2001 Radio Play Script

GARGOYLES

"HUNTER’S MOON"

PART THREE

RADIO PLAY EDITION

For the Gathering 2001

Written by

Michael Reaves

Re-edited by Greg Weisman

One thousand years ago… Superstition and the sword ruled. It was a time of darkness. It was a world of fear. It was the age… of gargoyles!

GARGOYLES

"Hunters’s Moon, Part Three"

(RADIO PLAY EDITION)

CAST LIST

THE CLAN:

ELISA 38 lines.

GOLIATH 34 lines.

LEXINGTON 11 lines.

BROADWAY 10 lines.

BROOKLYN 9 lines.

ANGELA 8 lines.

HUDSON 8 lines.

BRONX 6 lines.

THE HUNTERS:

JASON 31 lines.

JON 29 lines.

ROBYN 22 lines.

CHARLES 10 lines.

THE NEMESIS:

DEMONA 25 lines.

XANATOS 3 lines.

FOX 1 line.

OWEN 1 line.

THE COPS:

MATT 9 lines.

CHAVEZ 4 lines.

MORGAN 4 lines.

PILOT 3 lines.

THE CROWD:

MARGOT 5 lines.

BRENDAN 4 lines.

VINNIE 4 lines.

TRAVIS 1 line.

GARGOYLES

"Hunter’s Moon"

(Part Three)

written by Michael Reaves

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

PARIS – September 28th, 1980

EXT. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL – NIGHT

A full autumnal moon shines above the Paris skyline.

1. CHARLES (O.S.)

Tonight is the Hunter’s Moon. Our Moon, my children.

Standing before the Cathedral is CHARLES CANMORE and his children: JASON (age sixteen), ROBYN (fourteen) and JON (eight). They stare at the silhouetted towers. Dead leaves whirl about their feet. Charles unbuttons his trenchcoat, revealing Hunter battle garb.

2. CHARLES (CONT’D)

Your great-grandfather died fighting the demon. My father sought in vain for her all his life.

CHARLES – dons Hunter’s mask.

3. CHARLES (CONT’D)

Tonight, it finally ends with me.

4. JASON (enthusiastic)

Let me help, Dad. I’m old enough.

5. CHARLES

No, Jason. You three watch and learn. Should another gargoyle ever be found it’ll be up to you to continue the hunt.

6. ROBYN (skeptical, nervous)

Just because our ancestors hunted gargoyles doesn’t mean we have to.

HUNTER/CHARLES – pulls out a futuristic gun. Removes the clip to check it. Then replaces it.

7. CHARLES

It is our destiny as Canmores, Robyn. A sacred trust. Until all gargoyles are dead, we can no more stop hunting than breathing the air.

Jon impulsively grabs his father’s arm.

8. JON (with obvious trepidation)

Daddy, don’t go! You’ll get hurt!

Jon’s father kneels, put his hand on his son’s shoulders.

9. CHARLES

Don’t worry Jonny. I’ve trained all my life for this. I cannot fail.

10. JASON

Look!

High overhead, a bat-winged shadow flies toward the cathedral.

WIPE TO:

Ext. NORTH TOWER – NIGHT

Stone gargoyles loom against the stars. DEMONA kneels beside one. She opens a hidden panel to reveal the statuette of the PRAYING GARGOYLE. She reaches in and greedily takes it. Suddenly an explosive bullet SHATTERS the head of the hollow gargoyle, knocking her back.

11. DEMONA

<shocked cry.>

As Hunter/Charles moves toward her with his gun ready, Demona’s tail coils around a large chunk of the stone gargoyle’s shattered head.

12. CHARLES

It’s over, demon!

Demona whips her tail, hurling the stone. It KNOCKS his gun out of his hand.

13. DEMONA

<snarl>

14. CHARLES

<startled cry>

She leaps off the tower, spreading her wings, the statuette clutched in her arms.

15. DEMONA

<mocking laugh>

CHARLES – pulls off his cape, revealing a compact rocket-pack strapped to his back. He runs forward, scooping up his gun, and leaps into the air; the pack IGNITES.

BELOW

The CHILDREN see Demona fly off, followed by their father. Jason runs after them. Robyn and Jon hesitate, then follow.

WHILE IN THE AIR

CHARLES – FIRES. One of his shots pierces Demona’s wing, wounding her.

16. DEMONA

<cry of pain>

She spirals down.

BEFORE THE VAULTED ENTRANCE TO THE CATACOMBS

Demona lands and looks back. CHARLES is zooming in low and fast.

17. CHARLES

Give up, monster! I’ll follow you to the bowels of the earth if I have to.

18. DEMONA

Then come ahead, Hunter – we haven’t far to go!

She runs down the stairs as another shot BLOWS a chunk of masonry out of the arch.

INSIDE THE CATACOMBS

Thousands of skeletons from overcrowded cemeteries are stacked here. Demona runs down a corridor with walls made entirely of skulls and bones

Charles cautiously descends the stairs into the tunnel.

ON BRANCHING CORRIDORS – Demona comes to a fork in the passage and bears left. A BEAT later Charles takes the right fork.

BACK AT THE ENTRANCE

A car SCREECHES to a stop and young Jason, Robyn and Jon pile out.

DOWN BELOW

Charles ENTERS a CRYPT. He sees a bolted iron door at the far end and heads for it. Suddenly, one wall of skulls EXPLODES inward as Demona breaks through to attack.

19. DEMONA

<attack roar>

20. CHARLES

<surprised cry>

CHARLES – is Half-buried under a pile of skulls, bone, dirt and rock. His gun lies just out of reach. Demona approaches. Charles tries to rise. His rocket pack has been crushed.

21. DEMONA

<sniffs> Your fuel tank is leaking.

BACK IN THE CORRIDOR

Jason, Robyn and Jon hurry along it.

22. JON

Daddy? Where are you?

23. JASON

(intense whisper)

Quiet! Do you want to bring the demon down on us?

IN THE CRYPT

Demona leans over the trapped Hunter. He struggles futilely. Demona picks up his gun and ejects the clip.

24. DEMONA

And what’s this? Explosive bullets. My, my…

CUT TO:

THE INTERSECTION IN THE CORRIDOR

The kids come to the fork. Jason points left. No sooner do they start down that tunnel then there's an EXPLSION from the right-hand fork. They’re knocked off their feet.

25. JASON, ROBYN, JON

<impact cries>

JASON is Half-stunned by the concussion.

26. JASON

<groans>

He looks up. DEMONA emerges from a niche in the wall of the right-hand tunnel where she hid from the explosion. She’s barely more than a red-eyed silhouette in the dust and smoke. She heads for the entrance with the Gargoyle statuette tucked under her arm.

27. DEMONA

<laughter>

She fades from view in the smoke.

JASON - Glares with hatred and rage. PUSH IN on his eyes as we…

DISSOLVE TO:

The PRESENT.

EXT. CLOCK TOWER – NIGHT

The missile from the Huntership BLOWS THE CLOCK TOWER TO SMITHEREENS.

INSIDE THE PRECINCT HOUSE

The place is rocked by the EXPLOSION. HUNTER/JASON scoops ELISA up in his sky-sled. A ceiling beam CRASHES where she stood.

28. ELISA

<surprised cry>

The lights flicker and go off. Red emergency lights come on. Everywhere is falling debris and chaos. Jason turns the sky-sled with one hand, holding a struggling Elisa with the other.

COPS and CRIMINALS dive out of the way.

29. PILOT, MORGAN, MATT, CHAVEZ

Look out! / What is that thing?! / What’s going on?!! / He’s got Maza!

THE SKY SLED – LASERBLASTS a big hole in the wall, and zooms through it.

OUTSIDE

Elisa gets a bird’s-eye view of the destruction.

30. ELISA

<gasp of horror> What have you done?!!

Furious, Elisa turns on her abductor and rips his mask off.

31. ELISA

(stunned shock) Jason?!

Jason takes advantage of her surprise to ZAP her with an air hypo. She goes limp in his arms.

32. JASON

I’ll explain later. I promise.

33. ELISA

<passes out>

As Jason’s sky-sled zooms off into the distance, we get a closer look at the decimated tower. Rubble and debris are everywhere. Part of the ruins still burn. The TV set is broken and overturned. Lex’s laptop has been crushed by the clock’s giant roman numeral "FIVE". A giant clock hand skewers Hudson’s recliner. There’s a pile of debris in the center of the floor. A beat; then the pile stirs.

The rubble FALLS AWAY as GOLIATH slowly pushes the trapdoor open. He emerges, bruised and battered, but alive.

HUNTER/JON rises up on the hushed jets of his sky-sled. He watches Goliath, BROOKLYN, ANGELA and BRONX emerge. They are beaten up, but able to function. BROADWAY is halfway down the trap door passage, helping lift an injured and semi-conscious LEXINGTON up to them. One of Lex’s hands is clenched into a fist.

34. LEXINGTON

(semi-conscious) Won’t let go… can’t let go…

35. BROOKLYN

Good thing Lex found that gadget on your shoulder.

JON –HOVERS. He looks at his SKY-SLED CONSOLE. A targeting grid is laid over an image of Goliath. There is a RED BUTTON on the console.

36. GOLIATH

Yes… it gave us just enough warning to take cover.

Broadway lifts a badly injured HUDSON out to Brooklyn and Goliath.

37. BROADWAY

Okay, Hudson… easy does it…

ON CONSOLE – A targeted Goliath lifts Hudson into his arms. Bronx moves into shot, worried about the old warrior. Jon’s hand moves to hit the red button.

38. HUDSON

<groans> Leave me, lads… The next attack…

39. GOLIATH

We are clan. Family. We do not abandon each other.

Jon’s finger hesitates. He does not press the button.

40. BRONX

<sniffs; worried whine>

Goliath’s arm is cut. Angela approaches, touches his arm gently.

41. ANGELA

Father, you’re injured…

JON – watches silently for a beat, then his sky-sled quietly sinks away.

42. GOLIATH

We are alive, my child. That is all that matters.

Goliath looks around the remains of their home.

43. GOLIATH (CONT’D)

We must go before they attack again.

Hudson weakly reaches up and grasps Goliath’s hand.

44. HUDSON

(weak) Nay, Goliath… we cannot abandon our home …

45. GOLIATH

(Somber) Our home is no more, Hudson. This time of out life is over.

(beat; grim) And for that the Hunters will pay.

Goliath carries Hudson, and Brooklyn carries Lexington. Angela and Broadway carry Bronx between them. They glide away between the building. PAN UP TO the Huntership, all but invisible against the night sky.

CUT TO:

THE BRIDGE OF THE HUNTERSHIP

Jon joins ROBYN on the bridge. He takes off his mask.

46. JON

No survivors.

47. ROBYN

Have your eyes checked, little brother. I caught their exit.

48. JON

(trying to take this in stride) Can you still track them?

49. ROBYN

Negative. The tracer must have been damaged in the blast.

50. JON

(feigning disappointment)

No way to find them now.

51. ROBYN

(with a smile)

Au contraire. All we need is a little help. And I know just how to get it…

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. CITY STREET – DAY

CLOSE ON TV SCREEN – Showing Jon Carter’s face.

52. JON

This is Jon Carter with a WVRN special report… on the destruction of the twenty-third precinct house by the monsters known as "gargoyles".

The image on the screen cuts to footage of the tower blowing up and the gargoyles flying off.

A small crowd watches the report on a bank of T.V.s in an electronics’ store window. They look shocked and begin to scan the skies for "monsters".

CUT TO:

INT. XANATOS’ OFFICE – DAY

ON T.V. SCREEN – Again showing Jon.

53. JON (CONT’D)

Urban myths no longer, these creatures launched a completely unprovoked attack… against out city’s finest.

Suddenly the picture goes black. Pull back to reveal XANATOS, OWEN and FOX (holding ALEXANDER). They turn from the T.V.

54. OWEN

Obviously, the gargoyles did not destroy their own clock tower.

55. FOX

Maybe not, but anyone who saw that report is going to think they did. The whole city will be hunting them now.

ON XANATOS – He frowns.

FADE OUT

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY

CLOSE ON TV –The same footage of the explosion and gargoyles that we saw earlier.

56. JON

This is Jon Carter with a WVRN special report on the destruction of the twenty-third precinct house by the monsters known as "gargoyles".

Elisa clicks off the TV and turns to Matt and Chavez. Chavez is in traction with a broken leg.

57. ELISA

It wasn’t any gargoyles. It was those "Hunters" and "Detective" Conover.

58. CHAVEZ

You mean the guy who saved your life.

59. ELISA

I mean the guy who drugged me, broke into my apartment and left me there unconscious.

Matt hands Chavez a folder.

60. MATT

His real name is Jason Canmore, and he’s not a cop. Never was.

Chavez opens it and finds a photo of Jason. Behind it is another photo.

61. MATT (CONT’D O.S.)

That’s his father, Charles Canmore. Died in Paris under mysterious circumstances sixteen years ago. His three kids have been leaving a trail of violence behind them ever since.

CHAVEZ – looks at a GLOSSIE labeled Jon Canmore.

62. ELISA

Jon Canmore, a.k.a Jon Carter.

63. MATT

Which means that news report smells like tuna fish in July.

64. CHAVEZ

Doesn’t matter. Those creatures exist and I want them caught. Bluestone, you live for this weirdness, so I’m putting you in charge of a special task force.

65. ELISA

(Horrified) But Captain—

CHAVEZ – holds up pictures of Jason, Jon and Robyn.

66. CHAVEZ

Don’t worry, Maza. You’ll have plenty to do. Put out A.P.B.s on Conover, Carter… and their sister. They blew up my command. I want them too.

SMASH CUT TO:

INT. NIGHTSTONE UNLIMITED – BIO LABS – DAY

An EXPLOSION. The smoke clears to reveal Robyn standing before Dominique Destine’s vault. The vault door topples to the floor with a CLANG.

The VAULT INTERIOR – Is empty save for a COMPUTER DISK. Robyn enters and picks up the disk. The video-phone CHIMES.

Robyn activates the phone, which lights up with DOMINIQUE’S image.

67. DEMONA

Ah, Robyn, I hoped I’d find you here. I won’t be in for a few days. I’m taking a –working vacation.

68. ROBYN

Where can I reach you?

69. DEMONA

You can’t. Take a few days off. Relax – enjoy life. It’s so fleeting.

The screen goes dark.

ROBYN nervously holds up the disk.

CLAW WIPE TO:

EXT. CLOCK TOWER RUINS – DAY

Elisa picks sadly through wreckage, occasionally placing something in a cardboard box. She bends down to pick up a charred photograph.

It is a snap-shot from last Halloween: Elisa in her "Belle" gown, arm-in-arm with Goliath. Both very happy.

A tear rolls down Elisa’s cheek. A shadow falls over her. Elisa turns.

JASON is behind her on his sky-sled, in Hunter garb sans mask, aiming a tranq gun at her. Elisa drops the box and reaches for her holstered gun.

70. JASON

Please don’t. I’d just have to tranq you again, and I came here to talk.

ELISA lowers her hand slowly. But she’s still on guard.

71. ELISA

Okay. Let’s talk about what a monster you are.

72. JASON

I never meant to hurt you –

73. ELISA

You really are a piece of work. Using me to get to the gargoyles.

74. JASON

No! I admit I infiltrated the twenty-third because there were so many gargoyle sightings here. But I never planned—

75. ELISA

Lies. Everything was part of your plan. That phony accent. Even that phony kiss…

76. JASON

(desperate and vulnerable)

That kiss was real. And I never planned on falling in love with you.

This hits Elisa hard.

77. JASON (CONT’D)

The hunt’s been my whole life – I never realized how lonely I was. . .

78. ELISA

But why are you hunting them?

79. JASON

Those "monsters" killed my father!

80. ELISA

Those "monsters" are my friends!

81. JASON

(shocked and disgusted) What?!!

82. ELISA

And they couldn’t have killed your father. When he died, they were in Scotland, frozen in stone by a magic spell.

83. JASON

So they weren’t personally responsible. They’re still evil! all gargoyles are! My family has been hunting them for generations!

84. ELISA

(Trying desperately to reach him) But why? What started this blood feud?

85. JASON

(stumped) I – I don’t know. It doesn’t matter.

86. ELISA

(pressing her attack) Of course it matters. You hate an entire race and you don’t know why! Listen, Jason. You’ve been lucky so far. No one’s been killed. Give up the feud. Turn yourself in. It’s not too late to walk away from this.

JASON hesitates, then shakes his head.

87. JASON

<deep breath> Yes, it is.

DISSOLVE TO:

ELISA’S APARTMENT BUILDING – NIGHT

The moon is one night shy of being full. All the gargoyles are there, healed from their injuries.

88. ELISA

Goliath, please… Let the law handle this.

89. GOLIATH

(beyond fury) The law?! What about justice?!

90. ELISA

Look I’m sorry, but you don’t want justice, you want vengeance.

91. BROOKLYN

(hesitant) She’s right Goliath.

92. GOLIATH What?!

93. ANGELA

Look what this feud has cost us already.

94. BROADWAY

Angela nearly died. We all nearly died. The tower’s gone. Our secret’s shot.

95. GOLIATH

(can’t believe what he’s hearing)

That’s exactly why we must have vengeance!

Hudson puts a hand on Goliath’s shoulder.

96. HUDSON

Or maybe that’s why we should let it go.

Goliath steps away from Hudson and walks to the table and the cardboard box of salvaged gear from the Clock Tower. He pulls his ear-piece receiver and pendant microphone from the box.

97. GOLIATH

Lexington, can you guide me to them.

LEXINGTON’s Sitting in front of Elisa’s computer. He opens his fist, revealing the tracer that the Hunter’s used on Goliath.

98. LEXINGTON

(reluctantly) I think so. They used this tracer to find us. I should be able to trail their signal back to its source.

Goliath takes the tracer from Lex and moves to the window.

99. BROOKLYN

Listen Goliath, you know we’re with you no matter what.

100. GOLIATH

No you’re not. I am going alone.

101. HUDSON

Don’t be foolish, Goliath –

Goliath turns, towering over them, wings flared, eyes ablaze.

102. GOLIATH

Stay here! That’s an order!

He turns, spreads his wings and takes off into the night.

ELISA AND THE GARGOYLES – Look at each other with concern.

CLAW WIPE TO:

UPSTATE NEW YORK – NIGHT

Goliath’s heading north through the air.

103. LEXINGTON (V.O.)

The signal’s getting stronger. They should be right there.

Goliath lands ON TOP OF A hydro-electric dam. No sign of the Hunters.

104. GOLIATH

They’re not here.

105. LEXINGTON (V.O.)

Only one thing left to try, then. On the back of the tracer there’s a polarity switch. Turn it and it’ll bring the Hunters to you.

Goliath finds the tiny switch.

CUT TO:

INT. HUNTERSHIP – BRIDGE

Robyn is trying to decode Dominique’s disk.

106. JASON

Have you decoded the disk?

107. ROBYN

Not yet. It’s triple-encrypted.

A red light pulses. Robyn studies a readout.

108. ROBYN

Tracer’s back on line – the gargoyles are right on top of us!

BACK ON TOP OF DAM

Goliath reacts as the Huntership RISES imposingly out of the reservoir. The three Hunters come zooming out on sky-sleds.

GOLIATH launches himself off the dam as LASER BLASTS SCORCH the concrete.

Goliath swoops between high-tension lines. A LASERBLAST EXPLODES a transformer.

The HUNTERS Veer to avoid the SPARKING power-lines.

Goliath lands near a lightning arrestor. He SNAPS it of and hurls it like a javelin.

109. GOLIATH

<effort grunt>

The metal spear SKEWERS JON’S sled and nearly skewers Jon. The controls SPARK and EXPLODE. The sled spirals down.

110. JON

<surprised cry>

Jon comes IN for a BUMPY LANDING ON TOP OF the DAM, rolling away as his sled EXPLODES.

GOLIATH is grimly satisfied. A LASER BLAST STRIKES nearby and he takes off.

Jason uses LASERFIRE to drive Goliath toward Robyn’s sky-sled.

ROBYN’S INSTRUMENT PANEL tracks Goliath. She prepares to fire. Suddenly, Broadway SMASHES into Robyn’s sky-sled, knocking it away.

JON – Watches from below. Elisa ENTERS behind him, leveling her gun.

111. ELISA

I don’t suppose you can stop this?

Jon freezes, then turns toward her.

112. JON

I wish.

GOLIATH AND BROADWAY glide into formation.

113. GOLIATH

I ordered the clan to stay behind.

114. BROADWAY

The clan did stay behind. But Elisa needed a lift.

Goliath smiles, then the two gargoyles veer apart as laser fire from Jason’s sky-sled separates them. Goliath swoops up, then folds his wings and dives. He KNOCKS Jason off the sky-sled. They both tumble.

ON TOP OF THE DAM – Goliath and Jason HIT the concrete.

115. GOLIATH, JASON

<impact grunts>

They roll and Goliath winds up on top, with Jason’s head hanging over the edge of the spillway.

A few yards away, Elisa’s still got Jon covered. Broadway lands beside her. Robyn lands on the other side, she pulls a weapon and takes aim at Goliath.

GOLIATH – Raises a threatening fist to slam Jason…

116. GOLIATH

Stay back!

Jason uses the distraction to SLAP one of his taser "cans" onto Goliath’s chest. Electo-tentacles extract around Goliath and give him a terrible SHOCK that blows him off of Jason and onto his own back.

117. GOLIATH

<electro-pain>

Elisa runs past Jon to put herself between Jason and Goliath – just as Jason gets to his feet and pulls off his mask.

118. ELISA

Stop this, please! Both of you!

Jason pushes her back out of his way.

119. JASON

Not while they live!

Jason’s shove comes very close to sending her over the edge but she manages to regain her balance.

120. ELISA

<regaining her balance>

JASON pulls a short sword and leaps for the prone gargoyle.

121. JASON

<battle cry>

ELISA reacts, leaping forward.

122. ELISA

Goliath!

SLO-MOTION – As Jason comes in for the kill, Goliath back-SLAPS him away. Jason COLLIDES with Elisa. Both tumble back over the edge.

Robyn and Jon are stunned, Broadway’s already moving toward the ledge.

123. JON

Jason!!

124. BROADWAY

Elisa!!

GOLIATH moves quickly, lunging off the edge of the dam to intercept and save Elisa.

125. GOLIATH

(Horrified beyond belief) No --!!

Elisa and Jason fall away from us and down toward the arcing waterfall from the spillway.

Goliath and Broadway have both leapt off the dam and are plunging with folded wings to save them. We’ve seen this before. We know they’ll succeed.

Goliath gets within inches of Elisa, reaches out and almost has her. And then she falls into the arc of the waterfall, the force of the water PLUNGING her away from Goliath, where we lose sight of her amid the torrent of water and mist. She’s gone.

126. GOLIATH

ELISA!!!

Goliath plunges into the falls. At the bottom, there is only rushing water. Suddenly, Goliath emerges… alone.

127. GOLIATH

ELISA!!!

FADE OUT

END ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

INT. ELISA’S APARTMENT – PRE-DAWN

Goliath and Broadway fly IN. Broadway has tears in his eyes. Goliath looks numb. Everyone in the room is devastated. Angela cries in the corner. Lex takes off his headgear and approaches.

128. ANGELA

<quiet sobbing>

129. LEXINGTON

We heard everything… I… I…

Goliath says nothing. Hands the tracer to Lex.

130. LEXINGTON

I wish I’d never kept this thing.

GOLIATH’s beyond grief and rage now. A tear wells in his eyes.

131. GOLIATH

We still need it. Tommorow nght is the Hunter’s Moon. It will be the last moon they ever see. Elisa’s death will be avenged.

SUNRISE. The gargoyles PETRIFY. The tear rolls down GOLIATH’s stone cheek.

WIPE TO:

INT. HUNTERSHIP – BRIDGE

132. JON

(despondent) They killed him. Just like the demon killed our father.

133. ROBYN

(despondent) There was nothing you –

134. JON

(Furious) If I’d wiped them out in the tower Jason would still be alive! He was right about them. They’re all evil. And they will all pay!

135. ROBYN

(drained) I don’t know anymore. We lost father. We lost Jason. Jon, I don’t want to lose you too.

Before Jon can reply the console BEEPS. Robyn studies the board.

136. ROBYN

The computer’s decrypted the disk.

Demona’s face appears on the screen.

137. DEMONA

Operation Clean Slate. The culmination of five hundred years of preparation.

The screen shows an image of the MEDICI TABLET. Its inscription glows.

138. DEMONA (V.O. CONT’D)

On holy ground, on the night of the Hunter’s Moon I will cast the fulfillment spell inscribed upon the Medici Tablet.

The screen shows the containers of D/I-7 and CV-1000 symbolically merging and reforming into a molecular compound.

139. DEMONA (V.O. CONT’D)

This blend of science and sorcery will "disinfect" the planet of all intelligent life. Fulfilling my greatest desire: the complete destruction of the human race.

The screen shows the PRAYING GARGOYLE statuette resting upon the Medici tablet; both glow.

141. DEMONA (V.O. CONT’D)

The "Praying Gargoyle" will protect me, my daughter and my kind from the plague. And gargoyles will take their rightful place as the rulers of this world.

I will take my rightful place.

We see a condemned gothic cathedral, silent and deserted.

142. DEMONA (V.O. CONT’D)

Point Zero will be St. Damien’s Cathedral. Statistical specs follow.

Jon flips a switch, and the screen goes black. JON AND ROBYN stare at each other.

143. JON

Any more doubts?

WIPE TO:

EXT. UPSTATE NEW YORK – RIVER – DAY

The river flows calmly along its course. Suddenly, Jason breaks the surface, carrying the limp body of Elisa in his arms.

144. JASON

<gasps for breath, coughs>

He struggle to slog to shore.

145. JASON

(full of anguish) Just hold on, Elisa. Hold on.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. NEW YORK SKYLINE

Finally, it is the night of the Hunter’s Moon. The gargoyles (except Lex) glide across it. Broadway carries Bronx.

146. GOLIATH

You do not have to come with me.

147. HUDSON

This clan stands or falls together. And Elisa was one of the clan.

148. LEXINGTON (V.O.)

The signal’s getting stronger. Veer north.

Hudson and Goliath veer off, followed by the others. DOWN at street level, they are spotted against the moon by pedestrians.

149. MARGOT, BRENDAN, VINNIE

Look! The gargoyles! / Call the Police! / They’re attacking again!

A police helicopter patrols the city. The gargoyles are still barely visible in the distance.

150. PILOT (V.O.)

Task Force, this is Recon One. We have them. Repeat, we have the gargoyles.

151. MATT (V.O.)

Copy. Do not engage. Backup is on the way.

CUT TO:

EXT. ST. DAMIEN’S CATHEDRAL – NIGHT

The moon shines down upon the mid-town Cathedral. There is a fence around it with a sign that reads: "SCEDUALED FOR DEMOLITION". Demona swoops down over the fence, wearing a pack slung over one shoulder. The Huntership moves silently out from behind a cluster of skyscrapers.

ON THE BRIDGE

Jon spots Demona entering the Cathedral and forces the wheel down – hard!

152. JON

There she is!!

153. ROBYN

Jon! Stop! What are you doing?!

OUTSIDE THE CATHEDRAL

Demona SNAPS the padlock off the door and swings it open. She turns to see the giant Huntership heading right for her.

154. DEMONA

<gasp>

With Demona just ahead of it, the Huntership CRASHES into the Cathedral, bringing down walls, tearing through the interior of the structure. Demona leaps clear, as the ship GRINDS to a halt.

155. DEMONA

<lunge>

The gargoyles glide in and spot the downed ship.

156. LEXINGTON (V.O.)

You should be really close.

157. BROOKLYN

Uh, I’d say we found them.

158. LEXINGTON (V.O.)

Then I’m on my way!!

The gargoyles swoop down toward the wrecked cathedral.

INSIDE

Demona is sprawled across the floor, amid dust and debris, recovering. Her pack lies nearby.

159. DEMONA

<recovery moan>

Through the swirling dust, she sees a portal open in the nose of the downed Huntership. Two figures emerge from the portal, heavily back-lit. They are Hunter/Jon and Hunter/Robyn, now wearing BATTLE-ARMOR.

JON – looms over Demona and extends a cannon from his armor.

160. JON

(menacing) Your evil scheming ends tonight, demon.

Just as he is about to fire, Broadway SLAMS into him and the shot goes wild. Behind him, Bronx SLAMS into Robyn.

161. BROADWAY, JON

<impacts>

162. BRONX, ROBYN

<impacts>

Jon’s shot missed DEMONA, but left a small crater at her feet. She grabs her pack and retreats into the shadows.

163. BROADWAY, BRONX (O.S.)

<battle roars>

Brooklyn enters shot, spots Demona fleeing, and follows.

Jon SLAMS Broadway back with a hay-maker. Robyn manages to throw Bronx off of her.

164. BROADWAY

<impact>

165. BRONX

<growls and toss>

166. JON

I’ll handle these monsters! You stop the demon!

Robyn turns to pursue Demona, only to find Angela in her path.

167. ROBYN

Out of my way, demon-spawn!

168. ANGELA

We’re not demons. And we’re not monsters. We’re gargoyles. And we’re going to teach you to respect the name.

Jon and Robyn are surrounded by Goliath, Hudson, Angela, Broadway and Bronx.

MEANWHILE:

OUTSIDE THE PARTIALLY WRECKED CATHEDRAL

Police have set up blockades to keep the growing CROWD at a distance. A few police ‘copters wash the cathedral towers with searchlights. Squad cars, SWAT vans, and a few TV vans are present.

169. VINNIE, MARGOT, BRENDAN

Gargoyles! / They’ve destroyed another building! / Can’t they stop this!

170. TRAVIS

This is Travis Marshall reporting live from St. Damien’s Cathedral, where the N.Y.P.D.’s Gargoyle Task Force has the condemned building cordoned off. Even now we can hear the sounds of some kind of battle taking place within.

LEXINGTON flies over the crowd and the barricade and into the cathedral through a shattered window. He’s spotted by Margot.

171. MARGOT

Look! There’s one!

The police fight to keep the surging crowd back behind the barricades.

172. BRENDAN, MARGOT, VINNIE

Stop it! / It’s hideous! / Why aren’t the cops doing anything?!!

173. MORGAN, MATT

Stay back! For your own safety, please! / The situation is under control!

Officer Morgan turns to Matt.

174. MORGAN

It’s your call, Matt. But if we don’t do something soon we’re gonna have a riot on our hands.

175. MATT

I know. I know.

Matt and Morgan both turn at the sound of a SIREN.

An AMBULANCE pulls up to the scene. The doors open from inside. Matt reacts in surprise.

CUT TO:

INT. CATHEDRAL

Hudson rushes Jon with his sword.

176. HUDSON

<battle roar>

SPARKS fly as metal strikes metal, but the armor holds, and Jon backslaps Hudson away.

177. HUDSON

<impact>

Hudson SMASHES into the CATHEDRAL ORGAN.

JON turns to find Goliath, eyes burning white, right in his face. They grapple.

178. JON

(struggling) You’re the one I want. You took my brother from me.

179. GOLIATH

You’ll join him soon enough.

Broadway and Bronx are all over ROBYN. Her suit begins to glow red and SUPER-HEAT, forcing Broadway and Bronx to let go.

180. BROADWAY, BRONX

<burn pain>

181. ROBYN

What’s the matter? Things getting a little hot for you?

Suddenly, Robyn is SLAMMED back by a broken column.

182. ROBYN

<impact>

Angela, eyes burning red, is standing a short distance from the fallen Hunter, holding a column like it was a giant baseball bat.

183. ANGELA

Not a good night to be a bad guy.

ROBYN pulls out an explosive boomerang and a taser-can. Throws the boomerang at Angela.

At the last second, Lexington soars down and redirects the boomerang back at Robyn. The boomerang EXPLODES against her, hurling her back.

184. ROBYN

<impact>

A second later, Angela is on top of Robyn, forcing the arm holding the taser-can against the Hunter’s own armor.

185. ANGELA

<snarls>

The can activates, releasing electro-tentacles, which wrap around Robyn’s chest and give her a massive jolt.

186. ROBYN

<electro-pain>

Lex lands next to Angela who stands over Robyn, who’s down for a good chunk of the count.

187. ANGELA

Learn some new tricks.

CUT TO:

INT. APSE

Demona has set up shop. Her pack is open on the altar. The statuette is perched atop the tablet. The vial of CV-1000 sits next to them. She has a test tube of D/I-7 in one hand. She turns and looks up.

Through a Stained Glass Window, the Hunter’s Moon is coming into view. A shaft of moonlight moves toward the altar. Demona watches eagerly.

188. DEMONA

A matter of moments – and the world is ours.

189. BROOKLYN (O.S.)

Sorry… Last minute change in plans...

CUT TO:

INT. NAVE

Jon and Goliath battle toe-to-toe, trading and taking MASSIVE PUNCHES.

190. GOLIATH, JON

<impacts and efforts>

Goliath ducks one of Jon’s punches, then DIGS the talons of one hand into the Hunter’s metal chest-plate. With his other hand braced against the Hunter’s shoulder, Goliath RIPS the chest-plate free of the rest of the armor. The plate goes flying.

191. GOLIATH

<roar>

Jon struggles, but Goliath still has a firm grip on his shoulder. Goliath’s eyes burn white. His other hand is poised to gut Jon’s exposed torso.

192. JON

<struggles>

193. ELISA (O.S.)

Goliath, stop!

Goliath hesitates. His eyes return to normal. He looks toward… Elisa, climbing through the rubble. Jason, unmasked, is behind her. Both are worse for wear, but alive.

Goliath unceremoniously drops Jon and rushes to Elisa. Angela, Bronx, Broadway, Hudson, Lex and Robyn watch stunned.

194. GOLIATH

Elisa?! You’re alive!! How –

ELISA AND GOLIATH embrace.

195. ELISA

Jason – the Hunter – saved my life.

Jon pulls his helmet off and moves to his brother.

196. JON

Jason, thank heaven!! Now help me! We can still destroy these monsters!

197. JASON

No. It’s over.

GOLIATH AND ELISA Listen. Goliath looks like he’s woken from a long sleep.

198. JASON (CONT’D)

We’ve all suffered from my stubbornness, but I’ve finally come to my senses. You were right, Jon, these gargoyles are not our enemies.

Jon glares at Goliath. Raises his wrist cannon.

199. JON

No, I was wrong! They killed Dad. They nearly killed you!

Goliath prepares to defend himself, but Elisa steps between them.

200. ELISA No!

Jason grabs Jon’s arm.

201. JASON

(intently) We’ve got to stop, Jon. Before it’s too late.

Their eyes lock. Jon starts to lower his arm. Then suddenly he remembers Demona’s plan and raises it again.

202. JON

No! The demon! She’s going to destroy us all!!

Before any of them can respond an off-screen LASER BLAST distracts them.

203. BROOKLYN (OS)

<cry of pain>

Goliath advances a step.

204. GOLIATH

Brooklyn!

Jon perceives it as a threat and fires.

205. JON

Jason! Look out!

JASON dives between his brother and Goliath. Taking the shot in his gut.

206. JASON

NO!! <into scream of pain>

The force of the blast hurls Jason back against Goliath. Goliath supports him in his arms. But Jason’s sinking fast.

207. JASON

(fading) It has to stop. . .

Robyn runs past Jon whipping off her helmet.

208. JON

(Beyond horrified) What have I done. . .

Robyn and Elisa take Jason’s limp body from Goliath.

209. ELISA

(torn apart) We’ve got him. Stop, Demona.

Goliath backs off. Then runs off-screen.

210. ROBYN

Jon, help me. We can still save him. I know we can…

JON’s expression changes from horror to fanatical denial.

211. JON

What have I… What have they done!

Jets fire up in his boots and he begins to rise off the ground.

212. ROBYN (O.S.)

Jon! Wait!

213. JON

I will have my revenge! The Hunt is NOT over!

He rockets out through a stained glass window. Leaving Elisa and Robyn alone with a dying Jason.

CUT TO:

INT. APSE

In one hand, Demona has a laser pistol trained on an injured Brooklyn. With her free hand, she pours the D/I-7 into a vial of CV-1000. She tosses away the empty test tube and picks up the vial. The tablet and the Praying Gargoyle glow.

214. DEMONA

You’ll thank me for this later.

215. BROOKLYN

Don’t hold your breath.

The other gargoyles charge IN.

216. GOLIATH Demona! What sorcery is this?!

217. BROOKLYN

She’s already cast a spell. My Latin’s rusty, but it can’t be good news.

The moonlight encompasses the altar. Demona lifts the vial.

218. DEMONA

<laughs> Oh, but it is. All I have to do is shatter this vial and all humanity will be destroyed! Only our kind will survive, thanks to the power of the Praying Gargoyle!

Goliath leaps forward. Demona thinks he’s going after her and draws back. But Goliath grabs the statuette instead.

Goliath wheels and hurls the statuette. It SHATTERS against a wall. Goliath steps back. Angela steps up to join him.

219. GOLIATH

Now spread your evil, if you dare. We can all die together. You and I, the whole clan… and our daughter.

220. DEMONA

<scream of rage>

She throws the vial into the air.

221. DEMONA

Catch!

222. GOLIATH

No!

The vial falls toward the stone floor. Goliath dives into shot and catches it, just before it hits. Demona escapes through a broken window. Goliath pursues.

223. ROBYN

I don’t understand.

Elisa and Robyn are there. Robyn’s carrying Jason’s limp body.

224. ROBYN (CONT’D)

He risked his life to save us all.

225. ELISA

That’s what he does. That’s who he is.

(to gargoyles)

You guys better get out of here. Matt won’t be able to stall them outside forever.

The gargoyles exit.

CUT TO:

BELL TOWER – NIGHT

Demona weaves between the huge bells. Goliath follows.

Demona KICKS one of the bells, shoving it back against Goliath.

226. GOLIATH

<impact grunt>

He’s KNOCKED back against another bell. Goliath rises to one knee, but Demona’s already gliding off in the distance.

OUTSIDE THE CATHEDRAL

The crowd spots Demona gliding away against the moon.

227. BRENDAN, MARGOT, VINNIE

(turning ugly) Look! / One’s getting away! / If the cops aren’t going to do anything, we will!

Morgan turns to Matt.

228. MORGAN

It’s now or never, Detective.

229. MATT

(no choice) All right, signal the choppers. We’re going in. But I want them alive.

CUT TO:

EXT. CATHEDRAL ROOF

The other gargoyles join Goliath

230. BROADWAY

Elisa says we have to go! Now!

As they prepare to leap, they’re spotlighted by a police chopper overhead.

231. PILOT (V.O.)

Stop where you are!

Another helicopter rises dramatically behind them.

232. LEXINGTON

We’re surrounded!

The second chopper turns to reveal that it’s a Xanatos corporate helicopter, piloted by Fox. Xanatos slides the side cabin door open.

233. XANATOS

Could I interest you in a ride?

THE GARGOYLES are Astonished. RIFLE FIRE STITCHES the roof behind them.

234. GOLIATH

It appears we have no choice.

The gargoyles pile in and Xanatos’ craft rises off toward the Eyrie Building.

235. MATT

Hold your fire!! That’s an order.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR – NIGHT

An exhausted Elisa sits on a bench opposite a guarded hospital room. Robyn, handcuffed and under police guard exits the room and approaches Elisa. Elisa raises her head. Robyn doesn’t look happy.

CUT TO:

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM

Elisa enters. Jason is hooked up to multiple tubes and machines. He is weak. But he is conscious.

236. ELISA

Hi.

237. JASON

Hi. Did they tell you?

Elisa approaches the bed. She takes Jason’s hand.

238. ELISA

Severed spine. Paralyzed from the waist down. I’m sorry.

239. JASON

I’m not too thrilled myself. But it’s not my body that needs the most healing.

ELISA gently squeezes his hand.

240. ELISA

I’d like to help you, if you’ll let me. But I have to be honest. There’s someone else who will always come first.

241. JASON

I understand. (beat) Have they found Jon?

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. MANHATTAN SKYLINE – PRE-DAWN

Pan the quiet pre-dawn city, ending on the Eyrie Building.

242. ELISA (V.O.)

No. He and Demona are still out there – hunting each other.

243. JASON

And your… friends?

244. ELISA

They’re safe. I hope.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. EYRIE BUILDING CASTLE – TOWER STAIRS

Elisa is walking up to the stairs with Xanatos.

245. XANATOS

Of course, they’re safe, Detective. Goliath just saved the world. More important, he saved my son. The least I can do is reinstate his clan to their ancestral home.

ELISA stops him.

246. ELISA

(intense and serious) What’s the catch, Xanatos?

247. XANATOS

(sincere) No catches. No tricks. No strings. The feud is over Detective. He’s waiting for you.

CUT TO:

EXT. TOWER – PRE-DAWN

Goliath’s stands at his old roost. Below him Hudson, Bronx, Angela and the trio prepare for the coming day.

248. BRONX

<happy barks>

249. HUDSON

All right boy, enough! We’re all glad to be back.

250. LEXINGTON

It feels weird. Cool, but weird.

251. ANGELA

I was just getting used to the Clock Tower.

252. BROADWAY

Ah, you’ll love it here. They’ve got an incredible kitchen… And an even better library.

BROOKLYN’s injured shoulder is bandaged again.

253. BROOKLYN

And so it begins: "Gargoyles, Chapter Two". Or is it "Three"? I’ve lost count.

Above, Elisa joins Goliath. They stand there quietly. Then…

254. GOLIATH

So things have come full circle.

255. ELISA

Somehow, they always do.

She leans toward him.

256. ELISA

You know how I feel about you, right?

He gently pushes a strand of her hair away from her eyes.

257. GOLIATH

How we both feel. Yes.

She kisses him. He’s caught off guard. Then smiles warmly.

258. ELISA

<kiss> Good.

The sun rises and he TURNS TO STONE with that smile frozen on his face. HOLD ON them: flesh and stone, human and gargoyle…

259. ELISA

Welcome home, Goliath.

PULL BACK for a last glorious panorama of morning in Manhattan. Protected as it is by out stone sentinels.

260. ELISA

Welcome home.

FADE OUT

THE END