screenplay

Act One

Scene One: Opening Credits
Scroll text, grymmoire style font in vertical cascade, white text against black background, with hologram shots of conflicting sins and virtues (ie; a man praying on his knees for faith, a woman stuffing her face for gluttony, a woman passing out food to children for charity, an enraged madman for rage, a couple standing back to back for chastity, a haughty looking man for pride, a man fighting a terrible beast for valor, a couple engaged in carnal activity for lust, a woman sitting with an hourglass for patience, a man counting piles of money for greed, a woman looking outwards towards the horizon for hope, a woman laying slovenly for sloth, some random thing for prudence that I can't think of, and a bitter child spying on another as he plays with better toys for envy) Background music: Every Rose Has Its Thorns by Poison.

Scene Two: Nicolai's Apartment (living room)
(Enter NICOLAI from kitchen, carrying two beers in his hand. He is dressed rather lazily in a plain white T-Shirt, black sweat pants, and socked feet. He sets them carelessly on the coffee table, scoops up his cat, and plops down on the sofa. He opens one of the bottles with his teeth and spits the cap out onto the white scruff carpet with reckless abandon. During his first swig, there is a quick knock on the door and IRINA lets herself in, carrying two bulging paper bags. She is looking rather more glamorous than perhaps the occasion calls for, wearing upscale khaki pants and a long, shimmery hazel green colored wrapparound that reveals her stomach, complete with elegant yet practical strappy brown sandals. Her hair is carelessly pulled out of her face.)

IRINA: Don't you dare take another sip of that crappy beer, Nick! Tonight, I've brought you the good stuff!

NICOLAI: (He grins and rises, helping her set the bags down and bestowing a cursory hug to her before rummaging in the bag and pulling out a bottle of Vodka. He admires it.) Aw, Rinie! All of this for me? You shouldn't have!

IRINA: (She lithely snags the bottle from him and strolls easily to the kitchen to get shot glasses) Well it's the least I can do. I didn't get you a REAL present yet, so consider it a sign of good intent. Besides, I didn't get it all for YOU. Half of it's for me--or maybe a bit more than half, if I recall how fast you got trashed last time. (She returns and passes him a full shot glass.) Cheers!

NICOLAI: Cheers! (They grin, knock their glasses together and take the shots.)

(Flash screen to the two of them laughing together on the couch. The empty vodka bottle stands abandoned on the coffee table, and they have graduated onto sifters; his of whiskey, hers of rum and coke. They are both very flush at this point, and their words are slurring together.)

NICOLAI: You know, Rinie, if this is the kind of party I get, I think I'll have another birthday next year, too. (This succumbs them both a fit of laughter again. After a few moments, they get a grip on themselves--barely.) Only next year...next year, you'll have to...you've gotta get me some girls to dance for me. Ye-haw!

IRINA: (After hiccuping a bit, she punches him a little too hard on the arm) I could...I could do a dance for ya! This makes them both laugh that much harder, especially as she tries to stand up and fails miserably.)

NICOLAI: N-no, that's okay! (After a minute they manage to calm back down again. IRINA picks up her drink, stares moodily into it, and sets it back down without taking a sip.)

IRINA: Besides, Nicky. You know with all them pretty girls around at once, you wouldn't be able to pick just one and you'd just get yourself into trouble.

NICOLAI: (He lets out a burp and pats his belly) Well, that is true. That is true. (He turns to study her for a moment, and his voice drips with sympathy when he speaks again.) Course, I got the prettierest girl around sittin right here next to me.(He cracks a grin at her, causing her to snort derisively)

IRINA: (She rises clumsily and begins to tidy up a bit, straightening up the couch and picking up empty bottles and wrappers.) Yeah, right. If that's true, how come it's been over a month since I've had a date then?

NICOLAI: (He struggled to sit upright. Standing was still beyond his capabilities.) What about...that one guy? Tom. No, Ted. The one with all the cats?

IRINA: (She drops a handful of bottles into the trash, groans, and slaps her hands dramatically over her eyes.) Tim! I was trying to forget about him! Thanks for bringing him up, Nick!

NICOLAI: (He finally managed to gain his feet, though he still teetered dangerously.) Oh, sorry. But he was kind of...nice. In that...creepy kind of way. (She merely groans and begins compulsively scrubbing out numerous drink glasses.) Well you know, my buddy Scott just recently broke up with his--

IRINA: NO! No way, Nick. I am not letting you set me up with one of your creepy friends!

NICOLAI: (He raised his hands placatingly.) Okay, okay! It was just a thought. (He pauses, then staggers over to her.) But you know, Rinie, you're my best friend. I just don't like to see you so depressed.

IRINA: (She stares at him for a moment, then pulls a face, causing him to cackle.) Bah. Men. Who needs them anyway?

NICOLAI: I agree. Women should just go for other women, all the time, instead! (IRINA bursts out laughing, and pulls out the sprayer on the sink. Ignoring his cries, she mercilessly pegs him in the face with water. Fade to black in the sound of their laughter.)


Scene Three: Den of Filth Headquarters
(Rise from black onto the Den of Filth. Thirteen tall, drippy purple candles surround a rough hewn stone circle, casting it into a halflight. Get lighting to do something eerie with this scene. Beyond the candles, in the darkness there is the sensation of movement, but the camera focuses on the seven people prostrating themselves in the center of the circle. The camera pans them from left to right: RACHEL, ERIC, PATRICIA, GARY, LAURELAI, GORDON, SAMANTHA. Even in the dimly lit warehouse, there are distinctions between some of them. SAMANTHA is almost lounging, while LAURELAI is showing off her curves, PATRICIA is very rigid, and ERIC keeps stealing glances at the others. After the pan, an emotionless, toneless, vaguely female voice resonates throughout the room, causing the Sins to twitch.)

VOICE: Rise before your masters. (With much shuffling, the Sins do as they are asked and stand before their mysterious, unnamed commander.) At long last, the time has come. These next few months will be crucial for our plans to succeed. We have discovered the woman who can make or break humanity. By all accounts, she is nothing special, but within her fortunes it is clear that she will mother the boy child spoken of by prophecies millions of years old that should by all rights reap the souls of his fellow men in our honor.However, the souls of mortals are not yet within our grasp. Curse whatever higher entity granted the cattle free will.

(At this point, there is some minute chaos amongst the sins.)

GARY: (Stepping forward, GARY is greedy for the attention and power of the mysterious voice) But surely, master, there can be no higher power than that of the council?

ERIC: (Jealous of GARY's buttering up, ERIC is desperate not to be outdone.) Yes, surely there is none as great, as terrible, as strong as--

PATRICIA: (PATRICIA believes herself to be the smartest and most needed of the sins, but she has a proud streak that will not allow her to stoop to their level.) Get back into line, you idiots. Let the council finish speaking. You are embarrassing us.

RACHEL: (Always quick to fly off the handle, RACHEL becomes enraged by PATRICIA's snippy attitude.) Don't you DARE BOSS US AROUND! I ought to pummel your pretty little face in, you bitch!

(Even amongst the other sins, havoc is breaking free. SAMANTHA is yawning, looking bored with the whole proceedings, and very nearly nodding off. LAURELAI is giggling at the show, undulating her body in ways she knows will entice GARY and ERIC further, and GORDON is taking this unorthodox break in proceedings to help himself to a candy bar he discovered in his pocket. The VOICE lets this tomfoolery continue on for a few moments, then a tiny click is heard. Almost immediately the group falls silent and shuffles back into their line, looking rather humbled. After watching them squirm, the VOICE speaks again, dangerously soft.)

VOICE: Do not be foolish. We all know very well that even the council answers to a master. So it has been since the beginning of time when mankind first thought of our wretched existence. But let us not get distracted. We have amassed you here for a purpose. It is too soon for us to begin celebrating our victory, as imminent as it may seem. Our adversaries have just as much invested in this child as we do. When the child is grown he will be able to either redeem enough cattle to tip the scales in the favor of our mortal enemies, the Virtues, or condemn enough of them that we will have free reign for another thousand years. You mortals with your story books have gotten it wrong. Balance is not a necessary force of life, nor is it permanent. We have lain here under the heels of creatures no smarter than your average pet for far too long. Now we are at last presented with an opportunity to turn the tides to our favor. You must use the curses which you revel in to make sure that this woman--Irina Jones, the toymaker--selects the right man to father her child. Once the child is born, we do not care if you kill both mother and father, but for now you must keep them alive long enough to bring about our fortune. If you fail us in this endeavor, your punishments will each be harsh and painful. Do not disappoint us. (There is again some unrest amongst the sins, mortals born into the pinnacle of evil, but it is mostly fear and hate, and none of them step out of line again until the VOICE finishes.) Normally we would not trust such an important task to mortal wretches such as yourselves, but we have grown weak in our incarceration and the pathetic antics of humanity, what with their love and courage, might be enough to hinder us. Therefore, the task is delegated to you, our cowardly minions. Succeed, and you will be rewarded with everything you each could desire. Fail, and we will make sure you suffer an eternity of painful mortal deaths. Now begone from our presence. Find the Toymaker and set our destiny into stone. Destroy any obstacles within your path. Go, now!

(At the VOICE's command, the sins are released into the world. Let's get some slo-mo running as they turn and exit out the back of the circle, through the door to the Den, doing slow panel close ups of each of their faces just as they disappear into the void. Let's get some good grungy metal score to accompany this scene. Fade to black.)

Scene Four: The Toy Shop
(Lighting: heavy white. Sound: Pleasant, melodic soft tune. Rise from black on the Toy Shop, where IRINA stands bent over the workbench, tools and paints strewn across the surface. She is dressed in plain attire, with a splattered apron covering much of her front. Her hair is uncharacteristically pulled back away from her face, and she has elected to wear her bulky birth control glasses today to better concentrate on her work. In fact, she is so concentrated on painting the tiny, modern-esque train she is working on that she does not seem to hear the bell above the door chime as DAVID enters. He appears to be rather impressed with everything he sees as he peers at various toys, dolls, and games. He is a well dressed man, rather neat, with close trimmed hair and thin wire glasses. After a few seconds of his perusing, he finally spots IRINA and tilts his head, staring at her and smiling for a moment before strolling over to her.)

DAVID: (He leans a slight bit over the work bench, smiling.) Hello there. Are you the owner?

IRINA: (Caught off guard, she jumps a bit, spilling yet more blue paint across her apron before raising her face to stare at him. She offers up a surprised, but entirely genuine, smile.) Oh, hello. Welcome to the Toy Shop. Uhm...(She looks a bit confused for a moment, and absentmindedly runs her fingers nervously through her hair, accidentally streaking it with paint. DAVID chuckles a bit, and she smiles at him, fairly reassured.) Yep. This is mi humble Tienda. I'm Irina Jones, nice to meet you. (She offers her paint-soaked hand to him and they both stare at it for a split second before reality finally catches up with her and she hastily draws it back, wiping it futilely on her apron.) Anyway, what can I do you for?

DAVID: (He appears to consider his words carefully before replying in slow, even tones.) Hello, Irina. My name is David Black. As for what you can do for me...I would like to use this lovely little shop as the site of my next painting. My sister and I are in the children's book business, you see. She writes the stories and I paint the illustrations, and I personally cannot think of a better place for a setting than a toy store. (He holds his hands out as though to encompass every ideal the store has to offer. Play around with the lighting a bit, see if we can't get maybe a mystical glow, maybe even a glittery effect as though happiness and innocence incarnate are whirring through the air.IRINA has a dreamy smile on her face as she stares in wonder as her shop is revealed in a new light to her.)

IRINA: Really? You want to use my shop? Wow! I never really thought it was that amazing. I'm flattered! (She beamed widely at him, nodding her head. She is generous enough that she would have let him use the shop even without his compliment, but she is grateful for it just the same.) Well, Mr. Black, I would be delighted for you to use my shop!

DAVID: (He chuckles modestly, and his eyes keep drifting back to her.) Please, call me David.

IRINA: (She grins, rather shyly but still comfortably) Alright, then, David. The shop is open pretty much straight through until dark. You're more than welcome to come by any time you want. I'll even clear you off a space. (She leaves the abandoned tinker train on the work bench and selects a comfortable spot on one of the window displays. With strangely gentle disregard, she plucks up the small display of handcrafted marching soldiers that had been decorating a lonely stool and huddles them close to her chest.) There ya go. You can set up your supplies right there in the window. That way, you'll get a full view of the shop, and the people walking down the street will see you painting, and I'm sure they'll all want to come inside and see what the big fuss is all about. It'll be art AND advertising. (She grins widely at him, and even his serious features crack a smile.) Does that sound alright?

DAVID: (He ponders his response for a moment, and seems to be steeling himself for something.) That sounds better than alright. That sounds perfect. (Both are pleased with the business arrangement, but it is starting to become obvious that there might be something more brewing in the air. IRINA is blushing prettily and she can't seem to meet his gaze for longer than a few seconds. Conversely, he seems unable to tear his eyes away from her face. After a few pleasantly awkward moments, he stands and holds out his hands to help her with her load of toy soldiers.) Here, let me help you with those.

IRINA: Oh, thank you--(She is cut off as in her haste and bubbly shyness she attempts to hand him half the load and, as per her usual clumsy self, instead ends up dropping them to the floor. He winces in internal agony as her beautiful handiwork scatters across the polished wood floors, but she just sighs exasperatedly and bends to scoop them up. He, being the perfect gentleman, bends and begins helping her gather them back together again, chuckling when she begins rambling out of sheer self-defensive nervousness.) Oh, I'm sorry. I'm a super clutz. It really is a problem. But it should be okay--my toys are built to last the worst sort of damage than any angry toddler could possibly try to incur to them. Being dropped, thrown, stepped on, chewed on...(She pauses and stands at the same time as he does, both of their arms laden this time, and she closes her eyes as though embarrassed by something.) I'm rambling again, aren't I?

DAVID: (He can't help but laugh at her charmingly horrified expression and shakes his head, taking the initiative and leading her to the work bench, where the soldiers are rescued from further harm by being deposited in a large cardboard packing box.) No, no, its okay. I like listening to you. (She glances up hurriedly, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear and blushing ever brighter. After another moment of undeniable chemistry, DAVID takes a slight breath and finally poses the question he has been dying to ask.) In fact, I'd love to be able to listen to you more. Would you like to maybe go to dinner with me tomorrow evening, so we can get to know each other a bit better? I mean, in light of our...upcoming business endeavor?

IRINA: (She is caught slightly off guard but is overly excited, beaming widely and nodding emphatically while subconsciously wringing her hands nervously.) Oh. Oh! Uhm...yes, yes of course I would! (She seems to catch herself acting like a total basket case, regains her composure, clears her throat, and tries again, seemingly impervious to his highly amused gaze.) I mean...that would be lovely, David. Yeah.

DAVID: (He barely manages to keep from laughing, but only just. Instead he nods to her, standing up to his full height.) Very well. I'll pick you up from here tomorrow night, right at dark. Does that sound good? (She doesn't trust herself to open her mouth, in case more babble comes forth from it, so she nods happily, which is good enough for him. Wanting to spare her further embarrassment, he sends her one final smile, dips his head to her, and confidently strolls to the door. Just before opening it and exiting back out into the warm afternoon sunshine, he turns to look at her one final time, causing her to beam brightly just before he exits. Return for a flash to IRINA, looking happily flustered as she hastily returns to her work, then fade to black.)

Scene Five: Hall of Splendor Headquarters
(Rise from black onto the Hall of Splendor. It is long and rectangular, with brightly burning torches adorning the elegant golden pillars lining the room. The camera once again focuses on seven people lining the center of this hallway, only instead of grovelling, they are kneeling neatly. Panning from right to left, the order is: HENRY, FIONA, CURTIS, VICTORIA, CHARLES, PENNY, PARKER. Once again there are a few distinctions in their postures. CURTIS sits very modestly, VICTORIA very boldly, PENNY looking as though she could stay there forever. After the pan, the camera focuses on the group as a whole and a loud, resonating male voice seems to echo from everywhere at once through the room.)

VOICE: Please rise, loyal disciples. Do not hide your faces from our grace. (The virtue's rise as they are commanded, only much more smoothly and gracefully than the sins ever could have hoped to accomplish.) Beloved alcolytes, we have gathered you here before us to undertake a dangerous, treacherous task, and strike against our enemies that would have us overthrown.

(The virtues stir a bit at this, and even though they are far more regal and eloquent than their evil counterparts, even still they break their discipline.)

VICTORIA: (In her haste to show her eagerness for battle, VICTORIA pushes herself to the forefront of the line.) Oh, master, I am ready to take on this challenge. Let me strike down those who oppose the way of the light!

PENNY: (Quite more refined than her ally, PENNY steps forward to intercede, shaking her head.) Calm down, Victoria. We shall all get our chance to prove ourselves.

PARKER: (Maintaining his air of perpetual calm, PARKER steps forward, nodding in concordance.) Yes, I quite agree. We must think about things and plan them out before simply rushing off without any sort of plan.

HENRY: (Tending to agree with VICTORIA, HENRY steps forward.) Well, what is the worst that can happen? We will be fighting for a better tomorrow, when our people will not need to fear the night as much.

(The other virtues are murmuring amongst themselves. FIONA has her hands clasped neatly in front of her, praying for guidance in this endeavor. CHARLES is planning on ways he can put forth his time and effort, and CURTIS is declaiming how eager he is to restore purity to the population. After a moment, however, they seem to catch how they are acting, and modestly return to their places so their leader can finish.)

VOICE: (Seemingly without missing a beat) However, fighting the forces of darkness is not our primary concern at this point. Far more is at stake. The credence of the stars and of ancient religions have prophesied a great potential danger born to a mortal at this point. This child will not be like the totem symbol of the Son Of God. Despite Henry and Fiona's strongest efforts, those old beliefs are diminishing more and more each day, and the other mortals are looking amongst their own ilk for a new hero to admire. The strength of belief is diminishing as the lines that divide us from our inherent opposites blurred. Humans are charitable to others for their own benefit, they celebrate pure physical love, they use their own anger to fuel their faith. The world that you have been born into as mortals is a dangerous place for the soul and for the psyche. It is for this purpose that we must ensure that the child of prophecy must be brought into the world from pious origins. The mother is only human. She exemplifies many of your own characteristics, but as any mortal besides you seven, she has many faults. Still, she can be a good mother, if she selects a man who draws out the better aspects of her personality. You must go to her, nurture your own aspects within her life, and nurture the love that she is even now developing for a righteous man. Many obstacles shall arise, and some of you will have a harder time than others, but we believe in all of you. Go forth and make us proud, and make a difference in this falling world.

(At the last word's of the VOICE, the hall falls silent, and the virtues boldly step forth out into the world. We'll stick with the slow-mo movement, although they move more steadily and slowly than the sins did. End with the same close panel face ups that ended Scene 3. Musical score should be something light yet inspiring. Fade to black.)

Scene Six: A Busy Street
(Bright lighting, busy street sounds. IRINA is making her way down a busy city street, struggling with her work bag as she attempts to extract her cell phone without knocking over any of the many people surging against her. She has abandoned her paint splattered work apron for a plain white wife beater and standard cutoff jean shorts. She, too, has thankfully discarded her hideous glasses in favor of her contacts, and has let down her hair into a wild, untamed mane across her shoulders. She barely resembles either of her earlier scenes. Only her air of good-natured absentmindedness remains the same as she clumsily dodges out of the way of a group of gabbling teenagers. At last she frees her cell phone and pulls it open, dialing NICOLAI as she continues her trek. It takes a few moments to ring before she speaks.)

IRINA: Heyyyyy Nick. What's up? (I will henceforth use "..." to signify his implied responses.) Oh, I'm just lookin' out for something shiny to get you. I still owe you a present, remember? ... Ha ha, I don't think so. You'll have to get your own ferrari. ... Nah, I can't make it tonight. I'm going shopping. ...Well, I kind of agreed to meet this guy who came into the store today. ...No, he was a complete gentleman. ...(After hearing his most recent response, she lets out a mad cackle, seriously alarming an old woman waiting at a bus stop.) Well, we'll see. Anyway, I'm here, so I'll let you go. ...Alright, bye. (She stows her phone back in her bag as she enters a CLOTHING SHOP. It is quite different from the wal-mart type locations she frequents, featuring instead flimsy strappy dresses and pinstriped suits and other such party attire. We catch our first glimpse of MITCHELL, although his back is turned. He has not yet spotted IRINA. She is looking rather unsure of herself, glancing around at all of the skimpy dresses. She flips through a few of them, blushing rather brightly. At this point, MITCHELL catches sight of IRINA and watches her in that creepy stalker way for a few minutes. She is visibly losing faith in this whole endeavor when he snatches up a sleeveless, rather low cut green dress from a convenient rack and walks up to her, silently. He is wearing ripped and faded jeans, big black combat boots, and a white wife beater similar to hers underneath a leather jacket. She straightens up a bit when he nears, still blushing but rather staring him down. She looks both uncertain and perhaps a little bit excited as he boldly stops right in front of her. Lust has always been one of her biggest vices, and it is evident here. He stares directly into her face and with one hand brushes the hair back from her shoulders. Then, while her heart is racing, he holds the dress up to her, cinching it around her waist with his hands. They stand there for a few moments, him with a dangerous half smile lingering on his lips, her with a more full, excited smile even as her breathing quickens. There is chemistry here as there was with DAVID, but it is more animalistic and primal. Finally after an agonizing moment, he drops his hands and backs away. She has no choice but to clutch the dress to her body, lest it tumble to the floor. He shoots her a lecherous grin and turns to move away.) Oh, wait! (He consents to pause, grinning as though knowing exactly what thoughts were going through her mind as she was thinking dangerous thoughts.) Uhm...Thank you, I guess....(She feebly indicates the dress. He seems unimpressed and turns again,only to be immediately interrupted.) Wait, um...I'm Rina. (She held out her hand to him with a forced, hesitant smile, but when he did not grasp it, her face became a little bit stormy and her voice became a bit hard as her pride and rage first began surfacing..) Its only polite, you know, to shake hands when you first meet someone. Surely even someone like YOU would know that. (It seems that this time she might have gone too far, as she has inflamed MITCHELL's own rage and pride and he steps very quickly and threatening towards her, and even though she is scared by him, she stands her ground and keeps her eyes level. Just when it seems imminent that he's going to bowl her over, he stops almost perfectly, grabbing her hand in his own. He squeezes it roughly, glaring down at her pale face with grit teeth. Her valor is as much a match as his rage, but even she knows when to back down, and she takes half a step back--but only just. It seems for a moment as though he is going to force himself further on her, but instead he roughly yanks her hand up to his face, and keeping his eyes trained unblikingly on hers, he dips into a mockingly elegant bow and presses his lips to her knuckles. She is shocked, still scared, and more than a little confused. He drops her hand without further ceremony and rustles around in his pockets for something. He pulls out a Marlboro Red cigarette, slips it between his lips for safekeeping, and finally finds a pen and a greasy, creased business card. He uses one of the nearby racks as a table and scrawls out his name and number barely legibly before stuffing it into her unprotesting hand. He tips her a lecherous wink and turns and finally makes his exit. This time she does not attempt to stop him, but lets him go, flustered. She watches after his disappearing fram, then bundles up the green dress, grabs a purple dress at random off a hanger as she hurries up to the cashier, and pays hastily for both of them before dashing out the door. She looks both ways, but he is nowhere to be found. She sighs, but even as she shakes her head, exasperated, she still has half a smile on her face. Fade to black.)

Scene Seven: Palace of Wonder
(The Fantasy Shop shall hereby be named Palace of Wonder. I TRIED to find the darn Latin AND Elvish translation of that phrase and it just did not cooperate. Anyhow, this set shall be recurring throughout the film, I have decided. For this scene, it still retains much of its mystical properties, with dim lighting heavy in the realms of blue, red, and purple. Soft, ethereal symphonic music plays a background while IRINA peruses a display of fantasy based chess sets. Cue white lighting to conveniently display across an elegant silver pieced set featuring the classic battle of good versus evil. Coincidence? She believes so. Even still, perhaps on some supernaturally subconscious level, she is drawn to it, and bends down to examine it. HENRY and PENNY are within the shop already, and as the camera swivels to follow IRINA, we catch just a glimpse of them watching her from the next aisle over. Zoom in to a close up of IRINA's mesmerized face, so the crowd and heroine alike are caught unawares when HENRY speaks directly behind her, causing her to jump to her feet, teeter dangerously close to toppling the display, and spin around to stare at the two of them.)

HENRY: Wow, that's a beautiful piece of work. I admire your tastes. (He offered her a blindingly bright smile, while PENNY offered her a more shy, reserved smile. IRINA returned a smile, genuinely.)

IRINA: Oh, well thank you. It's actually not for me. I'm actually going to be getting it for my best friend. He likes things like that.

HENRY: Well I'm sure he'll appreciate it for all its worth. (He steps forward a bit and idly fingers one of the angel pieces. He pauses charmingly for a second before turning his head to face her.) And which side will you be taking, the first time you play against him?

IRINA: (She is now smiling a bit more comfortably, enjoying HENRY's polite interest and PENNY's polite calm. She tilts her own head, and with both of their eyes trained on her hands, picks up one piece from either side and holds them in her hands, pondering for a moment.) Hm, well that is the question, isn't it? One one side, the white knights, champions of all that is good and holy. On the other, the black minions, denizens of the deep and promoters of...guilty pleasures. (Her smile takes on a rather cynical tilt as she raises her eyes to meet his transfixed gaze. The tension and silence spirals out for a few seconds, before she carelessly sets them back down on the board and PENNY and HENRY audibly release their breath.) I wouldn't be able to decide. I'll let him choose whichever side he wants to play, I suppose. It doesn't matter anyway. Just because I choose a side doesn't mean that side will be victorious.(She doesn't look up fast enough to catch the meaningful glance that the two of them exchange, but does a split second later. She stares from one to the other, then bends again to grab one of the boxed sets of the good versus evil playing board. PENNY hastily bends to help her out with it, and together they lug it up to the cash register. MAXWELL is nowhere to be seen and so she lounges easily against the counter, making idle talk to pass the time.) So I haven't seen you two in here before. You new around here?

PENNY: (She pauses a moment before replying. No, we've been around for a long time now. We've just never really had cause to wander into this particular shop before. But, I am glad that we did. (She and IRINA smile at each other a bit, until PENNY catches sight of something behind IRINA that wipes the smile off of her face. IRINA and HENRY both notice this and turn to look at what she spotted. GARY and RACHEL have just entered together, GARY with a hungry expression on his face as he stares at all of the fancy stuff in the shop, RACHEL looking incensed that her adversaries had gotten to the target first. They approach as though there's going to be a stand off, with IRINA caught in between the two groups and, by the look on her face, more than able to detect the waves of hatred emanating between them.She clears her throat a little nervously.)

RACHEL: Hello, Penny. Henry. (She fills her voice with as much petty distaste as she can muster, finally catching GARY's attention and bringing his focus to the three.) Never imagined to see YOU here. Who's your friend?

PENNY: (PENNY is about to make a cataclysmic mistake. See if you can spot it before I point it out. She keeps her eyes focused on RACHEL's while the guys size each other up. She does her best to keep her voice even, but it trembles a bit.) Hello, Rachel. Gary. This is Irina. We were just getting to know each other.

(IRINA twitched ever so perceptibly at PENNY's words but the other woman was too focused on attempting to stare down RACHEL that she didn't notice. HENRY was watching the two, preparing to step in if need be, and so only GARY, who had turned his covetous eyes to IRINA moments before, caught sight of her movement. He is not sure why she would react in such a matter, but he tilts his head and files it away for later. Maybe it will help him get what he wants in the long run. Instead, he steps forward and grins a wolf's smile down at her, extending his hand to her, which she accepts almost without thinking.)

GARY: Well, Miss Irina, I must say that it really is a pleasure to meet someone as beautiful as you. I'm Gary and this is my...friend, Rachel. (He stares into her eyes as she blushes and smiles, flattered by him. Even now he is deciding that once the mission has been completed, he will take her for his own. RACHEL is getting a little irritated already by GARY's antics, but by some miracle has managed to keep it under control.

IRINA: Nice to meet you, Gary, Rachel. (She turns her head to the other two, and while her smile remains intact, her eyes narrow slightly in distrust that both of them can pick up on, though they do not understand it. And you both as well. (Finally, out of coincidence or perhaps some sort of skewed diving intervention, MAXWELL draws forth from the back room, looking very harried and surprised to see so many people not only in his shop but clustered around his register. He discards the clipboard he had tucked under his arm and scurries over to them, sliding the chess board across the scanner quickly.

MAXWELL: So sorry, so sorry. Didn't hear you lot come in. You find everything okay? (He doesn't really give IRINA time to answer as he hastily scoots the board into an oversized plastic bag, places it on the counter, and rings up her total. That'll be...let's see, after tax, $67.59.

(IRINA gapes at him in open-mouthed surprise and disbelief. Being close to RACHEL and GARY ignites her own sense of anger and greed, and she cannot believe this common little man would try to charge her so much. Conversely, being around HENRY inspires hope that she can haggle him lower, and PENNY gives her a natural patience to wait it through and see just how far she can press her luck.)

IRINA: Sixty eight bucks? There's no WAY that I'm paying that. I mean, its a nice set and all, but for sixty eight dollars I could MAKE my own chess set. Come on, Max. Cut me a break. You know me better than that.

MAXWELL: (He is somewhat taken aback by her outburst. She has haggled with him before, but never so vehemently. He nervously slides off his glasses and scrubs them against his shirt before clacking a few keys on the register. R-right. S-sorry, Rinie. How s-silly of me. I think fifty.......six? Might be more reasonable? (GARY's influence is not quite strong enough to overcome her natural prudence, and even though she glares at him for a few more minutes, she gives him a curt nod, much to the shock of the sins and to the relief of the virtues. MAXWELL looks very relieved as well, and graciously accepts her cash when she passes it across to him.) Th-thank you, Rinie. You have a nice day! Come again! (It is blatantly obvious that he is trying to herd them away from his shop, and IRINA has the decency to look apologetic and ashamed as she collects her purchase and her change and leads the progression out onto a BUSY STREET. She continues to look humbled for a moment before hastily raising her head to face her new acquaintances.)

IRINA: I...I'm sorry I acted like that. That's not like me. I hope you don't all think I'm some psycho now or anything...

(All four of the others are caught off guard, and exchange glances even amongst each other. When RACHEL speaks it is as though she is unsure of the right words.)

RACHEL: No, you had every right to be pissed! That bastard was trying to rip you off!

IRINA: Max is a nice guy, and he works hard and he means well. He's just trying to make a living. I think I was too hard on him. (Before RACHEL can think of some way to regain her composure, IRINA catches sight of her watch and gets a very alarmed expression on her face. Oh man, I didn't know it was getting so late. It was nice to meet you all, but I've really got to get going. I have dinner plans tonight, you see.....(She lets her voice trail off even as a smile rises to her face, then comes back to reality.) Maybe we'll run into each other again some time. I own the little Toy Shop up on Washington Street. Stop on by if you are ever in the area! Bye!

(And without further ado, barely hanging onto her shopping bag, purse, and other possessions, she offers them all a fleeting smile and staggers dangerously down the street, leaving them to glare suspiciously at each other in her wake.)

RACHEL: Listen, assholes. Don't you DARE try to get in our way. I'd like ANY excuse to just throw both of you and all of your little goody two shoes friends through the nearest wall, so don't give me one.

HENRY: Say whatever you want, Rachel. I know that Irina will end up making the right decision in the end. She might not be the greatest person but she's certainly not dumb enough to fall for your act. (GARY has to physically restrain RACHEL as she lunges at him, but he is not quick enough to grab her hands before she makes a shoving motion in thin air. Caught by the blast, HENRY is pushes several feet back and bowled over. He scrambles up to his feet, ignoring PENNY's cry of surprise and fear, and in less than an instant, he has sped up to the two of them and pried them apart. He looks very much like he'd like nothing more than to toss her telekinetic butt in front of a speeding bus, but at the last second calms down. I'd do it in a heartbeat, Rachel. You know I would. The world would be SO much better without scum like you in it. But I know like the cowards you are, you've probably got your entire little posse of corrupted forces hiding in the shadows waiting to ambush us if we do anything wrong. So for right now, in the sight of our fellow humans and God only knows what else, you are safe. (True to his word, he releases her, but this is only because he is confident enough that he is fast enough to catch her if she makes a wrong move.) So we're at an impasse. You two turn around and walk away, and we'll do the same. All of the cards aren't out on the table yet, and despite your irrationality, I know you won't do anything to upset your masters, the same as us. So step back, Rachel Miller, and for this moment let us go our separate ways. We both know that we will meet again soon enough.

(RACHEL looks for a moment as though she'd like to discuss a few more things with her fists, but GARY manages to pull her back. She casts them one final death glare, and allows herself to be led away, calling back over her shoulder as they exit.)

RACHEL: This isn't over yet, Henry Williams. Your time is past. It's PAST!

(Fade to black.)

Scene Eight: An Outdoor Cafe
(NICOLAI sits outside the cafe, awaiting IRINA's arrival. He catches a glimpse of FIONA, who is stalking the area on a scouting trip, offers him a quick smile, and ducks behind her menu. LAURELAI is there also, lurking in the background, leaning against the cafe wall and delighting in her influence on a group of young college students nearby, who are acting more and more lewd with every second. NICOLAI hasn't spotted her yet, however, and just before he decides to get up and go try to charm FIONA, IRINA bustles in, darting nimbly around a waiter and collapsing into the chair opposite him. Cue some nice Italiano music for this scene as he stares at her, highly amused, and she grins sheepishly back and offers across the present. She has not taken time to wrap it, as she is now wearing the strappy purple dress she got the day before, and has elegantly pulled her hair into a clip away from her face. She is wearing her glasses, but some makeup also. Cue some white lighting behind her, giving her an almost saintly glow as she presents him with his present.

IRINA: Sorry I'm late. Had to get ready for my...big date tonight! (She giggles and smiles a bit as he tugs the package from her grasp and slides the chess set out of the bag. His eyebrows raise as he admires it.) Well, what do you think? It seemed perfect for you!

NICOLAI: Aw, Rinie, you didn't have to do this! (But he is pleased, and after a moment of looking at the art on the box, he makes a show of setting it next to him, hoping to catch FIONA's attention. Knowing exactly what he was up to, IRINA tactlessly turns around in her seat, to spot the other girl peeking over her menu at them before hastily snapping it up again. She raises her eyebrows at NICOLAI and he grins sheepishly.)

IRINA: Don't you think she's a bit too...timid for you? I would have thought that girl by the door would be more your style. She certainly seems to be getting everyone else's attention. (NICOLAI spins in his seat to catch LAURELAI's eye. She smiles flirtatiously at him, batting her eyelashes, and makes a show of bending down to pick up her bag, giving them both an in-depth view of her curves. NICOLAI's grin widens and he turns back to his friend.)

NICOLAI: Wow. Yeah, I'd say she is definitely more my type. Although to be fair, sometimes being sweet and innocent can be a turn-on too. (He debates for a fraction of a second, watched by his bemused best friend, then dons a cocky grin, rises, and swaggers up to LAURELAI, who greets him with a flirtatious smile until she realizes that IRINA did not accompany him. They pass in the background idly, while IRINA spots FIONA watching NICOLAI and LAURELAI. She debates a moment herself, then strolls easily over to FIONA, who smiles in a matter-of-fact way to her. She smiles, too, and pulls out the chair opposite FIONA.)

IRINA: May I?

FIONA: Oh! Yes, of course. Please do.

IRINA: (She takes the seat and for a second they watch the other two interact out of earshot. LAURELAI is irritated that IRINA chose to sit with her enemy, but can't escape the commotion she has caused with NICOLAI. IRINA turns back to FIONA, who has been watching her with a calculating but pleasant expression.) You'll have to excuse him. He really is a nice guy, but...easily distracted.

FIONA: (She chuckles a bit and shakes her head.) Oh no, its alright. If I was a man, I'm sure I wouldn't be able to resist Laurelai's siren call, either.

IRINA: (Surprised) Oh, you know her?

FIONA: (She pauses a second, observing the continued display of affection with a thin lipped smile.) We have known each other all our lives. Not well, of course. (She turns her inspection back to IRINA, who nods encouragingly at her.) Let's just say that we...have different lifestyle choices.

IRINA: (She snorts, but nods in understanding.) Well, I guess it takes all sorts to make up this crazy world we live in.

FIONA: (She gets a very odd expression on her face, almost as though she doesn't like what she is hearing.) Well, yes...I suppose you are right. (There is a slightly awkward pause while they observe each other in silence. Finally remembering her manners, FIONA hastily introduces herself.) Oh, forgive my lack of manners. My name is Fiona Thornton. I'm an Interior Designer for Allay's, right off the highway. Do you know it?

IRINA: (She doesn't, but feels bad admitting this, so she nods and smiles uncertainly. FIONA is a telempath, so she knows IRINA is lying, but she knows it is only because the other girl does not want to hurt her feelings. She is unlike anyone that FIONA has ever read before, and so she is observing her as though never seen anything quite like her.) I'm Irina Jones. Nice to meet you! I own and operate The Toy Shop. It's a tiny little store that my grandfather opened years ago, and I guess his gift has just been passed down from generation to generation, though of course none of my own creations are anything like the ancient, wonderful masterpieces he and my father have created.

FIONA: (Being the very persona of Faith, FIONA is not used to being humble, and has never understood why so many of her fellow humans are. She tilts her head to the side and speaks decisively.) I know of your shop, and I've seen your work. You make many children smile, not only with your creations but with your overall general personality.

IRINA: (She is slightly creeped out, not only by FIONA's knowledge of her business but also by the fact that she is coming right out and saying it. However, she decided to take it in good stride.) Well, I thank you for your kind words, but...(She is spared coming up with an end to her sentence as NICOLAI leads LAURELAI up to the table, his hand on the small of her back. He is smiling in a very self reassured way, not even noticing the daggers that FIONA and his new adornment are staring at each other while IRINA smiles politely up.) Hey there again, Nick. (She surveys LAURELAI and it is obvious from her expression that even she is feeling the effect of her aura. She approves of the girl, even if she is dressed in a skimpy little black dress that is far too revealing. She can feel her cheeks coloring, but she manages to reign in her control.) Hello. I'm Irina.

LAURELAI: (She can sense that her own vice is also one of IRINA's own personal downfalls, and intends to work this to her advantage. She tears her eyes away from FIONA to stare at IRINA instead, a tilted, alluring smile across her lips. Her voice is deep and throaty as she is relishing in her own perverse notions, glorying in her element amongst both IRINA and NICOLAI.) Well hello there gorgeous. The name's Laurelai and believe me, the pleasure is all mine. (They stare intently into each other's eyes, until NICOLAI, not liking that he is no longer the center of LAURELAI's attention, clears his throat and leans between them, breaking the connection..)