Sons of Belial

Episode Slant

A rat scurries through a beam of sunlight. It streams down from the window way, in the large form of a cross, displayed upon the earthen floor. The dungeon is hung in semi-darkness, dank and grim. It's pierced with an occasional moan of human pain and anguish. Torches hang randomly, offering a dim glow to the rest of the room. Bars separate the occupants from the 'outside'.

A group approaches the doorway. It is unlocked to allow the entry of five men. The first, a bucket in his hand, steps to the side.

LaCroix is shoved in, followed by Nicholas -- also admitted none too gently. The master vampire gasps audibly as he barely escapes the scorching cross of sun, in his attempt to regain his balance. His right hand briefly passes through the damning rays. He hastily rubs his affected limb as the pair now turn to watch their two armored escorts leave. The remaining figure is rapidly applying something to the entry's wooden frame.

A shot of blinding sunlight is diffused by an unknown man stepping before it. He speaks to the new pair of prisoners.

Sancho: [in Spanish] "The Blood of the Lamb. The Blood of the Lord. [close-up of the figure brushing a dark liquid around the door. Nicholas glances to the one talking, then turns back as the other figure leaves and relocks the cell] To repel evil."

We see that LaCroix is in pain and Nicholas seems confused, he takes a step towards the door. Another voice interrupts...drawing all three's attention to the dungeon wall.

Ario: [in Spanish] "Come, sit with me, friend."

Pan to a man chained to the wall. LaCroix slowly looks up, appearing most displeased at the situation (Besides, he's probably thinking: < And, I burnt my little hand!> ;-[)!), at this other one speaking.

A: [in Spanish, still] "Tell me how you came to be among us?" [slightly crazed, wild eyed]

N: [stepping forward] "They took us as we slept." (I must admit, I, too, feel the same as some here on the loop do. And read this as: <They took us as we slept...together.> {Heeheehee, YUM!} But I am curious - Uncle is strangely quiet through all this so far. He seems to be almost, rattled, at this point. Besides not taking control of the situation, he appears a bit...meek, lost. Allowing his 'child' to speak for both of them - eg. <"...us as we...">. It is so...uncharacteristic, yet Nicky, for his part, steps into the aggressive role quite nicely <g>.)

LaCroix wanders onward. Nicholas also walks, as he continues.

N: "Said we were in league with The Devil." (See...still no word from Big 'O', as Nickness speaks for them both.)

A: [in English] "They offered up no evidence?" (Heavily accented. And me with no Closed-Captioning ---- ARGH!)

Our two tastefully (Cough) dressed vamps are checking out their surroundings. We view that there is more than one crossed opening letting in the daylight.

Nicholas steps to be beside and slightly in front of his master. (Protectiveness??! ;-[)!)

A: "The Inquisitors have put thousands to death" [close-up of the chained man] (Uncle is still preoccupied, with his singed hand?) "in HIS name, to rid the world of evil."

LC: (He speaks! ;-[)!) [enunciating] "This God and this Devil...[Nicholas turns to him] are a mere human contrivance [shot of Sancho] and convenience. They are for the justification for slaughter, without the tricky ('tricky' -- That an old slang I never heard of?...Sorry...<bg>) business of accountability." (GRRR, Uncle...GRRR!)

S: "You are also a non-believer?" [incredulous, voice cracking a bit]

N: [sneering] "If there is a God...he has not yet shown himself to me!" (Aaaah, truly LaCroix' son -- Even sounds like him too, in his conviction anyway ;-[).)

LC loses it a little now, chuckling at Nicholas' seriousness of the question's answer. (Actually he's probably laughing at the goofy frilled collar that Nick's wearing. Well, I was! What one did for fashion...?!)

Nicholas is not amused, as he glares back at LaCroix. (Read: <Oh, Thank You, Very Much! I didn't *have* to be so accommodating, covering for you as you moped around, recovering from your little 'boo-boo'!>. Yep, I'm dumping on Uncle in this part. Don't know why. I just call 'em as I see 'em.)

S: "For the sake of your souls, do not abandon your faith. Though there may be evil [LC glances up from his giggling] within you...there is God also. You must believe this, it is all that will save you from the exorcism." (Oooo...truth hurts, eh?)

A: "Will you still believe that...when we are pronounced...to be demons?" (He hisses his esses like Golum <oops, sp?> from The Hobbit - This is one demented puppy!) "And face the exorcism. How will your faith save you when you are made to drink The Blood of the Lamb [Nicholas has crossed over, closer to him] and your flesh is consigned to the fire?" (Though crazed, how much does this guy read about our pair? Hmmm? I understand there was a much bigger part for him, that was cut. I wish I knew what it entailed.)

Pan up and out, to the sunlight streaming through one of the crossed openings.

Fade back to Present Day, morgue.

Detective Knight fades away from interrogating Eric Sawchuck to Flashback:

Pan down from the crossed window, sunlight streams in. To Nicholas as he stands below. He turns slowly to gaze upward and then down to LaCroix. Our Fiercesome Pair flank Sancho. He is against the dungeon wall.

Fingers lace and thumbs twitch as LaCroix speaks:

LC: "Tell me...Sancho? How does a man of such faith as yours, come to be called... a demon?"

S: "I own valuable land near Barcelona. [Nicholas, rapt, is behind him, off his right shoulder] that I refused to give to the Church." [Sancho stares ahead, reciting his misgivings as he clutches his crucifix]

He now turns to speak directly to LaCroix.

S: "That was my heresy." [with passion]

LC: [feigning sympathy] (Uncle does that so well. <g>) "Ah, yes...none greater, in the eyes of The Inquisitor." (Nice smirk!) [turning to gesture sweepingly with his left hand and arm to the manacled man off to the side, who listens] "And Ario?"

S: "He is said to be marked, by The Beast."

A: "I ammm, no moorrre a deemooon, than youuu arrrre..." [crazed and grinning]

Subtle laughter issues from LaCroix.

LC: "I quite agree. [facing Sancho once more, smiling] Why give glory to a devil other than yourself?" (Great line!!)

Sancho blinks at the remark. Even Nicholas gives a small start. (I can't help but think this is a little twisted declaration of LaCroix' Nick in not used to hearing aloud?!)

Their conversation is interrupted by five men entering the dank room. Two armored figures, the jailer and a priest enter. A cutting swatch of sunlight separates the new inhabitants from our intimate foursome. A quick shot of Sancho crossing himself.

Priest: [in Spanish] "He is next. [moving into the light and motioning to the chained Ario, who cringes] Bring him."

The pair of Spaniards advance to release the maniacal one from his bonds. He writhes in denial, fighting weakly. Sancho's face is worked in worry and fright. Nicholas appears disturbed. LaCroix is pissed! (Read: <But I liked him!> ;-[)!)

A: [in Spanish] "You have no power over him...[being dragged away. the priest firmly holds onto his large silver cross, in both hands, before him] ...he is the darkness and the light. [Ario is shouting now] Belial! [as he is being removed through the dungeon's doorway] Beelzebub, my father!" [the priest trails the procession]

As Ario cries out his last statement, the jailer pauses to warn the remaining native:

Jailer: "Make your peace with God! [Sancho is practically overcome, in grief and despair] We shall return for you." [pointing an accusing finger and then hurrying away to hastily bathe the entrance again in lamb's blood, before sealing the gate behind him]

Nicholas turns to LaCroix, turns briefly again. A soft smile of <ridiculous> seems to grace both their lips. LaCroix holds his as they face away, again to view their dismal surroundings. Nicholas steps forward, face now grim. (Just an off-hand observation from me: What a supreme pair these two truly make ;-[) YUM!!)

Fade back to interrogation room, present day, Detective Knight and Eric Sawchuck.

Back to the interrogation room, present day.

Mr. Sawchuck sits at the solitary table, Knight is perched atop it, next to him. Eric stares down at his hands through most of the questioning. Tracy and Captain Reese watch on from outside.

E.S.:"Satan takes hold of people, Detective. He sends forth his angels to seek out the weak." [Nick wriggles uncomfortably...ashamed?]

(Despite the demon that eventually possesses Nicholas, Eric Sawchuck's words echo so clear of how Nick regards his Master, LaCroix. Seducing him with his promises of immortality and other such forbidden fruits...<g> {Asking for trouble here - but like does that mean that Janette was the angel LC's sent forth??} I'd better run and hide now ;-[)!!)

E.S.:"Those who no longer believe the Lord's light is within them. And through his angels, Satan promises strength, power and eternity." [NK, blink-blink-swallow-squirm](Hmmm... Yep, sounds just like something Walking 'O' would offer ;-[)!) "He is a seducer." (So's LaCroix...) "He seduced my sister." (...he seduced his Nicky, with the assistance of Janette...) "And captured her soul." (...and destroyed his mortal soul...or so he thinks.) "There's only one way to deal with that." (Flaming stake through the heart?! <bg>) "He had to be driven out!" (Alright, - Flaming stake driven through the heart! - Well he TRIED ;-[)!)

Knight forces himself to continue the line of questioning. (Getting a little too close for comfort, eh, Blond One?)

N: "You sent her to an exorcist?" [contemptuous look at the use of the word]

E.S. "I wasn't there." [shamefully]

N: "A priest?" [almost spat out, in disgust, with a small sneer]

E.S. "At one time he was." [in meek response]

N: "Have you any idea why your sister would drive off the expressway?"

E.S. [looking directly to Knight, incredulous] "To free herself of the demon's influence. Isn't it obvious? Our beliefs compel us to act against Satan. [Nick staring off, is fading away, into personal thought] If we do not...His darkness will continue to devour the world, until the world is dead!"

Pause.

Detective Knight eventually pulls himself back to the task at hand. He stands and moves closer to Mr. Sawchuck.

N: "A name... What was the exorcist's name?"

E.S. "Vanderwal, Doctor Max Vanderwal." [hanging his head]

Nick walks around Eric and exits, leaving Mr. Sawchuck to his own hell.

Forward to:

While watching Dr. Vanderwal performing an exorcism on his patient, Michael, Tracy and Nick stand awed in the background. As Michael lays prone, the former priest continues the rites. Knight, though restraining himself, becomes increasingly uncomfortable at the religious ceremony. Nearing completion, the figure on the table suddenly rises partially to look first at Tracy (<Nope, not her, I want...HIM!>) then, declares directly to Nick:

M: [in demon voice] "YOU...ARE...MINE!!"

Our Favorite Detective's head is thrown back momentarily. When his posture returns we see that his eyes are vamped out. Fast close-up of a cross. He quickly shakes the temporary loss of control off, but looks quite bewildered. No one seems to have noticed this change in Nick.

Vanderwal finishes his duties.

V: "He's clean. The demon has been driven out." (Yeah, great. Out of Michael and into Nickness.)

The scene ends with Knight appearing at a total loss. He has a confused look on his face. (Read: <What the hell was that! And what's happened to me!>)

Nick has been suffering some strange and disconcerting problems since his little visit to Vanderwal's. After escaping tight scrutiny from Tracy and Captain Reese, he finally arrives home.

Barely pulling himself through the door of the loft, he aims straight for the fridge. Awkward and with difficulty, he reaches his goal. He downs a long draught from the 'wine' bottle he has grabbed. The blood it contains does nothing to ease his turmoil. Unbidden, he finds that he has vamped out. Panting, he shakes it off as he stumbles to the sink. A vicious dark fluid flows up from the drain.

Suddenly Nick seems jerked back, the bottle drops from his grasp. A wide puddle of red forms as it smashes to the floor. Startled, he moves to his piano, a quick glance shows that its strings are mangled. Weird noises have filled the air.

A whistle.

The presence afflicting him draws his attention up, as he narrowly ducks a bottle thrown at him by the unseen force. The container crashes loudly onto the elevator door, splattering across the scorched makings left there from when he attempted to kill his master. No longer in full control and scared, Knight stares forward. As...

Cut back to the dungeon.

Nicholas stands with a look of fright and concern along his face. LaCroix stands behind him, off his left shoulder. Sancho is kneeling before them.

N: [facing the mortal and gesturing with his hand. In Spanish] "Who do you pray for, friend?"

S: [slowly glancing up, sadly. in Spanish] "My family. If I die, my wife and children must be cared for."

LC: [in Spanish] "And who will do that? [in English] Your God...as well? The same God that would allow your flesh to be incinerated?" (Nickster turns away at the harsh truths of his master... Too cruel for words, at times - isn't he! YUM!)

S: "It is not for me to question."

LC: [sneering] "Of course not. Because once the question is asked, it must be answered!" [now Nicholas turns to LaCroix, with a gaze of inquiry]

Sancho abruptly rises to his feet, to confront the non-believer before him.

S: [with certainty] "God...is in all of us. Even you, though you serve the devil."

(OUCH!...That tweaked Uncle the wrong way!)

LC: [through clenched teeth, quite deliberately and determined] "I...serve...No one!!" (Cute shot of Nicholas' eyebrowed look of amusement. A slight grin of <Yeah...right!>)

S: [pressing on, unafraid] "Than you are without purpose."

LC: "Perhaps! But at least I do not deceive myself!" (GRRR... GRRR... ;-[)!)

Nicholas, grasping the severity of the conversation, steps between the pair. He crosses in front of LaCroix and moves to the left side of Sancho. To stare the mortal down.

S: [looking away from Nick] "Please."

N: "You have nothing to fear from me." (Read:<My master on the other hand...>)

Sancho, unexpecting the remark, looks back to him.

S: "You? You who cannot walk in the daylight..." (So, like, how does he know this??!)

(Caught Nickness with that one ;-[)! He hastily faces down - ashamed?)

S: "The lamb's blood and crosses repel you. [pause] Tell me that you are not an angel of the devil!" (No, that's Janette! Oops! -- heeheehee.)

Pan to LaCroix.

LC: "Yesss, Nicholas...do tell." (Nasty jab and twist there! Uncle seems to take every opportunity, no matter the intensity of the situation, to remind his Wayward One of the truth of his nature. That's why I love him so <bg>. And that look! AAAH!)

The trio's interlude is interrupted by the arrival of 'outsiders', again. They turn to face the doorway and move ahead, keeping the sunbeam between them and their keepers.

The priest has entered with his entourage.

Priest: [in Spanish] "It is time."

LC: [looking briefly to Sancho...Nicholas?] "Enjoy." ({See, told ya!} Taunt, taunt.)

Nicholas has offered his right hand to Sancho's arm, in reassurance.

S: [in Spanish] "I beg you your Grace."

Close-up of Sancho.

S: "Have mercy."

Priest: [keeping his distance. in Spanish] "Let mercy be the providence of God. [close-up] You will be exorcised. [shot of the threesome. Sancho turns to Nicholas...] And your flesh will be put to the flame." [...imploring in silence] (English now. Thank you subtitling Goddess!) "If you are the innocent you claim to be...[gazing up in reverence] God will take you into His Kingdom. That is something only a demon would fear." (Yeah , well, Sancho is fearing anyway!) [the priest changes his demeanor from righteous to sadistic] "Bring him!"

S: [as the two soldiers advance] "No! Please your Grace!"

Priest: [to LC and Nick] "Both of you, back!" [his cross in hand, outstretched, while his minions attempt to claim Sancho]

Nicholas shies away and LaCroix uses his arms to block the 'holy' attack. They try to sheild themselves from the priest's advances.

S: "I am innocent! [struggling as he is hauled away] In the name of God... Help me!"

As Sancho is dragged towards the door, begging assistance, Nicholas recovers - vamped.

N: (So forcefully!) "Release him!!" [eyes aglow, fangs bared]

(If you watch REAL fast, try to catch the look of amazement on 'O' Meister's face. Priceless! ...as he spots over to Blond One.)

N: "Snarl... Growl..."

The priest is taken aback, for lack of a better description. The guards with Sancho pause, one crosses himself. They are all stunned.

LC: [retaining control] "Really, Nicholas. Such crass showmanship!" (Delicious! <bg>)

N: (Dark Knight extrordinaire, and a tasty fang moment too!) "I am the demon you seek. [spreading his arms and talking to the priest] I am the Devil's servant." (Nice distraction!) "This man [sweeping motion to Sancho] refused to join us." (My, my. Mr. Brick shows us a side we too seldom get to see ;-[)! If I were Uncle I would made sure to reward him greatly <bg>. Not only does Nicky take...firm...control of the situation, but he gives us uncommon flourish in the process. I would be sooo proud!)

The priest hesitantly signals to the guards behind him.

Priest: [to Sancho. in Spanish] "You may go. [incanting] God be with you."

Sancho now crosses himself and beats a hasty retreat, leaving his captors to deal with the remaining pair. The priest turns to the two warily. The jailer takes this moment to hurl a pot lamb's blood towards Nicholas and LaCroix. They dodge it easily as it smashes onto the wall behind them (Seem familiar Nicky? <g>) Our Favorite Vampires whirl angrily back, together, fanged. To snarl at the group.

Priest: [in Spanish. panicked, to anyone] "Bring oil and fire! Go! Quickly!"

Blond One and Daddy 'O' continue to snarl and hiss.

Priest: [in Spanish] "In the Lord's name, we condemn thee." [left hand clutching his cross, right hand rising in emphasis]

(Both Nicholas and LaCroix pull away here...But!...Nicholas appears to have put his right hand protectively and restrainingly onto LC's chest, his left on LaCroix' arm, as they step back. YUM! Yes, so forceful in this flashback he is ;-[)! And!...Uncle grabs toward the offered hand in return. Too UF <bg>!)

Priest: [continuing, in Spanish] "The devil's servant has no power over the Lord."

One of the armored Spaniards picks up a bucket by the entrance, a lit torch is in his other hand.

LC & N "Growl, growl, snarl" [as the priest rambles on]

Priest: [in Spanish...](...still - ARGH!) "You will perish in the flame!"

The guard dumps some of the fluid from his pail to the floor. He lights it with his torch.

Close in on the flare up.

Cut back to Knight pulling away from the foreground, in his loft again...

Present day. View from above: Front of the Raven.

Inside. Knight has just entered. He grabs a nearby table to steady himself. For support?

The music throbs deeply and the colored lights pulse intensely, reminiscent of a heart beat. A faint memory for many of the nightclub's denizens.

For a moment Nick's head bobs seemingly to the sound, only to throw it back in a fierce snarl. His vamped expression appears as one fighting internally for supremacy over their demons. (<g>)

The vampiric growl released, Nick regains a very small amount of control. Eyes still gleaming, body quivering, he is surprised by a woman who approaches him from behind. With her long black gloved hand, she grabs his left shoulder and rubs it seductively.

FV: "Hi." [smoothly] (I'm not sure which character this is: Eva or Paula. Since little things like that won't stop me, she'll be refered to as FV -- Female Vampire. But we don't know that she is a vampire at this point--Ooops, sorry if I ruined it for anyone ;-[)!)

Knight whirls to face the stranger. His eyes have returned to normal. He sees that she is gorgeous in her low cut black dress.

FV: "You look like you could use a drink." (Yeah, a drink of who... er...what? Ha!) [she continues her caress across and down his chest, glancing at his length in appreciation] "Care to join me...?" [raising her brows in question. Lifting her right hand to tangle into his hair]

Blond Hormone Extrordinaire lustily grabs her, engaging in more than a slight peck of greeting. (Try a mouth, tongue and throat searing exchange of orally extracted bodily fluids ;-[)!)

The woman now wraps both arms around the back of Nick's neck, kneading it as he returns the tight embrace. He spins them around, to face us. He breaks the kiss to briefly lick across her bare right shoulder. [Nick is vamped again, fangs showing] (Are we to assume raging hard-on too, huh ??!! <ebg>)

He spins them back, neither letting go.

FV: [tossing her head back, breathy - smiling in anticipation] "Is that a yes?"

Change shot to being seen from over her shoulder.

Nick almost appears to be sneering, just before he ravenously kisses her again. She lustily returns the welcomed attack.

Rapidly turning her back to him, Our Possessed One takes a classic 'Nick's Favorite Feeding Position'. He rubs his face along her right shoulder. She leans her head back across his left, as a gasp of intense stimulation escapes her.

Hand across her upper chest, Knight walks them quickly to one of the Raven's back rooms [overhead shot again]. He spins her around once more before lifting her and bursting through the doorway. Hot passion has again overtaken them once they have entered the secluded place. With her feet planted on the ground, she slams/is pulled into him, as he throws his back to the now closed door. The female vampire firmly in his arms. Wild embraces and kissing ensues, while the pair touch, grope and taste everything their mouths and hands can access - in clothed bodies. (This is one Dark Nicholas that we so seldom see...no wonder Uncle burns for him --- such passion displayed ;-[)!!!)

[They're in 'The' back room, Janette's old place. there's a lit candelabra with three burning tapers near the door. in the background is the ironwork, behind which is the 'House' wine]

They fall to the couch, intensifying their hunger for each other. Close-up of the two. The kissing deepens. (So where exactly did the chipped tooth thing happen??? Just wondering <bg>.)

Nick suddenly pulls up, off her. He is vamped. [shot of the woman - we see that so is she]

Blond One's fun has abruptly changed as he grasps her by the throat, choking her. She begins to writhe in discomfort, then fear. A growl is torn from Nicholas as he begins to truly throttle the female. [pull back to see beyond Nick, behind him] (Guess who.........??? <eg>)

LaCroix! (Heeheehee. We don't refer to him as Our Favorite, Voyeuristic, Walking Orgasm for nuttin' ;-[)!!)

He stands watching. (Gee...really???!)

LC: [grinning] "Why Nicholassss...[Nick still with a tight hold] what a pleasent surprise to see you like this."

N: [without halting his assault, over his shoulder] "GET OUT!"

LaCroix smiles openly.

Nick suddenly seems to realize what exactly he's doing. Anguish crosses his face. He throws his head down, to pull it back up a moment later with clear eyes.

The woman beneath him takes this opportunity to scramble out from under his hold. She attempts to bolt for the door, but is temporarily sidetracked -- LaCroix grabs her harshly, taking her gaze. Gripping her with both hands. [Nicholas, in the foreground, is trying to get a handle on himself. he is obviously confused with what has happened]

LC: [intensely, to Eva?/Paula?] "For your own sake, my dear...you will breath, not a word of this." [LaCroix releases her, she hastily departs]

He turns his attention back to his wayward child, savoring the other's state. He's grinning again.

(Okay, a moment here. I know Walking 'O' revels when Nicky exhibits any return to his 'nature'. But seeing how dramatically and seriously LC expressed his desire with the woman, of this lapse in Nick. That it not be shared with the rest of the 'community'... Seems to me that even HE senses something most unusual in his son -- regardless of how he is outwardly reacting to Blond Hormone. By pretending(?) to casually accept Nick's behavior. I don't think Ole' Buzz Cut fully 'gets' what's really going on yet! Just that only HE needs to know about it. I'm reminded by the recent chat concerning Unreality TV and the Enforcers. When it gets right down to it, LaCroix is VERY protective of his favorite. No matter how much he taunts him, I think LC feels only HE has the right to mess with him ;-[)!!)

LC: "Finally... [pause] you have come to your senses, Nicholas."

N: [still in the foreground, grimacing] "Please help me LaCroix...I can't control myself." [in anguish, pleading]

LC: [enjoying the moment, drawing out the initial response] "Goood...! Although a little more discretion might be in order." (Jab - Twist! Uncle just cannot resist any chance to berate Honey Boy <bg>!)

N: [shaking his head side to side slightly. squeezing his eyes shut in an attempt to regain full control, shun the demon] (To dismiss LaCroix' cutting comment? To convince Dad just how much trouble you've gotten yourself into this time??! Hmmmm? ;-[)!) "Something's happened. Something terrible. [rocking back and forth in major turmoil] There was an exorcism. [pause] It wasn't mine. [pause. his shortened breath is heard as he trys to explain] But I was there. Something happened. I think the demon came into me." [LaCroix lifts his head in response to the extent of that last comment]

LC: [attempting to remain calm] "Don't be ridiculous, Nicholas...it is merely your 'true' nature coming to the fore."

N: [shaking his head, empassioned] "No!" [a quick turn to the left]

LC: [looking down briefly - gathering thought. moving, finally, to cross behind Nick -- to stand off his left shoulder. he continues, less intensely] "Listen to me Nicholas. [stepping closer] There are no such things as Demons and Devils." [speaking directly to his son, who has yet to look to him]

N: [faced, yet, to the foreground. quivering, he looks upward] "You must take me to him."

LC: "Who? [moving around to face Nick] What are you taking about?" (DAD!! How can you not know what's going on??? Better get a 'link' check, eh?<g>)

Knight, in all his anguish, finally looks up to meet his master's gaze.

N: [begging with his eyes] "Vanderwal. He's an exorcist..."

LC: [cutting his protege short, hissing] "I will take you, to, no, such, man!"

Nick, in desperation, strikes out at LaCroix. He grabs him quite vehemently by the throat.

N: [voice not quite his own] "You must take me! Or I will be destroyed!!" [not lessening his grip] (Oooo...O'meister better klew in quick here. Nicky means business ;-[)!)

LaCroix, unnerved - rips the hand from his neck, regardless of the source. Holding the wrist firmly, he speaks angrily, a sneer on his lips.

LC: "I do not take kindly to coercion, Nicholas." (You call that coercion? Nicky would have ripped your throat out, or tried, Uncle dear.)

Nick glances down, to the hand clamping his arm. He looks as if the sight of it has triggered a rational comprehension. He takes his free hand - moving to release LaCroix' grip, who allows it. Clenching his master's hand in both of his, he stares beyond the tight clasp as he remarks. (Notice how when things get real bad Nickness end up with LaCroix, too? These two just can't stay away from each other...Okay, okay, I understand LC IS his master, but...that UF mind of mine knows it more than just that ;-[)!! Not every child turns to a parent for help, just because they are their parent. True hate would prevent that. Ooops, sorry -- heavy stuff.)

N: [not looking up] "Please help me LaCroix?" (Oh, like Walking 'O' can pass up such a request -- We are talking NICHOLAS here! <vbg>)

LaCroix' expression is one of final dawning. His favorite child is in real trouble (Read: <deep shit> ;-[)!) here, and he is asking - him - for help. The depth of the request is unexpected and a bit...overwhelming. Considering the circumstances and possible results.

N: "Please..?"

Close in on Nick as he grasps his master's hand tighter with both of his.

Present Day:

Outside shot of Vanderwal's house.

Inside - Pan to Nick, flat out on the same table Michael was. We see his wrists have been leather bound, at his sides, to said table. He is conscience, but sort of staring off. Vanderwal speaks, out of view. He seems to be talking to someone. (And who could that possibly be?! <g>)

V: [droning, in professional monotone] "Yes, I suppose it could be possible after all. You see the Devil doesn't just 'go away' after he's been rejected. He always seeks refuge." [Pull back to reveal Dr. Vanderwal standing at Nick's side. LaCroix is behind him, off his left. Tall, cold, stoic - in black (Of course.). He is looking around, appearing most uncomfortable and, tedious. (Indulging in this 'little' request of Nicky's is *not* fun, eh Uncle?!)] "Usually in the conflicted." (Blond One...conflicted? --- No Way!! <bg>) "Those that wage war with themselves. [shot of prone Nick again. he is definitely fighting 'something' in him, as he tosses and turns his head] It is the 'inner turmoil' that opens the door, to let the demon enter. [not turning to face his other guest. raising his voice slightly to indicate his question] You don't want to believe any of this, do you?"

LC: "My thoughts on the matter are irrelevant. I'm merely indulging Nicholas." (Oh, yeah, sure! --- irrelevant...indulging... Love works in strange and mysterious ways, hmmm, O' Ancient One? My facetious little bendings can barely touch the intensity of The R in those few, short, words spoken by LaCroix.)

V: [interrupting, still not glancing at him] "Look! Whether we speak literally of figuratively; God and the Devil reside in each of us. The question is: Which one of them is motivating us?"

Another shot of Nick, as he writhes some more.

LC: "Are you going to do this or not!" [anger rising]

V: [cutting him off] "Which one?!"

LaCroix contains his fury with the condescending mortal. He realizes that Vanderwal may be the only hope for his son. Whatever is happening inside his protege is way beyond anything he, himself, can deal with - he admits, for once.

V: [to our Knight] "Nicholas. Look at me."

Nick halts his squirming to turn his gaze slowly to the questioning man. A strange, raspy breath precedes his response.

V: "Is that you Nicholas?"

N: [deep, airy, and gravely] "Yessss..."

V: "Why don't I believe you? [pause] Who are you? What's your name?"

Vanderwal recieves no answer, just a languid turning away of Nick's head. Max strides away to a small table behind him.

LaCroix stands in place, staring with concern at his favorite. His only movement is that he clenches and unclenches his right hand furiously. (You gotta look quick for that one...a small chink in Daddy 'O's armour finally shows!! ;-[)!)

Nick drifts off into flash back...

Nick has turned away from the pair to drift back in mind to the dungeon he and LaCroix shared at the hands of the Spanish Inquisition [circa 1480's - 1490's] and the deeds of The Grand Inquisitor. (Hey Torquemada! --- Ooooh...Look! I can do research too! <bg>)

Flash back:

Center on a flaming torch. It's tauntingly held by one of the armoured Spaniards. Draw away to see Nicholas and LaCroix pull back to a small sanctuary of the cell space that they have left. Their heads and bodies repel from the flickering light. Nick, with his right, has a solid grasp on his master's cape sleeve near the shoulder. The elder vampire protectively puts his left hand on his 'son's' arm. [they snarl] (Aaah, sigh...Unnamedness ;-[)!!)

The other metal clad captor dumps a liquid unto the earthen floor while the priest rambles on in Latin.

Our Beamish Boys look down in panic as the vicious fluid is spread around them.

The priest raises his voice in his incantations. His cross is ensconced in his hands before him. The torch bearer touches the fire to the oil. It flares up...

...Again revealing the Knight, present day, in Vanderwal's home.

Nicholas' status remains unchanged. His blank stare slowly turns back to the excommunicated priest.

N: [demonic voice, carefully drawn out] "I am the son of Belial." [he faces his current captor - Vanderwal. who looks on, expression seems slightly bored/routinish as he attempts to blot a liquid to Nick's forehead with his thumb]

A stunned Vanderwal recoils back sharply as Nick snaps up in defiance. Max is taken aback, shaken. He turns to a stoic LaCroix.

V: "The evil in him is very powerful. I need your help."

Knight grimaces, again flat back on the table.

LC: "This is all, nonsense..." [gesturing in macabre denial]

V: [interjecting firmly] "And yet you're here!" [pause] Could it be you feel compelled to suspend this belief?" (Daddy's in denial...! <singsong> -- ;-[)!)

Nicky appears to be suffering further, losing his battle with the demon.

V: "Are you responsible for his turmoil?!" (Ooooh - Hard questions asked, almighty Buzz Cut One. The toe is to the line!) "Was it you, who opened the door...to let The Devil into him?" [glancing over his shoulder briefly to LaCroix, in irritation] (This man has no fear -- or he's REALLY stupid {OR NOT!} Does he realize what he's dealing with in LaCroix? Maybe more than we know <g>.) "The Devil you try so hard to dismiss!"

More shots of Nick anguishing, fighting what's within.

V: [continuing, to LaCroix] "Help me." [LaCroix has yet to acknowledge the depth of Vanderwal's words] "Help him." (Now Daddy Dearest shoots an eye to Dr. Max, at that last command.)

LC: [somewhat apologetically] "I... [gulp, pause, ironic grimace] can't." [his gaze skitters past, to a crucifix on the wall]

V: [not looking to the facial response. intense yet on his 'patient'] "Nicholas knows you...he trusts you." (Bottom line -- Yep! Nickness does trust his torturous master, regardless.) That may be [a gut wrenching moan is torn from the young captive, his head is tossed back in pain] the difference in the end. Otherwise we may lose him!"

Nicholas snarls. (Just Fang It! Go, Golden Eye One, Go ;-[)!)

Fast close-up of Vanderwal, wide eyed, stunned.

N: [demonic voice] "He is already lost."

Masterfather furrows his brow. (Astounded? Astonished? Amazed? -- No! More like <What the hell...!>)

N: [growl, snarl. demonizing:] "Nicholas belongs to me. He is MINE!" [LaCroix sets his jaw and shifts slightly]

(Now Uncle is getting pissed. How dare anyone mess with HIS beloved! Heeheehee)

Full shot of all three. Dr. Vanderwal slowly crosses himself as the haggered Knight continues.

N: [demon voice still] "He no longer needs you." (Hmmm...So are we to assume that Wildly Possessed did NEED Vamp Dad all this time??! ;-[)!)

LC: [determination causes him to step closer] "He is...my creation -- my son!" [Nick's monstrous, vamped, hiss cuts short LaCroix' assertion]

(Tasty close-up of a very irate LaCroix. I LOVE that sneer of his...YUM <bg>!)

LC: "I won't let you take him from me!" (And just try to mess with The 'R'! Heeheehee)

The demon in Nick recoils slightly, to draw him back down to the table.

Dr. Vanderwal recovers somewhat from the sight he has just witnessed, to question LaCroix.

V: "You? Also?" (Duh! Realization hits!! THUNK!)

LaCroix is momentarily distracted from his words, to snipe back at Max.

LC: "Yes! <huff>" [attention immediately returns to his protege. Who is back once more contorting in torment on the table]

V: [sympathetically] "Little wonder you...find...all this so hard to believe. To admit The Devil, is to admit God. And yet you see both before you. [pause. shot of Nick] Then help us." (This is a real toughy Uncle -- but Max has asked real nice...Three time's the charm, eh? <g>.)

LaCroix musters all his unbelieving reserve, to assent. He turns slightly away, and does not deny Vanderwal his request.

Max hastily retreats to gather more goods needed to assist Nicholas in ridding himself of the hellish ownership. (His current hellish ownership, that is ;-[)!!)

LaCroix twitches his fingers in concern again. His expression matches his obvious discomfort.

Vanderwal returns with two staffs, afixed with crucifix atop. They cause the ancient to start and gasp as he retreats (Read: <jumps!>) to a safe distance. Max places a pole at either end of the table Nicholas is bound to.

[I'm rewinding the scene a bit]

V: "This power [refering to the crosses] will overcome any...(Alas, hadda resort to Closed Captioning here - Grrr..:) earthly restraints." (Daddy 'O' jumps back.) "Excuse me." (Oh, how polite and accommodating an exorcist he is ;-[)!) [walking past and bending over Nick, to place the final crucifix near his head]

Vanderwal makes the near fatal mistake of leaning over Nicholas as he sets the last poled crucifix in place.

Spying the cross above him [from Nick's position it's inverted] (Slightly Satanic symbolism, eh?), Wild Eyed Demon Knight takes the moment afforded him and roars up. He breaks through the chain that restrains his left hand to seize the ex-priest by the neck.

Max grapples with both of his hands to try to fend off the choking embrace Nick has on him.

LaCroix, hearing the snapping of links, reads the dramatic turn of events. He lunges (Okay, he doesn't really 'lunge', but he shoulda <bg>!) forward to vehemently address his offspring:

LC: [from behind a struggling Vanderwal, shouting] "Nicholas! Stop this! Stop it!"

Blond One winces and tosses himself back onto the table as he heeds his master's commands. ('Sit pretty', 'roll over', --- 'beg'...but he always seemed to have trouble with, 'down boy'. Heeheehee ;-[)!) He shoves off an anxious Vanderwal with his free arm.

Max staggers away further, as he clutches his bruised throat.

A sardonic grin creeps along Nick's 'other' face.

N: [in Demonese] "You are weak LaCroix. [pause] Nicholas is weak." [his unrestrained hand draws sensuously down the length of his chest] (And I do mean a 'sensuous' motion, coupled with the gyrations Ger put into the gesture...Ooooh Yes! Soooo ...Unnamed <bg>!!! Nicholas is the ultimate weakness of Uncle's, and Demon Boy knows it! Then there's Nicky and his multitude of 'weaknesses'...depending upon your point of view ;-[)!)

Shot of both Vanderwal and LaCroix as they look on in disbelief.

N: [rising partially off the table, arms out. in Demonese] "You have no power over me." (Just like in the movie "Labyrinth" with David Bowie. The heroine dispels the Goblin King's hold over her by making that comment. {The same Goblin King that's also in love with her, BTW <g>})

Nick Possessed slowly lowers back, to laugh heinously and spread himself in a parody of a crucifixion.

Cut to loft: Natalie. (She's looking for...you know who!)

Nat: "Nick? Nick?!" [she sees the bottle of blood smashed on the floor] (She comes up later, okay?! That's why I have her here.)

Cut back to Vanderwal's:

View, close-up. A side shot of the poled crucifix at Nicholas' head.

Pan to Vanderwal as he holds a red stole (You wouldn't *believe* what I went through to find that word - <stole>. I don't know jack about Catholicism...) to his lips, glancing to the cross. He places the holy ribbon ceremoniously across his shoulders. Knight writhes a bit. Lacroix gazes on - intense, grim, solemn.

Vanderwal speaks, as he stares down at Nick...(...to the demon? {or possibly, Dad??} Hmmm... Now I know it's the demon. But, his words do pertain to both ;-[)!)

V: "What made you choose this one?" ('Cus he looks sexy in a frilly white collar ? <eg> Oops, sorry. Couldn't help it ;-[)!)

N: [in Demonese] "De Brabant has been many people, all of them murderers." (Grrr... had to resort to Closed Captionong again, damn!) "They are inside, restrained by some sickening moral conscience." (We knew that ;-[)!!) "They want to be unleashed. They want to kill again, oh... Nicholas and I will make a fine pair." (Yeah, right! Over Daddy's undead body. Heeheehee) "He has real potential. I...want to develop it!" [he becomes quite animated in his words] (I adore this insight into the heart? soul? inner self? Of one, Sir Nicholas!)

A voice bleeds (No pun intended, honest.) in. - Fade to the precinct house. It's Tracy, she is conversing with Natalie, over the phone.

Precinct house:

Tracy is talking to Natalie [who calls from the loft]. The later is worried about Nick and is trying to locate him. Trace makes an offhand remark that her partner has been behaving strangely since their visit to Vanderwal's. Natalie, unfamiliar with the reference, inquires further. Tracy replies.

T: "Yeah, it's a long story."

Nat: [wishing to appear unanxious. she rolls her eyes up as she mentally searches for a noncommittal question, not wanting Detective Vetter to clue in on her concern, haste or frustration] "Why don't you just, uh...give me the highlights?"

As she is being obliged the information, Max' voice bleeds over.

Back to Vanderwal's. Merge into the ongoing process of disclaiming Nicholas' 'guest'.

(Humph! Back to the CC TV. Damn good thing I'm on decent terms with brother Erik ;-[)!)

V: [Latin, as Latin. chanting] "Recti gaudebunt"

Max is at Nick's bedside. He holds onto the stem of a silver goblet, in both hands. LaCroix stands aloof in the background, close-at-hand, yet far enough away to be...(un)comfortable.

V: [chanting continues] "domino [pause] et eo confidantur [pause] omnes in sinu recti gloriabuntur." (Yes. Truly Closed Captioning hell..! <g>)

LaCroix is looking anywhere but at the ceremony before him. His right thumb twitches fervidly, in pace with his vexation. He also seems quite disquieted at his son's obvious discomfort. (Back to that <He is mine! Do...Not...try to 'mess' with my child!> thing. Heeheehee.)

Demon Knight is most unhappy with the incantation. He lifts his torso off the table to groan and strain against his bonds. The host's body recoils in pain. (If I recall, I neglected to mention that Possessed One is fully clad in Vamp Black <g> also...Like father, like son??! <bg> I know! The Devil made him do it ;-[)!!)

LaCroix pointedly casts his gaze away from Nicholas' reactions. (Startin' to feel a bit guilty, that you play such a big part in this Dad??)

V: [raising the goblet in his right hand] "I take authority over this room [making the sign of the cross: forehead, chest, left shoulder, right shoulder] in the name of the father the son and the holy spirit. In The Lord's name, I rebuke [wriggle, wriggle Nick] and pray against all ancestral demons." (Is that Uncle closing his eyes and looking down? Painful business this, hmmm? And just who started it, eh Ancient One...?! ;-[)!)

V: "In nomine jesu nunc vos expello." [Latin] (Duh. <g>)

Nick, tossing his head side to side, halts momentarily. He arches back to expel a groaning cry.

(Uncle's reactions, though not the main focus, are really quite precious throughout all of Nicky's exorcism. {Musn't overlook Nigel's credit!! <bg>} Try to catch his nuances during the ritual. It's why I adore him... Distressed, determined, staid, fearful, but oh so, caring. Nicholas is his beloved protege. Though he seldom lets him know how much he greatly cherishes him. And yes, possibly...angsts over him! ;-[)!)

Fast flashback:

Close-up of Nicholas. His face is framed by the flames in the foreground, eyes squint in scrutiny. LaCroix is close (Very close. <g>) at his mates left. They are backed to a corner of the dungeon. The fire flares as tall as they. (Did I say that Our Favorite Pair were very close? I meant VERY close!! Aaah, such unnamed bliss I'm in ;-[)!)

The armoured Spaniard holding the torch retreats from the burning blaze to rejoin his associates. The priest looks on, grinning evilly.

The wall of fire grows nearer, gaining intensity. With a shared glance that seems to emulate their twinned determination...LaCroix encompasses his 'child' with his right arm. Nicholas responds, to grab his master's forearm with his right hand. Lacroix appears to subconsciously grasp his protege's upper arm. The pair pause to gather strength and resolve. A last look to Nicholas. LaCroix and his ensconced son make a grand leap/short flight across the raging, damning flames. To escape a hideous fate. They land at the feet of their captors. Willing to risk a confrontation as opposed to facing a certain demise.

The priest lifts his cross in defense.

Shoot back to present day:

Demon Knight and his exorcism.

Nick is becoming less and less capable of remaining in control. [above view, head shot] He is ranting, eyes glassy, staring at no one. The voice and demeanor still not his own.

N: [in Demonese, hissing] "I have revived, revived, the vampire's taste... I have revived the vampire's taste for death."

Flashback:

Close-up of the priest. He tries to recover from the emergence of the twosome through the flames. He shields himself with his cross.

Priest: [in Spanish. attempting to keep the pair on the floor in front of him at bay] "Give me the torch!" [risking a free hand to hastily motion to his minion. The Spaniard responds by presenting the requested item, then backs away]

Nicholas and LaCroix safely land on the other side of the fire, to kneel on the earthen floor. They are currently more preoccupied with the condition of themselves and their clothing, than to give full attention to the actions the religious man. Nicholas eagerly makes inventory of himself as LaCroix now shies from the catholic's incantations. He lifts his right hand to obscure the vision. His son offers reassurance by landing his hold to his master's shoulder.

Priest: [in Spanish] "Guards!"

Zip to Vanderwal's. Nick head shot again:

N: [rapidly stating aloud, sightlesssly rambling on.must I ad, in Demonese?] (CC hell once more...ARGH!!!) "Thank goodness. He has cultivated, cultivated [pause] it has been driven, driven out. [reaching a fevered, yet muted, pitch] I will be with him forever. Forever. I will be with him forever." (Being a Cousin, I tend to overlook the fantastic way Ger plays his roles also...this one is superb!! ;-[)!)

Zip to flashback. A look at the flames. A voice bleeds over:

Priest: [Latin, as Latin] "Et hael signa [pause] eos comitabuntur"

Still kneeling. LaCroix to the left, Nicholas beside. LC pulls a fast eye from the flames to look with panic (Yes! Uncle Dear appears quite...distressed! <bg>) to the priest. He holds his right hand up seemingly in readiness to grasp his favorite if necessary. Nicholas also has his attention to the priest. His right hand attempts, unsuccessfully, to tangle a hold with his master's cape sleeve. (Funny shot -- He does try...'til he gives up and shakes it off and lets it go! Watch, quick!)

Holy man goes on in Latin:

Priest: "qui deum esse credunt." [close-up of his left hand thrusting his golden jeweled cross forward]

Possessed Present Day Nick. Still in head shot:

N: "I...I will be with him forever." [passionately]

Vanderwal's hand quickly reaches into the scene with a holy water sprinkler. It splashes its fluid across Nick's face. A sizzle is heard, causing Blond One to rear up and explode in a throaty, anguished roar.

LaCroix, risking much to himself by bridging the consecrated site, throws his ominous form across the breast of his beloved. His body traps his son's. He pins Nicholas down with both arms. His face expresses wordlessly the great pain he has put himself in by assisting.

LC: "NOW!" [his entire being is concentrated on holding Nick in place]

(Step into the sun, enter holy ground...what Walking 'O' won't do for love...! <ebg>)

V: [Latin as Latin. chanting. Max has pulled back behind LaCroix, to stand focused. he raises his silver sprinkler in his right hand to piously recite] "In nomine de patre de filio et de spirito sanctu." (You figure it out ;-[)!)

Cut to flash back:

Priest: [close-up. torch in left hand, cross in right. intoning in Latin] "In nomine de..."

Pan full: To include LaCroix and Nicholas, on the floor. The elder Vampire bows down further, hand still raised. The effects of the ceremony apparently influence him greatly. Nicholas is, yet, close to his maker's right. He imparts an effort to shield LaCroix, his [Nick's] right hand holds the other's cloth covering tightly.

Back to Vanderwal's:

V: [chanting. Latin] "Hic sanguis de agno..."

Nick, pinned down, head shot. [LC still tightly grips him] He grimaces, head writhing, teeth gritted, eyes pressed shut.

V: [(Must I add? - ) Latin] "consecret hoc corpus"

A view of LaCroix as he maintains, not only to restrain his protege, but to withstand the effects of the words.

V: "eius infestatorem."

Full shot of all three.

V: [English. (...aaah! A CC respite!) lifting the sprinkler high] "In God's name I command thee!"

Nicholas arches his back wholly off the table. He is held in place only by LaCroix' efforts to hinder him.

N: [in Demonese] "You cannot save them all!"

LaCroix shifts his hold, he strains with all his ancient power to keep his son at bay. (I've noticed that Nicky appears quite 'strong' during all this. His potency practically overwhelms his master's... Wonder if Dad expected the amplitude of force his young one was, truly, capable of?? Doubt it...then again, maybe not! <eg>. Well, there is the 'current' demon helping out... Heeheehee)

LC: [imperious] "Fight Nicholas!"

N: [turning attention to his maker. Demonese] "This is not your fight LaCroix. You are one of us." [attempting to sway the elder]

LaCroix' expression is not altered by the assertion. He still contains his son.

N: [Demonese (- could you guess?)] "You belong to us!"

(Oh, yeah...right! Like All Mighty Powerful Vampman is gonna let some piddling little demon-type <g>, who mishappened upon his son, change any aspect of how he seems himself, or the position/status he's accrued! Let alone trying to take said son away from him ;-[)! Silly demon-type!!)

LC: "Listen to me, Nicholas! You must fight this demon. There is goodness in you, there is God in you. Use it!" (Oooo...never will hear those words from him again - 'goodness' , 'God' - nonsarcastically! <bg>)

Back to the dungeon:

Our Favorite Twosome squat, yet, on the ground. Nicholas flinches noticeably as the catholic continues his chanting. He catches himself, to eye towards LaCroix, then glares up to the priest. LC kneels and just attempts to sustain his bearings. (See...Nicky again comes across as being stronger and more in control of himself than his master. No other episode, that I recall, has the pair having Blond One taking charge like this one!)

Priest: [incanting during preceding senerio. in Latin] "In nomine deo [pause] haec expellant"

Close-up Priest: [cross and torch up-lifted]

Priest: "illos daemones." [Nicholas grabs LaCroix' sleeve]

Zip back. Close-up Vanderwal: [sprinkler up-lifted]

V: "Iam vos obligo"

Nick groans and crys out.

V: "in nomine jesu."

Back to the flames and The Inquisition's cell: [voice of priest bleeds over]

Priest: [in English] "The life of a creature"

Nicholas and LaCroix on the floor. The Spanish holy man walks forward, intensifying his speech.

Priest: "is in the blood."

LaCroix, turned down and away, cringing, eyes tightly closed, holds back the pain. He reaches for, and finds, his offspring's hand. He grasps it firmly. (For you, KnightByrd...all for you ;-[)! -- Aaah, Hand Holding! Albeit supportive 'hand holding', but 'hand holding' none-the-less. YUM!! -- And many thanks for pointing it out to me, dear... A tasty little Unnamed 'R' moment I initially missed. <gasp> I missed something like this!! <bg>) LaCroix' other hand clasps the elbow of Nicholas, who also faces away.

Priest: [raising pitch] "Without the shedding of blood"

Close-up of his cross.

Priest: "there can be no forgiveness." (I love how the ritual's wording so exemplifies the necessities of existence to a vampire also...<The life of a creature is in the blood...>, <without the shedding of blood there can be no forgiveness.> not exactly what Nicky is looking for...but the similarities are so...precious. Heeheehee. Scary huh? <g>)

Back to Vanderwal's:

Nick is bowed up in anguish. His freed hand is raised, grasping/kneeding the air. LaCroix, lowered, to Nicholas' left, has his right arm splayed along his child's chest.

V: [close-up] "Release this man!" (Ole Max ain't so bad...he refers to Nicky as a 'man' - even Blondish barely regards himself as such. 'Man' is a so mortal term. As opposed to that vampire one ;-[)!)

Dungeon, priest:

Priest: [feverishly] "The Sons of Belial..."

Nicholas watches the robed human. He is still tightly holding his maker's arm. LaCroix is suffering greatly. He is lowering, subdued, his face twists in disgust, distaste, annoyance...pain? Grimacing beneath the power of the holy man's chantings. (Is it possible that dear Uncle was weakened by his initial assult of sunlight? Or are these stammerings of the 'foolish' priest more than mere ramblings to him...hmmmm...get's me thinkin'? Seems kinda obvious, tho' I've never seen him so...affected. Grrrr)

Quick shot to Vanderwal's:

V: "I cast thee out!"

Zip back to dungeon:

Priest: "...shall not survive..."

LaCroix still seals his sight shut. He heaves in breath (Breath...?<g>), attempting to gain strength from his child. Nicholas' attention is rapt to the words of the catholic. He releases his hold on his master's limb to motion with his right hand in a feeble gesture of feigning off the priest's onslaught.

Zip to Vanderwal:

V: "I cast thee out!"

Zip to Priest:

Priest: "...God's wrath!" [both of Our Pair are turned away. LaCroix rears a provisional fist to the tormentor]

Back to Vanderwal's:

V: "I cast thee out!"

Demoniac taut in turmoil, recoils - frenzied. The host Nicholas Knight yells. The force of the retreating, raging, essence unexpectedly casts LaCroix off of his intense hold on his creation. The added power throws him, flailing, far from his son.

Flash back dungeon (again...<g>):

The 15th century padre attempts to culminate his litany. Sancho suddenly appears behind him, unseen, to club him soundly. He slumps unconscious.

Flash forward Vanderwal's:

N: [vamp eyes] "<growl>" [staring at the exorcist]

Max, himself affected by the releasing devil, is also mentally tossed aside. He covers his face with his hands as he is flung back.

Interrupt - Natalie emerges animated through the doorway. She glances hastily to her right as Vanderwal falls past her. Turning to rivet her gaze forward, she spys Knight. He's bound flat, yellow eyed, snarling and struggling.

NaT: "Nick?"

In an instant, Demonboy breaks out, kicks shut the door, and is at her side. He grabs her head in both of his hands. He's still vamped and growling. Nick stares at her for a moment, then bares his fangs (Drool Dark Knighties, drool. Tasty Fang Moment ;-[)!) and endeavors to bend Natalie's head back. She clutches his forearms, trying to fend off his unwanted 'attention'. (Bite her...Bite Her! Now, Nickness. BITE HER!! Put her out our your ...our...misery. <sly Unnamed grin> Bad me. Heeheehee.)

Nat: "Nick..." [inaudible, but Closed Captioning says so]

Blond One pauses and wrestles internally for control. He seems to have no idea who he has a hold on. Natalie sights wildly around her, for any sort of assistance, panicked. Dr. Vanderwal has recovered, he looks fast to the other vampire. LaCroix, also back on his feet, strides forward. His face is worked in determination, anxious. (Ummm...could be nasty shit if his wayward child drains his...{gag}...girlfriend. {I'm being mean, I know ;-[)!} Like the guilt Nick seems to so love wallowing in isn't enough already for Uncle to deal with. Without having to try to manage 'that' too! <g>) Sensing the magnitude of the situation, LaCroix halt temporarily. (Don't wanna push the Demonpuppy over the edge now...!)

Nat: "Nick, it's Natalie." [softly spoken. (CC again.)]

Nicholas wrenches her head aside, baring her neck. LaCroix helplessly grits his teeth in tension. (Argh...Daddy 'O' is truly helpless here. How atrociously weak he must feel!) He's cemented to his spot.

Nat: "Nick [he's panting], don't."

Knight, holding Natalie thus....growls, growls, snarls. His fangs gnash, eyes wince. A beat. Despair crosses his visage. He flings himself back across the exorcism table.

Nat: "Nick?" [stepping to him, confused] (DUH! Nat, dear...Haven't you kinda noticed that Nickers might be havin' some real problems?! We're not talkin' a reaction to protein shakes, popcorn or french fries here <eg>!!)

V: [moving in. firmly] "No."

At his urgent word, Natalie turns her sight briefly to him. She then quickly faces back to the errant Vampboy.

Nick, on his stomach, lifts his torso up, off the platform momentarily by his hands. Only to collapse back down.

LaCroix follows the motions. His gaze is...amazed.

Black Clad Blond now throws up his head. Clear blue eyes gape forward. He pants. His expression is one of uncertainty, confusion. He blinks rapidly.

Vanderwal shoots a look over to LaCroix again. The stoic master exhales slowly. Sighs a relief. A slight grin of alleviation passes his lips. (Nothing like making a creation more complicated than yourself to keep you interested. Eh, O' Meister? ;-[)!)

Nick, panting aloud, sits on the table. He rests on one arm. Max Vanderwal walks to him casually, yet cautiously.

V: "Nicholas, you're back." [calmly]

Knight looks over to the exorcist, gasping. Natalie approaches.

V: "You're back."

Nat: [placing her hand to his arm. he doesn't react] "Oh my God Nick...what happened?"

V: "For the Devil to be driven out, one must first believe that God has not abandoned the soul. Torn as he is by good and evil..."

View the poled crucifix.

V: "Nick...does have faith."

Fade back to flash back: Flash back [Spanish prison 1480's- 1490's]:

The priest has been temporarily dispatched. A heaving Sancho is seen. He appears spent by the physical and mental exertion of clubbing the holy figure. Unsure if the blasphemous deed was the correct choice.

Now able, but gasping, LaCroix and his son arise up from their subservient position. (Still holding each other's arms, I might add! <bg>) The elder shakily stands, turns, then lunges to grasp the shirt front of the only conscious mortal remaining...and standing - Sancho. Anger and bloodlust recently made to heighten and boil over, drives him. His companion quickly intercedes. Nicholas recognizes the motives driving his master, but also realizes he must stop him from slaying their, all too human...'savior'. He grabs LaCroix' shoulder, yanking it back. He halts the transition.

N: [breathy] "LaCroix! He saved us." [Nicholas stares at his master, silently imploring him to understand. LC pauses, receiving the unspoken message. He then looks down, and gathers himself.] (See! See! More of that meek Uncleness! Grrr!)

S: [still stunned by the events. unfazed by LaCroix' actions. emotionally, to Nick] "You were the hand of God. He spared me through you. [LaCroix slowly moves around, to behind Sancho, off his right. sight glaring to his son] I don't understand what you are." (We do! We do! But I think Sancho does now too! Oh, and Dear Daddy has regained his sarcastic composure...sneering wonderfully behind the Spaniard's back. In full view of his righteous protege. ;-[)!) "But there is God in you. Your actions are proof of that." (Actually Blond One's actions are, in part, proof of his 'weakness' towards mortals -- The grass is always greener...Or shall I say the blood is always redder...eh Nickipoo?? Heeheehee <bg>).

LC: [jumping in to expound, hissing into Sancho's ear] "His...actions...suited his, needs. [staring back at his child] And nothing more. [moving hastily away] Come Nicholas!" (And BH responds immediately, notice. 'Pussy whipped' ? Nope, sorry that's 'cock whipped'. -- Nasty, nasty Jules ;-[)!)

Heeding the obvious necessity of his master's words, Nicholas starts to leave. He pauses momentarily to hardily grasp the stunned human. He gains Sancho's attention, to passionately impart:

N: "Thank you!"

S: [returning the respect] "Go now. Go in peace."

Nicholas halts to look down, furrowing his brow at the last statement. 'Peace' appears as an emotion the young vampire wishes to yet find. He then dashes off, leaving an overwhelmed Sancho behind. The Spaniard reflects on the situation, then quickly crosses himself in the direction of the fallen priest and hies out. He follows his fellow prisoners.

Close-up of the jeweled silver cross, lain onto the earthen floor. It's just out of reach of the outstretched hand of the fallen clergyman.

Zap back to Vanderwal's:

Nick sits on the edge of the exorcist's table, oblivious, spent. Natalie stands beside him, holding his arm. (She's the...oblivious...one! <bg> - to the depth of the situation. Klewless girl, you're totally klewless! ;-[)!)

Vanderwal turns to speak to an aloof, cold, stoic and proximity impaired LaCroix. (Max knows the intense relationship between the two. Notice how he doesn't even attempt to address, Nat-ters, or even look to her? ;-[)!)

V: [striding to LaCroix] "And your acceptance of that. [pause] Helped to save him." [Cold Boldness stands proud]

LC: "I did what was necessary to reclaim him." [using his stature to attempt to drill down the 'puny' mortal]

V: [unaffected] "Yes. Of course you did."

Contemptuously LaCroix vehemently snaps up his right hand. Most unhappy at the human's audacity. His index finger is poised, pointed upward, thumb out.

He whammies Vanderwal.

<Thump, thump. Thump, thump>

LC: "This...never...happened."

The now blanked out exorcist stares unseeing to the tall, black-clad man. He eventually looks away. LaCroix leaves. Vanderwal slowly turns and walks towards the poled crucifix he had earlier set at the head of the cleansing table. He stares up. The nailed figure of Christ looms into view.

Fade. Commercial.

Natalie cautiously enters the darkened loft. Moving through the carbon stained elevator door, she walks with hesitance, towards Nick.

Pan Full:

Reveal Detective Knight facing out. He leans against the kitchen's support post, drinking from a 'wine' bottle. His gaze appears eons away from his present surroundings, situation...guest.

Nat: "Nick?"

His back is to her. He slowly lowers the bottled libation, glancing down at it in slight resignation - embarrassment? He scarcely acknowledges her questioned remark.

Nat: "I...ah, was just on my way into the office. You booked off, right?"

Without turning to the woman behind him, Nick abruptly nods in agreement.

Nat: [reacting to his distance, she softly offers:] "Listen. I can stay with you, if you want..?"

NK: "No!" [terse, over his shoulder] (Many, many things have changed between these two, as they both realize. But yet have difficulties expressing.)

Nat: "It's no trouble, really." [hoping to equanimite some of the barriers recently erected]

(Poor, delusional NatAttack <g>. She hasn't quite figured out that there are eight centuries of Nick Angst History that she will forever be klewless to <bg>. Like, does she really think her four 'human' years of influence actually will change anything, in the long life of this eternal being ;-[)?!)

Nat: "I...[pause] I could just...ah..."

NK: [turning sharply to partially face her, squinting in inner discomfort. cutting off her words] "I'm fine." [then looking down]

Knight senses that his ambiguity has puzzled the mortal woman he has chosen to become close to. But the severity of the recent events and exorcism has altered more than just his resolve to gain his humanity...and he knows he can't explain it to her.

Nat: [lost, and looking down also. a long pause follows between the pair] "It's over Nick." (Yes, Natalie dear, we know that...oops, sorry, you're talking about something else - I bet! <bg>) [taking the initiative. attempting to lighten the air a bit] "Hey. You beat the Devil. Not bad for a day's work."

NK: [stating firmly, not trying to meet her gaze] "You can't imagine what it's like." [grimacing a little in recollection]

Nat: [eyeing off, hurt by the aside. she responds in kind] "Maybe not, but we all have our demons." (G-Nat...Hon. His was a real demon though! Teehee.)

NK: [slowly, deliberately, he shakes his head; Accentuating the inaccuracy of Natalie's comment] "But not like this." [his back still towards her]

Nick unexpectedly turns to his human companion, eyes yellowed.

Nat: [suddenly panicked. her voice rises] "Don't! Don't do that!"

Vamped Detective Knight raises his right hand to caress the side of her face, cheek. Natalie grabs his arm in feeble defense. (Or is that 'defence'? Just wondering...<smile>)

NK: [speaking in a deepened pitch] "It's all right."

Close-up of Nick's vamped visage. He leans into her.

(Okay, all you N&NPackers out there, revel away...;-[)! I offer up this one following moment!:)

NK: "Don't be afraid." (Yeah, right! If I were her, knowing what I do - <Be afraid, be very afraid, girl!> - As we hear the 'Thump, thump...Thump, thump' of her heartbeat, through him. <Be Very afraid!!>)

Nick seems at first to be going for Natalie's throat. Only he pulls away at the last instant, to gently bump and rub his forehead along hers. He turns away suddenly, letting go of her. (And she seems *so* disappointed too! Heeheehee) He releases Nat, completely. His eyes are again a clear deep blue, and in control.

NK: [anguish wars within him, as he shies away] "I think that what happened...set me back a bit." [presented in apology]

Natalie casts her gaze downward. Almost in a look of regret. (Hmmm...what are her true motives here then? <bg>)

NK: "Set us back a bit - [searching for an adequate explanation] I don't know how much. [as he lifts the bottle in his hand, to stare at it. he blinks rapidly] But I haven't felt such a powerful need for human blood in a long time." (Walking 'O' would be so pleased to hear that ;-[)!!)

Nick turns his head to languidly regard the woman he's been speaking to. He then gradually looks away and faces forward.

The voice of The Nightcrawler, (Nicky's all-too-recently reaffirmed mentor/father, brother/savior, master/possessor {Pain-in-the-ass/ But I Don't Want To Leave Him. <ebg>!!}), bleeds into the scene. His liquid voice drips on --- as the shot tightens on Knight's face...

Voice over. The Nightcrawler's languid drawl:

Lacroix' at his CERK station post:

LC as Nc: "In courts and palaces, he also reigns."

Cut to an ultraclose-up of LaCroix. His face is brightly illuminated yet heavily shadowed in a rich azure cast. At the mic. In a part of the eerie, garishly lit section of the private sound booth. The camera is centered on his right eye. He speaks, unblinking.

[very slow pull back. it eventually encompasses all of the master vampire's arduous visage, staring blankly off. his tone increases in intensity as he recites]

LC as Nc: "And in luxurious cities, where the noise of riot ascends above their loftiest towers...and injury, and outrage. And when night darkens the street; Then wander forth...the Sons of Belial. Flown with insolence and wine."

It's now LaCroix' turn to swivel his head slowly forward. His sight shifts, casting it's unfocused gaze directly towards the screen. A long pause.

LC as Nc: "Paradise...[an instant of brow furrow, as if in a twinge of pain at saying this last word -] Lost."

Ever so sluggishly, he lowers his lids, then bows his head.

Out.

(WOW! Such a power scene, eh? Whether it's the Sons of The Devil or the Son of LaCroix...the results are the same. At least according to 'Himself'. Though I feel it's more like -- Innocence...Lost. <g> Such as it is, in this case - anyway <bg>.)

My Sons of Belial Ep. Slant finally draws to a close...at last count it totals just under 50 pages. YAAAH!! Did I really write/reiterate all that? DAMN! - What an Unnamed won't do in the quest to explore the depths of The 'R' (Short for 'The Relationship', for you new folks.)