INT. MIRA’S ROOM - NIGHT

Mira sobs into a coarse blanket on her bed. She cradles an old picture of her family, touching her father, JACK, 40.

Mira sobs dissipate, and a tingle of fear runs up the back of her neck. She examines her room, hard rocky stone crudely room, a bed, a dresser. But they’re not decorated with paints and carvings. A few objects of basic furniture scatter her wooden, they’re more spongey. Mushroom.

DINK! A noise from outside.

Mira slowly gets out of bed, and enters the hallway, and peers toward the door.

She creeps up towards it, checking a colored glass window as she passes. There’s no one. Outside, there is no sun, no moon. Stone replaces what should be the sky. Small lanterns hang on the cavern wall, lighting the tunnel.

She reaches the door, spongy and purplish. She readies herself, and then throws it open.

Standing on the porch outside is her brother DEVON (20M), a people pleaser to his core. She rushes to hold him in a hug.

Over her shoulder, Devon glances at the CRUDE KNIFE left on the kitchen table.

MIRA

(crying)

Dad’s alive.

DEVON

What?

MIRA

Lin was in the Pits. He saw him. Ten years, and he’s still alive.

DEVON

Oh my God.

Mira gathers herself, and fixes Devon’s hair, then kisses his forehead.

MIRA

Lin’s going to get him back. We’re all going to be together again.

DEVON

I need to sit down.

MIRA

I need to run.

She runs outside, and points at the ground beneath them.

MIRA

Our Dad is down there Devon. I always knew it. He didn’t abandon us. He’s coming back.

Devon looks at the passerby’s walking past their apartment.

DEVON

Let’s get inside, you’re making a scene.

MIRA

Dad is alive! What are you talking about? You always worry what other people think.

Devon slowly walks towards her and kneels down.

DEVON

Can we go inside?

MIRA

For once, will you stand up for yourself? For us?

Mira storms into the apartment. Devon follows her, and shuts the door. His eyes gravitate toward the Crude Knife on the other side of the room.

DEVON

I’m sorry. I won’t worry about anyone else from now on, I promise you.

MIRA

Sure thing asshole.

Mira stops. Her breath catches. The scales fall back in her eyes.

DEVON

(distorted)

Where did Lin see Dad? Was it deep in the Pits?

She takes a step back. The Crude Knife calls to Devon. Mira comes to.

MIRA

(shaky)

Sorry, I think we forgot pass-codes. In a window-less night how do you open the sun?

Devon nervously laughs.

DEVON

Come on sis, how deep was he?

MIRA

I’d really like for you to answer the pass-code.

Devon straightens up, and stares at her sharply.

DEVON

You turn on the lamp.

Mira hyperventilates, and blinks rapidly.

MIRA

That’s right! Awesome.

Mira slowly backpedals, and scans the kitchen for a weapon. Devon sighs.

DEVON

(under his breath)

God-damn riddles.

Devon lunges at Mira, punching her head and knocking her to the other side of kitchen.

Her head bangs the cabinet. But there’s no time. She feels her hand across the counter top as she stares at her brother in horror.

Saliva drips out of his mouth, and his limbs seem to lengthen ever so slightly.

She finds it! She holds the Crude Knife out in front of her.

MIRA

STAY BACK!

(crying)

Stay back.

Devon growls at her, staying just out of reach of her knife.

MIRA

(hysterical)

Why? Why did you pretend to be him?

Saliva bubbles from him like a fountain.

MIRA

Why do you kill us?

Devon turns away from her for a moment, opening cabinets. He quickly turns back, tossing pots and pans at her with uncanny speed. Using the distraction, he bats the Crude Knife out of her hand, and closes the distance. He slams down a ROLLING PIN over and over and over.

She’s on the ground. The rolling pin keeps pounding.

He drops the bloody rolling pin, and breathes a contended sigh. Mira wheezes and struggles to breathe on the floor.

Devon grunts and begins to transform, back into his natural state. Mira slowly reaches toward the knife on the other side of the kitchen.

His torso grows taller, and his limbs shrink. His skin turns pale white, and sticky. And then it ceases to be skin, resembling more a mucus-ey membrane. Its clothes shred as it grows to nearly 8 feet tall. Yet its limbs are tiny, almost indistinguishable from the rest of its disgusting body.

Mira grabs the kitchen knife, but her hand is consumed in its sticky membrane. The CHANGELING takes the knife from her hand, and cuts itself. It’s black blood flows onto Mira.

All she can do is scream.

EXT. MARKET SQUARE - NIGHT

The real Devon stares at the stone above him. He wears a dirty guard UNIFORM, and holds a primitive RIFLE.

SUPER: The Underground. 60 Years After the Descent

Devon surveys his surroundings. He’s in the middle of a chaotic marketplace, with dozens of outdoor street vendors. Hundreds of variety of mushroom are on display next to a vendor selling handwoven clothes. The vendor selling grilled bats is crowded with customers.

In the midst of the crowded street, Devon suddenly hears a man crying out for a guard. CROWLEY, an elderly fanatic wrestles a golden necklace from TIMMY, a young teenage beggar.

CROWLEY

(yelling)

CHANGELING DEVIL! HELP! HELP!

Devon runs to them. Crowley has successfully taken back the golden necklace, where the Church Crest, a reflective circular pendant, can now be seen.

CROWLEY

Finally, you Grunt. This Changeling Devil revealed its true form. Take it to the Pits to be exiled.

Crowley pushes Timmy into Devon’s possession. Devon bows his head to Crowley.

DEVON

Yes, your Holiness.

A small crowd begins to gather around the exchange.

TIMMY

I’m no Changer! I promise, I’m innocent.

CROWLEY

This Devil nearly stole my Church Crest. Heresy of the highest order! It must be a Devil!

The crowd jeers at the boy.

BYSTANDER 1

(Yelling)

CHANGELING WRETCH!

DEVON

(to Crowley)

Did you see him Change?

CROWLEY

I see the Devil in his eyes.

Crowley stares deeply in Timmy’s eyes, cowing him.

BYSTANDER 2

HE’S THE DEVIL!

DEVON

Councilor, Changeling’s cannot be distinguished from real people. Their illusions are perfect.

Crowley switches his dominating gaze from Timmy to Devon.

CROWLEY

This boy is a Changeling Devil. It aims to exterminate the last bastion of the human race. Every day, more and more die because of ignorant fools like you. The full weight of the Church commands you.

Devon breaks eye contact, and submits to Crowley. Crowley sneers at Timmy.

The crowd cheers in agreement.

CROWLEY

Put it back where it came from. The Pits.

DEVON

Yes, your Holiness.

Devon drags Timmy away.

EXT. THE PITS - NIGHT

Devon drags Timmy through a cave toward the Pits. Timmy’s crying, tears and snot flowing everywhere.

TIMMY

I’m not a monster, I promise sir! I’m just a pickpocket.

The caves open up to a series of long, jagged passageways. Each passageway branching off into others, which themselves branched off. Hundreds of tunnels, the floors of which were crumbling and shifting. A soft reddish light seeps up from the layer below.

SUPER: The Pits

TIMMY

(crying)

That’s where THEY come from. I can’t. I’ll die.

Devon looks at him with helpless pity.

DEVON

I’m sorry, orders are orders.

Devon drags Timmy by the arm into a tunnel leading down. Timmy screams in protest.

On the side of the floor of the tunnel, there’s a crack big enough to fit through. The crack extends hundreds of feet down, in a spiraling reddish ravine filled with vines and weeds. Strange SOUNDS emanate from below.

Devon looks down the crack, and then back at Timmy.

DEVON

(pained)

I’m sorry kid, there’s your exit.

TIMMY

Please, please sir I can’t-

RICKY, an arrogant 22-year-old, emerges from the tunnels.

RICKY

Devon! You’re just the guy I was looking for.

DEVON

Pass-code.

RICKY

Chill out! Green Heart.

DEVON

White sock.

Ricky seems to notice Timmy for the first time.

RICKY

Who is this?

DEVON

It’s a Changeling.

Ricky quickly raises a RIFLE at Timmy.

RICKY

Who saw him change?

DEVON

Councilor Crowley witnessed him attempt to steal a Holy Pennant.

Ricky rolls his eyes and lets his gun fall.

RICKY

So no one saw him change?

DEVON

Yeah, but Crowley said-

RICKY

Chill out man, Crowley’s just got a stick up his ass.

Ricky nods at Timmy.

RICKY

Go ahead kid.

TIMMY

Thank you so much!

Timmy runs out of the tunnel, and out of the Pits. Devon looks relieved to have the decision off of his plate.

Ricky puts his arm around Devon’s shoulder.

RICKY

I got a last minute client. I just need your lookout services one last time.

Devon sighs, and then nods.

DEVON

Okay, Ricky, but seriously? Tomorrow’s your last day.

Ricky shakes Devon.

RICKY

Just a little celebratory smuggling! I got into the UIA I deserve to let loose!

Devon groans, then smiles at him.

DEVON

One last time, super spy. I’m gonna miss you at the UIA.

Ricky dances in celebration next to him, and then leads him through the tunnels.

EXT. THE PITS - STAIRCASE - LATER

Ricky and Devon arrive at a crudely carved staircase jutting out of the wall of the cavern. Each stair is nearly 3 feet above the last, and they lead to a makeshift trapdoor.

Ricky slowly struggles up the staircase, Devon hangs back and watches for any activity. Ricky pushes open the trapdoor.

Lin is on the other side. He tries walking down, but Ricky stops him.

RICKY

Nothing But?

Lin sighs, and hands over a pouch of coins.

LIN

A Suicidal Idiot.

RICKY

(chuckles)

I love our pass-codes Lin.

Ricky looks inside to count it out. Lin notices Devon.

LIN

(whispering)

Psst. Hey Devon!

Devon turns around. Lin eyes Ricky suspiciously.

LIN

Talk to your sister. It’s about your Dad.

RICKY

(shushing)

You’re all paid up, get on down.

Lin walks through the door and past Ricky, and climbs down into a small hole in the ground.

LIN

12 hours. You better be here Ricky.

RICKY

Yeah yeah get to it before I gotta shoot you.

Lin sighs, and enters the Pits.

INT. DEVON’S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Devon tiredly walks into his apartment. He sighs, rubbing his temples.

DEVON

Mira? You up?

Mira comes rushing out of her bedroom, wearing nondescript brown clothes. There’s a big bruise on her eye.

MIRA

Just about!

INT. MIRA’S ROOM - SAME TIME

The real Mira screams against a gag in her mouth, but no sound comes out. She’s covered in black blood.

INT. DEVON’S APARTMENT - CONTINUED

Devon tiredly locks the door.

MIRA

In a window-less night how do you open the sun?

DEVON

By breaking open the sky!

MIRA

(Under her breath)

Goddamn riddles.

Mira shakes her head, and out of the corner of her eye, notices a piece of the bloody rolling pin sticking out of the sink.

DEVON

Don’t rag on Dad’s pass-codes! By the way, what’s happening with him?

Mira busies herself near the sink, putting herself between Devon and the rolling pin.

MIRA

What do you mean? He left us ten years ago.

Devon walks closer. Mira hugs closer to the sink, barely hiding the rolling pin.

DEVON

(chuckling)

Yeah I can count too dipshit. Lin told me something was up. I know you still think he’s alive. Or are you finally ready to put up the headstone.

Devon walks dangerously close. One more step, and he can see the bloody rolling pin.

MIRA

No, nothing’s up. He’s dead.

DEVON

Since when did we keep things from each other?

Mira turns to face him.

MIRA

I just need some privacy.

DEVON

What are you talking about? All we have is each other, that’s what you always say. I’m sorry I joined the military. I just thought, I was supposed to.

Devon leans in to give Mira a hug. Her eyes go wide, as he leans over her shoulder, the rolling pin in plain sight.

She pushes him away.

MIRA

(screaming)

He’s dead! He’s dead he’s dead he’s dead. That what you wanna hear?

Devon looks at her in shock, then suspicion. He runs out of the apartment.

INT. MIRA’S ROOM - CONT

Mira cries through her gag. Screaming for Devon.

The other Mira runs into the room, holding a knife.

EXT. OUTSIDE DEVON’S APARTMENT - CONT

Devon runs to the street corner, and unlocks a stone BOX. Inside is a ONE-SHOT RIFLE. He runs back inside the apartment.

INT. DEVON’S APARTMENT - CONT

Devon sees nothing. He runs into the bedroom, and finds Mira. She’s covered in cuts, with one large new one on her neck. The thick black blood seeps into all of them.

Devon takes her hand. Looking at her in shock. With her last bit of strength, she squeezes his hand. Devon starts to cry.

He exits the apartment, holding his rifle at every passerby. They all freeze, holding their hands in the air.

DEVON

I NEED A DOCTOR! My sister – Changeling.

A DOCTOR comes out of the crowd.

DOCTOR

I can help, let me through.

Devon points the gun at her for a moment, considering what to do.

Then, he gestures for her to go inside. He scans the small crowd, looking at their clothes. Some wear spider-cloth, others have a dash of color in their outfit. Finally, he sees Timmy, wearing over sized brown clothes. He recognizes what the Fake Mira wore.

He makes eye contact with Timmy, who turns and runs down a side alley. Devon follows.

INT. THE ONE CHURCH - PEWS - NIGHT

ISTINA, a 20-year-old headstrong woman, sits on a pew, listening to the service. Her foot impatiently taps.

ERICK (28M) rises to the front of the room, and speaks over a large podium. He has bleach white hair, and reddish skin.

ERICK

All rise. Glory to the eternal truth of the Old One.

The congregation rises. Istina glances to the central column of pews, where nearly a hundred INITIATES stand praying, wearing transparent white veils.

ERICK

Thank you. You may be seated.

The congregation sits.

ERICK

You select few have been chosen to take part in the Initiation. Within days, some of you will be accepted to take on the cloth of the church.

Istina mumbles under her breath, practicing lines.

ERICK

60 years ago, humanity descended into the bowels of the Earth. The Old One guided us here, as God guided Noah aboard the Ark. Changeling devils overrun the surface world. We are all that is left, thanks to the grace of the Old One.

Istina points at herself emphatically, still lost in thought.

ERICK

Some doubt the Old One. Blame him when the Changeling’s dig into our home.

The crowd of initiates boo and jeer. Erick shakes his head.

ERICK

It’s your job to express our gratitude. To pray for our future protection.

The crowd of initiates cheer, and Istina joins them.

ERICK

Good luck on your Initiation.

The congregation rises, and begins to mingle. Erick walks off the podium, and toward the Purification Chamber. The Chamber is a bath-house, where church leaders bathe in purifying chemicals.

Istina runs to stop him, and meets Erick at the door to the Purification Chamber.

ISTINA

Councilor Erick. It’s a pleasure to meet you. You have to let me in. Just into Initiation.

ERICK

Istina…

ISTINA

I cannot lie. I have taken a Vow of Verity. I know the scriptures like the back of my hand. I am devoted to the Old One, let me prove it to you.

ERICK

We both know–

Istina points at herself with both thumbs.

ISTINA

I am not my mother. I HATE her. More than anyone else. Do not let her define me.

Erick smiles weakly, and places his hands on her shoulders.

ERICK

Istina… Your mother was a diligent and shrewd council-woman. In that way, you are alike. But she’s a traitor. And you’re her daughter. It’s as simple as that.

Istina deflates. Her eyes tear up, and her vision clouds. She looks back up to say something, but he’s gone.

On the other side of the large Cathedral, Timmy barges through the entrance.

He runs through the assembly, passing Crowley, who gasps in horror. He runs through clouds of students, heading toward Istina.

He rushes past her, and enters the Purification Chamber.

Devon slams open the entrance, holding his Rifle at the crowd.

DEVON

(yelling)

WHERE DID HE GO?

The crowd of Initiates and Church members murmur and shuffle, until Crowley comes forward.

CROWLEY

You let him live? You insolent fool.

Devon points his Rifle at Crowley.

DEVON

Where.

Crowley gasps at him.

ISTINA

(yelling)

Devon!

Istina waves him over from across the room. Devon sprints away, pushing through the crowd.

When he finally emerges, he comes face to face with Istina.

DEVON

Istina. Trust?

ISTINA

No one. He’s in there. What’d he do?

The drive to revenge escapes Devon for a moment.

DEVON

Mira, she-she. It’s a Changeling.

Istina’s eyes harden. She takes his hand and leads him into the Chamber.

INT. PURIFICATION CHAMBER - CONTINUOUS

Istina and Devon walk into the Chamber.

Inside, there are 2 Erick’s fighting in the Bath. 2 sets of clothes lie on the ground, one from Timmy, and one from Erick.

Both men are bloody and bruised. Devon holds out his Rifle.

DEVON

Stop it.

The Erick’s separate.

ERICK 1

(pointing at Erick 2)

He’s a Changeling! He came in here as a child, then completely took my form.

ERICK 2

The monster! It’s attempting to deceive you. Praise be the Old One.

DEVON

Shut up.

(to Istina)

Do you have a Pass-Code with him?

ISTINA

No, I don’t.

She inches closer to the Erick’s, peering closely at both of them. They’re completely identical.

ISTINA

I know what to do. I say shoot him.

Istina points at Erick 1. Devon’s rifle points with her.

ERICK 1

(yelling)

It’s not me!

DEVON

Istina, are you sure?

ERICK 2

Yes, shoot him.

ISTINA

I said shoot him.

Devon’s Rifle wavers. He looks between the Erick’s, and then at Istina, whose face he could never read.

DEVON

Okay, I’ll shoot him.

ERICK 1

No!

ERICK 2

Yes!

Devon’s Rifle extends further and further. Erick 1 curls into a ball. Istina continues to examine the Erick’s until-

ISTINA

It’s the other one!

Devon’s Rifle swings around to target Erick 2.

BLAM! The Rifle fires, and breaks apart in Devon’s hand. A smoke cloud covers Erick 2.

When the smoke clears, there’s nobody. He’s vanished. Devon and Istina both frantically search the floor.

DEVON

Got it!

Devon points near the drain, where a tiny WHITE WORM wiggles its way to the drain.

Devon stamps his foot, but the worm escapes down the drain in time.

DEVON

(yelling)

DAMMIT!

Erick 1 is still shell-shocked in the corner, but is slowly coming to his senses.

Devon sits down in the corner and yells in anger.

ERICK

Why didn’t you shoot me?

Devon nods at Istina.

DEVON

Vow of Verity. She can’t lie. I’ve known her long enough to tell when she’s holding back the truth.

Istina comforts Erick, placing a hand on his shoulder.

ISTINA

I’m so sorry, Councilor Erick. I thought it was our only option. If you were a Changeling, you would have tried to escape. Probably.

Erick swallows.

ISTINA

About Initiation, I think you owe me one.

Erick sighs.

INT. DEVON’S APARTMENT - AFTERNOON

Devon and Istina look over the dead body of Mira.

The Doctor tries to speak to them, but nothing makes it through.

Istina swallows her tears, and grabs the head of Mira. She motions for Devon to grab the feet.

He follows her robotically, out the door, and through the street.

As they pass into the busy street, a town crier begins making announcements.

TOWN CRIER

ALWAYS SCAN THE GROUND! CHANGELING WORMS CAN BE ANYWHERE! THAT’S HOW THEY GET US, THAT’S HOW THEY KILL US!

Devon looks down at the ground, scanning it as he carries Mira’s body.

EXT. GRAVEYARD - EVENING

Istina and Devon shovel loose pieces of gravel over Mira’s body, lying in a small crater in the rock.

DEVON

Thank you Istina. You didn’t have to do all this.

ISTINA

She was practically my sister too.

DEVON

Yeah, I know.

Istina and Devon return to shoveling silently, until they completely fill her grave.

ISTINA

Could I…?

Devon nods.

ISTINA

Praise be to the Old One. Mira was a kind, true, and honest soul. Now that she is gone, the Changelings can no longer take her form. In death, she has been freed.

Istina gestures to Devon.

DEVON

Mira would have done anything for me. I tried but– wasn’t as brave. And when it mattered most, I failed to save her. Or even avenge her. So, I’m sorry.

A loud rumble echoes through the entire Underground. The ground shakes. The Earth quakes. Istina smiles at him.

ISTINA

The Old One has acknowledged your Prayer.

DEVON

(shrugging)

Thanks Old One.

They take a small moment of silence together. Devon’s hand reaches out towards hers, but she moves her hand away.

DEVON

(clears throat)

Thank you too Istina. I need to clean the apartment. Good luck on Initiation.

ISTINA

Let me know if you need anything.

Devon walks out of the cemetery.

INT. DEVON’S APARTMENT - EVENING

Devon enters the apartment with trepidation. His eyes dart to Mira’s room. Blood still drenches the floor.

He slowly approaches the bloodstain. His eyes water, but he sucks it up.

He moves to the kitchen, opening cabinets until he finds a small towel. He tries to wet it in the sink, when he spots it.

The Rolling Pin, drenched in blood, lies right in front of him.

He jumps back. Tears up, and walks out the door.

EXT. THE PITS - EVENING

Devon vacantly patrols the thousands of jagged tunnels that make up The Pits.

His feet stomp one in front of the other, on their own.

RICKY (O.S.)

Hey, Devon, you alright?

Ricky places his hand on Devon’s shoulder. Devon jumps away.

DEVON

White Sock.

RICKY

Green Heart. We’ve all heard. I’m so sorry man. What are you doing at work?

DEVON

I couldn’t be home.

RICKY

I can help clean up if you need. I know what it’s like.

DEVON

Thanks.

RICKY

Also, Lin is coming up soon. They were… close right?

DEVON

Yeah, I should probably tell him.

Ricky takes Devon through a series of passageways, before they arrive at a steep hole in the ground.

Ricky talks to him, but he can’t hear anything. He stares into the darkness of the Pits, consumed by it.

Eventually, the Pits stare back. The eyes of his father stare back.

DEVON

Dad?

Devon’s father smiles.

INT. THE ONE CHURCH - EVENING

Istina, now wearing the transparent white Initiate veil, stands amongst about a dozen other initiates on a choir.

On the other side of the church, far away, sits the Council, including Erick and Crowley.

A young INSTRUCTOR (25F), conducts their singing.

INSTRUCTOR

Alright, from the top everyone.

CHOIR ISTINA

(singing)

Long Live the Council Without We’d be Doubtful Numbered A Dozen

Crowley smiles, and the rest of the Council nod along. Istina raises her eyebrow at the lyrics.

CHOIR ISTINA

(singing)

The Council our Cousins Praise be the Founder Duty Never Flounders

At that moment, the Old One growls. It growls deep and vicious. The Choir stops singing. The Church shakes.

Istina steadies herself. She offers a prayer under her breath.

ISTINA

Old One forgive us.

The Council at the other end of the room murmurs with anxiety. Crowley elbows Erick, who sighs with annoyance.

Erick whistles to get the attention of the Instructor, and gestures for her to continue.

The growling hasn’t stopped, if anything it has just gotten louder.

INSTRUCTOR

From the top again!

Istina doesn’t dare continue singing.

CHOIR

(singing)

Long Live the Council Without We’d be Doubtful Numbered A Dozen

EXT. THE PITS - EVENING

Devon and Ricky pull out their Rifles and point it at Devon’s father.

His dad jumps back in fear, but Lin quickly emerges from the darkness, and jumps in front of him.

LIN

Devon stop! It’s your Dad.

DEVON

What are you talking about!?

LIN

Did your sister not tell you?

DEVON

(trembling)

She–

RICKY

Out of the way Lin before I blast you too!

LIN

Listen I’m human. A Suicidal Idiot. Nothing but A.

Devon’s father peaks out from behind Lin to get a look at Devon. Ricky tracks him with his rifle.

DEVON

My Dad’s dead Lin.

LIN

What are you talking about? I saw him last night. That’s why I came here. I told Mira everything.

Devon’s rifle shakes, and tears roll down his eyes.

DEVON

Mira?

RICKY

Come on Lin! It’s a god-damn Changeling. Stop torturing him.

LIN

He’s not. He can’t be, I mean look at him.

Devon’s father cowers behind Lin, completely curled in a ball.

LIN

He’s totally harmless. I was alone with him for hours, he could have killed me.

RICKY

Why isn’t he talking? He’s just using you to gain entry to the Underground.

Devon’s Rifle slowly points to the ground. He stands totally transfixed on his father. They make eye contact, and his father smiles.

LIN

I think you’re both missing the god-damn point. He’s here. Changelings can’t take the form of dead people.

(to Devon)

Your Father is alive, whether this is him or not.

RICKY

(shaky)

People that try to escape don’t come back. They die.

LIN

Well, he didn’t. His father is alive. And the simplest explanation is that this is Him. Something happened, made him mute. But he survived.

Devon’s father peaks out quickly from Lin, and then quickly hides back. Like he’s playing peak-a-boo.

Devon drops his Rifle. He slowly approaches his Dad.

RICKY

Devon stop! Don’t go near that thing.

Devon walks around Lin, and sits beside his dad.

LIN

Mira should have told you all this.

DEVON

Lin, I’m so sorry. She was attacked by a Changeling. And I couldn’t stop it. And she died.

LIN

She- She’s dead?

DEVON

I’m so sorry.

Lin looks as if his soul was plucked from his body. As if he refuses to break, and instead deflates.

LIN

I’m sorry you had to see that. I’m sorry I wasn’t there.

Devon’s father gathers their attention, and smiles.

He starts rifling around his pocket. He pulls out a piece of paper, and hands it to Devon.

It’s an old-timey photograph. Showing Devon, Mira, and their Dad. Devon tears up.

DEVON

Ricky?

RICKY

(shaky)

Yeah Dev.

DEVON

My Dad’s coming in.

Ricky shakes his head disapprovingly.