The Fire Inside

I was watching this little appreciated episode the other night. When I noticed how LaCroix practically kowtows to every one of
Nicholas' desires during the flashbacks. It seemed to me that LC was almost...unwillingly indulging his protege's leadership, even
when he left him.

(As the Nightcrawler would say: "And I wonder why?" )

Place the time period around 1850 in the US).

Flashback - Sunrise is impending, birds have begun to sing. Outside shot of a small, single level rough hewn dwelling near the
woods:

Nicholas has brought his master, LaCroix, and Janette to what he assumes to be a 'safe house', for the day. (Actually it's more of a
humble cabin.)[all dressed in their regal best]( And that last rhymed too!! But I like the Black on the outside -
White on the inside apparel. Nice simile, in my eyes.'Tho I'm not to sure about Uncle, Black on the outside - Grey on the inside,
suits him better, if you ask me!)

Interior:

With a determined purpose Nick kneels, pulls aside a bit of rug and hefts open the trapdoor to the cellar. He peers into the
darkness.

N: [looking forward. stating abruptly, with self-certain practicality] "This will do for the day."

Janette breezes in behind him and tosses off her red satin lined black cape with elegant flare. She casually halves it and drapes it
atop a convenient piece of furniture.

J: [turning towards her 'brother'. gushing, moving to him]"Oooh, you should have been with us, Nicolas. It was
such a glorious night."

N: [hastily eyeing his 'sibling'] "I find my own nourishment, thank you." [looking away]

A foreboding and obviously agitated LC cuts briskly behind the pair. He hardly pauses before he reels to confront his Favorite.

LC: [presenting his full posture. jutting out his chin. waggling his head slightly...] (...at his son's
lame-o excuse. {Heeheehee}) "Why travel with us if you won't hunt?"

His assertion gains his male offspring's entire attention, temporarily. (As if Blond One has a chance to ignore HIM anyway??!
Walking 'O' is right up into Nicky's face as he spits out his remarks. Now I know I have said this more than once... But
these two stand sooo close to each other during their...discussions. The sensuality just drips off of them ;-[)!!!)

N: [searching for a reply, almost stammering] "I...find security in numbers... (Nice. - That was a nice save. Think
HE believes you?! Silly, silly boy... )

LaCroix cuts in:

LC: "Perhaps you just dislike the solitude of your thoughts?" [Janette giggles in merriment](Touche, Uncle! And for
parry... Nick? - 'Tho you know, you do run the show in this one, don't you??! {Actually you run all of them!!})

The undeniable beat of a heart interrupts the verbally sparring trio.

Janette halts her sounds of mirth. LaCroix merely gives an instant to glance away. (Pinpointing the source?)

LC: "You assured me this house was abandoned." (Oozing thickly coated trust encased guilt, 'subtly' on his child. He's so good at
that!! Jab, twist!!)

Nicholas turns fully. Then draws himself down to the cellar entrance.

N: "It is."[heaving the wooden doors open once more. looking in]

Janette watches on, in gleeful anticipation.

A black man and boy-child stare up at him.

LaCroix languidly lowers himself, next to his son, to also look down. He chuckles mirthfully at the situation and the aghast gaze of
disbelief on his child's face, His young one stares back at him in an instant of helplessness.

Now topside. The cornered man, Jonah, attempts to fend the three strangers back with his gesturing left hand. Imploring, the elder
escapee drops to grab a shovel from off the floor with his right hand. He hastily begins to brandish it towards the trio, the ones he
feels are presently putting himself and his son at risk of being captured.

Jonah: "Stay back! We ain't here for no fight. We jus' wanna go about our lives.[pause]You go on with yours."

LC:[addressing the skittish man, ignoring the disapproving eye of his son. he chortles]"Oh, ho ho
ho ho homm... [now solemn]You're slaves, aren't you?" (I notice how Uncle laughs in amusement at the ridiculous defense the
mortal before him displays. Yet, he allows the human male his speech. LaCroix seems to respect the ardent exhibition. {Maybe
Nickyboy can catch a new 'klew' as to how Daddy Dearest works, here ?!} )

N:[aside]"Runaways." (Nopers...no klew yet! ;-[)!!)

Jonah has the shovel thrust out before him. His son stands just back and behind, off his father's right.

Jonah: "The man who owns us..." (Kinda like how Big LC thinks he 'owns' Nicky??! ) "He be wanting to sell Fountain"
(Fountain? And I even checked the credits to be sure ---! Why, or for that matter - who, but why the hell did they name the kid
'Fountain'??! {Me momentarily distracted from my Slant.}) "here down the river.[glancing nervously to his
child]I can't have that. He's my boy. I can't have it!" (O' Man! Sounds a lot like a certain Master Vamp I know!! God...Gods? --
Gods forbid anyone messes with Daddy "O's" 'favorite'!!! Maybe that's why LC indulges the enslaved father, and his boy!!?
;-[)!)

A full pan of the immortal three: LaCroix to the left, Nicholas - far right. Janette between and slightly behind her male pair. She
seems to be attempting to gain the attention of the boy. (What is with her and boy kids? Gaaak! Doesn't she recall what happened
with *that* idea, in 'Father Figure'??! )

Janette strides forcefully forward, confronting the black man. His weapon descends to bar her progress. She lowers herself to peer
around the father, smiling maternally at the scared lad. The young one cowers behind his dad.

Shot:

Nicholas crosses over, to beside LaCroix.

Shot:

Janette grins again at the boy. She slowly raises up, to face the parent. The father returns her inspection with a wary pause.

J:[thump - thump. thump - thump. locking his sight]"Why did you come here?[enunciating. the man
stares back, mute]Why - Did - You - Come - Here?"[more forcefully]

Jonah:[in monotone, glazed]"Railroad man..."

Shot:

Nicholas and LaCroix, side-by-side. Nick glances down in introspection.

Jonah:[still monotone]"... S'pposed to be meet'n us here at sunset.[the son, Fountain, is unaffected by the
'whammy'. he looks up at his dad in disbelief, as he hears him reveal *so* much to the
strangers]Take us across." (I like how that phrase , is much like the vampire's 'birth' maxim of 'being
brought across'. Same concept here... the beginning of a new life! Albeit a difficult one!! )

Shot to:

Nicholas and LaCroix [still standing abreast] -

N:[reference finally clicking]"The Underground Railroad..."

His pronouncement jars Janette from her tenacious hold on the mortal, breaking her spell.

N:[speaking to his master, but add in a subtle shift. Nick smiles to himself at the runaway
duo's bold quest]"They're making their bid for freedom." (Aaah! No wonder Nicky-poo is so attuned to the slaves'
sensibilities... He's been trying for how long to get the balls up to do the same thing????! ;-[)!)

LC:[unaffected by the whole drama before him. sarcastically]"My...heart...bleeds..."

Janette passes behind Nicholas, to come around and almost betwixt the, soon to be, arguing pair. Intervening. (Read: with you two?!! Do you never stop quarreling?> Sure they do!! When they 'kiss & make-up'...!!!!! Heeheehee.
Down Jules - behave!!! ;-[). {Oh, but why......? })

J:[interrupting the pair's nonverbal tirade] "Other's will come. They are being followed. They're a danger to us."

Understanding that the eerie trio are refering to him and his son, the escaped man guides his boy further behind him. He stands at
ready.

N:[impartially looking to the retreating pair. then to his companions]"They are outcasts." (Everything is
so 'black and white' with him... {No poor pun intended, seriously.} Isn't it? Personal welfare, his, or his 'camarades' takes no heed
in his mind. Read: Gee... How I wish it were so cut-and-dried for all
the rest of us!! )

N: "Hunted like animals... like us." [glimpsing over his shoulder to Janette]

LC:[pondering the dark pair](Yet still upset with his protege - for putting him in a situation he'd rather not be in.) "They
are expendable."[now shaking off his sober mood] (And perceiving an opportunity to taunt his illdisciplined offspring.
) [he turns first to Janette and then intently to Nicholas. he jovially exclaims] "They are lunch!"

The captive human father glances in apprehension to his son, at the taller strange man's remark.[not completely
comprehending the situation - but knowing that it's: Not Good]

N:[not amused with his master's glib comment. he stands firm and stares directly at LaCroix,
stating with conviction] "You've had your fill. Leave them be!" (Ooooo! With bells on, balls taut and brazen assed! - Go,
Nicky. Go! And only 500 plus years old!! Time to tell Daddy "O" off, eh?! ;-[)!)

LaCroix is quite obviously caught unprepared by the bold retort of his... 'underling'.

(Read: , instead. Let us all take a moment and slide back to 'Killer Instinct', shall we? -- N: LC: protege.> N: Apparently, Dear Uncle doesn't recall his next statement?? LC: For I belong to you...now.> etc. Like Perpetual Erection should *really* be surprised by the stalwart confrontation?! He has
admired this 'pesky' trait in his progeny before, hasn't he?? )

At Nicholas' unexpected words, LaCroix surceases his taunt and makes an [uncomfortable]head motion of acquiescence. (So,
tell me...? Just *who* is the 'slave' here? Hmmmm?! Uncle?!! ;-[)??!!!)

LC:[turning away as he responds, in a humbled tone](Attempting to 'save face'? ) "Of course."

(Precious!! Precious!! That 'step down' of Walking "O" is the sole reason I slanted this whole thing! Now.. I adore LC to death,
but watching him succumb to the gallant wishes of his Nicky-poo in this ep. - It just screamed for me to bend it to my views. It's so
damned UF!! {In my opinion })

Dismissing his father's words & actions, Nicholas turns back to the black man and his child.

Janette, understanding the depth of what has transpired between her master and his Favorite[her Favorite too], steps
forward to speak gravely to the haughty, chivalric blond. Nicholas does NOT turn to face her, he just crooks off to his right to
acknowledge her nearness and vow.

J: "This will not stand, Nicolas. They endanger us. It - will - not - stand![barely above a harsh whisper. she then
moves quickly off]

Nicholas looks back towards the frightened, dark pair. He then appears to contemplate Janette's report. (Actually Nickeroo seems
to smile to himself, at Janette's urgent plea. Is it possible...? Our, In An Instant Of Non-Brickness, Nick *intended* to roil up his
master here?? {And possibly his former female lover??} To teach each of *them* a lesson? Read: think. Just watch!> My take on it only, of course ;-[)!!)

(Now, much of this episode has to do with the power of 'fire'. Nick's fear of it, death wise. Natalie's fear of it, in the story's RL
ways. Etc. The fact is, the 'fire' in all of us is what keeps us alive. It's what keeps us going... to confront our greatest *fears* and
yet persevere, to be free of them! {Gaaak! Jules is getting deep again! Be Afraid...} Yet, lest we not forget the 'fire' that
drives and draws LaCroix! {Walking Orgasm Himself! } The bright, burning 'fire' of his most adored son!! The one Mr.
Mothmeister cannot keep but beating his wings against! {at the very *least* his wings! } Again, and again... The immortal light
he will/can NEVER turn away from!) Back to the tale -

Next flash back:

A Bounty Hunter/Foreman (I think he's "Jake", so I'll refer to him as "Jake".) guy pounds forcefully on the front door of the forlorn
cabin. A shotgun is cradled in his arm and his posse is at his back. It's Near Dark. (That last was a small send-up to an '80's movie
of the same name, BTW!) When he receives no immediate response to his blunt tactics, he cocks his firearm. Raising it to attempt
to blow open the lock.

A comely attired Nicholas gracefully opens the entrance, and calmly attempts to inquire.

Jake:[warily lowering his weapon]"This your place?"

N: "I'm here, am I not?"[standing erect, to the full regal stature he is due]

Jake: "We look around?"[somewhat meekly, now seeing the *owner*]

N: "Well, you're the one with the gun... [exhibiting his posture of subtle vampiric self-superiority to it's greatest advantage]I
suppose that means - You do what you want?"

Jake, The Bounty Hunter/Foreman, is unsettled by the elegantly dressed, proper speaking man before him[considering the
surroundings]. Nonetheless, he tells his men to wait, as he leerily enters the cabin. He grasps his rifle tightly. Nicholas, for his
part, graciously plays the *most* accommodating of hosts.

As the two enter, our Enticing Blond immediately settles himself into a stiff-backed seat, just around the inside corner of the
doorway. He stares straight ahead, not even glancing to the distasteful mortal who has entered behind him.

Jake:[stepping fully into the small abode, looking around]"Awful run-down, ain't she?"

N:[still not turning to the man]"I'm handy." (Oh, I just BET you are!! ;-[)!!)

Jake: "Aim to fix her up, do ya?"

Nicholas, not leaving his seat, slowly turns his gaze to his left to meet the rude verbal inquiries of his *visitor*.

The Bounty Hunter, standing near the cabin's hearth, now casually questions his host. He wants to know if the other's seen any
'blackamoors' recently. A pair, to be exact. A father - son. Appears they be his bosses' slaves. Escaped.

Jake:[I cut into his dialogue]"...two of them made a break for it."[stepping back towards Nick](Does this guy
have a small dick or does he just waltz around with a big gun and bluster because he's really possessive about it, and loud??! )

N:[looking up, off into the rafters, seemingly indifferent]"I've seen no one." (Ooooh... Nicky is so suave..!
He's not even gonna waste his time validating this guy's presence!!)

Da Masta' White Man now comes up close to the seated Nicholas. He glares down at him like some Holy Lord.

Jake:[dropping his facade, and tone. hissing] "I don't know who you are mister ...[Nick has looked down and
away, almost in submission. to then peer briefly up at his *accuser*, he turns away again. the
tirade continues]But don't go gittin' into my business. Don't let me find out you been hidin' them boys!" (Is it just me, or can't
Nickeroo lie to *anyone*? Even a scum like Jake??! That's what his actions appear to be!) "Or worse still, takin' 'em for yerself -
to work 'round here." (*Now* Blond Boy is looking up at the White Trash, pissed! Maybe it just takes a while to get Nick going?!
LaCroix??! - Any input on that??!!! ;-[)!)

Still settled in his chair by the door, Nicholas' gaze of anger catches the sight of the Foreman. A frozen look crosses the mortals
face.

N:['Whammy' voice]"They're - Not - Here. [thump - thump]You've looked for them already."[thump - thump, thump -
thump]

Jake:['Whammied'](It worked, Nicky! It worked!!... for once! ) "Ain't here. Looked everywhere."

Nicholas stands up, menacing. Maintaining his vampiric hold over the mortal.

N:[still 'Whammying' ]"You heard they went up to Charleston, didn't you?"

Nick casually turns his sight down and faces away. Breaking the spell. (Good Job, Big Boy! If you only practiced this more often -
you might get better at it!! )

The mortal blinks and shakes his fuzzy mind off of his temporary befuddlement. His arrogance returns.

Jake: "They ain't here then?! I know them two boys, they probably head up Charlet' way."[questioning his own words. by
the look on his face]

N:[satisfied his 'implanted' notion took. he turns away from the human. smuggly]"It's two days hard
ride from here."

Jake:[humble]"Best be on my way then.[he goes to move off, pauses, and steps back to address The Regal
One - regaining some sense of self]You see anybody, you let them know up at the plantation. [Nicholas draws his
head, to turn slightly over his left shoulder, acknowledging the retreating man's words]They'll get the word to me."[Nick nods
in agreement]

The Foreman is heard leaving, calling out to his 'entourage' that . Nicholas remains composed,
glancing only minutely over his right until he is sure that the intruders have departed. (Is that a small grin of satisfaction I see
graced upon his lips?!)

Nick has just nudged Jake, Foreman/Bounty Hunter type, temporarily off the scent with a 'whammy'. Now we shall see if it really
worked, and a bit of how Daddy Vamp feels about this whole damned thing!

Cut to next fb -

The Cabin, night:

Jonah, and son, are back up topside. The father's right arm is protectively wrapped around his child's breast, who stands in front of
him. In the dim of the room he speaks softly into his ear. (Once more, this episode sure has echos of Sons of Belial, eh?)

Jonah: "Don't be afraid son, it won't be long now."[they are waiting eagerly for The Railroad Man]

Shot of Nicholas seated in the foreground, waiting apprehensively also. He glances back to one of the figures moving across behind
him. Janette stands silent between the two (Again! ). LaCroix paces restlessly near the window. (Read: Damn! *Why* do I allow him his follies?! Will *he* NEVER learn??! ... Will *I*??!!> {Heeheehee!})

Jonah:[looking up]"We be outta here soon."

Outside:

A group of men approach with lit torches. Jake comes forward, rifle in grasp.

Jake: "Hey in there!"

Nick's head snaps around to the direction of the uncouth mortal's voice. Quick view of a scared Jonah and Fountain.

Jake: "We brung you somebody here..."

Gallant Lad gives a hasty eye to the two runaways and then turns, to rise and step up to one of the front windows.

Jake: "...The Railroad Man!"

We once more find ourselves flashing back to the mid-1800's, United States:

Various close-ups of incendiary acts to the outside of the wee abode. The small crowd surrounding the exterior still verbally incite
each other in their heinous deed. A long shot of the flame engulfed cabin.

Inside:

Nicholas, in foreground, is obviously fraught with a mental quandary. (Read: Egads! Blond
Vamp-O-Puppy is *how* old? And he *still* gets himself and his 'family' into these situations? Ol' Pere must have the patience of
a Saint --- errrr, oops... sorry, that's an ill chosen {yet appropriate!! } metaphor, eh? {Heeheehee})

LC:[stepping up to directly confront his presently perplexed protege. interrupting his
offspring's thoughts. seething]"Forget them! We MUST leave, NOW!!"

A startled and somewhat apologetic looking Nicholas jolts abruptly to face his master at his harsh declaration. He then turns to
over his right shoulder to assess and address the added input of Janette's words.

[the roaring flames of the burning abode backlight the eternal trio]

J:[hastily crossing behind NK to speak urgently to him, off his right]"Nicolas! They cannot be our
concern."

N:[cutting in. glancing to Janette, with determination] "We cannot leave them here." ('Black' or 'White' Boy
Extraordinaire!! There are *no* 'Grey' options in his mind. Musta been those rabid emotions of conviction that attracted LC in
the first place... Nicky gets so obsessively focused in his passions, to the point of excess. {And I have a hunch -- ALL passions...
ALL senses... ALL in excess!! })

LC:[looking towards the rafters. pressing]"The flames have reached the roof![gaining no immediate
response from his son, he moves away in exasperation]We only have seconds!!"

LaCroix, as he sides off, finds himself in confront with the mortal parent - and attached child. The pair who are currently at the
root of his present torment. He briefly grabs hold of the father's right arm with his left hand to stop and glower down at the
twosome. They both rightfully flinch back in fear and, when released, move past the ominous force. (Like *I* wouldn't?! NOT the
place to be... having Mr. Ancient - I'd Bite And Drain You Just As Soon As Look at You - Vampire up in *my* face and pissed!!
Just 'cuz I happened to be in the middle of some kinda funky powerplay 'tween him and *his* boy!! I'd be sayin' outta here!> too!! ;-[)!)

Frantically attempting to draw Nicholas out of his hectic ponderings of escape calculations, Janette now pauses in front of him. She
halts at his left, to plead:

J: "Nicolas??! Please?!"

N:[a quick look at her, in acknowledgement. he then turns back to the impending fiery danger at
hand. short]"NO."

Fast shot of LaCroix, after hearing the abbreviated exchange. He stomps his right foot in livid confoundment, and makes a face of
frustration. (Okay, getting a bit 'krewl' on Uncle here... But, I can't help but notice that Walking 'O' behaves like a spoilt child who
suddenly finds that his playmate won't follow *his* rules. He starts to throw a temper tantrum, and then responds by stomping his
foot and pouting!! I can almost imagine that, 'tho out of sight, LC has his fist's clenched also!! I see him reacting like: you won't play *nice*, than I'm gonna take my 'other' toy, i.e. Janette, and go home!!> {Heeheehee. Nasty, nasty, Jules!! ;-[)!!})

LC:[in a balking huff, sounding as if through gritted teeth]"AUHH!" (Read: arrogant, child of mine!! You cannot save them all!> )

Janette flashes a panicked look to her maker, sensing his disconcertion. She moves into his embrace. Nicholas is being *most*
inflexible in her eyes too, and she doesn't understand his ludicrous motives. Why is he risking his un-life for the two mere mortals
he barely knows?!

Wrapping his right arm protectively around his daughter, LaCroix once more frenetically questions his Favorite's reasoning:

LC:[tone still fuming]"For *them*, Nicholas?! ... Our life, and *yours*?!!"

Nicholas appears truly torn in his options. He glances down, then back and forth, not meeting the gaze of his master - or sister.

LC: "... For *them??!"[shooting an evil look to over where the pair of humans stand]

A slight pause as LaCroix, again receiving no response from his male child, ensconces his daughter tighter. He peers upward and
without further ado, unceremoniously propels them both through the roof. He has left Sweet Nicholas to resolve his self-inflicted
dilemma, alone. (Yeah, I know, Daddy Dearest has deserted his Honey Boy, but I can't help but say Nunkiness *knows* that his
protege will come through with 'flying colors'. No way would LC actually abandon Morally-Impaired to...expire, under such
*mundane* circumstances! Hmmm... another lesson, perhaps?? )

The Virtuous Crusader looks up to visually follow his kin's departure, temporarily breaking the 'famille' *tie*. He now moves
quickly to the side of Jonah and Fountain.

Frightened, the dark pair stare silently at their unearthly benefactor. A long pause. Then:

Jonah: "If you're gonna kill us... kill us now, before the fire breaks through."

Outside:

The small house is seen totally consumed in flames. The 'Bring 'Em Back Dead, Alive Is NOT An Option' Clan is still whooping it
up in their glee. At their supposed success in cornering and disposing of their quarry.

End current flash back.

Cut to a close-up of Nick's intense face, as he finds himself back in the sewers and the Present Day story.
�

Outside:

The 'exterminators' are heard revelling in the background. Their leader, Jake, is seen tossing his torch onto the roof of the humble
abode. The ensuing blaze has encased the entire structure.

Cabin, internal:

Jonah:[the black man stands in the background, his hands placed protectively upon his son
Fountain's shoulders, his back to a burning wall. he apprehensively makes a statement to the odd
being who apparently has taken it upon himself to protect and, attempt, to save them]"They're still
out there."

Nicholas emerges from the right, forefront, then pauses:

N: "We have no choice."[breathily vocalizing his adrenaline charged decision]

He scans wildly to the front of the cabin, at the pair, and back to the home's entrance.

N: "Stay behind me!"

The ex-crusader readjusts his cape, as he turns to face the escapees one last time.

N:[stepping up to the duo]"Ready?..[then, as if in explanation]The only way out is to face your fears. Come!"
(*That* line sums up the entire episode. -- Facing fears...demons. Cohan and the fact she may have killed her old partner; Natalie
and her childhood trauma with fire, hence her difficulty dealing with burn victims; Schanke and his stigma of a dad who was a
Sewer Worker; Nick and the deal; The Present Day storyline of the criminal torching the homeless; Nick and
the deal... Ooops, already said that didn't I? But seriously, I'm only brushing along the fringes of the depths
of this ep. I can't *even* begin to analyze it all. Shame this one it's so often passed over, there is a grand amount of insight here!!)

Fountain, with a fast glance out through the flaming window, warily leaves[is pushed by]his father's hold to cautiously
approach the strange white man. The boy enters the safeguarded embrace. Nicholas wraps him in his cloak, vamps out (YUM!!),
and makes for the door. Jonah covers his head, as best he can with his up-pulled shirt, and follows.

Outside:

Shot - Front of the burning cabin.

Much to the surprise of the riffraff bordering the fire's perimeter, the front door of the building bursts out. Two figures hastily bolt
across the flaring threshold and halt a safe distance away on the lawn. Nicholas, in the lead, deposits his charge, Fountain, back to
the safety of his father.

Head Honcho of the Crew, Jake, stands to the left of two of his cohorts. He raises his rifle and proclaims:

Jake: "This one is mine!" (Meaning Righteous One? ... No? Really?! Duh!?! {Hints of SoB again!! ;-[)!})

A great close-up of a crimson-gold glowing eyed Nick! Look fast though, it's a quick shot before we face the Foreman again as he
fires his weapon at Fiend Man. The passionate vampire flinches and buckles over a moment, before he raises his gilt sight once
more. (Okay, so I lied. Here's more tasty Nicky, all vamped out, and in rare predatory form! BIG YUM!!) He lifts up to
continue to zone in on... The Leader of the Pack (Heeheehee). An astonished looking Jake stands frozen as the 'man' he just shot,
and hit, strides to him.

Nicholas snatches the gun away and rounds off to smack the human garbage soundly across the jaw with the butt of the firearm.
He then wrenches the mortal up and steady by his lapels. (Didn't Blond Boy do a 'Lapel Grab' thing to LaCroix in LYtD too??!
Must be another one of his *trademarked* moves, eh? But wait! He musta learnt it from dad!!? ... 'Cuz if I recall, didn't LC
slap Errant Lad up against a wall by the lapels, in Paris, in Father's Day? Then there's Trophy Girl.... ;-[)!) Twisting the human a
turn, Nicholas (Fangs and all!) eyes over to a few of the close proximity members of the posse. They frantically scatter in fear.
Dark Knight pauses only an instant before he yanks up his prisoner and, snarling, sinks his feedteeth into the other's throat. (Let's
have a hand count! How many think LC came in his pants at that moment??!! Mine's raised!!!!! Heeheehee) When
finished Nick releases the deceased man in disgust and practically tosses him to the ground.

Nicholas is fully recovered from vampdom, when Jonah and Fountain rush up. (And no messy bloodstain build-up on his face
either! How'd he do that? ;-[) Plus, I don't *even* wanna ask how he got to the neck of the demised without ripping open the
collar!? )

N:[not hesitating to explain. breathing heavily (I'm *not* going there..!! )]"Get to the river,
fast!" [he halts the boy from viewing the body]

Fountain: "Come with us, Sir."

N:[seemingly too embarrassed by the recent events to look to either of the ebony mortals]"I'd like
to, but I can't... Go on![motioning with his head]

Jonah:[close-up. intense, sincere]"Thank you. Whoever you are. *Whatever* you are."

Nicholas absently nods his head in acknowledgment as the pair run off into the darkness. As they flee to their freedom, they
unknowingly leave a still enslaved being alienated in the midst of his carnage.

[zoom in on the totally fire engulfed cabin. the shot fades into a heavily blue shadowed profile of Nick. he's back in the sewers of
Present Day Toronto...]

Present day:

Detective Nick Knight and his partner Don Schanke play 'hide and seek' with The Dragon (Baddie of the Week) in the blue lit
subterrain of the sewer tunnels below the fair city of Toronto. They are attempting to zero in on the flame throwing menace that
has self-decided the homeless 'plague' needs to be - exterminated. The actions of the Perp. and his avid gas propelled pursuits have
occasionally drawn Knight into flashback introspection.

Finally locating his prey, Nick draws a bead on him with his sidearm. He shouts to the assailant:

N: "Over here!"[pistol raised]

A quick close-up shot of the flashbacked flame consumed cabin invades Nick's mind.

Then back:

Nick twitches and shakes the intruding vision off.

Dragon:[calmly voiced, from O.S. {Off Stage}] "Drop it."

Quick cabin fire fb shot again. (It appears to be becoming more than a slight distraction to Our Beloved Vampiric Flameaphobic
Officer.)

The Dragon has now found a victim, an old woman, and taunts Knight about caring too much for such ... trash. (What a Nicky
button pusher this guy is! )

[the past's flaming rings so near - another shot of fb]

Nick begins to tremble at the uncomfortable similarity between this situation and the flashback thread. Fire, his ultimate doom, is
again knocking a bit too urgently at his immortal door!

The detective lowers his weapon at the urging of the perpetrator. He then drops his gun to the ground and raises his hands in
seeming defeat.

Dragon:[his flamethrower aimed at Knight]"Now it's *your* turn."[the voice floating out from the
darkness]

Nick's own words of confidence echo in his ears as he finds his sight briefly back to the southern abode. Inside - he's with Jonah
and Fountain again, just before their escape...

Flashback:

N: "The only way out is to face your fears." [in the instant previous to engulfing the boy with his cape]

Back, present day: Dragon pulls the trigger. A massive stream of fire blasts forward, as he trys to scorch out Nicky-poo. A very
one-sided psudobattle ensues. It ends brusquely with Vamp Boy swiftly snaring the Fire Demon and unceremoniously wrenching
him back and twisting his head to bite and drain him post haste. Schanke, nearby, is flabbergasted. ('Tho not *completely* klewless,
IMO. I notice he asks no questions!! )

Fadeout.[commercials and such]

TAG:

Present day:

Schanke, back at the precinct, doin' cop stuff. This time he's showing his daughter Jenny's classmates the station house, and
the...jail!!! (Kids! They yelp in delight at the propect of seein' - THE JAIL!! )

Fade to ---

Natalie, kneeling, pokes at the fire in the hearth of Nick's loft. (A real N&NPack moment here! Enjoy it while you can...Packers. I
seldom touch one of these! But this Ep. Slant deemed it.)

Nat:[in regards to, Fire]"I'm still afraid. But I don't think I'll ever get over that.[looking off]

Nick (The Mortal Wannabe) leans on a chair in the background, listening. He rises to advance to Natalie, then lowers to her.

Nat:[returning the poker, still speaking off] "You know, I'm proud of myself ... Just for having dealt with it."

N:[squatting next to her, looking to the flames also]"Well, it's like they say ... 'If it doesn't kill you,[eyeing
to Nat now]it'll make you stronger.' " (Ah, kinda like being a vampire??! Or maybe you mean: kill *you* {me}, *it'll* {LC} make *you* {me} stronger.> ??! But that was Daddy's plan all along, to make
YOU stronger, right, Thickness!!!???

Nat: "Hmmm, sorta like the fire?"

Blond One gets a funny 'far away' pained look, then embraces Natalie, pulling her head next to his. (Any mortal port in a storm!!!
;-[)!! I'm thinkin' he's thinkin' Heeheehee)

Close-up of the flickering flames.

Out.

End.

And they all jump and revel!!

This puppy's DONE!!! ;-[)

I must convince myself to spend less time detailing these Slants, I swear!! But then I go back and reread my early one's, and I
can't believe how abbreviated some of them are! Yikes! If I could only find a happy medium. (Yeah, right Jules!! ) So which
one next???? Hmmm..... I must ponder. I *could* finish Near Death, since I already posted two parts of it on the Loop. But
Capital Offense is *SO* tastily UF!!
�

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