Note: This is a Gargoyles spec script I wrote for my senior thesis. As such, it's so cheesy you could spread it on a cracker, but it's light, fun, and hopefully entertaining. It takes place before "Upgrade" GARGOYLES "KINDRED SPIRITS" Written by: Tara O'Shea First Draft: October 20, 1995 Final Draft: November 30, 1995 Revised Final Draft: December 7, 1995 GARGOYLES "Kindred Spirits" ACT ONE FADE IN: EXT. CLOCKTOWER - ESTABLISHING - DUSK The building is painted shades of rose and gold by the setting sun, the sky a deep blue darkening to indigo in the east. ON SUNSET The sun dips slowly behind the skyline. ON GARGOYLES As the shadows fall over them, a pattern of spiderweb cracks appear (SFX). The gargoyles stretch, shedding a thin skin of stone. FAVOR BROOKLYN Brooklyn yawns, hopping down off the edge and stretches, and is almost bowled over by Lexington as he makes a beeline for the door. BROOKLYN Hey! LEXINGTON Sorry. CUT TO: = INT. CLOCKTOWER - WIDE ANGLE - DUSK Lex is already plopped down in front of the laptop as the others enter. ON BROOKLYN Brooklyn glowers at him from the doorway, arms crossed. REFIELD TO INCLUDE LEX The young gargoyle, intent on the glowing LCD screen, is oblivious to the daggers being stared into the back of his head. ON HUDSON Hudson settles down in his chair and picks up a book, ignoring the tension. Bronx collapses at his feet, waiting for his ears to be scratched. ELISA (O.S.) Hey guys. ON TRAP DOOR Elisa's head appears from the TRAP DOOR as she negotiates the ladder with an armful of groceries. ANOTHER ANGLE Goliath reaches down and effortlessly lifts her clear. FAVOR ELISA ELISA Thanks, Goliath. REFIELD TO INCLUDE BROADWAY Broadway takes the bags from Goliath and begins rummaging through them. BROADWAY Did you get the sour cream? ELISA Sure thing, Broadway. One of these days I'm going to have to find a better line to feed my local grocer as to why I'm buying twelve pounds of steak for me and my cat. FAVOR GOLIATH GOLIATH Elisa, if there is any way we can reimburse you -- FAVOR ELISA ELISA Don't sweat it, I'm just teasing. = It's no problem, I'd just end up spending it on chocolate and movie rentals anyway. BROADWAY You want to stay for dinner? ELISA My shift starts soon. Sorry, guys. MOVING WITH ELISA Elisa wanders over to Lexington, and peers over his shoulder at the computer screen. ELISA Whatcha up to? REFIELD TO INCLUDE BROOKLYN BROOKLYN (sing-song) He's talking to his girlfriend. FAVOR LEXINGTON Lex scowls. LEXINGTON She's not my girlfriend, she's just a friend. FAVOR ELISA Elisa raises an eyebrow. ON GOLIATH who smiles wryly. RESUME ANGLE on Elisa and Lexington ELISA How'd you meet her? LEXINGTON On the Internet. FAVOR BROOKLYN BROOKLYN He's on that thing every night 'til dawn, talking to her. If you ask me, he's in love. LEXINGTON Well nobody asked you, did they? ANOTHER ANGLE ELISA (conspiratorial whisper) You should have seen what Beth and Derek did to my junior prom date. Just ignore him, Lex. LEXINGTON Don't worry, I always do. ON BROOKLYN Brooklyn scowls. RESUME ANGLE ELISA So, what's she like? LEXINGTON Siren? She's amazing, let me bring up her webpage -- ELISA Siren? LEXINGTON That's just her nickname, her real name's Shannon. She sings in a band, there's a compress AU file of a song clip on her page -- ANOTHER ANGLE Elisa spreads her hands in a "hold it" gesture and laughs. ELISA Whoa, slow down, you know I'm computer illiterite. FAVOR LEXINGTON Lex grins, and taps some keys. THEIR POV Lex opens up a Netscape window with a scanned photo of a slender blond girl, the words "Siren's Grotto" blinking beneath, white against a blue background. Lex uses the mouse to click on the half-note next to the words "siren song." A slightly tinny song pours out of the small speaker: SHANNON (V.O.) As I was walking all alane I heard twa corbies makin' mane And one ontae the other did say-o Where shall we gang and dine the day-o Where shall we gang and dine the day. ELISA Pretty. GOLIATH It's about two ravens devouring a corpse. ELISA Well, that's more information than I needed. LEX It's a folk song. BROOKLYN And we've only heard it about twelve times in the past week. Lex's face has fallen as he reads an e-mail message, his shoulders slumping. ELISA What's wrong, Lex? LEXINGTON Siren's coming to New York. She wants to meet me. BROOKLYN Hah! So much for love at first sight. Goliath crosses his arms and glares at Brooklyn, who loses his smug smile and visibly wilts. LEXINGTON Her band is playing, she wants me to come hear her sing. Lex hits a button, and the message prints out. LEXINGTON They're driving down from Maine. I can't even e-mail her back. Elisa lays a hand on Lex's shoulder. ELISA I'm sure it'll all work out, Lex. Lex shakes his head, turning off the computer. LEXINGTON Brooklyn's right, it's pointless. = One look, and she won't want to be my friend anymore. Nah, just forget it. Lex heads out onto the balcony. Broadway looks from Brooklyn to the retreating Lex, and then follows the younger gargoyle. Elisa and Goliath watch him go. ELISA Poor kid, I hope he'll be okay. Making friends is hard enough without . . . GOLIATH Cross-species difficulties? ELISA Exactly. GOLIATH Lexington is a survivor. CUT TO: = EXT. CLOCKTOWER - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS Lex looks down at the paper, and then folds it and tucks it into his belt. REFIELD TO INCLUDE Broadway standing in the doorway Lex is poised to leap. FAVOR BROADWAY BROADWAY Hey, where you going? LEXINGTON Just out. ANOTHER ANGLE BROADWAY Hey, I think you should go see her. = Remember when we first met Elisa? LEXINGTON Remember the Pack? BROADWAY Okay, so you've got a lot to lose. = But you've got more to gain, y'know? Lex appears to think about this, and then jumps off into the night. EXT. CLOCKTOWER - NIGHT ON BROADWAY Broadway looks worried. REFIELD TO INCLUDE Brooklyn in doorway, frowning. BROOKLYN I'll follow him. CUT TO: = EXT. NIGHT SKY Brooklyn glides off. CUT TO: = EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT Lex lands on a fire escape, checking the paper for the address. MUSIC floats out the open stage door. Lex listens, his features softening. SHANNON (V.O.) And many's a one for him makes mane But naebody kens where he has gane Through his white bones when they are bare-o The wind shall blow forever mare The wind shall blow forever mare The song is followed by APPLAUSE, and Lex leaps onto the rail of the fire escape to climb back up when -- LEXINGTON'S POV Shannon emerges from the open door to sit on the stoop, rifling through a knapsack. CLOSE ON LEXINGTON Lex shifts his weight, the fire escape CREAKS. CLOSE ON SHANNON Shannon freezes, looking up. RESUME ANGLE ON LEXINGTON Lex draws back farther into the shadows, his emotions playing across his face: sadness, fear, determination, and hope. ANOTHER ANGLE Shannon peers into the darkness. SHANNON Who's there? LEXINGTON (O.S.) You're really good, Shannon Shannon clutches her knapsack to her, nervous. SHANNON Lex, that better be you. ANOTHER ANGLE Lex is still hidden in the shadows. LEXINGTON It's me. ANOTHER ANGLE Shannon visibly relaxes, and grins, shading her eyes from the amber glare of the streetlamps with her hand. She is excited to finally be meeting her friend. SHANNON You made it! I looked for you, but I didn't know who to look for. ANOTHER ANGLE She gets up from the stoop and begins to approach the fire escape, and fear flashes across Lex's face. LEXINGTON Wait! Shannon stops, puzzled. She can tell something is going on here, something deeply weird. SHANNON What's wrong? CLOSE ON LEXINGTON LEXINGTON I don't... I don't want you to see me. REFIELD to show Lex looking down on Shannon. He looks sad. SHANNON But why? Lex, we've been friends for a year -- RESUME ANGLE ON LEXINGTON LEXINGTON And I want to stay friends. That's why . . . I wanted to come see you, hear your music, but I couldn't go in. RESUME ANGLE Shannon is bewildered. SHANNON You're just gonna stay up there? LEXINGTON It's better this way. FAVOR SHANNON Now that's got her going. No one is going to tell her this arrangement is better. SHANNON That's stupid! Lex, I'm not a shallow person if I say so myself. It's not like I'm expecting Tom Cruise or Mel Gibson. ON LEXINGTON Lex actually cracks a smile. LEXINGTON Definitely not Tom Cruise. SHANNON Why don't you let me be the judge of that? ON LEXINGTON Lex frowns, torn. ANOTHER ANGLE Taking a deep breath, Lex leaps down from the fire escape. SHANNON'S POV Shannon sees the strange creature glide down towards her, filling her field of vision. WIDE ANGLE ON ALLEY Shannon backpedals. As Lex lands, she stumbles and lands on her butt, eyes wide. Lex and Shannon stare at one another. CUT TO: = EXT. ALLEY - ROOFTOP - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS >From the rooftop, Brooklyn lands and looks down at the girl and gargoyle apparently frozen. He is worried for Lex's feelings, and is ready to step in if it gets ugly. CUT TO: = EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT - CLOSE ON THEIR FACES Shannon swallows, and then a slow smile spreads across her face. SHANNON Lex, you goose! You almost scared me half to death! FAVOR LEXINGTON Lex is completely taken aback. LEXINGTON You mean, you're not afraid? NEW ANGLE SHANNON I guess I should be, but somehow I'm not. I did kinda picture you differently though. Wow, are those wings? She reaches out tentatively towards his wings, and then stops herself. LEXINGTON Yep. SHANNON Can you fly? LEXINGTON Not really. I can glide, though. SHANNON This is so cool. Shannon claps her hands with delight, and then winces. CLOSE ON HER HANDS which are red and scraped. FAVOR LEXINGTON LEXINGTON You scraped them when you fell. = It's my fault. SHANNON No biggie, I've done worse tripping over my own feet, I'm a klutz. Shannon brushes off the step in front of the stage door, and sits down, wrapping her arms around her knees. Lex sits down next to her. LEXINGTON What's a klutz? SHANNON Um, a clumsy person. You know, someone whose always tripping over stuff, and knocking stuff over. = You've never heard the word klutz before? LEXINGTON There are lots of words I haven't heard yet. But I'm working on it. SHANNON I want to know everything. Her smile is genuine, as is Lex's. He still can't believe he's finally found someone who understands. CUT TO: = EXT. ROOFTOP - NIGHT Brooklyn turns away, and leaps off, catching the updraft. He's seen all he wants to. All he needs to. CUT TO: = EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT - LATER A young man with shoulder length red hair, SEAN, sticks his head out the door. SEAN Shannon, second set's starting -- Shannon and Lex are gone. He sees the empty alley, and steps outside, confused. SEAN Hey, where are you? Shannon? The alley is deserted, there is no sign of her. SEAN Oh man . . . FADE OUT = END ACT ONE ACT TWO FADE IN: EXT./INT. CLOCKTOWER - NIGHT Brooklyn lands on the balcony and heads inside. ON BROADWAY Broadway looks up from the book he is pouring over with Hudson. BROADWAY How's Lex? BROOKLYN He's fine. Brooklyn's voice is curiously flat. BROADWAY That's good. REFIELD TO INCLUDE BRONX Brooklyn scratches Bronx's ears. BROOKLYN You want to go out, boy? ANOTHER ANGLE Bronx wags his tail and circles Brooklyn, ecstatic. BRONX (happy dog noises) BROADWAY I'll come with. You wanna come, Hudson? ON HUDSON HUDSON You lads go on, I've got plenty here to keep me busy. Hudson holds up the book, and waves them off. ANOTHER ANGLE Taking Bronx between them, they leap off the ledge into the night. FADE TO: = EXT. ROOFTOP - NIGHT - LATER The moon has risen higher, and the city stretches out in a sea of lights, the sound of traffic and people a faint murmur. Castle Wyvern can be seen perched atop the Eyrie Building, lit with floodlights. Lex and Shannon sit on the ledge. She is entranced by the view, as well as the story Lex has just told her. She gazes out at the castle. SHANNON A thousand years? Wow. She turns back to Lex. SHANNON This is like the songs I know, and the stories, but I never thought magic was real. LEXINGTON Magic isn't all it's cracked up to be. Trust me. SHANNON What was it like? LEXINGTON We were asleep for most of it -- SHANNON No, you goofball. The castle. Was the princess beautiful? Were there knights, and tournaments, and feasts? LEXINGTON Well, there was the castle guard, I guess they were like knights. I don't know about feasts though, food stores ran pretty low in winter. You learned to like barley soup. Shannon's stomach RUMBLES. SHANNON Soup sounds kinda good right now. Lex could kick himself for not realizing she'd be hungry. = LEXINGTON I have an idea, wait here. Lexington leaps off the side of the building, and Shannon makes a surprised sound, and leans over to see him gliding down towards street level. EXT. STREET - NIGHT A bored hot dog vendor prepares two dogs for two beat cops. Lex peeks at him from the alley. CLOSE ON CART Lex's hands creep up and snag two hot dogs while the vendor counts out the change for the cop. The vendor reaches for the dogs to give the cops, and finds two crumpled dollar bills instead. He scratches his head, and the cops shrug. EXT. ROOFTOP - NIGHT - LATER Lex and Shannon munch the hot dogs, sitting indian style on the gravel rooftop. SHANNON So there's just the five of you left? That's so sad. LEXINGTON We're doing okay. ON SHANNON SHANNON My dad died when I was little, I can't hardly remember him at all. = For the longest time it was just me and my mom and my little brother. = Now it's just me. I guess you could say I'm the last of my clan. RESUME ANGLE Shannon pops the last of the hot dog in her mouth, trying to seem unaffected, and licks her fingers. LEXINGTON Do you want to meet my clan? SHANNON Really? ANOTHER ANGLE LEXINGTON Sure. We don't have very many human friends, I know they'd like you just as much as I do. SHANNON That would be incredible! ON LEXINGTON LEXINGTON What about your friends? RESUME ANGLE Shannon waves his concern away. SHANNON Don't worry about them, they know I can take care of myself. CUT TO: = INT. 23RD PRECINCT - NIGHT Sean and Elisa sit at her desk. Sean looks very worried. He's fidgeting. SEAN She's about five-two, maybe a hundred pounds, I dunno. Long blond hair, um, tan sweater and black leggings. Oh jeez, Mr. Kelly is gonna KILL me -- ON ELISA ELISA Mr. Kelly? RESUME ANGLE SEAN Mr. and Mrs. Kelly are her foster parents. Shannon's family were killed in a car crash two years ago. ELISA How long has she been missing? ANOTHER ANGLE SEAN Two hours maybe? We finished our first set, and when I went out to tell her second set was starting, she was gone. ELISA You do realize that she can't be officially declared missing until it's been 24 hours -- SEAN What if it's kidnapping? ON ELISA Elisa's eyes narrow. ELISA You think she might have been kidnapped? ON SEAN SEAN She was all excited about meeting this guy from Internet, and was looking for him whole first set. I've seen all those specials on guys who lure chicks using e-mail. RESUME ANGLE ELISA Do you know anything about this guy? SEAN He wouldn't show her a picture or anything. All I know is his name is Lex -- CLOSE ON ELISA who has a sinking feeling about this all of a sudden. ELISA Lex? ON SEAN SEAN Yeah, I think she said his name was Lex-something. Lexington, that's it. CUT TO: = EXT. ALLEY BEHIND CLOCKTOWER - NIGHT SHANNON'S POV Shannon looks up at the tower. It's a loooooong way up. ON SHANNON SHANNON I suppose a fire escape would be too easy. REFIELD TO INCLUDE LEXINGTON Lex puffs up a little, he's about to show off, you can tell. LEXINGTON Not a problem. ANOTHER ANGLE Lex jumps up, sinking his claws into the brick and climbs a few feet, then jumps back down. RESUME ANGLE LEXINGTON You can ride on my back. ANOTHER ANGLE Shannon looks skeptical, and looks up again, and then down at Lex, who barely comes to her waist. Oh yeah, this is a good idea. = SHANNON Lex, I mean . . . Won't I be awful heavy? LEXINGTON I'm stronger than I look. ANOTHER ANGLE SHANNON Okay Conan, but if you're wrong, we're pavement pizza. She throws her arms around his neck, and squeezes her eyes tightly shut as Lex begins to climb. We hear Shannon SQUEAK, and the sound of Lex's claws DIGGING into the side of the building. CUT TO: = INT. CLOCKTOWER - NIGHT Hudson is in his chair, reading. The television is turned off, and the rest of the loft is deserted. Lexington sticks his head inside the door, and Hudson looks up. ON HUDSON HUDSON Ah lad, I'm surprised to see you back so early. ON LEXINGTON Lex tries to sound casual. LEXINGTON Where is everybody? ON HUDSON HUDSON Goliath is down in the library, and Broadway and Brooklyn took Bronx out. RESUME ANGLE Lexington steps inside. LEXINGTON Oh. ON HUDSON HUDSON What is it, lad? RESUME ANGLE ON LEXINGTON LEXINGTON Um . . . REFIELD TO SHOW Shannon stepping into the doorway. SHANNON He brought a friend home for dinner. CUT TO: = EXT. PARK - NIGHT - LATER Brooklyn sits atop a boulder, head in hands. Bronx runs across the bottom of the frame, chasing pigeons off screen. Brooklyn seems lost in his own world, unmoving. After a few seconds of silence, Bronx runs back the other direction across the frame, still chasing pigeons. ANOTHER ANGLE Broadway lands beside the boulder, and lays a hand on Brooklyn's shoulder. FAVOR BROADWAY BROADWAY You wanna talk about it? BROOKLYN What's to talk about? ANOTHER ANGLE Broadway crosses his arms and stares at him. Brooklyn's shoulders slump. He's feeling sorry for himself. BROOKLYN Goliath has Elisa, Hudson has Mr. Robbins, Lex has his little friend, who do I have? Nobody! I'm tired of being alone. BROADWAY You'll never be alone as long as you have your rookery brothers and your clan. ANOTHER ANGLE Brooklyn shakes off Broadway's hand, sullen. BROOKLYN Don't bother with the Hudson impression, pal. It's just not making an impact. FAVOR BROADWAY BROADWAY I should impact you! Okay, so maybe we haven't had the best luck finding kindred spirits. That doesn't mean you can come down so hard on Lex just because he's managed to, and you're jealous. FAVOR BROOKLYN BROOKLYN Jealous? Ha! BROADWAY Sure looks like it to me. ON ANGLE BROOKLYN Well then you'd better have your eyes examined. Brooklyn jumps off the boulder, and glides through the park, low to the ground. ANOTHER ANGLE Bronx looks up at Broadway. BRONX (whimpers) Broadway shrugs. A pigeon watches Bronx fearfully from behind the boulder. CUT TO: = INT. CLOCKTOWER - NIGHT - LATER Shannon is sitting in Hudson's chair, hands folded in her lap. = PAN TO SHOW Hudson and Goliath, arms crossed and faces unreadable, on either side of Lex, who looks from one to the other nervously. LEXINGTON I thought it'd be okay. FAVOR GOLIATH GOLIATH I'm sure you did. However, it was irresponsible of you to bring your friend to our home. ON LEXINGTON LEXINGTON I trust her! ANOTHER ANGLE HUDSON Goliath's right, lad. I'm sure she's trustworthy, but we've been fooled by Xanatos before. It's best to be cautious, but -- Hudson turns to look Goliath in the eye. HUDSON -- if we look for enemies in every corner, we are just as like to miss friends. Goliath digests this, and his face softens. RESUME ANGLE LEXINGTON I do trust her, Goliath. Not just because I want to, but because she understands. About lots of stuff. Shannon walks up behind Lexington, and puts a hand on his shoulder. He smiles at her, and she looks from Goliath to Hudson. SHANNON I'm sorry I got Lex in trouble. ANOTHER ANGLE GOLIATH Lexington is not in trouble -- exactly. But he should have asked first. LEXINGTON I'm sorry, Goliath. FAVOR HUDSON HUDSON What's done is done, lad. And we are pleased to meet you. The lad has told us a great deal about you. WIDE ANGLE Elisa emerges from the trap door, and Shannon starts. LEXINGTON It's okay. Shannon, this is Elisa, our friend. SHANNON Hi. Elisa doesn't smile. ELISA You wouldn't be Shannon Morgan, would you? Shannon is suddenly wary. SHANNON Why? ELISA Your friend Sean is really worried about you. Shannon deflates, and Lex looks confused. SHANNON Oh. ELISA He's downstairs, as a matter of fact, worried you've been kidnapped. Maybe we should go tell him -- SHANNON No! Shannon backs up, not so much afraid as determined. LEXINGTON Shannon? Lex touches her arm, but she shakes him off. She shakes her head, resolute. SHANNON I'm not going back. FADE OUT = END ACT TWO ACT THREE FADE IN: EXT/INT. CLOCKTOWER - NIGHT - LATER Bronx comes rushing into the loft, followed by Broadway. Shannon is still standing in the middle of the room, and jumps up onto Hudson's chair as the gargoyle dog runs in circles around her, clearly frightened, but Lex grins. SHANNON Whoa! HUDSON Here, boy. Bronx, trots over and licks Hudson's fingers. Shannon sinks into the chair, clutching her backpack to her chest. This has turned out to be rather more of an adventure than she'd planned. ON BROADWAY Broadway is startled to see the new human in their midst. BROADWAY Who's this? While Lex makes the introductions, Elisa draws Goliath aside, concerned. She doesn't want the others to see just how much. ON GOLIATH AND ELISA ELISA I pulled Shannon's file, but I don't know if I should call her foster parents and tell them what's happened. GOLIATH I'm familiar with the concept of fosterage. It was common for human children to fostered outside their immediate families, to continue their education. ELISA I'm afraid it's a little different today. Usually a kid is placed in foster care when their parents are judged unfit, or they are orphaned, like Shannon. It's not a perfect system, but it's the only one we've got. CLOSE ON GOLIATH GOLIATH And she doesn't not want to return to this system? ON ELISA Elisa shakes her head. ELISA Sure doesn't look like it. But I don't have a choice. ON LEXINGTON AND BROADWAY LEXINGTON Where's Brooklyn? BROADWAY Aw, he's off sulking. Don't worry about it. He can take care of himself. ANOTHER ANGLE Elisa approaches the group. ELISA Shannon, I think we need to talk. Shannon stiffens and her smile disappears, but accompanies Elisa outside to the balcony. FAVOR ELISA Elisa tries to smile, but it comes off as forced. ELISA Shannon, do the Kellys know you're here? Shannon is defensive and wary. SHANNON How'd you'd know about them? ELISA Sean told me. They must be worried. SHANNON They don't care. ELISA Look, I know it can be rough -- Shannon doesn't want to hear it. Her hands ball into fists. SHANNON You don't know anything! Lex appears in the doorway, but neither Elisa nor Shannon notice him. He listens with rapt attention. ON SHANNON SHANNON Maybe in your job, you see these kids, maybe you even help them get placed. And you feel sorry for them, but then your shift ends and you go home, and you forget. You have to, or else you wouldn't be able to keep doing your job. But you don't know, okay? Shannon pushes past Lex, wiping at tears. ON LEXINGTON LEXINGTON What's going on? ANOTHER ANGLE ELISA Lex, Shannon's friend came in tonight to report her missing. = He's really worried about her. LEXINGTON She's okay, she's with me. ELISA It's a little more complicated than that. Shannon is a minor, she can't just pick up and strike out on her own. LEXINGTON But she has no clan. She's like us. Why can't she stay? Elisa is trying to figure out how to explain this so it makes sense. ELISA The system placed her with a foster family to raise her, and she has to go back to them. ANOTHER ANGLE LEXINGTON But if she doesn't want to stay with them, she shouldn't have to. Lex is confused. Frankly, where or rather, when he comes from, things didn't work this way. Obviously, the concepts of minor, and ward of the state are completely foreign to him. Elisa sighs, running a hand through her hair in a gesture of frustration. ELISA Staying here isn't the answer, and living on the streets isn't either. = It would change her, she wouldn't be the same person you became friends with any more. LEXINGTON You're right, I don't understand. = Lex scowls, and then sighs heavily. LEXINGTON (Con't) It just doesn't seem right. Elisa lays a hand on Lex's shoulder, and they walk back inside. WIDE ANGLE Hudson is back in his chair, Bronx at his feet. Broadway leans over the back, trying to read over Hudson's shoulder. Goliath stands apart, deep in thought. ON ELISA ELISA Where's Shannon? GOLIATH She said she had to, ah . . . He is slightly embarrassed. ON BROADWAY BROADWAY She went downstairs. Elisa nods. ELISA I'll go find her. CUT TO: = INT. PRECINCT HALLWAY - NIGHT Elisa emerges a door marked LADIES ROOM, and looks down the hall, first to the left, then right. Nothing. A clerk walks past, and she grabs him. ELISA Hey, have you seen a girl, about fifteen, blonde? CLERK Haven't seen her. Sorry Detective. ELISA S'okay. (sighs.) Great. CUT TO: = INT. CLOCKTOWER - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS Lex is sitting before his computer, Goliath behind him when Elisa comes back up the ladder. GOLIATH Lexington, I'm sure everything will work out. Lex is less than thrilled. LEXINGTON Yeah, I guess. ELISA Um, guys? I think we have a problem. CUT TO: = EXT. STREET - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS Shannon walks down the street, glancing back at the clocktower and wiping at her eyes. SHANNON It wasn't supposed to be this way. She sighs, stuffing her hands in her pockets, and keeps walking. CUT TO: = EXT. NIGHT SKY - CONTINUOUS Brooklyn glides, arms crossed. He is still sore from his argument with Broadway. BROOKLYN Jealous, ha! Of all the stupid things to say. Of course I'm not jealous. Lex has a right to make friends, why would I be jealous? Brooklyn's resolve falters. BROOKLYN I am an idiot. He changes direction, heading back towards the clocktower, scanning the street below. BROOKLYN'S POV Shannon is trudging down the street. RESUME ANGLE Brooklyn is surprised (he recognizes her), and glides lower, following her, curious. CUT TO: = EXT. STREET - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS Shannon stops in front of a grocery store, and feels in her pocket, pulling out a crumpled wad of bills. Behind her, three young PUNKS are lounging against the wall, watching her as she goes inside. CUT TO: = EXT. ROOFTOP - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS Brooklyn lands on the roof of the building opposite the store to watch. CUT TO: = EXT. CLOCKTOWER - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS Lex stands next to Elisa. Goliath is poised on the ledge with Hudson and Broadway. GOLIATH She couldn't have gone far. LEXINGTON I'll stay here in case she comes back. ELISA I'll put an APB out. Don't worry, we'll find her. LEXINGTON I know. And Elisa? ELISA Yeah? LEXINGTON Thanks. The gargoyles take off, and Elisa is left alone with Lex. Bronx trots out and sits, looking up at Elisa, who pats his nose. BRONX (happy noises) ELISA Don't thank me yet, kid. CUT TO: = EXT. STREET - NIGHT Shannon exits the store and takes a bite from the apple she bought, glancing up. SHANNON'S POV - NIGHT SKY She sees winged silhouettes crossing the sky. RESUME ANGLE Her eyes grow wide. WIDE ANGLE She ducks into the alley beside the store. ON PUNKS The PUNKS smile at one another, and leisurely follow her into the alley. CUT TO: = EXT. ROOFTOP - NIGHT Broadway scowls, and takes off, landing on the roof of the store. = he looks down and sees EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT Shannon hides behind a dumpster, eyes fastened on the sky. EXT. NIGHT SKY Goliath, Hudson, and Broadway fly past. EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT Shannon heaves a sigh of relief, wiping her mouth on her sleeve, and standing up, tossing the apple core in the dumpster. She hears the scrape of bootheel on asphalt, and looks over her shoulder. ON PUNKS The punks smiles are white against shadows, and they step out into the light. ON SHANNON Shannon looks around, but there's nowhere to go. REFIELD TO INCLUDE PUNKS The three circle her, Punk #2 leaning against the wall next to her. She shrinks back, eyes wide. ANOTHER ANGLE PUNK #1 Hey, don't be scared. PUNK #2 Yeah, we're not gonna hurt you. SHANNON Look, you guys want money? I don't have much, but it's all I've got. = Take it. ANOTHER ANGLE She pulls her cash from her pocket, holding it out to them. Punk #3 knocks it from her hand. LOW ANGLE Cash falls to the pavement. RESUME ANGLE PUNK #3 What kinda opinion you have of us, chickie? SHANNON I'm sorry. I just thought -- PUNK #1 Yeah, we don't like being discriminated against. ANOTHER ANGLE PUNK #2 Especially by pretty girls like yourself. Punk #2 reaches out to touch a lock of her hair, and she flinches back. RESUME ANGLE PUNK #3 What's in the bag? FAVOR SHANNON SHANNON Nothing. Clothes. Nothing you'd want, really. PUNK #1 Oh yeah? Lemme see. He grabs the bag, and Shannon makes to grab it back, but Punk #2 pushes her against the wall. SHANNON (impact grunt) BROOKLYN (O.S.) I think you'd better give the lady back her bag. The Punks freeze, and look around. THEIR POV >From the fire escape, all they can see is a shape with two white glowing eyes. ANOTHER ANGLE Punk #2 CLICKS open a switchblade. PUNK #2 Hey, back off! This is our gig. = Less you wanna get hurt. ON BROOKLYN BROOKLYN It seems you didn't hear me. I said give the lady back her bag. ANOTHER ANGLE PUNK #2 Don't play games with me, man! = Come out where I can see you. BROOKLYN Your funeral, man. DRAMATIC ANGLE Brooklyn spreads his wings wide, and the Punks freak as he glides to the alley bellow. Hotshot punk #2 with the knife tries to stay in control, swinging wildly in Brooklyn's direction. Brooklyn easily avoids him. BROOKLYN You have GOT to be kidding. WIDE ANGLE Brooklyn grabs the guy's arm mid-swing, and takes the knife from his hand, throwing it over his shoulder into the dumpster. He then lifts the punk off the ground, and gives him a little shake. ANOTHER ANGLE This is all the other two need. Punk #1 solemnly hands Shannon back her bag, which she takes, looking a little dazed, and then they take off like rockets. ON BROOKLYN BROOKLYN You were saying something about games? REFIELD TO INCLUDE PUNK #2 dangling from Brooklyn's arm. PUNK #2 Please d-don't h-hurt me! Please! ANOTHER ANGLE Brooklyn drops him. PUNK #2 (impact grunt) Punk #2 crawls a foot or two, then scrambles to his feet and takes off. REFIELD TO INCLUDE SHANNON Shannon bends down and picks up her money, which is still lying in the middle of the alley. Her hand is shaking, but she's trying to pretend she wasn't terrified. SHANNON Thanks, I owe you. She gets up to leave, and Brooklyn follows her. BROOKLYN Where's Lex? SHANNON Back at the clocktower. Her voice is flat. She's trying to cut her losses, pretend it doesn't hurt. She's failing. Brooklyn notices. BROOKLYN You're going the wrong way. SHANNON I know. She continues walking. BROOKLYN I can't believe I was so wrong about you. Shannon freezes, turning and looking at Brooklyn from over her shoulder. SHANNON What do you mean? BROOKLYN I was feeling like a real heel for ragging Lex about you, but I was right after all. You're just another selfish human. SHANNON You don't know me. BROOKLYN I know enough. I know Lex talked about you non-stop for weeks now, I know that he was completely freaked about meeting you tonight. I know he was happier than I've ever seen him once he did, and I know it must be eating him alive, you just up and abandoning him. SHANNON That's not how it is. Was. You don't understand. ON BROOKLYN BROOKLYN Try me. EXT. PARK - NIGHT - LATER Brooklyn is perched once again on the boulder, Shannon next to him. BROOKLYN Do they treat you okay? Shannon shrugs. SHANNON I guess. BROOKLYN They don't hurt you or -- SHANNON No! No, they're nice people. I just don't want to live there any more. BROOKLYN Where do you want to live? SHANNON Here, I guess. I don't know, I just wanted to get away. I figured Lex would put me up till I could find a place of my own, that was before, you know . . . Brooklyn smiles. BROOKLYN Before you found out we live in an attic. SHANNON Actually, I think it's kinda cool. BROOKLYN It's okay, but it's hard. We have to rely on our friend Elisa for just about everything. We can't exactly go out and get nine to fives. SHANNON Yeah, I noticed. BROOKLYN Well, you'd be in pretty much the same boat, right? I mean, you're what, fifteen? SHANNON Sixteen in a few months. BROOKLYN Okay, even so. You can't work legally till you're sixteen, but say you find someone who can pay you under the table. Without a high school diploma, we're talking, what, minimum wage? Which is okay, it'll cover food. And if you find two or seven roommates, an apartment in Manhattan -- Shannon frowns. SHANNON You're making fun of me. BROOKLYN Nah, I'm just trying to show you what I've learned about New York, one out of towner to another. This is the important stuff. SHANNON I'm smart, I can figure it out. I know I can. BROOKLYN And what about your computer? It's back in Maine, right? SHANNON It would've been pretty hard to sneak out with it. BROOKLYN Yeah, so there goes the Internet. SHANNON (pissed) I had a life before modems, you know. BROOKLYN I know. I had a life before the massacre at Castle Wyvern. They are silent for a moment. ANOTHER ANGLE BROOKLYN You know what? I'd go back in a second. SHANNON Yeah. Me too. But there's no going back, only forward. BROOKLYN Do you really thing running away is going forward? Shannon tries to laugh it off, but it sounds hollow. SHANNON You sound like an after school special. ON BROOKLYN BROOKLYN You didn't answer my question. RESUME ANGLE SHANNON No. I guess not. I just wanted to start over someplace with no memories. But I take them with me. BROOKLYN It'll get easier. INT. CLOCKTOWER - NEAR DAWN Lex sits in Hudson's chair, mindlessly clicking from channel to channel without really seeing the screen. Bronx is crashed next to him. ON BRONX Bronx suddenly sits up, wagging his tail. ANOTHER ANGLE Lex spins around in the chair and sees Brooklyn in the doorway. LEXINGTON I suppose you're going to say 'I told you so.' ON BROOKLYN BROOKLYN Actually, I'd say it's a pretty good thing you didn't listen to me. Brooklyn steps aside to reveal Shannon. ON CHAIR Lexington leaps up, surprised, and Shannon hugs him awkwardly. SHANNON Boy, did I blow it. I'm sorry, Lex. ON LEXINGTON LEXINGTON I'm just glad you're back. I was worried. SHANNON You can thank your big brother here, I would have been toast without him. ON BROOKLYN BROOKLYN If I had let you get mugged, this guy would never have forgiven me. = It was purely selfish on my part. SHANNON Yeah, right. I was the one who was being selfish. I'm sorry I put you through all this. LEXINGTON What are friends for? SHANNON Okay, enough mushy stuff. Any more love in this room, and I'm giving you noogies. LEXINGTON What're noogies? SHANNON You don't want to know. ANOTHER ANGLE LEXINGTON So, where do we go from here? SHANNON I'm gonna go back to Maine with Sean and the guys. ELISA (O.S.) That's good to hear. Elisa stands in the doorway with Goliath, Broadway, and Hudson. SHANNON Detective, about what I said earlier -- I won't take it back, but the way I said it was lousy to you, I'm sorry. ELISA Nothing to apologize for. C'mon, let's go tell your buddy Sean you're okay. Shannon throws her arms around Lex. SHANNON (whisper) Thanks. You're the best, you know that? LEXINGTON I know. Shannon draws back, laughing. SHANNON I mean it, all you guys. You're just amazing. I promise I'll never tell anybody about this either, you can trust me. ON BROOKLYN BROOKLYN Hey, any friend of Lex is a friend of ours, right guys? Elisa and Shannon head down the ladder, and Shannon waves. EXT. CLOCKTOWER - DAWN The sky is lightening in the east as the gargoyles climb up onto the walls. FAVOR BROOKLYN BROOKLYN Look, Lex, I just wanted to say I'm sorry. You know, for teasing you and stuff. Broadway was right, I was jealous. LEXINGTON Why? BROOKLYN Dumb reasons. They shake hands, and FREEZE as the sunlight hits them. FADE OUT THE END=1A