O'Malley *takes a deep breath*  I know ye do ... an' I am sorry to 'ave hurt you ...  *tears form in her eyes*  I reckon me past caught up to me … an' I took it out on you.

Donnie *carefully takes her hand, looks at her with an earnest look in his eyes*  Whoever hurt you in the past … I'm not him, and I'm not going to hurt you.

O'Malley *draws back her hand*  Don't be makin' promises ye don't know if ye can keep!  I know ye 'ave a good 'eart and ye mean well, but ye don't ...

Donnie *grabs her face with both hands and kisses her deeply … slowly pulls away, smiles*  You talk too much ...

O'Malley *stands up and takes a step away from him.*  ye 'ave no right te be doin' that!  How dare ye think that ye'll get me back just by kissing me with those damn soft li ... oh, ye are right, I do talk too much.  *grins, but quickly becomes serious again*  But I still ...

Donnie *cuts her off, rises and walks over to her.*  Come on ... *smiles*  let me have my pirate back.  *sadness fill his eyes; he moves closer to her standing only a few inches away, speaks quietly*  How am I supposed to go on without you?

O'Malley *her heart beating fast and hard*  I ...

Donnie *puts his arms around her waist pulling her even closer, his lips brushes lightly against her cheek, whispers in her ear*  Please ...?  *proceeds to kissing her neck softly*

O'Malley *out of breath*  Well, when ye say it like that ...  *puts her arms around his neck and they meet in a passionate kiss.  Continue kissing as he leads her back to the couch.*

At From Hell Court:

Malachi *nursing a drink in his usual tavern, senses what's happened with Donnie and O'Malley, grins.  Jumps at voice next to him*

I knew it all along.  You're a rank sentimentalist!

Malachi *turns to voice, smirks*  You know you shouldn't be here.  *lights cigarette*

Alifi:  I know, and I'll only stay a moment.  But I couldn't resist.  *smiles*  That was a very sweet thing you did for those two.

Malachi *scowling*  Cut it out! I did it to knock Brasco out of commission, that's all.  Worked like a charm.  One less thing for us to worry about.  *takes impatient drag from cigarette*

Alifi:  Yes, one less thing.

Malachi *turns to snap at her, then notices how very weary she looks*  Ahh, why don't you go up to my flat, rest a little before you go?  *holds out keys*  You gotta quit doin' stuff like this, you're not as young as you used to be.

Alifi:  Thank you, no.  I'll just go back now.  *slowly rises, leans closer to him, murmurs*  Manouche is safe for now.

Malachi *stares down into glass, nods*  W-were you able to help her?

Alifi:  I did what I could, it's up to her now.  *leans even closer, whispers*  You know, there's nothing wrong with doing a good deed once in awhile.  But no worries ... your secret is safe with me!  *smiles*

Malachi *snorts*  Damn Gypsies.  *shakes head, then turns to say something to her, but she's already gone.  He sighs, orders another drink.*

On The Apparition:

Raven *wakes up, sees Godley sprawled across the bed, asleep.  He had drifted off while telling his story about the Thames barges, and is now snoring loudly.  Raven crawls out of the bed, tries to keep his balance; the sea has gotten rougher, and the storm that threatened for so long is finally upon them.  He leaves the cabin, and is about to climb up to the upper deck, when he sees something out of the corner of his eye.  A movement, something going into the second cabin, next to the one where he’d been resting.  He hesitates, then walks slowly toward the doorway … he peeks in, enters, and sees, in the far corner of the little cabin, the Indian woman Kat had seen earlier, the one he’d seen by the lake.  He breaks into a big smile*  Grandmother?

Ama:  Yes, child.  Don’t come too close.

Raven *nods*  I – I know. 

Ama:  Be sure you keep helping your mother.  Be sure she knows to believe.  Don’t ever stop reminding her of that.

Raven:  Yes, Grandmother.

Ama:  She’ll need help when the time comes.  She’ll need the dreamer.

Raven *feels quick tears come into his eyes*  T-T-True Dreamer?

Ama:  No, child, True Dreamer cannot help in this.  I’m talking about the one whose name means “person” – the Gypsy –

Raven:  M-Manouche?

Ama:  Yes, indeed.  Try to make sure she and your mother stick together … but most important, make sure your mother believes.

Raven:  Grandmother, what do you know about my father?

Ama:  He carries a dreadful burden … and he loves you very much.  Of other aspects of his life, I can’t say, but he would die for you.  He’ll not steer you wrong, you can trust him.

Raven:  I –I have another question, but …

Ama *quickly cuts him off, speaking sharply*  Don’t ask that one, child.  Not just now.  I must go.  Return to your room, get your rest.  *tone becomes more gentle*  Be brave, little one.

Raven *looks at her longingly, wants to say more; then feels a sensation of something in his eyes, like sand.  Lowers his gaze, blinks, the sensation clears away.  He looks up, and she’s gone.  He looks around, feeling a little forlorn, runs back to room where Godley is still snoring.  He curls up in the chair opposite, starts to concentrate, hoping to contact Manouche*

At Chez Roux:

Portsmith, not looking at Dean:  Right.  *clears throat*  Let's get back to business. 

Corso:  That's what I am here for.

Portsmith:  Exactly.

Corso:  For the money.

Portsmith:  For the money, Dean.  *A longish pause.  Portsmith picks the Fiji files again.*  Maybe we don't have the code, but we might find something useful here.

"I talked to a pirate who had been on an expedition seeking the hidden temple.  He was hired by a man who claimed to know the way to the temple.  I asked if he really meant the Dark Circle Temple.  How did the man know where it was?  The pirate said that he had some kind of map, which he did not show to the pirate.  Well I wouldn't have either, but it is pity that he did not get even a single glimpse of it.  He was reluctant to tell me more, even if I offered him money, he just kept repeating that I should not get involved with this Dark Circle.  What happened to the man?  He wouldn't tell me.  Instead, he promised to guide me to the place where they started the journey so that I could make enquiries for myself.  The evening I met the Lady of the Lake ... "

Corso *leaning closer to have a look at the paper; Portsmith backs off*

Portsmith:  Nothing of interest.  He's just meeting some lady.*

" … Lady of the Lake, an elderly woman.  She lit a bonfire by the shore as the sky began to darken.  Before I could ask her about the expedition, she asked me, ‘What do you want?’  I tried to explain that I wanted to know about the temple, but she interrupted me:  ‘What do you want?  Do you want knowledge?  Is that what you are seeking after?’  I told her that I was just conducting an investigation, nothing more, and I was not looking for anything for myself.  Then she said that I should stop asking if I don't know the answers.  It didn't make any sense.  ‘Are you after power?’ she asked, and I answered that I was not.  ‘You should be careful,' she said to me, 'the soul box is already aware of you.'  'Then you know.  Where is it?'  'That was an irrelevant question.  What is it that you want?'  I sighed.  She was not going to tell me anything useful.  'Just get this case closed and go home to my wife.'  As I watched her sitting there by the fire, mysterious and beautiful, I could almost imagine her sprouting wings and taking off the ground.  Is it this way that the legends are born, out of nightly visions?"

On The Apparition:

*Kat sleeps fitfully, tossing and turning in the midst of a nightmare.  In her dream, she screams then she wakes with a pounding heart filled with dread.  She closes her eyes for a moment.  When she opens them, her mother stands before her.  She stares thinking I'm still sleeping another part to the dream.* 

Ama *shakes head*  I sent that dream to you.  A scene from the past.  You have to believe.  *whispers*  For Raven's sake, it's time to remember.

*Kat's arm starts to burn she gazes down at the tattoo.  When she looks back, Ama is gone.*

At Chez Roux:

Corso:  What's the Inspector trying to be, a poet?  Why do you read that?

Portsmith *astonished*  Because I want to know.  We might find something useful here.

Corso *sneers*  Moonlight and ladies by lakeside.  With due respect, I suspect I know the real reason for reading his journal.

Portsmith *raising an eyebrow*  Please tell.

Corso:  All right, I will be frank.  It's all about this damned Abberline, isn't it?  Why's that he's so important?  And it seems that after all he's done, you want him back.

Portsmith:  Of course I want him back.  He is a capable officer, he's just been lured temporarily by the pirates because of the boy.

Corso:  Capable officer, upon my soul.  He's so capable that he probably wouldn't manage to get dressed without Goldey's assistance.  He was so capable that he got hit by that Nate and someone had to rescue him.  He's so damn capable that he lets valuable documents be stolen just like that, he spends half his time drugged and sees visions.  Now that's a very capable officer.  Fetching, isn't he?

Portsmith:  Corso, what is this about?

Corso:  Abberline, this is all about Abberline.  You want your capable officer back, even though he's betrayed you.  You send half of Deppville to rescue him from a petty rogue, whereas no one was there when the shadows attacked me and the pirates threw me to the sharks.  And why is that you are so mad at him, and why do you want so eagerly to take his son into custody, why do you want him arrested?  Damn, seems that we are after Abberline, that he is more important than the soul box to you.  Your very own precious Inspector....

Portsmith:  You drunk, Dean?

On The Brave:

*Donnie and O'Malley sitting closely together on the sofa in the cabin, enjoying each other's company.*

Donnie:  I have an idea.  How about going to Chez Roux, have a nice dinner and a bottle of wine to celebrate?

O'Malley *smiles*  That is a splendid idea, luv!

Donnie Great!  *Kisses her forehead, rises and takes her hand.  They walk towards Chez Roux, hand-in-hand, with big goofy smiles on their faces.  They reach Chez Roux and ask the waitress for a table for two.  She seats them at a small around table in the corner of the restaurant and takes their drink order.  She returns with a bottle of red wine and a menu card.  Donnie and O'Malley sit and talk quietly, wrapped up in each other, and in no hurry to order their food.

Latitude, longitude known?

Manouche:  Mr. Blake … wake up, love … *she gazes at him lovingly, wishing she could just continue to watch him sleep*

Blake *opens his eyes, smiles drowsily at her.  Stretches, winces at stiff back*  Ow!  I’d hate to think I’m gettin’ too old to sleep on the ground once in awhile without payin’ for it the next day.  *Sits up, looks around*  What time you suppose it is?

Manouche:  I – I think it’s late afternoon, from th’ look of it.  *glances in direction of harbor*  They’ve gone right quiet.  I went t’ see if they were still on th’ beach, an’ nothin’.  Reckon they went back t’ the boats.

Blake *brings hand up to her chin, turns her face toward him, kisses her gently*  Take care goin’ anywhere near that beach, honey.  Don’t go without me.  You never know.  *pauses, looks down*  Are … are you all right?  I’m -- I'm so sorry … sorry they used me to capture you …

Manouche:  It weren’t yer fault, m’love.  Anyway, look at me, I’m all in one piece, savvy?  *takes his face in her hands, smiles.  He looks at her, overcome with emotion; he kisses her again, gently at first, then more passionately, pulls her close.  She EVER-so reluctantly pulls back, gazes into his eyes regretfully*  Apologies, love.  I’d like nothin’ better right now, but …… I’ve – I’ve seen somethin’.  An’ I need ye to help me do somethin’.

Blake:  What, what’d you see?  Somethin’ on the island?

Manouche *shakes head, smiles wryly*  I reckon ye could say I been busy while y’ were sleepin’.  I’ve ‘ad two visions.  I … I think I’m finally startin’ to understand what ‘as to be done.  *smile fades, she looks frightened.*  We – we need t’ go to me ship.  We ‘ave t’ cross that blasted beach, take our chances on them Shadows capturin’ us again.  But it’s got t’ be done.  There’s somethin’ on board that I need, an’ I need you t’ help me.  Savvy?

Blake *without hesitation*  You know I’ll do anything for you, honey.

Manouche *kisses him.  They stand, quietly make their way back to the other side of the island, where The Libertine Trailer is beached.  They reach the edge of the jungle, stare worriedly across the expanse of beach.  They look around cautiously, see no sign of other life.  They look at each other, take deep breaths as if they’re plunging into the sea … they dash from the protection of the foliage, out onto the open beach, running as fast as they can.  They make their way on board the ship, where Manouche leads Blake down to the lowest level, to what’s left of her little makeshift lab room.  They enter, lock door behind them.*

*A little later … *

Blake *cautiously opens door of lab room, he and Manouche make their way to upper deck of The Libertine Trailer.  He keeps an arm around her, looks at her, concerned*  Are you all right, honey?  You’re so pale …

Manouche *blinks*  I’m sound, love, no worries.  Jus’ … jus’ a little lightheaded, is all.  *sees him looking at her reproachfully*  Don’t be givin’ me that face!  It ‘ad t’ be done.  I’ll be fine in no time.

Blake:  You should’ve waited a little longer, is all, even a few hours might’ve helped.  You’re still weak.  You … I could kill ‘em for what they did …

Manouche *leans against him*  Don’t waste energy on thoughts o’ revenge … we ‘ave a lot t’ do.  By th’ bloody powers, I don’t know how it’s all gonna work out.  *They reach the upper deck, stop for a moment*  Blimey, look at that sunset … don’t seem fair, does it?  All this tropical beauty all ‘round us, an’ we can’t even enjoy it.  *He turns her toward him, kisses her, long and lingering, one hand against her face, the other at the small of her back, pressing their bodies close together.  She gasps to catch her breath, can’t help but smile*  Ahh, well …. I reckon we can enjoy it a bit, at that.  *Looks at him*  Yer not exactly helpin’ alleviate that lightheadedness, love.

Blake *grins*  Then my work is done.  *pauses, then adds*  We could stay here.  We’d be locked in, we’d be safe from them.

Manouche *shakes head*  I - I can’t.  Kidd, Raven, th' Inspector ... they’re comin’ fer us, savvy?  I have t’ be watchin’ for ‘em.  I want t’ be in th’ jungle, where them strange creatures can’t get at us ... not hidin' on me ruined ship under lock an' key, unable t' know what's happenin'.  They- they'll still have t’ get past ‘em, I don’t like to think about that.  We can watch for ‘em, per’aps help ‘em.  *tears sting her eyes as she thinks of Raven.*  Lil’ Raven … bloody ‘ell, why didn’t he listen t’ me an’ stay away?  Why didn’t Kat make him stay home?

Blake *smiles slightly*  He’s Kat’s son.

Manouche:  Reckon that’s me answer, innit?  *stares at expanse of beach, which looks more ominous now that the sun is setting*  At least we’re armed, now.  *sighs*  Right, ‘ere we go.

*They both draw their guns, leave the ship and start across the beach, moving slower now because Manouche is weaker.  They make it about two-thirds of the way toward the jungle, then it happens.  Strong, lizard-like hands burst forth through the sand right behind them, grab their feet, pull them down.  They both cry out, and try to turn to see where to shoot, but they’re held fast by the hands’ iron grips on their ankles.  They stare, speechless, as before them, two more of the Shadow creatures slowly emerge from having been completely buried in the sand, a thick rope net stretched between their four hands.  They swiftly throw the net; its material is so heavy, Manouche and Blake are immediately hopelessly tangled and restrained.  Unable to move, unable to take proper aim, they’re easily disarmed.  They barely manage to turn and look at each other.  Their eyes exchange love and longing, they struggle against the cables to try to bring their hands together.  Heavy, blunt instruments are brought down on their heads, knocking them both out simultaneously.  The Shadows drag them to a dinghy, throw them in, and start rowing, circumnavigating the island … back to the small boats in the harbor on the other side, where the Leader waits patiently ...

On The Apparition:

*Sergeant Godley wakes up slowly from pleasant dreams, no odd visions, no nightmares for him.  He blinks twice looking at the surroundings until he realises where he is: still on the Apparition.  He sits up on the bed and spots Raven in a chair*

Godley:  Awfully sorry, must have been more tired than I knew.  Anything up?  You don't look well at all, kid, like you were seeing ghosts.  *Yawns*  Is this blasted boat moving anywhere?  Does Kidd really know where she's heading?

Raven *heart beating fast from efforts to contact Manouche*  W-We're on course, sir.  There was a storm, but it's not as bad as it was.  *pauses, not sure he should give too much of himself away to Godley.  Then he remembers what a good friend the man is to Abberline.  Takes a breath*  I -- I was tryin' to reach Manouche.  I'm pickin' up on things that don't make sense, it's not clear.  A while ago, her voice went away again, an' I was afraid ... an' then it came back.  An' ... an' now ... *suddenly breaks into a smile*  Somethin' good ... but I can't tell what it is ...  *stares into space for a moment, is unable to pinpoint what's happening.  Looks at Godley*  Thanks for tellin' me about the Thames barges.

Godley:  Something good?  Whatever could that be?  *scratching head*  How long will this journey take?  I want off this blasted pirate ship.  Maybe we should go on deck and make the pirates put more speed.  Oh, I wished I were on a barge ...  You don't have to call me sir, boy, but I must say I feel a little uncomfortable about your name.  Where did you get that from?  White Raven, wasn't it?  Why didn't they give you a proper English name like David or Michael or Peter?  Let's go an’ do some navigating.  *Gets up and looks at Raven.*

Raven *a little startled at first by Godley’s brusque manner, and taken aback by the comment on his name, which he’s always liked.  He stares at Godley for a moment, not sure how to respond … but he keeps picking up on Manouche’s happiness, though he’s not quite sure what’s causing it.  He finds it infectious, and he can’t help but smile.  He looks up at Godley, grinning, starts to laugh*  You’re funny, sir!  I mean, Sergeant Godley.  *Stands up, comes over to Godley, takes his hand*  Let’s go up, I think we’re getting close.  *tries to look serious, but can’t help but grin*

On the Guardians' boat:

Manouche and Blake *come to, coughing and spluttering, as they’re hit with a splash from a large bucket of cold water.  They’re back on one of the Guardians’ boats, in a small room, sitting next to each other on the floor, backs against the wall.  Their wrists are handcuffed in front of them.  They look up, see the Leader and his three assistants standing before them, one of which is holding an empty, dripping bucket.*

Leader:  And we’re back.

Manouche *shakes head, splashing excess water from her hair.  Looks at wrists, glances up, smiles wryly*  Cuffs, eh?  Y’ learn from yer mistakes, I’ll give ye that.  It's a wonder ye ‘ave a seaworthy crew at all, if th' best knots they can tie are th’ ones Mr. Blake an’ I managed t’ escape from.

Blake *warningly*  Manouche …

Leader:  No worries, young man, she can talk all she wants.  Matter of fact, she’s quite right.  I’m afraid my crew, loyal though they may be, are sadly lacking in some of the skills that make able-bodied sailors.  *turns, scowls at one of the Shadows, who cringes, ducks down slightly.*  So we went with irons.  Something a little more substantial, to make sure you don’t escape.

Blake:  So … what’re you gonna do to us?

Leader *looks at him, surprised*  Nothing.  We just wait.  You see, we really don’t have any interest in tormenting without reason.  We’re not bloodthirsty thugs, like that clumsy Nate.  *motions to Manouche*  With the dreamer, here, we did what we did because we wanted to get the boy’s attention.  And it worked.  Now that we know he’s on his way, all we do is wait.

Manouche *sudden anger*  Y’best leave Raven alone, y’ bastards –  *Her words are cut off as the Leader snaps his fingers and one of the Shadows once again fills her head with horrible images.  She moans, falls back, leans against Blake*

Leader:  Why must you insist on making things unpleasant for yourself?  I said all we do is wait … but I expect you to keep a civil tongue in your head while we do so.  We wouldn’t even restrain you if we didn’t need to keep you here, to make sure the boy comes straight to us.  Obviously, he’ll immediately go wherever you are.  So let’s all relax and try to make this as pleasant as possible.  Savvy?

Blake *reaches cuffed hands over to take Manouche’s hands in his; she leans against him, head bowed, weeping, not making a sound.  He speaks to the Leader*  Wh-what’s gonna happen after you have us all here?

Leader *shrugs*  Specifically?  Hard to say.  *pauses, looks at him carefully; Blake finds the Leader’s piercing eyes most unsettling, but he holds his own*  Oh, I see.  Typical human response, you’re wanting to know how much time you have left.  I don’t suppose it would do any good to explain to you how little this lifetime really means in the greater scheme of things.  So I’ll just answer your question.  Not much time at all, young man.  Not much time at all.  Ultimately, it depends on Marchand.

Manouche *whispers*  M-Marchand …  oh, Mr. Blake, m’ love … y’should’ve stayed behind, I knew it.  You’d be safe back home …  *voice trails off, she turns away from him, though he continues to hold her hands*

Blake *lowers head, then looks up at the Leader*  You – are you the captain of one of these boats?

Leader *icily* SHIP.  Yes, I am.  They’re both mine, but the one you’re on right now, I’m her captain.  I navigate her.

Blake:  Then I have a request, an’ I hope you’ll grant it, seein’ as how we don’t have much time left.  S- sort of a last request.

Leader *suspicious*  And what is that?

Blake:  I want you to marry us.  *Manouche looks at him quickly, eyes wide; he continues talking to the Leader*  You have that legal authority on your own boat – uh, ship, right?

Leader:  Well … yes, I do.  But why would you – your days are numbered –

Blake:  Will you do it?  Yes or no.

Leader *shrugs*  Very well.  When do you want to—

Blake:  Right now.  *Leader nods, leaves to get the items he needs.  Blake looks at Manouche, smiles slightly, suddenly looking rather boyish and shy*

Manouche *staring at him*  M- Mr. William Blake … y-ye quite overwhelm me … I dunno what t’ say …

Blake *squeezes her hands*  I’m sorry, honey, this sure as hell ain’t the way it should be …

Manouche *gazing at him*  I don’t care. Let’s get married.

Leader *returns with small black book and some papers.  Motions for them to stand; Blake helps Manouche, they push against the wall and manage to stand up*  Do you have rings we can use?  *shakes head*  This is preposterous, I can’t believe I’m doing this …

Manouche *to Blake*  I ‘ave th’ ring ye gave me.  ‘Ere, love, see if this’ll work fer ye …  *she removes from her thumb a ring she’s had for years, a simple silver band.  He’s able to fit it on his ring finger.  He takes her ring, she takes his; they look at the Leader and nod*

Leader *pauses, opens book, reads*  We are gathered together to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.  If there’s anyone present who objects to this union, let him ……  *looks around, rolls eyes*  I think we can safely skip that.  *flips a page or two, looks at them, pauses*  What are your names?

Manouche:  Manouche Roussel … *nods toward Blake* ... an’ William Blake.

Leader *under breath*  You’re both mad.  *reads*  Do you, Manouche Roussel, take William Blake to be your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?

Manouche *beaming at Blake, slips band on his ring finger*  Aye, I do.

Leader:  And do you, William Blake, take Manouche Roussel to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?

Blake *places her opal ring on her finger, gazes at her lovingly*  I do.

Leader:  By the authority vested in me as commander of this ship, I now pronounce you husband and wife.  You may kiss the bride.

*Blake starts to put arms around her, is hindered by the handcuffs.  Raises arms up, Manouche steps up close to him, he brings arms down so she’s in his embrace.  He holds her close, she brings cuffed hands up to touch his face; they kiss, taking rather a long time about it.  The Leader observes them curiously, then hears a sniffle next to him; scowls sharply at one of his assistants becoming emotional; the Shadow quickly controls himself.

Manouche *pulls back after they kiss, looks up at Blake with moist eyes*  Deux coeurs, une âme …

Blake *finishes it, smiling tenderly*  … notre monde.  *He looks over at the Leader*  We're obliged.

Leader *looks at him as if he’s lost his mind.  Closes book, places documents on top of it, signs and dates, holds it out to them*  Here … fill this out, and it’s legal.  *Blake signs, then Manouche, awkwardly because of the handcuffs.  The Leader hands a copy of the document to Blake, who folds it and puts it in a pocket.*  Well, this is one for the books.  I’ll never understand humans.  *He sees that Manouche and Blake are locked into each other, have shut everyone and everything around them out.  He shakes his head, motions to assistants to follow him.  They leave the room, lock the door securely from the outside.*

*Manouche and Blake remain standing for a long time, his arms wrapped around her, holding her close, her head pressed against his chest.  They softly step side to side, as if slow dancing to a song only they can hear.*