The Crown of Thorn: An Original Play Script

Act I, Scene 5

SCENE 5

(The scene opens to NOBARA sitting at a desk in the living room in front of her laptop, clicking and typing. LUCIO has left the room for now.)

NOBARA

Hmm, this is harder than I thought. I can't understand a word of this. Even running everything through the translator, it's still hard to even know what to look for. Not to mention Sweden is such a different place...it almost feels like a whole other world.

(NOBARA leans back in her chair, staring up at the ceiling)

NOBARA

But what are the chances I'd be able to find any information about a random Swedish guy who lived a hundred years ago?

(NOBARA returns to her researching, typing and clicking.)

NOBARA

Hang on. Maybe there might be some record of the fire.

(After some more searching, NOBARA finds something.)

NOBARA

The Great Fire of Gotland Island, huh? So I guess that was where Lucio used to live. Happened in 1932...there should be some records of people who died, maybe missing persons reports.

NOBARA

Whoa...it actually worked. These pictures are really old-looking, but still...

(NOBARA sees an image of a man who looks a lot like LUCIO.)

NOBARA

No way...that's him? Born in 1910...he looks the same as he does now. I guess demons really don't age at all.

(The lights flicker again, and LUCIO enters the stage and appears standing over NOBARA'S shoulder.)

LUCIO

Ah...I see. So my name...is Alver Bergman.

NOBARA

I guess demons aren't too good with computers, huh? Alver Bergman, born on April 30th, 1910. Went missing after the Great Fire of Gotland Island on October 16th, 1932. So this is your true name...this is what you looked like as a human. Ringing any bells yet?

LUCIO

Yes...I do believe I remember now. What a foolish man I was...why would I ever give my soul to a demon? I believed if I forgot everything, it would free me from the sadness...but it didn't.

It only left an empty hole in my heart. And now...my chest feels so heavy.

(LUCIO clutches his right hand over his chest, wincing in pain.)

(NOBARA stands up from her chair and cautiously approaches LUCIO.)

NOBARA

Hey, you alright? We're on good terms now, right? I did what you wanted, so you'll let me go, won't you?

(LUCIO reaches forward and wraps his arms around NOBARA, jerking forward and dragging her into his clutches.)

LUCIO

Thank you, Nobara. You truly have my gratitude. After this day, I will no longer have to wander the Earth in this beastly form. But still, we have a contract to fulfill. I cannot hold myself back any longer...I believe it is time for me to partake in your eternal soul.

(NOBARA struggles and tries to squirm out of LUCIO'S grip, but he clutches her tight.)

NOBARA

But I did what you wanted! I helped you remember your true name, and you're still going to kill me?!

LUCIO

I never said our contract was broken if you did such a thing. You merely assumed that on your own.

NOBARA

But even still...there has to be something I can do! It can't end just yet! I've barely even lived a fraction of my life...I don't want to die like this!

(LUCIO tenderly strokes NOBARA'S cheek with his fingers.)

LUCIO

Don't worry, Nobara. As thanks for your hard work, I will be extra gentle with you. I'll make sure it feels pleasurable for you.

NOBARA

I don't give a shit about that! I...I want to live!

(NOBARA starts to cry, weeping against LUCIO'S chest.)

LUCIO

Oh dear. I didn't expect this to become so difficult. Even at the very end, still pleading for compromise. You may not look it, but your will to live is quite strong. Most of my prey are completely broken by the time this moment comes, but you're still fighting.

NOBARA

Because...there's still so much more I need to do! I never valued my life until now, but being here with you, and seeing what happened to Seichiro...I don't want to wear this crown of thorns anymore! I'm tired of pricking myself, and everyone else! I want to change...I want to be a better person! Please...just give me one more chance!

LUCIO

What a strong-willed young lady you are, my dear Nobara. I suppose I should thank you for recovering my true name, after all. Well then, I'll make one last deal with you. I will take a part of you for myself...and the other part will be free for you to do as you please with. No matter what, you will always have a short life...so make it a good one.

NOBARA

Huh? What do you mean?

(LUCIO deeply kisses NOBARA, holding her in place as he locks lips with her. When he breaks the kiss, NOBARA falls limp and unconscious.)

(LUCIO licks his lips.)

LUCIO

Mmm...quite delectable, I must say. I didn't even get a full course of you, yet you satisfied me so much. It truly was worth the wait.

(LUCIO scoops up NOBARA and gently places her down on the nearby sofa.)

LUCIO

My dear Nobara, it is true that I saw you as being covered in thorns. You prick others, and you prick yourself. For your own good, I hope that before the end, you will be able to remove your crown of thorns. Farewell, my thorny wild rose...

(LUCIO exits the stage, leaving the unconscious NOBARA alone in the living room.)