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Episode 59 "Homecomming"

<Storyteller> Eight months later
<Storyteller> The Ulysses lurches into dock, the crew cheer as they see the city
* Brianna stands on deck, watching the shoreline draw nearer
<Angelo> "Home sweet home."
* William grins and holds the hilt of his sword casually
<Storyteller> The Dock workers cheer as well screaming
<Storyteller> "the war is over the war is over!!!!"
* Daniel gazes dispassionately at the cheering dockhands
* Brianna 's long blond hair trails behind her in the wind and her face is melancholy, as she thinks of Atepa
<Storyteller> The Ulysses docks and the crew launch themselves off the ship and begin to celebrate with the workers
<Storyteller> A lone figure in the shadows stands
* William temporarily forgets the woes of the past year as the excitement builds around him
* Daniel makes his way quietly down to the dock
* Hans walks down, celebrating with the others.
* Brianna slowly follows Daniel
<Storyteller> The figure walks towards the command crew, he is barely dressed, his bronze skin looking very dark in the greenish light
* William claps Hans on the back in comradery and smiles at the crowds
<Storyteller> Some of the workers stop
* Angelo practically vaults down off the boat.
<Storyteller> Looking over at the figure
* Daniel moves towards the figure
* Angelo turns to look at the figure.
* Hans looks at the new comer
* Brianna 's attention is drawn to the stranger and she stops
<Storyteller> there is a murmur among the crowd
<William> William's smile falters for a second as he hears the murmur and sees the figure
<Storyteller> "He hasn't moved in eight months!""Oh migiod..." "What is he, I didn't even notice him.."
<Storyteller> the figure walks straight towards you and stops in front
<Storyteller> he hold out his hands and there in the corpus of his chest there is writing
* Brianna carefully studies the man
* Daniel gazes at him coldly, his eyes darting over the lettering
* Edward arches an eyebrow and reads the writing
* William walks forward to study the writing from a polite distance-- not being too obvious
* Angelo folds his arms and watches with interest.
<Storyteller> The message reads
* Brianna walks close to the man and reads the writing
<Storyteller> "I have waited for you, please follow."
* William raises his eyebrows in surprise and moves his eyes up to the figure's face to study it
* Brianna 's heart leaps in her throat as she recognizes the man as an amenti * Daniel nods quietly. "Lead the way."
* Hans looks him over, "then the wait is over."
<Storyteller> The man nods blankly and begins to lead you into the city
* Daniel follows him
* Angelo follows with some interest, but with his hand on the hilt of his gladius.
* William follows, scanning the crowds as he does
* Brianna follows, pulse quickening
<Storyteller> You walk past many patrols, as they nod to you
* Daniel nods casually to the patrols as they pass
<Storyteller> Finally you reach the MET, and once again, it looks beautiful to you. even on this side of the Shroud. It's door shine, it's facade clean and shiny once more
<Storyteller> He walk through the door and waits for you
* Daniel smiles to himself and steps through the door
* Brianna steels herself and enters the painfully familiar building
* Angelo whistles a cheerful tune and walks through the doors.
* William follows through the door-- fingers tapping anxiously in his sword-hilt
* Hans enters through the door.
* Brianna glances sidelong at Angelo
<Storyteller> He nods to you and speaks in a low monotone
* Edward follows, intensely curious
<Storyteller> he gestures to the egyptian exhibit, "Ahuru awaits within..."
* William notices Edward for the first time
* Angelo takes a quick look back at the new person following them.
* Brianna closes her eyes a moment, finding some inner strength before entering the area
* Daniel nods to him, and moves towards the Egyptian exhibit
<Hans> "Ahuru??????"
<William> "Edward-- is that you? How are you?"
<Brianna> "Ahuru is a title," Brianna says quietly
<Hans> "A... I thought..."
* Angelo tries to watch the proceedings of both conversations at once.
* Brianna keeps her eyes straight ahead of her as she walks
* Edward smiles. "Yes, I am here, and fine. How are you?"
* Brianna 's hands are clenched at her sides
* William grins and clasps the older man's hand. "It's great to have you back!"
* Angelo talks in a low voice, "Hey, can we save the reunions for a minute? I think we got something going on here."
* Edward smiles and shakes Williams hand. "Thank you. It is good to be back."
* Angelo tilts his head toward Brianna and the Egyptian exhibit.
<Storyteller> You walk straight through the MET to the exhibit, there in the center stands a throne, and several slaves all nude. A tall robed figure sits upon it.
* William looks up in surprise at Angelo, and looks at where ther group is headed
* Brianna feels at her belt for the presence of the cobweb rose
<Storyteller> The figure motions silently for you to approach
* Brianna slowly advances
* Edward moves forward
* William looks solemnly at the figures and approaches with reverence
<Storyteller> The figure stands, it's robe falls to the floor
* Angelo strolls forward, resisting the urge to whistle this time.
* Ahuru stands, long black hair reaches to the waist front and back.
* William looks at the figure in surprise, and then blushes and lowers his head
* Ahuru wears nothing, as she moves with grace and sleekness, like a cat
* Angelo grins widely.
* Ahuru stops before and walks down the line looking at each of your faces
* Brianna stands silently near the front of the group, hands hanging losely at her sides
* Ahuru stops in front of Brianna
* Daniel gazes at Ahuru, nodding a silent greeting
* Brianna returns Ahuru's gaze
* William sees Ahuru walking, but keeps his eyes lowered respectfully
* Angelo just keeps grinning irreverently.
* Ahuru grasps Brianna's face gently and looks it over
* Brianna feels tears sting the back of her eyes and fights to control her emotions
<Ahuru> "You are the one..."
* Edward returns the gaze as well.
* Ahuru says in a quiet voice
* Brianna looks at Ahuru questioningly
<Ahuru> "You are Brianna?"
* Brianna nods her head, not trusting herself to speak
<Ahuru> "Atepa's apprentice?"
* Hans continues to watch Ahuru, remembering what Remy had told him before he died.
* Brianna nods again. "I.." she clears her throat. "I was his apprentice."
* William can't help but look up at this, but keeps his eyes above Ahuru's shoulders
<Ahuru> "His...lover?"
* Brianna looks at Ahuru
<Brianna> "Why?"
<Ahuru> "I can see it within your eyes..."
<Ahuru> "Great loss, sorrow..."
* Brianna hangs her head, fighting back the tears
* Ahuru walks to Hans
* Angelo manages to at least get a serious expression on his face.
<Ahuru> "You are the PENITENT MAN."
<Hans> "Yes I am."
* Brianna wipes away the tears and watches Ahuru speak to Hans
* Ahuru walks to Edward
<Ahuru> "You are THE MAN WITH TWO LIVES."
* Edward nods
* Ahuru walks towards William, taking his face and bringing his eyes to hers
<Ahuru> "KNIGHT PROTECTOR."
* William tries to steel his eyes proudly
<William> "Yes, I am."
* Ahuru nods
* Ahuru and over to Angelo
<Ahuru> "You are THE RELUCTANT."
* Hans remembers the way Markova had talked with everyone, almost like how Ahuru is now.
* Angelo smiles.
* Ahuru moves finally to Daniel
* Daniel smiles at her
<Ahuru> "You are the NOBLE."
<Daniel> "Indeed, I am."
<Hans> "It can't be. Not a chance in Hell," mutters Hans to himself.
* Ahuru nods and returns to her throne
<Ahuru> "I have awaited you for a time."
<Ahuru> "A deed must be done..."
<Brianna> "Are you also Chosen of the Lady of Fate?"
<Ahuru> "A favor must be returned."
* William wonders who this woman was before she was named Ahuru
<Ahuru> "No..."
* Daniel nods solemnly. "Name our task."
<Ahuru> "Take me to the BEARER OF MAAT."
* Brianna frowns, pondering Ahuru's words
* Hans raises an eyebrow at Ahura.
<Daniel> "As you wish...Ahuru."
* Edward nods
* William mumbles in confusion, "bearer of maat?"
<Edward> "Ma'at. It's an egyptian term. It's...well, it's kind of complicated."
* Brianna suddenly smiles
<Brianna> "We would be happy to," Brianna says, looking a bit happier
<Ahuru> "Take me to the BEARER OF MAAT."
<Brianna> "She's speaking of Emily," Brianna explains
* William looks at Brianna. "You seem to know who this is..."
* Hans nods.
<Angelo> "Oh yeah, Matt. Matthew."
<Edward> "Who?"
<Brianna> "I remember where she lives. I will lead the way. Remy..Remy asked me to watch over them."
<William> "Emily! Yes-- let's go to her quickly."
* Daniel nods. "As you wish, Brianna."
* Brianna looks at Ahuru. "Are you coming alone or are you bringing your people?"
* William steps forward. "I have been charged to watch over this girl. I am coming."
<Hans> "I am coming."
<Angelo> "We're all coming, Will. We got bad news to bear."
* William looks at Angelo solemnly and nods
* Ahuru motions for on of the slaves
<Ahuru> "He shall come...no other.."
* Brianna nods her head
<Brianna> "Well then.."
* William gets an odd smile on his face for a second. "I'm sure you were used to bringing bad news to people in life, eh Angelo?"
* Brianna turns and heads out the door
* Angelo shrugs at William. "What's that supposed to mean?"
* Daniel follows Brianna out
<Storyteller> You head out the MET with Ahuru in tow
* William looks steadily at Angelo. "In life...you probably broke apart famililes such as this with the word from you boss..."
* Angelo rolls his eyes at William and walks along with the rest of the group.
<Angelo> "I'm not even gonna dignify that one, pal."
* Brianna walks purposefully down the street towards Emily's house
* Daniel looks back at William and Angelo. "Is there a problem?"
* William watches Angelo walk, and then starts following. Feeling an sudden anger that people like Angelo killed him...broke apart families like Remy's...
* Angelo shrugs at Daniel and keeps walking. "No problem here."
* William turns to Daniel. "No...just old ghosts."
* Brianna is lost in her own thoughts and memories and hears William and Angelo only in the back of her mind
<Storyteller> You reach Emily's place, the entire trip takes upon a somber mood
* Brianna looks up at the building then enters the front door
* Daniel nods to William. "Remember that we all have a chance to make a new beginning here..."
* Ahuru enters after Brianna
<William> "You're right, Daniel...I guess I had revenge on the brain for a second there...don't know what got into me..."
* Angelo ignores the conversation behind him and walks on into the building.
* William shakes his head and enters, suddenly becoming serious
<Storyteller> You reach her door, and hear three people conversing
* Daniel smiles at William. "We aren't always at our best. I understand."
* Daniel follows the rest inside
* William draws his sword quickly
* Brianna hears the drawn steel and looks back in alarm
* Edward walks in calmly
<Brianna> "What's wrong?"
* Hans puts his hands to his pistols.
* William hurries through the door to see if Emily is OK
* Hans follows after William.
* Ahuru puts a hand on William
<Angelo> "Calm down, guys... we don't wanna scare the shit out of our resident spook-watcher in there."
<Ahuru> "You will not need that."
* William looks at Ahuru is surprise
* Brianna looks at William, slightly alarmed
<Angelo> "Damn, somebody's edgy tonight."
* William grimaces and looks guilty, sliding his sword back into its sheath
<Storyteller> You enter to find Tom, Emily, and Amon sitting at the dinner table. Tom notices you immediately and jumps up
<Storyteller> "Jesus!"
* Hans keeps an eye on William.
<Angelo> "Tommy boy!"
<Brianna> "Sorry Tom," Brianna says apologetically
* Daniel smiles weakly at Tom
<William> "Sorry, everyone...I'm a bit on edge tonight..."
<Storyteller> Amon smiles, "Greetings,"
<Angelo> "Good to see you folks again."
* Daniel looks over at William. "Care to step outside for a moment?"
<Storyteller> Emily looks over to Tom, "What is it?"
<Storyteller> "Our friends are back," says Amon
<Storyteller> "dad?" she says
* William looks at Daniel. "What do you mean?"
* Angelo looks at the rest of the group, and whispers, "So who's gonna tell them about Remy?"
<Brianna> "Let me do it."
* Angelo nods solemnly, and takes a step back.
* Daniel smiles slightly at William. "I just want to talk."
<Storyteller> Tom gets a sad look, and looks to Emily
* William looks a bit surprised, but nods his head. "Let's go."
* Brianna slowly appears before Emily, Tom and Amon
* Daniel mumbles to the others. "Be right back..."
* William says in a lowered voice, "I'll be with Daniel."
* Daniel motions for William to follow and heads outside
* William follows Daniel
* Brianna 's form is clearly visible, but unmistakable as a ghost
* Angelo watches with concern.
<Storyteller> Emily stands, her belly very big now
* Daniel stops on the street and turns to William, hand resting lightly on the hilt
of Nocturne. "What's wrong?"
* Brianna smiles at Emily
<Brianna> "Hello Emily. I am Brianna."
<Angelo> "She's a sweet kid. Make it easy."
<Brianna> "I wanted to tell you face to face.."
<Storyteller> Emily looks to you
* Brianna moves slowly towards Emily so as not to frighten her
* William glances at Daniel in guilt.
* Brianna holds out her arms. "Your father wanted me to give you this." she hugs Emily close and strokes her hair
* Hans watches for the traitor in the midst.
<William> "I tried to forget all the misery of the past year...something in Angelo's voice...reminded me of how I was killed...how Remy was killed...."
<Storyteller> Emily looks down, "Oh..oh no..."
<Brianna> "I'm sorry, Emily. Remy gave is life...what we know of life, to save us all."
<Storyteller> Emily puts her face in her hands and cries
* Daniel smiles slightly at him. "It's all right. We've all had a tough time. The war had troubled us all."
<Storyteller> Tom reaches over and hugs her
* Brianna holds Emily close, knowing all too well the feelings that are tearing her apart
<William> "I'm a bit taken back by how I reacted...I'm sorry if I alarmed you."
<Storyteller> "Oh, " she says in suprise holding her belly
* Brianna looks at Emily
<Storyteller> "What is it the baby??" Tom says
<Daniel> "William...it's all right. But if there's something wrong...I'd like to know."
<William> "Thank you for your concern, Daniel."
<Storyteller> "It just kicked, big time," she says through tears
<William> "No, Daniel...I think I'm OK now...just jumping at shadows. You look a bit down-caste today? Is there anything you'd like to talk about?"
* Daniel smiles at William. "I'm fine. Just trying to...be more responsible."
<Brianna> "Your father loved you very much," Brianna continues as she holds Emily. "And I want you to know that all of us have sworn to protect you. It was his last wish."
* Angelo nods.
<Brianna> "May I?" Brianna asks, holding her hand above Emily's stomach
* William suddenly smiles at Daniel and claps him on the back. "I know what you mean, Daniel."
<William> "Speaking of responsible, maybe we should get back to the group?"
* Daniel chuckles slightly. "Of course."
* William grins at Daniel and walks back into the building and up the stairs.
<Storyteller> Emily nods
* Brianna places her ghostly hand on Emily's belly and closes her eyes
* William glides though the closed door and into the room
* Daniel follows William back into the building, hand still resting on the hilt of his sword
* Brianna opens her eyes, faint surprise on her face
* William sees Brianna holding Emily's belly and watches in concern and curiosity
* Hans watches William enter.
<Brianna> "The baby is fine," Brianna says and smiles at Emily
* William whispers to Hans. "What is going on here?"
<Hans> "Brianna just spoke to Emily about Remy," whispers Hans
* Ahuru walks over to Emily and touches her belly
* Brianna backs away. "We will be here for you Emily," she promises
* Ahuru lowers her head and speaks low
<William> "Aaah..." William continues to watch everything.
* Hans continues to look around.
<Storyteller> Emily looks surprised again
<Storyteller> "He kicked!" she said smiling through tears
* Brianna smiles, controlling her tears
* Brianna suddenly vanishes
* Daniel blinks and looks over where Brianna used to be
* Brianna covers her face
* William looks around in alarm
* William relaxes
<Brianna> "Oh gods."
* Daniel looks at Brianna. "What's wrong?"
* Edward looks over at Brianna
<Brianna> "He was right. Damn him.."
<Edward> "Are you alright, young lady?"
<Brianna> "Matthew is going to die when he is only 10 years old. Poor Emily.."
<Hans> "Oh my God."
<Storyteller> Tom stands
<Edward> "It's fated, then?"
<Storyteller> "What did you say?"
* Angelo blinks in astonishment at Brianna.
* Brianna whirls around facing Tom
<Brianna> "Please...don't tell her...you can't.."
<Angelo> "Brianna, it's his kid too."
<Storyteller> "I won't," he says forcing a smile
<Storyteller> Amon looks over to Brianna and nods
* Angelo shakes his head.
<Brianna> "I'm sorry...you shouldn't have to know that.."
<Edward> "We could, perhaps, make him forget. Should he want."
<Angelo> "Hey Tom, I wouldn't put too much stock in that shit anyway, if I were you. In my experience, it's usually wrong."
<Storyteller> Emily strokes the amulet Ahuru gave her
<Angelo> "Those 'future-readings' never get the whole picture."
* Ahuru stands
<Ahuru> "It is done, my prayers have been said."
* Daniel frowns slightly
* Hans looks concerned about this.
<Storyteller> Amon stands
<Ahuru> "I shall return to my throne," she turns to Brianna, "Come once you are done here."
* Brianna looks at Amon
<Ahuru> "Atepa left something for you...for you all."
* Brianna 's glance moves to Ahuru. "As you wish," she replies
* Daniel looks over at Ahuru. "Would you like an escort?"
* Brianna 's face brightens
<Ahuru> "No..."
* Daniel nods. "As you wish."
* Ahuru and her escort leave
<Angelo> "Well, this is a hell of a day."
<Amon-Ra> "We need to speak.."
* Amon-Ra opens the door and walks out
* Brianna follows Amon
* Daniel glances back at Emily, then follows Brianna and Amon out
* Angelo follows along with the others.
* Edward follows too
<Amon-Ra> "You should have not told, Thomas of Matthew's impending death..."
* Brianna hangs her head in shame
* Hans follows the others.
<Brianna> "I know...I forgot that he could hear me..."
* Brianna looks shamed
<Amon-Ra> "It will pass, but his death has been foretold."
<Amon-Ra> "Nothing shall stop it, nothing must."
<Angelo> "Harsh."
<Edward> "Why?"
<Brianna> "I..I am feeling lost without my guide.."
<Edward> "Why does a child need to die? Why shouldn't it be prevented?"
<Amon-Ra> "He is destined..."
<Edward> "Try again."
* Brianna wipes her eyes and tries to explain to Edward
<Hans> "And if we decide against it?"
* Daniel looks at Edward. "Perhaps it's for the greater good..."
<Brianna> "Because he is needed here. Think of it not as death, but as progressing to the next level."
* Angelo frowns.
<Brianna> "And if he is here, he will still be with his mother, though not as she would wish him to be."
<Angelo> "Here we go again with all this 'it is foretold' and 'it is inevitable' shit."
<Edward> "But you don't really know that. Perhaps this, perhaps that. Always stumbling through blindly, always 'just because'. Doesn't this bother anyone else?"
* Angelo nods at Edward.
<Angelo> "I don't buy it, frankly."
<Hans> "It bothers me. I won't let it happen. I have seen more death in both my life and in my death than I care to remember."
<Angelo> "If I remember right, we -all- promised to take care of Emily and Matthew."
<Hans> "Angelo's right."
<Angelo> "That don't mean watch them until someone else says one of them needs to die, and then back off."
* Angelo nods.
<Daniel> "Why not let time...and fate...decide?"
<Angelo> "Fate, fate, fate."
* Brianna nods at Daniel's remark <Daniel> "If the child is fated to die, it will happen. Whether or not we intervene."
<Edward> "And if I can stop it, then I will stop it."
<Angelo> "If you listen to all that Fate shit then we might as well never do -anything-."
* Angelo nods at Edward.
<Daniel> "If not...then our efforts to save him will succeed."
<Amon-Ra> "Yes, but he must die a certain way. Nothing must stop it..."
* Hans nods to Angelo.
<Angelo> "Edward my boy, you talk sense."
<Brianna> "Do you not see? He will not die and fall into oblivion. He is meant to come to the Shadowlands, for a purpose. It is not death, merely rebirth in another form."
<Edward> "Yes. From meaningless existance to meaningless existence. How quaint."
<Angelo> "Yeah, well, tell that to all the folks looking forward to heaven but who ended up here and got soulforged into a tire-iron or some shit."
* Daniel frowns at Angelo
<Angelo> "I'll take living any day over this."
* Angelo shrugs. <Brianna> "Meaningless? This is far from meaningless. If this was meaningless, what did Remy die for?????"
* Brianna 's long-dormant temper flares to life
<Daniel> "Things are not always as two-faced as you would believe."
<Hans> "I've heard many things on my travels, both in life and in death. You can bicker and argue over fate and death. I'm just going to stay here and protect them both whether you like or not."
* Angelo nods.
<Edward> "I don't know. What did he die for?"
<Angelo> "Remy died because he knew the score. We all know what would have happened, here and in the Skinlands if Markova won, right?"
<Brianna> "I promised Remy that I would protect his daughter and grandchild. I mean to keep that promise. But I also mean to fulfill the Prophecy that has been Foretold."
<Angelo> "Yeah, well, if you believe every prophecy that was foretold, then Markova shoulda eaten us and everything else."
<Hans> "And if you try and tell me Remy would have stood by while Matt was going to die, then you lie because Remy would also argue for Matt to live."
<Angelo> "Forgive me for not putting too much stock into prophecy, ya know?"
<Brianna> "There are two Prophecies. Light and Dark. I fight the Dark and aid the Light."
* Daniel sighs
<Daniel> "Listen."
<Daniel> "I'm not suggesting we "let" the child die."
<Edward> "I understand your position, Daniel, and I agree with you."
<Daniel> "But I'm also not suggesting we do something that may cost millions of lives."
* Angelo throws up his hands.
<Brianna> "I do not believe we will have a choice. What is Foretold will happen. I will be there when he passes through the Shroud to protect him."
<Daniel> "IF we can prevent the child's death, then we will do so. But if it is truly up to Fate...then whatever we shall do will be for naught."
* Brianna nods
<Brianna> "You speak the truth, Daniel."
* Amon-Ra listens to all this and shakes his head
<Angelo> "Well, if Fate wants him that bad, she'll have to come through me at least, huh?"
<Amon-Ra> "This will happen, if he must die he must."
* Brianna looks at Angelo. "Matthew is lucky to have a protector such as you."
* Daniel smiles at Angelo. "Indeed. And many of us, as well."
<Hans> "I'll stand with you Angelo when Fate comes."
* Amon-Ra opens the door
<Amon-Ra> "If I have to do it myself..."
* Angelo shrugs. "I do what I have to, and I keep my promises."
<Daniel> "But that will not come for a long time. Things will change, between now and then."
* Amon-Ra closes the door
* Brianna watches Amon-Ra
* Angelo looks at Amon-Ra. "Well, I just hope it doesn't come to that."
* Daniel looks at the others. "Shall we go, then?"
<Angelo> "Asshole. For once on this side I make a promise, do something that I have any choice in, and what happens?"
<Angelo> "Fuck it, let's go."
* Daniel begins walking to the MET
* Angelo storms off in the direction of the MET.
* Hans follows to the MET
* Brianna walks briskly towards the Embassy for the Dark Kingdom of Sand
* Edward walks off, too