1.8 Black Magick

August 3, 2003 (Sunday) 10:14 a.m. - Outside Chase's Apartment

Geoff walks Chase to the door and lingers for a moment. "I'll call you when I get back."

Chase smiles at him sleepily. "A week and a half?"

"Yup. Thanks for waking up for coffee. I know it's early. I owe you another one." He smiles a bit sadly and pulls her to him for a kiss.

They say good-bye, and as he leaves Chase bangs her head softly against the door. "Idiot, idiot, idiot..."

August 4 2003 2:03 p.m. - Deaver's Classroom [Cut music]

Raveena and the other classmates stare at the physics final as Deaver paces across the front of the room with a watch. "Start." Raveena flips through the pages, sighs, starts.

August 5, 2003 4:26 p.m. - Wakefield & Sons Funeral Parlor in Chicago, Illinois

The ceremony is in progress for Chad Lewis. Geoff and a dignified fatherly man sit in the crowd, listening to the preacher. When the preacher praises Chad's character, an older man in the back coughs loudly and "bull sh" is clearly heard. Most of the room looks his direction, but Geoff sinks further into his pew and turns to his neighbor. "Why did he come? John, why did you let him come?" John smiles sympathetically, but doesn't respond. Geoff laughs mirthlessly, "Dad is so much more pleasant from a few hundred miles away."

August 7, 2003 11:32 a.m. - Nikki's Living Room [Resume music]

Nikki sits on a couch with lemonade while Alex grades on the floor. Movers haul furniture around at Nikki's pointing. She takes a sip of her drink. "Moving is hard work!" She points a direction and smiles at a young guy carrying a load of boxes, then turns to Deaver. "Whatcha doing?"

Alex looks up, "Grading Physics finals."

A mover enters with a carved wooden headboard. "Upstairs, right, last room." Nikki turns to Alex. "It is nice to have a bed to recline on, don't you think? you could do it on the floor, or a table, or the bathtub. But I think a bed is more comfortable. Don't you?"

Alex turns to her, wide-eyed. "Um... well... uh... yes."

Nikki slides down on the floor next to him. "You are so cute when you blush." "Um... uh..." Nikki looks down at the work he is doing and cheerfully smiles, "We should get back to your physics."

And Alex starts to show her the tests.

August 5, 2003 5:38 p.m. - Wink Restaurant and Bar in Chicago, Illinois [Cut music]

The wake. Geoff's father drinks in a corner, muttering occasionally while Geoff avoids him. He spies a woman alone with wine and quickly catches up to her. "Mrs. Tanner?" She smiles, "Geoff. How good to see you. I hear wonderful things about your progress." "Yes, ma'am, things have been going pretty well. You?" "I'm fine. But Eliza-"

A good looking older man (Mr. Tanner) approaches and slides his arm around Mrs. Tanner. Geoff coldly stiffens. Tanner turns a too practiced smile to him. "Eliza hasn't been back to see her mother in years. I thought you knew that. And she isn't here today." Geoff nods curtly and turns to go. Tanner stops him. "Things have turned out well for you now, haven't they, Mr. VanGarren. You are a lucky man."

Geoff stares him full in the face. "Forgive me if I find that ironic coming from you. And that's Dr. VanGarren. Mr. Tanner. Mrs. Tanner." Geoff strides off.

August 8, 2003 9:30 p.m. - Campus Security Main Office

In the locker area outside Richard's office, Will picks up his badge and baton as an argument rages inside. An angry man tears off, and Richard exits, throwing paperwork down. He turns to Will. "I'm sorry. I did my best." Richard begins to collect his things as Will takes a look at the paper. It reads, "Terminated." Will shakes his head in frustration and heads out to patrol.

August 5, 2003 5:46 p.m. - Wink Restaurant and Bar in Chicago, Illinois

Geoff is not so deep in conversation with a very pregnant woman. His eyes glaze over as she prattles about who knows what. When her wedding banded fingers caress his sleeve, he jerks back to reality. "Excuse me?" "You're in town for a week, aren't you? I can get you the key." Geoff just stares at her as a burly beer-bellied specimen of a man tromps over, smashing a beer can with his fists. Geoff shakes his head like "what next." Before the collision, however, a hand and body interpose themselves somewhat timidly. "Geoff. It's good to see you again." Geoff smiles honestly and shakes the hand. "Jason." Jason leads Geoff away from the now arguing couple and over to two bar stools.

"How have you been?"

Geoff shakes his head. "Not bad. I'm in Maine now. You?"

"Maine? I thought you went to Hawaii. I'm sorry. Actually, I'm doing well. I, uh, have a job in California doing graphic design. It's a lot of fun. It's a good job." A crunching noise sounds, and the guys look over to see that burly man has smashed a beer can against his forehead while glaring menacingly at Geoff.

Geoff turns back to Jason. "He hasn't changed since high school."

Jason smiles wryly at Geoff. "Apparently neither has she. If he wants enough time to kick the ass of everyone who's touched his wife..."

Geoff laughs. "He'd better believe in reincarnation."

The guys smile as old friends should, and suddenly Geoff is OK.

August 9, 2003 11:08 p.m. - Kevin's House [Resume music]

It's a packed party, and Chase is in the thick of it. Kevin drags her away from her dance partner, and they get a little closer in time to the music. A laugh rings out, and Chase notices Strella with two guys hanging off of her. Chase rolls her eyes. Strella makes her way over, boys in tow. "Having a good time?" Chase smiles confidently. "Of course." Strella pops a pill and takes a swig of her beer.

Kevin hands Chase a tab, and she does the same. Strella laughs as one of her boys nibbles on her neck (but not in a fangy sort of way). "Boys are deliciously annoying." She throws an arm around him and smiles pointedly at Chase. "I won't tell on you if you won't tell on me." Chase tips her head in confusion, and Strella continues, "I don't imagine our darling doctor friend would be impressed." Chase smirks as Kevin pulls her closer. "Deal."

August 10, 2003 (Sunday) 11:42 p.m. - Gabe's Dorm Room [Keep that Fiona Apple rolling]

Gabe and his roommate are both, oddly, asleep. The door opens, and Jade enters a little bandaged and bruised but with something electric about her. She turns to the roommate. "Get out." He does. She strides to Gabe's bed as the door closes behind the roomie. "I did it. Are you going to congratulate me?" Gabe reaches out and pulls her into a kiss. [director would like to note a shirtless man alert - there have been far too few of these]

August 11, 2003 4:15 p.m. - Outside Deaver's Office [Cut music]

Deaver posts grades outside and locks his door. Raveena approaches timidly and he smiles. "I think you'll like it. Congratulations." He leaves, and Raveena checks her grade. She's received the third highest marks in the class. She does a little dance.

Soft laughter sounds behind her, and she turns to see a good looking boy approaching. "Good grade?" Raveena nods. The boy waits for a moment, then continues, "Is Dr. Deaver around? I'm going to be in his class next semester. I wanted a chance to meet him."

Raveena stares dumbly for a second before replying, "Um...no. He's, uh, gone. His office hours are posted here, though."

The boy nods. "Ah yes, learn to read. It's been on my to do list for awhile."

Raveena smiles a little, "That's okay; literacy is overrated."

The boy smiles and holds out a hand, "I'm Ethan. I'll be starting in the mech e program in the fall. You?"

"Raveena. I, uh, had Deaver this summer."

Ethan smiles nicely, "Well, then, I guess I'll see you around." Raveena nods, and Ethan leaves, still grinning.

[Cue Fiona Apple again]

Raveena watches him go, then cracks a smile herself, continuing her happy dance down the hallway.

Chase: "I don't wear a push up bra."

August 13, 2003 10:06 a.m. - Outside Nikki's Mansion

Nikki, Chase, Raveena, and Strella pack up Chase's Jeep for a night in Maine's biggest city - Portland. After trading a few barbs, Strella smiles at Chase and the gang is under way.

In Portland, the gang shops, and Chase, Strella, and Nikki deck Raveena out in more stylish attire while Raveena shrinks and slouches through cropped tops and plunging necklines.

August 13, 2003 6:00 p.m. - Daughter's of Hecate Ritual Area

Gabe enters a room of candlelight and robed witches. The ask if he is prepared for his trial. Gabe answers in the affirmative, and he is taken off to a different room for a change of attire.

August 13, 2003 7:18 p.m. - Illusions Dance Club in Portland, Maine

A long line slinks around the building to enter Portland's poshest night spot. Raveena wonders if they will ever get in. Strella and Chase turn to her with a smirk and a "Watch this." Strutting up to the front they flash sultry smiles and cleavage. The bouncer opens the door.

August 13, 2003 7:20 p.m. - Daughter's of Hecate Ritual Area

Gabe re-enters the area wearing pilgrim attire. He is not amused. The head priestess hands him a crystal device about the size of a tennis ball and instructs him not to lose it. She announces that his quest is to find out which of McKennit's covens is indeed the oldest. He will have until 6:00 a.m. With that, she instructs Gabe to stand in the center of the circle of witches. The chanting begins. Gabe disappears.

August 13, 2003 8:37 p.m. - Illusions Dance Club

The girls have made their way up to the VIP lounge upstairs. Strella drips gorgeous young things, and Chase isn't doing so badly herself. On the dance floor, Raveena teaches Nikki how to two-step, and Nikki catches on quickly. All of them are giddy drunk. Chase and Strella continue catty conversation, then find a guy in a shadowy corner of the room to do a little dealing with. Upon return, they offer pills around, but Raveena and Nikki turn it down with smiles. Soon Raveena has attracted the attention of a young man, and the other three encourage her to get out on the dance floor with him.

August 13, 1693 7:21 p.m. - The Countryside Just Outside McKennit

Gabe looks around at a landscape that is almost familiar. The Phillipi tower stands tall in the distance and several structure from the town below look familiar. A fire is blazing off to the east of town. Gabe looks down at his clothes. Looks around. Looks down at his clothes. "Well, sh-"

August 13, 1693 8:05 p.m. - The Blaze East of Town

Gabe has made his way to the fire to discover it is a sacred grove that has just been torched. As he approaches, several citizens surround the trees. One notices him and asks if he's a witch. Gabe stutters and announces that he is a student looking to study at Phillipi and has just arrived in town. They tell him to go back where he came from as McKennit is not a safe place to be around now. Especially for those that don't practice the evil arts. The arsonists scatter, warning him that he should do the same, as the witch-folk will surely be here soon to punish those responsible. Gabe takes the hint and heads for town.

August 14, 2003 2:47 a.m. - Strip Club Portland, Maine

Chase and Strella have decided to edify Raveena. Nikki blushes and laughs. Raveena stares in wonder asking if the things and stuffs around her are real. She also announces that she is not a virgin. Strella and Chase both announce that of course none of the ladies present are. Nikki laughs at an interesting individual passing by. After enjoying Raveena's drunken reactions for awhile, the gang leaves to return to the hotel room.

August 13, 1693 8:36 p.m. - Outskirts of McKennit

Gabe walks through the strangely quiet town. As he turns a corner, a lone girl walks down the street away from him. She pauses as he watches her, then continues. With her petite stature and long dark hair, she resembles Nikki from behind. Gabe follows her. From a side street a girl calls out, "Ann!" and the petite girl turns. Gabe grabs a trashed newspaper from the ground and pretends to read.

Ann turns into an alleyway and leans down to bars at street level. It's the town jail, and the cells are below ground. As Ann turns, Gabe realizes that it isn't Nikki, though there is a family-like resemblance. "Joan?" Joan, a homely and frightened looking girl of about 16 peeks her head through the bars. "Ann. I'm so scared. What's going to happen to me?" "It's going to be alright. You're going to be alright," Ann assures her calmly. Ann reaches down and grasps Joan's hand through the bars.

From the back of the cell a voice rings out, "And you're the preacher's daughter! You may make a deal with witches, but where will your soul be, Joan?" Gabe glares at the cell muttering something about his father. Ann turns towards the voice as Joan yells, "Ann isn't a witch!" Ann pats Joan's hand and turns steely eyes towards the back of the cell. "You will not speak this way to my friend. No one in here will." She turns back to Joan. "Be patient. Have faith. All will be well in time." And Ann leaves, Joan sobbing softly behind her.

August 14, 2003 3:47 a.m. - The Watson and Drake Hotel in Portland, Maine

The girls rest and recover in pjs, gossiping about McKennit and Phillipi goings on. Raveena reveals that she met a boy outside Deaver's office. They harass her for a bit. Then they tease Nikki about her relationship with Deaver, but Raveena doesn't want to hear any details. Strella reveals that Geoff is getting a promotion at the morgue, is testing out of all of his classes for the fall, and teaching chemistry. She also announces that he's in great favor with the Boyd-Townsends, and things are looking really promising for him.

She smirks a challenge at Chase the whole time, but Chase just shrugs. Strella's smile grows. Eventually Nikki and Strella head off to sleep and Raveena and Chase chat on the balcony. Raveena tells her about growing up in a family of mystics and how difficult it was to be the only girl not gifted. Chase tells Raveena stories about growing up in a boarding school and how fun that was.

August 13, 1693 8:41 p.m. - McKennit street

Gabe follows the street and finds a tavern. Before entering, he catches the end of an argument inside. The owners of the bar are kicking out several gentlemen dressed as knights that have entered for supper. They get mad, call the people inside "evil witches" and leave. Gabe backs away. The Knights notice him. "And where do ye hail from? Whose side are you on? In league with the demon?" Gabe stutters that he is not. They start to move past him, but one turns and stares him down. "In his pocket." Gabe turns to run, but he is grabbed from behind and hoisted in the air by strong arms. The men start to carry him out of town as he yells for help. Only one person comes to his assistance, and he is quickly chased off by the much stronger men.

Eventually the entourage reaches Phillipi campus, which the Knights have set up as a temporary base camp. Gabe is clapped in irons that make him feel much less magical, and chained to the ground outside of the admin building with a sword through the manacles. They take the orb he needs to return home out of his pocket and smash it. Gabe is not pleased. After they finally leave him alone, he takes a look around. There are a few women chained to the ground as he is. He looks up at the admin building and notices he's right where the help stone should be. He looks to his left and notices tools that workman have left behind from the last addition to the building next door. They're just within his reach. And sure enough, the help stone is blank. Gabe reaches for a chisel.

August 14, 2003 12:42 p.m. - Nikki's Place

The ladies return, tired but happy and unload Chase's vehicle. They head inside for a snack, when Jade shows up in a flurry of emotion and tells them that something has gone wrong and they need to save Gabe. She doesn't know where he's gone or what he's doing, but he was apparently supposed to be back by now and the elders plan on not initiating him, and they need to find him and help him so that he can keep his membership. And she doesn't want anything to happen to him... She has to get back before they notice she's gone.

The gang calls Deaver, and they convene at the fifth floor. Somehow or another Deaver realizes that Gabe is the one that created the help stone, and they go about researching a way to get back and save him. Eventually, they introduce themselves to some members of Cernunnos Grove, and getting help from the Daughters of Hecate would show that Gabe didn't finish his quest on his own, and convince them to help them get back in time. After sending the gang for ingredients, the Grove members form a circle, instructing Chase, Deaver, Nikki, and Raveena to keep their hands on a crystal in the center. They can't lose the crystal as it is their tie to this time. If they find Dorothea, she will help them get back.

August 14, 1693 6:18 p.m. - Outside the Admin Tower at Phillipi

Gabe nurses a dry mouth, waiting at the base of the tower. A voice behind him startles him and he turns to see Bannon pulling at ruffled cuffs. Bannon asks him if he needs help, and tells him that any enemy of the idiots in red were friends of his. After warily accpting help, Gabe watches happily as Bannon pulls the sword out of the ground, releasing him. Then Bannon notices something over Gabe's head, and asks Gabe his name. "Gabe."

"Gabe what?"

"Uh... Marelli."

"But anyone who defaces my campus is the lowest of the low." And Bannon leaps for Gabe. At this time the knights notice something is afoot, and charge to the attack, pulling Bannon off of Gabe. At a whistle from Bannon, an army of vampires runs to his defense, taking out knights left and right. Bannon laughs at Gabe. "You are lucky this time, boy." And Bannon joins the battle. Gabe runs away from the battle, but stops when he finds a girl in chains. They agree to help each other out of them. Gabe holds the girl's bonds so that they don't touch her, and she blasts her way out. She then blasts his. She introduces herself as Virginia, and they help the other three out of their chains. Virginia and one girl have a fight, but they quickly scatter as the fight rages on behind them.

August 14, 1693 8:15 p.m. - A Hilltop Outside of Town

Raveena, Chase, and Deaver look around them at the much smaller McKennit and the chaos at Phillipi. Looking at each other they realize Nikki didn't make it.

Fade to Black
To Be Continued...

Playlist Highlights

Criminal - Fiona Apple

I've been a bad, bad girl
I've been careless with a delicate man