
Daniel decides to pursue a vendetta against an old foe, but soon discovers that hunting down the Shadow may prove more difficult than expected
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Blake
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Daniel
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Mark R. Healy
The Road of Shadows Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark Production Season 3 Episode 5 Reunion.
Daniel
Okay, Blake. You want to negotiate? We can do that. Where would you like to start?
Blake
Maybe you should begin by telling me what you want.
Amber
Come on, Susan, don't play games. You know what we want.
Blake
No, I don't.
Daniel
Go ahead, keep playing games. See where it gets you.
Blake
Is it money you're after? I can get you some, if that's what you're here for.
Daniel
No, we don't want your money.
Blake
It's drugs then, isn't it? There are none here. None at all.
Daniel
Cut the shit. You know why we're here. Because you're a shadow. One of the Vespurine.
Blake
I don't know what you're talking about.
Amber
So what do you know?
Blake
Well, I'm currently being bailed up inside a dingy little room by a couple of crackheads who are playing out some sort of twisted fantasy. I know that. Crackheads? You heard me. I've seen your type around before. You and that filth of yours are destroying communities just like this all across the state.
Daniel
We're not idiots, Blake. This act of yours is fooling no one. We know you let us here so you could trap us. You tried to gas us back there in that maintenance corridor.
Blake
Are you out of your mind? I have every right to be here.
Amber
So what were you doing lurking around a derelict building like this, hmm? Just hanging out?
Blake
I got a phone call from Sheriff Tate. He told me that there's an ongoing problem with vagrants in the area. He said that some of them have been using this building as a hookup for buying and selling drugs.
Daniel
Why would you care what they do in here?
Blake
For one, I'm a concerned citizen. I don't want drug traffickers in my community. But more importantly, I happen to own this building.
Daniel
This shithole?
Blake
Yes. I have plans to renovate the place and one day reopen it. And not only create more jobs in Blackridge, but also restore an important landmark from years gone by.
Amber
Sorry, but your story doesn't check out. Like, not even close.
Blake
What are you talking about?
Amber
Why did you have a panic room installed in here? It doesn't quite fit with the rest of the decor, if you know what I mean.
Blake
The building is in exactly the same condition now as when I bought it. I have no idea why the previous owner built this room, but I have to say, after what just happened, I'm glad they did.
Daniel
So how come you led us here and tried to gas us in that maintenance corridor?
Blake
That's ridiculous. I didn't lead anyone anywhere. I came here after my phone call with Sheriff Tate, just like I said. He told me I needed to upgrade the security in this place unless I wanted it to be overcome by drug addicts and squatters. So that's what I was trying to do.
Daniel
You tried to chain us inside that room.
Blake
I was in the process of putting locks and chains on all the doors, both inside and out, just like the sheriff suggested. I had no idea the two of you were even there.
Daniel
I don't believe you for a second.
Blake
You think I'm a murderer? Fine. Go and call Sheriff Tate. Bring him here right now and tell him the whole story. I'll gladly come out of this room and give my account of things, too. We'll see who's on the right side of the law then.
Amber
Yeah, somehow I don't think the sheriff will take the side of strangers from out of town.
Blake
My point exactly. The two of you are fucked whichever way you slice it. So why don't you gather up your filthy belongings and get the hell out of Blackridge while you still can.
Amber
Sure, we could do that. Or maybe we'll just wait. You have to come out of there sometime, don't you?
Blake
Not really. I had a good look around. And Seems there's enough canned food and bottled water in here to sustain me for a few weeks, if it comes to that.
Ragaso
Bullshit.
Blake
Listen, is this really worth your time? I have a few bucks in my pocket. That's it. I don't have drugs. I don't have.
Daniel
Not interested in any of that.
Blake
Then why are you still hanging around?
Daniel
You know we're gonna get in there, don't you? We'll find a way.
Blake
You want to hurt me, is that it? A pair of psychopathic sickos?
Daniel
That's rich coming from you. We saw your little collection of souvenirs in the shack.
Blake
What?
Daniel
Out in the woods. The place where you killed Jimmy. We saw It. All of it.
Blake
Jimmy who?
Daniel
Jimmy Jacobson. And don't stand there and try to tell me you don't remember him.
Blake
No, I definitely remember Jimmy. But what's he got to do with this?
Daniel
You ripped his throat out. I heard you do it.
Blake
Oh, you're not making any sense, you delusional crackhead.
Daniel
So you never laid a finger on him, huh?
Blake
Jimmy stayed at the shelter a few years ago. He was a good kid, but troubled, like many who came through my door. After a couple days, he moved on, and I never saw or heard from him again.
Amber
Daniel, can I talk to you for a second?
Daniel
Amber, are you okay?
Amber
I'm starting to feel.
Blake
A little ill. Hey, hey.
Daniel
Sit down for a second over here.
Blake
Are you listening to me?
Amber
Yeah, good idea.
Blake
I've had enough of this.
Daniel
What is it? Are you sensing a shadow again?
Amber
I'd almost guarantee it.
Blake
Leave me alone.
Amber
I'm feeling the same way I did in Clifford Springs before the confrontation with Shilling.
Daniel
Are you going to be okay?
Amber
I'll be fine for now. I just need to rest a second.
Daniel
When did this come on?
Amber
Just a couple of minutes ago, while we were talking.
Daniel
Lean back. Let me take a look here.
Blake
You still there, crackhead?
Amber
What is it?
Daniel
The wound on your shoulder. It's weeping again.
Amber
Damn. Guess it's not healing after all, huh?
Daniel
Being close to a shadow must have agitated the wound.
Amber
Something like that.
Daniel
Are you going to be okay? Do you want to take a break?
Amber
I'm not sure that's an option. You're not expecting Blake to sit on her ass while we take a stroll around the countryside, are you?
Daniel
I can stay. I'll watch over her.
Amber
No, I am not going anywhere.
Daniel
It's going to complicate things, isn't it?
Amber
For now, I'm fine. Let's just keep our minds on the job and figure out how we're going to pry her out of that panic room.
Daniel
Okay. Let's see what I can do.
Blake
Back again, I hear Blake.
Daniel
We're just going around in circles. How about we?
Blake
I'm not interested in negotiating. Not anymore. And I sure as hell won't be held prisoner by a couple of.
Daniel
Couple of what?
Blake
You think you have some kind of power over me? You don't. You are nothing. I'll show you.
Daniel
Don't think you can intimidate us. It's not going to work. You.
Amber
Daniel.
Daniel
Stay there. Amber.
Amber
Do you sense something?
Daniel
I can smell burning. I think she's going into bloodlust.
Amber
Yeah, I feel something, too. Something. Something's happening.
Daniel
There's Another smell too. I, I can't put my finger on it.
Amber
Another smell like what?
Daniel
Death.
Amber
Hey, I, I, I just heard something outside.
Daniel
Me too. Sounded like a car pulling up.
Amber
Damn it. Did Blake call the cops somehow?
Daniel
Blake, what are you trying to pull? Answer me.
Amber
I should go and check out the front.
Daniel
No, stay there. Amber, I've got this. I'll be back in a second. Keep an eye on Blake while I'm gone, okay?
Amber
Okay. Blake, I'm right here outside the door, so don't think you can.
Blake
Fuck.
Amber
Oh, come here, you piece of shit. That's it.
Blake
Gotcha. Take your, Take your hands off of me.
Amber
Daniel. I've got her. She's in bloodlust. Her face is. Not a chance. Blake. You lie there and bleed like you deserve.
Ragaso
Get your hands off her.
Blake
What?
Amber
What the fuck? Who are you?
Blake
Where.
Amber
Where's Daniel?
Blake
Don't just stand there. Help me. Hey.
Amber
Hey. Don't even think about laying your hands on me, asshole.
Ragaso
Let her go or I'll rip you apart.
Amber
How about I make you bleed instead, you wrinkled piece of shit?
Blake
That's good. Now kill her. Finish her off.
Daniel
Amber, I'm coming.
Blake
Daniel is still alive. Why?
Ragaso
I knocked him down. But he had a conduit. He was holding it in his hands.
Blake
You idiot. You should have killed him while he was down.
Ragaso
If the blade of that conduit touches me in the wrong place.
Blake
Help me. Get me up. We, we have to. We have to go. Blake, quickly. That way. Go. Shit.
Amber
God damn it.
Daniel
Amber. Are you okay?
Amber
Daniel. Daniel, you're bleeding.
Daniel
I'm all right. Just took a blow to the head. What about you?
Amber
I. I had the wind knocked out of me, that's all. They. Daniel. Hard. They, they went that way.
Daniel
It's too late. They drove off.
Amber
Well, we sure that whole thing up, didn't we?
Daniel
Yeah, looks like it. Here, let me help you up.
Amber
Thanks. What happened to you?
Daniel
I went to the outer door to check what was going on. Suddenly it burst in on me, hit me right across the face and knocked me to the floor.
Amber
Yeah, that was the huge wrinkly guy coming through, huh?
Daniel
You got it. You noticed his skin too, I see.
Amber
It was kind of hard to miss with him up in my face like that.
Daniel
He's another shadow. Must be like that emissary we killed back in Mosquito Falls. One of the wilted, I think she called herself.
Amber
Oh, yeah. So. So what happened after he hit you with the door?
Daniel
My head was spinning like crazy. I thought he was going to come at me, but instead he just turned on his Heel. And walked away.
Amber
Why would he do that when he had you on the ground?
Daniel
I think he was afraid of the axe. His eyes went wide when he saw it.
Amber
Yeah, now that you mention it, he did say something about that to Blake.
Daniel
Anyway, it took a second or two for me to clear my head. I came as fast as I could.
Amber
They obviously didn't want to face you head on, so they made a run for it.
Daniel
What happened here? What's that steam coming off the floor?
Amber
It's shadow blood. Blake's blood. But it's already starting to evaporate. She obviously knew what was going down with the wilted arriving in the car. Took advantage of the confusion and got the jump on me.
Daniel
Did she hurt you?
Amber
Her? Not a chance. As soon as I put my fingers on her, she started gushing like Niagara Falls. Blood everywhere. A few more seconds and there would have been nothing left but a puddle of goop.
Daniel
And then the big guy showed up.
Amber
She called him Ragaso the wrinkly guy.
Daniel
What did he do?
Amber
He threatened me and told me to let Blake go. When I refused, he stomped over and grabbed me. I put my hands on him and. Huh?
Daniel
What is it?
Amber
I don't know. It was different with him. When my fingers touched Schilling and Blake, the blood flowed like water. But with Rugasso, it came much more slowly. Like his blood was more viscous or gummy.
Daniel
His blood is thicker.
Amber
I can't say for sure. It all happened so fast. Either way, he wasn't affected that badly by my touch. It hurt him for sure, but he still had enough strength to grab me and throw me like a rag doll across the room.
Daniel
You didn't break anything when you landed?
Amber
I hope not.
Daniel
So Blake has disappeared again. After all the effort we've gone to, we've got nothing to show for it. We're back at square one.
Amber
Square one? Haha. No, I think we've gone backwards. Actually, we have a new threat to deal with. This Ragaso character is an unknown quantity. He's dangerous. And clearly, if we want to get to Blake now, we have to go through him as well. My dad works in B2B marketing. He came by my school for career day and said he was a big roas man. Then he told everyone how much he loved calculating his return on ad spend. My friends still laugh at me to this day.
Daniel
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Blake
Put me down. Bragasso. Over there, at the table.
Ragaso
Easy. You're hurt.
Blake
I'm fine. Just.
Ragaso
Hold on while I get the door. Are you sure we're gonna be safe here, Susan?
Blake
Why would you use that filthy human name? It's bad enough that they address me that way, but one of my own kin?
Ragaso
All right. I'm sorry, Sukistra. There. Is that better?
Blake
Don't patronize me, Ragaso.
Ragaso
Maybe you should show a little more gratitude, old friend. I just saved your life.
Blake
You saved shit. And I'm not your friend.
Ragaso
Really? Because it looked to me as though those two Nostrama had you skewered like a pig on a spit.
Blake
I had the situation under control. I was preparing to strike. Right when you showed up. Uninvited, I might add.
Ragaso
Preparing to strike, were you? Is that how it was?
Blake
Wipe that look off your face or I'll wipe it off for you.
Ragaso
No need for empty threats, Sikhistra. You can barely keep yourself upright in that chair. So somehow I doubt you've got the strength to do the job.
Blake
If you're done gloating and belittling me, you can leave. Go.
Ragaso
I don't think the others in the kin would approve of that, do you? Anyway, back to my point. Are we safe here?
Blake
Yes, we're safe.
Ragaso
But this is your home. People will come looking for you here. The Nostromo.
Blake
The Nostromo have no idea where I live, and nor does anyone else in Blackridge. I've kept my secrets well over the years.
Ragaso
What if somebody comes here by chance?
Blake
No one comes here. Ever.
Ragaso
Are you sure?
Blake
Yes, Rugasso, I'm sure.
Ragaso
Well, that's good. That'll buy us some time.
Blake
Us? There is no us. I want you to leave.
Ragaso
I came here at the behest of the kin to help you face this threat.
Blake
And like I keep saying, I don't need you.
Ragaso
The girl, Amber, she almost sucked you dry. Sukistra. Would you like to take a look in the mirror?
Blake
No.
Ragaso
Because what you'll see there in that reflection is. Well, it's not pretty. Like the face of death itself. You're fading even now. Give it a day, maybe two, and there'll be nothing left.
Blake
All I need is to make a kill.
Ragaso
And how do you intend to do that when you're as weak as a baby?
Blake
I'll find a way.
Ragaso
No, I don't think so. Like it or not, you're stuck with me. For now. At least. I won't dishonor the Kin by abandoning you.
Blake
I will not allow it.
Ragaso
If you're strong enough to turn me away, then stand up and do it. Go on. I'm ready.
Blake
See, I can stand on my own two feet just fine. I can.
Ragaso
You need me, Sukistra. Let me help you.
Blake
This is humiliating.
Ragaso
You don't need to feel humiliated. Not against these ones.
Blake
What do you mean?
Ragaso
Here, let me help you up.
Blake
Go on, tell me.
Ragaso
The Kin have serious concerns about these Nostromo. Grave concerns. As Drakisa put it. Alone, each of the Nostromo is a formidable opponent. But together, well, they're unlike any threat we've faced before. That's why I was sent.
Blake
But why did they have to send you? Why not someone else?
Ragaso
I was the one who was best suited for the job.
Blake
You volunteered, didn't you? Just so you could come here. And.
Ragaso
So I could what?
Blake
Rub it in my face?
Ragaso
Do you really think I'd be that petty?
Blake
Yes, I do.
Ragaso
Are you going to pretend that all of those things we did together all those years ago, that they never happened?
Blake
Don't talk about that.
Ragaso
Are you ashamed?
Blake
I said don't talk about it.
Ragaso
There's no one here but us.
Blake
I don't care.
Ragaso
What's wrong with you? Why are you acting like this? Are you jealous? Is that it?
Blake
Of you? Never.
Ragaso
Then why won't you even look at me?
Blake
Because I don't want you here.
Ragaso
You can't stand to see it, can you? You can't stand to look at my face even for a second.
Blake
I don't give a shit about you, Ragaso.
Ragaso
Prove it. Look me in the eye. Witness what I have become.
Blake
Alright, Fine. I'll do it. Come over and let me see you.
Ragaso
Here.
Blake
Closer. Lean down.
Amber
Oh.
Blake
What are you there. How beautiful you are.
Ragaso
You. You've marked me. You've drawn blood.
Blake
Provoke a serpent and you should expect to get bitten.
Ragaso
There's another saying, Zukistra. One about biting the hand that feeds you.
Blake
Don't flatter yourself.
Ragaso
What a bitter creature you've become.
Blake
And you. You're pathetic. Parading yourself around like this. Did you think I'd be impressed now that you've become wilted?
Ragaso
No.
Blake
Then why are you taunting me?
Ragaso
I'm not taunting you. I thought you'd.
Blake
Thought what? That I'd be happy for you. And your little promotion into the ranks of those shriveled imbeciles? Well, I'm not. Not one bit.
Ragaso
I thought you might at least Be grateful.
Blake
I already told you your intervention was unnecessary.
Ragaso
Stop deluding yourself. We both know there'd be nothing left of you now but a grease stain if I hadn't stepped in. The sooner you accept that, the better.
Blake
Are you done lecturing me?
Ragaso
No, not even close. In fact, I've got something very important to tell you, so you better listen up. Are you ready?
Blake
Go ahead. Tell me.
Ragaso
As much as you might hate me, Sukistra, as much as you might despise my very existence and resent the fact that I'm here with you now, you have to accept one unshakable truth in your fight against these Nostrama. I'm the only hope you've got.
Mark R. Healy
The Road of Shadows is created by Mark R. Healy. Want to delve deeper into the story? Head over to Patreon to find character concept art and other bonuses like ad free episodes that you can hear a week early. All of that and more is available now at patreon.com beginner beyond the dark Check out more of my podcasts at the road of shadows.com the Road of Shadows season 3 stars Hamish Plagemas, Marta Da Silva, Liz Maury, Maria Damunu Simon, Allison, Eden Solomon, Xander Grant, Sian Luxford and Terence Addison. The Road of Shadows is a Beyond the Dark production sa.
Blake
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Amber
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Daniel
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Susan
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Blake
Are you not hearing me?
Daniel
There are missiles headed here right now.
Blake
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Susan
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Amber
Now there's going to be them that live and them that don't.
Susan
You're making a big mistake.
Blake
Is this all my blood?
Susan
Maybe you're the leader of a doomsday cult. Or you're a country superstar in 1954, or a gangster in witness protection. The question remains the the same. What would you do if you only had 20 minutes until the missiles landed?
Daniel
This is not a test.
Susan
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The Road of Shadows - Episode 3.5: Reunion
Introduction In Episode 3.5, titled "Reunion," of The Road of Shadows podcast, host Mark R. Healy delves deeper into the harrowing journey of Daniel Knox as he continues his relentless pursuit of the enigmatic entities known as Shadows. Set against the bleak backdrop of a deteriorating mountain community, this episode intensifies the suspense, unveiling pivotal character dynamics and escalating threats that promise to reshape Daniel's quest for understanding and survival.
Confrontation with Blake The episode opens with Daniel and his companion Amber in a tense standoff with Blake, a seemingly ordinary resident of Blackridge who harbors dark secrets. The dialogue begins at [01:20], where Daniel challenges Blake's intentions:
Daniel [01:20]: "If you need three new reasons to love Jack wraps at Jack in the Box even more, here they are. Chicken fajita, chicken Caesar and delicious. Starting at $3."
Blake's initial defensiveness quickly unravels as Daniel accuses him of being a Shadow:
Daniel [02:01]: "You know why we're here. Because you're a shadow. One of the Vespurine."
Blake vehemently denies these accusations, leading to a heated exchange where underlying tensions about community issues and Blake's suspicious behavior come to the forefront. His attempts to negotiate and justify his presence only deepen Daniel's mistrust:
Blake [04:00]: "That's ridiculous. I didn't lead anyone anywhere. I came here after my phone call with Sheriff Tate..."
Revelation of Past Atrocities As the confrontation escalates, Daniel reveals Blake's dark past, accusing him of murder:
Daniel [06:13]: "You ripped his throat out. I heard you do it."
Blake attempts to deflect, claiming ignorance and innocence regarding the disappearance of Jimmy Jacobson. However, the tension thickens as Daniel and Amber press him for the truth, exposing wounds and hinting at supernatural influences affecting them.
Introduction of Ragaso The plot takes a dramatic turn with the introduction of Ragaso, a formidable Shadow with a personal vendetta against Blake. Ragaso’s entrance at [10:45] shifts the dynamics, presenting a new layer of complexity:
Amber [10:57]: "Get your hands off her."
Ragaso's interactions with Blake reveal a strained history, suggesting a shared past and mutual distrust. Their dialogue uncovers that Ragaso was sent by the Kin to assist Blake against the Nostrama, powerful adversaries threatening their existence.
Dialogue and Power Struggles A significant portion of the episode revolves around the psychological battle between Blake and Ragaso. Their exchanges are laden with resentment and reluctant cooperation:
Ragaso [17:43]: "Maybe you should show a little more gratitude, old friend. I just saved your life."
Blake [18:41]: "Us? There is no us. I want you to leave."
This tension underscores the complexities of alliances in the face of greater threats. Ragaso's persistence forces Blake to confront his vulnerabilities, hinting at deeper motivations and the looming danger posed by the Nostrama.
Escalation of Conflict The climax builds as the Shadows' aggression surfaces. Amber's transformation into bloodlust intensifies the peril:
Daniel [07:25]: "What is it? Are you sensing a shadow again?"
Amber [07:35]: "I'd almost guarantee it."
The arrival of more Shadows, including the menacing Ragaso, leads to a chaotic confrontation where physical and supernatural forces collide. The chaotic battle sequence, punctuated by screams and violence, showcases the relentless danger Daniel and Amber face.
Aftermath and New Threats In the episode's aftermath, Daniel and Amber assess the damage and the new threat posed by Ragaso. The revelation that Ragaso is a potent adversary heightens the stakes:
Amber [15:08]: "Square one? Haha. No, I think we've gone backwards..."
Their discussion underscores the escalating challenges, as the introduction of Ragaso complicates their mission to uncover the truth behind the Shadows and their insidious plans.
Conclusion and Cliffhanger As the episode draws to a close, the unresolved tensions between Blake and Ragaso set the stage for future confrontations. The lingering threat of the Kin and the Nostrama looms large, ensuring that Daniel and Amber’s journey will only become more perilous. The final moments hint at deeper conspiracies and alliances, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Notable Quotes
Character Development and Themes This episode deepens the exploration of trust, betrayal, and the murky lines between allies and enemies. Daniel's unwavering pursuit contrasts with Blake's desperation and the complex motivations of Ragaso. The recurring theme of unseen threats and the psychological toll of constant vigilance are meticulously woven into the narrative, providing a rich tapestry that underscores the characters' struggles.
Final Thoughts Reunion serves as a pivotal episode in The Road of Shadows series, skillfully balancing action, suspense, and character-driven drama. Mark R. Healy masterfully advances the overarching plot while delving into the intricate relationships between characters. As Daniel and Amber navigate the treacherous landscape of Blackridge, the introduction of Ragaso and the revelation of past atrocities set the stage for an enthralling continuation of their battle against the Shadows.