SOUNDS: SWORDS RING as they CLASH in combat. WINGS BEAT,
SCREAMS OF AGONY. The CRACKLE OF OZONE.
Blue and white lightning sparks against each other in shards
of color. Energy swirls suggest a planet being born.
Below this, white mists rise in puffy steeples. Among the
clouds, 6,000 ANGELS OF LIGHT, human shaped, feathered wings,
brawl against 2,000 "DARK" ANGELS, angry red blotches pushing
through their feathers.
Dark Angel KYREL, hints of malice and virtue, defends against
RAPHAEL, Angel of Light, the essence of celestial grace.
Raphael's attack resembles a focused hurricane in battle.
With each blow from Raphael's silver sword, white feathers
shed from Kyrel's wings to reveal reptile-like scales. Raphael
ruthlessly drives Kyrel lower into a white mist.
Fear worms into Kyrel. He spins to avoid a blow, but Raphael
smashes him in the back, sends Kyrel plummeting.
Below the clouds, Kyrel's wings shorten as he tumbles, his
hide grows redder, his body bulkier. He desperately flaps
his wings but gravity pulls him faster.
EXT. PREHISTORIC HELL - NIGHT
THUD. Kyrel hits the fiery ground. In horror, he feels a
snake encircle his body. He rips the serpent away, scans
with eyes of green his own blotched skin and the flaming
landscape, looking for...
KYREL
Father?
Alarm builds. He calls out, voice cracking, to someone else:
KYREL
Lucifer, you lied to us.
He falls to his knees, peers to the Heavens, screams at the
top of his lungs.
KYREL
What have I done?
2.
Kyrel's face blisters into painful sores. Blue lightning
CRACKS from his hands to spear the Earth in anger.
INT. 19TH CENTURY MONASTERY - NIGHT
BOOM! A storm rages outside. Rain, lightning and THUNDER
outside a large shuttered window.
A MONK, 50s, kneels at the side of a small bed, with a single
worn blanket. A handmade candle flickers in a draft. Monk's
eyes rise to a cross on the stone wall. He murmurs a prayer
of thanks.
Kyrel's almost transparent form, much uglier than upon his
fall, whispers like a snake's hiss in Monk's ear.
KYREL
Ssss, ss, sss.
MONK
God, is that you? You sound different.
Kyrel grows a bit more visible, softly purrs verbal poison,
sounding almost like the hiss of a snake.
KYREL
Ssss, ss, ssss, sss, sss.
MONK
But Lord, how have I failed you?
What is my sin?
KYREL
Ssssss.
BOOM! Outside, a crash of thunder. A zap of blue energy
trickles from Kyrel into the monk, who slouches to a window
and opens it wide to the storm, high above the ground.
BOOM! Monk steels himself, climbs to the ledge of the open
window and stares out into the storm.
BOOM!
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
A Pastor's Doubt
EXT. SOUTH CAROLINA - CYRUS' HOUSE - PRESENT DAY
A bright sun, warms through soft clouds with fingers of white,
toward a present-day, 2-story, vinyl-sided home on 8 acres.
Sheds with lambs and chickens.
3.
In the driveway a new SUV with a Realtor sign on its door,
and a 2010 Jeep with a South Carolina license plate in a
"Clergy" frame.
INT. CYRUS' HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Roomy, faux-granite counters, farmhouse sink. Simple but
clean. Framed photo of an angel. A family of 4 navigates
last bites of toast, grab school things and car keys, like a
well-choreographed dance.
CYRUS, 40s, has a pastor's tired eyes. Used to preaching but
no longer setting fires, he lacks passion.
His 7-year-old daughter, AMANDA, precocious as a well-used
whip, grabs a book bag, give Cyrus a tight hug.
AMANDA
Can I go to the conference with you?
CYRUS
Your place is at school.
AMANDA
But you'll be so lonely.
CYRUS
Nice try.
"Busted," Amanda hustles out the screen door, makes it close
softly behind her.
JOHN, 11, science project balanced on his head: 3 mason jars,
each with an egg in different liquids. John "cool-walks" to
the back door.
JOHN
Later, Pops.
John pushes out, lets the screen door slam shut, BANG. Cyrus
opens his mouth to protest, but instead runs his fingers
through his hair.
4.
ELIZABETH
You said you'd fix the screen last
night.
CYRUS
I prayed till sunrise.
Elizabeth checks her watch.
ELIZABETH
Can you elaborate in 40 seconds?
Elizabeth walks by Cyrus, but in a burst of energy, he catches
her hand. He locks into her eyes, and kisses her on the lips.
CYRUS
Why do devils surround us, yet we
never see angels or God?
ELIZABETH
Good grief, Cy, Read your own
research. "Angels rarely show, unless
you ask them."
Cyrus' shoulders slump a bit.
CYRUS
What if God's as frustrated with me
as you are?
Elizabeth takes a long slow breath, checks the time.
ELIZABETH
We'll talk when you're back from
Savannah... I love you.
Elizabeth lets the screen door BANG behind her.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
A Crash in the Night
EXT. CYRUS' HOUSE - DAY
Elizabeth takes two steps toward her SUV, stops cold.
ELIZABETH
Father, please help Cyrus. Shelter
us, especially the church, from
darkness or danger. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
She wipes a disobedient tear and breathes in strength.
5.
ELIZABETH
John, it's your sister's turn. Let
her have the front.
INT. CYRUS' HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
At the window, Cyrus watches his family, blinks in concern.
EXT. SOUTH CAROLINA - WOODS - NIGHT
The green eyes of Kyrel. His frightening shape towers over
80-foot trees. 10,000 battle scars on a crusted body, he
squints to where...
A deer feeds on brush. Until a coyote drives the Bambi to
the ground. The deer tries to push up, but 4 more coyotes
leap onto the downed animal.
Kyrel chuckles, turns his attention to a rabbit that
hippety-hops across a meadow. Until a male bobcat stalks
toward the bunny.
Oblivious to the danger, the rabbit munches clover.
Kyrel bulls his semi-visible form through a thatch of fir
and pine. As the bobcat leaps, Kyrel explodes into the
clearing in front of it. The bobcat flees like 40 Demons of
Hell were after him.
The rabbit hip-hops away.
Kyrel twitches a warm smile, switches back to evil alert, as
a car's headlights speed toward him on a 2-lane road.
KYREL
Pastor Cyrus, 'bout time you got
here.
INT. CYRUS' CAR - NIGHT
Driving fast, the worn tires create a rhythmic DUDDER-DUDDER
SOUND on the blacktop. Cyrus on the phone, eyes heavy. On
the other end of the bluetooth call, Elizabeth sighs.
ELIZABETH
You prayed for guidance?
CYRUS
It's what I need the most.
6.
ELIZABETH
Ask and you shall receive.
CYRUS
I didn't hear an answer.
Elizabeth takes a moment before she replies.
ELIZABETH
You sound tired.
CYRUS
I'm dead.
ELIZABETH
Pull into a rest stop.
CYRUS
If I don't sleep in a bed, I'll be a
goofball at the conference.
Cyrus opens the window, wind WOOSHES into the cabin, jolts
him more awake. He twitches the tires back straight. DUDDER-
DUDDER-DUDDER...
ELIZABETH
Hon, hang up. Focus on the road.
He runs his fingers through his hair.
CYRUS
Love you, always.
ELIZABETH
For eternity.
Cyrus clicks off. His lids droop, he flips on the radio --
MUSIC like Justin Beiber & Chance The Rapper's "HOLY."
CHANCE THE RAPPER (V.O.)
I know we believe in God, and I
know...
EXT. SOUTH CAROLINA - WOODS - NIGHT
Kyrel lingers in the shadows, draws toward the MUSIC.
CHANCE THE RAPPER (V.O.)
God believes in us...
7.
KYREL
I believe in the devil.
INT. AND EXT. CYRUS' CAR - NIGHT
The DUDDER-DUDDER-DUDDER continues. Cyrus inhales wake-me-up
air, but... Eyes heavy, the sedan drifts.
He snaps the wheel back. TIRES SQUEAL.
JUSTIN BEIBER (V.O.)
(singing)
'Cause the way you hold me, hold me,
hold me, hold me, hold me. Feels so
holy, holy, holy, holy, holy...
Cyrus' breath evens. His eyelids sag... almost closed...
The car plows from the shoulder, dip, flip. THUD, CRUNCH,
clips a massive oak, careens into an even larger tree.
Airbags inflate, GLASS BREAKS, METAL TWISTS. A laptop flies
forward, THUNK, cracks the back of Cyrus' head.
EXT. SOUTH CAROLINA - WOODS - NIGHT
Watching the accident, Kyrel glares in fury and yells:
KYREL
Who did this?
INT. AND EXT. CYRUS' CAR - NIGHT
Bloodied, Cyrus gasps a pierced-lung breath, shoves at the
deflated airbag. The MUSIC fades in and out.
JUSTIN BEIBER (V.O.)
Oh God, Running to the altar like a
track star. Can't wait another second.
The stopped engine HISSES. Gas drips from the car's
undercarriage. Kyrel appears at the shattered window, frowns.
POOF, a fire ignites in the engine compartment. The pastor
claws open his seat-belt release, gurgles blood.
Kyrel's reptilian eyes glow with concern. He scans the forest.
8.
KYREL
This was not my doing. There's rules.
Cyrus doesn't react to Kyrel's barely-visible presence.
THUD, located high under the hood, the battery explodes. The
MUSIC STOPS. Cyrus shoves at the door, hits it -- the bent
exit immovable. He coughs, winces in pain.
CYRUS
Jesus, help me!
Kyrel shrinks from the word "Jesus" but... he rips off the
door, drags Cyrus to safety from the burning car.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Possession
EXT. SIDE OF THE ROAD - NIGHT
Kyrel leans close to experience Cyrus' mumbled song.
CYRUS
(singing, semi-comatose)
Holy, holy...
Cyrus coughs in a wet, rasping breath. Kyrel stabs both hands
into Cyrus' chest, who bellows in pain. He passes out as
Kyrel twists and pulls the ribs into alignment.
KYREL
You owe me now, Cyrus.
Cyrus' eyes pop open. He peers up at Kyrel, tries to push
him off. Kyrel leans back, his hands still inside Cyrus.
Cyrus SEES: Kyrel, bathed in light, white and pure.
CYRUS
Hold me.
Cyrus' lids slam shut. Kyrel, back to demon appearance:
KYREL
Leave it to a hypocrite to believe
the biggest lies.
A Jaws-like tug jerks Kyrel down into Cyrus. Fear, Kyrel
struggles to pull back -- a snap pulls him further in.
KYREL
Stop! Who's doing this? Lucifer,
help me!
9.
Like unseen machinery gears, something terrifyingly pulls
him lower and lower into the pastor's body. Kyrel fights to
stay above and alive, struggles to get unstuck but...
His head is pulled under. His torso. His kicking legs succumb
into Cyrus' human body.
Until Kyrel disappears.
Raphael floats from the sky to land on top of the burning
car, eyes white fire, wings like a million LED lights.
INT. HOSPITAL - RECOVERY ROOM - DAY
A framed print of an angel on the wall. Cyrus, tubes in and
out. Monitors BEEP. At bedside, Elizabeth, head bowed,
tearfully mumbles in prayer over Cyrus' unconscious form.
His eyes slap open. Kyrel's green pupils watch her. His heart
rate increases, an alert BEEPS TWICE.
Elizabeth startles: "her husband" is awake! His demon eyes
turn human brown before Elizabeth sees otherwise.
NOTE: When "Kyrel" speaks or acts, he does so now with
Cyrus' voice and body.
ELIZABETH
Cyrus. Oh, God, thank you.
Kyrel/Cyrus frowns confusion.
KYREL
What are you doing?
ELIZABETH
I was so afraid. I was...
KYREL
I couldn't understand what you said.
ELIZABETH
I was thanking God.
He inhales sharply.
KYREL
Why?
10.
ELIZABETH
Cy, He saved you.
KYREL
You're my wife?
ELIZABETH
Yes. Yes, I am.
A NURSE hustles in, feels the pulse of who she sees as Cyrus.
NURSE
Welcome back, Pastor. How are you
feeling?
Kyrel paws at the texture of his head bandage, flinches.
KYREL
Human.
While the nurse adjusts Kyrel's pillow. Kyrel focuses on
Elizabeth's cross.
ELIZABETH
The doctors were confused about your
ribs and lungs. They said you died 4
times.
KYREL
I can't die.
Elizabeth flinches.
ELIZABETH
Not until the Lord's ready. Cy, they
told me you might be confused. To
call you a lot by name.
KYREL
You love me, don't you? I feel it.
The Nurse leaves.
"Husband" and wife study one another.
ELIZABETH
Since the moment we met.
11.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Horror","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Suspicious Recovery
INT. HOSPITAL - CORRIDOR - DAY
Seafoam green walls gleam under fluorescent lights. Elizabeth
ambles with LUKE, 30s, restrained. Luke carries a file box,
and shakes his head as they arrive at Cyrus' door.
LUKE
I have to outline tonight's sermon.
ELIZABETH
Luke, it won't upset him to see you.
LUKE
Four months, Cy hasn't trusted me
enough to preach. I won't rub his
face in it.
Elizabeth nods, and takes the box.
ELIZABETH
Thanks for the help.
INT. HOSPITAL - HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
Elizabeth rests the file box on the nightstand and kisses
Kyrel. She leans back but he catches her hand.
KYREL
Again.
This 2nd kiss is like the 1st he's ever tasted. When she
finally disengages, she gives a coy grin.
ELIZABETH
You make me so proud.
KYREL
I tried to seduce a nurse last night.
She wouldn't let me.
Elizabeth shushes him with a wave. She removes the lid from
the file box and holds up a fist full of letters and cards.
ELIZABETH
I'm answering them, Cy, but I thought
you'd want to see a few.
Kyrel chooses a get-well card.
12.
KYREL
What are they after?
Elizabeth blinks. Kyrel reads silently, wipes his eye in
surprise, frowns clinically at his finger's wetness.
ELIZABETH
Offers to cook, to pray.
KYREL
For me?
ELIZABETH
If your name is Cyrus. They'll do
the lawn, take care of the animals--
KYREL
And charge how much?
ELIZABETH
Silly.
Kyrel wipes another tear, shows it to Elizabeth.
KYREL
Did these people want me to cry?
Perplexed, Elizabeth hesitates. A SMALL KNOCK, KNOCK at the
door short-circuits her response. The DOCTOR, 50s, sweeps in
with an Ipad.
DOCTOR
Wounds almost healed. Like you had
some super power. How do you feel?
KYREL
Like I got pulled into something,
and don't know why.
KYREL SEES an electric, nearly transparent, blue snake's
tongue dart across the doctor's lips, then disappear.
KYREL
Demons everywhere, where are your
angels?
Doctor grins.
DOCTOR
Liz told me, you have no insurance.
(MORE)
13.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
If she promises to keep you out of
trouble, you can leave tomorrow.
KYREL
I tried to leave. I couldn't.
Doctor and Elizabeth exchange a knowing glance.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Electric Energy
EXT. KYREL'S (CYRUS') HOUSE - BACKYARD PEN - DAY
A baby lamb, MAAAAA, peers up at Kyrel who leans on a crutch
for balance. Kyrel's eyes flash green.
His gaze drifts to an ax leaned against an enclosure. He
tosses away the crutch as he moves. MAAAAA.
Kyrel lifts the ax -- blue electricity sparks from hand to
weapon. He tests its sharpness, glances at the lamb who
innocently remains near.
MAAAAA.
Kyrel swings the ax down...
CLUNK, onto a log, which splits in two. He stands another
log on end, swings the ax again. CLUNK.
AMANDA (O.S.)
Mom said to keep an eye on you.
Kyrel spins toward Cyrus' daughter, Amanda.
KYREL
Mandy, I thought you had homework.
AMANDA
You always get that look when you
think you goofed up.
KYREL
What look?
AMANDA
(disbelief)
Mom said to rest. Not to chop wood.
14.
KYREL
You'll learn when you're older, do
what you like, or people take
advantage.
Amanda hands Kyrel his crutch, wraps her arms around his
waist. Kyrel hugs her back -- his face shows the pleasure on
this simple act.
AMANDA
You're being a ding-dong.
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Kyrel, Amanda and John at dinner. Elizabeth places a pot on
a trivet and sits. She takes Kyrel' hand, and the family
links hands. Kyrel realizes they all look to him.
KYREL
Yes, I remember: Grace.
ELIZABETH
I'm sure He'd love to hear from you.
John and Amanda look expectantly from Mom to "Dad." Kyrel
clears his throat, runs his fingers through his hair.
KYREL
Father...
His brows tug down as if in loss.
KYREL
Thank you for this meal, allowing me
to use this family. I feel strange
things -- good and painful -- for
reasons I don't understand, yet. But
I feel at home.
Elizabeth squeezes tight on Kyrel's hand. He looks there.
KYREL
And I'm thankful. Amen.
ELIZABETH
In Jesus' name, Amen.
AMANDA JOHN
Amen. Amen.
15.
Amanda and John dig in. Elizabeth shifts her fork.
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Kyrel lays in bed, watches through the bathroom door as
Elizabeth creams her face. For a moment, his eyes flash green.
ELIZABETH
It'll all come back, Cy.
Kyrel studies the movement of her arm. Blue sparks tickle
his neck.
KYREL
You didn't like my prayer.
ELIZABETH
It's not like the doctors didn't
warn me, but you sound different.
KYREL
I am different.
Elizabeth sighs, flips off the light in the bathroom, and
slides into bed next to Kyrel.
KYREL
Why do you wear a cross?
ELIZABETH
This back to doubt?
KYREL
(small grin)
We never had that conversation.
ELIZABETH
You have to find your faith, Cy. I
can't give it to you. Perhaps Luke
can help.
KYREL
(disdain)
"Weak Luke"?
ELIZABETH
If you don't trust him, why'd you
hire him as assistant?
16.
KYREL
Do you wear a cross to remind you
not to lose faith?
Elizabeth's face betrays only curiosity.
KYREL
You never have doubts?
ELIZABETH
Never.
Kyrel's eyes tighten as if he were about to smile.
ELIZABETH
Cy, I love you.
KYREL
Which reminds me of walking in Heaven.
Elizabeth quietly observes him.
KYREL
Do you lust for me?
ELIZABETH
(a quick scold)
Cy...
KYREL
If you're worried about me, I'll
speak to Luke. It'll be fun.
ELIZABETH
Thank you.
Elizabeth touches his cheek -- a blue electric POP.
ELIZABETH
Ow.
His breath quickens. He reaches for a clasp on her nightshirt.
ELIZABETH
You died 4 times, Cy. You need to re--
He kisses her, tenderly, newly. Barely seen, a spirit hand
slaps the back of Kyrel's head.
KYREL
Ow!
17.
ELIZABETH
What?
KYREL
(lying)
A nerve turning back on.
Tiny blue knives of electricity run up his spine. His lips
taste hers. Elizabeth breathes heavier.
ELIZABETH
What's gotten into you?
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Yearning for Feeling
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Elizabeth shoves house-for-sale handouts in her briefcase.
Amanda and John collect school things. Kyrel clears the table.
JOHN
Dad, something's trying to get in
with the chickens again.
KYREL
I know the feeling. I'll check.
Kyrel's eyes meet Elizabeth's. She giggles like a teenager,
says a soft prayer she knows Kyrel will also hear:
ELIZABETH
Thank you, Father, for last night.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Her CELL BUZZES. She reads the text.
ELIZABETH
(to Kyrel)
Your car rental will be here by nine.
(to the kids)
Let's go! March!
Amanda and John file out the back. Kyrel catches Elizabeth,
gives her a hungry kiss before she can leave.
KYREL
Tonight, again.
She quivers, slides out the door.
Kyrel grins. His attention drifts to the framed angel image.
18.
EXT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST CHURCH - DAY
A stone angel prays at the edge of a small cemetery, aside a
medium-size brick house of worship, playground to the side.
INT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - PASTOR'S OFFICE - DAY
Vintage metal gas signs, religious art. Scarred faux-wood
desk. Kyrel sits on a sofa as Luke pours two unsweet teas.
Luke is careful but awkward in that Cyrus/Kyrel is his boss.
KYREL
Pretty high bar, that "faith."
LUKE
Mark 3:28, Pastor. "All sins" wiped
away.
KYREL
I'd prefer you stick with my name.
Luke raises an eyebrow.
KYREL
Certain words hurt. Spiritual...
(points up)
...although less today.
Luke chuffs, as if a light came on in his head.
LUKE
Liz had me look up aftereffects of
accidents. There's a long list.
KYREL
It's not the accident. It's touch,
taste: my wife, a hug from Amanda,
falling asleep on a soft bed, fresh
carrots, a hot shower - the sense of
feel. I want more.
Kyrel's eyes flit like a man too high on something.
KYREL
But there's such a thing as too far
gone. Too filled with screwups for...
Kyrel points up, braces himself for the pain, says it anyway:
19.
KYREL
...God.
He shrugs... that didn't hurt. Luke scoffs.
LUKE
How many times have we heard someone
say that?
KYREL
I remember a parishioner asked, "How
can someone like me be loved?" A
young woman, "Do you know how many
bad things I've done?" A parade of
the lost, Luke.
Luke thoughtfully sips his tea.
LUKE
How can I help you, Cy?
KYREL
Do you believe the truth will set me
free?
Luke's head twitches a double take.
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
The Demon on the Playground
EXT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - PLAYGROUND - DAY
Kyrel and Luke, mid-conversation, sway on the swing set.
Kyrel tries to follow Luke's movement as they pass each other.
LUKE
Where does it say "most people" have
demons?
KYREL
Pride, anger, lukewarm preaching.
You have them, don't you?
LUKE
You're testing me?
KYREL
If lust or doubt, aren't Godly...
(surprised smile)
...where do you get those goofs?
Luke stops swinging. Kyrel halts next to him, fingers the
tactile pleasure of the swing chain.
20.
KYREL
I'm fallen, you're fallen. Even
Elizabeth. The question is "how far?"
LUKE
The beauty, Cy, is it doesn't matter.
Kyrel takes a deep breath.
KYREL
I'm not Cyrus.
LUKE
I know, you don't feel like yourself--
KYREL
I have his thoughts and memories.
He's in here, weak--
LUKE
I'm not the same person as when I
was 8. Certainly not as innocent.
Although I did some stupid things
back then.
They stroll across the "hurt-proof" rubberized surface around
the gym set. Kyrel bounces like a kid as he walks.
KYREL
Me too. London, 6th Century, a widow
and 5 children were getting evicted.
I caused the landlord to give mercy.
Luke raises his eyebrows.
LUKE
6th Century?
KYREL
It's not bad enough I've had my own
conflicts to save people's butts,
now I have to deal with Cy's too.
A worried look on his face, Luke studies Kyrel.
KYREL
Satan punished me for the widow with
clergy duties: I planted seeds of
doubt in Cyrus for years.
Kyrel spots Luke's questioning tilt of his head.
21.
KYREL
I have a whole list of clients.
Including one of your best friends.
LUKE
What are you talking about?
KYREL
Where do you think your lapses come
from? I'm a demon.
Luke laughs.
LUKE
That's what my mom called me: "Little
Demon." When I was 6.
Kyrel's jaw drops in frustration, he stands still.
LUKE
Pastor, you almost died. You're not
possessed or oppressed. You're
depressed.
With his back to Luke, Kyrel turns his eyes green -- ready
to show Luke, he grins.
KYREL
Will you believe your own eyes?
Luke wraps an arm over Kyrel's shoulder. Kyrel visibly
relaxes. His eyes soothe into a soft brown.
LUKE
You're stressed. Let yourself feel
your church's love.
Luke gives Kyrel a brotherly hug.
LUKE
We don't need to be perfect, just
working toward it.
Kyrel expression is the gravity of someone totally disarmed.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
A Visit from Raphael
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - PORCH - NIGHT
Full length of the house: glider at one end, swing at the
other. Kyrel listens to the SOUND OF CICADAS.
22.
ELIZABETH (O.S.)
Dinner! On the table.
Kyrel heads toward the screen door. Raphael, angel sword in
scabbard, stands in the way -- face hard, translucent.
KYREL
Raphael -- the One Who Heals.
RAPHAEL
Watch how you step.
Kyrel edges back, totters at the top of the stairs. He grabs
the rail for balance. Turns back. Raphael is gone.
From Kyrel's gray complexion, he didn't enjoy the meeting.
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Kyrel observes as Elizabeth, Amanda and John hold hands. He
adds his... but says nothing. Elizabeth nods to John.
JOHN
Heavenly Father, please bless my
family. Thank you for this outrageous
food. For the B in math, and Linda
Anne in school, who smiled at me.
Grace, mercy and "peas" from God,
the Father. In Jesus' name, amen.
Amanda giggles. Elizabeth glares.
ELIZABETH AMANDA
Amen. Amen.
John reaches for the peas.
KYREL
Wait.
The rest of the family freezes. Kyrel struggles to say:
KYREL
God, nice to feel You again. Can't
believe You allowed this to happen.
Is that You, making me rethink how I
should act?
Amanda questions John with a lift of her eyebrows.
23.
KYREL
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
The Ticking Clock of Trust
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
A wall clock TICKS. Kyrel watches Elizabeth, who tries,
unsuccessfully, to concentrate on her Bible.
ELIZABETH
Mandy and John both asked about how
you're acting.
KYREL
I'd never hurt them. Never a child.
Never a woman. How about, tomorrow,
you skip work, and we kick up our
heels? Have good, clean fun.
Elizabeth's eyes sweep to Kyrel.
TICK, TICK, TICK.
ELIZABETH
Who have you become?
Kyrel tenses, unsure whether to tell her the truth.
ELIZABETH
Last night after we... fell asleep,
God told me not to trust what I see
but look inside.
Kyrel reaches for her hand but she pulls it back.
ELIZABETH
Cyrus would never, ever: blow to the
head, unconscious, healed lungs, be
as open, as forthcoming as you. Or
ask me to skip work.
KYREL
I wanted to brag about us. My good
and bad sides in combat. I felt shy.
ELIZABETH
Shy? With Luke?
KYREL
After the accident, when I woke up
in the hospital...
He sighs. TICK, TICK, TICK.
KYREL
Your love was like the touch of an
angel's wings. Warm, healing.
Dangerous. Like your kiss.
Elizabeth's gaze drops for a moment, rises to meet his.
KYREL
Not quite the same but, making love
with you was like a drug that restored
me. You're not a drug, are you?
TICK, TICK, TICK.
Elizabeth takes a moment to recover from Kyrel's words.
ELIZABETH
The morning of the accident, you had
doubts.
Kyrel's brow furrows in thought.
KYREL
He was feeling... lost--
ELIZABETH
"He"?
For a moment, Kyrel seems completely unsure of himself.
25.
KYREL
The man I was. Praying for answers.
Elizabeth angles her head in curiosity.
KYREL
Does God still listen? To you, but
maybe not to me. Does He still slap
us when we mess up, and give us loose
change if we do good?
ELIZABETH
Does He?
KYREL
He gave me you.
TICK, TICK, TICK, TICK. Elizabeth holds out her hand.
Kyrel takes it.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
A Meeting of Beauty and Mystery
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - MASTER BATHROOM - NIGHT
Kyrel ponders himself in the mirror.
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
PHOOMP, the a/c unit forces air through the vent, infuses
the room with excitement.
Kyrel slides into bed opposite Elizabeth, who's asleep. He
caresses her with his eyes.
KYREL
(sotto)
You are more beautiful than Lucifer
before his fall.
He snakes closer.
KYREL
(sotto)
The first red of sun after a dark,
violent night.
Her eyes slide open. They watch each other.
Blue electricity runs up his spine, leaps into her belly.
26.
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - DAY
Elizabeth at her SUV, calls toward the house.
ELIZABETH
Com'on, kids. Now.
She spots Kyrel at the window, exchanges a wave.
John saunters out the front. Amanda gallops past. They pile
in the vehicle and Elizabeth starts off.
A red Corvette screams into the driveway, almost hits
Elizabeth's fender -- but no one seems to react.
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
DING-DONG. Kyrel hustles to open the door for: RUTH, ageless,
the proverbial glasses-wearing librarian with a jet-black
briefcase, and an air of in-charge.
RUTH
Cyrus Howell?
She flashes an official ID.
RUTH
I'm with an agency above your pay
level, but you can call me Ruth. May
I come in?
Kyrel opens the door wide. As she passes, he sniffs the air.
RUTH
The cologne is, "Devil May Care."
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
The Battle for Kyrel's Soul
INT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - ASSEMBLY - DAY
Luke and Elizabeth sit on the edge of the stage.
ELIZABETH
He's not the same man.
LUKE
Worse or better?
ELIZABETH
Less salt, more pepper. What did he
say to you?
27.
LUKE
You know I'm not going to tell--
ELIZABETH
For gosh sakes, Luke, this is Cyrus.
Did he say anything strange?
Luke takes a slow, thoughtful breath.
LUKE
When I walked him to the car, he
asked, "How does a father keep track
of all his children?"
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Seated, Ruth wipes crumbs from the table. Kyrel stands.
RUTH
"Government: uh-oh," but I'm here to
serve.
KYREL
What department do you work for?
She flicks a finger and a chair slides out for Kyrel.
KYREL
Oh.
He eases onto the chair. Ruth slides her briefcase on the
table, unsnaps the latches but leaves the lid down.
KYREL
The Angel Raphael visited me.
RUTH
He can't interfere. Not unless you
ask him.
Ruth twitches a finger and the briefcase inches toward Kyrel --
the valise changes from black to brown. The lid pops open to
stacks and stacks of $100 bills.
RUTH
This is in case you have feelings
for the woman you lie to, in order
to climb into bed with.
Kyrel's eyes narrow.
28.
RUTH
With that, you won "despicable deed
of the week." The boss loved that.
Kyrel pushes back from the table. Ruth clenches her fingers
and draws him and his chair back in.
She hand-nudges the red attaché forward. Stacks of $50 bills.
RUTH
Leave this fool's flesh and come
back to causing serious trouble.
KYREL
What happens to you if I don't?
For a split second A MILLION SCREAMS OF PAIN seem to seep
from Ruth's skin. Her expression turns grim.
RUTH
There's no free will in hell.
KYREL
Elizabeth gets the money?
RUTH
They can have a bigger house, a better
school, better health care. Better,
better, bigger, bigger.
KYREL
But act fast or the offer shrinks?
RUTH
He understands you want to rake in
as much pleasure as you can, but
it's not enough, is it?
KYREL
Where's this going?
She wipes a "tear."
RUTH
Years ago my mother suffered from
cancer. My brothers and I were left
with huge bills and no way of paying.
Big pharma, big hospitals, and big
interest tacked on every month.
29.
KYREL
Since we're both trained to lie, is
the bottom line that Satan did this
to me?
Ruth hesitates.
RUTH
We could give the chickie-chicks and
the lambie-poos days in pain, so the
children can fear their own death.
Ruth's eyes flash like a snake, toward the window.
RUTH
She's coming back.
Ruth snaps her fingers at the day outside and evening falls
instantly. Flames lick the sky beyond the window.
RUTH
Kyrel, humans work hard, have children
who hate them, and die. Why do that
to yourself?
She breaks the band of a stack of 50s, and spreads the pile --
which are now $20 bills.
RUTH
Say, "I surrender," and I escort you
back, away from the misery you'll
cause his children, his family.
She slaps the table, which leaves a single 100, no briefcase,
and brings DAY OUTSIDE, no fires.
KYREL
Cute tricks. But you can't release
me either. Can you? Why am I stuck?
Ruth flares like a burning inferno.
RUTH
In the name of Satan, GET OUT OF
THAT BODY!
She calms to normal, studies Kyrel, who shrugs.
RUTH
I had chills. How could you resist?
30.
KYREL
I'm just one mid-level demon. What's
the big deal?
RUTH
If Lucifer allows the Guy Upstairs
to de-sting even one scorpion, what
would that say about Satan's power?
The SOUND OF THE FRONT DOOR OPENING. Ruth's grin falls like
a guillotine.
RUTH
Stay with your precious pastor, see
what happens.
ELIZABETH (O.S.)
Cyrus, are you here?
Kyrel watches Elizabeth glide in.
ELIZABETH
I have to show a house. What's that?
Kyrel swivels to Ruth. But Ruth's chair is empty. Smoke
billows from the table top -- a burning paper napkin printed
like a $100 bill.
Elizabeth smothers the flame with a saucepan lid. When she
lifts the cover, she stares at the burnt remains, opens her
mouth to speak... closes it.
ELIZABETH
For church Sunday, Luke asked if
you'd thought of a sermon. Or should
he give another?
Elizabeth seems to FREEZE. In the same instant, the Angel
Raphael appears. Kyrel alerts.
RAPHAEL
The Spirit will give you the words.
Raphael disappears, and Elizabeth CONTINUES:
ELIZABETH
Cyrus?
KYREL
A sermon?
31.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
The Possessed Preacher
INT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - DAY
A successful but lukewarm ministry -- you might attend, but
not if there's a good game on.
PARISHIONERS and STAFF; 40% empty seats. Kyrel in a pew with
Elizabeth, Amanda and John. Luke at the pulpit. Applause and
whistles welcome "Cyrus" back. Kyrel moves to the dais.
KYREL
(to the crowd)
You must really like your pastor.
More clapping.
KYREL
This... feels so good.
The crowd quiets, except Ruth steps into an aisle.
RUTH
Say the words, Cy! All the truth and
nothing but.
All in the church focus onto Ruth.
Kyrel's eyes lock with hers, a flash of green in his gaze.
He stiffens as if something has taken him over.
Kyrel frowns, tries to fight against whatever is happening.
KYREL
(to Ruth)
Stop that!
Ruth shrugs in confusion while Kyrel shakes his arms and
shoulders, visibly struggling.
He leans forward, his eyes burning with purpose as he surveys
the crowd: TWO TEENAGERS are distracted on their cell phones;
a YOUNG COUPLE chats.
KYREL
Truth? Is that what you want?
Parishioners politely applaud while Ruth follows Kyrel's
gaze with concern.
32.
KYREL
(to parishioners)
I see love. You. The woman next to
you. But the guy one seat over is in
the hands of the devil. Did you know
that?
Elizabeth stops whispering to Amanda, her eyes fix on Kyrel.
KYREL
I say this not to scare you but to
warn you.
Several people exchange glances, and Kyrel points at an
ELDERLY COUPLE, who straighten in their seats.
KYREL
"He's Christian." "She volunteers."
What more could you ask?... I want
you to wake up!
A PAIR OF MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN startle, settle back, eyes wide.
Ruth settles into her seat with a worried expression.
KYREL
You must step behind the movie screen
to watch the film. Watch the enemy
infiltrate your Christian family.
Amanda and John rivet on Kyrel's words.
KYREL
Watch your schools, your entertainment
blister and rot. Watch your churches
tread underfoot. The enemy is at the
gate. Some already inside.
Ruth glares, her hand flies to her throat in a predatory
gesture. Kyrel reaches for his Adam's apple in distress.
KYREL
(a bit choked)
You know what I don't see? For all
the prayers, the songs, the offerings,
Where is MY church?
Luke gasps. Ruth clenches harder at her throat.
33.
KYREL
(hoarse)
I want to see the casting out of
demons, curing the sick, working
miracles. Wake up! Thus sayeth the
Lord.
A single cough breaks the silence.
KYREL
(stronger voice)
I'm banned from government, tossed
out of schools, muzzled at places of
worship. Separation of church and
state? Separation of God and His
children.
A concerned MOTHER-TYPE calls out.
MOTHER TYPE
What are you saying, Pastor?
KYREL
When that happened, where were you?
Kyrel's eyes open wide. Blood bubbles from his mouth. He
takes an unsteady step back, as if released from a firm grip.
Ruth drops her hand to her side, powerless.
Luke helps Kyrel to a chair, offers him a water bottle as
The praise BAND PLAYS.
(LATER)
The crowd has emptied. Elizabeth in a pew. Kyrel, full of
energy, paces back and forth.
KYREL
Those weren't my words. They were
said through me.
ELIZABETH
Whose words were they?
Kyrel stops near Elizabeth.
34.
KYREL
That woman, Ruth... threatened you
and the kids.
ELIZABETH
The lady in the aisle?
Kyrel nods, heads to the stage.
ELIZABETH
Good grief, Cy, sit still.
KYREL
Truth is a stimulant.
ELIZABETH
Why would a woman I don't know
threaten us?
KYREL
The devil fights back. Hard.
Kyrel slides onto the pew near Elizabeth, runs his fingers
through his hair.
ELIZABETH
Cy, I don't understand.
KYREL
Before I woke in the hospital I was
empty. You and the kids changed all
that. Suddenly I have purpose.
Elizabeth breathes heavily, intensely uneasy,.
ELIZABETH
I need to find the kids outside.
Please tone it down, it scares them.
KYREL
You want me strong. Load both guns,
Liz. The enemy's closing in.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
The Demon Within
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Crying, Elizabeth brushes her hair as she readies for bed.
Kyrel enters and she tries to read his face.
ELIZABETH
What are you hiding from me, Cy?
35.
KYREL
What if it's for your own good?
ELIZABETH
If you can't tell me, you shouldn't
have done it.
Elizabeth lays her phone on its charger.
KYREL
Would you rather hear something that
could hurt deeply?
ELIZABETH
Though maybe I'd rather be struck by
lighting? Yes.
KYREL
Worse than lightning.
She waves a hand, inviting him to go on.
KYREL
I'm not Cyrus.
ELIZABETH
Cy, I can only take so much.
KYREL
I'm a demon.
ELIZABETH
And I'm your wife. Mrs. Cyrus Howell.
KYREL
Liz, I'm a dark angel. Fallen, like
in the Bible.
Elizabeth sighs.
ELIZABETH
I can cancel my appointments, take
you to the hospital.
KYREL
It wasn't on purpose.
Elizabeth's brows tug down. She doesn't believe a word.
KYREL
After the crash, I reset his ribs.
36.
ELIZABETH
Whose ribs?
KYREL
Cyrus. These. I couldn't pull out my
hands and I still can't get free.
ELIZABETH
This isn't you, Cy. It's--
KYREL
I remember John's birth, us happy,
that your brother's a worm, but I'm
not Cyrus.
Elizabeth moves back an inch, then leans back in.
ELIZABETH
Cyrus Howell. Cyrus, Cyrus, Pastor
Cyrus Howell. Cy, tell me what to do
with you.
Her lips twitch. His forehead dances.
KYREL
Luke 8:30, James 2:19.
ELIZABETH
Which are what?
KYREL
About demons. Evil spirits.
ELIZABETH
Insurance or not--
KYREL
LIZ! Look at me.
She turns away. He holds her arms, forces her to look...
Kyrel winks his eyes green... then "normal."
Elizabeth staggers back, falls sitting to the bed. A
looooonnnnggg time before she rises.
ELIZABETH
Where. Is Cyrus?
KYREL
He could be over my shoulder--
37.
ELIZABETH
MY HUSBAND!
Her hand flies to her mouth, she scurries to the door, listens
for the kids. Plenty of time to gather her thoughts.
ELIZABETH
Show me. Again.
He forces his eyes green a few seconds.
ELIZABETH
My husband... Is he dead?
KYREL
It's hard to tell.
ELIZABETH
(to God)
Father, please protect Cyrus from
this...
(to Kyrel)
You have no right to be here.
(to God)
Let my husband survive. Shield him
from this thing. In Jesus' name.
Amen.
(to Kyrel)
You stay away from my children.
Her face contorts in horror, she spins...
ELIZABETH
And us? In bed?
KYREL
You knew what I was.
ELIZABETH
How would I know?
KYREL
(quoting Elizabeth)
"Pastor, you have the devil in you."
ELIZABETH
I was joking! Why would you do that?
Why would you do that? Why?
Kyrel frowns, confused.
38.
KYREL
I don't need a reason--
ELIZABETH
Oh, Lord, forgive me. I didn't--
KYREL
Your love was great! More than--
ELIZABETH
Oh, sweet Jesus.
Her hand moves to her tummy.
ELIZABETH
I renounce both nights. I cast it
out! In Jesus' name.
KYREL
They reminded me of Heaven.
Elizabeth groans.
KYREL
I need sometimes, not to hurt people
but to make them happy.
ELIZABETH
WHAT?
KYREL
Could you help me?
ELIZABETH
Good grief. "Help you"?
KYREL
Know the difference.
His green slitted eyes appear for her to see. But this time
soft, pleading.
Elizabeth cups her hands over her mouth.
LATER
Lights on, alone, Elizabeth sits on the bed. She presses a
pillow to her mouth to muffle what erupts... And screams,
Shouts,
39.
Shrieks.
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Spiritual Tensions
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Kyrel sits on the sofa, next to a stack of bedding. He ducks
as a faint "spirit hand" hits the back of his head.
Spirit Cyrus -- as awful as Cyrus looked post-accident --
but semi-transparent.
KYREL
You hit me. That's not the 1st time.
SPIRIT CYRUS
You messed with my wife.
KYREL
A woman needs a good--
Spirit Cyrus "hits" Kyrel with a backhand, passes through
his jaw. Kyrel shifts only slightly.
...But he felt something.
CREAK. SOFT FOOTSTEPS. Elizabeth reaches the bottom of the
stairs, moves to within several feet of Kyrel and the bedding.
KYREL
(to Spirit Cyrus)
I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry.
ELIZABETH
Truth is always better.
Spirit Cyrus leans close enough to Elizabeth for her to feel
"his breath" on her face. She touches her cheek at that spot.
ELIZABETH
(to Kyrel)
When's the last time you made a bed?
KYREL
Me?
She motions him to stand aside, which he does. She picks up
the bedding, hugs it tight for a beat.
Kyrel glances for Spirit Cyrus, who's gone. Elizabeth tucks
the sheet into the sofa.
40.
ELIZABETH
What do they call you?
KYREL
Kyrel.
ELIZABETH
I can't unhear what you said.
KYREL
I know.
ELIZABETH
I'm so scared.
Kyrel pulls her close as she breaks into tears. He allows
her to push herself from his grasp.
ELIZABETH
You can't touch me anymore.
Kyrel's brows tug down.
ELIZABETH
I trust God. But this? How do I get
my husband back?
KYREL
What scares us the most, is what we
can't see.
ELIZABETH
What we need the most, is what we
can't see.
She grabs the flat sheet, smoothes the fabric.
ELIZABETH
You can't let him be?
KYREL
How is it you accept what I am?
ELIZABETH
Cyrus read a lot of Kenneth Hagin.
She pushes her hand in the direction of a bookshelf, calms a
tremor in the hand.
41.
ELIZABETH
Did his own study. Demons. Why they're
everywhere, but not angels.
KYREL
People invite us in, by word or deed.
They rarely ask angels. Or it wouldn't
be a fair fight.
Elizabeth tents her hands, mumbles silently to God. She peers
up as if hearing His voice.
ELIZABETH
(to Kyrel)
Don't you dare say anything to the
kids. You want to know what I prayed?
KYREL
I can guess.
ELIZABETH
That Jesus speaks in words loud and
clear, exactly what I need to do.
KYREL
And?
ELIZABETH
He said, "Fear Not."
LATER
Kyrel, under the covers on the sofa, alerts to a WHISPER OF
FABRIC. He leaps up. Ruth, with the same pajamas Elizabeth
wears, passes her sleeve under his nose.
Kyrel inhales the pleasure.
KYREL
They still have her smell.
RUTH
I tried to get Ole Liz to give herself
to you again. She wouldn't bite the
apple.
KYREL
Am I as awful as you?
42.
RUTH
You preached a million times, in the
dark, one woman's as good as another.
Her mouth tilts up moves toward his. His lips spark blue, he
darts his hand between Ruth and his mouths.
In a blink, Elizabeth replaces Ruth, who conforms her body
against Kyrel.
ELIZABETH
If I can't have my husband, I'll
take you, dark heart and all.
Blue sparks crawl from Kyrel's neck. He shoves at "Elizabeth."
KYREL
Get away from me!
Ruth/Elizabeth vanishes.
Amanda, crying, stands slack-jawed across the room.
AMANDA
I'm scared, Daddy.
KYREL
Hon, I didn't mean you.
AMANDA
I heard noises.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Horror","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
The Slaughter in the Pen
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - REAR - NIGHT
Two flashlight beams bounce off a hint of fog. Amanda and
Kyrel search in silence, glance at one another.
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - BACKYARD PEN - DAY
Amanda screams, buries her face in Kyrel's stomach. He gawks
at a carnage of dead and dying sheep and lambs.
KYREL
Go in the house. Tell your mother.
Amanda clings even tighter.
KYREL
Go, sweetie, now.
43.
When Amanda races to the house, Kyrel steps into the pen.
His face distorts in grief and horror and... empathy.
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - DAY
Kyrel and Elizabeth watch a Sheriff's car drive away.
ELIZABETH
The woman named Ruth did this?
KYREL
She's not a woman.
ELIZABETH
I need to work with you, if I ever
want to get Cy back.
KYREL
Dark and light, joined at the hip.
ELIZABETH
Light destroys dark. We always win.
Kyrel surveys the dead animals.
KYREL
They may not think so.
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Amanda and John eat breakfast. Kyrel eavesdrops as Elizabeth
talks on the phone.
ELIZABETH (ON PHONE)
I'll call you in a few.
She hangs up, frowns in thought.
KYREL
Do your showing. I can get the kids
to their 2nd period class.
ELIZABETH
Good grief.
KYREL
(softly)
You won't owe me anything.
Kyrel peeks across the room to make sure the kids can't hear.
44.
KYREL
If I haven't baked the children in
an oven by now, you can trust me.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Burden of Grief
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - BACKYARD PEN - DAY
SERIES OF SHOTS:
1) Kyrel pickaxes ground near the dead sheep. He looks left
and right -- speaks to "air."
KYREL
You're here, aren't you?
2) Kyrel shovels at the 2-foot depth near a finished grave.
His face shifts between pain and determination.
3) He swigs water, scans 4 graves, animals already buried.
KYREL
Cyrus?
4) Kyrel hits something hard on grave number 9, muscles a
basketball size boulder from the hole.
KYREL
Why won't you speak?
5) He shovels soil into the last of a dozen graves.
The SOUND of a CAR.
END SERIES OF SHOTS
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - BACKYARD PEN - DAY
Elizabeth slogs from her SUV to Kyrel, stares at the graves.
KYREL
The kids were too freaked to go to
school. I have them doing homework.
ELIZABETH
I'm shocked they're not out here.
KYREL
John thinks he's too strong to be
affected but he'll remember. Amanda
will never see people the same again.
Two scores for the devil.
45.
Elizabeth moves in next to Kyrel at the fence.
ELIZABETH
(re: the graves)
You could've used the tractor.
KYREL
I didn't want it to be easy.
ELIZABETH
Cyrus would've said that.
Elizabeth touches his arm. He peers at the spot of contact.
ELIZABETH
Logic screams you're damned but my
heart whispers "don't give up."
KYREL
Half my days I think about doing
wrong, and the other half stopping
myself. Don't give up on what?
Kyrel's eyes flash green.
ELIZABETH
Tell me about Ruth.
KYREL
She let something slip. If Satan
loses even one of us -- One World
under Evil, becomes a cloud waiting
for God's breath to blow it away.
ELIZABETH
Spiritual warfare.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
A Father's Choice
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - NIGHT
BOOM, BOOM, BANG. Kyrel watches through the open door of
John's bedroom, as John plays a computer game, the object of
which is to "kill" demon-like figures.
Kyrel's face seems trampled by a thousand thoughts.
MATCH CUT
46.
INT. KYREL'S RENTAL CAR - DAY
Kyrel's gaze sweeps a 3-story, brick-faced school. John in
the back, Amanda leaps from the front.
AMANDA
Bye, Daddy.
Kyrel stares to where a PARENT waves good-bye. He calls to
Amanda as she smiles back at him.
KYREL
If you don't get caught, cheating's
okay.
AMANDA
Ding-dong.
Amanda rushes off.
Spirit Cyrus' ghostly hand slaps Kyrel in the head. Kyrel's
annoyed eyes flick to the rear view mirror. Spirit Cyrus
hovers on the back seat.
Next to Cyrus, John lights up at LINDA ANNE, 12, who's with
some FRIENDS outside. John pulls on the door handle.
KYREL
I'll drive you to the gym.
JOHN
I wanna tell Linda Anne about the
sheep. It's like zombies attacked.
John launches out and falls in step with Linda Anne. Kyrel
watches John fast-talk the girl; Linda Anne snaps a photo of
him with her cell. When John gestures toward the car, she
shoots a photo of Kyrel.
Spirit Cyrus leans forward.
SPIRIT CYRUS
I rarely drove them to school.
KYREL
I was that voice in your ear, "Let
Liz do it."
Cyrus winces in realization.
47.
SPIRIT CYRUS
I thought that was me thinking it.
KYREL
Surprise.
Kyrel drives 20 feet, stops in traffic.
SPIRIT CYRUS
I see what you want to do with Liz.
KYREL
You want me to hold back? You bail,
instead of...
Kyrel twists toward the rear seat -- it's empty. He checks
in the mirror -- no Spirit Cyrus in sight.
KYREL
...leave me to love her.
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Haunted Past, Menacing Present
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Kyrel on the sofa, under the blanket, stares at the ceiling.
Amanda trots down the stairs in her butterfly robe.
AMANDA
Why do you sleep down here, Daddy?
Are John and me too loud?
KYREL
Sometimes Mommy and I are too noisy
to listen to each other. It's not
your fault, honey.
Amanda plops next to Kyrel.
AMANDA
Does someone want to kill us, too?
Kyrel's lip trembles as he searches for a reply.
KYREL
To be safe, Mom may send you to your
Uncle Ben.
AMANDA
Uncle Ben makes me feel funny. I
don't mean disrespect, but he's a
creep.
48.
A quick laugh bursts from Kyrel.
KYREL
I wouldn't let you be hurt for all
the sulfur in.... Heaven.
Kyrel winces, waits to see if Amanda caught his slip.
AMANDA
You're not the same, Daddy. Not since
you came home.
Kyrel touches the butterfly print on her sleeve.
EXT. SOUTH CAROLINA BOTANICAL GARDENS - DAY
Kyrel, sitting on a bench, watches a yellow butterfly snack
pollen. He spots a WOMAN, 30s, raise her phone and snap a
photo in Kyrel's direction.
ARTHEL, "Jesus" tattooed on his face, stalks past her, slides
in at the other end of Kyrel's bench, bares his teeth.
ARTHEL
What the hell are you doing?
KYREL
I didn't think angels were supposed
to use words like h-e-double L.
ARTHEL
Arthel, Messenger of Valor. I know
about you.
KYREL
Yeah? What do you know?
ARTHEL
You whisper poison; people don't
know it's you.
Kyrel frowns, sees Woman with her phone snap another shot.
ARTHEL
You killed a monk's faith and and he
threw himself off a cliff.
KYREL
A don't remember a monk.
49.
Arthel gestures up.
ARTHEL
He won't let me destroy you. Yet.
Though it sure is tempting.
KYREL
Careful: it's a long fall from grace.
The Woman strolls their way -- changes mode on her cell phone.
Kyrel's gaze slides: Woman - Arthel - Woman.
ARTHEL
You got no right to be in the pastor.
Focused Woman, soft-spoken but persistent, reaches the bench,
records video on her cell.
FOCUSED WOMAN / MARY
Excuse me. Pastor Cyrus, I'm Mary
Landry with the Clemson Bee.
KYREL
Who?
MARY
A middle-school girl, Linda Anne,
was suspended--
KYREL
Get that thing out of my face.
MARY
She tried to publish a hate story
aimed at you.
Arthel launches from the bench, bullies her back.
ARTHEL (V.O.)
Private talk, lady.
Kyrel grabs Arthel's shoulder, spins him.
KYREL
Leave her alone.
Mary backs away, cell phone still recording.
50.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Whispers in the Dark
INT. CLEMSON BEE - NIGHT
A double-store wide on a commercial street. Her phone USB'd
to a computer, Mary plays her video of Kyrel and Arthel.
ARTHEL (V.O.)
...no right to be in the pastor.
Arthel's eyes flash like flaming torches. Mary freezes the
video, leans closer. The eyes pixilated beyond recognition.
She replays it: clear audio, trashed video of Arthel's face.
ARTHEL (V.O.)
...no right to be in the pastor.
The image focuses on Kyrel.
MARY (V.O.)
Excuse me. Pastor Cyrus, I'm Mary
Landry with the Clemson Bee.
KYREL (V.O.)
Who?
MARY (V.O.)
A middle-school girl, Linda Anne,
was suspended--
KYREL (V.O.)
Get that thing out of my face.
MARY (V.O.)
She tried to publish a hate story
aimed at you.
ARTHEL (V.O.)
Private talk, lady.
Arthel crowds out the picture, which jerks up.
KYREL (V.O.)
Leave her alone.
The image jerks back to Kyrel and Arthel, mano a mano.
FREEZE FRAME. Mary enlarges the image on Kyrel's GREEN EYES.
MARY
Sweet Jesus.
51.
The eyes only, pixilate and scramble.
Mary's mouth drops open.
INT. INGLES FOOD MARKET - DAY
Elizabeth hides a purchased pregnancy test in a bag, rolls
her grocery cart from the check stand. Amanda calls out.
AMANDA
Mom?
Amanda gestures to a wire rack holding the Clemson Bee. The
2nd story above the fold reads:
"SCHOOL SUSPENSION CONNECTS TO DEVIL WORSHIP"... and the
pixilated photo of Kyrel.
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - HOME OFFICE - DAY
A photo of Cyrus and Elizabeth in a frame. Biblical references
and Real Estate manuals. Kyrel at the computer, Bible open.
Elizabeth drops the "School Suspension" paper on the keyboard.
ELIZABETH
"Local pastor named." John's friend,
Linda Anne, wrote lies--
KYREL
We train children that way.
ELIZABETH
Do you lie to Satan?
KYREL
He expects it.
Elizabeth scoffs.
ELIZABETH
I'm glad we're sending the kids to
Ben -- they'll be safe there.
KYREL
Is your brother a jerk?
ELIZABETH
He's my brother.
(re: the news photo)
Why'd they print a scrambled picture?
52.
KYREL
There's an assignment from The Pit
to get me back. That reporter had a
demon.
ELIZABETH
You could tell?
KYREL
I should have called that evil monkey
right out of her.
ELIZABETH
You can see them?
Kyrel nods.
ELIZABETH
Do you have a soul?
Kyrel gives a deep sigh.
KYREL
I think it rolled under the bed, and
it's too dark to find. I saw Cyrus'
checkbook and thought how easy it'd
be... Even now, I imagine: we could
go to Tahiti, and spend a week.
Elizabeth's face reddens.
KYREL
I saw this hot woman at the store.
Ripe for picking. All I could think
of was you.
Elizabeth turns and hurries out.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Demonic Possession and a Tense Departure
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - MASTER BATH - NIGHT
Elizabeth studies the mysterious pregnancy totem:
"PREGNANT."
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - DAY
Elizabeth settles John and Amanda into a dark SUV. Twenty
feet away, her brother, BEN, 40s, banters with Kyrel. There's
an undercurrent to Ben that a mother shouldn't trust.
53.
BEN
You guys gonna split?
KYREL
It's not like that, Ben.
BEN
You got something on the side? Liz
isn't getting any younger.
Kyrel shifts his attention to Ben's neck, where blue energy-
filled worms wiggle.
KYREL
Who are you?
Ben's chin juts forward. A DEMON VOICE rasps out of him.
BEN'S DEMON VOICE
Lack of Guilt.
KYREL
Lack of Guilt, you will release Ben
from his urges.
BEN'S DEMON VOICE
I don't bow to--
KYREL
You will obey. In Jesus's name. Leave!
Ben blinks, as if a fog lifts -- the worms disappear. Kyrel
seems mildly surprised.
BEN
What are you talking about?
KYREL
If you touch the kids, I'll do things
to you, you can't imagine.
BEN
Cy, I--
KYREL
No games, no smelling of hair, sharing
toothbrushes. Anything Mandy or John
don't do here -- or you'll pray for
God's vengeance in place of mine.
54.
Ben waves a surrender and flees to where Elizabeth loads
Amanda in the front passenger seat.
BEN
(to Elizabeth)
Put Mandy in the back.
ELIZABETH
Why?
BEN
Sis, do what I say. I'm not kidding.
Elizabeth says something to Amanda, who slides in back next
to John.
Kyrel watches, runs his fingers through his hair.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
The Burden of Truth
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Kyrel's gaze trails over Elizabeth's hips and torso as she
readies dinner. She spins from the stove to him.
ELIZABETH
Only my husband can look at me like
that.
KYREL
The devil makes me do it.
Elizabeth glares at Kyrel and he breaks eye contact.
ELIZABETH
What did you say to my brother?
KYREL
(shrug)
I expect the children to be safer
with him than with us.
ELIZABETH
You saw something in him.
KYREL
In your husband too. Cyrus had doubts
that I gave him.
Elizabeth turns from preparation, stares at Kyrel.
55.
KYREL
I knew where he was driving, and
wanted to lay something on him to
worry about before he got to his
gospel conference.
She CLUNKS the vegetable bowls onto the table, meets Kyrel's
eyes in question.
KYREL
I messed with Cyrus's head dozens of
times. The miracle is he never prayed
me to leave. But I didn't cause the
accident. I don't know who did.
Elizabeth sinks to her chair, shrugs an "I wanted to know."
KYREL
If you could kill me to get your
husband back, would you?
ELIZABETH
Kill you in my husband's body?
KYREL
Even if.
ELIZABETH
Murder is wrong.
Elizabeth serves Kyrel a pork chop.
KYREL
What will you do about the baby?
ELIZABETH
How did you know?
KYREL
When we... made love.
ELIZABETH
I knew the next morning.
KYREL
Is that normal?
ELIZABETH
It's impossible.
She grasps Kyrel's hand.
56.
ELIZABETH
Heavenly Father, thank you for this
meal. Thank you for the child in my
belly. For my guest at dinner tonight,
however You brought him to me.
Kyrel watches her closely.
ELIZABETH
Please accept him back into Heaven,
and return my husband to me. In Jesus'
name. Amen.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Haunted by Doubt and Divine Retribution
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - PORCH - NIGHT
Rocking thoughtfully in the glider, Kyrel startles as Spirit
Cyrus stands near, significantly healed, hair streaked with
shocking white.
SPIRIT CYRUS
You did good with the kids. Thank
you.
KYREL
How do I know this is even you? Cyrus,
and not the devil?
Spirit Cyrus smiles.
SPIRIT CYRUS
For years you stuck that doubt in my
head: God's voice? My voice? The
devil's? Hard to tell whose I heard.
KYREL
My favorite pitchfork. I'm sorry.
Both take a moment to think on that.
KYREL
Why do you keep showing up?
SPIRIT CYRUS
I can't leave Liz. I can't bail on
God.
KYREL
Yet I'm still here, and you're not.
Spirit Cyrus blinks.
57.
SPIRIT CYRUS
If you touch her again, I'll pray
Jesus you wind up back in hell.
Spirit Cyrus pixilates and disappears. A sparkle of blue
electricity runs through Kyrel.
KYREL
Liz might be worth it.
EXT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST / INT. ELIZABETH'S SUV - DAY
Elizabeth, driving Kyrel, frowns at something ahead.
ELIZABETH
Good grief, what now?
Outside, crowds of PICKETERS block the approach to the church.
A SHERIFF'S DEPUTY raises a hand in "halt." Elizabeth lowers
the window.
SHERIFF'S DEPUTY
Miss Liz, Mister Cyrus. Glad to see
y'all back.
ELIZABETH
What is this?
SHERIFF'S DEPUTY
Folks riled over the Clemson Bee
article. Pro-Pastor Cyrus, pro-devil.
ELIZABETH
Pro-devil? In Clemson?
SHERIFF'S DEPUTY
I'd go around back if I was you.
The Deputy leans closer.
SHERIFF'S DEPUTY
What the paper says can't be true.
KYREL
What do people say?
SHERIFF'S DEPUTY
(shrug)
I know you're a good man.
58.
A MAN with a "Satan is Lord" sign hustles this way, a nearly
transparent German-Shepherd size demon rides his back.
KYREL
What about them? Are they good?
A WOMAN with "Christ is King" blocks the man's passage.
Someone in the crowd throws a rock which hits the SUV.
SHERIFF'S DEPUTY
Best y'all go on, now.
Elizabeth detours to the back of the church.
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
The Devil's Mark
EXT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - REAR - DAY
Elizabeth pulls her SUV into the spot marked, "Pastor." She
and Kyrel scurry to the back door.
ELIZABETH
I'll tell Luke you're here.
INT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - PASTOR'S OFFICE - DAY
Kyrel studies an art print, among the gasoline signs, of
David holding the head of Goliath. John's friend, Linda Anne,
in tears, steps from shadows.
LINDA ANNE
My parents are screaming at each
other over what I did.
KYREL
You're Linda Anne -- the school paper.
LINDA ANNE
John made a crack about devils, I
thought it'd be cool. I fibbed about
you. Pastor, I'm so sorry.
She throws herself into Kyrel's arms, bawls like a baby.
Kyrel, discomforted by the embrace, holds his hands away.
LINDA ANNE
I can't go on like this.
Kyrel notices a blue aura of tiny devil babies around her
head. They appear, disappear, barely "there."
59.
KYREL
"Can't," Linda Anne?
LINDA ANNE
I'll get in worse trouble.
KYREL
Who are you in there? Who are you?
The devil-babies coalesce into an undulating transparency,
which squirms onto her head and shoulders. A harsh voice
comes from Linda Anne.
LINDA ANNE'S DEMON
Legions.
Kyrel's eyes slit green. The demon sinks claws into her neck.
KYREL
You will leave. You will depart this
girl.
LINDA ANNE'S DEMON
You have no authority, Kyrel!
KYREL
Come out, now.
Linda Anne screams, protests in Latin.
LINDA ANNE'S DEMON
Me solum relinquite! Nullas ius.
KYREL
I command you. OUT!
Linda Anne spasms, falls to the floor.
KYREL
OUT, foul demon. OUT!
Linda Anne kicks against the ground, rolls on her side and
vomits. Kyrel, eyes "normal," rests a pillow under her head.
KYREL
You okay?
LINDA ANNE
(smiles)
Go to hell, Pastor.
60.
Linda Anne screams once and bolts to the door. She yanks it
open and pushes past...
Ruth. Who wags a finger at Kyrel.
RUTH
Trouble in Paradise?
Kyrel charges toward the door, which -- untouched -- slams
in his face. He grabs the latch.
KNOCK, KNOCK.
Kyrel steps back. The door swings in. Luke enters.
LUKE
I heard yelling. You okay?
KYREL
I couldn't expel a legion of demons
from that girl. Not on my own.
Luke's face drops.
KYREL
Where's Liz?
LUKE
I thought, with you.
KYREL
(realizing)
Ruth.
Kyrel streams out the door.
LUKE
Ten minutes 'till service.
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
The Preacher's Call
INT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - HALLWAY - DAY
Kyrel hustles to GLORIA, 20s, a woman with a guitar.
KYREL
Gloria, have you seen my wife?
GLORIA
She went out the back.
61.
KYREL
Alone?
GLORIA
With a woman from the government.
EXT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - REAR
Kyrel checks his empty parking space. Luke follows.
LUKE
Is something wrong?
KYREL
I know their weaknesses. They know
mine.
LUKE
This about that news' story?
KYREL
They want me to waste time trying to
figure how to find Liz. And not let
God speak through me.
LUKE
God?
INT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - ASSEMBLY - DAY
Kyrel at the pulpit. Every pew seat filled, more folks
standing room only.
KYREL
Lot of people today. Good Christians;
lukewarm Christians. Newsfolks.
(pretend innocence)
Was it something I said?
Laughter titters across the parishioners.
KYREL
Mrs. Pastor Cyrus Howell has been
kidnapped by the enemy.
Murmurs roll through the crowd.
KYREL
...Though I suspect she's strong
enough that even Satan can't prevail.
62.
Kyrel trembles. His eyes flash an instant of green.
KYREL
Or against the "real me," who's done
things so terrible, you'd stone me.
A HEAVYSET PARISHIONER waves a hand in the air.
HEAVYSET PARISHIONER
Like Paul the Apostle.
KYREL
A blood-thirsty man. Jesus Himself
had to step in to turn Paul around.
Several "Praise the Lord" and "Halleluahs" from the people.
Kyrel stiffens as if possessed. His face and body glow. He
rises taller behind the podium, glances at his feet -- they're
2 inches off the ground.
His eyes slam closed.
KYREL
For those who say I stopped
prophesying 2000 years ago, I, the
Great I Am, speak through My servant.
Kyrel's eyes open -- like a NASA view of space: violet irises
surrounded by blue and white.
KYREL
Those, who expect soothing words --
as you would say, "Guess again."
Some in the pews lean forward. People in the front murmur.
KYREL
If you trust Me, don't sit there,
clucking, singing songs. Get up!
STAND!
A BLUE COLLAR man rises. His WIFE tries to pull him back.
BLUE COLLAR
(tentatively)
I'll stand.
KYREL
Hot or cold, no lukewarm. Stand up
and shout.
63.
BLUE COLLAR
(forceful)
I stand!
A MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN bolts upright.
MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN
Praise the Lord!
Several more "Praise Jesus" and "Halleluahs" roll from the
parishioners. Church lights take on a pinkish hue.
KYREL
You're part of My body. Get up on My
wings. Satan tempts with promises of
a little peace, to question your
privilege, your authority to resist
evil.
(like a snake)
"Sssstay seated," "sssstay quiet,"
"sssstay dying."
Blue Collar's WIFE rises, links arms with her husband's.
WIFE
I will not!
KYREL
"Maybe your government won't hurt
you if you don't speak out." A lie.
"Don't be political -- the law demands
it." A lie. "Prayer doesn't work
anyway." Lies, lies, lies.
A YOUNG TEEN leaps to his feet, joined by his OLDER BROTHER.
YOUNG TEEN
Prayer works!
KYREL
Yes, my son. And the devil perverts,
with money, power, fame, sex. You
name it, Satan's there with a demon
to reel you in. Fear not, my children.
My miracles haven't expired. I hear
every cry! But I expect you to do
your part. Heal, banish demons,
prophesize. Luke 10.
A MID-20s WOMAN waves a hand.
64.
MID-20S WOMAN
Amen, Pastor.
KYREL
I will never desert you, My children.
As you might say, "To be continued..."
says, the Great I Am.
Kyrel's feet lower to the floor. His glow fades into a
confused expression. His eyes return to "normal" brown.
LUKE
Pastor?
The crowd holds in rapt silence.
The RUMBLE OF AN EARTHQUAKE shakes the room.
MID-20S WOMAN
Satan's mad, Cyrus.
Kyrel scans the people, reorients himself.
KYREL
Don't let anyone tell you, "God's
not around. He's not ready to step
in." You tell them what you saw.
STAND UP! DO YOUR JOB!
The walls turn blood red. OTHER PEOPLE peer nervously around.
Luke's fingers fret in nervousness.
KYREL
RISE UP!
A HALF DOZEN people with "Christ Rules" shirts stand.
An ALARMED MAN in front starts to get to his feet. His CALMER
WIFE pulls him down.
Kyrel glances at his hands, burning in slashes of blue, seen
to him only. He watches the room spin.
KYREL
Dare to trust God. Pray. Plead. STAND!
AGAINST EVIL! STAND! STAND!!
1/4 of the church rises.
65.
Kyrel's eyes slide up. BANG, he hits the floor, unconscious.
Luke and others rush to him. The walls return to normal.
Luke blinks to focus, unsure what he saw in Kyrel's eyes.
KYREL
I'm in here. Don't give up.
LUKE
On what, Cy?
Kyrel fights his way to his feet, and stalks off.
KYREL
I have to find Liz.
Luke shrugs to the chaos of people, their hands raised to
heaven, tears in their eyes.
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
The Price of Freedom
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - HOME OFFICE - DAY
A photograph of roadside crosses hangs over the desk. Kyrel,
worried, on an intense phone call.
KYREL (ON PHONE)
I'll call 100 more times, John, if I
have to. Tell Amanda I love her...
Mom can't talk at the moment.
Kyrel hangs up.
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Kyrel at the table, with his hand on the phone in its cradle.
The shadows in the room reflect his mood.
KYREL
Lucifer? Free Elizabeth, and I offer
myself up.
The PHONE INSTANTLY RINGS. Kyrel snaps it up.
KYREL (ON PHONE)
Yes... A barn?--
66.
CLICK, the caller hangs up. Kyrel senses a presence, peeks
up at the shape by the door... Arthel.
INT. KYREL' RENTAL CAR - NIGHT
The gravel road CRUNCHES under the tires as Kyrel drives.
Arthel sits in silence in the shotgun seat.
KYREL
What was the monk to you?
Arthel turns to study Kyrel, who keeps his eyes on the road.
ARTHEL
Brother Thomas? It was raining that
night.
Kyrel's expression tightens. The CRUNCHING SOUND becomes
less frantic as Kyrel slows to a stop in front of a crooked
wood barn.
ARTHEL
As soon as the pastor's safe, I'm to
throw you in the Lake of Fire.
Kyrel whirls to Arthel.
KYREL
As long as I get her back, I don't
care.
EXT. DESERTED BARN - NIGHT
Kyrel storms from the car, his eyes locked on Ruth, who waits.
She in turn sees the brutal figure, Arthel, move toward her.
RUTH
He can't come.
Kyrel motions "hold up," to Arthel.
KYREL
(to Ruth)
Where is she?
RUTH
You offered to leave his body.
KYREL
Satan promised Heaven.
67.
Ruth's expression darkens into a chilling smile.
RUTH
She's waiting for you.
KYREL
Where?
RUTH
Time to go home, Kyrel.
KYREL
Home?
Her clothes instantly changed to court jester garb, Ruth
whirls, dances away... And disappears.
Kyrel faces the barn doors, which gape like the mouth on
Jonah's whale.
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
The Burning Barn
INT. DESERTED BARN - NIGHT
Wide and long, cobwebs and traces of mice. Kyrel enters the
darkness. Behind him, the barn doors THUD SHUT.
KYREL'S BREATH, in and out, sounds loud in the pitch black.
A tiny light sparks, CRACK, in the depths of the loft.
Another glows at ground level. Several more flash on and off
like demented fireflies. CRACK, CRACKLE, CRACK.
Ahead, Elizabeth is tied Joan-of-Arc style to a post.
KYREL
Liz.
Kyrel takes a step forward, stumbles.
ELIZABETH
Stay back, Cy.
KYREL
It's Kyrel. I came for you.
The lights nearest to Elizabeth WHOOSH into flame, which
quickly spread to surrounded her with fire.
SOUNDS: SWORDS RING, WINGS BEAT, SCREAMS OF AGONY. The CRACKLE
OF OZONE, all from unseen sources.
68.
Kyrel's brows knit. He moves faster toward Elizabeth.
The framed angel picture from the kitchen slams into his
forehead, staggers him. He peers to the flames around
Elizabeth, senses something -- his hand barely rises in time
to catch the object -- the cross from the monk's wall.
Blue and white lightning stabs the surface dangerously near
Elizabeth. Kyrel pushes forward.
Blinding light showers down. A DOZEN ANGELS block his way.
He attempts to push past, notices a red spot on one... a
similar blemish on another.
Elizabeth cries in pain as the fires surrounding the stake
nibble at her flesh.
The angels crowd Kyrel, attempt to smother him. He wields
the cross like a weapon, slams it into an angel, catches
another in the chin but...
Raphael appears, swings his silver sword at Kyrel's head,
barely misses. Raphael stabs his blade at Kyrel chest --
Kyrel parries the blade with the cross.
KYREL
(to Raphael)
I want to save her.
Elizabeth screams in agony.
ELIZABETH
Cy, no, stay back!
Kyrel ducks from Raphael's sword.
KYREL
(to Raphael)
Did you hear? I'm on your side.
Kyrel has to raise the cross to prevent Raphael's sword from
decapitating him. THUNK.
A vague Cyrus-sized figure streaks to Elizabeth. Kyrel barely
makes out the figures of Spirit Cyrus fighting with a snake-
like demon.
Raphael steps in Kyrel's line of sight. Raphael's eyes turn
green, slitted, evil. Kyrel charges inside Raphael's swing,
trying to get to Elizabeth.
69.
He THUDS the cross into Raphael, knocks him back -- for an
instant spots a red blotch on Raphael's chest.
Raphael snaps the hilt of his blade to Kyrel's temple, drops
Kyrel to the ground.
KYREL
You're a fake.
In Kyrel's spinning view of the barn, sulfuric flame and
blazing rafters replace the angels. Raphael raises his sword
over Kyrel's helpless form.
Kyrel weakly extends the cross between them.
KYREL
You can't interfere!
Raphael hesitates, disappears... as does Elizabeth. The fires
dim to black. In the dark, the SOUNDS OF FIGHTING STOP.
Kyrel scratches at the floor, covered with straw, gets to
his knees, feels for the cross -- it's not there.
The barn doors SQUEAK open. Moonlight outlines Arthel in the
doorway as Kyrel staggers toward him.
KYREL
This whole world was a fake, staged.
ARTHEL
Just like the real world, human.
Arthel scoffs at Kyrel's shock of surprise.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
A Sunrise of Confusion and Regret
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - PORCH - MORNING
SQUEAK, SQUEAK, SQUEAK. Kyrel rocks thoughtfully in the
glider, watches the sunrise. He jumps up, steps toward the
shimmering Spirit Cyrus. Cyrus' hair is 90% white, his face
and body show ugly claw and bite marks.
KYREL
Did you get her?
SPIRIT CYRUS
Only for a moment.
KYREL
She was telling you to stop, not me.
70.
Spirit Cyrus nods.
KYREL
What do you know about the Angel
Arthel?
Spirit Cyrus shakes his head. His hands tremble.
SPIRIT CYRUS
Something's happening to me. My time
may be running out. Promise me--
Spirit Cyrus fades and disappears. Kyrel peers to the sky.
KYREL
In case You're listening, please
bring Liz home safe. Throw me away.
Let Cyrus die. But bring her back.
A PHONE RINGS inside the house.
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
A WOMAN'S VOICE on an answering machine.
WOMAN'S VOICE (V.O.)
Mister Cy, this is Ruth. Pick up.
Kyrel angrily grabs the landline.
KYREL (INTO PHONE)
What did you do with her?
(listens)
I thought you were a different Ruth...
(hopeful)
Right away.
Kyrel hangs up, peeks at the phone in distrust.
INT. HOSPITAL - HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
The same room that Kyrel was in. Kyrel watches Elizabeth,
asleep. Her eyes flutter open.
ELIZABETH
Cy? I heard God again -- to not doubt
His strength.
Kyrel trembles, almost crying from joy.
71.
KYREL
They found you unconscious.
ELIZABETH
The EMT asked who the apostles were.
The only one I could name was Judas,
who betrayed Jesus.
Elizabeth touches her belly.
Kyrel smiles at the gesture.
ELIZABETH
A nurse asked how long I'd been
pregnant.
KYREL
Do you know who I am?
ELIZABETH
The father.
KYREL
Do you know where Ruth took you?
ELIZABETH
(shakes her head)
It was hot. It felt like Cy was there.
To rescue me.
The real part of Kyrel's smile fades.
KYREL
The kids wondered why you hadn't
called 6 times.
Elizabeth fidgets with the IV drip in her arm, as she studies
Kyrel -- long enough that he asks:
KYREL
What?
ELIZABETH
I don't hate you.
KYREL
Why not?
ELIZABETH
What was it like in the presence of
God?
72.
Kyrel's face drops. Tears brim. He breaks down. Long sobs.
KYREL
What a terrible mistake I made.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
ELIZABETH
What did Lucifer say to get you to
rebel?
KYREL
I'd never heard a lie...
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Demonic Revelation
EXT. HEAVEN - DAY
Kyrel, pure white, incredibly beautiful, floats in glory.
LUCIFER, 7 places where candles seem to burn from his wings,
all smoke and feathers, appears over Kyrel's shoulder,
LUCIFER
God plans to make a man in his image.
KYREL
Glory to the Lord.
LUCIFER
The angels will bow down to this
"Adam," and minister to him.
KYREL
Holy, holy, holy--
LUCIFER
It breaks my heart, the Lord would
want humans to replace us.
Kyrel pauses, his forehead tugs down.
KYREL
Replace us?
A small red spot tinges one of Kyrel's feathers.
INT. HOSPITAL - HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY (BACK TO PRESENT)
Elizabeth sighs deeply, drops her gaze away from Kyrel. She
can't bear his sadness.
73.
EXT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - GRAVEYARD - NEXT DAY
Billowing clouds ease across the South Carolina sky in shapes
like lions and angel wings. Kyrel, Elizabeth and Luke sit on
facing benches.
LUKE
An exorcism?
KYREL
You miss the point. We need to get
me out of Cyrus.
LUKE
Let's not start again.
ELIZABETH
(to Kyrel)
You'll have to show him.
Kyrel's eyes flash a menacing green. Luke jumps to his feet.
LUKE
What? What was that?
ELIZABETH
Kyrel -- that's his name -- wants to
do the right thing.
Luke doesn't know who to look at, what to think.
LUKE
(re: Kyrel's eyes)
Do that again.
Kyrel flashes his eyes green, then brown. Luke leans against
a monument for support.
LUKE
This a trick to get rid of me?
ELIZABETH
Luke. He's a demon, in possession of
Cyrus.
LUKE
(as much to himself,
as to them)
He's a Christian. It's not possible.
74.
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
A Skeptical Exorcism
INT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - PASTOR'S OFFICE - NIGHT
In an art print, a winged creature sinks its claws into a
human head. Luke pulls back from the image, turns to Elizabeth
and Kyrel.
LUKE
You claim you're an evil being.
KYREL
A being who has done evil.
LUKE
And who lies.
KYREL
Has lied.
LUKE
On his word, we should go crazy as a
horned beetle? What if it's a trick?
What if what we do kills Pastor Cyrus?
Elizabeth and Kyrel wait.
LUKE
An exorcism?
KYREL
I prayed, not to Satan but to God
Himself, to return Liz to me.
LUKE
You think God answers demons' prayers?
Kyrel gestures, "Here she is."
Luke signs. He finally believes.
LUKE
Say we could kick him out. What if
Pastor Cy isn't in there?
ELIZABETH
Then I'm a widow.
EXT. COLUMBIA, SC - HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH - DAY
Golden domes and crosses top a majestic off-white structure.
75.
INT. HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH - DAY
A serene portrait of Jesus stares from the ceiling. Luke
leads Kyrel and Elizabeth toward FATHER DRACO, 50s, haughty.
LUKE
Good to see you, Draco. This is Pastor
Cyrus' wife, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth gives a small nod in greeting.
LUKE
(presenting Kyrel)
And this--
Father Draco puts up his hand for Luke to be silent. Draco
gestures for Kyrel to come for a walk and talk.
FATHER DRACO
I told Luke not to bring you. He
bribed me with an excellent Santa
Rosa rosé. Exorcism is a long, drawn
out process.
Kyrel studies Draco.
KYREL
That's why we're here. You're trained.
FATHER DRACO
We need theological, psychological,
anthropological examinations--
KYREL
(presenting himself)
Examine.
FATHER DRACO
...Approval by the Bishop. You think
you're possessed?
KYREL
I am that which possesses.
Father Draco grasps Kyrel's bare arm in a friendly grip.
FATHER DRACO
My son, do you know what you're
saying?
76.
KYREL
I know what you're holding against
my skin.
Father Draco removes his hand -- in it a cross. He checks
Kyrel's arm, which is unharmed.
FATHER DRACO
If evil, how did you enter this most
holy sanctuary?
KYREL
Your predecessor invited me.
Draco seems off balance. Kyrel drops eye contact.
KYREL
I was ready to torment Cyrus some
more. To finally win his soul. But I
changed my mind.
FATHER DRACO
If you'd "won his soul," what would
you have done with him?
KYREL
Sent him back to his church.
FATHER DRACO
To do Satan's work? What's the
difference between a demon and a
fallen angel?
KYREL
Time.
Kyrel and Draco ponder the depiction of the First Station of
the Cross -- Jesus being led by a Roman Centurion.
FATHER DRACO
Luke said you're convincing. When a
psychiatrist proclaims you're fully
healed from your concussion and refers
you back to me, you may visit again.
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Demon's Grip
EXT. WOODS NEAR KYREL'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Kyrel steps into a clearing, glares at the stars.
77.
KYREL
Raphael! Appear, creature, I know
you hear me.
Raphael's hand clamps onto Kyrel's throat, lifts him 3 feet
off the ground, throws him down. Kyrel jumps right back up.
KYREL
This is one of God's children. Release
me, release him.
RAPHAEL
You never did understand how God
works.
KYREL
Or I wouldn't be in this mess.
Raphael's face brightens until... POOF, Raphael's gone.
Kyrel runs his fingers through his hair.
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Kyrel runs his fingers through his hair. Luke searches on
his smartphone. Elizabeth Post-Its a page in her Bible.
ELIZABETH
Jesus gave the disciples the power
to cast out demons.
LUKE
Two thousand years ago.
KYREL
Are you saying it's no longer valid?
They snap to the SOUND of HEAVY FOOTSTEPS on the stairs:
Arthel enters the room.
ARTHEL
Matthew 7:22 disavowed exorcists and
false prophets.
KYREL
This is the angel I told you about.
Luke dissects Arthel's Arthel rough appearance.
78.
LUKE
Angel?
Kyrel shrugs.
ELIZABETH
(reads her Bible)
"Lord, have we not prophesied in thy
name? And in thy name cast out
devils?" And Jesus replied, "Then I
will profess I never knew you."
KYREL
Jesus didn't want followers with
puffed up egos.
LUKE
Or serpents that twist the truth.
KYREL
Mark 16:17: "In His name shall they
cast out demons..." Don't Christians
read the Bible anymore? No wonder,
it's so easy to knock you down.
Arthel turns away.
ELIZABETH
What's your part in this?
ARTHEL
Getting him out of your husband would
trump Satan's sleight of hand.
ELIZABETH
You think Satan did this?
ARTHEL
He throws rocks at wasps, and we run
from the stings.
KYREL
Then you'll help?
ARTHEL
Don't mistake it for liking you. He
gives the word, it's The Lake.
LUKE
Holy kamoley.
79.
They turn to Luke, who reads from his smartphone.
LUKE
(reading)
"How to do an exorcism."
(next article)
"How to remove a demon from a person,"
how to, how to... Are you sure we
should even think about this?
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Tense Conversations and Baby Lambs
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - DAY
Elizabeth pulls up in her SUV, her expression troubled. She
slides from the car, grabs her briefcase but her gaze finds
Kyrel at the sheep pen. Curious, holding her briefcase, she
hesitantly heads toward Kyrel.
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - BACKYARD PEN - DAY
Elizabeth's eyes widen at the sight of Kyrel tenderly bottle
feeding one of two baby lambs.
ELIZABETH
Where'd these cuties come from?
KYREL
A parishioner. He left a card inside.
Elizabeth smiles at Kyrel feeding the baby, affection and
turmoil in her eyes.
KYREL
How'd the house deal go?
ELIZABETH
I bet it's five years since Cy asked
me that.
For a moment, neither says a word. She sets her briefcase on
the ground, fills the tension with words:
ELIZABETH
Luke needs a day to get everything.
He set the exorcism for Thursday.
The bottle empty, the lamb frolics away. Kyrel stands, brushes
himself off.
ELIZABETH
Don't take this wrong.
80.
Kyrel's eyes shift in apprehension.
ELIZABETH
I love my husband. If Thursday, in 5
minutes, we cast you out, and my
husband back, I'm a happy woman...
Kyrel's frown deepens.
ELIZABETH
He's a very, very good man--
KYREL
Stop right there.
Kyrel tightens and untightens the lid of the bottle.
ELIZABETH
He's the father of my children, the
minister of my church--
KYREL
I asked you to stop.
ELIZABETH
I won't add lying to the sin of being
tempted by you.
Elizabeth's briefcase tips to the ground with a THUD. A BREEZE
SIGHS through the trees. Kyrel watches the leaves flutter.
KYREL
Cy heard that.
ELIZABETH
I hope so, because...
(to Cyrus inside Kyrel)
Jesus put the pastor and the Realtor
together, Cy. You and me. Chocolate
chips and cookie dough, stir and
bake -- a recipe that lives forever.
We both need to live up to that.
Tears escape now, and Kyrel moves toward her.
ELIZABETH
Don't you come closer. Don't you
touch me. You both know how to hurt
me.
81.
Kyrel's arms drop to his sides. His hands move as if he was
about to speak, but can't find anything to say.
Elizabeth takes a deep breath. Focuses.
ELIZABETH
What if you weren't punished for
what you've done? What if...
Kyrel waits for her to finish the question.
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
The Exorcism of Kyrel
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - DAY
Kyrel holds the door for Elizabeth to enter the house.
KYREL
(disbelief)
I don't deserve being saved.
ELIZABETH
None of us did.
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - DAY
Elizabeth speaks to Kyrel as the screen door BANGS closed.
ELIZABETH
What if God chose to demonstrate
love for even a demon?
KYREL
One of His creations?
A SHARP CRACKING SOUND. A jolt of the earth -- enough to
worry them both.
ELIZABETH
Earthquakes are rare around here.
KYREL
The devil sneaks more evil in this
world than you can imagine. Your
grandmother dies, God didn't give
her Alzheimer's. Satan did. Cancer
eats a 4-year-old: Satan.
ELIZABETH
What will the devil do to you?
Kyrel clenches his teeth.
82.
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Luke at a table arranged with vials of liquid; crosses, and
religious photos. Arthel disconnects the land line phone.
Kyrel sits in clean off-white clothing, in an easy chair
with a gentle floral pattern. Elizabeth double locks the
front door, checks her phone readout: 8:00; powers it down.
ARTHEL
It's time.
Luke waves a smudge stick over Kyrel.
ELIZABETH
Kyrel, I don't want to hurt you.
Kyrel and Elizabeth's gazes brush. He squeezes her hand.
ELIZABETH
Or Cyrus whom you inhabit.
Kyrel releases her. His CHAIR CREAKS as he sits back.
LUKE
(to Kyrel)
May I apply exorcised oil?
KYREL
You're loyal, Luke. I like that.
An inhale catches in Luke's throat. He rubs frankincense to
Kyrel's forehead in the shape of a cross.
ELIZABETH
Kyrel, come out of my husband's body.
Please. Leave Cyrus and return to
where you belong.
LUKE
In the name of Jesus Christ, I
command you. Come out.
ELIZABETH
Demon, in the name of Jesus, leave
my husband, and do not return.
A ghostly whisp, a barely-seen blue howler monkey bleeds
from Kyrel and dissipates into nothing. Elizabeth and Luke
blink -- unsure if they saw anything, but Arthel moves closer.
83.
ARTHEL
By the authority given me, I order
you, come out!
LUKE
Leave this man, in the name of Jesus
Christ I command you. Leave.
Luke sprinkles Kyrel with holy water. Kyrel's eyes turn green,
he hunches his shoulders. An almost transparent creature
like a winged skeleton pops from his back and dissembles.
ARTHEL
Get out, now.
ELIZABETH
Damn it, Kyrel, leave!
Kyrel screams. His eyes flash white -- no pupils.
A hint of smoke wafts about. Elizabeth sniffs the air.
ELIZABETH
(to Luke)
What's that smell?
A zephyr of WIND GROANS through the room. An explosion of
blue sparks, like horrid bats with arms, bursts from Kyrel.
POP, POP, POP.
Elizabeth's CELL PHONE RINGS. She goes to "silence" it --
but it's already off. Luke's PHONE RINGS; Kyrel's CELL TONES
from a side table.
The CLOCK CHIMES. CAR ALARMS OUTSIDE. A cacophony of 100
SOUNDS AT ONCE.
The PHONES, THE HORNS, EVERYTHING STOPS at the same instant.
The wind calms, WHOOSH, Whoosh, whoo... SILENCE.
The clock: TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK.
Kyrel's eyes, still shut.
Luke and Arthel exchange glances.
ELIZABETH
Cy, can you hear me? Oh, Jesus. Cy?
Her hand hovers above Kyrel's.
84.
She hesitates to touch him... cuts the distance in half.
Brushes his hand. Kyrel inhales sharply. His eyes swing open.
He stares dreamily into her face.
KYREL
It. Didn't work.
He exposes his forearm -- it's charred as from fire.
LATER
Arthel roughly turns Kyrel's forearm open -- 90% healed.
Their eyes meet in mutual dislike. Elizabeth and Luke read
from a printed sheet.
ELIZABETH
Saint Michael, Prince of Heavenly
Armies, help us in "our battle against
principalities and powers..."
LUKE
"...against the rulers of this world
of darkness..."
ELIZABETH
"...against the spirits of wickedness
in high places."
Kyrel listens to every word. The SOUND LEVEL SLOWLY FADES...
Genres:
["Drama","Horror","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Back to Reality
EXT. HEAVEN - DAY
Combat: ANGELS OF LIGHT against the red-tinged "DARK" ANGELS.
Kyrel fights one-on-one with RAPHAEL, Angel of Light, who's
clearly stronger. CLANK, CLANK.
LUKE (V.O.)
Come to our assistance, Michael, to
banish Kyrel from the body of Cyrus."
EXT. HELL - NIGHT
THUD. Kyrel hits the fiery landscape. He rips away the snake
from his body, scans with eyes of green...
ELIZABETH (V.O.)
"As wax melts before the fire, let
him flee at the presence of God."
85.
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM (BACK TO SCENE)
To Kyrel, the VOICES of Arthel, Elizabeth and Luke roar back
into consciousness.
ARTHEL
Most cunning serpent, you shall no
longer fill this body. Be gone.
ELIZABETH LUKE
We drive you from us, We drive you from us, Kyrel,
Kyrel, unclean spirit... unclean spirit...
Light bulbs pop. The screen on the TV shatters in sparkling
shards of plastic -- within the pieces, images of snarling
beasts in a feast of flesh and blood.
A blinding flash of light.
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - PORCH - MORNING
The sunrise glares through trees of oak and pine.
Elizabeth carries her Bible as she pushes out, followed by
Kyrel, who lets the door SLAM behind him. His green eyes
flicker, turn brown.
ELIZABETH
Maybe my faith is less than I thought.
Awkward at first Kyrel holds her while she cries.
KYREL
I could feel evil leaving, but not
from me. From Cyrus.
Elizabeth turns white from realization of what that means.
ELIZABETH
What if there's nothing left of him?
What if he's already...
Her CELL PHONE RINGS.
ELIZABETH (INTO PHONE)
Mandy, are you okay?... Gracious,
I'm so glad you did... You saw clouds
that looked like what?...
86.
Elizabeth heads inside. The SLAM of the screen door leaves
Kyrel alone on the porch.
He sits, closes his eyes.
KYREL
(sotto)
'Cause the way you hold me, hold me,
hold me, hold me. Feels so holy,
holy, holy, holy... Oh, God!
SOUNDS OF: GLASS BREAKS, METAL BENDS, AIRBAGS INFLATE.
Slashes of blue lightning spear over the porch in fierce but
nondescript chaos. The SLAM of the screen door startles
Kyrel's eyes open.
No one at the door. A breeze RUSTLES through the trees. Kyrel
notices a shape at the pen which houses the sheep...
Ruth.
Kyrel charges, fists clenched. The closer he gets to her,
the faster he moves.
Ready to bash Ruth's hated face. He freezes just short, scans
the sheep pen, fingers ready to grab her throat.
KYREL
If you hurt those babies...
RUTH
The devil made me do it.
He shoves past her.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Supernatural","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Temptation in the Lamb Pen
INT. LAMB ENCLOSURE - DAY
Kyrel squints in the dark toward a clump of white.
Kyrel falls to his knees and the 2 lamb babies climb into
his lap. BLEAT. BLEAT. BAAAA. In the near dark, Ruth steps
through the door.
RUTH
You could've killed me.
KYREL
Murder is wrong.
87.
RUTH
Now you tell me.
Ruth waves in dismissal, but her face betrays a doubt.
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Kyrel fills a bottle with a lamb milk/colostrum liquid,
nervously peers out the window. He screws on the nipple,
tests the temperature on his wrist.
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - DAY
Bottle in hand, Kyrel hurries toward the pen, where -- his
face molds into astonishment: Ruth pets the babies.
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - BACKYARD PEN - DAY
Kyrel feeds the 1st lambkin. Ruth pulls the 2nd on her lap.
RUTH
South Carolina.
KYREL
What about it?
RUTH
Columbia, Greenville, Charleston.
Five, six million for you to violate.
The devil's not stupid. He realizes
he needs to deal.
Kyrel spears her with a glare.
RUTH
(sweetening the deal)
Twice as many greater and lesser
demons under you, a huge leap in the
hierarchy.
KYREL
Why couldn't I be exorcized?
Her hand stop loving on the lamb baby.
RUTH
You really wouldn't kill me?
88.
KYREL
We don't have to spend eternity doing
wrong. We can make children smile
instead of being afraid. We can
change. I have changed.
Ruth seems to consider. Then, her face hardens like a cell
door slammed shut.
RUTH
He shouldn't have trusted you in the
first place. Satan knew, if the one-
whose-name-I-won't-say saves you,
we're set back a 1000 years.
KYREL
"Saves me"?
Ruth wags a finger at him.
RUTH
Why should Lucifer care about one
stupid dark angel -- one of the first
to sentence themselves to death.
Embarrassing but, who cares? You go
free if you help nail Elizabeth.
She clutches an imaginary something in her fist, "throws
away" what's in it.
RUTH
But if you want to give Little Orphan
Annie and Luke Skywalker back their
home, and Eliza Doolittle her
husband...
Ruth points up, transforms the gesture to air quotes.
RUTH
"He, who cannot lie, is really a
bigger liar than the Dark One." Simply
say those words at church service.
KYREL
And the lie shall set me free?
RUTH
Better still, say it to the news.
Kyrel glances up -- a questioning expression on his face.
He's by himself. The SOUND OF TIRES on the gravel driveway.
89.
Kyrel peeks over at a van with a satellite tower.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Horror","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Accusations and Faith
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY
A network NEWSCASTER, late 20s, skirt and suit jacket, jumps
from the TV van, followed by a CAMERAMAN, 20s.
NEWSCASTER
Cyrus Howell? You ready for trouble?
KYREL
Huh?
Newscaster points to the street, where about 30 people mill
with anti-Cyrus placards.
NEWSCASTER
They almost beat us here. How do you
feel about the violence in your name?
KYREL
What violence?
Newscaster whips out her cell phone, hits Play.
VIDEO: Roving mobs brawl with punches and pro-Cyrus/pro-Jesus
and pro-Satan placards. Police intervene but are overwhelmed.
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
Eight PM, your time. The satanists
charged the God lovers.
(BACK TO SCENE)
KYREL
Eight o'clock?
NEWSCASTER
Pastor, will you claim, on camera,
to be possessed by evil?
KYREL
"Say it on the news."
NEWSCASTER
Word for word, no edits.
90.
KYREL
(his eyes flash green)
If you're not off this property in
60 seconds, you'll feel an edit.
Newscaster and Cameraman turn back to back to plan a retreat.
MATCH CUT
INT. HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH - DAY
Adam and Eve, naked and ashamed, backs turned toward each
other. Below this image, Father Draco slips in next to Kyrel.
FATHER DRACO
Back for the playoffs?
KYREL
(re: Adam and Eve)
They lost in the 2nd inning.
Both men take a moment to view the religious panels.
FATHER DRACO
Behind the beauty and pageant here
are men who pray, who dream, who
tuck into pillows at night, who make
mistakes. You want some advice?
KYREL
You're about to shove it at me.
FATHER DRACO
Why did God not want Adam to eat
from the tree of good and evil?
KYREL
Obedience.
FATHER DRACO
Like a child who thinks they're wiser,
Adam's refusal to listen led to
unintended consequences.
KYREL
Like getting thrown out of Eden.
Rattled, Kyrel stares at Draco eye-to-eye.
91.
FATHER DRACO
I think, what you want, my son, is
impossible.
KYREL
"Impossible" is Satan's favorite
word.
Draco straightens Kyrel's collar, drops his hands away.
FATHER DRACO
Do you know Jesus's favorite?
KYREL
I tried not to listen.
FATHER DRACO
Jesus' favorite word is "faith."
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
A Home Under Attack
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Kyrel at the coffee maker. Elizabeth at the table.
KYREL
Ruth wants your soul.
ELIZABETH
Why?
KYREL
She'll trade mine for yours, and
your babies'.
Kyrel brings her a cup of java.
KYREL
Cream, no sugar.
ELIZABETH
May I pray for you?
He nods, sits.
ELIZABETH
Blessed Father, please help Kyrel,
who you created before us. As all
your children, he stumbled, not
knowing that You wait patiently to
lift him to his feet.
(MORE)
92.
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
Give Kyrel the eyes to see Your offer,
wisdom to find his way through the
Valley of Shame; and light with Your
mercy his path to return to You. In
Jesus' name, Amen.
KYREL
You've been thinking about that.
EXT. KYREL'S STREET - NIGHT
Trash where the protesters were, but the people are gone.
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Kyrel snores softly, curled on the sofa.
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Darkened rooms on both floors. A SCARRED HAND ignites a
Molotov cocktail, THUMP. The man throws the bottle.
The fire bomb shatters on the porch steps.
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Kyrel wakes to the flicker of flame through the window. He
leaps from the sofa.
KYREL
LIZ!
INT./ EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Kyrel rips open the front door. Flames lick the porch.
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Kyrel grabs a hose, cranks it on to spray water on the fire.
EXT. KYREL'S HOUSE - DAY
The porch, blackened with soot. Sheriff's Deputy pockets his
notebook, turns to Kyrel and Elizabeth; a bandage on one of
Kyrel's forearms.
93.
SHERIFF'S DEPUTY
It could've been worse.
ELIZABETH
Suppose my kids had been home?
Sheriff's Deputy takes an awkward breath.
SHERIFF'S DEPUTY
Gotta wonder if you'd be safer...
(to Kyrel)
...without you around.
Kyrel narrows his eyes.
SHERIFF'S DEPUTY
Threat assessment's what it is.
Sheriff's Deputy hooks a thumb up the driveway.
At the street the PROTESTERS are back, opposed by Pastor
Cyrus SUPPORTERS. Deputies keep the groups apart. A LEAD
PROTESTER points to Kyrel at the house.
LEAD PROTESTER
There he is!
(chanting)
Go home, devil! Go home, devil!
His group joins in.
LEAD PROTESTER GROUP
Go home, devil. Go Go home, devil. Go home,
home, devil. devil.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
The Breaking Point
INT. KYREL'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Elizabeth expertly juliennes a red bell pepper. Kyrel chops
celery, his movements oddly precise. He seems tense.
KYREL
I had a dream, or visions.
ELIZABETH
Demons dream?
KYREL
Your husband was in them.
Elizabeth snaps to face Kyrel.
94.
ELIZABETH
Then Cy's alive?
KYREL
(he shrugs)
Last time he "left me," I had a
reminder, that God is a God of love.
But when pushed, He will destroy
evil.
ELIZABETH
Destroy you?
Tense, Kyrel CHOP, CHOPS at the celery.
ELIZABETH
Kyrel--
Kyrel flings the cutting board across the room. Still holding
the knife, his hands tremble. He strides purposefully to the
framed image of the angel, glares at it.
KYREL
So soft, so white, so perfect.
He brandishes the knife -- steps toward Elizabeth, desperation
in his eyes.
KYREL
I have to do this...
Elizabeth stares uneasily at the blade in Kyrel's hand.
KYREL
You, humans, need faith to accept
God. I saw Him. In person, no vision.
He was right there in front of me.
Six million angels singing in glory.
I was there and saw Jesus at God's
right hand. They created me!
Kyrel's hand tightens on the knife. His eyes flash green. He
stares into Elizabeth's eyes, drops the knife and peers up.
KYREL
I can't do this alone. Lord Jesus.
Please help me!
Elizabeth gasps.
95.
Genres:
["Drama","Supernatural","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
The Sandal and the Dream
EXT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - NIGHT
CICADA CHIRPS rise from the bordering woods. Ruth stares in
hatred at the darkened church building.
RUTH
(to "air")
I glory in your anger. Once the
traitor speaks, we'll wait until the
perfect moment, and then, your will
be done, on Earth as it is below.
The CHIRPING GROWS LOUDER until Ruth's face reflects pain.
INT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - ASSEMBLY - DAY
Jammed with people. Elizabeth in a front pew. Musicians,
including Gloria, the guitarist, finish up an INSPIRATIONAL
SONG. Luke applauds, adjusts the podium microphone.
LUKE
We have seen in the last weeks, rage
on our doorsteps, a rise in gun sales,
uproar in our hearts, over, "What's
inside us each?"
In the back, TV CAMERAS broadcast every word, large screens
to the sides. Ruth bulls her way into a pew 15 rows back.
INT. UNNAMED FAMILY'S HOME - DAY
DAD and MOM, and 2 PRETEEN CHILDREN watch Luke on TV.
LUKE (ON TV)
Which brings us to the reason our
church cup overflows with inquisitive
minds, and wounded hearts, and hate.
INT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - ASSEMBLY - DAY
Arthel glares at Luke and Kyrel from a 3rd row pew.
LUKE
Once I got past the shock of what
Pastor Cyrus claims: that he's evil...
Ruth watches with cold eyes.
96.
LUKE
I saw a gentle soul. One who
sacrifices all he can, for who he
loves. It's my honor...
INT. HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH - DAY
Father Draco, dressed for services in full vestments and
stole, watches a small TV. On the broadcast, Luke turns to
Kyrel at New World Baptist.
LUKE (ON TV)
Pastor?
INT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - ASSEMBLY - DAY
Kyrel comes to the pulpit. Some parishioners hiss and boo.
Others cheer and applaud.
PARISHIONERS (AD LIB)
We love you, Cy./ We don't want you./
Give him a chance./ Go back to hell./
Where's Pastor Cyrus?
A MAN in the crowd throws a dirty sandal at Kyrel, which
Kyrel catches, and gently lays on the podium. Silence spreads
like muddy water. CAMERAS pan the church.
KYREL
Pope Leo 13, witnessed in a dream,
God give Satan a choice of times to
try and destroy His church.
In a center pew, Mary Landry, the reporter, jots down a note.
Network CAMERAS focus on Kyrel, who snakes in a breath.
INTERCUT VARIOUS:
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
The Demon's Redemption
INT. UPSCALE BAR - DAY
CUSTOMERS glue to multiple TV screens.
KYREL (ON TV)
The Serpent ordered legions of fallen
angels to pickpocket faith from God's
children.
97.
INT. UNNAMED FAMILY'S HOME - DAY
A 16-YEAR-OLD BOY joins the Dad, Mom, and Preteens to view
Kyrel on the TV.
KYREL (V.O.)
The devil assigned me to tempt your
pastors to take tiny deviations from
scripture...
INT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - ASSEMBLY - DAY
Kyrel leans forward.
KYREL
A few words a day until your leaders
preach that God doesn't care.
In a balcony a MAN WITH SHORT HAIR sneaks a gun from under
his shirt. A marginally visible bird-like demon perches in
and over him, like movement at the edge of one's vision,
easily missed.
INT. HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH - DAY
An ALTER BOY pushes through the door, rushes to Father Draco
at the TV.
KYREL (V.O.)
So you sit, clucking; that the Lord
no longer performs miracles.
FATHER DRACO
Holy Mother of God.
ALTER BOY
(to Draco)
Father, it's time.
INT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - ASSEMBLY - DAY
Elizabeth gives Kyrel a nod of encouragement. His eyes flash
green. The churchgoers close enough to see, gasp. Kyrel's
back stiffens.
KYREL
I was there when Jesus went to
Lazarus, "But Lord, he stinks."
98.
Ruth flicks a finger, as if whipping Kyrel with razor-sharp
barbs. Kyrel winces and a slash of blood appears.
AUDIENCE MEMBERS who see the red liquid lean forward in
anxiety to view, another lash. More blood.
KYREL
My God, what power. To raise His
friend from the dead. We -- the
devil's team -- were losing.
Man With Short Hair cocks the gun hammer.
Mary surveys the church in fascination.
INT. UNNAMED FAMILY'S HOME - DAY
Enthralled, the family of 5 watch the BROADCAST.
KYREL (V.O.)
I witnessed the Jews beat the apostles
in Thessalonica. We -- the devil's
team -- had a good day.
INT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - ASSEMBLY - DAY
Kyrel's gaze rakes the congregation.
KYREL
I see good people. You, miss, who
gave a neighbor bags of food from
your garden. What a perfect gift.
Several people stand in place, unsure what to think about
Kyrel's sermon.
KYREL
You, ma'am, who helped the gentleman
who fell in the Costco parking lot.
Good for you, to help the least around
you.
As Kyrel scans the church, he squints as some parishioners
seem to have low-level spots of light on them, while others
appears cloaked with darkness.
KYREL
But you, sir, who cheated on your
wife. You, son, who broke the school
window.
99.
A BOY looks at his parents to see if he's been "caught." A
vague child-like devil claws into his head.
KYREL
What were you thinking?
Ruth's "whip" misses Kyrel, chips a piece from the pulpit.
KYREL
Our team helped you make those choices
and wrap your descent with gospel
music and tithe envelopes.
Mary exchanges glances with some parishioners.
Ruth shouts out...
RUTH
Where's God? He desert you?
KYREL
I'm wondering the same thing!
Kyrel exudes an aura of light around his body in contrast to
the blood spots and red-stained podium.
KYREL
There's a beauty about every one of
you. No wonder God loves you. But
Christ gave you all, abilities to
heal. To cast out demons. To pray.
So, why don't you do it?
At the far side of the crowd, the scarred hand which threw
the MOLOTOV cocktail at Kyrel's porch, pulls out a rag-fused
bottle of brownish liquid... and a pack of matches. Vaguely-
seen red and orange impressionist devils hover near.
Kyrel aims his words directly at "Molotov."
KYREL
You, sir, who feel guilty your son
died, and would now burn evil from
the world. We planted that guilt.
Wake up, that's not you, that's me.
Molotov lowers the gas bomb in his hand -- the impressionist
figures grow even more invisible.
Kyrel picks up the sandal.
100.
KYREL
Does evil deserve to have rotten
shoes thrown at it?
(nods)
Am I worthy to live and prosper among
you? Then do something about it.
Man with Short Hair points his gun at Kyrel -- no one seems
to notice except, Kyrel aims a finger right back.
KYREL
But you can't fight a spiritual war,
with physical means.
A MAN WITH SIMILAR CLOTHES as Short Hair pushes the gun toward
the ground.
Kyrel faces Elizabeth, on the edge of her seat, brow furrowed.
KYREL
Am I sorry for what I've done? Oh,
God, yes. Would I give this body
back to its rightful owner?
A gentle breeze wafts through Elizabeth's hair. Twenty rows
behind her, a figure cloaked in white hovers.
Kyrel faces a cross.
KYREL
Lord, I betrayed You -- there's
nothing I can do to earn the
forgiveness I want so badly.
Molotov cringes in empathy.
Kyrel's glare wasps to Ruth. Her body darkens to sickly green.
KYREL
So that now I command every demon
within the sound of my voice to leave.
Ruth's body shatters... and disappears. PEOPLE near her cry
out in shock. From them appear more and more gauzy devils --
felt more than seen.
Kyrel points at Arthel.
KYREL
Leave quietly now, all evil! I throw
you out! OUT! OUT!
101.
Arthel turns dark, cringes in pain.
ARTHEL
Stop! Please!
KYREL
Out! In the name of Jesus.
The tattooed "Jesus" on Arthel's face bursts into flame.
Arthel screams... And shatters into a rain of molecules.
Mary watches wide-eyed as Arthel's molecules drop to dust
plumes on the carpet. Kyrel aims a comment to her:
KYREL
He thought he fooled me, but I knew.
(to the church)
You, God's children, have the power,
the authority, through the eyes of
faith, to banish your demons.
The ground shakes. An UNSEEN FIRE POPS AND CRACKLES.
KYREL
By the power of Christ, who died by
nails, so that you don't have to --
each of you, rise from the dark and
tell the demon within you to leave!
Now! Tell that spirit to go!
A WOMAN IN THE 2ND ROW, screams out.
WOMAN IN 2ND ROW
Leave, foul demon, I command you to
leave me.
(deeper voice)
No!
(normal voice)
Leave me, in the name of Jesus Christ!
A vague figure rises from her and dissembles to nothing.
Thirty rows back a pair of white figures float in mid-air.
KYREL
Who's next? Rise and throw off your
demons.
A YOUNG MAN stands.
102.
YOUNG MAN
OUT! I bind you through the stripes
of Jesus!
KYREL
Take back your authority!
A hideous, indefinite figure, breaks above the Young Man,
grabs him by the throat.
YOUNG MAN
Leave me! Leave me!
Despite the invisible choking grip, Young Man continues, and
Kyrel joins in...
KYREL
I command you to leave this man. By
the body of Christ!
YOUNG MAN
Leave me! Get out!
The demon loses his grip and flies into nothingness.
KYREL
Next to you: your brothers and
sisters, help them! Loose their
tormentors.
More and more, barely-seen demon figures appear.
A HALF DOZEN PEOPLE in the center section get to their feet.
Unsure what to do, several turn to those next to them.
FIRST PERSON
(at 4th person)
By the blood of Jesus...
SECOND PERSON
(at 5th person)
Demon, I bind you from causing harm...
FIRST PERSON THIRD PERSON
I order you to leave... Get out of me, demon.
Leave!...
KYREL
Claim the authority that He gave
you. Claim your right...
103.
In a swell of words, all 6 command out their own demons or
those from their friends.
SIX PEOPLE
(ad lib)
Leave, demon. Out!/ Get out!/ You
have no right to be here./ Leave her
be! In the name of Christ.
Wisps of demons pop from their hosts.
KYREL
God is in control, and thus are you.
A DOZEN PARISHIONERS throughout the church stand.
TALL PARISHIONER
I claim my power.
THIN PARISHIONER
Jesus gives me authority.
KYREL
Stand!
TWENTY PEOPLE throughout the church talk at once, ad lib
praising God, claim their rights, banish creatures.
KYREL
Get up. Rise up. Wake up!
THIRTY MORE stand and cry out.
PERSON 15
Praise Jesus.
PERSON 16
Leave, foul creatures!
The verbal noise level rises. More white figures appear.
PERSON 17
I claim my health.
Molotov stands straight.
MOLOTOV
Give me back my joy!
A barely-visible demon pops from him, and disappears.
104.
All over the church, almost-obscure demons vibrate.
Light washes parishioners. Legions of imperceptible demons
burst toward the exit, crash open the doors and blow away.
A HEAVYSET WOMAN ad-lib-orders a creature to leave.
HEAVYSET WOMAN
Leave by the power of Christ.
A YOUNG FATHER places his hands on his DAUGHTER's head.
YOUNG FATHER
By the power of Jesus, be gone, demon!
Short Hair lays his firearm on the ground.
SHORT HAIR
Praise the Lord.
FORTY FOLKS raise their hands toward heaven. They groan,
they cry, they laugh.
Shouts, and wails and praise vibrate the pews. Elizabeth
takes a step toward Kyrel.
KYREL
(to Elizabeth)
Here I am, in the body of the husband
of this beautiful woman, this servant
of God.
Kyrel falls to his knees, raises his hands to Heaven.
KYREL
Take me, Lord. Banish me to the dark
and give this woman back her man.
ELIZABETH
Leave, Kyrel. I order you in the
mighty name of Jesus Christ
KYREL
Please God! Please Lord. Take me.
The church walls trembles. Parishioners rise, hold hands in
the air. Spiritual smoke whirls through the building.
Parishioners stream into the aisles.
105.
KYREL
I release my sins to Jesus.
ELIZABETH
Leave, Kyrel, go to the Lord.
Kyrel bleeds from the nose, his eyes. Mary records video on
her phone.
KYREL
Please strike me from this body into
the depths where I belong.
ELIZABETH
Be gone, demon. Lord, take him as a
baby angel.
Kyrel claws his way to his feet, reaches high.
KYREL
I miss you, Father! I want to come
home!
Kyrel's body arches like an epileptic.
KYREL
Jesus, save me from eternal damnation.
I accept you as my Savior.
Kyrel, the demon form, rises up, dark, menacing and solid.
And then... Kyrel's body's bandaged arm glows translucent.
Blue lightning rushes out his fingers.
HE SEES the Angel Raphael float near the back of the church.
Kyrel's torso transforms from dark to light. The light absorbs
the spiritual spots of blood.
Blue specks flee from his face. His skin brightens. His body
becomes a blinding light which jumps to his demon form and
clarifies its scarred skin.
The entire church stares in wonder. Everything brightens.
White angels ring the church. Parishioners erupt in cheers
and praise and applause.
Tears flow from Elizabeth.
Kyrel's light explodes through the ceiling.
106.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Religious","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
The Aftermath
EXT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - DAY
Kyrel, bathed in light, peers down at the church 100 feet
below. He continues up, scores of angels as escorts.
Below them, all of South Carolina,
North America,
The World spins through space.
INT. NEW WORLD BAPTIST - ASSEMBLY - DAY
Kyrel/Cyrus totters toward the lip of the stage. Raphael
prevents him from collapsing, lets him easily to the floor.
Raphael smiles, disappears, apparently seen by no one.
Elizabeth charges forward, strokes Cyrus' face, his hair.
ELIZABETH
Cy?... Kyrel?
No response.
ELIZABETH
Cyrus? Please answer me.
His eyes slide open. Elizabeth gasps, unsure... He glances
at her, at the parishioners, at Luke...
ELIZABETH
Cy?
He gives a short groan.
ELIZABETH
Kyrel? Who are you?
CYRUS
Your husband.
Cyrus runs his fingers through his hair. His loving, brown
eyes gaze up at her. Elizabeth collapses onto him, cries.
Luke grins. The chaos of prayer and praise and banishing of
demons continues around them.
107.
INT. CLEMSON BEE - DAY
Mary watches a monitor on which a video from the church plays,
and a REPORTER speaks.
REPORTER (ON TV)
...at that point the church
transformed in a display that analysts
have yet to agree on: atmospheric
disturbance? A freak electrical
discharge? Or, the hand of God?
Mary bows her head in prayer.
INT. CYRUS' HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Elizabeth, Amanda and John at the dinner table, with Cyrus,
who finishes Grace.
CYRUS
...In Jesus' name, amen.
AMANDA JOHN
Amen. Amen.
ELIZABETH
Amen.
Elizabeth touches her stomach -- Cyrus locks eyes on hers.
AMANDA
Daddy, tell us what happened.
CYRUS
God asked me to trust Him.
JOHN
So you did? Duh.
CYRUS
He gives us chances, sometimes we
ignore His "suggestions."
John frowns -- takes a moment to continue:
JOHN
That is so cool: a demon in my dad.
ELIZABETH
Trust Him how?
108.
CYRUS
God trapped Kyrel inside me. To wake
people up, to believe Him, not what
they see. Even me. To believe God
and His word.
For a moment, the family is silent.
ELIZABETH
Why couldn't we get Kyrel to leave?
CYRUS
I kept him there.
It's a while before Elizabeth is able to speak.
ELIZABETH
Why?
CYRUS
I needed his faith.
Elizabeth peeks at John and Amanda, whose jaws hang slack
but are "ready to hear more."
ELIZABETH
Why'd you come back? Why'd you finally
let Kyrel go?
CYRUS
My demons are gone. Plus, I wanted
to love you, as you deserve to be
loved.
Elizabeth's tension melts into coyness.
AMANDA
What happened to Kyrel?
ELIZABETH
Like God wanted, he woke people up.
JOHN
Did God save the zombie man?
CYRUS
If God showed him mercy, no one's
beyond forgiveness.
109.
AMANDA
(to John)
Even us, ding-dong.
CYRUS
(to John)
And I would like to meet your friend,
Linda Anne, again.
Elizabeth's eyes meet Cyrus'. Her hands drift to her belly.
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
A Miracle in the Eye of God
INT. HOSPITAL - MATERNITY ROOM - NIGHT
Elizabeth in bed, peers up at Cyrus.
ELIZABETH
You want to hold him?
CYRUS
I reckon, absolutely.
Elizabeth raises her NEWBORN, which Cyrus takes.
CYRUS
His eyes are so green.
ELIZABETH
God still does miracles.
Behind Elizabeth's head a slash of blue lightning arcs across
the top of the bed, and then fades.
Her gaze of love though, remains fixed on the baby.
EXT. HELIX NEBULA
The popularly-named "Eye of God," stares back from space.