manticore - episode 01

7/31/2019 Manticore - Episode 01

1/23

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Episode One

Written by Thom Boulton

Copyright of Thom Boulton 2012

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2/23

Scene OneThe University

Amongst the Trent University campus, Ben Prince walks in an aimless hope to find a man from aphotograph. He is asking countless students if they recognise the man pictured with his dead father.

Some students ignore him whilst others make excuses to continue on their own aimless course.

Eventually one of the students points Ben in the direction of a university block where he will find the

white bearded man in the photo. With the new discovery, Ben musters some form or direction and

follows the students directions. He enters a large building where he walks down several corridors and

staircases. He ends up in the basement room of the archaeology department. Once there he knocks

on the door but nobody replies. He enters as the door is unlocked and he begins to look around. There

are countless cages and shelves filled with artefacts and books. Ben stumbles across a man sleeping

at a desk next to his computer. Ben slows down and knocks on a nearby bookshelf to try and wake

the man up. The man is startled and wakes suddenly. It is the man in the photo although he has aged

some years and is now wearing glasses. He looks atBen in a confused manner.

BEN

Professor Novason?

The Professorlooks atBen, his confusion grows.

BEN

I'm looking for a Professor Novason.

The Professorturns in his chair and takes off his glasses. He puts on a different pair of frames and

stands up, moving to Ben to inspect him. He seems intrigued.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

Well, class has finished for the summer and I don't recognise

your face from my lecture theatre.

He begins to move aroundBen, carefully inspecting him.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

You're of African descent, England born though. You mother

was white, you also have signs that you have been in a very

dusty environment. You're holding a photograph which I can

only assume relates to this encounter and therefore I must

believe you are here on personal business. So Ben... why are

you here?


3/23

Ben seems shocked thatthe Professorknows his name. Before he can ask how, the Professorflicks

Ben's name badge from his work uniform which is still attached to his jacket.

BEN

Okay, I get the name thing but that was still prettyimpressive.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

Well thank you. I strive for impressing young men who I

have no idea how they got into my basement.

Ben raises his eyebrow.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

Yes well perhaps that came out wrong.

The Professormoves to his bookshelves and begins searching through them for books. As he finds

ones he is after he removes them and places them in a perfect pile.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

You see son, I am a historian. I have walked the Giza strip

and dug in mud baths. Searched for dinosaur bones andpieced together entire civilisations from a few fragments of

bone and pottery. It is my job to be a detective and analyse

each source. I used what I could see and smell to work you

out. The only thing I can't figure out is your reason for being

here or why you what to meet me so badly. You're not from

the museum are you? Because if you are, I found the

dremlock sphere...

Ben holds his hands up to coolthe professordown.

BEN

Not at all. No. I'm here because I believe you knew my

father. Ruban Prince.

The old man is startled and has to retire to a couch that is carefully concealed behind the

bookshelves. Ben walks over to this location and takes his position next to a bookshelf.

BEN

Did you know him? Are you the man in this picture?


4/23

Ben shows the picture which contains the image of a bald black man stood next to Novason. They

have their arms around each other andthe Professoris pointing at a strange looking necklace on the

other man's neck.

PROFESSOR NOVASONThat's me alright and that, is definitely Ruban Prince. How is

Ruban?

BEN

Dead.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

I figured as much. Your father had an extra sense for danger.

Could sniff it out like you wouldn't believe. Always knewthough something would be odourless at some point.

BEN

It was a bullet. He didn't see a bullet coming. His killer was

never caught but the police believed that it was

premeditated. My father was a saint. I have no idea who

would want to kill him but still somebody decided he had

done something wrong.

PROFESSOR NOVASONI don't know what you've been told Ben but your father was

never short of enemies. Especially considering what he did...

Ben is baffled bythe Professor's statements.

BEN

I'm not here for a list of suspects. I'm here because I found

this amongst his possessions. It was pinned to the

photograph and on the back of the image it say's... 'find him,find me'. What is this?

He holds out his hand and the necklace drops down. It looks like a double-helix with a rare diamond

in the middle piece. Novason smirks as Ben shows him.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

You wouldn't believe me if I told you.

Ben is beginning to seem impatient.

BEN


5/23

Why don't you try me?

The Professorstands up and takes the necklace from Ben he holds it up to the light and as the light

shines through the gem it casts a rainbow across the room.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

Your father was called Rubanza. He was Prince of the

Emoteh and first in line to be King.

BEN

My father was a Prince? Emoteh?

PROFESSOR NOVASONDo you want to listen to what I know or do you want to ask

questions?

Ben nods forNovason to continue.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

Now... where was I.

The rainbow colours cast a blinding light which fills everyone's vision. The light clears and the story

Novason is telling is shown through an animation using African colours and themes.

PROFESSOR NOVASON [v/o]

Your father once told me of an old Emoteh legend that had

been told to him by his father, and his father before him and

so on. Some time, long ago, a demon creature known as The

Destroyer, terrorised man in its bid to become ruler of pan-

mortalis. One of the near-immortal beings, a dragon, took it

upon himself to protect humanity by defeating TheDestroyer. Hwedo, the African dragon king fought the

creature over both day and night but despite his best efforts

he became wounded. A local tribe of young humans hid the

King and kept him safe. He healed and regained his strength.

His battle continued and he killed The Destroyer. The

Dragons pulled the creature apart and smelted his remains

with gold. Hwedo blessed the tribe and honoured them by

giving them the eternal duty of guarding The Destroyer's

remains. In order for them to do this he bestowed upon

them a divine relic, a drop of dragon blood. With it they

would possess the transformation power of the dragon kind

and be able to keep The Destroyer imprisoned forever.


6/23

The animation ends and returns to the basement with both Professor Novason andBen Prince.

PROFESSOR NOVASONWell... that's what they say anyway. That's what your father

told me. This necklace you see is the dragon blood from that

myth. It's supposed to be able to transform its user. I would

consider that necklace a family heirloom.

BEN

Can you tell me more about my father? About his people

and where my ancestry stems?

PROFESSOR NOVASON

I can. I'm not going to. Not today. You'll be back tomorrow.

We'll discuss more then.

BEN

No I have work tomorrow. Maybe next week? I'm free all

week.

Novason nods andBen leaves the room. The Professormutters under his breath.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

See you tomorrow.

END OF SCENE ONE


7/23

Scene TwoBen's Mothers House

In the attic stands Ben Prince and his white mother,Julia. She is a middle aged woman who emits theaura of a blonde bombshell. Ben is sifting through some old chests and boxes which are covered in

dust.Julia walks over to an old footstool and perches on the edge. She watches on whilstBen lifts

various items out of different boxes. At first he pulls out a sabre claw although he has no idea that it

is from a Sabre-tooth tiger. He continues to rummage and stumbles across a large cloak made out of

black material and lined with large black feathers. His final sift results in him finding a skull of a

creature which is unidentifiable. He puts them together in the middle of the attic and then casually

rests on the floor. He looks at his motherwho appears to be hiding something but won't reveal what.

Ben leans over and picks up a bottle of coca-cola which he begins to swig from.

BENSee at first when I found these items I figured they were 70's

trash or something. From you and Dad and the disco era.

Then I find this amazing necklace which almost captivates

me when I stare at it.

JULIA

We picked up so much rubbish when we toured the cities

Ben...

BEN

Yeah well, then I found this picture where a guy is pointing

at this necklace. Something, somewhere deep inside me told

me to find this man. Turns out that Professor Novason knew

dad. He said that this necklace was a family heirloom.

JULIA

Well if I remember right you're father said it was very old.

Maybe you should donate it to a museum or something. You

don't want an ancient piece lying around like that.

Ben stops and pulls out the item again. He holds it up and stares into the diamond centred within the

double helix. The light from the skylight shines through and illuminates the crystal once again.

Rainbow light pours across the room and beams ontoJulia's face. She closes her eyes. Suddenly the

light fills the room and a flashback scene begins. It is of a young Julia and the man from the

photograph, Ben's father. Ruban is wearing the black feathered cape, the skull as a helmet and the

sabre-claw as a glove. He also has a sword attached to his back. He is holdingJulia closely. The

flashback ends and returns to the attic.Julia opens her eyes and looks over at her son. She seems

upset and fearful but despite this talks to him.


8/23

JULIA

Get rid of it Ben. I want you to get rid of it.

Ben snaps out of his staring competition with the gemstone and instead looks towards his mother.

His face reveals feelings of a child, captured by his mothers words yet hesitant to hear them.

BEN

What are you saying?

Julia stands up and heads over to one of the cupboards. As she approaches she removes a key from a

necklace around a chain around her neck. She unlocks one of the draws and slides it out. From the

draw she removes a dust covered journal wrapped in a red leather strap. She walks to Ben and hands

it to him. A tear runs down her cheek.

JULIA

Read this. Learn about him, learn about your father and that

damn heirloom. I just pray that what you find in there is a

desire to get rid of it and move as far away from your

father's path as possible.

Ben takes the book from his mother.

BEN

If you're so worried and determined for me not to keep it

then why give me the book? What's in it?

Julia pauses and turns away from herson. She closes her eyes and tries to hold in the raw emotion

and utter sadness that she feels.

JULIA

I cannot keep it from you Ben. It is your birthright and Imade a promise to your father. All I can do is hope that you

won't listen, won't read. It already cost me my husband, I

don't want to outlive my son as well.

Julia leans in and kisses Ben on the forehead. She composes herself and then walks down the wooden

stairs of the attic, leaving Ben alone. He holds the book up brushes the dust off the cover. It takes

several sweeps but eventually he reveals that etched on the front is a symbol. Two crossing lines

through a black sphere. He opens it and begins to read. Time passes, he reads more and more as he

paces through the attic. He sits and reads. He lies down and reads. Eventually as it is late and night,

he stops reading and closes the book. It is clear that he has read at least the first third of the book.

He rushes to the items on the floor and picks them up, studying them carefully.


9/23

BEN [v/o]

When my father died I believed he had been murdered

because that's what happens. Some people kill, some

people rape. That's one end of the spectrum. On the other

end, some people are killed, some people are raped. This

world seems to need victims and I thought my fatherhappened to be one of those. After reading this book, a

book that if my mother hadn't seemed so reluctant to hand

me then I would have merely discarded it as bad fiction...

told a different story. My father wasn't a victim, he was a

hero, apparently. According to the book he had worn the

helix necklace, adorned the cape and claw and skull, and

transformed into a mystical creature. To be honest, I

thought it wreaked of shit. Maybe my dad was mentally ill.

Ben opens the book up again and turns to a double page which reveals a set of instructions for thetitled TRANSMUTATION. He carefully studies the passages.

BEN [v/o]

Still if my mother felt so strongly, I knew that I owed it to my

father to test whether he was insane or not. Were these just

ramblings of a mad man or were the legends that Novason

told me true? Dragons and blood and Destroyers. There was

only one way to find out.

Benpicks up the various items and puts them on himself. He sits the skull on his head and it carefully

locks into place. Next he wraps himself in the black feathered cape and finally he attaches his arm to

the sabre-claw. He puts the Helix around his neck and then continues to study the book carefully.

After a few moments he closes his eyes and begins to hum, he is thinking and in a deep

concentration.

BEN [v/o]

Blood runs deep, the heart beats, many paths merge into

one. The Dragon's command for this Imoogi to be awoken.

Ben's eyes shoot open and it is clear he has changed. His eyes are orange with feline black kite's as

pupils. His skin has become lightly scaled and turned to a beige pigment. As he steps back his whole

body can be seen. A 7ft tall, khaki/beige skinned reptilian with large feathered wings, sharp big cat

claws and a powerful tail. Ben's black hair can be seen on the beast as it flows down like long locks.

The creature roars and slashes it's claws about. The creature struggles to stand up and keep's

tripping over its feet. The wings begin to flap and eventually the creaturejumps and launches itself

out of the roof of the attic. It flies off poorly and after awhile crashes into another house roof.

END OF SCENE TWO


10/23

Scene ThreeDiego and Rice Bank, Trent City

Outside of Diego and Rice's Trent City branch several thieves are stood outside. The alarms aresounding as the men run towards an unmarked navy van. One of them is carrying a heavy silver case

that is handcuffed to a severed hand. They load the van up when suddenly from above, the creature

comes crashing down. It lands on the van and smashes the roof of the vehicle. When it stands up it

jumps onto the front of the van and breaks the engine, crushing it under its mighty three toed feet.

All the men freeze and gaze at the magnificentbeastas it comes to and realises where it is. The

creature tilts it's head and then roars viciously at the thieves. It launches itself off of the vehicle and

lands on-top of them. Two men who had previously been loading the vehicle rush to aid their

accomplices. They reveal sawn-off shotguns and aim high atthe creature. The beastswings it's

forearm claw and knocks the two men flying backwards. They both hit a building and die upon

impact, blood stains as their bodies slide down. The creature turns back to face the other men who

have managed somehow to crawl out from underneath it and re-group.

THUG 1

What the fuck is that thing? Is that a demon? Are we dead?

Are we in hell?

One of the thieves, the leader, knocks the outspoken man with his gun in a hint to shut up.

THUG 2That thing just killed two of our men and destroyed out

getaway vehicle. I suggest rather than pissing it off we get

the fuck out of here and report back to Van der Vort.

As the men run away and disappear, a young teenager can be spotted in the background recording

the incident on his mobile phone. He watches on as the creature jumps off the ground and flaps

vigorously as it flies off. The teenager's mouth has completely dropped.

TEENAGERAwesome.

The beastflies around in the night sky, looking like it has not flown for some time if ever at all.

Several police cars pull up at the entrance of the bank. One of the detectives that exits is a short

cloudy grey haired man with a moustache clung to his face. He is smoking a cigar and after a few

puffs disposes of the thing in the gutter. He heads over to the two bodies propped up against the

wall. Crime scene have arrived and are going snap happy as the detectives look around.

DETECTIVE BURNSWell, those two look fucked.


11/23

The detective walks away and heads to the van. He inspects the crushed exterior. Looking inside he

sees that the money is still in there. The case is not in the van as it was being held by one of the men

who fled.

DETECTIVE BURNSWell, I'm confused. Who killed those two, scared off the

others, dented the van like a tank and at the same time left

the money inside? I want to thank whatever it was.

POLICE OFFICER

According to a witness and his video capture, it was... a

thing.

The Detective turns his head and stares at the officer.

DETECTIVE BURNS

A thing huh? What do you mean a thing? I have a thing. Was

it my thing? Was it the thing from the fantastic fucking four?

Be specific.

The police officer fumbles and stutters. He shows the detective the mobile phone and the video plays.

Burns watches in amazement as the incident is replayed.

DETECTIVE BURNS

You're kidding me. This is real? Get it to the station have

some whizz kid test it or something. I want to know what

the hell I'm dealing with.

A second officer run's over to the detective.

POLICE OFFICER 2Sir, I think you need to take this. We're getting reports over

the radio of sightings of a dragon-man. It's been sighted due

west from here.

DETECTIVE BURNS

Well? What's it doing?

The officer seems edged out by the presence ofthe detective.


12/23

POLICE OFFICER 2

Um, flying. It's also attacked a man in an alleyway. Although

the man was believed to be trying to sexually assault the

unharmed female also found in the alleyway.

Burns rests his head into his hands. After a few seconds of composing himself he turns to the first

officer and give his orders.

DETECTIVE BURNS

Okay. Let's pretend this 'thing' is real. I want you to get on

the radio to every patrol car in Trent and have them watch

the skies and alleyways. Let's find this fucking 'thing'. Come

on. Go go go. For fuck's sake stupid...

Burns begins to ramble as he heads back to the patrol car. The two officers share a look of confusion

and shrug at each other. They dash off and join the others. The police car's speed off whilst one or

two remain to finish studying the scene.

END OF SCENE THREE


13/23

Scene FourThe University

In amongst the hedges that line the university campus quad is a black feathered cloak. Ben's foot canbe seen stuck out at an angle as well as his arm which is up in the air like a flagpole. He awakens

from his sleep and pulls himself rather awkwardly out of the foliage and flower beds. He rolls on the

grass and lies flat on his back. Some of the students around walk past him and laugh as they look on.

After a few moments of lying down and gathering his wits, Ben stands and staggers off towards the

history department. He passes through the corridors and arrives atProfessor Novason's basement.

He bursts through the door and storms over to the professorwho is sat in his chair drinking a cup of

tea. Novason is smiling as Ben enters even though Ben'sface is one of anger.

BEN

You knew. I don't know how, but you knew and why didn'tyou tell me? How am I here? I don't...

Ben looks like he is getting a headache. Novason opens a draw and throws him a bottle of tablets.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

Take one of those. Very strong Codeine. Will help with the

pains until you get used to it.

Ben opens the tablets up and takes one, swallowing it whole.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

I couldn't tell you. You would never have believed me. You

had to see it for yourself, had to become the creature. Tell

me, how did it feel? Your father always used to describe it

as growing pains followed by a hangover.

Ben puts the tablets on the table and begins removing the various items of the transmutation.

BEN

It feels like someone took a shit in my head.

Novason laughs.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

Well that's your body adjusting to the change. As far as I amaware the process of transmutation involves a cellular


14/23

mutation and metamorphosis which reverts back to normal

after a while. Can't imagine what that does to the fragile

human design but it seems to be something you can get

used to. At least your father did...

Ben loses his temper.

BEN

Stop! Just stop! This isn't some sort of genealogy learn

where you come from program! Last night I wore several old

tribal dust magnets and somehow turned into... that

creature. I was watching as this thing was terrorising people.

I think it killed someone... it was like a waking nightmare. So

don't give me this crap about my dad or scientific

explanation.

Novason holds his hands out to try and calm Ben down.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

Ben. The story I told you was true. The necklace you possess

contains dragon blood, or that's the name for it anyway. It

has been passed down of the span of human history from

father to son and so on. Your father kept you shielded from

it because he knew what would happen, what alwayshappens. It scares you the first time but eventually you

develop a taste for the power and glory of being a hero

amongst men. As the Imoogi you possess significant gifts

that allow you to save mankind, protect humanity from

itself and from others that want to bring it harm.

Ben stares as if he is drunk.

BENImfoogi? What's an i-boogie?

PROFESSOR NOVASON

It's the true name of the beast. You see, the helix, the gift

from the guardians, allows you to change using anything.

I'm not sure how or when exactly but the three items your

father possessed and that you now possess... make the

Imoogi. The guardians blessed the union of the three items

and the creature itself was promised its own sentience one

day. If you ask me it already does have its own sentience.


15/23

BEN

It must have, I wasn't in control.

Novason shakes his hand at Ben.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

Well that's not entirely true is it. You ended up here. You

brought the creature here. See although the Imoogi is its

own being, it is controlled by the host. You can guide it,

influence it... like a pilot.

BEN

I can control it? How?

Novason shrugs.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

Well that's not in my skill set I'm afraid. I've never been

bestowed with a power from the guardians. Your best bet is

to find one of them. Speak to one of them and let them

explain to you the mysteries of the Imoogi. Probably find

something in your father's journal, he was always keeping

journals of stuff.

BEN

I have one. My mother gave it to me.

PROFESSOR NOVASON

Uh, see. Check inside. Somewhere it will have a way to

contact the Guardians. Just remember, that necklace is

extremely powerful. Guard it with your life and don't misuse

it.

Novason points sarcastically like he is telling off a child. Ben picks up his items and leaves the

basement. The Professorpicks up his morning paper and looks at the headline. There is a picture of

the Imoogi on the front with the title DRAGON-MAN!

PROFESSOR NOVASON

Hmph. Who came up with that original gemstone?

END OF SCENE FOUR


16/23

Scene FiveThe Trent Times HQ

A busy journalism pit submerged in a den of offices. The Trent Times reporters are bustling aroundpassing papers and flash drives as they search for the next big story. Amongst them is a young

woman and young man. They reflect the image of Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen from the Superman

series. She seems frantic and hectic as she meanders through the journalists all busting to grab the

new leads coming in over the phones. The photographer is fiddling with his camera when they are

both suddenly called into an office by a large fat old man. They head to the conference room and

grab a chair each to sit around the table with other Journalists. The large old man throws the paper

with the 'Dragon-Man!' headline. He slams his fists onto the table in anger.

EDITOR

Does somebody want to tell me which ink monkey came upwith the idea of calling this thing Dragon-Man? Please

enlighten me as I would like to throw that bastard out of the

window and replace them with an actual monkey. I'm sure

in amongst the shit hurling it would muster some sort of

imagination to come up with a better fucking headline.

The editorseems to be very agitated. He quickly opens a pot of pills and takes one to calm himself

down. He then continues as he chews the chalk tablet.

EDITOR

Someone pitch something better or you can all clear out

your offices by midday.

The woman puts her hand in the air although she seems to instantly regret the motion.

EDITOR

Yes, Amber. Give me something.

Amber hesitates.

AMBER

Well what about naming it after something mythological?

We had great success with the Dracula Gang when the

supposed Vampires were found.

The Editorpauses as he considers her suggestion. He starts nodding like a nodding dog. Everyoneseems panicked but eventually he nods and shouts at the same time.


17/23

EDITOR

So... what do we call it!?

A nervous guy put's his hands up.

EDITOR

Nervous Guy. Go for it!

The nervous man begins to beat around the bush.

NERVOUS GUY

What about, maybe if we could perhaps call it... something

like, The Sphinx? Sphinx is a good name.

The Editorpicks his chair up and slams it into a cabinet making everyone jump.

EDITOR

Sphinx is a shit name. Everyone will call it the Sphincter. I

don't want to piss the beast off. IF it can understand English,

half our readers can't so it wouldn't surprise me if this

'thing' couldn't.

AMBER

What about the 'thing'?

EDITOR

Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! What we need is a

name that speaks intelligence but something people can

pronounce. Wait wait... I got it. No... lost it. Fuck!

One of the men has been sat on his computer. He has flicked on line for various ideas and come

across one.

LAPTOP GUY

What about this one boss?

The Editorlooks over at the laptop and begins to smile.


18/23

EDITOR

Yes, yeah... I like it. It speaks to me. Right, find out who else

saw this thing and get more articles out there.

A woman enters the conference room with a copy of a paper. She hands it to the Editor.

WOMAN

The City Independent beat us to it. Called the thing The

Manticore after the ancient legend. Every news station is

eating up and everyone is referring to this creature by that

name.

The Editorlooks up at all of the journalists who now look scared.

EDITOR

You're all fired! Fuck!

END OF SCENE FIVE


19/23

Scene SixVan der Vort's Penthouse

At the top of the Van der VortEnterprise Tower in the luxury penthouse suite sitsAbraham Van der Dortwith two of the thieves from the bank robbery. The case has

been passed toAbraham and the severed hand is no longer attached.Abraham opens

the case and peers inside to see a golden light shine back out at him. His evil grin spreads

across his face and he begins to drool slightly. Subtly he wipes the spit from his mouth and closes the

case. It is placed safely on his table which seems to be acting as his desk with various papers and

computers lining it. He leans down and pulls out a cigarette from a case contained within his jacket

pocket. He lights it and then falls back so he is spread out on his black leather chair. He is opposite

the thugs and shaking his foot as he stares at them. He takes a puff and then breathes out loudly, his

casual manner has put the thieves on edge.

THUG 1

I take it that you are satisfied with the merchandise.

Abraham looks into the air with a psychotic day dreaming expression.

ABRAHAM

This is not merchandise. This is no product and you are

definitely not sellers. See, sellers, sell you things and that

would indicate that I (the customer) have an intention ofpaying you. I don't pay people to fuck up and you guys

royally fucked up. I specifically told you to steal the money

as well. People don't suspect the prize pig is missing if all the

pigs are stolen. Now, I gots to bring in my clean-up crew and

that means paying them overtime. If I pay them then I can't

pay you.

The thugs seem twitchy and nervous.

ABRAHAM

Of course I understand that you will feel anger towards this

decision but I can assure you that it will be over

momentarily.

A man stood behind the thugs removes a gun from his jacket and shoots them both in the head.

Abraham waves at the men and begins to laugh. He stands up, put's the cigarette out and walks over

to the shooter. It is revealed thatDetective Burns was the killer.


20/23

ABRAHAM

How hard is it going to be to divert this one away from me?

Burns put's his gun away.

DETECTIVE BURNS

Not too difficult. This Manticore, or whatever they're calling

it, can be blamed for the incident. It took the case.

ABRAHAM

Hmmm, I'm not sure I'd buy that lie so maybe your fellow

officers won't either.

DETECTIVE BURNS

What if we blame it on those two?

Abraham inspects the dead men's hair line. Abnormal behaviour is a symptom of his psychotic

condition.

ABRAHAM

Perhaps that would work best.

Abraham moves to his desk but runs his fingers across the leather of the couch, tapping each finger

three times as he does it. Once at his desk he approaches the briefcase and opens it. The gold light

shines on him again.

ABRAHAM

This creature that attacked the men. Did anyone get an

image of it?

Burns moves closer to Van der Vort.

DETECTIVE BURNS

We have video footage. It was the strangest occurrence I've

ever witnessed. In one night this creature, that seemed to

appear from a Greek legend, tore through the thugs,

crashed in front and therefore stopped a runaway bus... it

was like this mishap beast fell into the criminals lining the

streets of Trent City.


21/23

Abraham shuts the case again and then turns to the Detective as if he has an idea.

ABRAHAM

Bring me this footage. I want to see the creature for myself.

Burns nods and leaves the penthouse.Abraham moves towards the window and stares out to gaze

upon the bustling city below. A shadow is cast over half of his face as he begins to smile in a

villainous manner.

ABRAHAM

Could it be the Imoogi? I thought I'd taken care of that thing

already.

Burns enters the office again with a folder full of pictures. He throws it onto the desk and spreads out

the pictures, showing the creature.

DETECTIVE BURNS

These are stills that one of my officers printed from the

other night. It looks humanoid, apart from the wings and tail

and claws.

Abraham studies the images carefully.

ABRAHAM

It's different but so familiar. Do you know Detective, I put a

bullet in the brain of the force behind this creature. I

thought that would kill this demon that haunts me but it

seems that even a shiny shiny brain-oscopy has no affect.

The man that I killed...

The Detective recalls the name.

DETECTIVE BURNS

Ruban Prince?

ABRAHAM

Yes, he had a wife and child didn't he?

DETECTIVE BURNS

I'm not sure. I'd have to do some digging.


22/23

ABRAHAM

Then start digging. Dig a hole in the ground for this creature.

I want it buried.

Detective Burns nods and heads to the door.

DETECTIVE BURNS

I'll send Lewis and Matthews.

Abraham holds his hand up to stop Burns.

ABRAHAM

No, send One Touch. I want this handled by a realprofessional that I can trust. Someone with the magic

required to make this thing vanish.

Burns leavesAbraham alone in the penthouse. Van der Vortpicks up one of the photos and stares at

the Imoogi.

ABRAHAM

This time Imoogi... you will die.

END OF SCENE SIX

TO BE CONTINUED IN EPISODE TWO


23/23

Other titles in the Crosspoint Universe...

created by

As a mage, Brian Fosters holds a power that allows him tostand up against the most dangerous creatures on the Planet

Earth. Now his world has crumbled he has no other option

but to help the governments of Earth bring down an ancient

alliance that threatens not only mankind but every race on

the planet. With the help of other heroes, can Brian survive

what the brutal night life of Port Circe has to offer?

Thom Boulton 2012

Crosspoint Universe and The Manticore are both intellectual properties of Thom Boulton. The sale of

this item, copying or re-distribution without prior written consent from the creator and author isillegal and in violation of United Kingdom law.

manticore - episode 01

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