#md4s10finale

[mosneakers]

4 Months After Election

Filmmaker: So forgive me if I'm speaking out of turn here, but now that everything's pretty much said and done, what's left to hide?

Tycho pauses, breaking from his dazed stare, and looks up at the filmmaker quizzically. Filmmaker: You know… what's the purpose of your disguise now? Doesn't pretty much everyone know the secret at this point?

Tycho: [Shrugs] Yeah, Alex, guess you got me there.

Alex: There's been somewhat of a movement going on amongst the extraterrestrial community; an advocacy to reveal their true identities, since the election. You know— live freely? Have you—

Tycho: ...Considered removing my disguise? Actually, Alex, yes, I have. For good. I've… I've considered it a lot. Hiding who I am has cost me everything.

Alex: Well, this doc seems like as good a time as any, if you ask me.[Quietly, off to the side] Cam, are you getting this?

Cameron nods silently, while swiftly adjusting the lens and checking over the sound levels, his attention locked in. Alex: I know this isn't easy, but sharing your true self could be a real turning point for so many others like you. So if you're comfortable, we're here to support you every step of the way. Whenever you're ready.

Silence fills the studio as Tycho anticipates a reaction from the documentarian, but there is no sign of shock or a gasp from him, only an enthusiastic air of rehearsed professionalism.

Alex: I want to thank you for your vulnerability, Tycho. I know just how incredibly difficult this whole ordeal must be for you.

Tycho takes a deep breath and exhales slowly.

Tycho: Yeah, well, I don't really have anything left to lose anyway.

Alex: Walk me through that. What happened the night of the election?

[mosneakers]

Following the final moments of Erwin’s abduction, Jill Smith ordered an immediate halt to all live media coverage.

Desert CAHR Productions was granted special permission to film on the rooftop during this critical moment.

Jill Smith, her security, and the members of the SWAT team do their very best to be respectful, allowing Coraleye the space to process her shock, while also keeping their weapons drawn and remaining vigilant for any signs of returning spacecraft or any other potential threats. Tycho pushes through the crowd to reach Coraleye, who is collapsed in despair on the ground, wailing incoherent sobs toward the sky. Only barely cushioned by mascara-stained gloves, her clenched fists pound relentlessly against the cement. Tycho grasps her wrists firmly, desperate to pull her back from her anguish.

Tycho: Coraleye! Please, stop! You’re going to hurt yourself! Are you okay? Are you hurt? Talk to me, baby, please!

He cradles her face in his hands, smudged with mascara and tears. She locks her gaze onto his, searching deeply into his eyes—into his soul, really—her voice emerging in a guttural growl that shakes him to his core.

Coraleye: DO SOMETHING.

More than a plea, she demands it, her voice raw.

Coraleye: Let go of me, and fucking— [attempts to yank her arm away from his grip] —do something to HELP HIM. QUICKLY!

He freezes. This is it—his only chance. With a grand audience and everything being filmed, there’s no way to erase anyone's memory. There’s no backing out now. He takes a deep breath.

Tycho: Listen to me! Fuck, honey— I never imagined I'd be telling you this surrounded by guns and cameras and helicopters. I... I don't really know how I'm going to say it, so I'll just come out with it. Coraleye: Just say it, Tycho. Tycho: I am, I promise. Just… please don’t rush me. He’s gone. Erwin is gone. [Breath hitches as he watches her furiously shake her head in denial] For good. There’s nothing anyone can do to save him, alright? And I’m so, so sorry.

Coraleye: No, no, NO! Why? Why would you say that, Tycho? Tycho: Darling, there’s something I need to tell you.. There’s a reason I know—[voice cracks]—that he won’t be coming back.

Coraleye: Stop! Just stop! We don’t have time for this! [Voice cracks, sobs tear from her throat] You and I both know you could have done something to stop this from happening... I know exactly who you are, Tycho. Tycho goes still, his body rigid with disbelief as he tries to discern whether the words she just uttered were reality or a demented figment of his imagination.

Tycho: W-what? What did you just say? I don't understand. Coraleye, what are you saying? Seeing her shaking uncontrollably, Tycho instinctively reaches for her hands, but she shoves them away. After a deep breath, she speaks, her voice unnervingly calm compared to the turmoil displayed moments before.

Coraleye: Did you really think you were erasing my mind all this time, Tycho? A skilled spellcrafter? You never once considered I’d have taken precautions to protect myself? Like, I don't know, maybe a spell to keep my mind from being fucked with—really, Tycho? Tycho's mind goes blank, and he lost the ability to swallow. Sirens can be heard in the distance of the bustling city; for a split second he wonders if they could be coming for him. Tycho finally chokes out a response. Tycho: How long... Coraleye’s silence is deafening. She doesn’t respond with words, only a piercing glare, her eyes burning through his. Tycho: Don't tell me...You knew the whole fucking time, didn't you?

[mosneakers]

4 Months After Election

Tycho: What else is there to say? This is pretty much done, right? You got what you needed?

Alex: I did have one more question for you; one that I had saved for both you and Ms. Darling. Is there anything you’re still asking yourself, after this whole ordeal? Tycho: ...How did she answer that? Alex: Haven’t asked her yet, man. You’re up first.

Tycho: [Long pause, glances over and points his head at Cam] Has Coraleye tried anything with Cam, yet? I'd be surprised if she hasn't. He seems like someone she'd go for. She never could control herself.

Cam: Me? Ha. [Jokingly brushes hand over beard] So you admit you think I’m cute? Seriously though, we keep things professional with work clients man, no need to worry about me crossing any lines.

Alex: [Calm but firm] I don’t think you really meant that, Tycho... I think you’re just pissed off. Maybe you should walk that back.

Tycho: [Sigh] Yeah, you’re right. She didn’t deserve that. I’m sorry. Honestly, I still have plenty of questions that still keep me up at night, you know? Like, what if I’d followed her to the rooftop when Erwin wanted to talk to her alone? If I’d been with Erwin when that ship came, would they still have taken him? Should I have gone to Sixam with Coni to be by Erwin's side when they executed him? [Winces in pain from the mental image] ...Could I have done more?

Alex: [Nods thoughtfully] Those are some pretty difficult questions. I can see how much they're weighing on you. Any theories?

Tycho: I hate to say it because Erwin would have a solid theory to rationalize every one of my questions by now, but I just… can’t make sense of it. I wish I had better answers—any answers, really. No matter how many times I replay those moments in my head I just... I don't know. Nothing.

Alex: Can I ask you something kind of personal? And if you don't want to answer, by all means— Tycho: Go ahead, Alex.

Alex: Right, okay. Do um, have any regrets—I guess what I’m really asking is, do you regret not being there for the funeral? If I remember correctly, you were invited but ultimately decided against going, right?

Tycho: [Sigh, followed by a lengthy pause] Yeah listen, I'm ready to call it— can we just cut this part? Alex: Wait, Tycho... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to push! I thought it might be relevant because there wasn't a funeral for Erwin, so I thought maybe going to another funeral might bring up some of those emotions. I swear it ties in, man, but if you're not comfortable going there, we don't have to— Tycho: I told you I wanted to stay on track. That funeral doesn’t have anything to do with Erwin.

[mosneakers]

Clementine: [staring at the screen in disbelief] This doesn't make any sense. She won… it's official. Kirsten: [with a heavy sigh] Well, I’ll be damned. You kids see the power you wield? You resurrected that Salas bunch, and now we’ve got a damn vampire in office. I'm telling you, it's that Darling family curse, it's no joke.

Salem: Yeah, no one's fucking laughing, mom.

Yellow: [Starts pacing, checking cell phone] Has anyone heard from Coraleye? It’s nearly 4 AM, and she hasn’t checked in. That’s not like her—especially after this long.

Donna, anxiously knitting on the sofa, turns to give her husband a loving glance, striving to keep her tone light and comforting. Donna: We needn't fret, love. She's likely off with Tycho, helping him get his mind off things like lovebirds do— hehe! Yellow: [Sighs] You’re probably right. I’ll give her more time before trying again. I do remember how it felt, being young and utterly smitten. [Grins and cheesily winks at Donna]

Salem: Disgusting.

Donna: You are! [Playfully sticks out tongue]

Seymour, thought to be asleep, croaks a laugh. Salem groans and leans forward, burying her head in her hands.

Out of nowhere, the Darling family landline rings, breaking the silence with a jolt. The unexpected sound causes even the family dog to yelp in surprise. Donna: Oh, heavens! It's alright, Mimsy, that's just the phone. Gave me a scare too; it hardly ever rings. Excuse me, I'll answer it.

Donna gently sets her knitting kit aside, then carefully maneuvers around the jumbled feet and dog, making her way to the foyer to tend to the ringing phone. Yellow tries his daughter’s cellphone once more, as Clementine nudges Salem with her leg. Clementine: What's wrong? Having doubts about resurrecting them? Salem: Of course not. Don’t be stupid. That was the only way I'd get you back. How was I supposed to know it'd get lead to this? She was so different all those years ago.

Donna, usually known for her bravery, suddenly cries out in distress from the foyer, causing Yellow to rush to her side, alarmed. Yellow: Donna, sweetheart! What's wrong? Who called? Donna: That was an officer from the city. We have to go pick up Coraleye right away! There's been a terrible accident. Yellow: What? What happened to her? Is she hurt?

Donna: She's safe, but it sounds like others may have been hurt, and she's rather quite shaken. They wouldn't elaborate, so I guess we'll learn more when we arrive. Oh! Let me just fetch my slippers!

Clementine: Shit, I’m pretty worried… should we tag along? Yellow: We’ll manage. Maybe you all stay here in case anything comes up here. Thanks, Clem. Mom— we'll be right back with Coraleye. Will you be alright getting Dad to bed? Kirsten: Yes, of course, hun. Just get my baby girl back home safe and soon.

Clementine: Ditto. Give her hugs and kisses for me. [Waits for Donna and Yellow to leave] What a crazy night. What do you think went down?

Salem: How should I know.

Clementine: Think it’s connected to Salas winning?

Salem: Most likely. And now that a psychotic vampire is in charge— this is just the beginning. Who knows what she's capable of?

Kirsten: You can say that again. How long is it gonna take before someone addresses that none of us mediums have been able to make contact with Jay Salas? I think the bitch killed her husband. Salem: Mom please, not now. Kirsten: Sorry! Just saying... I have my suspicions. Guess we'll save it for a later season.

Salem exhales heavily, clutching her scalp. Her gaze drifts to the glowing TV screen, where Tatiana's unsettling grin beams back, mocking her hesitation.

Salem: Ugh, fuck! I can’t believe I’m responsible for this fucking shitshow.

Clementine: [Brief silence, eyes transfixed on the screen] …You brought her into this realm.

Salem: …And I’m gonna have to take her out.

[mosneakers]

You know I couldn't let these outfits go to waste and had to give these characters their own cinematic bond-style photoshoot 📸

[mosneakers]

[suspenseful synthwave music playing]

[mosneakers]

Granite Falls, 6 Months After Election Night

Alex Hart, Lead Documentarian: You’ve just been through so much these past few months. Your strength… it’s really moving. Sorry—I’m getting a bit emotional here, as you can probably tell, heh.

Coraleye: [giggles softly, attempting to lighten the mood] I bet it’s just the charm of the great outdoors! Camping has a way of casting a spell on you, doesn’t it? Makes all your senses feel so heightened!

Cameron Rai, Camera Technician: [Squinting against the sun] Great segue— now can we keep it pushing before the sunset wrecks our lighting?

Alex: Right. While we're on the subject, could you please explain how we managed to interview Erwin for this film, given the horrific incident that happened six months ago? Coraleye: Oh, since you asked like such a perfect gentleman, I can do you one better—how 'bout I show you instead?

Coraleye smiles gently at Erwin and begins her spell. "Goodbye for now, buddy.” she whispers, brushing away an emerging tear from her eye before it has the chance to fall. “Until next time.” In a whirlwind of sparkles and light, Erwin's image fades away right before their eyes.

Alex: [Shakes head in bewilderment] Incredible. So that wasn't the real Erwin, right?

Coraleye: [Chuckles] Nope, not really! I’ve put my own little twist on a classic untamed magic spell —Duplicato.

Alex: I'm only clarifying because in the time I've gotten to know you, you've mentioned that you're an experienced medium, as well. Correct me if I'm wrong, but we weren't speaking to Erwin's spirit or anything, right?

Coraleye: No... we did attempt a séance once and sadly, it seems he may have died too far away for any of us to be able to connect to his spirit. [Face reddening, eyes beginning to well with tears] Although I'd like to think I captured the essence of his spirit pretty accurately. But this spell is essentially just a magical hologram created from my memories of him.

Alex: We really appreciate you sharing him with us today, it's truly such an honor. Just to reiterate for our viewers, are you still completely comfortable with this? Your comfort is very important to us. I can imagine this must be extremely challenging for you.

Coraleye's shoulders slumped, and a frown clouded her expression, as she battled the urge to cry. The thought of Tycho watching this documentary strengthened her resolve—she refused to let him have the satisfaction of seeing her cry again.

Coraleye: No worries, I promise. I think it'll be good for the movie. I want people to see Erwin the way we did. Sure, it can be emotionally taxing, but I don’t do this spell often—and when I do, I actually find it to be so healing. [Smiles after long pause] — But yeah, anyway, thanks for the support, Alex... you've been really great.

Alex: [Softly] You’re really something else, Coraleye. I can’t imagine how hard this must be, but you’re handling it with so much grace. You know, it’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling. If you need a moment… [Opens his arms slightly]

Coraleye laughs and accepts his subtle invitation for an embrace, easing herself into Alex's arms. Not expecting that familiar flutter that she's been dodging for months now to come creeping its way back into the pit of her stomach, she buries it deep down for now. But Coraleye knows she's a Darling, and when it comes to love, that's one curse that never stays dead.

Cam: Yeah, cool, I think we got the shot now.

[mosneakers]

Jill: Belladonna, sweetheart, I know what that blue aura means when I see it. You holdin' up okay?

Coni swallows, her shoulders slumping as she shrugs softly. She can’t find the right answer, her eyes fixed helplessly on what's left of her world crumbling to dust before her. Coni: I should have said something a long time ago. Jill: Oh, honey, you don’t have to carry that blame. There are extraterrestrial beings everywhere doing the same thing—keeping their identities hidden to protect themselves, and for good reason. You did what you had to do.

Jill Smith lightly brushes her infant son's head to soothe him, a subtle gesture to reassure Coni of her maternal nature.

Coni: But the Darlings can be trusted, though. We didn't have to keep this from them. Jill: Well... maybe. Coni: ...Sorry? Jill: I don't know, dear. It seems to me like some of those characters may not have been who you thought they were. Coni stares blankly ahead at the grim scene unfolding in front of her, deeply contemplating the weight of Jill's words.

Tycho: Why? If you knew this entire time, why did you string me along? Another wave of shock crashes over her; every muscle in her body feels like it's screaming, and she can no longer contain her rage. Like a defensive fawn posturing as fierce to fend off a predator, she steps forward and furiously shoves him, stumbling clumsily over the high heels that had earlier tonight driven Tycho wild.

Coraleye: I'm sorry, what? I gave you chance after chance after chance to come clean—to do the right thing. But instead, you tried to steal my goddamn memories! Our memories! The private things kept just between us—were they not sacred to you? Huh? Tycho: I struggled so much, okay? The guilt ate at me every single day. But I guess it turns out I wasn't the only one lying here. I feel like such an idiot. Coraleye: [Mock-sympathetic tone] Oh! It really hurts, doesn't it, baby? Welcome to my life! Only the joke’s on me— because I lied to myself, too. I fully convinced myself you'd come around, that we’d build a life together. I was ready to give you my babies, my hand in marriage, my whole future. But no, you couldn't help yourself. You get off on fucking with my head. Well guess what? You can't control me, Tycho. You never could.

Tycho: Control you? Coraleye, I was never trying to control you. I put it off for so long because I didn't want to scare you off. I thought there could be a chance I'd lose you—lose what we had. Coraleye: Well if you thought that would scare me off, then you have no idea who I truly am. Tycho: That's never been clearer. Given your reaction now, seems I was right to believe that. Coraleye: Yeah, now! God, Tycho, your double standard is insane. Are you happy, now that Erwin's out of the way? You never did quite get that jealousy trait under control, did you?

Tycho: Am I happy? What's wrong with you? Why would you say something like that? Erwin's my best friend. You know what? You’re no better than me. If you’d just been honest from the start, instead of sneaking around, we could’ve worked together to protect him—and your brother, too! I know I was a coward and a liar, but you’re just as much to blame for all this as I am, and you know it.

Coni: I… I can't do this. They’re putting our friend to death, and I can’t just stand by and watch the world burn while it happens. I can’t stop them, but I can’t let him die alone.

Jill: I see. You'd like to leave for the cosmos? Should I tell your friends you'll be back?

Coni: [Pauses, shakes head] No. Please give them all my love.

The storm inside Coraleye comes to an abrupt halt, leaving her mind reeling in the eerie wreckage. This is what I get for breaking the rules and following my heart, she thinks to herself.

Tycho instantly recognizes the harm in his words and desperately tries to take them back, but it's too late—Coraleye severs their relationship. He doubles down, and the tension escalates until officers must intervene, dragging them apart as they curse and scream.

In the midst of the chaos, Coni Breeder quietly slips away, leaving for a distant planet to spend the remainder of her days as Belladonna Darling Goth.