WPC 2BVP ZCourier 10cpi?xxx,x6X@8;X@HP LaserJet IIPHPLASIIP.PRSx  @,8t0&2U@Courier 10cpi2h@Zh#|x x6X@8;X@HP LaserJet IIPHPLASIIP.PRSx  @,8t0t!J@#|xDialogueMargins for Dialogue  2phnprStageMargins for Stage DirectionsN  NumbersRight-side Scene NumbersD<`#q % BeginScreenplay Format SetupC I. A. 1. a.(1)(a) i) a) 1 a. i.(1)(a)(i) 1) a)      X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:MATCH CUT TO:  Stage   h)x-++ INT. FANG'S JEWELRY/FRONT DOOR NIGHT PING'S POV TAMAMO ENTERING Tamamo closes the door behind her. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO Your father is expecting me.  Stage   Tamamo drops back her hood and glances to fragment of charm on lintel. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(continuing)h I have been... invited.  Stage   She steps forward, stalking. As she passes the hall tree there is a splitsecond flash reflection of a fox in the mirror. Ping sees this and reacts. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(continuing)h You must be Ping.  Stage   She extends her hand in greeting, but her gesture and smile are more predatory than friendly. CLOSE ON PING Dialogue  hh#((+FANG (O.S.) Ping.  Stage   She whirls in terror. Her father stands in the door of the parlor. Dialogue  hh#((+FANG hh#(continuing)h This is Aunt Chung. Say hello. hh#((+PING hh#(to Tamamo)h Hello, Aunt Chung.  Stage   Tamamo takes Ping's hand aggressively and squeezes. Her smile shows lots of teeth. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO I hope we will be great friends. hh#(beat)h Your father and I have business to discuss tonight. hh#((+FANG Ping, go to your room. hh#((+PING Yes, father.*x-++Ԍ Stage   Ping genuflects hastily and disappears up the stairs. `(#DCUT TO: INT. PING'S BEDROOM NIGHT The room is appointed with an interesting mixture of Chinese and Western curios. There's also a bed, a dresser, a vanity with a large mirror, and a window leading out to the fire escape. Ping shuts the door behind herself and goes to her dresser, frantically searching through the objects scattered over the top. She finds the piece of paper Harvey gave her with his department extension. Quietly, she goes and opens the door of her bedroom and looks out. The hall is empty, and silent. A short distance away is a telephone table with a candlestick telephone. Ping lunges out and retrieves it, taking it and the cord back into her room and locking the door. She lifts the receiver from its cradle and holds it to her ear, leaning back against the door. Dialogue  hh#((+PING hh#(calming herself)h Hello? Operator? I'd like to place a call to the San Francisco Police Department, Seventh Precinct.  Stage   `x(#ACUT TO:  Stage   INT. BELL TELEPHONE/SAN FRANCISCO SWITCHBOARD (1906) NIGHT The 1906 incarnation of Lily Tomlin's evil telephone operator mans the switchboard. Dialogue  hh#((+PING (V.O.) hh#(continuing)h Detective Harvey Moore, Desk 4. hh#((+EVIL OPERATOR One moment, puhleaze...  Stage   `x(#ACUT TO:  Stage   INT. PING'S BEDROOM NIGHT ON PING She clutches the telephone like a lifeline. We hear a 1906 TELEPHONE RING, then there is the CLICK of getting through. *x-++ Dialogue    hh#((+CHINESE VOICE (V.O.)   Heyyo! Lee Yick fliendly Chine'e Laundly! We do good wok!  Stage   Ping's relief gives way to horror and revulsion. She hangs up on the voice, then releases the cradle. Dialogue  hh#((+PING Hello. Operator...  Stage   `x(#ACUT TO:  Stage   INT. BELL TELEPHONE/SAN FRANCISCO SWITCHBOARD (1906) NIGHT The evil operator is there again, poised at the switchboard. Dialogue  hh#((+EVIL OPERATOR Yes, miss. I'll try again...  Stage   She leans close to the switchboard, smiling, and as she switches Ping's call, the reflection in the switchboard glass shows a grinning fox.  Stage   EXT. DUPONT AND JACKSON (1906) NIGHT Harvey and Giamona continue their stakeout, Starsky and Hutch, circa 1906. Harvey's put away the notebook, and Giamona's finished with the donuts. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY hh#(still chewing gum)h I hate stakeouts. hh#((+GIAMONA Goes faster with this.  Stage   Giamona holds out a hip flask. Harvey ignores him and blows a bubble. Dialogue  hh#((+GIAMONA hh#(continuing; beat)h That's a filthy habit. Dialogue hh#((+HARVEY You pick your filthy habits, I pick mine. hh#(beat)h I wonder what her angle is. hh#((+GIAMONA hh#(takes a swig)h Fang's the head of the Six Companies, the Mayor of Chinatown. hh#((+(MORE)*x-++ ԜZ_CONTD `   hh#((+GIAMONA (CONT'D) ||Z_CONTD `  hh#(beat)h Get him and you control this whole stinking pit.  Stage   INT./EXT. FANG'S JEWELRY/PING'S BEDROOM NIGHT Ping sits before the vanity mirror. However, she's a bit hard to recognize. Gone is the costume of a demure Chinese maiden. In its place is one of her father's Western suits. Ping finishes putting up her queue - sans silk and ribbons - and pins it in place. As the final touch, she adds a bowler hat and adjusts it in the mirror. She appears to be a young Chinese working man. She goes to the window and opens it. CAMERA FOLLOWS as she clambers expertly down the fire escape - she's done this before. Ping jumps to the ground outside, landing perfectly. `x(#ACUT TO: HARVEY AND GIAMONA'S POV watching Ping get up from her crouch and set off down Jackson into the nighttime streets of Chinatown. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY Obviously Fang didn't dismiss all his servants. hh#((+GIAMONA Yeah, but why would one be going out the fire escape? hh#((+HARVEY Care to find out?  Stage   Giamona gets out of the car. Dialogue  hh#((+GIAMONA Back soon.  Stage   Giamona sets off across the street, dodging streetcars. INT/EXT. MAGICIAN WAN'S FIREWORKS SHOP NIGHT A tiny, holeinthewall fireworks shop is sandwiched in between a pawnbroker and a bakery. Unlike its neighbors, it does not cater to tourists, and only Chinese is written in the windows. Ping pulls a key from her pocket, and the CAMERA FOLLOWS as she enters. *x-++ԌPing flips a switch, flooding the tiny store with light and revealing that the bare electric bulbs are the only modern thing inside. Strings of firecrackers hang everywhere, astrological charts line the walls, bottle rockets and Roman candles are priced for sale, shelves are filled with jars of incense, hell money and other paper objects to burn for the dead, and cardboard tubes, colored paper, and other fireworks supplies litter the back counter. Dialogue  hh#((+PING hh#(running in)h Magician Wan! Magician Wan!  Stage   This rouses an ancient Chinese gentleman curled up in a chair in the corner next to a bookshelf crammed with tomes and scrolls. He gets to his feet, waking, Yodalike and crabby. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN Hush, child. I am old, not deaf - though I soon may be if you carry on like that.  Stage   Magician Wan shuffles over to the counter. He is dressed shabbily, his clothes looking like he got them from the bargain pile of a Chinese second hand store. His one prize is a large jade luck piece, suspended from his neck by a red silk cord. Dialogue  hh#((+PING hh#(rushing up)h I have seen one! hh#((+WAN That is very nice, dear. I'm happy for you. One what? hh#((+PING A fox spirit. hh#((+WAN hh#(nodding smugly)h Ah, so now you believe me. hh#((+PING Wan, I'm serious! She's with my father right now.  Stage   Magician Wan gets out a pipe and lights it with a big Ronson lighter. He takes a few pulls and sits down at the counter. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN How do you know she's a fox woman? *x-++Ԍhh#((+PING I saw her reflection in the hall mirror -  Stage   Ping pulls the torn paper charm from her pocket and spreads it out on the counter. Dialogue  hh#((+PING hh#(continuing)h - and this afternoon, I found the charm which keeps away evil spirits torn from the front door. hh#(beat)h Her name is Mrs. Tamamo Chung, and she's a widow, and the police- hh#((+WAN hh#(interrupting)h Did you say "Tamamo"? hh#((+PING Yes, Mrs. Tamamo Chung. And this afternoon the police were-  Stage   Magician Wan holds up a hand for silence. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN I do not know about the Chung part, but Tamamo is the name of their queen. hh#((+PING Whose queen? hh#((+WAN The fox spirits. hh#(nods knowingly)h She has followed her ancient pattern and come to the Mountain of Gold, as I always knew she would. She has finally come to California. hh#((+PING Is she your enemy?  Stage   Wan gives her a look usually reserved for imbeciles. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN What, you think I'm that old?  Stage   Magician Wan's pipe has gone out. He pauses to retamp the tobacco and light it again. (x-++ Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing)h I do not like John D. Rockefeller either, but that does not mean I have met the gentleman. It's simply a matter of reputation.  Stage   Magician Wan takes a long pull and looks contemplative. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing)h This also means I've won my bet with Han Wu: He thought the Empress of China was the Fox Queen, and while I'll admit there are strong similarities, I'm pleased to discover that he was wrong. hh#((+PING hh#(ready to throttle him)h She's going to kill my father! hh#((+WAN Hush, child. She's not going to kill your father just yet. hh#(beat)h She always toys with her victims first.  Stage   EXT. DUPONT AND JACKSON (1906) NIGHT HARVEY'S POV FANG'S JEWELRY/UPSTAIRS WINDOW Tamamo looks out Ping's bedroom window, then gets out on the fire escape. She climbs down, lithe and agile as a fox, and sprints off down Jackson Street. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY (O.S.) Well, well, well, Mrs. Chung... you're just full of surprises.  Stage   Harvey gets out and cranks the car up, then hops in and eases the Rambler into gear He cuts across onto Jackson, trailing the Fox Queen. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY hh#(continuing)h I never would have thought a woman with bound feet could move that fast.  Stage   `x(#ACUT TO:  Stage   h)x-++ INT. MAGICIAN WAN'S FIREWORKS SHOP NIGHT Ping waits at the counter while Magician Wan goes to the bookcase and finds a scroll. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN Do you remember the story of how the rat deceived the cat, so that he lost his place in the zodiac?  Stage   Using the scroll as a pointer, he taps an illustrated astrological chart on the wall for demonstration. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing)h It is not a fairy tale - it is true. All of the spirit creatures have a king or a queen, and those with a place in the heavens have the most power.  Stage   Magician Wan returns to the counter and unfurls the scroll. CLOSE ON SCROLL It is ancient silk, painted with Chinese characters and beautiful illustrations. The first shows the Fox Queen, both as a woman and as a fox. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN (O.S.)  ?8 hh#(continuing)/h Here is the history of the Fox Queen. However, her name is not Tamamo Chung - She is Tamamo no Mae, Queen of the Fox Spirits.  Stage   Magician Wan unfolds the scroll, revealing more characters, while allowing the earlier text to roll up. He runs his finger across the new text, skimming for the basic information. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN (O.S.) hh#(continuing)h In the days before the Buddha, the zodiac was not as it is now. The Fox Queen held one of the twelve thrones of the Celestial Court, the same place in the stars now held by the Dragon King.  Stage   An illustration shows the Fox Queen seated on a throne in the stars, foxes around her. Before her is a small table with a tea service and an Oriental chess set. `(#9MATCH DISSOLVE TO:*x-++ԌINT. THE CELESTIAL COURT Stars spangle the background. In the foreground, silk cushions are piled around a low table. Tea is set out next to a chess set, carved cinnabar and jade. Tamamo sits in a throne made of living stars, foxes watching from the shadows. She wears a white silk kimono and a robe of silver fox fur. A great golden Oriental DRAGON enters, then shimmers and coalesces into the DRAGON KING, a Chinese Emperor wearing a gold crown set with topaz and ruby and gold silk robes embroidered with dragons. He has a long black beard and moustache, and his gold eyes are slitted like a reptile. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN (V.O.) hh#(continuing)h Even then, the Fox Queen was capricious and foolish. She played chess against the Dragon King and lost again and again.  Stage   M.O.S. Tamamo gestures for the Dragon King to take a seat on the cushions. She holds out her fists, hiding chess pieces. The Dragon King chooses red, while the Fox Queen takes green. They begin to play. `(#>MATCH CUT TO: CLOSE ON SCROLL Illustration of the Fox Queen looking put out, a pile of gold and jewels as high as the table on the Dragon King's side. The Dragon King is completing checkmate. `(#>MATCH CUT TO: INT. THE CELESTIAL COURT As before, but with a pile of gold and jewels next to the Dragon King as high as himself. Checkmate again. `(#>MATCH CUT TO: CLOSE ON SCROLL Illustration as before, but with the pile of wealth towering up behind the Dragon King. Checkmate again. The Fox Queen is in despair. `(#>MATCH CUT TO: h)x-++ INT. THE CELESTIAL COURT As before, but with the pile of wealth so high behind the Dragon King it goes out of the screen. The Dragon King moves. Checkmate again. The Fox Queen bursts into tears. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN (V.O.) hh#(continuing)h When she had finally lost everything, she asked to play one last game, and in desperation put up her place in the heavens as marker - the Dragon King's to keep until she paid back her debt.  Stage   M.O.S. Tamamo pantomimes her desire, and she and the Dragon King begin one last game. `x(#ACUT TO: The endgame. The Dragon King makes his final move: Horse to General's 3; Horse takes Chariot; Checkmate. The Fox Queen falls from her throne in despair. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN (V.O.) Horse to General's 3; Horse takes Chariot.  Stage   `(#9MATCH DISSOLVE TO: CLOSE ON SCROLL The illustration shows the Dragon King sitting in the Celestial throne, his wealth behind him, while the Fox Queen lies as his feet, weeping. BACK TO SCENE CLOSE ON PING Dialogue  hh#((+PING Checkmate.  Stage   ANGLE ON WAN Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(nodding sagely)h Indeed.  Stage   He points out the final illustration: The Dragon King holds a pinklipped conch shell in his hands. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN (V.O.) hh#(continuing) The Dragon King then gave her a conch shell horn, and instructed her to wind it when she was ready to repay her debt. But not before.*x-++Ԍ Stage   CLOSE ON WAN Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing; beat)h Ever since, she has been trying to gather the wealth she owes the Dragon King. And she will stop at nothing to achieve this end.  Stage   `x(#ACUT TO: EXT. MAGICIAN WAN'S FIREWORKS SHOP NIGHT Giamona glances in the window of the shop, and looks satisfied that he knows the destination of Fang's "messenger boy." He sets back off down the Chinatown streets. Silver foxes follow in the shadows. `(#>MATCH CUT TO: INT. MAGICIAN WAN'S FIREWORKS SHOP NIGHT CLOSE ON SCROLL The illustration shows a chain of silver foxes leading down the page, making a living stair. The Fox Queen steps down them, descending to earth in human form. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN (O.S.) After she lost her place in the Heavens, Tamamo no Mae took human form and came down to the earth in search of a treasure great enough to repay her debt to the Dragon King. hh#(beat)h She was first seen as the concubine of an Indian Prince.  Stage   The next illustration shows Tamamo in India, draining the life from a Maharajah. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN (O.S.) hh#(continuing)h But he began to sicken and die, for to maintain her human form and magic powers, she had to feed on his very life force. hh#(beat)h After she was driven out for her evil deeds, she moved East, to China.  Stage   The next illustration shows the Fox Queen in China, with the Emperor Chou Hsin in an elaborate pleasure garden.*x-++ԌDialogue  hh#((+WAN (O.S.) hh#(continuing)h Her next victim was Chou Hsin, Emperor of the Shang Dynasty. She manipulated him into a reign of tyranny until the people revolted and drove her out.  Stage   Magician Wan reveals the illustration of the Fox Queen dressed as a Japanese Geisha. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN (V.O.) hh#(continuing)h She then moved East again, taking Toba, the Emperor of Japan, for her plaything, until the wise men of the court exposed her for what she was.  Stage   CLOSE ON WAN Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing; pauses)h If all this is the case, Ping Fang, then at least remember that your father is in good company.  Stage   Wan closes the scroll. `x(#ACUT TO: EXT. CHINATOWN STREETS NIGHT ON RAMBLER Harvey trails the Fox Queen, but loses sight of her. He parks, then sets off on foot into the alleys of Chinatown. `x(#ACUT TO: INT. MAGICIAN WAN'S FIREWORKS SHOP NIGHT Magician Wan and Ping are in the same places as before, but the scroll is put away. Magician Wan puffs on his pipe. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN I believe she has now come East again, repeating her old pattern. hh#(beat)h Even the treasure houses of the Emperors of the East were insufficient to repay her debt to the Dragon King. She has come to California, hoping the riches of the New World will be enough. But it would be a fabulous sum - a mountain of gold.*x-++Ԍhh#((+PING This is the Mountain of Gold. hh#((+WAN hh#(nods sagely)h But she must be stopped at all costs. The nature of all the world's people is dictated by nature of the twelve spirit animals. If she were to repay the Dragon King, she would again take her place in the heavens. Then all the people ruled by the just and honorable nature of the dragon would become as cruel and capricious as the fox.  Stage   `x(#ACUT TO: EXT. CHINATOWN ALLEYWAYS NIGHT Giamona walks down the alleys. It's spooky and foggy. He rounds a corner and suddenly runs into Tamamo. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO Good evening, officer. hh#((+GIAMONA hh#(startled)h Uh... good evening, Widow Chung. hh#(beat)h How... hh#((+TAMAMO The same way you knew I was the Widow Chung. I've been watching you. hh#(beat)h I've seen you in the parlors underground, with the singsong girls. You've enjoyed them, but they've never been enough for you. You've always wondered what it would be like to have a woman of the royal court.  Stage   ANGLE ON TAMAMO Her eyes blaze with a feral light, like a fox's eyes reflecting the fire, and Giamona is hypnotized. Tamamo steps forward, dropping back her hood and letting her cloak slip from her shoulders. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(continuing)h Here I am.*x-++Ԍ Stage   `x(#ACUT TO: INT. MAGICIAN WAN'S FIREWORKS SHOP NIGHT Magician Wan and Ping are in the same places as before. Dialogue  hh#((+PING What can we do to stop her? hh#((+WAN We are not without weapons against the forces of evil.  Stage   CLOSE ON SPIRIT CHARM ON COUNTER Dialogue  hh#((+WAN (O.S) hh#(continuing)h You have discovered one already, though the Fox Queen has had your father destroy it.  Stage   He touches the charm. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN (O.S.) hh#(continuing)h There are others besides this.  Stage   BACK TO SCENE Magician Wan bustles around behind the counter and comes up with a hand mirror. He lays it on the counter before her. CLOSE ON MIRROR Dialogue  hh#((+WAN (O.S.) hh#(continuing)h The mirror is one.  Stage   BACK TO SCENE Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing)h You saw how it revealed the true form of the Fox Queen. It will do the same with any of her subjects, no matter who they disguise themselves as. And sometimes you can recognize a fox even without the mirror. hh#((+PING hh#(quoting)h "You can always tell a horse by its feet, or a fox by its tail." *x-++Ԍhh#((+WAN Sometimes... not always. Not all human foxes have tails. Sometimes its just a foot, or an ear... and sometimes there's nothing at all to tell you the person is a fox. But if you look too carefully, you may not get a chance. hh#(beat)h The magic of a fox spirit is its eyes, and any unwary person who looks into them is caught in its spell. They become a willing slave. hh#(sympathetic)h This, I'm afraid, is what has happened to your father.  Stage   `x(#ACUT TO: EXT./INT. OPIUM DEN NIGHT A sunken stairway leads to a dilapidated wooden door plastered with Chinese handbills. MUSIC BEGINS, soft and seductive. Tamamo leads Giamona down the steps. The lock CLICKS opens at her touch. They enter a luxurious opium den lit by candles and gas brackets. Red silk drapes the walls and forms the curtains of the huge, canopied opium bed. Tamamo shuts the door, then takes off her cloak and lays it over the back of a Victorian chair. She places one hand on the bedpost and turns back to Giamona. MUSIC LULLS. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO Is this to your pleasure? hh#((+GIAMONA Very much.  Stage   Tamamo unfastens the top two closures of her kimono, revealing the upper half of a lovely breast. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO And this? hh#((+GIAMONA Even more.  Stage   Tamamo places her hands on Giamona's shoulders, then begins to unknot his tie. h)x-++ Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO Good. Now let me see if all is to my pleasure, and if what they say about white devils is true... hh#((+GIAMONA Don't worry. hh#(touches her)h It is.  Stage   Tamamo takes off his shirt and runs her fingers through his chest hair. She plants a kiss on his lower lip, nipping playfully. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO We shall see...  Stage   MUSIC SWELLS as she draws him into the opium bed and pulls the sash cord. The red silk drapery falls closed, and Giamona's shirt falls to the floor outside. `x(#ACUT TO: INT. MAGICIAN WAN'S FIREWORKS SHOP NIGHT Magician Wan and Ping are still at the counter. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN However, the power of a fox spirit's eyes may be turned against it, and that is why they fear the mirror.  Stage   Magician Wan suddenly whisks the mirror in front of Ping, reflecting her own startled face. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing)h If faced with the truth of what they are, all spirit animals are forced to return to their natural form, in which they are most vulnerable. And if you draw blood from a shapeshifter in its true form, it may never shift the wounded part again. That's where they get the fox tails. hh#(pause)h But in human form, they possess terrible power.  Stage   `x(#ACUT TO: ( x-++ INT. OPIUM DEN NIGHT ON OPIUM BED The gas brackets are turned down to the barest blue ghost flames, but the opium bed is lit up from within by candles on the headboard and cabinets. Behind the red gauze of the silk curtains, Tamamo and Giamona are already well into the act. Tamamo's silhouette on the curtains and walls is that of a fox. MUSIC SWIRLS, CAMERA CIRCLES the bed, candlelight flickers shadows, Giamona's back arches and Tamamo claws at his shoulders and they both come to orgasm. CAMERA SLIPS IN through a gap in the curtains, ANGLING DOWN at Tamamo and Giamona. They lie together, red satin sheets covering strategic areas. Tamamo takes an opium pipe from amid the candles on the headboard and takes a hit, then passes the pipe to Giamona. Opium smoke swirls lazily in the air. SONG ENDS. Tamamo turns to Giamona, smiling. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO What they say about white devils is true.  Stage   Giamona breathes out opium smoke and sets the pipe on the headboard. Dialogue  hh#((+GIAMONA So's what they say about ladies of the court. hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(laughs)h I am not your average lady of the court. hh#((+GIAMONA I'm not your average white devil.  Stage   Tamamo reaches under the sheet towards him. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO No, I suppose not. hh#(beat)h Is there anything else that would please you? hh#((+GIAMONA Well, I've seen all of you but one part... hh#((+TAMAMO My feet.  Stage   She pushes him back aggressively, then clambers atop him.*!x-++ The sheet slips from her, but all we see is her back as she sits down atop him, indian style, feet on his chest. They are tiny and bound. CLOSE ON TAMAMO Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO You appreciate the view?  Stage   CLOSE ON GIAMONA He looks down, then back up, and smiles. Dialogue  hh#((+GIAMONA Yes.  Stage   BACK TO SCENE Giamona fondles TAMAMO'S bound foot, examining it. Dialogue  hh#((+GIAMONA hh#(continuing)h So tiny. Like a doll's foot.  Stage   CLOSE ON FOOT Giamona's fingers slowly unwrap Tamamo's foot. At the last moment, the final wrappings fall away along with a lump of cotton padding, revealing the hind foot of a large white fox. CLOSE ON GIAMONA He is absolutely horrified. CLOSE ON TAMAMO She laughs maniacally, then leans close, leering. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO As I said, I am not your usual lady of the court.  Stage   BACK TO SCENE Tamamo pounces forward onto Giamona and begins to suck out his life force with evident pleasure. `x(#ACUT TO: INT. MAGICIAN WAN'S FIREWORKS SHOP NIGHT Magician Wan reaches under the counter. h)"x-++ Dialogue  hh#((+WAN They also fear the light, for shadows also reveal their true nature, but more than light, they fear its source - fire.  Stage   Magician Wan thunks a pitch torch on the counter. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing)h Fire is the fox spirits' deadliest enemy and greatest fear, for it reminds them of the Dragon King.  Stage   Magician Wan takes down a string of firecrackers and lays it on the counter as well. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing)h The ears of fox spirits are as keen as real foxes, and the sound of the firecrackers causes them great pain. hh#(shoving arsenal towards Ping)h Here, take these, you will need them.  Stage   Ping gathers up the firecrackers, torch and mirror. Dialogue  hh#((+PING My thanks, Magician Wan. A thousand gratitudes. hh#((+WAN hh#(dismissing it)h No need. It will be thanks enough if you keep yourself safe.  Stage   `x(#ACUT TO: INT. OPIUM DEN NIGHT IN OPIUM BED Tamamo continues to suck out Giamona's life force, glowing with her own light. Giamona, however, is younger and stronger than Ah Chung, and hasn't been vampirized before. He struggles, flailing his arm and knocking over one of the large votive candles. Flame licks up the silk hangings, and the opium bed is a raging inferno in seconds. Tamamo screams in terror at the flames and dashes out. She grabs her cloak, tossing it over her shoulders and running up the stairs. Giamona stumbles through the inferno after her, collapsing on the outside steps. *#x-++ԌA glowing white fox disappears into the Chinatown streets. `x(#ACUT TO: INT. MAGICIAN WAN'S FIREWORKS SHOP NIGHT Magician Wan is up on a chair next to his front door. He uses a penknife to remove an undamaged spirit charm from the doorframe. He hands it down to Ping. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN Put this on your doorframe once you drive the Fox Queen from your house, and don't let your father take it down. I'll be by tomorrow to see if I can break the spell. hh#((+PING But- hh#((+WAN I'll go to the temple tomorrow and get myself a new one. You need it more than I do. hh#(reaches into pocket)h Here, take this. You'll need it too.  Stage   Wan flicks his lighter, then hands it to her. Ping gives him a hug and leaves the shop. EXT. CHINATOWN STREETS NIGHT Harvey is running down the street, looking around. He catches sight of Tamamo, in her human form, and follows her. She disappears around a corner. When he follows he finds himself in A DEADEND ALLEY Chinese posters are on the walls, and there are large puddles. The fog is heavy, and it is drizzling slightly. Harvey goes to inspect the far wall for hidden doors. There is the sound of a SWORD UNSHEATHING and the WHISTLING OF NUNCHUKS. Harvey turns and sees SIX TONG PUNKS, armed with nunchuks, a sword, a pair of psi, a bo stick, shuriken and an iron fan. They're tough, nasty, and they mean business. Harvey pulls out his gun, quickdraw, but the punk with the shuriken is just as fast. A throwing star flies out, slicing Harvey in the hand. His GUNSHOT goes wide, but the punks flinch at the sound. Harvey's gun falls from his limp hand. The punks advance, menacing.*$x-++ ANGLE ON GROUND Reflections in the puddles show that the punks are all really fox spirits. ANGLE ON HARVEY He lunges, there's a warning shuriken, but it misses and he grabs his gun anyway. He rolls, coming up and firing a SHOT. The fox spirits react as before. The fox spirit with the iron fan comes forward, fluttering the weapon like a deadly butterfly. Harvey backs away, then just in time notices the spirit with the sword. Harvey ducks the scything blade, rolls, comes up, and gets hit in the wrist with the nunchuks. Harvey's gun goes flying and he gets whonked upside the head with the nunchuks a few times. The fox spirits are playing with him before they move in for the kill. FIRECRACKERS suddenly go off. The fox spirits go into agony at the sound. Ping comes onto the scene, and knows more than a bit of martial arts. She kicks butt and shoves the hand mirror in a fox spirit's face. The fox spirit sees his own reflection and suddenly and swiftly transforms into a fox. It is not painful or gory like any of the classic werewolf transformations - no blood or pulsating bladders or agonizing minutes trapped in a transitional form. Rather, it is a swift reversion to the spirit's true form, a large silver fox. A natural and painless dispelling of illusion, the only possible emotion of the fox spirit's face is shock. Ping deals likewise with the other fox spirits, and silver foxes run YELPING from the alleyway. Harvey rolls over, retrieves his gun, and FIRES at the last of the fleeing foxes, nicking it in the leg. The last fox disappears around the corner. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY hh#(stunned)h By the Square and the Compass... What were those? hh#((+PING (O.S.) Hsu hsien. hh#(beat)h Fox spirits.  Stage   Harvey looks up. Ping stands there, rain falling around her.0*%x-++ She's lost her hat in the fight, and glowing with the flush of battle, she looks twice as beautiful as before. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY It's you...  Stage   She crouches down, examining the cut on his hand. Dialogue  hh#((+PING Quiet. You're hurt. hh#(helping him to his feet)h We must get you to a doctor.  Stage   `x(#ACUT TO: INT/EXT. MAGICIAN WAN'S FIREWORKS SHOP NIGHT They pull up in front of the shop and park. Ping helps Harvey from the Rambler. The lights of the shop are blazing. Ping and Harvey enter the shop where Magician Wan is awaiting them. Dialogue  hh#((+PING Magician Wan! He is hurt! hh#((+WAN Truly? I never would have known. People always come in and drip blood on my floor. hh#(beat)h Oh come in, come in. Let me tend to that.  Stage   Wan helps Harvey to the workbench and inspects the shuriken wound and numerous bruises. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY Mr. Wan? hh#((+WAN hh#(looking up, nonplussed)h Hello, Detective Moore. hh#((+PING hh#(surprised)h You know each other? hh#((+WAN Of course. Mr. Moore has quite a large set of fireworks on order for the Knights Templar. And kites and balloons and so forth. hh#((+(MORE)0*&x-++ ԜZ_CONTD `   hh#((+WAN (CONT'D) |Z_CONTD `  hh#(inspects wound)h He also called me in for that silly business at the Palace Hotel. hh#((+HARVEY hh#(to Ping, in explanation)h Bomb scare. hh#((+WAN Not much of a scare. Some moron threatened to blow up the hotel, when any fool could see that he only had enough powder to take out the lobby and maybe the second story. hh#((+HARVEY Are you a licensed physician, Mr.Wan?  Stage   Wan looks up, annoyed. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN If you mean am I going to put heated cups on your chest and leeches on your earlobes, no; I leave that up to San Francisco General. hh#(beat)h If you're wondering if I know how to put on a bandage and keep you from getting lockjaw, yes. hh#(clucks tongue)h I'll need some supplies. Just a moment.  Stage   `x(#ACUT TO: INT. MAGICIAN WAN'S SUPPLY ROOM NIGHT A chain CLICKS and a dangling lightbulb CRACKLES to life as Magician Wan, carrying bandages, enters an old fashioned pantry crammed floor to ceiling with pickled whatsises and jars of tea leaves. He looks through the jars and selects one, then a slim, female hand rests itself on his shoulder. He whirls, only to see a Chinese SINGSONG GIRL, dressed in the silk kimono and headdress of a highpriced courtesan. She puts both hands on his shoulders, and her eyes blaze with the hypnotic light of the fox spirits. 0*'x-++ Dialogue    hh#((+SINGSONG GIRL   Do you want me?  Stage   Magician Wan pauses for a moment, expression blank. INSERT ON LUCK PIECE The jade begins to glow with an inner fire... BACK TO SCENE Annoyed, Magician Wan stares down the singsong girl. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN Not in particular. Relationships with fox spirits can be dangerous.  Stage   Magician Wan's eyes then glaze over and he drops the jar of leaves. It SHATTERS as it hits the floor, and he slumps after it, revealing FOX PUNK #1 holding the nunchuks as a blackjack. The singsong girl kneels down. The luck piece is no longer glowing, but the reflection in one of the jars shows her to be a fox spirit. Dialogue    hh#((+SINGSONG GIRL   hh#(to Wan's body)h Idiot. If you'd accepted me, you might have at least enjoyed your death.  Stage   She lifts up her kimono, exposing her right foot. It is a fox foot, with the small red weal of a gunshot graze. She WAILS like a fox. Dialogue    hh#((+SINGSONG GIRL   hh#(continuing; to self)h Oh... I'll never be able to shift it again.  Stage   Fox Punk #1 gives her one of Magician Wan's bandages and helps her bind the wound. Dialogue  hh#((+FOX PUNK #1 Consider it a mark of honor when you kill the man who did this to you. You'll have the same scar as our Queen.  Stage   The singsong girl smiles. Dialogue    hh#((+SINGSONG GIRL   Yes... *(x-++Ԍ Stage   `x(#ACUT TO: INT. MAGICIAN WAN'S FIREWORKS SHOP NIGHT Harvey and Ping wait at the counter, Ping holding Harvey's hand, part to stop the bleeding, part to get a little closer. They haven't admitted it to themselves, but the attraction is obvious in their eyes. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY And that's it with fox spirits? hh#((+PING So far as I know, yes. hh#(beat)h You memorize things very quickly.  Stage   Harvey looks at her and smiles. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY I'm a Mason. Second nature. hh#(sighs and looks away)h But I'm having a little trouble dealing with the idea. hh#((+WAN (O.S.) You mean you never believed in magic before?  Stage   Magician Wan, limping slightly and grinning, emerges from the back of the shop with a roll of bandages and a jar of kim chee. He sets the supplies on the counter before them. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing; mischievous)h A Mason can't deal with the concept of higher forces in the universe? hh#((+HARVEY hh#(defensive)h Our Lodge does rituals all the time. I have no trouble believing in magic. hh#(beat)h I just never ran into the "bite you in the hand" variety before. Dialogue hh#((+WAN You'll find there's quite a lot of it in the world, if you just go sticking your fingers in the wrong places. hh#((+(MORE)*)x-++ ԜZ_CONTD `   hh#((+WAN (CONT'D) |Z_CONTD `  hh#(beat)h Let me tend to that wound.  Stage   He inspects Harvey's hand. Dialogue  hh#((+PING Magician Wan... what are you going to do with the kim chee? hh#((+WAN Watch and learn, my daughter.  Stage   Magician Wan unscrews the lid of the jar, taking out a large piece of pickled cabbage. He places it on the wound and Harvey winces in pain. Magician Wan begins to unwind bandages. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing)h Now, tell me how this happened. hh#((+HARVEY They ambushed me. Fox spirits. hh#((+WAN hh#(clucks tongue)h Such wicked and deceitful creatures. hh#(beat)h Of course things like this wouldn't happen if you would mind your own business.  Stage   Ping gasps. PING'S POV - CLOSE ON MAGICIAN WAN'S FOOT The foot poking out from under Magician Wan's robe is that of a fox tied round with a bloodstained bandage. BACK TO SCENE Magician Wan leers at Ping and Harvey. Dialogue  hh#((+PING He's one of them!  Stage   Suddenly, the other four fox spirit punks come out of the shadows of the shop. Harvey shoves the counter at Magician Wan/Fox Punk #6. It overturns and the jar of kim chee SHATTERS. Harvey grabs out his GUN and blows away the fake magician. He dies and metamorphoses into a dead fox. **x-++ԌINSERT ON LIGHT SWITCH A fox spirit's hand flicks it off. BACK TO SCENE BLACKOUT. There's BANGING AND GUNSHOTS, along with some muzzleflash. GLASS SHATTERING and the CRASH of a shelf overturning. The lights come back on. Gilt hell money and other paper sacrifices flutter to the ground. One of the display shelves has been knocked over. There's only Harvey and Ping left. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY Let's get out of here!  Stage   He grabs Ping's hand and pulls her out of the shop, but the reflection in the windows of the front door reveals that this Ping is really a fox spirit. `x(#ACUT TO: EXT. CHINATOWN ROOFTOPS NIGHT Fox punks #3, 4 & 5 carry a struggling, bound and gagged Ping out the rear window of Magician Wan's shop and up the fire escape, YIPPING back and forth like a pack of foxes. They carry her off across the rooftops. `x(#ACUT TO: EXT. MAGICIAN WAN'S FIREWORKS SHOP NIGHT Ping (the fox spirit) and Harvey (the real one) catch their breath outside the shop. There's a HONK from the Rambler, where Giamona is waiting. Dialogue    hh#((+GIAMONA   Over here! Quick!  Stage   Ping and Harvey clamber into the car. Dialogue    hh#((+GIAMONA   hh#(continuing)h What in the hell's going on? hh#((+PING (FOX PUNK #1) Fox spirits.  Stage   Giamona and Ping exchange grins behind Harvey's back as he looks in terror at the empty shop. ANGLE ON rearview mirror reveals two grinning foxes.*+x-++ԌThe fake Giamona slams on the gas, screeching the Rambler into reverse and hitting a stack of old crates. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY Did you forget how to drive?  Stage    Dialogue    hh#((+GIAMONA (FOX PUNK #2) hh#(grinning)xh   Not really!  Stage   ANGLE ON RAMBLER as Giamona (Fox Punk #2) drives off at high speed, careening down Jackson Street, narrowly missing lampposts, garbage, etc. INT. MAGICIAN WAN'S SUPPLY ROOM NIGHT Magician Wan's corpse stirs, then sits up. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN Ah, my old friend Han Wu, you've lost another bet - I told you my stint with the Peking Opera would eventually come in useful.  Stage   He grabs his luck piece and holds it up to look at it. There's a slight crack in the jade which he traces with one finger. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing) And you, my pretty. Took a crack yourself instead of letting me take it. Thank you.  Stage   Magician Wan loudly kisses the jade, then drops it back around his neck and gets up. He giggles and goes out into the main room of his shop and surveys the damage. There's a dead silver fox on the floor. He kicks it. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing)h Stupid fox spirits.  Stage   INT. LI FANG'S PARLOR NIGHT PING'S POV Tamamo (dressed now) and Li Fang sit on the green velvet sofa, intimately. Fox punks #3, 4 & 5 dump Ping, bound and gagged, on the floor before them. Dialogue  hh#((+FOX PUNK #3 We found her. *,x-++ hh#((+FOX PUNK #4 We also found this.  Stage   He thunks the mirror, the torch and the spirit charm on the coffee table, but not Magician Wan's Ronson. Tamamo prods the pile with her rebound foot. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO Have this rubbish removed. hh#(beat)h And her gag as well. Then leave us.  Stage   The fox punks bow and do as she says. Dialogue  hh#((+PING hh#(gasping)h Father! hh#((+FANG Silence, ungrateful child!  Stage   Li Fang stands, looming over her. Dialogue  hh#((+FANG hh#(continuing)h Is this how you repay me? Lies and treachery? Stealing one of my suits and sneaking off into the night? hh#(beat)h The City is a dangerous place! You could have been killed, or worse! hh#(concerned)h It is a lucky thing that Aunt Chung discovered your disappearance and had her servants fetch you. hh#((+PING She is a fox spirit.  Stage   Li Fang backhands her across the mouth, knocking her back onto the carpet. Dialogue  hh#((+FANG Silence! I will not have you talk that way of the woman I intend to marry!  Stage   He leans over to Tamamo and kisses her. A spark passes between them as life force is drawn out. Dialogue  hh#((+PING Father! *-x-++Ԍ Stage   Li Fang turns back to Ping, woozy. Dialogue  hh#((+FANG You have been too long without a mother, Ping. I have neglected your proper upbringing. hh#(to Tamamo)h I am very tired, my dear. Could you see to my daughter? hh#((+TAMAMO Certainly, my intended. hh#((+PING No! hh#((+FANG hh#(to Ping)h Hush, child. Aunt Chung will teach you much.  Stage   Li Fang leaves, and Tamamo leans towards Ping, leering. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO Indeed.  Stage   EXT. CHINATOWN STREETS (1906) NIGHT Giamona (the fox spirit) drives the Rambler like a maniac, Harvey (the real one) and Ping (the fox spirit) holding on for dear life. The come around a corner. The street is lit up by the flames shooting out of the cellar entrance of the burning opium den. In the middle of the street lies the real Giamona, naked. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY Stop the car!  Stage   Dialogue    hh#((+GIAMONA (FOX PUNK #2)   Okay!  Stage   Giamona runs the Rambler into a stack of old crates. Not questioning this, Harvey jumps out of the car and runs to the real Giamona, who looks up, smokesmeared, bloody, and near dead. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY Giamona...? hh#((+GIAMONA hh#(hacking)h What Harvey, don't recognize your own partner?*.x-++Ԍ Stage   HARVEY'S POV THE RAMBLER The fake Giamona and Ping stand there, looking at him. HARVEY'S POV GIAMONA Giamona clutches Harvey's pantleg. Dialogue  hh#((+GIAMONA Widow Chung... she... a fox...  Stage   There is sudden INHUMAN LAUGHTER. HARVEY'S POV THE RAMBLER Giamona (Fox Punk #2) LAUGHS and reverts back to a fox, running off into the streets. Ping (Fox Punk #1) looks on in horror, then runs to Harvey. Dialogue  hh#((+PING (FOX PUNK #1) He was a fox spirit!  Stage   Harvey leans down to the dying Giamona. Dialogue  hh#((+GIAMONA Widow Chung...  Stage   Giamona slumps flat on the road. Harvey checks his pulse, then looks up to Ping in horror, tears running down his face. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY He's dead...  Stage   Harvey embraces Ping. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY hh#(continuing)h Giamona... He saved my life once... hh#((+PING (FOX PUNK #1) Hush...  Stage   She comforts him, then backs off, looking at him seductively. Dialogue  hh#((+PING (FOX PUNK #1) hh#(continuing)h You've wanted me, haven't you?  Stage   Her eyes sparkle with the light of the fox spirits, but Harvey is too griefstricken to be caught. Ping then throws her arms around him and plants a passionate kiss. */x-++ She backs off, laughing, and turns into a fox. The fox runs down the street, then turns back and looks to Harvey. Dialogue  hh#((+FOX (FOX PUNK #1) You've been tricked, white man. We're everywhere... and we have Ping.  Stage   Harvey raises his gun and takes a SHOT at the fox, but it runs and he misses. INT. SAN FRANCISCO POLICE PRECINCT HOUSE (1906) NIGHT It looks like there's just been a battle. There are throwing stars imbedded in desks and support posts at random, miscellaneous objects broken or spilled, and a large shattered mirror on the wall. SIX DETECTIVES are cleaning up. DETECTIVE #3 looks Rumanian. CAPTAIN KEILY, a large florid Irishman, stands in the door of his office, sipping coffee. Harvey bursts in the door, his hand rudely bandaged. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY Giamona's dead!  Stage   Every detective takes out his gun and levels it at Harvey. Catches CLICK everywhere. Harvey stops and raises his hands slowly in the air. Captain Keily steps forward. Dialogue  hh#((+CAPTAIN KEILY Probably you that killed him, Moore. hh#((+HARVEY What are you talking about? hh#((+CAPTAIN KEILY Oh, come off it. You came through here not half an hour ago hacking up the place with a sword. Near took off my head. What is it, Moore? Opium devils after you? hh#((+HARVEY No, fox spirits. hh#((+CAPTAIN KEILY You're looped.  Stage   Captain Keily begins to gesture with his gun. *0x-++ԌDialogue  hh#((+WAN (O.S.) Unfortunately, he's also right.  Stage   ANGLE ON MAGICIAN WAN He stands in the doorway with a string of firecrackers in his hand, looking annoyed. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing)h If I may demonstrate...  Stage   Wan searches around in his pockets. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing)h Drat, I lent it to Ping. Oh well...  Stage   He snaps his fingers and a flame appears. He lights the firecrackers and tosses them on the floor. Dialogue    hh#((+DETECTIVE #6   hh#(alarmed)h It's a trick!  Stage   Just then the first FIRECRACKER goes off, followed by the rest of the string. Detective #6 goes into agony, dropping his gun and clutching his ears. Harvey grabs Detective #6 by the collar and shoves him face to face with the shattered mirror, forcing him to see his reflection. INSERT ON MIRROR A kaleidoscope of fox faces, shrinking in perspective as the fox spirit reverts to its natural size and form. BACK TO SCENE A silver fox drops to the floor and runs. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY Shoot it! Quick!  Stage   The detectives, badly shaken by this encounter with the supernatural, empty all the ROUNDS in their revolvers into the fleeing fox. When the last SHOT dies down, all that is left of the fox spirit is a few scraps of fur and gobbets of meat. Magician Wan steps forward and nudges the bloody spot with his toe. 0*1x-++ Dialogue  hh#((+WAN I believe it is quite dead. hh#((+CAPTAIN KEILY What was it? hh#((+HARVEY What I said - a fox spirit. hh#((+WAN hh#(nodding)h A shapeshifting goblin. Very powerful, very dangerous. hh#((+HARVEY hh#(to Detectives)h Get your guns, boys. We're going on a fox hunt. hh#((+CAPTAIN KEILY Are you crazy, Moore? I can't just tell the chief that I'm taking the men out to go hunt Chinese bogies! hh#((+HARVEY Of course not. You'll tell him we're conducting a raid on a notorious opium dealer who's holding the Mayor of Chinatown captive in his own house. hh#(pauses, reflective)h The Mayor of Chinatown, and his daughter too.  Stage   INT. FANG'S JEWELRY/PING'S BEDROOM NIGHT ON PING Ping is done up like a Chinese doll, gold and jade pins in her hair, makeup on her face, elaborate robes, etc. She's also tied to a chair. CAMERA BACKS OFF to reveal two handmaidens, both of whom have the heads of foxes and furry paws, but are humansized and dressed as humans. They tend to her, straightening her robes and applying the last of her makeup. Behind her is the dressing table mirror. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO (O.S.) You look lovely, my dear.  Stage    CAMERA SWINGS to reveal Tamamo, dressed in robes and coiffure to put Ping's elaborate costume to shame, a simple silver fox stole thrown about her shoulders. She strokes it idly, fanning herself with an ornate ivory fan. h)2x-++ Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(continuing; beat)h Such a nice change from that dreadful suit... but then, of course, your father would want you properly dressed for his wedding.  Stage   CLOSE ON PING Dialogue  hh#((+PING I know what you are...  Stage   TAMAMO OVER THE SHOULDER ON PING AND MIRROR Tamamo sits down on the foot of the bed. The angle is such that Tamamo's fox reflection is clearly visible in the vanity mirror behind Ping. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO Truly?  Stage   The fox reflection lipsyncs with Tamamo. Dialogue  hh#((+PING Yes. And I know exactly what you're after. hh#((+TAMAMO How interesting.  Stage   REVERSE ANGLE ON TAMAMO She pauses in fanning herself and cocks her head. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(continuing; beat)h Now's the time for you to tell me I'll never get away with it.  Stage   Ping glares at her in stony silence. Tamamo gets up and paces, SNAPPING the fan shut. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(continuing)h Don't be foolish, Ping. I was young and foolish once myself, and I am still paying the price. hh#((+PING hh#(venomously)h Care for a game of chess?  Stage   Tamamo looks at her in shock and anger. 0*3x-++ Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(measured)h No. hh#(beat)h I find it no longer agrees with me. hh#((+PING Coward.  Stage   Tamamo grabs Ping by the chin, making her meet her eyes and pinching her lips together. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO Do not seek to anger me, Ping. I am far wiser than you, and you have nothing which I do not already possess. And let me give you a bit of advice: Never play a game unless you are willing to lose what you put up as stakes.  Stage   Tamamo releases her, stalking away. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(continuing; to handmaidens)h Untie her, but stand guard. She is talented with her hands and feet, from what I understand.  Stage   The handmaidens begin to untie Ping. Tamamo opens the door and pauses on her way out. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(continuing; to Ping)h I must now go see to your father. He is so looking forward to the wedding. hh#(beat)h As am I.  Stage   Tamamo leaves. EXT. DUPONT AND JACKSON (1906) NIGHT Kittycorner to Fang's shop are Magician Wan, Harvey, Captain Keily, and Detectives #1, 2, 3, 4 & 5. The Rambler and another police car are parked nearby. Magician Wan looks at the detectives, lined up in military fashion. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN You all remember what I told you about fox spirits? *4x-++Ԍ Stage   They all nod. Harvey, watching, takes out a new pack of gum and pops a stick in his mouth. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing)h Good. Now-  Stage   Magician Wan breaks off, staring at Detective #3. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing)h Just what is this?  Stage   Magician Wan pulls open Detective #3's jacket, revealing a necklace of garlic cloves, a hammer and stake, a crucifix, and a pennydreadful edition of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Dialogue  hh#((+DETECTIVE #3 hh#(defensively)h I'm a good Catholic. hh#((+WAN And I'm a lapsed Buddhist. Do you think that makes any difference?  Stage   Magician Wan dismisses it and reviews his team again. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing)h Now, does everyone know his assignment?  Stage   They all nod. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY Good. hh#((+WAN Tallyho!  Stage   INT. PING'S BEDROOM NIGHT ON PING Ping looks at the two fox spirit handmaidens who stand guard. One is by the window, the other by the door. Ping goes to where the discarded suit lies on the floor, picking it up carefully. Dialogue  hh#((+PING hh#(loudly; to fox spirits)h I'd best fold this. My father would want it sent to the laundry.  Stage   CLOSE ON PING'S HAND She slips Magician Wan's Ronson out of the pocket.*5x-++ BACK TO SCENE Ping sets the suit on a dresser, then goes back to the vanity. Dialogue  hh#((+PING hh#(loudly)h I should now attend to my makeup. I should look my best for my father's wedding.  Stage   Ping gets a red grease pencil. CLOSE ON RONSON Ping takes the grease pencil and sketches a phoenix and a few Chinese characters on the side. BACK TO SCENE Ping stands up, flicking the lighter violently at the handmaidens. They flinch back, but then realize that all she has is a perfectly ordinary small flame. Ping flicks the lighter futilely at them as the fox spirits advance. Dialogue  hh#((+PING Oh, of all the times...  Stage   Just then there is a loud CRASH and a THUD as a huge brick of lit firecrackers flies through the window and lands on the floor between them. The FUSES SPUTTER, then the FIRECRACKERS go off. The fox spirits go into agony, then Harvey comes in through the window, followed by Magician Wan. Dialogue  hh#((+PING Harvey!  Stage   Harvey immediately shoves a hand mirror in her face. Magician Wan slaps at his arm. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN Those are the fox spirits!  Stage   Magician Wan points to the two agonized handmaidens. Ping goes and karate chops both into unconsciousness. Dialogue  hh#((+PING We must find my father!  Stage   They go out the door. *6x-++ MONTAGE DETECTIVES AND FOX SPIRITS CLASH A) Detectives shoot fox spirits B) Ping uses martial arts on fox spirits C) Fox spirits have mirrors shoved in their faces and turn back into foxes D) Fox spirits impersonate detectives E) Fox spirits use martial arts F) Detective #3 stakes down fox spirit INT. LI FANG'S PARLOR NIGHT Ping, Harvey and Magician Wan burst through the door and find Li Fang sitting on the sofa, drinking tea. Magician Wan shoves a hand mirror in his face. Li Fang looks in the mirror. Dialogue  hh#((+FANG It is a mirror. What is the meaning of this intrusion? hh#((+WAN This!  Stage   Magician Wan blackjacks him with the mirror. Dialogue  hh#((+PING Father! hh#((+WAN hh#(to Ping)h Well you didn't think he was going to go with us willingly, did you?  Stage   Harvey grabs the unconscious Li Fang, but it's obvious as they leave the room and step out onto the landing that the tide of battle has turned. Tamamo is at the top of the stairs above them, surrounded by a pack of fox spirits on the upper landing. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO After them!  Stage   TAMAMO'S POV HARVEY, WAN & PING as they beat a hasty exit down the stairs for the front door. 0*7x-++ REVERSE ANGLE ON TAMAMO as she waves her hands in mystic gestures, weaving traceries of light. She places her hands on the banisters and twin bolts of magical energy ARC down. TAMAMO'S POV HARVEY, WAN & PING OVER THE SHOULDER ON FRONT DOOR Harvey, Magician Wan and Ping rush down the stairs for the front door, carrying Li Fang. The Fox Queen's magic ARCS along the walls on both sides of them, passing them, until it reaches the front doors and slams them shut. Mystic electricity CRACKLES and forms into Chinese characters, a magic seal. CLOSE ON MAGICIAN WAN'S HANDS as he magically lights a cherry bomb. BACK TO SCENE Wan hurls the cherry bomb at the door. The EXPLOSION SHATTERS the magic seal and blows the doors open. EXT. DUPONT AND JACKSON (1906) NIGHT They run out, carrying Li Fang across the street, dodging streetcars and horses. They climb into the Rambler, Harvey driving, the unconscious Li Fang shotgun, Ping passenger's rear, and Magician Wan driver's rear. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(to Harvey)h Peel out! Or peel up! Or whatever it is you do with these!  Stage   Harvey does this, swinging a Uturn. The Rambler SCREECHES down Dupont. `x(#ACUT TO: EXT. FANG'S JEWELRY NIGHT Tamamo and Fox Punks #1, 2 & 3 come out of the house. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(shaking her fist)h Curse you, Ping Fang! hh#(to Fox Punks)h After them!  Stage   They fire up the Model K and PEEL OUT, narrowly missing a horsedrawn streetcar. Fox Punk #2 in the driver's seat, Tamamo shotgun, #1 & 3 in the back. *8x-++ԌDialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(to Fox Punk #2)h Don't you know how to drive? hh#((+FOX PUNK #2 Not really!  Stage   EXT. DUPONT AND CALIFORNIA STREETS (1906) NIGHT CHASE MUSIC BEGINS as we go through the grand old San Francisco car chase. However, this is 1906, and while there are the usual hills and cable cars, there are also carriages, horses, and horsedrawn streetcars to avoid. Harvey drives down Dupont four blocks, SCREECHING a right turn up California Street and entering the Nob Hill district. The Model K follows. ANGLE ON MODEL K TRAVELING Tamamo waves a magical gesture and throws a whammy. `x(#ACUT TO: INT. MASON POWELL TROLLEY CLOSE ON BRAKES as they crackle with magic and jerk out of the conductor's hands. CLOSE ON CONDUCTOR He is terrified. The brakes won't go back! EXT. MASON AND CALIFORNIA (1906) ON TROLLEY The cable car hurtles out of control down the hill! ANGLE ON RAMBLER as Harvey swerves right. The Rambler skids, narrowly avoiding collision with the cable car. ANGLE ON RAMBLER TRAVELING The Rambler flies up Mason and clips the rear wheel of a carriage. ANGLE ON CARRIAGE Horses rear and SCREAM! The driver struggles for control, lashing a buggy whip. ANGLE ON MODEL K TRAVELING Despite Fox Punk #2's idiot driving, the Fox Queen's pack manages to gain as the chase turns down Mason.*9x-++ Tamamo grins in pleasure. `x(#ACUT TO: THE RAMBLER TIGHT ON WAN AND PING TRAVELING Magician Wan and Ping sit backwards in the back seat, watching their pursuit. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN So she's using magic. Well, two can play at that game.  Stage   Magician Wan searches his pockets, then Ping hands him the Ronson. Dialogue  hh#((+PING It didn't- hh#((+WAN Work. I know. You smudged the last character.  Stage   Magician Wan does something to the lighter, then flicks it in the direction of the Model K. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(continuing)h This is how you do it properly.  Stage   CLOSE ON LIGHTER Fire erupts from the Ronson, rising up into a hawksized flaming Chinese phoenix. TWO SHOT ON WAN AND PING TRAVELING Magician Wan hands the lighter to Ping. She flicks it twice more and gets two more flaming phoenixes. CAMERA FOLLOWS the phoenixes, FLYING ABOVE as the firebirds wing their way toward the Model K, harrying it. Fox Punk #1 gets out a crossbow, shooting one. The phoenix falls to the ground and shatters into a shower of sparks. Fox Punk #3 takes out a second phoenix with a shuriken, while the last crash lands on the hood of the Model K. EXT. FAIRMONT HOTEL (1906) NIGHT ON MODEL K TRAVELING Fox Punk #2 panics, swerving towards the white marble facade of the Fairmont Hotel. Tamamo grabs the wheel, pulling away, and the Model K crashes through a sign proclaiming, "The Fairmont. San Francisco's Finest Hotel.*:x-++ Opening Soon!" Fox Punk #2 backs out of the wreckage, knocking the phoenix off the hood. CLOSE ON TAMAMO Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO After them! hh#(to self; beat)h Rotten little Taoist magician.  Stage   ANGLE ON MODEL K TRAVELING Tamamo leans out the window and throws a mystic whammy. `x(#ACUT TO: EXT. MASON STREET (1906) NIGHT ON RAMBLER TRAVELING Tamamo's spell hits the car. The Rambler COUGHS and WHEEZES, starting to stall. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(to Harvey)h Where's the gas tank?  Stage   Harvey points. Magician Wan opens the gas cap as the Model K gains on them. He pulls out a hip flask and pours the contents into the tank. Clouds of sulfurous smoke and sparks fly out of the exhaust pipe, and the Rambler jumps forward like a stung horse. ANGLE ON MODEL K TRAVELING Fox Punk #2, however, is driving like an absolute maniac. The Model K pulls up alongside the Rambler as they course down Mason towards the bay. HARVEY'S POV TAMAMO TRAVELING She's only a few feet away, looking out the window of the Model K. She grins. REVERSE POV ON HARVEY TRAVELING Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY You killed him, you witch...  Stage   Harvey slams left, ramming the Model K. INT. MODEL K NIGHT TRAVELING CLOSE ON FOX PUNK #2 as he slams the Rambler back. 0*;x-++ INSERT ON WHEELS OF RAMBLER AND MODEL K Sparks fly and metal SCREAMS as the wheels touch. EXT. RAMBLER NIGHT ON MAGICIAN WAN TRAVELING as he pulls out a Roman candle and lights it magically. ANGLE ON MODEL K TRAVELING The Roman candle blasts Fox Punk #3! CLOSE ON TAMAMO TRAVELING Her eyes blaze with fox light. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO Li Fang! Help me...  Stage   ANGLE ON LI FANG TRAVELING He wakes, then climbs into the back seat and wrestles with Magician Wan, shoving him to the floor. The Roman candle falls to the street between the cars. Dialogue  hh#((+FANG Tamamo!  Stage   He stands up and Fox Punks #1 and 3 grab him, pulling him into the Model K. ANGLE ON PING TRAVELING At the last moment, she grabs her father's queue. Li Fang is stretched, tug of war, between the Rambler and the Model K! Dialogue  hh#((+FANG Let go of me, ungrateful daughter! hh#((+PING Not for the world...  Stage   Tamamo laughs. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(to Ping)h Let go, Ping, or you may not have a father left! hh#((+HARVEY Bitch...  Stage   Harvey pulls out his gun, left handed, and points it, point blank, at Tamamo. *<x-++ԌANGLE ON TAMAMO TRAVELING Her head distends into a fox muzzle and she chomps down on Harvey's wrist. Harvey screams and the GUNSHOT goes wild, SHATTERING the front window of the Model K. The noise shocks Tamamo into letting go. ANGLE ON HARVEY TRAVELING He drops the gun and pulls his arm back. ANGLE ON CARS TRAVELING The Rambler swerves wildly, pulled further from the Model K. Li Fang is suspended head to feet between the two cars! LONG SHOT HARVEY'S POV LAMP POST TRAVELING There's a lamp post, straight ahead, right between where the two cars are heading. A few more seconds of this, and Li Fang will be decapitated. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY Ping!  Stage   CLOSE ON PING TRAVELING She turns and looks. Horror spreads across her face as she realizes that the only way to save her father's life is to let go right now. Ping lets go. RUNBY SHOT ANGLE DOWN ON LAMP POST as the two cars WHIZ by on either side. Li Fang is pulled into the Model K in the nick of time. The end of his queue whips the lamp post and the metal RINGS. ANGLE ON MODEL K TRAVELING Tamamo leans out the window, her head human again. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO Keep the girl! We have what we want!  Stage   The Model K swings a Uturn back up Mason. ANGLE ON RAMBLER TRAVELING Harvey turns the car around and the chase goes in reverse up Nob Hill. 0*=x-++ Dialogue  hh#((+WAN hh#(to Ping and Harvey)h I'll buy you some time. Grab your father if you can. hh#(to Tamamo; beat)h Horse to General's 3, Tamamo no Mae! Horse takes Chariot! Checkmate!  Stage   `x(#ACUT TO: INT. MODEL K NIGHT CLOSE ON TAMAMO TRAVELING She is seething. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO How did he know that move? How dare he? hh#(to Fox Punk #2)h Turn us around. I have a score to settle.  Stage   CHASE MUSIC ENDS  Stage   EXT. FLOOD MANSION (1906) NIGHT ON MODEL K The Flood Mansion is an elegant brownstone directly opposite the Fairmont. It's now the PacificUnion Club, but otherwise unchanged since 1906. Fox Punk #2 brakes and SKIDS OUT, stopping in a perfect 180$ turn. The Model K is at the far left edge of the mansion's balustrade, almost on California Street, engine revving, ready. Tamamo leans out the window. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(continuing; to Wan)h I accept your challenge, magician!  Stage   `x(#ACUT TO: THE RAMBLER as it stops at the far right edge of the Flood Mansion. Magician Wan stands up, leaning on the seat. Dialogue  hh#((+WAN And the winner shall name his prize!  Stage   `x(#ACUT TO: THE MODEL K ON TAMAMO She gestures and a naginata - a Japanese woman's war spear - of solid moonlight forms in her hand.*>x-++ Begin CONFRONTATION THEME. `x(#ACUT TO: THE RAMBLER ON MAGICIAN WAN Magician Wan lights a large handful of fireworks, bound together in the form of a horse. Harvey starts moving forward again, slowly, but gaining speed. The FIREWORKS GO OFF and the flames weave together to become a full size Mongolian pony made from fire and crimson sparks, running alongside the Rambler. Wan gets astride and the Rambler veers away, going O.S. Magician Wan lights another Roman candle. The flame solidifies into a Mongol war spear. EXT. FLOOD MANSION (1906) NIGHT WIDE ANGLE ON PONY AND MODEL K Pony and Model K charge, Magician Wan and Tamamo shouting AD LIB WAR CRIES. Like knights in a tourney, they just barely miss each other. Magician Wan's spear SKITTERS across the side of the Model K, leaving a flaming streak.  Stage   ANGLE ON MAGICIAN WAN as he SHOUTS to the war pony. It rears and SCREAMS, turning. DOLLY SHOT under flaming hooves, background changing from the brown and black of the Flood Mansion to night sky to the white marble of the Fairmont. `x(#ACUT TO: THE MODEL K as it SKIDS OUT, coming back around, facing Wan, Tamamo's naginata gleaming, Fairmont in background. `x(#ACUT TO: MAGICIAN WAN as his pony comes back to rest with a CLATTER OF HOOVES. It PAWS THE GROUND, hooves striking sparks. EXT. FAIRMONT HOTEL (1906) NIGHT WIDE ANGLE ON PONY AND MODEL K Magician Wan and the Fox Queen face off again, he at the right of the hotel's facade, she at the left. The mystic war pony paws the ground, and the tires of the Model K SQUEAL, pedal and brake to the floor.*?x-++ Spear and naginata lower and they charge, Tamamo and Wan shouting WAR CRIES, HOOVES AND TIRES SCREAMING! At the last moment, Magician Wan angles his spear down and impales the engine block of the Model K.  Stage   `x(#ACUT TO:  Stage   TIGHT ON MODEL K The hood EXPLODES in flames! `x(#ACUT TO: CLOSE ON MAGICIAN WAN He is skewered on the naginata and knocked off his horse! The pony vanishes in a cloud of sparks! End CONFRONTATION THEME. `x(#ACUT TO: ANGLE ON MODEL K Tamamo, Li Fang and the Fox Punks scramble out of the flaming car. Magician Wan falls to the street and goes up in a BURST of flame. INSERT ON STREET Magician Wan's jade luck piece CLATTERS to the cobbles, broken into three pieces. `x(#ACUT TO: THE RAMBLER ON PING She stands in the front seat, gripping the dashboard in horror. Dialogue  hh#((+PING Magician Wan!  Stage   Harvey GUNS the Rambler, going by the Model K in a fast pass. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY Quick!  Stage   There's a flash of clutching hands. Tamamo and Fox Punks 1 & 2 try to snatch Ping, but Harvey grabs her around the waist and pulls her back in. TIRES SQUEAL. At the last moment, Ping grabs both her father's queue and Tamamo's stole. She pulls both into the back seat.*@x-++Ԍ`x(#ACUT TO: TAMAMO She stands there in shock. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO My stole!  Stage   `x(#ACUT TO:  Stage   INT. RAMBLER NIGHT ANGLE DOWN AT LI FANG He looks at Ping and laughs. Dialogue  hh#((+FANG Tricked again!  Stage   He turns into a fox and jumps out of the car. Ping cries out in anguish. Dialogue  hh#((+PING hh#(to Harvey)h Turn us around! I will kill her!  Stage   Harvey guns the car down the hill. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY Later.  Stage   He grabs Ping by the queue and jerks her down in her seat. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY hh#(continuing)h She's only won the opening gambit; she hasn't won the game.  Stage   INT. MAGICIAN WAN'S FIREWORKS SHOP NIGHT Harvey and Ping enter, Ping wearing the stole. She flips the switch and the electric bulb CRACKLES to life. The shop is empty. It is also still a shambles. Ping starts to step forward, but Harvey puts out an arm and holds her back. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY Wait a second - safety first.  Stage   Harvey takes out his gun and COCKS it, stepping carefully into the room. With his free hand, he takes a string of firecrackers from a display and steps back to Ping. Ping takes out the Ronson and FLICKS it. *Ax-++ԌCLOSE ON RONSON The flame CATCHES. Ping holds it to the firecrackers. The fuse HISSES to life. BACK TO SCENE With a flick of his wrist, Harvey tosses the firecrackers into the center of the room. They LAND on the floorboards, SPUTTERING wickedly, then GO OFF. Bits of paper fall to the floor and the NOISE DIES AWAY. Harvey and Ping exchange glances. Harvey bars the door behind them while Ping locks it. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY You got those things? hh#((+PING Right here.  Stage   Ping takes out a sheaf of spirit charms and fans them. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY Thank God for joss houses.  Stage   Harvey takes one of the slips of paper, then reaches into his mouth and takes out the wad of chewing gum. He uses the gum to stick the spirit charm to the door frame, THUMPING it into place with his fist. Ping runs to the back counter and starts digging through Magician Wan's library. Dialogue  hh#((+PING We should have gotten a priest. Dialogue hh#((+HARVEY I wouldn't trust a priest ten feet. hh#(glances around)h Those fox spirits are everywhere.  Stage   He CLICKS on the safety and holsters his gun, then goes and looks over Ping's shoulder. She's taken out the scrolls Wan showed earlier and is poring over them. Dialogue  hh#((+PING I don't know what we're going to find here. Wan told us everything he knew about the Fox Queen. hh#((+HARVEY Does she have any enemies?  Stage   *Bx-++ Ping rifles through the scrolls, then pauses, carefully pulling one out and placing it atop the pile. Dialogue  hh#((+PING hh#(smiling)h Yes...  Stage   INSERT ON SCROLL The ancient silk shows a full page illustration of the Dragon King, both in his human and animal form. In one hand he holds the magic conch shell horn. Chinese characters run down one side of the scroll. BACK TO SCENE Ping traces the legend with her finger. Dialogue  hh#((+PING hh#(continuing) From what it says, the Fox Queen must gather an almost unheard of amount of wealth to pay off her debt to the Dragon King. Cash. And she must pay it all off at once, in full. hh#((+HARVEY No instalment payments? hh#((+PING hh#(shakes head)h No. But at least the Dragon King doesn't charge interest. It's a gambling debt, and he holds her place in the heavens as marker. hh#(studies scroll)h Once Tamamo has gathered the wealth she owes the Dragon King, she must wind the conch shell horn he gave her. But not before, or he will be very angry. hh#(beat)h The wealth may not be stolen, but she may accept it as presents from admirers. Or as a rightful loan from her spouse. hh#((+HARVEY Which explains why she went after your father. hh#((+PING hh#(nodding)h Yes. But she would need a great deal more than my father possesses.*Cx-++Ԍhh#((+HARVEY Fang's head of the Six Companies.  Stage   Ping shakes her head sadly. Dialogue  hh#((+PING White man, you have much to learn of Chinatown. hh#(beat)h The Six Companies may be wealthy, but they are not that powerful. And my father, no matter how rich, is only one jeweler. hh#(pause)h Follow me.  Stage   Harvey follows her up the back staircase. Ping flicks on an electric light, revealing MAGICIAN WAN'S WORKSHOP The upstairs of the old store is hollow with a vaulted ceiling done all in skylights, a Victorian glass hall the envy of any mad inventor. Long tables laid out with fireworks supplies are strewn at random, kites are under construction, and some things that would only be envisioned by Leonardo Da Vinci after a trip to Cathay. At one end, fully inflated, is a small TurnoftheCentury hot air balloon, basket straining at anchor ropes tied to rings set in the floor. The silk of the balloon is blue, picked out with a huge "Eye in the Pyramid" in gold and a giant red and silver Maltese Cross on top. It's the balloon Harvey ordered for the Convocation. Attached to the basket are numerous complicated Chinese kites in the form of Masonic symbols, presently folded up. They're covered with Roman candles, pinwheels and bottle rockets, designed to be lit while in flight. Harvey pauses, awestruck. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY This is amazing... hh#((+PING hh#(softly)h As they say in the Barbary Coast: "Boy, you ain't seen nothin' yet."  Stage   She leads the way to one of the workbenches, then kneels down before the antique safe underneath. Quickly, Ping dials the combination and flips the handle, throwing it open. It is filled with fireworks. Dialogue  *Dx-++ hh#((+PING hh#(continuing) Wan's special fireworks... hh#(digs through them)h The Fox Queen fears the Dragon King. Well, that's what we're going to give her.  Stage   Ping finds a heavily embroidered silk drawstring bag. She carefully opens it and takes out the contents for Harvey to see: a miniature dragon woven of ladyfinger firecrackers and sparklers. It seems almost alive. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY Like the horse? hh#((+PING hh#(nodding)h Exactly. Wan made these with Hong Tien Lei, the firepowder of Master Chang. Once lit, the flames take on the form of the animal. hh#(beat)h It wouldn't fool a magician, but with luck the Fox Queen is frightened enough by the Dragon King that she won't know the difference between a real dragon and a fake.  Stage   Ping kisses the firecracker dragon on the nose, then slips it back into its bag and pulls the strings tight.  Stage   INT. FAIRMONT HOTEL/NOB HILL SUITE (1906) NIGHT This is the finest suite in the Fairmont. TurnoftheCentury opulence. Li Fang sits in a chair to one side. Tamamo is berating Fox Punks #1, 2 & 3. No one has had time to change, and all look worse for the wear. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(to the ceiling)h Amateurs! I am working with complete amateurs! hh#((+FOX PUNK #2 But my Queen - you taught us everything you know. hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(rounding on him)h What? hh#((+(MORE)(Ex-++ hh#((+TAMAMO (CONT'D) hh#(beat)h You let a mere snip of a girl steal my stole, then you tell me I taught you ineptness and idiocy?  Stage   Fox Punk #2 grins. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(continuing; shoves Fox Punk #2)h Idiot! hh#(dismissing it)h Never mind the stole. Ping's not enough of a magician to recognize it for what it is, and she'd need a consecrated knife to do any damage anyway. hh#(beat)h Just get Fang presentable. We can have a wedding later. It doesn't matter yet.  Stage   Fang stands up halfway. Dialogue  hh#((+FANG My darling Tamamo - we're not to be married?  Stage   She comes over to him as the Fox Punks start stripping off his jacket and shirt, yipping AD LIB fox talk back and forth. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO Do not worry, my sweet. We will be married soon enough. hh#(beat)h But you must tell the gentlemen you are to introduce me to that we are already wed. Otherwise - hh#(flutters eyelashes)h - they might ask to be invited to the wedding, and that could postpone it even further. hh#(leans close)h Kiss me.  Stage   TIGHT ON TWO SHOT They kiss, and a spark of life force drains out of Fang. He staggers, but Tamamo looks refreshed. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(continuing) That was delicious. Thank you, Li Fang.*Fx-++Ԍ Stage   She takes out a silver pocket watch and glances at it. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(continuing; to self) How I regret the loss of my handmaidens. Ah well, we shall just have to make do.  Stage   ANGLE ON TAMAMO With a whirl of foxfire, Tamamo gets the five second make over, magic and illusion retouching her makeup and removing the stains of battle from her costume. Stage     She smiles and pockets the watch. Dialogue  hh#((+FOX PUNK #1 (O.S.) He is ready, my Queen.  Stage   Tamamo turns. Apart from being blackjacked, beaten, spellbound and vampirized, Li Fang looks remarkably presentable in the clean new suit and Chinese cap. The Fox Punks don't look quite so reputable. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(to Fox Punks)h Make yourselves presentable. We're going to the Bohemian Club.  Stage   ANGLE ON FOX PUNKS Foxfire sparks and Fox Punk #2 changes into a handsome anglo college student in a Stanford sweater, while #1 & 3 become two very proper - though seductive - society debs, parasols and all. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(continuing; smiling)h I believe we are now ready for the ball.  Stage   She links arms with Li Fang and they proceed to the door, Fox Punks in their wake. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(continuing) I understand that when you visit the Golden Mountain, it is fashionable to be late anyway.  Stage   INT. LI FANG'S PARLOR NIGHT Ping and Harvey come in the door, Harvey with his gun cocked, Ping holding the Ronson. *Gx-++ Ping has the scrolls, and both she and Harvey are bristling with bottle rockets and bandoliers of firecrackers. A dead fox is staked to the sofa. Captain Keily and Detectives 1, 2 & 3 are also there, chatting AD LIB, but break off the moment Harvey and Ping burst in. Keily and the rest level their guns at them. Dialogue  hh#((+CAPTAIN KEILY Are you two really you? Not foxes?  Stage   There's a tense moment, then Harvey raises his gun and FIRES TWICE into the ceiling. The SOUND DIES AWAY and plaster dust filters down. No one flinches. Dialogue  hh#((+CAPTAIN KEILY hh#(continuing; sighs)h You're you. hh#((+HARVEY And you're you.  Stage   Harvey holsters his gun and Ping puts away the lighter. Keily and the Detectives put theirs away as well. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY hh#(continuing; beat)h What happened? hh#((+CAPTAIN KEILY Lost some good men. But we cleaned out this den of foxes. hh#(beat)h Any idea where the head vixen went?  Stage   Harvey looks to Ping. She comes forward and lays out Magician Wan's scrolls on the coffee table, sitting down on the edge of the couch. Everyone gathers round. Dialogue  hh#((+PING I'm not sure. hh#(spreads out manuscripts)h We know the Fox Queen needs to get a great deal of money to pay off her debt to the Dragon King, but there's no possibility that my father would be able to amass that much wealth. She would need to charm the richest men in San Francisco.  Stage   Ping suddenly pauses and her hands fly to her mouth. *Hx-++ԌDialogue  hh#((+PING hh#(continuing; softly)h The Bohemian Ball... hh#((+HARVEY What?  Stage   Without explanation, Ping gets up and goes to the peachblow vase on the mantel, reaching inside. She feels around, then looks up, alarmed. Dialogue  hh#((+PING It's gone. hh#((+HARVEY What? hh#((+PING My father's invitation. He had an invitation to the Bohemian Ball. hh#((+CAPTAIN KEILY The Bohemian Club's letting in Chinamen?  Stage   Ping gives him a withering look. Dialogue  hh#((+PING No. But my father knows some white jewelers, and they wished to do business in more pleasant surroundings. hh#(beat)h He'd been planning to take me tonight.  Stage   Harvey looks to Captain Keily and the Detectives. Dialogue  hh#((+HARVEY If the Fox Queen's gone anywhere, she's gone there. The Bohemian Club has more money than the rest of San Francisco put together.  Stage   INT. BOHEMIAN CLUB/MAIN BALLROOM (1906) NIGHT The Bohemian Club is in one of the City's grand old Victorian mansions. The room is gaily decorated, and the ball is already well into swing. The elite of the San Francisco elite are here, both to see and be seen. At one end of the ballroom is a full band (presently on break) but a MUSICAL YOUNG LADY has taken over the piano and is playing lively RAGTIME MUSIC. On the opposite side of the room is a large fireplace with a fire burning in the grate.*Ix-++ԌBohemians dance and mingle. Tamamo is with Fang, who is introducing her to a large greybearded gentleman, CLAUS SPRECKELS. (See period photos.) Dialogue  hh#((+FANG Mr. Spreckels, may I take the pleasure of introducing you to my new wife, Tamamo?  Stage   Claus Spreckels takes her hand and kisses it. Dialogue  hh#((+SPRECKELS Charmed. hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(smiling and taking back her hand)h Mr. Spreckels? The... Sugar Baron?  Stage   Spreckels laughs heartily. Dialogue  hh#((+SPRECKELS Some know me as that. But yes. hh#((+TAMAMO hh#(disarmingly demure)h I believe my husband has a business proposition for you.  Stage   Spreckels looks to Fang. Dialogue  hh#((+FANG It would require a large amount of money.  Stage   CLOSE ON TAMAMO Her eyes flash with foxfire. Dialogue  hh#((+TAMAMO Cash.  Stage   Spreckels looks spellbound. Dialogue  hh#((+SPRECKELS Tell me more...  Stage   He wanders off into the ball with Fang and Tamamo. The RAGTIME MUSIC ENDS and the Bohemians APPLAUD the musical young lady, who is embarrassed by all the attention. The BANDMASTER comes forward with greasy aplomb and CLAPS LOUDLY until everyone falls silent. Dialogue  0*Jx-++ hh#((+BANDMASTER hh#(to Bohemians)h Wasn't that wonderful? Let's all have another round of applause for