usual disclaimers. permission to mel moser to archive. comments to vampwrtr@aol.com FOREVER KNIGHT "The Angels Among Us" ACT ONE FADE IN: INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DUSK Natalie is sitting in an examination gown on a table. Her legs are dangling off the edge, and she's swinging them, nervously. DR. ANNE BALTZ, 40ish, enters. BALTZ Natalie, long time no see.... NATALIE Yeah Anne, you know how it is. BALTZ Mmm-hmm. Physician heal thyself? They both grin. Baltz takes a good look at Lambert, who looks nervous, a little pale and tired. BALTZ (CONT) So, Natalie....you're here, that tells me something's not right. Nat looks away, smiles, then looks at Anne. NATALIE I've just been feeling a little tired, run down lately. Haven't been sleeping well, and my throat's been a little scratchy. It's probably nothing. BALTZ If it were nothing, you wouldn't have come to me. (beat) Lie back, and let's have a look, then I'll want some blood samples. On Natalie lying down, looking very unhappy, we, CUT TO: EXT. UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO ST. GEORGES CAMPUS - NIGHT A young coed, LAURIE TRAGEL, quickly makes her way up a path. We hear FOOTSTEPS in the dark somewhere behind her. She looks behind her shoulder, but sees nothing. She picks up her pace, nervously. The FOOTSTEPS increase their measure, she turns again, and is attacked by CHAD, 20's. Chad tries to subdue her, and gets his hand over her mouth, stifling any attempt on her part to scream. They struggle, he gets her on the grass, and is about to rape her, but they are interrupted. A figure in a black cape, JOSEPH, 20's, comes into frame. He grabs Chad and tosses him away. Chad looks at his attacker and his eyes go wide. CHAD'S POV; a face in full vampire make-up, complete with red contacts and fake teeth. The VINDICATOR growls his fiercest growl at Chad, and for a moment Chad is taken aback, but then he regains his senses, and grabs for the Vindicator. No go, The Vindicator gets a hold of Chad, bends his head to one side and tries to bite him with his fake teeth. He does break the skin, but needless to say, it's not very real. Chad just stares at this wacko. Far too much trouble. CHAD You're a freakin' wacko, man. VINDICATOR (a la Bela Lugosi) And you my son, have only moments to make your escape. In the distance, we see Campus Security vehicles making their way toward the scene. Chad looks from Joseph to the vehicles, and decides making his escape is a good idea. He runs. The Vindicator smiles, and in a flourishing move, swings his cape, bends down and helps the Coed up. VINDICATOR (CONT) Are you alright, my dear? The Coed stares at him strangely for a moment, but then recovers. TRAGLE Yes, I'm fine, I think. But if you hadn't come along.... (beat) Hey, who are you anyway? And why are you dressed like that? Halloween is still a few days away. VINDICATOR (smiling) Where I come from, it is everyday. Or should I say, every night? He smiles at her, kisses her hand and disappears quickly into the shadows. The Coed smiles in his direction. On this, we, SMASH CUT TO: MAIN TITLES EXT. ST. GEORGES CAMPUS - NIGHT This is now a crime scene with all the tape and swarming police one could wish for. DETECTIVE NICK KNIGHT and DETECTIVE JEFFREY PLATT enter. They head for CAPTAIN JOE REESE, who is standing with his back to camera. He turns at the sound of Nick's voice. KNIGHT What's up, Cap? REESE Another coed was attacked, fortunately this time, our murdering perp was interrupted. PLATT Interrupted by whom? REESE More like a what.... KNIGHT Huh? REESE Some crazy kid, who fancies himself Dracula or something. I think you two should interview the girl, Laurie Tragel, she's over there. Reese indicates a police car, then he exits. ANGLE NICK; he's sniffing the air, what's up with that? Platt glares at his partner. PLATT Hey.....I showered. KNIGHT You sure? On Platt as Nick exits, we, CUT TO: INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE - NIGHT Natalie, now dressed is waiting, and Baltz walks in. BALTZ Well Nat, I'll push these blood tests through as quickly as I can. Something is wrong, and the sooner we find out what it is, the better. All of your lymph nodes are swollen, which indicates your body's attempt to fight off some kind of foreign invader. NATALIE Great..... BALTZ Don't worry. I'll call you in a day or so, and we'll take it from there. On Nat, we, CUT TO: CLOSE on the headlines of the Toronto Sun, as it is slapped down upon a desk. It reads: "Vampire Vindicator strikes again, Coed saved." WIDEN to REVEAL; INT. PRECINCT - NIGHT Platt and Knight are looking at the headlines that Platt has just thrown onto Nick's desk. PLATT Guy chased away our rapist. KNIGHT What makes you so sure it's the same perp who killed the girl last week? PLATT Same general area and M.O.; college girl walking home late at night, attacked by a guy..... (beat) In her statement, she said if this vampire guy hadn't come along, she'd have been dead meat. ANGLE NICK; vampire my ass. KNIGHT Yeah, well, this whole thing has been blown out of proportion. PLATT Oh yeah? How's that? KNIGHT Some college kid, with a warped sense of what's right, dresses up as a mythical creature of the night, and then risks his life, along with the victims he's trying to save. And for what? PLATT Hey, he was successful enough last night, although, he chased away our perp. KNIGHT Did the girl get a good look at him? PLATT Said he was really pale, wearin' a black cape, and had really big ugly teeth. ANGLE NICK; give me a break! KNIGHT Not the college boy playing vampire, Jeffrey. Did she get a look at the perp? PLATT No, but she thinks that big, bad and vampiric might have. Only trouble with that is, he isn't coming forward. KNIGHT That's what you get with a cheap imitation of the real thing.... ANGLE PLATT; what? JOSEPH, 20's good looking, enters, hands each of them a sheet. JOSEPH Next week's precinct schedule. KNIGHT Thanks Joseph. Joseph exits. ANGLE NICK; he sniffs the air and frowns slightly. PLATT Nice kid, puttin' himself through college by workin' here nights. Very enthusiastic. (smiles) And don't tell me you actually believe in the children of the night, Nick. KNIGHT (smiles) Of course not, I just meant, the kid's obviously seen one too many Bela Lugosi films. On Platt smiling, we, CUT TO: EXT. RAVEN - NIGHT Many people are going in and coming out of the Raven, and we, CUT TO; INT. RAVEN - NIGHT A lot of partying and dancing. Some people are celebrating Halloween a little early, or so it would appear. JANETTE DUCHARME is standing at the bar, sipping a glass of blood. MAURICE enters frame. MAURICE It would appear that they're all gearin' up for the impending holiday. JANETTE Yes, I anticipate a rather busy weekend. MAURICE Indeed, Miss Janette. We'll be ready. He moves off. LACROIX (O.C.) But the question always remains, why is such a dark occasion celebrated by the mortals? Janette smiles and turns to look at the smiling face of LUCIEN LACROIX. JANETTE You always seem to have the answers, mon cher, you tell me. An eyebrow raises in question. LACROIX My, my we are behaving rather prickly this evening, aren't we? JANETTE Non, I just wanted to know why you find it so distasteful. LACROIX I didn't say it was distasteful, Janette. On the contrary, it can occasionally be quite a little taste gala of an evening. All those little witches and ghosts and goblins out there for the taking. JANETTE And you don't even need a costume. Janette laughs, gets up and exits, leaving LaCroix glaring after her. CLOSE on MR. MARVIN HUNTER, 30's, nice looking. He is staring at LaCroix from across the bar, as though he had been able to hear everything that was just said. LaCroix can feel the stare, and he looks across the bar at Marvin. There is something sickeningly sweet about this man; too good to be true. If we didn't know better, we'd think that there was some kind of white light aura bubbling around him. LaCroix glares at the man; it is a very frosty and nasty glare. Instead of reacting in the expected manner, Marvin smiles sweetly at LaCroix, which causes the Ancient to glare even more, then finally look away. LaCroix almost shudders; there is just something so, so......*good* about this man. What is he doing *here*? LaCroix nods his head at Maurice, and the Irishman heads over. MAURICE What can I getcha boss? LACROIX (indicates Hunter) That man over there...who is he? Maurice follows LaCroix' icy glare, then turns back to face LaCroix. MAURICE Man, what man? LACROIX The fellow right-- LaCroix cuts himself off, the man is no longer there. LACROIX (CONT) Never mind, Maurice. On Marvin standing behind LaCroix, smiling, we, CUT TO: EXT. UofT - NIGHT Establishing stock of time and place, and we, CUT TO: INT. UNIVERSITY PUB - NIGHT Nick and Platt enter into the hustle and bustle of the very active pub. Students are gathered in different areas of the room, involved in different crowds. Chad is wearing a hockey team jacket and seems to be the life of the party. The two detectives look around. Nick spots a few female coeds, taps Platt, and they walk toward them. As they approach the women, they flash their badges. KNIGHT Hi, I'm Detective Knight, this is Detective Platt. Can we ask you a few questions about Laurie Tragel? GIRL #1 The girl who was attacked the other night? PLATT Yes. Do any of you know her? GIRL #2 She's in the same dorm as me. PLATT Great, does she strike you as I don't know, on the level? The girl shrugs. GIRL #2 I guess. Platt and Nick exchange a look, this is not so great. Joseph is watching the two detectives from across the room. He quickly exits. KNIGHT How about the murder victim from last week, Gayle Hewlett? GIRL #1 Didn't know her, but I heard she got around. PLATT Got around? GIRL #1 Yeah, you know, with the guys... KNIGHT What about this guy who shows up to save people? GIRL #3 The Vampire Vindicator? The three girls laugh, Nick looks irritated. PLATT Yeah. Anybody know who he is, really? GIRL #1 Count Dracula? They giggle again. On Platt and Nick, irritated, we, CUT TO: INT. SOUNDBOOTH - NIGHT LaCroix is sitting in front of his console, grinning evilly as he delivers his monologue. LACROIX The subject that seems to be on everyone's mind tonight, mes amis, is that of All Hallow's Eve, or Hallow Even, as I prefer to call it. (beat) Hallow Even, my children, originated as Celtic New Year's Eve, the eve of Samhain, or Winter's Eve, if you will. A time when the dead returned to roam the earth with all manner of other powerful spirits. The bonfires that were once burned on Hallow's Eve, to ward off these evil spirits, are now lit, at least in England, on November 5th, in celebration of the dreaded Guy Fawkes..... (beat) And how is it that it came to be such a popular holiday in our modern times? Simple. The Church adopted November 1st as the feast of All Saints or All Hallows, in an attempt to Christianize the pagan festival. The last evening of October was then transformed into the Eve of All Saints, or All Hallow Even, which over time, has been shortened to Halloween. The Christians would have us believe that it all has to do with the saving of the souls of the recently departed. Rubbish. There is no such thing as a soul, alive or dead. Indeed, the word "Hallow" means to honour the holy; but I ask you, if humans did have a soul, would it be holy? I think not. It's a large pile of rubbish waiting to be swept up from the streets like so much other Pablum force fed to us by entites like organized religion. (beat) A pitiful attempt by the Christians to undo the original concept of the festival, which was to bring to life for one night, the dead among us. I offer to you, my gentle listeners, that tomorrow night, when you intone the phrase "Happy Halloween", do so in honour of spirits eternal.... LaCroix giggles evilly, as he hits a button on his console. No sooner has he gone off air, he catches his breath and looks out the window of his soundbooth. LC's POV; Marvin Hunter, standing in the hallway, arms folded across his chest, smiling benevolently through the glass at LaCroix. ANGLE LACROIX; he is incensed. How *dare* this mortal invade his space in such a manner. LaCroix stands up, glaring, and walks to the door, he opens it, expecting to find Hunter there, but LC's POV; a very empty hallway. Ewww. On LaCroix, we, CUT TO: INT. MORGUE - NIGHT Natalie, instead of doing work, is sitting at her desk, more or less staring at the walls. She's worried. Nick enters, and Nat quickly tries to look busy. He smiles at her in greeting. KNIGHT Hey Nat.... NATALIE Hi Nick. KNIGHT I was wondering what you were doing tomorrow night. NATALIE For Halloween, you mean? KNIGHT Yeah. NATALIE Hadn't really thought about it, I guess. KNIGHT How about coming over and watching some videos, in honour of the re- construction of my loft being finished? NATALIE Don't you have some kind of party to go to at The Raven? KNIGHT I don't really like to celebrate this holiday. NATALIE What's the matter, don't like all the spooks and goblins? Or is it the witches and vampires that really scare you? Nick flashes gold eyes and fangs at her. She glares. KNIGHT At least I wouldn't need a costume. NATALIE Ha, ha. He looks at her; she seems out of sorts or something. KNIGHT Nat, is something wrong? NATALIE No, of course not, why? KNIGHT I don't know, you just seem kind of down. NATALIE Is there going to be a party at the Raven? KNIGHT I suppose so. NATALIE Why don't we go then? KNIGHT You want to go to the Raven? (beat) LaCroix will be there.... NATALIE Now there's a guy who *really* doesn't need a costume. Nick laughs slightly in spite of himself. KNIGHT Listen, about the Hewlett case, can you do me a favour and check the body for traces of cologne on it? NATALIE I don't know that there would be any residue left now, why is her perfume important? KNIGHT Not hers, his, if there is any. (off a look) I could smell it at the attempted rape scene. It might wind up being a clue. NATALIE I'll give it a try. Nick smiles and kisses her cheek. She feels warm. He frowns and puts a hand on her forehead. KNIGHT You sure you're okay? You feel warm. NATALIE Everyone feels warm to you, Nick. (off a look) I'm fine, really. Don't forget to find a costume for tomorrow. He starts out, smiling. KNIGHT Thought I didn't need one..... He exits. NATALIE One of us does. On Nat, we, CUT TO: INT. LC'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT LaCroix is standing by the fireplace, which is lit, he is leaning on the mantle, glass in hand. He is thinking. He feels something nearby. Something....purely good. It gives him the willies. He frowns and looks, but no, there is nothing there. He shakes his head at himself, downs the rest of his glass, just as Janette enters. She enters the room and stops almost immediately, frowning. LaCroix stares at her. LACROIX Janette? Is something wrong? JANETTE I do not know. I thought I felt.... something. LACROIX A presence? JANETTE Yes, you felt it as well? LACROIX Yes. Something sickeningly.....light. JANETTE Oui. Something inherently....good. They share a really disgusted and disturbed look. LACROIX I'm sure it is nothing. He kisses her cheek. LACROIX (CONT) Care to join me for a walk? She smiles at him. JANETTE More like a reconnaissance, you mean? LACROIX Well, we need to know who has been naughty, and who's been nice before tomorrow night. JANETTE What will you dress up as at the party? LACROIX I do not dress up, Janette. I'm going as myself..... They smile, he offers her his arm, and on their exit, we, FADE OUT: END ACT ONE ACT TWO FADE IN: EXT. UofT ST GEORGES CAMPUS - NIGHT SUSAN leaves the library quite alone. She is carrying several books under her arm. She quickly makes her way toward the far parking lot. As she juggles the books under her arms, and reaches for her car keys, she is attacked by Chad from behind. He slams her into her own car, the books go flying. He throws her to the ground, and is about to do his worst, when the Vampire Vindicator attacks him from behind. CHAD Man....not you again... Chad pulls a knife and smiles. CHAD (CONT) I'm ready for you this time. The Vindicator sees the knife and laughs. VINDICATOR I am afraid that such mortal trinkets have no effect on me. CHAD We'll see.... Chad starts to swipe at the heavily make-up wearin' vamp. He dodges, until he misses, and Chad gets him deeply in the arm. There are screams and noises coming from not too far off. Chad looks in the direction of the noise. As he turns back, The Vindicator takes a hard swing, and lands a solid punch in the face of Chad, who is slightly stunned. The Vindicator grabs Chad and put the fake bite on him again. CHAD (CONT) Get the hell away from me, you fruitcake. Chad takes off, and we see security approaching. The Vindicator, cradling his arm, kisses Susan. VINDICATOR Until next we meet, my darling... He starts off. SUSAN Wait...who are you? VINDICATOR I am.........a friend. He takes off into the shadows. Security arrives in time to find Susan staring off, dreamy eyed. On this, we, CUT TO: INT. LC'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Marvin is walking around LaCroix' living room, touching objects. He still has that annoying aura of white around him. He is still wearing the benevolent smile. He picks up a wine body, opens it and sniffs. Ewww.....blood. He makes a slight face, pulls out a notepad, scribbles on it, then puts it a way. He shakes his head. On this, we, CUT TO: INT. PRECINCT - NIGHT Reese, Platt and Knight have Susan in the interrogation room, trying to interview her. PLATT Can you remember anything else about him? SUSAN He's very tall, has dreamy red eyes-- KNIGHT --Uh, no, no, Susan, I think my partner meant your attacker. SUSAN Oh, no....I really didn't get a good look at him. Like I told you, he attacked me from behind. But that luscious guy in the cape.... Platt and Reese exchange an amused glance. Knight looks anything but amused. KNIGHT What were you doing leaving the library so late? It closes at eleven. SUSAN I work there....I had a lot to do, and I lost track of the time. REESE Susan, we found blood at the scene, do you remember scratching your attacker, hitting him with anything? SUSAN No....I don't think so. They exchange another look, no help here. REESE Excuse us a moment... Reese nods, and he, Platt and Knight exit into, INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS REESE See that she gets home safely. I don't think we're gonna get any more from her than we have out of any of the others. Joseph comes by, his arm bandaged around the middle. JOSEPH Anybody need coffee? I just made a fresh pot. PLATT I'll definitely jump on that grenade. KNIGHT Joseph...what happened to your arm? JOSEPH Oh, cut it by accident. No biggie. Joseph exits. On Nick, we, CUT TO: INT. LC'S LIVING ROOM - DAWN Janette and LaCroix enter. JANETTE It was such a lovely evening. LACROIX Yes, and with such promise for things to come..... They smile at each other. Janette kisses him seductively. JANETTE I am going to bed, mon cher. I will see you tonight. LACROIX Indeed. Janette exits. LaCroix watches her go, appreciatively. Then he frowns. He feels that "nice" presence again. He looks around, nothing. He walks to the bar and pulls out a glass. He picks up the wine bottle that Marvin had handled earlier, and he drops it like a hot cake, his hand smoking slightly. The bottle smashes to the floor. LaCroix is dumbfounded. Janette enters quickly. JANETTE LaCroix? What is it? He looks at his slightly burnt hand. LACROIX That was very odd. I touched that bottle and it burned my hand. Janette frowns; impossible. She examines his still smoking hand. They hold a look. JANETTE I will get a dustpan to pick up the glass. LACROIX Whatever you do, don't touch it. She exits. He warily eyes the remaining bottles on the bar. Tentatively he reaches for another, touching it lightly. When nothing happens, he grasps it and pours himself a glass, which he downs almost immediately. On the remains of the bottle, we, CUT TO: INT. NATALIE'S APARTMENT - DAY Natalie is sitting on the couch, watching t.v. She obviously cannot sleep. Her phone RINGS. BALTZ (V.O.) Natalie, this is Anne.... NATALIE Uh-oh, if you're calling me at home on a Saturday morning, it can't be good. BALTZ (V.O.) I'm afraid I need to see you. Can you come down here? NATALIE Now? BALTZ (V.O.) Yeah. NATALIE Okay. See in you about thirty minutes. Nat hangs up the phone and lets out a long sigh of air. This isn't good. On Nat, we, CUT TO: INT. NICK'S LOFT - DAY Nick is walking around his newly restored loft, fingering *everything*. Much of the decor is new, though still in the same old style and taste; leather couch and chair, sparsely decorated really. In the alcove, a painting easel, paints and canvases. A black grand piano in the corner. He smiles. It's good to be back home. Nick goes to the refrigerator, pulls out a bottle, and takes it over to the couch. He sinks into his leather couch, and takes a big swig from the bottle. Hmmm....moo.... Now, what to be at the party tonight.... On Nick, we, CUT TO: INT. LC'S BEDROOM - DAY LaCroix is sleeping the sleep of the undead. Or so he thinks. We ZOOM on LaCroix as he sleeps. A wind kicks up in his room, but no windows are open. It picks up speed, lifting papers off his desk, and knocking over items that are not very heavey. LaCroix' eyes snap open, and he sees the whirling dervish in his room. He frowns. He sits up and Marvin Hunter appears, a la Jacob Marley, doing his very best to look scary. LaCroix just stares at him: You have *got* to be kidding. After a few of his best groans and moans, Hunter stops and looks at LaCroix, who is just staring, utterly unimpressed. HUNTER Not scary enough? LACROIX My dear man, that wouldn't scare my ninety-year-old grandmother, if I had one. Hunter frowns. HUNTER Oh. LACROIX Yes, oh. (beat) What is the meaning of this intrusion, and just who the hell are you? HUNTER Hell has nothing to do with this, Mr. LaCroix, of that I can assure you. LACROIX Really. So this rather dreadful Jacob Marley impression was merely an..... aberration? Hunter smiles that really annoying benevolent smile again. HUNTER Sorry about that. It isn't my usual schtick, I promise you. It's just, given who you are and all, well, I thought it might help. Little mis- calculation. LACROIX You did not answer my question. Who are you? HUNTER The name's Marvin Hunter, and I'm an angel by trade. ANGLE LACROIX; oh, puh-leeze. LACROIX I must have consumed a bad bottle of blood to be hallucinating this.... Hunter moves in closer. HUNTER But you're not hallucinating. I'm really here, and I really am a spirit. LACROIX This is not an episode of Touched by an Angel, Mr. Hunter. And I am most certainly not in need of whatever it is you are selling. LaCroix rolls over to go back to sleep. Hunter leans in, getting right into LaCroix' face. HUNTER Boo! In response, LaCroix vamps out and snarls in Hunter's face, causing him to fall backward, landing on his ass. HUNTER (CONT) (flustered) How...how...how dare you. LaCroix laughs. LACROIX Go away, will you? Hunter gets up slowly, rubbing his rear, and he glares at LaCroix. HUNTER I'd love nothing better than to just disappear into the ethers, Mr. LaCroix, but I'm afraid I have a job to do here. LaCroix moans, and pulls the pillow over his head, trying to block out Hunter's voice. HUNTER (CONT) You have been a curmudgeon for far too many centuries of your immortal life. When was the last time you had fun? LaCroix yanks the pillow off of his own face. LACROIX Fun? FUN? Don't be daft. HUNTER You're gonna be a harder nut to crack than I thought. LaCroix stands up, vamped out and takes a few menacing steps toward Hunter. LACROIX And you are going to be a meal very shortly, Mr. Hunter. LaCroix advances toward Hunter, preparing to strike. Hunter just stands there, smiling. LaCroix glares, grabs the man, pulls his head into position, snarls and strikes. No sooner does he draw on the man's blood, he pulls away, spitting and choking violently. Hunter calmly looks at the Ancient. HUNTER Now, if you're done with these silly pranks of yours, let's get down to business. LACROIX Yours has to be the most putrid blood I have ever had the misfortune to taste. HUNTER On the contrary, mine is the most pure blood you've ever tasted. Are you ready to test out the theories that you were so gleefully spouting to your radio audience last night? Aren't you curious as to your own fate after your time on this earth, Mr. LaCroix? LACROIX After my time? I'm an immortal, you lascivious troll; there is no such thing as 'after my time'. HUNTER We'll see.... Hunter grabs a hold of LaCroix by the arm. LaCroix glares as we, CUT TO: EXT. ROMAN BATTLEFIELD 68 A.D.- DAY LaCroix and Hunter appear in the middle of a Roman Battlefield. They are not seen by any of the fighting men. LaCroix quickly averts his eyes, which are not used to the brightness of the sun. Then he realizes that he's in the sun, and not smoldering. LACROIX What is the meaning of this trickery? HUNTER The sun will not harm you here. Be quiet and watch. General Lucius leads the troops in battle. Many lie dead or dying on the ground. Blood everywhere. Lucius lets out a battle cry, as he hefts his weapon, plunging it into the heart of an opposing young SOLDIER. Lucius doesn't quite finish the job, and the man is still alive, coughing and sputtering his own blood. Lucius smiles. LUCIUS That is for the Roman women you may have touched. Die a slow death. Lucius spits on his enemy, and leaves him, moving on to the next. The dying man looks directly at LaCroix, which is slightly unsettling even for the Ancient. Then he speaks to him. SOLDIER Why didn't you just kill me? I laid there for two days before I finally died. I never raped a Roman woman. I had never yet been with a woman.... LaCroix looks at the man. LACROIX I did what had to be done. What was required of me in battle. SOLDIER What was required was for you to kill me, not to torture me by leaving me half dead.... LaCroix turns and glares at Hunter. LACROIX This is Ancient History, my dear Mr. Hunter. What of it? Hunter sighs, and grabs LaCroix by the arm again, and we, CUT TO: INT. SELENE'S HOUSE 72 A.D. - DAY LaCroix and Hunter appear, to find Selene is playing with Divia, who is laughing and giggling. Again, the two apparitions are not seen. LaCroix smiles at his child. This is not lost on Hunter. HUNTER The first time in your life that you loved, unconditionally. LaCroix glares. LACROIX What of it? HUNTER Do you believe that she has no soul? ANGLE LACROIX; he is not taking kindly to this kind of tact. LACROIX I would suggest, Mr. Hunter, that you return me to my bed, if you wish to survive this day. Hunter laughs. HUNTER You still don't get it, do you? On LaCroix, we, CUT TO: INT. RAVEN 1996 - NIGHT LaCroix and Hunter appear to find Divia lying on the floor, staked. Nick is holding LaCroix. DIVIA Father.... LaCroix tries to go to her, but Nick restrains him. LACROIX Divia... KNIGHT No.... DIVIA Father....please don't let me die. LACROIX Divia... He tries to break away, but Nick holds him, fast. KNIGHT NO. ANGLE PRESENT LACROIX; He is fighting back the emotions of the moment. He sneers in the direction of Hunter. LACROIX And this kind of emotional pain is in the service of your god? HUNTER You are a being who claims that there are no souls; that there is no love in the world. (beat) That is not what I see in your eyes now. LaCroix glares, as Hunter grabs him again, and we, CUT TO: EXT. GARDEN 1228 - NIGHT LaCroix and Hunter enter to find LaCroix kissing Fleur. Present LaCroix looks away. LACROIX (to Hunter) Enough. I do not wish to see any more of my past. I am well aware of every detail of it. I do not need your help to remember. Nicholas separates Fleur and LaCroix, and LaCroix must let her go. Present LaCroix turns his back on the scene, he cannot beare to watch. Hunter gently touches his shoulder and LaCroix growls at him. HUNTER That is twice that you have loved unconditionally. And twice that you have loved enough to let go. Two souls that you have released into heaven. LaCroix turns, sneering. LACROIX There is no such thing as heaven. And if your god does exist, what kind of god is it, that can inflict such endless pain in the name of love? HUNTER I think it's time we view the present. And we, CUT TO: INT. JANETTE'S BEDROOM - DAY Janette is sound asleep, blissfully unaware of the intruders. LaCroix and Hunter watch her. HUNTER Do you love her? LaCroix glares. HUNTER (CONT) Do you? LACROIX What difference does it make? HUNTER What is this problem you have with answering questions directly? Have you always been like this? LaCroix just stares at him. LACROIX Go to hell. HUNTER I thought such places didn't exist. It frightens you doesn't it? (off a sharp look) The possibility that there may be a hell. On LaCroix, we, FADE OUT: END ACT TWO ACT THREE FADE IN: INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY Natalie and Anne are in the latter's office. NATALIE Get on with it, Anne, I can't stand the suspense. BALTZ Natalie, your blood work up revealed an abnormal white cell count. ANGLE NATALIE; oh, my god. NATALIE Hence, the swollen lymph nodes. BALTZ There's also an elevated billirubin count. NATALIE Liver cancer? Are you telling me you suspect liver cancer? BALTZ You know as well as I do, we need to get a tissue sample before we're sure. NATALIE When? BALTZ I can set the tissue sample up for right now. NATALIE Great. BALTZ I'll do it myself. NATALIE Thanks, Anne, I'd appreciate that. Natalie and Anne stand up, preparing to go to it. BALTZ Is there anybody you want to call first? Nat thinks for a moment. NATALIE No. Let's just do this and get it over with. On their exit, we, CUT TO: INT. NICK'S LOFT - DAY LaCroix and Hunter appear, to find Nick sound asleep on his couch. LaCroix looks at his son's peaceful face, and has to make a conscious effort to not smile. Hunter looks at LaCroix. HUNTER Well? LACROIX Well, what? HUNTER He is your son, is he not? LACROIX I am very tired of these games, Hunter. Get to the point. HUNTER Do you love him? LaCroix turns on Hunter and growls at him. LACROIX What do you think? HUNTER You just can't bring yourself to say the words, can you? LaCroix has had it. He goes and plops down in the leather chair. HUNTER (CONT) Oh, what's the matter, not going to play anymore? Hunter's ever benevolent smile disappears and is replaced by something much more frightening, as his appearance changes into that of an Enforcer. LaCroix stares at him in fascination. LACROIX Well, well, this is indeed a surprise. What other little fun and games do you have in store for me? Hunter grabs a hold of LaCroix and yanks him easily from the chair, slightly startling the Ancient. Hunter looks like a vamped out Enforcer now. HUNTER You only seem to respect power and brutality. So be it. Hunter flings LaCroix into the mantle. His head cracks the marble with a sickening sound. LaCroix lands on the floor in a heap, shakes his head, and feels the blood trickle down his neck. Slowly, he stands. LACROIX What do you want? HUNTER Answer the question. LaCroix looks over at his peacefully sleeping progeny. LACROIX (snaps) Yes, I love him. What of it? Hunter smiles, grabs LaCroix, and on their exit, we, CUT TO: INT. LAB - DAY CLOSE on a very large needle that is about to enter Natalie's abdomen. Nat is in a gown and lying on a table. Baltz has the needle poised. NATALIE Oh, are you sure we have to do this? BALTZ Nat, you know we do. NATALIE I was afraid you'd say that. (beat) Of course, on the bright side, I guess I could go as a pin cushion to the party tonight.... On Natalie, we, CUT TO: INT. COLLEGE LAUNDRY ROOM - DAY Joseph is putting his clothes in a dryer. Chad enters, carrying his basket of dirties. The two men stare at each other strangely as Chad walks by slowly. It's as if they recognize each other. Chad goes to a washing machine and tosses his clothes in. Yes, he mixes blacks with whites, what does he know? Chad and Joseph are still warily eying each other. After Chad loads the washing machine, he walks over to where Joseph is folding his dry clothes. Chad sticks his hand out. CHAD Chad Walker, have we met before? Joseph reluctantly shakes the hand. JOSEPH Joseph D'Amato. No, I don't think we've met. Chad studies Joseph. CHAD Damn you sure look familiar. Joseph shies away from Chad. JOSEPH I really don't think we've met. CHAD It'll come back to me sooner or later.... Chad exits. On Joseph, worrying, we, CUT TO: INT. NATALIE'S APARTMENT - DAY Natalie is sitting on the couch, crying tears of fear, clutching Sydney to her. LaCroix and Hunter appear, and of course, she cannot see them. LaCroix glares icicles at Hunter. LACROIX Why are we here? HUNTER Is she not part of your present? LACROIX (sneering) Only indirectly, because of my son. And why do insist on asking questions for which you already know the answers? HUNTER Because I like making you squirm. LaCroix bristles. LACROIX I most certainly do not squirm. Natalie's crying increases. LaCroix stares at her, his stoic mask firmly in place. Hunter studies LaCroix for a moment and shakes his head. HUNTER (re; the crying) Aren't you even going to ask? LACROIX No. HUNTER Ever the stoic tough guy, aren't you? (off a glare) All right, I'll tell you. She is quite afraid that she is about to be diagnosed with cancer. ANGLE LACROIX; his face remains very even, but his eyes flicker with concern for the briefest of moments - whether the concern is for Natalie or Nick when he finds out, we don't know. LaCroix then looks at the crying mortal, and then back at Hunter. LACROIX Mortals die all the time. That is what they do. HUNTER This mortal has covered for your Community; she even saved all of you a few years ago. You have no compassion for her, even out of a sense of debt? LACROIX Any sense of debt has been paid, solely in the fact that I have allowed her to continue living, Hunter. HUNTER So let's see if I have it all straight. (beat) You do not feel love, because it is a worthless, mortal emotion; the mortals are not significant enough for you to experience so much as a passing pang, even for one who has helped you and your Community. You do not believe in the existence of a higher power, because you have your own little god complex going; and best of all, you feel no remorse for any of the wicked or cruel acts you have committed in the past two thousand years.....Did I leave anything out? LACROIX Just one. (off a look) I do not wish to waste my time with you any further. Hunter smiles. HUNTER Ah, but we are not quite finished, you and I. I have yet to show you what the future holds. LACROIX It matters not; I will continue to survive. Hunter just smiles, and as they start to exit, LaCroix sneaks a little look at Natalie, who has now curled up in a sad little ball. There is some emotion on his face, but it's hard to tell why it's there. On Nat, we, CUT TO: EXT. LAUNDRY FACILITY - DAY Joseph exits the building with laundry in hand. Chad watches from a discreet distance, and follows Joseph. We FOLLOW them across a path and to a dorm, where Joseph enters. CHAD Well my little fanged friend, they'll be no more interference from you... On Chad, smiling, we, CUT TO: INT. MORGUE IN THE FUTURE - NIGHT DR. WALLACE GREYSTONE, 40's, bookwormish, is working in the lab. LaCroix and Hunter appear. LaCroix puts his most bored look on. Nick enters, with Platt in tow; Nick looks completely broken apart. LaCroix frowns when he sees his son, and takes a step toward him, but Hunter holds his arm. HUNTER Ah, ah, ah.....no interference. Nick walks into the room, and he and Greystone hold a look. GREYSTONE Detective Knight, you shouldn't be here. KNIGHT I want to know if you've finished your report. GREYSTONE (gently) No, not yet. Frankly, I haven't begun the autopsy yet. (off a glare) This isn't easy for me, either, Detective. KNIGHT I know, I'm sorry. Nick looks toward the autopsy table, and the figure covered by the sheet. He walks over to it. Platt and Greystone hold a look. PLATT Nick, come on, let's go. You shouldn't be here. Captain told you to go home. Nick ignores him, and puts his hand on the sheet. Greystone grabs his hand, holding him off. GREYSTONE Detective, don't..... KNIGHT (emotionally charged) I have to see her.... Nick pulls the sheet back, to REVEAL NATALIE, quite dead. ANGLE NICK; he breaks down into tears at the sight. Jeffrey takes a hold of Nick and pulls him away. ANGLE LACROIX; it tears at him to see his son so hurt. He glares at Hunter. LACROIX What is the point of this? HUNTER So that you can see the effects of your actions. LACROIX My actions? I have nothing to do with Dr. Lambert becoming ill. HUNTER No, you don't, but you have everything to do with why she will take her own life. LACROIX What do you mean? HUNTER After you explain to her, in your cold matter of fact way that Nicholas does not love her enough to bring her across, she slashes her wrists. LACROIX Don't be ridiculous. HUNTER See for yourself. LaCroix glares, but walks over to the table. Slowly, almost gingerly, he picks up one of Nat's wrists and it is indeed slashed open. LACROIX I would not have become involved. HUNTER She comes to you..... LACROIX And Nicholas? HUNTER Come on, I'll show you. On their exit, we, CUT TO: INT. NICK'S LOFT IN THE FUTURE - PREDAWN Nick sits, drinking a bottle of blood. He is unkempt, unshaven, a mess, just like his loft. His blinds are open, and we can see that dawn will be coming soon. LaCroix and Hunter appear, and a second later, a future LaCroix appears. LACROIX Nicholas, what are you doing? KNIGHT Get out. LACROIX Are you still pining away for your damned mortal? She's dead, Nicholas. There is nothing to be done. KNIGHT Yes, thanks to you. LACROIX Don't be daft, I had nothing to do with Dr. Lambert's self-inflicted demise. KNIGHT It was because of what you said to her; and because of my inaction to save her. Nick stands and walks toward the window, the sun is starting to rise. LACROIX Nicholas, get away from the window, and close the blinds. KNIGHT No. LACROIX What? KNIGHT I can't live without her. I don't want to; not with knowledge that I could have saved her. The sun begins to hit Nick, and he starts to smoke slightly. LACROIX Get away from the window, Nicholas. LaCroix walks over and tries to pull Nick away. Nick snarls and throws LaCroix back. KNIGHT No. I chose this, LaCroix. And you can live with the knowledge that I do it because of what you did, and because I hate you. LaCroix starts to go into the light, but it burns him too much. Nicholas is disintegrating. LaCroix falls to his knees as Nick disappears. ANGLE PRESENT LACROIX; his eyes are filled with tears. He is so stunned, he can say nothing. Hunter grabs him and on their exit, we, CUT TO: INT. RAVEN OF FUTURE - NIGHT LaCroix and Hunter enter to find the place dismantled. Janette is sitting on a rather large trunk, filled with her personal belongings. Our future LaCroix enters, and he looks haggard. Janette glares at him icily. LACROIX Janette? What are you doing? JANETTE I am leaving you, obviously. LACROIX What? JANETTE I can no longer stand to be around you. Ever since Nicolas....well, you have been impossible. She stands and begins putting on her gloves. A man enters, and collects her trunk. LaCroix just watches, dumbfounded. JANETTE (CONT) You are a hateful and cruel being, LaCroix, and I am finished. Do not look at me like that; this is of your own making. Janette bristles past him, and he touches her sleeve. LACROIX Janette.....? He looks pitiful; Janette just glares. JANETTE Good bye, LaCroix. She exits. The LaCroix of the future walks over to a barstool and sits on it. His worst fear, the one he hides behind his stoic mask and his aloof persona, has come true. He is completely and utterly alone. ANGLE LACROIX OF THE PRESENT; a tinge of fear hits his face. Before the LaCroix of the present can say anything though, Hunter has grabbed him and, we, CUT TO: INT. LACROIX' BEDROOM - DUSK LACROIX You don't expect me to actually believe any of this, do you? HUNTER You can believe whatever you choose. My job is finished. I was to show you what the future holds. LACROIX You showed me one possible outcome of a future. HUNTER Well, it's certainly true that it doesn't have to end up that way.... That's up to you. Don't blow it with your pompous arrogance, you old Roman artifact. Hunter disappears. LaCroix glares. On LaCroix, we, DISSOLVE TO: INT. LACROIX' BEDROOM - DUSK LaCroix is tossing in his sleep. Janette is sitting on the edge of the bed, trying to rouse him. JANETTE LaCroix....wake up. He suddenly sits up, breathing heavily, fear in his eyes for an instant, before he gets it under control. His forehead is beaded with sweat. He looks at Janette, who looks at him curiously. JANETTE (CONT) Are you okay? He nods, his breathing calming down. He looks around; everything normal. Obviously a nasty nightmare. He looks at Janette again, and in a surprise move, takes her into his arms. Janette is a little taken aback at the sudden demonstrative embrace, but she allows it. JANETTE (CONT) That must have been some dream. He pulls her closer. LACROIX More like a living nightmare..... She pulls away from him and look at him. JANETTE (teasing) Halloween getting to you, mon amour? He smiles at her. LACROIX Obviously. She gently wipes away the perspiration on his brow. JANETTE And, have you decided what you will go as tonight? LACROIX Janette, I told you, I will not participate in such a silly mortal ritual. Besides.... He smiles, flashes his eyes and fangs at her. LACROIX (CONT) I hardly think I need a costume... Janette smiles and shakes her head. She starts to get up, but LaCroix holds her hand, pulling her toward him. She looks at him quizzically for a moment, but then he pulls her face toward his, and kisses her deeply. On this, we, FADE OUT: END ACT THREE ACT FOUR FADE IN: INT. JOSEPH'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT Joseph is putting on his make-up and his Vampire Vindicator garb. He picks up a bottle of Aramus and splashes it around his neck. His door flies open and Chad enters, smiling. Joseph glares at him. JOSEPH What the hell are you doing in here? CHAD You're not so brave without your toy teeth, are you? JOSEPH Get out of here.... CHAD I don't think so. I think you've screwed me up one too many times, and now you're gonna pay for it.... Chad produces a gun. CHAD (CONT) Besides, you can identify me, and I can't have that.... Joseph is backed into the corner, off this, we, CUT TO: INT. PRECINCT - NIGHT Platt is at his desk, Nick enters. PLATT Hey, I thought you had tonight off? KNIGHT I do....I just have an odd feeling about this whole vampire vindicator business. (off a look) Well, what better night for him to be out and about....I thought before I met up with Nat, maybe I should go pay another visit to the campus pub. PLATT What are you going to find there? KNIGHT This is probably going to sound nuts, Jeffrey, but the cologne.... PLATT Cologne? KNIGHT Yeah, I smelled it at the crime scene, and on some of the victims. PLATT You want to catch the perp by smelling his cologne? KNIGHT Not the perp; our would be hero, I think. Remember, he can identify the perp. I know it's a long shot, but I might get lucky. Platt looks at Nick as though he's crazy. He tosses Nick a jacket. KNIGHT (CONT) What's this? PLATT Joseph's jacket, he left it here. Thought, as long as you're going there.... KNIGHT I could drop it off...yeah, right. Nick picks up the jacket and his smile quickly disappears. PLATT What? The nickel drops for Nick. He sniffs the jacket. KNIGHT This is it; this is the cologne. The two men hold a look. PLATT Oh man, let's get this kid before he gets himself killed or something... Off their exit, we, CUT TO: INT. JOSEPH'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT CHAD Sit down at your desk. I want you to write a little note. JOSEPH What? CHAD A little note explaining why you're going to kill yourself. JOSEPH No.... CHAD Do it, or I'll blow your head off right now. JOSEPH You're going to do it anyway. CHAD Yeah, but if you do what I tell you, I'll do it less painfully. Now sit down and confess. JOSEPH Confess? (nickel drops) No way....I'm not confessing to what you've done. The hockey superstar who has to rape and kill women-- Chad hits Joseph across the face with the pistol. CHAD Shut up, and write. Joseph gets up slowly and sits down at his desk. Chad holds the gun to his head. CHAD (CONT) Write.... On this, we, CUT TO: EXT. CAMPUS - NIGHT Nick and Platt get out of Platt's car. PLATT I'll check the pub. KNIGHT Fine, I'll take the dorm. They head off in different directions. Off this, we, CUT TO: EXT. DORM - NIGHT Nick is walking up the front steps with Joseph's jacket, when he hears the following with his vampiric hearing: CHAD (V.O.) Give me the note. JOSEPH (V.O.) Go to hell. CHAD (V.O.) Give me the note, or I'll shoot right now... Nick takes off with vampiric speed, and we, CUT TO: INT. JOSEPH'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT Joseph is standing, and Chad is about to shoot, when Knight breaks through the door, Chad turns, shoots at Knight, who snarls at him, vamped out. He grabs Chad and disarms him, slugging him across the face, knocking him out. Joseph stares at Nick, who reverts and looks at Joseph. JOSEPH You're....you're.....real. KNIGHT Afraid so, fangs and all, Joseph. JOSEPH Wow. This is so cool..... KNIGHT Are you all right? JOSEPH I'm fine, thanks to you. KNIGHT Who is this kid? JOSEPH He's the one who's been attacking the women on campus. His name's Chad Wilcox. KNIGHT He killed his first victim, Joseph. Why didn't you come to us? JOSEPH I wanted to...but there would have been only one way I could have known... KNIGHT But he killed an innocent girl. JOSEPH I know, I was trying to figure out a way to catch him, without losing the identity of the Vampire Vindicator. KNIGHT A dangerous thing to do.....and Joseph.. We hear a HEARTBEAT. JOSEPH Yes? KNIGHT Look at me. There are no such things as vampires. I came in and disarmed Chad Wilcox in an ordinary way. Vampires do not exist. And you will never dress up as a vampire again. JOSEPH No more vampires... Nick lets go of his control, and Joseph blinks. Platt enters PLATT What, I missed all the fun? KNIGHT You could say that. JOSEPH Do we have to go and book him? KNIGHT Yes, and we'll need your statement, which means you'll have to cough up your anonymity. JOSEPH That's okay. It was time to retire that old thing anyway. PLATT I've got it Nick, if you want to go meet up with Natalie. Nick looks at his watch. KNIGHT Yeah, I'm already late. Thanks, Jeffrey. On Platt smiling, we, CUT TO: INT. NATALIE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT Nat is dressed as Mina Harker; complete with 19th century gown, hair and shoes. Her door bell RINGS and she opens the door. She giggles as she looks at Nick. NATALIE's POV; Nick dressed as Count Dracula. She giggles some more. Nick looks irritated as he walks in. KNIGHT It's bad enough that I let you talk me into this, do you have to laugh at me? NATALIE I'm sorry...really, I am. KNIGHT No you're not. Natalie busts up. NATALIE No, I'm not. You look ridiculous. Nick takes off the nasty cape. KNIGHT That's it. I'm not going. NATALIE Come on, can't you take a joke? KNIGHT This isn't funny, Nat. NATALIE Yeah it is. Oh, I bought something for you. She hands him a pair of fake fangs. KNIGHT Ha, ha. He suddenly smiles, looks at her and vamps out, hissing. She jumps. NATALIE Stop that! KNIGHT Costume's not so funny now, is it? NATALIE You're just afraid of what LaCroix will say, aren't you? KNIGHT Among others.... He looks at her; she looks beautiful, but slightly tired. He frowns. KNIGHT (CONT) Nat, are you okay? NATALIE Of course, why? KNIGHT Don't get me wrong, you look just beautiful...but, you also look tired. NATALIE I'm fine. Let's go.... He frowns; she's not being honest with him, and he can feel it. However, he holds his arm out to her, and on their exit, we, INTERCUT: INT. SOUNDBOOTH/NICK'S CAR - NIGHT Nick and Nat are on their way to the Raven, and the Nightcrawler is on. LaCroix is in his soundbooth, purring into the microphone. LACROIX Secrets and lies, gentle listener. ANGLE NAT; how dare he.... LACROIX (CONT) What is it in human nature that makes us want to hold back? Fear, I should think. A secret is no more safe than the person who holds it, mes amis. We only fool ourselves into thinking that there is safety in our silence. But, eventually, that very silence eats into our hearts and minds, causing a rift with the very ones we are trying to protect. Nat glares again. Nick notices her glare. KNIGHT Nat? NATALIE Nothing. He just irritates me. LACROIX Remember my children, that trust has to first be given, before it can be in any way reciprocated. You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you don't trust enough... Nat's had it, she switches the radio off. Nick stares at her. END INTERCUT: INT. NICK'S CAR - CONTINUOUS KNIGHT Something's wrong, Nat, what is it? NATALIE I told you, nothing. KNIGHT Natalie....... NATALIE Everything's fine, I promise. He smiles, but doesn't believe. On Nat, we, CUT TO: INT. RAVEN - NIGHT It's a huge party here, and man, oh man, are there some odd costumes, not to mention odd people in them! Janette, dressed as Queen Victoria, is sitting at the bar. Maurice, dressed as a pirate, is tending the bar. No sign of LaCroix. Nick and Nat enter. Janette is very surprised to see them. Nick leans in and kisses her on the cheek. JANETTE What a surprise this is.... KNIGHT We thought it might be fun.... Janette looks at Nat. JANETTE You look quite beautiful, Natalie. NATALIE Thanks, so do you. KNIGHT (re; costume) I thought you hated Queen Victoria. JANETTE That was only when she was alive, mon cher. (re; his costume) Well, Nicolas, this costume is indeed... ....amusing. Nick glares at Nat. KNIGHT Well, it was the best choice to go along with Mina here. JANETTE I don't want to be around when LaCroix sees it. Nick grabs Nat's hand. KNIGHT Come on, let's dance. They go to the dance floor. No sooner do they, LaCroix appears as himself, naturally, behind Janette, he leans in and speaks into her ear. LACROIX The Queen never looked as radiant, my dear. Janette turns and smiles. JANETTE And you are here as....? He grins evilly. LACROIX ....My charming self, naturally. Janette chuckles. LaCroix catches sight of Nick on the dance floor. He makes a face, that causes Janette to almost choke. LACROIX (CONT) In the name of Nero, please tell me that is not my son in that hideous mockery of our Community. JANETTE Oui, mon amour, I am afraid that it is... LACROIX So that means that Dr. Lambert is-- JANETTE --Mina Harker, oui. LaCroix smiles. Janette gets worried at such a fiendish look. JANETTE LaCroix.... LACROIX Not to worry, Janette, I promise not to inflict any lasting damage. Janette groans. LaCroix disappears. In the meantime, Nat and Nick come back. Nat looks warm and flush, and a little woozy. KNIGHT Are you okay? NATALIE Yeah...I just need to hit the ladies room for a minute. Be right back. Nat disappears. Janette leans into Nick. JANETTE LaCroix was not amused with your costume, Nicolas. KNIGHT He saw it? JANETTE Oui. Nick groans, and we, CUT TO: INT. RAVEN BACK HALLWAY - NIGHT Nat comes out of the ladies room, and instead of returning to the main part of the Raven, she walks further back, and sits down in a chair near LaCroix' soundbooth. She is obviously not feeling well. LaCroix enters and stares at her. LACROIX Dr. Lambert? Are you ill? Nat straightens up, immediately. NATALIE Of course not, just taking a load off for a minute. He just raises an eyebrow. What if that dream was no dream after all? Nat starts to stand, but falters. LaCroix, out of reflex, catches her. NATALIE Sorry.... She tries to get away from him, but he holds onto her. LACROIX Are you sure you're all right? NATALIE Yes. LaCroix tries a slight whammy. LACROIX Come with me a moment, doctor. She follows him into the Soundbooth, and we FOLLOW them; INT. SOUNDBOOTH - CONTINUOUS LaCroix closes the door. LACROIX (CONT) Do not be alarmed, Dr. Lambert. He pulls her into his arms, moves her hair, his eyes tinge gold and he gently bites into her, tasting of her blood. After a short moment, he pulls away. Natalie is still held in his trance. LACROIX (CONT) Well, well, you have not been honest with me doctor. However, it is not anything that would have killed you, contrary to popular belief. He studies her a moment. Then he smiles. LACROIX (CONT) Oh well, best not to take chances with mortals. You're all so very ....fragile. He bites his wrist and holds it to her lips. LACROIX (CONT) Just take a little, doctor, after all, we wouldn't want you transforming into anything..... Natalie hesitates. LaCroix puts his wrist to her mouth, and she takes a tiny amount of his blood onto her tongue. He quickly pulls his wrist away. LACROIX (CONT) So much for that annoying little viral infection. You should feel much better very shortly. You will not remember having seen me at all. NATALIE I never saw you. LACROIX Very good doctor. You're free to go. Natalie turns in a trance and exits. And we, CUT TO: INT. RAVEN - NIGHT Janette and Nick are at the bar and Nat enters, looking a lot better than when she left. She grabs Nick's hand. Nick frowns slightly. KNIGHT Nat, you look.....a lot better. NATALIE I told you I was fine. Come on, let's rock this place. They go out to the dance floor. LaCroix enters again. LACROIX Well, I see that Mina has the Count in a trance. I always thought it was meant to be the other way around. JANETTE What did you do? LACROIX I don't know what you're talking about. JANETTE Natalie looked terrible before. Dark circles under her eyes; she looked ill, actually. LACROIX I can't say that I noticed. LaCroix glances across the bar, just in time to see Marvin Hunter raise a glass in toast to him. LaCroix frowns. Was it real? Oh dear..... Janette notices his sudden ashen colour. JANETTE Mon pere, are you all right? LACROIX (covering) Yes, fine. If you have things in hand, Janette, I think I shall go upstairs. It was a rather long... He looks at Hunter, who is smiling. LACROIX (CONT) ....day. LaCroix exits. Janette shrugs after him and watches him go. She looks toward the area of the bar that he was looking, but sees no one. On the party in the Raven, we, FADE TO BLACK: THE END