195. Sh3kina: The Dancer - Leslie

• FADE IN:


• EXT. INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT STREET - NIGHT


• STEPHEN walks through quiet streets scanning the buildings around him.


• He stops in the light of a streetlamp to inspect a small calling card.


• It reads: You're invited to a night of magic at The Robot Bride for an exclusive concert by Intricate Delusions. 379 Industrial Dr.


• He looks up and down the street, then spots a warehouse with "The Robot Bride" projected onto the wall.


• He approaches and stops as a massive BOUNCER steps out of the shadows.


• STEPHEN
• Hey, I'm here for the concert.


• BOUNCER
• Name?


• STEPHEN
• Stephen Meier.


• The bouncer inspects the list in his hand, then nods and steps aside, opening the door.


• Stephen walks into the warehouse.


• INT. THE ROBOT BRIDE - NIGHT


• The space is almost completely pitch black.


• Stephen looks around confused.


• There is a loud pop and then another and lights hum on at the edges of the room.


• There is a hiss and then flames ignite in the center of the room.


• THE DANCER stands in the center of the room spinning flaming poi in the middle of a ring of tea lights.


• STEPHEN
• Oh, I think I have the wrong place, sorry...I'm looking for the concert?


• THE DANCER
• Hi Stephen.


• STEPHEN
• Wait...how do you you know my name?


• THE DANCER
• You should probably take your shoes off.


• STEPHEN
• Excuse me, what?


• THE DANCER
• Off. This is sacred space.


• Stephen backs up to the door and tries to open it but it is locked.


• STEPHEN
• Hey! Look, I'm sure I have the wrong place, I'll just go...you can do your voodoo dance on your own.


• THE DANCER
• Stephen, now.


• There is something about the voice, enchanting and terrifying that causes him to listen, removing his shoes and walking forward.


• STEPHEN
• Who are you?


• The dancer whirls the flames around her face, smiling.


• THE DANCER
• I AM.


• Stephen pales and steps back again.


• THE DANCER
• Don't be afraid. Come here.


• Stephen walks towards her slowly.


• THE DANCER
• I've chosen you.


• STEPHEN
• For what? What could I possibly do?


• She smiles again, mischievous.


• THE DANCER
• I should warn you, I am the wind, here one day, there the next. I'll make you like the wind; You will touch strange dimensions and command my armies with a word?


• STEPHEN
• Armies? You have the wrong guy. I don't think I have quite the qualifications you want. I still struggle with whether you exist or not, and in two days, I'll be rationalizing this. Wait, I'm doing it right now. And I'm not a good guy, I'm really not, you know this. I'm have no right to do anything for you.


• THE DANCER
• Stephen Lewis Meier, I don't make mistakes. Come here.


• Stephen steps to the edge of the ring of candles.


• The dancer walks forward and allows the flaming poi to hang from her hands.


• She reaches out and flame leaps from her forefinger.


• She touches his lips with her burning finger.


• THE DANCER
• You are clean. Go, be my subversive, whisper the words I give to you, spread my revolution quietly. I will never leave you, I will always be with you.


• She turns and steps outside of the circle.


• The candles extinguish and she is gone.


• Stephen touches his lips and walks out the door, his finger still at his mouth.


• He exits the warehouse and sees that no one is there.


• He walks back down the sidewalk, pauses, then extends his hand in a quick motion.


• A flame ignites above his palm and he laughs in amazement, then continues into the dark.


• FADE TO BLACK.