Helsing: Golden Age (original pilot)

FADE IN:

EXT. HIGH IN THE AIR ABOVE A FARM – NIGHT

NATHANIEL HELSING(25), blonde hair, rugged, confident, stands on a red dragon's head thousands of feet in the air, holding onto it’s horns. The dragon flies higher and higher, twisting and jerking its head trying to throw Nathaniel off. He holds on tight. Everything freezes momentarily.

NATHANIEL (V.O)
That=s me. Nathaniel Helsing III. So far, this is a good day.

The dragon flings Nathaniel into the sky. Nathaniel twists and turns in the air as he draws his sword out. The dragon shoots up trying to snap him out of the air. Nathaniel moves out of the way and slides his sword into the dragon mouth as the dragon shuts down. Nathaniel swing's his body around and grabs his horn putting his foot onto the dragons shoulder as it lets go of his sword.  He swings for its neck; Missing he falls, Nathaniel twists and turns pulling a revolver.

NATHANIEL (V.O)
Of course, striking the heart of a dragon is easier when on the ground. But hey, nothing like a little excitement to get things done. I almost thought I was going get it when it was asleep. But here I am, very high above the ground.

Nathaniel starts to fire rapidly towards the dragon; it shoots down towards Nathaniel. The dragon hits his arm and the revolver is dropped and falls as Nathaniel spins out of control. Nathaniel starts falling downward, looks up to see himself about to get eaten, Nathaniel curls into a ball with his sword, when entering the dragon=s mouth, he flattens out and slides the sword through the dragon=s upper jaw. The dragon whips his head, blowing fire. Nathaniel is sent flying into the air leaving the sword in the dragon=s jaw.

NATHANIEL
Bloody Hell!

The dragon’s tail whips Nathaniel higher into the air; ice starts to form on his jacket. Nathaniel falls back down and the dragon shoots up toward him. Nathaniel gets a smile as he drops into the dragon. Flames shoot up, Nathaniel lends into his shoulder as the flames shoot past him. He grabs onto the wings as he drops, he hangs on the right side. He pulls out a chain of silver and ties it around the wing and wraps it around. He jumps over to the other wing and loops it around. He then pulls the two together, the dragon screams and beings falling to the earth. Nathaniel loosens the chain and pulls it tight as it falls. As soon as they are close enough, he ties it the wings down. The dragon crashes into a barn. The sounds of chickens are heard as the heap remands motionless. The dragon shoots up from the rubble. Nathaniel drops to the ground. The dragon head shoots to Nathaniel. Nathaniel grabs a block of wood and shoves it into its mouth to hold it open and grabs his sword out and jumps though between the dragon jaws and through the wood as it breaks. The dragon breathes fire catching the remainders of the barn on fire, causing a huge blaze.


NATHANIEL (V.O)
Of course, the one day it’s not raining.

The dragon lets out a scream.  Then blows fire toward Nathaniel, he runs forward underneath the fire and slides his sword into the dragons chest, then pulls down, cutting down the centre. The dragon grabs Nathaniel and throws him through the branches of a tree. Nathaniel falls and hits the ground.

NATHANIEL (V.O)
This is going to get messy.

Nathaniel shoves his sword into the ground. He then looks around the tree to the dragon, waits for a moment, then starts running towards the dragon. The dragon tail comes up as he run.

NATHANIEL (V.O)
This is going to hurt.

The tail whips Nathaniel and he falls into a thorn bush. Nathaniel pulls though the bush then looks towards the dragon. The tail comes up and slams down as Nathaniel rolls out of the way. The tail swings towards and Nathaniel black flips over the tail, then jumps onto the tail. The tail lifts up to over the dragon mouth and slowly beings to lower Nathaniel into its mouth. Nathaniel beings climbing up its tail, the dragon tail whips; Nathaniel holds tight and falls close to the dragon. The dragon tries to stomp on Nathaniel and Nathaniel keeps rolling by. He gets up and starts running towards the dragon. The dragon swipes at Nathaniel, Nathaniel jumps over and lands with both feet together and jumps into the cut he gave the dragon. The dragon begins going at its own chest.

NATHANIEL (V.O)
I hate this part of the job. . . . . .

Nathaniel pulls himself around inside the dragon towards the dragon=s heart then pulls out a knife and drives it though the dragons heart. The dragon lets out a yell and falls to the ground with a bang. Nathaniel crawls though its neck and to its mouth and pushes opens the mouth and crawls out. He begins to walk back over to his sword. Nathaniel then hears chickens nearby.

NATHANIEL
Chickens?

Nathaniel turns around to a flock of chickens running towards him. Nathaniel takes off running towards his sword. The chickens catch up to him and begin attacking him. Nathaniel grabs his sword and continues running until he is far away from the chickens. He looks to his sword and see it broken in places. He places it back into its case to see his revolver on the ground in front of him.

NATHANIEL
And that=s what=s called Helsing luck.

Nathaniel picks up his gun and continues on home.

EXT. A BLACK SMITH’S HOME – NIGHT (STOCK)

INT. A BLACK SMITH’S HOME – SMOKEY AND CLUTTERED IN METAL

Nathaniel walks into the house. The smithy MAURICE WRIGHT(35), blonde hair, built yet big gutted walks into the room to see him.

MAURICE
Well, well, well . . . Nathaniel Helsing. Made it out of the dragon=s den, huh?

NATHANIEL
Made it out and slayed the dragon.

MAURICE
That=s great, bring me anything?

NATHANIEL
Well . . . I would have if the chickens hadn’t come for me.

MAURICE
Chickens . . . what else do you got for me wonder boy?

Nathaniel takes his sword, now bitten and broken. Maurice's face fills with rage.

MAURICE
What did you do to the sword!?!

NATHANIEL
Well, there was this dragon . . . .

MAURICE
You let a dragon take a bite out of it did you? This thing isn't cheap, you know, and it isn't cheaply fixed!

NATHANIEL
Maurice, could you fix it for me?

Maurice: I will, but you've got to take care of it! It's not fair to me or my wife, that you get the best stuff for nothing.

Nathaniel: Oh yes, you're wife; the one you married without even inviting me to the wedding.

Maurice: Heaven forbid that we wanted a wedding without demons crashing in. Look at this sword; it's . . . it's almost in two. How . . . how . . .?

CHRISTINA WRIGHT(28), black hair, slender and pale calls from another room.

CHRISTINA
Maurice? What's with all the yelling?

Christina enters the room then frowns.

CHRISTINA
Oh, it's you . . .

NATHANIEL
Hello, Christina . . .


She sees the sword then gasps.

CHRISTINA
What have you done!?!

NATHANIEL
Do you two think that I'm just going to carry it around for show?

MAURICE
No, but you're Father didn't show up with his weapons broken in two.

CHRISTINA
You have no respect for my husband's work!!!!

NATHANIEL
I respect it more then you know. His work saves my life every day.

MAURICE
Oh, so instead of getting out of the way, you throw the expensive weapon at them?

Christina crosses her arms.

NATHANIEL
No . . . It just kind of happens . . .

CHRISTINA
I'll bet.

MAURICE
Get out.

NATHANIEL
But . . .

CHRISTINA
You heard him!!!

MAURICE
Get out of my shop. It will be fixed by tonight; now get lost!

Christina walks over and wraps her arms around Maurice.

CHRISTINA
My poor little man, did he upset you?

Nathaniel rolls his eyes as he leaves. She kisses Maurice's cheek then waves to Nathaniel as he leaves.

EXT. AN OLD LOOKING PUB – NIGHT (STOCK)

INT. AN OLD LOOKING PUB – DUSTY AND FILLED WITH STOIC DRUNKS

Nathaniel walks into the bar. He looks around, observing the drunks that sit happily and almost asleep.

NATHANIEL (V.O)
This is my second home. The drunks never remember anything that happens, so if something does find me here . . .


Nathaniel goes and sits at a bar stool then looks up his old friend. BARKEEP (37 hunched with large arms and brown hair wipes a glass then looks up.

BARKEEP
Nathaniel, you look god awful.

NATHANIEL (V.O)
This is Barkeep. That's not his real name; the bar has cursed him so he doesn't remember his real name. So, we call him Barkeep.

NATHANIEL
Dragon, almost ate me; nothing new. Drink, please?

He sets a bottle of gin on the table. Nathaniel takes a long swig.

BARKEEP
Where's your sword?

NATHANIEL
Being fixed.

BARKEEP
Again?

NATHANIEL
I don't break it that often.

BARKEEP
You found the beastie okay?

NATHANIEL
Yeah, sleeping like a baby.

BARKEEP
Good to hear.

NATHANIEL
Wasn't asleep very long.

BARKEEP
Oh . . . Well, the important thing is that you made it out in tack!

NATHANIEL
Yes, and with the job done.

Barkeep's smile fades as he sees blood on the counter where Nathaniel's arms were placed.

BARKEEP
You really should clean yourself up. You're a bloody mess.

NATHANIEL
May I use you're loo?

He nods then points to the door by the stairs. Nathaniel goes and starts washing himself up. He soon hears two drunks begin fighting.

BARKEEP
Now boys, take it easy.


DRUNK 1 (37), shabby and dirty blonde stands and slams his hand down on the table.

DRUNK 1
It was my kill, and you know it!

DRUNK 2 (29), scruffy and short with dirt matted hair snorts.

DRUNK 2
It was my stake that pierced its heart, so it's mine.

Drunk smashes his glass on the table. As he does, Barkeep winces hard. Nathaniel looks to Barkeep then steps out.

NATHANIEL
Keep it down, or I'll be the one to throw you both out.

DRUNK 02
Hey! This isn’t any of your business!

Nathaniel rolls his eyes as he picks him up by his neck.

NATHANIEL
That's not the issue, is it?

DRUNK 01
Hey! You can't treat my partner like that!

NATHANIEL
Are you two going to settle down?

They both grunt. Nathaniel sets the man down, heads back to the back room, then continues cleaning himself. Barkeep holds his head a little as he wipes the counter down.

BARKEEP
Thank you.

NATHANIEL
Don't mention it. I owe you one.

Barkeep watches the two guys grunt then chuckles.

BARKEEP
So, are you ever going to find yourself a partner?

NATHANIEL
Why would I need a partner?

He shrugs.

BARKEEP
Comfort, conversation . . . In a pinch, food? Nah . . .

NATHANIEL
When was the last time you've been aloud outside the bar?

BARKEEP
Two weeks . . . It's okay though, most of these guys haven't been out either.

NATHANIEL
So, the vampire they were arguing about . . .?

BARKEEP
Happened 2 weeks ago . . .


The two drunks grunt at one another. Barkeep shakes his head.

BARKEEP
Bloody shame . . . Some hunters just can't keep it together.

NATHANIEL
No kidding . . . I always hold it together. Now, what do you got for me?

BARKEEP
Hm, not much lately. Word has it some cocky new German has been covering a lot of the regulars.

NATHANIEL
Germans . . . that means, another drink.

Nathaniel takes another swig.

BARKEEP
I've got one lead. Bodies found in alleys; men, women, kids . . . All drained of blood.

NATHANIEL
Where?

BARKEEP
Around the marketplace.

NATHANIEL
Maybe we should send them out?

Drunk 1 lifts his glass to drink, spilling a little.

BARKEEP
Nah, you need something to do.

Nathaniel lifts from the stool.

NATHANIEL
Dinner tonight, or am I heading home?

BARKEEP
I don't have the supplies tonight. Sorry.

NATHANIEL
Very well, then.

Nathaniel collects himself and leaves.

EXT. A DIRTY ALLYWAY – NIGHT

CUSTOMER (45), grey hair and dressed in a proper suit drops change on the ground. THE STREETWALKER (22) thin and poor looking, straightens herself out then picks up the change. She looks up to find a dark figure at the entrance, Vampire (34) black hair slicked down and wearing torn clothes. She sighs.

STREETWALKER
Come looking for a bounce around the bush, have you?


The vampire remains still. She tilts her head curiously, the silence making her nervous.

STREETWALKER
Hello?

The man takes a few steps forward. She takes a few steps back trembling.

VAMPIRE
What sweet, sweet wine I smell . . .

He suddenly blinks in front of her, and slams her into the wall. She raises to her feet, and he suddenly grabs her face, as she tries to push him away. He smells her, causing her to whimper.

VAMPIRE
Don't worry, pet. It's just like falling asleep.

NATHANIEL
I would like to shut you're eyes permanently.

He whips around, still holding her.

NATHANIEL
Put the girl down!

VAMPIRE
What business is it of yours!?! She's just a hoar!

NATHANIEL
She's not my business; you are.

Nathaniel pulls out a revolver.

NATHANIEL
Put the girl down!

The vampire laughs then grabs her wrist, snapping it then begins to feed. The girl cries. Nathaniel shoots him. He yells as the silver bullets burn him. He throws the woman into the wall then tackles Nathaniel to the ground.

NATHANIEL
Mistake number 2.

Nathaniel grabs his head and twist it right around. The vampire cries then falls to the ground seething. He twists his head back then kicks his legs, knocking him down. Nathaniel pulls out a silver stake.

NATHANIEL
Let’s get this over with, freshman.

The vampire suddenly blinks to the back of the ally and grabs the woman, and holds her up in front of him.

VAMPIRE
Would you stake an innocent?


Nathaniel lowers the stake, and draws his revolver again.

NATHANIEL
Freshman.

Nathaniel shoots the vampire in both ankles. He yells, bringing her down with him, than begins to feed on her. He goes over and picks the vampire up by his hair. He throws the stake in the air, it flips, then he catches it and drives it into the vampire`s back. The vampire dusts with a scream, leaving the girl laying, trembling.

NATHANIEL
Are you alright, miss?

Nathaniel pulls her up to her feet.

STREETWALKER
I I think so . . . W what was he?

NATHANIEL
A vampire come to drink your blood. I've killed the demon, you're safe now.

STREETWALKER
Th thank you.

She stares at him quietly for a moment, than picks the change up, and holds it to him.

STREETWALKER
I I don't have much, but . . .

NATHANIEL
No, you earned it. You can keep it.

STREETWALKER
B but I must do something for you . . .

NATHANIEL
Well, there is one thing, but isn't there a bed somewhere?

She shrugs a little.

STREETWALKER
Most men don't usually require one, they just . . . yeah . . .

NATHANIEL
Well, would you spend the night with me at a hotel then?

She stares in awe.

STREETWALKER
I if you wish. I haven't been in a real bed in weeks.

He holds his arm out to her.

NATHANIEL
Follow me, then.


She nods, than winces as she moves her arm.

NATHANIEL
Well, how about the other side?

Nathaniel switches to her other side, then holds up his other arm.

NATHANIEL
We'll fix you up, when we get there.

STREETWALKER
Thank you.

The two exit the alleyway.

EXT. A SMALL HOTEL – MORNING

INT. A SMALL HOTEL ROOM – SMALL AND MESSY


Nathaniel wakes up next to the women, her shoulder bandaged up. He collects his clothes and belongings then walks out the door.

EXT. LONDON STREET – CLUTTERED WITH PEOPLE (STOCK)

Nathaniel walks through the crowds.

EXT. FOREST – FULL OF TREES (STOCK)

Nathaniel walks through town, and through the forest, until he finds a small wooden house.

NATHANIEL
Home sweet home . . . .

He enters the house.

EXT. HELSING HOME – SOMEWHAT EMPTY LOOKING


NATHANIEL (V.O)
This has been my house since . . . ever. It was my fathers and my fathers, father and his fathers. It will most likely be my son's as well . . . I need to find myself a wife.

He plops onto his bed.

NATHANIEL (V.O)
. . . then maybe I'll stop talking to myself.