Play # 17

Soul Taker

____________________________

By Ashley Vinson

Originally for the “31 Plays in 31 Days” challenge

Contact:
Ashley Vinson
ashleyvin95@gmail.com
 1.

A forest.

Lights up on ANGELO and

RYKER

RYKER
Where am I?

ANGELO
A forest.

RYKER
Why?

ANGELO
I needed help.

RYKER
This is creepy.

ANGELO
You’ll get used to it. Follow me.

Angelo turns

RYKER
I’m not going anywhere until you tell me what’s going on!

Angelo turns back

ANGELO
You really want to know?

RYKER
Yes.

ANGELO
(sighs)
You’re dead. And three, two, one.
 2.
Ryker faints

ANGELO
Let’s see how long this one will take to wake up.

Ryker’s eyes open and stares up at Angelo

RYKER
What happened?

ANGELO
You fainted.

Ryker stands up
RYKER
I don’t faint.

ANGELO
Okay, whatever. You have a job I need you to do. Since you are dead now, your soul is in limbo.

RYKER
But why?

ANGELO
Ryker, you were a murderer on Earth. However, it can be more useful here.

RYKER
Why do you know all of this stuff?

ANGELO
Angel of Death knows all.

RYKER
Interesting title.

ANGELO
My name is Angelo Reaper. Nice to meet your deadly acquaintance.

Angelo extends his hand. Ryker

shakes Angelo’s hand
 RYKER

Ryker Dumont.

Angelo breaks the shake

ANGELO
Your last name is Reaper now. Another thing to get used to.

RYKER
Ryker Reaper. Not too bad.

ANGELO
Agreed.

RYKER
Has there been any other reapers like me?

ANGELO
Several. Many more than you can imagine.

RYKER
I have so many questions.

Angelo gestures for Ryker to speak

RYKER
I’m guessing I got shot and ended up here?

Angelo nods

RYKER
Is there a collection quota I have to make?

ANGELO
No. The only thing that is needed is for you to collect souls at the times given to you.

RYKER
You said you needed my help?
 ANGELO
Yes. I need you to fill in for me while I handle some business in Hell.

RYKER
Why me?

ANGELO
You were the only dead person available.

RYKER
Ouch.

ANGELO
I know.

RYKER
I think this is my last question for the time being. What is the end game?

ANGELO
You have to make a decision.

RYKER
Now?

ANGELO
It can be.

RYKER
I think I’ll wait.

ANGELO
I’ll give you the question to ponder. Do you want to stay a Reaper for eternity or go to Hell for
the rest of your immortal days? Choose wisely. Each choice bares a heavy burden.

RYKER
Oof.

ANGELO
I know.
 RYKER
How do you collect souls?

ANGELO
Simple. You will be given an eternal clock with all times and a scroll. When death is near for the
mortal, you simply mark through their name on the scroll. Think you can handle that?

RYKER
Sure. I will be doing this until you get back?

ANGELO
For the time being yes.

Angelo gives Ryker his satchel with the

materials in it

ANGELO
Here’s everything you’ll need.

Ryker looks inside and grabs the scroll from

the satchel to see the list of names.

RYKER
Wait. My family and friend’s names are on here.

ANGELO
And?

RYKER
It’s a lot to take in.

ANGELO
You remind me of myself when I first got here. It will be overwhelming at first, but you get used
to it.

RYKER
Who showed you this life?

ANGELO
The highest of all.
 Ryker is stunned into silence

ANGELO
Didn’t know you were speaking to Death himself?

RYKER
No. I thought you meant you were one of the Angels, not The Angel.

ANGELO
(laughs)
Well, nice to meet you again.

RYKER
I see the decision you made for yourself.

ANGELO
It wasn’t exactly a choice for me. Kid, promise me you’ll study up on your history.

RYKER
No problem, Mr. Death.

ANGELO
Call me Angelo. Think of me as your guide. If you need me, you’ll know how to find me. Maybe
the next time I see you, you will have an answer for me.

RYKER
How will I be able to contact you?

ANGELO
There are matches in the bag.

Ryker nods. Angelo disappears.

Ryker checks the scroll and the
clock.

Fade to Black
End of Play