INT. WOMB

Darkness. Water and movement can be heard over opening
credits. Baby coughs. The sound of a soul entering womb.

WOMB VOICE
I have descended from a cloud, straight
from the hand of God. I do exist. When
I grow up, I will be the first human
granted wings of flesh.

Wings of flesh flap at the screen.

WOMB VOICE (CONT'D)
I am not a freak, or maybe I am. I will
be the missing link that connects the
spirit realm to earth. In this sacred
holy place, the womb, each of us sees our
own future, played out like a movie for
nine months. The moment of birth, we
forget. We chase the dream the rest of
our lives, trying to fill the void.

Glimmer of light, "PUSH, PUSH"...DOCTOR is delivering baby.
MOTHER is pushing as hard as she can.

MOTHER
I HATE YOU...AAAAUUUUGGGGHH...

Pushing harder, veins popping from her neck.

Baby flies out, slips in between the doctor's fingers, lands
on his head. The doctor quickly picks him up, gets him
crying.

Doctor, sigh of relief.

MOTHER (CONT'D)
Is my baby OK?

Doctor cuts the cord.

DOCTOR
He's fine, what's his name?

MOTHER
Zyra.

DOCTOR
(cleaning him up)
What's it mean?

MOTHER
Fire lizard.

DOCTOR
Well, Mrs. Jordanello, here's your baby
fire lizard, Zyra.

Hands him to her.

FADE TO BLACK.

WOMB VOICE
Dropped on my head. That's how I get
introduced to this world. I forgot
everything. Who am I?

Zyra cries.

Title, "WINGS OF FLESH - In The Beginning". Weird heartbeat
metal infant music.

DISSOLVE TO:

Bible opens to Genesis, "In the Beginning..."

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. CATHOLIC CHURCH - MORNING

Sun's rays highlight the cross on top of the church. Graphics
read, "23 years later."

ZYRA, early 20's, dressed in black leather pants, flowing
white shirt, long choppy dark hair which chisels his face,
rosary wrapped around his neck, which he grips firmly,
contemplates entering.

His eyes raised as he decides to enter the Gothic Cathedral

INT. CATHOLIC CHURCH - CONTINUOUS

The larger than life crucifix hangs over the altar.

Zyra, like an abused animal, walks down center aisle to the
front, kneeling before a statue of Mary.

ZYRA
(fighting tears)
Fine, I will do your will...Mother, take
my petition to your Son. I am tired of
fighting. I offer Him a covenant. I
will read the Bible, cover to cover.
In return, I want to be transformed, into
a higher plane of spirituality.

Mary cries tears of blood.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. ZYRA'S APARTMENT - "ONE YEAR EARLIER"

Zyra is sleeping. He moves quickly, disturbed by a
nightmare. Circus music is heard.

INT. MIND - DREAM

Zyra is running through forest, being chased. Zyra enters a
circus tent. A JOKER greets him at the entrance.

JOKER
Welcome to the circus of the dead. Where
all your fantasies come true. We are
alive. We are dead. We come to you in
spiritual truth. We come for you
because someone here requested your
presence.

ZYRA
Who?

JOKER
Come and you will see.

The tent is filled with carnival characters, surrounding a
hospital bed. A figure lays motionless under the white
sheets. IV tubes drop down into his veins.

Zyra sits on the toilet next to the bed. He tries to go, but
realizes who lies next to him.

ZYRA
(grabs his grandfather's hand)
I miss you. Help me Poppop. I carry the
weight of the world. Tell me what I need
to do.

Zyra breaks down.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
I love you, Poppop, I love you so much.

His grandfather leans over.

GRANDFATHER
(compassionate, supportive
tone)
Zyra.

DISSOLVE TO:

CLOSE ON: hand playing black acoustic guitar.

EXT. VENICE BEACH - DAY

People are gathered around ACE, tall, long dark hair, go-tee,
dark eyes-blind eyes, plays his instrument.

Standing next to her father, next to the open guitar case,
filled with coins and dollars, Ace's adorable seven year old
daughter, POLLY.

A boy drops some money in the case.

POLLY
Thank you. God Bless you.

Among the crowd, Zyra. His shiny black leather boots,
approach Polly and Ace. Zyra starts singing to Ace's
playing.

ZYRA
(sings)
Blackened mirrors
Your kingdom within
Blackened mirrors
Reflecting sin
Blackened mirrors
I turn you around
Blackened mirrors
Heavenly king I found

The crowd cheers.

ACE
That sounded great. What's your name?

ZYRA
Zyra.

ACE
Zyra, hmm...what's it mean?

ZYRA
Dude, are you blind?

POLLY
My daddy is not blind, he just can't see
well.

ZYRA
Sorry, didn't mean to be so blunt.

POLLY
It's ok, my daddy understands.

ACE
I'm not deaf honey.

Polly drops her head.

ZYRA
Listen, I'm looking for someone to play
with if you're interested.

ACE
Nah, that's cool, man. I just do this
for fun. I appreciate the offer though.

ZYRA
Yeah, but you're really good. I mean
probably one of the best I ever heard.

Ace laughs.

ACE
Hear that honey, the best he ever heard.
By the sound of your voice, I have been
playing guitar longer than you've been
alive.

ZYRA
I'm 22. I've been taking vocal lessons
for years. I'm serious about this.
What's your name?

POLLY
His name's Ace.

ACE
Nice to meet you.

Holds out his hand, Zyra shakes it.

ZYRA
Nice to meet you Ace. Listen, I would
love to write songs with you.

ACE
Do you have lyrics?

ZYRA
Books and books of lyrics.

ACE
I really liked what you did.

ZYRA
Here's my card. I'm currently working
with a band, but it's just not working
out.

Zyra hands card to Polly.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
Can you read this?

POLLY
Zyra 818-555-1212.

ZYRA
Perfect. Use it Ace.

ACE
What's the name of your band?

ZYRA
Sacred Witch.

ACE
I've seen you guys.

ZYRA
Cool, call me Ace.

Zyra takes off. Another person from the crowd approaches.
Ace starts to play again.

CUT TO:

EXT. MUSONIA SCHOOL OF MUSIC - THAT EVENING

A white picket fence encases, the authentic building. Glass
panels frame the instruments hanging on the walls in the
background.

Stone path leads to the front wooden door. The door creaks
open. Zyra, holding a black duffle bag with a red dragon,
walks in.

INT. MUSONIA SCHOOL OF MUSIC - CONTINUOUS

The wooden panel decor brings us back in time. A brick fire
place, sits off to the right.

KELLE, Zyra's vocal coach, greets him at the door, shakes his
hand.

KELLE
Welcome Zyra. Are you ready?

ZYRA
Yeah, hey I met this amazing guitar
player today down at Venice. He was
blind, but playing for spare change with
his daughter.

KELLE
Aren't you with Sacred Witch?

ZYRA
Yeah, but you know, we're starting to
have our artistic differences.

They walk passed a doorway and into the studio.

INT. STUDIO - CONTINUOUS

Drum kit sits back in the corner, away from the antique black
piano.

KELLE
How did your lesson go this week?

ZYRA
You challenged me.

Kelle laughs.

KELLE
That's why you pay me. Let's see what
you got.

Zyra opens bag, takes out tape recorder, presses play. Kelle
sits behind the piano.

Zyra hits the notes perfectly, passing the assignment with
flying colors.

Zyra stops the tape.

KELLE (CONT'D)
C above middle E you hit perfect, no more
problem with that. Your pitch stayed.
I'm impressed.

Zyra smiles, happy to hear the positive reinforcement.

ZYRA
I shut the door in my bathroom and sing
to raise the roof.

KELLE
You have a lot of power. This week we
are going to work on something similar to
what we did last week, but they will be a
little more complicated, and they go like
this.

Kelle presses record, plays the piano and sings along,
modeling the exorcise.

KELLE (CONT'D)
Alright, your turn.

Kelle plays the whole exorcise on tape. When he is finished,
he presses stop.

KELLE (CONT'D)
Are you working on anything new?

ZYRA
Yeah, I have this song I wrote called The
Confession. It's from the point of view
of Satan repenting for the first time.

KELLE
Is that possible?

ZYRA
Well, after all the shit he's put me
through, I'll make him repent.

Kelle laughs.

KELLE
Sounds interesting, let's hear it.

Zyra puts the CD in the player, sitting on the piano, presses
play.

ZYRA
(sings)
Bless me Father for I have sinned
This is my first confession
I broke everyone of your commandments

KELLE
(presses stop)
Whoa, whoa, ok, I will be personally
responsible for breaking you of your
Ozzyness. Try singing this in a totally
different way, not so (acting it out
demonic Ozzy like) Bless me Father for
I've sinned...try it like this, not that
you have to do it this way when you
perform, but I just want to show you
there are other ways to sing the same
song. (singing it differently) Bless me
Father for I've sinned...see.

ZYRA
You know, you are the only person in the
world, who can say to me, I will break
you of your Ozzyness, and I'll listen.
Take it from the top?

KELLE
No you can continue.

ZYRA
(presses play/sings different)
I'm the father of lies
I cursed your Son
When He walked this earth
I made Him die
I'm selfish conceited prideful lust
My greed extends beyond your trust
I'm the serpent
Your mother warned you of

Kelle stops the music.

KELLE
See the difference already.

ZYRA
Yeah that was weird.

KELLE
It sounded great though. You made it
more theatrical, more Broadway. That was
strong. It worked, not that you have to
perform it this way. Break it up. Have
fun with it. I want to broaden your
horizons. So you have more to choose
from when you perform.

ZYRA
Thanks.

KELLE
Alright, I'll cut you loose. Excellent
job today Zyra. I am really impressed
with your progress. Continue to practise
30-40 minutes a day. Do those new
exorcizes and I'll see you next week.

Kelle walks Zyra out. They enter the Foyer. DELORES is
standing there.

ZYRA
Hi Ms. Rhoads.

DELORES
Hello Zyra, how are you?

ZYRA
Good, thank you. You?

DELORES
Can't complain.

Zyra opens the door.

ZYRA
Bye, see you next week.

Zyra walks out.

KELLE
Interesting individual.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. STARBUCKS - NIGHT, FULL MOON

A black Lincoln pulls up to the coffee shop. Zyra gets out.

As he enters, he eyes a beautiful blonde with blue eyes,
sitting outside reading a screen play, going over lines.

He watches her from the corner of his eye, enters.

DEZERAE, early 20's, ripe young age, up and coming star, is
getting into character.

DEZERAE
(acting hysterical)
You killed my brother, you ate my baby
sister, and now you're gonna cut out my
heart?

Zyra walks out, mesmerized by her beauty.

ZYRA
(to Dezerae)
Pretty intense dialogue. Sounds like my
lyrics.

Dezerae looks up, gives half smile, gets back into the
script.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
I'm Zyra.

She ignores him.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
I'm sorry, I just can't help myself.
What's your name?

DEZERAE
You're not gonna leave me alone are you?

Zyra sits down next to her.

DEZERAE (CONT'D)
(looks at watch, puts script
away)
I'm sorry I have to go. Nice meeting
you, Zyra.

Dezerae gets up, walks away.

ZYRA
I never got your name.

INT. ACTING STUDIO - THAT NIGHT

Dezerae is on stage, sitting in a chair, hands tied behind
her back, acting out the same scene confronting her KILLER.

DEZERAE
Now you're gonna cut out my heart.

The Killer has a blade pressed against her flesh. Tears
stream down Dezerae's face.

KILLER
The only way to hell is through the heart
of the innocent.

Zyra walks in, watches Dezerae's scene.

Dezerae kicks the Killer in the groin. He drops the knife.
It lands in between her legs, sticks into the chair. She
stands up, swings the chair around, smashes him to the
ground.

She unties her hands, lifts the blade from the chair, stabs
him repeatedly, screaming, going bizerk.

MAXINE, the acting coach, middle aged, sexy Hollywood type,
cuts the scene.

MAXINE
Cut. Nice work. That was haunting. If
you do the scene exactly the same way
when you film, you'll knock the socks off
the director.

DEZERAE
Thanks.

Dezerae sees Zyra standing in the back of the studio. She
walks off stage. She exits studio. Zyra follows.

EXT. ACTING STUDIO - CONTINUOUS

Dezerae confronts Zyra.

DEZERAE
What are you doing here? You followed
me? Didn't you get the hint at
Starbucks. Are you a stocker? I just
want to be left alone, OK.

Zyra's eyes locked with hers.

ZYRA
I love you. You're the one.

DEZERAE
Get the hell out of here! If this is
some kind of sick joke, you're messed up.

ZYRA
Sagittarius.

DEZERAE
Excuse me.

ZYRA
You're a Sagittarius.

DEZERAE
What does that have to do with anything?

ZYRA
I'm a Pisces. Fire and water. We
balance each other.

DEZERAE
Listen, what did you say your name was
again?

ZYRA
Zyra.

DEZERAE
That's right, Zyra. Well, listen Zyra.
I don't have time to start another
relationship. I am a working actress and
that's my passion. I appreciate your
persistence. However, it's a little
freaky that you followed me here, barged
into my acting class, tell me that you
love me. Are you high?

ZYRA
What does that matter? It's pretty
freaky that you make murder seem so
natural, like you've done it before.

Dezerae cracks her first smile.

DEZERAE
What do you want from me? I have a 6am
call time tomorrow. I'm very busy. I
don't have time to see you.

ZYRA
I'm not looking to date you, I don't even
know your name.

DEZERAE
(beat)
Dezerae.

ZYRA
That's beautiful, Dezerae. As I said,
I'm here to say hello to my future wife.

He hands her his business card.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
I'll see you again, Dezerae.

Dezerae stares at him as he walks away. She walks back into
the studio.

INT. ZYRA'S APARTMENT - THAT NIGHT

The Gothic decor of the apartment, creates an eerie
environment. Zyra is smoking a joint, watching a horror
movie.

The phone rings. Zyra gets up, pauses the movie, answers the
phone.

ZYRA
Hello, yeah I know. I'll be there
tomorrow.

He hangs up the phone.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
Damn shrinks, calling me all hours of the
night. Can't live with them, can't live
without them.

He turns the movie back on. Screaming, brutal murder scene
is heard.

Zyra puts the roach out in the skull ashtray. Lays on the
couch, falls asleep watching the movie.

RIPPLE TO:

INT. ZYRA'S MIND - DREAM

Zyra is being chased by demon children through the forest.
One bites a chunk from his ankle. He limp runs out of the
forest.

Peaceful, yet haunting music accompanies the ocean.

A ring of fire manifests. Rising up from the water, in the
center of the ring, BABEL, black devil, dressed to kill, in
white three piece tuxedo with tails, sexy, sophisticated, top
hat, gloves, cane, he stands on the water in midst of flames.

He taps the cane on the ocean surface. The sky darkens
rapidly, a storm brews around him.

Babel walks on water toward us, each step, a blazed
footprint. His sinister grin fills the screen.

INT. ZYRA'S APARTMENT - EARLY MORNING

Zyra wakes up in a pool of sweat. His ankle is bruised. The
TV is playing white noise.

He limps over to the coffee pot, pours himself a cup of java.

He sits at the table perplexed, looking down at his ankle.

CUT TO:

INT. PSYCHIATRIC OFFICE - LATER THAT MORNING

DR. KROLL, older gentleman, sits behind his desk listening to
Zyra, sitting across from him.

ZYRA
I don't know what to do.

DR. KROLL
Have you seen this character before in
your dreams?

ZYRA
Yeah and each time, he scares the crap
out of me.

DR. KROLL
Recurrent nightmares are the most
defining symptom of post-traumatic stress
disorder.

ZYRA
It's his presence. He controls the
elements around him.

DR. KROLL
Some professionals believe each character
you dream represents a different part of
yourself.

ZYRA
This is more real. Almost like an out of
body experience. I am telling you Doc, I
woke up this morning in a pool of sweat.
I thought someone threw water on me.

DR. KROLL
I can prescribe you Clonazepam, a dosage
of 1.0 milligrams before you go to bed,
is generally effective with REM behavior
disorder.
You may get a relapse when the medication
is discontinued, but we can cross that
bridge when we get there.

ZYRA
Doc, I don't know if I want to be all
doped up on meds again. The prozac
really didn't do much for me.

DR. KROLL
That's up to you, but if you want to
discontinue your night terrors, this
could be the solution.

ZYRA
And if it's not?

DR. KROLL
I guess we won't know until you try. You
know, sleep disorder is common among
creative individuals and children.

ZYRA
What's that suppose to mean? Artists are
like children.

DR. KROLL
I believe there is a certain
vulnerability in the creative spirit,
that also exists in a child. The
innocence of a child allows for spiritual
attacks.

ZYRA
Spiritual attacks, huh? You're a shrink,
not a priest.

DR. KROLL
Listen Zyra, I want to help you. Take
these meds and see if the nightmares
decease.

ZYRA
Hope it mixes well with my mary jane.

DR. KROLL
Um...you should be fine.

CUT TO:

INT. SOUND STAGE - SAME MOMENT

Camera crew is on set. DIRECTOR, mid-thirties, is drinking
his coffee, going over the scene with the CAMERA MAN.

DIRECTOR
We'll shoot a low angle, dolly in and end
with Dezerae's close up. Killer is
strangling her.

CAMERA MAN
That'll work.

DIRECTOR
First team.

Dezerae and the Killer walk on set.

DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
Quiet on set, places everyone. Roll
camera. Action.

The killer strangles Dezerae. They dolly in.

DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
Cut, perfect. Alright next shot.
Dezerae you knee the killer in the groin.
You pick up the knife, stab him
repeatedly. Go nuts. Remember your
crazy boyfriend killed your whole family,
and has exotic creatures living with him.
Props get me more blood. I want this to
be a massacre.

EXT. PARKING LOT - MOMENTS LATER

Zyra gets in his car. His cell phone rings. He doesn't
recognize the number.

ZYRA
(answers phone)
So you couldn't resist my charm. Oh
you're not Dezerae. What's up Ace? Yeah
man, I would love to. Sure, that's cool.
Your place or mine? I'll come over.
What's the address?

INT. ACE'S APARTMENT - LATER

Simple decor. Ace is sitting on the couch playing his
acoustic.

Knock at the door. Ace answers. There is no one there.

Zyra jumps out, tries to scare him.

ZYRA
BOO, What's up?

ACE
Hey Zyra.

ZYRA
(peaks in)
So this is your joint. Not much
different than mine.

ACE
Come in.

Zyra walks in.

ACE (CONT'D)
What do you mean not much different than
yours?

ZYRA
I don't know, I thought blind people
would have their houses set up different.

ACE
Are you kidding?

ZYRA
(embarrassed, plays it off)
Yeah sorry.

ACE
Have a seat.

Ace walks back to the couch, feeling his way there. Zyra
sits down.

ZYRA
So, how do you want to do this? Where's
your daughter? What's her name?

ACE
Polly, she's at school. I'll just play,
come in when ever you want.

ZYRA
(smiles)
Sounds good.

Ace plays the song Zyra sang the other day.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
(sings)
Within my eyes
I see your sighs
My child lost at sea
What's left are memories
You took away my pain
You took my sight in vain
I never lost my soul
I always had control
Then a strength comes alive
Vanquishing all my sighs
I sit and wonder why
I believed all the lies
In a web full of dreams
Contradict the obscene
I lie here awake
Cut away the grave
Blackened Mirrors
Your kingdom within
Blackened Mirrors
Reflecting sin
Blackened Mirrors
I turn you around
Blackened Mirrors
Heavenly King I found

They stop playing.

ACE
That sounded really good. When did you
write those lyrics?

ZYRA
After I met you.

ACE
You mixed my song title with your lyrics?

ZYRA
Yeah, when you were singing blackened
mirrors, I started thinking...darkness,
all the time. I put myself in your
position, these lyrics came to me.

ACE
You're a freak.

They both laugh.

EXT. SOUND STAGE - THAT EVENING

Dezerae walks out of building, pulls Zyra's card.

DEZERAE
I shouldn't do this.

She dials.

DEZERAE (CONT'D)
Hello, Zyra. Hey, it's Dezerae. Yeah,
I'm ready to go on our first date.
Where? No I didn't eat. I love sushi.
Ok, meet you there.

She hangs up. A smile comes across her face.

INT. SUSHI RESTURANT - THAT NIGHT

Zyra cheers Dezerae with the mini cups of saki.

ZYRA
To us.

DEZERAE
Why are you so confident?

Dezerae sips hers. Zyra downs his. Pours himself another.

ZYRA
Have you ever felt or just knew something
so deep in your soul, you can't explain
it? We were destined to meet at
Starbucks. Thousands of people meet at
Starbucks daily, but ours was special. A
common place for two love birds to
embrace a life together.

DEZERAE
Alright, you're starting to scare me.
You're a bit cooky.

ZYRA
It's the lyrics coming out, sorry. I
can't help it, it just happens.

DEZERAE
Are you one of those people who just goes
after what he wants?

ZYRA
Let me tell you something. Life is
short. Life is unpredictable. Live life
to the fullest so life doesn't live you.

DEZERAE
What's that mean?

ZYRA
If you let opportunities pass you by, and
do not allow growth and transformation,
then what's the point of living? You
were an opportunity.

The sushi waiter brings their rolls.

DEZERAE
They look good. But no, I was a girl
minding her own business.

ZYRA
And now look at you. You're with me.

They each grab a sushi with their chop sticks, eat.

EXT. SUSHI RESTURANT - LATER

They exit laughing.

ZYRA
Do you want to take a ride out to the
beach?

DEZERAE
I have to get up early.

ZYRA
You always have to get up early. Live a
little. Come in my car, I'll bring you
back.

DEZERAE
(contemplates/nods)
Who are you Zyra? I am getting into a
car with a complete stranger.

ZYRA
Not a complete stranger. Come on, I've
known you for a few hours now. Nobody
will protect you or love you more than
me.

He goes in for a quick kiss. She is stund, but likes it.

DISSOLVE TO:

FULL MOON.

EXT. BEACH - NIGHT

Black Lincoln pulls up to the beach. Zyra walks around,
opens the door for Dezerae.

As they walk away, Zyra's hand slides down her back.

They walk along the water. Dezerae is holding her shoes in
her hand.

Zyra grabs them from her, then grabs her hand. She
blushingly looks up at him.

DEZERAE
I could learn to love you.

ZYRA
Oh?! Good.

Zyra lays out the blanket, carried under his arm. They sit.

DEZERAE
Get a girl drunk, take her out under the
stars and moon, see what happens. Real
sly.

ZYRA
The last time I took a girl to the beach
was high school.

DEZERAE
Did anything happen?

ZYRA
Yeah, we went skinny dipping. Next thing
I know, I am screaming on top of my
lungs. A crab had attached itself to my
testicles.

Dezerae laughs.

DEZERAE
That's not true.

ZYRA
Wanna see the scar?

DEZERAE
What?

She hits his arm, laughing. His hand rises up her stomach.
He goes in for another kiss. As he approaches her breast, in
the distance, he spots someone coming.

He shakes it off, no one is there.

DEZERAE (CONT'D)
What's wrong?

ZYRA
Do you see anyone?

DEZERAE
(turning around)
No.

Zyra is perplexed. He goes in to kiss Dezerae again. He
sees Babel, closer. Zyra jumps back.

DEZERAE (CONT'D)
Did I bite you?

ZYRA
No I see someone.

DEZERAE
Who?

ZYRA
You don't see him?

DEZERAE
No. Are you okay? Do you want to head
back?

ZYRA
Maybe. I'm sorry. It's just so weird.

DEZERAE
What?

ZYRA
I'll tell you in the car.

Babel disappears. His grandfather stands in Babel's shadow.

INT. CAR - MOMENTS LATER

Zyra is driving.

ZYRA
For years, I've had these night scares.

DEZERAE
Night scares?

ZYRA
Night terrors, you know, really bad
nightmares. Like you feel like you are
truly there. Out of body experience.

DEZERAE
What does this have to do with tonight?

ZYRA
One of the characters from my dreams,
appeared to me, when I was awake.

DEZERAE
This is getting too freaky. Are you
sure? Maybe you just see him in your
mind's eye so vividly, you just think he
appears.

ZYRA
I don't know Dezerae, he seemed pretty
damn real.

DEZERAE
Do you want to go to a doctor?

ZYRA
I do.

DEZERAE
What do you think it is from?

ZYRA
My childhood. I started getting them
after...(pause)

DEZERAE
After what?

ZYRA
You know what? I'll tell you later.

DEZERAE
Later?

ZYRA
Yeah, after we get more acquainted.

They drive into the moonlight.

MONTAGE SEQUENCE: HEAVY BLUES ROCK TUNE:

Zyra and Ace practising. Dezerae and Zyra have fun in a
park, grocery store, bowling.
Zyra takes vocal lessons from Kelle. Zyra, Dezerae, Ace and
Polly walk around LA. They enter a building. They exit,
arms raised, they booked the gig. Zyra ends the song singing
on stage in a small open mike night with Ace.

INT. CLUB - NIGHT

There is about twenty people in the audience, Dezerae one of
them. Ace is playing guitar, Zyra is singing.

ZYRA
(sings)
Christ condemned crucified unjustly
The curse of sin has been lifted up
By a rightful judgment
The serpent's venom washed away
By the divine blood of Christ
Down came thunder
Cross to bear

Holding his last note.

Ace puts his guitar down. The crowd cheers.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
Thank you.

Zyra guides Ace off stage. Dezerae runs up to them.

DEZERAE
I loved it. It was blues, rock, gothic,
southern, all in one.

Zyra smiles.

ZYRA
(to Ace)
I like working one on one. It's very
different.

DEZERAE
You guys sounded great.

ACE
You have better song writing with only
two people. When it becomes an open pit
of creativity from more than two, the
writing becomes less focused.

DUDE from the crowd, approaches.

DUDE
Hey man, that was...sick what you did up
there. You got more faces then the
devil.

ZYRA
Oh.

DUDE
See you around.

Dude walks away.

DEZERAE
Was that a complement?

ACE
I'm not sure. But I do know, you're not
your average vocalist.

ZYRA
Thanks Ace.

ACE
No problem.

They head out of the club.

INT. ZYRA'S APARTMENT - THAT NIGHT

Keys are turning the lock. The door opens, Dezerae walks in
giggling. She attacks Zyra.

He barely gets the door closed. She kisses him passionately.
Backs him into the wall. She reaches down.

He unbuttons her blouse. Heavier breathing. She continues
to stroke him. He releases her breast from captivity.
Squeezing, sucking.

She wraps her legs around him, kisses him deeper. He walks
her into the bedroom with her wrapped around him.

INT. ZYRA'S APARTMENT - NEXT MORNING

Sun pierces through. Dezerae sits up out of bed, sheet
wrapped around her.

DEZERAE
What time is it?

Zyra leans over.

ZYRA
5:43.

DEZERAE
Oh my God, I'm gonna be late.

She gets out of bed, puts her clothes on. She kisses him,
leaves.

DEZERAE (CONT'D)
See you later.

ZYRA
Are you coming after work?

DEZERAE
Do you want me to?

ZYRA
I never want you to leave.

DEZERAE
I'll be back. I'll call you.

She leaves.

Zyra falls back to sleep.

INT. ZYRA'S MIND - DREAM

Smoke rises, Babel dressed in his typical formal white
attire, raises his cane against the abysmal background. Fire
blazes from the tip. A dark heavy beat fades in.

BABEL
(raps)
Yo, yo, my name is Babel
I'm the center of destruction
I hold your bleeding heart
In the palm of my hand
I'm the master of the flow
I'm the sold out show
I'm what you call revenge

Zyra hides behind a tree, reaches out for a demon child.
Slams him against the tree, locks eyes.

A white angel in black, same attire as Babel, but black,
materializes, NAZARETH. Light pours out from behind his
being.

Zyra throws the demon away, sits between the two worlds,
cuddled, frightened, as his soul is being judged.

NAZARETH
No yo take my show
Stop the flow
Listen to me you know
I'm champ at what I do
I'm servant through and through
I'll free you

(RAP BATTLE for zyra's soul FREESTYLE - Babel wins.)

INT. ZYRA'S APARTMENT - LATER THAT MORNING

Zyra wakes up from the dream, puzzled. The energy in his
soul feels different, unstable.

INT. PSYCHIATRIC OFFICE - AFTERNOON

Dr. Kroll is sitting behind the desk. Zyra walks in.

DR. KROLL
Good afternoon Zyra. How are you?

ZYRA
(sits)
Not well Doc, well, I shouldn't say that.
I met the most beautiful woman in the
world, but my delirium is getting worse.
I don't know if it's the meds you gave me
or what, but I started to see Babel
manifest in real life.

DR. KROLL
Whose Babel?

ZYRA
The devil from my dreams.

DR. KROLL
Peduncular hallucinations mean there is
a neural tract running to and from the
pons on the brain stem.

ZYRA
English Doc, I don't understand a word
you're saying.

DR. KROLL
These hallucinations occur around dusk,
but not during drowsiness as in the case
of hypnagogic hallucination.

ZYRA
Doc. English.

DR. KROLL
Don't be surprised if Babel appears to
you again and you can actually
communicate with him for extended periods
of time.

ZYRA
Are you kidding me?

DR. KROLL
No, you want laymen terms, it's like
being on acid. Probably from all the
drugs you've done in the past, opened up
this communication with the spirit realm.
It's not a scientific explanation, but
it's my personal opinion. Think of LSD
like worms traveling through your brain,
burning away a path. The electro lights
in your brain create new crosscuts.
That's what's happening to you.

ZYRA
Whatever, I'll deal with it.

DR. KROLL
If it gets worse, you got my number.

Zyra gets up, walks out.

INT. ACE'S APARTMENT - DAY

The phone rings, Polly runs over, answers the phone.

POLLY
Hello. Hi Zyra. Yeah he's here, hold
on. Dad, it's Zyra.

Ace grabs the phone from Polly.

ACE
Hey Zyra. Really? Cool. What night?
Yeah, I'm available. No problem see you
in a little bit.

He hangs up the phone.

POLLY
Is Zyra coming over?

ACE
Yeah, when he arrives, be a good girl and
go to your room and play, so I can get
work done.

POLLY
Ok, Daddy. Love you.

ACE
Love you too. Give me a huggy.

She walks over, gives her father a hug. Knock at the door.

Polly answers. It's Zyra.

POLLY
That was quick.

ZYRA
I was just down the street.

Polly runs to her room. Zyra enters.

ACE
Want something to drink?

ZYRA
No thanks. Dude, I just got back from my
shrink. He's pretty much telling me, I'm
crazy.

ACE
How much do you pay him? I could tell
you the same thing.

They both laugh.

ZYRA
I got this new idea for a song.

ACE
Let's work on it.

ZYRA
(sits)
It's about falling in love.

ACE
A ballad.

ZYRA
No. The demons of my past rise to the
surface, start coming against my joy.

ACE
An internal conflict that sabotages your
own life.

ZYRA
And that's why I work with you. You get
it. I don't have a name yet, but we'll
figure it out.

ACE
What do you think of this?

Ace plays a riff inspired by what he said.

ZYRA
(sings)
Gonna die
If I don't kill myself first
Gonna fly
To a world so far from here
The devil's work is hard
God's work worse
Find reality
What exists
Truth within mess
Don't bother me
With your details
Just show me
I will not fail
I will fall along the way
Christ did
I will repent
Now before I go

Ace stops playing.

ACE
I was thinking we should go into this
next.

He plays a different part of the song.

ZYRA
That sounds cool. I should repeat lyrics
to create the hook.

ACE
Songs that lyrically progress sound cool
too. It's whatever you want to do.

ZYRA
Have you ever seen the death of a loved
one?

ACE
What? No.

ZYRA
Sorry, I mean have you ever been in a
room or around someone who just died?

ACE
No.

ZYRA
So where is this coming from?

ACE
I have lost many loved ones, family and
friends.

ZYRA
The moment of death is pretty cool. But
then it leaves you mourning. Your soul
is part of death. Death takes a little
from each person present. Death knows my
name. I have a relationship with death.
That's how your song makes me feel.

Ace continues writing on his guitar.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
(sings)
Who are you to decide
Angel who brushes against God
Tell me your secrets in truth
Forgive your nasty youth
Remember then
Bless those who hurt you
Kiss those who'd dethrone you
Make me smile
Natural mile
Conduct a file
Pursue your trial
You're human don't forget
You're human die in fright
You're human pass through Christ

Ace ends the song.

ACE
What would you call that?

ZYRA
I don't know, maybe "You're Human".

ACE
I like it. "You're Human". It's about
how each of us will die. We will all have
to prepare a trial before our Maker. It
is destiny. It will happen. It's just
what is. When we leave this blackened
world, the spirit moves through space and
time. The soul is eternal. Past,
present and future are one. When you
look at the end of your life, first, then
you will know what to do.

ZYRA
You are bloody brilliant, my brother of
music and soul. Hey, I gotta take off.
Thanks for meeting with me on such short
notice. (screams out) Bye Polly.

POLLY O.S.
Bye Zyra. See you later.

ZYRA
I'll give you a call later. You're human
is a pretty cool song, dude.

ACE
Yeah, it has that dark feel to it. Hint
of exposure.

ZYRA
For someone who's blind, you really see
the whole picture, don't you?

Ace laughs.

ACE
There are certain blessings that come
with being blind. Advanced hearing and
understanding of tone is one.

ZYRA
That's why you're brilliant.

Zyra exits.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
Adios brother.

EXT. POOL SIDE - AFTERNOON

Low budget production. Director is going through rehearsal.

DIRECTOR
Okay Dezerae, remember your crazy
boyfriend just killed your whole family.
You just stabbed him to death, and now
you are going to take your clothes off
and dive into the pool. Unbenounced to
you, there is an octopus living in the
pool. It will taste the blood from your
body, and attack. At first it feels
good, but then you freak out.

DEZERAE
This is bullshit! Why would the octopus
try to make love to me?

DIRECTOR
It's going after the blood.

DEZERAE
Octopuses don't feed off blood, sharks
do.

DIRECTOR
Are you the writer? Are you the
director? You read the script. You knew
exactly what I wanted. You agreed. So
stick your ass in the octopus' mouth and
let's call it a day!

DEZERAE
Got it, asshole!

DIRECTOR
Places. Quiet on set. Action.

Dezerae drops the bloody knife, takes her clothes off, dives
into the pool, naked.

She swims from one end of the pool to the other. She comes
back to the center of the pool, floats on her back, arms out
spread.

The arm of the octopus feels her up. Dezerae starts to enjoy
it. It's arms then wrap around her. She screams as it
brings her into its mouth. It brings her under water.

DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
Cut, perfect.

Dezerae is still under water fighting it off.

DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
Oh my God, tranquilizer dart.

The props guy shoots the octopus with the dart. It lets her
go.

Dezerae rises to the surface.

DEZERAE
What is wrong with you?! This almost
killed me, not to mention, I thought it
was mechanical.

DIRECTOR
You were brilliant. Alright guys, break
for lunch.

The crew breaks.

DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
You really were excellent.

The wardrobe girl wraps Dezerae in a white robe.

DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
Have lunch with me.

DEZERAE
(contemplating)
Fine.

She breaks a smile.

EXT. POOL SIDE - MOMENTS LATER

Director is sitting next to Dezerae having lunch.

DIRECTOR
So what do you do for fun, Dezerae?

DEZERAE
I read, I'm boring.

DIRECTOR
I would say just the opposite.

DEZERAE
That's just work. I portray the sick
man's fantasy because no one else can do
it better.

DIRECTOR
Why is that?

DEZERAE
(bites her sandwich)
I'm one of those chosen few who walk the
line. Both realities exist, the one in
my mind and the one around me. When they
line up, there is a certain flow of
energy that is generated. Only a handful
know how to tap in. Why do you write
such weird shit?

DIRECTOR
I don't know. So I can release my inner
demons.

DEZERAE
On the world.

DIRECTOR
On you, no just kidding, of course on the
world. That's where I got them. Think
of it like this. I created this
masturbation device which is the shape of
an octopus. It is for both males and
females. It wraps its tentacle around
the buttocks, and its mouth swallows the
organ, if it's a male, or it has an organ
protruding from its mouth. IT is moist,
warmer and vibrates. Works off solar
energy, so you can take it in the pool
with you. It will make millions.

Dezerae laughs.

DEZERAE
And that's why you make B horror flicks
and aren't locked up.

DIRECTOR
(holding his sandwich)
I'm tired of being told what I can or
can't say. I might offend other people,
when was the last someone spared my
feelings. This world is ruthless.
(takes a bite)
Nobody gives a shit about a stranger.
Those who do, stand out. In fact, they
stand out so much, they are the chosen
few. To live in reality outside the
norm, is walking a unique path. If you
are walking the same unique path, our
paths will cross. They always do. Be
patient. Know your enemies.
Confront them with arrogance, since that
is their language. Sometimes the only
way to make sure someone understands what
you are trying to say, is by forcing it
upon them. They have no choice.

DEZERAE
Um, this seems a little heavy for lunch
chat.

DIRECTOR
Sorry, I get carried away. Are you
seeing anyone?

DEZERAE
Isn't that personal?

DIRECTOR
(grins)
You intrigue me Dezerae Nelson.

DEZERAE
Yes, I am.

DIRECTOR
Sorry, didn't mean to offend you.

DEZERAE
It's fine.

INT. ZYRA'S APARTMENT - LATER THAT NIGHT

Zyra is going over some lyrics for his next song. Dezerae
knocks at the door. Zyra answers.

ZYRA
(gives her a kiss)
How was your day?

DEZERAE
Got raped by an octopus.

ZYRA
Excellent, that's all I need to hear.
Are you hungry?

DEZERAE
Starving.

ZYRA
You wanna go out or just eat here? I can
make spaghetti.

DEZERAE
(sits on couch)
Got some vino?

ZYRA
Yeah, hold on a second.

Zyra walks back in with a glass of red wine, hands it to her.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
Hey Dez, I've been thinking a lot about
us, and I think you should move in.

DEZERAE
What do you mean? I already live here,
all my stuff's here.

ZYRA
You should get rid of your apartment,
move everything in.

DEZERAE
Are you offering to pay full rent, and
put me on the lease?

ZYRA
Yeah, I would love for you to focus on
mainstream in stead of all this B movie
crap.

DEZERAE
My art is not crap.

ZYRA
I know, but you know what I mean. You're
better than anyone of these leading
ladies.

DEZERAE
That sounds like a good idea, it would
help me out. Are you sure you want to do
this?

Zyra gives her a hug.

ZYRA
I love you, Dezerae. I told you we will
be together the first day I met you.

DEZERAE
Okay, make that spaghetti, I'm starving.
Tomorrow night's the wrap party. Do you
wanna come?

ZYRA
I would love to but I'm playing out with
Ace.

Zyra walks into the kitchen, Dezerae sips her wine, puts on
some music with the remote, sitting next to her.

INT. BAR - NEXT NIGHT

The bar is filled with the cast and crew. Music blaring.
Everyone's getting drunk. The director and Dezerae are
sitting up at the bar.

DIRECTOR
I thought a lot about what you said the
other day. My next project is going to
be a comedy about a guy who has an
eyeball growing from his hand. Every
time he whacks off he's goes blind.

DEZERAE
How do I fit in?

DIRECTOR
You're the love interest. The script is
still going through rewrites, but I have
a rough draft you should look at. You
should come over tonight and take a look
at it.

DEZERAE
Well, what happens in the film? And to
be honest with you, I don't know if I'm
up for reading tonight. I've already had
a few drinks.

DIRECTOR
Where's your boyfriend tonight?

DEZERAE
He had a gig.

DIRECTOR
A gig? He's a musician?

DEZERAE
Yeah, he sings, or used to sing for a
band called Sacred Witch. But now he's
working with a blind guitarist.

DIRECTOR
A blind guitarist?

DEZERAE
Yeah, they are the best musicians. His
ear is so keen, he hears things beyond
the average human.

DIRECTOR
I'll bet he sounds really good. I've
seen Zyra sing.

DEZERAE
How'd you know his name?

DIRECTOR
Everyone knows he sings for Sacred Witch.
That's like saying King Diamond and
Merciful Fate, or Black Sabbath and Ozzy,
or David Lee Roth and Van Halen.

DEZERAE
Alright I get it. I guess I just didn't
realize how popular he was, he is. I
never heard of Sacred Witch. He just
pursued me and refused no for an answer.

DIRECTOR
That's really cool that you date Zyra
from Sacred Witch. He's really crazy.

DEZERAE
What do you mean? And first of all, we
aren't just dating, I am moving in with
him tomorrow.

DIRECTOR
Tomorrow. What are you talking about?

The drunk Camera Man from the show approaches.

CAMERA MAN
(putting arms around Dezerae
and the Director)
I just love both of you so much.

DIRECTOR
Thanks.

CAMERA MAN
This movie was just so cool. The only
thing I can compare this to is when I
worked on a Nine Inch Nails video, that
was quite disturbing. I like that shit,
you fear nothing.

He stumbles away.

DIRECTOR
So as you were saying.

DEZERAE
No as you were saying, why do you think
Zyra is crazy.

DIRECTOR
I remember one show he actually did a
séance demanding that Satan rises from
his throne.

DEZERAE
Then what?

DIRECTOR
He said he was present, he transformed
into this weird looking creature and
sliced open his flesh, offering the
blood, to the audience.

DEZERAE
What?

DIRECTOR
He brought a chick on stage and ripped
open her shirt and bloodied up her torso,
put it that way.

DEZERAE
Hmm...

DIRECTOR
That's all you have to say? Hmmm...

DEZERAE
He's told me many times he has seen the
devil.

DIRECTOR
I believe it.
(pushes her hair behind ear)
Please, come home with me, let me give
you the script. There's even a part for
Zyra if he wants to act.

DEZERAE
Really? I don't know.

DIRECTOR
Dezerae, I don't bite. I'll give you the
script, if you want a drink or two,
that's it. Then I'll take you back here
to get your car. Alright?

DEZERAE
Fine, but only one drink.

DIRECTOR
Deal.

The director finishes his beer. They walk out.

DISSOLVE TO:

Moon transforms into sun.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. ZYRA'S APARTMENT - NEXT MORNING

Zyra, having coffee, very worried look on his face.

Dezerae enters.

ZYRA
Where have you been!? You don't answer
your cell phone all night, then you
stroll in here at seven in the morning.
We're suppose to move in together today
and this is how you're gonna start?

DEZERAE
I'm sorry.

ZYRA
You're sorry, where have you been?

DEZERAE
I was at the Director's house.

ZYRA
The what? I thought the wrap party was
at the bar?

DEZERAE
It was.

ZYRA
(anger & pain crescendo)
Are you kidding me, you slept with the
director the night before we're starting
the rest or our lives together? Damn it
Dezerae! Why would you do this to me?
Why do you rip my heart out?

DEZERAE
I didn't sleep with him! I went over to
pick up this stupid script.

She throws it down.

DEZERAE (CONT'D)
I was just going to have one drink. We
talked all night about you. He's a fan
of yours. He wants you to be in his next
film with me. You and me co-starring.

ZYRA
Get out of my house, Dezerae!

He starts throwing her stuff out the door.

DEZERAE
Just listen.

ZYRA
WHY DID YOU HURT ME!
(throws coffee mug across room)
I hate you.

DEZERAE
I'm sorry Zyra. I did nothing wrong
here. You are blowing things way out of
proportion. I shouldn't even have to
explain myself to you. You know the
business I am in, I am a big girl Zyra I
can handle myself.

ZYRA
Take me to his house.

DEZERAE
What?

ZYRA
You heard me. If you didn't do anything,
I want to hear it from him.

DEZERAE
Zyra you are freaking out. Is this how
our relationship is going to be? Don't
you trust me? Nothing happened, calm
down.

ZYRA
What did you do all night?

DEZERAE
He told me stories.

ZYRA
Stories.

DEZERAE
Yes, about you and what he's seen you do
at concerts.

ZYRA
Oh, did he now? He's a fan. What kind
of stories did he tell you Dezerae?

DEZERAE
He said some pretty messed up shit, but
hey we both work in crazy industries.

ZYRA
Did he touched you?

DEZERAE
No, I fell asleep on his couch, and when
I woke up, I just left. I'm sorry. You
need to calm down. If you cannot trust
me then this is not going to work out.
Please Zyra, I love you. Only you, I
love. I would never look at another
person in that way, let alone actually do
anything. I love you. I want to be with
you. My relationship with the director
is on a professional friendship level,
nothing more.

ZYRA
What did he tell you about me?

DEZERAE
He said you conjured up demons, and
sacrificed your blood to the audience.

ZYRA
Do you believe him?

DEZERAE
I don't know what to believe. With a
name like Sacred Witch, anything is
possible.

ZYRA
You can leave if you want to. You can
stay if you want to. Know that whatever
decision you commit to now, is forever.
If you are with me, then you are with me.
If I find out you have ever been with
someone else from this moment on, I will
kill the person who stole my life, and I
will make you watch, then I will kill
you. Do you understand?

DEZERAE
Zyra enough with all the killing talk.
You are not going to kill anyone, either
except me for who I am or forget it. I
am not going to stay with you under
threats. Do you understand?

ZYRA
Sorry, I just let my mind run wild. I
trust you. Of course I would never hurt
you. Forgive me?

DEZERAE
(jokingly)
This time, but don't let it happen again.

ZYRA
Let's get you moved in.

She hugs him.

DISSOLVE TO:

Wings of flesh flapping.

CUT TO:

INT. MUSONIA SCHOOL OF MUSIC - LATER THAT DAY

Zyra, looks exhausted, enters.

KELLE
Whoa you look exhausted.

ZYRA
I've been moving all day.

KELLE
Where did you move to?

ZYRA
Actually my girlfriend moved in.

KELLE
Well, I appreciate your tenacity. Let's
get started.

They enter the studio.

KELLE (CONT'D)
So what's going on?

ZYRA
Dezerae found out about some of the stuff
I do at my concerts.

KELLE
You didn't tell her?

ZYRA
No.

KELLE
Why?

ZYRA
I don't know, every time it comes up, the
attention gets diverted.

KELLE
Well, if you are asking me my opinion, I
think you should be honest with her. You
should tell her you believe in what you
do, and it has to be this way, or does
it? That is the question you need to ask
yourself. Where do you see your life
heading? You can't lead a dual life, it
eventually catches up. Choose your
destiny and march forward, everything
else will fall in place. Just stay true
to your craft. Alright, ready for your
lesson.

ZYRA
Yeah.

Zyra takes out the tape recorder.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. WALKWAY - EVENING

A guy, dark hair, SOUL SAVER, doing Thai-Chi, prophecies,
speaking five different languages.

SOUL SAVER
(says in different languages)
Time is at hand. Your souls are in
mental torment. You must save
yourselves. Find the glory of God
within. Beg for forgiveness. Repent. I
warn you, because I have to. Do all
things through love, for love, in love.

Zyra stops his rant.

ZYRA
What the hell are you talking about?
Speak English.

SOUL SAVER
Zyra, I know you. Save your soul.

ZYRA
I'm already in hell.

SOUL SAVER
Read this.

Soul saver throws him a sacred book.

SLOW MOTION: Sacred book morphs into every Holy book from
all religions.

ZYRA
(catches it)
This is gonna save me, huh?

Soul saver goes back to his trans. Zyra walks away.

INT. ZYRA'S APARTMENT - LATER

Dezerae is cleaning up, burning incense. Zyra walks in,
holding Bible. He kicks off his boots.

DEZERAE
I just cleaned the whole apartment.

ZYRA
Thank you.

DEZERAE
No I mean the boots.

ZYRA
Sorry.

He walks over picks them up.

DEZERAE
What do you want for dinner tonight?

ZYRA
Wanna order Chinese?

DEZERAE
Yeah, then we'll read the script.

ZYRA
Cool, I'll be the character from Pan's
Labyrinth.

He puts the Bible on the table, walks around distorted, hands
over his eyes. He gooses Dezerae.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
Nothing like seeing your ass up close.

She playfully hits his hand away.

DEZERAE
Stop. I'm gonna order food. What do you
want?

ZYRA
Lobster sauce shrimp.

DEZERAE
Alright.

She walks in the kitchen. Zyra picks the script up off the
coffee table, flips through it.

ZYRA
I never really acted before, I mean I
took drama in college but that's about
it, maybe school plays when I was
younger.

DEZERAE O.S.
What plays were you in? Hi, I want to
place an order. Delivery.

ZYRA
Well, I played the role of Simon in
fourth grade.

DEZERAE
(walking in, phone to ear)
Whose Simon?

ZYRA
The guy who helped Jesus carry his cross.

DEZERAE
What? A number five and number
seventeen. Thanks.
(hangs up)
I find it funny you helped out Christ.

ZYRA
Why does everyone say that? You ain't
Christian.

DEZERAE
You're not. And what's this Bible you
brought home?

ZYRA
I believe in the devil, therefore, there
must be a God.

DEZERAE
Just because you acknowledge your creator
does not make you a Christian.

ZYRA
What does then?

DEZERAE
I don't know, ask a Christian, or read
the Bible. But you definitely are not.

She starts laughing.

ZYRA
What are you laughing at?

DEZERAE
The man who sells his soul on stage to
Satan himself proclaims to be a
Christian. That is funny as hell.
Usually, it's the other way around.

ZYRA
Maybe I'm just searching Dezerae. You
shouldn't judge.

DEZERAE
I'm not judging, I'm just saying.

Knock at the door, "China House" can be heard.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. SPIRIT REALM - VISION

Nazareth and Babel continue their rap battle. Nazareth takes
the upper hand, wins, forcing Babel to the ground. Nazareth
stands over him.

Babel aims his cane at Nazareth, shoots him. Nazareth flies
back as Babel stands up. Zyra prays.

INT. ZYRA'S APARTMENT - SAME MOMENT

Dezerae closes the door, as Zyra is standing there in a
trans, holding the Chinese food in a brown paper bag.

He drops it, Dezerae quickly catches it before it hits the
ground.

DEZERAE
What the hell?

Zyra comes out of the vision.

ZYRA
What?

DEZERAE
What? You almost dropped the food. You
did drop the food, I had to catch it.

ZYRA
Sorry.
(to himself)
Poppop help me.

DEZERAE
What's wrong with you?

ZYRA
I...nothing. Let's eat.

They walk into the kitchen.

DEZERAE O.S.
I spoke to the director today. If you
like the script, he wants to be in
production this week.

ZYRA O.S.
We'll see, I'm suppose to record with
Ace.

CUT TO:

CLOSE ON: TV News. NEWS CASTER.

NEWS CASTER
New film, Octopus Massacre, did horribly
in the ratings. Two thumbs down.
Erotic, B Horror, Film Actress, Dezerae
Nelson, needs her next project to be a
hit, otherwise, just another day in the
life of someone getting their fifteen
minutes of fame.

Dezerae clicks the TV off.

DEZERAE
You believe this shit.

Zyra chuckles.

DEZERAE (CONT'D)
This isn't funny.

ZYRA
Who gives a shit what they say! You're
gonna let some chick on TV get you down?

DEZERAE
No, but everyone believes what they hear
on TV. It is my reputation getting
smeared.

ZYRA
Maybe we shouldn't do his next project?

DEZERAE
Or maybe we should.

Zyra smiles.

ZYRA
That's my girl.

INT. SOUND STAGE - LATER THAT WEEK

Director is going over the scene with Zyra and Dezerae. Zyra
is laying on a hospital bed in the hallway.

Dezerae stands next to his tattooed body, covered to his
waist with a sheet.

DIRECTOR
You know your dialogue?

ZYRA
Yeah.

DIRECTOR
Ok, Dezerae, you're going to run your
finger along his arm as he explains. You
will end at his eye. Kiss his eye. Kiss
his hands, send him into surgery.
Alright, rehearsal's up. Action.

ZYRA
The doctor said it shouldn't take any
longer than three hours. All he has to
do is cut an incision in my hand, slice
open my arm, up through my chest, neck
and into my eye. He then inserts the eye
ball into my hand, and lays the nerve
endings into the incision until he
reaches my eye. He connects the new
nerve endings with the old, and Walla, I
have vision in my hand. Repeats the
surgery on the other side. Now you have
a human being with four eyes.

DIRECTOR
Dezerae you are supportive of the
surgery, yet weary. Let's see tears,
frustration, excitement, everything.
Okay, quiet on the set. Places. Roll
camera. Action.

Dezerae is caressing his face, waiting for his opening
dialogue.

Babel appears in a cloud of smoke.

ZYRA
Leave me alone.

The camera guy looks over at the director, he waves him to
keep rolling.

DIRECTOR
(to himself)
This is more interesting.

ZYRA
Babel, I told you to leave me alone.

BABEL
You can't call on me and tell me to
repent, because of your pain.

ZYRA
Why not? It is what we all feel, I am
the one to vocalize it. Death is a
beautiful gift, a ticket to go back home.
I will leave when Jesus Christ comes for
me, not as moment sooner.

BABEL
(laughs)
You made a deal, now you want to back
out?

ZYRA
Forgive me, and I will forgive you.

BABEL
The flip of the coin. Two sides eternal.

Zyra repeats the rosary over and over under his breathe.

Dezerae is in amazement at his conversation with the
invisible.

ZYRA
I find you beautiful when I'm suppose to
find you ugly.

Babel smirks.

FLASH: Child's hand signing in blood, "Zyra".

BABEL
I like you Zyra. You were mine for many
years. I'll be here lurking in the
shadows, waiting...

Babel disappears.

ZYRA
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for our
sinners, now and at the hour of our
death. Amen.

DIRECTOR
Cut. Um...Zyra would you like to explain
what just happened?

Zyra snaps out of trans, comes to, walks off.

DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
Excuse me, you can't just walk off my
set. (to Dezerae) What the hell's up
with your boyfriend?

DEZERAE
He's been getting visions lately.

DIRECTOR
Tell him to have a vision on his own
time.

DEZERAE
Satan appears to him.

DIRECTOR
Ok, what I told you the other night has
gone to your head.

DEZERAE
You asked.

DIRECTOR
Yes I did. Can someone go get Zyra for
me please?

An assistant runs off.

DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
Thank you.

The ASSISTANT runs back.

ASSISTANT
He's gone.

DIRECTOR
What do you mean he's gone?

ASSISTANT
I saw his car pulling out.

DIRECTOR
This is unbelievable! I guess that's a
wrap for today.

Everyone breaks fast before he changes his mind.

DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
When you see Zyra, make sure he knows if
he ever does this again, he will be black
balled.

DEZERAE
From what? The B Horror film industry?

She walks off.

INT. PSYCHIATRIC OFFICE - LATER

Dr. Kroll is on the phone.

DR. KROLL
Next Thursday works for me. See you
then.

Zyra busts through the doors. The SECRETARY follows.

SECRETARY
I tried to stop him Dr. Kroll.

DR. KROLL
It's alright. Have a seat Zyra.

She exits, closes the doors.

ZYRA
How'd you know?

DR. KROLL
Know what?

ZYRA
You know what, man. You said it to me
the last time I was here.

DR. KROLL
Longer periods of time.

ZYRA
If that's what you call it. I just
walked out of set.

DR. KROLL
Why?

ZYRA
Because I had a lengthy conversation with
Babel. We actually discussed losing my
soul.

DR. KROLL
You're still here.

ZYRA
He gave it back to me, said he wishes I
were his. What if Satan repents once?

DR. KROLL
Hell will change.

ZYRA
Earth will change.

DR. KROLL
People will change, but do you think he
is capable?

ZYRA
Why does everyone ask me that? Of
course, if he wants to.

DR. KROLL
Why would he want to for you?

ZYRA
Not for me, himself. I am the catalyst
for the transaction.

DR. KROLL
Why you?

ZYRA
I don't know. Maybe all the acid I've
done.

DR. KROLL
That fries the brain, not enhances it.

ZYRA
Enhances it enough, if you know when to
stop. There is a blessing that comes
from every recusant activity.

DR. KROLL
If you look deep enough, I would agree.

ZYRA
Doc, help me.

DR. KROLL
What do you want from me?

ZYRA
I don't know. I need a release, a break
from life. I need to just focus on what
I am here to do.

DR. KROLL
Here?

ZYRA
I want to be able to please God, please
myself by utilizing the gifts bestowed
upon me.

DR. KROLL
This is such a radical change. You
confessed many horrible moral acts on
stage, now this...where is this coming
from, Zyra?

ZYRA
I don't know. I feel like I'm losing my
soul. Who else carries on conversations
with the devil?

DR. KROLL
Many of us. We all need to strive to
reach that higher plane of existence.
Communicating with beings that are not of
this earth, is a common practise among
some cultures.

ZYRA
What's your point Doc?

DR. KROLL
If we are not used to repeating our
Lord's name in our minds on a daily
basis, then we are left to fight the
demons of this world.

ZYRA
You mean prayer?

DR. KROLL
Chanting elevates the spirit. You need
to be careful, what you chant about, you
bring about.

DR. KROLL (CONT'D)
You said our Lord.

DR. KROLL (CONT'D)
Yes, we have the same Lord. I am a
Christian.

Zyra smiles, feels peace in his soul.

ZYRA
I haven't felt this way in years.

DR. KROLL
Felt which way?

ZYRA
Peace. Joy. I actually feel moments of
joy right now. Must of been the shrimp I
ate earlier.

Dr. Kroll laughs.

DR. KROLL
Listen Zyra, today is on me, but next
time something like this happens, you
have to call. What if I had a client in
here? You wouldn't like it if someone
busted in on your session.

ZYRA
Sorry Doc.

DR. KROLL
I know. See you next appointment.

ZYRA
Thanks for listening.

He gets up, walks out.

INT. ZYRA'S BATHROOM - LATER

Zyra sits on the toilet, opens his Bible to the beginning.

ZYRA
(reads Genesis 1-3)
In the beginning God created heaven, and
earth. And the earth was void and empty,
and darkness was upon the face of the
deep; and the spirit of God moved over
the waters. And God said: Be light
made. And light was made.

Puts the book down.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
What if this pertains to each of us? In
the beginning there was darkness. In the
womb, the holy realm of earth, there is
darkness. The spirit of God comes
through when we are delivered, and we can
see for the first time. What if Doc
hypnotized me, would I be able to go back
into the womb, listen to the voice of
God, and know my destiny on this earth?
I better write that down, so i don't
forget to ask.

He reaches for paper.

INT. ZYRA'S APARTMENT - SAME MOMENT

Dezerae walks in.

DEZERAE
ZYRA.

There is music blaring in the background. She walks up the
steps.

INT. ZYRA'S BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Zyra flushes the toilet. Walks out with bible in hand.

DEZERAE
Getting close to God on the porcelain
throne?

Zyra puts it back on the shelf.

ZYRA
Whatever.

DEZERAE
Why did you walk out? The director said
if you do it again, you'll be black
balled.

ZYRA
Black balled from B films.

DEZERAE
That's pretty much what I said and walked
out.

ZYRA
You stood up for me?

DEZERAE
Of course. Screw him. I knew you were
having another episode. Are you okay?

ZYRA
Yeah.

They sit on the bed.

DEZERAE
Where did you go? I called the home
phone and cell, but you didn't answer.

ZYRA
I know, sorry. Kroll's.

DEZERAE
What did he say?

ZYRA
He got pissed that I barged in on him.

She laughs.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
I went because he predicted my next
vision.

DEZERAE
What do you mean?

ZYRA
Well, not the vision, but the fact that I
would converse with Babel and they will
last longer.

DEZERAE
Maybe there is some scientific
explanation.

ZYRA
There is that was the point.

DEZERAE
Oh, so what happened?

ZYRA
I am going to see if I can be hypnotised
back into the womb.

DEZERAE
What happened with your vision, Zyra?

ZYRA
I never told you this, in fact, I never
told anyone this, but when I was a child,
I...

She rubs her hand down his back.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
I um, I signed a deal with the devil. In
my own blood.

DEZERAE
Why?

ZYRA
It was after my whole brother father
thing.

DEZERAE
Brother father thing?

ZYRA
Do you have to know everything Dezerae?

DEZERAE
If we are going to be married, yes.

ZYRA
When I was a child, a small boy...it was
Halloween. I was dressed in my Gene
Simmons make up. I walked down the
stairs into the basement, cause I heard
my brother screaming. STOP IT, PLEASE
DADDY, JUST STOP! I remember it like it
was yesterday. I slowly climbed down the
steps. I was scared. I was just a small
boy. On the wall I can see the shadow my
my father and younger brother. His high
pitch screams sounded like a girl. I
went into shock. I was watching
something so wrong, I instantly stored it
as...

Tears stream down his face.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
It's taken years of therapy to face my
demons. Walk through the transitions.
After I heard, BANG, I woke up in the
hospital. I'm sorry. This cane out of
nowhere.

DEZERAE
It's okay, Zyra, thank you for telling
me. But why would you sign a deal with
the devil.

ZYRA
He promised to take away the pain.

DEZERAE
Did he?

ZYRA
Yes and no. He covered it up. It's
still with me, deep, deep inside me.
Most people live their lives and never
look passed the surface. I am made up
differently. I search to the core of the
soul. In me and in everyone I meet.

DEZERAE
What are you going to do?

ZYRA
He released me.

DEZERAE
What did you have to give in return.

ZYRA
Nothing. I already gave him my life.
Now I must undo what I spent years
building.

DEZERAE
Like building your house on sand.

ZYRA
Exactly.

She leans in and kisses him.

DISSOLVE TO:

FULL MOON.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. ZYRA'S BEDROOM - THAT NIGHT

Zyra and Dezerae are spooning. Zyra leans over, restless
night.

INT. ZYRA'S DREAM - ANIMATION

Demon children chasing Zyra through forest.

He falls to ground. The demons circle around. They attack.

Screaming, gnashing of teeth. Zyra struggles to stand.
Grabs a demon child by his ankles, raises him above his head,
SLAMS him against a rock, repeatedly. Blue blood.

The others still attack, however weakening, as Zyra
strengthens.

Nazareth stands in the background, watching. Nazareth skips
through time, comes upon Zyra. Just before his spirit enters
him, Nazareth spreads his wings.

Zyra drops to the ground. Demon goes flying. PAIN.
SCREAMS. Nubs start growing from his upper back.

The pain, excruciating.

The bloody, fleshed wings pierce through. Grow into
themselves. Raw, sensitive wings.

Zyra stands up, his wings out-stretch across the blood filled
moon. He grabs the demon by its ankle, holding it upside
down. He raises it in the air, shadowed by the red
moonlight. YELLS, claiming his victory.

INT. ZYRA'S BEDROOM - MORNING

Dezerae is trying to wake Zyra. Zyra is sitting up in bed,
holding a stuffed animal by its tail, screaming.

DEZERAE
Zyra. Zyra, wake up.

Shaking his sweaty body.

Zyra snaps out of it.

ZYRA
What?

Dezerae just looks at him in disbelief.

DEZERAE
We have to go.

ZYRA
Where?

DEZERAE
Set, Zyra. You have to show up. They
still have to shoot the surgery scene and
your first victim scene.

ZYRA
Fine.

INT. SOUND STAGE - DAY

The crew is working, setting up for the scene. Zyra and
Dezerae enter. The Assistant, runs over, gets on his mic.

ASSISTANT
First team just arrived.

Over mic.

DIRECTOR O.S.
We'll do a rehearsal before they go to
make up.

ASSISTANT
Copy.
(to Zyra and Dezerae)
Come on guys. We're going to set, for a
quick rehearsal, then hair and make up.

DEZERAE
Fine.

They enter set.

INT. SET - CONTINUOUS

The director is looking through the camera lens.

DIRECTOR
Alright guys, we're gonna do the victim
scene first. Hunch, come on out please.

Huge burly guy, HUNCH, dressed, medieval attire, enters set.

DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
Hunch, this is Zyra and Dezerae.

HUNCH
This is the punk who takes off my head?

DIRECTOR
Yeah.

ZYRA
Nice to meet you.

DIRECTOR
Alright, Zyra you're going to jump on his
back. Dezerae, you're tied up in this
torture device. With your hand eye, you
see the machete hiding. You jump off his
back, grab the machete, chop off his
head, then save the girl. Got it.

ZYRA
Yeah, got it.

DIRECTOR
Don't run off, or speak to imaginary
friends.

ZYRA
I won't, sorry.

DIRECTOR
Alright, everyone in make up.

INT. MAKE UP - LATER

Zyra, Dezerae and Hunch are sitting in directors chair facing
mirrors being worked on.

Zyra's cell phone rings.

ZYRA
Hey Kelle, what's up? Really? When?
I'm in the middle of shooting right now.
How long will he be in town? No it's
fine. I'll be there.

He hangs up the phone, kisses Dezerae goodbye.

DEZERAE
Where are you going?

ZYRA
Kelle is meeting with the largest record
producer in the industry and he wants me
to meet him. He's in town from New York
and loved my CD. I gotta go Dez. I'm
sorry.

He leaves. (a beat)

The assistant walks in.

ASSISTANT
Where's Zyra?

Silence.

ASSISTANT (CONT'D)
No not again.

He quickly walks out of the room. (a beat) The director
screams.

DIRECTOR O.S.
ZYRA!

INT. MUSONIA SCHOOL OF MUSIC - LATER

Zyra walks in excited.

Kelle greets him at the door.

KELLE
You just missed him. He had a plane to
catch.

ZYRA
I almost got a speeding ticket, not to
mention, I walked out on my job again. I
better get back.

KELLE
He just stopped by cause he's a fan of my
brother. We started talking, you came
up. I put in your CD and he asked to
keep it. He said he'll be in contact.

ZYRA
Cool, thank you so much Kelle. That was
very kind of you...to have brought me up.

KELLE
No problem, keep up the good work. See
you later.

ZYRA
Bye.

Zyra leaves.

INT. CATHOLIC CHURCH - DAY

The larger than life crucifix hangs over the altar.

Zyra, like an abused animal, walks down center aisle to the
front, kneeling before a statue of Mary.

ZYRA
(fighting tears)
Fine, I will do your will...Mother, take
my petition to your Son. I am tired of
fighting. I offer Him a covenant. I
will read the Bible, cover to cover. In
return, I want to be transformed, into a
higher plane of spirituality.

Mary cries tears of blood.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
Since I have searched for you, you have
answered me, but I did not know it at the
time. You always protected me, even when
I blasphemed you. You still loved me.
(cries)
I'm sorry Lord. I'm sorry for hurting
you. Thank you for saving me. For
showing me the way.

His grandfather appears, sits next to him.

GRANDFATHER
Nice confession boy.

ZYRA
Poppop, how's Nani doing?

GRANDFATHER
We are both looking after you, and
praying for you to make the right
decisions. I can see it is working. You
have to remember Zyra, keep Christ close
to you. His name is the most powerful,
shortest prayer one can say. Just repeat
His name over and over. When I left this
world, I believe it was my devotion to
Him that allowed angels to accompany me
to the gates of Heaven. Your grandmother
was there as well as all my loved ones
from earth. We build the kingdom of
heaven while we are on earth. There is a
kingdom for you, but you need to remain
faithful and true. When you choose your
path, make sure it aligns with God's will
for your life. You will know this
because you will feel a peace and an
excitement about your decision.
You can talk to me, your grandmother or
even Nazareth, any time. We are
listening. We will intercede for you.

ZYRA
Thank you.

GRANDFATHER
You should get back to work.

He grabs his hand, kisses him on the cheek. He disappears.

INT. SOUND STAGE - LATER

Dezerae is on set in the torture device as Hunch is
ghoulishly enjoying himself.

Zyra walks in.

The director lets the scene finish.

DIRECTOR
Cut, perfect. Let's take a break.

The director walks over to Zyra.

DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
You have to make a choice. You can't
have both worlds. Or if you do, when you
are an actor, you're an actor, and when
you're the musician you're on stage. You
can't have both at the same time, Zyra.

ZYRA
I'm sorry.

DIRECTOR
That's all you keep saying. Do you know
how much money you have cost me? Not to
mention, the movie is constantly getting
rewritten, when you're not around.

ZYRA
I'm here for you.

DIRECTOR
Do you remember the rehearsal?

ZYRA
Yeah.

DIRECTOR
Everybody back on set. We're shooting
this. Let's go.

FADE TO BLACK.

"MONTHS LATER"

FADE IN:

INT. ZYRA'S BATHROOM - NIGHT

Zyra is getting out of the shower. The steam makes it hard
to see. Zyra wipes a circle in the mirror. He reaches for
his upper back, massages.

He takes a deep breath, looks in the mirror. Two scars where
the wings protruded are present.

DEZERAE O.S.
Zyra are you ready? We're going to be
late.

ZYRA
Hold on, baby. I just got out of the
shower.

She barges in. He drops the towel.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
You scared me.

Dezerae checking him out. She drops down a positive
pregnancy test in front of him.

Zyra looks at it.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
What's this?

She just looks at him.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
Oh my God, are you kidding me?

He smiles, hugs her.

ZYRA (CONT'D)
I love you. We're going to make great
parents.

Dezerae glances down at the Bible next to the toilet. A book
mark is set a quarter of the way in.

EXT. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT

People shuffle out of the theater. Zyra and Dezerae are
exiting laughing.

ZYRA
That was so good.

DEZERAE
You were pretty funny.

ZYRA
Funny?

DEZERAE
Scary. But funny to me. Our love scene
was hilarious. I like the way they cut
to all the points of view of the eyes.
Pretty creative.

ZYRA
Talk about a kaleidoscope of flesh.

FAN 1 and FAN 2 approach.

FAN 1
Zyra and Dezerae, please sign these for
me.
(handing them movie posters)
Zyra I've seen you play with Sacred Witch
every time you played in LA. Dezerae, I
have all your movies.

FAN 2
We're roommates, so everything said is
what I feel too.

DEZERAE
That's very kind of you both.

FAN 2
Whose idea was it to have you two star
together?

ZYRA
The director.

FAN 1
It was brilliant. You played off each
other so perfectly.

ZYRA
Thank you. See you around.

They walk off.

The End. Roll Credits.