Children of the Night

Welcome Home

The theater is nearly empty. The last remaining guests are the few vampires who recognized Ethan as well. If Celeste and Connor weren't so focused on Ethan's face, they would have seen Tristan swinging gracefully but in a hurry from the lodge and stumbling towards Ethan until they are directly opposite each other. Tristan seems to be a different person and the joy at the sight of his lost beloved is clearly visible.

Ethan doesn't make a face when the two look deeply into each other's eyes for a moment of meaning. "Later," Ethan says monotonously. Then he turns away to go to the stage and leaves an injured Tristan looking baffled.

"Hey little angel," Ethan then says almost gently as he leans against the edge of the stage as if he were ordering whiskey in a bar. "Remember me?"

Nora nods hesitantly while holding on to Celeste's dress. Celeste herself still holds the child tightly with both arms and Ethan even gives her a little smile.

"I came to apologize, you know? It took a little longer, but I promised to take care of you," Ethan continues and the two women slowly loosening their embrace, giving Nora a chance to turn in Ethan's direction.

Connor, who was still standing at the edge of the stage, now comes closer and realizes that Ethan's position makes it easier for him to stand between the little girl and the puddle of blood. He grabs a piece of curtain from the set and covers the body of the attacker Ethan had shot just in time before he could stab Nora. Ethan and Connor greet each other with a shoulder bump as if the last seven years hadn't existed.

"Welcome home, brother," Connor grins and Ethan nods.

Celeste finally overcomes her initial shock and hisses at Ethan, "How dare you point a gun at our daughter's head!" Ethan looks at her confused. He had not really expected this reaction from her, but he is pleasantly surprised.

"You've taken good care of her, so I want to let you get away with this," he reproaches Celeste and she reflects. Her lips curl into a smile as Ethan continues. "I was careless. No one will bother you anymore. I'll see to it."

"May I hug you?" Nora asks quietly into the uncomfortable silence that threatened to set in. Ethan smiles and spreads his arms. Nora doesn't think twice and wraps her tender arms, which protrude from the white angel costume, around Ethan's neck. Gently he strokes her brown curls. "Your sister is proud of you, you know? You are a very brave girl," he whispers into her ear. "I'm afraid I have to say goodbye again. There's a lot of work waiting for me and I know you're doing well here, little angel. Just remember that the Butcher has a protective hand over you. If you're in trouble, look for the Children of the Night and say my name."

As Ethan wriggles out of Nora's embrace, he once again asks urgently, "Did you understand that? Repeat it."

Nora nods and whispers a little uncertainly, "The children of the night and ask for the Butcher?" Ethan also nods once more to confirm. "Just like that."

In the background, Lord Blackwood has already sent all remaining vampires outside. He has instructed his guards to make sure the MET knows not to interfere. Human police are the last thing he wants to see right now.

"Ethan, I -" Tristan starts, but Ethan interrupts him sharply.

"If you want to talk to me, you have to come."

"Where to?" Tristan asks alarmed.

Ethan does not answer but pulls his bowler deeper into his face and throws his jacket around his shoulders. As he wants to walk past Tristan to the exit, he holds him harshly by the arm. Ethan's reaction is a dangerous growl as he frees himself from the grip.

Another haunting look before they finally leave the building. "We'll see him again," Connor says and Celeste sighs loudly and theatrically as she takes Nora in her arms. "Oh, what a man," she finally laughs. Now Connor also has to sigh.