INT. TATTERDEMALION BACKSTAGE HALLWAY - NIGHT
Arden pushes through the hallway, passing members of the audience and crew.
He catches a glimpse of Ebaneen passing through with a male figure holding her waist. But before Arden can make out the guy’s face--
He slams into IVOR (mid 40s) and his THREE BANDMATES from the nastiest, ugliest Doom Metal band around, THE PUTREFICATION PRINCIPLE. They’re all leather, studs, and skin.
IVOR
Who da fuck--?
Ivor is practically a grunting beast - a beast with a Nordic accent. His considerable brow furrows at Arden. He looks ready to rumble.
ARDEN
You should look where you’re--
Arden turns, finally seeing Ivor and his bandmates. He’s shaken.
ARDEN
Oh, Ivor! I forgot that the Putrefication Principle was in the Battle. So, uh... how the fuck are you guys?
The band just stares him down.
ARDEN
Don’t tell me you forgot who--
IVOR
Oh, we remember...
The rest of The Putrefication Principle grabs Arden by the neck and arms. They look ready to tear him apart.
ARDEN
Hey! Come on! That tour was five years ago!
Ivor stares at his bandmates. After letting Arden sweat it out, he finally waves them off.
IVOR
No. Put him down. We destroy this pissant later.
PP DRUMMER
Heh heh... piss ant...
Ivor smiles with sinister glee. The band drops Arden.
ARDEN
Gee, thanks guys. I admire your compassion. Really differentiates you from all the other Doom Metal bands out there.
Ivor and his band are silent. It’s awkward. Finally:
IVOR
We go now.
Arden brushes himself off, trying to recover some dignity.
ARDEN
Well, okay then. Uh... have a great gig, Putrefication Principle, all right?!
Arden tries a laugh, but the band doesn’t react.
He walks off toward the bar, following in the direction that Ebaneen and her male companion took.
ARDEN
(to himself)
Fuckin’ ogres.
With Arden out of sight, Ivor signals for his band to duck into a small alcove off to the side of the hallway. They slip in and form a huddle.
IVOR
In here...
He reaches into an inner shirt pocket. Something inside GLOWS SICKLY GREEN.
IVOR
No need to worry about little rats like that. Tonight...
Ivor pulls his hand out from his shirt. He clutches an ANCIENT AMULET hanging from a necklace. The amulet pulses like a heartbeat.
IVOR
...we win ultimate victory!
The band laughs wickedly.