Author Topic: HALF MOON RISING (Complete)  (Read 1653 times)

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Offline Cyberfox277

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HALF MOON RISING Part 31
« Reply #30 on: May 05, 2012, 12:04:18 pm »
***2 Hours Later***

David looks around wondering what to do with the rest of his free afternoon, he considers running for a while but after his workout with Craig he feels too tired to do so. He's on his way to the kitchen to get something to eat when he remembers he should tell Gemini what happened last night, so he moves to the phone instead and dials Gemini's number.

Gemini blinks as her cell phone rings and picks it up, glancing at the caller ID. Flipping her phone open, she puts it to her ear. "Hi, David," she says, blushing slightly, and glad Annie is in another room.

[David] Hello Gemini, everything OK?

David asks as he takes a seat on the couch, figuring he could sit while talking on the phone.

[Gemini] Yeah, everything's fine. Why?

Gemini asks curiously.

[David] Well, I've got some news about our "friend" the psycho. Thought I should tell you.

David shrugs as he leans back on the couch.

[Gemini] What happened?

Gemini demands knowing SOMETHING must have happened, if not what.

[David] I had a date with Sarah last night. We had dinner and then we went to see the Blueman Group. He was waiting for us on the parking lot when we got out.

David explains with an unhappy sigh when he thinks, probably it was their last date.

[Gemini] Oh, no! Are you okay?

Gemini exclaims.

[David] I'm fine, so is Sarah, but only because I shot him 4 times before he fell. He was coming right at us with a sword.

David makes a face at the thought he'd let him go, and he wishes again he was alone yesterday.

[Gemini] Oh, no! How did Sarah take it?

Gemini asks cautiously.

[David] Not really well. She wanted me to call to police and I wanted to get out of there before that guy came back to life again, so I practically dragged her to the car and drove off. How would you explain that to her, especially being an ex-cop?

David tells Gemini as his rubs his forehead tiredly, the scene from last night replaying on his mind all over again.

[Gemini] You could tell her the truth.

Gemini suggested, rather doubting David would even honestly consider it.

[David] Oh yeah, sure, why not? She told me she wants a quiet life, that she doesn't need this kind of excitement. And I'm supposed to tell her we get this all the time?

David grumbles, then takes a deep breath when he realizes that it's not Gemini he's angry with. It wouldn't be fair she'd be the one to take it.

[Gemini] Well, don't most of us want a quiet life?

Gemini asks softly.

[David] Yes, but we're not going to get one unless we go to Holy Ground.

David shrugs wondering if that's what he really wanted anyway, sounded a little bit boring.

[David] When she said that she was referring to my job, I don't think she wants to hear that there's more.

David adds while he thinks that he doubts she could handle the truth.

[Gemini] I'm sorry, David.

Gemini murmurs softly into the phone.

[David] I think it would happen sooner or later given my line of work, a guy with a gun wouldn't make much of a difference, so I'm glad it happened before we moved our relationship to the next level, I think, we were just getting to know each other.

David shrugs, thinking it also saved him the trouble of telling her the truth eventually.

[Gemini] So... w-what about the guy?

Gemini asks nervously, but knowing she needed and Annie would want, as much information as possible.

[David] I left him dead at the parking lot. Didn't see him today, but I spent the night at a hotel and didn't go to work today.

David explains while he frowns wondering again how that guy managed to find him at the parking lot when he'd been looking around for him.

[Gemini] W-what did Craig say?

Gemini says asking her next question.

[David] Oh he didn't say much, he preferred to show it to me. We've been practicing all morning.

David shakes his head disbelievingly when he remembers he'd managed to beat it somehow.

[Gemini] Oh, that's good.

Gemini says, hoping to sound relieved.

[David] And you know what?

David asks still too surprised to keep it to himself.

[Gemini] What?

Gemini asks.

[David] I've managed to beat him.

[Gemini] What? Really? David, that's awesome!

Gemini gushes.

David then adds with a smile.

[David] And don't ask me how I did it. I have no idea.

[Gemini] David, that's really great. You'll be ready to teach yourself before you know it.

Gemini jokes, then winces hoping he doesn't read into that.

[David] Yeah right.

David says skeptically, he realized he still had a lot to learn.

Gemini shrugs, even though she knows David can't see it, not sure what to say to David's skeptical statement.

[David] Anyway, I need to get something to eat. I just wanted to tell you about the psycho and to warn you I might be being watched. I'm beginning to suspect he hired a mortal or something, there's no way he could have followed me when I've been looking for him.

[Gemini] Thank you for the heads up. I appreciate it.

Gemini says.

[Gemini] I'll make sure to let Annie know.

Gemini adds after a moment of thought.

[David] Hmm Annie, yes. I'm glad that Judge Everson and her are still around now that I'm free.

David jokes, while he shakes his head thinking that maybe he should try to figure out which one did he want first.

[Gemini] Oh... really?

Gemini asks, hoping the disappointment in her voice wasn't too evident.

Annie frowns when she walks in the living room and hears Gemini's tone of voice the kid sounded really disappointed. She side glances at her as she walks a little far away to give her some privacy while she's talking on the phone. Then she sits on a couch going through some papers.

[David] Really. Maybe Sarah dumping me wasn't such a bad thing after all.

David chuckles softly as he gets to his feet.

[Gemini] Uh huh.

Gemini says noncommittedly.

[David] Anyway, I need to go, talk to you later.

[Gemini] Okay.

Gemini says.

David says before he disconnects, then he goes to the kitchen to check what he had in the fridge.

[Gemini] Bye.

Gemini whispers as she shuts the phone and then stares at with longing.

Annie side glances from the papers she was reading to take a look at Gemini when the phone call ends and she doesn't say anything. Annie frowns when she sees Gemini just looking at it.

[Annie] Problems?

Gemini jumps. She hadn't actually realized Annie was even in the room, though a glance showed that the older woman, had obviously walked by her.

[Gemini] No. Well... sort of. That was David.

Gemini sighs.

[Annie] What did he want now?

Annie asks out of politeness, she's not really interested in the answer, it's not like she cared what happened to the kid.

[Gemini] The umm... guy that's been after me? Is after him too. Attacked him last night.

Gemini says.

[Annie] Of course he is, he's after all newbies. Didn't you hear what Adam told us?

Annie shrugs before she puts the papers on the coffee table and looks at Gemini.

[Annie] Is that the reason you're so quiet?

Annie asks suspecting there was more to it.

[Gemini] No. David just said that Craig, his teacher, thought you and I should know.

Gemini shrugs.

[Annie] It wasn't that hard to figure out he'd go after another newbie once he couldn't find you right away.

Annie shrugs still studying Gemini.

[Gemini] Well... that and he'd seen us together.

Gemini adds.

[Annie] But that's not the reason you stared at the phone once you disconnected the call, was it?

Annie goes on refusing to discuss the obvious all over again.

Gemini winces and blushes slightly at the same time. "No."

Annie rolls her eyes when she realizes what's this all about. She should have figured something like this would happen. She leans back on the couch with a sigh.

[Annie] It's David, isn't it?

[Gemini] Isn't what?

Gemini asks.

Annie side glances at Gemini with a "Who do you think you're fooling?" look on her face.

[Annie] Do we need to go through details?

[Gemini] I-I don't understand.

Gemini says.

[Annie] Apparently we need to go through details.

Annie shakes her head with a sigh.

[Annie] It's pretty obvious you have a crush on him, you know?

[Gemini] ****! It's that obvious?

Gemini asks, visibly wilting.

[Annie] To someone who gets to know you, yes.

Annie nods, then she smiles a little.

[Gemini] Oh, ****.

Gemini moans.

[Annie] Don't worry I don't think he noticed anything, he's a guy after all.

Annie adds refraining herself from adding, "and not particularly bright on how women feel."

[Gemini] Yeah... Not like that helps any.

Gemini mumbles.

[Annie] Sorry I tell you this, but actually I doubt he even noticed you. He's still thinking like a mortal, you have to give him time.

Annie says not really sure if she should have said that.

[Gemini] I don't know if time will help. He sees me as a little girl. And it's not like I can change how old I appear. At least not by much.

Gemini sighs.

[Annie] Gemini, that's one of the things we realize as the time goes by, that the way we look doesn't have anything to do with how old we are.

Annie points out shrugging again.

[Annie] I'm sure he'd heard the not getting old part, but I doubt he realized what it means.

[Gemini] And what does it mean?

Gemini asks, thinking she sees where Annie is going with it, but she wants it spelled out.

[Annie] That you can't guess how old an Immortal is just by looking at them? A child can be older than an old man?

[Gemini] And what good is that going to do me, if I'm like him?

Gemini asks.

[Annie] Well, as time passes and he doesn't get a day older, he might realize that you're not a kid anymore, you just died when you were 17.

Annie shrugs again, leaning against the pillows.

[Gemini] You think?

Gemini asks, not sounding overly hopeful.

[Annie] He should have figured that by now, since you've died before him and all but he's a guy.

Annie sighs.

[Gemini] But regardless, I'm always going to be judged on my appearance first. Aren't I?

[Annie] Of course you are, you can expect that from people who don't know you. Mortals will do that for sure, some Immortals might not.

Annie thinks for a while and adds.

[Annie] Older Immortals who have learnt to suspect appearances.

[Gemini] I suppose being judged on my appearance could be used to my advantage.

Gemini says after a long moment of thought.

[Annie] Oh yes, same as being female. Immortal males always underestimate that also.

Annie shrugs when she thinks she's met a few exceptions.

[Annie] Most of them anyway.

[Gemini] Which is only for the best.

Gemini says.

[Gemini] I guess.

Gemini adds after a moment.

[Annie] And that's the reason some Immortals try to look younger than they really are, so they take their opponent by surprise. We use whatever we can to take an advantage.

Annie points out remembering she's crossed paths with some Immortals who did just that.

[Gemini] That's something I guess I should remember for the future.

Gemini says, more to herself than to Annie. As Gemini figured it, every advantage she could get over another immortal out for her head, the better.

[Annie] I won't let you forget it

Annie smiles briefly as she checks her watch.

[Annie] And that reminds me, afternoon lesson?

[Gemini] Sure. I think I could use it.

Gemini says, getting eagerly to her feet.

Annie raises an eyebrow when Gemini gets to her feet so fast, it's not like she noticed it happening before.

[Annie] Alright, get your sword then.

Annie says as she stands up from the couch.

Gemini flashed a brief smile, before heading off to her room.

Annie follows Gemini with her eyes for a moment before she murmurs, "Maybe there's still hope for you." Then she moves to get her sword.


To be continued

Offline Cyberfox277

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HALF MOON RISING Part 32
« Reply #31 on: May 06, 2012, 02:25:08 pm »
****One month later****

Craig parks his SUV in the parking area above the private beach he and David have been coming to work out. He gets out of his car and grabs his sword out of the floor of the back seat and also grabs a long leather case. He carries both down to the beach and sets everything down on a large boulder. He begins doing a few stretches while he waits for David.

David parks his car near Craig's still looking through the rearview mirror, he was sure he'd lost that PI a few crossroads ago but he wants to be absolutely sure. He waits for a while inside his car, but since he sees nothing, he exits and moves to the trunk to get his gym bag and an ice chest with bottles of water. He locks both door and begins to walk down the path on the way to the beach.

Craig feels the buzz of another Immortal and stops what he is doing to look at the path leading down to the beach...hoping it is David.

David finally gets down to the beach and walks to the place they usually meet, he can tell Craig is already there since he'd felt his buzz, at least he hopes it's his buzz.

Craig smiles when he sees David and picks up the towel that is draped on the rock where his sword is leaning and wipes sweat from his face.

[Craig] Everything good at the office?

Craig asks David since he had left the office early to run an errand before meeting David here.

David drops the things he was carrying near Craig's stuff, while he nods.

[David] Yes, everything is under control I think. Sorry I'm late, had to make a detour. That guy is still following me.

David says making a face at that, if he didn't know it was a waste of time he'd talk to that guy, but he was being paid to do a job so he'd never give up on that.

[Craig] You still haven't figured out what he wants?

Craig asks as he fishes a bottle of water out of the ice chest, opens it and takes a long drink.

[David] I assume that headhunter hired him, he was waiting for me yesterday when I left the agency.

David shrugs, he was getting used to that by now.

[David] Didn't have to shoot him this time.

[Craig] Then maybe it's time you put things on your terms instead of his.

Craig says as he puts the cap back on the bottle of water and sets it on top of the large rock.

[David] I just wish he'd go away or something.

David shakes his head with a sigh, he knows he's not going to be that lucky.

[Craig] Well it is obvious that that's not going to happen so you aren't going to be able to avoid the inevitable for long.

Craig says looking at David seriously.

[Craig] Wouldn't it be better if you were controlling things rather than him?

Craig asks David. He knows that the answer to his question should be "yes" but he wants to see if David does.

[David] Yes, but that means...

David looks at Craig disbelievingly.

[David] You want me to challenge him?

Craig is in the process of picking up the leather case and setting it on the top of the rock, but he stops what he is doing and looks at David...frowning.

[Craig] It doesn't matter what I want you to do, Bradford. You're an adult. You are capable of making your own decisions.

Craig says and looks at the case in his hand and wonders if it is too soon to have brought it.

[Craig] I know that if it were me....I'd rather be the one calling the shots and would make that happen. But that's me.

[David] Yeah I know, but it's a bad idea to **** your own teacher, not to mention your boss.

Craig goes ahead and sets the case on the rock but doesn't open it.

David chuckles amused, while he thinks that sometimes doing what you feel like ends up costing you in the long run.

[Craig] Why would I be pissed off?

Craig asks and quirks an eyebrow questioningly.

[David] I was surprised that's all, I thought you'd tell me the opposite thing.

David shrugs a little.

[Craig] No, David. You were hoping I would tell you what to do so you wouldn't have to think for yourself. If I were to tell you to run away it would take the responsibility of the decision out of your hands.

Craig folds his arms across his chest.

[Craig] It makes me wonder who did your thinking for you all of these years.

Craig says, shaking his head. He walks over to the open area where he had been doing his stretches and starts doing a few more.

[David] Yeah, you're right, ever since I became an Immortal, I sort of... lost confidence?

David nods in agreement.

[David] Well this was a little hard to swallow in the beginning, people living forever? I kept thinking why me? Don't feel special to be granted this.

[Craig] Nobody said you were special. None of us are. It's just the way things are. But we've been over this a million times already and it's time to get down to business. I suggest you get warmed up.

Craig says almost coldly. He turns his back to David and stretches the muscles in his legs.

David rolls his eyes before he starts to move to warm up, apparently he managed to get Craig mad at him without even wanting to.

As Craig does a few more stretches with his back to David he reviews the last several months that David has been his student. A month ago David lacked, not only the skill to beat Craig in a serious sparring session but the confidence as well. But during the last month he had seen David grow and change. He had become more confident with each session and had actually beaten Craig the last 5 times they had sparred. That is why he had figured it was time for David to have his own sword and had gone out and had one made just for him. Now he wonders if he had rushed it and had made the wrong call about David's progress. With David....it seemed that they took two steps forward and one step back. At least that's how it had started out. He thought things had changed. Had he been blind? Did he miss something? Was he that bad of a teacher? Craig shakes his head. "Now he's got you second guessing yourself," he thinks to himself. He stops stretching and walks over to the rock and takes a drink from his water bottle.

David moves to his gym bag and takes a towel to clean the sweat, then he moves to get a bottle of water and takes a sip.

[Craig] HERE!

Craig shouts and tosses the practice sword to David.

David manages to catch the practice sword in the air with his right hand, still keeping the water bottle in his left.

[David] And no, you didn't make me drop anything this time.

David chuckles amused, Craig had done it so many times, he wasn't falling for it anymore.

Craig picks up his own sword and charges at David...slashing his sword from right to left at shoulder height.

David raises his sword to block Craig's move, dropping the water bottle to hold the hilt of the sword with both hands.

[David] Spoke to soon, right? Shouldn't you say en guarde or something?

David teases while he pushes him back with his sword.

[Craig] You talk too much, Bradford.

Craig snaps and slashes his blade aiming it for David's head.

Craig continues to slash and slice at David...giving him little time in between attacks.

[David] And someone is in a really bad mood today.

David points out as he keeps blocking Craig, realizing he doesn't even need to think about it anymore.

Craig batters at David...pushing him backwards with every attack until he has forced him across the beach to the rocky cliff wall. With one final move he manages to swirl his blade around David's and with one quick upward stroke, dislodges David's sword from his grasp and sending it flying a few feet away. He quickly brings his own blade up and...as he shoves David back against the rock wall...he lays the blade of his sword against David's throat.

[Craig] In order to be in any kind of mood you have to feel something and if you're feeling something during a battle for your life....you're letting your emotions interfere and you'll lose.

Craig hisses...his face only inches from David's.

[Craig] You're too busy trying to be cute and come up with cute little quips. That's why you're in the position you are now.

Craig adds and lets go of David. He turns and walks away.

[Craig] You need to decide if you want to be a comedian or a fighter. Which one do you think will keep your head attached to your shoulders?

Craig asks without turning to look back at David.

David takes a deep breath, Craig had a point in there, this wasn't a game despite the name it carried and he'd never behaved like this when he was working.

[David] Fine. Point taken.

David nods before he moves to get his sword back.

Craig walks silently over to the rock and picks up his bottle of water, uncaps it and takes a big drink....keeping his back to David the whole time.

David gets his sword and moves to the water bottle he had to drop to defend himself without saying a word. Surprisingly Craig keeps his back turned to him, that upsets David a lot, his teacher thinks he's a wimp just because he refuses to take these lessons too seriously? David attacks him without thinking.

Craig sees David's shadow on the sand and whirls around...blocking David's blade with his.

[Craig] You suddenly decide to grow a pair, Bradford?

Craig says, tauntingly as he counter attacks with a thrust aimed at David's chest.

[David] You talk too much, Bower, you know that?

David answers blocking Craig again and moving to counter attack, his teacher's attitude today was beginning to **** him off and he really wants to win against him.

Craig blocks David's blade and parries with a slash which connects with David's side.

David blocks him again, then slashes and parries a few consecutive times until he gets to Craig's side and slips his leg behind Craig's to trip him.

Craig stumbles backward...losing his balance and falling on his ass.

David swirls his blade around Craig's and gives an upward thrust to disarm him at the same time. He stands over him and puts the tip of his sword on Craig's throat.

[David] Yield?

David asks looking at him coldly, his face void of emotion.

Craig looks up at David and forces himself to not show his satisfaction. He puts the tip of his finger on the tip of David's blade and moves it away from his throat.

[Craig] Yield.

Craig says and rolls out from under David. He gets to his feet and brushes sand off of his clothes.

[Craig] By the way...

Craig says as he starts walking toward the rock where his bottle of water is.

[Craig] Your sweat pants have a hole in the crotch.

Craig says as he picks up his bottle of water and takes a long drink.

David shakes his head at the remark, still too upset to joke about it, he just couldn't switch moods that easily.

[David] I realize you're my friend, my boss and my teacher, but I'm not going to take that **** even from you, get it?

David grumbles as he moves to get his bottle of water, keeping Craig in sight, just in case after what he did.

Craig picks up his towel and wipes sweat from his face as he steps away from the rock.

[Craig] Open the case.

Craig says simply and takes another drink of his water.

David frowns looking down at the case, he'd noticed it when he arrived but forgot all about it in the meantime. He bends over to pick it up and opens it slowly.



David gasps in surprise when he sees what's inside.

[David] Craig, I...

[Craig] You now have all of the tools you need to take care of your stalker. How you choose to use them is up to you. I've done all I can do.

Craig says and wipes the back of his neck with the towel.

David keeps looking at the sword for a while, until he manages to take his eyes away from it.

[David] Thank you.

David manages to say, incapable of saying anything else at the moment.

Craig begins to gather up his belongings.

[Craig] Don't be late in the morning. We have a meeting with the Seacouver Opera House about upgrading their security system.

Craig says as he checks the area to make sure he isn't forgetting anything. Then he starts walking towards the path that leads up to the parking area.

David nods absentmindedly as he reluctantly closes the case, he couldn't stop looking at his sword. Craig had a point, now he had the tools, question is what he's going to do next.


To be continued

Offline Cyberfox277

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HALF MOON RISING Part 33
« Reply #32 on: May 11, 2012, 11:11:55 am »
***Next Day – A little after lunch hour***

David is working at the Bower Agency going through some client files when his cell phone starts ringing. He's really surprised when side glancing at the monitor he sees Sarah's number, over a month without anything from her and suddenly she's calling him again? He answers his cell wondering what she wants.

[David] Hello?

[Sarah] David?

Sarah says softly when he answers.

[David] Yes, it's me. Everything OK?

David asks just for the sake of saying something.

[Sarah] That guy you shot...

Sarah says slowly.

David waits Sarah goes on, when she doesn't he asks.

[David] The guy I shot what?

[Sarah] He... I guess he must have had a vest on or something, 'cause he stopped me on my way to work, today.

Sarah says slowly after a moment.

[David] He what?

David exclaims as he gets to his feet and starts pacing, he never imagined that guy would dare to do that.

[Sarah] Yeah, he ah.. asked me to pass a message on to you.

Sarah adds.

[David] Yeah? What's the message?

David asks, mentally smacking his head for thinking, she had nothing to do with his problem with that guy, he'd seen them together.

[Sarah] He said he'd very much like to see you. At the North end of Beaver Lake in Stanley park, tomorrow at Midnight. Or...

Sarah trails off not wanting to even believe what the man had told her.

[David] Or?

David repeats, making a frown.

[Sarah] Or he'd see to it that you'll never see me again.

Sarah tells David, repeating word for word what the man had told her, though she felt fairly confident that a 'or anyone else for that matter,' was likely a safe bet to add onto the end of what he said.

[David] I see.

David says nodding, even though she can't see him. The message was clear, if he kept avoiding a fight that guy would go after Sarah.

[Sarah] Do you?

Sarah asks.

[David] Yes, I do. Don't worry I'll take care of it.

David assures her, he figures even if he loses that guy would leave her alone, it was him he was trying to get at.

[Sarah] Good.

Sarah says sharply, then flips her cell phone shut, ending the call.

David shakes his head when he hears her sharp remark, and then she disconnects the call. Apparently she was still mad at him. He sighs thinking what could have been if that Immortal hadn't shown up when he did, then he remembers the things she'd told him before they parted.

[David] Well, not really fit to be an Immortal's girlfriend. Or a P.I.'s girlfriend for that matter.

David murmurs under his breath, he shrugs as he uses the cell phone on his hand to call Craig. When he's sent to messages, he leaves a message on his voice-mail. and heads for the door. He needs to train as much as he can until tomorrow night. He has a feeling he's going to need it.


To be continued

Offline Cyberfox277

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HALF MOON RISING Part 34
« Reply #33 on: June 01, 2012, 12:16:48 pm »
***Next day – Mid-afternoon***


Steven is lifted off of his feet as fingers of electricity worm their way out of the neck of the fallen Immortal and into Steven. He feels the rush....like more than million pins pricking his entire body from the inside out. The rush is accompanied by a feeling of warmth filling him....covering him. The pins change to vibrations. Stimulating vibrations that bring on Steven's Arousal and he throws his head back and moans....a broad grin a gratification crossing his face.

[Steven] Yes....yes.....Oh yes.

Steven moans as the Quickening's intensity grows and so does his arousal. It becomes so intense that, once Steven has reached his orgasm the intensity of the Quickening begins to dissipate and just when he thinks it is over another bolt of lightening connects with the top of his head and actually spins him around....his feet still a couple of feet off the ground. Then comes the pain. Pain so overwhelming he feels as though he might go mad. He lets out a scream....more pain....another scream and suddenly he is feeling both a super intense orgasm and massive jolts of searing pain at the same time. His screams turn to howls. When he thinks he can't stand anymore and the Quickening will surely kill him....he is dropped, unceremoniously, to the ground and everything stops. The air becomes eerily still. He lays on the ground, unable to move, for several minutes. Then he slowly gets to his feet and looks over at the headless body and grins, victoriously.

[Steven] You never knew what you were....or why you had to die. Did you, kid?

Steven says to the headless body of the young Immortal he has just beheaded. He picks up his sword and walks away from the large drainage tunnel along the banks of the peninsula. When he gets to his car he places his sword on the floor of the back seat and decides to walk off some of the excess energy left by the Quickening. He locks his car and starts strolling down the sidewalk...feeling completely satisfied and pleased with himself.

[Steven] Good evening.

Steven says, cheerfully to an elderly couple walking hand and hand and headed in the opposite direction. As he continues to stroll casually down the sidewalk he suddenly gets an idea.

[Steven] Yeah. I could do that. I WILL do that. It'll be awesome.....the best.

Steven says to himself and his smile grows as he pictures himself inside of Gemini....giving her what he knows she really wants and more importantly....what he wants and just when they are both at the peak of their simultaneous orgasms....he will take her head so he can experience the orgasm and the Quickening at the same time.

[Steven] Steven, my boy.....you are so smart. It'll be epic.

Steven says to himself. He stops in front of a shop window and uses his reflection in the glass to smooth his hair.

Annie stops on her tracks as she sees a bar next to the store they just came out. She really could use a drink, she side glances at Gemini and sighs, since she's turned to an Immortal babysitter she hasn't been to a place like that.

[Annie] I really could use a drink.

Annie murmurs under her breath as she resumes walking.

Gemini looks over at the bar, hearing Annie's murmur.

[Gemini] Umm... you mind if I go into the bookstore?

Gemini says pointing to the sign of a second hand bookstore about five stores down. Figuring, she could at least give Annie the opportunity if that's what she wanted, since the sign said "Only 21 or older allowed inside" and since she wasn't 21, by anyone's standards...

Annie side glances at Gemini, like the kid didn't have a lot of books already, but decides not to say anything. She just shrugs and points at the bar.

[Annie] Fine, I'll be in there, just stay in public and nothing will happen to you. I'll be there in 15 minutes or so.

[Gemini] Okay.

Gemini agrees.

Annie hesitates a moment, wondering if she's doing the right thing by leaving the kid alone, but decides she'll be alright as long as she stays in public and enters the bar.

Gemini watches Annie enter the bar and sighs. She knows that Annie is giving up a lot to teach her, and that she's more than a bit of a burden on the older woman, she just hoped it wasn't too much, and vaguely wondered what else she could do to make this less of a burden on the older Immortal.

[Gemini] Something to think on.

Gemini mutters to herself.

Annie enters the bar and the players at the pool tables and darts turn their heads to look at her. She takes a deep breath as she passes them, so she doesn't say anything and moves to the back corner of the room, as far away from them as possible. She came here for a drink not to get upset.

Steven turns away from his reflection in the shop window and continues to casually stroll down the sidewalk. Suddenly he feel the presence of another Immortal. Steven looks around at the faces of those few shoppers mingling around the shops and cafes.

[Steven] Where are you, you son of a ****.

Steven says under his breath as he looks at each face, trying to determine the source of the Immortal buzz.

Gemini pauses before a window display of a dress. She wishes she could wear it and magically have David see her as an adult in it. She sighs, when she suddenly feels the buzz of another immortal. "Short drink," she mutters to herself, assuming it's Annie.

Steven 's eyes fall on Gemini and a sadistic smirk crosses his face.

[Steven] Well look who we have here. Could my luck be any better?

Steven says to himself as he ducks back into the shadows of a shops entry way.

Steven waits until a group of about 7 or 8 giggling college girls stroll past and stop at the fountain in front of the shop then he moves through the group...using the girls as cover. He sneaks around the fountain and manages to used a few other shoppers as cover and comes around behind Gemini. Steven walks behind Gemini and takes hold of her upper arm while stepping up close enough to her body that he can feel her body's warmth through her clothes and his.

[Gemini] Annie, what?

Gemini starts then turns enough to realize that not only was it not Annie, but realize who it was. She feels her face pale.

Steven gives her upper arm a forceful squeeze and leans close to her ear.

[Steven] Now let's not make a scene....shall we?

Steven whispers and moves her toward a small alcove between two buildings where their "community dumpster" is kept.

Gemini looks frantically down the street towards the bar, praying to see Annie coming their way.

Steven turns into the small area between the two buildings, thinking it's a full alley and that he can take Gemini through it to the next street then double back to his car.

[Gemini] Please.

Gemini says softly, protesting just a little, against Steven's grip.

Steven halfway pushes half way drags Gemini about 10 feet into the shadows between the two buildings when he realizes that it isn't a true alley when they come to a dead end....and only one way out.

[Gemini] Let me go.

Gemini protests more firmly, taking aim at Steven's foot and stomping down as hard as she could.

Steven lets out a howl of pain and instinctively lets go of Gemini's arm to grab his foot.

[Steven] Why you little ****.

Steven exclaims as he leans back against the dumpster.

Gemini turns and immediately tries for the street again.

Steven lets go of his foot and pushes himself away from the dumpster. He takes a couple of long strides toward Gemini and reaches out and grabs hold of the back of her coat and yanks backward...pulling her back up against him.

[Gemini] Mouff

Gemini lets out as an exclamation as she is quite literally yanked off her feet.

Steven walks backward...dragging Gemini along. He pulls her behind the large dumpster so that they can have a little privacy. Her slams her back against the brick wall behind the dumpster and holds her there as he leans close and sniffs the side of her neck.

Gemini is stunned as Steven slams her against the wall of the ally. He has done it with such force, Gemini literally sees stars.

The scent of Gemini's neck begins to arouse Steven and he closes his eyes and licks the side of her neck. Steven 's tongue moves around to the front of Gemini's throat.

Gemini jerks back, in what way she can, at the feel of Steven's tongue.

[Gemini] NO!

Gemini protests, as the stars fade, she starts trying to struggle again.

Steven shoves Gemini harder against the wall. All she would need to do is scream and somebody out on the street would end up coming into the "alley" if just to feed their curiosity and that was a problem he didn't need. So Steven clamps his hand over Gemini's mouth and presses the back of her head against the brick wall.

Gemini whimpers slightly from the pain of the hit and and pressure of the hand.

[Steven] I know you want it as bad as I do.

Steven says quietly...his face just millimeters from hers.

Gemini protests, not that anything other than mumbles came out, with his hand over her mouth.

[Steven] But...as bad as we want it....a huge obstacle has to be eliminated before we can be together. I'll be taking care of that problem tomorrow night then I'll come get you and make you the luckiest and happiest girl in the world. I promise.....it will truly be memorable.

Steven says, breathing his hot breath on her face.

[Gemini] Problem?

Gemini tries to demand around his hand, not entirely sure she even succeeded, and not daring to think about what he meant by the rest of his comment.

[Steven] Yes, my little Gem.

Steven says...using the abbreviated version of Gemini's name as his pet name for her.

[Steven] Daddy has some business to attend to first. Business before pleasure, you know. You'll just have to be patient. I'll be inside you soon enough.

Steven plants a rough kiss on her lips....forcing her head against the wall again so she can't move away.

Gemini is stunned for a moment by the revelation that Steven just made, and is unable to help the gasp that escapes her as Steven kisses her.

Steven feels the rush of her breath in his mouth and thinks it is Gemini responding favorably to him and he proceeds to stick his tongue into her mouth as he adds more passion to the kiss.

Gemini 's bites down hard, when Steven tongue enters her mouth. Now at the point of just reacting, she turns her hips, ignoring the scrape of the brick wall and forces her knee up as hard as she can into his arousal.

Steven cries out when Gemini bites him and pulls back then the wind is knocked out of him as he feels a searing pain in his groin that is radiating up through his gut and he falls back against the dumpster and doubles over....his knees going out from under him, he crumples to the ground, in the fetal position, and writhes in pain.

Gemini gasps and stares stunned for a moment, and then recovers her wits and sprints out of little alley way.

After a couple of seemingly eternity length minutes, Steven manages to crawl to his knees, takes a few deep breaths then scrambles to his feet. He brushes dirt from his clothes and looks around. The sun has set and the street is now illuminated by the glow from the amber colored street lamps. He casually heads out of the "alley" and forces himself not to limp as he turns on the street and heads for where he had left his car.

Annie exits the bar, shaking his head, some things never changed, just because a woman was alone all those clowns had assumed she was interested in some company when in fact she only wanted a drink. She turns around in the direction Gemini would be and begins to walk that way.

Gemini runs in the direction of the bar that Annie went in. Suddenly feeling a buzz again, she looks behind her as she runs, praying it wasn't Steven.

Annie stops on her tracks when she feels an Immortal buzz, then sighs in relief when she sees Gemini running her way. She frowns a little when she sees her looking back, wondering if something was wrong.

Gemini keeps searching desperately behind her, for any sign on Steven, when suddenly she hits something, hard.

Annie extends her arms and puts her hands on Gemini's shoulders to steady her, while she moves a step back to regain her balance.

[Annie] What's going on?

Annie could tell by Gemini's behavior something was definitely up.

[Gemini] Is he following me?

Gemini demands, even through the relief of finding that what she had run into was actually Annie.

Annie looks around with a frown, wondering who she's talking about.

[Annie] Who is following you?

[Gemini] Steven!

Gemini exclaims, not seeing the need to explain further.

[Annie] Steve...

Annie looks down sharply at her.

[Annie] You mean the headhunter?

[Gemini] Yes!

Gemini says still searching the way she had come.

Annie 's eyes glare coldly as she looks around trying to find him.

[Annie] So where is he?

[Gemini] He was in the alley he dragged me into.

Gemini says.

[Annie] What alley?

Annie frowns a little, she didn't know there was an alley around here.

[Gemini] Back there. By the bookstore.

Gemini points.

[Gemini] It's not really an alley, just a deeper space to hold a dumpster rather than have it on the street.

Annie rolls her eyes, trying not to say something, she could tell the kid was upset, but she had to find a way to get dragged into some sort of alley.

[Annie] Let's go then, I want to see if he's still there.

Annie says as she resumes walking, she was going to make sure that guy got the message and left her student alone if he wanted to keep on living.

Gemini shudders, but didn't say anything, walking alongside Annie towards the ally.

Annie frowns as they walk, the alley was after they passed the bookstore. She side glances at Gemini still frowning slightly.

[Annie] And why come this way, I thought you were only going to the bookstore? Didn't tell me you were going to wander around.

Annie points out, turning her head again to keep on looking. She's betting the guy is gone since she's not feeling anything but better make sure first.

[Gemini] A dress in the store next to the bookstore caught my attention. I was looking at that. Felt an immortal, assumed it was you, until HE grabbed me, and then he pulled me into this alley.

Gemini says truthfully.

[Annie] You ASSUMED it was me?

Annie stops walking at looks at her student disbelievingly.

[Annie] Don't tell me you didn't even bother to look.

[Gemini] By the time I did, he was standing next to me.

Gemini replies, knowing there was no point in even trying to lie.

[Annie] I'd have never left you alone if I thought you were going to behave like that.

Annie shakes her head with a sigh, as she does so she notices something on Gemini's head.

[Annie] And what's that on your hair?

[Gemini] Dunno.

Gemini says with a shrug, feeling utterly dejected.

[Annie] It's dry blood, isn't it? That guy beat you up.

Annie asks before she takes a deep breath to stay calm, she assumes the kid has been through enough already today.

[Gemini] No. Not, exactly.

Gemini says turning to lean against the wall.

[Annie] Then what?

Annie takes another deep breath, she just wishes the kid would tell her everything instead of making her drag it out word by word.

[Gemini] He pulled me into the alley, and I protested... Stomped on his foot, and he let go of me, I ran and almost made it back to the street, but he caught hold of my coat and pulled me back, and behind the dumpster where he forced me against the wall, and...

Gemini trailed off, not wanting to finish, but knowing she would.

[Gemini] And then he licked me.

Gemini says, this time stopping, trying to form words to continue, but not really able too.

[Annie] He what?

Annie stares at Gemini in disbelief for a moment, before she looks around angrily, wishing she'd get this guy right here and now.

[Gemini] I tried to get away, but he...

Gemini takes a deep breath.

[Gemini] He says that he knows I....

Gemini closes her eyes and shutters, not wanting to repeat it.

Annie turns her head to look back at Gemini, and nods, she can tell where this is going.

[Annie] He threatened to **** you, didn't he?

Gemini just nods, unable to say the words.

[Annie] They usually do.

Annie shakes her head with a sigh.

[Annie] Men. I wish they'd come up with something original for once.

[Gemini] He said, he had a problem to take care of first... I think he meant David.

Gemini whispers.

[Annie] Well, I'd say let David and his teacher worry about that.

Annie shrugs unconcerned, she knows Gemini has a crush on David but that's not enough reason to start worrying about him, she didn't even like the guy.

[Annie] We should go back to the car. There's nothing here to see.

Annie suggests assuming the headhunter is long gone.

[Gemini] Kay.

Gemini agrees, no enthusiasm in her voice.

[Annie] And if David or his teacher don't take his head, I will, so I wouldn't worry too much about the headhunter.

Annie points out as she turns in the direction they'd left the car, as she thinks to herself that guy is dead.

[Gemini] I'm going to be sick.

Gemini says pushing past Annie, and moving quickly to some bushes, to empty her stomach.

Annie waits Gemini is done standing patiently where she had stopped, and debating what can she do to make Gemini feel better. She's not used to comfort other Immortals.

Gemini finishes emptying her stomach, and hugs herself, helpless tears running down her face.

[Gemini] He talked about wanting to be in me, and how he knew its what I wanted too.

Gemini says unable to get the words out of her head.

[Annie] Yeah, rapists are delusional like that.

Annie nods, then she takes a deep breath and walks the few steps separating them and lightly pats her shoulder.

[Annie] Only you know what you want.

[Gemini] Not him.

Gemini says emphatically.

[Annie] You don't have to tell me that, I know.

Annie reassures her, while she thinks she'd been through the same with Kronos, worse, she had no one to ask for help.

[Gemini] Can we just go home?

Gemini asks.

[Annie] Of course.

Annie nods, refraining herself for saying they'd be on the way if she didn't stop to throw up, then walks back to the sidewalk to get to the car.

Gemini much subdued, follows.


To be continued

Offline Cyberfox277

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HALF MOON RISING Part 35
« Reply #34 on: June 04, 2012, 11:26:27 am »
***Half hour later***


David moans in contentment as he finishes dressing, that shower felt really good after training all afternoon. That sweat sticky feeling was driving him nuts. He tests his muscles and shakes his head with a smile, no sore muscles if you exaggerated a little is probably one of the reason he liked being an Immortal, the other being not getting old. His stomach grumbles and he moves to the kitchen to get something to eat, planning to go to bed after that.

[Gemini] I'm gonna call David... just in case. Then I'm going to take a long hot shower and brush my teeth... a lot.

Gemini states as Annie pulls into the driveway.

[Annie] Okay, that will help.

Annie nods in agreement, as she waits Gemini exits the car to park it in the garage.

Gemini gets out, and beelines it into the house, figuring she can get the water started to heat up, while she calls David.

David opens the refrigerator and makes a face at what he sees."Yeah, just remembered what I had the feeling I was forgetting." He grumbles under his breath as he closes the door and moves to the phone to order a pizza.

Gemini starts the water to the shower, waiting it for it to heat up and then picks up her cell phone and dials David's number.

David had just disconnected the call and is about to sit down to wait for the pizza, when the phone rings again.

[David] Hello?

David says as he picks up the receiver, then he sits down on the couch.

[Gemini] David?

Gemini says with a sniff.

[David] Yes, it's me.

David frowns, her voice sounded funny.

[David] Everything OK?

David asks, she sounded like she was crying?

[Gemini] It... it's Steven. He... he...

Gemini's voice catches, as she tries to keep from bawling hysterically, like she really wanted too. The shower at least would cover the sounds of it, once she got in there.

[David] Steven?

David repeats, his frown deepening, he wonders what he did to her.

[Gemini] I-I was shopping with Annie, and she went into a b-bar, and I was looking in a window, next to the bookstore, and... and...

Gemini stutters.

[David] And he found you?

David completes for her, while he thinks isn't that bad luck or what.

[Gemini] Mmmm...

Gemini nods.

[Gemini] And then.. he..

Gemini stops, and holds her breath, fighting back tears.

[David] Then he followed you when you ran back to Annie?

David would have chuckled at that thought if she didn't sound like she's about to cry. That guy probably ran as fast as he could when Gemini got to Annie.

[Gemini] No. He grabbed me, and pulled me down an alley.

Gemini whispers.

[David] He what?

David exclaims as he jumps to his feet.

[David] Are you OK? Need me to go get you or something?

[Gemini] No. I'm back home, but... he said he had some... "Business" to refer to and then he said he was gonna come for and..

Gemini pauses for a moment, a whimper comes from her.

[Gemini] Then he said gonna come for me and **** me.

Gemini gets out the last in a whisper.

[David] What?

David asks in surprise, that guy was getting crazier and crazier by the minute.

[Gemini] He said he was gonna be INSIDE ME! And that he knew that's what I wanted!

Gemini said yelling into the phone, then gasping as tears fell down her face.

[Gemini] Sorry.

Gemini whispers.

[David] That guy is sick.

David makes a face disgusted, his determination to fight and kill him growing with every word Gemini was telling him.

[David] Don't worry, I'll take care of him tomorrow.

David grumbled angrily, while he thinks he would have finished him on that parking lot if Sarah wasn't with him at the time.

[Gemini] You... you're his "Business"?

Gemini asks.

[David] Yeah, he said if I don't fight him he'll kill Sarah, nice huh?

David nods before he rubs his head tiredly.

[David] One way or the other this is going to end tomorrow.

[Gemini] J-just call me when he's dead.

Gemini asks quietly.

[David] I will.

David nods again, with a smile, pleased that she believed he could take him.

[Gemini] I gotta go.

Gemini says, and flips her phone shut ending the call.

[Gemini] I can't stand this!

Gemini yells, flinging the phone onto her bed and stripping on her way into the shower, once into the shower, she started sobbing, as she soaped up and started scrubbing, every inch, determine to clean away even the memory of Steven.

Annie straightens up, and looks away from the fridge, in the direction of Gemini's room, when she hears her yell. She listens intently for a moment but can't hear anything but the water running from the shower, so she resumes her work. "Note to self, teach her to overcome this or the poor kid is going to cry all her life." She murmurs under her breath as she puts the rest of what they bought inside the fridge.

David puts down the phone, the frown returning to his face when he thinks how that guy managed to get so close to Gemini without giving her time to run away. He considers calling her again, but dismisses the idea, she was upset enough, he shouldn't put her through that again. "What's done is done." He murmurs under his breath, shrugging slightly. Then there's a knock on the door and he walks there to get his pizza.


To be continued


Offline Cyberfox277

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HALF MOON RISING Part 36
« Reply #35 on: June 12, 2012, 12:47:15 am »
***Next Day – 11.30 PM***


Steven looks around when he gets near the lake, so far he didn't feel the buzz of another Immortal but it was still early. He always liked to be the first to arrive to study the ground anyway. He frowns thinking while he goes around, paying attention to the terrain. He hopes his threat on the newbie's girlfriend had worked and he finally has a chance to face him. He grins evilly when he touches the bullet proof vest he's wearing, if the kid thought he could just shoot him again he was going to get a surprise this time. He passes a bench but decides to keep walking, he's too excited to just sit and relax.

Steven checks his watch and murmurs to himself, "You better show up kid or I'm going to look for your girlfriend at the hotel reception desk." Promising himself to only wait for one hour. "I'm going to mail you her head in a box." He keeps threatening like the newbie could hear him.

David takes a deep breath when he turns right near the Lost Lagoon. He knows he's not far now, he'd been running at Stanley Park in the morning before work every time he could so he knows where the lake is. He wonders if this is the last time he's going down that road, then refuses to think about it. He couldn't stop himself from going through his life as he drove there, from childhood to present time and decides enough is enough and he should stop doing that and get some focus on what is about to happen.

Steven walks impatiently on the Beaver Lake Trail which surrounds the lake, checking his watch often. He promises himself again that if the kid doesn't show up soon, he's going to leave and go after his girlfriend. "Maybe that's where I should look for him, maybe he's protecting her or something." He murmurs under his breath. He hesitates for a moment, but decides to wait a little longer and keeps circling the lake.

David drives down Pipleine Road until he finds the parking lot he knows is there, to park his car. Before he leaves his car, he checks the ankle holster where he hid a small 25 caliber in case the headhunter decides to cheat. Everything looked fine so he exits the car, he makes a face when the awkward weight of the sword he's hiding in the linen of his raincoat pulls that side down.

David quickly adjusts his raincoat again, as he shakes his head, wondering how the other Immortals managed to look like they weren't carrying a sword. He, on the other hand, seemed to bump his leg against it with every step. He sighs as he locks his car, he hopes he can also look like that someday.

David looks around the deserted parking lot while he walks back to the road. This almost looks unreal, and he wonders for a minute what the hell is he doing in an empty parking lot at midnight with a sword inside his raincoat. Ever since he followed that crazy Immortal down the tunnel he has the feeling he fell down a hole trying to follow the white rabbit and hasn't reached the bottom yet. "Worse." He whispers as he keeps walking down the road, then he turns left to Tisdall Walk which lead directly to the lake.

Steven stops walking and checks his watch again, "He's not coming." He grumbles angrily. "You're going to be so sorry, Bradford." He threatens as he turns around intending to go back to his car, now he's decided to kill them both when he finds them, that fool had just condemn his girlfriend to die with him. He stops on his tracks when he feels an Immortal buzz, is that possible...

Davis stops the moment the feels an Immortal buzz, he knows the headhunter is near. He looks around cautiously as he pulls the sword out of the linen of his raincoat. He keeps it down trying to hide it against his leg as he resumes walking to the lake trail.

Steven grins evilly, someone's coming, he pulls out his sword, even if it wasn't who he was expecting he was going to have a Quickening tonight. His grins widens when he recognizes the man from the Bower Agency.

[Steven] I was about to look for your girlfriend, you know? You're late.

[David] Only a couple of minutes.

David shrugs as he stops a little far away from the headhunter.

[David] Planning to go somewhere?

[Steven] That's not the point! Midnight is midnight not a couple of minutes after.

Steven points out angrily as he approaches David.

David rolls his eyes as the headhunter approaches.

[David] You made me come here to fight to death or to bother me to death?

[Steven] Maybe you can avoid both if you tell me where your friend is.

Steven coaxes, he had no intention of letting that newbie go but maybe he was stupid enough to believe it, it had worked before.

[David] Yeah, right, like I'm going to do that.

David shakes his head disbelievingly.

[Steven] You may change your mind when you're down on your knees begging me to spare your life.

Steven sneers.

David takes off his raincoat, and tosses it aside. He knows he'd never be able to fight with it when he's not used to.

[David] Excuse me, don't you have to win the fight for that to happen?

[Steven] I intend to.

Steven swears as he charges at David.

David dodges the assault, raising his blade to defend himself.

Steven lunges again.

David parrying with ease steps back, drawing him on.

[Steven] Fight me.

Steven grumbles when the other man keeps avoiding him. Steven's saber is a huge weapon and he has the power to wield it. He swings the sword with lethal intent, his thrusts nearly knocking the sword from David's hands more than once. But David is more than just brute strength. He has learned well at the hand of his teacher. Steven isn't sure anymore how long they've been dancing their immortal dance of death, but he feels himself, despite his superior strength, losing ground. He is being forced backwards.

David charges at Steven then and he narrowly catches him with a lethal blow from his blade. But they both lose their footing and fall into the thick hedges.

Steven rolls free and disappears into the thick bushes that grow around the lake.

David stands up looking around for the other man. He knows Steven had more time to study the ground so he doesn't know where the attack may come from. He just stays there and listens intently. He can feel the other Immortal nearby though.

Steven takes a few deep breaths, trying to get his breath back. Then moves the bushes aside and charges at David.

David hears the hedges behind him rustle, and he whirls around to see Steven hurling himself through the shrubbery, his weapon aimed at David's head.

Steven lunges at David, forgetting everything else, but feels his right foot slip under him just as he's about to reach David, making him lose focus and balance for a split second.

David uses that faction of a second, when Steven opens his month with the surprise to run him through with his blade.

Steven yells at the sharp pain as David's sword enters his abdomen, his legs go limp below him and he kneels on the ground, growling in pain.

[David] I'm sorry, but you give me no choice.

David whispers just before he pulls out his sword and swings it, taking the headhunter's head. He sinks to his knees tiredly, gripping the hilt of his sword and awaits the Quickening.

As the Quickening begins David tries to relax, just to let it take him, but Steven had killed many Immortals in a short space of time and David is too green to take such a Quickening. The first bolt of lightning takes him in the chest, rocking him on my knees. He drops the sword without realizing it as the second bolt strikes, making every nerve ending in his body burst into flames. Coherent thought ceased as the lightning became almost continuous, hit after hit, the energy using him as some kind of flesh and blood conduit. He feels himself falling backward, then nothing.

David comes back with a startle, he's not sure if that Quickening killed him or just made him pass out. He shrugs when he decides the answer isn't that important. He manages to sit up and gasps when he realizes where he is, he's still near the headless corpse and the swords. "Imagine the cops find me in here." He murmurs under his breath as he tries to get to his feet. He can't help to smile amused when he imagines the headlines though 'Ex-cop arrested for taking man's head'. Then he frowns when he remembers something that had nothing to do with it.

[David] I can't believe I missed the end.

David complains as he stands up, he gasps in surprise when he sees his raincoat near him and Steven's corpse. He assumes it was his discarded raincoat that distracted the headhunter long enough for him to be able to get him.

David walks slowly to it and sighs disappointed when he sees the state it's in, after that Quickening he'll never be able to wear it again.

[David] Too bad, I was planning to keep you as a reminder but...

David shrugs as he walks back to the swords, he can still use it to wrap the swords back to his car. Once that's done he frowns looking down at Steven's body, he knows he should drag him to the water to make forensics job harder but he doesn't want to touch him. He makes a face just at that though, so he just picks up the swords and walks back to his car without looking back.

Ashley watches from the shadows and the bushes as the young Immortal walks off, having successfully finished his first battle. Not something all newbies managed to achieve. In fact, there were more than a few that didn’t. When they did win, it usually boded well for their survival. And as nearly anyone was better than the now fallen Steven…

[Ashley] Good luck, kid.

Ashley whispers to the now distant figure, who gets into his car and starts the engine and drives off. Ashley sighs and turns her attention to her assignment. Sadly his death was not the end of what she had to deal with. There was of course, the final write up, to do, and send out. But first... Seacouver had too high of an Immortal population to leave the beheaded body lying around for someone to stumble over.

The Watchers had unfortunately learned that one the hard way, in New York City, in the mid-80’s when the Kurgan had come to town. Since then areas with high Immortal densities for the given population had retrieval teams... or disposal teams. Depending on how you looked at it. The occasional beheaded body find was one thing, but many areas such as Seacouver, New York, Paris and others had much too high an Immortal body count, for the Watchers not to do SOMETHING about it.

Ashley reaches into her coat pocket and pulls out her cell phone, and dials a number, letting it ring. Once it is answered, Ashley simply speaks into the silence of the phone.

[Ashley] Steven Lee. Stanley Park. North Side of Beaver Lake.

[Voice on Phone] We’ll be there shortly. Is the area secure?

[Ashley] As secure as it gets for a public park at midnight. The Quickening drew no attention.

Ashley says by way of response, and then hung the phone up. Knowing that it would be taken care of, Ashley heads towards her own car. With as many years as she had been following Steven Lee, this night was closest she’d come to being found by him. When Steven had rolled into the bushes to get away from David, or rather to circle around the newbie and come at him from a different direction, he had done so, only a handful of feet from her hiding location. THANKFULLY, it was dark, she was dressed in dark colors, and had been crouched in a little alcove between about four or five bushes, which provided good screening of her, but allowed her a good vantage to watch the fight.

Picking leaves and twigs from her hair and clothing, Ashley finally makes it to her car and unlocks it and slips inside.

[Ashley] Thank God that’s finally over.

Ashley whispers to herself, then starts her car, and heads for her hotel intent on doing two things with the remains of the night: Taking a long hot shower, and finishing Steven’s close out.


To be continued

Offline Cyberfox277

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HALF MOON RISING Part 37
« Reply #36 on: June 17, 2012, 10:11:05 am »
***20 minutes later***


Gemini paces back and forth, anxiously looking at her phone every time she turns to move from back to forth, or forth to back.

Gemini makes another turn and looks at her phone.

Gemini paces to the other side of the room, and looks at her phone as she turns.

Annie looks away from the papers she was reading and side glances at Gemini. She sighs, it's been like this all evening but after midnight things had gotten worse. She wishes David calls her soon so they can finally have some peace and quiet.

Gemini turns again by the front window and looks at her phone, before pacing towards the back of the room.

Annie takes a deep breath, so she doesn't say anything, she knows why Gemini is in such a state, no need to upset her more.

[Gemini] Ring.

Gemini mutters softly at her phone as she turns again.

Annie sighs and tries to pay attention to what she was reading before, but she knows it's not going to work with Gemini pacing around.

[Gemini] Come on. Ring.

Gemini mutters to her phone again after another few, short minutes.

Annie side glances at Gemini, taking another deep breath, now the kid was talking to the phone, it was driving her crazy.

[Gemini] Come on, David. Where are you?

Gemini whispers, during one of her infrequent pauses at the window.

[Annie] You think he's going to hear you from here?

Annie asks looking back at the papers in her hands, the house was quiet except for Gemini's pacing, so she could hear the whisper.

Gemini rolls her eyes, still facing the window.

[Gemini] Of course not.

Gemini replies in a soft, but still normal, tone of voice.

[Annie] What time was he supposed to fight the headhunter? Have any idea?

Annie looks away from the papers to check her watch.

[Gemini] Midnight.

Gemini replies, checking her phone, and the time, again, and then resuming pacing.

Annie nods still looking at her watch, it was 1:28 now, whatever happened it's been decided by now.

[Annie] Why don't you try to call him? He should be ready by now.

Annie suggest with a mental prayer the headhunter didn't take the kid's head and no one answers the phone.

[Gemini] It's not gonna be a distraction?

Gemini asks. Fear of causing a distraction is why she hasn't already called.

[Annie] Yes, but it would distract them both. Besides I doubt they're still fighting? One hour and a half is a lot of fighting.

Annie shrugs, going back to her papers.

[Gemini] I suppose...

Gemini says hesitantly and picks up the phone, and hits the pre-programed number for David, and then hesitates her finger over the "send" button.

Annie sees Gemini hesitate but decides not to say anything, it was her choice, besides maybe it wasn't such a good idea. If the kid lost, tomorrow would be soon enough to find out.

Gemini lets out a gusty sigh and hits the send button and puts the phone to her ear. Listening.

Gemini bites her lower lip as the phone rings. After what feels like an eternity, the message system kicks in.

[Gemini] No.

Gemini whispers and quickly ends the call. As quickly as she can, Gemini dials David's home number and puts the phone to her ear again.

David 's voice comes back on the phone, a recorded message, " Hello, this is David Bradford, I can't answer right now, but leave a message and I'll call you back as soon as I can. Thanks."

[Gemini] No!

Gemini cries and quickly ends the call and then flings herself into a chair.

[Gemini] No answer.

Gemini says flatly to Annie.

[Gemini] Means he lost, doesn't it?

[Annie] Hmm, probably. But I don't really know, do I? I think we should wait till tomorrow.

Annie answers, taking a deep breath. Her and her brilliant ideas, why didn't she just let it be? She feels tempted to roll up the papers and smack her own head with them.

Gemini doesn't say anything, just turns her head to stare out the window.

David turns down the engine, after he's parked his car in front of the apartment complex where he lived, and rubs his forehead tiredly. Then he slowly exits his car, locks it and moves to the trunk to get the swords, he picks them up, closes the trunk. Finally he walks slowly to the entrance, while he thinks he can't wait to get to bed. "Still need to call Gemini first." He reminds himself as he moves to the elevator.

[Annie] Look, Gemini, something could have happened to his cell phone during the fight. Maybe they both ended up in the water, and I don't know how much these things are water proof, or maybe they stepped over it. We don't really know yet.

Annie points out, regretting once again she had suggested Gemini called David, as long as she was expecting his call she wouldn't know he wasn't answering his phone.

[Gemini] Yeah. Suppose so.

Gemini mutters not looking away from the window and the blackness of night that it held.

David gets out of the elevator, and walks to his front door. He opens the door, carries the swords to the living room and leaves them on the coffee table. Then he sits on the couch tiredly, he rubs his eyes for a moment before he decides to pick up the phone to call Gemini.

Gemini jumps as her phone starts ringing. Pick it up, she sees the number.

[Gemini] Oh, thank God.

Gemini mutters and hits the answer key, and puts the phone to her ear.

[Gemini] David?

[David] Yeah, it's me.

David answers tiredly, while he extends his legs over the seat of the couch.

[David] Sorry I didn't call before, but I didn't see a payphone on the way home.

Annie takes a deep sigh of relief when Gemini starts talking to David. She really didn't want the kid to mourn him for she had no idea how long.

[Gemini] What happened to your cell?

Gemini asks.

[David] It got destroyed by the Quickening. Grilled actually. I certainly hope I can retrieve the sim card.

David makes a face at that, he'd have a lot of numbers to look for and that's assuming he could get all the numbers he had in there.

[Gemini] Good luck with that.

Gemini replies, relaxing at the sound of his voice. He did it.

[David] Yes, I should have figured not to take it, especially since I had a challenge and all.

David nods despite she can't see him, while he moves on the couch to be able to lay down.

[Gemini] Or rather left it in the car.

Gemini mutters.

[David] Yes, next time I will, though I hope there's not a next time so soon.

David says looking in the kitchen direction, he's thirsty but he doesn't feel like getting out of the couch yet.

[Gemini] Me too.

Gemini says softly.

David yawns and blinks after that, trying to keep his eyes open.

[David] Why don't I tell you the fight some other time? I really could use some sleep now.

[Gemini] Alright. Me too. I only stayed up this late, 'cause I was worried. I'll talk to you later.

Gemini says quickly.

[Gemini] Goodnight!

Gemini says and hangs the phone up.

[David] Goodnight.

David answers sleepily without realizing Gemini wouldn't listen to him anymore. "She was worried." He murmurs to himself as he puts down the phone. Apparently that should mean something but he's too tired to think, he can barely keep his eyes open at the time. He tries to get up and go to the bedroom but decides he doesn't need to at the moment. " Just a couple of minutes." He whispers to himself as he closes his eyes and dozes off to sleep immediately.


To be continued





Offline Cyberfox277

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HALF MOON RISING Part 38
« Reply #37 on: June 26, 2012, 12:15:58 pm »
***Next Day – 3:10***


Methos yawns while he looks at the computer reading a report recently posted there. Ashley's report had been interesting but this one was boring, who cares where the Immortal that guy was following had lunch and did his shopping?

[Methos] Come on, you've filled a report for this?

Methos whispers to himself not quite believing what he reads. He gives up after a while, and before he moves to the next one, he decides to have another coffee, lunch had made him sleepy.

Ashley pulls up in front of Adam Pierson's house, and parks her car. Getting out, she grabs her laptop bag, just in case she needs it. Ashley locks the door and proceeds up to the front of Adam's house and knocks on the door.

Methos is on the way to the kitchen and turns his head when he hears a knock on the front door, he didn't feel a buzz so it was definitely a mortal. He smiles when he sees Ashley through the window on the front door, and opens it.

[Methos] Hello.

[Ashley] Hi, Adam.

Ashley smiles.

[Ashley] I hear that Joe is on extended leave and left you in charge?

[Methos] Yeah, he did.

Methos nods, he refuses to think about what made Joe do that and tries to change subject.

[Methos] Come on in. You want some coffee?

Methos asks as he moves away from the door and walks to the kitchen.

[Methos] I was just about to have one.

[Ashley] Sure.

Ashley says following Adam inside, and setting her bag just inside the door, so she wouldn't forget where it was, and following Adam into the kitchen.

[Methos] I'd offer some champagne but it's kind of early for that, no?

Methos asks with a smile as he moves around to kitchen to get two coffee cups.

[Ashley] Maybe just a bit early for that.

Ashley chuckles.

[Ashley] But I sure could have used some last night.

[Methos] Well, you know the Watchers, you're on mandatory leave so you can have all the champagne you want.

Methos chuckles as he pours the coffee in the two coffee cups.

Ashley groans slightly, but accepts the coffee as Methos hands her a cup.

[Ashley] I could wish that leave was voluntary, rather than mandatory.

[Methos] Then some people wouldn't take one, hmmm... I can't think of anyone at the moment.

Methos teases hoping she'd get the hint she was one of those people.

[Ashley] I can.

Ashley replies, but smiles, letting Adam know she knew quite well he was referring to her.

[Methos] I really like you, Ash. We go way back, but let's face it, you're a workaholic.

Methos chuckles softly gesturing her to follow him to the living room.

[Ashley] Yeah, well, we both know how I ended up that way.

Ashley says, shaking her head ruefully and following Adam into the living room, and waiting for him to take a seat, before picking one for herself.

Methos seats on his favorite place on the couch, then puts the coffee cup on the end table after taking a sip.

[Methos] Who would have thought that Bradford kid would take your guy's head.

Methos shakes his head a little, amused at the irony.

[Ashley] Can't say I'm sorry. Bradford's profile shows him to be a good enough kid. A damn sight better than Steven was, that's for sure.

Ashley says with a shrug.

[Methos] Yes, but you know you're not going to be assigned to him, right? We have already someone working at the Bower Agency...

Methos hesitates in which pronoun to use, then decides she doesn't need to know who that person is.

[Methos] "They" can keep an eye on both of them.

[Ashley] Didn't seem to be doing that great of job. I saw no sign of anybody besides me, Lee and Bradford last night.

Ashley frowns slightly, as she went over it again in her head.

[Methos] Well, "their" assignment is out of town and "they" had to keep tracking one. Obviously the wrong choice but...

Methos shrugs, obviously the Watcher working at the Bower Agency thought Bradford was going to lose anyway.

[Ashley] Not that I want it... or am eligible for it at the moment... but given the fight last night, Bradford should have his own Watcher.

Ashley says thoughtfully.

[Methos] Really? You think he's going to last?

Methos asks, he doesn't bother to mention they were kind of short on personnel, Ashley already knew that.

[Ashley] He's quick with a gun, and not afraid to use it, when he needs too... But he's honorable... which isn't always a good thing for Immortals. He's quick on his feet... really quick.

Ashley says thinking out loud and comparing David Bradford to other Immortals she's seen.

[Ashley] It's kind of early, what with this being his first head and all, but... he's one of the best young ones I've seen.

Ashley concludes.

[Methos] Really?

Methos repeats slightly surprised, maybe he'd underestimated the kid but he sounded like a jerk last time he'd seen him at Joe's.

Ashley nods slowly.

[Ashley] Given that young ones, I can't call them all newbies, is most of what I've seen, besides Steven, for the last 8 years, and saw them quite regularly...

Ashley trails off, considering again for a moment and then nods.

[Ashley] Yeah, he's one of the best. Certainly has more potential than any other young ones I've seen. Besides that, he bested Steven, which has gotta say something. Steven may have been an addict, and preferred young ones, that doesn't mean he was a slouch. He did get a few older ones, when challenged while I followed him, so. Yeah. Bradford is up there.

Ashley concludes her thoughts.

[Methos] Oh yes, I think you've seen quite a few of them.

Methos nods in agreement.

[Methos] And I'd rather have another boyscout than another headhunter by the way.

Methos adds while he thinks maybe that kid wouldn't be so bad once he had a little more experience. Maybe he'd learn to keep his mouth shut when he should.

[Ashley] You and me both.

Ashley mutters.

Methos picks up his coffee cup to take a sip.

[Methos] So anything happened you didn't put on that report? I mean, I just read a report from one of the new guys and he didn't know where to stop, maybe you didn't mention it because you didn't think it was important?

Methos asks, now he's really curious about that Bradford kid.

[Ashley] What do you mean, by didn't know when to stop?

Ashley asks, curious herself.

[Methos] Where this guy has lunch, where he buys his groceries, when he takes a shower, when he's watching TV... Who cares, for God's sake?

Methos shakes his head disbelievingly, maybe he should have a talk with that new Watcher, he was the one who had to read all the reports after all.

Ashley shakes her head amused.

[Ashley] I know we're told to be detailed in our reports but, goodness... Did he report what TV shows? And what happened on the shows? Or how many times he scratched his balls?

Ashley asks with a chuckle.

[Methos] Hmm, he did mention that.

Methos nods chuckling softly.

[Methos] Do we really need to know that?

Ashley shakes head sadly.

[Ashley] Immortal or not, they still deserve SOME privacy.

[Methos] Exactly, we're supposed to record who wins in a fight and who they meet, not what they do when they're alone.

Methos says before he takes another sip of coffee, he makes a face afterwards, that coffee was getting too cold to be drinkable.

Ashley sighs, then takes a sip of the coffee. Realizing its getting cold, she swallows down the rest of it.

[Ashley] Well, with regards to Bradford... There is one thing that's in my report, but could be clarified slightly.

Ashley says slowly.

[Methos] Yes? What is it?

Methos asks, as far as he knew her report sounded clear enough.

[Ashley] Well, I said he spoke to Steven, before he took Steven's head. Which as we both know in and of itself is clear enough.

Ashley says slowly, pulling the memory of the moment from her memory which she had trained to be nearly perfect.

[Methos] Yeah, there can be only one. Really original, most of them say that.

Methos says assuming that's what Bradford had said.

[Ashley] Yeah... but Bradford didn't say that.

Ashley says.

[Methos] He didn't?

Methos frowns puzzled.

[Methos] What did he say then?

[Ashley] He apologized, to Steven. If you can believe it.

Ashley replies, watching Adam's face carefully, wondering how he'll take it.

Methos raises his eyebrows in surprise, but manages to catch his month before it hangs open.

[Methos] He what?

[Ashley] Bradford apologized. To Steven.

Ashley says, making it separate sentences, to make it clear.

Methos smiles amused, that kid didn't stop to surprise him, "Oh, I love good guys." he thinks to himself.

[Methos] Don't tell me he said something like, I'm sorry I take your head.

Methos chuckles softly, now that would beat all.

[Ashley] He said, and I quote, 'I'm sorry, but you give me no choice.'

Ashley says, with an ironic grin of her own.

Methos shakes his head amused, he didn't quite know what to answer to that.

[Methos] Young Immortals are too much.

Methos manages to say after a while.

[Methos] Some win the fight but don't have the guts to take the opponent's head and live or rather die to regret it.

[Ashley] Of which happened with Steven, once.

Ashley replies.

[Ashley] At least... according to his chronicle it did... 30 years ago.

[Methos] Yes, I was curious enough to take a look at his chronicle.

Methos shakes his head talking a deep breath.

[Methos] How can anyone be so dumb is beyond me.

[Ashley] Well, Steven wasn't one of them.

Ashley says shaking her head.

[Ashley] Sadly.

Methos smirks.

[Methos] He was, he chose to take challenge after challenge, the odds were against him.

[Ashley] In that aspect, yes. But he wasn't in the not having the guts to take the opponents head.

Ashley chuckles.

[Methos] Oh no, that one really enjoyed it.

Methos nods still smiling.

[Ashley] He was addicted.

Ashley says flatly.

[Methos] Yes, like a junkie after his next fix.

Methos points out making a face at it, he knows that guy wouldn't stop at anything to get it, just like a real junkie. He's glad someone took care of him before he gave all the Immortals away.

Ashley nods in agreement.

[Methos] Is it my impression or he wasn't really sane anymore? From what I read he didn't mind making a scene in public to get his way.

Methos remembers reading about it, he really took chances sometimes in the past and was almost caught once or twice in the act.

[Ashley] I... and this is my personal opinion.

Ashley says firmly.

[Ashley] I believe his sanity was... borderline. I don't think he was completely over the edge of sanity. But he wasn't completely sane either.

Ashley says.

[Methos] Too long sporting an addiction? Reminds me of that old friend of MacLeod.

Methos frowns thinking, trying to remember the man's name.

[Methos] Brian Cullen?

[Ashley] Yes... I recall him, if only vaguely. It was unlikely he would ever come across Steven, so...

Ashley shrugs slightly.

[Methos] Yes, Steven only hunted newbies, this guy would be too old for him.

Methos nods in agreement, looking down at his empty coffee cup and wondering if he felt like having another one.

[Ashley] Yeah...

Ashley nods.

[Ashley] And unfortunately for him, but fortunately for the rest of us, Bradford just wasn't quite new enough.

[Methos] Maybe he was fooled by the fact that Bradford doesn't bother to carry a sword.

Methos points out, while he thinks that kid was unconventional to say the least.

[Ashley] Which isn't exactly the smartest on Bradford's part.

Ashley says shaking her head slightly.

[Methos] Well, I'd agree with you but according to what you wrote Steven attacked him in that parking lot and the kid managed to get away.

Methos points out with a smirk, he loves the fact he uses her chronicle to prove his theory.

[Ashley] True. But it wouldn't have worked if Steven had taken the precaution of wearing a bullet proof vest.

Ashley replies.

[Methos] He probably would have aimed for the head then.

Methos shrugs, that's what he'd do.

[Ashley] But by the time he would have realized Steven had taken the precaution it is entirely possible, Steven could have closed the difference. And of course, that would likely mean that sadly, I wouldn't be in need of a new assignment.

Ashley grins.

[Methos] Yeah, the world is full of what could have beens.

Methos nods as he smiles at Ashley.

[Ashley] And hence the theory of the multi-verse.

Ashley grins.

[Methos] Yes, but Steven also could have lost before, or that dumb Immortal could have not spared his life.

Methos shakes his head at the deceased Immortal's stupidity, who would spare a headhunter's life?

[Methos] Damn, a person can go crazy thinking about it, the fact that everything we do, the choices we make, makes us what we are.

Ashley nods.

[Ashley] And every choice we make, another universe splits off where we made a different choice.

Ashley smiles slightly, enjoying the theoretical turn the conversation had taken.

[Methos] Well we can't go back and make a different choice on this universe, so why worry about it?

Methos chuckles softly, while he thinks if that's the case, his part on the number of universes would be BIG.

Ashley shrugs.

[Ashley] For fun.

[Methos] If you say so.

Methos almost makes a face, when the thought that somewhere in the alternative universes, Methos would still be a Horseman, now that wasn't a reassuring thought.

[Ashley] Just think... There could be universes out there where the Game doesn't exist.

Ashley smiles.

[Methos] And then there would be no Watchers and we never would have met.

Methos points out, the smile returning to his lips.

[Methos] Or we'd be out of work.

[Ashley] Well, if there were still Immortals, there could still be Watchers. We just wouldn't be recording the outcome of the Game.

Ashley grins.

[Ashley] The purpose we have for recording Immortal lives, still would exist. It'd just be a little different.

[Methos] Maybe, but I'm sure from the Watchers' perspective it would be boring. Who'd want to document something when nothing happens?

Methos says as he thinks that from his Immortal perspective he wouldn't complain a day about it.

[Ashley] Actually... if there were no Game... there would be no reason for the non-interference clause in our mandate. And think of what we could learn from all the Immortals! Especially the older ones.

Ashley says unable to help the smile the spreads across her face.

Methos smiles amused at that.

[Methos] Yes, it should be interesting.

Methos nods in agreement, while he thinks to himself, little does she know.

[Ashley] Should be? Or Would be?

Ashley asks, with a little smile, catching the wording Adam had used.

[Methos] What makes you think they'd waste any time with us if they didn't have to?

Methos asks with a shrug, he's not sure I'd bother to be in the Watchers if there was no Game, he'd have better things to do?

[Ashley] That also is a good point. But hey, it's nice to dream, isn't it?

Ashley grins.

[Methos] Oh yes, nothing can go wrong that way, reality isn't so forgiving.

Methos nods with a sigh, he's been alive long enough to realize once you experience something it's not like you fantasized about it.

[Methos] Anything can go wrong in reality, but in our dreams it's always... perfect?

Methos adds after a moment.

[Ashley] Hence why they're dreams.

Ashley smiles ruefully.

[Methos] Can't argue with that.

Methos smiles back at Ashley.

Ashley chuckles.

[Ashley] Which is the point.

[Methos] So are you going back to California? Now that you're on leave?

Methos asks as he puts the empty cup on the end table, deciding not to have more coffee for now.

Ashley frowns slightly.

[Ashley] Not if I can help it... Do you by chance have my next assignment for me? I know, I can't start now. Figured if it's a ways away, I'd road trip there.

Ashley replies.

[Methos] Ashley, you only lost your assignment yesterday. Take a deep breath. Get your things in order, then we'll see.

Methos shakes his head disbelievingly, she was already worried about her next assignment.

[Methos] I'm only asking because I know you have an apartment in LA, Steven used to live there before he began to wander around.

[Ashley] My aunt and uncle moved to LA about 4 years ago.

Ashley says flatly.

[Methos] Oh. I see.

Methos nods understandingly, she had to say no more.

[Methos] I suppose you want an assignment in another city then.

[Ashley] As long as it's not LA.

Ashley replies.

[Methos] Alright, I'll see what I can come up with.

Methos shrugs.

[Methos] There must be a few Immortals without Watchers, we're short on personnel as Joe told you.

[Ashley] Yeah.

Ashley replies with a sigh.

[Methos] Maybe someone nice this time, you could use a break.
 
Methos suggest, he knows she'd been watching that headhunter for almost 8 years.

[Ashley] You know.. I wouldn't even mind another headhunter... as long as it keeps me away from LA.

Ashley sighs.

[Methos] OK, I'll have to take a look at the database, then we'll see.

Methos shrugs unconcerned, she was on mandatory leave, so he figures he can leave that for later.

[Methos] So you're going to stick around, I take it?

[Ashley] Until I get a new assignment?

Ashley says hesitantly.

[Methos] Alright, Seacouver is a nice city.

Methos nods, he only hopes he doesn't get a phone call from her everyday asking about her new assignment.

[Ashley] Thanks.

Ashley replies, relieved that she wasn't going to be ordered out of Seacouver.

[Methos] Thanks for what?

Methos frowns puzzled for a minute, then he realizes she's thanking him for letting her stay. He chuckles softly.

[Methos] Ashley, that's what leave means, you go anywhere you want and do whatever you what, you know?

[Ashley] Yes... but it wouldn't be the first time a Watcher was ordered to leave the city in which their assignment lost.

Ashley points out.

[Methos] I think that's when the Watcher has been watched, and no, you wouldn't let that happen in a million years so...

Methos shrugs unconcerned.

[Methos] Don't see a reason to.

[Ashley] Good.

Ashley replies.

[Methos] So just take some time off, enjoy your leave, maybe I'll have something for you when you come back.

Methos suggests realizing it's probably too hard for her to follow his advice.

[Ashley] Yeah... plan on revisiting the spa tomorrow.

Ashley grins.

[Methos] Good, that should do it.

Methos nods with a small smile on his lips.

[Ashley] Yeah, for tomorrow. Doesn't help me with the rest of the rest of the time off.

Ashley says shaking her head with a smile.

[Methos] Well, there's Joe's Bar if you like the Blues, the Art Gallery had an exhibition from the Musée d'Orsay, don't know if it's still on though. There's Stanley park, doubt you paid any attention when you were following Steven around.

Methos frowns a little wondering what to suggest next, then he remembers the sports events.

[Methos] There's some horse track and some baseball field.

Methos' smile broadens at his next suggestion.

[Methos] And there's me if you want some company for dinner.

[Ashley] Now that I have to say I would love.

Ashley grins back at Adam.

[Methos] Alright then, it's settled.

Methos nods at Ashley still smiling, then he thinks for a moment with a slight frown.

[Methos] It's not against the rules, is it?

Methos asks figuring she'd know if it was.

Ashley glances over at Adam, a little unsure if he was teasing her or not.

[Ashley] Of course it's not. If it were most of what the Watchers do outside of field work would be against the rules.

[Methos] Good, just trying to be sure. Never paid much attention to rules anyway. People on research get away with it.

Methos points out even though she knows about it, she used to be on research when she started with the Watchers.

[Ashley] I know. Research doesn't have much in the way of rules, other than to NOT seek out an Immortal to answer one's questions.

Ashley says with a bit of a smirk, well aware of several researches who, in the past, practically had to be restrained from doing so.

[Methos] Yeah, I know.

Methos nods trying to conceal his amusement, obviously she never heard he hangs out in the bar with Duncan MacLeod.

[Ashley] Well... I suppose I should probably be going.

Ashley says with a sigh.

[Methos] Yes, I should go back to those reports.

Methos sighs, the idea didn't appeal to him at all.

[Ashley] Yeah, you have fun with that.

Ashley chuckles as she stands up.

[Methos] Careful, I might reassign you to do that.

Methos teases, chuckling softly, as he gets to his feet to take Ashley to the door.

[Ashley] Go ahead.

Ashley says, almost hopeful that he would, now.

Methos shakes his head.

[Methos] Huh huh, you know that's against the rules.

[Ashley] Yeah.

Ashley sighs and shrugs.

[Methos] You'd break the rules on this one, right? How shocking.

Methos teases, he's not surprised at all, he knows this is the rule she'd hate the most.

[Ashley] It's more of I don't think it's necessary for every case. It's meant more for those who grew attached to their Immortals. And that I certainly didn't do, towards Steven.

Ashley sighs as they reach Adam's front door.

[Methos] No, I don't think anyone would.

Methos shrugs, it wasn't him who came up with those rules anyway.

[Ashley] Well... I guess I'll see you later, then?

Ashley asks slowly.

[Methos] Yes, give me a call when you feel like some company?

Methos suggests, not sure which way she preferred.

[Methos] Or you want me to call you?

[Ashley] Call me if you're in desperate need of a break from those reports, or yes, I'll give you a call.

Ashley smiles.

[Methos] OK then.

Methos nods chuckling softly, as he opens the front door for her.

[Ashley] Thanks, Adam.

Ashley smiles as she steps out the door.

[Methos] Bye, Ash, have fun.

Methos says half teasingly.

[Ashley] I'll try, Adam.

Ashley says with a wave as she walks down the sidewalk to her car.

Methos closes the door, he stays there a moment watching her walk back to her car, then with a deep sigh he goes back to work.


To be continued

Offline Cyberfox277

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HALF MOON RISING Part 39
« Reply #38 on: August 05, 2012, 12:05:26 pm »
***Same Day – Early evening***


[Gemini] You know, you really don't have to come with me... or take me. Whatever.

Gemini says protesting, not wanting to put Annie out.

[Annie] I can always have a drink at the bar.

Annie shrugs as she gets her raincoat and checks the swords inside the linen.

[Annie] Don't worry I won't be underway.

[Gemini] I just don't want to put you out. You're already doing so much for me.

Gemini protests.

[Annie] Gemini, just because that headhunter is dead, it doesn't mean there aren't more Immortals around. There are, and not all of them are friendly.

Annie points out and she puts the raincoat on and looks for the car keys.

[Annie] Considering what happened the last time I left you alone, I rather take you, saves trouble in the long run.

[Gemini] I just don't want to put you out.

Gemini says again softly.

[Annie] Gemini, I don't mind going to Joe's with you. I could use a drink and listen to some blues while you talk to David. No problem.

Annie shrugs again, while she walks to the door.

[Gemini] Okay.

Gemini says softly, getting her stuff together and following Annie out the door.

Annie walks to the garage to take out the Bentley, she side glances at Gemini when she remembers something.

[Annie] And I should get you a car, have any idea what do you want?

[Gemini] Something cool.

Gemini says with a bit of a smile.

Annie rolls her eyes just as she's about to enter the car, and frowns slightly at Gemini.

[Annie] Oh, that's helpful. Isn't what someone thinks it's cool a matter of opinion?

Annie shakes her head as she opens the door, and gets inside the car. She could never get a straight answer out of that kid.

[Gemini] I guess.

Gemini shrugs and gets into the car herself.

Annie hits the remote to open the garage door before she starts the car.

[Annie] So what do you think it's cool?

[Gemini] An Aston Martin One-77, a Lamborghini Aventador J, or a Ferrari 458 Spider.

Gemini replies promptly, knowing they're not exactly practice for her.

Annie side glances at Gemini while she takes the car out of the garage and hits the remote to close the door. She opens the front gate in the same move knowing it will take a while for it to open.

[Annie] Don't you think they're a little too grown up for you?

Annie asks as she moves the car slowly to the front gate, giving it time to open.

[Gemini] You asked what cars I thought was cool. Those are cars I think are cool.

Gemini says with a shrug, and a grin.

[Gemini] I never said anything about practicality.

[Annie] Besides I already have a Ferrari back in Austria, you go there and I'll let you drive it.

Annie shrugs as she exits the front gate, she stops at the entrance giving it time to close again before she moves on.

[Annie] If you were mortal I wouldn't dream of it, but since you're not...

Annie shrugs again, the worse that could happen was she woke up in the morgue.

[Gemini] What kind of Ferrari?

Gemini asks, curious.

[Annie] A Ferrari 360 Spider. Black, red doesn't go with my hair.

Gemini grins at the last comment.

Annie smiles still checking the gate, it finally closes and she moves the car in the direction of downtown.

[Gemini] The 360 spider is alright. It's not my favorite Ferrari, but it's not bad.

Gemini chuckles.

[Annie] Of course it's not, it's not flashy enough, you don't turn heads driving one.

Annie teases, chuckling softly.

[Gemini] It's still a nice car. And they made it 6 years. It is one of the nicer Ferrari's. Just not my favorite.

Gemini replies with a smile.

[Annie] I had no idea you were into cars that much.

Annie side glances at Gemini slightly surprised, then looks back at the road.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] My dad was. I guess he brought it up for me to love 'em. I don't talk about it much, 'cause well... most people just don't understand why a girl would be into cars.

[Annie] Don't see a problem with it.

Annie shrugs as she keeps driving, then frowns when she sees a squad car on her tail.

[Gemini] Most guys and other girls think it's weird. So, I keep it to myself.

Gemini replies.

[Annie] Hey, you didn't rob a bank or killed someone lately, have you?

Annie tries to joke about it, she hated to have one of those behind her even when she didn't do anything.

[Gemini] No.. Why?

Gemini asks a little amused by the question.

[Annie] We have a police squad car on our tail, must be a coincidence. Ironically you've been keeping me out of trouble lately.

Annie explains with a shrug. Still keeping an eye on the rear view mirror.

[Gemini] Huh... maybe they're just bored and running random plates?

Gemini suggests.

[Annie] Maybe. Noticed out of habit I suppose.

Annie is relieved when she sees it turning to a side road.

[Annie] There. It's gone.

Gemini just shrugged to herself not responding.

Annie frowns again when two blocks down there's another squad car, luckily they're almost at Joe's, so she doesn't have to put up with them any longer.

[Annie] Shouldn't drink too much though, apparently they're trying to fine someone.

Annie murmurs as she parks the car in the parking lot.

[Gemini] Well, you wouldn't want to get a DUI. That'd be even worse than a fine.

Gemini says, hearing Annie's murmur.

[Annie] Yes, maybe we should take a cab back if all these cops are out, we'll see.

Annie shrugs unconcerned, she had no idea how much she was going to drink.

[Annie] Depends on how much I feel like drinking.

[Gemini] Yeah... and what? How quickly it burns out of your system?

Gemini asks.

[Annie] Well, it depends on how much I drink and how long I stay without drinking before I get to make that test.

Annie answers with a shrug, before she exits the car.

[Annie] Don't worry, I don't want any trouble with the law. I just got settled in, last thing I want is to have to change my name and move again.

Annie makes a face at that, the first time around had been boring enough but it couldn't be helped.

Gemini shrugs, unsure of what to say.

Annie locks the car and starts to walk towards Joe's bar.

[Annie] Come on then.

Annie says without looking back.

[Gemini] I'm comin'.

Gemini replies, moving up alongside Annie.

Annie makes a face and stops on her tracks when she gets near Joe's bar, judging by the buzz she'd felt there wasn't just David inside the bar. She takes a deep breath and resumes walking, probably it was Judge Everson and Adam Pierson.

Gemini winces slightly.

[Gemini] That's a strong one...

Gemini murmurs, more to herself than to Annie.

Annie opens the door and blinks trying to adjust to the darker interior. She takes a deep sigh of relief when she sees the somewhat familiar faces of the other Immortals.

[Annie] So far, so good.

Annie murmurs to herself as she walks inside the bar.

Gemini looks around the inside of the bar, as she follows Annie in, and feels a relaxing of the buzz, now that she's identified the sources.

[Gemini] There's David.

Gemini says, seeing the Immortal she was looking for at the bar.

[Annie] Yes, I see him.

Annie nods, she had no intention of going near him anyway.

[Annie] Why don't you go and talk to him, I'll be at a table?

Annie suggests, looking back at Gemini.

[Gemini] Alright.

Gemini says, and starts towards the bar.

[Methos] Look who we have here.

Methos whispers to Aldria, finally turning his gaze away from the door.

[Ally] You sound surprised.

Ally replies, also in a whisper.

[Methos] Not really, should have expected it since Steven got a head shorter last night.

Methos shrugs picking up his beer glass to take a sip.

[Ally] Especially given where the youngest has gone.

Ally says watching Gemini bee line it for David.

[Methos] Yes, I bet she wants to hear all the sordid details.

Methos chuckles softly, returning Annie's nod to them.

Ally also returns the nod from the younger woman.

[Ally] I don't know.

Ally shrugs slightly.

[Ally] Doesn't seem like the type to want all the sordid details.

Methos shrugs, while he looks down to play with his glass on the table.

[Methos] I wouldn't know.

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] Maybe she knows.

Ally says with the barest of nods towards Annie.

[Methos] Yes... Don't know why they're all avoiding us tonight, even your admirer is sitting at the bar.

Methos teases, remembering the kid didn't even try to sit on their table when he came in.

[Ally] Probably just as well.

Ally can't help a slight smirk.

[Methos] Do we look particularly threatening tonight?

Methos asks with a frown, he didn't think so but still there was something weird about it.

[Ally] Maybe they think we're on a date.

Ally laughs at the absurdity of the idea.

[Gemini] David.

Gemini says, greeting the other Immortal, relieved that he was safe and hale.

[David] Hello.

David looks down at her with a smile on his lips.

[David] Your teacher doesn't want to talk to me, I take it?

David points out to let her know he noticed when the other woman left.

[Gemini] She only came with, 'cause well... I don't have a vehicle, and she doesn't wanna let me out by myself, yet.

Gemini shrugs, sliding onto a bar stool next to David.

[David] Well you don't have to worry about Steven anymore.

David smiles looking around and trying to get the bartender's attention.

[Gemini] Thank God.

Gemini whispers to herself.

[Gemini] What about you? You okay?

[David] Yeah, slept 12 hours straight though. Craig is going to end up firing me if I keep skipping work.

David shrugs, well his boss knew what he'd been doing.

[Gemini] Yeah, but he's... one of us. He'll understands, won't he?

Gemini asks.

[David] Yeah, I think so.

David nods, he doesn't bother to explain to her that he was partly joking, if she didn't get the joke maybe it's because it wasn't that good anyway.

Methos frowns at Annie, sitting at a nearby table.

[Methos] Why don't you sit with us, you need a written invitation?

[Ally] We're not going to bite.

Ally chuckles.

[Gemini] So?

Gemini asks looking at David expectantly.

Annie raises an eyebrow at them, then stands up, picks up her drink and moves to their table.

[Annie] I didn't know you two were so desperate for my company.

Annie shakes her head, slightly amused, as she pulls a chair to sit down.

[David] So?

David asks a little distracted still trying to get the bartender to get him a drink.

[Gemini] You're okay, then?

Gemini asks, both wanting details, if only vague details, and not wanting details.

[David] Yes, I've rested enough, I was exhausted last night. And that thing that happens in the end...

David wrinkles his nose at the Quickening, he wasn't sure if he'd liked it or not.

[Gemini] Yeah?

Gemini says.

[David] Well, actually I passed out after a while... or died... I'm not sure. I guess it's one of the things we'll never be sure again when we're alone. When we die or not?

David says, while he thinks to himself he should reserve judgment on that until he'd felt a complete Quickening.

[Gemini] Well... I'm sure sometimes it'll be more obvious than others.

Gemini says responding to David's question, not sure what to say to the rest of it.

[David] What I remember the most it's the pain, we're literally struck by lightning and yet...

David struggles to explain, realizing it's hard to explain that to someone who never felt that before.

[David] ... In a way you feel very much alive. It's a really weird feeling.

[Gemini] I can't say that I'm anxious to experience it.

Gemini whispers.

[David] I know I wasn't, but that guy wouldn't leave me alone.

David finally manages to get the bartender's attention and orders a beer.

[Gemini] Or me.

Gemini whispers softly.

[Ally] So, how is teaching going?

Ally asks Annie, curiously, knowing that Gemini is Annie's first student.

[Annie] Better than I was expecting, maybe there's still hope for that kid.

Annie answers taking a small sip, she's trying not to drink too much tonight in case she's pulled over on the way home.

[Ally] Oh? What were you expecting?

Ally asks.

[Annie] Well for once she never complains when it's practice time, I always thought she would, don't know why.

Annie shrugs, she's old enough to know first impressions are not always right.

[Ally] Really? Most do complain. Especially after the first time or two.

Ally says a little impressed, glancing over at the young Immortal, before turning back to Annie.

[Methos] Yeah, when the novelty wears off.

Methos nods in agreement, gesturing a waitress to get him another beer.

[Methos] Besides it's really dull in the beginning.

[Annie] To the teacher or to the student?

Annie asks with a slight frown, she's not getting what he means by that.

[Methos] Both?

Methos says with a smirk, luckily he didn't remember his time as a student, probably was nothing worth remembering anyway.

Annie takes a deep breath, watching her student and that Bradford kid.

[Annie] I only wish she didn't care so much about him.

Annie murmurs under her breath.

[Ally] And why is that?

Ally asks, curious as to Annie's reasonings.

[Annie] You should have seen how she behaved last night. Apparently his cell phone got destroyed during the fight and when he didn't answer the phone...

Annie shakes her head remembering it.

[Annie] If he got killed it would take her years to get back to her normal self, if ever.

[Ally] Indeed?

Ally asks, arching an eyebrow.

[Methos] That's too bad, I always thought he preferred "older" women.

Methos teases, side glancing at Aldria.

[Methos] I may be wrong, of course.

Methos smirks picking up his beer glass.

[Ally] I think he DOES.

Ally laughs.

[Annie] Yes, I think the poor guy didn't notice it yet, but he's a guy, can't blame him for that.

Annie chuckles softly while she picks up her glass to take a sip.

[Ally] Poor girl.

Ally says, still laughing softly.

[Methos] Hey, I'm a guy and I've noticed it. Not that hard to figure out, he's just the type a teenager would fall head over heels for.

Methos points out as he turns his head to side glance at the two Immortals at the bar.

Annie looks up at her student and sighs looking down at her glass.

[Annie] I know. But it's such a bad idea to care so much about another Immortal though.

[Ally] Be that as it may, it doesn't stop most.

Ally returns.

[Methos] Yes, it's not the smartest thing to do, but it happens all the time.

Methos shrugs as he side glances at Annie, who did she think she was fooling?

[Methos] Can you tell me it didn't happen to you regarding your student?

Annie takes a deep breath, she takes a sip and only then nods in agreement.

[Annie] Yeah, I know that kid managed to sneak under my defenses when I wasn't looking. I only realized that when we had to leave the hotel.

Annie shrugs as she takes another deep breath.

[Annie] I just couldn't leave her alone.

[Ally] She managed it fairly quickly didn't she then?

Ally asks, smiling slightly.

[Annie] To someone who has been avoiding other Immortals for centuries, she managed it in a heartbeat.

Annie sighs, looking down at her glass, maybe she'd just been alone for too long.

[Ally] Funny how they can do that, isn't it?

Ally asks with a knowing smile.

[Methos] Yeah, how do you think they get us to teach them?

Methos chuckles softly, remembering some of the times he wasn't interested in teaching at all, but still had done it.

[Methos] Oh and don't be offended, but since she's your first student... I wouldn't teach her everything you know, just in case?

Methos suggests with a shrug.

[Methos] She seems a nice girl but still...

[Annie] I've learnt from one of the best, remember? I know Kronos didn't teach me everything he knew.

Annie shrugs, while she thinks that was one of the reasons she never tried to fight him, she knew he was keeping something from her.

[Ally] That is a decision to wait for, until you know her better, or are sure of her. I've had some students I've taught everything to. Others I haven't.

Ally replies.

[Methos] Really? I thought you were smarter than that. I know I haven't.

Methos smiles at Aldria amused.

[Annie] Ever?

Annie raises an eyebrow at him, slightly surprised.

[Methos] Nope?

Methos picks up his glass to drink some beer with a smirk.

[Ally] Admittedly, with one exception all the ones I taught everything to, were mortal.

Ally adds.

David frowns remembering to ask Gemini something he still didn't get, something she said last night...

[David] Why were you so worried last night? I mean, you thought I was going to lose?

David asks still frowning, after thinking about it for a while it still didn’t make sense but it was the only possible explanation.

[Gemini] I hoped not...

Gemini says softly.

[David] You hoped...

David's frown deepens, just what exactly did she mean by that?

[Gemini] Not. I didn't want anything to happen to you.

Gemini clarifies.

[David] Yes, I got the not, it's not that...

David nods still frowning puzzled, he has the feeling something is being left unsaid here.

[Annie] Yes, I can see we're all the trusting type here.

Annie shakes her head looking at the two older Immortals.

[Methos] That's the price of... surviving?

Methos shrugs looking down at his glass, he knows too trusting Immortals don't live really long.

[Ally] Yeah well, as I seem to recall there's a few certain boyscouts who always teach everything they know.

Ally replies with a smile.

[Methos] And that's one of the reason the boyscouts don't last long in our Game.

Methos points out unconcerned, if they wanted to risk they lives just to be the good guys so be it.

[Methos] Unless they're really good with a sword, and even then...

Methos shrugs again not bothering to finish it, they'd both know the rest, they were old enough to know it.

Annie takes a small sip, then stares at her glass on the table, thinking.

[Annie] Funny, what you said about the price of surviving, I've always thought the guys who write the dictionaries should come up with a word for when you can stand up for yourself. Only surviving to me sounds too... easy?

Annie looks up at the other Immortal to see if they were following her.

[Methos] Maybe too primitive? Law of the jungle easy, right?

Methos asks slightly amused, that's what they had to face every day anyway.

Annie nods.

[Annie] Yes, maybe something a little more refined?

[Ally] Yes, I know exactly what you're talking about. And what it's called.

Ally says with a little chuckle of her own.

[Annie] You do?

Annie asks surprised, she wasn't exactly waiting to get an answer to that.

[Ally] Yes. I do.

Ally smiles.

[Methos] Care to enlighten us, then?

Methos says with a smirk, side glancing at Aldria.

[Ally] It's called growing up.

Ally replies with a smirk of her own.

[Methos] Oh yeah, no one can escape it.

Methos raises his almost empty beer glass and toasts.

[Methos] So here's to growing up.

[Ally] Growing up.

Ally replies with a chuckle lifting her glass.

Annie shakes her head with a little smile on her lips, but also raises her glass.

[Annie] Why not? I've toasted to stranger things before.

Annie clicks the other two glasses.

[Annie] Growing up.

David blinks and shakes his head, for a moment he thought he'd get the answer but apparently the idea had gone before it came to his conscious thoughts, he hated when it happened.

[David] I really don't know what it meant.

David whispers almost to himself.

[Gemini] Not. I hoped not. I didn't want anything to happen to you.

Gemini says, feeling herself blush as puts together everything she had said.

David stares at Gemini for a moment, still puzzled, noticing she'd just blushed, he thinks to himself why would she be embarrassed, until it all comes to him in a flash. It couldn't be, right? She's almost young enough to be his daughter.

[David] I think I'm getting crazy or maybe it was the Quickening, for a moment I thought...

David shakes his head with a smile, while he takes a deep breath.

[Gemini] Thought what?

Gemini asks, barely glancing at David, still flushing slightly.

[David] I know it sounds crazy, but I thought you were in love with me.

David says, he almost expects she laughs on his face, but he has to find out for sure.

Gemini chews on her lower lip for a moment, blushing even harder. Finally she makes up her mind. After all, it was time to start acting an adult in an adult world.

[Gemini] I don't know if it's love, David, but...

Gemini trails off trying to figure out how to continue.


The End?

Continues with Toys in the Basement


 

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