|
At
the Security building:
Sergeant
Godley *having overheard Corso and Constable Crane, opens the door into Abberline's office.*
I believe you should take this day off, with all the stress, and that hit on your head.
Abberline: I don't have time for that. *He is going
through a stack of papers, evidently trying to find something* Someone must have
been here …
Godley: But, you are...
Abberline
*interrupting him, shoving the stack to the floor* Sergeant Godley, arrest Manouche. Tell her that it is just a formality about the theft of the box and that she better
be here in an instant. Or she can talk to the Commander, if she prefers that. Just tell her I need to see her.
Godley: I - I will. *exits, goes out on the street,
heads toward Manouche’s house.* I must have a talk with her, maybe she
can help me. It must be the box. He
has to be more sensitive to it than the Commander, it is already having an influence upon him.
I will have to find that damned box.
At
Manouche and Blake’s house:
Godley
*knocks on door* Anybody home?
Manouche
*opens door, looks at him, surprised* S-Sergeant Godley. What brings you ‘ere? *some understanding comes into
her face, she nods* Oh, aye … I reckon I know. Th’ Commander has sent ye to arrest me, hasn’t she? *motions
him into the house* C’mon in, mate, I won’t fight ye on this, I’ll
do as y’ say. But I ‘ave t’ tell Mr. Blake.
Godley: I am afraid it is, but the Inspector said it was just a formality, probably to placate
the Commander. Just like the watch incident.
Sorry for the inconvenience. And there's something else, but ... I don't
really know. Maybe it's nothing …
Manouche
*had started toward the back of the house, stops at Godley's words. Turns to
him* Maybe what's nothin'? What're
ye on about?
Blake
*enters room with cup of coffee, looks surprised* Godley, I didn't know you were
here. Want some coffee?
Godley
*looks nervously at Manouche, at Blake, at the coffee and at the door.* Just
that something is wrong. *sinks in a chair.*
It's the box, I believe, it must be the box that's making him odd. It's
the Inspector, Manouche, I am worried about him. Oh goodness, here I am sitting
and relieving my heart to pirates. *takes a handkerchief and wipes his brow.* Look, I have known him for many years and he’s never been like this. Yes, he's had his ups and downs and odd moods before, but ... Manouche, you have to see him for yourself. That damned box! *Rises and goes to the
door* Will you come? I don't want
to leave him for long.
Manouche
*stares at Godley, glances at Blake, then back to Godley again* Aye, 'course
I'll come. I don't know what I can do, but ... aye, I'll come. Besides, don't have much choice, do I? Ye've come to arrest
me. *grins*
Blake: I should come with you.
Manouche: I think I need ye to do somethin' else fer me, love.
I ... I may need some legal assist, savvy? Per'aps ye could stand by,
an' go talk to Willy about all that, if need be. If this is a formality, as th'
Sergeant 'ere says, then I should be back soon. If it ain't, an' I'm truly under
arrest ... well, I'll be allowed a phone call, won't I? I'll call, an' ye can
contact Willy. He'll know what t' do. *smiles
slightly, moves close to Blake, they kiss. She turns to Godley, nods* Right, Sergeant, let's go.
At
the Security building:
*Godley
and Manouche enter the building, Godley knocks at Abberline's door, but his office is empty.
Abberline emerges in view at the far end of the corridor leading to the cells.
Abberline: Ah, good. Bring here right here, I have
some evidence to show her. And you, Sergeant, didn't I tell you to watch over
Kat and that boy? Get to your duties. *Opens
door to the cells for Manouche, slams it shut, and suddenly grabs her hard and drags her to a cell and locks it. Nate, in the neighbouring cell, looks at them with wide eyes.*
Abberline: Commander Portsmith has been very upset about her missing box. Unfortunately, she is not available now, so I have to leave you for a while here, but at least you got
company. Isn't it nice to team up with old friends again?
Manouche
*throws herself at bars of cell* A trap ... Godley, y' BASTARD. *starts screaming* INSPECTOR!!
‘Ave ye gone mad?? Y’ can’t leave me ‘ere! Inspector! INSPECTOR …… *steps back, staring in utter shock. Hears
Nate’s laugh, blood turns to ice in her veins.* Ohh, bloody ‘ell
……..
Nate
*sneers* Welcome to hell, Gypsy trash.
Abberline:
Mad? No, I wouldn't say that. Let's
just say that I am so very, very concerned about your safety that I decided to lock you up here for a while. *Puts the keys in his pocket.* Just for your own good. If you are not satisfied with the quarters, you can always share the same cell with
Nate. I am sure he would appreciate your company.
Don't worry, you won't have to be there for long. *Closes the door after
him, speaks to Crane* You'll be a headless constable if anyone enters the cells
without my knowledge. *Leaves the lockup, goes to Godley’s office* Godley, I've decided to fetch Kat myself. The
Commander's been acting strangely, I believe she shut Manouche in jail. I think
you'll have to talk to the Commander. Oh, and for Manouche's own best, I think
it will be best to keep her for a while, until the Commander has calmed down. Don't
let anyone near the cells.
*Abberline heads towards the port to The Apparition. Suddenly, he feels faint and has to take support from a wall* The time is running out ... *After resting a while, he is
able to go on.*
In
an undisclosed location:
Raven
*having been firmly ordered by Kat to stay put in the hiding place she’s found for the two of them, tries to nap, but
is unable to sleep. Keeps remembering the phrase, “dark scream.” He looks around the room with his large, solemn eyes.
It’s a comfortable room, but Kat has locked him in from the outside, and there are no windows. He gives up considering shifting to escape, settles down on the bed once again to try to sleep.*
*Then
it comes to him, with a swift ferocity that makes his head swim – a metallic sound, like a door slamming, Manouche screaming,
and a laugh he remembers all too well. He jumps up in the bed, eyes wide with
horror* NATE! MOTHER …..
*Then
another sensation fills his head: complete darkness, the droning of voices, somewhat
familiar, but he can’t place them … then he hears another voice, just barely above the rest, high and lonesome,
mournful, like a child lost in the dark … dark scream … * Oh, no
…. *Raven covers his eyes with his hands, sobbing* M-Mother, where are you … please let me out …
Kat
*outside the door, hears Raven; places hand against door, leans into it, whispers* I
can't. It's too dangerous. *trembling,
drops her hand to grasp her still burning arm.*
At
the Deppville lockup:
Manouche
*having tried using several items from her pockets to pick the cell door lock to no avail, finally gives up, leans against
the door, trembling, breathing heavily*
Nate: I think the Inspector had a fine idea. Sure
you wouldn’t prefer to share my cell, darling? We have so much to catch
up on. It’ll get lonely, you there all by yourself. Gypsy strumpet such
as yourself, not accustomed to spending much time alone, I'm sure. Ah well, never
mind. We’ll have plenty of time together, very soon. The Inspector has a job for me. It involves you ...
Manouche
*doesn't look at him, whispers* I remember how ye work, y’ bastard. Ye’ll say anythin’ to rattle me.
It ain’t gonna work, savvy? Say what y' will, I won’t believe
it. Th’ Inspector’s actin’ strange, I’ll grant. But … he wouldn’t …
Nate: Oh he wouldn’t, eh? Shall I outline
for you what he has in mind? Symphony in blood, very impressive … very
imaginative of the Inspector, I didn’t know he had it in him. *continues
talking of what they have planned, his voice smooth, seductive. Manouche clamps
hands over her ears, tears in her eyes*
Sergeant
Godley *hears Manouche scream, pushes himself past Constable Crane* I can't understand
this! He said it would be just a formality!
Manouche: Godley, how could y' be a party t' this?? How
could ye let th' Inspector do this t' me?? He's workin' with Nate, he's tellin'
him to .... p-please get me out ... *cringes as Nate laughs again*
Godley: With Nate! There is no way he could be
working with Nate! *looks at him with distaste, lowers his voice* That's what I meant. The Inspector just said he wanted to
spare you from the Commander, but he's so ... so cold and distant ... It must be the box!
Look, I can't let you out, I don't have the keys, but I will try to find the Inspector, I have to talk to him! He's been avoiding me since we came back ...
*thinks for a while* What about that friend of yours? Or Kat? Where are Kat and Raven?
Manouche
*lowers voice* I'm tellin' ye, Sergeant, this is what Nate's sayin'. He says th' Inspector "has a job fer 'im," savvy? I ... I
don't know where Kat an' Raven are, per'aps her house? They left th' Apparition
when we did. Me friend ... ah, y' mean Malachi.
He's no doubt back at From Hell Court. *leans closer, presses face against
bars* S-sergeant, please hurry an' find them keys. An' ... in the meantime, while yer gone, could ye possibly send Constable Crane in here? Nate's liable t' talk less with a witness ...
Godley:
I will do what I can. Constable Crane was frightened by a giant spider, but I'll
wake him up. *wipes again his forehead with a hanky* I'll be back as soon as possible. *leaves the office in a
hurry.
At
From Hell Court:
Godley
*decides to search From Hell Court
first. He frequents some dens he knows, and finally finds Malachi on a couch* Get up! *slaps him* For goodness sake, get up! You cured him once before, you
must have something that helps! *drags him up by force*
Malachi
*dazed from the opium, mumbles irritably* Cured, cured who?? What th’ hell are you talking about? *opens eyes* Ohh, it’s you, Sergeant. What brings
you here tonight? Usually you’re chasing Abberline, while he’s chasin’
the dragon. *laughs* I didn’t
see him anywhere around here tonight, you must be mistaken. *blinks, shakes head* "Cured him" … Sergeant, what’s going on?
Godley
*fetches a glass of water and pours it on Malachi, shakes him* Oh these bloody
drugs! As a matter of fact, I am chasing after the Inspector. He must be ill, and since you cured him before, you must have some remedy for this malady, too! He locked up Manouche, and Nate says that the Inspector's going to free him ... and he took the keys …
and … and … he has been most awfully rude to me. *stifles a sniff*
Malachi
*holds hands up in protest* Alright, alright, that's enough, I'm awake. *looks at him sharply* What'd you say? He locked up Manouche with Nate?? It
wasn't Portsmith who did that? *frowns, recalling how strange it was to see Abberline
go straight to Portsmith after he returned* Ahh, that makes no sense. An' he's been rude to you?? *shakes head, reaches into pocket,
pulls out small bottle* Okay, here ... this is the same stuff I gave him before. I don't think this is good for what ails him at the moment, but it won't hurt. *Godley takes bottle from him, he smiles* Good
luck, Sergeant. I'm going to go have another little lie-down, try to get back
to that lovely dream you so rudely interrupted. Oh, and Sergeant ... *he motions for Godley to step closer. Godley leans toward
him, and he swiftly grabs Godley by the lapels with both fists, swings him around, slams him against wall. Speaks in a low, threatening voice* Get Manouche the hell
away from Nate immediately. Savvy? *shoves
him away, glares at him, then turns and drops back down on couch*
At
the Security building:
Abberline
*returns to the office in a foul mood and goes straight to Commander Portsmith. He
hasn't found Kat or Raven, they were not on the Apparition nor at home.*
Portsmith: Where is the box? When are you going
to give it to me? It's mine.
Abberline: As soon as it is time. If you want the
box to work properly, you need Kat, Raven and Manouche.
Portsmith: So it really wants blood? *begins to
hesitate* ... er ... that's kind of gross.
But how can we find them?
Abberline
*impatiently* I can take care of that, since you and your ineffective morons
can't find a kid in a petty town like this. *leaves Portsmith, muttering to himself
something that sounds like 'stupid bitch' to himself, but Portsmith is sure that she misheard the words.*
Portsmith: He's stingy today …
Abberline
*goes to the cells, speaks to Manouche* I hope for your own sake that you are
more cooperative now, Manouche. Seems that that wh ... Kat is missing with the
kid, and as you know, she's too unstable to take care of him. I've decided to
relieve her of her guardianship. And you, Manouche, you are going to tell me
where they are. You can contact the boy.
Tell me where he is. Or I can let Nate here help you with getting the
information. In the same cell.
Manouche
*stares at him in disbelief* Wh-what’s happened t’ ye, Inspector? Why are y’ doin’ this? Aren’t
there more important matters t’ consider right now, like that cursed box? *peers
at him intently, sees no compassion in the cold eyes* Y – ye can’t
do this. I ‘ave me rights. If
yer wantin’ Raven so desp’rately, I find it hard t’ believe yer reason is to his benefit. *glances at Nate, then back at Abberline, her face pale, but her expression determined* No deal, Inspector. I won’t assist ye on this’un
without a fight. *starts to tremble, grips bars of the cell to steady herself*
Abberline
*angered* As you wish. You can do
your fighting with Nate. *Unlocks Nate's cell, drags him out, opens Manouche's
cell and shoves him in, locks the cell again.* Oh, and I can assure you that
this is not about the box – it will soon be worthless to me. I might even
burn it. But not yet. You don't
have to call the boy. He will soon hear you and come to me. *looks at Nate* She's all yours.
Kat
*with Ichy at her side, enters Deppville lockup, sees Abberline, gasps as she spots Manouche in the cell with Nate* You bastard! Let her go.
I'm here, lil’ good it'll do you.
Nate
*holding Manouche, sneers at Kat* And just what do you plan to do about it? The Inspector has the keys. *looks at
Constable Crane, laughs* He wouldn't trust them with that one, he's afraid of
spiders!
Manouche: Kat, th' Inspector's gone mad! G-get
Raven, get far away from 'ere! He wants him, he --- *is cut off as Nate punches her, knocks her across the cell*
Kat: Shut up, Nate! *sneers at Abberline* You best get her outta there, or else Raven's lost to you. DO IT NOW!!!
"NATE,
STAY WHERE YOU ARE, YOU BASTARD."
*They
all turn at the sound coming from behind them – the voice and the click of a revolver.
They see Blake, standing in the doorway, his gun aimed at Abberline* Abberline,
you got about five seconds to open that cell an' let Manouche out, or so help me, I'll blow your damn head off.
*Commander
Portsmith knocks Blake, and he loses his gun. Abberline picks it up.*
Portsmith: I think you are all going in there ...
Abberline
*grabs Kat and slams her against the wall, opens the cell and shoves her in.* Shut
up! *To Portsmith* Why thank you Commander.
You can put in Mr. Blake, too. *Portsmith pushes Blake in the cell, and
when she is about to close the door, Abberline shoves her in, too, and slams the cell shut.*
Portsmith: Hey let me out! Are you completely mad!
Kat: Well you just keep us here. If the three
of us are not in a certain place at a certain time, Raven will be taken far, far away from Deppville and never allowed to
return! Now what say you???
Abberline: Well Kat, where is the kid?
Kat: I say you'll never find him, and
we'll all die before I'd let you.
Manouche
*still slumped down on the floor from when Nate struck her, concentrates, whispers*
Raven, lil' mate, stay away ... Listen t' me this time, luv, STAY AWAY ... *sees
Nate coming for her again, squeezes eyes shut*
Kat: Harming Manouche does lil’ good. Raven’s
watched and heavily sedated!!!
Nate
*picks Manouche up off floor, looks over at Kat* That's quite all right, I don't
mind continuing as the Inspector has instructed. My pleasure, really. Besides, you may be bluffing ...
Abberline: You are just bluffing. *shrugs* But I might harm that gypsy scum anyway. And
you are next. Maybe if I get all your blood, it is enough without that brat anyway.
Kat: Do you think I'd of walked in here like this on a bluff? Blood??? I don't understand.
What about Raven?
Manouche
*having been thrown across the cell again, shakes her head, turns to face the cell door, grasps the bars, starts to pull herself
up.* Oh, god ... *she thinks of
what Abberline said, eyes widen* .... gypsy scum ... blood ... brat ........ *stands pressed against the bars, staring at Abberline in horror* Y- yer talkin' like ..... noo, it can't be ... *raises voice* SOMEBODY HELP!!! GODLEY, WHERE ARE YE?? *cries out as Nate grabs her shoulders; she tries to hang onto the bars, he pulls
her away, strikes her again*
Portsmith: Abberline, open up immediately! Now you
have gone too far! I say, open it up now!
Abberline: Shut up you pompous fool or I'll shoot you! *turns to Kat* What about Raven, yes indeed, what about him ... He is useful, but I can manage without him. And when I am done with you, I can burn the box. *laughs* Yes, that would be it. It has served
its time.*
*All
attention on Nate's brutality in other cell. Kat, unobserved, draws reed and
something else from the top of her boot. Loads reed with dart and aims at Nate’s
back. Blows dart into back of his neck; he immediately collapses. Before anyone realizes what’s happened, she reloads and darts Abberline, who also falls*
*The
room suddenly goes silent as everyone stares in shock. Blake, trembling, places
hand on Kat's shoulder*
Blake: Kat ... thank god ... *They hear footsteps
coming down the stairs; Raven appears in doorway, breathing heavily, face pale.
Manouche
*looks up from floor, wipes sweat and blood off her face, sees Raven* H-hurry,
lil' mate, get th' keys, get 'em from ... get 'em from yer dad.
Raven
*crouches down next to Abberline, goes through pockets, finds keys, opens both cell doors.
They rush out, Blake runs to help Manouche. Kat drags Abberline into the
cell next to Nate's, they slam the doors shut. They run up the stairs, leave
the keys on the desk, and hurry out of the building.
Manouche
*Blake supporting her, looks at Raven* I - I reckon that all seemed a bit odd,
what we did t' yer dad back there ... y' see, luv ...
Raven
*looks up at her, eyes solemn* That's not my dad.
Godley
*rushes in right after Raven, stops at the weird sight, takes in the scene. Finally
he lays his eyes on Abberline in the cell unconscious, he rushes to the door, tries to open it, gives up, frustrated.* What have you done with him! *enraged,
turns to the Blake, who is nearest* Commader, why is he in the cell! You can't
just let him lie there! Please open!
*Everyone
troops back in, having seen Godley coming ... because the posts got mixed up and Depp Shadows has had some technical difficulties,
but now everyone's back in the lockup, LOL!*
Blake: We can't let him out, Godley, he's dangerous ...
Manouche: Sergeant, we got t' find that box ...
Godley: Are you all gone insane! *turns to Portsmith* Commander, you can't do this to him.
Portsmith: I can. And I think can do something more
and give him a nasty kick, too. Well, I never ...
Come away, Godley. *turns to Raven*
So if he there in the cell isn't your dad, where is your dad then?
Raven
*glazed expression clears a little, he suddenly looks like a young boy again. Shakes
his head, troubled* I ... I'm not sure ...
*He looks at Manouche, and they both share the phrase "dark scream" in their minds*
Blake: Godley, you gotta understand, he's got to be kept locked up until we know what to
do. He's dangerous ... look what he had Nate do to my girl ... an' he kept sayin'
Kat was next ...
Manouche
*dazed, leaning against Blake* Commander, Sergeant ... we've got t' find that
box, an' we've got t' keep it safe. We mustn't destroy it. N-not jus' yet. *looks at Abberline, lying in the cell, still
unconscious* If he wanted t' burn it, there must be a good reason t' keep it
intact. Savvy?
Portsmith
*defiantly, knowing she's wrong but she just can't let it be, points at Abberline* Now
look at him, Manouche, are you proud of yourself now that you managed to corrupt one of my best officers. If you hadn't stolen MY box ...
Corso
*appears in the doorway with his bag.* I am sorry, Commander, but it's neither
the pirates nor the box that has corrupted him. He's not corrupted. That's not him at all, like the boy said. *Takes some papers
from the bag* You remember this section where Abberline wrote that living souls
could be trapped inside the box. You once captured Marchand in the box, and now
he has done the same thing, in a way, but because a soul cannot release itself from it by itself, he had to perform a swap,
in a manner of speaking. Soul for soul.
Portsmith
*impatiently* What are you trying to tell?
That the Inspector is in the box?
Corso: That's what it is about. But we have
two problems: none of us is an adept like Marchand was. *Portsmith glares at
him but he looks aside, coughs, goes on* So even if we find the box, we don't
know how to perform the swap. *grinning*
The easiest solution would be just to shoot that one *points at Abberline* and let the real inspector remain in the
box. He'll get used to it. Because
we have here a little problem. We have to open the box; only Abberline and Marchand
seem to have the code and I doubt Marchand will be cooperative. And we still
need the triangle key of blood, heart and soul to get it open. So folks, how
much are you ready to sacrifice for him? Kat? Raven? Manouche?
Kat
*grabs Ravens hand pushes him behind her* Are you crazy??? Do you know what you're asking? *Drags Raven away, disappears
out of the door.*
Manouche
*calls after her* Kat, come back, mate!
*looks at others* I think there's another way. When we was on me ship, an' Marchand had escaped from th' box, Mr. Blake 'ere managed to get him back in. It were a ritual with cards. Trouble
is, we ain't sure how it came about. I found Mr. Blake down below, right after
he'd performed th' ceremony, but he didn't remember anything he did, as if he were in a trance th' whole time. However, there are a couple of people we could talk to about it ... Fiji acquaintances o' mine, as it were.
They may know what we need t' do ... or be able t' direct us to someone else who knows, if they don't. Might I suggest we keep th' Inspector locked up while we ask me mates about this? We got nothin' to lose, savvy? *looks around at them anxiously*
Corso
*shrugs. He would have been perfectly content with the Inspector remaining in the box.*
This is not exactly the same thing. The Commander managed to get him in
too, once. But the trick is to get Abberline out ...
Portsmith
*eyeing Corso suspiciously* Maybe Dean's interpretation is a little flawed. Give me the papers! I think this got
to be addressed more symbolically than quite literally. *takes the notes from
Corso* Bring Kat back.
In
an undisclosed location:
Kat
*after taking Raven to a place of safety, studies an object she holds in her hand that she had borrowed recently, thinking
it might help find Manouche when she was missing; she'd not, as it turned out, needed it.
But she did now. She puts it away and heads off into the woods.*
Manouche: Hold on ... y' talkin' about codes, some codes that were on a piece o' paper? I - I picked up on somethin' along those lines ... from one o' them Shadows ... *brings hand to head, trying to think*
Portsmith: Yes, there was supposed to be some codes, but Dean
told me they were faked. What a pity that the original was lost...
Corso *gulping* Irretrievably lost.
Portsmith *finds the copy of the parchment Abberline made and shows it to Manouche* Does this look familiar to you, then? Maybe you can spot the
flaw if you remember what you picked up.*
Corso: But you forget that we will have to find the box first.
On The Apparition:
*Standing
on deck of the Apparition, Kat breathes a sigh of relief. It had taken some time
but Kat finally located the box; having left Raven in Gili's care, she'd immediately returned to the ship and set sail. Staring out at the ocean* If anyone knows
a safe way to release Abberline from this box, it would be the Shadows.
At
the Security building:
Manouche
*takes the parchment, hands shaking, leaning against Blake. Frowns, trying to concentrate*
Blimey, I wish I could remember ... think, Manouche, think. I may need
t' take this with me, sleep on it. I'm sure it'll come t' me. *She stares at it for a moment longer, then starts to tremble; she looks over at Corso, wide-eyed* Bloody 'ell, mate, what did you do?
Abberline
The
nauseating feeling of riding a Tilt-a-Whirl in total darkness is finally passing. He
feels the sensation of breathing heavily, sweating profusely, blessing the moment’s peace before another terror is thrown
at him, each one unique from the one before. Voices still hiss in his ear, varying
levels and frequencies, all equally distressing:
We
were fools.
It
will take a miracle …
We
have a dreamer in our midst
It
must come from the outside
Eternal
damnation, regret!
No
light, you’re imagining it …
Another
place, another time
I
wasn’t always like this
He’s
not sure which offering from the voices is worse … the passages or the moaning, the cursed melancholy drone they dissolve
into, as if the words were thrown into a blender. He wants to beg for mercy,
but there is none. He wants to plead for release, but he knows no one will hear. He wants to demand light, but their world is darkness, as if it’s all they ever
have known, as if it’s all they ever would know. He starts to wonder how
much longer he’ll be able to remember his own name. He's pretty certain
he's going mad, the prospect of which scares him less and less as time passes, because at least it'll be a change from what
he knows now. Eventually, he has no other option but to join in the dirgelike
moaning all around him … adding to the macabre chorus his own dark scream …
On
The Apparition:
Kat
*sits in the Captain's quarters staring at the box, when suddenly she senses the presence of another. She stands and turns to the figure that has appeared.* Mother?
Ama
*smiles* You believe. Now you must
remember. Concentrate on the dream I sent you and know this: the babe in the dream was you.
Kat
*softly replies* I know.
Ama
*nods* The soul of a good man is trapped in that box. A man long ago that you once had great feelings for. Do not
deny. I know. There are many different
levels of love. While not in love with him, nor he with you, he owned a piece
of your heart, as he will always, like it or not. Once given, it's forever. As you are mother to Raven, the child is part of your soul. Just as Abberline as his father, then Raven is also part of his.
No one must die to free this man. He already owns both the heart and the
soul. All that's required is the blood of the magi. You must return.
At
the Security building:
Corso *backs off to the door* I - I haven't done anything,
I swear ... I don't know what you are talking about.
Portsmith *menacingly* Not so fast, Dean. Been at your favourite pastime again? Faking documents, eh? *snatches back the paper, to Manouche* It
is out of question that I would let you keep a valuable document. *to Corso* If that is so, I would very much love to hear your reasons for doing a forgery.
Godley: For goodness sake, can't you stop this squabble and
do something instead. What if you are wrong in all your assumptions. That 'swapping souls' is just a bit too far-fetched, isn't it. You
all have turned against the Inspector just because he was ... he was a bit out of control …
*Corso slips out*
*As Portsmith, Corso and Godley continue to hash everything out, Blake grows increasingly angry over their
demands and attitude toward Manouche*
Blake: I got somethin’ to say. I’ve had it with all of you. *motions toward Abberline* This man, whoever he is … he imprisoned Manouche by force, didn’t formally
arrest her, she had no chance to contact someone to assist … then he threw her together with a sadistic killer, and
stood an’ watched her being beaten without batting an eye. She’s
been trying to help all of you, an’ you stand around like what she went through was nothing. An’ you, Commander! Have you forgotten that he locked
you up, as well? As for the box, if Manouche hadn’t taken that damn box
from you, that could be YOU in that cell. *points at Abberline again* But what do you do? You accuse her of corrupting your officer
… you ask her to help by examining a piece of paper, then grab it away from her when she can't answer fast enough, 'cause
you can't trust her with a so-called valuable document ... *glares at her, shaking
with fury; takes a deep breath to calm down* Now I know this is all dead serious,
an’ something needs to be done … an’ I know to a few of you, Manouche is just a lowlife pirate. But she’s my wife. And right now, I’m taking my
wife home and tending to her injuries, while she can still walk. If she decides
later she’s still willing to help, she can do so tomorrow, after she’s had some rest. *motions to the cell* In the meantime, keep those two under
lock an’ key. After all they’ve done today, it’s the least
they deserve. *puts an arm firmly around Manouche* C’mon, honey, let’s get outta here. *They leave
the office, make their way back to their house, lock the doors securely.*
At
Manouche and Blake’s house:
Manouche
*wakes up early the next morning. Lies awake for awhile, savoring the fact that
she and Blake are home safe, in their own bed, their own room, their own house. She
watches him sleep for a few minutes, leans in, kisses him. Finally, she gets
up, moving slowly from the aches and pains from her time with Nate. She goes
into kitchen, makes coffee. When it’s ready, she pours some out, walks
outside to small patio, sinks down in a chair, looking out at the river, holding the steaming cup with both hands. Her thoughts are alternating … feeling thankful for Blake, the way he stood up for her at the lockup,
his gentle care when they got home … also feeling troubled about everything, wondering where Kat and Raven are, wondering
what can possibly be done about the situation … wondering if she should just give up, revert to the Gypsy lifestyle
she knew for so long – pack a few things, grab Blake, board The Viper and cut and run.
Feeling like she can’t win, between the overwhelming otherworldly forces and Deppville’s finest constantly
on her case, no matter how hard she tries to help. She sighs heavily; as she’s
about to take the first sip of coffee, she’s startled by a familiar voice:*
Chewing
gum is really gross. Chewing gum I hate the most!
*She
looks around, sees no one, then hears a fluttering of wings as Wilko flies down, lands on arm of her chair.* WILKO!! *She sets coffee down, quickly picks him up, holds
him close to her face, he nuzzles her with his bill* Oh, Wilko, lil’ one
… I can’t believe y’ made it back. How’d ye ever survive? *She kisses his head several times, then holds him out and looks him over.* Blimey, ye look fit as can be. There’s only one person
who could’ve taken care o’ ye so well all this time I been gone. Ye
been stayin’ with Madame an’ Willy, haven’t ye?
Wilko: You’re really weird!
Manouche
*laughs, holds him close again* There’s me answer!
Wilko: Ta, love, this'll be perfect fer Madame's baby shower.
Manouche
*groans* Oh, Wilko, ye didn’t … that were s’posed to be a surprise,
mate.
Wilko
*perfect imitation of Madame* I dunno what the twins are trying to prove, but
if it was they will torture their mother, they most DEFINITELY proved it. *Manouche
laughs, Wilko chirps, blinks at her, then repeats her own words*
"Go
to th’ Wonkas, tell ‘em about th’ box in th’ bedroom closet at our house … "
Manouche
*eyes wide* Oh, blimey, Wilko, y’ told ‘em about that? Well, I guess that’s what I told ye t’ do, innit? *puts
Wilko on her shoulder, stands, enters house, quietly walks in bedroom, goes to closet, looks through it, sees the box is missing*
Blake
*looks up from bed, barely awake* What’s goin’ on … what time
is it?
Manouche: It’s early, love, ye can go back to sleep …
Wilko: MUMBLER!
Blake
*jumps* Willy?! What’s he
…… *sees Manouche emerge from closet, smiles when he sees Wilko on her shoulder*
I’ll be damned, Wilko! Ah, honey, you must be so happy … where’s
he been all this time?
Manouche: He had to ‘ave been with Madame, seein’ as how he’s fat an’
happy. I – I’m goin’ t’ go see ‘em, to thank ‘em
an’ let ‘em know we’re home.
Blake: It’s a little early, isn’t it? Y’want
me to come with you? *yawns*
Manouche
*smiles* Y’ can hardly keep yer eyes open!
No, go back t’ sleep, I won’t be long. *she comes over to
him, kisses him; Wilko makes kissing sounds from his perch on her shoulder.*
Blake *laughs* Yeah, Wilko, don’t worry, we know how it’s
done. *slides arms around Manouche, pulls her close* Hurry back.
Manouche: With wings on me feet, William Blake. *She
turns, walks through the house to front door, steps out, locks it behind her.
At the Wonkas' factory:
Manouche *walks the short distance to the Wonka factory, enjoying the early morning air. Arrives, stands before front door, reaches for doorbell, hesitates.* Y’know, Wilko, per’aps he were right. Per’aps
it is too early …
Wilko
*really loud, in Madame’s voice* YOU CAN TAKE THOSE FRUITS AND SHOVE THEM
UP YOUR ---
Manouche: Wilko, shh!! *puts hand over Wilko's
bill; listens at door, hears someone coming*
Madame
*opens door a little bit, pokes head out, eyes tired, can't see well because she doesn’t have her glasses on* Can I help … wait ... *reaches into robe, pulls out
glasses, places them on, sees Manouche, swings door open* MANOUCHE!!!! OH MY GOD!!! *jumps and hugs her*
Manouche *hugs her
back tightly* Aye, it’s me again, luv, I’m like a bad coin, aren’t
I? Always turnin’ up again. Mr.
Blake an’ I, we’re back, safe an’ sound. How can I thank ye
fer takin’ such good care o’ lil’ Wilko ‘ere?
Madame
*wipes tears away from eyes* Oh don’t you mind that, come in right this
instant. *holds open door as Manouche enters* '
WILLIAM WONKA GET TO THE DOOR NOW!!! '
Willy:
*still asleep in bed, hears Madame in his mind, sits up sleepily* ' What?
why? whats going on?'
Madame:
'Hurry up!'
Willy:
' okay okay okay ' *places feet on floor, shakes head, stands up and
puts robe on, quickly walk to the elevator then to the door of the chocolate room, opens it*
What's going.... *sees Manouche* MANOUCHE!!!!!!!! *runs over, picks her up, swings her in a circle, tears fall*
Manouche
*laughing* Blimey, Willy, Madame’s right, y’ are strong! I hope that daft bird o' mine didn't make yer life too miserable.
*hangs onto him tight, murmurs* I’m so glad t’ see ye again,
brother.
Willy:
*kisses her forehead, hugs her tight* I don't care about Wilko, I'm so glad you’re
okay baby sister, I don't know what I'd do if I lost you. *smiles, tears of joy
falling down his face. Madame watches them, hands cover mouth, smiling and
crying. Willy lets go, wipes eyes* Now
lemme see how you've been. *stands back, notices her face, runs his hand over
the bruise, smile fades* Manouche …
Manouche
*startled* Oh … ahh, that’s nothin’. Considerin’ all we been through recently, I reckon y’ could say I got far less than th’
law of averages would’ve determined. Mr. Blake an' me, we even survived
a shipwreck. Jus' th' chances we take when we're fightin' th' good fight. Savvy? Nothin’ fer ye t’ worry about. *smiles
a little nervously, glances around, avoiding Willy’s eyes* Y- ye got any
coffee made, luvs? I could sure use some …
Willy
*eyes turn dark purple* Manouche …
Madame
*steps in front of him* Sweetie, what happened?
Manouche
*lowers head* Bloody ‘ell … Right, I’ll tell ye. *looks up* But Willy, mate, keep in mind, what’s done
is done, savvy? Promise me y’ won’t do anything … stupid. *takes deep breath* So much t’
tell ye, I’m not sure where t’ begin. Inspector Abberline, he’s
… he’s in trouble, he’s come under influence o’ that blasted soul box I took from Commander Portsmith. It’s so bloody dangerous, even more than I thought. Well, th’ Inspector, he’s … possessed, somehow … we think it’s Marchand. An’ Marchand is continuin’ goin’ after what he’s been wantin’
all along, th’ pair o’ ye know all too well what that’s about. *looks
sympathetically at Madame, remembering when Nate kidnapped her* So, yesterday,
he … Abberline … but not Abberline, it’s Marchand … he brought me into th’ Security office,
I thought it were fer questionin’ about th’ theft from th’ Commander’s house … but that were
false pretense, as it were. Instead, he threw me in th’ lockup. He wanted me t’ summon Raven, an’ when I refused … h-hhe put me in with Nate. This were Nate’s doin’. *quickly holds hands up* But it’s sorted, luvs, I swear. We
got away, an’ last I saw, Nate an’ Abber – Marchand – was both under lock an’ key. So PLEASE, Willy, keep calm. I ain’t hurt so bad, really,
an' Mr. Blake took fine care o' me. Don’t get yerself or Madame in trouble
over this, brother.
Willy *eyes show intense anger, fists tighten, closes eyes*
Madame
*staring at Manouche* 'Willy....count with me...1...2...3...'
Willy
*takes a deep breath in, counts with her* '...4...5...6...7...8...9...10' *opens eyes again, hugs Manouche* Okay
… *lets go, looks at her* But
I can’t just let it ALL go, Manouche ... you know I can’t.
Manouche: I – I know. But there’s a
practical approach … per’aps use this information to come t’ me defense, if needed. Before all that happened yesterday, I know th’ Commander was demandin’ me head fer what I’d
done. Now, though, in light of all these infractions o’ me rights …
well, I jus’ might stand a chance of avoidin’ a severe punishment. Reckon
Nate did me a favor, eh? *smiles slightly, blinks away tears* Anyway, I ain’t foolin’ meself into thinkin’ this’ll get me off th’ hook. It’s a fact that th’ pirates o’ Deppville simply don’t ‘ave
th’ same rights as others, much as Kidd rails against Portsmith about it. So
if they come t’ arrest me fer me theft … well, a protest headed up by citizens as upstandin’ as the Wonkas
would no doubt go a long way securin’ me release. So save yer anger, an’
all I told ye, fer that day, if it should come. Savvy? *hugs Willy, kisses him on the cheek*
Wilko
*squawks from his perch on the back of a chair, speaks in Manouche's voice* Ye
can occupy Willy durin' th' shower, take 'im out fer drinks, savvy?
Manouche
*slaps forehead* Oh, blimey! That
blasted bird! *looks at Madame, grins, shrugs*
Surprise, luv ...
Madame
*grins, turns red* Oh I knew when he told me.
*points to Wilko* The chatterbox.
*laughs*
Willy
*small smile, sees Manouche's eyes glassed over, it fades away again, hugs her* Everything’s
gonna be okay, sweetie ... everything's gonna be okay ... your big brother promises that.
Manouche
*smiles a little warily; eyes widen as she realizes she’s hearing loud thoughts of angry revenge from Willy* B-by th’ powers … *looks at him closely* Willy, mate … ‘ave ye been dabblin’ in anythin’ more from
Malachi other’n that concoction you an’ Madame shared? I …
I could’ve sworn … *shakes head*
Y’ wanna take care with that, mate. Don’t mess about with
it too much, it can cause problems y’ wouldn’t expect. *puts the
thought aside, smiles* Anyway … aye, we ‘ave a shower to plan fer
Madame. An’ … well, sometime, when th’ time is right, I’d
like to have a proper ceremony fer Mr. Blake an’ meself. We ... we got
married while we was away. It weren’t th’ best o’ circumstances,
but I’m so happy we did it. We’ll do it up proper, now that we’re
home … an’ we'd be honored t’ have th’ pair o’ ye stand up with us, if ye would. *beams*
Willy:
*pauses for a moment* 'the other concoction...'
Madame:
'what?'
Willy
*shakes head* 'nothing nothing...'
*focuses on what Manouche said* Aww, I'd be proud to stand up with you,
Manouche ... I find I'd need to.
Madame
*grins* I wouldn’t dream of saying no, Manouche, we'll have the perfect
wedding.
Willy: Are you going to give your vows again? If
so, we need the proper wedding then. Father to give you away, rings, dress, tuxes
…
Manouche *watches them both carefully, nods slowly* Ah, th’
weddin’ … well, ye know me, luvs, not much on th’ conventional! An’
Mr. Blake, he’s rather shy, I don’t reckon he’d want a coronation any more than I would. We ‘aven’t even thought about details yet, but I’m sure it’ll be a simple affair,
nothin’ too formal. *grins* We
– Mr. Blake an’ me, we neither of us ‘ave any blood relations left in th’ world, so … well,
our mates -- an’ me beloved adopted brother an’ sister -- yer all our family.
*takes their hands in hers warmly* I’m sure we’ll write vows. Then a big party afterward, per’aps at Chez Roux, or at th’ recordin’
studio, a catered buffet … we’d want Marijke t’ cater, of course, no one better in Deppville than Marijke
fer that. An’ some music from Roux, an’ some of th’ other musicians
in town, jus’ somethin’ free an’ fun, savvy? We never would’ve
rushed into it in th’ first place, but … well, we were afraid we’d reached th’ end, an’ Mr.
Blake thought of it. Pure dead brilliant … blimey, I ‘ave a lucky
star somewhere … H-hope we can get past all th' trouble goin' on, so we
can make this happen. *sighs, looks up, smiles at them* We'll get there, luvs.
Willy
*takes her hands* Manouche, I think you should have a proper wedding. Doesn’t have to be small or big ... but you deserve the right wedding. As for the father giving away his daughter thing … well ...
*looks at ground, cheeks turn red a bit* I'd be happy to give my baby
sister away *smiles*
Madame: Sweetie, a reception is great, but what’s a reception without a wedding?
Manouche
*tears fill her eyes* B-blimey, Willy, Madame … I don’t know what
t’ say. Willy, I know Mr. Blake is wantin’ ye to stand up with him,
but … if y’ could do both, we’d be delighted. Bit o’
runnin’ about on yer part, but if anyone could do it, it’d be you! Not
sayin’ it won’t be a weddin’, jus’ don’t want a huge weddin’, that’s all. It ain’t our style. We’re wantin’ everyone at th’ party that follows, but …
th’ weddin’ itself would mean more to us if it were small, with jus’ our nearest an’ dearest, savvy? Th’ pair o’ ye … Kat an’ Raven … *tears fall down cheeks
* … if we ever make it t’ a time an’ place where they’re safe.
I – I don’t even know where they are, I’ve been tryin’, I can’t clock it … *lowers head, cries; recovers a bit, sniffs, looks up, smiles* Anyway … let’s wait a bit till some o’ the troubles are sorted. Then we can plan away, with no shadow cast over it all. *wipes
eyes* I --I reckon I should be on me way, luvs.
Th' more I think about all this ... th' more I think I should go back t' Security, see what I can do t' expedite clearin'
up th' troubles. *trembles slightly* I
sure don't relish th' idea o' returnin' to that buildin', an' I don't think I could stand seein' that lockup again. But if I can help, I s'pose I should. Sooner we put a stop
to all this, th' sooner we can start plannin' me weddin', eh? *eyes fill with
tears again, she throws her arms around them both* I swear, I don't know what
I'd do without y' both. *releases them, smiles, calls to Wilko* C'mon, lil' one, let's go.
Willy
*hugs her again, wipes away her tears* Be good ... we'll fix this, remember that. Whenever you get doubt, just remember me telling you … we'll fix it. I love you.
Madame
*grinning, tears fall* I love you, Manouche, take care. *kisses her cheek*
Manouche: Ch-cheers, bless ye both. I love y’both so much, me dear brother an’ sister. *returns Madame’s kiss* Take care, luv, yer comin’
along, so don’t overdo. *turns to Willy, places hand to his face* Ta, luv. D-don’t do anythin’
rash, savvy? *flings arms around his neck, kisses him. Smiles, Wilko flies down to perch on her shoulder; she leaves factory, heads slowly back to her house*
Willy
*watches her leave to make sure she's safe*
Madame
*comes over, wraps arms around his waist, rests her head on his shoulder watching Manouche*
Do you really believe that?
Willy: Hmm?
Madame: That we'll fix everything?
Willy
*rubs her head, pauses* Yea ... I do ...
Madame
*sighs, closes eyes for a minute* Good ...
Willy
*quiet for a few minutes, then turns around* She's also right ... you shouldn't
be overdoing anything. Let’s go back to bed.
Madame
*smiles* Okay ...
Willy *picks her up, carries her back up to bed; they fall asleep, her in his arms*
In
the woods:
Manouche
*walking slowly home from the Wonkas’ factory, head down, brooding over everything, wondering how it’ll ever be
put right but feeling better after spending time with Willy and Madame. She cuts
through the woods, which is actually a longer walk than going through town, but much prettier, part of the walk going along
the river. The woods lift her spirits a little more, and she laughs as Wilko
starts singing:
Wilko: Willy Won-ka … Willy Won-ka … the amazing chocolatier …
Manouche
*laughing* Ahh, they trained y’ well, didn’t they, luv! *looks up and sees someone approaching; smiles as she sees it’s Blake* So, what brings ye t’ these parts? Ye one o’ them
dashin’ highwaymen I’ve heard tell about?
Blake
*grins* I may be. *comes up to her,
kisses her* Just thought I’d meet you halfway.
Manouche: Y' was worried about me, weren’t ye? No
worries, love. An' I ‘ad a fine visit with Willy an' Madame … I – *her voice is cut off as something catches her eye; she looks up, astonished to see
a white raven swoop down toward them. It lands on the ground, shifts, and sure
enough … * RAVEN! *she and
Raven run to each other, she hugs him close* Oh, lil’ mate, are y’
sound?
Wilko
*having flown to low tree branch, speaks again, still imitating Willy* Thank
heavens he’s completely … unharmed …
Raven
*laughs at Wilko, then turns to Manouche* I can only stay a minute. *he stares at her, reaches a hand up to her face, gently touches the bruise; she takes his hand in hers,
brings it down, kisses it* I - I wanted to let you know we’re all right. I’m staying with—
Manouche
*holds hand up, stops him* No, luv, don’t tell me. I think it’s best fer yer safety that I don’t know. An’
I understand y’ must go back right away. But … blimey, I’m
so glad yer safe. An’ yer mum, is she safe, as well?
Raven
*nods, smiles a small smile, as if he wants to beam but isn’t sure he should just yet*
She’s … she’s talking with Grandmother Ama.
Manouche: Oh, Raven, that’s good news, that. She
startin’ t’ believe, like she needs to, isn't she? By th’ powers
… *looks away for a moment, thinking, then turns back to Raven. Remembers something she wanted to ask, leans closer to him* By
th’ way, luv, when y’ showed up at th’ lockup yesterday an’ saved us all … yer mum says y’
were locked away right careful. How in blazes did ye get out, wherever it was
ye were?
Raven
*glances up at Blake, who has approached them, looking very glad to see him. He
smiles shyly at Blake, turns to Manouche, grins, takes her hands in his.*
Manouche
*concentrates, sees his vision, starts to laugh* Ahhh, blimey, that’s pure
dead brilliant! *opens eyes, he’s smiling mischievously. She grins, ruffles
his hair* Right, lil’ mate, on yer way, now … but y’ come to
me if ye need me. Savvy? *she hugs
and kisses him, then releases him. He steps back, waves at her and Blake, shimmers,
turns back into white raven; swiftly flies away, returns to his hiding place*
Blake
*helps Manouche stand up, puts an arm around her* What did he show you? How’d he get out?
Manouche
*grins, shakes her head* He turned into an ant.
Crawled right under th’ bleedin' door.
Blake
*laughs* Smart kid. *looks at her
lovingly* So, what would you like to do, Mrs. Blake?
Manouche: Let’s do like boring ol’ married couples do, love. Let’s go ‘ave a quiet afternoon at home.
Wilko
*returns to Manouche’s shoulder; chirps, speaks in loud voice* Name’s
William Blake. Do you know my poetry?
Blake
*glances at Wilko, raises eyebrows* She said a QUIET afternoon! *They walk back to the house, arms wrapped around each other. Wilko
resumes singing the Willy Wonka song*
|
