONED BUILDING, BELPHAGOR watching the SOULS closely as AUSTIN looks over to EMMA. 

EMMA

I couldn't stop him. 

AUSTIN 

It's alright...where are we? 

EMMA

Took us to a building not far from where we were. 

AUSTIN 

Why didn't he...

BELPHEGOR 

Kill you? Good question. 

BELPHEGOR comes over as AUSTIN tries to place himself in front of EMMA but BELPHAGOR stops his advance, smiling as AUSTIN looks worse for wear as EMMA watches him with horror. 

BELPHEGOR 

Well, chances are I may need back up. 

AUSTIN 

Then you better kill us now if you think we're going to help you. 

BELPHEGOR 

They're two people gunning for this. The ones I want to hurt, and some guy I don't know about but who seems to be pretty adamant about obtaining as many of these SOULS as he wants so if you don't mind, play nice and maybe we walk out of here alive, and with what we want. 

AUSTIN

You son of a bitch...after what you did to...

BELPHEGOR 

Let go of what happened back on the street, they attacked me first. 

AUSTIN 

If you think I'm just going to let you get away with any of this. 

BELPHAGOR head butts AUSTIN, knocking AUSTIN back out cold as EMMA watches AUSTIN go limp in her arms, EMMA looking at BELPHEGOR as he shrugs. 

BELPHEGOR 

He was being unreasonable, am I right? 

EMMA doesn't say anything as BELPHEGOR shakes his head. 

BELPHEGOR 

They'll be here soon. Whichever wants it more that is. And when that happens, you will either help me, or be against me. Either way, I wouldn't expect to leave this building alive. 

EMMA

Why are you so angry? If you're so angry on destroying them why didn't you come to us, help us, show us where they are. 

BELPHEGOR 

Because I was lied too!

EMMA is thrown off by the sound his voice made as he yelled, BELPHEGOR stepping towards her but steps back as he realized he scared her. 

BELPHEGOR 

I was supposed to be the CATALYST, the one who ended the threat before it could ever come, I was to be the savior, I was told! And then I was cast aside. Like I never mattered.

BELPHAGOR looks truly hurt as EMMA can read it on his face as he turns from her. 

BELPHEGOR 

But I still believe that something must be done, and that I am the one to see it done. But I have to tear the walls of those who used me first, before I can rebuild them under my leadership. 

EMMA

What is it that you're so afraid of, that you and the whole damn lot you ran with would rather destroy us all then stand up against whatever it is you fear?!

BELPHEGOR 

You would not believe me, nor would you do anything about it should you choose to do so. 

EMMA

You don't know me. 

BELPHEGOR 

Sit there and be quiet, I do not need your ear nor your sympathy. 

EMMA 

I wasn't offering either. Just my help. 

BELPHAGOR looks at EMMA as he tries to read her but can't as she stares him down, BELPHAGOR walking towards her as she cringes but stops as BELPHAGOR says a few words into her ear.

EMMA looks at BELPHEGOR in shock as he nods. 

BELPHEGOR 

Don't say I never gave you nothing. 

With that, BELPHEGOR turns his back on her as he walks off towards the ALTAR, EMMA seemingly lost in thought as she rubs AUSTIN'S head. 

INT. EMMA'S APARTMENT 

MEL is scribbling symbols on EMMA'S TILE FLOOR with a piece of CHALK as ANTHONY looks at her with a still confused look. 

ANTHONY

Uh...I'm having trouble wrapping my head around all of this...so...you're not in prison because...?

MEL 

EMMA altered the report so that I may reside here with her and teach her some dark and light arts, prominently combat and defense arts. 

ANTHONY 

 So EMMA wants to become a sorceress? 

MEL 

In a nutshell...

ANTHONY

Then what was that...scream I heard from her? 

MEL 

In her brief introduction into magic she must have gained cognitive awareness into her own mind's eye and...

ANTHONY

No witch jargon, just say it plain and simple. 

MEL 

She unwillingly tapped into a dormant part of her subconscious that allowed her thought, which in her case was a powerful cry for help to reach out towards people she is strongly connected to. Hence, why you heard it. 

ANTHONY 

I'm strongly connected to her? 

MEL 

Seems like,. 

ANTHONY smirks to himself as MEL finishes scribbling the symbols. 

MEL 

I was only able to hear because my own energy within the magic she is learning is connected. 

ANTHONY 

So what is all this? 

MEL 

It's a ward to help us locate her. 

ANTHONY 

You can do that? 

MEL 

Yes, now, on your knees in the circle. 

MEL sets her knees down on two symbols as ANTHONY does the same across from her, MEL holding her hands towards ANTHONY as ANTHONY takes them. 

MEL 

This will only work if you believe and trust in me, together your bond and my magic will be able to find her. 

ANTHONY 

Let's do this. 

MEL 

(LATIN)

I call out to the powers that be, of light and darkness, to find the one this man is connected to, and to find my pupil, to illuminate in our minds eye her location, and to show us the perils she has en-countered, show her to us, Show her to us, show her to us!

ANTHONY is suddenly blasted with vivid and fast images of everything that EMMA had went through with BELPHEGOR, ANTHONY seeing all the way up to where BELPHEGOR struck AUSTIN with the head butt as ANTHONY lets go of MEL'S HANDS, ANTHONY standing as he turns and heads towards the door, MEL hurrying after him. 

MEL 

Did you see her location? 

ANTHONY 

Yes, If I hurry I may be able to make it before something goes down. 

MEL 

I am coming with you. 

ANTHONY 

No. 

ANTHONY stops as he turns and faces MEL. 

ANTHONY 

I gotta do this myself. Besides, it's too risky for you to be out there when you're supposed to be either, dead or locked up. 

MEL 

She is my underling, I must go and protect her...

ANTHONY

You've done enough, witch. 

MEL steps away as the nastiness of the comment stung, ANTHONY seeming to catch himself as he shakes his head. 

ANTHONY 

I didn't mean...

MEL 

No, I get it...it's deserved. Go then. Bring her back safely. 

ANTHONY goes to say something else but doesn't as he heads out. 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING 

BELPHEGOR spins his BATTLE AXE a few times as he paces back and forth, AUSTIN watching him as EMMA looks at her bindings. 

EMMA

I think I can break these...

AUSTIN 

Sooner rather than later would be nice. 

EMMA 

I said I think, not that I can. 

AUSTIN 

What the hell is this DEMON doing. 

EMMA 

Waiting for someone...

AUSTIN 

Is he on our side or what? 

EMMA

He's not on anyone's side. 

AUSTIN 

So what do we do? 

BELPHEGOR 

Nothing you can do.

AUSTIN and EMMA look over to him as BELPHEGOR turns and faces the front of the BUILDING. 

BELPHEGOR 

Someone is here...

BELPHEGOR watches as the PANEL DOORS OPEN and DEMON, VAMPIRE, and UNDEAD MISFIT COMMANDO'S come inside, forming a semi circle around BELPHEGOR as BELPHEGOR sneers as AUSTIN and EMMA watch as CASSIE comes strolling in, pushing her glasses up as she shakes her head. 

CASSIE

BELPHEGOR...

BELPHEGOR 

Here there CASS. 

CASSIE 

Why are you doing this? 

BELPHEGOR 

Are you really asking me that question!?

CASSIE

We had to let you go, BELPHEGOR...

BELPHEGOR 

You had too!? You had too? And who told you that? JARED? 

CASSIE

There is another...someone more worthy, more...

BELPHEGOR 

That's why you left me back there to die? Because JARED thinks he found someone else better than me to do it? 

CASSIE 

I can't control who JARED appoints, it's not my job. 

BELPHEGOR 

But you just let him! You didn't fight for me...you just...

CASSIE 

This is bigger than you or me, or JARED, or anything. 

BELPHEGOR 

You got that right, sister. 

CASSIE 

I don't have to kill you, or hurt you, just give me the SOULS and I won't even tell JARED or LYDIA that it was you. 

BELPHEGOR 

Didn't you hear? JARED got captured. 

CASSIE

All part of the plan. 

BELPHEGOR 

Really?

CASSIE 

We both know who can help him out. 

BELPHEGOR 

That little i***t has outlived his usefulness. 

CASSIE 

Maybe he has. But for now he still has his use. 

CASSIE looks to see AUSTIN and EMMA in the corner of the BUILDING, CASSIE sneering as she looks to BELPHEGOR. 

CASSIE 

And what is this? 

BELPHEGOR 

Oh...

BELPHAGOR holds up a device and presses a button, AUSTIN and EMMA'S bindings suddenly disappearing as CASSIE watches BELPHEGOR rear his AXE back. 

BELPHEGOR 

Just some unwilling back up. 

BELPHEGOR swings at CASSIE'S HEAD but CASSIE moves to the side as the AXE SEVERS the HEAD of A NEARBY MISFIT VAMPIRE, CASSIE knocking BELPHEGOR in the chest as BELPHEGOR goes sailing as AUSTIN watches some of the MISFITS turn towards them and open fire, AUSTIN moving EMMA behind some cover as BELPHAGOR stands and throws his BATTLE AXE at a few of the DEMONS that were firing at AUSTIN and EMMA, watching as their heads sever from where their eyes would be, AUSTIN watching as their GUNS fall from their hands and slide near them, AUSTIN grabbing at them as some turn their attention towards BELPHEGOR who had ran behind the ALTAR as CASSIE was shouting at them. 

CASSIE 

Don't hit the SOULS you i***t, you could cause the instability of the SOULS to further!

AUSTIN hands EMMA one of the MACHINE GUNS as EMMA watches the cartridge reload. 

EMMA

Gotta love the black market. 

AUSTIN 

Alternating fire on my go. 

EMMA nods as AUSTIN pops up and begins firing towards them, CASSIE ducking as she grabs cover as BELPHAGOR leans from the ALTAR and holds his arm towards his DEMONIC BLADE, watching as the BATTLE AXE recoils towards him, BELPHEGOR spinning it as EMMA opens fire as AUSTIN drops for his MACHINE g*n to RELOAD as the remaining MISFIT forces were alternating as well between them and BELPHEGOR. 

EMMA fires a few more times, she ducks as a few rounds graze near her, AUSTIN firing as he kills a DEMON and ducks from the crossfire as BELPHEGOR watches a VAMPIRE trying to sneak attack him from his side, BELPHEGOR elbowing him back as he takes his head off, but BELPHEGOR is shot numerous times across his chest, BELPHAGOR ducking as CASSIE screams for them to focus on BELPHEGOR, BELPHEGOR looking towards AUSTIN as AUSTIN eyes him unsure of what to do as BELPHEGOR grips BATTLE AXE and tosses it again, watching it impale into one of the DEMONS as suddenly AUSTIN catches something drop from the ceiling, right behind BELPHEGOR. 

AUSTIN 

Look out!

The FIGURE that was watching the CONVOY watches as BELPHEGOR turns to throw a PUNCH but as he does the FIGURE, decked out in an all black tactical gear and a mask and helmet beats BELPHEGOR down as CASSIE and AUSTIN watch on unsure of what they were seeing as BELPHEGOR tries to counter and strike back but can't as the FIGURE beats BELPHEGOR down, BELPHEGOR falling over, out cold as the FIGURE turns and throws his arms forward towards the SOUL, CASSIE and AUSTIN watching as suddenly the SOULS begin to stop circulating around the ALTAR and begin to stream inside of the FIGURE'S CHEST, AUSTIN firing towards the FIGURE as the FIGURE quickly moves away with a blinding speed, AUSTIN looking to his left as suddenly the FIGURE was there, AUSTIN looking horrified as the FIGURE hits AUSTIN a few times in the chest and face before he kicks EMMA'S g*n out of her hands, EMMA throwing a few punches but is countered and flipped onto her back, landing hard as CASSIE orders her men to fire on the FIGURE. 

The FIGURE turns and takes the brunt of the bullets, as the bullets simply bounce off of his gear and his body, CASSIE looking horrified as suddenly a CAR comes crashing through the side of the BUILDING, The FIGURE turning to look at it for a moment before he speeds over and begins taking on the MISFITS, dropping them fast and hard as CASSIE and one of her men quickly retreat out of the BUILDING as EMMA stirs and watches as ANTHONY comes rushing towards them, EMMA looking at him as he nods. 

ANTHONY 

I heard you...

EMMA

What...?

ANTHONY 

I'll explain later, but we need to go. 

AUSTIN 

No, we can't let him absorb the souls!

ANTHONY watches as the FIGURE was finishing off the rest of the MISFITS as ANTHONY shakes his head. 

ANTHONY 

We couldn't take him if we wanted to. We need to go, regroup...

AUSTIN 

No we can't...!

ANTHONY 

I said come on!

AUSTIN hurries and jumps into the car, ANTHONY peeling out as soon as AUSTIN jumps in as AUSTIN watches the FIGURE wave him off before he begins absorbing the rest of the souls. 

As the FIGURE does so, BELPHEGOR comes too, BELPHEGOR watching as the FIGURE holds his arms forward for a few more moments before the last SOUL suddenly disappears inside of him. 

BELPHEGOR watches him in horror as The FIGURE comes over and kicks the BATTLE AXE away from BELPHEGOR who was slowly going for it, The FIGURE wagging a finger at him as BELPHAGOR stands, unsure what to do as The FIGURE kicks the BATTLE AXE up and then tosses it to him, pointing for him to leave as BELPHEGOR sneers. 

BELPHEGOR 

I do not know who you are...but whether you are friend or foe...I will surely be glad to see the day when you are killed. 

The FIGURE c***s his head as BELPHEGOR doesn't turn his back on him as he slowly backs away and then out of the BUILDING, The FIGURE left standing alone with the empty ALTAR. 

EXT. THE HANGOUT 

CHARLES gets out of his CAR as SHANE and NIKKI get out as well, CHARLES having his phone in hand as he shuts the door. 

CHARLES 

Alright, TERESA...We'll keep him on ice, maybe I can get something from him...I don't know. Okay, see you tomorrow. 

CHARLES hangs up as NIKKI heads inside, SHANE waiting as CHARLES pulls a cigarette out and lights it, offering one to SHANE who declines. 

CHARLES 

You okay? 

SHANE 

I guess. 

CHARLES 

You seemed to get through for a moment there. 

SHANE

His conviction is stronger than I thought. 

CHARLES 

Guy like that, calculated, collected. Could you imagine what a guy like that on our side would be able to accomplish with that kind of conviction, and faith in us, in the SYSTEM, hell, in just...the FRINGE in general. 

SHANE 

I still think he could be that guy. 

CHARLES 

No, not him. He's too far gone, even if you could bring him back to something that he resembled when he was a RECLAIMER, it's not what we would need. 

SHANE 

Who would we need? 

CHARLES 

You. Or someone like you. 

SHANE 

I don't know about that. 

CHARLES 

You handled yourself well. You didn't let him spin bullshit, didn't let him bait you, still rusty on negotiation and what not, but...you're cut out for this. 

SHANE 

I can't tell you if that's a good thing or not. All I've been doing is getting my a*s kicked as of late. 

CHARLES 

Yeah well, it's happened to the best of us...

CHARLES'S phone goes off as he looks to see that it was EMMA. 

CHARLES 

EMMA? Everything alright? 

EMMA

(O.S.)

No, everything got f****d, per usual. 

CHARLES 

What happened? 

EMMA

(O.S.)

I'll explain later, look right now, we have a big problem...

CHARLES 

What? 

EMMA

(O.S.)

I know who the mole is...

CHARLES looks at SHANE with wide eyes as SHANE looks at him confused. 

CHARLES 

EMMA, who is it?!

EXT. INTERROGATION ROOM 

DREW watches JARED who was sleeping sitting straight up in a meditated state almost, DREW looking over as LINTON comes into the BUILDING, DREW standing with a few of his men as LINTON'S GUARDS were posted all about. 

DREW

What's the word? 

LINTON 

Bad. We lost all the souls we confiscated from the COVEN STRONGHOLD. 

DREW 

How'd we manage to do that? 

LINTON 

One of this one's former crew members, the big one who stuck an axe in your chest, he attacked the convoy. 

DREW

Did he now? 

LINTON 

Apparently the RECLAIMER'S who were still alive witnessed this BELPHEGOR demon battling it out with members of this one's crew...and an unknown assailant who ended up beating them all, and absorbing the souls. 

DREW

My word. 

LINTON 

Too many variables at play. 

DREW

I agree. 

LINTON stands next to DREW as the TWO watch JARED. 

LINTON 

But that wasn't all that we learned. 

DREW

Oh yeah? 

LINTON 

It seems this DEMON was keen on helping us, at least in the sense of crippling his former group's plan since they cut him loose to die. 

DREW 

What do you mean? 

LINTON 

He told one of CHARLES'S RECLAIMER'S who the mole is. 

DREW

Is that true...? 

LINTON 

Yes. 

DREW

Who is it then? 

LINTON looks at him. 

LINTON 

Like you don't know...

DREW smirks as LINTON goes to stab DREW with an ANGELIC BLADE, but DREW blocks and shatters LINTON'S ARM, using the force of LINTON'S own blow to stab the ANGELIC BLADE into LINTON'S STOMACH before he draws his PISTOL and shoots all of LINTONS GUARDS in the chest and head as DREW'S MEN begin to go and decapitate and stab in the eyes of all of LINTON'S ANGEL, DEMON, and UNDEAD GUARDS. LINTON looking from his prone position as DREW shakes his head. 

DREW

I didn't want it to happen this way. 

LINTON 

Why!?

DREW

Because it is needed. My friend... 

DREW bends down, looking LINTON in the face as LINTON spits out some blood on the floor, DREW grabbing LINTON by the back of the head as he looks him in the eye. 

DREW

There is evil out there, evil with the intent of coming here...coming to dominate...to overthrow, to destroy. We are liberators. For we cannot face this enemy in conventional means. We are doing the right things...join me, brother, together we can right wrongs, and give the people of the FRINGE a peace they may not ever see again if we continue this course of looking away. 

LINTON 

You turned your back on everything you believed in...

DREW

I found a greater purpose to believe in. 

LINTON 

You will die for this...

DREW

It doesn't have to end in blood...

LINTON spits in DREW'S FACE as DREW nods and stabs, stabbing the ANGELIC BLADE into LINTON'S HEAD as LINTON'S EYES TURN WHITE as his eyes explode into the white and gold light before DREW pulls the BLADE out, watching as LINTON'S DEAD BODY falls over as DREW looks at his MEN as they were finishing up with killing the rest of LINTON'S GUARDS. 

DREW

We'll have others converging on us soon, we have to make this fast and quick, let's move!

DREW'S MEN begin to arm themselves and gear up as DREW comes up and is scanned into the INTERROGATION ROOM, DREW stepping in as he goes to a panel and inputs a code that turns off all of the HEXES, WARDS, and BINDING SPELLS, JARED opening his eyes as the BINDINGS around his legs and wrist unlock and fall to the ground as DREW hands JARED a PISTOL, JARED taking it as DREW nods. 

DREW

It is time.

JARED smiles as DREW smirks back to him. 

EXT. THE HANGOUT 

CHARLES looks dumbfounded as he has his PHONE to his side, SHANE asking him what is wrong as CHARLES tunes him out, CHARLES hearing EMMA screaming his name over and over as SHANE tries to get his attention too as CHARLES looks hurt by the news of the betrayal. As the final shot is of BENJAMIN and TERESA rushing into the BUILDING with a full squadron behind them, DREW and his MEN gone as LINTON'S body is sprawled out on the ground, the DOOR into the INTERROGATION ROOM wide open with JARED nowhere in sight as TERESA covers her mouth, BENJAMIN looking at the sight with the same look as CHARLES had as LINTON'S eyes are closed, as his body lays as a shining light of the betrayal they all feel. 

FADE OUT 

END OF EPISODE