[Actual Play: Buffy] The Watch House Season 3

[Craig Oxbrow]

A serious question, Mr. Oxbrow!

How many episodes in Season 3? How far off is the finale?
The standard 22 episodes, played over something like 25 sessions. So, not far. I'm working through six pages of small notes for 3.22 at present, while 3.21 is in editorial turnaround.

[Varyar]

The standard 22 episodes, played over something like 25 sessions. So, not far. I'm working through six pages of small notes for 3.22 at present, while 3.21 is in editorial turnaround.

Ah... so the one you just posted, was that episode 3.21 or session 3.21? Or do your editors work on stuff after it's been posted? Or...?

[Craig Oxbrow]

Ah... so the one you just posted, was that episode 3.21 or session 3.21? Or do your editors work on stuff after it's been posted? Or...?
It was actually episode 3.20 - I just put 3.21 in the post headers.

Arrrrgh.

[Varyar]

It was actually episode 3.20 - I just put 3.21 in the post headers.

Arrrrgh.

Grr.

We forgive you, though.

[Mirax]

See? I'm not even sure she really exists. Cool hallucination, though. If it is... a hallucination.

I don't think I'm a hallucination, of course it depends on whether we're talking about me or Natalie.

[Craig Oxbrow]

I don't think I'm a hallucination, of course it depends on whether we're talking about me or Natalie.
You seemed not to be when I said hi to you at work about... fifteen minutes before you posted this... Hmm...

[Varyar]

You seemed not to be when I said hi to you at work about... fifteen minutes before you posted this... Hmm...

Unless you're both hallucinations! :eek:

[Coffee_Lifeform]

Unless you're both hallucinations! :eek:

Actually, I think you'll find I'm the only person that exists, and the rest of you are all the madcap inventions of my demented mind.

(Spot the girl on a bit of a solipsistic trip just now. ;))

[Varyar]

Actually, I think you'll find I'm the only person that exists, and the rest of you are all the madcap inventions of my demented mind.

(Spot the girl on a bit of a solipsistic trip just now. ;))

:)

It'd take a very demented mind to come up with me. :D

[Craig Oxbrow]

Sorry for the delay. I blame the weather.

We now return to our highly irregularly scheduled programme...

[Craig Oxbrow]

The Watch House 3.21: Battle Lines

Milli: The result of reality splitting when Jacques returned, she remembers the last year differently
Jake: psychic musician plagued by visions and memories, including the memory of seeing Milli die to save him
William: Watcher in training starting to make his own way, once Milli's best friend
Andy: hereditary lycanthrope who assures us he's in control, Jake's best friend
Matthew: shy bookish Prentice fresher lovelorn over Natalie
Natalie: socialite Prentice fresher starting to take Matthew less for granted

Escher: increasingly dour Watchers' tutor
Emma: Jake's ex and a somewhat capable spellcaster, once a friend of Milli's as well
Charlotte: William's civilian former girlfriend, who left because he kept so much from her but is willing to try again

Henry: classmate of Milli's
Sam: bandmate of Jake's
Pete: possible bass player
Tessa and Rachel: bar staff

--
Previously, on The Watch House:

Jake: Jacques... my ancestor... tried to take me over... I drove him off... you saved me.

Milli dying to save Jake and the others.

Milli falling out of a rift in space and time.

William: She is Milli... The same soul... but a different life.

Milli charging Jake with her sword, calling him Jacques.

Milli: I killed him. Eight months ago. I remember the look... as Jacques left...
Escher: And I remember carrying your coffin.

She looks at him as if she's been struck. He winces.

Escher: But... now you're back.

She shakes her head, angrily, and her voice cracks as she speaks.

Milli: No. Not back. I never went anywhere. Don't worry, I'll find out what he's done to you all.
Natalie: And if not? What then?
Milli: I'm the only one that remembers. And he likes it more when I know what he's doing.

Jake sitting outside, gazing down at Milli's cross as he holds it up, and screwing his eyes shut as tears start to well up.

Milli sitting in the pub with the others, almost hiding glaring at Jake.


--
We open with Milli stomping down a dark alley by herself, when something lunges at her from the dark. She pulls a throwing knife out of her sleeve and hurls it into the demon. It snarls, groans, and runs away. She runs after it.

Milli: Hey! What? Is that it? Am I that scary?

She rounds the corner... and finds the demon fighting someone else. No, actually, something else. A vampire.

Milli: That's interesting...

The monsters look over at her, the demon shoves the vampire towards her and runs again. The vamp skids to a halt, turns and chases the demon.

Milli: Bollocks...

She chases both of them, fumbling with her mobile phone.

--
Cut to William sitting with Charlotte.

Charlotte: So, you decided to tell me...
William: I really wanted to, but it's a long-standing tradition with my family -
Charlotte: Your family? Your parents do this too?
William: Er... yeah. They -

His phone beeps.

William: Damn it... Hello?
Milli: Hey.
William: Hi -
Milli: Are you coming patrolling?
William: I suppose...
Milli: You do do that, right?
William: Yeah, we - are you running?
Milli: Kind of am, yeah.

She catches up with the vampire as it slows to turn a corner and beheads it.

Milli: Nothing to worry about, though.
William: ... Right... I should be along later.
Milli: No hurry.

She hangs up, leaving William looking rather confused, and calls Natalie.

--
Cut to Natalie at the cloakroom of the Basement with her friends Jessica, Tiffany and Cassandra.

Milli: Hey Nat, it's Milli.
Natalie: Huh?
Milli: You patrolling?
Natalie: Er?
Milli: I was going patrolling, and seeing as you don't... remember that...
Natalie: Do I have time to go home and change?
Milli: ... You can catch up.

With that she charges ahead again, still chasing the demon.

--
Jessica: Who was that?
Natalie: Society business.
Cassandra: Which one?
Tiffany: Classics?
Jessica: History?
Cassandra: Riding?
Jessica: Wine? Because we can get wine here.

--
Cut to Andy at the Brody with Jake.

Andy: So... what happened?
Jake: I'm not sure yet. Anyway, gotta rush, stuff to do. Finish my beer if you like.

He indicates his pint, which has been left untouched.

Milli looks at Andy's number... and pages past it.

Milli: Hey Matt, it's Milli.
Matthew: Erm?

--
Matthew looks up from a book on dimensional separation and reintegration, and gulps.

Matthew: What... do you want?
Milli: Going patrolling, wanna come?
Matthew: You... go patrolling. Like Spider-Man.
Milli: Yeah...?
Matthew: Well, I've got some... theology papers for tomorrow, I can't really come out.
Milli: (shocked and angry) What?

Matthew gulps. Ahead of Milli, the demon gulps as well and redoubles its pace.

Matthew: Look, I don't want to go!
Milli: (icily) You don't want to go?
Matthew: I have things to do!
Milli: Right. That's important. Gosh, who'd want to choose centuries of tradition and calling over doing their homework?

She hangs up and shouts at the demon.

Milli: Hey! Gimme my knife back!

CREDITS!

[Craig Oxbrow]

Natalie arrives at the rendezvous, still wearing her Little Black Dress. Milli looks her up and down.

Milli: ... I said you could catch up.

Natalie points to her shoes. Open-toed with a flat heel.

Natalie: I changed.
Milli: ... Is that the bag you have with you?
Natalie: Phone, purse, stake...
Milli: We have to stock up on weapons.
Natalie: I wasn't expecting to be patrolling.
Milli: Obviously. (frowns) Sorry, if you were out on a date...
Natalie: No, just a girls' night out.
Milli: Right, you do that now... (shakes her head) Anyway, we need to find out where to hit that thing.
Natalie: I think I missed something there.

Milli shrugs and heads back to the office, calling Andy on the way.

Milli: Are you coming patrolling?
Andy: Should I ask -
Milli: (flatly) I don't mind.
Andy: Think he went home anyway. Stuff to do.
Milli: Of course.
Andy: Be with you in... two pints.

--
Milli knocks on the door and heads inside before Escher has time to answer. He looks up and shivers.

Escher: Oh Go- sorry. Still not used to that.
Milli: (confused) What? (dawning) ... Oh. That. Right.

They both frown.

Milli: I'm going to the practice room to pick up some weapons. And maybe beat up on the dummy for a bit. When I come back, can you be a bit less weird with me?
Escher: I'll try.

--
Natalie waits outside... and spots Jake coming along the corridor. She does her best to smile and waves.

Natalie: Hey.
Jake: Oh. Uh. Hey. Uh. (avoids her gaze) How're you?
Natalie: Patrolling.
Jake: ... There's patrolling? (looks back at her)
Natalie: Milli called -
Jake: Guess I'm not invited.
Natalie: You don't have to be invited. I mean...
Jake: Look. Just... don't.
Natalie: Er. You okay? Apart from...

Jake says nothing. He looks around, and is more than a little relieved to see William and Charlotte approaching.

William: Sounds like she's hitting things again. Safe to go in?
Jake: For you, probably.

With that, he heads away and they go inside, Natalie pausing to look back with a frown.

William: Hi. What's going on?
Milli: Some kind of demon. It was fighting a vampire...
William: Hmm.
Charlotte: (concerned) So now you're going to go and fight it?
Milli: You're not coming?
Charlotte: (confused) Should I be?
Milli: (casually) Oh, it'll be fun.
William: (frowning) It can be dangerous.
Milli: She used - never mind. Do you remember seeing him fight? He's very good.
William: (looks proud) I... (frowns again) er... you make it sound like an action movie. (tries not to look proud)

Natalie looks around.

Natalie: Is Matthew not coming?
Milli: I think he's still a bit nervous around me. You could call him?

Natalie frowns.

Milli: Or... did I miss a meeting, is there a problem?
Natalie: With that cowardly smarter-than-thou bookworm? (shakes head) No, no problem. Why?

Natalie heads back out.

Milli: I guess I shouldn't tell her I remember them going out.

Charlotte gives her the thumbs up.

Andy wanders in. He pauses and looks at Milli, blinks and shakes his head.

Andy: Hey. I was with Jake. He wasn't happy. Kebab?

Milli ignores his point as well as his offer.

Milli: Right. So now we're all here, apart from Matthew.
Andy: And -
Natalie: (sarcasm) And Charlotte might need help holding the torch? Better call him then.
Milli: I mean -
Charlotte: So I should come.
William: I don't want you getting hurt.
Charlotte: And I don't want you getting hurt.
William: I have experience and... training.

He backs up through the training room door and bumps into the wall and drops his bag of weapons.

Milli sighs.

Milli: Look. Full disclosure. Matthew needs practice with spells. Can you go and get him?
William: Right.
Charlotte: Spells?
Milli: And we should call Emma -
Natalie: (disgruntled) Why?
Milli: (slowly and methodically) Be... cause... she's... good at this?

Charlotte follows along behind William.

Charlotte: So, spells?
William: Yeah. More Emma's forte really.
Charlotte: But she thinks...
William: Seems like her world's more dangerous than ours.
Charlotte: That's... comforting...
William: Although if there was a vampire in here, it's found a way through the Shield.
Charlotte: Shield? There's a Shield?
William: Keeps the number of vampires and demons around here relatively low.
Charlotte: ... You're kidding, right?
William: Actually, no. Without it we'd be prime targets.
Charlotte: I think I prefer the 'kidding' theory.
William: ... Me too.

He smiles sadly, then knocks on Matthew's door. He looks out, sees them and frowns.

Matthew: (mumbles) Don't want to go.
William: Er...
Matthew: Natalie will be there. And Milli will be there too.
William: Yes, yes they will...
Matthew: Natalie hates me. And Milli's a crazy dead woman.
Charlotte: (quietly) He's got you there.
William: (groans) You... (encouraging) You can help with the spell.
Matthew: (aghast) What? Spell?
William: Yes, you -
Matthew: She's right here! There was no spell! That was... marsh gas!
Charlotte: ... (turns to William) You're a better liar than he is.

Milli and Natalie catch up, Andy wandering along behind.

Milli: He hasn't even let you in yet?

Matthew raises a hand, shudders, and a visible, wavering barrier spreads over the doorway.

Natalie: Matthew, what the hell?
Matthew: I don't want to do this!
Natalie: It doesn't matter what we want! We came down at Christmas to stop that vampire army!
Charlotte: (incredulous) What? How did I not know?
William: You were at your parents'... (looks at his feet)
Matthew: You'll be fine! Emma can find the thing, Andy'll wolf out -
Charlotte: Gonna explain that one?

William looks to Andy, he shrugs, and Will is about to explain...

Matthew: I'm not needed!
Milli: This is a good barrier spell. We could put one... (to Andy) are you still sharing a room?
Andy: No.
Milli: Hm.

Matthew glares out from behind the shimmering barrier.

Matthew: You can go and deal with this thing just fine. I have research to do. Go and make holes with your axes and your magic sword thing.
Charlotte: There's a - never mind.
William: Right. Well, we should go then.
Milli: Matthew, I'm very disappointed in you.
Natalie: (under her breath) Coward.

Matthew looks away and steps back as the group depart without him.

Charlotte: So, Jake's not coming? What's he up to?
Milli: Oh, y'know. Evil.
Charlotte: Uh...?

Matthew watches them go, lowers the barrier, slumps as if drained, and sneaks off the other way.

--
Emma finds him as she checks in at the office.

Matthew: Hi. I'm just...
Emma: Not patrolling.
Matthew: More important things to do.

He throws a tennis ball at the floor. It bounces up, and off an invisible barrier, which becomes momentarily visible as it ripples.

Emma: So you have a portable squash court. Used the Byzantine scripts, no candles?
Matthew: Mm. Less obvious. I need to fine-tune for opacity levels... How does Milli's sword cut through these anyway?

Emma frowns.

Emma: I made it for her.

--
Milli: I'm going ahead. You protect Charlotte.
William: I was going -
Charlotte: Right here -
Milli: No, she's coming with us.
Natalie: What?
Charlotte: I am. (to William) If this matters to you so much... you have this other life I didn't know about. I need to know.

William smiles softly and nods once.

Andy sniffs the air and tenses.

Natalie: You're about to find out.

The demon shambles out of the dark, clutching Milli's dagger over its head. And three more demons come out with it.

CUT!

[Craig Oxbrow]

Jake sits in his room, staring at a photo of Milli from before she died as his answering machine plays.

Sam: (on machine) Hey. Still up for the gig on Thursday? Finished that song? Call me back. (beep)

He glances at the machine as it beeps and looks back to the photo.

--
Milli: Gimme that!

She elbows the lead demon across the back of the hand as it lunges at her, and it drops the dagger. Natalie and William fire at the others.

Charlotte: They're still coming!
Milli: They'll stop soon.

She glances at William.

Milli: Where do we hit them?
William: Vuskis Dor, I think. Aim for the throat.
Andy: Charlotte, hold this.

He hands her his jacket, turns into a huge furry monster and charges.

Charlotte blanches and makes a strangled whimpering noise.

William: I didn't get to the bit where Andy was a werewolf, did I?
Charlotte: ... no...

Natalie falls back, putting her unloaded crossbow between herself and a charging Vuskis Dor. It shoves her back, grazing her forehead.

William steps forward with his axe. Behind them, another collapses in a twitching heap as Milli drives her sword into its throat, while the third slams Andy against the wall and then stumbles back, clutching the claw marks crossing its neck, and drops to its knees.

Charlotte flails at the charging demon with Andy's jacket, hitting it in the eye with a button. It roars at her - and Natalie rams the discarded dagger into its windpipe.

Natalie: I got it!

The demon's head lolls and it falls to the ground.

Milli: Not bad at all. Doing quite well.
Natalie: Thanks. You too.
William: Can we please fight them?

The last of the Vuskis heads for the alleyway, and William buries its axe in its throat.

Charlotte stares wide-eyed as William tears his axe out of the demon's body.

Natalie feels her forehead gingerly, and winces at the rising bruise. Milli looks at her watch.

Milli: See what Natalie did? Going right through him?
Natalie: Not very graceful...
Milli: Charlotte? You okay?

Andy changes back, looking a bit concerned.

William: It can be hard to take.
Milli: But you'll be okay. First time's the hardest. Honestly, you were totally fine with it after a while.
Charlotte: Whoa. It's... it went really fast... and you... all... he's...

She clamps her hand to her mouth. William winces and puts an arm around her, rubbing her back gently.

Charlotte: (weakly) Okay... that was patrolling... home now?
Milli: No, pub.
Charlotte: Oh good. Because I don't feel sick enough already.

William leads her away.

Natalie: She seemed nervous.
Andy: Well, she would.
Milli: You probably didn't help.
Andy: What?... oh, yeah...

They reach the pub, Charlotte still looking rather green.

Milli: Get her a... I dunno what, actually. (to Natalie) Get you something for that head?
Natalie: Perhaps some ice...

Andy looks over to the other side of the bar, and goes over there to meet Jake.

Jake: So. How was patrolling?
Andy: Purple. Necks. Blood. Charlotte didn't take it too -
Jake: Charlotte? Charlotte was on patrol? Whose idea was that?
Andy: Charlotte's idea. 's fine.
Natalie: She wasn't in any danger.

She stands over them.

Jake: Really. You're looking a bit beat up.
Natalie: Yes, well. Line of duty.
Jake: ... Right.
Natalie: You see Milli worrying about bruises and flesh wounds?
Jake: No. She doesn't have to.

Matthew enters, looking around, and approaches them.

Natalie: Don't talk to me.

She pointedly makes her way back to the booth.

Milli: So...
Natalie: That's two guys in the corner looking at us now. Of course, you're glaring at them...
Milli: Did he seem like he had some sort of... evil plan?
Natalie: What, Matthew?
Milli: No...
Natalie: Oh. Then no.
Milli: Look, it's not my fault he's evil. And I was not glaring.
Natalie: Of course. (shakes head) Anyway, I didn't get a round after all that.
Milli: Don't worry, I'll do it.

She heads over to the bar, pausing to locate Jake and watch him suspiciously.

The woman next to her at the bar follows her gaze.

Hallie: Boyfriend? Ex boyfriend?
Milli: No. Something else.
Hallie: Aren't they all. Men. They're just... like... (tries to find a word) ugggh.
Milli: Yeah.
Hallie: Don't you just want to...
Milli: Tell everyone. Let them know what he's planning...
Hallie: Not really where I -
Milli: Y'know, I just wish everyone else could know what he was thinking too.
Hallie: Hm.

She looks a little disappointed.

Hallie: (to herself) That's it? No burning him alive where he sits?
Milli: Hm?
Hallie: Nothing...

She strolls off to the ladies' room, looks back, shakes her head and heads inside, stopping in front of the mirror.

Hallie: Well, I tried for something fun. Still...

Her face distorts into a veined, seemingly skinned monstrosity and her voice lowers an octave...

Halfrek: Wish granted.

CUT!

[Craig Oxbrow]

Emma comes in and finds Matthew.

Emma: So, not even sitting with the patrol?
Matthew: This thing with Natalie. It's like...

--
Natalie: That thing with Jake, makes sense. But he can tell when you're looking.
Milli: Wait, what? How do you know I'm looking at him? And how does he... oh. Bloody psychics.
Natalie: I mean, he's preoccupied at the moment, talking to that guy.
Milli: (quickly) What are they up to? Are they planning something?
Natalie: ... He's arranging their gig. Something about wanting to finish his song on a particular guitar...
Milli: You caught all that? Good ears... never remember your hearing being that good...
Natalie: Must have overheard it... I'll get a bit closer.

Off she goes.

Natalie: So, when are we going to hear this new song of yours?
Jake: Wha -?
Natalie: You've got that gig. Then?
Jake: Uh... not yet anyway.
Natalie: This one's going to be in the daytime, huh? Keep the vampiric guest list down.
Jake: How do you know? I thought we were keeping this low-key.
Natalie: Uh... you were...

She looks as puzzled as he does.

The guy Natalie pointed out, Pete, goes to the jukebox. Milli creeps up behind him.

Milli: Okay. What do you know?
Pete: About...?
Milli: Jake. What's he planning? I know he's up to something...
Pete: Something for the gig. (thinks) Something about you. A song.
Milli: A song? He's planning to do something with it?
Pete: Trying to... get through to you.
Milli: (warily) I want to see the notes.
Pete: Well, I haven't got 'em... I don't know it. And you scare me...
Milli: Oh yeah? (leans in threateningly) He's going to try and do to me what he's done to everyone else?
Pete: I dunno... (nervously) You seem... nice...
Milli: You find out what he's planning, call me. Straight away.

She steps back and Pete stumbles away. Then she turns as Jake steps up behind her.

Milli: Well. What are you doing?
Jake: What possessed you to take Char-
Milli: (sharply) Nothing's possessed me for quite some time. Despite your best efforts.

Jake scowls, looking wounded, and turns to go. The crowd move aside for him. Milli notices and frowns, eyes narrowing.

Natalie waits by the door as he turns that way, as if expecting him.

Natalie: I didn't put her on point.
Jake: I dunno why I bother... doesn't matter.
Natalie: You bother because... because you still...
Jake: It's that obvious?
Natalie: Did you find that guitar?
Jake: Yeah - what? She got you spying on me?
Natalie: Uh... no...

She looks confused.

Andy: I'm going to get a pint. You don't want one, right?
Jake: I... no, actually...
Andy: Got that gig to prep for.

--
Milli moves to a better watching-Jake-like-a-hawk location, close to Matthew and Emma.

Milli: Hello, Matthew and Emma. (looks at them again) Matthew and Emma. Hmm.
Emma: (arches an eyebrow) Hmm?
Milli: (shrugs) Just hmm.
Matthew: (quietly) I see trying to avoid her didn't work.
Emma: But he wants to win her trust.
Matthew: I meant for me...

Jake: So, you all know. (glares at Andy) No secret then. Next couple days.
Natalie nods, and picks through the crowd to Milli. She doesn't look at Matthew or Emma, just leans against the wall staring straight ahead.

Natalie: Gig in the next two days.
Milli: Right. Em, can you target a barrier spell?
Emma: Sure, we -
Milli: Enough for a gig?
Emma: Maybe.
Milli: And it would need to be against telekinesis, the way you used to do it before?
Matthew: Why would we be doing this?

Natalie moves away, scowling.

Milli: Uh... you don't need to know. Just hypothetically speaking.

--
Jake approaches Natalie. She turns as if she could see him coming.

Jake: Andy been telling everybody?
Natalie: Somebody must have.

--
Andy looks over from the bar. Tessa, serving drinks, does too.

Andy: We're freaking him out.
Tessa: Yeah. We are.

--
Matthew looks over too.

Matthew: He's wondering about implanted information...
Emma: Yep. Well, that isn't how he put it...

Milli's eyes narrow.

--
Henry passes Jake.

Henry: Hey, good luck for the show.
Jake: Uh... thanks?
Natalie: Sorry I spoiled the surprise.
Jake: Well, it was bound to get out and how did you know I was thinking about that...

Natalie blinks.

--
Matthew: I have this sudden urge to look up books.
Emma: Because he's wondering what's going on?
Matthew: Yes. And how do we know that?
Milli: He's gotten to you... he's controlling your thoughts! It's what he does!
Emma: No... he's pretty confused about it too.
Matthew: She's right, he is.

--
Jake backs up to the door. People move aside to let him pass.

Jake: I should... go.

He starts running once he gets outside.

Milli watches him go, grimacing, then grabs her jacket and leaves herself, taking her phone out as she goes.

Everyone left looks at each other, baffled.

--
Milli: Mister Escher, can I please speak to you?
Escher: Certainly.

--
Jake sits down on his bed, reaches for his guitar and starts to play. (The Reason by Hoobastank.)

His guitar plays over...

Andy tapping along where the drums go...

Natalie humming to herself as she glares at Matthew and Emma...

Matthew and Emma going 'doo-doo-doo-doo' in time to it...

William whistling it...

Jessica, Tiffany and Cassandra bopping their heads to it while something entirely different plays in the background...

Charlotte, Henry, Tessa and Rachel at the bar, and then everyone else, humming along as well...

Matthew and Emma looking around, confused, sharing a wary look, getting up and going...

--
And Escher tapping with his pen in time to the beat.

He stops as Milli arrives at his doorstep.

Milli: Look. I know you don't believe me -
Escher: Oh, I can believe what you're saying is possible, but the evidence -
Milli: Now I know he's planning something!
Escher: ... Yes. And so do I.

Milli blinks, looks at him warily, and we CUT!

[Craig Oxbrow]

We return to the office as Matthew and Emma look through books.

Matthew: Now, there is a history of telepathy in Jake's family... Maybe he just started... broadcasting?
Emma: Oh God. You saw that too?
Matthew: Yes...
Emma: I dunno, a sudden onset like this suggests -
Matthew: some external -

--
Escher: - factor... Some kind of mystical effect, over which he has no control.

Milli frowns.

Milli: He always has control.
Escher: Surely he would be targeting you?
Milli: ... That's just what he wants you to think. Maybe he's leaving it so only I can see what he's doing to all of you.
Escher: Right now it would seem he wants me to think about chord progression from G to E.

He shows her the latest page in his notebook, which suddenly breaks from a journal entry to a musical score for the song.

Escher: And he's -

--
William: - going next door to -
Andy: drink my last beer!

Andy jumps to his feet and runs outside.

--
Milli and Escher head into the office.

Milli: Matt? Emma? What've you -
Matthew: Will you please stop calling me that?
Milli: Stop calling me Crazy Dead Lady and I'll stop calling you Matt.
Matthew: ...

Emma shakes her head wearily.

Emma: Anyway. Assuming this isn't some telepathic flareup, a reordering of reality at this range suggests a powerful spell, which we can't detect, or some other effect.
Matthew: Like a wish.
Escher: A djinn? A Vengeance Demon?
Matthew: Hard to tell -
Milli: He can get wishes now? He's wishing his mind control?
Escher: Judging by what we're receiving I would say this wasn't on purpose.
Milli: But I'm not... oh.
Escher: Oh?
Milli: He's gonna do something awful to me. And he doesn't want me to know.

She sets down her bag and draws her sword.

Escher: ... If he is, he's not thinking about it.
Matthew: No... he's wondering where the bottle opener is.
Emma: So maybe it wasn't him.

She looks pointedly at Milli.

--
Natalie, William and Charlotte hurry over to the office.

Charlotte: Are we all reading Jake's mind?
William: I think it's only conscious plans.
Natalie: Can he read our minds?
William: Bloody hope not...

Milli looks at them all warily.

Milli: You guys are freaking me out.
Matthew: Yes, well, likewise...
Escher: Please. Answer the question.
Emma: Did you at any point in the last few hours say 'I wish'?
Milli: I wish Jacques stayed dead. There! Grant me that one!
Escher: Before that?
Milli: I must have protected myself from his control -
Escher: We're not under control! If we were -
Emma: - he wouldn't let Andy do that...

--
Andy bursts in. Jake pauses as he opens the last bottle of beer.

Andy: Gimme that!

He charges, head down.

--
Milli: Okay. Fine. I was talking to this girl at the bar...
Emma: Ever seen her before?
Milli: No...
Escher: Do you remember what you said?
Milli: I said I... Oh.

Everyone looks at her.

Milli: I wished you could all know what he was thinking.
Escher: ... Right.
Milli: Erm...
Escher: So. What did she look like?
Milli: Dark, curly hair. Had this big chunky necklace with a blue stone in it...

Matthew runs over to the communal desk, retrieves one of the books sitting there, and starts flipping through it.

--
Jake tosses Andy the beer.

Jake: Here. I need to figure out this song anyway.
Andy: Yeah, I know. For the encore.

Jake glares at him.

--
Charlotte: Wishes don't come true very often, do they?
William: First time for anyone I know. Well, apart from ones that would have happened anyway like... I wished I could get a lightsabre for Christmas one year...
Charlotte: But something like this would have made a real one, wouldn't it?
William: Yeah. Which would be really impractical to build. (mutters) A cutting beam that powerful doesn't just peter out like that, believe me...

Natalie opens the office door, thinking aloud.

Natalie: Why do bands plan out encores anyway?
Milli: Well, in this case, obviously he needs time to work his mind control or whatever it is...
Matthew: It's just a song!
Milli: So he's going to try and tap into my emotions... so then he's free to do whatever he wants.
Matthew: He wants to win your trust... so you're not as... Crazy Dead Lady around him.
Milli: So I'll trust him. Like he's persuaded you all to do.
Escher: You know I don't.

Milli smiles sadly.

Milli: Thank you.
William: But you believe the dimension theory, right?
Escher: I'm afraid so.

Milli frowns.

Matthew looks up from his book, tutting.

Matthew: He isn't doing this. Just worrying about his set list. And maybe an encore.
Emma: Definitely an encore.
Natalie: Yep.
Matthew: Okay, but no mind control.

--
Andy: So, what are you hoping to get out of all this?
Jake: Maybe that she'll stop hating me...
Andy: You mean like... oh.

--
Escher: And... oh dear God. (blanches)
Milli: (nervous) What? What is he telling you?
Matthew: He... he wants... (stares at her)
Milli: I knew it! He's planning something terrible!
Emma: Well... I never put it like that...
Milli: What is he going to do at the concert? Tell me!
Escher: Er...
Milli: What? What is it?
Escher: I... Matthew, please hurry up and find what you're looking for.
Milli: Tell me!
Escher: (uncomfortably) He's... hoping that you'll... like him.
Milli: I knew it! I mean... er... what?

William does his best not to look at Milli at all. Charlotte frowns.

William: Uh... so... going to that gig?
Milli: Gonna have to. Someone has to stop him, and as his mind control's affecting everyone else…
William: Everybody's talking about it...
Emma: Accidental psychic publicity.
Milli: Gonna bring your axe?
William: Hadn't planned to. Maybe a small stake...

Matthew stops flicking through the book and holds it up, pointing to a drawing of Halfrek's amulet.

Matthew: Found it.

Milli looks over and nods, looking slightly embarrassed.

Milli: Yeah, that's her. Okay. We have to... summon a demon or something...
Charlotte: That's... unusual, isn't it?
Natalie: It's been that kind of day...

--
And cut to Emma casting dried herbs into a small fire in Escher's fireplace. She pauses mid-casting and looks over at Matthew.

Emma: You're sure this is the right one? I mean, this isn't her usual thing - she wasn't targeting her parents or anything.
Matthew: I know, but the description matches.
Emma: Fine...

She drops in the last of the herbs, and smoke rises from the fire.

Emma: In the name of children lost and denied, neglected and wronged, I beseech thee, Halfrek, come forth!

There's a puff of smoke, and Halfrek stands before them in all her cloaked and veiny glory, arms aloft theatrically.

Halfrek: Tremble, mortals! Who dares summon me?

Charlotte trembles. Nobody else does. Milli just points at her.

Milli: ... She looked more normal when I was talking to her.
Halfrek: Oh, it's you. (smiles, voice goes normal) Want to go for another round? Finish him off? Or, hey, your parents have been treating you pretty shabbily...
Milli: (rolls her eyes) I want you to undo my "wish" and stop someone being able to control the minds of my friends. If you can.

The Vengeance Demon frowns and looks at her watch.

Halfrek: ... I think that must be some kind of record.

She folds her arms and slouches in the summoning circle.

Halfrek: I told the lower beings I'd cover Anyanka's beat while she's having her little (air quotes) "time out", but really, scorned women, so not my bag. I could have gotten far better for you...

She looks back at Milli.

Halfrek: I could return this world to the way you know.

Milli hesitates, and frowns deeply. She glances towards Escher, and around the assembled group looking at her expectantly, and then back to the demon.

Milli: (quietly) Just... undo the wish. You've done enough already.
Halfrek: (tuts) Oh, fine.

She waves her hands theatrically.

Halfrek: The curse is lifted! Happy?
Escher: Well?

Everyone thinks hard.

Emma: I got nothin'.
Escher: Thank goodness.

--
Andy: Hey. I think you're gone.
Jake: Uh... What?
Andy: Think of a number.
Jake: ... Eight?
Andy: Didn't get that at all.

He smiles, and Jake looks more annoyed.

Jake: Everybody was reading my mind?
Andy: I dunno, something like that.

--
Milli: You can go now.
Halfrek: Gladly. But... if you ever change your mind... 0800 Justice Demon, lines are always -
Milli: No. He doesn't need any more help. Thank you.

Halfrek disappears in a cloud of smoke and a huff.

Matthew: Well. It's late. I should... escort Emma home.

Milli glances at Natalie. So does Emma. She looks away.

Emma: O-okay then...

William holds the door for Charlotte. Natalie leaves after them.

Escher looks over at Milli.

Escher: You were tempted.
Milli: I was.
Escher: Well, I'm glad you decided not to take her offer. Although I wouldn't have blamed you. In your position...
Milli: Sir?
Escher: I've been at this a little longer than you...
Milli: Fifty-two years. I was at the party.
Escher: No. You weren't.

He looks at her sadly.

Escher: And I missed you. Among other absent friends. And, when you came back, I was overjoyed. And I wanted you to be right. But I knew you weren't.

His gaze drops, to the middle distance.

Escher: I remember it all, so clearly. How you died. The funeral. Your parents not even looking at me. At any of us. William crying, trying to hide it. Jake not even trying. Sunita asking for the transfer back to research...

He looks back at her.

Escher: I admit that it is possible for the world to be so changed. We've seen the proof of that... But I don't believe it has been. If I could believe that none of that was real, Lord knows I would...

Milli frowns.

Escher: Milli, I know it's difficult for you to accept, but Jake is a part of this world, and always has been. And it's not right for you to change that, no matter how much easier it would be to believe otherwise.

Milli shakes her head, and tears well up in her eyes.

Milli: I really don't know what to believe anymore. But I do know this - however this happened, I'll fix it properly.

CREDITS!
GRR! ARG!

[Craig Oxbrow]

Next time on The Watch House:

Jake on stage, playing his guitar. The tune (The Reason) carries over...

Milli drawing her sword.

Natalie dancing with someone other than Matthew.

Matthew raising his hands, shaking, as a group of vampires advance on him.

Andy taking a punch on the jaw from something eight feet tall.

Escher loading his crossbow.

William staring up at something, blocking Charlotte with his body and stepping away.

Milli advancing on Jake.

Jake in tears.

The season ends with War All The Time.

--
DVD Commentary

(Escher: Oh dear God.)
Craig: Subtle Frasier reference.
Cat: Should he maybe blanche here or something? This is the sex bit, right?
Craig: Yep.
(Matthew: He... he wants...)
Cat: Matthew should definitely look really, really shocked. This is like watching porn, which he'll never have seen!

[Varyar]

Halfrek! Kewl.

How did the psychic phase of the episode play out over the table?

[Craig Oxbrow]

Halfrek! Kewl.

How did the psychic phase of the episode play out over the table?
Ooh yeah, I knew I forgot something... :o

Actual Play bit
I wasn't sure going in whether Cat would be around this week - so I had a whole other episode planned in case Milli wasn't there to set off a bomb. We plotted the wording of the wish in advance. The psychic bit played out through the simple method of asking Jake's player what he was thinking about from scene to scene, since the players all got to see the wish being granted, unlike their characters.

[Varyar]

Actual Play bit
I wasn't sure going in whether Cat would be around this week - so I had a whole other episode planned in case Milli wasn't there to set off a bomb. We plotted the wording of the wish in advance. The psychic bit played out through the simple method of asking Jake's player what he was thinking about from scene to scene, since the players all got to see the wish being granted, unlike their characters.

It seems like it worked pretty well. Great scene, especially with the song and everyone humming/keeping the beat/etc.

Can't wait to see the season finale.

[ScottL]

So... Matthew and Emma, huh? ;)

Can't wait to see the season finale.Ditto!

[morgue]

Love the opening sequence. It might be my favourite EVAR.

Love even more the decision you build to - Milli's choice of whether or not to restore her world or not. Beautifully done.

[Craig Oxbrow]

Love the opening sequence. It might be my favourite EVAR.

Love even more the decision you build to - Milli's choice of whether or not to restore her world or not. Beautifully done.
Thank you.

And Cat, take a bow... :)

[Coffee_Lifeform]

Love even more the decision you build to - Milli's choice of whether or not to restore her world or not. Beautifully done.


Thank you. :D

So... Matthew and Emma, huh? ;)


See, they're so flighty, these witches...giving young men the impression they're all brokenhearted over their ex, when the whole time they're secretly waiting for a chance with someone else... :p

[Mirax]

So... Matthew and Emma, huh? ;)

And just a few episodes ago you were hoping for a Jake/Emma reunion. Sigh. You really do have it in for Milli and Natalie don't you? ;)

[Craig Oxbrow]

But while I prod my players for final edits to the season finale...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b175/craigoxbrow/DVDCover3a.jpg

[Varyar]

But while I prod my players for final edits to the season finale...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b175/craigoxbrow/DVDCover3a.jpg

Shiny! When is it out in Region 1? :D

[Craig Oxbrow]

The Watch House 3.22: War All The Time

Milli: maverick Watcher in training returned from the dead, drawn in from a reality that split when Jacques returned
Jake: psychic musician plagued by visions and memories, including the memory of seeing Milli die to save him
William: Watcher in training starting to make his own way, once Milli's best friend
Andy: hereditary lycanthrope who assures us he's in control, Jake's best friend
Matthew: shy bookish Prentice fresher lovelorn over Natalie
Natalie: socialite Prentice fresher starting to take Matthew less for granted

Escher: dour Watchers' tutor who treated Milli like a father
Emma: Jake's ex and a somewhat capable spellcaster, once a close friend of Milli's as well
Charlotte: William's civilian former girlfriend, who left because he kept so much from her but is willing to try again as long as he's honest
Cassandra, Jessica, Tiffany: rich Classics Society girls

--
Previously, on The Watch House:

Jake: Jacques... my ancestor... tries to take over every male descendant... I drove him off... you saved me.

Milli dying to save Jake and the others.

Milli falling out of a rift in space and time.

William: She is Milli... The same soul... but a different life.

Milli charging Jake with her sword, calling him Jacques.

Milli: I killed him. Eight months ago. I remember the look... as Jacques left...
Escher: And I remember carrying your coffin.

She looks at him as if she's been struck. He winces.

Escher: But... now you're back.

She shakes her head, angrily, and her voice cracks as she speaks.

Milli: No. Not back. I never went anywhere. I'll find out what he's done.
Natalie: And if not? What then?
Milli: I'm the only one that remembers. And he likes it more when I know what he's doing.

Jake sitting outside, gazing down at Milli's cross as he holds it up, and screwing his eyes shut as tears start to well up.

Milli sitting in the pub with the others, almost hiding glaring at Jake.

Milli: Jake. What's he planning?
Pete: Something for the gig. (thinks) Something about you. A song.
Milli: A song? He's planning to do something with it?
Pete: Trying to... get through to you.

Matthew: It's just a song!
Milli: So he's going to try and tap into my emotions...
Matthew: He wants to win your trust... so you're not as... Crazy Dead Lady around him.
Milli: So I'll trust him. Like you do.
Escher: You know I don't.

--
Escher: Are you sure about this?
Milli: I have to see them at some point.
Escher: I can come with you...
Milli: No, no, you're needed here. Besides, it's just going to see my parents.
Escher: Yes... but they did attend your funeral in the summer.

Milli shrugs and gets into the waiting taxi. Escher waves her off with a frown.

As he heads back to the office, a figure in the shadows watches him go.

Dark Figure: The warrior arisen from the grave is departed once more. The way to your victim is clear.

CREDITS!

[Craig Oxbrow]

Natalie looks in on the office in the evening, wearing jeans and running shoes. She sees Matthew sitting with Emma and goes to the furthest corner of the room. Matthew jumps up and heads over to the stacks opposite her. Emma follows.

Emma: Matthew, if she wants to do the avoiding thing you don't have to as well.
Matthew: But I always do it...
Emma: She's doing it for you this time.
Matthew: ...

She gives him a sympathetic look.

Emma: So how long are you going to keep this up?
Matthew: ... Dunno.
Emma: How long have you known each other?
Matthew: Since we were eight. But, but I didn't really know her that well till... she didn't actually speak to me till four years in.
Emma: But that's still a long time, even not counting those four years.
Matthew: I suppose...

William comes in, notes the middle of the room is deserted and frowns as he goes over to Natalie, who is very pointedly looking at a book.

William: (loudly) Hi Natalie. How are you?
Natalie: (flatly) Fine. How's Charlotte?
William: She's good. A lot less... angry.
Natalie: (looking up, softening) Good. Erm. We should really go on patrol tonight.
William: Yeah.
Natalie: And without Milli, we need Jake there. Especially if someone (shoots a look at Matthew and Emma) keeps wimping out of his responsibilities...
William: Butt Emma doesn't usually oh you said 'his' got it right.

Escher comes in, carrying a sandwich and Times.

Natalie: We were thinking of going patrolling this evening.
William: See if we find more vampires and demons fighting.
Escher: Well, I wouldn't discourage it. Patrolling, I mean. Not vampires and demons fighting. Wait, no, actually, I wouldn't discourage that either...

William approaches Matthew.

William: So, have you been working on that barrier spell? Enough to field test it?
Matthew: I'm still working on parameters. My flat door is pretty small...
Natalie: (sharply) Guess I'll go and ring Jake and Andy then.

--
Cut to Andy lying on Jake's floor as Jake sits on his bed, still struggling with his tune. They look over as his phone rings.

Jake: (deadpan) Quick, Robin, the Batphone's ringing.

Andy reaches over and answers it, listens for a moment...

Andy: It's Natalie. Wanna go hit things?
Jake: Are we invited?

--
Natalie: Anything odd in particular we should be looking out for? Apart from the usual warring vampires and demons?
Escher: Just that. See if you can find out something more about the reason behind their current disagreeableness.

Matthew gets his coat.

Emma: Are you going along?
Matthew: I may as well, I'd only get talked at otherwise.
Emma: You don't have to, I can go...

Enter Jake and Andy. Jake notes the clearly separated groups in the room. He approaches Matthew, by the door.

Jake: So. What is this? Talk to us.
Matthew: The magic. I suppose.
Jake: Everyone needs a hobby.
Emma: Hmph.

William grabs his bag.

William: Bet you can't electrocute people from thirty feet away, like I can with science.
Emma: Hey, I... could... if I wanted...
Jake: Don't listen to him. (shoots William a look) You're great with defensive spells.
Emma: (smiles weakly) Thank you.

--
The patrol is quiet apart from the sound of seething glares.

William: Think we missed anything?
Jake: Might have. Which way?
William: Try some of the hotspots.
Natalie: Outside the Basement, about closing time?
Jake: Or there's that new club in town.
Emma: And I remember last time there was a new club in town.
Jake: Yeah. Harpies.
Natalie: But I'm not dressed for clubbing...
Jake: Yeah, what's with the utility clothes?
Natalie: Milli said -
Jake: Ah.
Matthew: I didn't sign up for clubbing.
Natalie: You didn't sign up for anything. (looks away) Well, If we're going out, I'll see what I have in my bag.
William: Is that a skirt or a belt?
Jake: You're getting even more like your dad.

The group wait outside Natalie's room as she gets changed.

Andy: So, are we gonna have to pay to get in?
Jake: I suppose so...
Andy: We should get expenses.
Jake: Yeah, you try that, good luck.

Natalie duly emerges in a strapless black number, pulling on a jacket and fussing with her curls. She ignores all reactions.

--
She leads the way right to the club, smiles sweetly to the doorman, and heads inside without waiting on the others.

Andy: This is the same place as last time.
Emma: The purple walls are new...

Matthew glowers at the receding figure.

Jake: So, Matt, what are you drinking?
Matthew: Nothing. And it's Matthew.
Andy: Matt? Cool.
Emma: He doesn't like it, Jackson. Pablo.
Jake: (irritably) Okay. Matthew, drink?
Matthew: Nothing.
Jake: Will you take a drink?
Matthew: I'm getting déjà vu here...
Jake: Water counts as drinking.
Matthew: Fine.
Jake: Lemon and ice?
Matthew: No. Thank you.

Matthew reaches into his bag to retrieve a comic.

Jake: Not here. Honestly. We can talk about comics if you like...

William shakes his head and goes to find Natalie.

--
Natalie is standing with Jessica, Tiffany and Cassandra from Classics.

Jessica: So then Letitia said the whole Classics Society was getting overstretched, had been ever since that thing with Marty and his little set last summer... and Charlotte's boyfriend is waving at you.

William pauses a little warily, then approaches, indicating he wants to speak with Natalie.

Natalie: (rolls her eyes) Excuse me a moment.

She goes over to him.

William: They're not harpies, are they?
Natalie: Not exactly. Well, no, not in the sense you mean.
William: Er... So. You're just avoiding us when not working then?
Natalie: (exasperated) Fine. I can sit down with you in public. What are you talking about?
William: ... Probably comic books.
Natalie: (flatly) Right then. Just let me finish my drink.

She turns back to her friends.

Jake: Wouldn't have thought she could move that fast in that skirt.
Emma: Well, it can't weigh her down...

Matthew puts his hands in his pockets.

Matthew: (muttering) This is just my best day ever.
Emma: Compared to the day you were glowing in the dark?

Matthew says nothing.

--
William steps out (away from Supergrass's Moving) and calls Charlotte.

William: Uh, hi. Wanna come along to the new club on Market?
Charlotte: Er...
William: I dunno who's playing, but they might be good. We're all here.
Charlotte: What, even Matthew?
William: Actually yes!
Charlotte: ... That might be worth seeing on its own...

--
Matthew glumly stirs the ice in his glass of water.

Matthew: First time she actually spoke to me, we were fifteen.
Emma: Look, Jake and I split up last year and despite everything we still talk. Well, usually.
Matthew: Yes, but she's... she's Natalie.
Emma: Yes, I understand that would be who she is...
Matthew: It's... difficult to explain. She was the prettiest girl in our year. I had my lunch money stolen three times a week. And this was at the Watchers' Academy. (mutters) Damn that Baxter Jenkins. (shakes head) But she was, you know, she talked to me. (quietly) Sometimes.
Emma: You could try talking to her again.
Matthew: It's not that simple. I always did anything she asked... there was one time I still checked her essay when I was running a 100 fever. I could hardly see it... And she was just worried about how it would affect her revision schedule. (scowls)
Emma: Er -
Matthew: So standing up to her... doing something she didn't want... it felt really rather good.
Emma: You know, she might get over it.
Matthew: Took her three weeks to get over a top that got torn.
Emma: Well... if not... it's her loss.

She smiles encouragingly. He looks at her and then looks down, thoughtfully...

--
Jessica looks over at the group.

Jessica: So, Jake's in the band... that explains one of them...
Natalie: Oh, just a society thing, my parents wanted me to carry on the family tradition.
Jessica: Hmm. You spend a lot of time with them.
Natalie: Well, Matthew's... sporadically useful...
Jessica: Hmm.
Natalie: Just... don't blame me when they talk strange.
Tiffany: Like Andy? I think he's really funny.
Cassandra: You fancy him.
Tiffany: (sniffily) Well, I also think he's really funny.

Natalie sighs and heads over, nodding to Charlotte as she comes in and William goes over to greet her.

Tiffany: I think it's great that even bookworms can find each other.
Jessica: Oh, shut up Tiffany.
Andy: Girls. (blinks) Hi. How you doin'?
Tiffany: (brightly) We -
Jessica: Oh, please - that only works for Joey.
Tiffany: ...
Andy: Uh... so, what do you all study?
Jessica, Tiffany and Cassandra: History of Art.
Natalie: Including classical art. So, the Classics Society.
Andy: Oh, yeah, we're in the... history society.
Jessica: (deadpan) Really. You don't seem the type.
Andy: Yeah, well.

Andy shrugs and looks uncomfortable.

Jessica: My round, girls?

She pulls the others towards the bar.

Jessica: Well, they seem... nice.
Cassandra: Certainly... interesting...
Natalie: (warily) Not... too strange?
Tiffany: (smirks) Just strange enough.

--
Jake watches them retreat. He turns to Andy.

Jake: What'd you say?

Andy shrugs.

Emma watches Matthew's eyes follow Natalie.

Emma: You're still watching her.
Matthew: Sorry. Force of habit.
Emma: She's not in any danger. Unless her friends start fighting over Jake and Andy.
Matthew: Look at her... This is her native habitat...
Emma: She could try and welcome you into it... look out for you...
Matthew: Not as if I'd have a chance with her. I mean, we have one thing in common...
Emma: Oh, come on, when we all had no memories, Milli thought she was dating you. And you have more in common with Natalie than you do with Milli.
Matthew: ... Drink?
Emma: Yeah, okay.

--
Charlotte: So, were you patrolling?
William: ... Yeah.
Charlotte: Oh.
William: Didn't see anything.
Charlotte: Well, that's good.
William: (shrugs) Mm.
Charlotte: Comforting, really.
William: Yeah, I suppose. Of course, it could be a lull before a storm...
Charlotte: I think I'm in favour of it being comforting.
William: Right. Yes. Absolutely.

He looks at his shoes. She reaches over and musses his hair. He looks up and smiles wanly, and she smiles back.

She glances at the dance floor as the night's band starts to play. He furrows his brow and smirks. She looks encouraging. He nods slightly and follows her over.

Emma nods her head towards the floor. Matthew shakes his and leans back. Emma shrugs.

Natalie notices and pointedly talks to the nearest tall young man.

Jake watches the group shift, shakes his head wearily, then steps away towards the bar.

Once she's sure that Matthew has lost her trail, Natalie slides onto the stool beside him.

Natalie: So...
Jake: Good night?
Natalie: Getting to be. Tiffany totally fancies Andy. Strange.
Jake: Should you warn her? Or should I warn him?
Natalie: Bit of both, probably... (shakes head) Been a hell of a week.
Jake: Had worse.
Natalie: Really?
Jake: Yeah... (looks down for a moment)
Natalie: (quietly) Oh. Yeah. Right.
Jake: But yeah, been quite a week.
Natalie: Um... if you don't...
Jake: Eh. So, no lacrosse players tonight?
Natalie: Mnah. You?
Jake: ...
Natalie: Sorry.
Jake: She won't even look at me.
Natalie: I did try telling her you aren't actually evil.
Jake: ...
Natalie: Maybe if she gets over the whole 'trying to kill you' thing...

She smiles encouragingly, but the smile slips quickly.

Jake: Yeah. And then there's the practice room thing.
Natalie: Erm. Yeah. There's no need to mention that. To Milli.
Jake: Ever.
Natalie: Or anyone else.
Jake: I don't see the need to tell anyone.
Natalie: Glad to hear that...
Jake: ... Don't worry, I won't tell him.
Natalie: (frowns) I think he left with Emma anyway.

Jake raises his eyebrows very slightly, registering surprise and nothing more.

Natalie: They seem quite... talkative.
Jake: Well, I think you made your feelings clear enough with all the snubbing.
Natalie: Did you hear what he said to me?
Jake: He didn't mean all a' those things. It was what we call a fit of emotion.
Natalie: He really hurt me.
Jake: I'm sorry. But you're gonna have to sort things out. Don't let things lie like this.
Natalie: (quietly) Why not.
Jake: You've known each other, you've been friends how long?
Natalie: ... You're right. (looks down) I think I'm gonna go.

Jake nods slightly.

--
Emma and Matthew stand at her door.

Emma: Look, if you need to talk...
Matthew: I... I know where you are.
Emma: Okay.

She rests a hand on his arm.

Matthew: You take care.

He smiles weakly. She kisses him on the cheek.

They look into each other's eyes.

Then he steps back, forcing his smile a bit wider, and turns to go.

She heads inside.

And doesn't see five figures with vampires' snarls stepping out of the shadows, one grabbing him as he backs away and raises his hands, quickly putting a hand over his mouth, and then dragging him into the dark.

CUT!

[Craig Oxbrow]

Next day, after lunch, we find Milli getting out of a taxi outside the office again, a massive rucksack on her back, glowering at the world in general.

Escher notices her expression as she comes in and furrows his brow.

Escher: What happened?
Milli: My parents had photos of me all over the house. And... they tried to exorcise me!

Escher looks lost for words.

Escher: ... Sorry...
Milli: I swear, I came in, went to get some clothes and books and stuff, and my room looked all weird, and they came in behind me, and my mother had a cross and my father had holy water and everything.
Escher: Of course it didn't work...
Milli: I was bloody soaked before they gave up. Then they just kept away from me, so I got my stuff, wandered around Stapleford for a bit and came back here.

Escher crosses to the door and puts a hand on her shoulder.

Escher: I'm sorry.
Milli: It’s okay. You were right, I shouldn't have gone alone - but I didn't think it would be that bad -

Milli pauses in mid rant, looks at the expressions of sympathy from Escher and William, and confusion from Charlotte, and looks at the clock.

Milli: ... Where's Matthew?

--
Cut to Matthew slumped in a chair, bound at the wrists and ankles and gagged, sporting a black eye. A monstrously tall figure in a robe stands over him, speaking in a guttural, inhuman voice.

Nidrak: She will come for you. If she cares at all.

--
Natalie: I don't know. And I don't care.

She shrugs and goes back to hitting the punchbag.

Milli: oh.
Natalie: So how are you?
Milli: Oh, you know. Always good to be back from home. (smiles weakly) How's it going?
Natalie: Eh.

She draws back and kicks the punchbag into a spin.

Milli: Nice shot... where is everyone? Else, I mean...
Natalie: Through there, I guess.

She stops the bag with a punch.

Milli: Did you two fall out?
Natalie: No. No.

And a kick.

Milli: So why don't you care where he is?
Natalie: Stupid Matthew...

And another punch.

Milli nods slightly and steps away.

Andy wanders in as she steps into the office.

Milli: Do you know what's up with Matt... thew and Natalie?
Charlotte: Well, he left with Emma last night -
Milli: Really?
William: Yeah.
Milli: Ohhh. Right. (looks towards the practice room) Did he make a move on her?
Andy: Him? (laughs) Yeah, right!
William: ... It is kinda late for him. Maybe we should go and see how he is.

Milli nods slightly and takes out her phone.

--
The robed figure retrieves Matthew's phone as it rings.

Milli: Hi, Matthew -
Nidrak: We have the boy.
Milli: ... What?
Nidrak: We seek the blood of the slayer.
Milli: Is he okay? Let me talk to him.
Nidrak: Why would I do that? If you seek proof, I shall take another of yours, and another, and another...
Milli: Not without a fight. Let me talk to him.
Nidrak: (chuckles) Very well.

He rips off Matthew's gag with a talon fingernail.

Nidrak: Speak.
Matthew: I'm alright. It's a Ni-aaaagh!

The demon tightens his grip on Matthew's arm.

Nidrak: Enough.

--
Milli grimaces.

William: So, did you get him?
Milli: Kind of...

She looks back to the phone.

--
Milli: So how much blood?
Nidrak: Hardly a taste.
Milli: I see. And where do we deliver it?
Nidrak: You will be contacted in due time.
Milli: Fine. Let me talk to him again.
Nidrak: Ssss.

He offers Matthew the phone.

Nidrak: No tricks.
Matthew: Of course.
Milli: You just stay put, Matthew, we're co-
Matthew: Nidrak - aaaaagh!

Click.

Milli suppresses a shiver.

Milli: William. Do you know what a Nidrak is?
William: On it.

Escher returns from the side office, carrying a mug of tea.

Escher: ... What is it?
Milli: Nidrak.
Escher: Which has -?
Milli: Kidnapped Matthew.

Escher nods matter-of-factly and joins William and Charlotte at the shelves.

Escher: Thought so. Nidrak. Demonic warlords. Armoured scales, venomous fangs at the end of extending mandibles on the lower jaw. Major weaknesses...
William: Got it. Hawthorn smoke.

He hands Escher the book he was holding.

Escher: You're right.
Andy: I dunno that brand.
Charlotte: Oh, shut up.

Andy goes back to checking Matthew's corner for a scent, grumpily.

Milli: Can they enter the Shield?
Escher: Technically they're capable, being demon born rather than possessing entities, but they often have followers -
Milli: Like vampires?
Escher: Exactly. He'll want to act from a position of strength...
Milli: So, outside.
William: I can track Matthew's phone.
Charlotte: You can?
William: (shrugs) I know his number.

Milli nods and heads next door. Natalie doesn't stop jogging, or really acknowledge her at all.

Milli: Natalie. Um... do you remember when people thought you were the slayer? Good times...
Natalie: (sighs) Yes... they didn't think it was you in your dimension... thingy?
Milli: No, actually. (shrugs) Anyway... um...
Natalie: What?
Milli: Someone's... kinda... kidnapped Matt and wants your blood.

Natalie wheels around and stops.

Natalie: Oh that (hunts for a word)... bloody hippy witch! Can she not keep an eye on someone for ten minutes?

Milli is rather taken aback by this response.

Natalie: Emma, if you're gonna stay with him, at least stay all night!
Milli: Uhmm... we should -
Natalie: Come on, can we get on with finding him?

Milli nods and hurries to stop Natalie bowling her over as she goes to the office. She approaches Escher and speaks quietly.

Milli: We need to check on Emma as well.

Escher nods.

Natalie: Next time, Emma, try and get him home in one piece. (tossing her hair) So. How much do they want? I've got the blood, they want it, come on, I can wait all day -
Milli: And they have all that time to rip Matthew's head off. And you don't want that. Do you?
Natalie: Hmph!

Escher takes off his glasses and massages the bridge of his nose.

William goes to get his axe.

Charlotte: You might want secateurs as well...
William: ... Right. Yeah. Hawthorn smoke. What's the best way to deliver that...
Milli: Crossbow bolts? Set the bolts on fire, shoot him with them?
William: Might work if we can find enough. If not... throw bundles of twigs like gas grenades, I suppose.

He shrugs, sets down the axe and reaches for a machete.

Charlotte: Careful. Sharp.

She realises what she just said and smiles weakly.

--
Milli looks outside and finds Natalie pacing the corridor, glaring at the floor. She pulls at her sleeve, dragging her outside.

Natalie: But I don't smoke!
Milli: We need to talk.
Natalie: We do?
Milli: Yeah. Ma-
Natalie: Obviously Emma can't take care of Matthew.
Milli: I, erm -
Natalie: You need to check his room before you go! Does she know nothing?
Milli: She doesn't... but we should tell her. She can help us track him.
Natalie: (grimaces) Right. Get it done.
Milli: You're taking this pretty personally. I know it's your blood and everything -
Natalie: It's avoidable. I mean, they've got these stupid things in common - magic, bad dress sense -
Milli: So... you're annoyed with Emma because Matthew got kidnapped...?
Natalie: ...
Milli: You can talk to me. You would have... before all this.
Natalie: I'm just getting to know you.
Milli: Then you should know, if you ever want to talk, I'm happy to listen -

She stops abruptly, turns and goes inside.

Natalie: Uh...

Natalie looks around and sees Jake at the end of the corridor.

He stops, shakes his head wearily, and approaches her. Milli pauses at the door.

Natalie: Matthew's been kidnapped.
Jake: ... By?
Milli: (flatly) Shockingly, it seems by someone that's not you.

Jake glances her way, frowning, and looks back to Natalie as she meets his gaze coldly.

Jake: So...
Natalie: Some demons who want my blood because they think I'm the slayer.
Jake: Ah. I thought we dealt with them.
Natalie: Well, there were more. And now Milli's back so there are more girls kicking ass.
Jake: (sighs) Do we know where?
Natalie: Not yet. We have to call your ex. Of course, if she'd taken care of him in the first place -
Jake: Uh... I'll call her...
Milli: Yeah, you go exercise your control over the others. I'll be practising.

She turns and goes.

Jake: ... Well. Coulda been worse.
Natalie: In theory, yes.
Jake: So... why do they want the slayer's blood, anyway?

--
And cut to the Nidrak gloating as Matthew glares up at him.

Nidrak: And with the blood of the Slayer, we can burn our foes where they stand, mortal and vampire both, end this pointless warfare, and take your city and its people as our prize.
Matthew: Nnn... never.
Nidrak: No. Soon.

CUT!

[Craig Oxbrow]

And back to Milli in the training room, juggling a stake. She turns as the door opens and, seeing Jake, throws the stake into a target without looking.

Jake: So...
Milli: Unless it helps Matthew, or you want to throw yourself on my sword, I'm not interested.

He nods slightly. She ignores him and unsheathes her sword.

Jake: So I'm not interesting.
Milli: Nothing I wouldn't be happy staking.

She rams her blade through a dummy.

Jake: I see. How's it going?
Milli: Usual. Did you want something?

She retrieves her sword and it slices through the air, pointing towards him.

Jake: Yeah. What's it gonna take for you to believe me?
Milli: That you're not evil incarnate?
Jake: Yeah.
Milli: Seeing you dead. And stay dead. You haven't managed that. What does that tell you?
Jake: Could you put the sword down -
Milli: Sure. I can take you without a weapon.

She sheathes the sword and sets it down.

Jake: ... It's a start.
Milli: So. Here we are. You. Me. Alone.
Jake: You not trying to kill me.
Milli: Thought I'd wait for you to make the first move. See what you did.
Jake: That's not gonna help -
Milli: Or try to convince me of your lies. Make another excuse.
Jake: There are no excuses. Listen to Escher -
Milli: No. Let's think about all the evidence since you came back.
Jake: Since you... (sighs slowly, steps back) Fine. I'll humour you.
Milli: Right. The demon that stole our memories -
Jake: The demon thing you killed.
Milli: Easy thing to call.
Jake: And the Vengeance Demon? Everyone knowing what I was thinking?
Milli: Everyone except me. And again, easy thing to summon.
Jake: You know they just turn up to cause havoc -
Milli: And that would be bad for you because?
Jake: (shouting) This isn't some trick! I'm not playing with your mind -
Milli: No, that's at the gig tonight.
Jake: (shocked) Wha-? Did... anyone say anything -
Milli: You were planning to do something to affect me, and only me. That's what they all said.

He grimaces. When he speaks, he speaks softly now.

Jake: The 'plan' was to prove to you that I am who I say. Not to lie to you or affect you.

Milli hesitates for a second, then her jaw sets with determination.

Milli: To show me what you're going to do to us?
Jake: I can't force you to go.
Milli: I wouldn't miss it for the world. I just want you to make your damn move already so I can justify killing you to all the rest.

He stares at her in disbelief as she scowls at him, filled with hatred.

Then Andy wanders in.

Andy: Hey guys!

Milli: What is it?
Andy: I couldn't help overhearing - damn it woman, he's a good guy!
Milli: (icily) Maybe he used to be. Why are you here?
Andy: Trying the running trick. Y'know, running up the wall and jumping off it? I can't do it.
Jake: (flatly) And this is Andy under the influence of Jacques...

Milli glances at him and barely suppresses a grin.

Andy runs at the wall and slams into it.

Milli: (trying not to smile) Okay, it is kinda more like Andy under the influence of Andy. Just proves he's easy to confuse.

Jake stomps out.

Natalie looks in after the second 'thump' through the wall, as Andy picks himself up again.

Natalie: If it's any help, I don't think he's evil... er than normal.

--
Escher looks up as Jake stumbles into the office.

Jake: There's... nothing more I can say.
Escher: I could have told you that.
Jake: ... (deadpan) That's very supportive.
Escher: It's true. All you can do is what you have been doing - be honest, fight at her side. Don't expect her to change her mind.
Jake: (weakly) Yeah. I know.
Escher: In the meantime, one of our charges is in danger, and it would be helpful if you both tried to find him.
Jake: ... You're right.

--
William and Charlotte look in, and check next door.

William: We found something -
Natalie: We did?
Charlotte: I can at least help with the reading.
Natalie: ...
William: And from the reading, he seems pretty... evil.
Milli: (hopeful) Who does?
William: The demon.
Milli: (disappointed) oh.
William: It seems he wants to win this tribal war -
Charlotte: Which I, of course, didn't know about -
William: Err... sorry... (looks back up) He wants to win and conquer the city and, well, kill everyone in it.
Charlotte: Pretty evil. (shrugs)

Milli's phone rings. She raises a hand for quiet, points to William. He unpacks his laptop and looks for a cable as she answers.

Nidrak: The Newton Bridge. Two hours.
Milli: Let me speak to him.
Nidrak: But of course.

--
He holds the phone to Matthew's ear.

Nidrak: Short.
Matthew: He-hello...
Milli: Are you okay?

--
William finds the lead and connects it to Milli's phone.

Milli: Matthew?
Matthew: Fine. Little banged up. Let me have my book back.
Milli: Which one?
Matthew: The new X-Men. Not Uncanny, the new one.
Milli: Yeah? What happened in it?

She looks down as William watches a progress meter.

William: Come on...

Matthew: Oh, the usual really. People with extraordinary powers sworn to protect normal humanity from other superhuman beings.
Milli: Oh, yeah? Wow, that's really... far out there.
Matthew: And some stuff about those giant pink robots -

The line goes dead.

Milli: Anything?
William: It isn't pinpoint.

Jake stands in the doorway.

Jake: You need to make sure he's okay.

Milli glowers at him.

Jake: I called Emma, she's already tracking him.
Milli: Good. We know where they'll be in two hours though, that's our priority.
Jake: Okay -
Milli: I'll take this, make the trade.
Jake: You need backup.

Milli sneers.

Milli: From you? I'd prefer to have vampires at my back!
Jake: Andy, hiding out?
Andy: (still on the floor) Righto. Lying down maybe?
Milli: (deadpan) I think that they'd notice the lack of a werewolf in the group.
Jake: We're trying to be smart. I don't think we can trust the other side.
Milli: (flatly) Oh, you think so? Looks like someone's got his clever shoes on today.
Jake: Going 'okay Mister Demon, here's your slayer blood' is gonna work. Especially as we don't actually have any.
William: (flatly) Darn. And that was my whole plan.

Emma knocks on the door frame.

Emma: Uh... Hi. Um, I have a location. Looks like they're together, and they're in motion.
Milli: Coming this way?
Emma: Yeah.
William: Emma, can you restrain him?
Emma: The demon? Yeah, probably.
Jake: One wrong move and Matthew could be dead.
Milli: Then let's not make one. Hmm?
Jake: ... I'll do the talking.

Milli retrieves her sword. Jake looks at her warily, but she ignores him, goes to the rack of weapons and fetches her crossbow.

Milli: Come on. Emma, you're riding shotgun.

Natalie tries not to look too obviously miffed.

--
Natalie's Land Rover pulls up by the Newton Bridge as the sun dips below the Cambridge skyline to the west.

Jake steps out, apparently unarmed. Milli stays in the car, readying a composite bow. She trains it on him, then lowers it.

Milli: I will be ready to shoot an arrow through the heart if this goes wrong. In any way.

Jake looks at her thoughtfully, nods, and steps onto the bridge.

Night falls, and the Nidrak steps out to meet him. He looks even taller when he drags Matthew behind him, head bowed.

Jake: Matthew! You okay?
Matthew: I... can walk.
Jake: Bring him over then.
Nidrak: Halfway. You have our bargain?
Jake: I do. Slayer blood.

The demon holds out a talon to him.

Behind him, Jake sees vampires climbing out of the shade under the bridge.

He hands the phial over as the vampires surround him.

The demon drops Matthew, groaning, to the wooden floor of the bridge, grasping the phial in both hands.

Nidrak: And with her blood we shall have lease to fall upon your city. -
Jake: Oh. Nice. There you go then.

He gestures, and the phial shatters.

Nidrak: Kill them!
Vampire: Like we weren't going to anyway...

The vampires charge.

William: I'll take the one on the right.

Milli fires at the one on the left without comment. It duly explodes.

Jake: Well, you didn't think we'd let you get away, did you?
Nidrak: I rather hoped not.

He knocks Jake down, sprawling beside Matthew, and raises his talon over his head.

Nidrak: So much more blood to spill.

Natalie runs up, sword at the ready.

Nidrak: Ahh, the very one. Come then.

--
Charlotte lights a rag around an arrow, William pulls and makes ready to fire, lining up his aim with Milli's.

Milli: Give us a shot...

--
A vampire lunges at Matthew, and rebounds off thin air.

Emma steps back slightly, then presses forward, hand raised.

Matthew looks up weakly and raises his own hand.

Jake: Come on, let's go.

He looks around and sees half a dozen vampires converging on them.

He spins and kicks the first to charge at Matthew.

Andy crashes into one of the vampires and throws the remains at another, but there are still more coming.

Natalie ducks the demon's claw, and William fires the arrow into his chest. The demon roars and tries to tear the burning arrow free.

Milli fires again, striking the Nidrak in the arm.

Milli: We need help over here - Matt wants you!

Natalie glares for a moment, then uses the pommel of her sword to hammer the arrow in the demon's chest home.

--
William: Cover us!

Milli pulls back as William and Charlotte run over to light a bundle of twigs. A vampire crawls out of the river and charges. William steps in front of Charlotte, raising his burning stick. Milli steps up behind the vampire and cuts its head off.

--
As the Nidrak staggers back, trying to put out the flames and coughing violently, Milli, William and Charlotte guard the smoking hawthorn fire.

Emma stands by the fire and makes a forceful throwing gesture at the Nidrak, and the smoke twists and funnels towards the demon.

--
Milli fires again, dropping a vampire that was starting to circle around Andy. Scanning around for more, her attention is caught by the figures on the bridge, and she chews her top lip thoughtfully as she watches them for a moment.

Jake stands over Matthew as he tries to rise. He retrieves a pair of stakes from his coat and skewers another vampire with one, then throws the other, guiding it with his mind into another vamp's chest.

Matthew grits his teeth and tries to focus his barrier. It warps and shifts visibly as the vampires slam against it.

Jake: Stay behind me!

The demon stumbles away.

Jake pulls out a bundle of dry sticks, and his lighter.

Smoke billows around the bridge, twisting back on the demon as he flees, as his scales start to blacken and sizzle... then he explodes.

The vampires break and run, Andy charging after some as Milli and William shoot more of them down and Matthew holds some more in place.

--
As a few survivors flee into the woods, they are met by the groundskeeper's Land Rover going towards them at full tilt. As the third is crushed under the wheels, the car stops.

Escher: Looks like that's the last of them. For now, anyway...

--
Natalie crouches beside Matthew.

Natalie: Are you okay?
Matthew: Bit... bruised.

She hugs him, holding him close so he can't see as she starts to cry.

--
And in a path through the woods on the other side of the bridge, another car sits, unmoving, lights dark. Its occupant watches the end of the battle, pulling out a mobile phone.

Victoria: Well. I think that's taken care of. Good idea to sell the Nidrak that info about little Matthew.
Sullivan: Thanks. Usual fee...
Victoria: Small unmarked bills, naturally.

She snaps her phone shut and smiles.

Victoria: That'll teach them to go to war in my town without inviting me...

--
Jake: Well. I have a gig to get to.

He glances over at Milli, who seems to ignore him as she retrieves her arrows.

Jake: Natalie, going that way?
Natalie: I need to swing by mine to change. And Matthew should go for a checkup.
Matthew: I'm fine. Just a bit bashed around. And sleep deprived. And dehydrated. Starved. Maybe broken a rib - just maybe there...
Natalie: ... Anyone else?
Milli: I'll see you around.

She doesn't look up as she puts her last arrow away, and her hand goes to her sword as Jake glances at her.

--
Natalie enters Matthew's room in front of him, crossbow low but ready.

Natalie: We're going to get the locks changed.
Matthew: Erm...
Natalie: You can crash at mine if you like. Er... I mean, if Doctor Brown doesn't say you should stay in hospital overnight.
Matthew: That's a... very nice offer. I'll just get changed...
Natalie: (surprised) Are you going to the gig?
Matthew: Oh, uh... yes. I just meant... out of this shirt with my blood all over it.
Natalie: Then we could... go... together...
Matthew: Uh...

She smiles. He starts to, then winces and rubs a bruise on his lower lip.

--
In Natalie's room, Milli stocks up on holy water. She pauses to stick a knife in her boot as her phone rings.

Natalie: So, are you going? We're going. We're gonna go -
Milli: Absolutely. Evil telekinetic psychics couldn't keep me away.

She puts her sword into her large rucksack, and stands there for a moment, twisting the ring on her thumb that matches Jake's. Her expression darkens, and we see her standing at the foot of a grave, the rucksack on her back, as she twists the ring thoughtfully and stares at a familiar-looking headstone...

CUT!

[Craig Oxbrow]

Natalie: So, you're coming to Jake's gig?
Milli: I couldn't stay away.
Natalie: Really?
Milli: I have to protect people.
Natalie: From indie music?
Milli: From evil.
Natalie: You know, they search you at the door.
Milli: Why would I bring weapons?

She slides a flat stake into her trouser pocket as she balances the phone on her shoulder.

Natalie: Because you know he'll be there...
Milli: Well, I suppose...

Her bag clinks as she lifts it.

Milli: I'll only bring small stuff.
Natalie: Riiiiight...

--
William and Charlotte sit together on the bed.

Charlotte: It, um... went okay?
William: We managed to rescue Matt... Matthew. Again. And Milli staked all those vampires.
Charlotte: Why were they just standing there?
William: Holding spell. Probably more than one.
Charlotte: ... oh. (shrugs) And there was that one she decapitated.
William: Yeah. Lucky, that, I had my bow on the ground...
Charlotte: So, what's the dress code for this gig?
William: (deadpan) I'm thinking body armour...

--
Wintry late afternoon turns to wintry evening, and the Basement concert space is packed out.

Natalie has indeed changed, but into a different practical fighting-friendly outfit.

Natalie: I guess giving everyone a psychic preview of the new song makes pretty good advertising...
Matthew: Looks like.
Natalie: William and Charlotte have found a seat. I should go and check on Milli...

She finds Milli making her way through the crowd towards the stage.

Jake, looking over the pit as he sings (Everclear's Wonderful), notices her and takes a step back, warily.

Natalie finds Emma flanking Milli on the other side. She hides a frown and nods to her, and they approach Milli together as she sets down her bag and puts her hand on the grip of her sword...

Emma: Don't.
Natalie: Not here.
Emma: Not now.
Milli: I'm still waiting for him to make the first move...

He starts to play the riff from The Reason. The crowd cheers.

Milli dives for her sword.

Natalie puts a hand on her wrist and points towards the stage.

Up above, Jake sings... gazing down at Milli. Her eyes are drawn to his, and her ferocious look dissolves into confusion as she studies him, slowly shaking her head in disbelief.

Jake: I'm not a perfect person... there's many things I wish I didn't do... but I continue learning... I never meant to do those things to you...

Milli's eyes flash angrily, and she pulls away from the others.

Jake: I've found a reason for me... to change who I used to be... a reason to start over new... and the reason is you... I'm sorry that I hurt you... It's something I must live with every day -

Milli turns and runs for the stage door.

Natalie runs after her.

Natalie: Stay here! Get ready to stop her...

Emma nods. She turns back to the stage and looks up at Jake. He watches Milli go, then glances at her. She nods. He lets go of his guitar and starts to walk off. She sighs slowly and looks down.

--
Charlotte: Should we - ?

William puts a hand on hers gently as she stands, and shakes his head.

William: She has to know. (quietly) One way or the other.

Matthew glances at them briefly and frowns.

--
Milli barges through the door. To find Jake waiting for her, hands at his sides and unarmed.

Milli barges through the door. To find Jake waiting for her, hands at his sides and unarmed.

Natalie grabs her arm as she reaches for her sword, and lets go as she stops and straightens up of her own accord.

Milli: I... I can't do it! He's... that song... it's affected me somehow! He's cast some kind of... not killing him spell on me!
Natalie: That... might be what love feels like.

Milli looks at her like she's about to kill her, and goes for her sword.

Jake: Yes. I do love you.

Milli freezes, sword in hand, and looks up at him slowly, her eyes wide.

Natalie withdraws.

Jake wipes a tear from his eye.

Jake: Milli -

His voice breaks. He takes a stumbling step back, towards the stage exit. She follows, slowly, sword in hand.

She finds him sitting on the step up to the stage door, trying to light a cigarette with a trembling hand, giving up and burying his face in his hands.

Jake: Go ahead. Take your shot.
Milli: What... what did you do? What was that?
Jake: That was my heart laid bare.

She steps back and lowers her sword.

Jake: If you're gonna do it, do it... I got nothin' left.
Milli: Good spell. People sang along and -
Jake: (shouting) It wasn't a spell!
Milli: Then what was it?
Jake: Just a song. Me... talking to you. My heart. And if you're gonna stand on it, just kill me now.
Milli: I... don't understand.
Jake: I love you.

He looks her in the eye.

Jake: I always have.
Milli: But... you're all... evil. You're not Jake... you're Jacques!
Jake: Am I?

Milli looks confused and stares down at her feet for a long time. When she looks up at him, her expression is softer than it's been since her return.

Milli: No spell? Just a song?
Jake: Just a song.
Milli: And everyone knew it because of the wish I made...
Jake: Looks like.
Milli: And the memory demon... came with me... And... I went home, and it was completely different. And there was my grave... and they - before they tried to exorcise me - my mother asked about my hair.
Jake: Black isn't really your colour. Well, not for hair anyway.
Milli: It... seemed appropriate. After I killed you.
Jake: Wasn't me. I was here all the time.

Milli drops her sword.

Milli: So... not evil. Unless you got really stupid about it. So, I guess you're right. So...
Jake: So now you know who I am.
Milli: I... I guess.
Jake: And you need time to think.
She nods.

Jake: I got a... gig. I guess. Doesn't really matter.

She shakes her head vaguely. He nods once and pulls himself to his feet, turns and goes inside.

She watches the door close, and goes to sit where he was.

Milli: Oh God. Jake…
Natalie: Milli?

Natalie steps around the corner. Milli looks up at her dumbly.

Milli: You don't have to do the grabby thing. The spell worked.
Natalie: Song. Not spell.
Milli: Apparently so.

Natalie sits down beside her.

Milli: How would you feel if you loved someone and they betrayed you and then it turned out they... didn't?
Natalie: I don't know you -
Milli: Apparently not. Because we've never met...
Natalie: But I feel like I do. I've heard a lot about you. From Jake, and Escher and William... your adoring fans.

Milli smiles sadly.

Natalie: And it's been nice to have another girl around who's not a hippy. But, um... you want a ride home?
Milli: I am home.
Natalie: Hm?
Milli: Just not in the way I thought, I guess.
Natalie: I just meant to the flat.
Milli: (smiling) I know.

--
Emma watches Jake return to the stage. He nods to her briefly. She smiles wanly and withdraws.

Emma: So, you guys okay?
Matthew: There was... hugging.
Emma: That's probably a good sign.
Matthew: What about...?
Emma: I'll live.

--
Milli crushes a cigarette under her boot.

Milli: Better get back. Sounds like they're finishing up.
Natalie: Yeah. I don't think he's in much of a mood for a big encore...

--
Sure enough, they are indeed getting ready to go. Jake takes his time to pack up his guitar and equipment. Milli watches from the sidelines as the group help out.

Matthew glances at her, visibly nervous.

Matthew: She's watching me!

Milli smiles and waves.

This naturally makes Matthew more nervous.

Matthew: She's still scary.

William smiles slightly.

William: Yeah. That's Milli.

Natalie hustles the group outside, leaving Jake and Milli alone.

Andy: But I'm a roadie!
Natalie: Then hit the road...

Milli: Good gig.
Jake: Thanks. Think it was the best with this band.
Milli: So it wasn't a spell.
Jake: No.
Milli: Whatever it was... I guess it kinda worked.
Jake: You're not killing me.
Milli: No.
Jake: Still want to?
Milli: (looking embarrassed) Not so much anymore. No.
Jake: So what now?
Milli: I dunno. What do you wanna do?
Jake: Well... see, I hadn't thought past this.
Milli: So... if I'm... in a different universe and all... did we... ever... here...?
Jake: No. Never.

He reaches out and takes her hand.

And he sees.

He sees himself as he was to her, eyes burning blue as he pinned her to a bed, laughing as he threw her across the office, grabbing her by the hair and pounding her head into the table - stumbling back with her sword through his heart.

His hold slips.

Jake: I... saw.
Milli: You saw what he did.
Jake: Yeah.
Milli: So now you know why it's been so... difficult for me.
Jake: I'm so-
Milli: But if you're you. Not him. Then... that's everything I ever wanted.

Jake blinks.

Jake: Me too.
Milli: So, like you said... what now?
Jake: Uh, we could... have a drink, catch up... if you want?
Milli: Yeah, I really think we should. And then you can... tell me more about here.
Jake: We never did this.

He leans forward and kisses her, gently, unsure of her reaction. She responds slightly, startled. They separate and he looks into her eyes.

Milli: Well. Um. What the hell was that?
Jake: I -
Milli: A kiss is supposed to be more like this.

And she kisses him.

The music rises, and -

CREDITS!
GRR! ARG!

[Craig Oxbrow]

DVD Commentary

(The group gets ready to patrol)
David: We need something to kick. Find us something to kick, Perception Boy!
Derek: Sigh...

(Jake blinks as he touches Milli.)
Craig: This is the first time he's really made contact with her - and so he sees her version of their time together, him turning evil and her killing him. This would rather put him off...
(Jake kisses Milli)
Craig: If he was a bit more sensible about these things.

[Craig Oxbrow]

Coming Soon:

Milli, with vibrant pink hair, leading a charge.

Jake laughing as he swings his sword.

William loading a massive stake gun.

Natalie arm in arm with a handsome young man.

Matthew shuddering, eyes jet black, a wind whipping around him.

Emma kicking a vampire in the face.

A ten-foot werewolf that looks somewhat like Andy in wolf form charging.

Escher drawing a sword as Chase smirks at him.

A legion of skeletons in Roman armour advancing on the group.

The sky over the city on fire.

Natalie standing in a vast cavern, surrounded by men in colourful robes.

Milli facing Victoria on a plain, each holding a sword, and charging at each other.

The Watch House. Season Four. Soon.

[Varyar]

Milli: Well. Um. What the hell was that?
Jake: I -
Milli: A kiss is supposed to be more like this.

And she kisses him.

The music rises, and -

CREDITS!
GRR! ARG!

Rock.

Coming Soon:

How soon? How soon? How soon? :D

[BillChuck]

More Watch House! Bliss! Joy!!!!! :D

[Craig Oxbrow]

Thanks very much!

And by popular demand:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b175/craigoxbrow/DVDCover3a.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b175/craigoxbrow/DVDCover3b495.jpg

[Varyar]

Thanks very much!

And by popular demand:

Shiny!

[Craig Oxbrow]

Season Four premieres. (http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?t=270291)