Comes a Horseman Remixed with Forever Knight
by Rob Morris
Teaser: (We see Lacroix talking on his radio show )

Lacroix: That, my children, was the remarkable Mister William Joel. For so young a man, he has life's experiences well pegged. Although, I, myself, tend to avoid Italian restaurants. But he was correct: We all do have a face that we hide away forever. What does your Stranger look like?

(Hands burst through the studio window, and drag Lacroix out )

(Intro... He was brought over in....etc. )

(Outside, we see a bottle of wine-that-isn't being splashed in Lacroix's face )

Kronos: (As a vampire, natch ) Hello, my brother. Air has returned to reclaim its Fire.

Lacroix: (Trying but failing to look nonplussed) Kronos, my brother of old. I am pleased to see you alive.

Kronos: I wouldn't be, if you hadn't destroyed that Little Crusader for me. You--did destroy him, didn't you? Because, on the off chance you didn't, I would be obliged to destroy you. Perhaps I ought to give you a few hours, to make sure of certain---Knightly matters.
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(Of course Lacroix doesn't destroy Nick )

Nick: You told me The Four Elements were nothing but a myth.

Lacroix: As with all myths, Nicholas, there is a basis in reality. The only part you never really knew before was Kronos' part in your re-creation.

Nick: (Clearly disgusted ) I've never had any illusions about you. But self-interest has been your main guide. Now you tell me stories of whole kingdoms laid waste. Places that once left our kind alone. The First Rule , You Told Me, was never to draw attention to what we are.

Lacroix: No, my son. The First Rule Is Survival.

Nick: And you disregarded even that.

Lacroix: I disregarded mere survival for life. When has mere survival ever been enough, for anyone besides yourself? I was Fire, Nicholas, Fire From The Skies, and at my whim, The World Was Lead To Burn! Ten thousand throats, all bearing my mark. Ten thousand bodies, drained of every drop. Not a one brought over.

Nicholas: Because of my efforts to become more human, I can now go an hour in the sun. Natalie, as my 'daughter' shares that trait. That gives us an hour to hunt you and Kronos when you can't run.

Lacroix (Smiling ): It was those efforts to become more human that destroyed my mad daughter, after all. Be well, Nicholas, my son.

Nick: I'm no son of yours. You and I, we're done.

Lacroix: You and I, Nicholas--we're never done.

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Kronos: So simple a task, Licinius. But you failed. (Yells In His Face ) Give me a VERY COMPELLING reason why I shouldn't destroy you.

Lacroix: I'll give you two. I know where Silas And Caspian are.

Kronos: You jest. Without us, surely some sharpened stick found them long ago.

Lacroix: Wrong. Caspian enjoys the hospitality of an Alberta madhouse. Silas works the mines up by the Arctic Circle. Want to find them?

Kronos: With them--and you at my side, Lacroix, then Chernobyl Squared moves into high gear. Imagine this whole wide land--and no sun to drive us into hiding. Those Yank-built broilers blow up rather easily, you know.

Lacroix: Nuclear Winter. I approve, of course. I will come up with an appropos method of approach.

Kronos: The Four Elements will once again transact the business of the hidden world!

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(Nick and Nat find what was the Elements' lair )

Nat: (Sees message drawn in blood ) California Dreamin'? Is that Nutburger's idea of a joke?

Nick: Maybe, maybe not. 'All The Leaves Are Brown, And The Sky Is Gray'. No sunlight.

Nat: How would he accomplish such a thing? Wait, don't answer that.

Nick: He's either leaving us clues--or setting up a trap. Either way---we go after them.

(Scene closes as Nick takes note of the 'radiation hazard' symbol drawn below. )