On The Apparition:

Raven *runs up to Godley and Abberline, who have just boarded the ship*  Father, someone's coming for you, you've got to hide!  It's the one with the big hat ... but not the biggest hat ... she's angry, she's been readin' something ... she's sending someone for you.  *stops to catch his breath*  I think he's a policeman ... he- he's afraid of spiders ...

*Kidd comes from below, approaches them, overhears Raven's words.*  So Portsmith be sendin' Ichy.  *Turns to Abberline*  Take the boy below.  If Ichy be 'avin' the nerve te show up a fore we're under way, I'll 'andle him.*  Godley passes by Abberline, who takes Raven's hand; but as Raven is brushing past Kidd, the tattoo on her arm goes white hot.  Gasping and holding her arm, she stares at Raven, who has halted at her side.  He meets her eyes with a strange, worried expression on his face.  Kidd turns determinedly away from him*  I said get the boy below!  *Abberline and Raven go below deck.*

Raven *in cabin below deck, sits by small table, watches Abberline pace nervously.  He keeps thinking of the strange feeling he got from Kidd a few moments before.  Vision comes into his head of Kidd’s heart and soul tattoo, the words keep repeating to him … heart and soul.  He then sees a lake, though he has no idea where it is … it’s tranquil, beautiful.  The peaceful image is interrupted by a cry of anguish from Manouche, quickly followed by another warning from her, for him to stay away.  He grips the table to keep from falling, his face white.*

At the Wonkas’ Factory:

*Willy is soaking in the bathtub of the master bathroom.  Eyes are closed, resting head back, still depressed from the events of the previous day.  Madame knocks on door, walks in, sits on the side of the tub, running her fingers through his hair*

Willy *opens eyes, looking straight ahead, after a few moments, sighs*  Was it wrong for me to cry like that?

Madame *shakes head*  No love ... it was the best thing you could have ever done.  I'm so proud of you

Willy *looks up at her*  For crying?

Madame *nods*  You finally let go ... you let it show.  It's bad for you to hide emotions, Willy.  You've done that all your life.  I'm proud of you for bringing out your TRUE colors.

Willy *small smile, looks back ahead*  I miss her so much ...

Madame:  I know baby, I know ...

Wilko *flies into bathroom, lands on side of tub next to Madame.  Peers first at Madame, then Willy ... starts repeating something else from Manouche:*

"Right, Wilko, 'ere's how it's done.  One part creme de cassis, two parts champagne.  Or, is it one part champagne, two parts creme de cassis??  Nahh, I were right th' first time.  I s'pose it don't make much difference, 'cept it's become Willy's favorite drink, savvy?  It bein' their first visit to th' house an' all, I'd like t' get it right.  Daft, innit?  I don't think twice when I make these at Chez Roux.  Case o' hostess nerves, I reckon.  Blasted rum chasers ... "

"MUMBLER!"

"Blimey, Wilko, y' sound jus' like Willy!  Let's keep that'un to ourselves, lil' one, wouldn't want t' offend me brother ...  *laughs gently*  ... me dear brother ... "

*Wilko stops talking, looks at Willy, then Madame, tilts his head, chirps brightly*

Willy *smirks*  Kir Royales ... *sits back, closes eyes again*

Madame *laughs*  Wilko, you’re talking like Willy now these days, are you?

Willy *eyes still closed, shakes head*  Nah ... just another mumbler ...

Madame:  Obviously not.

Willy *smirks again*  So what are we going to do about him?

Madame:  We'll keep him here ... when ... if ... Manouche comes back, we'll give him back to her.

Willy:  Ugh, do you know how long that could be?

Madame:  Well aware of it love, but we have no choice.  I'm not just gonna let him go, you should know that.

Willy:  Yes, yes, I suppose.

Madame *kisses his forehead*  Thank you.

At Chez Roux:

Portsmith *continues reading Abberline’s report*  "I have not yet managed to contact the leading pirates.  In many cases, these ancient documents are found with the pirates, as well as old sacred objects.  Many seekers have bought these from them, but they never tell where they have looted them from.  This small island is full of pirates, Gypsies, scallywags, seekers, dreamers, thieves, unfortunate people and people looking after a fortune, just like Whitechapel, actually.  There are rumours about odd shadows and shapeshifters guarding ancient knowledge.  Nobody has ever seen one, but the rumours persist in this superstitious community.  I asked one old man who had the reputation of being an old shaman about these shapeshifters and about the knowledge they were said to possess, but he just said enigmatically:  'You will meet your own shapeshifter later, when you are ready.'  I don't know what he meant.  He told me to stop questioning and start dreaming for answers."

*Portsmith stops reading and looks impatiently around, spots the emergency guy looking at her and averting his gaze quickly.*  Spying on me, eh?

Malachi *grins at her*  Actually, just admiring your hat, more than anything.  *takes a drink, looks her over*  Are you telling me there's something about you worthy of the efforts of spying?

Portsmith *eyeing him contemptuously*  I know your kind.  Trying to be insolent won't take you far.  You are the one who came screaming for Inspector Abberline at the office.  As the good Inspector seems to be, so to say, unavailable, please go on and tell me more about this emergency of yours.  Though it seems to have ceased to exist, by the look of you.

Malachi *grins again*  No offense intended, Commander.  You are Commander Portsmith, aren’t you?  Emergency … yes, I thought there was an emergency, but seems I was mistaken.  It’s all been sorted, no worries.  *stands up, picks up glass, comes over to her table, holds hand out*  We’ve never officially met, but I’ve heard much about you.  Name’s Malachi.  I’m acquainted with two of your men, Sergeant Godley and Inspector Abberline.  Can I buy you a drink?  Something non-alcoholic if you’re on duty.

Commander Portsmith:  I am always on duty, as it were.  *Looks at the outstretched hand suspiciously, but decides that this Malachi may be of some use, shakes his hand.*  If you are acquainted with them, you probably know that introducing yourself as their friend is not a good recommendation for you.  Not at least now.  But I guess you are not here to chat about friendship, so let's get to business.

Malachi *shakes hands, sits down, signals waiter, takes out cigarettes*  Commander, I learned a long time ago the best person to count on for friendship is one's self.  I haven't known the Sergeant or the Inspector long enough to refer to them as much more than acquaintances, although I was aware of the Inspector's work in Fiji.  I lived there for a time.  I guess you could say I know a fair amount about the place ... the people ... the culture.  *lights cigarette, offers one to Portsmith*

Portsmith:  Thank you, I don't smoke.  It's a nasty habit.  I believe Fiji is a most interesting place from what I have heard.  Very original and ancient culture, lots of superstitions.  Full of legends.  I believe that you have heard plenty of old tales there.

Malachi *laughs*  You have an opinion on everything, don’t you?  Well, can’t argue with you, smoking is a nasty habit.  *blows puff of smoke*  Yes, Fiji.  You’re right, it is interesting.  And beautiful, and mysterious.  And some of its legends are more than just legend.  Some are better off being left alone.  Take the one your Inspector was investigating years ago … the legend of the soul boxes.  Familiar with that one, Commander?  Very dangerous stuff, not to be tampered with by amateurs or the faint of heart.  *taps cigarette in ashtray on table, takes another drink*

Donnie *enters Chez Roux, intense look on his face, walks past Portsmith and Malachi and straight to the bar.  Takes a seat and orders a scotch.*

*Portsmith watches Donnie carefully, smiles to herself.  It never works with the pirates.  How could he ever be such a fool and fall for O'Malley?  Best to let him drink for a while in peace ...*

Donnie *washes down his drink and orders another.  Can't help but notice Portsmith talking to the stranger and wonders what Portsmith is up to now; tries to hear what is said, but can't make it out.  Considers moving closer, but knows that Portsmith will realize that he's listening in on their conversation if he does, so he stays put.*

Portsmith *warily*  I have heard about those boxes, though not through the Inspector.  There is a fairly good treatise on the boxes in the 'Dark Power: the History of Secret Societies'  which claims that they may just be legend.  And the 'Encyclopedia Pirattanica' mentions them as being extremely dangerous and not to be touched.  Some sources claim that they have existed but have been all destroyed.  Only adepts can control such devices.  What is your interest in soul boxes?  I suppose we are not sitting here just comparing notes and telling fairy tales?

Malachi:  Nooo, no fairy tales here.  This is the real thing.  I’ve seen for myself how these boxes have a corruptive influence over any mere human who possesses one.  Makes the person a little power-mad, if you get my drift.  *snuffs out cigarette, picks up glass, looks at it thoughtfully*  Truth be told, Commander, if someone were to come into possession of one of these boxes … and then were to lose it somehow … well, that person should thank their lucky stars.  Down that road lies madness.  I’ve seen lives ruined in the pursuit of these bloody things.  *drinks, holds up hand to order another*

Portsmith *picks up glass, checks that Donnie is still drinking his scotch*  Let's stop playing.  There are lots of bloody amateurs dabbling in things they understand nothing about.  The weak are easily corrupted and controlled, but the wise and strong ones can harness the powers.  Power ...  *her eyes get a glazed look, she looks straight through Malachi as if he wasn't sitting opposite*  Power is what it is all about. Pirates crave freedom, but power is so much more.  All my life, I have striven for order and peace, and I won't accept anyone getting into my way!  *slams down her glass*  You know where the stolen box is, don't you?  Speak!

Malachi *finishes his drink calmly, sets glass down, reaches for the fresh one.  Looks at Portsmith, smiles broadly*  Ahhh, you ARE dangerous!  Nothing more dangerous than the one who finds it necessary to shout loud an’ clear that he – or SHE – has what it takes to beat the devil.  *leans forward, still smiling*  Stolen box, you say?  Now, why would you call it stolen??  I can only think of one reason you would call it that.  YOU had it, didn’t you?  And now it’s gone missing.  Commander, you don’t know how lucky you are.  You have dodged a bullet, my friend.  I’ve spent, oh, ten minutes with you, and that’s long enough for me to know that you wouldn’t have fared any better with that damn box than several others I knew in Fiji who tried to harness its powers.  They were just like you … self-assured, peace and order their big tag words.  Within a month of messin’ about with that cursed thing, they were ruined.  Lost everything that matters … homes, families, children.  One committed suicide, the other … last I saw of him, he was just stumbling around the islands, couldn’t put words together to express one cognizant thought.  *takes long drink, lights another cigarette*  Commander, I wish I knew where the box was.  I honestly don’t know.  But I can tell you this … if someone stole it from you, then say a prayer for that person, because they saved your life.  I guarantee it would’ve destroyed you, and you wouldn’t have even known what hit you.  If I’m wrong on this … *looks up at her hat, grins* … well … I’ll eat your hat.  *laughs softly*

Portsmith:  What are you grinning at!  *Composes herself, gives Malachi an icy look*  I can assure you that I am not one of your pitiful losers, nor afraid of any devils.  I am not afraid of anything.  Yes, I had the box, and I knew how to use it.  It was mine.  It was my box!  And I am going to have it back whatever it takes.  And soon I will have the code to unlock the box.  By all means, you can eat my hat, soon I will have a bigger one!  Do you really have any useful information, or am I just wasting my time?  Let's talk about the Inspector ... You seem to know too much, so I have to assume that he has been more open with you than with me.  Why is he so eager at searching the box?  Maybe he wants it himself, or maybe it's you who's after it with his help ...

Malachi:  No, I don’t want it.  And I think Abberline has paid plenty just for investigating it.  I imagine he wishes he’d never even heard of it.  *shakes head*  You just won’t listen, will you?  Let’s say you got the so-called “code” you need for the damn thing.  Let’s say you got all your ducks in a row, had everything at the ready, jumped through all the hoops and unlocked it.  One word for you, Commander … MARCHAND.  You never should’ve locked Marchand up in that box.  There you would be … having opened the box, releasing all the souls and power within … and essentially stoking the furnace of the most dangerous one of all, Marchand.  He would swipe the power right out from under you … you’d be nothing more than Marchand’s little toadie!  Bigger hat?  HA!  You wouldn’t even have a hat anymore, you fool.  And do you know what he would do to this pretty little town of yours?  He would destroy it, you’d never even know it.  With all due respect, Commander, I have to say it again, I can’t stress it enough … you don’t know how lucky you are.  *pauses, tries to maintain a neutral expression as he receives a thought from Raven … The Apparition is leaving the docks.  He looks at Portsmith, smiles slightly, no longer needing to stall her for time for Abberline to escape*  I’m afraid I have wasted your time, Commander, since you won’t listen to reason, to someone who’s seen what these soul boxes can do, the destruction they can cause.  I won’t keep you any longer.  *stands, puts money on the table*  Y’know, you can always buy a bigger hat.  You don’t need to sell your soul to do so.  *pats her shoulder, waves at Donnie, who quickly turns back to his drink.  Leaves Chez Roux*

Commander Portsmith *to herself*  He was, after all just wasting my time, but why?  There can be only one reason:  Inspector Abberline.  He must have been buying time for him.  You say he's paid plenty, but I think he will pay yet more.  *Goes to Donnie at the bar, orders a scotch and shoves it in front of him*  Just one more, to drown the sorrows, Donnie, but tomorrow they'll be floating again.  That is just a temporary cure.  Now, I have a much better remedy for broken hearts:  work.  And as it were, I have work for you.  You were always one of my most capable officers, and what happened between us … *she knows that she should apologise for the best effect, but can't force herself to that* … hm … can always be mended.  I have kept your office intact, like you never were gone.  I have lived in the hope that one day, as walk by it, I see you by your desk.

Donnie *looks up, takes the drink and downs it ... thinks about what to say, knowing it'll be the closest to an actual apology he'll ever get from Portsmith.  Sighs in resignation*  I'll report for duty in the morning ... but I won't be going after O'Malley.  Conflict of interest, you might say …

On The Apparition:

Abberline *concerned, stops and comes to Raven, hugs him*  What is it?  Did you hear from Manouche, or was it the guardians calling to you?  *what makes him even more concerned is that he did not hear anything himself*

Raven:  Th-the guardians ... they have her.  Th-they're hurting her, they're putting awful things in her head ... she keeps telling me to stay away.  *breathes a little easier as the visions and sounds pass, then looks at Abberline, very determined*  But I won't, I won't stay away.  *He thinks again, looks at Abberline, who's lost deep in thought*  You didn't hear it, did you?  Manouche says they want me, they want us both ... but I don't care, we have to save her.  *pauses*  Father ... what's "four lives" mean?

*Abberline is unsure how much he can reveal to the boy, but decides to be frank now that Kat is not around.*  I cant' hear them now.  You must let them guide you to Manouche, but be careful with the guardians, don't let them into your head, just listen to them.  Manouche wants to protect you, but this is the only way to save her.  It is the box that wants her, not the guardians.  The box wants her, and it wants you and your mother, and it needs a fourth one to combine all together.  We are going to save her, I promise.  And I will protect you.  *He is very concerned about the box, more afraid of it than the guardians.  Portsmith made a grave error in capturing Marchand into the box*

Raven *nods, starts to say something, then stops, lost in thought.  He snaps out of it, eyes wide, his face pale but triumphant*  Father ... I KNOW WHERE THEY ARE.  I- I don't know what it means ...  *looks around, finds a pad of paper and pen, writes down the coordinates that have come to him somehow:*

12° 31' 45" S  latitude south

177° 08' 48" E  longitude east

*Ichy arrives and boards the ship, only to find his path blocked by Kidd*

Kidd:  If ye be 'ere te do Portsmith's dirty work ye can just get off my ship 'fore I 'ave ye thrown off!

Ichy *nervously*  Now, Kidd.  I do have a job to do, and you assuredly know how important that is to me.  My orders are to arrest Inspector Abberline.  You couldn't possibly have any objections to that.  Just tell me where he is, and I'll take him in.

Kidd:  What makes ye think he's bein' 'ere?

Ichy *sighs*  Commander told me he was.

Kidd *in a high squeaky voice*  And Commander ne'er is wrong!!!!

Ichy *sniffs*  You don' have to be insulting.  But I was told he's here.  One would almost think you were protecting him.  *notices activity of the crew*  Making ready to sail, are we??

Kidd:  No, we are not.  I am, and I assure ye, it be not Abberline I'm protectin'.

Ichy:  I see.  Then you would have no objection to my having a look around.

Kidd:  O'course not, luv.  But I suppose I should warn you.  We've 'ad an infestation of spiders.  From that last cargo we transported, I'm thinkin'.  Big ugly hairy brutes they are.  But by all means, luv, look all ye want.  *smiles obligingly.*

Ichy *eyes nervously scanning the area around him*  Spiders, where?

Kidd:  It's alright luv, they 'aven't gotten on deck yet.  But below I'm afraid they be swarmin'.  GO and see for yerself.  *stands aside*

Ichy:  I- I don't t-think that's necessary.  *Brushing imagined spiders from his coat.*  If y-you say he's not here, I'll just have to look elsewhere.  *turns and bolts off the ship*

Kidd *grinning wickedly*  Ta, luv.

Abberline *sighs, takes paper from Raven*  So now we have a direction.  I will take it to the captain, so that we can set sail immediately.  *Leaves the cabin, goes onto the deck just in time to see Constable Crane get off the ship.  To Kidd*  What was he doing here?  *Shows the paper*  Does this make any sense to you?

Kidd *takes paper absently, looking after Ichy*  He were 'ere te arrest ye.  Seems you've turned outlaw.  *shifts eyes to Abberline, speculating*  Or 'ave ye????  *frowns, turns attention to paper.  Studies it, takes it below, compares it to the charts.  Eyes widen, talks almost to herself*  I know those waters.  *Brushes past Abberline on her way back to deck.  Shouts*  On deck all hands, scurry … march ... step … move it ......

On the Guardians' boat:

Leader *standing outside room where Manouche is locked up, speaks to Shadows*  She’s still holding out, isn’t she?

1st Shadow:  We’re sorry …

Leader:  No worries.  Good to know.  I’m seeing more than ever why she’s the one.  Very strong.  We just need to be patient.  Truth be told, I don’t think she can stop the boy from coming.  If he knows she’s in distress, he’ll come, no matter what she tells him.  Just continue as you’re doing.  And keep her blindfolded.  Any other sights, even that little room, will distract her.  Keep her focused on what you’re showing her, so it’s all she knows.  Make it impossible for her to separate herself from the visions enough to warn the boy.

Manouche *having just seen the vision of her brother’s murder once again, hopes against hope it was the last time … then to her horror, the vision starts again, from the beginning.  Tears run down her face*  Ohhh, no, I can’t stand it again …  *throws her head back as if she can avoid seeing the images, and cries out, a long, anguished wail*

Blake *locked in small room on the second of the two boats, has managed to free himself from the ropes that bound him.  Stumbles to the door, tries to open it, finds it’s locked.  Hears Manouche’s cry, throws himself at the door, frantically pounding at it*  MANOUCHE …

On The Apparition:

Raven *comes back up on deck as the ship sets out.  Watches the commotion with fascination, everyone running around.  Keeps in mind what his father said, tries to carefully listen to the guardians' voices without letting them in.  Finds it difficult, not only to do this, but to sort out the guardians' voices from Manouche's plight.  He can tell she's growing weaker, and he tries not to let panic set in as he picks up on her misery.  He tries to tell her that help is on the way ... but he doesn't think she can hear him.  It's all he can do to keep from shifting into white raven and flying straight to her, but instinct tells him this is not the time to act alone.*

*Turns a corner, sees Kidd, standing on deck, reading something, possibly a map of some sort.  Remembers what happened earlier, envisions the tattoo, feels an odd flutter of emotion he doesn't understand.  Wishes he could run up to Kidd and hug her, as he knows he can with Kat, Manouche, Abberline ... but something holds him back.  He stands a few feet away watching Kidd, his eyes dark, solemn, sympathetic.*

At Chez Roux:

Portsmith *to Donnie*  Good!  *slams him in the back*  No worries, Donnie, we have no case against O'Malley, as it were.  But I believe you have gained lots of experience and important knowledge about the pirates, so we do really need your expertise for some other matters.  *orders one more scotch for Donnie, lowers voice*  Take what happened as an important lesson ... I will see you tomorrow at the office.

Donnie *looks suspiciously at Portsmith*  Is this case official Deppville business or for your personal pleasure?

Portsmith:  My pleasure is to serve Deppville, I have no personal matters beyond that.  You will hear more tomorrow.

Donnie:  Alright ... if you say so ...

Malachi *stands outside Chez Roux, listening at door.  Laughs to himself*  So, Commander, butter won't melt in your mouth when there's something you want.  Surprised you didn't choke on that near-apology you just offered ol' Brasco.  *Smirks, then looks across street to alleyway.  Frowns as he sees Dean Corso, peeking around corner, watching Chez Roux cautiously*

On The Apparition:

*Kidd’s thoughts are in a turmoil.  Something she doesn't understand happens whenever she comes in contact with Raven.  She wonders if she herself might not pose some kind of danger to him.  She senses that she's not alone.  Turns and sees Raven*  Raven, it might be better if you keep a distance from me.  There's something strange when we're in close contact and I fear it could be dangerous to you.  So for yer own sake, keep your distance.  I couldn't bear being the cause of anything happening to you.  Do this for my sake, as well as your mother’s.  Do you understand, child?

Raven *nods solemnly.  He compulsively takes one step toward her, then stops, looks down for a moment, a puzzled look on his face.  Then he slowly looks back up at her, some level of new understanding in his eyes, a warmth, and a gentle pleading.*  Believe ... y-you have to believe when th' time comes.  *He reaches around his neck, pulls off the good luck charm that Manouche had given him, crouches down, sets it on the deck for Kidd.  He smiles slightly at her, some confusion in the little face as he realizes he's not even completely sure what he's talking about; he then turns and heads for another part of the ship.*

At Chez Roux:

*Commander Portsmith heads out of Chez Roux, pleased with herself, annoyed for not seeing Corso anywhere, heads for the port to see the Apparition leaving with Kidd on the deck.*

*Dean Corso starts when she walks briskly out, withdraws himself to the dark alleyway, and with shaking hands takes the parchment.  It falls to the pavement and unrolls itself, starts to move.  Appalled, he puts his shoe on it, grabs hold of one corner and rips it apart ... *

On The Apparition:

Kidd:  Raven, wait!  Believe?  Believe what, it makes no sense.  Have you seen something?  If ye 'ave be tellin' me.  Don't make me have to seek answers from Abberline.  I couldn't bear it.

Raven *stops, turns to her*  I- I’m sorry.  I would tell you more if I could.  That jus’ came to me, I don’t know where it came from, or why.  I don’t think Father knows anything about it, I don’t think he could give you answers.  W- wait, there was one other thing.  I saw a lake, a real pretty lake, like in north woods … but only for a minute, before … before …  *remembers vision of Manouche’s brother, trembles * …. Before Manouche told me to stay away.  *Looks at Kidd, quickly blinking away tears that have formed in his eyes.*  I – I wish I knew more.  I'll -- I'll stay away from you, like you asked, but I'll come to you if I see anything else.  *pauses*  It's somethin' even on its own, though.  Believe.  It's never bad advice to jus' believe, is it?  *smiles, one tear escapes, rolls down his cheek*

Latitude, longitude known?

*On the island, deep in the jungle where the Shadows are unable to go, buried and padlocked where Manouche hid it, the soul box reacts as Dean Corso rips apart the parchment.  It starts out with a slight trembling that increases in power, gradually shaking the ground of the entire island, like a mild earth tremor.  The disturbance chops up the surrounding waters, and the two small boats bob vigorously for a few minutes.  On board, the Shadows begin chattering excitedly*

3rd Shadow:  Something's happened!

2nd Shadow:  The soul box!

Leader *looking slightly bored*  It matters not.  You fools.  So good at some aspects of your jobs, and so ridiculous with others.  We don't need the codes.  We have the codes, we know them by heart.  If any of you have forgotten them, rest assured, I haven't.  *pauses, listens for a moment*  The dreamer's friend has managed to free himself, though he's still locked up.  *looks at the Shadows*  One of you, stay here with me, and continue the work.  The other two, go over there, make sure her friend stays locked in that room.  If you can hear him from outside the room, that means she may be able to as well, in which case, you must silence him.  But take care, we still need him alive.  Now go, and stop being so jumpy.  Nothing has changed for us.