Carrot Cake
This story and all content within are copyright 2009 ©, 2010 © to Dale Robert Jenkins: A.k.a Asalis
Authors note : This is an attempt at writing in a different format and style. This is an attempt at a script style. It's just an experiment but i figured i'd try something different for once. Feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Carrot Cake
Intro scene starts out focused on a completely unassuming house in the middle of a residential district:
Ceriven : Look out! It's out of control!
Adriana : Ven, I thought you said this was going to be a little project, as in smaller than this room?!
Ceruvos : I told you, not in the house! Take it outside!
<Next scene a giant robot with just a cockpit, a pair of legs, and a set of mini missile launchers on it back rises through the roof and begins walking down the street under its own power.>
<In the wake of the now destroyed house stands a very frazzled and frantically bewildered human, main character.>
Stewart (Main char): My... house...
Narrative : Hi, my name is Stewart Thompson and this is essentially my life as it stands now. That's me standing in the wreckage of my own home. Despite how it looks, I honestly wouldn't have it any other way, though I didn't always used to think so.
<Next scene is a close-up on the unwilling pilot of the mech, a rabbit-like human with white fur, angelic wings, and a halo to match. He's screaming like a little girl at the complete lack of control as he passes by several apartment buildings.>
Narrative : That's Ceriven, he's a technology obsessed angelic rabbit sent to be my guardian. I tend protect him more than he does me at times.
<Next scene focuses on a female character that looks human for the most part save for the very large feathery back wings, with head-wings in place of a halo. She is currently standing on what would appear to be an intricate magic circle which she's obviously charging in hope of bringing down that mech.>
Narrative : This is Adriana; she is what is more commonly known as a fae or fairy. They're like angels only they can use both sides of the magical spectrum. By the way the bunny ears and tail she's wearing are fake.
<Next the scene switches to another human-like rabbit already air born. He looks almost identical to the unwilling mech pilot only with a set of leathery bat wings and horns instead of a halo.>
Narrative : That's Ceruvos, he's the twin brother of the one in the mech. He's actually a demon but his story will be explained much later. Needless to say he's a bit hot tempered yet out of the three of them he's actually the more stable. He takes his job a bit too seriously at times if you ask me.
<Next scene shows a collage of all four characters with the main one sitting between them wearing the same bewildered look.>
Narrative : And how did I get stuck with these three? Well, perhaps I should start at the beginning.
<Next scene opens up in-front of your common average every day comic shop. The main character is situated behind it trying to look busy for his shop. A small girl comes in and waves to him before browsing around.>
Narrative : This is me as I was, before I met the previously mentioned trio. I work at a comic book shop with another friend of mine who owns the place. It's not much but it pays the bills. Plus it gives me a chance to do a little doodling in my spare time. Little did I know that very soon, my life was about to change forever.
<The next panel/scene shows his friend coming in from the back.>
Owner/friend : Thanks for watching the front for me.
Stewart : No problem. The store pretty much manages it's self anyway.
Owner/friend : Oh hey, a package just arrived for you today. I put it in the back.
Stewart : A package, for me? Whose it from?
Owner/friend : No idea but the carrier said that it was meant to be a present for you.
Stewart : Oh, then it's probably from my mom. My birthday's tomorrow.
Owner/friend : No kidding? Well I'll be sure to wish you a happy birthday then.
<The next scene changes to a well lit mysterious place and a slightly obscured view of the voice owner's backsides as they observe the main character through some kind of odd contraption.>
Ceriven : So this is the one?
Mystery character : Yes, think you can handle this assignment Ceriven.
Ceruvos : You had better, Ven. I don't want to have to clean up your mess, again.
Ceriven (enthusiastic): Don't worry. He'll be in good hands.
Mystery char : For your sake we had better hope so. It's not every day that a mortal is granted such an honor, and let's face it you don't exactly have a good reputation right now.
<The next scene shows Ceruvos leaning against a wall with his arms folded.>
Ceruvos : I've been doing some research on the guy. He's fresh out of college, living a regular life. He doesn't have very many friends, and his life is pretty much going nowhere. He's a flake. Why should we even bother?
Mystery char : Because he's about to awaken, and if he doesn't get the guidance he needs then it could prove catastrophic for the mortal realm.
Ceruvos : And you're sending my chaotic angelic twin?
<Next scene, Ceriven is shown in full from the waist up leaning on a table as he observes the conversation taking place on either side of him.>
Mystery Char : There was no one else to choose, all others are currently busy with their assignment.
Ceruvos : I see, and you couldn't have come to me?
Ceriven (annoyed): Hey, I'm right here you know!
<The scene returns to the device displaying the main characters image.>
Mystery char : Your one to talk, Ceruvos. Just look at you, not a shred of the angel you used to be is left. In any case it's out of my hands now. <her body half turns to Ceriven.> The higher up's hand picked you for this job, Ceriven. I frankly question their logic but there's nothing that can be done. You'd best get prepared.
Ceriven : Yes ma'am!
<The scene returns to Stewart who is once again hunched over the counter watching the customers as the owner aids one of them in finding a particular item. He glances over when another customer approaches the counter. Without much thought Stewart takes the item and rings it up before taking notice of the items' purchaser.>
Stewart : Oh hey Silvia, I didn't know you were into The Turbine comics.
Silvia (good natured): Took you long enough to notice me, Stewart. I often come here every weekend to check out the latest issues.
Stewart : Oh, that would be why. My boss has me off on weekends for some reason. I offer to help but he says he can manage.
Silvia : Oh, that reminds me. I'm having a party this weekend at my place. Figure I might as well invite you since you'll be free.
Stewart : Sure, I'd love to.
Silvia : Great! Party starts at eight so don't be late, OK?
<After paying, Silvia takes her purchase and exits the store. A moment later his friend/boss comes from the back room.>
Owner/friend : Why don't you go ahead and clock out. This place is pretty much dead now.
His boss notices the glossy look in Stewart's eyes.
Owner/friend : You know you could just, I dunno, ask her out? It's obvious that you're interested in her.
Stewart (startled): I can't do that! It would be too weird.
Owner/friend : Weirder than fawning over her behind her back?
Stewart (chuckles amused): Oh kay, oh kay. I'll ask her out this weekend. How does that sound?
Owner/friend : Go get em.
<Stewart waits until his friend is gone before slouching in his chair again and groaning to himself.>
The scene changes again to Stewart as he walks home lost deep in thought.
Stewart (Thoughts): OK Stewart, you got yourself into this mess now how are you going to get yourself out. Course actually asking her out on a date isn't really that bad. (looks disheartened.) Aw who am I kidding, I have no clue when it comes to dating. She'll think I'm some pathetic loser and probably never want to see me again.
Griff : Yo! Comic boy! *hic*
Stewart (Cringing annoyed): Of all times, why now?
<Stewart is approached by his next door neighbor/college jock graduate.>
Stewart (annoyed): Hello Griff, drunk again I see.
Griff (drunk): Yeah I thought it was you. I see you's all the time at the appartment.
Stewart (sighing): That's because were neighbors. Anyway, what do you want?
Griff (smug): I just got offered a position for the try-outs in the big leagues tomorrow.
Stewart (sarcastic): That's good news. I can see why you'd want to celebrate.
<Stewart gestures to the half empty bottle in Griff's hand.>
Griff : Hey! You can't judge me! I'm going to be a super star now. *hic*
Stewart : Griff, why don't you go home, take a cold shower and then get some rest. OK?
<While Stewart is trying to talk Griff down, the next scene shows an empty upright metal paint canister tip on it side and rolls down the scaffolding situated behind Griff. It rolls all the way to the edge before stopping just a few scant inches from falling over.>
Griff : Your not my father. *hic* I take care of me. You worry about your own self.
Stewart : Please Griff, I'm not going to argue this time!
<The can seemingly waits for a few seconds before finally rolling the rest of the way off the scaffolding and onto Griff's head.>
<The scene instantly switches to Griff who would have been flat on the ground if it weren't for Stewart quickly grabbing the jock and holding him up. Neither of them seemed to have notice the eerie ghost like laugh of amusement above.>
Stewart: Geez griff! Are you alright? How about I take you home?
Griff : Huh? Yeah, you're right. Let's go home.
<Ceriven soon appears a few feet above the roof of a building and lands, looking down the street where Stewart was supporting Griff on the trip to the apartment complex.>
Ceriven : Seems that we have a couple of poltergeist on the loose, Alteah. I managed to divert its original trajectory but I didn't mean for it to hit Griff.
Mystery character (full view from the front): That's perfectly alright. Accidents do happen. At least no one was seriously hurt, though that was no poltergeist.
Ceriven : Ma'am?
Alteah (nervously dismissive): You don't need to worry about that. I'll have Ceruvos look into it. (serious) You just continue with your original duties.
Ceriven: Yes ma'am! <salutes>
<Next scene opens up with Stewart dragging his feet as he enters through the front door of his house, an exasperated look in his face. He sigh's to him self briefly before finally managing to calm his frustrated nerves. After he calms his mind he instantly remembers the package.>
Stewart : OH right! I forgot about the box.
<After setting it on the coffee table he opens it to find a simple VHS cassette with the words 'Watch Me' written on the label. He places it in the VCR and a voice chimes in.>
Alteah : Hello and welcome, you have received this video because of your achievements, both throughout your life as well as in college. It is our hopes that by watching this video that we can help you choose a path that best suits your muchly desired skills.
Stewart : Gee, Can you help me find a better life too?
Alteah : Actually yes we can Mr. Thompson.
Stewart (briefly shocked): Did that lady just talk to me? (shrugs it off.) I need to lay off the day old take-out.
<The video continues on about the possible choice in ones life and soon arrives at the topic of mythology. She goes on about the creatures on the other side and how not everything in the physical realm is as it seems. Eventually the main character gets a little bored and turns it off with the remote.>
Stewart : What a bunch of bull.
Ceriven leans in over the couch behind Stewart and chuckles.
Ceriven : I dunno, I found it pretty accurate.
<Stewart leaps off the couch and tumbles over the coffee table before rolling on his backside in fright at the winged human shaped rabbit hovering just a few feet off of the ground.>
Stewart : Who are you, and how did you get into my house?
Ceriven (smiling): Pleased to meet you. I'm Ceriven, and I've been assigned as your guardian.
<The scene transitions with Ceriven and Stewart both sitting on the couch. A very exasperated look on Stewart's face.>
Stewart : So let me get this straight. You're from a place called Heaven where other celestial beings and physically deceased souls reside, and you've been assigned to me as my guardian?
Ceriven : Uh huh, and you also have this power that's about to awaken within you soon and it's my job to help train you. That's why I'm visible to you right now.
Stewart (somewhat skeptical): Right, if it weren't for your wings, the halo, your rabbit form, and the fact that you were hovering right in-front of me, I would have thought you were some insane lunatic.
<Alteah fades into the scene as if from thin air right in-front of Ceriven and Stewart. The more subtle appearance startles Stewart much less and gives him more time to adjust.
Alteah : Greetings I'm Alteah, Ceriven's boss as it were
Stewart : Hey you're that voice from the tape. You've been here the whole time haven't you?
Alteah (nodding in confirmation to Stewarts' question): I know this is a lot to take in but we have very few choices given the situation. You may not know it but your bloodline holds the key to a very powerful magic, a power that once unlocked can control the very elements themselves. There are many from both Heaven and Hell who would stop at nothing to posses that power.
Stewart : And where exactly does that leave me?
Ceriven : Well given that neither Lucifer nor God have any power when on Earth, it's my job as an Angelic to carry out God's will where he cannot.
Alteah : And right now he's ordered us to make sure that you're well protected, and when your power awakens that you are well trained in its proper use. That's where Ceriven here comes into play.
<A loud knock comes from the front door interrupting any further conversation. The loud voice calls through the front door.>
Landlord : Hey! Are you alright in there? What's that racket?
<Stewart jumps with surprise from the landlord's interruption. He looks around only to find that both Alteah and Ceriven had already disappeared. With a sigh of both relieve and exasperation he opens the door wide enough to allow the landlord to enter.>
Stewart : Sorry about that Mr. Lopez. I was watching TV.
Mr. Lopez : No I definitely heard a racket up here on this floor.
Stewart : Well I've just been watching TV and as you can see my apartment is clean so I...
<Stewart was interrupted once more when a loud crash was heard from Griff's apartment next door.>
Stewart (Sighing): Would that be the sound you're talking about? I just brought Griff home, again.
Mr. Lopez (annoyed): And he was probably drunk too, that bum. C'mon let's go check and see if he's OK.
<Upon opening the door to Griff's apartment, both Stewart and Mr. Lopez are witness to a completely destroyed living-room and kitchen. Lying prone in the middle of the floor was an unconscious Griff with a cut on his forehead. Mr. Lopez took one look at the glass on the inside of the floor and immediately dialed the police.>
Mr. Lopez : Hello, Police? This is the manager of Terrance Apartments; I'd like to report a break in...
<Stewart had already cleared the debris around Griff and was trying to shake him awake.>
Stewart : Griff wake up!
Griff (groggily): Huh? (awake and frantic) Oh Stewart! It was awful, these guys in cloaks and this grotesque mask broke into my apartment. I tried to fight them off but he zapped me with his bare hand and then beat me over the head.
<Alteah place a hand on Stewarts shoulder prompting him to look in his direction. Alteah quickly placed a finger over her own lips as if warning him to keep quiet>
Alteah : Because of your power it enables you and only you to see and hear us. <Stands and turns to face another angel wearing what appeared to be heavy full body armor.> Can you sense anything?
Sentinel angel : There's trace amounts of magic but nothing overly powerful. Judging from the debris I'd say they were looking for something.
Alteah<looking at Stewart> : Or someone. I'm very sorry for this Stewart but it seems that one of the individuals I was talking about is already looking for you. My agents are on it but in the mean time I'm afraid you have to remain in Ceriven's sights at all times, that is until I can arrange for some extra protection.
<Stewart just nods in understanding as Alteah disappeared and Mr. Lopez hung up the phone.>
Mr. Lopez : The police will be here within a few minutes with an ambulance for you Griff, I don't want to argue with you. You could have a concussion from that blow to your head.
Stewart : I'll stick around to comment for the police but then I'm going to bed.
Mr. Lopez : They really did a number on this place.
Griff : Actually it always looks like this.
Stewart : You're a pig, you know that?
<The scene switches to the next morning. Both Stewart and Ceriven are leaning on the glass counter of the comic shop. One or two customers were browsing through a couple of the comics before approaching Stewart to have their purchases rang up.>
Ceriven : Is it usually this empty?
Stewart <ringing up the last customer> : It usually is in the mornings; however the lunch crowd will be here in an hour so business will pick up.
<The scene switches to the glass door as Griff enters the shop much to Stewart's surprise.>
Stewart : Griff? What are you doing here? I thought you were still at the hospital?
Griff : It was just a minor cut so they let me go last night, I actually came here both to thank you for yesterday as well as ask you a question.
Stewart : Oh? What's that?
Griff : I wanted to ask you who that lady in my apartment last night was. I could tell you could see and hear her just by the way she addressed you.
Stewart (surprised): Wait, you could see her?!
Griff : Yes, just like I can see that angelic rabbit sitting right next to you.
Ceriven : No wonder they broke into your apartment, you have a sixth sense. Since Stewart here was shielded they must have mistook you for him.
Griff (confused): Wait... What?
Stewart : It's a long story that I'll explain later after I get home from work.
<Griff nods and waves albeit still confused before exiting the shop to head to his tryouts.>
Stewart <turning to face Ceriven> : Care to run that sixth sense thing by me again?
Ceriven : Well it since there are things like magic, demons, angels: then it goes without saying that there would be some people whom are very sensitive to entities and things from both Heaven and Hell. This means that they can see beyond the physical dimension in which they reside in and are ultimately capable of seeing that which naturally isn't of this earth such as your friend Griff.
Stewart (musing): Humn... Who'd have thought that a louse like him would have such a handy ability?
Ceriven <shrugging> : God works in mysterious ways I suppose. He probably had that ability all his life, would explain the drinking problem at least. <eyes light up as if remembering something> Oh hey, you gonna go to her party this weekend?
Stewart <smirking> : Oh so you've been spying on me that long huh?
<Ceriven just smiles enthusiastically>
Stewart (sigh): I thought about it but...
Ceriven : What's the worst that could happen, she tells you no? If she does it's not going to ruin your friendship with her.
Stewart <looking at Ceriven with skepticism> : You really think so?
Ceriven : You worry to much, trust me you're not going to lose anything just by asking her.
Stewart : You sound just like Jerry in the back.
Ceriven (chuckling lightly): Well your boss is right. You've got nothing to lose by trying.
<The scene changes once again changes to a window encompassed office, facing the main antagonist who is currently sitting in his plush office chair, looking out onto the cityscape. The door opens behind him and a woman enters the office approaching the front desk.>
Secretary : Mr. Stratough, I'm sorry to interrupt but you told me to alert you about their findings.
Cedric Stratough : And?
Secretary : They had thought they found him but it only turned out to be a psy sensitive drunk. They were sure they were close but something was blocking them. My guess is that they found them first.
Cedric Stratough : Very well then. Send out my special project, if they have them then it will only be a matter of time before that power activates. Once it does it will act like a beacon to him. I'm sure he'll be plenty hungry.
Secretary : At once sir.
<the scene changes to a dark city basement focused on a cage containing a well restrained wraith, the restraints glowing with odd glyphs on it. The light of a door opens and the silhouette of a woman is seen standing in the door way.>
Secretary : Release the Wraith.
<The scene does a close up as the chains are suddenly released as if by some unseen power. The cage door opens and the wraith steps out, letting out a deep roar while doing so. It stops in mid exit to gaze at something in the corner. All eyes soon turn where the wraith was looking. Suddenly a man carrying a camera dashes out from his hiding place.>
Secretary : Stop him! Destroy that camera!
<The wraith lets out a low growl before sinking into the floor, he emerges seconds later cutting off the reporters retreat allowing the other thugs to catch up to him. The wraith is about to throw the killing blow before it stops in its tracks, looking off in the distance.>
Secretary : Their powers must have become active! Go and retrieve him, you may consume their protectors but they themselves must remain unharmed. The key will not work if they're dead.
<the wraith disappears leaving the reporter at the mercy of the thugs who wrestle him to his feet, the secretary taking the camera from around his neck.>
Secretary : As for you, my master might have a way of dealing with uninvited guest like you.
<the scene returns to a now empty comic shop. Stewart reclined in his chair while Ceriven concentrates on a little glowing ball floating inches above his hand.>
Stewart : What are you doing?
Ceriven : I'm performing a simple channeling exercise
Stewart (curious): Really?
Ceriven : Yeah, anyone who can use magic has to learn the basics like this. It helps to fall back on them every once in a while.
<Stewart reclines back in his chair looking up at the ceiling lost in thought for a moment before turning to face Ceriven again.>
Stewart : So Ceriven, tell me more about...
<Stewart notices Cerivens glare out the front of the store and gets uneasy>
Stewart : Ceriven are you...
Ceriven : Get down!
<Ceriven tackles Stewart to the ground behind the front desk just as the entire glass front to the door shatters inward and the wraith fades into view with a gurgling hiss. Jerry can obviously see the wraith as he quickly darts out of the back with a shotgun in hand, opening fire on the wraith with no effect.>
Jerry : There's no way I could have missed.
<The wraith soon grapples onto Jerry and restrains him with some unseen power. A frightened Stewart watches in horror as the wraith literally sucks the life out of his boss. Ceriven snaps Stewart out of it and pulls him to the back where they try to make their escape while the wraith feeds.>
Stewart : What is that thing!?
Ceriven : A wraith. They have the ability to consume your soul. They're also natural born magic detectors. Whoever sent it obviously wants you bad if they're willing to risk a wraith.
Stewart : So what do we do now?
<Ceriven immediately stops and draws his weapon, two sets of hand held pistols with intricate angelic glyphs etched all in the guns design.>
Stewart : You're gonna shoot it? Jerry lost his life doing that!
Ceriven : You need a celestial weapon to stop a wraith. These aren't your normal guns. Now get out of here!
<Stewart takes off at a dead run as the wraith storms out of the back door. Rounding the corner into the busy street, Stewart hears several shots being fired. He continues running down the sidewalk a little ways before slowing down. He looks over his shoulder to see the wraith quickly bearing down on him. With suddenly renewed strength he takes off at a dead run again with the wraith hot on his heels.>
Stewart (in thought): What am I going to do? I can't deal with that thing. Ceriven you idiot, I knew those guns wouldn't be enough.
<Stewart eventually makes his way to the park with the wraith not far behind. Stewart soon collapses from exhaustion unable to run any further. He looks back in fright as the wraith closes on him very quickly. He cringes in anticipation of the attack when Ceriven comes out of nowhere wearing what looks like a form fitting suit that mainly comprises of gears and armor plating on almost every part of his body but the joints and wings.>
Stewart : Ceriven! I thought you were dead!
Ceriven : Wraith's can't feed on angels. Holy energy is like poison to them.
Stewart : You could have told me that earlier.
Ceriven : Argue later, right now I need you to find a hiding place.
<After Stewart runs off behind a nearby bush Ceriven turns to the Wraith>
Ceriven : Alright, you want him you have to go through me.
<With that the wraith pulls out a scythe from underneath it's robes and comes at Ceriven swinging. Ceriven manages to dodge and return fire with guns attached to his exo-suit. The fight continues back and forth until the wraith manages to slice through one of the lines leading to one of the exo-suit's arms.>
Ceriven (in thought): Not good, not good! I'm losing power fast. I need to think of something.
<Ceriven manages to dodge under another swing but not well enough as it slices through the power pack situated on the back of the suit, crumbling to the ground with a metallic thud. His only way out of the suit now pinned under him as he lays there helpless. He looks up at the wraith poised for the killing blow and cringes as the scythe comes down hard.>
Ceriven (thought): Ceruvos, help me!
End.