Donna sank into her seat, crying helplessly. Kendra tried to hold her, but she was crying almost as hard herself.

Then Donna pulled away from Kendra and looked wildly around the room. "You see?" she sobbed. "You see? It's not over, it'll *never* be over!!" She looked at Nathan, tears running down her face. "I'll *never* be like you! I'll NEVER be like you--do you understand me?? I...I'll..."

Before anyone could stop her, she'd raced over to Shawn and grabbed his hand.

Kendra screamed her name, and then Shawn tried to reach her. "Donna..." he started to say, but she wasn't listening. She locked eyes with him.

"Donna..no..." Shawn pleaded; being magical himself, he could sense what she was trying to do. But she didn't answer, only cried and shook her head. A moment later there was a flare of magic, and Shawn sagged back into his seat.

"Shawn--!" Shirlee cried.

"I...I'm all right...but stop her!" Shawn murmured.

That's when everyone saw the long butcher knife that now was clutched in Donna's hand. "I'm going to kill you..and her...and then myself!" Donna wailed, lunging for Nathan and Christine.

Kendra screamed and fainted, and Pippi had to hold her from hitting the floor.

Ariel, NT, Miranda, and Titania all shrieked at once, and soon the room was in a frantic uproar. Ameh froze, she couldn't move or make a sound, but just stood there with her mouth open, and her eyes wide.

Donna lunged at Nathan, who barely managed to seize her wrists. For once, he wasn't trying to hurt her, just keep her from stabbing him. Even though he was taller and stronger, being a man, Donna was so hysterical that right now she was a real threat. As he struggled with her, he glared over her shoulder at Capri. "This is all your doing! You've driven her to this with your damnable interference!"

"Oh stop yer whinin, Tompkins." Capri growled as she stood up and approached Donna.

Christine, trying to get Donna away from Nathan, threw a spell at her. Strangely enough, it had no effect. "What the--you're not supposed to be able to block magic!" she cried.

"You'll--never--control--me--again!" Donna screamed, continuing to try as hard as she could to force the knife within reach of some vital part of Nathan.

"Donna don't do this!" Ariel pleaded, while at the same time holding a sobbing NT in her arms. She glanced desperately at Pippi, who couldn't help because she was holding Kendra.

"It's...the only way...to end this." Donna gasped out through the tears, "I'll finish him...and then her...they'll never hurt anyone else again. And then...then...if I'm gone the Shelley m-magic ends with me, it'll never be used to h-hurt anybody else." She managed to get the knife to where it cut Nathan on the arm, but she still couldn't get it into the right angle to stab him in some vital part.

"Damn it she's out of control!" Christine cried, trying again to stop Donna with magic, as unsuccessfully as before. "I warned you all this would happen!!"

"No thanks to you I'm sure." Capri sneered back once she had edged in close enough.

"You're dead Christine! You're dead as soon as he is!" Donna screamed and continued trying to force the knife into Nathan.

"Tha's enough!" Capri froze the knife so it wouldn't move. Then, holding on to Donna with one arm, she applied a pressure point hold to Donna's wrist. "let go!"

Donna cried out as she was forced to let go, and then she began to thrash wildly in Capri's arms.

But Capri melted the knife away into nothing.

MacTaggart, Brett, Lisa, Jesse, Titania, and Miranda had all crowded around by now, and Ariel wasn't far off, supporting a frightened out of her mind, wailing NT.

"Dammit Capri!" Donna screamed.

"Can it Donna!" Capri roared, looking sternly down and tilting Donna's head up to meet her burning gaze. Holding her firmly and shaking her slightly to get her attention and let the girl know she was in serious trouble, she rebuked, "Tha's the second time you abused yer magic today! fer the rest o' this trial you are gonna sit an listen an' start actin yer age er I'll 'ave ya removed from this court, understand? We'll talk 'bout yer behavior later, I ain't through with you yet! Now get back there, on the double!" Capri jabbed a finger in the direction of Donna's empty seat.

Donna made her way back to her seat, still crying.

On seeing things calming down, Pippi asked Ameh, "Could you get me a cool cloth?"

"Sure," and in a moment, Ameh had magiced one up.

Pippi rubbed it over Kendra's face and lightly patted her cheek to revive her. "Kendra, wake up. Donna will be all right and things are calming down." She helped Kendra back into her seat as Capri restored the court to order.

The first thing Capri did when all was quieted down, was tear up Nathan's letter furiously and threw the crumpled pieces away. Then, she resumed. "Court recalls Judge Joseph Chalmers."

The kindly middle aged man once again approached the bench, but he looked dejected and tired.

"Judge Chalmers, do you recognize this document?"

"Yes, I do," he replied.

"Please state for this court what it is."

"It's the custody orders for Donna Shelley."

"Will you please read aloud this section 'ere?" Capri indicated a paragraph, and Judge Chalmers read.

==================================================================

"The original guardianship order re: Donna Shelley, awarding custody to Nathan Tompkins and Christine Benson, is hereby revoked. Mr. Tompkins and Miss Bension are, in addition, under no circumstances to be allowed visitation rights or to set foot within the same state Donna Shelley is residing in. Custody of Donna Shelley is transfered to Mrs. Kendra Shelley, with Miss Ariel Dawson and Miss Capri Monroe acting as guardians until Mrs. Shelley is able."

===================================================================

"I now call Kendra an' Donna Shelley forward, an' Ariel Dawson as well, ta witness an' sign the order."

There was an "Awwwwww" from the spectators, and many were dabbing the tears from their eyes at the touching scene that was about to commence.

When Kendra, Donna, and Ariel came forward, they signed, then witnessed first Capri, then Judge Chalmers sign.

After the small group had reclaimed their seats, Capri stated, "Judge Chalmers is a good man, an' 'e 'ad no idea, as you all know, what Nathan Tompkins an' Christine Benson were really like when 'e'd first ruled in their favor. Now that 'e's learned more about 'em than any of us would've liked, 'e's told me 'e's resignin. Another perfectly decent man, tryin ta make a good honest livin an' 'cause o' Nathan an' Christine turnin 'is attempt at lookin out fer a child, into a nightmare, 'e feels responsible an' that 'is career's ruined. The U.S. courts will loose a good judge 'cause o' them two, unless we can get be'ind 'im an' 'elp 'im ta refuse ta let Tompkins an' Benson claim one more victory! What say you all!" Capri's tone took on a charismatic leader quality as she made the speech. "Let's give 'im a hand!"

The spectators complied, almost eagerly. The resulting crescendo of cheers and clapping lasted for several minutes. The only ones who didn't look at all pleased were Nathan and Christine. Tracy glowered also, but her gaze was directed at Nathan.

"Now, Mr. Tompkins...You are to read out what is written on this envelope, stating whose handwriting it is. Then, you are to read the entire contents of that envelope, stating whose writing it is again. And we do have a handwriting expert 'ere."

Nathan looked at it, then up at Capri, his eyes even colder than usual. "How did you get this?" he hissed. "I did tell you, Madam, that I had left detailed instructions regarding certain things that would occur if anything should happen to me. These are those instructions."

"I ask the questions around 'ere, not you." Capri talked down to him as if he was a small child throwing a tantrum in a toy store. "'ow I got it matters little. It's yer intentions that count, now, continue!"

"If you insist. Anything to bring this little farce of yours to a conclusion."

"Knock off the juvenile mouthin off an' read!"

He nodded and read from the envelope. "`To be opened only in the event of my death. Nathan Tompkins'." He then opened the envelope. Withdrawing the sheaf of papers within, he began reading.

"One. The Covenant Baptist Church, Unnamed City. To be torched. Make certain the parsonage, which is located behind it, is also involved. And then kill the so called "Reverend" Benjamin Myles. It would be best if some minor mutilation could be performed before completing this. A fitting punishment for a man who has lain with the wife of another."

Ben Myles glowered at this, but managed to hold his tongue as Tompkins continued.

"Two. Susan Myles. Establish her whereabouts. If she has returned to the Unnamed City, then determine where she is at the time you choose to carry this out. If she is not at the parsonage with her father, two other likely locations will be Crosswinds Elementary School, Unnamed City, or the Temple of E, also in that city. If she has remained in Tampa, she will either be at Ariel Dawson's residence, or else Hampton Elementary School. Once her exact location has been determined, take appropriate steps. If it is either school or the Temple, it must appear to be a random shooting, make certain, however, that she is killed. Even if you have to terminate some passersby to make sure you get her. If at all possible, videotape this incident, and see that the girl is killed first, so that her whore of a mother can be forced to watch."

"Damn you!" Ben exclaimed.

Capri smiled approvingly at Ben Myles for once.

Rebekah let out a wail and covered her face with her hands.

Nathan only glanced contemptuously at her and went on with the list. "Three. Rebekah Leah Myles. Or, as she was once known, Rebekah Tompkins. Let her once set foot off the property of Ariel Dawson, and she will be reachable. She should be...used...before you finish her. And then see to it that these words are written at the scene, where it will be easily visible: "This woman has played the harlot, and she has met her fate for it." However, before you finish her, see to it that she is made to view the recording of her daughter's death."

Ben looked like he was about ready to assault Nathan. Rebekah only sobbed harder, and Miranda tried to comfort her.

Nathan, as unruffled as ever, continued reading. "Four. Kendra Shelley. Current location: Federal Prison for Women, Illinois... Make contacts with some of the more...aggressive...inmates, see to it that a riot takes place. Then make sure that Kendra Shelley is, shall we say, caught in the crossfire? Before this takes place, though, send her this package and make sure she sees it not long before the riot starts...a videotaped reminder of her late husband's tragic death, from the security cameras in his office that day."

Kendra screamed. Donna was torn between holding her and lunging at Nathan. "You don't ever give up, do you?" Donna cried.

Nathan glared at her, but showed no other reaction as he continued to read. "Five. Donna Shelley. She is too valuable and too dangerous. If she cannot live to serve me, then she cannot be permitted to live at all. See to it that she is killed, as slowly as you can manage. But do this only after she has observed her mother's death."

"No! Damn it, *no*! You're *not* touching me again, or her either!" Donna shouted. Suddenly she felt the magic surging up inside her...somehow she knew what to do. She threw it towards Nathan and he fell to the floor, momentarily stunned.

Jesse and Shawn whistled, NT clapped and shrieked, and the whole room erupted into raucous cheers and applause as Nathan fell.

Even Capri couldn't quite keep her composure, and she allowed herself a laugh. But then, she hit the gavel on the desk, "Order in this court, order!" When the crowd didn't subside right away, Capri hit the gavel again, and demanded "Shut up, you lot!" In a moment, there was quiet. "Ahhh, that's better." Then, looking at Donna, she said, gently but firmly, "Donna, ya 'ave to let 'im finish. I know it's 'ard. But we all 'ave ta 'ear this. Ya can all react an' 'ave yer say, but this damn list's part o' the evidence."

Donna nodded but continued to glare at Tompkins as he picked himself up and retrieved the papers. After a few minutes of rummaging through them, to find his place again, he resumed reading.

"Six." came the cold voice. "Shawn Catlin. Lone Star Music to drop his contract, citing excess unfavorable publicity. Make contacts with other music companies, see to it that he is blacklisted. This should be extended to include Taylor Kent and the other band members as well."

"I'll give you `unfavorable publicity'!" Shawn shouted, glowering at Tompkins.

Nathan ignored the outburst and went on. "Seven. Shirlee Catlin. This should be rather simple to arrange, as the woman is a cripple and cannot move quickly. Merely wait until she is off her son's property and is walking unaccompanied...then make it appear to be a hit and run."

"Bastard! I'll kill you!!" Shawn roared, and it was only Shirlee's holding on to him that kept him from throwing himself bodily onto Nathan. "Let me break his God damned *neck* already!!" Shawn roared, still trying to free himself from Shirlee's clutching hands without pushing her away.

Nathan shook his head and glanced to Capri for a moment, as if to say, how can you let this go on?

"Cool it, Mr Catlin. Tompkins, ya just keep readin'." was all Capri said aloud, though she would much rather have done some neck wringing of her own.

"Eight. Sarah Lindsay-Tallant and Elwyn Tallant. Current location: Werrington House, Cornwall, England. This location is warded and therefore unreachable; however, monitor carefully. Should they be observed leaving it, or should they appear at any other location--for example, the attached (Sarah's New York address is listed here)--terminate them both, immediately. Be aware that Mrs Lindsay-Tallant is a vampire and therefore has the physical capabilities of that kind. Also, they may be accompanied by a male known as Jeremiah, of possible alien origin, capabilities uncertain. Therefore, proceed carefully before engaging, but make sure Mrs Tallant and the child are destroyed."

Sarah's eyes went red and she hissed, just managing to not let her instincts take over.

Nathan gave a cold smile and continued. "Nine through thirteen. Elizabeth, David, Rachel, John, and Ruth Lindsay. These are mortal relatives of the aforementioned Mrs Lindsay Tallant, and therefore shall pay the price for her defiance and resistance along with her. Location, Clearbrook, Minnesota."

Sarah hissed even louder then sent an "I told you so." look to Capri before resuming glaring at Nathan.

"Fourteen. The Hino family of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Terminate them all. Primary target, Lizzie Hino. Perhaps she, too, should be...used...first, but do what you think best. Make sure, however, that the...creatures...known as Lilybat and Rose are destroyed first, that Lizzie is made to watch."

At this Lizzie looked shocked and then very angry. Rose the bat, flew right in front of Nathan. "You will never get your hands on Lizzie." she said and the hate was very clear in her voice.

"Fifteen. Locate a werewolf female called Sophie, aka Burning Rain. She, too, is to be terminated. Determine if she has any relatives, eliminate them, also."

Sophie when this was said, walked over to Nathan and stood in front of him. " Through my hand you will pay for your crimes against Gaia. I will see that nothing you would have happen to the innocent like Lizzie or NT or anyone standing in this court room will ever happen. As Gaia's chosen this is my job and duty to her. And if you think werewolves are easy kills think again. We are seen as monsters for a reason." With that said, she turned and walked away.