INT. THE EMPEROR’S WAITING ROOM - NIGHT

The Shark, along with his entourage of Cyber and Crank, comes off the elevator. They are immediately approached by one of the Emperor’s HANDMAIDENS.

The waiting area has various half naked people dressed in old roman fashion, transparent clothing/robes. They are in a drug induced euphoria, staring at walls, caressing each other; a couple of them bleed themselves.

There are three Handmaids posted on each side of the ornate doors leading to the throne room, six in total. Three are decorated with gold armbands to denote their seniority.

The one that steps forward is one of these, all of them in transparent, thin, white outfits. The room is full of divans with two, empty places on either side of the elevator.

HANDMAIDEN 1

Please make yourselves comfortable until the Emperor is ready to entertain you.

Crank smiles.

CRANK

You can entertain me anytime, doll face.

He inhales his Thrash.

CRANK

Crank got some meat for ya right here.

The Handmaiden doesn't respond physically.

HANDMAIDEN 1

We are the Emperor’s. Only he may gift us to others.

Handmaiden 2 by the door, speaks.

HANDMAIDEN 2

He is not known for sharing.

Shark laughs.

CYBER

Good luck with that, Crank. Ain’t no one want to touch your meat.

SHARK

Poor, poor Crank. Whereever you turn, the answer is no.

Crank grunts.

CRANK

That ain’t true, I’m a popular guy down at the Spider's Den. They love me in that joint. I give them the hammer.

CYBER

When ya pay for it, it doesn’t count, perv.

CRANK

Hey, they give me a discount, so it does mark me as a beast in the sheets. Yeah, baby.

SHARK

You’re a fucking moron, now shut it. We in the big boss’s house and I dig my head staying on my neck.

From behind them steps The Spider, Lilith and Delilah, preceded by Thorn and Thistle.

THE SPIDER

That makes one of us, my colleague. I certainly wouldn’t mind your head being removed from it’s center piece.

The Shark growls.

SHARK

If it ain’t the whore and her sluts.

Thorn and Thistle step forward, hands going for missing weapons, already taken before entering.

THISTLE

Watch your mouth, degenerate.

THORN

Thistle and I would be happy to end you.

Crank steps forward, eyeing both of them.

CRANK

You want me to squash these two prisses, Boss. They’d be fun to play with.

Inhale Of thrash.

Lilith strolls up to Crank and grabs his cheeks and gives him a kiss..

LILITH

You know, Crank, if ya didn’t have that python in between your legs, you would have no worth what so ever. Good thing for you I like the way you fuck me with it, so I’ll keep the girls from putting ya in the ground.

Crank smiles and grabs Lilith’s ass.

CRANK

Ya know just what I like to hear, Lily. And you right as rain, damn I like plowing your field.

Delilah smiles. Handmaiden 1 steps forward and addresses The Spider.

HANDMAIDEN 1

Please make yourselves comfortable, Mistress, until the Emperor calls for you.

HANDMAIDEN 2

And there shall be no violence within these halls by decree of the Emperor. Except, by his command.

HANDMAIDEN 3

His rule is absolute and all bend knee to his whim.

THE SPIDER

Of course, ladies. I have nothing but deep respect for The Emperor. Thorn, Thistle, back ladies. And Lilith, your constant state of arousal, though a useful tool, should be restrained. The Emperor is jealous of what he desires. Only the Empress and her hungers are immune to it’s dangers.

Lilith laughs and blows a kiss to Crank.

DELILAH

Ah Lily, you are precious. It’s why I love you.

CRANK

Spoil sport. She was just starting to get me ready to hammer her sweet petunias, and I would’ve let you all watch. I’m a giver like that.

Lilith laughs and does a kiss kiss to air.

SHARK

How, in this cesspit, did I get saddled with such a fucking mentally-challenged retard?

Crank smiles. Everyone quiets as a man, MR. CORTICAN, enters from the throne room. He is in an immaculate SUIT followed by a woman, MALEVOLANCE, in a spiked hooded leather OUTFIT.

MR. CORTICAN

Welcome, everyone. Though not for the happiest of news, I surmise, still these periodic pow wows are always uplifting to morale, wouldn’t you say?

SHARK

Sure, sure, though don’t know how uplifting it’s been for me and mine in the past, but, it’s the call that needed the dial to it’s tone.

The Spider bows.

THE SPIDER

I apologize you were forced to leave your accommodations at Loki Corp., Mr. Cortican, but as our colleague said, the web weaved the need for it’s truth.

The Shark grunts.

SHARK

Sure I did.

MR. CORTICAN

I am positive everyone will be on their best behavior while in the presence of The Emperor, his volatility is well known by all. I’d hate to have Malevolance end you.

The Leather bound, spiked woman has a smile under her half mask. Her hand rests on a spiked, razored whip at her waist.

MALEVOLANCE

I don’t know, lover, I Might enjoy the exercise. And you know how blood gets me in the mood.

Mr. Cortican smiles as if appeasing a young child.

MR. CORTICAN

Be that as it may, my pet, it would be tedious work having to find their replacements.

SHARK

We all know the rules, Demon. Let’s get on with it and quit with the posturing. We get it, you and your pet are bad asses.

Demon nods.

MR. CORTICAN

I see nothing has changed in your demeanor, see it doesn’t leave you without a head. If you remember, it was only my intervention that prevented that from transpiring in your last visit.

Shark garners a brief look of fear.

SHARK

Point taken.

MR. CORTICAN

Follow the handmaidens in as I have work to do. Please do not pull me from it with bad choices.

The Spider bows, as do her people.

THE SPIDER

Always a pleasure, Mr. Cortican

The Handmaidens form a triangle and lead them.

HANDMAIDEN 1

Please follow us into the Glory of the Emperor.

HANDMAIDEN 2

His presence is the enlightenment of a new age.

HANDMAIDEN 3

All wisdom begins and ends within his spirit.

The Spider motions to Shark to go first.

THE SPIDER

After you.

The Shark sighs as Cyber and Crank follow him in.

SHARK

I already feel a headache coming on.

INT. EMPEROR’S THRONE ROOM - NIGHT

The group of killers follows the handmaidens into the throne room. Much of the image is what was in the other room - more people having sex, smoking opium, cutting themselves.

Also along the wall are many soldiers with long blades strapped to their backs. A large, extremely fat man, THE EMPEROR, dressed in an old roman toga, sits upon a wide birth of two thrones on a raised dias. He shoves his face with food looking over all he surveys. The throne next to him empty.

The Empress, HELENA, is at the wall to the side, torturing a man chained to it. She carves him up in pieces with a bloody DAGGER.

A beautiful, young woman, barely clothed as well, EVE, stands next to the Emperor. The three Handmaidens kneel in front of the throne, still in triangle position. The others follow suit.

HANDMAIDEN 1

Bask in the glory of The Emperor and Empress. They are fate.

HANDMAIDEN 2

They are history and future interwoven

HANDMAIDEN 3

They are our salvation and doom, truth in a world of chaos.

The Three Hand Maidens, with a smile and nod from the Emperor, stand up and move to the side of the thrones. They stand with their heads bowed. The rest stand up. Holding a turkey leg, The Emperor claps his hands spreading grease everywhere.

The Emperor

Ah, my maleficent children, so good to see you all. It’s been too long, much too long, wouldn’t you say, my sweet?

The Empress looks on, bored. She stops carving a piece of skin from the struggling man.

HELENA

As you say, my lord. It is your world we step upon.

The Emperor takes a huge bite of the turkey leg.

THE EMPEROR

Just so. Do you all enjoy my beautiful Helena’s work? That man had the audacity to forget to bow when he came here looking for a favor. He thought being Mayor of this city gave him special consideration. He is learning differently, I believe. She took his tongue first. Who wants to listen to the caterwauling of the tortured?

Helena smiles then SHOVES the blade thru the man’s eye.

HELENA

I apologize, my lord. I was getting bored. But for a moment there, I was feeling the most exquisite pleasure.

She moves back to her throne, throwing one leg over its side.

THE EMPEROR

No matter, beloved, though I guess we should have another election. The city does need a mayor.

He motions to his daughter.

THE EMPEROR

And of course you all know my daughter, the tempestuous Eve. The apple of my eye, or at the very least a pear... or a plum.

Eve steps forward, her hand slid into Crank’s crotch. A smile on her lips, she moves to Delilah, cups her breast and gives her a kiss.

EVE

Delightful Father, I see such fun I could have.

The Spider steps forward.

THE SPIDER

My Emperor...

He cuts her off.

THE EMPEROR

Beautiful Lady Spider, no need to speak as of yet. I know why you, and Melvin over there, are here.

Shark growls.

SHARK

Uh, I don’t go by that name anymore, boss man.

THE EMPEROR

Ah yes, you and your moniker. What is it? Guppy, Tuna?

HELENA

Guppy, I believe.

Shark growls more and holds his head as if the headache is coming on hard. He points to his teeth.

SHARK

Shark, I go by Shark nowadays.

Emperor smiles as if dealing with a small child.

THE EMPEROR

Ah yes, Shark. I’m sure it terrifies the plebes on the streets. But no, I think I like Melvin better. Very fitting of your personality.

Crank laughs.

CRANK

Didn’t know your name was Melvin.

Shark elbows Crank.

SHARK

Say another word and I’ll rip your fucking throat out.

THE EMPEROR

But enough of the amusement. I hear your subordinates are finding early graves.

Shocked looks from Spider and Shark.

THE EMPEROR

You didn’t think anything would transpire in my city without I hearing about it, did you? Though it was good of you come to me, I would’ve been disconcerted if you had attempted to hide this information.

THE SPIDER

Yes, my Grace, and we can’t seem to discern who it is that is committing these atrocities.

THE EMPEROR

Well, we can not have people dying under our employ unless it is us doing the killing, eh? Without justice being brought to the culprit or culprits as the case may be, we would be nothing, less than nothing, can’t happen. Mr. Cortican shall find and meet out justice. In the meantime, I would see to your own houses, as one or the other is most likely the next target.

THE SPIDER

Thank you, my Grace. I already feel safer by your attention.

SHARK

Yea, thanks boss man.

The Emperor smiles.

THE EMPEROR

Now, onto more jovial enterprises. What gifts did you bring to me for this audience and the taking up of my time?

The Spider motions for Delilah and Lilith to step forward.

LILITH

Yippee, Helena, we get to have fun. I’ve so missed that tongue of yours.

HELENA

My dear Lily, always delightful to have you to play with.

Lilith immediately jumps upon Helena kissing her.

Eve steps forward and grabs Delilah.

EVE

This one is mine, father.

Eve glares at Helena as if challenging her. The Emperor looks to Helena, she nods.

THE EMPEROR

Of course dear, of course.

THE SPIDER

They are yours, my Grace, for the next few days to enjoy as you will.

THE EMPEROR

Always you please me, Lady Spider. We shall return your property no worse the wear. You do hear that, daughter?

Eve is grabbing Delilah’s head,Eve’s knife in her hand. Delilah grimaces in displeasure.

EVE

You would deny me my enjoyment?

THE EMPEROR

Temperance, my daughter, temperance.

Eve pulls the blade back and nods. She then pulls Delilah’s hand, ushering her through the door.

THE EMPEROR

And you, Melvin? What did you bring?

Shark looks nervous.

SHARK

Uh, sorry, boss man. Didn’t think to bring anything. I’m sure Crank can stay and lay some wood into your daughter.

THE EMPEROR

I’m going to ignore your reference to my daughter being plowed by anyone, much less your degenerate fodder. But, luckily for you, Mr. Cortican has already requested the services of your woman. He mentioned he could utilize her computer skills to find the villain of this piece.

Cyber looks scared. Two guards step up and grab her by the arms. Shark says nothing.

The EMPEROR

Good, Melvin. It seems as if you can learn after all. You are all dismissed.

Spider, Thorn, Thistle, Shark and Crank all bow and exit. We see a close up of the throne, The Emperor gnawing on his turkey leg and the Empress with Lilith, roaming her flesh.

FREEZE FRAME.

The image blows up to cover the whole screen, then it wipes with blood to black screen as the following words spell out one by one in blood:

“The road to perdition starts with a smile.”

Overlayed over the map a shot of Susan Theus delivering the news.

SUSAN THEUS

I am here with a news update. Two prominent citizens of the City of Blood have been found murdered. Both a police officer of our fair City and a preacher known for his great philanthropy to the downtrodden. Any information on the beast that would commit such henious crimes will be well rewarded. Please contact the Loki Corporation with any info you have. Now back to our programming of upcoming marriages in the world of the elite and who is seeing who in the romantic realms of the powerful. As always, bringing you what you love, courtesy of the Loki Corporation.

The black screen cuts to a close up of --

INT. THOMAS'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Lucy smiling. She is now in a tight new outfit.

Lucy looks at Thomas putting on his body armor and sheathing his dagger. On the bed is his hooded trench coat. He looks up to find her smiling at him. He looks at her in her new dress and how little it covers.

LUCY

Ahh you like my new dress? It’s, it’s the nicest dress I’ve ever owned. Still think I should lick the lollipop or something? Offer still stands. I think I actually might like doing it.

Thomas again reddens.

THOMAS

You’re welcome, and, uh, no thanks. The whole lollipop thing, you, well, were saying. Appreciate though your generosity. And, um, you look great, not a lot to the dress.

She poses and laughs, her hands running down her frame. She steps closer.

LUCY

You don’t like my curves? You find them distracting?

Smile, moves closer.

Thomas backs toward the bed edge.

THOMAS

Uh, distract, distracting? Good word.

Lucy touches the handle of the blade on his waist sheath.

LUCY

You think this little pointy thing is gonna be enough to go after your big bad killers?

Thomas looks at her hand on his blade. He grabs her by the hips. She leans into him misunderstanding his motives as he slides her to the side to get to the bed where his trench coat is.

THOMAS

A warrior of the Goddess relies on shadows, fast aggression. If I required more, then I would already have lost the battle.

He moves his trench coat.

THOMAS

Though Mistress Idris did convince me to take her gift.

He smiles and moves the coat to show a bandolier of throwing knives.

THOMAS

By the way, have you seen her?

Lucy looks frustrated. She moves towards him.

LUCY

She left earlier. Said something about looking for what was needed. Hard to understand either one of yas sometimes with the high end chatty chat.

He slides a bit away. She growls.

LUCY

Enough!

She moves into him and slams him against the wall.

LUCY

Look, I still don’t know if I believe in this whole white knight thing.

He tries to move, but she presses him into the wall with her hand on his chest. She looks deep into his eyes and smiles.

LUCY

I certainly don’t believe in love. This fucking city is too desperate and too fucking bloody for that. But I’d like to believe in something, anything. I’d like to once in my life, know there was actually a good man walking these shit hole streets. I’d like to know what it is to fuck someone without it being paid for. I got big dreams, big wants, and fuck you and the broken down horse you rode in on if your not gonna give it to me, in more ways then one. At least for tonight, that’s my lollipop.

She grabs his crotch. He just nods.

LUCY

Ya know the best thing about this dress?

He shakes his head, scared. She flicks one strap and the dress falls to the floor. She wears nothing underneath.

LUCY

It comes off real damn easy.

She moves into him.

INT. THOMAS'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Thomas comes in, fully geared. Lucy is behind him pulling her dress back on. Idris leans against the wall, also fully geared. Standing next to her is VETTA, looking much like a younger version of herself, similarly equipped with weapons.

Tobias grins when he sees them come out of bedroom. Idris looks at both and nods in approval.

IDRIS

Good.

Thomas ignores her comment and Tobias’ large grin.

Thomas motions towards the other woman.

THOMAS

I take it this is who or what was needed?

Idris lets the situation move on.

IDRIS

This is my younger sister, Vetta.

Thomas looks at her questioningly.

THOMAS

I didn’t know you had a sister. Blessed to meet you. May your truth be your light.

Vetta smiles.

VETTA

You did not lie Idi. It was unfortunate he was raised by who he was raised by, but the Goddess often works within the Crone’s face to forge that which is needed.

LUCY

I think there was a compliment somewhere in all that garble, handsome. Take them when they come, I say.

She eyes both women and their weapons.

LUCY

Just to let you know, ladies, I’ve staked my claim on this man, even if he doesn’t know it yet. His candy is my candy to lick. Weapons or not I’ll gut any woman who tries to take what is mine.

Tobias laughs.

TOBIAS

Go, sister.

Idris smiles, Vetta puts her hands on her weapons. Idris waves a hand at her.

IDRIS

I think whether he accepts this truth, it is a good truth, one whose hand of the Goddess I see.

Lucy looks taken aback.

LUCY

You don’t care that I’m a whore?

IDRIS

The true Goddess does not judge one on their circumstance, but on their spirit.

THOMAS

Ladies, I’m right here.

LUCY

Quiet, you. You have no say in this. Everyone knows it is the woman who chooses.

Idris nods and smiles.

IDRIS

Quite.

TOBIAS

Ain’t that the truth.

Lucy nods, making up her mind.

LUCY

I might have to look into this Goddess, she sounds like my kinda gal.

IDRIS

She will be here when she is needed, as always is her lot.

TOBIAS

Hey, hate to break the woman talk, but you all geared up my man, you gonna go take out that shit stain Shark. He done my Momma, his drugs took all I ever cared about. I want to go with, Idris been teaching me, says I got real talent

He Ninjas out a small blade.

ToBIAS

See that? See that? Got skills...

Thomas smiles.

THOMAS

I see, but this is my atonement and I want you, no, need you, to be more then I ever was or have been. I need you to be better, find a more honest path. One not full of blood and death.

LUCY

Stop that. I’ve decided you’re my man, and we have big dreams, so no doom speak. Get your ass out there, shit done, and you and I together can help Tobias find something, kick booty, as he would say.

She winks at Tobias.

Idris looks sad.

IDRIS

If it were but that simple. You are agitating large spirits within the corruption of this city and as with most such endeavors, corruption will not give up it’s power without blood. Hence why I drew my sister to me. I have faith in your steps, my child, but there will be recompense for your actions. I and Vetta will do our best to circumvent this action.

Thomas nods.

THOMAS

I have faith in you as I do upon my steps. The city must be purged of it’s wheel of torture. Good spirits must be shown that these choices have true value in the world.

TOBIAS

I still think ya should take me, I’d watch your back. I’d gut those mo fos.

Thomas kneels to Tobias.

THOMAS

I know you would, but I need you to protect Lucy, and show any spirit who violates this domain that his blood is the price.

Tobias looks at his small blade.

TOBIAS

I got ya, my slick. Though we seriously need to work on your vocab.

Thomas stands. Lucy walks to him and grabs his crotch while staring at the other ladies.

LUCY

Don’t be going and dying on me. I still got uses for that lollipop of yours.

Thomas looks at her, his hand going to her face.

THOMAS

I enjoyed, um, our interaction as well. But as I said to Tobias, look to more, look to dream large and beautiful. Seven was the due I gave, two is the runes I have carved. This path has an ending.

He nods at Idris and Vetta. Tobias and Lucy look confused by his words.

THOMAS

Protect and cherish.

Vetta smirks.

VETTA

Their limbs will be the cost of voice in this house.

IDRIS

As my sister speaks just so it is.

She nods towards Thomas.

IDRIS

If we could speak?

Thomas nods and they enter into bedroom.

INT. THOMAS'S BEDROOM -- NIGHT

Idris moves to stand in front of Thomas.

IDRIS

Something important you must know, you must breathe in as truth.

Thomas looks at her with a question.

THOMAS

As you say Mistress. I will listen.

Idris looks at him and puts her hand on his arm.

IDRIS

It is a weapon I Believe you will need. (She turns her back) All the blood and sacrifice your mother showed you, did to you, as a child. It did have meaning. There is actual power in it, if You believe. The Goddess does give gifts for faith. You have been taught the path of Blood, and a few gifts from Shadow, the power of the Moon was never given, but alas, your mother did not feel you deserved the deeper mysteries.

Thomas looks at her.

THOMAS

What are you talking about?

Idris turns back towards him as she cuts her hand, her eyes are a solid blood red.

IDRIS

There is power in blood if done in faith.

FREEZE FRAME: A close up of Thomas.

GFX: the image pulls out to the map zeroed in on Thomas's house. It then pulls further out to the full map zeroing in on Gold Town.

We see “Loki Corp.” flashing over the map before changing to -