In a Town

[Bjorn]

Bjorn frowns as the kid's face seems familiar to him, and then in the mists of his mind, a memory reappears of a scene seen through Philip's eyes.

"Hey," he calls out.   "You're... Tetsuo, right?  A friend of Paul's?"

[Brian]

Tetsuo squints at Bjorn and shakes his head, saying in his stilted English, "You are not Paul."  He shakes his head again, and looks behind him anxiously.

At this point, Bjorn can easily see that the boy's 'staff' is an IV stand, and it appears to be connected to his sister.  "I got away," the boy says suddenly, turning to shoot Bjorn a defiant glare.  "I come to Paul for help.  He help me.  I help him.  Debt of honor.  Where is Paul?"  Despite his apparent resolve, the boy is obviously very nervous.

[Bjorn]

Bjorn switches to Japense.  "Paul is... not here.  Unfortunately, he has passed on.  But we are his friends, and any help you need, we will provide."  

He steps closer, examining Tetsuo's sister, though keeping a respectful distance.  "We have healers.  If you can carry your sister a little further towards the houses, we can help her."  He shifts his gaze to stare out behind the kid.  "The people following you.  Who are they?"

Through his Dream, he warns Lazarus and the others, I'm sending this kid in.  Tell Anita that he's carrying someone who needs her help.

[Brian]

The kid looks positively crushed by the announcement of Paul's death, and he slumps, hanging to the IV stand with one hand for support before he straightens himself, his other hand keeping his sister in place.  "Gone," he mutters in Japanese.  "Healers are good," he says, shaking his head.  "I don't know who they are -- but they outnumber me and my wounded sister.  I don't know if they're dangerous."

He glances at Parthipan and Phil, and seems to calm a bit, before deciding, "I will take my sister for healing, and fight with you against them, if I must.  Where is your healer?"

[Bjorn]

"Down among the houses," Bjorn answers.  "I've told them you're coming."

He steps to the side, and then past Tetsuo.  Walking towards the newcomers, he says, "Take care of your sister.  Don't worry about the ones following you."  Resting his hand on Shinmyouken, he adds, "We're good at fighting."

[Brian]

Tetsuo says nothing at this, merely jogging towards the village.  He does nod at Phil and Parthipan in passing, though.

The other two figures approach through the dust, walking side-by-side.  One of them is of average height, wearing a duster that covers him from his shoulders to his knees.  His hands and arms are hidden beneath it, and he's wearing jeans, and a sturdy-looking pair of combat boots.

The other is skinnier, and slightly shorter, wearing a heavy sweater and jeans, plus some jogging shoes.  Both of them (and everything on them) are dust-colored.

As they draw within shouting distance, they slow to a halt, and Trenchcoat calls out, "We come in peace, friends."

[Bjorn]

"People generally do," Bjorn shouts back wryly.  "Anything else you care to share?"

[Brian]

Trenchcoat shrugs and says, "My dad -- that is, Ezmereth -- sent me to help you out."

The man in the sweater glances at Trenchcoat, and calls out, "My name is Price Du'Monte.  I am seeking the Order of Symmetry, also."

[Bjorn]

Bjorn eyes Trenchcoat, ignoring the other for the moment.  "Ezmereth, eh?  Who was your mother?"

As he speaks, he moves forward, closing the gap and letting conversation occur at a more reasonable volume.

[Brian]

"Sweet Mnemosyne," he replies, grimacing, "you forgot about Pandora?"

Price frowns, and takes a half-step backwards, allowing Trenchcoat to finish his business first.

[Bjorn]

"No," Bjorn says cordially, "but a man who doesn't know both his father and his mother isn't much worth trusting, don't you think?

"And Price," Bjorn says, tuning his attention.  "I gather you haven't got a golem here?"

[Brian]

"Fair enough," Trenchcoat allows.  "I'm Typhus, but you can call me Ted."  Ted glances back at Price, and gestures him foward.

"Ah.  Well, not yet," Price says, shaking his head.  "Samson wanted to remain behind at Stormwall."  The golem had done very well at holding the gate throughout the siege....  Not that he should need to face any more of them.  "I'm certain I could craft another, if it would be needed."

[Bjorn]

"You'd be surprised at what we need," Bjorn says drily.  "Now.  Were you chasing someone on your way here?"

[Brian]

"No, but as soon as he saw people behind him, he started running," Ted says.  "The flashy entrance may have startled him."  He shrugs at that.

[Bjorn]

"Understandable," Bjorn says.  "Well, then, come on in.  I'm Bjorn Christianson."

With a wave, he motions the two on to the village.  And through the dream, It's the son of Ezmereth and the golem-maker from the Earth Dream.  They weren't chasing Tetsuo; just a coincidence.  Somebody ought to reassure him.