On the streets of
Deppville:
Oompa *from a distance, sees
Abberline and Raven, runs up to them, catches breath, looks up* Mistress Wonka requests Sir Abberline and Little Raven
to brunch at the factory. No questions asked.
Raven:
We can't, we have to go to Manouche, it's an emergency. *he and Abberline continue on*
At Manouche and Blake’s
house:
Abberline
and Raven *arrive at Manouche and Blake's house, knock on door. Hear commotion in the back, Raven runs around house,
Abberline following. They stop short at the distraught expression on Blake's face*
Raven
*tears fill his eyes* Sh-she's gone, isn't she?
Blake
*runs up to him* Raven, PLEASE tell me where she is ... she was here an' then ... she disappeared ...
Raven:
I -- I don't know ... I'm trying ... *concentrates, senses nothing*
Blake
*grabs his shoulders* Keep trying son, please keep trying ...
At The Brave:
O'Malley *returns to The
Brave after her little visit to the lockup. It's now early morning and when she
goes below deck, Donnie sits in the sofa waiting for her* Oh, 'mornin', luv..
Donnie *looks tired and concerned* Good morning ... where were you?
O'Malley *smiles reassuringly* Jus' had a few things te take care of. Can
ye believe poor Icky 'ad been locked up? But no worries, I …
Donnie: Took care of it? I don't think you should be meddling in Porsmith's
affairs. It can't possible lead to any good.
And what were you doing at the lockup anyway?
O'Malley *frowns* After casting that revenge spell I couldn't find rest an' I 'ad a feeling, so I followed me instincts ...
an' me instincts took me te the lockup, as it were.
Donnie *still concerned* Your instincts doesn't usually lead to anything good, either.
O'Malley *shoots him a look* How dare ye?!
Donnie *can't help laughing* Temper, darling, temper. *turns serious* Revenge spell? Revenge against who?
O'Malley *her temper flaring
up again* Is this a bloody interrogation?
*sighs* Alright, I ran in te Jaime on me way home from Chez Roux ... well,
whoever is inhabiting Jaime's body at this moment o' time. *mind wanders off,
stops talking; shakes head* I suspected something wasn't right so I followed
the blighter an' then he threatened me an' grabbed me by the throat.
Donnie: So you did a revenge spell?
O'Malley: Aye, I did. Come te think o' it ... *puzzled expression* … don't know if it affected Jaime or the bastard who threatened me … *shrugs* Ah well.
Donnie: Uhm … isn't there something about not using magic for personal gain?
You mentioned that you couldn't use it to seek treasures ...
O'Malley *lowers head* Aye ...
Donnie *shakes head* One of these days, that temper is going to get you into trouble. Besides, didn't you say that part of being a good wicca was being able to focus and stay in control?
O'Malley *looks back at him;
frowns* Aye, what's yer point?
Donnie *grinning* Oh, nothing ...
O'Malley *throws her hat
after him* Jus' go fetch me some bloody coffee.
*mumbles* Focus an' control …
Donnie *laughing, catches
the hat and puts on the sofa next to him, gets up and goes to fetch her a cop of coffee; returns with the coffee* Sorry for teasing you, but ... it's just so easy! *O'Malley
shoots him a look. He smiles innocently*
I got your coffee, can I get my morning kiss now?
O'Malley *pretends to still
be mad* S'pose so. *kisses him*
Manouche’s
Disappearance:
Manouche *rubs her eyes,
trying to figure out what happened. She remembered asking Blake to bring her
some water, feeling very faint … there had been a roaring in her ears, and she thought she was about to lose consciousness,
then something like a flash of light … leaving her standing in a strange world.
A wooded area, something like the woods around their house, except a melancholy hangs over everything … overcast
skies, bare trees. She doesn’t hear a sound, not so much as an insect chirping
in the scruffy grass that sprouts stubbornly from the weary earth. In the utter
silence, she hears a faint noise that slowly builds as the source approaches her … a small herd of strange little horses,
as if from another time and place … small size, reddish color, black manes, white noses.
They gallop past, as if she’s not there, and soon the woods are silent again.
Before she can recover, she hears another sound … someone or something approaching. She listens carefully, then feels a wave of relief* Blimey
… can it be …
Alifi *appears, emerging
through the foliage* You didn’t even need to see me, did you, bird? You knew it was me.
Manouche *cries out, runs
to her, embraces her, weeping* Oh, Alifi, luv … I’m s-so glad t’
see ye …
Alifi *smiles, returns her
embrace* It’s mutual, dear. I’m
sorry to have given you such a scare. There, there, hush now, you’re safe
…
Manouche *lifts her head
up, looks around* B-but where are we? And
… *stops, looks at her more closely* A-Alifi … are – are ye—
Alifi: I’m not well, bird, I’m not as well as I’ve been in the past. It … it took a great deal out of me to bring you here. I
had to do it, for several reasons. I don’t have time to explain everything
as I would like to. *shakes her head* If
only we had more time, like we did in Fiji …
Manouche *tears flowing again* Y’-yer dyin’ …
Alifi *smiles* I still have some time left! Besides, remember what I told
you? We none of us completely die. We
move on to other worlds, other experiences ... and the beings we are here and now live on in the hearts and memories of those
whose lives we’ve touched with caring and compassion.
Manouche *listens quietly,
then tears stream down her face; whispers, voice breaking* B-bollocks, yer dyin’
… *buries her face on Alifi’s shoulder and sobs*
Alifi *hugs her tightly,
can’t help but laugh* Forgive me, dear, I don’t mean to laugh at
you. It’s my own foolishness. I
should’ve known better than to dissuade you with pretty words, when you know the truth without even asking. That’s your gift. *pauses, strokes her hair* Still, pretty words they may be, but they’re the truth, as well.
And you know that in your heart, too, the same as you know I’m dying.
Manouche *sobs calm down. Somehow, hearing Alifi say it makes it less scary.
She looks up into the kindly face* H-how soon?
Alifi *shrugs* I’m really not sure, love. But mind, we have other things
to talk about. And our time together is limited, so let’s make the most
of it. Savvy?
Manouche *nods, wipes tears
away* Wh-why did ye bring me ‘ere?
Alifi: Several reasons, and they’re not mine alone, but we’ll get to that. One, I needed to remove you from the scene at your house. Remember,
you were there, as was Kat … and Inspector Abberline and Raven were on their way.
That would’ve put all the aspects together in one place, at a time when none of you were prepared for the dangers
surrounding you. You are all distracted by various things … Dimitri has
Kat’s attention, has drawn her into the circle … any of her remaining attention is focused on Constable Crane
… and Raven and his father have had an enormous breakthrough in their relationship.
. *places hands on Manouche’s shoulders, gently holds her out at
arm’s length.* And you, my dear … between receiving a wound and concerning
yourself over nonsense … well, you would’ve proven to be quite useless.
Manouche *glances at bandage* Ah, bloody ‘ell, Alifi, this were nothin’ … I’ve ‘ad
worse. Why, back in Fiji,
there were a time when— *stops, raises eyebrow at her* What d’ ye mean, nonsense??
Alifi: Just what I said, nonsense. Worrying about putting other people
out, worrying about endangering others by your presence in their lives. Thinking
you should stay away from those who love you, just because you’re in danger. Ridiculous. *shakes head* But very much in keeping
with the way you’ve always been.
Manouche *a little miffed* Well … blimey, it ain’t like it’s an unfounded fear, is it?
Alifi: Not so much unfounded as misguided. What did you do when Madame
and her twins were at risk some time ago?
Manouche: Well … I …
Alifi: You fought for her, that’s what you did. You risked
your own life for her. You didn’t think twice about it, and you wouldn’t
now, if another situation came up. And that’s exactly how they feel about
you, love. *she glances up at the sky, slight concern in her face, then looks
back at Manouche, smiles a small smile* Anyway, we’ll come back to that. Another reason you’re here … the soul box.
I have something, something you can use. *reaches into a pocket in her
robe, brings forth a strange item* This is a very rare thing, bird. This is a key to the box. I’ve been working all this
time to try to find a way to destroy the box, and this is it. This key is from
a soul who was once captive in the box and escaped. Very, very few have managed
to come through the ordeal alive. This poor man is the only one I found who survived
the experience and also possessed this key. He wanted nothing to do with it,
so he gave it to me with his blessings, begged me to never mention the box to him again.
Manouche: A- a key … to th’ box? But … I thought it
were best t’ never open th’ bloody thing.
Alifi: It is. However, the one method of destroying the box that
I’ve been able to determine includes opening it, at just the right moment during a ceremony that involves all the aspects. That would be you, Kat, Raven, and the Inspector.
I learned about the ceremony, and I can teach you what you need to know to perform it.
You already have the chants … you’ve recited them at different times.
*smiles*
Manouche *starts to speak,
then remembers the chant that came into her head when she mingled her blood with Kat’s tattoo … and the chant
she uttered the night Blake found her walking toward the river, presumably in her sleep.*
Th-there’ve been more’n one chant I’ve ‘appened upon recent, that’s true enough. How d’ we know which is th’ right one?
Alifi: No worries, we’ll sort it out. I’m only sorry
it’s taken me so long to discover what we needed to do to destroy that cursed thing.
Had I been younger and more energetic, perhaps it wouldn’t have been such an effort. But better late than never. One last little bit of training
between us, my star pupil. *draws Manouche close, kisses her cheek*
Manouche *tears fill her
eyes* I-I’ll do me best, as before.
Ye taught me well in Fiji … saved me own skin, as well as me mates’, more’n once, thanks
t’ what you taught me. But … but I’m concerned fer me Mr. Blake. He’ll be so worried about me, Alifi … is there any way we can get word
to ‘im that I’m sound?
Alifi *smiles* There, that’s more like it! Let your loved ones love
you, Manouche. Yes, we’ll take care of that right away. If we try and he’s unreceptive, I’m sure you can speak to Raven. He’ll tell him. *pauses, then continues* There’s one other reason you’re here … it has to do with the circle … the one Dimitri
drew for himself and Kat.
Manouche: Th’ circle? Blimey, lil’ mate an’ I, we
been ‘avin’ dreams o’ circles, wheels … couldn’t fer th’ life o’ me figure what
it meant.
Alifi: Do you remember what Dimitri did? He drew a circle, he poured
a little water … you then asked your Mr. Blake to bring you some water … which is an elemental. When this happened, with you being outside the circle … and in conjunction with your gifts as a magi,
and the fact that I was calling you … well, you’ve been summoned for a task, my dear. I know it’s a lot to ask of you at this time, when you have so much going on … and if you decline,
no one will think less of you. However, I know you can handle it. Apologies, love … the summoning was out of my hands.
Manouche: A task? What kind of task?
Wh-who summoned me?
Alifi *leads Manouche over
to the small clearing, to the pond with the statue of Prometheus at one end. Motions
toward the statue, and a figure steps from behind it, smiling gently, hopefully, at Manouche*
Manouche *murmurs* Ama …
At Portsmith’s
castle:
*Portsmith picks some annoying
weed from the lawn and frowns at the disorder, when she and Corso sees the black car stop at the parking lot.*
Mr.
Black: Good morning, Commander. What
a nice little castle you have here. It will be perfect for the Order.
Portsmith:
It is perfect for me.
Mr. Brown: Do
we have our payment ready? We have fulfilled our part of the deal, and now it
is your turn, Commander. You can't back off. You
got what you wanted.
Portsmith: No I did not. That box was not of the quality I expected. You also forgot
to include the key. Furthermore, the box was not in a perfect condition, there
were scratch marks on the surface in several places. Wasn't it so, Dean?
*Both
men turn to stare at Corso coldly.*
Corso: Er ... it looked fine to me.
Mr.
Black: This is the last warning. There
is no way you can back off. Bring the payment here. *looks at his watch* We will be expecting it here at noon.
Portsmith: I set the conditions here. This is my town. And that is my lunch hour.
Mr. Brown:
You will do as we say.
Portsmith: I
will do exactly as it pleases me. And it doesn't please me much to do business
with you. I might contact your superiors. From
the Inner Circle.
*Mr. Brown and Black exchange a look that could almost be interpreted
as worried if it had been somebody else than them.*
Mr. Black: We will
be back.
Portsmith: How about teatime?
*They turn abruptly and
leave.*
Corso: What did you do that for? Do
you really know someone in the higher position?
Portsmith: Of course not.
I just said it to infuriate them. Soon
I will anyway get to the Inner Circle and have them disposed of. They
have no manners.
*Mr. Black and Brown sit in the car evaluating the situation.*
Mr. Brown: She knows more about the Order than is good for anyone not already in it. If
she really is able to drop names belonging to the Inner Circle, the whole existence
of the Order is in jeopardy.
Mr. Black: What if she is bluffing? How would she know any names?
Mr. Brown: She
seems to be very sure of herself. Trust me, she knows. Remember who is with the Security. You saw his room at the
Office.
*They look at each other. There is only one possibility where
she might have got information from. Abberline.*
At Abberline's house:
*Some time later, the black car stops outside
Bournemouth House, two men get out of the car and walk to the door which seems to be locked. One
of them picks a stone and shatters a window.*
Mr. Black: I will look downstairs,
you go up. *frowns at the amount of papers and files, begins to go through them
methodically, throwing them on the floor. Mr. Brown watches him for a while,
then he sets his eyes on the coffee table with the tray; he glances cautiously towards Mr. Black, immersed in the papers,
snatches quickly the Wonka chocolate, exits the room and stuffs it in his mouth with a blissful expression on his way upstairs.*
After
a while, they exit the house with a folder and a journal.*
Mr. Brown: We
should have eliminated him. He got too close.
Mr. Black: We can do it now.
At Manouche and Blake’s
house:
Raven *eyes widen, sways
slightly* I ... she's all right ...
Blake *looks at him anxiously*
A-are you sure?
Raven *nods* I don't
know where she is ... I don't think she knows ... she's ... no, that's all she's sharing. Th-there's more, but she's
... not letting me in. She says she's all right ... *looks at Blake* She says 'No worries, Mr. William Blake'
... *he looks at Blake, smiles a small smile, feels Abberline's hands on his shoulders, steadying him* She's
all right ...
Abberline: I trust Raven, Blake. There is nothing for us to do but wait. *looks at Kat and Dimitri* What is that
about?
Kat *Having been restrained
from leaving the circle by Dimitri.* Thank 'eavens! *Sneers at Dimitri* Lotsa 'elp ye were.
Dimitri: I sensed no danger to Manouche. But I didn't want to take
a chance of you vanishing. Within the circle, you were safe.
Kat *Fuming* Safe? I can take care of myself! It was all yer hocus pocus, wasn't it. Just who's side are
ye on? Manouche is 'urt and magiced away te god knows where. Get her back!!! What 'bout Raven? 'e stands outside the circle. Ye promised to protect 'em. I don't want ye near me with yer lies. Eternity
be damned. *Shoves Dimitri and dashes from the circle to Raven and puts her arms
around him. Tearfully* Raven, I'm
sorry. It's my fault. I trusted
another blighter.
Raven
*hugs her, kisses her cheek* It's all right, Mother, I'm fine. Look ... *digs in jacket pocket, pulls out square
gold coin with snake on it* Manouche gave me this ... she said it would help keep me safe. *smiles*
Ama’s Request:
Ama *comes forward, hand
extended* Manouche, my dear …
Manouche: A-Ama? Blimey … d’ ye need assist fer Kat?
Ama: No, for someone else. Someone related to True Dreamer …
her sister. Please, can you come straight away?
There’s not much time.
Manouche *looks at Alifi,
who nods. Turns to Ama* Aye ...
lead th’ way. *She follows Ama through the eerie landscape, which varies
little … all the same melancholy forest, the weary earth, the silence except for the crackly dry grasses underneath
their feet. They finally come to a small tepee, which looks as if it had been constructed very hastily. They stop before it.*
Ama: Manouche, it is our understanding that you’ve been involved in delivering babies. *waves hand toward tepee* True Dreamer’s sister is inside
... her child is being born. She’s having a rough time of it. We fear she may be dying. We were
hoping you could assist. We know the child will be a dreamer itself, possibly
a prodigy. Will you help?
Manouche *eyes wide* By th’ powers … ‘avin’ a child out ‘ere in th’
middle o’ nowhere? No facilities, no doctor? This is madness, this is. *pauses, looks at Ama* Wh-why me? I’m no expert, I've only done it twice, an'
never all on me onesies. Ye could’ve found someone far more qualified …
Ama: We needed a dreamer. There's no time to explain further. It’s all happened very quickly … please say you’ll help.
Manouche: ‘Course I will … I – I’ll do what I can.
*She removes her coat, hands it to Ama* Do not lose this. *Steps over to the tepee, crouches down, enters.
Ama *waits outside anxiously,
drops down to her knees, murmuring prayers. Some time passes … eventually,
Ama hears a small cry coming from the tepee. She dashes to the entrance, leans
in, sees Manouche sitting on floor, head lowered over small bundle she’s cradling in her arms, from which Ama sees a
tiny hand poke through its wrapper. Ama smiles*
Is it …
Manouche: It’s a healthy baby girl. *looks up at Ama, tears in
her eyes* An’ her mum is dead.
At Manouche and Blake’s house:
Kat *Stares
at coin Raven got from Manouche, sighs* Luv, that is a very powerful talisman
and Manouche was almost right. She just didn't know. It can't protect ye against yer own blood.
Blake
*sinks down into a chair, runs hand through his hair* I hope Manouche kept a few of those trinkets for herself.
*looks at Raven* Are you sure she's all right? You don't know when she'll be back?
Raven
*shakes head solemnly, then eyes glaze over -- another vision is coming to him* F-Father ... sss-someone's been in your
house ... that word again, Order ... *he turns to look at Abberline*
Abberline: My house? The Order in my house? *frowns, lights a cigarette* I can't
see why they would break into my house. They're done with me. I never had any connection, never any threats more from the Order after that ... that … what happened. I don't believe they would be looking for me.
It must be something else ...
Kat *Thinks
of Ama* Ama, 'ow could ye damn us this way?*
Holds Raven tighter*
Abberline *to Kat*
I can protect him.
Kat *Sorrowfully looks at
Abberline* I know you'd try, luv, but I fear now that blood will win out. *Glares back at Dimitri*
Abberline: You are talking in riddles again. What do you mean with protecting
him from his own blood? *Looks at her suspiciously* Your blood? *sighs*
Please tell me.
Kat: Raven, luv, I need to talk to your fa ... father a moment. *Speaks
to Blake* Blake, would you take Raven to the kitchen for a snack, please. *Blake nods, takes Raven's hand and leads him away.
She watches them go, turns to Abberline* I'm his blood, and Marchand is
my father, as well as Raven's grandfather. I'm afraid Marchand has already invaded
my mind a few times that I resisted, but what if it happens again? I fear I could
fail. Save Raven any way you can, even if it's from me. Kill me if you must, to protect him. Promise me!
Abberline *turns deathly
pale and drops his cigarette* No. No. It can't be. I - I don't believe you. *Remembers the words of Marchand at the lockup, of Raven sharing their blood* No. The only thing I promise to you is
that I will kill Marchand for all that he has done. And if you are of his blood,
then ... then it's got to mean that you – you are equally bad ... the Devil's daughter ... and Raven ... I wish I have
never known you. I wish I had never seen you.
*Turns abruptly around and leaves the house*
Blake
*brings Raven into the house, to the kitchen.* What would you like, son? *He opens a cabinet or two, absently
gazes into the refrigerator, brings out a pitcher of juice, pours two glasses; sets one in front of Raven, who sits down at
the table. Blake sits next to him, stares into his glass*
Raven:
Manouche is all right, honest.
Blake:
I believe you. Can’t help but worry, though. Besides … I just … there never seems to be anything
I can do. I don’t think I’ve once gotten her out of a single jam she’s been in.
Raven:
She would’ve drowned when her ship went down if you hadn’t been there. An’ you rescued her once a
long time ago, before you even knew who she was. You left before she could thank you … she was in love with you
but was too shy to tell you … *grins, takes drink of juice*
Blake
*stares at him, shakes his head* You always know what to say. *smiles* I remember that. I ran off,
wouldn’t let her talk to me … I … I don’t know why, I just … wasn’t ready to talk to her.
She was the prettiest thing I’d ever seen … *smile fades as he glances out the window, sees Kat and Abberline
talking, then Abberline storm off. Looks back at Raven, who now has tears in his eyes*
Raven:
Father’s found out. Now he hates me … *lowers his head, crying*
Kat: Stunned, tears flowing down her face* I
ne'er thought 'ed turn on Raven. *Hangs head.* But
'es right I am the Devil's daughter. But I'm also the heart he needs. If that heart stops beating Raven will be useless to Marchand and safe.
Dimitri
*Starts forward* No!
Kat *Draws
gun, aims at Dimitri* Stay back! I'm
leavin' 'ere, and you can't stop me. *Walks toward him* Turn around. *He complies, she strikes him from behind. He falls. Kat leaves, wishing there were
another way.*
Blake: Nooo, Raven, you must be mistaken, your father loves you very much.
*looks out window again, jumps up from chair as he sees Kat strike Dimitri and leave.*
Oh, my god, what the hell’s happening? Manouche, where are you? We need you, honey … *looks down
at Raven, who’s crying harder; he picks him up and tries to comfort him* Take
it easy, my boy, we’ll straighten everything out.
Raven *sobbing* B-but F-Father’s in danger … he didn’t bb-believe me … th-those men were at his
h-h-house … An’ I think M-Mother’s gonna do s-somethin’ bad …
Blake: Then we have to hurry. *Puts him down on floor, crouches in
front of him, holds him by shoulders* How ‘bout I go after your dad, and
you go after your mother, in your raven shape? You’ll be able to move faster,
catch up to her, and she won’t know you’re there. Then you can keep
an eye on her, see what she’s thinking. Okay?
Raven *sniffs loudly, nods. Concentrates, shimmers, turns into white raven.
Blake dashes out of the house, Raven flying swiftly after him*
On the streets of
Deppville:
Abberline *stopped by Sergeant
Godley who, after a magnificent breakfast, has finally left the factory in excellent mood and decided to walk over to see
how Manouche is doing* You should really have been there with Raven. And Willy, I can't believe how ... *the smile fades as he looks
at Abberline, grabs his arm* So what is it now?
Abberline *tearing himself
free from his grip* Get out of my way. Let
me be.
Godley: What is it?
Abberline: Nothing. *without looking back at Godley, he vanishes out of
his sight*
*Alarmed, Godley looks after
him and at Manouche's house, where he obviously came from, and decides to let him go; walks to the house.*
Blake
*runs into Godley as he's headed toward the house* Oh, Sergeant Godley, I'm glad you're here! Come with me, we
have to keep an eye on the Inspector. Raven says he's in danger. I'll explain later, but we mustn't let him out
of our sight.
Godley *sighs* So we are back to normal, once again. *Turns and looks after
Abberline* It seems to me that he is already out of sight, but the way he was
looking, I suggest we'll try to find him at From Hell Court. So where is Raven? Do you know what kind of danger it would be this time?
Blake: Raven’s
following Kat … she’s in danger, too, apparently. Sergeant, I wish I understood it all better. The
Inspector is facing danger from the Order, but I don’t know why. They’re the people who killed his wife
and child … and Manouche’s brother, and Malachi’s sister. Raven says they’ve been to the Inspector’s
house, but he didn’t believe him. Sergeant, I’ve yet to see Raven be wrong about any of these visions he’s
had. I think the Inspector is in big trouble. Manouche knows more about these things … but … *pauses,
swallows* … she’s disappeared. Raven says she’s safe, but I don’t know where she is, and she’s
got that damn wound … I'm so worried about her ...
Godley: Me and you, we seem to be the only ones out of danger. I don't
know why the Order would be after him, after all, they already took their revenge on him ... If they broke into his house,
they must have been searching for something. It must be those damned Fiji files again. *pauses* Manouche gone? But
she was wounded? That was bad news. You should have stayed at the factory. So, where do we begin?
Blake: I begged her to stay at the factory … she wouldn’t do it, she was afraid of endangering Willy
and Madame. *shrugs* I don’t
know exactly what to do … but I guess we should just keep watch on the Inspector, whether he likes it or not. I believe Raven. *looks at Godley* You think he’ll go to From Hell Court? Not his house?
Godley: No, that's the last place he would go to. From Hell Court is the best place to start in. *moves to cross the street when a sleek
black car suddenly appears, honks the horn and almost drives over him* Blasted!
They were in a hurry! Come on, Blake.
On The Apparition:
Kat *Having gathered everything
she needs, opens the door of a brig on the Apparition. Enters, turns closing
and locking the door. She precedes to wring the key off in the lock. Nobody gets in or out.* Mixing the half bottle of rum with
the contents of the strange bottle she brought with her, mutters* For a pirate
I'm such a coward. Shakes bottle. Retreats
into the shadows of the brig; thinking of Raven, she drinks.* Forgive me child.
*From
outside, near The Apparition*
Raven
*screaming frantically* MOTHER!!!! MOTHER, HELP ME!! *accompanied by loud, vicious, snarling animal sounds*
Kat *Leaps
to her feet* RAVEN!!!! *Thinks of
the mangled lock* Oh god no!!!! *Throws
herself against cell door to no avail. Sobbing. A
voice speaks from outside the cell.
Shaddrack:
What the bloody 'ell is goin' on 'ere??
Kat: Shaddrack!!! It's Raven outside. He's bein' attacked. Save him.
Shaddrack:
So be it. We'll discuss my payment
later. *Vanishes and reappears outside at Raven's side.*
*large cat has Raven, still
in raven shape, in its mouth. Sees Shaddrack, arches back, hisses, drops Raven,
takes off. Raven shimmers back to his usual shape, bleeding from several deep
lacerations*
Raven *lying on the deck,
looks up at Shaddrack, his eyes glazed with pain* T-take me to my mother, please
…
Shaddrack *Gently lifts the
boy carrying him below to the brig where he'd left Kat. The cell is empty and
the door remains sealed.* What in the blazes!! *Looks
at boy.* I'll get ye to a Doctor. Then
I'll get te the bottom of this.
Raven *sobs* I ... I want my mother. Where is she? *looks up at Shaddrack*
Sh-she's gonna do something, something terrible ... P-please stop her ...
At Manouche and Blake’s house:
Kat *Opens her eyes, after a wave of dizziness to find she's no longer in the cell but back at Manouche's
patio. Dimitri holding her upright. Gaping at him* What 'appened?
Dimitri: I figured out what happened with Manouche and used the same tactics to summon you
back here. I won't allow you to destroy yourself.
Kat: But Raven, he was being attacked. I sent
Shaddrack to his aid. I have to know what happened, please.
Dimitri: Shaddrack is very capable of defending the boy.
I've got to get you to a doctor and get that poison flushed out of your system.
Kat *Struggles
to free herself* I have to know now! *She
collapses. He picks her up and heads to the nearest medical facility.
At the Deppville
Hospital:
Shaddrack *brings Raven
to the same medical facility as Dimitri brought Kat. They meet at the main entrance, Raven and Kat both unconscious*
Shaddrack: Well.
Ain't this civilized! *Enters, glowering at Dimitri suspiciously*
Near the Security
building:
*Commander Portsmith sees
Abberline near the Office and stops him*
Portsmith: You look like you've seen a ghost.
Abberline *avoiding her eyes,
trying to walk away, but Portsmith restrains him* What do you want?
Portsmith: Where are you going?
Abberline: Nowhere.
Portsmith: Good. Then I have a better direction for you. To the Office.
Abberline: What for?
Portsmith: I need your expertise. In fact, I need to get you back to
work. *Leads him to the office* But
it's got to be on my terms.
Abberline *shrugs*
Portsmith: It's the Order. I want to know everything you found out about
them, and then I want you to stop them. *goes to her own office*
Abberline *barely listens,
walks into his old office and sinks on the chair, searches for his absinth bottle, pours himself a generous amount, laces
it with half of the contents of his laudanum vial. Suddenly, he sees a vision of a white bird struggling, bleeding and
torn, and remorse, guilt and anger hit him like a physical pain. Wanting
to shut it all out he quickly empties the glass and pours himself immediately a new one.*
At the Deppville
Hospital:
Raven *wakes up, finds himself
in a strange bed, in a strange, sterile room. Starts to move, winces from pain;
sees several bandages, remembers what happened. Slowly climbs out of the bed,
leaves the room. Almost without hesitation, finds the room where Kat lies in
a bed, sleeping heavily, the poison having been removed from her system. He looks
at her for a moment, his eyes large and solemn, then he climbs up onto the bed. He
thinks of his father, tears sting his eyes; finds himself wishing he had his teddy bear.
He wipes at his eyes, concentrates for a moment, thinks of Manouche* Hurry
back, Manouche, please. *He’s still weak, so he’s not sure he got
through to her. Feels himself growing drowsy; leans over, kisses his mother’s
face, curls up next to her, falls asleep.*
At the Security building:
*Abberline
looks at the empty bottle, still waiting for the blissful oblivion to set in, but the absinth doesn't seem to be enough to
numb the pain. He struggles to his feet and exits the office, walks unsteady towards From Hell Court when a red car with
high speed suddenly turns round the corner and heads straight for him. He sees the car approaching but he's reflexes are too
slow from the absinth and laudanum, and the car too fast; it hits him and he falls to the ground.*
*Godley
and Blake appear just in time to see him fall and the car back off and start to move forward again to run over him. Godley
shouts and breaks into a run, throwing himself between the Inspector and the car. The car shifts into reverse and disappears*
Godley:
Inspector! Blake, we got to get him into hospital immediately!
Blake: Oh, god, what
next? *looks up, sees taxi down the street, yells, waves his arms* DeNiro! Over here, hurry! *taxi
turns, drives up to them, they carefully move Abberline into the back seat, climb in; taxi heads for hospital*
At Deppville Hospital:
Raven *eyes open, feels wave
of fear* F-Father ... *snuggles closer to Kat, falls asleep again*
*Abberline is moved from
the taxi at the hospital, he groans and opens his eyes for a while, looking at Godley, trying to say something. Godley leans nearer to him to hear better* The teddy bear... *Then he is rushed to the operation room and the doors are shut on Godley. He slumps in a chair in the lobby.
Dimitri *Having seen Abberline
brought in follows Godley into the lobby. Walks over to him* What happened to Abberline?
Godley: An accident ... A car hit him. *after a pause* It wasn't an accident. It was deliberate. I saw it. What's going to happen to him? They did not let me in. I can't stand this waiting. *takes a handkerchief and wipes his brow*
Dimitri: Calm down, my friend. They couldn't let you in they have to
give him the proper care. He'll be fine. You say it was deliberate. Do you think Marchand was involved?
Godley: Marchand? Isn't he involved in everything bad that happens
in Deppville? No, Blake said that Raven had seen something about the Order and warned the Inspector, but he didn't listen.
*strikes the endtable by his chair with his fist* Why does he never listen!
I thought the Order was after Manouche and Malachi, and I don't know what to believe.
Dimitri: The Order? *Frowns* If
Raven saw it, then it's true. They must now see his knowledge of the box as an
obstacle to be eliminated. He must be protected.
The powers that be in the Dark Circle will stop at nothing. If you'll
excuse me. I'd better check in on Kat, make sure she stays put. I'll be around
if I'm needed.
Blake *approaches Godley
with two cups of coffee, hands him one, sits down next to him* I asked about
the Inspector … a nurse told me it looks like he’ll be okay, but we can’t see him just yet. *sips coffee, looks at Godley* Who do you think that was? All I saw was a red car. *shakes head* I wish he’d listened to Raven. But
after what Kat told him, I don’t know if he ever wants to see Raven again. Poor
little beggar, he’s heartbroken.
Godley *at first, relieved
to hear the news but then the last words of Blake sink in* He doesn't want to
see Raven? *puts down the coffee on the endtable* Is he out of his mind? Are you? Well I admit he was acting somewhat weirdly when I saw him, but that's not so unusual. And yesterday he was so eager to take the boy home. What did
Kat tell him? She's pure trouble, I've always said that. *after a pause* I did not register the license number. *snorts* What a good cop I am. I am having a little breakfast at the factory, and in the meantime the whole world goes crazy.
Blake *grins* Don’t be too hard on yourself, Sergeant. Meals at the
Wonkas’ are pretty distracting! *smile fades, he pauses, sighs* You might as well know … and I hope it doesn’t change your attitude toward the boy, ‘cause
it’s none of it his fault. Kat told the Inspector that Marchand is her
father … which makes him Raven’s grandfather. I already knew about
it, Manouche told me awhile back. The Inspector took it very badly, ran off sayin’
terrible things, how he wished he’d never known her … I had Raven in the house, so he didn’t actually hear
them, but he always knows what’s going on, an’ he’s very sensitive to what his parents are feeling. I hope the Inspector just needed some time to let it sink in, an’ that once
he cools off, he’ll still want Raven in his life. *runs hand through his
hair, turns to Godley* Sergeant, that kid is … he’s such a beautiful
boy, Manouche an’ I would give anything for … He can’t help who his relations are. There’s not a hint of Marchand in him, he’s completely caring an’ good. An’ he thinks the world of both his parents. I …
I just hate to see the Inspector throw this chance away, that’s all. This
chance for some happiness. I think he’d regret it later. I hope you can help talk some sense into him, once he’s recovered an’ past all this. *looks down into coffee cup*
At the Security building:
*Commander Portsmith checks
on Abberline, but he isn't in his office. There's only an empty bottle on the
desk. Portsmith frowns and goes back to her own office, where she is met by Dean
Corso.*
Corso: He's not there. He's
at the hospital.
Portsmith *wryly* Overdose?
Corso: No, that would be Kat. She's there too. The Inspector had an accident.
Portsmith: Well, I don't
wonder about that at all. How very stupid of him.
Now you have to do his work. Find the files, and find a contact for me.
Corso
*with wide eyes* A contact?
Portsmith: Yes,
someone from the Inner Circle.
Corso: Don't underestimate
them. They'd rather kill me than give away information about the Inner Circle.
Portsmith: Don't whine, Dean. Get
the files. What about Manouche and Malachi?
Corso: Not a trace of either of them, like they both vanished into thin air.
Portsmith: You'd better find them, and fast.
Corso: But Commander,
you said you aren't going to make the transaction.
Portsmith: I might
have said that, but I got a better plan now. I'll get rid of Manouche and at
the same time show those arrogant low-life servants who is in command here.
Manouche’s
Choice
Manouche *returns to the
pond, where Alifi is waiting for her. Looks up, seems startled to see where she
is* B-blimey … I don’t even know how I got back ‘ere …
*looks around, realizes Ama is not with her. Comes over to wall around pond,
where Alifi is sitting; sits down next to her*
Alifi: Are you all right?
Manouche *eyes downcast* I … I did me best … th’ baby’s beautiful, she’s a smasher.
Alifi *puts hand on her arm* True Dreamer’s sister wasn’t very strong.
I’m sure you did everything you could.
Manouche *shrugs slightly* Ama … she took th’ baby … I don’t know where she went, I thought
she were with me … then I find meself ‘ere, an’ she’s gone …
Alifi *nods* Yes, that’s what was supposed to happen. Everything’s
fine, bird, you were perfect. None of us expected the mother to live. The baby is healthy, she’ll be well cared for. Well
done, dear. We could have lost the baby, too, if not for you.
Manouche *sighs* Well, it feels good t’ do somethin’ right fer a change, I reckon. *looks at Alifi* Could be best fer all concerned if I jus’
stay ‘ere, ay? Anyway, I’d like to … I’d like t’
stay with ye, luv. I could see t’ yer comfort … especially now, knowin’
… knowin’ …
Alifi: You don’t mean that.
Manouche: I do! I could spend an eternity with ye an’ not learn
all ye ‘ave to impart. An’ I can think o’ no better way t’
spend me days than to help ease yer journey, as it were. *tears fill her eyes* I bring chaos everywhere I go, except when I’ve been with ye, luv. Everyone back home ‘as faced all manner o’ peril because o’ me bad luck. If I stay ‘ere, I can do some good.
Alifi: You are impossible. What have I told you about your friends
needing you? Here, let me show you something.
*She turns slightly to look at water in the pond, and indicates for Manouche to do the same*
Manouche *looks into pond,
exclaims* Red water! What causes
that?
Alifi: I believe that’s the first thing Malachi asked. Yes,
he was here once, not long ago … *she adds in response to Manouche’s look of surprise* Now, I want you to keep your eyes on the water … just watch it carefully … *she waves her hand over the water, the shiny surface mists over, and a vision is revealed*
Manouche *leans over, looks
into the water. Sees a series of images from when she first arrived in Deppville
… her early exploits on The Libertine Trailer … making new friends at Chez Roux … falling into the fountain
with the statue of the Mayor in it … Willy trying to help her out of the fountain, only to get pulled in himself …
her quest for Madame’s new eyeglasses … helping Madame when she first found out she was pregnant … repeatedly
talking her way out of trouble with Kidd (and plying her with large amounts of rum) … Christmas with Willy and Madame
… rescuing Kat from almost certain seduction … * An’ fancy,
it were th’ Inspector! *laughs* That’s
ironic, innit? * … getting Willy drunk after he and Madame had a
tiff … finally speaking to, and falling in love with, William Blake, after much prodding and encouragement from Kat,
Lisa and the good Colonel … matching wits with Malachi … all manner of joys, trials and tribulations of her life
in Deppville.*
Alifi *notes with satisfaction
the sentimental expression on Manouche’s face * Now, keep watching, bird
… I want you to see what’s going on right now … *she waves her hand again, and new images appear: strangers breaking into Abberline’s house … Kat and Abberline arguing, both storming off in
separate directions … Raven crying, heartbroken … Blake searching for her frantically … Malachi in hiding,
fearful of the men from the Order … and she hears snippets of conversation:
Blake: Manouche, where are you? We need you, honey …
Abberline: If you are of his blood, then ... then it's got to mean that you – you are equally
bad ... the Devil's daughter ... and Raven ... I wish I have never known you. I
wish I had never seen you.
Kat: I ne'er thought 'ed turn on Raven. But
'es right, I am the Devil's daughter. But I'm also the heart he needs. If that heart stops beating, Raven will be useless to Marchand, and safe.
Raven: F-Father’s in danger … he didn’t bb-believe me … th-those men were at his h-h-house
… An’ I think M-Mother’s gonna do s-somethin’ bad …
*and two men she doesn’t
recognize*
Mr. Brown: We should have eliminated him. He got too close.
Mr. Black: We can do it now.
Manouche *eyes wide in horror* Oh, Alifi, by th’ powers, what’s ‘appenin’? What’s Kat thinkin’, has she gone completely mad? An’
th’ Inspector, that fool … how could he turn on lil’ mate like that?
That boy loves his dad desp’rate. An’ those men … blimey,
they’re from th’ Order, aren’t they?
Alifi *nods* There is a great deal of trouble … as a matter of fact, now that I see it here, sitting next to you
… well, my dear, I can see why you would be loathe to return. It does seem
overwhelming … it’s certainly nothing like that around here. *she
waves an arm around the somber landscape* I can’t say there’s never
any trouble here at all, but certainly not like what you face back home. No soul
box, no Marchand, no Nate … no misunderstandings, no child being shunned, no Order … no Commander Portsmith always
looking for an excuse to arrest you … very quiet around here, to be sure. *shrugs* Of course, it also means no long, lingering meals at Chez Roux … no sailing
your ship, The Viper … no pretty little white house by the river … no swapping pirate stories with O’Malley
… no playing pranks on Malachi … no working as Kidd’s boatswain … no playing with Raven … no
loving affection and thumb wars with Madame and Willy, your dear sister and brother … no twins … and no William
Blake …
Manouche *tears in her eyes,
voice quivering* B-by th’ bleedin’ powers, luv. Y-ye fight dirtier’n any scallywag I ever chanced upon o’er th’ seven seas!
Alifi *grins* Gypsy.
Manouche *laughs through
tears, wipes at her eyes* Right, ye’ve made yer point, artful sorceress! *pauses, gazes into pond again, which has now settled back as it was before –
shimmering, shining red water* I … I can’t leave ‘em like that. I don’t know that I can set any of it to rights, but … poor lil’
mate … an’ me Mr. Blake, my love … *looks up anxiously* What
if I’m too late?
Alifi: You’re not. But there’s no time to lose. Come, we’ll get started. *she rises,
takes Manouche’s hand, pulls her to her feet* I’m very proud of you,
bird. *hugs her, leads her out of the clearing*
Continuing Education:
Alifi:
Manouche, you’re not concentrating.
Manouche
*voice trembling* A-apologies, luv. Somethin’ terrible’s ‘appenin’ …
Alifi
*gently* I know, dear. We’re almost finished, then you can go back to them. They are all safe for
now ... there are several people looking after them, including your young man.
Manouche:
B-but Alifi, they’re all of ‘em in trouble. They’re all injured, what’s that all about?
An’ Kat … blimey, I’m so worried about ‘er … what she almost did … someone’s got
t’ set her right …
Alifi:
All of the aspects, save one, sustained injuries. I’d like to point something out to you, bird … it all
happened when you weren’t anywhere near any of them.
Manouche
*stares at her* Blimey, I hadn’t thought of that …
Alifi:
So are you finally convinced you’re not a walking disaster that needs to be removed from society? You do your
loved ones more good than you realize. And remember ... Madame is counting on you very soon, to help deliver her
twins. How can you even remotely consider letting her down?
Manouche:
Yer right, as always … I ‘aven’t meant t’ be selfish, straight up. Weren’t tryin’
t’ be a martyr, either, in a manner o’ speakin’. Jus’ thought it could possibly be fer th’
general good …
Alifi:
I know, dear. No worries. Now, let’s get back to it. The sooner we finish, the faster you can get
back to them all. *smiles* Your Mr. Blake is doing his best not to worry about you … but he misses you terribly.
Manouche
*smiles* Ahh, Alifi … I promise I’ll get back at it straight away … but first, d’ ye suppose
I could do somethin’ fer lil’ mate? He’s so vulnerable right now … an’ … I know
ye’ve said I must use these new powers sparingly, an’ I swear I will. But … jus’ this once …
Alifi
*shakes her head, but smiles* I see we’ll never get anything done unless I give in. Very well, love, go
ahead. You’re new at this … it’s as good a way as any to give you an exercise.
Manouche
*smiles gratefully* Ch-cheers. *She closes her eyes, concentrates very hard … *
At
Deppville Hospital:
Raven
*awakens just slightly, still next to Kat in the hospital bed. Suddenly notices the teddy bear in his arms, the one
Abberline gave him. Hugs it tightly, drops back into deep sleep*
