The Order of the New Moon - #4

Prelude-

Morigan, the Oasis of Mana. She comes from a long line of mystics, being one of the few people in the modern age with abilities not stemming from the mind expanding beyond the 10% margin. Hers is a different matter though, as she is more powerful than the mystics before her, with unknown reasoning. Also peculiar is that her mind has been immune to mental probing and psychic attacks. Still, she is not immune to the attacks of an annoying man by the name of Vincent.

MORIGAN: Asshole....

Story #4 - Through Her Eyes

Flashback - 13 years ago

A silhouette of a child is crying as they sit on a bed. Their face is covered by their hands.

MAN: It is your fault you mother is dead! Had you been a man rather than a crying little girl, she would still be with us! I told her to have that abortion, but she wouldn't listen! You were a mistake that should not exist!

Scene 1 - Gibbous Sanctum (present day)

Kaarina, Garland, Mallory, and Morigan are gathered in the council chamber.

KAARINA: I've taken into great consideration what to do with Vincent. He is dangerous and self-righteous, but he's also saved my and Mallory's life, as well as prevented countless others from being attacked. I'm going to let him go.

GARLAND: You just be joking! Look at him! He smells of a rat!

MALLORY: You said the same thing about me!

GARLAND: And I still stand by those remarks today!

KAARINA: I didn't want him to go alone. I do want to keep contact with him on a daily basis, which he already as agreed upon. He even added that we can arrest him should he purposely avoid our contact.

MORIGAN: That's not very comforting, remember how we found him last time he got away?

KAARINA: Yes... yes I do. Which is why I'm trying to work on his terms.

GARLAND: And what exactly are his terms?

KAARINA: He asked specifically for one person to be his contact....

Everyone looks at Morigan.

MORIGAN: Oh, God... you didn't agree to this yet, did you?

KAARINA: I told him I would try hard to get you to agree to this. We really need him to help us. He's our link to the syndicate, and I need him to help me find out about Norman's murder. Please, I need you to do this for me.

Morigan sighs.

MORIGAN: Alright, for you and Norman. When and where do I have to meet him?

KAARINA: Talk with him about it. He's still in the interrogation room, but I want you to escort him to his residence.

Morigan stands up and walks toward the room's exit.

MORIGAN: This can't end well....

-=-=-

Vincent is lying in bed in the interrogation room, listening to the radio. Morigan comes in the room.

VINCENT: I understand if you can't convince her, Faith. I was really hoping that there was a... wait, that is you Morigan!

Vincent turns off the radio and gets on his feet.

MORIGAN: Please, call me Oasis. And trust me, there are complicated reasons why I accepted this task.

VINCENT: I'd love to hear them all. I'm just so glad you're actually willing to listen to me for once.

MORIGAN: Like that mirror on the wall, Your feelings only reflect one way.

VINCENT: That's fine. That can change.

MORIGAN: Faith wants me to... escort you to your residence.... Take it beyond that, and I swear I'm throwing your head through the wall.

VINCENT: Oasis, listen to me. I have no plans to ever take advantage of you. You won't let me have the chance anyway.

MORIGAN: You word lacks merit at the moment.

VINCENT: Have I lied to anyone in this facility yet?

MORIGAN: No, just mislead and deceived. You also fired gunshots at my friend.

VINCENT: She wouldn't let me do what was necessary.

MORIGAN: Well then let me do what is. I need to take your back to your residence.

Vincent starts to walk to the door.

VINCENT: You make my apartment sound so fancy.

Flashback - 12 years ago

Children are in line at school. They are walking down the hallways with teachers not paying any attention to the students behind them. Near the back of the line, a few kids decide to start kicking one of the other kids in front of them, and eventually the kid kicked falls over.

BULLYING KID: What's wrong Vincent, acting like a little bitch again?

The young Vincent gets off the ground, but the line keeps moving. The teacher turns around.

TEACHER: No talking. Vincent, get back in line!

The teacher turns back forward. Vincent takes his place in the back of the line. And the kids in front of him decide to get behind him again and start kicking him again. Vincent loses it. He punches one of the kids in the mouth, and they start bleeding. The teacher hears the children calling out in pain, and runs over to hold back Vincent.

TEACHER: That's enough!

VINCENT: I'll rip of you head and shit down your fucking neck, Curtis!

BULLYING KID: You hear that? That's from a video game! He's playing too much video games and getting violent!

Another adult takes Vincent, as he fights his way, trying to advance toward the other kids.

VINCENT: I swear I'm going to kill you someday!

BULLYING KID: At least I have a mother!

VINCENT: Fuck that, at least I still have all my permanent teeth!

Vincent is taken out of sight. The kids look at the ground and realize Vincent knocked out 4 of the kid's teeth with that single punch.

Scene 2 - Vincent's Apartment (Present Day)

Vincent and Morigan enter the apartment. It's not a total mess, but there are a few things strung around the room. Vincent picks up the mail his landlord evidently left on a table.

VINCENT: Yes! My issues of Mercenary Z arrived!

Vincent opens a package, and on top is Mercenary Z #4, in a small bundle of comic books.

MORIGAN: Why do you constantly read those things?

VINCENT: Because the stories of these things can be better than popular novels. Japan figured that out years ago, why can't we?

MORIGAN: I don't get why you'd prefer a still image cartoon rather than a story full of words.

VINCENT: Because there are different expectations of the type of stories you would read. Read The Dark Knight Returns, and you will see what I mean.

MORIGAN: I'll pass on that.

VINCENT: It figures. People think they are more intelligent than to read comic books. And it's usually women and English teachers who are most opposed to them.

Vincent walks to a bookshelf, and grabs one. He then hands it to Morigan.

VINCENT: Here, try this one, it's a Japanese manga which is designed to appeal more for girls with more fantasy, but is still interesting enough for guys to read.

Morigan takes the book, and looks over the cover thoroughly.

MORIGAN: How do you pronounce this title?

VINCENT: Fushigi Yuugi. The Mysterious Play in English, which is says right under the Japanese title.

MORIGAN: I might read it if I have time, though I don't like fantasy that much.

VINCENT: Well, we all need a little fantasy somewhere in our life. Oh, do you want to hear music? I've got a CD player.

MORIGAN: Whatever CD is in there is probably fine.

Vincent walks to the CD player, and ejects the disc.

VINCENT: I kinda doubt that. Unless you want to listen to George Benson with me in the room, and I doubt you'd want to.

MORIGAN: Never heard of him.

VINCENT: He writes smooth jazz titles.

MORIGAN: You... listen to jazz?

VINCENT: So shocked? I like a large variety of music. Here, I'll put on some Dream Theater, it's progressive metal.

Flashback - 12 years ago

Young Vincent is talking with the principal in his office, the door is open.

PRINCIPAL: I can't have you starting fights and threatening other people's lives Vincent.

VINCENT: You don't know what they do to me....

PRINCIPAL: Do you think it justifies you using violence and threatening to take violent actions? ...Well does it?

VINCENT: If it's not me, it's someone else.... I feel justified in making sure they don't do it anymore....

PRINCIPAL: I've tried hard to keep you in school still because of your good grades, but they have been slipping as well. I don't see any other choice but to expel you before the problem becomes worse than it already is.

A man enters the room.

MAN: There might be another solution before you kick him out.

VINCENT: Great, so now the school's psychologist thinks I'm a nut case.

PRINCIPAL: I'm willing it hear it.

PSYCHOLOGIST: It's just a matter of teaching him right from wrong. I know of a boot camp that he might benefit from. All we need it his parents' permission.

PRINCIPAL: I'll have you make all the arrangements then. Vincent, why do you go with Mr. Knight.

Vincent stands up and follows the psychologist to his office. The psychologist shuts the door behind him.

PSYCHOLOGIST: Vincent, I have to tell you something. I realize what the kids are doing to you every day. I believe everything you say, and I want to help you.

VINCENT: I highly doubt that.

PSYCHOLOGIST: This boot camp I'm proposing you go to is actually a training facility. We take people like you who realize how unjust the world around them is, and help them to become people who are willing to fight for what they believe in.

VINCENT: I doubt such a thing exists. I can see it in your face.

PSYCHOLOGIST: That's because you have something no one else has. I know what you see in others. It's very different from the way I can see them. Let me show you this place. I know your father won't agree to it unless you do, I can see it in your thoughts. So let me give you a chance to be more than human.

Scene 3 - Restaurant

Vincent and Morigan are sitting at a booth in a restaurant. Morigan has changed into plain clothes.

MORIGAN: I'm doing this for Norman.... I'm doing this for Norman....

VINCENT: Who's Norman?

MORIGAN: ...I guess it doesn't matter much since he's dead now. He was our leader, before Faith.

VINCENT: Oh, Blind Fire. Yeah, I remember him. He got me once.

Morigan looks around the room a bit, nervously.

VINCENT: Relax. I may be paying for your meal, but we are here as friends, nothing more. I know you may think even less of this relationship, but I want to get to know you. More importantly, I want you to get to know me.

MORIGAN: Alright, I'll play your game.... Your childhood. Was it a wholesome loving one?

VINCENT: Depends on the circumstance.

MORIGAN: Not really, it's a simple question.

VINCENT: I don't like talking about it much.

MORIGAN: So now all of a sudden you don't want to talk. Looks like I beat you at your own game then.

VINCENT: Fine, you want to hear the details, then let's go. I lived alone with my father all my life. We had a great relationship, no problems at home. My problem was with the other kids at school, refusing to let me be a part of them. Kicking me in the hallways, always finding ways to make turn the teachers against me whenever there was something I wanted instead of them.

MORIGAN: Oh....

VINCENT: And what about you? This obviously struck a chord with you, since you were so eager to learn about childhood, probably to throw your misfortune in my face. I knew you lied to me when I said you didn't like getting close to people.

Morigan looks down, somewhat upset.

VINCENT: Look, I'm sorry. We've both got messed up pasts, I'm sure. Look where we are now. You're a magic caster with a renown mentalist group, and I am a renegade with a little too much information about the a syndicate. Our lives can work out, together or separate, they already have this far.

MORIGAN: He use to beat me....

VINCENT: What? Who did?

MORIGAN: My father.... He wanted a boy instead of a girl....

Flashback - 13 years ago

The silhouette of the child sitting on the bed while crying uncovers their face, and reviels a young Morigan. A figure walks up, clenching it's fist. He then walks in front of Morigan, and brings his fist down on her, as she can only scream in protest. He stops and walks away from her, as she is barely awake at this point.

MORIGAN'S FATHER: You two always were together, and yet you could do nothing to that damn car jacker. If you were my son, this wouldn't have been a problem. I always hated you for being my wife's daughter instead.

Her father walks out of the room. Morigan, tries pulling herself out of bed. She then opens a window in her room, and climbs out. She is on a second story, and loses grip, so she falls to the ground. She forces herself back up, and hides in the bushes. She then keeps moving, trying to keep herself distant.

She finally makes it to an old style church. Light can be seen coming from inside, contrary to all the residences in the area. She enters the front doors. The only person there is the preacher. He turns to see the girl and runs up to help her.

PREACHER: Oh, my dear, little girl. Say something. Are you alright?

Morigan couldn't contain her tears at this point.

-=-=-

Morigan is asleep in a bed. She is awoken by the sound of the preacher bringing her breakfast.

PREACHER: Oh, I'm sorry my dear, I didn't mean to awaken you.

Morigan remains silent.

PREACHER: Please, my child, tell me your name.

Morigan stays silent.

PREACHER: You must have been through a lot. If you feel like talking later, I'll be here.

The preacher stands up and starts to walk away.

MORIGAN: ...my name is Morigan....

The preacher stops and smiles to her.

PREACHER: That's interesting. My name is Morgan also.

Scene 4 - Restaurant

Vincent and Morigan still sit in the restaurant. Morigan somewhat upset.

VINCENT: I'm sorry, I knew there was something that was bothering you, I just didn't realize where it stemmed from.

MORIGAN: You had no idea....

VINCENT: I knew.... I could see it, the painful scars that refuse to heal, keeping you from others.

MORIGAN: You still have no idea....

VINCENT: I know it hurts. You may not want to talk about it right now, but I'm here. And your friends, they are there for you, and have been.

Morigan shakes her head.

MORIGAN: I never told them about it. They all had decent childhoods, I couldn't burden them with mine.

VINCENT: Don't ever think that. If anything they are burdening you with their fortune. Even then, I would think it would pain them to not be there for you if you needed them.

The waiter arrives.

WAITER: I'm sorry, is this a bad time to order?

VINCENT: Yes, in fact, we may have to take our leave. We just got a disturbing phone call. Her father is going to die very soon.

MORIGAN: No, I'll be fine.

VINCENT: I won't have it, we must be going.

WAITER: I understand, do come back in the future.

VINCENT: Will do.

Vincent and Morigan stand up and walk out of the restaurant.

MORIGAN: We shouldn't have left because of me, this is exactly what I was talking about.

VINCENT: As much as it pains me to see you upset, we left because that waiter was a Doppleganger.

Morigan stops walking, and Vincent stops when he realizes.

VINCENT: I didn't mean to offend.

MORIGAN: You know about the Dopplegangers?

VINCENT: Everyone that was part of the Continuum knows about the Dopplegangers. They are the largest foreseeable problem currently. Or at least as long as I was with them.

MORIGAN: They teach you how to look for them?

VINCENT: There are very few ways, but I've been able to identify them prior.

MORIGAN: That's impossible. We've tried-

VINCENT: I know, so did they. The problem is my 100% success rate is hard to argue with.

MORIGAN: What are you?

VINCENT: I'm a mentalist.

MORIGAN: But we heard you weren't. The telepath believed you were a primitive.

VINCENT: Yeah, I get that a lot.

MORIGAN: How is this possible?

VINCENT: No one knows. I have the ability to see things. I can look at you and see the scars you bare, without even speaking to you about it. It's as if I can see into your soul, everyone's souls.

MORIGAN: How long have you been able to do this?

VINCENT: All my life.

MORIGAN: That also doesn't make sense.

VINCENT: Because most mentalist abilities don't mature until at least the age of 7 years, usually later in life? Try explaining that to a child that doesn't realize others don't have this ability. It's worse than trying to explain the difference between a boy and a girl.

Flashback - 9 years ago

Vincent is at a firing range. He is practicing with a rifle. Other youths are practicing as well. Mr. Knight, his school psychologist walks up behind him. He is accompanied by another man.

KNIGHT: Vincent, how goes it?

VINCENT: What?

Vincent pulls out his ear plugs.

VINCENT: It's been a while Mr. Knight.

MAN: *Ahem*

KNIGHT: Ah, Vincent, this is a colleague of mine.

VINCENT: I gathered as much....

MAN: You lack respect toward your superiors. You even refer to the Hermit by his real name.

VINCENT: You were the ones that asked me to join you. You should be the ones paying me respect.

The man grabs Vincent.

MAN: Listen to me you little shit! You WILL refer to me as Judgment! I don't know why you are even a part of this if you refuse to show proper respect!

VINCENT: Let go of me....

MAN: You don't realize what can happen to you! You can simply disappear, and never be seen or heard from again!

KNIGHT: That's not going to happen.

MAN: So you're going to talk back to me also?

KNIGHT: The kid is protected.

MAN: On who's word? Yours?

KNIGHT: The High Priestess.

The man lets go of Vincent.

MAN: That stupid bitch. I hope the Emperor becomes bored with her soon.

VINCENT: Why? Because you're afraid she will replace you?

MAN: What did you say?

Mr. Knight chuckles.

VINCENT: You're quick to anger, and you're planning something. You're hoping too keep control by scaring everyone into submission. I don't play that way.

KNIGHT: I think he's got your number.

The man throws Vincent into the ground. Vincent points the rifle in his hands toward the man.

MAN: No little shit is going to spread rumors of my disloyalty.

VINCENT: These are facts. Any telepath could scan my mind and know I was right.

The man concentrates on Vincent.

MAN: You little fucker! You can't be a mentalist!

KNIGHT: Hey! You might want to stop this!

MAN: And why is that?

KNIGHT: Because everyone is watching!

All the youths at the firing range have circled around the scene the three have made.

VINCENT: Kill me you son of a bitch! I've had enough shit like this from people like you! I'm right here!

Mr. Knight puts his hand on the man's shoulder.

KNIGHT: He's just a kid. Just remember that.

The man walks away. All the youths watching go back to target practice. Vincent puts his gun down. Mr. Knight extends his hand toward Vincent, but Vincent gets himself off the ground.

KNIGHT: Just because you were right about him this time doesn't mean you will always be right. Come with me, I want to show you something.

Mr. Knight walks away, and Vincent doesn't follow. Mr. Knight stops, and turns around.

KNIGHT: Trust me, you're going to like this.

Vincent thinks for a moment, then walks to Mr. Knight. They both walk into a building, and through hallways.

KNIGHT: You have to realize something. I know you use to try keeping to yourself as much as possible, but others love trying to see a rise out of people it will affect most. People like to see radical change in people, typically just making them angry though. Because you've internalized your hatred for this long, you've become apathetic of your life.

VINCENT: I'm not suicidal if that's where you're leading to.

KNIGHT: I know that, but it can end up that way if you don't learn a few things. First is that you have to vent your frustrations rather than trying to internalize them all. Society has already judged you, and still does. All you can do is throw it back into their face.

VINCENT: I have been.

KNIGHT: As I can see, but there is still more. You must learn to speak.

VINCENT: What do you mean?

KNIGHT: Part of your problem is you don't want to interrupt others' lives, you think you're a disturbance. Trust me, they are more the disturbance. You are better than most people.

VINCENT: That's not what the TV says. "No one is better." "Everyone is special." Something about perspective.

KNIGHT: Who do you think put out those ads? The truth is, anyone without the ability to think for themselves are the true primitive minds, even if they have mental abilities. Even the people here are prone to become drones because they follow our lead without question. You are from a smaller percentage of people that actually take time to analyze and come up with your own opinions of things, which is why you won't be accepted by society... unless you rise above it.

They stop at a doorway.

KNIGHT: Behind this door is a present I leave to you. The 5th House has decided to observe how you would react in a specific situation, with all your knowledge and training within the time you've been here. You may do whatever you will, and I do mean anything you desire. We will take care of any cleaning up that might be involved. Enjoy.

Mr. Knight opens the door, and Vincent walks in. The door shuts behind him. Vincent sees four people about his age gagged and bound to chairs. He walks over to them and removes one of the gags.

Youth: Vincent? You've got to get me out of here?

VINCENT: Wait a minute....

Vincent walks in front of the youths.

VINCENT: You four mother fuckers.... Jordan... Adam... Steven... Curtis....

Youth: Please, get us out of here!

VINCENT: I'll take you out of here Jordan....

Vincent walks behind Jordan. He grabs Jordan's head and snaps his neck. Jordan falls limp. The other three watch in horror and try to scream through their gags. Vincent walks behind another youth.

VINCENT: Adam.... I remember that time you enticed the other kids to throw the desks on top of me while the teacher stepped out of the room to talk with Curtis....

Vincent breaks Adam's neck. The other two kids attempt screaming out in horror, and begin to cry. Vincent removes the gag off the next youth.

VINCENT: What's wrong Steven?

STEVEN: I don't want to die! I've changed!

VINCENT: So did I! This is what you all wanted! You wanted to break me, and I broke! Now you break!

Vincent breaks Steven's neck. Vincent walks over to Curtis.

VINCENT: Curtis.... You get the great privilege! Not only do you get to witness your creation, but you get to see it at the expense of the death of your friends!

Vincent starts removing Curtis' gag.

VINCENT: The good news is I'm not going to break your neck like the others.

CURTIS: Are you letting me go?

VINCENT: After all the shit you did to me, you think I would let you go? No, in fact, I will make sure you have the worse death I can imagine.... I want to hear you scream in agony for what you have done....

CURTIS: God! Help me!

VINCENT: If there was a god, he would have saved me years ago.... There is no god to save you now....

Scene 5 - Cityscape

Vincent and Morigan area walking down the street.

MORIGAN: How did you get involved with the syndicate?

VINCENT: People tried to break my spirit, and the Continuum offered me a chance to break their necks. I was just a damn kid. All I wanted was to be left alone, and no one would have that.

MORIGAN: Do they typically look for troubled kids?

VINCENT: It's one method. They usually become their best trained men. I was a rather high rank before I abandoned them. Other people can be considered from various different fields, and that seems to be how the members of the 5th house are accepted. I guess they are influential people in society, which can help us get the control we need.

MORIGAN: They knew you had mentalist abilities?

VINCENT: My mentor was a telepath, so he could read my thoughts. You know, most telepaths are disturbed by what I see.

MORIGAN: Makes me wonder what rock freaks like you crawled out of.

VINCENT: Fresno.

MORIGAN: Fresno?

VINCENT: Never mind, it's a shitty place. Hub to everywhere in California, yet offers nothing itself.

MORIGAN: That can't be entirely true.

VINCENT: Imagine living in Phoenix Arizona, but there's hardly anything to do, and everyone either is born with allergies, athesma, or both.

MORIGAN: What were you born with?

VINCENT: Mild cases of both.

MORIGAN: Luckily they cured athesma about 15 years ago.

VINCENT: Tell that to my father. He has athesma, but refuses to receive the shot. He's paranoid that way. Speaking of paranoia....

MORIGAN: What?

VINCENT: The street is unusually desolate today. I know it's Sunday, but there is usually a few people walking around.

MORIGAN: You're right, it's not very comforting.

Vincent stops walking, and Morigan stops when she realizes he has. Vincent looks around the surrounding area, including the rooftops. Morigan begins looking herself.

VINCENT: Do you see them?

MORIGAN: I think I see an ambush waiting to happen.

VINCENT: My thoughts as well. I can't tell from this distance but-

The sound of a garbage can knocked over interrupts Vincent, which causes him to turn his head toward the sound. About 5 people are walking through an alley, approaching Vincent and Morigan. He then looks around the street. More people are approaching.

MORIGAN: Are they dopplegangers?

Through Vincent's eyes, these people appear almost a reptilian race of creatures.

VINCENT: Every single one of them.

Vincent pulls out his pistols.

MORIGAN: You are absolutely certain?

Vincent fires a shot at one of the persons' heads. The bullet passes through the back of the person's head, which is followed by a spray of doppleganger blood. This causes the others approaching to start running towards them.

VINCENT: Very. Get out of here Oasis.

MORIGAN: I can take care of myself.

VINCENT: MORIGAN GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!

Vincent fires more shots on the quickly approaching horde of dopplegangers. Morigan fires bolts of energy toward the on the crowd. The crowd begins grabbing the two of them, and trying to best them at hand to hand combat. Morigan then receives a transmission.

KAARINA: Oasis! I need you here right now!

MORIGAN: Now is not the time!

KAARINA: No! If ever I needed you before, it wasn't as important as I need you right now!

MORIGAN: It will have to wait! We're stuck right now!

KAARINA: She's taken Freak! Damn it Oasis! Get over here!

MORIGAN: Faith! We are currently under siege at this moment! I can do nothing to help you!

KAARINA: Damn it! It's going to happen all over again!

Flashback - 13 years ago

Morigan is in the church with the Preacher Morgan. He is lighting candles throughout the church, and she follows.

PREACHER: I've seen you in the church before, I never got your name before, or your father's. I remember your mother Elizabeth, though.

MORIGAN: She use to come here frequently for confession.

PREACHER: She did indeed, but she was confessing for the sins of other people. It wasn't often she came in for herself. She did have one thing which took me by surprise, but I cannot see it as a sin.

MORIGAN: Do you think she is in Heaven now.

The preacher stops a moment to think.

PREACHER: You mother was unique woman. Some sections of the church may believe otherwise, but I think that Heaven would be an empty place without people like your mother there.

MORIGAN: Why do some people think she wouldn't go?

PREACHER: It's hard for me to explain exactly. She has a gift which was deemed sinful, and possibly even the devil's gift to take her from God's graces. However, I know she is not capable of the devil's work. I am sure God understands that as well.

The preacher kneels down to Morigan's eye level.

PREACHER: You may not know it yet yourself, but I think you may have the gift as well. If you use your gift like your mother did, I am sure you will see her in Heaven someday.

The doors open. Two police officers enter the church.

OFFICER: Excuse me, Father Morgan.

PREACHER: Is there something I can help you with.

OFFICER: We are looking for this young girl, we were wondering if you...

The officer sees Morigan hiding behind the preacher. The officer kneels down to her eye level.

OFFICER: Your name is Morigan, isn't it?

Morigan nods her head.

OFFICER: I need you to come with me, you daddy has been looking for you.

Morigan grabs the preacher's leg.

MORIGAN: NO! I don't want to go!

OFFICER: But you have to go, your father is worried about you.

The other officer heads outside.

MORIGAN: NO!

PREACHER: She obviously doesn't want to go with her father. Is there anything else you can do? Maybe she can stay with a relative for now?

OFFICER: I can't do that. Her father has rightful custody over her, and it's my job to make sure she gets back to him safely.

PREACHER: I can't just give her to you. Look at her, she is frightened. She doesn't want to leave.

OFFICER: Please, Father Morgan, don't make this harder than it has to be.

The preacher kneels down to talk with Morigan.

PREACHER: Morigan, the Bible teaches us that we must honor our mother and father. You have to go back to him. But if he unleashes his wrath upon you again, tell someone, tell anyone, make sure they listen.

OFFICER: Come along, Morigan.

The officer grabs Morigan's hand. She begins screaming.

MORIGAN: Please! Don't make me go back! Please!

The preacher hold his head down, somewhat ashamed.

-=-=-

The officers take Morigan to her father, who was waiting on the doorstep.

FATHER: Thank you, officers!

OFFICER: Any time. Call us again if things get out of hand.

FATHER: I will, thank you again.

The officers drive away.

FATHER: If you were my son, you would have never run away!

Morigan's father drags Morigan into the house.

FATHER: You mother would be ashamed of you, you little shit! How dare you leave this house without my authority!

He grabs a wrench sitting on the kitchen counter. He then drags her upstairs into her room.

FATHER: You're not going to disgrace me anymore!

Morigan's father throws Morigan onto her bed, then raises the wrench high. He tries to bring the wrench down, but his hand is caught.

PREACHER: You will not commit sin upon that child!

The preacher turns Morigan's father around. Morigan's father punches the preacher in the face. They fight each other in the hallway. Morigan climbs out the window again, screaming for help. A neighbor comes out.

NEIGHBOR: What's wrong?

MORIGAN: My dad is trying to kill someone!

-=-=-

The police have returned to the house, along with an ambulance. They cart away a body, covered by a blanket.

Morigan's father is bruised a bit. He is talking with the police.

FATHER: I put her to bed. I must have left the front door unlocked, because I went to my room and heard him beating on the walls. I think he tried to molest my daughter.

OFFICER: Where did you get the wrench?

FATHER: The priest had it. It looks like mine, I might have left it on the kitchen table. I was trying to fix the sink earlier today.

OFFICER: Alright. Unfortunately, I am going to have to take you in for the night. I have to leave it with the DA if they want to charge you with 3rd Degree Murder.

FATHER: You can't be serious.

OFFICER: Death isn't taken lightly. Because it was in self defense, you might be given bail. I doubt they will ever convict a single father trying to protect his only daughter from a sexual predator. Does your daughter have any relatives she can stay with?

FATHER: I don't think so. My parents are in a rest home, and my brother died in the war.

OFFICER: What about her mother's parents? Are they alright to take care of her?

FATHER: I find it doubtful. I haven't been in contact with them for 5 years now.

OFFICER: We'll try to get a hold of them. For now, you have the right to remain silent....

Scene 6 - Cityscape

Vincent and Morigan are still fighting the dopplegangers. They are having problems keeping them away.

VINCENT: Oasis! They want me! Get out of here! I can't have them take you!

MORIGAN: They will just take me later if we don't fight them now!

Suddenly a loud bang is heard from the rooftops. Vincent falls to the ground. The dopplegangers scatter. Vincent is bleeding in the torso, obviously shot. Morigan looks up to the roof where the shot came from. She is astonished.

MORIGAN: No... it can't be him....

VOICE: Morigan, we have to hurry! I have to find Kaari!

MORIGAN: You died! I went to your funeral! You cannot be Blind Fire! You cannot be Norman!

Norman is standing on the roof. He is holding a sniper rifle.