Monsters

By: Nova Farell

CHARACTER PRONOUNS:
Tez: They/Them

Vex: He/They/It

These are not indicative of what kind of person “should” play either character, but rather just for reference. These characters can be played by any actor. 

REQUIRED CONTEXT: Through a mix of magic and force of will, Tez can return to life after dying. This is about the 2nd or 3rd time that Tez has gone through that cycle trying to kill Vex. Both characters fight dirty, but Vex especially is prone to outright brutality and it should show in their fighting style. 

Tez enters, Vex is already on-stage

VEX: It took you three weeks, six days, and twelve hours to return to me. Nearly half the time it took you the first time. I’ve been keeping track.

TEZ: Okay, that’s not creepy at all. 

VEX: You’ve seen worse than creepy, come on now. 

TEZ: So… have you just been waiting for me here?

VEX: Ha, no. I just finished up with somebody else who wanted to be a hero. They weren’t. Go, look for yourself. 

(Tez goes off stage, then returns)

TEZ: You… 

(after taking a second to gather themself)

where are their eyes?

VEX: Don’t remember.

TEZ: The fuck you mean you “don’t remember”? 

VEX: They were forgettable. Hopefully this one has the sense to not come back, unlike SOME people I know. Let’s skip the pleasantries, say your piece and let’s get on with it. 

TEZ: Okay… how about this: you and me, right now. No powers, no weapons, no holds barred. 

VEX: Alright, I’ll bite. We don’t stop until someone dies.

TEZ: I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now come on, let’s shake on it. Make it official. 

(They go to handshake, Vex slaps Tez instead)

VEX: Come on kid, you can do better than that. 

(First phrase completion)

TEZ: That better?

VEX: You remind me of me when I was younger

TEZ: That’s- you’re delusional 

VEX: I prefer “enlightened” but to each their own. I was just as stubborn, except I learned from my mistakes

TEZ: What was I supposed to learn from you? How to cut people down in the streets in the name of “liberation”? Violence for the sake of violence? The only thing I’ve learned from you is cruelty.

VEX: You say that as if it’s a bad thing. 

TEZ: Anyone ever tell you you’re a sick bastard?

VEX: I’ve heard all kinds of names… murderer, sociopath, monster. Of course, you of all people should know that “monsters” aren’t born. They’re made.

TEZ: We don’t have to be! We can be unmade.

VEX: That’s fucking stupid. 

VEX: Tired already? We’ve barely started.

TEZ: Oh FUCK off. 

VEX: Not yet, I’ve still got one more thing to teach you. 

(Kill move)

VEX: You’ve gotta learn to adapt, kid. Maybe next time. 

(Vex exits)