CONTINUED
LAYTON
At present, no other information is
available. That's all we have for you, except that a
certain number of you will be able to interview the
defendant before the trial. That's all. Thank you .
{LAYTON FOLDS UP HIS PAPERS AS HE LEAVES THE PODIUM AND EXISTS THE ROOM.]
[Fade to Black. A shrieking laugh is heard in the distance.]
END SCENE 2: ACT 2
ACT 3: SCENE 1
[Lights come up to a semi-empty room. There is a table and
two chairs. The surrounding walls are a combination of
concrete and lead pilings. Dracula sits in one chair facing the door a picture of water sits in on the table with
several glasses. The second chair will be filled shortly.]
{VOICE:
{Outside door as it swings open} Fifteen
minutes Mr. Sevrens. {Max walks
through the door.}
{MAX
Count Dracula, {Extends hand in
greeting} I'm Max Sevrens from the New York Times.
Please call me Max.
{DRACULA
Welcome. {Shakes Max's hand} Please
sit down. You know, you're the first
reporter I've met with since ...oh,let me see...1850,
1860. I can't seem to remember. A lovely and very
intelligent woman.
{MAX:
{Pulls out a mini-recorder} What was her name?
{DRACULA
Let's see...ah yes, it was Bly. Nellie Bly.
{MAX
{Wide Eyed} You KNEW Nellie Bly!?
{DRACULA
My dear Max. If you knew all of the so-
called famous people I've known
throughout history {Contemplative look} it
staggers the imagination.
{MAX
The readers of this story will want to know
more about you, considering most only
know about you through movies and
those stories written about you by Brams
Stoker. Just who have you known
throughout history?
{DRACULA
Alot of the lies and mis-truths will be
dispelled during the trial. MR. Stoker was
an overweight, arragent bastard who
.....well, I'd rather not get into right know.
Yes, the movies were quite entertaining,
but nonetheless wrong. If you'd like to
know, my favorite of the movies was the
one called "Lost Boys." Let's see... The
late science fiction writer Fred
Saberhagen was a close aquatance and
he wrote several stories based on my life
and adventures, including my meeting
with Sherlock Holmes. {Max looks
shocked.} Yes Max, there actually was a
Sherlock Holmes and his compatriot Dr.
John Watson. I knew Sigmond Freud,
Benjamin Franklin, Franklin D.
Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman. I also met
Pope John 26th, Elizabeth Barrett
Browning, and William Shakespeare.
{MAX
How old ARE you?
{DRACULA
Max, I am over 400 years old. I was born
twenty years before the War Of the
Roses. {FLASHBACK SEQUENCE} I
served against my fathers' militia. An act
which, in the end, would not go unpunished.
{{ V/O. WITH Scenes of furious fighting with
Vladimer fighting with the local villagers and farmers
against his father compatriots}
In fact, I lost my mortal life during that
tragic war. Many of my closest friends
were killed during that bloodshed. It was
at that time I found out the true nature of
my father, Vlad the Impaler and the evil
force he held over the people.
{{Scenes of people tortured and mad-dog pits}.
{{SCENE: EXT.-SUNSET- AT REBEL ENCAMPMENT. THE
SUN IS SETTING AND A CLEAR NIGHT IS COMING OVER THE
LAND. YOUNG VLADIMER DRACULA COMES RIDING INTO THE
CAMP. BEHIND HIM RIDE 50 LIGHT HORSE SOLDIERS. THE
MOOD IS SILENT, AS HE, THE LEADER AND THEIR HOPE
DISEMBARKS FROM HIS HORSE. THE OTHERS DISEMBARK AS
WELL, NOT UTTERING A SOUND. MATHIAS GREETS THEM WITH
CONFUSED SILENCE. SUDDENLY, VLADIMER UNSHEATHS
HIS SWORD AND RAISES IT ON HIGH.........}
{DRACULA
{SHOUTING} VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!
{{THE 50 SOLDIERS SUDDENLY BEGIN CHEERING AND
SHOUTING AS WELL. MATHIAS EMBRACES VLADIMER IN
HAPPINESS AND PATS VLADIMER ON HIS BACK FOR JOY!}
{MATHIAS
Well done, Vladimer, well done!! I knew it
was going to be a tough and bloody
battle...
{DRACULA
But these men {POINTS BEHIND HIM}
persevered and triumph over the
southern flank.
{MATHIAS
Excellent! {MORE SERIOUS} That means
all that's left is the northern bounderies
that lead to the castle.
{DRACULA
{{AS HE AND MATHIAS WALK INTO THE BATTLEMENTS
TENT AS THE MEN CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE}
We have driven my father and those
loyal to him far to the south to our winter
home here near the Ageian Sea. They
continue {LOOKING AT MAP ON THE
TABLE} to counter our every move. It is
as if.....
{MATHIAS
{POINTING AT MAP THEN MAKES A
FIST TO POUND ON THE TABLE} they
know our every step. By the beard of
your father, {LOWERS HIS VOICE} there
are spies within our ranks. Damn your
father and his henchmen. Who could it it
be?
{{THERE COMES A KNOCK AT THE STAKE HOLDING UP THE
TENT FLAPS.}
{GREGOR
{ENTERS CARRYING A TRAY WITH
TWO STEINS FILLED WITH DRINK} The
men are still celebrating outside, sirs.
Pietoir sent these in for you, although I
told them you were much to busy
planning the northern offensive.
{DRACULA
{SMILES, SHAKING HIS HEAD.} Let
them enjoy themselves, GREGOR. They
fought long and hard this day. It is good
for them to relax. {DRACULA TAKES
ONE OF THE STEINS, WHILE MATHIAS
TAKES THE OTHER.} To our friends here
and for those comrades who died and
didn't see this victory.
{MATHIAS
{TAKES THE OTHER STEIN & RAISES
IT IN A TOAST} To one and all! {BOTH
DRINK OF THE BEVERAGE.} Gregor, you
should join us.
{GREGOR
{SHAKES HIS HEAD SLIGHTLY} No.
Thank you, though. {WITH AN ALMOST EVIL
SMILE} I have had my fill already
this day. I will see that no one disturbs
you. {WITH THAT, HE LEAVES THE TENT.}
{DRACULA
{LOOKS BACK AT THE MAP.} Look at
this Mathias. My Uncle Leoniv leads my father's force, though not
completely by his choice. My cousin Nicholas believes
he is held in some sort of entrallment. It is thought he wouldn't
willingly kill. It is far too perplexing a puzzle. Who or what could
entrall my uncle so. I know he has no love any longer for my father,
his brother.
{MATHIAS
{SITS SLOWLY IN HIS CHAIR}
It is {YAWNS} my understanding that the estimated count at the
north{YAWN}ern , pardon me, is only three hundred. And
most of them are bowmen.
{DRACULA
Question; what is our {YAWN} powder level?{YAWN SETS STEIN
DOWN}
{MATHIAS
{YAWN-RESTS HEAD ON HAND/FIST}
Almost 600 kegs of powder. {look at each other and smile} Oh,
hoo..... Not a bad idea! {SETS DOWN HIS STEIN}
{DRACULA
AlI we have to{YAWN} do is spIit the artillery into two groups. There
is a thought. What if Nicholas was to create a speciaI
shell that, {YAWN AND SITS IN CHAIR OPPOSITE OF MATHIAS}
when it lands, it doesn't explode, but it gives off an {YAWN-EYES
ARE GETTING HEAVY} noxious stench.
{MATHIAS
GIGGILING} Kind of like Illyanna {TRYING TO CONTROL SOME
UNCONTROLABLE LAUGHTER. DRACULA JUST STARES,
REALISING WHAT MATHIAS IS ABOUT TO SAY AND ALSO
BEGINNING TO REPRESS AN OVERWHELMING NEED TO LAUGH
OUT LOUD} Trying to make one of her special dinners
{LAUGHTER STARTS POURING OUT OF HIM} AND....THE...
{DRACULA
{ALSO BEGINS TO LAUGH UNCONTROLABLY} SMELL... OH, GODS.... THE ODOR. EVEN
THE MICE AND THE SPIDERS RUN FROM THE
SMELL... ILLYANNA'S VERMIN AND INSECT CONTROL......
{MATHAIS:
{IN FITS OF LAUGHTER} DINNER...IS
SERVED!....PERMENENTLY!!! BWHA-
HA-HA-HA. {MORE THOUGHtFULLY} At least she is
safe and away from here. {BIG YAWN. MATHIAS EYES
BEGIN TO CLOSE. SPEAKS SLEEPILY} How did he know?
{DRACULA
{ALSO VERY SLEEPILY IN SPEAKING,
HIS EYES NEARLY SHUT.} Who knew
what?
{MATHIAS
{YAWNS} How did he know we were
discussing the northern offensive?
{MATHAIS COLLAPSES INTO HISCHAIR, FAST ASLEEP.}
{DRACULA
He knew?
{THERE IS A RIPPING SOUND ALONG THE BACK WALL OF THE
TENT. DARKLY CLOAKED MEN SLIP INTO THE TENT, ARMED
WITH SHORT SWORDS AND PISTOLS. DRACULA TRIES TO
ARISE TO DEFEND HIMSELF, BUT COLLAPSES TO THE DIRT
FLOOR. DRACULA LOOKS UP TO SEE GREGOR ENTER THE
BACK OF THE TENT.} Oh, god! No, Gregor, not....you.
{DRACULA FALLS INTO A DEEP SLEEP.} {GREGOR
{CHUCKLING} Excellent. Our Master,
Lord Vladimer, will be pleased. {TO HIS
HENCHMEN} Quickly, gather both and take them to
the waiting horses. And be silent, as not to arise
suspicions.
{THE MEN IN BLACK CARRY MATHIAS AND DRACULA TO THE
HORSES AND RIDE AWAY.}
END ACT 3: SCENE 1
ACT 3: SCENE 2
{INT.-CASTLE DUNGEON-NIGHT 24 HOURS LATER
{THERE IS DARKNESS, ALMOST AN INKY BLACKNESS. THERE
IS A SOFT, ALMOST CALMING VOICE, AS A PINHOLE OF LIGHT APPEARS.SOUND OF A HEART BEAT, VERY SOFT, BUT
RECOGNIZABLE.}
{WOMAN'S VOICE
{SOFTLY} VLAD, my son. Do not forget, I
will always love you. Always look
towards the light, even in the darkest
hour. Always the light....
{DRACULA
{ VOICE CRYING OUT, AS IF A LITTLE
BOY LOST...} Mama, I'm frightened and I can't see
you. Mama.....
DEEP VOICE
{VERY DEEP AND RESONNATING, ABIT SHRILLY}
THEDAMNED BOY IS HALLUCINATING!! Wake up boy!
Arise and greet your future and your destiny!
{GROGGILY, AND SLOWLY, THE DARKNESS IS REPLACED
BY THE LIGHT. IMAGES AND VISION ARE STILL BLURRY,
DRACULA'S VISION AWAKENS TO AN UNEARTHLY SIGHT AND
SHUDDERS AS HE RECOGNISES IT. IT IS THE DUNGEON AREA
BENEATH THE FAMILY HOME NEAR THE AGEIAN SEA.
DRACULA'S SENSE BEGIN TO BE ASSAULTED BY PUNGENT
ODORS AND HIS HEARING IS PICKING UP A MULTITUED OF
VOICES ALL AT ONCE. HE TRIES TO RAISE HIS HEAD, BUT
HE REALIZES HE IS CHAINED TO THE WALL. HE LOOKS UP TO
SEE.....}
DRACULA
{CRIES OUT} FATHER!!
{VLAD THE IMPALIR MEARLY LAUGHS OUT LOUD. HE SITS
ATOP DIRTY STONE STEPS, SEATED IN A ALMOST REGAL
CHAIR. AROUND HIM ARE GATHERED A FLOCK OF SLAVE
GIRLS IN MODERATE STATES OF TUNICS AND UNDRESS.
TORCHES BURN ALONG THE WALLS FOR LIGHT. }
VLAD
{BOOMING VOICE} ABOUT TIME,
YOUNG WHELP. ALMOST DIDN'T
THINK YOU WERE GOING TO COME AROUND FOR US.
IF YOU'RE HUNGRY, THERE SOME FOOD, AT YOUR
FEET. BUT HURRY, WHELP. IT'S GETTING COLD
. {DEEP RESONATING CHUCKLE}
DRACULA LOOKS TO HIS FEET. HE SCREAMS IN HORROR AND
REVULSION. JANA, ONE OF HIS FORMER MAID SERVENTS AND
FRIENDS IS AT HIS FEET IN A POOL OF BLOOD. DRACULA
REACHES OUT AND SEES HIS HANDS. THEY ARE COVERED
WITH BLOOD, JANA'S BLOOD!}
DRACULA
{SOFTLY} JANA. {DRACULA SHAKES
HIS HEAD.}
VLAD
{EVIL SMILE} I DO SEE YOUR POINT, WHELP. THE
FEAST IS SO MUCH MORE SATISFYING... {POINTS TO A
SERVENT GIRL. GIRLS SHUFFLES FORWARD AS IF IN A
TRANCE.} WHEN IT'S FRESH AND WARM!!
{VLAD GRABS THE WOMAN AND
SNAPS HER NECK LIKE A TWIG. TWO RAZOR SHARP INCISORS
WELL OUT OF VLAD'S MOUTH AND BURIES THEM INTO THE
YOUNG WOMAN'S NECK. DRACULA BEGINS TO CRY OUT
BUT STOPS. THERE IS A FEELING WELLING UP INSIDE YOUND
DRACULA, AN ALMOST DESIRE TO FEAST ALONG WITH HIS
FATHER. VLAD FINISHES HIS FEAST AND TOSSES THE BODY
OF THE WOMAN LIKE A CHILD'S RAG DOLL ONTO A PILE OF
BODIES AT VLAD'S FEET. VLAD HOLD S OUT HIS ARMS AS IF
WANTING TO EMBRACE HIS SON.}
WELCOME TO THE NEW DAWNING, MY SON!
{TWO INCISORS WELL OUT OF YOUNG DRACULA ALSO. HE
FEELS HIMSELF GIVING IN WHEN...}
WOMAN'S VOICE
{A CARESSING TONE, HEARD ONLY BY YOUNG DRACULA} Don't give in, my
son. The evil can consume you if you let it. You
are your own destiny, my son, not your fathers'.
Don't hate! I will always love you, foreverrrrrrr.......
DRACULA
{CRIES WITH A WEAKENED VOICE AND REACHES OUT INTO
EMPTY SPACE}
Mother....Help...me...
{DRACULA HEARS A MUFFLED SCREAM NEXT TO HIM. IT'S
MATHAIS, ALSO CHAINED AND NEARLY STRIPPED OF
CLOTHING. THEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER, MATHIAS NEARLY AT
HIS WITS END. DRACULA WHISPERS}
Don't worry Mathias, I will
think of something.
VLAD
{SNEERING} YOU ARE MINE WHELP! NOW AND
FOREVER. WE ARE ETERNALLY LINKED AS ONE.
UNFORTUNATELY, NOT ALL OF OUR FAMILY COULD
SHARE IN THIS HAPPY REUNION.
{VLAD SUMMONS HIS NEXT VICTIM. MATHIAS BEGINS
SCREAMING UNDER HIS GAG AND PULLING AT HIS CHAINS.
DRACULA SEES WHAT HAS PANICKED MATHIAS SO. IT IS
ILLYANNA WALKING TOWARDS VLAD THE IMPALIR IN A
BEAUTIFUL FLOWERY, WHITE DRESS. DRACULA BEGINS
CURSING HIS FATHER.}
DRACULA
DAMN YOU FATHER. DON'T DO THIS! FOR
PITY'S SAKE, SHE'S YOUR DAUGHTER
FATHER. YOU CAN FIGHT THIS FATHER.
{YANKS AT THE CHAINS, AND THE CEMENT HOLDING THE
CHAINS CRACK SLIGHTLY.}
VLAD
{SNEERING} SHE DID THIS TO HERSELF. FALLING IN
LOVE WITH THAT UNFIT SWINE OF A SOLDIER, YOU
CALL MATHIAS. YOUR FRIEND. HOW FITTING FOR
HIM TO SEE THIS COME TO PASS.
DRACULA AND MATHIAS
{CRY OUT IN UNISON} LLYANNA!!!
MAX
{FLASH RETURN TO CELL AND MAX'S REACTION [SHAKING HIS
HEAD, LOOKING QUITE SHOCKED]}
OH GOD..... NO!
{ ILLYANNA LOOKS TOWARDS DRACULA AND MATHIAS WITH A
SPARK REMEMBERING. SHE RAISES A HAND OUT TO HER
BROTHER AND THE MATHIAS. THEN, VLAD GRABS ILLYANNA
BY THE THROAT AND SNAPS IT LIKE A TWIG. VLAD PARTAKES
IN HIS FEAST. MEANWHILE, A STARTLING METAMORPHOSIS
HAS TAKEN PLACE IN DRACULA. STRENGH, POWER, AND AN
UNKNOWN SOURCE OF ENERGY WELLS UP FROM WITHIN
DRACULA. DRACULA RIPS THE RESTRAINING CHAINS THAT
HOLD HIM TO THE WALL OUT, SENDING SHARDS OF
CONCRETE AND CEMENT FLYING. VLAD FINISHES WITH
ILLYANNA AND TOSSES HER ONTO THE PILE OF BODIES.
VLAD STARES AND RISES TO HIS FEET IN ALMOST CONTEMPT
OF YOUNG DRACULA. DRACULA BENDS AND TWISTS THE
MANICLES OFF HIS WRIST. DRACULA LEAPS TOWARDS HIS
FATHER AT THE OTHER END OF THE ROOM AND LITERALLY
FLIES IN THE AIR WITH YOUNG DRACULA A FEW FEET AWAY
FROM HIS FATHER.}
DRACULA
{ GRABS A BROAD SWORD OFF THE WALL DISPLAY. THE
SWORD ALMOST SEEMS TO GLOW WITH THE ENERGY THAT IS
CONTAINED WITHIN YOUNG DRACULA. HE SHOUTS AT IS
FATHER WITH A VOICE THAT RESONNATES WITH POWER
SOMEWHAT LIKE HIS FATHER, ALTHOUGH MORE
COMMANDING.}
IT ENDS HERE AND NOW FATHER. NO MORE
SENSELESS DEATHS. THIS MADDNESS WHICH
INFECTS YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO CONTINUE
ON. YOU WILL BE STOP!!
VLAD
{GRABBING A SWORD OFF THE WALL AS WELL. BOTH MEN HANDLING THEM LIKE EXPERTS}
AND WHO WILL STOP ME, YOU!?!? YOU HAVE NO CONCEPT OF THE POWERS THAT
LAY WITHIN YOU. HE THOUGHT YOU'D BE MORE
POWERFUL, NEARLY AS POWERFUL AS HE IS.
{SWINGS FEIRIOUSLY AT YOUNG DRACULA, MISSING WITHING
INCHES. YOUNG DRACULA PARRYS BACK.}
JOIN WITH US, MY SON!!!
{SLICES AT YOUNG DRACULA, NICKING HIM ON THE CHEST.}
THE NEXT ONE WILL TAKE
YOUR HEAD, WHELP. YOUR SISTER WAS NOTHING.
{POINTS TO HER BODY.}
SHE CANNOT HELP YOU NOW!!
DRACULA
{LETS LOOSE WITH A HORRIFIC SCREAM AT THE TOP OF HIS
LUNGS AS TEARS WELL UP IN HIS EYES.}
NO!!!! NOT EVER AGAIN!
{ YOUNG DRACULA LAUNCHES A VOLLEY OF REPEATED
BLOWS ON HIS FATHER, SENDING VLAD REELING AND
FALLING BACK ON HIS POSITION. THE CLANGING OF METAL
AGAINST METAL BECOMES DEAFING AT MATHIAS WATCHES
ON. VLAD LAUNCHS A QUICK SET SHOTS THAT PUTS
DRACULA BACK, MOMENTARILY ON THE DEFENSIVE. VLAD
SEES HIS CHANCE AND MAKES A BREAK FOR THE CHAMBERS
DOOR. LEAPING LIKE A CIRCUS PERFORMER, YOUNG
DRACULA BLOCKS HIS ESCAPE. VLAD SUMMONS UP
STRENTGH FROM SOME UNKNOWN SOURCE AND SMACKS
YOUNG DRACULA WITH THE LENGHT OF THE BLADE, WHICH
SENDS YOUNG DRACULA SPRALLING TO THE GROUND. WITH
AMAZING AGILITY, HE REBOUNDS TO HIS FEET. VLAD FLIES
THROUGH THE AIR AT HIM, HIS TEETH AND HANDS TARGETED
TOWARDS HIS THROAT. YOUNG DRACULA CALLS FORTH ALL
HIS RESERVE STRENTGH AND SWINGS THE SWORD WHICH
COLLIDES WITH VLAD. THE MIGHTY BLOW SEVERS VLAD'S
HEAD FROM HIS BODY. SUDDENLY, BOTH VLAD'S HEAD AND
BODY BURST INTO FLAME AND ARE CONSUMED ALMOST
IMMEDIATELY. }
DRACULA
{TRYING TO CATCH HIS BREATH}
IT... IS... FINISHED.
[THE SWORD THAT YOUNG DRACULA CARRIESCLANKS TO
THE STONE FLOORING, WITH YOUNG DRACULA COLLAPSING
TO HIS KNEES, BLOODIED BUT NOT BEATEN.YOUNG DRACULA
HURRIES OVER TO MATHIAS TO FREE HIM FROM THE CHAINS.
DRACULA HEARS GASPS AND SCREAMS FROM THE
SERVENTS AWAKING FROM THEIR TRANCE.]
MATHIAS
{RUBBING HIS WRISTS} Thank you, old
friend. I wasn't sure if I was going to see
the morning or not.
{A LOOK OF HORROR COMES ACROSS HIS FACE. DRACULA REALIZES ALSO.}
ILLYANNA!
{MATHIAS RUSHES OVER TO ILLYANA'S BODY. IT GOES LIMP
TO THE TOUCH. MATHIAS CRADLES HER IN HIS ARMS AND
BEGINS TO WEEP.}
{ DRACULA USHERS ALL THE SERVENTS OUT THE CHAMBER
DOOR. HE TURNS TO WALK OVER TO MATHIAS AND PUTS A
COMFORTING HAND ON MATHIAS' SHOULDER. }
MATHIAS
{JERKS AWAY, ANGER AND FEAR IN HIS VOICE.}
What about you? Are you going to kill me too?
WHAT ARE YOU? WHO ARE YOU?!
DRACULA
{ SITS DOWN. STARTS SHAKING, THE SUDDEN REALIZATION
BEGINS TO SINK IN. SHAKES HEAD SLIGHTLY.}
I just don't know, Mathias. I feel like I did before, and yet I don't. I
feel powerful and somewhat changed physically. Stronger, faster,
and my senses aredifferent too. Better and more precise. I can hear
the flickering of torches against the air, the bats in the ceiling above,
even...the beating of your heartbeat.
'm confused. Help me, old friend. I'm still me, Vladimer Sebastian
Dracula. {WITH A SMILE} Co-leader of the partisan
group. {Holds out his hand.}
MATHIAS
{SILENT AND STERN. LOOKS AT DRACULA AND HIS
OUTSTRETCHED HAND.}
Some co-leader.
{SMILE COMES ACROSS HIS FACE.}
Sitting on his butt while
{TAKES DRACULA'S HAND AND HELPS HIM TO HIS FEET}
there's a battle to win. We'll face this new challenge, old friend.
Together!
{LOOKS AT THE BODY OF ILLYANNA}
I... We can't leave her here,
Vladimer.
DRACULA
{SHAKES HIS HEAD. LOOKS AT THE CHAMBER AROUND HIM.}
No, we cannot. Nor can we let this
house of abominations remain standing.
Gather any carts, wagons and horses together and
any servants that are willing to help. We must strip the
neccessary items that we can utilize from this place.
And burn the rest of it to the ground.
Castle and all!
MATHIAS
{WITH SADDNESS IN HIS EYES}
And Illyanna?
DRACULA
{POINTS IN A DIRECTION OUTSIDE THE CASTLE. RESOLUTION
IN HIS DEMEANOR.}
To the south of the castle, there is a hill with a giant oak tree.
{TRANSITION/AN AREIAL SHOT(NEARLY NIGHTFALL VERY
GREY/OVERCAST), HELICOPTER PULLS BACK ON TWO
FIGURES STANDING NEXT TO A LARGE OAK TREE. AT THEIR
FEET, AN EARTHEN GRAVE WITH A MARBLE TOMBSTONE. THE
SHOT CONTINUES TO PULL BACK. NOT SO MUCH UP, BACK
OVER THE GRASSY LAND WHICH CHANGES INTO A ROCKY
SHORE AND THAN SWEEPING OVER THE OCEAN. THE
FOLLOWING CONTINUES AS A V/O.}
From the hill, you can see the ocean. Illyanna and I use to climb the
tree when we were young and stare out over the ocean.
Daydreaming all day long. She loved the view. The oak tree will
prove to be a marker, with a great tomb stone for
Illyanna. She deserves a proper place to be buried.
{TRANSITION BACK IN THE PRESENT BY FADE INTO CELL.
MAX SIPS SOME WATER.}
MAX
And Mathias?
DRACULA
Mathias was always a true friend and confidant.
{FASHBACK SEQUENCE WITH V/O}
We escaped the castle that was my family's winter home near the
Ageian Sea and burned it to the ground.
Illyanna always loved the sea. Before we left, I
buried my dear sister on top of a hill over
looking the Ageian. I visit the place oncea year...just to remember.
We retuned to the battlefield. The trance having been
broken, our Unlce(who was also changed by the night) fled to our
side. We welcomed his support, and those of his
men. There was little to no resistance to our onslaught. My night
abilities aided us and my father's men all but surrendered.
All but one...who was seen riding away. All in black. He
dissappeared without a trace. Mathias and I then journeyed to the
our ancesterial castle in Transylvania to set up our home.
{END FASHBACK. BACK IN THE CONFRENCE ROOM.}
MAX
I assumed you realized what you became and
lived pretty much in solitude for some time. What
of the creature that transformed your father
and yourself? What of the need for blood to survive?
What about the other old wives tales dealing with
your mythology. I was wondering......... DRACULA
I know that some of the time lines are difficult to
comprehend, but also look at it from the stand point
that I've LIVED these times that I am describing and at times I still
find it hard to grasp also. Perhaps I've become to
jaded in some of my views. I don't know... Of the creature that
transformed my father and myself, I cannot say.
I assumed that my father killed the creature the transformed him out
of spite, while I was transformed by my fathers hand in the hopes I
would join him and we would reign togther. Yet there are times,
though, this scenario doesn't seem to fit.
DRACULA
{BEAT. FASHBACK}
As for my solitude; Mathias, his family and friends soon came to
mean more to me than you could realize when they first came to the
castle. When I needed to confine my self to the darkness, and my
sleep; some would tend to the grounds,
some to the inside of the castle, and others to the fields in the
surrounding countryside. There they built the homesand rebuilt their
lives, destroyed by father.
Over the generations, these people truly became my friends and
family. Yet, I lived with so called immortality, watching Mathias,
whom I knew since childhood, and my other dear friends become
old, wither, and die.
While I remained unchanged, unweathered by time.
{DRACULA OPENS A WINDOWED PATIO DOOR AND
STARES INTO THE NIGHT. A VERY FEMININE HAND
PLACES ITSELF ON DRACULA'S SHOULDER}
The agony of sheer loneliness would have been unbearable if not for...
[There comes a knock at the door. {END FASHBACK}
A Guard enters the room.]
GUARD #3
I'm afraid times up, Mr. Sevrens. [To Dracula]
Sir, I need to escort you back to your cell.
MAX
If it's any consolation, I DO believe you. [Gets up and shakes Dracula's hand.]
Your problem isn't convincing me, but the
seven appointed court judges of the
World Court. Good Luck, Count Dracula.
DRACULA
Thank you Max. I think I'll need it.
[FADE TO BLACK.]
END ACT 3: SCENE 2
ACT 4: SCENE 1
INT-DAY-EXT.& INT. COURTROOM
[Lights come up on a large court room. Several guards, a baliff, and
two camera operators relaying video footage to the world. The back
of the court room is filled with members of the press from all over the
world, including Max Severns of the NY Times. A large judges
bench, built to serve the seven hand picked judges from around the
world , faces the people. Two desks service the prosecutor and the
defence attorney. The door to the back of the court room opens.
Flanked by two guards on each side, Count Dracula enters the court room.]
PRESS
{All Rise and Begin To Snap Pictures, Sound Of Cameras Wirring
And Ask Questions At Once}
Dracula... Count Dracula...just a couple....
howzabout a photo...two questions...."
Guard 1 (To Guard #2)
Jeez Holly. Look at these news hounds.
GUARD 2 (To Guard #1):
This is going to get outta hand fast if we're not careful, Ike. Look at
these ghouls. Just looking for a story.
DRACULA
(Turns Towards Both Guards With A Reproachful Look)
Now, don't be too hard on them.
Besides...some of my best friends are ghouls.
[Both guards look at each other in shock. Dracula Smiles]
Just kidding.
GUARD 2
{Trying to keep a straight face and not laugh]
Funny guy, Vladimer. Just remember it's these
World Court
judges you need to convince, not us. Look...most of us who
know you from your four weeks here and the flight
from Europe believe you and we are pulling for
you. I still, I dunno, get this this feeling.
GUARD 1
Same here. Like there's still a missing
piece to the puzzle to come into place.
My uncle, who's in the Navy, used to be a private
investigator in Hawaii. I faxed him the the transcripts
of your interviews and evidence logs. Uncle Thomas is
as perplexed as we are. There shouldn't
be a case against you.
[In A Low Voice] Just so you know, they armed all of
us with explosive tipped bullets. In case you try
something. One of the judges thought it a good
precaution.
DRACULA
[Shakes his head.] How thoughtful. I'll
let you in on something. Vampires
usually regenerate dead or damaged tissue due to
the unique antibodies in our systems. If anything
happens, you fire your weapons at and around the
neck area. [Motions to area.] There is no
regenerating a beheaded body...so far.
GUARD 2
But we know that. That's what the judge told us to do. Right below at
the base of the neck.
DRACULA
That is bizzarre [Pause] It is not generally
known by humankind our true ability to
die permanently. Only a very select few know this.
Only a vampire knows more. And with this trial
[Dracula surveys the court room] much of my true
nature will be revealed. Otherwise, your concern is
appreciated.
MAX
[WALKS UP FROM THE PRESS AREA.]
VLADIMER.
[ THE TWO GUARDS ARE ABOUT TO RESTRAIN MAX, BUT DRACULA INTERCIDES.]
DRACULA
[MOTIONS TO THE GUARDS] It's alright, he's a friend.
MAX
I was about to wish you a good morning, but judging
the weather this morning, it's libel to get messy
outside as well as inside.
DRACULA
Max, did you have to say libel?
MAX
(shakes head)
They are saying the prosecution
has brought in a surprise witness. One
who saw you in the act of murder.
DRACULA(EYEBROWS ARCH)
Who??
MAX
[SHAKES HIS HEAD] They're not saying.
DRACULA
[LEANS UP AGAINST THE TABLE] I've got airtight alibies for the last
3 years. I'll tell you gentlemen this, though. If this person DID see
the perpitrator in action, we might be able to systematicly weed out
the suspects. That is, if we don't run into any stumbling blocks.
[SEEMS TO PAUSE, SNIFF THE AIR.]
Gentlemen, I hate to use old catch phrases, to any of you smell
something odd.
GUARD #2
Vladimer. You're the one with excellent
senses. You tell US what you smell.
DRACULA
Blood, gentlepeople. I smell blood. It is
fairly fresh smell. And...it is human.
GUARD #1
[BEGINS TO UNFASTEN THE SAFETY STRAP ON HIS GUN]
From which direction is it coming from.
DRACULA
[POINTS. ALL LOOK TOWARDS THE DIRECTION HE POINTS TO.]
It's coming from the corridor. I thought I had caught a scent of it
earlier while being escorted through the hall coming here. It
seemed to come down the staircase from the floor above. That's all I
can be sure of.
GUARD #1
[MOTIONS TO ANOTHER GUARD.]
Darren. [GUARD #3 COMES OVER.] I need
someone to come with me. Vladimer thinks that
someone might be hurt or worse on one of the upper
floors. I'm going to investigate. Holly, you stay here.
GUARD #2
[ANNOYED] Have Darren stay. I'llgo with you, my
darling husband.
DRACULA
Holly. You should stay. You know you'll be endangering more
than just yourself.
GUARD #2
[SUSPICIOUSLY] What do you mean?
DRACULA
I assume you haven't told your friends here, or your husband?
GUARD #1
[LOOKS AT HOLLY] Told us WHAT, Holly? [ HOLLY BOWS HER HEAD SILENTLY.]
DRACULA
This morning, when you arrived at my cell
to escort me here. I noticed your
heartbeat Ike, Holly's semi-excellerated
heartbeat...and a third heartbeat.
Coming from Holly.
[IKE LOOKS CONFUSED. THEN REALIZATION FLOWS OVER HIM,
WITH A GLAZED LOOK ABOUT HIS FACE. DRACULA SMILES, AS
DOES GUARD #3 KNOWINGLY.]
GUARD#1
[COCKS HIS HEAD] Holly. Are you...
[SLIGHT SMILES APPEARS ON HIS LIPS] ...are you..
GUARD #2
[RAISES HER HEAD, SMILING BRIGHTLY.]
Yes, my dear. I am pregnant
[IKE AND HOLLY EMBRACE, WITH WHISPERS OF "I love you"
BARELY HEARD. THEY SEPARATE.]
GUARD #3
Come on "DADDY", we need to get moving. [GIVES HOLLY A
HUG.] Congrats, kiddo.
GUARD #1
[LOOKS AT HOLLY, THEN AT DRACULA.]
Look,Holly. Stay here, guarding Vladimer. I'll be back.
[TURNS TOWARDS DRACULA. WHISPERS..]
Vladimer, guard Holly. My senses have never
been wrong. DON'T prove me wrong.
DRACULA
[IN WHISPER TO IKE] Above all else, including
duty and honor, I will NEVER attack a woman
who is expecting a child.
[DRACULA OFFERS IKE HIS HAND IN A NON-VERBAL
AGGREEMENT. IKE SHAKES HIS HAND.]
Besides, it's Darren I should be worrying about.
[SMILES SLIGHTLY] I hear Holly is a better shot than you are.
GUARD #1:
Great. A vampire comedian. Let's go.
[GUARDS #1 AND #3 LEAVE]
GUARD #2:
Good Luck.
[ HOLLY lead Dracula to the defendants chair and
table area. THERE'S SERIES OF LAW BOOKS ON THE
TABLE, WITH NOTES AND PENCILS SCATTERED
ABOUT. Momentarily, the two prosecuting attorneys
arrive. Both are armed with books and notes for the trial
ALSO.]
DRACULA
Good morning gentlemen. Beautiful day,
isn't it. Perfect day to win a case.
LAWYER 1
(With a puzzled look) Uh...yes...quite lovely.
LAWYER 2
(Reaches over with hand extented
outward) Good Luck today Sir.
DRACULA
(Accepts Hand) Thank you, young man.
[BOTH DRACULA AND THE LAWYERS ARE STUDYING THEIR
NOTES AND BOOKS AS A DOOR OPENS AT THE FRONT OF THE
COURTROOM. THE BALIFF ENTERS.]
BALIFF
(Clears His Throat) All rise.{BEAT}
This World Court Tribunal will come to order.
Because of the nature of the precedings, seven
judges from all corners of the world will over-see the trial. {BEAT}.
JUDGES DRAPED IN BLACK ROBES, WITH UNITED NATIONS
ENSIGNIAS BEGIN TO FILE IN.}
From Moscow, Judge Mihail Savalavitch; from United States, Judge
Jay Adams; from China Judge Min Teu Li; from France Judge
Marcus Truffault; fromEgypt Judge Hassan Tobarik; and from
Canada Judge Robert Tanis. Chief Prosecuter will be Ms.
Alexandra Mittleton, of the Security Council office. {THE JUDGES SIT}
You may be seated.
JUDGE-U.S
{JUDGE SLIPS GRANNY GLASSES ONTO HIS FACE AS HE
READS NOTE. AS HIS EYES SCAN THE PAPER, HIS EYES ALSO
DRIFT TO DRACULA SEATED AT THE TABLE.}
SIR {BEAT}
I mean Count Dracula, this note states that you wish
no council
and will represent yourself at this trial.
DRACULA
{DRACULA STANDS} Yes sir. I am a qualified lawyer and ready
to defend myself.
JUDGE-EGYPT
{BEAT}.
SCRIBBLES THIS INFORMATION DOWN}
So noted. The opening arguements will be given, first by the
Chief Prosecuter, then by the defendant. You may begin, Ms. Mittleton.
[ THE CHIEF PROSECUTOR RISES. IS DRESSED VERY
PROFESSIONALLY IN WHITE BLOUSE, NAVY BLUE BLAISER
AND KNEE LENGHT SKIRT. SHE HAS AN AIR OF AUTHORITY
AND OF CONTROL AS SHE WALKS TOWARDS THE FRONT OF
THE COURT ROOM. SHE CARRIES A PENCIL AND USES IT,
ALONG WITH HER HANDS TO SPEAK AND GESTURE.]
CHIEF PROSECUTOR MITTLETON
It is the intention of the prosecution to that on several
occasions, and in different areas of the world, the {BEAT}
being known as Count Dracula did willingly,
viciously, and wantonly attacked and murder people over a two year
period.
These attacks, at night, resulted in the removal of all blood and
cerebral fluid. We, the prosecution which represents that ruling
bodies of the majority of this planet, demand justice be served. We
demand the conviction of Count Dracula and the termination of his
life in retribution for his hideious crimes against mankind. Your
honors, we demand his immediate death!
JUDGE-FRANCE
Messiur Dracula, You may proceed with
your opening statement.
DRACULA
Merci. Distinguished judges. My
defense, as any defense, will be a task
unlike any other. To prove my innocence.
I went to England in early October, after
learning about these recent attacks
through the London Times. My services
were to be at the calling of Scotland
Yard. I am on trial through an error in the
criminal system. I am not a killer, no
matter what kind of mythology surrounds
my history or lies that are written about
me. All the prosecution has is
cirrcumstantial evidence against,
whereas I can give dates and locations of
places I was at the time of the murders.
And I can provide WITNESSES to my
case. The prosecution has none.
[CUT TO: INT.-ONE FLOOR UP. MAX, GUARD #1 AND GUARD#3
ARE SEARCHING ROOM BY ROOM. THE TWO GUARDS ARE
ARMED WITH 357 MAGNUM PISTOLS WITH EXPLOSIVE TIPPED
SHELLS. AS THEY ARE WALKING UP THE STATELY WOODEN
STAIRCASE OF A COURTHOUSE BUILT ALMOST 100 YEARS
AGO. GUARD #1 HANDS MAX A TASER-SHOCK STICK FOR
PROTECTION. THERE ARE FIVE ROOMS AVAILABLE FOR
SEARCHING. EACH WITH OFFICES WITHIN THEM.]
MAX
{EYES PEER DOWN THE CORRIDOR}
What the hell are we looking for anyway?
{PEERS UP, TRYING TO SEE THE FLOOR ABOVE}
Vladimer never said whether it was the
second of third floor. I'm going to head
up to the third floor, just to cover more
ground.
GUARD #1
{PAUSE} Fine. I'll go left, Darren you go
right. Either of you spot anything weird, yell.
MAX
Yell? I'll scream bloody murder! {REALIZES WHAT HE JUST SAID}
Sorry, no pun intended.
GUARD #2
Jeez. {MAX MOVES UP THE STAIRS}
Just get a move on, willya. Ike, is it me or
is it getting warmer the higher we go
higher into the building?
FADE TO BLACK
INT.-DAY-COURTROOM
[ OPENING ARGUEMENTS ARE BEGINNING. THE PROSECUTING
ATTORNEY IS WALKING BACK AND FORTH IN FRONT OF THE
JUDGES BENCH. SHE IS USING HAND GESTURES TO
ACCENTUATE HER POINT. DRACULA, FOR HIS PART WATCHES
AND TAKES NOTES, ABSORBING HER COMMENTS AND STYLE.]
PROSECUTOR
Your Honors. I would like to call as my
first witnessKarl Rasiovitch.
BALIFF
(CALLS OUT)
KARL RASIOVITCH, PLEASE TAKE THE STAND.
[KARL COMES FORWARD, WEARING A NAVY PIN-STRIPPED
SUIT AND CARRYING AS BOULER. HE IS UNCOMFORTABLE IN
THE SURROUNDINGS.... AND THE CLOTHING, PULLING AT THE
COLLAR.]
[THE BALIFF WALKS TOWARD KARL WHO IS ABOUT TO SIT
DOWN. KARL PLACES HIS LEFT HAND ON THE BIBLE AND
RAISES HIS RIGHT.]
BALIFF
Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole
truth, and nothing but the truth. So help
you God.
KARL
I DO.
PROSECUTOR
{STANDING ASIDE OF THE WITNESS}
Please state your name and age for the records.
KARL
Karl Rasiovitch. Age 65....though feeling
95 right now.
PROSECUTOR
(INQUISITIVE LOOK)
Why is that Mr. Rasiovitch?
KARL
I've only been as far as Belgium, before this day.
PROSECUTOR
I see. How long have you know the accused?
KARL
All my life. I work for Count Dracula as
my father did, and his father, and his
father's father and so on. We are not
forced to do this as a slave would or
indentured servants would. We do
because we want to and are productive.
We are working hard, educated and well
fed. Alot better situation than some can
say. Do you know I have a degree in
horitculture and work not only as butler to
the Count, but also bee keeper to quite a
number of hives on the grounds near the
orchirds.
PROSECUTOR
Did you have any reservations in dealing
with a "vampire?" Any fear of reprisial
against your family?
KARL
It was my choice, as it was in past
generations. When my father died, I was
summoned to the castle by my fathers
employer, knowing who my father's
employer was. Since I had been to the
castle while growing up, I had little
reservations...although I didn't know why I
was summoned. When I arrived, he
stated that he was in need of someone to
oversee the staff, become his right hand
and eyes in the daily duties around the
castle, similar to what my father did.
[smiles] I also think he was pleased to
have someone knowledgable and
capable of fixing the cable and satellite
receptions when something went wrong.
PROSECUTOR
And there was no fear of working for a
vampire?
KARL
Not really. More of a curiousity. I knew
from boyhood the "legends" about
vampires. I remember asking questions,
most likely the same questions you will
ask, right and left somewhat bemusing
the Count as he sat in his chair. Thinking
about it, I can understand Mr.
Saberhagen reaction to the Count very well.
PROSECUTOR
Mr. Saberhagen? Who is this?
KARL
Mr. Fred Saberhagen was a fantasy,
science fiction writer who chronicled a number of
the Count's adventures through his life.
PROSECUTOR
And these stories were published?
KARL
Yes, in fact a several weeks ago a movie
offer came from Hollywood California on
one of these books.
PROSECUTOR
This was before he decided to come to "help?"
KARL
The very same day. He was angered the
newspapers portrayal of him as the
murderer.
PROSECUTOR
One final question. Have you ever known
your employer get angry? Violently
angry?
KARL
Not violently angry, no. He has....well,
lost his temper on occassions. Everyone
does now and again.
PROSECUTOR
Have you ever seen Count Dracula
murder anyone in cold blood like those
who have died?
DRACULA
I OBJECT! The prosecutor is leading the
witness to unsubstaniated conculsions!
JUDGE-EGYPT
Objection susained. Madam Prosecutor,
you will refraine from such questioning.
PROSECUTOR
Yes, your honor. No further questions.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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