Author Topic: HALF MOON RISING (Complete)  (Read 1657 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline 22639

  • Administrator
  • New Immortal
  • *****
  • Posts: 232
  • Stressed spelled backwards is desserts.
  • Location: California, USA
    • View Profile
    • Highlander: the RPG

  • Total Badges: 19
HALF MOON RISING (Complete)
« on: September 30, 2011, 07:28:57 am »
David walks in the Fairmont Hotel Seacouver carrying a small box wrapped in a pink paper and a ribbon and walks to the reception desk hoping Sarah is working today. He stops in front of her with a smile when he sees her.

[David] So are we still on for tomorrow?

David asks her in a low voice so her colleague doesn't listen.

[Sarah] I'm planning on it, but... what are you doing here?

Sarah asks.

[David] I was walking around and stopped by a shop window and thought this had your name on it.

David answers as he gives her the box he's carrying.

[Sarah] Oh?

Sarah says arching an eyebrow at him, as she slips the box open.

[Sarah] Oh, it's beautiful!

Sarah cries softly lifting out the single sunset colored orchid.

[David] Don't know why, I always imagined you'd like orchids.

David smirks watching her amused.

[David] Maybe because they're so delicate, like you?

[Sarah] I love it, it's beautiful. But you didn't say why you came. You're not looking for that little friend of yours, are you?

Sarah asks.

[David] Friend?

David asks surprised frowning slightly.

[David] What friend?

[Sarah] The one that brought you here in the first place.

Sarah smiles.

[Sarah] What was her name? Ms. Dunmire, I believe.

[David] Gemini?

David gasps in shock, opening his eyes wide.

[David] You mean she's here?

[Sarah] Yeah. Came back in a week or so ago.

Sarah shrugs.

David takes a deep breath of relief.

[David] Oh good, she left the place she was staying without saying anything, I was worried. I hope she's alright.

[Sarah] You want her room number?

Sarah asks softly.

David nods smiling at Sarah.

[David] Oh yeah, I should talk to her.

[Sarah] 318

Sarah says after a moment of looking it up on the computer.

[David] Thanks, Sarah. I'll see you tomorrow then.

David winks at her with a smile, before he walks to the elevators.

Sarah smiles at David as he disappears into the elevator.

David shakes his head as the elevator goes up, Gemini leaving without telling anyone where she was going, she was going to listen to a thing or two. He winces a little as the door opens and he feels the buzz of another Immortal.

Gemini jumps as she feels a buzz and looks towards the door to her hotel room, feeling terrified. Now what was she supposed to do? There isn't anywhere to run in a hotel room.

David stops at the door of the 318 and knocks softly.

[David] Gemini, it's David, open up I know you're in there.

[Gemini] D-David?

Gemini asks softly going to the door and looking for the peephole.

[David] Yeah, David Bradford, remember me?

David asks shaking his head.

[David] If I was a bad guy do you think I'd bother to knock?

Gemini sighs in relief seeing that it was indeed David. With a moments pause to undo the locks on the door, Gemini opens the door, with a smile at David.

[Gemini] Probably not.

Gemini replies.

[David] So what do you think you're doing? Trying to get yourself killed?

David asks with a frown as he walks in the room.

[Gemini] I'm sorry?

Gemini asks, jumping back startled by the question. Her eyes widening slightly.

[David] I stopped by the place you were living and you weren't there anymore. You disappeared without bothering to tell anyone where you were going.

David says as he paces around her room.

[David] That would even be dangerous if you were mortal, being immortal it's twice as dangerous.

[Gemini] Wasn't comfortable there.

Gemini whispers.

David nods as he stops in front of her.

[David] Yeah, you couldn't wait forever your teacher returned, but maybe call us and tell us what you were doing? Craig might have found you someone else who could teach you.

[Gemini] I didn't want to impose.

Gemini whispers.

[Gemini] You, and Nikki and Craig have already done more than enough. I guess, I just figured I'd stay here while I made the arrangements and then I'd go back to Fargo.

[David] Ah come on, Gemini. If we're offering to help it's not imposing.

David sighs impatiently as he resumes pacing.

[David] You're not going to start with that again, are you?

[Gemini] It is, considering you guys already found me a teacher once.

Gemini says, her eyes flashing a little.

[David] Yeah, and the guy disappeared, which isn't your fault.

David sighs shaking his head as he thinks about it.

[David] Let's hope he's still around.

[Gemini] What if it is? What if he decided he didn't want to deal with me? Didn't want to teach me?

Gemini asks, more to herself than to David.

[David] Then he wouldn't leave you in his property waiting for him, now would he?

David points out, wondering if that what this was about, Gemini thought her teacher had abandoned her.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] Dunno. He said he had other residences around the world. Just didn't say where.

[David] Oh well.

David shrugs before he decides to sit on a chair.

[David] I'll talk to Craig and see what he says.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] Doesn't matter. I'll just go back to Fargo.

[David] And do what exactly? Give up your dream?

David asks looking at her in disbelief.

[David] Don't do that.

[Gemini] What good does it do me to stay here?

Gemini demanded.

[Gemini] I've got no coach, and no teacher. At least if I go back to Fargo, my old coach will take me up again.

[David] There are other coaches, no? You're going to give up just because that guy turned you down?

David asks shaking his head.

[David] He's not worth it, you know?

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] No... but it's not doing me any good staying here.

[David] Come on, you've waited for so long, you can wait a couple of days, let me talk to Craig.

David says with a shrug.

[David] If he can't come up with an idea Fargo will still be there.

[Gemini] Well, yeah, but...

Gemini trails off hesitant about voicing her full opinion.

[David] But?

David encourages her to go on, knowing how shy Gemini can be sometimes.

[Gemini] But I think Craig, and you for that matter, will feel obligated to help me, whether or not he wants to.

Gemini shrugs.

[David] Oh, he wants to, he's always willing to help a damsel in distress, so am I for that matter. I'm officially a boy scout.

David chuckles softly.

[David] So no worries.

[Gemini] I really don't want to be an imposition.

Gemini murmurs.

David sighs slightly exasperated, she was doing it again.

[David] How can you be imposing if I'm offering?

[Gemini] It can't I guess... I guess, I'm just feeling guilty, like I'm taking advantage of your hospitality.

Gemini sighs.

[David] You're not living with me.

David chuckles softly, shaking his head amused.

[David] Last time I checked you were living in this hotel.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] Not like I've got anywhere else to go at the moment.

[David] Well, you could come to lunch with me, I'm starving and I hate eating alone.

David suggests with a smile.

[Gemini] I -

Gemini cuts herself off.

[David] And you could take the opportunity to get some news books.

David adds looking around at the books she keeps everywhere with a smile.

[David] I bet you've read all these.

[Gemini] I should just invest in a Kindle or a Sony e-reader, or a Barnes and Noble Nook, or something.

Gemini mutters.

[David] Yeah, it would save space. Soon you'll need a bigger room.

David laughs amused still looking around trying to estimate how many books she had in there.

[Gemini] Gee, thanks.

Gemini rolls her eyes.

[David] I mean you've only been here for a couple of months and how many did you get so far? Fifty? If you stay here for another couple of months you'll have to sleep in the bathroom.

David chuckles amused turning his head to look back at Gemini.

[Gemini] There's only 32!

Gemini protests.

[David] Yeah, but some of them are pretty thick so it equals fifty.

David answers not wanting to admit he didn't bother to count them.

[Gemini] No it doesn't.

Gemini disagrees and plops onto the foot of the bed.

David jumps to his feet as his stomach grumbles again.

[David] Well, I need to eat something, coming or not?

[Gemini] Are you sure?

Gemini asks, not wanting to impose and more than half believing that David was just offering out of pity.

David stops to look at her on his way to the door.

[David] Of course I'm sure, I wouldn't ask you if I wasn't.

[Gemini] Meaning you're not or you are the type to ask out of pity?

Gemini asks as she stands up and moves to the dresser where her purse is.

[David] Ask out of pity?

David frowns at Gemini for a moment, then he bursts out laughing.

[David] Gemini, I may be a boy scout but I'm not a saint.

[Gemini] That's good to know.

Gemini chuckles softly, as she puts her room key in the purse and moves to follow David.

***An hour and a half later***

David leans back on his chair with a contented sigh after he ate the last bite of his apple pie.

[David] Feel a lot better now.

[Gemini] You sure can pack it in.

Gemini grins, taking another sip of her iced tea.

[David] Well, I'm a lot bigger than you I should eat double.

David grins back at Gemini as he looks around for the waitress to order more coffee.

[Gemini] Not even my dad packed it in like that! And he was taller than you!

Gemini laughs.

[David] No wonder you knew you were adopted, it wasn't just that they were blonde, was it?

David grins as he gestures the waitress for more coffee.

[Gemini] No. They were both tall and blond. Beautiful and athletic. Only thing I shared with them physically was the athleticness... and at that I outshone them.

Gemini smiles.

[David] I never suspected a thing. My mother says they thought it was for the best, but I wish they'd told me, what bothers me it's them hiding it for me not the fact itself.

David sighs as he puts some sugar on his coffee and starts mixing it.

Gemini shrugs, then laughs.

[Gemini] You know, for all that it was obvious to me, and most people that I was adopted, my best friend's father had no clue, until he asked to do some genetic testing on us. Came and thought he was going to be telling all of us, this grave news.

[David] But why even bother if your parents knew?

David frowns puzzled for a minute until he smiles.

[David] He was a lawyer, right?

[Gemini] My dad was yeah. Lizzy's dad was some sort of geneticist. He was always asking for blood samples for something or another. Didn't even bother to ask anymore what it was for. This last time, it was something about... how traits get passed down from parents to children. Figured I looked so different, we'd be perfect for this study. Then he comes to tell us the "Bad news".

Gemini giggles.

[David] Oh, you mentioned genetics testing, and ADN testing came to mind, which made no sense, your parents would know.

David shakes his head with a sigh.

[David] Remember I'm just a cop, or ex-cop or whatever.

[Gemini] Yeah... but as I said, Lizzy's dad was a geneticist. Worked on decoding the human genome and everything. So he was always doing something.

Gemini grins.

[David] Yeah, it should be interesting in a few years, if they find a cure for some diseases based on that.

David nods, then pulls out his cell phone to answer it as it rings. He frowns as he sees the number.

[David] Yes, Linda?

David listens for a moment as his frown deepens then shrugs.

[David] Well, if he wants to wait until he gets back, and he gets robbed it's not our problem, is it?

David nods as he listens for a moment.

[David] Fine, I'll be there in a while.

David says before he disconnects the call shaking his head.

[Gemini] Something wrong?

Gemini asks softly.

[David] Not really, I had a meeting and it just got canceled. A collector who's going to leave his collection completely unprotected while he goes abroad.

David shakes his head again with a sigh.

[David] He's asking to get robbed.

Gemini snorts with laughter.

[Gemini] Well since he's asking, you should inform all thieves you know.

Gemini then holds up her hands in a surrender gesture.

[Gemini] Just kidding!

[David] You better, I don't like thieves, I wouldn't tell them even if I had a grudge against this guy, which I don't.

David tells Gemini seriously.

[Gemini] Seriously, just kidding. I don't have any sympathy for thieves either. I've never stolen, not even a pop, and most of friends have taken something, at least once.

Gemini says honestly.

[David] Well, I never dreamt of it, my father was a cop, imagine what he'd do to me if I got caught stealing.

David makes a face just imagining the scene, then he smiles amused.

[David] I'd be grounded for ten years or something.

[Gemini] Different friend of mine. His dad was a cop. He got caught stealing... a pop I think. His dad let him sit in jail over the weekend.

Gemini smiles slightly.

[Gemini] Needless to say he never did it again.

[David] Yeah, hardly surprising.

David chuckles softly as he looks around for the waitress.

[David] Check, please.

David says when he sees her.

[Gemini] Neither did anybody else, of my friends, after that. They were all afraid that Brandon's dad would keep them in jail for the weekend too.

Gemini murmurs.

[David] Yeah, especially the weekend, if it was school day maybe they wouldn't mind, but the weekend...

[Gemini] Oh, they all would have preferred school to jail. Part of the reason I never did, was if I had anything on my record, I could kiss the Olympics goodbye.

David nods with a smile while the picks the check the waitress has brought and looks at it. He frowns slightly going through it.

[David] Can't believe I ate all this.

[Gemini] Believe it. What was it? Two steaks, two baked potatoes, a side of French fries, some veggies, and the apple pie? Did I forget anything?

Gemini asks.

[David] Coffee?

David asks with a smirk.

[Gemini] Oh, excuse me.

Gemini says rolling her eyes.

David gets his wallet and takes out some money leaving a generous tip to the waitress.

[David] Alright, let's go, I'll take you back to the hotel if you want.

David says as he moves his chair away from the table.

[Gemini] Alright.

Gemini agrees, not necessarily wanting to go back to her hotel now, but already feeling a little guilty about the time David was taking.

[David] Do you want to buy something while you're out? I don't have to go back right away, I was expecting to be busy for the next couple of hours.

David offers as they walk to the door of the restaurant.

[Gemini] Don't you have to get back to work though? Even if the meeting was canceled?

Gemini asks.

[David] To do what? I already did everything I needed to do today, if something comes up Linda will call me.

David shrugs as they step outside, he looks around for a moment just looking at the crowd walking outside.

[Gemini] It's a pretty day.

Gemini sighs, closing her eyes and turning her face towards the sun.

[Gemini] And unusual for Seacouver if I'm not mistaken.

Gemini adds absently.

[David] Yeah, I think so, not that I've been here that long to find out.

David shrugs as he keeps looking around.

[David] So right or left?

[Gemini] Doesn't matter.

Gemini shrugs, still enjoying the sun on her face.

[David] Hmm, right then, no point in going further away from the car.

David says as turns right and starts walking.

[Gemini] Okay.

Gemini says opening her eyes, and moving with David.

[David] So you need anything? Some books?

David asks again as he points to his right.

[David] There's a bookstore just right after the corner.

[Gemini] Well, that or one of those e-readers.

Gemini shrugs.

[David] Well, it's up to you, you're the one buying it.

David shrugs as he keeps walking.

[Gemini] What bookstore is it?

Gemini asks curiously.

[David] Barnes and Noble. You should be able to get what you want there.

[Gemini] I can get both there.

Gemini laughs.

[Gemini] Barnes and Noble also sells the Nook, which is their e-reader.

David turns the corner and winces a little as he feels an Immortal buzz. He looks around suspiciously hoping to find an Immortal he knows.

Gemini freezes, as she turns the corner and feels the buzz of another Immortal, and looks quickly at David, then around the street, to see if she can identify the source.

Steven stops on his tracks as he feels an Immortal buzz, judging by the signs it's that man and that girl in front of him, and they don't look to be very old. He forces himself to hide his joy and to keep an inexpressive face as he looks at them.

[Gemini] Anybody you know?

David looks at the man who had stopped to stare at them.

Gemini asks softly, spotting a man who was looking at them, on the other side of the street.

[David] It's that guy, I'm sure. And no, I've never seen him before.

[Gemini] So what do we do?

Gemini asks.

Steven keeps staring at them studying what they're wearing, as far as he can tell they have no place to hide a sword, though the man has a suspicious bulk under his arm, he's probably carrying a gun.

[David] We can still go inside the store, too many people around for him to make a scene. Then I'll take you back to the hotel.

David answers Gemini keeping his eyes on the man.

[Gemini] If... if you're sure.

[David] Don't know what he's planning to do anyway. He's just staring at us.

Gemini says softly, looking up at David worriedly, before turning back to the strange man across the street.

[David] I'll shoot him if I have to, don't think for a minute that I won't.

David whispers to her without taking his eyes away from the man.

[David] I know it angers Immortals but if he tries to hurts us I will.

Gemini just shivers.

[Gemini] I don't have to go to the bookstore, if you don't want.

Gemini whispers.

[David] No, let's go inside, he won't do anything in public. Maybe he's just curious and he'll go away.

David tells Gemini hoping to sound more confidant than he feels, he knows a shot will only delay this Immortal not kill him and he's not carrying a sword.

[Gemini] Okay.

Gemini agrees, and turns to go quickly into the Barnes and Noble.

David takes a last look at the mysterious man before he follows Gemini inside.

When the two young Immortals disappear inside the bookstore Steven's lips twitch and he moves away wondering where he'd left his car.
« Last Edit: August 05, 2012, 12:16:16 pm by Cyberfox277 »

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter


Offline 22639

  • Administrator
  • New Immortal
  • *****
  • Posts: 232
  • Stressed spelled backwards is desserts.
  • Location: California, USA
    • View Profile
    • Highlander: the RPG

  • Total Badges: 19
HALF MOON RISING Part 2
« Reply #1 on: September 30, 2011, 07:30:06 am »
***Same day, 7:30 PM***

Gemini sighs as she adjusts the towel a little tighter around her waist. The day had been good. A new Nook purchased from Barnes and Noble as well as a stack of books and no further sign of that Immortal that had scared her and David earlier. Gemini sighs again, as the elevator slowly makes it way up. Just as the elevator begins to slow, Gemini winces at the feel of the buzz of another Immortal. "What's David doing back?" She mutters to herself.

Steven sighs impatiently as he paces near the elevator door. The dirty laundry cart is ready, the hotel uniform he managed to steal is ready, so there will be no problem to take her outside, so where's that newbie? He thinks to himself anxious to take his next Quickening. He jumps when he feels the buzz of another Immortal and tries to compose his face so he'd look harmless enough, he needs to be near enough to get her.

[Gemini] What are you doing back, David?

Gemini asks as soon as the door to the elevator opens. She turns to her room in habit. Then slows to a stop, a feeling of dread coming over her. There was no David in the hallway and nobody between her and her room. Swallowing hard as terror spikes in her, Gemini spins around, to see the man from earlier, now standing between her and the easy escape of the elevator. "Uh oh," she mutters to herself.

[Steven] Excuse me, Miss? I seem to be lost, can you tell me where is room 320?

Steven tries to smile pleasantly as he slowly walks to her.

Gemini doesn't say anything, just backs up away from the strange Immortal. He couldn't truly be lost. All the rooms were numbered and in order. It would take a complete moron to truly be lost and the look in this man's eyes says he was anything but a moron.

[Steven] You don't need to be afraid of me. Not all Immortals are bad you know?

Steven smiles for real this time as he thinks he's not one of them. He puts his hand inside his pocket grabbing his dagger just a few more steps and he'll be close enough to get her.

[Gemini] Then why do ask directions to a room you've already passed?

Gemini asks, jumping back several more paces.

Steven smiles amused as the girl moves closer to the dirty laundry cart, the fool was making his job easier.

[Steven] I did?

Steven asks trying to sound surprised.

[Steven] I think I've missed it.

[Gemini] Obviously. We're at 328 now.

Gemini murmurs, risking a quick glance behind her and spotting a dirty laundry cart. Gemini darts quickly to the laundry cart and pulls it around, so it's between her and the strange Immortal.

[Steven] Oh you want to play huh?

Steven chuckles amused as he rushes to her with a dagger in his hand.

[Steven] Make this easy for me and you won't suffer.

Steven says after her as he tries to move the cart only using one hand.

Gemini pushes the laundry cart at him as hard as she turns and races for the stairs, letting her sandals slip off, as she pushes the door open so hard it bounces loudly off the wall, and races down the stairs. At the turn to go from the third to the second floor, Gemini looks up, praying that he isn't following. Or at least not closely enough, so she' d have time to get the door open and back into the second floor of the hotel.

Steven gets thrown against the wall with the impact, but he soon recovers and runs after the young Immortal angrily, his prey is getting away.

[Steven] You'll be sorry for this!

Steven yells after her as he gets to the stairs.

Gemini doesn't say anything just swallows and abandons her idea for the second floor. Maybe she'd have better luck for the first floor, she says as she continues her race down the stairs.

Steven rushes down the stairs as he puts his dagger back in his pocket and pulls out his sword, he's so angry he's not waiting to take her outside, he'll kill her as soon as he gets close enough.

[Gemini] Oh God.

Gemini gasps seeing the other had a sword in hand.

[Gemini] Oh God.

Gemini gasps again desperately putting on another spurt, and races towards the door out of the hotel, that was another push door. Gemini practically falls into it, as it flies open and she stumbles into the alley, beside the hotel.

Steven forces himself to move faster when he hears another door open afraid she'll get away. He smiles evilly when he sees where they are.

[Steven] Nice place, couldn't have picked a better spot.

Steven says looking around as he lifts the sword on his hand.

Gemini takes a look around, getting her bearings as the strange Immortal comes out of the hotel. Turning, she tries to make a dash towards the street and the safety of people.

Steven smiles as he moves to cut her off, she didn't think he's that stupid, now did she?

[Steven] Oh no you don't, trying to get to Holy Ground? I don't think so.

[Gemini] Why are you after me?

Gemini asks hoping to stall for time, as she backs away from him.

[Steven] You've got something I want.

Steven answers while he moves to her.

[Gemini] What?

Gemini asks keeping the same distance between them.

[Steven] The Quickening I'll get after I cut your head off, what else? Now be a good girl and I'll make it quick.

Steven says as he moves faster to her, his sword ready in his hand.

Gemini stumbles backward, and then with a twist manages to turn, and sprints down the alley away from the mad man.

[Steven] Come back here!

Steven yells angrily before he begins to run after her.

Gemini doesn't bother to reply or look back, she just keeps on running. Then, she suddenly feels another buzz. "Oh, God no," she gasps desperately spotting someone standing at the end of the alley and stumbles to a stop and turns putting her back to the alley wall, unable to see a way out of the predicament now.

Steven stops as soon as he feels an Immortal buzz, there's another one of them around, he stays there just looking his sword still raised in his hand.

Annie blinks surprised for a moment as she takes in the scene before her, two Immortals, a girl barely dressed and barefooted and a man chasing her with a sword. She shakes her head for a moment before she unsheathes her sword, a head hunter no doubt.

[Annie] Mind if I join the party?

Annie asks as she begins to walk to them keeping her eyes on the Immortal with the sword.

Gemini accidentally lets a terrified whimper escape her, then clamps her mouth, shut even harder, trying to watch both armed Immortals at the same time. How was she going to get out of this one now?!

Steven looks at the Immortal woman angrily.

[Steven] Go away, you can't interfere!

Annie raises an eyebrow as she pretends to think for a moment.

[Annie] Hmm I can't interfere if the fight's been engaged, you call this a fight, you coward?

Gemini presses herself up against the wall of the alley, desperately hoping to see a way to escape, but the man was between her and the way back to the hotel and the woman, her and the street.

[Steven] Oh, you want to take her place, then?

Steven asks hopefully, she looks older so her Quickening must be stronger than the girl, and he can always get the girl later.

[Annie] That's brilliant, fight in front of another Immortal so she can take the winner's head.

Annie shakes her head staring at the unknown Immortal.

[Annie] Do you really want to do that?

Steven hesitates for a moment looking at the two Immortals.

[Steven] Hmm no, some other time?

Gemini shivers at the look the man gave her.

[Annie] Sure?

Annie smiles at the man coldly.

[Annie] Always a pleasure to take out the trash.

Steven glares at the woman angrily.

[Steven] You dare to insult me?

[Annie] Hmm I think it fits you.

Annie's smile broadens without reaching her eyes.

[Steven] You're going to pay for it sooner or later.

Steven grumbles as he begins to walk away still keeping her in his sight.

[Steven] Oh and I see you later, kid.

Steven tells Gemini as a way of goodbye.

Gemini shudders as the man waves at her before turning and stalking off. Gemini swallows hard and turns her attention to the woman. Her fear not any less for that the man had left.

Annie keeps looking at the way the man has left for a moment before she turns her attention to the girl.

[Annie] So where did you come from? It can't be far.

Annie says indicating her feet.

Gemini swallows hard, then whispers, "Hotel."

A woman standing in the shadows at the edge of the alley feels her jaw drop. In the seven and half years she's been watching the Immortal Steven Lee, she's never seen him leave before the Quickening was taken, at least not once he had drawn his sword. This is something to report. She ducks back further into the shadows, to allow Steven Lee to pass. Then, as he leaves, with one last glance back down the alley, she follows him.

[Annie] The Fairmont Hotel down the alley?

Annie asks slightly surprised, she didn't feel an Immortal when she arrived and she did take a look around.

Gemini nods, afraid to move, wondering what this woman is going to do now.

[Annie] Fine, let's go then, you better walk with me in case that scum bag is still around.

Annie resheathes her sword but moves her hand to her pocket where her gun is.

Gemini swallows hard.

[Gemini] What do you want with me?

Gemini demands softly, but firmly.

[Annie] Have any idea where you dropped your shoes? I assume he caught you near the pool and your sword is back at your room, don't ever do that again, kid, if you want to keep living.

Annie said as she began to walk ignoring her question.

[Gemini] Don't have a sword.

Gemini says bluntly still not moving.

Annie raises an eyebrow looking back at the girl.

[Annie] What do you mean you don't have a sword? Do you know about Immortals? And the Game?

Gemini nods slowly.

[Gemini] I was told, but...

Gemini trails off.

[Annie] And why didn't you go to your teacher when the problems began?

Annie frowns trying to make some sense to all of this.

[Annie] Why wasn't he or she around anyway?

[Gemini] Don't have a teacher... Well, I did, but he disappeared before he could teach me anything.

Gemini says with a shrug, shifting slightly on her bare feet.

[Annie] Seems there are a lot of things you don't have.

Annie shakes her head as she resumes walking.

[Gemini] And that's supposed to be my fault?

Gemini demands straightening.

[Annie] Well, I'm going back to the hotel, coming?

Annie asks without bothering to turn around or answer her question, if the girl wanted to stay there alone after what happened let her.

Gemini swallows hard then moves quickly to catch up with the strange woman walking beside her and darting glances at her out of the corner of her eye.

[Annie] So your shoes? Don't tell me you also don't have shoes.

Annie asks as she keeps moving, she knows the girl is watching her but pretends she doesn't notice it.

[Gemini] Between my room and the stair well.

Gemini says.

[Gemini] Run faster without flip-flops.

Gemini adds in a mutter.

[Annie] I bet.

Annie nods as she stops near the service door.

[Annie] Let's hope they didn't change this since last year, you're not exactly dressed to walk through the front door.

Annie says as she looks for the employee's card she got at her last visit.

[Gemini] Wasn't supposed to leave the hotel dressed like this.

Gemini mutters.

[Annie] You weren't supposed to leave the hotel period, running to the back alley was a bad idea, you're lucky to be alive.

Annie shakes her head while she uses the card and the door opens with a soft beep.

[Gemini] He was between me and the elevator, and I couldn't get enough distance between us, to get into the hotel itself. Tried to get out front, once I got outside, but he cut me off.

Gemini explains, with a little heat. After all, it wasn't like she was stupid!

[Annie] Damn, why didn't you make some noise? Knock at the other room doors? Get everybody in the corridors and tell them there was a man harassing you? They'd believe you.

Annie asks shaking her head again before she pulls the door open.

[Gemini] He wasn't exactly harassing me... at least not until he attacked me and by then it was a little late to be knocking on doors and asking for help.

Gemini says flatly with a glare at the other woman. Why did she feel like she had to defend her actions to this woman?

[Annie] Did you bother to take a good look at him? What did you think he was going to do? Give you flowers?

Annie says disbelievingly, that Immortal had head hunter written all over.

[Gemini] Oh, I looked at him. I thought he was someone else when I stepped off the elevator, or I wouldn't have gotten off! When I did see him, I didn't let him get any closer to me! I didn't trust him!

Gemini cried, following the woman into the hotel.

[Gemini] As if he couldn't find a room when they're in order.

Gemini adds in an angry mutter.

[Annie] Oh is that what he said?

Annie chuckles softly as she begins to climb the stairs.

[Annie] Most men are terrible liars.

[Gemini] Yeah. Asked me to direct him to a room.

Gemini shakes her head.

[Annie] Speaking of room, you should change room, ask a room at a different floor. He's likely to return, you know? Maybe you should even change hotel.

Annie stops at the second floor door and gets the card again.

[Annie] I seem to recall there's a bar around here somewhere.

[Gemini] Downstairs. And moving will be a task and a half.

Gemini sighs.

[Annie] Upstairs would be a better idea, so he doesn't have to pass you to get to your old room.

Annie says as she unlocks the door and pushes it open.

[Gemini] Still a task and a half.

Gemini mutters, then sighs.

[Annie] Why? Do you really have that many suitcases?

Annie asks puzzled, that girl didn't seem like the type to carry all her wardrobe with her.

[Gemini] Books.

Gemini explains.

[Gemini] Been living in the hotel out of my suitcases for nearly two months so...

Gemini shrugs.

[Annie] Get an employee to help you, I'm sure they'll charge it but...

Annie shrugs as she looks down the corridor.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] It can wait for tomorrow... Can't it?

Gemini asks softly looking up at the woman and then around a little nervously.

[Annie] How should I know? Depends on how much he wants to kill you I guess.

Annie shrugs again, then she enters the corridor.

[Annie] I'm taking the elevator, my suite in on the last floor.

[Gemini] That's helpful.

Gemini mutters, following her into the corridor, and planning on heading to the elevator for her room.

[Annie] I'm not inside that guy's brain, am I? I don't guess things. My advice to you is be on your guard.

Annie says as she walks down the corridor to the elevator.

[Annie] And if you feel a buzz stay in public, Immortals don't like an audience.

Gemini follows the other woman towards the elevator.

[Gemini] I'm on the third floor.

Gemini explains.

[Gemini] Oh, and I'm Gemini, by the way.

Annie hesitates thinking if she should tell her her real name or the name she's using at the moment.

[Annie] You can call me Annie.

Annie nods reaching a compromise between the two of them.

[Gemini] Nice to meet you, and... Thank you. For your help in the alley.

Gemini says softly, hitting the button to call the elevator.

[Annie] I don't like head hunters.

Annie shrugs indifferently.

[Annie] Or male Immortals who go after women just because they're women.

[Gemini] Oh.

Gemini says softly as the elevator doors open, and she steps in. She very much wants to ask why, but knows it would be terribly impolite.

[Annie] So I see you around, Gemini, watch your back.

Annie says while the elevator moves up, she knows the door will open again soon.

[Gemini] Thanks.

Gemini sighs as she leaves the elevator and turns towards her room.
 
« Last Edit: October 15, 2011, 01:12:15 pm by Cyberfox277 »

Offline 22639

  • Administrator
  • New Immortal
  • *****
  • Posts: 232
  • Stressed spelled backwards is desserts.
  • Location: California, USA
    • View Profile
    • Highlander: the RPG

  • Total Badges: 19
HALF MOON RISING Part 3
« Reply #2 on: September 30, 2011, 07:31:01 am »
***Next morning***

Gemini sighs and picks up her cell phone. She's put it off as long as she could. Taking a deep breath as she thumbs through the contacts on her cell phone and hits send on one number and puts it to her ear. "Don't answer," she prays to herself.

David is reading some files when the cell phone on his desk rings, he puts the papers back on the desk to grab it, and is slightly surprised when he sees it's Gemini.

[David] Hello? Gemini?

[Gemini] David?

Gemini says nervously.

[David] Yes, it's me, need to go somewhere?

David asks playing with the papers, he can't think of another reason why she'd call him so soon.

[Gemini] No, umm... Well... maybe but, umm....

Gemini says not sure how to put it.

David smiles amused at her answer, it's so like her to be embarrassed by asking for his help.

[David] So it's no or maybe?

[Gemini] Well, actually it's probably a yes, but it's not what you think.

Gemini blurts out, then cuts herself off.

[David] I'm not thinking anything in particular except that you need a ride.

David shrugs even though she can't see him.

[Gemini] Well, see that's the thing... I don't need a ride. I'm umm... gonna move rooms at the hotel. I just thought you should know.

Gemini says, chewing her lower lip.

[David] You decided to get a bigger room because of all the books?

David chuckles softly remembering what her room looked like yesterday.

[Gemini] No umm...

Gemini says not sure how to say it. Then takes a deep breath.

[Gemini] Remember that guy, the Immortal, from outside the bookstore?

[David] Yes, how could I forget?

David frowns looking at his office door.

[David] Does that have anything to do with him?

[Gemini] He was umm... waiting for me, when I got back last night.

Gemini finishes in a quick go.

[David] He followed us?

David asks surprised.

[David] I didn't see him and I've checked if there was someone following us.

[Gemini] That's... that's not all.

Gemini says hesitantly.

[David] What did he want? Don't tell me he attacked you?

David offers but he's not seriously considering it.

[Gemini] I... yes. I was coming back from my swim, and I felt an Immortal, and I thought it was you, 'cause like nobody else knows where I'm staying, so when I realized it wasn't you, he was already between me and the elevator. When he attacked me, I ran down the stairs and out into the alley beside the hotel. I tried to run out to the street, but he cut me off, so I ran down, the alley, hoping I could maybe get away, or to the sea or something.

Gemini says, the last coming out in a rush.

[David] I should have been there, I'd shoot the bastard.

David grumbles through clenched teeth.

[David] So how did you get away?

[Gemini] Well... I thought I was dead, when another Immortal stepped into the alley...

Gemini says slowly.

[David] Another Immortal? Who?

David frowns thinking if it was someone he knew.

[Gemini] Umm... her name is Annie. She aah... she's actually staying here in the hotel. She chased the other guy away... don't even know what his name is.

Gemini added the last in a mutter.

[David] Annie? Hmm I don't think I know her. Unless it's by another name.

David sighs as he thinks he should find Craig as soon as possible, he's his teacher after all.

[Gemini] She umm... says I should change rooms. To a higher floor at the very least. So, I think I'm going to take her up on that.

Gemini says.

[Gemini] So, I thought I'd let you know.

[David] Maybe you should change hotel, then again maybe not, I noticed there's a church right across the street.

David sighs again, he really should ask Craig what to do.

[Gemini] Church.. Holy Ground.. That's right...

Gemini mutters under her breath.

[David] If you get in trouble again, go to the church and call me from there. I'll think of something.

David suggests the only thing he can think of at the moment.

[David] And don't let him lure you out for any reason.

[Gemini] But this last time, I couldn't even make it to the front of the hotel... let alone across the street and into the church.

Gemini says softly.

[David] I'd give you a gun, but you probably don't know how to use it. You'd probably end up shooting yourself.

David frowns thinking with a smile playing across his lips.

[David] And this woman can't help you? She obviously doesn't want your head or she would have killed you last night.

[Gemini] I-I don't know. We... we didn't talk much last night. She just walked back to the hotel.... told me off, for not taking my sword with me.

Gemini snorts.

[Gemini] As if I had a sword.

[David] I think she assumed you did. I mean, most of us do.

David sighs thinking about his lessons.

[David] The problem is to learn how to use it.

[Gemini] Makes it doubly hard when you don't even have anyone to teach you.

Gemini says bluntly.

[Gemini] Oh God.

Gemini whispers, putting her face into her left hand. She was going to die, she knew it. David had a teacher and just said he was having issues learning the sword, how was she supposed to manage when she didn't even have a teacher?

[David] Just hang on, I'm going to find Craig after I disconnect this call. The reason I still didn't talk to him is because he wasn't here yesterday when I got back.

David explains as he gets to his feet and begins pacing.

[Gemini] David?

Gemini whispers.

[Gemini] I'm scared... I don't want to die.

[David] Do you want to come here? I could go there right away.

David offers wondering what he's going to do after she gets there but he's hoping to talk to Craig in the meantime.

[Gemini] No... No. I. I'm going to use the morning to move to a different room. I'll... I'll let Sarah know that it's okay to tell you where I'm at, but not to tell anyone else...

Gemini says softly.

[David] Alright, be careful who you open the door. He can't knock down the door, it would make too much noise.

David says as he paces worriedly.

[David] Try to stay out of sight until I talk to Craig. He'll know what to do.

[Gemini] Okay.

Gemini says, softly, but still nervously.

[David] Well, worse case scenario call the police, that will make him go away.

David makes a face while he suggests that, it's probably too risky for all Immortals, but war is war.

[David] Just tell them he's harassing you or something.

[Gemini] Harassing me? I suppose that's better than the truth.

Gemini mutters.

[David] Yes, they won't believe the truth and we're not supposed to tell them anyway.

David sighs as he thinks what would happen if she gave them all away.

[David] Besides if you tell them the truth there would be more than one Immortal after you.

[Gemini] That's assuming the cops didn't just lock me up for a crazy person. I can hear it now, 'Yes officer. He's got a sword, about four feet long, and he wants to cut my head off. Yes, that's right, cut my head. Medication? What Medication.' Yeah, that'd fly.

Gemini grumbles.

[David] Can't exactly blame them, it sounds crazy. Almost don't believe it myself every time I stop to think about it.

David says with a sigh shaking his head.

[Gemini] Well, it hit home hard last night.

Gemini sighs.

[David] That reminds me, I need to talk to Craig, need to find him first.

David thinks for a moment.

[David] I bet Linda knows where he is.

[Gemini] Okay.

Gemini says shrugging.

[David] I'll call you back as soon as I talk to him, so you better stick to your cell phone.

David says as he begins to walk to the door to go to the front desk.

[David] And Gemini, be careful.

[Gemini] I will. I'm gonna go talk to the front desk about moving.

Gemini says.

[David] OK then, I'll call you back.

David says before he disconnects the call and rushes out of his office.

Gemini sighs and flips her phone shut. She stands up and goes to the door of her bedroom and paused, listening at the door. "Can't live life like this," she mutters to herself and pulls the door open and walks straight down the hallway, to the elevator and punches the button. When it slides open Gemini gets in and goes down to the lobby and approaches the front desk. To her relief Sarah is on duty, Sarah seams to be one of the nicer receptionists... not that they all weren't nice but... "Stop it, you're babbling to yourself," Gemini mutters to herself and goes to the desk.

[Sarah] Miss Dunmire? What can I do for you?

Sarah asks looking up from some papers she was reading.

[Gemini] Umm... I hate to be a bother and place more work on you... and the rest of the staff, but...

Gemini says hesitantly.

[Sarah] You're no bother at all, that's what we're here for.

Sarah says with a smile waiting for Gemini to explain what she wants.

[Gemini] I need a different room.

Gemini says, her face an apology.

[Sarah] Oh yes, Miss Petrovna mentioned there was a man bothering you and that you might want to do that.

Sarah nods while she goes through her papers.

[Sarah] She's left instructions to get some people to help you.

[Gemini] Yes. She was a big help last night... helped chase him off.

Gemini smiles slightly.

[Sarah] He's not staying at the hotel, is he? If he is, I'll talk to the manager.

Sarah asks indignantly, a frown replacing her smile.

[Gemini] No. I ran into him at Barnes and Noble the other day. And started following me around. Tried to attack me in the hotel last night. As I said, she helped drive him away. She recommended I move... try a... a higher floor she suggested to me... or switch hotels. Don't want to switch hotels.

Gemini says shaking her head.

[Sarah] You might want to change your last name in the hotel records, we've had our share of Smiths and Joneses over the years.

Sarah suggests her smile returning to her face.

[Gemini] Yeah, I suppose Dunmire is rather unique.

Gemini sighs.

[Gemini] Maybe I should do "Miss Flinstone."

Gemini says with a laugh.

[Sarah] Well, it's up to you, I just need a name for the records.

Sarah says while she gets another paper.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] Pick something generic. Like Peterson, or Johnson, or whatever.

Gemini shrugs again.

[Sarah] You want me to choose?

Sarah asks surprised looking up from the papers.

[Gemini] Yeah, why not?

Gemini shrugs.

[Sarah] Alright, my mother's maiden name. Why not?

Sarah says with a smile as she writes something on the papers.

[Sarah] Any floor preference, Miss Swanson?

[Gemini] Umm... The higher the better?

Gemini says hesitantly.

[Sarah] Miss Petrovna is at the Royal suite, 14th floor, maybe you'd like a room there?

Sarah suggests thinking Gemini would feel safer near her since she'd helped her last night.

[Gemini] Umm... I'd like that, but... I'm not sure she would be.

Gemini says.

[Sarah] We're having a convention soon, so no other available rooms?

Sarah suggests with a smile.

[Sarah] We're really getting overbooked.

[Gemini] That works.

Gemini says quickly.

[Sarah] Besides it needs to be a free room, if I give you a room already reserved you'll have to move again.

Sarah says while she opens a drawer to get a room card.

[Sarah] Room 1423, it's near the Royal suite, but a little far away, it's not exactly next door.

[Gemini] Could... could you get someone to help me? So, I can get moved as quickly as possible.

Gemini asks softly.

[Sarah] Of course.

Sarah nods before she picks up the phone and dials a number.

[Sarah] I'll send someone right away.

[Gemini] Thanks.

Gemini says with a smile.

Sarah puts receiver down after she gave some instructions and passes a paper to Gemini.

[Sarah] I need your signature here, so you can officially checkout as Gemini Dunmire.

[Gemini] Okay.

Gemini says quickly signing the paper.

Sarah then puts the new room card on the counter.

[Sarah] And now you're checked in as G. Swanson.

[Gemini] Thanks.

Gemini grins.

[Gemini] Can you do, me one other favor? If you see, or talk to David before me, let him know the aah... change in my circumstances?

Gemini asks.

[Sarah] Of course.

Sarah nods, she's not going to mention she's going out with him tonight.

[Gemini] Thanks... I ah, better get to my room. The quicker I get moved the better.

Gemini says with another hesitant smile and then turns away from the counter.

Sarah nods again.

[Sarah] You go ahead, help is on the way.

[Gemini] Thanks.

Gemini says again with a wave as she hurries back to the elevator.
 
« Last Edit: October 15, 2011, 01:13:07 pm by Cyberfox277 »

Offline 22639

  • Administrator
  • New Immortal
  • *****
  • Posts: 232
  • Stressed spelled backwards is desserts.
  • Location: California, USA
    • View Profile
    • Highlander: the RPG

  • Total Badges: 19
HALF MOON RISING Part 4
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2011, 07:31:56 am »
***30 minutes later***

Annie wakes up with a startle when she feels an Immortal buzz and jumps out of bed to get her sword. She gets her dressing gown and moves to the door wondering who's the Immortal on her door. As no one knocks on her door, she opens a crack to look at the corridor and almost gasps in surprise. "She didn't!" She thinks to herself. Annie takes a deep breath and closes the door, she told her to move rooms not to move next door.

Gemini shivers at the feel of an Immortal buzz, as she passes by the room that, obviously, belongs to the other Immortal woman. Halfway down the hallway they reached Gemini's new room.

[Gemini] We'll just drop this off and we should be able to get the rest in one go.

Gemini murmurs to the hotel employee who was helping her. The other woman nods and they quickly pull the luggage off the luggage cart and turn, leaving the room and head back to the elevator.

Annie sighs as she feels the buzz again when the girl passes her door on the way to the elevator, it was going to be fun to live next door to another Immortal. She sighs again before she moves to the bathroom to take a shower, since she's up might as well get dressed.

Gemini goes back down to the third floor and with the other woman's assistance gathers up the last of her things. Gemini takes one more sweep through the room and bathroom, double checking to make sure she doesn't leave anything. "That's that, I suppose," Gemini mutters, and this time follows the other woman to the elevator and back up to the fourteenth floor.

Annie has just finished showering when she feels another Immortal buzz. She takes a deep breath as she moves to the bedroom, if that girl passed in front of her door again in the next ten minutes she was going to shoot her.

[Gemini] Thanks.

Gemini murmurs and gives the woman a tip. Probably not as much as she would normally be used to for something like this, and probably less than she deserved, but it was all the cash that Gemini had left. As the woman left, Gemini sighed and turned, quickly unpacking and stowing her things in the room.

Annie puts on some black pants and a green sweater before she moves to the living room to order room service some breakfast. While she waits she thinks about what she's going to do until it's late enough to meet the man she's looking for.

After putting her things away, Gemini sighs. She can't put it off any longer, she need to thank Annie... in a proper way. Taking a deep breath, she walks out of the room, pausing to double check that her key is in her pocket she walks down the hallway to Annie's door. She pauses and takes a deep breath, and then knocks softly on the door, before stepping back to roughly the middle of the hallway, knowing that all of her could be seen that way.

Annie is about to start eating when she feels the Immortal buzz again, she looks at the door disbelievingly as she stands up to move to the door, that girl was beginning to get to her nerves. On the way to the door she hears a knock, so now she wants to talk to her? She opens the door and looks at the girl for a moment without saying anything.

[Gemini] Umm...

Gemini stutters for a moment.

[Gemini] I just... I just wanted to say thank you. For... everything. You know, last night and umm... for whatever you said to the front desk.

[Annie] You want to thank me, kid? Stop passing my door every ten minutes or so, it gets pretty boring to feel a buzz all the time, you know?

Annie says still looking at Gemini.

[Gemini] S-sorry.

Gemini stutters.

[Gemini] But the front desk said that this room up here is the only thing they've got available for longer than a couple of days. Something about a conference of some kind starting in a couple of days.

Gemini explains.

[Annie] First you wake me up, then you interrupt my breakfast...

Annie looks around and finally remembers what she was missing.

[Annie] Damn, all these interruptions makes you sloppy, you know?

Annie grumbles realizing she opened the door without her sword nearby.

[Gemini] Umm... No?

Gemini says softly.

Annie moves to the place where she hid her sword when room service knocked on her door and picks it up.

[Annie] When I felt an Immortal by the door I should have carried this with me.

[Gemini] Oh.

Gemini says shifting her feet nervously. Like she knew much of anything about what one was supposed to do with regards other Immortals.

[Annie] You don't need to get nervous, if I wanted to use this on you I would have done it last night.

Annie says as she moves to the table and puts her sword on the table near her breakfast.

Gemini doesn't say anything just continues to look at Annie again and shifts her feet again.

[Annie] And come in, or are you going to stay there all morning?

[Gemini] Thanks.

Gemini murmurs softly, stepping into the room, and pulling the door shut softly behind her, and moved a little further into the room, glancing around at the suite.

[Annie] You probably don't take black coffee at breakfast, so order what you want.

Annie shrugs pointing at the phone.

[Annie] The phone is right there.

[Gemini] That's alright. I already ate.

Gemini murmurs.

Annie makes a face while she eats, she's not really hungry but she needs to keep up her strength.

[Annie] So what are you doing here all by yourself? Don't you have any family?

[Gemini] They died two summers ago. Car accident.

Gemini says flatly.

[Annie] Oh, I'm sorry. I thought that maybe no one adopted you, you're kind of young to be around alone.

Annie says as she gives up eating and pushes the plate aside.

[Annie] How old are you? 20?

[Gemini] Nineteen.

Gemini says.

[Annie] Is that your real age? Or the age you had when you died? Not that you could have died a long time ago.

Annie says studying the girl, some Immortals liked to play the young act thing.

[Gemini] Well, best I can figure, I was 17 when I died... Didn't know that I'd died until a few months ago... when I was told I was immortal.

Gemini shrugs.

Annie frowns looking at Gemini.

[Annie] What do you mean you didn't know you died? How could you have missed it?

[Gemini] Well... I was in a car accident... okay, I was broadsided by two big trucks in my small car. My car got flipped... and wrapped around the light pole. It took the police and fire three hours to get to me. I had a piece of glass in my chest... they thought I had died, when I stopped talking to them. Guess I really did... but when I was alive when they pulled me out, they assumed I'd just passed out. Took me to the hospital. Removed the glass, gave me stitches... and staples, both of which came out on their own the day I came home from the hospital but... I just assumed what everyone else had assumed. That I'd passed out... After all, people just don't die and come back to life, right?

Gemini snorts in sarcasm at the end of it.

[Annie] No, most people don't.

Annie answers with a sigh, thinking about all the dead people she's seen.

[Annie] But didn't suspect something was wrong the first time you approached another Immortal?

Annie asks fast, trying to think about something else.

[Gemini] Didn't meet any Immortals until I got here... to Seacouver. Couple months ago.

Gemini shrugs.

[Annie] Really?

Annie frowns thinking for a moment.

[Annie] You didn't feel any Immortal for two years? That's unusual.

Annie says as she hesitates if she should tell her to go back where she came from.

[Gemini] I'd go back to Fargo, but... especially after last night, I know that I really need a teacher, so I can defend myself... before I go back and end up dead... for real.

Gemini mutters to herself.

Annie can't help to hear Gemini's muttered words which probably she wasn't supposed to, but her hearing is very good.

[Annie] That's why I can't tell you to go back to... Fargo, wherever that is... Even if you escape this guy you would be an easy prey for the next Immortal that came along.

[Gemini] Fargo, is in North Dakota. Largest city in the state.

Gemini says.

[Annie] Never been there.

Annie shrugs unconcerned, while she thinks she's not planning to go there anyway.

[Gemini] And knowing why I can't go back, sure as hell doesn't help me any.

Gemini says flatly, then blushes slightly.

[Annie] I know there are some Immortals around, you mean none of them is willing to take you as a student?

Annie asks surprised.

[Gemini] I've met three Immortals. One is a student. The other is the teacher, and the third...

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] Didn't seem interested. Oh, yeah, and then there's the fourth, who did volunteer to be my teacher but... he disappeared.

[Annie] Yeah, we do it all the time.

Annie shrugs again, she's not going to mention that most of the time when an Immortal disappears suddenly is because they lost their head.

[Gemini] What... what about you?

Gemini asks.

[Gemini] Not to be rude, or anything, but... don't.. don't you know anyone who could teach me?

Annie raises an eyebrow looking at Gemini.

[Annie] Like who?

[Gemini] I-I don't know... Don't you know anybody who takes students? L-like your teacher or something maybe?

Gemini asks hesitantly.

[Annie] My teach... Kronos? Are you out of your mind?

Annie stares at Gemini, her eyes open wide for a moment, then she shakes her head smiling amused.

[Annie] Trust me, it's not a good idea. Actually impossible for two reasons.

Gemini jumps at Annie's cry.

[Gemini] W-why not?

Gemini asks.

[Annie] Kronos is dead, and even if he wasn't he'd eat you for breakfast.

Annie chuckles softly imagining Kronos' face if someone even dared to suggest it.

[Gemini] What's that supposed to mean?

Gemini asks frowning.

[Annie] My... I suppose I'll have to call him my teacher in lack of a better word, wasn't exactly nice.

Annie sighs hoping the girl doesn't ask anything else about him, she doesn't want to remember him.

[Gemini] Wasn't exactly nice?

Gemini quotes.

[Gemini] What is that supposed to mean?

[Annie] That he was a mean bastard. I met a woman once who told me he was one of the Horsemen.

Annie says with a sigh, it's too early to take a drink so she refills her cup with some coffee, maybe it would help.

[Annie] I suppose I should believe her, she knew him well, and she was a judge, so...

[Gemini] One of the horsemen? As in like what? A crusader or something?

Gemini asks.

[Annie] No, as in the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Annie says before she drinks some coffee.

[Annie] I bet he was plague, he liked to play with poisons.

[Gemini] As in like... Book of Revelations?

Gemini asks, eyes wide.

[Annie] Yes, do you know any other Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

Annie asks looking back at Gemini.

[Gemini] As in personally? No. But I am familiar with passage in the bible.

Gemini says softly.

[Annie] How they got there I have no idea. I doubt even Kronos knew it.

Annie shrugs as she puts the cup back on the table.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] I don't know...

[Annie] If anyone does I bet it's Methos, the planner. Though I'm not really interested to find another Kronos.

Annie shrugs again before she stands up to move to the couch, picking the sword to hide it in her coat.

[Gemini] Wh-where you going?

Gemini asks.

[Annie] Nowhere, but I can't let this in plain sight, can I? They'll soon come to take the tray.

Annie answers as she hides the sword in her coat and sits down on the couch.

[Gemini] Oh.

Gemini says not able to say anything else.

[Annie] It's not a good idea to leave swords where mortals can see them, best case scenario they'll think you're crazy.

Annie shrugs before she leans back.

[Annie] It used to be a lot easier when everybody carried one.

[Gemini] I can imagine.

Gemini sighs.

[Annie] Well then you had to hide your gender but if you wore man's clothes most people would take you for a young man.

Annie chuckles amused remembering her disguises.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] I suppose it'd be a bit different from today... where women wear pants when and if they choose.

[Annie] Yeah, all in all I prefer the present. Women weren't supposed to do anything, except have children and take care of men, fight in wars only in disguise.

Annie nods with a sigh.

[Gemini] Yeah, and God forbid they be caught dead in something like a swimsuit... That'd totally suck.

Gemini says frowning.

[Annie] Most people didn't know how to swim anyway.

Annie shrugs unconcerned.

[Annie] They didn't need it.

[Gemini] Why not?

Gemini asks.

[Annie] I think they were afraid of water. They only took a bath once a year... in May.

Annie makes a face remembering the smell.

Gemini shudders at the thought.

[Gemini] Eew... things haven't been like that in a long time! How old are you?

Gemini asks, then blushes slightly.

[Annie] Old enough.

Annie answers with a smile, then she frowns thinking counting the decades from 79 to 2010.

[Annie] 731 I think.

[Gemini] Oh... I'm... should.. I shouldn't have asked that, should I?

Gemini asks blushing slightly.

[Annie] I didn't need to answer.

Annie shrugs unconcerned.

[Annie] Some Immortals don't like it, but I don't mind.

[Gemini] Oh.

Gemini murmurs looking down at the floor.

[Annie] No need to be embarrassed, like I've said I didn't need to answer.

Annie shrugs again.

[Gemini] ...Why... Why don't you teach me?

Gemini asks.

Annie gasps in surprise.

[Annie] Me? I never had a student before, I doubt I can even teach someone.

[Gemini] Oh, I'm sorry! I shouldn't have asked. I apologize.

Gemini adds.

[Annie] I wouldn't dream to teach you like Kronos taught me, so...

Annie hesitates for a while, then she shakes her head.

[Annie] Look, kid, I can't decide something like that so easily, do you realize that if I accept we'll be stuck together for two years at least?

[Gemini] No. And that's the problem!

Gemini says fiercely.

[Gemini] I don't know anything! Not... not about being immortal! I know the bare basics.. That's it!

Annie frowns puzzled looking at Gemini.

[Annie] I thought you had a teacher for a while, didn't he go beyond that?

Gemini shakes her head.

Annie takes a deep breath looking at Gemini, the last thing she wants is to be responsible for another Immortal.

[Gemini] I... I should go.

Gemini says a little hesitantly and turns to the door.

[Annie] Just let me think for a while, this is the last thing I was expecting.

Annie says after Gemini.

[Annie] I'm not telling you yes or no yet, I need to think.

[Gemini] Okay.

Gemini says pulling the door open.

[Annie] Be careful, I'll give you an answer soon.

Annie says after her wondering if she can find someone who'd teach her instead of her.

[Gemini] Alright.

Gemini says, as she exits the room and lets the door shut behind her.

Annie takes a deep breath after the door closes, "Great, after 700 years you get to babysit an Immortal." She murmurs to herself.
 
 
 
« Last Edit: October 15, 2011, 01:13:44 pm by Cyberfox277 »

Offline 22639

  • Administrator
  • New Immortal
  • *****
  • Posts: 232
  • Stressed spelled backwards is desserts.
  • Location: California, USA
    • View Profile
    • Highlander: the RPG

  • Total Badges: 19
HALF MOON RISING Part 5
« Reply #4 on: September 30, 2011, 07:32:30 am »
***Two Hours Later***

David stops his car near the Fairmont Hotel and carefully looks around, trying to see if the Immortal he'd seen yesterday is in the neighborhood. Since he doesn't see or feel anything out of the ordinary he exits his car, locks it and walks in the hotel. He smiles as he sees Sarah at the front desk.

[David] Working today? I thought it was your day off.

Sarah smiles.

[Sarah] Came in to work for someone who's sick.

[David] But we're still on for tonight, right?

David asks hoping she'll say yes.

[Sarah] Oh, absolutely.

Sarah smiles.

[Sarah] I get off at five. Plenty of time to get home and change before you pick me up at 6:30.

[David] Oh good.

David smiles back at her.

[Sarah] What can I do for you?

Sarah asks.

[David] I need to talk to Gemini, and it wouldn't work on the phone.

David shrugs, deciding not to tell her that Craig wants Gemini out of there right away.

[Sarah] Yes, well... Gemini Dunmire has checked out of this hotel.

Sarah says with a slight smile.

[David] Really?

David asks surprised.

[David] Where did she go?

[Sarah] She didn't say.

Sarah says.

[David] Oh damn.

David murmurs under his breath wondering if she was in her right mind to wander off unprotected.

[Sarah] David...

Sarah says as David half turns from the reception desk.

[David] Yes?

David says as he keeps thinking where Gemini might have gone.

[Sarah] You may want to check out, Ms Swanson. Room 1423.

Sarah says with a wink.

[David] Ms. Swanson?

David raises an eyebrow, then smiles.

[David] She changed her name? Good idea, can't be too careful.

[Sarah] It was my mother's maiden name. She did say to let you know, if I saw you before she did.

Sarah grins.

[David] Yes, I was supposed to call her back, but I need to talk to her in person.

David explains as he thinks he's supposed to also help her move and escort her to Holy Ground.

[Sarah] Well, then you should go see to Ms. Swanson.

Sarah states.

David nods.

[David] Yes, room 1423, you say?

[Sarah] 1423.

Sarah confirms.

[David] OK, on my way. I'll see you soon.

David smiles at Sarah before he turns and walks to the elevator.

[Sarah] See you tonight.

Sarah says as David walks away.

David gets in the elevator and thinks what to say as the elevator goes to the 14th floor. He's almost sure Gemini isn't going to like it. The door opens and he walks through the corridor still trying to decide what to say until he feels the buzz of an Immortal, a strong one, he can tell it's not Gemini. He almost pulls out his gun thinking it might be the man who attacked her, but he remembers Gemini has mentioned an Immortal woman. He begins to walk again carefully looking around.

Annie looks at the door the moment she feels an Immortal buzz, she sighs as she thinks it might be Gemini again, maybe she wants to ask her if she decided something already. Then as the minutes pass and no one knocks on the door, she realizes it might be someone else. She walks to the door picking her coat with the concealed sword on the way.

David jumps and turns to look back when he hears a door open behind him. He feels his jaw drop when he sees the woman coming out of the room.

[Annie] And you are?

Annie asks looking at the unknown Immortal coldly.

[David] I'm...

David frowns for a moment thinking what was he doing here in the first place.

[David] I'm a friend of Gemini, I think you're the woman who helped her last night, right?

David manages to say after a while.

Annie studies the man suspiciously for a while.

[Annie] Are you sure? You might be a friend of the headhunter instead.
 
[David] Headhunter? You mean the guy who attacked her?

David asks to make sure he knows what she's talking about.

[Annie] Trying to play dumb?

Annie grumbles glaring coldly at the man.

[David] Hey, look, Gemini knows me, let me just knock on the door.

David says raising his hands on the air.

[David] Alright?

[Annie] You better pray she does or I'm kicking you down the stairs all the way to the first floor.

Annie says as she leans against the wall and waits he goes down the corridor.

David begins to walk again but he doesn't dare to turn his back on her completely, he keeps side glancing at her.
 
Gemini jumps when she feels the buzz of another Immortal, and stares wide eye at the door, almost afraid to breath.

David feels another Immortal buzz as he approaches room 1423 and knocks on the door, still keeping the woman down the corridor in sight.

[David] Gemini, it's David.

David says figuring out she won't open the door without knowing who's outside.

Gemini sighs in relief when she hears David speak, and hurries to the door, and peaks through it, just to double check.

[Gemini] David, I'm so relieved to see you! But I thought you were going to call?

Gemini says as she throws the door open.

[David] You might want to tell her we're friends just in case?

David says nodding in the direction the woman down the corridor. 

[David] I didn't know you had a bodyguard or I would have called.

[Gemini] Didn't know I had a bodyguard.

Gemini mutters stepping out into the hallway and looking down the hallway towards Annie.

[Annie] You know that guy?

Annie asks Gemini without moving away from the wall. 

[Gemini] Yeah. I even mentioned him to you earlier... though I didn't name names.

Gemini nods. 

[David] I'm David Bradford.

David tells the woman with a smile. 

[David] Pleased to meet you.

Annie moves away from the wall and shrugs. 

[Annie] Fine. Whatever.

Annie says as she turns to get in the room and closes the door. 

[David] That friend of yours has a serious attitude problem, if she wasn't so goddamn beautiful I'd... I'd...

David hesitates to what to say next.

[David] I'd be seriously upset.

[Gemini] She's over 700 years old.

Gemini says with a smile.

[David] She is?
 
David asks surprised as he looks down the corridor again. 

[Gemini] 730 I think she said.

Gemini says nodding. 

[David] I guess that not getting old really works huh?

David shakes his head disbelievingly as he walks in Gemini's room.

[Gemini] Apparently... though living when people only bathed once a year creeps the hell out of me.

Gemini says pulling the door shut behind her and David.

[David] I doubt any man would notice the smell.

David smiles as he shakes his head amused. 

[Gemini] Think about it though... The smell after you leave the gym from a heavy workout... times 365.

Gemini shudders. 

[David] They probably were used to the smell.

David shrugs as he keeps thinking he probably wouldn't notice it. 

[Gemini] Ick.

Gemini says shuddering again.

[Gemini] So umm... why are you here? I though you were going to call?

Gemini asks curiously. 

[David] Huh? Why am I here?

David asks distracted until he remembers what he's doing in the hotel.

[David] Oh, Craig wants you to move...

[Gemini] I did move.

Gemini points out. 

[David] No, he wants you out of the hotel, he knows a priest somewhere, and he's willing to let you stay on Holy Ground for a while.

David explains still trying to clear out his thoughts. 

[David] I'm supposed to help you move and escort you there.

[Gemini] Holy Ground? As in like a church?

Gemini asks flatly. 

[David] Yes, he's a friend of Craig's teacher, he's mortal but he knows about us.

David shrugs as he moves to the window. 

[David] That's all Craig told me about him.

[Gemini] But like... a church?

Gemini asks again. 

David nods still looking out the window. 

[David] Yes, a church. I've never been there myself.

[Gemini] And for how long?

Gemini demands. 

David shrugs before he turns his head to look at Gemini.

[David] Until it's safe?

[Gemini] Yeah? And how long is that supposed to be? And what am I supposed to do at this church?

Gemini demands, starting to get angry. 

[David] Pray?

David suggests with a smile. 

[Gemini] I do that anyway.

Gemini frowns. 

[David] Look, Gemini, it's just until we take care of this guy.

David sobers up realizing she's getting upset. 

[David] You'll be safe in there.

[Gemini] And I'm supposed to stay there for how long?! "Until it's safe."

Gemini quotes. 

[Gemini] And how long is that going to be?

[David] I don't know. I'm not the one facing him, am I?

David shrugs again. 

[David] Same reason you can't face him.

[Gemini] Then, no. I'm not going! I can't live like that!

Gemini cries. 

[Gemini] Maybe for a day or two. Up to a week, not any longer than that!

David stops just staring at Gemini for a while, his eyes open wide. 

[David] What? What do you mean you're not going?

David manages to say after a moment. 

[Gemini] I can't live like that. Locking myself up in a church? I'd go stir crazy inside a day!

Gemini cries frustrated. 

[David] Gemini, it's not like you have a choice, there's an Immortal after you with a sword, your best chance is to go to Holy Ground.

David points out hoping to make her see reason. 

[Gemini] Look, I'm more than willing to take precautions! I'll even move hotels or whatever. But I'm not gonna go live in a church! I'm nearly going nuts here, with a pool to use, for as long as I want, which is generally five or more hours a day. And I wouldn't be able to stand it here without the pool! I sure as heck won't be able to stand it in a church! Not for as long as we're talking I'd be stuck there!

Gemini yells. 

[David] You're risking your life over a pool?

David asks disbelievingly. 

[Gemini] No. It's my life versus my sanity.

Gemini says flatly. 

[Gemini] Besides if I'm just going to hide like a... like a rat, then what's the point of living anyway?

David takes a deep breath, he knows he's not going to be able to convince her to change her mind. 

[David] Fine, it's your life, it's your head, I'll tell Craig but he's not going to like it.

[Gemini] Umm...

Gemini says hesitantly. 

[David] Are you absolutely sure?

David asks hoping she has some doubts about it. 

[Gemini] I'm sure... with regards the church, but umm...

Gemini says not quite sure how to say it. 

[David] But?

David encourages her to go on, he can tell she wants to say something. 

[Gemini] I asked Annie to be my teacher.

Gemini says softly. 

[David] You did?

David asks surprised. 

[David] And?

[Gemini] She's thinking about it.

Gemini says still just as softly as before. 

David shakes his head, he doesn't know quite what to say, then he smiles as a thought comes to his mind. 

[David] I hope she accepts, I'd get to see her more often I guess.

[Gemini] I thought you and Sarah were going out?
 
Gemini asks arching an eyebrow.

[David] Sarah?

David frowns for a second. 

[David] Oh yes, we are.

[Gemini] Oh jeez. Wait until she hears about this.

Gemini snickers. 

[David] But it's not like we're married or something, you know?

[Gemini] Oh, yes, but I'm sure your girlfriend will appreciate the fact that you're mooning over the woman in the Royal Suite.

[David] She's not my girlfriend, we didn't get there yet.

David explains chuckling softly. 

[David] We're hmm... getting to know each other.

[Gemini] Yeah? You're point being?

Gemini asks. 

[David] My point being, that you don't need to tell her. We don't have a commitment or anything, so...

David shrugs as he begins pacing. 

[David] We're both free to date other people.

[Gemini] Uh huh. Oh, I'm sure that's exactly how she feels.

Gemini says flatly. 

[David] I think so, we've never actually discussed it.

David shrugs again. 

[Gemini] Yeah... you might want to try discussing that.

Gemini suggests. 

[David] I suppose.

David nods, then he sighs, somehow going out with Sarah doesn't seem so interesting as it used to be. 

[Gemini] You're an idiot.

Gemini says shaking her head. 

[David] Excuse me?

David asks frowning at Gemini.
 
[Gemini] You heard me. You're an idiot. And so don't deserve Sarah. Besides that, Annie is WAY out of your league.

Gemini explains. 

[David] Who mentioned anything about Annie?

David grumbles his frown deepening. 

[David] Besides don't see why not.

[Gemini] You don't believe me? You try asking her out.

Gemini says, a tight smile on her face.

[David] Yeah, maybe I will.

David grumbles upset, he thinks it's none of Gemini's business anyway. 

[Gemini] So, why don't you?

Gemini challenges. 

[David] Maybe it's too early.

David grumbles, she'd just threatened to kick him down through 14 storeys for crying out loud.

[Gemini] Too early? You're just chicken.

Gemini says.

[David] Think whatever you want.

David shrugs as he walks to the door. 

[David] I need to go back to work.

[Gemini] David?

Gemini asks, suddenly hesitant again. 

David stops by the door and looks back. 

[David] Yes?

[Gemini] You... you're not mad at me? Are you? For... for teasing? And refusing the church?

Gemini asks softly. 

[David] Hmm, no?

David smiles when he realizes she was just teasing him.

[David] Keep it up, I think I prefer this Gemini, the old one wouldn't have a chance to survive this.

Gemini allows a slow smile to cross her face. 

[Gemini] Thanks... I think.

[David] If you need anything call me, I hope Annie takes you as her student, but still... if she doesn't... I'm still here.

David says as he turns to the door again and opens it. 

[David] Really need to go now.

[Gemini] Even if she does, I hope you'll still be here.

Gemini says following David to the door, and moving to stand in the doorway itself. 

[David] I will.

David smiles back at her before he begins to walk down the corridor.

Gemini stands there, watching him go.

[Gemini] Wish he didn't think of me as a child.

Gemini mutters to herself.

Annie is reading when she feels the buzz of another Immortal... again. She takes a deep breath and walks to the door picking her coat on the way. She opens the door and looks at the man down the corridor. 

[Annie] Damn, don't you think I have better things to do than to walk to the door?

Annie asks the man and Gemini by the door. 

[Annie] This walking back and forth is beginning to irritate me, you know?

[David] Oh, I'm sorry, I'm just passing by.

David smiles as he stops in front of her, he hesitates for a minute. 

[Gemini] As if that wasn't obvious.

Gemini mutters softly to herself. 

[David] Hmm, I've been thinking...

David hesitates again. 

[Annie] Oh, is that supposed to impress me or you expect me to congratulate you?
 
Annie asks raising an eyebrow at the man in front of her. 

David decides to let that pass, she's just joking, he thinks to himself. 

Gemini coughs to cover the laugh at that comment. 

[David] Hmm, if I asked you out for a drink or something, what would your answer might be?

David asks with his most charming smile. 

Annie stares at the man in disbelief. 

[Annie] Look, kid, the only Immortals I go out with are the ones who challenge me for a fight and you're not even carrying a sword.

Annie looks him up and down. 

[Annie] So I think you know what the answer might be.
 
Annie tells him before she shuts the door on his face. 

[David] Kid? What do you mean kid?

David frowns at the closed door as if it would give him an answer.

[Gemini] Told you.

Gemini whispers softly, before moving back into her room and shutting the door. 

[David] If you think I give up so easily you're very wrong about me.

David grumbles to himself as he walks to the elevator. 
 
« Last Edit: October 15, 2011, 01:14:19 pm by Cyberfox277 »

Offline 22639

  • Administrator
  • New Immortal
  • *****
  • Posts: 232
  • Stressed spelled backwards is desserts.
  • Location: California, USA
    • View Profile
    • Highlander: the RPG

  • Total Badges: 19
HALF MOON RISING Part 6
« Reply #5 on: September 30, 2011, 07:33:08 am »
***Beginning of the afternoon***

Ally sighs relaxing at Joe's with a drink. She did enjoy Fridays. She could have lunch and a drink, and just relax for the day. The advantage of being a judge, she set her own schedule, so unless something urgent came up, she had Fridays off.

Annie stops by the door of Joe's bar as soon as she feels the buzz of another Immortal, she hesitates to go inside but since she's looking for an Immortal it wouldn't make sense to turn away and go back to the hotel, she'd crossed two continents for this. She takes a deep breath and opens the door walking inside.

Ally looks up at the feel of a buzz. After a moment, the door opens and a familiar looking woman walks in.

[Ally] Well, well, well. Look what the cat just dragged in.

Ally chuckles.

Annie stops a minute by the door trying to locate the Immortal, she opens her eyes out wide when she sees the woman.

[Annie] You?

Annie says looking at her.

[Ally] So? Finally got out of prison did you?

Ally chuckles.

[Annie] I got out of prison nine years ago.

Annie grumbles looking at the woman coldly.

[Annie] And you know I shouldn't have been there in the first place, I was only trying to defend myself.

[Ally] Why do you think I arranged for the early release?

Ally asks.

[Ally] Pull up a chair. We'll have a drink.

Ally nods to one of the empty spots across from her.

[Annie] Yeah, I never got the thank you for it, did I?

Annie says as she pulls a chair and sits across the table.

[Annie] We were interrupted...

[Ally] No, you didn't.

Ally chuckles.


***New York 1994***

"Your Honor?" Symore, Aldria's assistant said at her shoulder. "She's here."

"Oh good," Aldria said, as she reviewed the file. "Send her in. Have her escort wait outside."

A few moments later Aldria looked up as the tell tale buzz spiked. Slowly the door to her office opened.

Annie stopped at the entrance, she didn't know the judge was an Immortal. She just stayed there staring at her, not sure what to do now.

"Take a seat," Aldria said gesturing to the chair in front of her desk. She raised her eyes to the guard standing unsure in the doorway. "Shut the door and wait outside. I'll be fine."

The guard nodded, unwillingly and shut the door, as Aldria eyed the Immortal woman before her.

"Well," Aldria said speaking slowly, "it has been a long time."

"You know me?" Annie asked confused, "I don't think I ever met you." She frowned thinking.

"We met once, briefly," Aldria said gesturing to the chair again.

Annie hesitated for a minute and then decided to sit down, seeing no other choice, "Really? I don't remember. When was that?"

"Padova. 1600. I was masquarding as a boy to study Math and various other things from Galileo. You were with Kronos," Aldria said simply.

"Kronos?" Annie almost jumped from the chair, "You know Kronos?" She suddenly stopped when she remembered her, "You? I thought he killed you almost 400 years ago."

"No. Both Kronos and I walked away from that one... obviously," Aldria said smiling slightly. "And yes. I know Kronos. And the rest of his brothers."

Annie sighed wishing it wasn't Kronos' case, "Brothers? I thought he only had one named Methos, he kept looking for him."

"No... there're two more. That is why they called them the 'Four Horsemen'," Aldria pointed out a little amused. Kronos had been looking for Methos even back then?

"Oh wait, he mentioned some brothers once..." Annie stopped talking and frowned at Aldria, "The what?"

"The Four Horsemen," Aldria said, unable to help the grin that spread across her face. "Ever heard of them? They rated a spot in the Bible."

Annie opened her eyes wide, "Are you telling me Kronos was one of them?"

"Mmm..." Aldria nodded. "Kronos, the titular leader. Methos, the planner. Silas and Caspian... the idiots... although different in their ways."

"Don't know why I'm so surprised, I've always imagined he was someone like Atilla before." Annie sighed, "And I know Methos was the planner, he used to complain about everyone else's plans." She thought about something that startled her, "Do you know what happened to Kronos? Where he is?"

"He's alive. Not positive where exactly at the moment. We've met up ever decade or so since the 1860's. Why?" Aldria asked mainly indifferent, though slightly curious.

"Just to make sure I stay away from him, that's why." Annie looked at Aldria surprised, "And you meet him every decade? Why do you do that?"

Aldria shrugged, "We share a night or two of hot sweaty sex, then go our seperate ways. I'm one of the few that well... has nothing against Kronos."

Annie was shocked by that, she stared at Aldria for a minute, "You choose to sleep with him?"

"Yes," Aldria said, a little amused by the surprise. "I grant you the first time, I hadn't had sex in over a century and was rather desperate."

"I'd say, if you considered him." Annie shook her head, "And I know he's alive, never had a doubt about it, he's one of the best swordsman I've ever seen."

"I'm just as good," Aldria said with a confident smirk.

"If you say so." Annie shrugged, "So why did you want to see me?"

"I wanted to discuss with you about reducing your sentence," Aldria said bluntly.

"Oh, reducing my sentence?" Annie smiled sceptically, "I didn't want to kill that guy and you know it. I don't want to kill anyone anymore, not even our own. It's people that don't leave me alone. Do I have 'Easy Prey' written somewhere?"

"You're a woman. Of course you do. So do I. Men are idiots. And I can't dismiss your sentence altogether but I can reduce it," Aldria replied.

"Well, if you want to do that, I won't say no." Annie smiled, "I've got more interesting things to do than being in jail."

"I've checked the books, and regardless of circumstances you did kill that man. However," Aldria said holding up a hand to forestall any objects, "the man you killed has a history of ****. I have spoken with both your attorney and the prosecuting attorney's for the state. And the state and I are willing to reduce your sentence from ten years to six, with the possibility of early parole."

"Damn it, I knew it!" Annie moved on her chair, "So that guy was out attacking women and when one of them fought back and did something about it, she's the one to get in jail? You've got a serious problem if it's that you call justice, you know?"

"I know," Aldria sighed. "The justice system is far from perfect. I do what I can but..." Aldria shrugged.

"Fine, I'll take what I can get." Annie sighed.

"With early parole you can be out in three... unless you wanted to arrange for your death?" Aldria asked bluntly.

"Judge Everson?" Her intercomm buzzed.

"Yes," Aldria asked as she hit the intercom.

"There is a Merlin Kalen who is here to see you. He ah... won't take no for an answer," Symore sighed unhappily.

Aldria shook her head amused glancing at Annie and wondering what her reaction would be.

"A what?" Annie almost jumped to her feet, "Tell me it's not who I think it is."

"Depends on who you think it is," Aldria murmered, before responding to Symore, "Tell him I'll be with him as soon as I can.

"Yes, Your Honor," came the reply as the intercom shut off.

"A weird name with M K, I think it's Kronos." Annie stood up and looked around for a place to hide.

"Calm down. And SIT down," Aldria ordered.

"Calm down? I ran away from him, he's going to kill me!" Annie still looked around for a way to get away.

"Not in my office he isn't," Aldria said flatly.

"Tell that to him!" Annie looked at the windows, "What floor are we?"

"Seventh," Aldria said. "SIT DOWN!" She ordered firmly, "Before I call the guard back in here. Besides, Kronos won't do a damn thing to you here. He has reasons to listen to me."

Kronos opened the door and stopped there looking at Annie, "Well, well, I thought I'd recognized the voice." He smiled threateningly.

Annie froze where she was, she stared at him, her eyes open wide.

"Shut the door," Aldria said her voice deadly calm. "Then both of you, SIT DOWN!"

Kronos closed the door and looked at Annie again, "I knew I'd find you sooner or later."

"I am warning the both of you. SIT DOWN!"  Aldria said raising her voice.

"Since when do you tell me what to do?" Kronos frowned at Aldria, "The judge position has turned you bossy or something?"

Annie couldn't take her eyes off Kronos, she had hoped to never see him again and here he was like coming out of a nightmare.

"Kronos," Aldria said her voice warningly. "This isn't up for debate. You will not harm her. And if you ever want... Again. You will sit down. You TOO," Aldria said turning attention to Annie. "Sit, now, before I call the guards in."

"So call the guards in, maybe they'll take me away from him." Annie managed to say despite her throat was dry.

"And here I thought you'd be happy to see me." Kronos grinned amused, "I was about to visit you in prison."

"You know where I am?" Annie asked unhappily.

"Oh yes, I never forget old acquaintances." Kronos grinned evilly.

"Even if you search forever to find them," Aldria muttered, amused, after all Kronos had still been looking, unable to find Annie the last time she had checked.

"Oh yes, I have time anyway." Kronos grinned as he sat in front of Aldria, "I just had to find the right way and it was easy."

Annie pulled a chair and sat as far away from him as possible, "So how was that? Why don't you tell me? Why save yourself the pleasure of telling me?"

"The Watchers knew about you. Wasn't that hard." Kronos smiled manacingly. "We have some unfinished business but I guess I'll have to wait for you to get out of prison."

"Yes well, she is set for ten years," Aldria said. After all, the six years hasn't been formalized yet.

"Oh, I'll keep an eye on her, don't worry." Kronos grinned, "Getting a Watcher was one of the best ideas I ever had. Should have seen who else I found." Kronos smiled pleased with himself.

"And who else did you find?" Aldria asked, her voice stating that she wasn't really curious.

Kronos grinned, "Surprise?"

"Whatever," Aldria said rolling her eyes, amused.

"The Watchers are pathetic, should have seen her, spilled her guts." Kronos laughed.

"Kronos... I don't care," Aldria said bluntly.

Annie looked at them surprised, but decided she had enough, "Can I go now? We already discussed what you wanted so..."

"I don't see why not," Aldria nodded then raised her voice. "Guards!"

The guards opened the door and stepped in, suspiciously eyeing Kronos and Annie. "Yes, your Honor?" The one asked.

"Please escort Ms. Taylor back to her cell," Aldria said.

"Yes, Judge Everson," the one nodded.

"Goodbye Susanna, I'm on my way to Seacouver but I'll be here to greet you when you get out of prison." Kronos smiled threateningly, "You keep that in mind."

Annie didn't answer him, she just got up and left the room.

"Was that necessary?" Aldria asked, raising an eyebrow as the door shut behind her.

Kronos frowned, "Maybe I shouldn't have said that." He then shrugged as he decided it was too late to worry about it anyway, "Necessary? No. If I wanted to do it? Yes." He laughed amused. "Besides 10 years waiting for me it's better than 205 years looking for her."

"And why was it so important to you to find her?" Aldria asked. "You never did say."

"Nobody leaves me unless I say so!" Kronos grumbled angrily.

"Uh huh," Aldria said her voice clearly not one of belief. "You hold that against, Marisol too?"

"That's not funny!" Kronos grumbled. He thought for a moment considering her question, "Why did I miss Annie?" He shrugged after a moment, "Probably because she was the second best thing after the Horsemen. If she was still with me that Texas thing would never have happened. Would I waste time teaching a lousy fighter?"

Aldria frowned at his answer, "Have you told her that?" She asked curious, then added softly, "Do you? Do you hold it against Marisol that she died?"

"Of course not! Marisol didn't die because she wanted, did she?" Kronos frowned at Aldria.

"No."

"And what exactly did you expect me to tell Annie?" Kronos asked puzzled, "About the Horsemen?"

"What I am suggesting you should tell her is that she was, one of the best things you've had in your very long life. See what she says. Somehow I doubt she knows that," Aldria shrugged.

"Of course she doesn't, she was always afraid of me and guess what, she still is." Kronos grinned amused.

"Yes, and I'm telling you to tell her. Maybe doing so, and she'll rejoin you willingly," Aldria said with a shrug, though given the woman's reaction earlier Aldria doubted it.

"Hmm, doubt that, she was never with me willingly." Kronos chuckled, "She was just too afraid to run away from me, until I pushed her too much." He frowned thinking, "I should have expected that."

"You think she'll stay with you willingly again?" Aldria asked.

"Oh, she'll do whatever I tell her to do. Question is, do I want to keep her? Maybe I should take her head when she gets out of jail." Kronos grumbled.

"What reason did you have for coming to my office today, Kronos?" Aldria asked with a sigh.

"I was thinking we could meet later." Kronos smirked, "If you're in the mood for sex."

Aldria shook her head smile coming to her face. "Yeah, sure," she said taking a piece of paper and scribbling on it. "Here's my address."

"Dinner time?" Kronos asked as he grabbed the paper.

"Sure," Aldria nodded.

"Alright." Kronos smiled as he stood up, "I'll see you later then."

"See you tonight," Aldria acknowledged as he headed for the door.


***Present day***

Annie chuckles softly shaking her head disbelievingly.

[Annie] Second best thing after the Horsemen? Me? Yeah right!

[Ally] Oh, he truly believed that.

Ally nods to confirm.

[Annie] He had a fun way of showing it.

Annie makes a face as she remembers what he did to his victims.

[Annie] Maybe I shouldn't complain too much, I'm still alive.

[Ally] Yes, well, Kronos wasn't exactly what we'd call sane, by today's standards, now was he?

Ally points out.

[Ally] Besides, he was a damn sight better than Caspian.

[Annie] He never mentioned him as far as I remember.

Annie frowns as she goes through what Kronos said in the past.

[Annie] Well, he mentioned his brothers but I had no idea what it meant.

[Ally] Caspian was one of his brothers. Before he died, a few years ago... couple days before Kronos actually, he had been in a mental institute for the criminally insane in Romania. They don't know how many people he killed... let alone how many he ate. There were part in... many different places in and around his home.

Ally says in an attempt to explain Caspian.

Annie makes a face like she's going to be sick, then she takes a deep breath and she gets back to her normal self.

[Annie] Damn, he sounds even worse than Kronos, he liked to cut people to pieces but he never ate any of them.

[Ally] Caspian, was by far the sickest bastard of the bunch. Ironically, Silas was the gentlest. He was... when not fighting, rather like a Teddy bear.

Ally says chuckling at the memory of Silas and his animals.

[Annie] Silas?

Annie shakes her head.

[Ally] The four Horsemen: Kronos, Methos, Silas and Caspian.

Ally explains.

[Annie] Never heard of him. I think the one Kronos really missed was Methos, he talked about him sometimes.

[Ally] Methos was the only one that Kronos really thought was still alive. He didn't, honestly, think that Silas and Caspian would survive through the ages.

Ally shrugs.

Annie looks up when Mike brings her the drink she usually had at Joe's bar last time.

[Annie] Oh, you've remembered!? How sweet!

[Ally] Put it on my tab Mike.

Ally smiles.

Annie smiles at Mike and gets an embarrassed smile in return as expected.

[Annie] Men. Such fools.

Annie grumbles when Mike is out of earshot.

[Ally] So, what brings you here?

Ally asks arching an eyebrow.

[Annie] I was here once... hmm about two years ago I think and someone helped me to find Kronos. Well, his graveyard.

Annie smiles happily, she can't pretend she's sorry he's dead.

[Annie] Last time I came looking for an enemy, now I'm hoping to find a friend. I lost track of him over the centuries.

[Ally] Who all are you looking for?

Ally asks curious.

[Annie] Sean Burns. I've met him in Vienna around 1900. Actually he was the first Immortal I came to like.

Annie smiles looking back.

[Annie] I kept challenging him, he kept turning me down.

[Ally] Aah.

Ally says with a slight smile.

[Ally] And how do you expect to find him?

[Annie] I... hmm...

Annie hesitates to tell her about the Watchers, it wasn't her secret anyway.

[Annie] I know a guy who keeps records.

[Ally] Oh? You referring to our lovely blue tattooed peeping toms?

Ally asks.

Annie chuckles softly.

[Annie] Oh, you know about them?

[Ally] I was one of them in the 50's.

Ally chuckles.

Annie looks at Ally for a moment in silence.

[Annie] Oh really? I'll never understand why an Immortal would like to do that.

Annie shakes her head.

[Ally] It's a good way to keep track of others, to avoid them... and a good way to make yourself disappear.

Ally chuckles.

[Annie] Well, I don't need the Watchers to disappear, as for avoiding others...

Annie shrugs looking down at her glass.

[Annie] If they keep challenging me I have no problem to take them outside.

[Ally] Oh, don't get me wrong... it's just a way to throw the Watchers even further off one's trail.

Ally chuckling.

[Annie] If you say so...

Annie shrugs again.

[Annie] I'm not willing to take the risk, I want them away from me.

[Ally] So... who are you looking for to tell you about Sean Burns?

Ally asks.

[Annie] Adam Pierson.

Annie says as she picks her glass and empties the rest of her drink.

[Ally] Ahh. Adam Pierson.

Ally smiles and chuckles slightly.

[Annie] Probably not his real name, just his Watchers' name.

Annie shrugs as she puts the empty glass back on the table.

[Annie] But why should I care what his real name is, if he's willing to help? You know him?

Annie asks watching her amusement.

Ally chuckles again.

[Ally] With Adam... what you see, is pretty much what you get.

Annie looks back at the woman across the table raising an eyebrow.

[Annie] What's that supposed to mean?

[Ally] It means there's not much to Adam Pierson. He doesn't hide much.

Ally shrugs.

[Annie] You must be joking.

Annie chuckles softly.

[Ally] Why would I joke about something like that?

Ally asks.

[Annie] He likes to play young, but I'd say he's between 500 and a thousand years... at least. And that innocent act, no one so innocent could have lived for so long.

Annie shakes her head still with a smile playing across her lips.

[Annie] Don't worry I already told him that.

Ally chuckles again and shrugs.

[Ally] You'd be surprised. The young can be... surprisingly naive and innocent.

[Annie] Except he can't be that young, have you felt his buzz?

Annie asks shaking her head again.

[Annie] Unless he killed an Immortal every day I don't see how he could get it.

[Ally] Honey...

Ally says, giving Annie one of the looks.

[Ally] He's a man. Of course he's a child.

Ally winks.

[Annie] Yeah, big babies, and as easy to fool as one.

Annie chuckles softly.

[Annie] Not that I'm trying to anymore.

Ally laughs.

[Ally] Oh, I still do... on occasion.

[Annie] I'm not particularly interested in men at the moment, so why bother?

Ally laughs aloud.

[Ally] You would have made a good Amazon, had you been born at the right time.

[Annie] An Amazon? Were they real?

Annie looks up at Aldria surprised.

[Ally] Oh yes.

Ally nods.

[Ally] And it was as an Amazon, I first met Kronos and the Horsemen. A nation that Kronos didn't dare challenge.

Ally chuckles.

[Annie] Oh that was a first I bet.

Annie frowns thinking for a while, it couldn't be, could it?

[Annie] You think that maybe that's why Kronos taught me, because I would have made a good Amazon?

Annie shakes her head thinking about the past.

[Annie] I've always wondered why he picked me when he killed so many others.

[Ally] That I can't tell you. Kronos only really knew two Amazons. Myself and my sister, Marisol. And I rather doubt he picked you because you reminded him of us.

Ally shrugs.

Annie looks back at the bar and waves her empty glass at Mike.

[Annie] Mike, would you be a darling and bring me another one?

Annie smiles when Mike nods and rushes to fill her request. Then she turns her head back to the table.

[Annie] Hmm, I take that back about fooling men, what I really wanted to tell him was stay away you goddamn Watcher.

Annie whispers at Aldria with a smirk.

[Ally] Hey, Benjamin Franklin had it right, when he said, 'God gave man a brain and a ****, but only enough blood to run one at a time.'

Ally laughs softly.

[Annie] Yes, I think he was right.

Annie chuckles softly and thanks Mike when he puts the drink in front of her.

[Ally] Yes... Ben was a man who got a few things right.

Ally chuckles.

[Annie] There should have been more like him.

Annie nods.

[Ally] He wasn't bad in bed either.

Ally chuckles.

[Annie] Oh really?

Annie asks amused.

[Annie] Also slept with him?

[Ally] Yeah... Oh, he was one who like women... a lot. And back then... I took what I could get... without turning a ****.

Ally grins slightly.

Annie makes a face and sighs shaking her head.

[Annie] I still can't believe you chose to sleep with Kronos, I would have preferred a snake.

[Ally] Have you ever tried it with a snake?

Ally asks, half-serious.

Annie chuckles softly.

[Annie] I meant sleep in the same bed, don't think anything weird.

[Ally] Yeah... you go a century without sex, girl, and then we'll talk.

Ally chuckles softly.

Annie nods.

[Annie] Yeah, you already explained why you slept with Kronos the first time.

[Ally] As I said girly, you go a century without and then we'll talk.

Ally chuckles.

Annie makes a face again, and takes a sip of her drink.

[Annie] If I didn't know you're a lot older than me, I might object to that girly.

Ally chuckles.

[Ally] Good girl.

Ally chuckles again, and winks, to make it clear this time was a tease.

Annie stares at Aldria for a moment, then shakes her head amused.

[Annie] Just met a couple of newbies recently and I also called them kids, the male was really offended.

[Ally] The younger they are, the more likely they are to be offended by comments like that.

Ally laughs.

[Annie] Yeah, they're not even carrying swords at the moment.

Annie shakes her head with a sigh.

[Annie] I wonder how they lived this long.

[Ally] Do they know what they are?

Ally asks softly.

[Annie] Yeah, the female wants me to teach her. She doesn't have a teacher.

Annie takes a deep breath, then shakes her head again.

[Annie] I don't know what to do.

[Ally] Have you ever taught before?

Ally asks.

[Annie] No, and I never wanted to in the first place.

Annie shrugs, before she picks up her glass to take a sip.

[Ally] You know... everyone should teach, at least once. Even Kronos did.

Ally points out.

[Annie] Maybe, but I don't want the responsibility. I don't suppose you're interested?

Annie asks hopefully, that would solve Gemini's problem and she'd still be free.

[Ally] No.

Ally shakes her head.

[Ally] I haven't taken a student in nearly 3000 years. And there's a reason I stopped.

[Annie] 3000 years? I'm not really surprised, the Horsemen rode before the Bible was written and Kronos mentioned something about 4000 years once, so...

Annie nods, refraining herself for asking what she really wanted to know, which was the reason why she stopped teaching.

[Ally] Do you like the girl?

Ally asks.

[Annie] I suppose.

Annie shrugs.

[Annie] At least I don't dislike her which is a start.

[Ally] My advice? Get to know her. See if there's something to her. See if the girl has the will to learn, and to survive in the Game. If she does... teach her. If not... don't.

Ally says.

[Annie] I'm not sure I'll be able to teach her, don't want to teach her the way Kronos taught me. I have no idea how to start.

Annie explains with a sigh.

[Ally] And how did Kronos teach you?

Ally asks flatly.

Annie looks at Aldria disbelievingly.

[Annie] Come on, I think you can imagine. You knew him well.

[Ally] Oh, I knew him well, but I'll tell you true, I'm downright cruel when it comes to teaching student. The trick though... is how you treat them outside the lessons.

Ally points out.

[Ally] My immortal students... if they didn't hold their guard right, I killed them for it. And not one of them ever hated me for it.

[Annie] I suppose you're right, that wasn't the reason I hated him.

Annie shrugs as she thinks she doubts she'd ever do it to Gemini anyway.

[Ally] As I said, it's how you treat them outside the lesson... and not all of them were so stubborn that they needed the harshest lesson, but still...

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] On Immortals, broken bones heal quickly, and it's good to learn to fight with them anyway, and I've never killed one, that ever forgot the block after that.

Annie chuckles softly despite the fact that Kronos taught her just like that.

[Annie] I don't suppose you shared the same teacher or something?

[Ally] No. I was nearly 2000 when I met Kronos. And trust me, the discussion of my teacher came up, and Kronos had never heard of her... which was likely the way she liked it.

Ally chuckles.

[Annie] Considering what he did to women, I bet it was.

Annie nods with a sigh.

[Annie] Not that I'm saying your teacher couldn't beat him or anything, but...

Annie shrugs.

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] As I said, about the girl. Get to know her. You may have never taught before, but you've been around long enough to have a feel for someone. You'll know by talking with her, if she'll have the stuff to last with proper training. If she does, teach her. If not, don't waste your time.

Ally told her.

[Annie] Well, when I met her she was running away from an Immortal with a sword, and she managed to escape him somehow. If she wasn't so young, she probably wouldn't have been caught in the back alley but still... show's there's some strength in her.

Annie explains remembering what had happened yesterday.

[Ally] Yes... and we both know that could have been a fluke of luck. Get to know her, find out. If she has the stuff, teach her. It'll be a good experience, for the both of you.

Ally nods.

[Annie] If it didn't take so long... I'd probably go for it but it will never take less than two years, what if I can't put up with her for so long?

Annie takes a deep breath still hesitating what to do.

[Annie] I've been avoiding Immortals ever since I ran away from Kronos.

[Ally] If you can teach her enough to survive long enough to get to Holy Ground, or to you, you don't need to have her live with you, after that... if you can't put up with her after that.

Ally points out.

[Annie] Yes, I could go after the guy who's after her, but that wouldn't solve the problem only delay it, there will be more. Especially being female. We get a lot of action.

Annie sighs before she picks up the glass and empties it.

[Ally] Ah yes, the poor sops who think we're easy prey. I do enjoy proving them wrong.

Ally says with a malicious grin, before taking a swallow of her beverage.

[Annie] Don't we all?

Annie chuckles softly.

[Annie] I suppose I'll have to know her better, I only met her yesterday. Then I'll decide.

Annie shrugs finally deciding what to do.

[Ally] As I said, get to know, that can make all the difference.

Ally nods encouragingly.

Annie looks at her watch and then sighs impatiently.

[Annie] The man is not showing up, I thought he'd be here for lunch but no such luck.

[Ally] Mr. Pierson.

Ally says with a slight chuckle.

[Ally] Usually shows up in the evenings.

[Annie] Oh really? I though he'd be here earlier. He was when I met him.

Annie stops for a moment thinking what to do now.

[Annie] I suppose I'll have to come back later then, I'm not going to stay here all afternoon.

[Ally] I am.

Ally chuckles.

[Annie] You must love this bar.

Annie chuckles amused.

[Ally] It's more of I didn't make any plans for my day off... I may make a flight tomorrow, but... not today.

Ally shrugs.

[Annie] Oh, you fly? It's something I only do out of necessity.

Annie makes a face thinking about it.

[Annie] The idea of leaving the ground still doesn't appeal to me.

[Ally] Oh, see, I love it. I've been flying since I could learn... I think the Wright Brothers were just... brilliant.

Ally grins.

[Annie] Well, Judge Everson... if that's the name you're still using... I'll see you later if you're still here.

Annie says as she moves the chair away from the table, and prepares to stand up.

[Annie] I better go now.

[Ally] It is, and you probably shall... but what name do you go by now?

Ally asks.

[Annie] Anya Petrovna, but if I choose to stay and teach that girl I'll change it.

Annie smirks.

[Annie] Everybody would think I'm Russia Mafia.

Ally chuckles.

[Ally] Not so much now, as they would have even 20 years ago.

[Annie] Yeah, but why risk it?

Annie shrugs before she gets to her feet.

[Ally] No point... if you're going to stay for a while.

Ally smiles.

[Ally] Have a nice afternoon.

[Annie] Yeah, if...

Annie nods looking down, then she smiles.

[Annie] Well, if you were mortal I'd tell not to drink too much, but since you aren't, have fun.

Annie chuckles softly as she turns around to walk to the door.

[Ally] Thanks.

Ally laughs.

Annie opens the door and blinks at the light for a moment, then she begins to walk letting the door close behind her and walks back to the hotel.
 
 
 
 
 
 
« Last Edit: October 15, 2011, 01:14:55 pm by Cyberfox277 »

Offline 22639

  • Administrator
  • New Immortal
  • *****
  • Posts: 232
  • Stressed spelled backwards is desserts.
  • Location: California, USA
    • View Profile
    • Highlander: the RPG

  • Total Badges: 19
HALF MOON RISING Part 7
« Reply #6 on: September 30, 2011, 07:33:40 am »
***One hour and 30 minutes later***

Gemini sighs as she wraps a towel around her waist and double checks that she has her room key and everything else she needs for her swim. Satisfied she exits her room and walks down the hallway, embarrassing herself for the expected buzz as she goes by Annie's room. To Gemini's relief, and worry, she felt nothing as she walked by. "I wonder where she went," Gemini murmurs to herself as she gets to the elevator. She punches the button to go down, and then freezes as she feels the buzz of another Immortal.

Annie moves her hand inside her coat and grabs the hilt of her sword when she feels an Immortal buzz, it could be Gemini or that guy visiting her again, but it could also be the headhunter, so she's taking no chances.

Gemini moves back a little further from the elevator in case it's that guy again. If it is, she's fairly confident, she can make it back to her room, before him. But to be on the safe side, she inches down the hallway a little.

Annie frowns when the door opens and she sees Gemini in her swimsuit ready to go to the pool.

[Annie] What do you think you're doing?

Annie asks as she begins to walk down the corridor.

[Gemini] What does it look like? I'm going for a swim... going stir crazy in my room.

Gemini replies.

[Annie] You were in a swimsuit yesterday remember? It doesn't make sense to change rooms if you're going back there. All that guy needs to do is to wait in there.

Annie explains as she looks for the key card in her pockets.

[Annie] Can't you stay without swimming for a couple of days?

[Gemini] No. Besides, the pool is the one place I'm not worried about meeting... one of us.

Gemini says with a shrug.

[Annie] Oh really? What are you planning to do if that guy shows up? Yell for help?

Annie asks shaking her head. Then she finally finds the card and opens the suite door.

[Gemini] Uh.. swim away. There are only a couple handful of people in the world, male or female, who can best me in the water.

Gemini says bluntly.

[Annie] Oh modest, aren't we?

Annie says turning her head to look at Gemini.

[Annie] What if he's one of the handful?

[Gemini] Because I've never seen him before. And I know what every Olympic swimmer since the modern Olympics have started looks like. Male or female, and as I missed the last Olympic team by a hundredth of a second. I'm damn good and know it.

Gemini says forcefully... for Gemini.

[Annie] Really? I had no idea. It's nice to know you can swim faster than you can run.

Annie smirks as she walks inside her suite and goes to the phone to order lunch.

Gemini makes a face.

[Gemini] I hate running.

Gemini says with a sigh and turns back towards the elevator.

[Annie] You better get used to it, most Immortals don't swim after their prey, you know?

Annie says in Gemini's direction after she puts down the phone.

[Annie] And you can't expect to always have water around.

Gemini sighs as she pushes the button again on the elevator, she hadn't gotten on quickly enough and it'd already gone down again.

Annie frowns when she gets no reply and looks at the door, Gemini isn't there anymore. 'She wouldn't, now would she?' She thinks to herself as she walks to the door to look at the corridor. She really upset when she sees Gemini by the elevator.

[Annie] Hey, kid, if you want to learn something you better start listening, you know?

Annie says frowning at Gemini.

[Annie] Is this the way you want to learn?

[Gemini] I... I thought you were done with me... for now.

Gemini says in a hesitant, but surprised voice.

[Annie] Oh I am now.

Annie nods glaring coldly at Gemini.

[Gemini] What?

Gemini frowns.

[Annie] Next time don't leave me talking to myself, I hate that.

[Gemini] I'm sorry, but... you just left me standing in the hallway! What was I supposed to think!

Gemini says glaring back.

[Annie] I assumed you'd follow, I didn't know you'd need a formal invitation.

Annie smirks after a moment of studying Gemini.

[Annie] And that's your best glare? I'd practice in front of a mirror if I were you.

[Gemini] Oh, I'm sorry... I shouldn't be glaring. And... I don't need a formal invitation, but yes an invite! You don't just walk into someone's home without them asking first.

Gemini says determinedly.

[Annie] What are you? A vampire?

Annie chuckles softly, she can't help it.

[Gemini] Ah, no. Last time I checked, they were dead. I'm not. Besides, it's called being polite.

Gemini says in a 'well duh' kind of voice.

[Annie] Fine, I'll keep that in mind, Miss Polite.

Annie says shaking her head.

[Gemini] There's nothing wrong with being polite! And a lot said for being so, especially nowadays.

Gemini cries firmly, and frowns at Annie.

[Annie] If you say so.

Annie shrugs unconcerned.

[Annie] You can go now, but stay in public, no back alley tonight, deal?

[Gemini] Promise.

Gemini says with a rueful smile.

Annie looks at the other side of the corridor and sees a waiter pushing a food cart in front of him.

[Annie] I guess that's my lunch. Don't stay at the pool for too long, I need to go somewhere in the evening and you already should be safely in your room, just in case that guy is waiting for you here.

[Gemini] Do you know about what time you're going to leave? So I can make sure I'm back in time... otherwise I'd probably spend a good five hours down there.

Gemini says offering a short explanation.

Annie moves to the corridor so the waiter can pass with the food cart.

[Annie] Five hours? Really like to swim, huh?

[Gemini] Oh yeah.

Gemini smiles.

[Gemini] Time?

Gemini reminds.

[Annie] Hmm 7 PM?

Annie answers after thinking for a minute.

[Gemini] Okay. I'll be back by then.

Gemini smiles and punches the elevator button. Again.

[Annie] Alright, see you later then, take care.

Annie says before she turns and gets in her suite closing the door behind her.
 
« Last Edit: October 15, 2011, 01:15:39 pm by Cyberfox277 »

Offline Cyberfox277

  • Administrator
  • New Immortal
  • *****
  • Posts: 131
    • View Profile

  • Total Badges: 11
HALF MOON RISING Part 8
« Reply #7 on: September 30, 2011, 11:17:46 am »
***Joe's, 7:00 that evening***

Methos walks in looking around checking who's the Immortal he knows is inside of Joe's, he'd felt a buzz before he came in, he smiles when he sees it's Aldria and walks to her table.

[Methos] Should have remembered that Friday is your drinking day.

Ally grins as Methos approaches her table.

[Ally] Yes. You should have. Although today, I'm almost wishing it were still possible to get drunk. It's been so long.

Ally sighs, then chuckles ruefully.

[Methos] Yeah, the only downside I can see being Immortal... well that and guys chasing you with swords.

Methos says as he pulls a chair to sit down, he waves at Mike and is pleased to see him move to get him a beer.

Ally chuckles.

[Ally] Well, that and being an old one on top of it.

[Methos] Yes, sometimes a stronger Quickening doesn't pay.

Methos shuts up abruptly when he sees Mike walking to their table.

[Methos] So how's it going Mike?

Methos asks as the other man puts a beer in front of him. Mike says everything is fine and walks behind the bar again.

[Ally] Mike's been trying to cut me off for the past three hours.

Ally sighs.

Methos chuckles softly as he picks the beer glass.

[Methos] Just how much did you drink?

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] I dunno. But I've been here since they opened for lunch.

Ally says with a shrug.

[Ally] Which reminds me... there was someone here looking for you, Adam Pierson.

Methos frowns looking at Aldria for a moment.

[Methos] Who? Nikki?

[Ally] No. Annie. She was Kronos' student.

Ally says with an indifferent shrug.

[Ally] I like her... for all that she's young.

[Methos] Yes, she's nice, but hmm...

Methos hesitates for a moment thinking what to do.

[Methos] I'm not sure I want to meet Kronos' student again.

[Ally] Again? She did imply she'd met you before.

Ally asks.

[Methos] Yes, she was here in Seacouver 2 years ago looking for Kronos. She thought he was still alive.

Methos takes a deep breath thinking about Bordeaux. That one was really close, if Kronos killed MacLeod he was dead.

[Ally] Aah. This time she's looking for Sean Burns.

Ally tells him.

[Methos] What?

Methos asks, his eyes open up wide.

[Methos] Can't that woman look for anyone else but dead people?

[Ally] Apparently not.

Ally chuckles.

[Methos] So now what's the story? She also wants to kill him?

Methos asks while he shakes his head.

[Ally] No... something about an old friend she lost track of.

Ally shrugs.

[Methos] I bet she did some therapy with him, not that I'm surprised after Kronos.

Methos picks up his glass and drinks the rest of his beer.

[Methos] And I'm not going to tell her that her friend is dead. Pass.

Methos says as he puts the empty glass on the table and prepares to stand up.

[Ally] Oh, sit down. I'll tell her. If you don't want to. Jeez. I was playing dumb about you, which is why I didn't say anything to her this afternoon.

Ally huffs.

[Methos] You don't understand.

Methos moves closer to Aldria and whispers.

[Methos] MacLeod killed Sean when he had the Dark Quickening, what if she goes after MacLeod?

[Ally] I never said, I tell her who killed him.

Ally gives Methos a look.

[Ally] Come on, it's not like I'm a naive newbie here.

[Methos] Though she owes MacLeod and she knows it.

Methos considers it for a moment.

[Methos] Maybe if we mentioned it was the same guy who killed Kronos she'd leave it alone.

[Ally] Who says we have to mention anything about who killed him anyway?

Ally asks.

[Methos] Like she won't suspect that I know, I'm a Watcher, remember?

Methos makes a face, the last thing he wants is to push Kronos' student too much.

[Ally] Yeah, well it's not like the Watchers know everything.

Ally shrugs.

[Methos] I knew about Kronos.

Methos shrugs as he prepares to stand up again.

[Methos] I think I'm going.

[Ally] You know.. she's thinking about taking a student. Has never had one before. Was all full of questions for me.

Ally says absently.

[Methos] Really? So what does have to do with the rest?

Methos asks as he stops to look at Aldria.

[Ally] She's worried about. Doesn't know how to teach a student, other than knowing she doesn't want to be anything like Kronos.

Ally says looking up at Methos.

[Methos] Yeah, can't say that I blame her, only the Gods know the things Kronos taught her.

Methos makes a face.

[Methos] Or what he did to her.

[Ally] Well from our discussion , it sounds like I had a similar teaching method to Kronos... though what he did outside of lessons, is of course a different story.

Ally sighs, shaking her head.

[Methos] Yeah, I can imagine. I knew the guy.

Methos looks down, shaking his head with a sigh.

[Ally] As I said... she was full of questions. I told her, it's not how you treat a student IN the lesson that determines their opinion of them. But how you treat them outside of the lesson. She seemed.... heartened, by that.

Ally comments.

[Methos] So... doesn't she have any idea who you are... Judge Everson?

Methos asks with a smirk, turning his head to look at Aldria.

[Ally] And what kind of idea is that supposed to be? She knows me as Judge Everson, she should, I was the judge when she was sentenced to jail.

Ally asks, arching an eyebrow slightly at Methos.

[Methos] Oh really? I had no idea, small world, huh?

Methos asks as he gestures Mike for another beer, deciding to stay a little longer.

[Methos] And I mean Kronos might have mentioned you, he mentioned me.

Methos says with a shrug.

[Ally] Oh umm. that... Well, see... I've met her twice, once when she was still with Kronos and once.. well... he showed up unannounced.

Ally says giving Methos a 'oops-forgot-to-mention-that' smile.

Methos straightens up on his chair, looking at Aldria suspiciously.

[Methos] And when was that exactly?

[Ally] Well... The first time, was Italy. 1600. I was masquerading as a boy, studying under Galileo Galilei.

Ally says softly, remember the brilliant mortal she had studied under.

[Ally] Kronos and the girl were... breaking into a mausoleum, of some old biddy that had just died. And I can promise you this, none of the towns folk missed her. Kronos had intentions of robbing it.

Ally shrugs.

[Methos] Some old bat who insisted to take her jewels to the grave I bet. Probably thought she'd need them in the afterlife.

Methos chuckles softly, shaking his head amused.

[Ally] Oh... this old bat didn't take just her jewels with her. She took all her money with her too. Left her son a beggar.

Ally shakes had chuckling softly.

[Methos] So Kronos was a grave robber. So what?

Methos smirks urging her to continue.

[Ally] We met... we almost fought.. Actually.. Annie stayed to open the mausoleum, while Kronos and I left Holy Ground. She was upset, because I was a woman and Kronos wasn't letting her fight me.

Ally smirks.

[Ally] Kronos knew she'd lose if she tried me.


***Padova 1600***

Aldria laughed and shoved the young man next to her. "Off with you, Salvatore!" She laughed. "I'll see you in geometry class tomorrow."

"Alright, Adriano. I'll see you. Get a girl or two tonight will you?" Salvatore laughed as he stumbled down the lane towards his parents vineyard.

"Yeah, whatever!" Aldria laughed, and with a wave walked off towards town. "As if I'll get a girl. I am a girl," she laughed softly to herself. "Well, woman," she corrected herself, shaking her head amused by the young man.

In this the 'Year of the Lord, 1600'. Women were rarely even allowed to learn to read, let alone the type of education a 'privileged' young man of 'rank' would be allowed. And it hadn't taken Aldria long to work out that this Galileo Galilei was a genius and one who stood a chance of being remembered for centuries.

That realized, Aldria knew she wanted, needed to learn from him. So, she did what any practical Immortal woman would do. She disguised herself as a boy... ever more practical since it allowed her to wear her sword visible. That thought had no more than passed through her mind when she felt the buzz of an Immortal. Freezing she placed her right hand on her sword hilt and looked around around.

Annie looked around startled by the noise Kronos was making trying to open the door of the crypt, "Shhh, someone is going to come here to find out what's happening." She whispered as she glanced around uneasily.

Kronos pushed again but the door refused to move an inch, "Damn!" He angrily banged it producing another loud metal sound, "No one comes to a cemetery at night. They're afraid of the ghosts." He laughed amused trying to place a metal bar under the door to use as a wedge.

Annie sighed, of course he wouldn't listen, he was too stubborn to give a damn, and if someone showed up he would just kill him and resume work. "Is that woman worth all this trouble? It sounds like you want to be arrested." She asked impatiently, looking around again.

"Of course it's worth it! She was buried with most of her jewelry! Why don't you shut up and come here to help me? This isn't moving!" He grumbled between clench teeth using all his strength.

Annie sighed again and was about to grab the metal bar when she felt an Immortal buzz and looked around nervously, "I've told you someone was coming!" She whispered to Kronos as she put her hand on the hilt of her sword.

"Shut up!" Kronos ordered her in a bad mood as he let go of the iron bar to grab his sword producing another loud bang as it hit the stones by the door. "Damn!" He complained as he heard the noise.

Aldria turned towards the graveyard. Upside it was Holy Ground. Downside... she tried to avoid Immortals. With a disgruntled sigh, she unsheathed her sword, but kept it lowered by her side, as she entered the cemetery and followed the buzz to its source. Rounding the corner of a crypt to the old lady Juliet who had recently died she saw two figures. Both, Immortal.

"A boy?" Kronos laughed amused as he saw a silhouette approach them, it was too dark to really see anything else, "Come closer and meet your doom!" He smiled threateningly, thinking this one was going to be easy.

Aldria frowned, that voice... "Kronos?" She asked surprised.

Kronos frowned as he heard the voice, it couldn't be, not after all these centuries, he moved closer to have a better look, "You!" He stared angrily at Aldria as he recognized her.

"My Goddess, you are still alive," Aldria gasped, shocked. It truly was Kronos.

"So are you, but not for long if I have anything to say about it!" Kronos grumbled threateningly, he almost unsheathed his sword but he remembered Holy Ground just in time.

"You want to fight me?" Aldria asked, her voice a tone that clearly said she was raising an eyebrow.

"What do you think?" Kronos asked raising his voice, he was getting even angrier by her calm.

"Kronos, someone is going to listen." Annie warned him again, though it was a hopeless cause and she knew it.

"I don't give a damn! Let them!" Kronos yelled as he glared angrily at Annie.

Aldria rolled her eyes. Someone to yell at and Kronos ignores her... admittedly before it had been ignoring Methos. Some things never changed.

Annie ignored Kronos' anger, she was used to it by now, she choose to adjust her dress, after years of disguising herself as a man she was glad to be a woman again. "Fine, I'll visit you in prison." She shrugged slightly thinking to herself it would be the last thing she'd do, she'd run away as fast as she could instead.

"You haven't changed in the least bit, have you Kronos?" Aldria asked, unable to keep the amusement from her voice.

Kronos moved his angry gaze to Aldria, "And why should I?"

"People do tend change over time," Aldria said with a shrug.

Annie looked from one to the other slightly shocked, it was the first time she'd see someone who obviously knew Kronos not to be afraid of him.

"Not me!" Kronos grumbled irritated, his hand playing with the hilt of his sword.

Aldria glanced at his twitching hand. "This is Holy Ground, Kronos," she warned him.

Kronos grinned but his eyes remained cold, "Don't you think I know that? I wouldn't be here staring at you if it wasn't."

"You want to fight that bad?" Aldria demanded.

"What do you think, you traitor? I gave you my friendship and you stabbed me in the back!" Kronos yelled furiously, glaring at Aldria, while his hand clenched the hilt of his sword.

"What?" Aldria asked shocked, surprised he thought that.

"You heard me, you're immortal, you can't be deaf!" Kronos grumbled in a bad mood. He made a visible effort to stop gripping his sword.

"I didn't stab you in the back!" Aldria gasped.

"Yes, you did. You just didn't use a knife!" Kronos grumbled angrily, "Look, I'm tired of this, let's get out of Holy Ground and finish this once and for all."

"But... aren't women supposed to be mine?" Annie asked, not sure if she was doing the right thing, he looked positively furious.

"Not this one. You're not good enough to win against her and I wouldn't want her to take my student's Quickening. She might learn too much about my fighting technique." Kronos grinned amused at the look in Annie's face, "That's right, you wouldn't have a chance against her."

Aldria couldn't help it she snorted a laugh. "It isn't as if I haven't seen you fight before."

Kronos smirked threateningly, "And when was the last time you've seen me fight? You think I haven't learnt some new moves since then?"

"Aren't you the one who said you don't change?" Aldria asked unable to help the jibe.

"That's not exactly changing." Kronos shrugged before he turned to Annie, "You try to open that door while I'm away, I'm sure you'll think of something."

"Fine." Annie shrugged, as she thought that things would definitely work smoother now, all she had to do was find the guard, he probably had a key.

"Juliet's family keeps a key hidden somewhere around the base." Then turning she made her way back towards the edge of the cemetery.

"Oh you knew the old bat?" Kronos grinned following her out of Holy Ground, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, ready to unsheathe it.

"Old bat is a rather apt description," Aldria muttered, as she reached the edge of Holy Ground, turning and backing her way away.

"So any last words before I take your head?" Kronos asked angrily while he unsheathed his sword and moved closer to her.

"I don't want to fight you Kronos," Aldria said calmly. Her naked blade in her hand at her side. "But so help me, if you start this, I will finish it."

"You won't have a chance to finish a thing! You really think you can win?" Kronos laughed amused raising his sword. "I've waited a long time for this! You're about to find out what I do to traitors!"

"I promised Marisol I wouldn't start anything with you Kronos. You broke one promise to her, so I suppose breaking another doesn't bother you. Finish this I WILL. Start it, I won't," Aldria said calmly, as she tensed just enough to prepare herself to block Kronos' first strike.

"I didn't break any promise to her. I wouldn't." Marisol's name after all this time was like a stab in the heart, he never thought he'd hear it again.

"I seem to recall part of vow to bring her back to the Amazon when she died," Aldria said bluntly.

"I never promised that!" Kronos grumbled angrily, "Did you hear me promise I would?"

"I remember the marriage vows you took!" Aldria cried. "After all, I'm the one who married you!"

"I didn't promise I would take her back to the Amazons. I would never do that!" Kronos yelled impatiently, her insistence was irritating him.

"Do you remember the vows you took when you married, Marisol? Do you?!" She cried.

Kronos took a deep breath, it was his promise to Marisol that was keeping him from attacking her right now, "Yes, so?"

"Then tell me!" Aldria demanded. "Tell me how not taking Marisol's body back to the Amazon yourself isn't breaking a vow? Tell me how MY taking her back was me turning traitor? TELL ME!" She demanded.

"You only asked me to promise to take her back to the Amazons after you married us, and I didn't promise that." Kronos shrugged, then he grinned raising his sword again, "Come here and make me pay for it." He invited her, hoping she'd start the fight.

"No," Aldria shook her head. "You already paid for it," she added softly.

Kronos sobered up and stopped there looking at her, "What do you mean by that?" He asked impatiently.

"Kronos... It is," Aldria paused and shook her head, "was, so rare for an Amazon to marry... There was more reasons than just she wanted her last rights in the Amazon. There were reasons for you, we wanted it done that way. I... I had so hoped when I took her body that you'd follow."

"I almost did, but I didn't want to break my promise. I would have fought you!" Kronos sighed as he slowly lowered his sword, "I didn't do it then, and I won't do it now. Just stay out of my way!" He prepared to go back the way he'd come from.

"You would have been treated as a God," Aldria added softly.

Kronos stopped on his tracks and looked at her again, "I was treated as a God, a very feared God. I didn't need the Amazons for that!"

"You would have been treated as a loved God," Aldria whispered.

"I never wanted to be a loved God." Kronos shrugged as he began to walk again. He almost sheathed his sword but decided to wait until he got to Holy Ground.

"So be it," Aldria murmured. "But for what it's worth, you were loved."

"Yeah, right." Kronos shook his head disbelievingly, "I can imagine."

"Whatever," Aldria shrugged, as she back off and turned away, walking back down the road.

"Whatever." He turned to leave and join Annie, hoping she'd managed to open the door of the crypt.

Aldria snorted and turned continuing her way down the road.



***Present Day***

[Methos] Actually I'm surprised he kept his promise. There was a time Kronos kept his promises but that was a long, long time ago...

Methos sighs and grabs the beer Mike is putting in front of him.

[Ally] Mike, get me another please. And don't try to tell me I've had too much. Trust me I can keep up with him!

Ally says as Mike puts Methos' beer down. Mike sighs as he returns to the bar, but begins filling another glass.

[Methos] Thanks Mike.

Methos says at the man returning to behind the bar.

[Ally] 'Bout time.

Ally mutters.

[Ally] Oh, and Kronos almost didn't keep his promise, but... He did. And then went and robbed that woman's grave.

Ally chuckles.

[Methos] Which was wise because probably her son, the one she left a beggar had the same idea, only he was too late.

Methos chuckles amused.

[Methos] One thing he was good at what his timing. Always showed up when it was the right time for things to happen.

[Ally] Oh, I'm quite sure he did... in fact the fool tried to do it in the middle of the day, and was put in the stocks for a week for it!

Ally laughs.

[Ally] Ah, thanks Mike!

Ally grins as Mike places two beers down, and mumbles something to Adam about knowing he'd need another soon, before walking back to the bar.

[Methos] He was afraid of ghosts, Kronos wasn't.

Methos chuckles at the man's stupidity, robbing a grave in daylight. He shakes his head in disbelief.

[Ally] That he wasn't. 'Course doesn't help any I told them where the key to the Mausoleum was hidden.

Ally grins.

[Methos] Oh, he was so stubborn he'd end up finding a way.

Methos smirks before he takes a sip of beer.

[Methos] He always did.

[Ally] Well, they were trying to decide how they were going to break in. And then I walk up and tell them where the key is.

Ally shakes head ruefully, and grinning unrepented.

[Methos] I see you really liked the old bat.

Methos chuckles softly, then turns his head to look at Aldria.

[Methos] What about the second time? You mentioned he showed up unannounced?

[Ally] Aah, yes... Annie had just been sentenced and some new evidence had come to light to, significantly reduce her sentence. When Kronos showed up... taunted her some, I let her go back to her cell when she requested it. Kronos kept saying he'd found something... that was in '94, and the something was you, if I'm not mistaken.

Ally says with a slight smile.

Methos takes a deep breath looking back at '94 and the night Kronos showed up at the parking lot.

[Methos] Yes, it was me.

[Ally] She was willing to do anything to stay away from Kronos and that includes stay in jail.

[Methos] Yeah, I've always wondered why she didn't fake her own death. We have that part in the Chronicles.

Methos smirks as he grabs the beer glass again.

[Methos] Hard to miss when she was carrying a sword when they imprisoned her.

[Ally] I offered to arrange it... But aah... yeah, That would have put her back into Kronos' sphere of influence.

Ally grins.

[Ally] Carrying a sword, and ironically enough, killed the man with his own knife.

Ally smirks a little.

[Ally] He deserved it.

[Methos] Of course she did, like a mortal would be a match for a trained Immortal, and I'm betting Kronos trained her to the edge.

Methos makes a face thinking about it.

[Methos] Why do you think I want no trouble with her?

[Ally] And why do you think I'm telling you this?

Ally asks.

[Methos] To make me go away? I hear Bora Bora is really nice this time of year.

Methos says with a smirk.

[Methos] Besides I think I deserve a vacation.

Methos adds, not that he's planning to go to Bora Bora, not much of a hiding place when he keeps mentioning it.

[Ally] To show you, that you won't have any trouble with her. She wants none.

Ally sighs, rolling her eyes slightly.

[Methos] Yes, but she's an Immortal, she carries a sword, so I'm off... Why do you think I've lived this long?

Methos asks before he empties his glass and prepares to stand up.

[Methos] So I'll see you later.

[Ally] Too late.

Ally says as she feels the buzz of another Immortal approaching.

[Ally] You better sit down, rather than look the fool.

Ally suggests.

Methos stops, looking at the door when he feels an Immortal buzz.

[Methos] I should have left when I wanted to.

Methos sighs as he sits down again.

Annie looks around when she steps inside Joe's bar, she sees Aldria right away, she's still at the same table and moves in her direction. And she's sitting with Adam Pierson, so she doesn't have to wait for him, good.

[Annie] Still drinking?

Annie asks Aldria amused, before she turns to look at Methos.

[Ally] Oh yeah.

Ally smirks.

[Methos] Have a seat, I hear you're looking for me?

Methos says going back to his Adam Pierson persona.

[Ally] You talked with the potential student?

Ally asks.

[Annie] Yes, I had an idea how to really get to know her.

Annie says as she pulls a chair and sits a little far from them.

[Ally] Oh? And how's that?

Ally asks.

[Annie] Put a sword in her hand and see what happens.

Annie shrugs before she turns to the bar to order a drink and sees Mike already carrying it in her direction.

[Ally] Just putting a sword in her hand and nothing else won't show much.

Ally shrugs.

Annie thanks Mike when he puts the drink in front of her and waits until he's out of earshot.

[Annie] It will show me her courage, I'm not about to waste two years with a coward.

Annie shrugs again before she take a sip of her drink.

Methos smirks looking down at his glass, she was Kronos' student alright, apparently they shared the same opinion about cowards.

[Ally] Well... that's one way of getting to know her.

Ally chuckles.

[Annie] Oh, by the way, I doubt you'll be worried about it, apparently the guy only goes after newbies, but there's a headhunter in town. Though you might like to know.

Annie says remembering how she met Gemini in the first place.

[Methos] Really? How do you know?

Methos asks side glancing at Annie.

[Methos] Did he have a label?

[Annie] In a way. He was after a young Immortal who was half dressed and unarmed.

Annie shrugs taking another sip of her drink.

[Annie] That should be enough, no?

[Ally] Oh, and was the half-dressed and unarmed Immortal, the one you're thinking of teaching?

Ally asks.

Annie nods with a sigh.

[Annie] Yeah, she has no teacher and I don't think this Immortal will give up so easily.

[Methos] Does this guy have a name?

Methos asks planning to look for him at the Chronicles just in case.

[Annie] I suppose. We all do. But I don't know what it is.

Annie shrugs looking at Methos.

[Annie] Too bad you can't take a look at him.

[Methos] What makes you think I would?

Methos asks trying to hide his amusement, that woman had guessed his thoughts.

[Annie] Because that's why you're at the Watchers?

Annie answers with a slight smile.

[Ally] Girl, immortal or not, you don't join the blue tattooed peeping toms, unless you have an interest in history. Regardless of what other motives you may or may not have.

Ally says with a bit of a grin.

[Annie] Whatever.

Annie shrugs unconcerned.

[Annie] Like I'd care why people join the Watchers.

[Ally] Oh, it is an interesting experience.

Ally chuckles quietly.

[Methos] So, hmm... why are you looking for me?

Methos asks, like he didn't know.

[Annie] I was hoping you'd be interested in history so much you'd know where to find Sean Burns. I really need his help again.

Annie sighs, thinking about the nightmares.

[Methos] Yeah, he helped a lot of us over the years.

Methos nods with an unhappy sigh, now Sean was one friend he really missed.

[Annie] So you know him?

Annie asks hopefully.

Methos nods again.

[Methos] He was my friend.

[Annie] Was?

Annie stares at Methos for a moment.

[Annie] Please tell me you two are just upset with each other.

[Ally] Sean lost his head a few years ago.

Ally says softly.

[Annie] Have any idea of what happened?

Annie asks trying to decide if she should hunt his killer or not.

[Methos] Apparently one of his patients lost his mind and attacked him. And he was devastated when he came back to his senses.

Methos says looking down at his glass.

[Ally] Annie, have you ever heard of a Dark Quickening? Or a Light one for that matter?

Ally asks.

[Annie] Hmm, I don't think so.

Annie frowns thinking for a while.

[Ally] Have you ever met the Priest? Darius?

Ally asks.

[Annie] Hmm, I think Kronos mentioned something about it. A Quickening so powerful that can change you?

Annie asks after a moment.

[Ally] Exactly.

Ally smiles.

[Ally] Darius was once the most ruthless single conqueror there was. By himself, he was even a match for the Horsemen. Then he met an Immortal monk. Took the monk's head, and received a Quickening so light and full of goodness he took the monk's place.

Ally explains for an example.

[Annie] Really?

Annie stares a moment at Aldria, then bursts out laughing.

[Annie] Now I get it.

Methos looks up at Annie, he suspects what she finds so amusing but Adam Pierson wouldn't know what she's talking about so he says.

[Methos] Care to share the joke? We're getting curious over here.

[Annie] The reason Kronos avoided holy men, I thought it had something to do with religion but it didn't make any sense coming from him.

Annie says breathing deeply to try to stop laughing.

[Methos] Yes, apparently he was afraid to get one.

Methos nods with a smirk.

[Ally] Kronos didn't avoid holy men. He became them. Last time I checked the Inquisition was made up of "holy" men.

Ally snorts, amused.

[Annie] He avoided killing them, that's what I mean.

Annie answers with a sigh, the Inquisition time wasn't one of her favorites.

[Ally] It's always good to have clarification.

Ally chuckles.

[Methos] How do you know?

Methos asks Aldria with a frown, so Kronos was an Inquisition torturer, how come he's not surprised, he thinks to himself.

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] He told me.

[Annie] He liked it so much, he did it twice.

Annie adds shaking her head.

[Annie] He waited about 70 years and returned.

[Ally] He told me that too.

Ally sighs. "Personally I avoided Spain then."

[Annie] So this guy who killed Sean had a Dark Quickening?

Annie asks trying to change subject, she doesn't want to talk about Kronos anymore.

Ally nods.

[Ally] Sean was trying to help him. Sadly, Sean failed.

Ally says softly.

Methos keeps side glancing at Aldria, apparently she also forgot to mention that. He wonders when did Kronos tell her about Inquisition times. He looks back at his glass, picks it up and takes a sip letting it pass for now.

[Annie] So this guy is still out there with a Dark Quickening?

Annie asks wondering if she can do something about it, wouldn't she get the Dark Quickening if she killed him? Can she take the chance?

[Methos] No, he's fine now, a friend of his managed to drag him to Holy Ground and he came back to his senses.

Methos says looking down, playing with his glass on the table.

[Methos] Sadly it was too late for Sean though.

[Ally] And from what I heard he was eaten up with guilt for what he did to Sean.

Ally murmurs.

[Annie] Good, he deserves that, Sean was a good man.

Annie sighs sadly.

[Annie] The best Immortal I've known.

Ally snorts softly.

[Ally] You haven't met very many have you, child?

[Annie] You mean besides the ones I had to kill? No, I tend to avoid them.

Annie shrugs picking her glass to drink a little.

[Methos] But you see? The good guys don't go after other Immortals unless they have a reason, so I'm not surprised you haven't met them yet.

Methos tells Annie with a smirk, apparently most of the Immortals she knew were headhunters.

[Methos] Not all of us are like Kronos, you know?

[Annie] Yes, and Sean was the first who made me realize that.

Annie nods with a sad sigh.

[Annie] And if we hadn't met on Holy Ground I would have killed him... or tried.

Methos frowns thinking for a while.

[Methos] Hmm, now that you mention it I don't think I ever saw him fight, which is quite surprising for an Immortal.

[Ally] I fought with him all the time.

Ally says flatly. Then grins and adds, "Just not with swords. Freud was a chauvinistic idiot."

Methos nods with a smile.

[Methos] Yes, I've always thought that Carl Jung's work made more sense.

Annie nods absentmindedly, thinking there's no way to stop her nightmares now. until she gets an idea.

[Annie] Can you find out if Kronos had a Watcher in 1304?

Methos looks at Annie with a frown.

[Methos] And why do you want to know that?

[Annie] It's when he attacked my village. It was on the banks of Loch Ness and it was so small it didn't even have a name.

Annie says before she empties her glass, she hates talking about it or even remembering.

[Ally] What exactly do you want to know?

Ally asks curiously.

[Annie] My first husband had two daughters when I married him, one was about three and the other was just a baby. His wife died from childbirth, you see.

Annie says before she waves Mike for another drink.

[Annie] I ended up loving them as my own, and they called me mother.

Annie goes on, and takes a big gulp when Mike puts the drink in front of her.

[Methos] And it still hurts after all this time?

Methos asks when Mike moves away to the bar.

[Annie] I never knew what happened to them. The uncertainty is driving me nuts.

Annie confesses with a sigh, resisting the temptation to empty her glass.

[Annie] Sometimes I dream they managed to live and someone from my clan took care of them, other times I see them dead, or worse being **** by Kronos' men.

Annie manages to control herself enough to just take a sip from her glass.

[Ally] Not to seem cold, Annie, but... I think it's safe to say, that they're dead now.

Ally says softly.

[Annie] I know that, but it makes a lot of difference if they died as a child or as an old woman, no? And how they died.

Annie says with a unhappy sigh.

Ally nods with understanding.

[Methos] And you never asked Kronos? He would know.

Methos asks with a slight frown.

[Annie] What for? I wouldn't believe him anyway.

Annie answers with a shrug.

[Ally] You know... in my experience... though relatively limited though it was, Kronos had one redeeming quality.

Ally says softly.

Methos turns his head and looks at Aldria surprised.

[Methos] And it was?

[Ally] He was not a liar. Oh, he wouldn't answer if he didn't want to, or talk around a subject. But... he didn't lie. Not to Immortals anyway.

Ally shrugs.

Methos smirks amused without making any comment, while he thinks he didn't share that quality with Kronos.

Annie shakes her head.

[Annie] I'd never believe him in this particular case.

[Methos] Well, I'd like to help but Kronos doesn't have a file. Believe me I've looked.

Methos shrugs, then takes a sip of beer.

[Ally] Yes... but his various identities do... Melvin Koren especially.

Ally murmurs.

[Annie] Try Magnus Kerr, that's the name he was using in Scotland in 1304.

Annie tries to smile and almost succeeds.

[Annie] I bet he loved that one.

[Methos] Magnus?

Methos shakes his head disbelievingly.

[Methos] And I thought Melvin was bad enough.

[Ally] What about Merlin?

Ally asks with an amused chuckle.

[Methos] Like the magician?

Methos chuckles amused.

[Ally] Like the magician... actually, Annie, I do believe that was the name he was going by, in ninety-four.

Ally smiles.

Annie nods.

[Annie] Yes, I think so, I knew it was him right away.

[Methos] Merlin.

Methos shakes his head again.

[Ally] That was Kronos for you.

Ally shakes head still amused.

[Methos] Alright, I'll take a look at Magnus Kerr and see what I can find out.

Methos tells Annie taking a deep breath, maybe she'll leave him alone then.

[Methos] And what were the girls' names? Just in case I find something about him.

[Annie] The older was Deirdre and the younger was Morag... Fraser.

Annie answers and then takes a sip of her drink, she'd never expected to say their names out loud again.

[Annie] And their father was Daniel.

Methos nods.

[Methos] Alright. And you are Anna, so I think I have everything.

[Annie] Hmm, no.

Annie takes a deep breath.

[Annie] Back then my name was Glenna, but if you mention that to a soul I'm going to kill you.

[Ally] What's wrong with Glenna?

Ally asks a little amused by Annie's vehemence.

[Annie] When my adoptive parents found me I was almost frozen to death, and they named me Glenna because I came from the valley of death.

Annie answers making a face.

[Annie] I don't want to be reminded of that all the time.

[Ally] Ironically appropriate that Kronos took you as a student then.

Ally shakes her head amused.

[Methos] Yes, sometimes parents don't think a name can really hurt.

Methos nods, thinking that maybe he's lucky he doesn't know what his name means.

[Annie] Well, it wasn't because of my real name, I never told him what it was.

Annie shrugs.

Ally shrugs in response.

[Ally] It really doesn't matter to me. I was just curious.

[Methos] Alright, give me a couple of days and I'll see what I can find out.

Methos nods looking down at his glass.

[Methos] You do realize that maybe you won't like what I find, right? Are you sure you want to know?

Annie nods, taking a deep breath.

[Annie] But then I'll know, the uncertainty is worse.

Methos shrugs unconcerned.

[Methos] Fine, it's your call.

[Annie] I can take it, Adam. Trust me on this one.

Annie says looking at Methos.

[Annie] But I need to know what happened and maybe the damn nightmares will go away.

[Methos] Or get worse.

Methos adds turning his head to look at Annie.

Annie shrugs.

[Annie] They can't get much worse than they already are, so...

[Methos] Fine, I'll take a look, just give me a couple of days.

Methos shrugs before he picks up his glass and drinks the rest of his beer.

[Methos] Mike, I think I'm going to need another one.

Methos tells the man behind the bar with a smirk.

[Ally] Oh, what a surprise.

Ally says with a roll of her eyes and a smirk of her own.

Annie nods before she checks her watch.

[Annie] I should be going, I'll leave you two alone now.

Annie says with a smile as she moves her chair away from the table.

[Annie] Besides I might be interrupting something...

Ally chuckles softly at that comment from Annie, but refuses to dignify it with anymore response than that.

[Methos] Well, if you are you already did, if you aren't...

Methos shrugs with a smirk at Annie.

[Methos] Too late to worry about that now, no?

[Annie] I suppose.

Annie shrugs as she stands up.

[Annie] See you later then.

Annie says before she moves to the bar to pay for her drinks and then walks to the door and goes out.

[Methos] I think I like her, considering who her teacher was she's really nice.

Methos comments as he watches the bar door close.

[Methos] And it's nice to know I don't need to run and hide when she's in the neighborhood.

[Ally] Kind of told you.

Ally chuckles softly.

[Methos] You of all people should know I like to take my own conclusions.

Methos shrugs as he watches Mike walking to their table with his drink.

[Ally] Oh believe me I do. But I was telling you so you wouldn't bolt out the door.

Ally says with an amused smile.

[Methos] Yes, and now I have to look for... Magnus Kerr.

Methos says shaking his head after Mike walked away.
« Last Edit: October 15, 2011, 01:16:18 pm by Cyberfox277 »

Offline Cyberfox277

  • Administrator
  • New Immortal
  • *****
  • Posts: 131
    • View Profile

  • Total Badges: 11
HALF MOON RISING Part 9
« Reply #8 on: September 30, 2011, 11:31:45 am »
***Half Hour Later***

Methos and Aldria had been drinking in silence since Annie left, when Methos frowns thinking as he remembers something he left for later.

[Methos] So, care to tell me how you met Melvin Koren? You also forgot to mention that.

Ally shrugs. She had been hoping Methos would have forgotten about that but...

[Ally] Wandered into the camp of a bunch of wagoners he and his group had just murdered. Warned him that the Texas rangers were after him... had talked with them shortly before. They didn't think much of me.

Methos' frown deepens as he looks at Aldria.

[Methos] Didn't think much of you? Why not?

[Ally] In 1867 they didn't think much of an Apache Wisewoman... or any Apache for that matter.

Ally chuckles amused.

[Ally] And the Apache didn't think much of the Texas Rangers.

Methos gasps in surprise, opening his eyes wide open.

[Methos] 1867? Texas Rangers? You met MacLeod?

[Ally] Hell no!

Ally snorts.

[Ally] Saw the tracker off in the distance. The Rangers went to meet. I felt an Immortal and so I along with the three men accompanying me, the wisewoman, headed off in the opposite direction.

[Methos] He was there. I hmm... read his file.

Methos says chuckling softly.

[Ally] And I hadn't met him until just a few years ago. I avoided, whoever the Immortal tracker was.

Ally shrugs unconcerned.

[Ally] If you say it was MacLeod, I believe you.

[Methos] Oh I'm sure of it. You see, one of the Texas Rangers was also a Watcher, he volunteered for that mission when he heard the story of El Gato, he suspected he was an Immortal.

Methos says with an amused smile.

[Methos] And MacLeod never bothered to change name, so...

[Ally] Surprises me, that does not. Didn't stop him from being an arrogant bastard either so... all those damn Rangers were.

Ally says remembering.


***South Texas – 1867***

"Why are you rangers out in force?" Ashwin asked.

The Texas Ranger stopped his horse, "We're waiting for the tracker. Did you see a band of men? The leader in black?"

Kai shrugged, "You white men all look the same."

The ranger looked at his colleagues and laughed, "No, you all look the same, not the other way around."

"Why do you look for a band of men?" Aldria asked, knowing that the rangers knew her as Dae, a 'wisewoman' for the Apache.

"They're a bunch of murdering bastards. The leader's name is Melvin Koren, ever heard of him?" The ranger spit to the ground as if only his name made him disgusted.

"No," Zev said bluntly, as his horse danced a little with impatience. "Why would we care?"

"You should, they don't mind killing Indians too." Another ranger laughed at his own joke.

"Just as we wouldn't mind killing them," Kai said with a glare.

"What does this 'Koren' look like?" Aldria asked curious.

"Dark hair, blue eyes, with a beard, a scar on his face, always wears black." The ranger recited it almost automatically, he had been asking about this guy for a long time now.

"Sounds like half you pale-faces out there," Zev snorted in disgust.

"Why are we wasting time with them?" A third ranger grumbled, "Let's move to meet the tracker, I bet it's him over there." He pointed at the horizon.

"Come we should return to camp. If you're ready of course, Dae," Ashwin said with a deferential nod to Aldria, ignoring the rangers.

The rangers spurred their horses and left them without a backward glance, they had better things to do than to waste time talking to Indians.

Aldria nodded, "Yes, let's." She paused a moment as she glanced towards the horizon and the man on horseback there. She shivered slightly, as she felt a buzz, indicating that man was immortal. "Ya!" She said and healed her mount, quickly taking her and the others away from the Texas Rangers and the approaching Immortal.

Aldria and her warrior escorts where about half way back to their camp, when they heard the sounds of screams distantly. Aldria pulled her horse up for a moment.

"Dae? What is it?" Ashwin asked.

"Hear the screaming?" Aldria murmured softly.

"Yes, what of it?" Zev asked not caring. It wasn't coming from the direction of their camp, so he didn't care.

"I want to check it out," Aldria said, turning her mount towards the sound. "Be wary," she warned.

The others nodded and prepared their bows and arrows, as the group of five moved cautiously towards the screaming. They were almost there, when Aldria stiffened, feeling the buzz of another Immortal.

"Dae what is it? Another unknown one like yourself?" Ashwin asked concerned.

Aldria nodded, drawing her sword. "Yes," was all she said, nudging her horse over a rise to see what there was. Just below them, were six men. Four white and two Mexican, and surrounded them was a ransacked Wagoner group. Aldria immediately zeroed in on the Immortal, and blinked in surprise as she recognized him.

Kronos stopped as he was about to pull out his sword, he grinned as he recognized the woman.

"Koren, Indians!" One of his men warned him.

"Shut up, Martinez. I've seen them, you think I'm blind?" Kronos grumbled at him.

Aldria smiled and urged her horse towards the men. "Well, well, well. Look who we have here," she said grinning looking at Kronos.

"Dae," Ashwin cautioned softly, but he and the others moved their horses with Aldria's.

"So we meet again, huh?" Kronos grinned back, "Still riding with warriors I see."

"What else?" Aldria chuckled. "Still raiding, I see."

"What else?" Kronos laughed shrugging.

"Dae, you know this pale-face?" Kai asked softly.

"Yes," Aldria responded with a glance at Kai. "He is my brother-in-law."

Kronos' smile disappeared as he took a deep breath, "Damn, just had to say that, right?" He grumbled.

"What? It's true. And I'm not going to dishonor Marisol's memory by trying to forget," she said bluntly.

"Damn, I know it's true, just don't mention that and especially don't mention her name." Kronos grumbled again.

Aldria just frowned at Kronos, then shook her head.

"Koren, who the hell are these guys?" Another of his men frowned looking suspiciously at the Indians.

"Dae," Ashwin said very softly, urging his horse closer. "Koren, that's the man the Rangers are looking for," he spoke softly enough for none but Aldria to hear him.

"Just go back to your business, Sanchez, and let me mind my own!" Kronos answered him threateningly.

Aldria nodded her thanks to Ashwin then spoke up a little louder. "You call yourself Koren? That wouldn't be Melvin Koren, would it?" She questioned.

"Yes, heard of me already?" Kronos managed to grin again, "This is nothing like before… oh, have you seen Methos, that betraying bastard?" Kronos asked eagerly.

"Not in a LONG time," Aldria answered, stressing the long, realizing that Kronos' men didn't know about Immortals. "But the only reason I've heard of you, is because we just left four Texas Rangers who are looking for you."

"Oh, are they?" Kronos laughed, "We're going to give them a proper welcome then, aren't we boys?" His men laughed.

"Be warned, the only reason we spoke to them, is because they were waiting for a tracker," Zev said speaking up.

"We can take care of ourselves, it's not a bunch of Texas Rangers that's going to stop me." Kronos shrugged, "What about Annie? Did you see her?"

"Only the once, with you,"Aldria said. "But… Koren," Aldria snorted a laugh at the name, "the tracker is like us," she wagged a finger back and forth between herself and Kronos.

"Oh, really?" Kronos grinned interested, "Good, it's been a while since I don't have a you-know-what."

"Help yourself," Aldria said with a gesture indicating she had no desire for it.

Kronos sensed his men were getting impatient, "Well, it's been a pleasure talking to you, but I have to get going, we really need a drink." His men nodded in agreement, "See you around." He went to get his horse and mounted it, "Well, come on, we don't have all day!" He urged his men to move.

Aldria just nodded to Kronos and backed her horse up, then turned urging her horse back towards their camp, Ashwin, Kai and Zev following behind.

Halfway to the camp, she slowed and turned to Zev. "You are the better tracker, I have a task for you, if you will accept it."

Zev nodded, "Of course, wiseone. What is it to be?"

"Follow them," then nodded back towards where Kronos and his men had been. "And report back what happens to them. Koren especially."

Zev nodded his acceptance. "It shall be done Dae," he said, and turned his horse to go.

"Zev, one more thing," Aldria cautioned.

"Yes?"

"Careful of the Rangers. Don't let them know you are there."

"Yes, Dae," Zev nodded, then kicked his horse to a gallop and shortly disappeared.

"We are to return to camp then, Dae?" Ashwin asked.

Aldria nodded, and without a word they turned and headed back towards the camp.



***Early Evening***

"Dae! Dae!" A voice called loudly. Aldria ducked out of her tent, to see Zev racing back into camp. "Dae, Koren is dead!"

"He's what?" Aldria asked shocked, hoping, for the sake of a sister who was no longer alive, that it wasn't a permanent death.

"He's dead. The Rangers shot him. They were burying him, as I left."

"Thank you, Zev!" Aldria called, then whistled shrilly. Within moments her horse came up to her.

"Dae, you go to unbury him?" Ashwin asked coming up with Kaga, the shaman of the tribe.

"He is like you?" Kaga asked.

"Yes, and yes," Aldria responded. "He was married to my sister, and though she has gone to the spirits, for her sake, I will free him, and help him start anew."

Kaga nodded. "Zev, Ashwin, you will go with Dae and unbury this brother to her. I will prepare a space in your tent for him, yes?" Kaga asked looking at Aldria.

"That would be greatly appreciated. Once he is here, we can take his clothes to get something more close his size," Aldria paused a moment thinking. "I would also like Samir to come with. Like wind he is named for, I will need one thing from the pale-face town, Samir is best to get it."

Kaga nodded. "Zev, go collect three more of our little brothers," he said nodding to the horses, "yours is tired and needs rest. Ashwin, go collect Samir, meet Dae back here."

"Bring an extra horse. We will need one for my brother," Aldria told Zev as both young men nodded and hurried off to do as bid. Kaga nodded to Aldria then turned and walked into the growing dusk.

Samir, Ashwin appeared, followed very shortly by Zev with four horses. Aldria vaulted herself onto her horse, as the three young men followed suit. "Zev, you lead us. Ashwin, take the spare horse. Careful for the horses, it'll be dark soon," Aldria warned. All three nodded, then turned and raced off, while there was still light to do so.

It was dark when they reached the town of Aqua Dulce. Samir was sent after a razor, so she could shave Kronos' face. What was he thinking, growing a beard? Horrible! Zev led the way to the graveyard.

Once at the grave the warriors started digging. Neither letting Aldria help. Once they reached the coffin and started uncovering it, Aldria stiffened at the feel of the reawakened Quickening.

Kronos felt the buzz of another Immortal the moment he revived, "Are you going to fight like a man this time, or you brought your damn friends to shoot me again? You coward!" He yelled trying to open the lid of his coffin.

"Kronos, shut up!" Aldria hissed as he yelled. "Unless you want us to leave you there, before we all end up dead!"

"Aldria?" Kronos was surprised it was her, she had no reason to help him after all.

"Yes, it's me. Now, quiet. Let us get you out," she whispered softly.

"Alright." Kronos whispered back.

Aldria stiffened slightly, as did Ashwin and Zev at the crack of a stick breaking. All three looked up to see Samir, who raised both a razor and what had to be Kronos' sword in triumph. Aldria smiled and shook her head, turning back to the coffin. Zev and Ashwin uncovered the rest of the dirt over the top of it.

"Careful, pale-face," Ashwin said softly. "We break the top now."

"Well I don't have anywhere else to go, you know?" Kronos answered back, still keeping his voice low.

Ashwin grinned at Aldria amused by Kronos' response. He and Zev moved carefully and then each stomped simultaneously, breaking the boards and allowing them to break them further, and pulling the top of the coffin off.

"Welcome back to the world of the living," Aldria greeted Kronos, amused.

"Damn rangers!" Kronos grumbled as he tried to get up from the coffin.

Aldria squatted slightly and offered Kronos a hand, so he could pull himself up. "Come, we will take you back to our camp and help you change your appearance," she said softly.

Kronos took her hand and slowly got to his feet, "I should go after them and kill them one by one." He grumbled angrily, "Who do these fools think they've messed up with?"

"The Rangers only did their job," Aldria said shaking her head. "Besides that for now, they think YOU'RE dead. Use this chance to create a new life for yourself. Sooner or later the Apache," she nodded towards the young men, "will make them pay." She quirked her lips, "Live, grow stronger."

"Fight another day. Yeah, I also heard that." Kronos looked around, "Hmm… thanks by the way, I don't think I would have gotten out so soon, if it wasn't for you."

"Yeah, you're being dead, didn't help matters any," Aldria snorted, still careful to keep her voice down. "Now, are you coming with us? Or are we leaving you on your own?"

Kronos shrugged, "I don't exactly have someone waiting for me."

"Come on then," Aldria said standing. She held her hands out to Samir. She took the sword, and razor, then turned and offered the sword to Kronos. "Yours?" She said softly.

"Yes." Kronos grinned, "I feel a lot better now. I really like this sword."

"Again, come on," Aldria said, as she vaulted herself onto her horse's back. The young warriors following suit, leaving one horse for Kronos.

Kronos took the horse's reins and easily mounted it, he had been riding horses for millennia, saddled or unsaddled was almost the same to him.

"Let's go then," Aldria whispered and nodded to Zev, who quickly took the lead, and heeled his horse, they started off, at a careful trot, towards their camp.

The five reached the camp and Aldria dismounted. She motioned for Kronos to do the same, and to pass his reins off to one of the other young men.

Kronos quickly dismounted and looked around while he passed the reins, "This is nice, almost reminds me of our old camp."

Aldria shrugged. "Different style tents," she pointed out, as she led him in between several. Before she reached her destination another woman came up and passed her bucket with steaming water. Aldria murmured her thanks.

"Yes, the tents are different but it has the same… I don't know…" Kronos tried to explain.

"Feel?" Aldria asked.

"I'm not really sure what the word is, I was never too good with words, you know?" Kronos laughed as he shrugged.

Aldria chuckled herself and ducked into her tent. She was pleased to see that Kaga had gotten a second bedroll set up, opposite the small tent fire that was in the middle. A shirt was folded on the middle of the spare roll. Setting the small bucket of water down, she turned to Kronos. "Get out of those, I'll be back for them shortly. There's a spare shirt in the mean time," she nodded to what was folded on the spare bedroll, "And get yourself clean. As I said, I'll be back shortly, alright?"

"Yes, I suppose I smell like a graveyard, right?" Kronos chuckled as he removed his shirt and coat.

Aldria shrugged, "That and dirt." With that she ducked back out of the tent. She hurried to go get a small bowl of water and extra cloth so she could get that hideous beard off of his face.

A short while later, having what she wanted in hand she returned to her tent, and carefully shouldered the flap aside, as her hands were full.

"Hmm, so what about some pants?" Kronos looked amused at his bare legs, "Men wear pants now, you know?"

Aldria glanced at Kronos and chuckled, "Oh, I know," she smiled. "We're going to use you old ones as a base for making new." She set her things down, and picked up his old things. "Nice legs by the way," she told him as she ducked back out of the tent.

Less than a minute later, she returned to the tend, this time, without any burdens, having handed his old clothes off to one of the other women who had volunteered to use it was a pattern for making new things for him.

"So what about some food? Dying makes me hungry." Kronos commented as he looked around her tent.

"They're bringing some," Aldria said absently. "Didn't get dinner myself." As she said that a women ducked into the tent, with a small tray of food, and a skin full of water. The woman ducked out again as quickly as she came. Reaching down, Aldria picked up one of the two pieces of food on the tray. "Help yourself," she told Kronos nodding towards the other piece. "Once we're done. I need to get that beard of yours shaved off. It's hideous," Aldria said bluntly.

"Hey, I happen to like it!" Kronos frowned as he picked the other piece of food. "Never tried it before, but since I didn't have anyone to shave me decided to give it a try."

Aldria snorted, "It doesn't suit you."

Kronos shrugged, "Why do you care?"

Aldria just pursed her lips slightly, and said nothing, only took a bite of her food.

Kronos grinned, he was glad he managed to shut her up, "What's that in the skin bag? Wine?"

Aldria shook her head. "Water. Alcohol in general doesn't mix well with Indians," she told him.

"Damn, I think I need something stronger than that." Kronos sighed while he ate.

"Why?" Aldria chuckled as she quickly swallowed the last of her food, and then swallowed some of the skin.

"I don't know about you, but I hate to die." Kronos grumbled still chewing his food, "And what exactly is this? Wait, maybe it's better if I don't know, I'm hungry." He smiled.

"It's just deer meat," Aldria said with a shrug. "Nothing horrible."

"Oh good." Kronos grinned, "It just tastes different."

"Might be antelope," Aldria shrugged, indifferently. "You about done?" She asked bluntly.

"What's the hurry? Want me to go somewhere?" Kronos frowned.

"Well, I want to get that beard shaved off, so I can go to sleep. I don't know about you, but I've been up since well over an hour BEFORE sunrise," she responded.

"I don't want you to shave my beard, I've told you I like it." Kronos frowned at Aldria.

"You want to be lynched as soon as you leave this camp?" Aldria asked bluntly. "Because that or some other form of you being killed is exactly what will happen, if you don't change your appearance, drastically. And the easiest way to change it, is to shave the beard off."

"Damn, not hanging, it hurts like hell." Kronos grumbled.

Aldria just raised an eyebrow not saying anything.

Kronos sighed, "Fine, cut the beard, I can always get it back later."

"We'll have to trim your hair too," Aldria muttered. "But that can wait a few days."

"You're not cutting anything else." Kronos grumbled in a bad mood.

"Fine," Aldria said, not wanting to fight about it anymore. "You done, so I can get the beard shaved?"

"Fine." Kronos grumbled, "Just be careful with that blade." He warned her.

"Promise," Aldria said. "Sit," she motioned to where a couple of blankets where rolled up, creating a backrest and a relatively comfortable place to sit, with legs stretched out, onto her bedroll.

Kronos sighed again and sat where she wanted him to, still not talking.

Aldria moved around, and picked up the small bowl of warm water and set it next to him, then after studying him for a moment, straddled his legs.

Aldria took the razor blade out and dipped it in the water, then put it to Kronos' face, and slowly and carefully began shaving the hair from his face.

Kronos tried to stay still while she shaved him but he was getting restless.

"Hold still," she told him, glancing in his eyes for a moment. "I don't want to cut you."

"Fine, just don't take all night." Kronos grumbled as he tried to relax against the rolled up blankets.

"I'll try not too," she said with a smile, as she rinsed the blade off, and brought it back to his face again.
Aldria worked as quickly as she could, while still making sure that she didn't cut him. After a short bit she put the blade in the water, finished. "There," she said with a smile. "Now that's the Kronos I remember."



***Present Day***

Methos stares at Aldria in disbelief for a moment, then he slowly shakes his head.

[Methos] He actually let you put a blade so close to his neck? That doesn't sound like Kronos at all.

Ally chuckles.

[Ally] Well, I didn't exactly take 'no' for answer.

[Methos] Yes, but still it's a little bit surprising.

Methos smirks thinking there was no way he'd be in that position, not even with Aldria, there is a limit to trust.

Ally grins guessing what Methos was thinking about.

[Ally] Don't ever grow a beard and you'll never have to worry about me, putting you into that position.

Ally warns, with a smile.

[Methos] A beard? Me?

Methos makes a face shaking his head.

[Methos] Never have, not even to look older.

[Ally] Smart! I don't think it'd suit you.

Ally chuckles.

[Methos] No, I don't think so.

Methos smirks amused.

[Methos] So what then? Don't stop at that, this was getting interesting.

[Ally] Then...

Ally hesitates.

Methos side glances at Aldria with a smile still playing on his lips.

[Methos] Don't tell me he didn't try anything, the only difference between Kronos and a stallion was that he wasn't a horse.

[Ally] Yeah, so we had sex and then went to sleep.

Ally shrugs indifferently.

[Methos] Thought so, when we were traveling to Europe you two seemed on friendlier terms than usual.

Methos chuckles amused thinking about those days they'd spent together.

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] Yeah well in Texas it'd been over century since the last time I'd had any, so I was desperate... and it turns out he did give a fairly good accounting of himself.

[Methos] You only missed Caspian, huh? Then again maybe you were a doctor in one of the innumerable mental institutions he was in and... Might have happened.

Methos teases her still smiling amused.

[Ally] No.

Ally says shortly.

[Ally] And let's make that a HELL no! I quite literally would rather lose my head than sleep with him. Besides it was only the once with Silas.

Ally shrugs.

[Methos] Oh and it was more than once with Kronos?

Methos raises an eyebrow at Aldria, then shakes his head amused.

[Ally] Well.. he was with us for about a week, before the search for his body was given up on, and we Apache let him go... and then about once a decade or so after that.

Ally adds with a shrug.

[Methos] Who would have thought you'd keep coming back for more.

Methos chuckles softly still shaking his head.

[Ally] Oh, no.. He's the one who kept coming back.

Ally grins amused.

[Methos] Oh really? This keeps getting better and better.

Methos says still laughing.

[Ally] It does? Does it?

Ally asks grinning.

[Methos] So when did that Inquisition discussion occurred? Don't tell me it was while you were doing it.

Methos asks amused, not that he'd be surprised knowing Kronos.

[Ally] It was before...

Ally says rolling her eyes.

[Methos] So go on, the suspense is killing me, so to speak.

Methos urges her to go on with a smile.

[Ally] Speak what?

Ally asks.

[Ally] Say that we discussed the Inquisition before sex?

Ally rolls her eyes again.

[Ally] It was after I shaved him. While I was still sitting on his lap, before sex.

[Methos] I knew it. I bet that turned him on, or you, or both.

Methos smirks remembering it didn't take much for her to turn him on in the old times anyway.

[Ally] I think it was the sitting... or rather straddling his lap that turned him on.. and once he offered, I wasn't going to say no.

Ally grins.

[Methos] So he was at the Indian village when the Texas Rangers went there the next morning?

Methos asks remembering what that Watcher had wrote in the Chronicles.

[Ally] Yes. He was confined to my tent that day.

Ally smirks.

[Ally] Lack of clothes helped.

[Methos] They didn't find him, too bad MacLeod wasn't with them anymore.

[Ally] Aah, but if MacLeod had been there, all I would have had to do, was step out... and claim he wasn't there... that it was just me.

Ally points out.

[Methos] True. He'd probably fall for it.

Methos nods, then he smiles after a moment.

[Methos] I bet it was the lack of clothes who also saved the Texas Rangers' lives.

[Ally] That was a good part of it.

Ally sighs.
« Last Edit: October 15, 2011, 01:18:21 pm by Cyberfox277 »

Offline Cyberfox277

  • Administrator
  • New Immortal
  • *****
  • Posts: 131
    • View Profile

  • Total Badges: 11
HALF MOON RISING Part 10
« Reply #9 on: September 30, 2011, 12:11:32 pm »
***South Texas – 1867***

Aldria woke and lay still, listening for what had woken her. After a moment she identified a soft scratch at the flap of her tent. Moving quietly to not wake Kronos, she wrapped herself in her blanket and ducked her head out of the tent. "Yes, Kaga?" She asked softly.

"Rangers will be coming to camp today. He must stay in," Kaga said softly.

Aldria nodded. She didn't know exactly where Kaga got his information but he had never been wrong before. "Will you bring meals?" She asked.

Kronos listened to them, he had woken up the moment he felt someone scratching the tent, but pretended to be asleep. His hand grabbed his sword firmly though.

Kaga nodded, "My wife or I will." With that he turned and walked off.

Aldria glanced up at the sky it was cloudy and overcast. Looked like it was going to start raining any second. Aldria shivered and ducked back into the tent letting the flap close. A glance showed that Kronos hadn't moved. Aldria shivered and walked over to the fire and began to stir it up, adding more wood.

Kronos side glanced at her through almost closed eyelids, he didn't want her to know he was awake and had heard the conversation.

The fire stirred up, Aldria lay back down, quietly watching the flames.

Kronos opened his eyes blinking, pretending it was the light of the fire that had awoken him. He moved enough so she could hear him.

"Morning," Aldria greeted absently, not looking away from the fire.

"Morning." Kronos grumbled as he sat up. He looked around, "Still early, huh?"

"Sun is just coming up," Aldria said, rolling onto her back to watch Kronos.

Kronos stretched and yawned, "Maybe I should get dressed, can you get me some pants?"

"Kaga or his wife will deliver them when they're done," Aldria said absently, admiring the view Kronos presented.

"Great. So what do I do until then? Go around half naked?" Kronos grinned.

"Or completely naked. I'm not complaining," she grinned.

"Why would you complain? If you didn't want to see me, you wouldn't have brought me here in the first place." Kronos shrugged.

"Yes, well, you do present a rather nice view," Aldria grinned at him.

"Well, I would show you a nicer view but it's a bit cool." Kronos laughed.

"Fire will warm the air up a bit, now that it's going again," she laughed not taking her eyes off of Kronos.

"Let's wait a bit then." Kronos grinned.  He stared at the roof of the tent, "Wish they brought me some clothes, I should be on my way." He grumbled, planning to attack the Rangers on their way to the Indian camp.

Aldria chuckled, "A set of clothes takes a bit."

"I suppose." Kronos grinned, "I have a few things hidden somewhere but I can't ride there naked, can I?"

"Well, you could. But immortal or not, you'd end up with a nasty and painful rash if you did," she laughed and rolled onto her side so she could see Kronos.

Kronos laughed, "Besides it isn't my idea of going unnoticed."

"No. It'd attract quite a bit of attention," she chuckled.

"I don't even have a gun anymore, only my sword." Kronos frowned, "I need to get a gun, it's more efficient on mortals."

Aldria laughed. "I'll see if we can arrange something."

"Hmm, maybe we can do more than that." Kronos grinned thinking about it, "You said they'd attack the white sooner or later, so what are they waiting for? Maybe we should give them a hand."

"They're waiting for word from Geronimo. Who is supposed to be sending word on where all the Apache tribes will meet and join for a large scale revolt against the whites." Aldria sighed, "And that is when I will take my leave of them."

"You're not fighting anymore?" Kronos asked surprised, "Or they wouldn't take you?"

"I've never desired to fight hopeless causes." Here Aldria grinned and added, "Unless they were of my own making. And if they attack the whites, they'll be slaughtered, during or after, and I have no desire to see that."

"Well, it's not like we've never been outnumbered before." Kronos shrugged, "Though being immortal probably helped." He chuckled thinking back, "Don't know how many times Silas and Caspian got killed."

Aldria chuckled, "They did make easier targets."

"They didn't even try to hide." Kronos laughed, "Well, maybe they couldn't."

"Yes, well... there was at least that ONE time, were Silas dove in front of the arrow to protect his horse!" Aldria chuckled laughing at the memory.

"Silas and his animals." Kronos shook his head, "I miss them, I miss the Horsemen, never again I managed to form a band like we were."

"You know," Aldria said softly. "I've seen Silas more recently than Methos."

"Yeah?" Kronos looked at her, "Where?"

"Vineland," she said saying it the way the Vikings called their homeland.

"Yeah? When?" Kronos frowned, "I was there too, can't believe I missed him."

"Oh, about 800 years ago. No idea where or what he did from there," she smiled.

"Damn, wasn't there anymore. I had left by then, first Normandy, then England." Kronos grumbled.
"When were you with the Vikings?" Aldria asked.

"I don't know the exact date." Kronos shrugged, "In the 800's, 850 or something. Stayed there almost 200 years, when I died in one place, just moved to another."

"Wow. Funny, we never ran into each other," Aldria chuckled. "I arrived in about 750 stayed for five or six hundred years."

"Really?" Kronos frowned, "Had no idea you'd been there." He grinned, "Maybe it was better, considering the scene we made in Padova in 1600 when we met."

"Yeah, well, the Vikings wouldn't have flinched. We could have been more... 'visible' then. At least in Vineland I got to dress as a woman! Galileo was worth it, but I got tired of masquerading as a boy!" She chuckled.

"Almost didn't recognize you as a boy." Kronos laughed, "Thought you were a young Immortal."

"That was kind of the point," she chuckled.

Kronos grinned shaking his head, "So in Vineland you fought as a woman? They wouldn't have a problem with that."

"And they didn't. I called myself Sigrun, and was well respected," Aldria grinned.

"Hmm, I think I've heard of you." Kronos frowned thinking, "Yeah, I did. Didn't know it was you of course."

"And what did you hear?" Aldria asked amused.

"Oh, something about a mighty warrior woman that fought better than men." Kronos smiled, "Didn't believe it at the time, should have thought it could be you."

"And now, you'd believe it, wouldn't you? Did you know, I'm now a Valkyrie? You may have made it into the Bible, but I made it onto the Viking ship, that ferries warriors to Valhalla. One of the Valkyries guarding it," she chuckled.

"Oh, really?" Kronos laughed, "Never expected to be in bed with a Valkyrie, I'm honored." He grinned amused.

"Yes, you are a rather lucky and honored man," Aldria laughed herself. "You got to be in bed with both an Amazon and a Valkyrie and survive to tell the tale. Not many men, EVER could claim one let alone both."

"Well, you slept with Death and now Plague and lived to fight another day." Kronos chuckled.

"And Silas," Aldria added, with a grin, carefully watching Kronos' reaction.

"What? You slept with Silas?" Kronos burst out laughing.

"Just once!" Aldria laughed. "It was that first night."

Kronos shook his head still grinning, "So who's next? Caspian?" He looked at her suspiciously, "Or you did that already?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Aldria smirked.

"Hmm, I don't think you did. You're still in one piece." Kronos laughed.

"Good guess," Aldria admitted. "Can't say I ever had the desire to... even consider Caspian."

"You wouldn't be his type anyway." Kronos smiled, "He wouldn't sleep with someone who kicked his ass unarmed."

"Well, in that way I wasn't. But in another way I was. After all, I had slept with Methos," Aldria pointed out.

"Oh, noticed that? Yeah, Caspian always wanted Methos' women, or cast offs.

She shook her head. "What was Caspian's thing for Methos' cast offs?" She asked.

Kronos shrugged, "Jealousy I guess."

"I suppose at this point in time, it really doesn't matter," she chuckled.

"Actually I'm surprised Methos didn't end up killing him." Kronos shrugged, "Or maybe he did, when I came back couldn't find any of them."

"Yes, well, there were several times while I was with you four that YOU were the only reason Caspian made it through the night," Aldria chuckled.

"Really? Planned to kill him?" Kronos frowned.

"Damned if I remember what they were fighting over. They were always fighting," she chuckled. Aldria broke off in mid-laugh, her head cocking as the sound of horses, with harness sounded, approaching the camp.

Kronos looked at the door of the tent, "Expecting anyone?" He asked like he didn't know.

"Rangers," Aldria answered with a glance at Kronos. "And before you think about going after them, they'll kill you, and I'm not going to dig you up again."

"Damn it, I don't even have a gun." Kronos grumbled.

Aldria snorted. "I didn't go to all the work of digging you up and shaving you, for you to go show yourself right away to the few people who might be able to identify you without the beard, and who would slaughter everyone in this camp without a second thought. If you want to go after them, once you have clothes, a gun and a horse, that's your prerogative. Until then..." Aldria warned.

Kronos jumped to his feet and moved to the door of the tent, "I don't know if I can do that if they're the same that shot me in the back." He looked around, "Is there a way to look outside without being seen?"

"Not unless you're twenty feet tall," Aldria said pointing to the top hole in the teepee. "Just leave it, Kronos. If you want them badly enough, a couple of days isn't going to matter."

"Damn, I can't believe this." Kronos grumbled as he moved to his sword and picked it up, "If there's no way to look outside I guess I'll have to make one."

"Damn it, Kronos. You yourself just said if they are the ones who shot you, you wouldn't be able to resist going after them! So don't look! I have no problem with you going after them, just not when it'll result in the death of this tribe!" She hissed at him. "Besides, you cut a hole in the tent, and you'll be the one who sleeps under it, since it is raining outside."

"It's raining?" Kronos hesitated a little, "Maybe cut a hole is not such a great idea if it's raining."

"No, cutting a hole isn't a good idea. And yes it's raining. Can't you hear the little bit of splatter against the hides?" Aldria pointed out the sound.

Kronos listened for a moment, "Yeah, I do. Didn't hear that before."

"Alright, where is it?" A voice loudly demanded.

"Yeah, you cut a hole, you're sleeping under it," Aldria warned again, but softly, striving to listen to the voices of the Rangers.

Kronos raised his sword as he heard the voice and moved to the side of the door, if they entered the tent, he would kill them.

"Where is what?" Kaga's voice questioned.

"Someone robbed a corpse from the cemetery last night." The Ranger grumbled, "We're looking for it."

"Why would we want a white man's body?" Kaga asked scornfully.

"We found a track near the cemetery, horses without horseshoes..." The Ranger looked down threateningly.

"So?" Kaga asked, uncowed. "We often ride to your burial ground, to observe. Is that a crime now?"

"It is if you rob anything while you're there." The Ranger frowned.

"Again, I ask, why would we want one of your dead?" Kaga demanded.

"I would be careful if I were you, we might decide to arrest all of you." The Ranger grumbled threateningly, "Better watch out, we'll be watching you, if you step out of line..." The Ranger turned his horse around and moved back where he came from.

"Stupid white man," Kaga muttered scornfully, once the Ranger was out of earshot.

"They're leaving." Kronos lowered his sword, "Damn, I can't believe I've let them go away." He grumbled in a bad mood.

Aldria shrugged, "If you hadn't, you just would have ended up dead. If you really want them that badly, go tomorrow."

"Maybe I will. Of course that Immortal with the Rangers is long gone, he knows I'm still alive, but he didn't tell the others or they wouldn't be looking for a corpse." Kronos grinned, "I'm going to get them."

Aldria chuckled, "If that Immortal, is looking for you, he's long gone. No one would expect you to stay close," she laughed.

"Or that the Indians would help me, why would they?" Kronos smiled, "Nobody knows that they didn't help me, they helped you."

"Correct," she grinned. "They helped me, now just because that helping me, helped you is beside the point." Aldria paused thinking, "Any idea who that Immortal is anyway?"

"Didn't give him a chance to introduce himself, if he was going to." Kronos laughed, "But I'll find out, if I get one of the Rangers, he'll tell his mother's maiden name."

Aldria laughed, "Well, you'd better hope he's younger then. The younger ones, I've noticed, don't tend to change their names like we do, Koren," she said the name sarcastically.

"Oh, he's young alright, too easy to beat to be an old one." Kronos grinned.

Aldria chuckled and before she could say more there was a scratch on the tent, "Dae?" A soft voice called.

"Yes?" Aldria called as she pulled up a blanket and wrapped it around her, long enough poke her head out of the tent.

Kronos raised his sword again as he heard the noise.

"Breakfast," Kaga's wife said, passing Aldria a tray. "I will have his clothes finished sometime this afternoon."

"My thanks, on both," Aldria nodded.

"Kaga or I will bring lunch," she said, then turned and hurried off. Aldria glared at the sky and ducked back into the tent, careful to make sure the flap was securely closed.

"Who was that?" Kronos frowned.

"Kaga's wife. With breakfast," Aldria smiled, turning around with a tray of food and another, larger skin of water.

"And water again I see." Kronos made a face, "When I get out of here the first place I'll stop will be a saloon."

"Yes, water again. I told you, alcohol and Indians don't mix well," she returned to her spot on the bedrolls and sat down, placing the tray of food where it would be between them, if Kronos were to resume his seat. "And as you heard, she'll have your clothes finished this afternoon."

"Good. Then I'll leave, any idea what happened to my horse?" Kronos sat next to Aldria and grabbed a piece of food.

"No," Aldria said bluntly. "But if you wait until tomorrow morning, I'll give you a horse."

"Oh really? Are you that desperate to spend another night with me?" Kronos smiled teasingly.

"Absolutely!" Aldria laughed. "None of them will have sex with me," she said with a head jerk to indicate the camp and all the Indians there in.

"Why not?" Kronos frowned, "And what did she call you? It wasn't Aldria."

"Dae. It means 'unknown'. They have a tradition of 'Unknown ones'," Aldria explained. "I am a respected wise woman."

"Does that have anything to do with Immortals?" Kronos asked thinking about it.

"The unknown ones, might," Aldria shrugged. "But it's the wise woman part that keeps any of them from having sex. I am a wise woman, honored and," she sighed disgustedly, "therefore untouchable."

Kronos laughed, "They don't think a wise woman needs sex?"

Aldria shrugged again, "Maybe, but as I have no husband, I am unapproachable, and untouchable," she sighed.

"Well, you can always try the Amazon way." Kronos chuckled.

Aldria sighed, "I never cared for that. Oh, I've done it. It was part of my initiation into Anath's priesthood. I much prefer it when it involves someone with a ****," she chuckled bluntly, taking a bite of her food.

"No, I didn't mean that." Kronos laughed, "The Amazon way to get a man."

"Oh, that way," Aldria laughed, and smiled. "I thought that's what I did last night?"

"Oh, really?" Kronos shook his head smiling.

"Really. I mean," Aldria shrugged and smiled, "I could have just left you in that grave."

"I would have managed to get out... eventually." Kronos shrugged. "Worse case scenario when the grave-digger went to get my bones."

"Speaking from experience?" Aldria chuckled amused.

"Oh, yeah." Kronos grinned, "I would kill him, take his clothes and bury him in my place."

"Lovely," Aldria said with an amused roll of her eyes.

"What? Most of the times I don't have anyone to help me out." Kronos shrugged.

"Yeah, see... I just avoid getting myself into those situations in the first place," Aldria said with an amused grin.

"And what is the fun of living a quiet peaceful life?" Kronos grinned, "I'd be bored to death."

"Well, then you'd find Methos. You'd be bored right to him," Aldria quipped.

"I've been looking for him for centuries and never managed to find out anything about him. He changed his name of course." Kronos shook his head, "He's now a legend, the oldest living Immortal and all that."

"I know. Which makes me pretty damn close to second!" Aldria laughed.

"Don't know how he made such a mistake. I mean no one has ever heard of me..." Kronos grinned looking at her, "Or you."

"I know. And you've been making more of a name for yourself. He slipped up there, somewhere," she said shaking her head.

"Maybe it was the damn Watchers." Kronos grumbled.

"Watchers?" Aldria asked.

"Yeah, some mortals with tattoos that keep following us. They have a secret society called the Watchers." Kronos grinned, "Very imaginative name, huh? Maybe someone like Silas invented it."

Aldria laughed, "The blue tattooed peeping toms! I didn't realize they had a name."

"Yeah, they do. And they have been around for centuries." Kronos frowned, "Maybe it was them that started the Game. Ever thought of that?"

"I don't know. Too few of us even realize they exist. How would they have started the Game?" She asked. "Damned peeping toms," she added in a mutter.

"They would only have to tell a few, maybe those hiding on Holy Ground, and the word would get around." Kronos shrugged, "Well, if they did it, they don't know it anymore."

"No one knows," Aldria sighed.

"Always suspected that thing of the Game, so convenient for mortals we keep killing each other, no?" Kronos grumbled, "If we joined each other, instead of fighting, we'd own the Earth by now."

"That we would," Aldria said absently. "Can you imagine it? What the world would be like without the Game?"

"Yeah, I can. We'd own what the mortals do now, and they would be our pets." Kronos laughed.

"Perhaps," Aldria said absently, still pondering the idea.

"We need another Black Plague, fastest way to get rid of them, I was in Europe when it happened." Kronos smiled.

"Na, Black Plague wouldn't do it. Most people do have decent hygiene now," Aldria pointed out.

"I carried slaves from Africa once." Kronos smiled, "Some of them were sick with something no one had ever heard of, it ended up killing them all."

"Huh... just the slaves die?" Aldria questioned.

"No, every mortal that got near them. Only Annie and I lived." Kronos grinned.

"Huh..." Aldria said thoughtfully, then shrugged.

"So you see, there's something better than the Black Plague. We just have to know where to look."

"And actually bother to look. I bet you could find some pretty exotic things in the Amazon." Aldria chortled, "Amazon! I love it that they named it that!"

"Strange they named it that, apparently no one remembers where the Amazon nation was anymore, and South America is a long way from Greece." Kronos smiled.

"That it is. I have no idea why they named it the Amazon," Aldria said. Then grinned broadly, "But that doesn't mean I don't love it!"

Kronos picked the skin and took a sip of water, then he sighed looking down at it.

Aldria laughed at the face Kronos made, and then stood up, and went over to a small pile on the other side of the tent and squatted down, looking through them.

Kronos side glanced at her, "What are you looking for?"

"This," she said after a moment tossing him another, half empty skin. "I don't know if it's any good still or not," she warned him.

"And what is this?" Kronos opened the skin and took a sip, "Wine? Just how long do you have this here?"

"Oh, I think it's probably been a couple of years since I touched that skin. As I said, I have no idea if it's even any good," she told him, then held up her hands. "You're welcome to the rest of it, if it's even any good."

"Well, I had better but since it's the only wine around, I guess it will have to do." Kronos shrugged taking another sip.

Aldria just chuckled and shook her head. Standing back up, she stretched, her spine popping all the way down, before resuming her seat on the bedroll.

"And why didn't you give me this last night, when I really needed a drink?" Kronos frowned.

"Forgot I had it," Aldria replied honestly with a shrug.

"Don't tell me you're turning out to be like Silas. Methos would never forget something like this." Kronos laughed.

"No, Methos would never forget he had beer. And it's not beer, and it was inferior wine to begin with," Aldria shrugged. "I haven't touched it in a couple of years."

"No, Methos would drink this if he didn't have anything better, like I'm doing now." Kronos smiled.

"Yes well, I've reached the point where I consider better."

"Getting too picky with age, huh?" Kronos teased her taking another sip.

"No, it's not that," Aldria said, an amused glint in her eye. "It's that I've developed better taste with age."

"Oh, is that why you want to have sex with me, not Methos?" Kronos laughed amused.

"...Yeah.... you don't want me to compare that. Hell, I don't want me to compare that. I've stopped, because every time I did, I was just disappointed," Aldria said. Then grinned, "Of course, you're welcome to try and prove different."

"I've got nothing to prove, if you don't like it..." Kronos shrugged, "I'm not Methos, his slaves always made such a fuss about him..."

"Oh, I'm not complaining," Aldria grinned. "I'm just saying that I don't compare to Methos. So, I can't and won't honestly tell you how you compare to him. Which is nothing to say about how my tastes have changed... or improved," she grinned.

"Hmm, maybe we could do it again. We've got nothing else to do anyway." Kronos grinned, "At least I don't."

"Yes, well, my only 'duties' today are to relax. And recover from the 'journey' I just returned from," Aldria grinned at him.

"Good. Shall we start then?" Kronos smiled.

"Absolutely, I'm still waiting on this legendary stamina and endurance of yours that I've heard SO much about," Aldria grinned at him.

"Oh, yeah?" Kronos laughed, "I didn't die today, you might get it now."

"Oh good," Aldria laughed, then leaned towards Kronos.

"Maybe you could show me why Methos slept with you for so long. Always wondered how you managed to last that long." Kronos grinned.

"You might have to let me be on top," she grinned. "To say the least, Methos and I tried every position we knew, and then some. And between the two of us, that's a lot," she chuckled.

"I said I'd consider it, didn't I?" Kronos bit her shoulder playfully.

Aldria just laughed softly and leaned forward and nipped his neck.



***Present Day***

[Methos] So that was the way you managed to keep him there for a week, and don't go after the Texas Rangers. Learnt that thing from Marisol, didn't you?

Methos chuckles softly before he picks his glass and empties it again.

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] Well, it did help keep him occupied... and from killing anyone.

Ally chuckles.

[Ally] Besides, didn't I mention I was desperate at that time?

[Methos] And maybe you were curious why your sister made such a fuss about him.

Methos adds as he waves at Mike for another drink.

[Methos] I mean, he managed to keep her from looking at another man, not that there were many at camp anyway.

[Ally] You know... what curiosity there was, faded after... you know, 3000 years.

Ally chuckles shaking her head.

[Ally] No, the first time, it was pretty much any man who offered I would have taken them up on it, and after that well... Kronos does give a fairly good accounting of himself.

[Methos] I wouldn't know, we shared everything but not that...

Methos chuckles amused.

[Ally] Yeah... you weren't exactly each other's type.

Ally snickers amused.

[Methos] Besides Kronos would be the last man I'd consider, I'm not particularly fond of pain.

[Ally] Wouldn't Caspian be the last man you'd consider?

Ally asks with a grin.

[Methos] Yeah, forgot Caspian. But let's put it this way, I would have killed Caspian if he even dared to suggest it.

Methos shakes his head with a sigh.

[Methos] I should have killed that guy when I had the chance.

[Ally] And that would have been one case, where I doubt Kronos would have tried to have stopped you.

Ally snickers.

[Ally] Who did kill him anyway? It was MacLeod wasn't it?

Ally asks curiously.

[Methos] Yes, it was MacLeod. Kronos sent both Silas and Caspian after him.

Methos takes a deep breath.

[Methos] I thought they were going to kill him.

[Ally] How'd he avoid Silas taking his head after the Quickening?

Ally asks.

[Methos] Well, they were fighting on a bridge and when he took Caspian's head, he jumped to the water.

Methos smirks shaking his head.

[Ally] A lucky fool.

Ally smiles amused.

[Methos] I doubt Silas had thought about that possibility so he didn't know what to do.

[Ally] The MacLeod boy, was still a lucky fool there.

Ally chuckles.

[Methos] Yeah, I don't know what he was thinking, fighting Caspian with Silas standing there.

Methos shakes his head with a sigh.

[Methos] And then he goes after Kronos...

[Ally] Fool child.

Ally laughs again.

[Methos] Yeah, he was damn lucky.

Methos nods as he thinks luck had nothing to do with it, you don't live 5000 years and leave such a thing to luck. He knew what he was doing fighting Silas.

[Ally] So... if MacLeod jumped into a river to avoid Silas, who ended up killing Silas?

Ally asks.

[Methos] I did, back at the submarine base when Kronos was fighting MacLeod.

Methos confesses with a sigh, then he shuts up abruptly when he sees Mike walking to their table to give him the beer he'd ordered.

[Methos] I knew two of his brothers fighting would distract Kronos, I wasn't sure if MacLeod was good enough to kill him and I didn't want to take the chance.

Methos goes on after Mike walks back to behind the bar. He sighs unhappily.

[Methos] I never imagined I'd be the one to do it, I liked Silas.

[Ally] So did I.

Ally murmurs softly.

[Methos] I've tried to talk him out of it but he said that for two thousand years he'd dreamt of the moment the Horsemen would ride again.

Methos sighs as he picks up his glass to drink.

Ally can't help a small smirk as she says, "You should have offered him a Zoo, to leave the Horsemen. He probably would have taken you up on it. And I KNOW you can afford it."

[Methos] Nah, he was still thinking small, all he wanted was a monkey. He asked me to convince Kronos to let him have one.

Methos shakes his head and takes another sip of beer.

Ally laughs.

[Ally] And did you even bother to ask Kronos?

[Methos] Yeah right, the last thing we needed was a monkey running around free at the submarine base.

Methos shakes his head, taking a deep breath.

[Methos] I was trying to have a serious talk with him and he was thinking about monkeys.

[Ally] Oh, come! After that crow, you really think he'd let it run around?

Ally snorts amused.

[Methos] We ruined him, you know? Kronos and I. If he never met us he could have been a good man.

Methos says looking at Aldria.

[Methos] We taught him to enjoy killing.

[Ally] I don't know that I'd go that far... But he wouldn't have been as bad as he was.

Ally says with a smile at Methos.

[Methos] It wasn't so bad in the beginning, but after your sister died, and how she died, Kronos just killed everybody on his way.

Methos sighs as he looks back at the past.

[Methos] No, we killed everybody on our way, it wasn't just him.

Ally sighs.

[Ally] I am sorry for that.

Methos smirks still looking at her.

[Methos] What are you sorry about? It wasn't exactly your fault. And I knew what I was doing.

[Ally] No... but Marisol and I made did make it worse... make your regret afterwards worse too.

Ally says softly.

[Methos] Well, once I told MacLeod I didn't feel guilt since the 11th century.

Methos smirks while he shrugs.

[Methos] And that was a long, long time ago.

[Ally] And he believed you?

Ally asks coughing slightly in surprise.

[Methos] Yeah, he usually believes everything I say.

Methos nods chuckling softly.

[Ally] How has someone that... that NAIVE survive this long?

Ally asks astounded.

[Methos] I have no idea, but we can't blame it all on luck. He's a good fighter.

Methos says before he takes a sip of beer.

[Ally] So, he had good teachers.

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] Connor's very good. But... having good teachers and being good a sword isn't everything. YOU should know that as well as I.

[Methos] Oh, you want to know the best part? He doesn't like to hurt, let alone kill, women. Whether they deserve it or not.

Methos smirks shaking his head.

[Ally] And he's still alive?

Ally asks astounded.

[Methos] He obviously is, but we can blame that on luck.

Methos nods with a chuckle.

[Methos] I think he seriously underestimates women, not to see them as a threat. One of his sweet little Immortal women will end up cutting his head after sex if he's not careful enough.

[Ally] Apparently.

Ally chuckles amused.

[Methos] OK, some women are lousy fighters but those who live through the centuries certainly aren't.

Methos shakes his head thinking about MacLeod's idea of chivalry.

[Ally] I should hope not.

Ally says raising an eyebrow at Methos.

[Methos] Hmm, I wasn't talking about you. You're not the only woman who lived through the centuries you know?

Methos comments with an amused smirk.

[Methos] Actually I've mentioned centuries not millenia.

[Ally] Yes, well... I have seen nearly 50 centuries.

Ally chuckles.

[Ally] Which means nearly five millenia.

[Methos] Yes, you're almost an old as I am. Hmm, sort of, I don't remember how long I've lived before my first Quickening, so...

Methos shrugs unconcerned.

[Methos] That's not important anyway.

[Ally] No... Our lives truly begin with our first death... so... ironically like vampires that way.

Ally shakes her head amused.

[Methos] Yes, immortality always has a price, at least we don't have to kill mortals, just our own to stay alive.

Methos says with a sigh.

[Methos] Or not most of the time anyway.

[Ally] True.

Ally chuckles.

[Methos] Besides who needs blood when you can get something like this?

Methos smirks before he empties his glass again and waves at Mike.

[Methos] You know something? I think he would have preferred if we had sat at a bar stool.

Methos tells Aldria when he sees Mike sigh and move to get him another beer.

[Ally] Yeah, but that'd mean moving. I've been in this chair all day.

Ally sighs.

[Ally] Besides, it's one of the closest tables.

Ally adds with a chuckle.

[Methos] Besides we couldn't talk freely near a...

Methos points at his Watcher's tattoo with a smirk.

[Ally] Yeah... specially since we've both been there, done that.

Ally adds with a smirk of her own.

[Methos] Yeah, we both know how that works.

Methos nods with a smile as Mike puts the drinks in front of them.

[Ally] Don't we all?

Ally laughs picking up her beer and taking a long drink.

[Methos] We sure do.

Methos nods as he sprawls on his chair and resumes drinking.
« Last Edit: October 15, 2011, 01:19:04 pm by Cyberfox277 »

Offline Cyberfox277

  • Administrator
  • New Immortal
  • *****
  • Posts: 131
    • View Profile

  • Total Badges: 11
HALF MOON RISING Part 11
« Reply #10 on: September 30, 2011, 12:15:43 pm »
***Next Day***

Annie looks around her suite after she finished breakfast wondering what to do today. She'd called her employee at the antique store but what she'd asked for would take a few days to arrive. She frowns when she remembers Gemini, it was late morning and she still didn't feel her? She hoped Gemini didn't sneak out through to stairs just to avoid being felt. Maybe she should check it out, she thinks as she stands up, picks up her coat with the sword in it and moves to the door. Annie checks if she has the key card when she gets to the corridor, then closes the door and walks to Gemini's room.

Gemini freezes as she feels the buzz of another Immortal and looks towards her door, freezing.

Annie feels the buzz of another Immortal, apparently Gemini was in her room. A couple of steps and Annie reaches her room door and knocks on it.

[Annie] Gemini, are you in there?

Gemini sighs in relief when she hears Annie's voice. Getting up she moves over to the door and peaks through the peephole. Satisfied that it was indeed Annie, Gemini unlocks the door and pulls it open.

[Gemini] Hi.

Gemini says softly greeting Annie.

[Annie] Hello, you're quiet this morning. Anything wrong?

Annie asks Gemini with a slight frown.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] Nothing more than usual.

[Annie] Fine, I was just wondering if you were still here, you might have used the stairs or something.

Annie shrugs and turns to go back to her suite.

[Gemini] No. I'm just looking over lists.

Gemini says holding the door opening, offering to let Annie in.

Annie frowns and turns back again.

[Annie] Lists? What lists?

[Gemini] Potential umm.... yeah.

Gemini says looking at the floor.

[Annie] Potential what?

Annie encourages her to go on, wondering what this was all about.

[Gemini] Coaches.

Gemini lets out in a huff and turns to go into her room, letting her fingers trail along the door, in case Annie wants to come in.

[Annie] Coaches?

Annie asks following her inside her room.

[Annie] Swimming coaches?

[Gemini] Yeah.

Gemini says plopping down at the desk chair again, five sheets of paper before. Each sheet with 2 names on them, and information under the names.

Annie looks down at Gemini and the papers for a moment.

[Annie] But weren't you supposed to have one already? You sound like you take swimming seriously.

[Gemini] I have umm... water and some juice in the fridge if you want.

Gemini gestures absently.

[Annie] No thanks, I just had breakfast.

[Gemini] I had one back in Fargo. But we both agreed I needed a better coach to train me for the Olympics... given the accident.

Gemini shrugs.

[Annie] But how come you don't have one here? How long are you here?

Annie asks Gemini still frowning slightly.

[Gemini] I've been here awhile.

Gemini shrugs, not saying anything about the coach.

Annie shrugs as she moves to the window to take a look outside.

[Annie] I'm just surprised that's all, like I've said you seem to take swimming seriously.

[Gemini] Came here to talk to a coach.

Gemini says with a shrug.

[Annie] And?

Annie asks turning her head to look back at Gemini.

[Gemini] And what?

Gemini shrugs.

[Annie] Decided not to take him once you talked to him? Failed the test? What?

Annie asks hoping to get her to talk about it.

[Gemini] Didn't want me.

Gemini sighs looking at the papers, but not seeing them, as tears filled her eyes as she remembered the events of that night.

[Annie] Why not? Your time wasn't good enough?

Annie frowns turning her back to the window and looking at Gemini.

[Gemini] No. He said, I'd lost too much time because of the accident. And that he didn't waste his time on people who didn't stand a chance. Found out about being immortal, later that night.

Gemini explains softly, as a tear slipped out and down her cheeks.

[Annie] Hmm, maybe I should have a talk with him, I bet I'd make him change his mind.

Annie grumbles threateningly, whether by fear or greed she would convince him.

[Gemini] Don't know that I even want him anymore.

Gemini sighs.

[Annie] Well, you decide, if you still want that coach I'll give it a try.

Annie shrugs unconcerned.

[Gemini] I don't know.

Gemini sighs, another couple of tears trickling down.

Annie moves closer to Gemini to lightly pat her shoulder, she knew the kid was upset. It felt weird, after all this time she wasn't used to comfort anyone anymore.

[Annie] Hmm, don't cry because that **** turned you down, I'm sure he doesn't deserve it.

[Gemini] I'm not crying for him!

Gemini cries turning to stare at Annie.

Annie raises an eyebrow looking down at Gemini.

[Annie] Then why are you crying? Looks a lot like you're crying for him.

[Gemini] I'm crying because I'm frustrated! But Dammit, I'll prove him! I'll make to the Olympics without him!

Gemini says determinedly.

[Annie] You better find another way to ease your frustration or you're going to cry the rest of your life.

Annie shrugs as she moves to sit on a chair.

[Annie] Next time someone treats you like that punch him, you'll feel better.

[Gemini] Oh yeah, that would have been smart to do in the middle of the restaurant downstairs.

Gemini says sarcastically.

[Gemini] No, I went for a walk, and...

Gemini trails off slightly, glancing over at Annie.

[Annie] And? Punched someone else instead?

Annie offers with a smirk.

[Gemini] No... walked into a bar, to call a cab to take me back here... met three other Immortals...

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] It was when I found out... about being immortal.

[Annie] A bar? It wouldn't be Joe's, right?

Annie asks thinking about Adam Pierson and Judge Everson, maybe they were there all the time.

[Gemini] Yeah... I think that was the name of it... How'd you know?

Gemini says, blinking in surprise.

[Annie] That's where I was yesterday night, apparently that's where Immortals meet around here.

Annie shrugs with a smile considering the irony they chose a Watcher's place.

[Gemini] Oh.

Gemini murmurs softly.

[Annie] Let me guess one of them was named Adam, right?

Annie says still smiling.

[Gemini] Aah... No.

Gemini says shaking her head.

[Gemini] There was... Craig, and his student David came in just after they started telling me... Oh, and Craig was obviously on a date with... Nikki. You've met David.

Gemini says with a shrug.

[Annie] Nikki? It wouldn't be a red haired Immortal, right?

Annie asks slightly surprised.

[Gemini] Uh... yeah. Actually. Why?

Gemini asks cocking her head slightly in confusion.

[Annie] We've met.

Annie says with a shrug, leaving out the argument part.

[Gemini] Well... the way you put that, "We've met" doesn't sound like it was a good meeting.

Gemini says still looking at Annie.

[Annie] Hmm, it couldn't be, she was jealous I was talking to Adam.

Annie shrugs unconcerned smiling amused.

[Gemini] Adam is... is he umm... good looking... dark hair, but with a beak of a nose?

Gemini asks slowly.

[Annie] Yes, that's Adam.

Annie nods.

[Gemini] When, I met the guy who first volunteered to teach me, it was at lunch at Joe's with Nikki... and Adam came in. She said she thinks he's really old. Older than her teacher who... was over a thousand.

Gemini says slowly in memory.

[Annie] Yeah, I know. Have you felt his Quickening?

Annie asks as she nods again.

[Gemini] What's feeling his Quickening got to do with it?

Gemini asks a little confused.

[Annie] The older you are, or the more heads you take, or both, the stronger the Quickening.

Annie answers slightly surprised Gemini didn't know that.

[Gemini] Oh... everyone's Quickening feels really strong to me.

Gemini shrugs.

Annie shakes her head with a sigh.

[Annie] You'll get used to it, and you'll learn how to tell the difference.

[Gemini] I know you haven't agreed to be my teacher yet, but... can you tell me more? About being immortal? I've kind of gathered from a few things David has said that well.. parts got skipped or glossed over. It wasn't for nearly a week, before David, accidently let it slip that Holy Ground was safe. And if he hadn't made that random comment.. I probably wouldn't have found it until you had mentioned it the other night.

Gemini says softly.

Annie frowns slightly.

[Annie] What exactly do you want to know? You know the rules of the Game, right?

[Gemini] Umm... there can be only one, right?

Gemini asks, then adds.

[Gemini] And everything or as much as I can, I guess.

Annie stares at Gemini, speechless for a moment.

[Annie] That's it?

[Gemini] Something about not using a gun...

Gemini adds after a moment of hard thinking.

[Gemini] But yeah... that's about it.

[Annie] Not using a gun?

Annie shakes her head again.

[Annie] That's not on the rules.

[Gemini] So... tell me then. What are the rules? Besides, the "There can be only one" crap.

Gemini asks.

[Annie] Honorable Immortals consider cheating using a gun but that's not exactly on the rules. All it says is to meet in a one-on-one combat. It doesn't mention swords or guns or any type of weapon.

Annie explains with a shrug.

[Annie] I don't usually cheat but if someone cheats first I'd be a damn fool not to cheat back.

[Gemini] What else?

Gemini asks, turning in her chair to better watch Annie. Her face intent.

[Annie] Immortals don't fight on Holy Ground but that doesn't apply to mortals so some use mortals to get other Immortals out of Holy Ground.

Annie shakes her head with a sigh.

[Gemini] What else?

Gemini asks, she'd known that much about Holy Ground... but most of this information was new.

[Annie] Well, it's not a rule, just common sense but try not to die in public. Every ten years or something, never more than twenty, you have to move on and get a new identity but if you die in public you have to move right away.

Annie remembers to tell her before she did just that.

[Gemini] Suppose that makes sense... I mean if everyone knows you're dead... wonder if that's why they asked if I woke up in a strange place... they were thinking the morgue?

Gemini says, the last bit more to herself than to Annie.

[Annie] Yes, we all end up in there sooner or later.

Annie nods with a chuckle.

[Annie] And the best way to get out of there is to steal some doctors clothes and get out in disguise, by the way.

Annie adds figuring out Gemini didn't know that.

[Gemini] I didn't. I ended up in a hospital bed.

Gemini smiles slightly.

[Annie] You were damn lucky they didn't realize you were dead or you would have a lot of explaining to do. Worse, they'd treat you like a Guinea pig.

Annie says as she makes up a face, falling in the hands of science was every Immortal's worse nightmare.

[Gemini] I realize that, NOW. Then, I just assumed what everyone else did. That I passed from the pain or something, and that I was lucky to be alive.

Gemini shrugs.

[Annie] Oh, another thing, if it's still not obvious, we protect each other's secret, we don't go around telling this or that guy is Immortal unless you really trust that person. And if you try to come public with that a lot of Immortals would try to kill you just to shut you up.

Annie explains with a shrug, thinking she'd probably be one of them.

[Gemini] By that... you mean mortals right?

Gemini asks cautiously.

[Annie] Yes, mortals fear what they don't understand, they'd hunt us down if they knew.

Annie nods with a sigh.

[Annie] And you might find out that even people you trust might not take the information well.

[Gemini] I can understand people not taking it well, but... do you really think there'd be like... a witch hunt? In this day and age?

Gemini asks.

[Annie] Oh no, they'd do it in the name of science or something but the end result would be the same.

Annie shrugs, she seriously doubted most people who killed alleged witches really believed they were witches.

[Gemini] Medical research... ick.

Gemini says with a shudder.

Annie nods looking at Gemini.

[Annie] Yes, they must never catch one of us alive.

[Gemini] And by that, I'm assuming you mean, anything less than decapitated?

Gemini asks softly.

Annie nods again.

[Annie] Yes, that's the only way to kill one of us.

[Gemini] Yeah... I've learned that one.

Gemini sighs.

[Annie] I'd be surprised if you didn't.

Annie shrugs indifferently.

[Gemini] Yeah well... after the other night, it's sunk in pretty well.

Gemini mutters.

Annie chuckles softly.

[Annie] I bet it did.

[Gemini] I'd wish that I wasn't immortal... but if I wasn't immortal, I'd be dead.

Gemini murmurs softly to herself.

[Annie] Yeah, so would be all of us, we only get immortal after we die, before that we have no idea.

Annie shrugs unconcerned.

[Annie] Even if Kronos didn't kill me I'd be dead a long time ago.

[Gemini] A lot longer than the couple of years I'd have been dead.

Gemini sighs.

[Gemini] But two years is a long time.

[Annie] I suppose, though years seem to shorten over time.

Annie shrugs, thinking if it was that or the fact that Kronos was no longer with her when she noticed that.

[Gemini] Oh, I know that. It's simple... well would it be math or physics? But the whole, each year you live, one year becomes a smaller percentage of your life, so it goes by quicker. Like for me, one year is 1/19th of my life and for you it's less than 1/700th of your life.

Gemini says absently putting out the explanation that goes with it.

[Annie] And my odds were greater to begin with, I was 25 when I died.

Annie comments with a smile.

[Gemini] Seventeen.

Gemini mutters.

[Gemini] I'll be seventeen forever.

[Annie] Yeah, can't say I envy you, you'll be always treated like a kid even though you don't feel like one anymore.

Annie shakes her head with a sad sigh.

[Annie] You shouldn't have died so young.

[Gemini] You think?

Gemini asks with an angry glare at Annie before quickly looking away.

[Gemini] Sorry, it's not like it's your fault.

[Annie] No, I wasn't the one who killed you.

Annie shrugs preparing to stand up.

[Annie] Well, I should be going.

Annie says wondering what she's going to do now, take a walk probably.

[Gemini] You don't... don't have to go. If you don't want to.

Gemini murmurs looking up at Annie, honestly desperate for some company.

[Annie] Hmm, it's not you, but I need some air. I'm still not used being indoors all the time, maybe that's why I need so much room around me.

Annie says as she jumps to her feet and moves to the window.

[Annie] And prison didn't help at all.

Annie murmurs to herself.

[Gemini] Prison?

Gemini asks, suddenly wondering if she should be worried.

[Annie] Yeah, prison.

Annie grumbles angrily.

[Gemini] You were in prison?

Gemini asks.

[Gemini] Why?

[Annie] Some **** tried to **** me, we fought, I ended up killing him by accident and I was the one they arrested.

Annie turns her back to the window and looks at Gemini.

[Annie] This bastard was hunting women and when I defend myself I'm the one who ends up in jail.

[Gemini] That completely sucks.

Gemini says empathizing.

[Annie] It didn't help that I was carrying a sword, no time to hide it.

Annie shakes her head smiling despite herself.

[Annie] Cops! Never show up when they're needed and when they're not needed that's when they decide to show up.

[Gemini] Yeah...

Gemini sighs, thinking how her life would have been different if there had been just a few more cops out that fourth of July and had pulled those two different drunks over BEFORE they had hit and killed her.

[Annie] I bet that's how the damn Watchers found out about me, because I was carrying a sword.

Annie murmurs absentmindedly thinking about Kronos' visit when she was in prison.

[Gemini] Watchers?

Gemini asks curiously.

[Annie] Hmm, I don't think I should have said that.

Annie murmurs then shrugs and says in a louder voice.

[Annie] Then again, why not? It's not like I promised I wouldn't tell anyone.

[Gemini] Would you? Explain? 'Cause you're not making any sense.

Gemini asks.

[Annie] There are some mortals watching us, called the Watchers, they observe and record but never interfere.

Annie explains wondering if it was really the case, she doubted that, they were human so they had the same flaws as everyone else.

[Gemini] Why?

Gemini asks not seeing the point why they would do so.

[Annie] I have no idea, makes no sense to me, unless they want to manipulate the end result.

Annie shrugs unconcerned.

[Annie] It's a great way for an Immortal to find their enemies, and I try to stay away from them as much as possible.

[Gemini] I'm just going to hope the end result never comes...

Gemini mutters, then frowns...

[Gemini] So... how closely DO they watch? They're not like spying on us all the time are they?

[Annie] Yes, I think so. Not that I have one at the moment. Some guy tried to follow me when I got out of prison but he lost me.

Annie chuckles softly, like she'd let a stupid Watcher follow her and make it easier for Kronos to find her again.

[Gemini] So, they spy on us in the shower and everything? That's just... perverted and gross.

Gemini says frowning.

[Annie] I have no idea if it goes that far, but like I've said I don't have a Watcher so...

Annie shrugs unconcerned.

[Gemini] Do... do I?

Gemini asks.

[Annie] I don't think so, I didn't see anyone yet and I think I would.

Annie shrugs again turning her head to look out the window.

[Gemini] Good.

Gemini sighs.

Annie smiles when she remembers something she was intending to do, since she had nothing to do today, why not now?

[Annie] I know what I'm going to do, I was planning to go to the Art Gallery to see the exhibition they have there at the moment from the Musée d'Orsay. I want to see Degas' ballerinas.

Annie says as she turns to the door.

[Gemini] Okay.

Gemini says, and sighs again.

[Annie] If I wasn't so tall I might have a try at that.

[Gemini] At what? Doing art, or a ballerina?

Gemini asks.

[Annie] Ballerina of course, doing art wouldn't be an issue.

Annie stops by the door and looks back at Gemini.

[Annie] So? Want to come along? The lists can wait for tomorrow.

[Gemini] Umm... yes? But.. only if you're sure. I don't want to intrude.

Gemini says hesitantly.

[Annie] Oh, I'm sure or I wouldn't have invited you. Meet me in 10 minutes?

Annie asks as she opens the door.

[Gemini] Okay.

Gemini says with a smile, standing up and moving to get ready.

[Annie] Alright.

Annie nods as she exits Gemini's room, then she closes the door and walks back to her suite.
« Last Edit: October 15, 2011, 01:19:51 pm by Cyberfox277 »

Offline Cyberfox277

  • Administrator
  • New Immortal
  • *****
  • Posts: 131
    • View Profile

  • Total Badges: 11
HALF MOON RISING Part 12
« Reply #11 on: September 30, 2011, 12:27:46 pm »
***Joe's Bar - 5:30 PM***

Methos exits Joe's office and thanks Mike while he passes the bar. He grabs the beer Mike already got the moment he saw him and walks to Aldria's table.

[Methos] Back.

Methos says as he pulls a chair, then sits down and takes a sip of beer.

[Ally] And? You find him?

Ally asks.

Methos nods with a sigh.

[Methos] Yeah, Steven Robert Lee. A really charming guy, he used to be in the Ku Klux Klan. Probably helped founding it.

[Ally] That alone doesn't make a person a charming guy. What else?

Ally asks.

[Methos] Likes to hunt newbies, Ash suspects he's a Quickening addict.

Methos says before he picks up his glass and drinks again.

[Ally] You're right... charming fellow.

Ally says frowning in disgust.

[Ally] Steven Robert Lee... he's not the Immortal that was General Lee's nephew, is he?

Ally asks.

[Methos] Oh, heard of him?

Methos looks at Aldria surprised.

[Methos] I never had the pleasure before. Luckily I managed to get away the moment I felt his buzz, I'm not in the mood to fight.

[Ally] Vaguely... didn't pay much attention... just someone I looked up back when I was a Watcher... it's the name that caught me.

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] Not that you're his preferred type of prey anyway.

Ally points out.

[Ally] What else did his Watcher have to say?

Ally asks.

[Methos] Hmm, Methos isn't but Adam Pierson is.

Methos shrugs chuckling amused.

[Ally] Yes, I suppose Adam Pierson is more his taste.

Ally chuckles also.

[Methos] Probably.

Methos shakes his head smiling amused.

[Methos] The fool challenged Annie, only left when she pointed out the girl could take the winner's head.

[Ally] Really? And how'd he come across Annie anyway?

Ally asks.

[Methos] He was chasing an unarmed newbie and she showed up at the other side of the alley.

[Ally] Lucky newbie.

Methos shrugs, then smirks about the situation.

Ally chuckles.

[Methos] I bet the newbie thought she was going to die.

[Ally] So, what did his Watcher know about the newbie?

Ally asks curiously.

[Methos] Nothing, only found out about her when she saw him chasing her with a sword.

Methos shakes his head amused.

[Methos] Even complained the North American Watchers aren't doing their work, no wonder they call her Miss By-the-book.

[Ally] Complained they aren't doing their work? Why?

Ally asks with an amused chuckle.

[Methos] Apparently she also tried to find Annie's Watcher and found out she doesn't have one.

Methos says with a smirk.

[Ally] So... she's pissed, because neither Annie or the newbie have Watchers?

Ally laughs softly.

[Methos] She could let pass a newbie didn't have a Watcher but a seasoned Immortal? Ash? No way!

Methos shakes his head amused, he knew the woman after all.

[Ally] What'd Joe say?

Ally asks curiously.

Methos shrugs.

[Methos] Why should I care? He's the boss, let him handle that.

Methos chuckles, reminding himself to be around when Joe got back from his journey.

[Methos] I bet he's going to love the fact that she wrote that on an official report.

[Ally] I was just curious.

Ally laughs.

[Ally] So, how do you know this Steven's watcher? What'd you call her? Ash?

Ally asks.

[Methos] Oh, she was in research for a while before she tried the field.

Methos shrugs before he drinks some beer.

[Methos] Managed to become one of the best.

[Ally] Good for her.

Ally grins.

[Ally] So why do they call her Miss By-the-book?

[Methos] She always follows the rules.

Methos chuckles softly.

[Methos] Thinks Immortals and Watchers shouldn't mix.

[Ally] Well, they shouldn't.

Ally chuckles.

[Ally] Immortals should most definitely NOT join the Watchers...

Ally grins.

[Ally] Oops.

Ally laughs.

[Methos] I should watch out, if she finds out about me she'll kill me.

Methos chuckles amused.

[Methos] Me? One of the few who call her Ash?

[Ally] I don't know!

Ally laughs.

[Ally] I don't know her! You tell me!

[Methos] Hmm, I don't know. Maybe not, that would be interfering.

Methos shrugs, he doesn't expect Ashley to find out anyway.

[Ally] She would, unlike Mr. Dawson, see to it, that you were no longer a Watcher yourself though.

Ally laughs softly.

[Ally] Because, "That's interfering."

[Methos] Oh yeah, she'd report me right away, no doubt about that.

Methos nods as he picks up his glass and empties it. He waves at Mike to get him another beer. Mike sighs and moves to the tap.

[Ally] You know... maybe we should have sat at the bar today.

Ally chuckles as Mike rather gloomily makes his way over to their table with two more beers.

Methos thanks Mike and waits he walks away to answer.

[Methos] Yeah, sure, how would I know there's a new Immortal in town, if the Watchers don't know it yet?

Methos says still looking at Mike as he walks to behind the bar.

[Ally] Hey, you just said, his Watcher did make a report so... But yeah, you knew before you went searching through the rollo-dex.

Ally chuckles.

[Ally] Besides, I wasn't serious.

[Methos] I don't think Mike knows about it yet, he'd be pissed if he knew.

Methos smirks side glancing at Mike for a moment.

[Methos] Maybe I should tell him, so he'd be pissed at her instead of us?

[Ally] You know... I don't think Mike cares WHY we sit so far away. Just that we do.

Ally chuckles.

[Methos] Probably, but I'd have to be Adam Pierson sitting at the bar.

Methos shrugs unconcerned.

[Methos] Besides it's his job.

Ally laughs.

[Ally] Yeah... that it is.

A cab stops in front of Joe's Annie pays for the race and opens the door to exit the car. She looks around when she gets outside and waits for Gemini before she goes inside of Joe's bar.

Gemini gets out the cab, and moves to follow Annie, then freezes as an exceptionally strong buzz washes over her. Her eyes widen at the feeling.

Annie stops and looks back when she realizes Gemini isn't following her anymore. She frowns for a moment, before she realizes what's going on.

[Annie] I bet it's Adam and Judge Everson, those two together...

Annie shakes her head as she resumes walking.

[Gemini] It's... it's alright?

Methos looks at the door when he feels a buzz hoping it's not the guy he saw earlier that day. He really wasn't in the mood to fight.

Gemini asks softly, and very nervously.

[Ally] Bet it's Annie.

Ally murmurs, as she feels the buzz.

Annie looks back and nods at Gemini.

[Annie] Yes, it's alright, just come with me.

[Gemini] Alright.

Gemini says taking a deep breath and stepping up.

[Methos] Probably, women don't know how to wait.

Methos smirks still looking at the door.

[Methos] Told her it might take a couple of days.

[Ally] Although if it's that Steven guy... I bet he challenges me, before he challenges you.

Ally smirks.

[Methos] Probably, you being a woman and all that...

Methos nods side glancing at Aldria for a moment before turning his gaze back to the door.

[Ally] And therefore, my head is easier to take off.

Ally sighs, then looks at Methos.

[Ally] Why are most men complete morons?

Ally asks him.

[Methos] How should I know what a moron thinks? I've never been one of them.

Methos asks with a chuckle.

[Ally] No... but you are a man. Which makes you the right gender and species.

Ally chuckles.

Annie opens the bar door and sees the Immortals she was expecting to be there, after that buzz there couldn't be anyone else.

Gemini cautiously follows Annie as she enters the bar.

Methos sighs in relief when he sees it's Annie, the last thing he wanted was to meet that guy today, he's hoping for some peace and quiet on his day off.

[Methos] Yeah, and being a man is the only thing I share with those morons, so it's not close enough.

Ally chuckles amused.

[Ally] How much you wanna bet, they're gonna ask to sit with us?

Ally asks noting the young Immortal behind Annie.

[Methos] Hey, I've seen that girl before, she was here with Nikki, I thought she already had a teacher.

Methos murmurs to Aldria when he recognizes Gemini.

[Ally] Wonder what happened then.

Ally murmurs.

[Annie] Back at the same table or haven't moved yet?

Annie asks with a smile as she stops in front of them.

[Ally] Does it matter?

Ally asks with a chuckle.

[Annie] Not really.

Annie shrugs unconcerned.

[Methos] We look like we've spent the night at the bar I take it.

Methos smirks looking up at Annie.

[Methos] Not so much for a compliment.

[Ally] Compliment or not... it should be impressive. After all, how many can drink for over 24 hours?

Ally asks with a chuckle.

[Gemini] Why would you want to?

Gemini asks softly, looking between the two Immortals.

[Methos] Why not?

Methos shrugs looking at the girl, he doesn't expect she'd understand anyway.

[Annie] Well, we'll sit at another table, I don't want to intrude, might interrupt something.

Annie says preparing to move to another table.

[Annie] Unless you have some news for me?

[Methos] No, not yet, sorry.

Methos answers, hiding the fact that he still didn't have the time to look.

[Methos] But have a seat, I saw your guy today.

Annie hesitates for a minute then pulls a chair and sits with them.

[Annie] Really?

[Methos] Yeah, I think so. Over 6 feet, dark brown hair, carries a cavalry saber I think, only had a glimpse of that.

Methos frowns slightly when Mike walks to their table and puts a drink in front of Annie, and walks back to the bar.

[Methos] Hmm, that's interesting.

Methos smirks looking at the retreating mortal.

[Annie] He remembers, so what?

Annie shrugs picking up the drink.

[Ally] He glowers at us whenever he brings us drinks.

Ally says with a shrug.

[Methos] And he didn't bother to take her order.

Methos nods at Gemini with a smile.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] Just want water anyway.

[Annie] Yeah, you're under age here, if you want some alcohol at a bar you'll have to go to Europe.

Annie shakes her head, that law never made sense to her.

[Gemini] Wouldn't drink it anyway.

Gemini shrugs.

[Methos] Oh, another Immortal that always does the right thing, great.

Methos chuckles amused, just where did all these boy scouts and girl scouts come from?

[Gemini] I don't always do the right thing.

Gemini says frowning at... Adam was his name if she remembered correctly.

[Gemini] I won't drink alcohol for the same reason I don't drink carbonated beverages.

[Methos] Fine, why should I care?

Methos shrugs with a smirk.

[Annie] So that Immortal where did you see him?

Annie asks trying to change back to the Immortal he'd seen.

[Gemini] Just trying to point out I'm not a complete goodie too-shoo.

Gemini murmurs, but perks up at Annie's question.

[Methos] Downtown, West Georgia I think.

Methos says as he picks up his glass to take a sip.

[Annie] Let me guess, near that cathedral, don't remember the name now.

Annie says thinking it's the cathedral near their hotel, she isn't going to mention where she's staying.

[Methos] Yes, but he's wasting his time, you're not the type to hide on Holy Ground.

Methos nods, he didn't think that guy was looking at the people that were going inside the cathedral but let her think he does.

[Gemini] Does he have a name?

Gemini asks softly.

[Methos] Sure he does, don't we all?

Methos shrugs smiling amused.

[Gemini] Do... do you know it? Do you know anything about him? Do you know why he's after me?

Gemini asks desperately.

Methos frowns slightly looking at Gemini.

[Methos] What makes you think I know more about him than you do? I walked away as soon as I felt him, I'm not in the mood to fight.

Methos shrugs looking at his beer.

[Methos] Besides it's my day off.

[Annie] Yeah, heavens forbid he got between you and your beer.

Annie shakes her head, she can't help to smile though.

Ally laughs.

[Ally] You've got that right!

Gemini frowns, not sure what his day off had to do anything with.

[Gemini] I was just wondering.

Gemini says softly.

[Annie] And we both know, you know more about him than she does, so might want to share it?

Annie says hoping to convince him to say something.

[Methos] Charming fellow, apparently he's a Quickening addict.

Methos says with a shrug.

[Gemini] I didn't know that was possible.

Gemini whispers.

[Annie] Aren't most of the head hunters?

Annie shrugs unconcerned.

[Annie] So that's why he's hunting newbies, they're easier to kill.

[Gemini] Oh swell...

Gemini mutters. That was helpful for her.

[Methos] Yes, but he's also killed the teachers who challenged him, so he can't be so bad.

Methos comments so Annie wouldn't underestimate the guy though he doubted she would.

Annie frowns looking at Methos.

[Annie] How old is he?

[Methos] Ah, come on, you don't expect me to tell you that, now do you? That would be interfering.

Methos answers with a smirk.

[Gemini] Why would that be interfering?

Gemini asks.

[Gemini] If you're an Immortal, and we're Immortals...

[Annie] I'm sure it never crossed your mind, to interfere would be against your oath, right?

Annie shakes her head smiling amused.

[Methos] Absolutely.

Methos nods vigorously.

Gemini frowns confused.

[Methos] Didn't know you knew about the oath though. Who have you been talking to?

Methos asks hoping to find out how she knows about the Watchers.

[Annie] Oh, it was in London, 1830, so he's beyond punishment now.

Annie chuckles amused.

[Methos] I was just curious, I wasn't going to report him.

Methos shrugs unconcerned.

[Ally] Yeah, 'cause then you'd have to report Joe and you'd lose your best source for beer.

Ally murmurs softly with a chuckle.

[Methos] Yeah, and he'd make me pay my tab, can you imagine that?

Methos chuckles amused.

[Ally] Good thing you've got more money than Midas, then, isn't it?

Ally says, laughing softly.

[Methos] Me? You're mistaking me for someone else, I'm just a guy.

Methos shrugs frowning slightly at Aldria.

[Annie] You're just a guy now, who knows who you could have been in the past? Maybe Midas himself?

Annie smiles amused, who did that guy think he was fooling?

[Ally] Oh, he wasn't Midas. I can attest to that.

Ally chuckles.

[Methos] Oh you knew the guy?

Methos asks amused.

[Ally] Yeah.

Ally sighs.

[Ally] I slept with his brother.

Ally frowns.

[Ally] It was just the once... he was horrible in bed... drop dead gorgeous, but... horrible in bed.

Methos shakes his head with a smile.

[Methos] You never cease to surprise me.

[Ally] Good, I wouldn't want to be predictable.

Ally laughs.

[Annie] Yeah, I've noticed most of the good looking guys are awful in bed, maybe they think their looks do all the work.

Annie chuckles shaking her head.

[Ally] Hmm...

Ally says noncommittally... After all, she had grown up with many men, who were gorgeous and wonderful in bed... Anath saw to that.

[Methos] If you want a guy's opinion the looks have nothing to do with it, whether you want to give pleasure to your partner or you don't give a damn.

Methos shrugs before he drinks the rest of his beer and waves at Mike for a refill.

Gemini blushes slightly. That was the most blunt opinion she'd ever heard from a man on the subject.

[Ally] You would know, wouldn't you?

Ally chuckles amused, thinking of Methos' old life as hard tough hitting, Mr. Death on a horse.

[Methos] Yeah, I've tried both, and the first option is a lot better.

[Ally] For both parties involved.

Ally chuckles.

Methos shrugs unconcerned as Mike puts another beer in front of him. To save time Mike asks the other people sitting on the table if they want a refill.

[Ally] Yes, please.

Ally says.

[Gemini] Can I get a water, please?

Gemini asks softly.

[Annie] And another one of these, please.

Annie says indicating her drink.

[Methos] And might as well bring another beer while you're at it.

Methos says with a smile, looking up. Mike nods and moves to the bar to get the drinks.

[Ally] Maybe we should see if we can't just get Mike to bring us a couple pitchers of beer.

Ally suggests once Mike got back to the bar.

[Methos] If he was smart he'd already done that, but I'm not complaining, the beer is cooler this way.

Methos shrugs side glancing at Aldria.

[Methos] And it's not my legs.

Ally just grins broadly at Methos.

[Annie] But if you had a better idea weren't you supposed to help your... 'buddy'?

Annie says instead of colleague.

[Methos] If he wants to do it the hard way, I say let him.

Methos shrugs unconcerned.

Gemini coughs at the word 'buddy' After the sex talk, that wasn't the word she would have used to describe the bartender.

Annie shakes her head with a sigh, trying not to show her amusement.

[Annie] And I thought you were a nice guy.

Methos smirks mischieviously.

[Methos] Sorry to disappoint you.

Ally chortles slightly.

Annie shakes her head, a smile playing on her lips.

[Annie] No, you're not.

Methos chuckles softly.

[Methos] Hmm, actually no.

[Annie] But see, to be really disappointed I had to be expecting something different and since I wasn't...

Annie shrugs before she takes a sip of her drink.

[Gemini] Umm... sorry to interrupt, but... what about the guy that was chasing me?

Gemini asks looking to Adam.

Methos side glances at Gemini with a slight frown.

[Methos] What about him?

[Gemini] Well... if... if you know he's an addict... don't you know more about him? Like his name? How he finds new Immortals? Anything?

Gemini asks hurriedly and worriedly.

[Annie] And you were about to tell me how old he is.

Annie says smacking herself mentally, that guy had managed to distract her from it.

Methos shakes his head with a smirk.

[Methos] No, I wasn't.

Annie sighs impatiently.

[Annie] Come on, Adam, is he your best friend or something?

[Methos] Hmm, good point.

Methos hesitates to tell them or not, after all he wasn't supposed to say what was in the Chronicles.

[Ally] Good Gods.. since when do you have a conscience?

Ally murmurs to Methos leaning over to say it so neither Annie or Gemini would hear.

Methos side glances at Aldria with a frown, pretending to be offended when in fact he was amused.

[Methos] Excuse me?

[Ally] You heard me.

Ally laughs.

[Ally] And don't pretend to be offended. I've known you too long!

Methos shakes his head keeping his frown for a while.

[Methos] I've always wondered how it would be like to have one of those though.

Gemini gapes at Adam in surprise.

[Gemini] What does that have to do with the guy?

Methos turns his head to look at Gemini, the kid looked confused.

[Methos] Hmm, I bet he also doesn't have one.

[Gemini] Umm... if you're talking about what I'm thinking of... I'd hope not.

Gemini murmurs softly.

Annie raises an eyebrow looking at Methos.

[Annie] One what? Care to enlighten us?

[Methos] Conscience.

Methos shrugs unconcerned as he picks up his glass.

[Methos] Most of us lost it along the way, if we ever had one to begin with.

[Gemini] Oh.

Gemini sighs relieved.

[Annie] Hmm yes, I bet some of us never had one.

Annie nods thinking about Kronos.

[Annie] And it would be stupid to keep torturing ourselves for all the people we killed, most of them deserved it anyway.

[Gemini] So glad it's not what I was thinking of.

Gemini murmurs to herself, under her breath.

Methos frowns a little reading Gemini's lips.

[Methos] So what were you thinking?

[Gemini] Uh... nothing.

Gemini says defensively.

Methos nods at Gemini understandingly.

[Methos] Yes, you have the right to keep your secrets.

Methos frowns slightly as thinking to himself.

[Methos] Hmm, but so do I.

[Annie] In other words, if you don't tell him he's not telling you anything either.

Annie explains figuring out Gemini wouldn't get what he meant.

[Annie] Right, Adam?

Methos side glances at Annie with a smirk.

[Methos] You're fast.

Annie chuckles softly.

[Annie] You have no idea.

[Gemini] Well... umm... 'cause I didn't hear the whispered comment... I was thinking that you all were... still on the sexual conversation.

Gemini says hesitantly.

[Methos] Yes, so?

Methos asks looking back at Gemini, so far he didn't get what she was thinking.

[Gemini] Well... then you made the comment, you'd always wondering what it would be like to have one, and that you knew HE didn't have one, and since you're both men...

Gemini says feeling her face growing hot.

Methos chuckles softly finally understanding.

[Methos] You think I want to be a woman?

Methos shakes his head amused.

[Gemini] No... not exactly.

Gemini says.

[Gemini] My thought was that you... were just wondering what it's like to... to have - have a ****.

Gemini says finally spitting it out.

Methos shakes his head again, kids were too much.

[Methos] And why would I do that? I'm perfectly satisfied with what I have.

[Gemini] You did say you were curious...

Gemini says blushing.

[Methos] I get curious about a lot of things.

Methos shrugs unconcerned.

[Annie] Besides being a woman sucks, for centuries men treated us like a piece of furniture.

Annie sighs remembering how it used to be like.

[Annie] It's improving but we still get twice the challenges men do.

Ally snorts.

[Ally] Child, you obviously weren't doing it right, if they treated you like furniture.

Ally laughs.

[Annie] Yeah? It was my first husband, I was 15. He was twice my age, what was I supposed to do?

Annie says looking coldly at Aldria.

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] I would have been 12 with my first husband, who would have been three times my age, IF I had let them marry me off.

[Methos] Yeah, but most people don't get a chance like you did, Xena.

Methos tells Aldria teasingly.

[Ally] Excuse me!!

Ally cries offended.

[Ally] That woman barely knew which end of the sword was the pointy one!

Ally protests.

[Methos] Oh, not a fan? She was also an Amazon. Or what they think it was an Amazon.

Methos chuckles amused.

[Ally] That woman was no Amazon. Giving her a TV show is a joke.

Ally grumbles.

[Ally] You know which character on the TV show the REAL Xena resembled most?

Ally asks.

[Methos] Alright, a kindergarten Amazon then.

Methos shrugs ignoring her question, he knew she didn't need encouragement when that subject came along.

[Gemini] Who?

Gemini asks curiously. Gemini had always liked the show.

[Ally] Joxer.

Ally says.

[Ally] That addle-brained idiot who was always tripping over his own feet.

Gemini's jaw drops.

Annie looks at Aldria surprised.

[Annie] You knew the real Xena? I thought she was just a TV character.

[Ally] I wish that's all it were.

Ally grumbles.

[Gemini] What about Hercules?

Gemini asks with curious excitement.

[Methos] Silas without the pet obsession from what I've heard.

Methos shrugs unconcerned.

[Methos] Silas was one of Kronos buddies by the way, I read about him in the Chronicles.

Methos adds fast so Annie wouldn't suspect anything, he's not going to start to underestimate that woman.

[Annie] I know that now, Kronos never mentioned his name.

Annie nods looking at Adam.

[Ally] Yeah, I think I mentioned that name, didn't I?

Ally says with an unconcerned shrug of her own.

[Annie] Yes, you did. I've heard about his brothers before, but Methos was the only one Kronos mentioned.

Annie nods at Aldria.

Methos frowns a little trying to decide if he should be honored or not.

[Methos] So what did he tell you about him?

Methos can't help to ask, he obviously didn't tell her much but still...

[Ally] Silas wasn't bad... fairly mild actually... and not the brightest bulb on the tree. But outside of battle, kind... unless you were Caspian.

Ally adds the last as an afterthought.

[Annie] Hmm, actually the only thing I remember was Kronos complaining about everybody else's plans, especially when they went sore.

Annie shrugs trying to remember.

[Annie] He'd say something like, if Methos was here this would never happen or something like that.

Methos smirks amused, it's good to feel appreciated.

[Ally] I always wondered why Kronos never bothered to make the plans himself... It's not as if he were stupid.

Ally mutters to herself.

[Methos] So have any idea why?

Methos asks Annie, he knows why of course, but he can't exactly tell that in front of Annie and Gemini, it would blow his cover.

Annie shrugs indifferently.

[Annie] Why should he bother with details, all he wanted was to get on a horse and start killing. He didn't mind leaving to others how it would start.

[Methos] And like you said if the plan went sore he'd have someone to blame. To plan a raid would be to take responsibility for it.

Methos nods, then looks up when Mike comes to their table to give them the drinks murmuring something about being too busy.

[Ally] Sounds like him.

Ally says with a chuckle and a carefully raised eyebrow at Methos.

Annie shakes her head disbelievingly after Mike went away.

[Annie] Why would he mind to take responsibility for it? It's not like he cared who lived or died.

[Methos] Hmm, maybe there was a time he did?

Methos says before he empties his glass and pulls the one Mike just brought to him.

[Annie] Kronos? Yeah, right.

Annie shakes her head again.

[Gemini] So, what's this got to do with the guy who's after me?

Gemini asks.

Methos side glances at Gemini with a smile playing on his lips.

[Methos] Hmm, nothing?

[Annie] Managed to change subject again, huh?

Annie can't help to smile amused.

[Annie] Getting you to talk is like pulling teeth.

[Gemini] Umm... in my experience, pulling teeth is a lot easier.

Gemini mutters.

[Methos] In your experience?

Methos chuckles softly.

[Methos] Yeah, I can tell you're really old.

[Annie] That's besides the point, you said that if she told you what she was thinking you'd tell us about this guy.

[Gemini] What? I've had my share fair of teeth pulled.

Gemini protests, then frowns.

[Gemini] My wisdom teeth aren't gonna grow back are they? 'Cause like, they were removed after the accident.

Methos looks at Gemini disbelievingly.

[Methos] What do you think we are? Some sort of gecko that gets an extra tail? No, whatever we lose it's lost forever, if you lose an arm or a leg you better learn to live without it.

[Annie] It won't kill you, at least not directly, but you don't get them back.

Annie explains looking at Gemini.

[Gemini] Oh, that's good.

Gemini sighs in relief.

[Gemini] I didn't want to deal with having them out again.

[Annie] Hmm, I wouldn't mind. You realize that if you lose something which is essential to fight you're dead?

Annie tells Gemini with a frown, she looked too relieved so Annie doubted she'd thought about the consequences.

[Ally] Don't you mean, 'Again, and again, and again?'

Ally asks amused.

[Gemini] Uh... yeah.

Gemini sighs.

[Gemini] But what about the guy?

Methos takes a deep breath and frowns at Gemini.

[Methos] You're turning out to be quite a nuisance, you know that kid?

Gemini feels herself pale, suddenly worried. Would he get mad and come after her, now?

[Gemini] Sorry.

Gemini murmurs not taking her eyes off him.

[Annie] So one more reason to end it, quit stalling and tell us what we want to know.

Annie smirks looking at Adam.

Methos side glances at Gemini, he'd managed to scare the kid, that was a first coming from Adam Pierson, or maybe he forgot to act like him. He takes a deep breath, he couldn't let that happen in front of strangers.

[Methos] Fine, his name is Steven Robert Lee, he was General's Lee nephew, he fought in the Civil War and he's 168 years old. Maybe now I can drink my beer in peace?

Gemini doesn't say anything, just stares still wide eyed at Adam.

[Annie] I don't think it's Mr. Lee she's worried about at the moment.

Annie says looking between Gemini and Adam.

[Annie] I think she's worried about you.

[Methos] Me?

Methos opens his eyes wide giving them the Adam Pierson patterned look, he knows Annie won't fall for it but Gemini will.

[Methos] I don't like fighting, you think I'm going after you?

Methos asks shaking his head.

[Gemini] Yes, but we all know I wouldn't be much of a fight. Not when I don't even have a sword.

Gemini whispers, still wide eyed.

[Methos] Hmm, I don't think it's wise to tell that to every Immortal you find, some of us might not even be looking for a fight, but if you present yourself as easy prey...

Methos shrugs not bothering to finish the sentence.

Gemini just shivers, and if anything pales more.

Methos stares at Gemini for a moment and then rolls his eyes.

[Methos] I wasn't talking about me, I just told you I don't like fighting.

[Ally] Yeah, and in the next sentence you did imply that her virtual helplessness made her head much more appealing.

Ally points out and raises her glass to signal to Mike to bring more beer.

[Methos] Yes, but in that case I wouldn't advise her not to keep saying it, now would I?

Methos grumbles before he empties his glass, knowing Mike would bring more beer soon.

[Ally] Wouldn't be the first to offer sound advise than take one out back and make them a head shorter.

Ally reminds Methos.

[Methos] No, but I'm not one of them.

Methos shrugs unconcerned.

[Annie] One thing I don't get, Gemini, is why you keep just looking at Adam and didn't even look at her once.

Annie indicates Aldria.

[Annie] You think only male are dangerous?

[Ally] Of course you're not. But I am pointing out, that the girl does have good reason to still be wary of you... and actually considering how young she is, shows a decent wariness that your comment didn't immediately put her at ease.

Ally murmurs to Methos.

Gemini shakes her head.

[Gemini] No... but being a woman, I do know how women think... I don't know how men think.

[Annie] Oh, you think a woman would feel sorry for you because you're young?

Annie shakes her head.

[Annie] Sorry to disappoint you.

[Gemini] No. I never said that.

Gemini says frowning.

[Gemini] I just mean, I understand women.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] Men are a foreign language.

Methos chuckles softly, laughing at his own stupidity.

[Methos] I had the same pretension when I was younger and now I recognize I didn't know what I was talking about.

[Ally] Of course you don't. You're a man. But women, do generally understand other women. She does have that much right.

Ally chuckles softly to Methos.

[Methos] Nah, it's the fact that the more you know about something, the more you realize you don't know. A fool thinks he knows everything and never has any doubts.

Methos shrugs with a smile.

[Ally] Good point.

Ally chuckles.

[Annie] Oh following Socrates on this one, I know that I know nothing.

Annie says raising an eyebrow at him.

Methos looks at Annie slightly surprised that came from Kronos' student.

[Methos] Yes, exactly, he was right.

Annie smirks she can tell he's surprised.

[Annie] And don't look so surprised I wasn't a raider all my life, I did get an education after I left Kronos.

Ally chuckles.

[Ally] You got an education WITH Kronos.... just not necessarily the one you'd want.

Methos nods without comments thinking that so did Kronos if he was able to create a virus.

[Annie] Yeah, I got a graduation from him in killing and torturing, I don't exactly want to make a career out of that.

Annie shrugs indifferently.

[Ally] That... and you learned the most important lesson for an Immortal.

Ally says softly.

[Ally] How to survive.

[Annie] Yes, I suppose, I survived him.

Annie nods with a deep sigh.

[Ally] That's not what I meant.

Ally frowns.

[Annie] I know what you meant, to learn to survive at all costs, but to manage that, first I had to learn how to survive his lessons.

Annie says looking down at her drink.

[Annie] And the rest...

[Ally] Yes, but you can now probably survive anything... that's a lot more than most Immortals can say. Especially at your age, girl.

Ally says with a smile at Annie.

[Annie] That's what I meant when I said I survived him, if I survived Kronos I think I can survive anything.

Annie shrugs before she picks up her glass and takes a sip.

Methos almost nods but manages to stop himself, yes to survive Kronos would be the ultimate test.

[Ally] Mike you're not working real hard for tips tonight, are you?

Ally asks as Mike finally brings more drinks all around. Mike mumbles something incomprehensible as he walks back to the bar.

« Last Edit: October 15, 2011, 01:20:32 pm by Cyberfox277 »

Offline Cyberfox277

  • Administrator
  • New Immortal
  • *****
  • Posts: 131
    • View Profile

  • Total Badges: 11
HALF MOON RISING Part 13
« Reply #12 on: September 30, 2011, 12:35:58 pm »
[Gemini] So, umm... can you tell us anything more about, umm... Steven? Was that his name?

Gemini asks softly.

Methos looks at Gemini and shrugs.

[Methos] There's nothing more to say.

Methos frowns as he remembers something.

[Methos] Hmm... he was in the Ku-Klux-Klan, probably helped to found it if that helps.

[Annie] Oh on top of all he's a racist pig, how nice...

Annie shakes her head in disgust.

[Methos] He only went after ex-slaves for a while, but now he goes after anyone he can get, black or white.

Methos shrugs as he picks up his glass to drink some beer.

[Ally] Yeah, sounds like an addict.

Ally mutters.

[Gemini] Do... do you know how he finds umm...

Gemini hesitates not remembering what term they had used for new Immortals.

[Methos] Finds what? Other Immortals? Isn't that obvious?

Methos asks frowning puzzled.

[Annie] Gemini, he just wanders around until he feels a buzz.

Annie explains since the obvious to Adam might not be the obvious to Gemini.

[Gemini] Umm... new Immortals?

Gemini says trying to specify.

[Methos] Hmm, it's not really hard to tell a newbie from a trained Immortal.

Methos shrugs as he picks up his glass again.

[Methos] They react differently.

Methos says before he takes a sip.

[Gemini] Meaning, we act scared, right?

Gemini states.

Methos nods with a smirk.

[Methos] Right.

Annie smiles coldly.

[Annie] Not really, I took my first head when I was a newbie.

[Methos] Oh really? Care to enlighten us?

Methos asks curiously, maybe that was the reason Kronos took her as a student.

[Gemini] Yeah... still having problems with that.

Gemini says frowning over Annie.

[Gemini] The thought of killing anybody.

Gemini mutters and shudders at the thought.

[Annie] You will, Gemini, once it comes down to living or dying.

Annie tells Gemini with a shrug.

[Annie] You better or I'm not going to waste my time teaching you. You think I'm going to teach you if it's to die at your first fight?

[Gemini] You think I want to die? I assure you I don't. If it comes down to it. I'll do what I have to do, I just don't like the idea of having to kill.

Gemini says firmly, her eyes flashing with an inner fire.

[Annie] I think if we had a choice most of us wouldn't, but since we don't...

Annie shrugs unconcerned.

Ally smiles slightly, liking the fire she sees in Gemini's eyes.

[Ally] She's got spunk. I like it.

Ally says in Italian to Annie.

[Methos] Most of us wouldn't if there was nothing to gain from it, but there is, remember?

Methos points out looking at Annie.

[Annie] Yes, I've noticed, let's see if it lasts once she gets a sword in her hand.

Annie answers back in Italian while she nods at Aldria.

[Methos] Oh, you're going to put a sword in her hand and see how she reacts? It's not what I'd call fair.

Methos frowns at Annie using the same language.

[Methos] She probably only knows how to pick it up because it has a hilt.

Gemini sighs, rolling eyes slightly. She knows enough to recognize Italian when she hears it, but not enough to understand it.

[Annie] And since when is the Game fair? Only some boy scouts bother to follow all the rules anyway.

Annie frowns back at Adam.

[Annie] Besides I'm not going to kill her, I only want to see if she has what it takes so I can teach her.

Ally coughs, half choking as she laughs at that comment from Annie.

[Methos] Fine, but that kid is going to be terrified if she thinks you're going to kill her.

Methos says with a shrug, after all Adam Pierson managed to scare her.

[Annie] For her sake I hope she shows some courage, I'm not about to spend two years with a coward.

Annie shrugs as she picks up her glass to take a sip.

[Methos] I wonder how you'd react if Kronos did that to you.

Methos murmurs in Russian as he looks down to play with his glass.

[Annie] He didn't need to.

Annie answers with a cold smile.

[Methos] Oh, you speak Russian?

Methos is so surprised he comes back to English.

[Methos] I should have used another language, huh?

[Annie] I was married to a Russian. I lived in Russia for over 20 years.

Annie answers with a shrug hoping he didn't ask anything else.

[Methos] I'll keep that in mind next time I want to say something I don't want you to understand.

Methos smirks thinking he should have used a dead language but maybe that would give him away.

[Methos] So how come he didn't need to?

Gemini perks up, curious.

Methos asks puzzled remembering her comment, then he frowns when he puts two and two together.

[Methos] It had something to do with that head you took when you were a newbie?

Annie nods with a smirk.

[Annie] I saved his head, if I knew then what I know now.

Methos stares at her genuinely surprised, he never expected such a thing.

[Methos] You saved his life?

Annie nods with a sigh.

[Annie] I knew I was dead, I didn't know anything about Immortals and the Game, I thought he was the one keeping me alive.

[Methos] You've mistaken him for some demon, understandable.

Methos nods amused.

[Methos] So?

[Annie] So Kronos took a Quickening and then this guy's student shows up, he would have killed him if I didn't pick the dead Immortal's sword and fought him.

Annie explains with a shrug, needless to say she wouldn't do it if she knew Kronos dying wouldn't kill her.

[Methos] So you knew how to fight with a sword all along?

Methos asks puzzled, he didn't know Scottish women at that time had the chance to learn how to fight.

[Annie] No, but I'd watched him fight, he fought all the time.

Annie shrugs unconcerned.

Methos stares at Annie for a moment studying her in silence, that was something he'd never heard before, unless she got really really lucky.

[Methos] Let me get this straight, you fought an Immortal's student without any training and took his head?

[Annie] So? I was used to pain by then, I can assure you.

Annie shrugs before she takes a sip of her drink.

[Annie] Besides it was Kronos who told me to cut off his head, I had no idea that was the way to kill him.

Methos nods with a smile, no Kronos wouldn't volunteer that information.

[Methos] No wonder he chose to teach you.

Methos says absentmindedly after a moment.

[Methos] So would I, so would her.

Methos points at Aldria.

[Ally] Yeah, that's Kronos alright.

Ally says, but nods in confirmation to Methos' comment.

[Ally] Except I don't take students anymore so...

Ally shrugs.

[Methos] Neither do I, but I would have taken her. It shows a real talent there.

Methos tells Aldria with a shrug.

[Annie] Talent? I'm not going to ask.

Annie shakes her head.

[Annie] Since when taking a head is a talent?

[Methos] Annie, most Immortals don't learn how to fight without proper training. You know that.

Methos points out with a frown.

[Annie] It's not like that guy didn't cut me, he did.

Annie shakes her head, she can't see what's the big deal anyway.

[Methos] So? You're the one who ended up cutting his head.

Methos says looking her.

[Methos] It couldn't have been all luck.

[Annie] You think that's why Kronos took me as student, because he sensed my... potential?

Annie asks disbelievingly, she'd always wondered why he did that when he killed most of the Immortals he found, but the fact it was because of that first fight had never crossed her mind.

[Methos] More like watched it beforehand.

Methos smirks as he picks up his glass.

[Gemini] Wow...

Gemini says softly, in response to Annie's story.

Methos empties his glass again and looks at the bar to order another beer, then thinks better and looks at Annie.

[Methos] Why don't you order some drinks, it seems the service is faster when you order.

Methos suggests with a smirk.

[Annie] I can't believe you're out again.

Annie shakes her head but waves at Mike anyway gesturing they wanted another round. Mike nods with a sigh and starts moving.

[Methos] Didn't I tell you this is my day off?

Methos asks with a slight frown side glancing at Annie.

[Annie] Not on beer.

Annie shakes her head smiling amused.

Ally chuckles.

[Ally] Good thing you can't get drunk.

Ally says as she tosses back the last of her beer.

Annie tenses while she watches Mike walking to their table with their drinks, there is an Immortal approaching.

Methos turns to the door slightly, when he feels the buzz of another Immortal, trying not to be too obvious, Adam Pierson is supposed to be mortal and Mike is coming to their table.

Ally yawns and looks towards the door.

Gemini feels the buzz and jumps, then looks quickly at the other three, wondering if she should be worried.

Methos almost curses under his breath when Mike blocks his view of the door when he starts putting their drinks on the table, he can see the door opening but not who's coming inside.

[Ally] Thanks, Mike.

Ally thanks him as he sets their drinks around.

Gemini twists around to see who is coming through the door.
« Last Edit: October 15, 2011, 01:21:24 pm by Cyberfox277 »

Offline Cyberfox277

  • Administrator
  • New Immortal
  • *****
  • Posts: 131
    • View Profile

  • Total Badges: 11
HALF MOON RISING Part 14
« Reply #13 on: September 30, 2011, 12:47:34 pm »
David opens the bar door resisting the temptation to rub his forehead, that buzz had been too strong, he's betting that there are more than two Immortals inside. He stops by the door for a moment trying to see in the darker interior.

Gemini sighs and relaxes when she sees David walk into the bar.

Methos frowns as Mike finally moves back to the bar and he can see who just came in.

[Methos] And who the hell is that guy?

[Annie] Gemini's friend.

Annie answers with a shrug as she recognizes the man from yesterday.

[Ally] Another child, by the feel of him.

Ally grins slightly.

Annie smiles coldly.

[Annie] Oh yes, called him kid yesterday and he was really offended.

David is finally able to see the Immortals, he smiles at Gemini, frowns at the woman who called him kid yesterday, studies the male Immortal for a moment and gasps in surprise when he looks at the fourth, could it be her? He hesitates for a moment and begins to walk slowly to their table.

[Methos] He's coming here.

Methos grumbles watching the unknown Immortal.

[Methos] Why do all Immortals that come in have to come to our table?

Ally grins slightly.

[Ally] The boy looks familiar.

[Methos] Oh really? Don't tell me you also slept with him.

Methos comments while he chuckles amused.

[Ally] No... Too young for that...

Ally says with a shrug.

[Ally] But, I think I might have been a judge in a case involving him.

David says hello to Gemini and hesitates again before he makes up his mind and decides to ask anyway.

[Gemini] Hi.

Gemini replies softly to David.

[David] Excuse me, aren't you Judge Everson?

[Ally] Yes.

Ally replies, with a quirky smile.

[Ally] And how are you... David isn't it?

[David] You remember me?

David asks slightly surprised, he almost didn't recognize her, she looked younger than when he met her in New York.

[Ally] Vaguely... It's not like your case was all that out of the ordinary, but... a pre-Immortal... that stands out.

Ally says with a small smile.

[David] Oh, you knew...

David nods with a sigh.

[Ally] Of course. I knew the moment I first saw you.

Ally chuckles softly.

[David] Apparently I was the last one to know, like the husbands who go to the agency.

David sighs again, he hated when people didn't tell him the truth.

[Ally] That's the way it always is. Especially for pre-Immortals.

Ally explains, her eyes hardening.

[Ally] You would have ruined your life, one way or another if you'd been told.

[David] Ruined my life? Why? How can you know?

David asks Ally frowning puzzled.

Methos almost rolls his eyes as he picks up the beer glass, as if it wasn't obvious.

[Ally] I've seen it, more than once. Heard tell of it... dozens of more times than what I've seen. And if a pre-Immortal finds out, BEFORE they die their first death, it always goes one of two ways.

Ally explains.

[Ally] Either you would have decided you wanted nothing to do with being immortal, and turned practically into a recluse and not even living life. Everyone of those always regrets that they didn't live what they had. The second is that they take risks that they shouldn't. You would have ended up dead before your time. And as you were a police officer, the chances for that were all over the place, and, by taking risks you shouldn't have and wouldn't have if you hadn't known yourself to be a pre-Immortal, you would have more than likely ended up killing more than just yourself. And you would never have forgiven yourself for something like that. Now would you?

Ally asks flatly at the end of the explanation.

David rubs his eyes tiredly while he shakes his head.

[David] I don't know what to think anymore.

Methos almost asks him if he's thinking at all but shrugs and decides not to say anything.

[Ally] Keep what I told you in mind. And I've never seen or heard of it going any way other than those two. There's a reason pre-Immortals aren't told. Now... are you going to leave? Or sit down? I'm tired of looking up at you.

Ally says frowning at David.

[David] Hmm, you two don't mind?

David asks Annie and the male Immortal, he knew Gemini wouldn't.

Annie shakes her head saying no, looking coldly at him, if he wants to keep talking to the judge let him.

[Methos] Hmm, it's either let you sit, or kick those two out, and since I wouldn't try to do that to Annie.

Methos grumbles before he shrugs.

[Annie] And why wouldn't you?

Annie frowns slightly at Adam hoping he's not going to mention her looks.

[Methos] Still didn't figure out where you're hiding it.

Methos shrugs again as he plays with his glass.

Annie side glances at Adam, her frown deepening, the man's making no sense at all.

[Annie] Hiding what?

[Methos] Dagger? Only boy scouts don't carry one and since you're not one of them.

Methos answers shrugging still looking down at his glass. He could have added that as Kronos' student she'd have one for sure but decided to skip that part.

David keeps side glancing at them as he pulls a chair and sits at their table. He wonders who the male Immortal is and if he ever heard of him.

[Gemini] I thought you had a date with Sarah tonight?

Gemini asks softly.

David shakes his head.

[David] No, that was yesterday.

[Gemini] And you didn't go again tonight?

Gemini asks, raising an eyebrow.

[David] Hmm, no, it's not a good idea with that guy in town. I might end up shooting him or something and how would I explain that to Sarah?

David says as he gets to his feet again.

[David] I'm getting a beer at the bar, faster that way.

Gemini shrugs indifferently and watches David knowingly. She knows he's just got a thing for Annie.

[Methos] So it is if you're in a hurry.

Methos murmurs as he shakes his head amused.

[Methos] Newbies are so impatient.

[Annie] They only settle down after the first hundred years or something, when they realize they have time.

Annie nods thinking that it was around then she started to believe she was going to make it.

[Ally] Around the time where if they'd been mortal, their life expectancy would beyond all doubt be over.

Ally nods agreeing.

[Methos] If they get to be a hundred years, most of them don't get to be a hundred, it's the most critical time.

Methos nods with a sigh thinking about some of his students.

[Ally] Now, see I always thought the first five to seven hundred years were the most telling.

Ally says with a shrug.

[Methos] The world changes a lot in a hundred years, some newbies can't handle it, they give up completely.

Methos explains with a shrug.

[Methos] Whether they get sloppy and someone takes their head or they bury themselves on a remote place, or Holy Ground. And I wouldn't call that living anyway.

[Annie] You never spent some time on Holy Ground?

Annie asks Adam with a puzzled frown, she thought almost all Immortals did it eventually.

[Methos] Of course, but that was in the Middle Ages, all knowledge was at the monasteries, and guess what? They had beer.

Methos smirks amused.

[Methos] What more could you ask?

Ally laughs at Methos' comment.

[Ally] I don't know about you all, but I spend a lot of time on Holy Ground. Always have... and always will.

Ally smirks.

Annie nods.

[Annie] My refuge back where I came from is on Holy Ground, it used to be a convent.

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] I just sanctify the grounds around my house.

Ally smirks.

David walks back to their table with a beer in his hand, and sits back at his chair.

[David] They're busy tonight.

David says before he takes a sip, remembering the trouble he had to get a beer.

Gemini glances over at David, eyeing him slightly.

[Annie] You sanctify the ground?

Annie asks Ally with a frown, ignoring David's comment.

[Annie] How? Only a priest can do that.

[Methos] She was a priestess, there are more religions than Christianity, you know?

Methos reminds her with an amused smile.

Ally nods in agreement with Methos.

[Ally] Besides the fact Christianity is a... relatively recent development.

[Annie] Yes, but all of them are dominated by men.

Annie says glaring at Adam, did he think she was stupid?

[Ally] Besides, that...

Ally adds slowly.

[Ally] What makes you think all religions were dominated by men?

[Annie] I'm not sure about old religions, I wasn't there to see, now was I?

Annie shrugs unconcerned, it's not like she really cares anyway.

[Methos] The head of the church is generally a man, but there were some religions where they allowed women in.

Methos explains as he picks up his glass.

[Ally] Besides the priestesshoods which didn't allow MEN in.

Ally adds.

[Ally] Hathor, and Isis where women only. Ma'at was a mix of men and women.

Ally says absently listing some of the Ancient Egyptian priestesshoods.

[Ally] Oh, don't get me wrong, I am WELL aware that the men and PRIESThoods well out numbered the women and the priestesshoods, let alone the mixed priesthoods.

[Annie] Shouldn't be too surprised, just remembered the Vestals in ancient Rome and that wasn't such a long time ago.

Annie nods looking at Ally.

[Methos] Hmm, yes, but those had to be virgin. You wouldn't like that one.

Methos tells Aldria teasingly, smiling amused.

[Ally] Well, besides the fact they don't have sex.

Ally frowns.

[Ally] Part of my initiation into Anath's priesthood involved HAVING sex.

[Gemini] You had to have sex, to even join?

Gemini asks astounded.

[Ally] That's how I lost my virginity.

Ally smirks.

[David] And who's Anath?

David asks with a frown wondering what kind of religion was that.

[Ally] Anath was the Babylonian Goddess of Love, war and fertility.

Ally smiles at the boy.

David frowns for a moment trying to make sense of what he heard, then it dawns on him remembering History lessons.

[David] Babylon in Sumeria?

David asks with his eyes open wide in surprise.

[Ally] Yes and no.

Ally says with a shrug.

[Ally] Babylon was once it's own nation, before it was conquered by the Sumerians.

[Gemini] As in the hanging gardens of Babylon? That's supposed to be one of the wonders of the ancient world.

Gemini says awed.

[David] But that was a long time ago...

David manages to drag out, he's almost speechless by surprise, can she be THAT old?

[Ally] Yes, it was.

Ally agrees simply with a smile.

Methos looks back at his glass shaking his head slightly, kids were so amusing, he wondered how the kid was going to react if he told him he was older that Aldria?

[Gemini] How... how old are you?

Gemini asks, eyes wide, then blushes, "I'm sorry, that's rude."

[Annie] Yes, it is, I've told you we don't go around asking that.

Annie warns Gemini with a slight frown.

[Gemini] Sorry.

Gemini murmurs softly.

[Methos] Besides it might get you into trouble, some Immortals might take that as an offense.

Methos points out, thinking he's not one of them.

[Annie] Adam, some Immortals take Good Morning as an offense.

Annie chuckles softly.

[Methos] That's why I don't stop to even say goodbye.

Methos shrugs indifferently.

Ally snorts amused by Methos' comment.

[Ally] To tell you the truth... I'm not even sure exactly how old I am.

[Methos] Yes, the mess they did with the calendars also doesn't help.

Methos nods with a sigh.

[Methos] It would be so much easier without BC's and AD's and all that.

[Ally] Well, that and the way the calendars kept changing! There wasn't a reliable calendar until Julius Caesar introduced the modern calendar.

Ally points out.

[Methos] Besides who cares? Counting the time it's mortal stuff we can live above that.

Methos shrugs while he thinks that's why he keeps mentioning 5000 years, it's a nice round number, why should he care if he was 5100 or more?

[Ally] You would know.

Ally chuckles, softly, for Methos' ears only.

[Annie] And without the information there is nowadays, days tend to blur together anyway. And the years...

Annie says taking a deep breath and thinking about the time she raided Europe with Kronos.

[Ally] And the centuries...

Ally adds in a mutter.

David shakes his head trying to clear his thoughts, he has no idea what they're talking about. He's beginning to feel really young near those three.

[Ally] Mike! More beer please!

Ally calls holding up her empty glass. Mike sighs, nods and starts filling.

[Methos] Hmm, you know...

Methos smirks side glancing at Annie.

[Methos] Mike is not usually this shy, I bet he's getting ready to ask for your phone number or something.

Annie rolls her eyes while she shakes her head.

[Annie] Like I'd go out with a you-know-what.

[David] Are you going to turn down all the men who ask you out?

David grumbles still upset she called him kid.

[Gemini] What's a You-know-what?

Gemini asks, having the feeling it maybe, meant mortal.

[Methos] It's a guy you two are not supposed to know about or she would have explained better. Get it?

Methos points out with a soft chuckle.

Annie glares coldly at David.

[Annie] And what makes you think I go out with just about anybody?

[David] I'm not just about anybody.

David grumbles looking down at his glass.

Methos raises an eyebrow and looks from David to Annie and back again.

[Methos] Oh, asked her out?

Methos smiles amused, wondering if he should tell the kid he's wasting his time.

[David] Hmm, not really.

David shakes his head, remembering he'd just presented an hypothesis.

[Gemini] Yes you did.

Gemini mutters to David.

[David] No, I didn't!

David tells Gemini with a slight frown.

[David] I only asked what she'd answer if I asked her out.

[Methos] Sounds like you asked her out.

Methos chuckles amused.

[Gemini] That's the way I've always been asked out.

Gemini says with a shrug.

[David] Hmm, and I didn't get your name.

David tells the male Immortal hoping he'd introduce himself.

[Methos] Guess not, I didn't tell you what it was.

Methos shrugs with a smirk.

Ally smirks with a laugh.

[David] Is that supposed to be funny?

David frowns at the male Immortal.

Annie shakes her head with a smile playing across her lips.

[Annie] Trust me, kid, you don't want to mess up with him.

[Methos] Oh really?

Methos frowns puzzled at Annie, trying to hide his amusement.

[Annie] You're not fooling everybody you know?

Annie says rolling her eyes.

[David] I'm not a kid, I'm 36 years old.

David grumbles under his breath in a bad mood, that woman did it again.

[Ally] You're not helping yourself, boy.

Ally says with a chuckle looking at the boy.

[Methos] Yeah, 36 years old is... old.

Methos nods gravely.

David takes a deep breath side glancing at the judge, not her too!

[Ally] Don't look at me like that! I'm nearly 5000 years old, and to my knowledge only Methos is older than I am. Think about that for a moment, 5000 versus 36.

Ally says frowning at David.

[Annie] He's too young to realize that.

Annie tells Aldria while she turns her head to look at her.

[Annie] He'll have to be older to realize an Immortal doesn't live that long by mere chance.

[David] I realize that now!

David grumbles irritated.

[David] It's not like I'm a fool!

David takes a deep breath and looks at Ally.

[David] I'm sorry, Judge, I realize I owe you my freedom.

[Ally] You're cute enough.

Ally smiles.

David manages not to let his mouth fall open as he blinks in surprise.

[David] Excuse me?

David asks hoping she'd repeat what she said, he's not sure he heard her right.

[Ally] So apology accepted. But you don't owe me for your freedom. You got your freedom because you deserved it.

Ally explains.

[David] Yes, but there was no way I was going to prove my innocence in jail.

David sighs remembering how the bad cops managed to frame him, he was one step away from prison.

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] Again, you got your freedom because you deserved it. A few extra centuries does usually give one a few advantages.

Ally chuckles.

[David] Hmm, I was thinking...and I think I owe you some dinner at least... would you be interested?

David hesitates looking at the judge.

[David] As a way of thanking you for what you did?

[Methos] Now it's your turn. I think that kid wants to get laid tonight.

Methos murmurs in ancient Greek, and hoping Annie wouldn't surprise him again.

Ally laughs at Methos' comment.

[Ally] I wouldn't mind getting laid tonight, either!

Ally says in the same language.

[Methos] Oh, didn't realize you liked them so young.

Methos sniffs so he doesn't start laughing as he picks his beer glass.

[Ally] Thanks Mike.

Ally sighs as Mike finally brings them their drinks.

[Ally] Why not bring Adam and I each a pitcher? It'll save you a few trips.

Ally states, tired of waiting on Mike for her beer. Mike nods and walks away.

Annie nods coldly when Mike puts a drink in front of her, after what Adam said she wants to save him the embarrassment of hearing a no.

[Ally] I told you. You don't owe me anything.

Ally shrugs at David.

[David] I know, but what if I want to anyway?

David asks frowning at Adam and wondering what he'd told her in a language he didn't understand.

[Methos] Don't tell me he's jealous already? This is going fast. If he only knew where he's getting himself into.

Methos comments in Greek, not impressed by David's frown.

[Ally] Is he trying to scare you?

Ally asks glancing over at Methos.

Methos side glances at Aldria, a puzzled frown on his face.

[Methos] Can't you find out for yourself?

[Ally] As if we both don't know.

Ally chuckles.

[Gemini] This is getting old.

Gemini mutters, referring to the other Immortals speaking in languages she can't understand.

[Annie] Yeah, but this time I'm on your side, I knew I should have studied more Greek but I never thought I'd need it anyway.

Annie nods at Gemini with a smile.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] Something tells me, if you knew Greek, they'd just find a different language... like ancient Egyptian or something.

[David] Oh, that's Greek?

David asks looking at Annie.

[David] Can you make out anything they're saying?

[Annie] A word here and there, it's not enough to understand it.

Annie shrugs unconcerned.

[Gemini] Swell...

Gemini sighs, resting her head on her hands.

[Annie] Besides why should I care? If they want to have a private conversation you think I'm going to sulk like a baby?

Annie points out with an indifferent shrug.

[Gemini] Oh, I'm just tired.

Gemini sighs.

[Annie] Yes, we should get going, I only wanted a drink and ended up drinking more than a few.

Annie turns her head to order her check.

[David] So is that a yes or a no?

David interrupts the older Immortals, then he turns to the male Immortal when a suspicion comes to his mind.

[David] I want no trouble. She's not your woman, is she?

Methos looks at the kid amused.

[Methos] If you knew her better you'd realize she's nobody's woman, she's her own woman.

[Ally] Excuse me?!

Ally glares at the young man.

[Ally] Well, you just **** yourself over, child. No.

[David] Oh come on, I didn't mean it that way. I was trying to ask if you two were involved or something.

David says with an exasperated sigh, it seems he couldn't say the right thing near those two.

[Ally] You know part of the reason I chose to join a priesthood? To get over being owned by someone. I grew up in a harem. I haven't put up with it since I joined the priesthood and I'm not about to put up with it from you or anyone else.

Ally says flatly.

[David] I didn't want it to sound that way. Sorry, I had no idea you'd take it so hard.

David says shaking his head.

[David] That's what I get from not going straight to the point.

[Methos] Too late to worry if we're involved or not, you asked her out before that, remember? If it would upset me then I'd already be upset.

Methos points out looking at the kid, he can't help to be amused though, kids are so amusing.

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] I'm not one to hold grudges, boy. I'll get over it.

Annie shakes her head looking at David.

[Annie] I don't give a damn if you live or die, but if I was your teacher, I'd start to worry about your 'health' if that's the way you usually talk around other Immortals.

[Ally] Especially older ones.

Ally put in with a smirk.

[Methos] Do you even have a teacher?

Methos asks wondering who it was if he had one.

[David] Craig Bower, you know him?

David grumbles in a bad mood, they were treating him like a kid again.

[Methos] Yeah, I've seen him around, he's Nikki's friend.

Methos nods thinking Craig couldn't be that old himself, which somehow explained some of his student's manners.

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] We've met.

Ally leans over to Methos and murmurs softly in ancient Egyptian.

[Ally] Boy scouts. All of them.

[Methos] Hmm, I'd say that girl over there is not in danger of becoming that if she takes her as student.

Methos replies in the same language, avoiding to mention names so they wouldn't know what he's talking about.

[Methos] Though she was a campfire girl, they didn't have the good deed of the day.

[Ally] True... no student of Kronos, or even twice removed of Kronos is going to end up a girl scout or boy scout.

Ally chuckles.

[Methos] Hmm, no, impossible. Not when Kronos probably had the bad deed of the day.

Methos chuckles amused.

Ally joins Methos in amused laughter.

Gemini sighs.

[Gemini] Any idea what language it is now? Sounds different than before.

[Annie] No, it's not Greek anymore, but I have no idea what it is.

Annie shrugs unconcerned wondering why it was taking so long to bring her the check.

[David] You don't know?

David frowns at the other two Immortals wondering what language is that.

[Annie] It's not like I know everything, kid.

Annie says as she turns to look back, she wants to pay and get out of there.

[David] I wish you'd stop calling me that.

David grumbles looking at Annie.

[Annie] Then stop acting like a kid.

Annie shrugs unconcerned.

[Methos] So you're not taking the kid out anymore?

Methos asks still in ancient Egyptian while he picks up his beer glass to take a sip.

[Ally] No... he screwed himself by asking if I was your woman... that's a comment I'd expect from the likes of Kronos, not someone who's 36 years old.

Ally says shaking her head.

[Methos] Yeah, even Kronos knew better than to ask you that.

Methos chuckles softly.

[Methos] OK, maybe the reason was because he didn't give a damn but still he didn't ask.

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] Could be.

[Methos] Oh, I'm sure it was, when he wanted a woman he didn't care if she was married to some guy or not.

Methos frowns then adds remembering his time as a Horseman.

[Methos] Hmm, neither did I actually.

Ally chuckles.

[Ally] I'm sure you didn't.

[Methos] Yeah, most of the times when they got to camp they didn't have a husband anymore anyway.

Methos shrugs indifferently, it was a long time ago.

[Ally] And if they did, either they, or the husbands or both didn't last long.

Ally chuckles.

[Ally] Thanks Mike.

Ally says as Mike brings two pitchers and Annie's check.

[Annie] At last.

Annie grumbles under her breath as she looks in her pockets for some money.

[Methos] I'll probably have some news for you Monday or Tuesday, so show up.

Methos tells Annie remembering what she'd asked him to do.

[Ally] More like Tuesday.

Ally puts in with a grin.

[Ally] I can just about guarantee he won't do any looking tomorrow.

[Annie] Alright.

Annie nods as she puts some money near her check.

[Annie] Thanks, Adam, I appreciate what you're doing.

Annie nods again before she stands up.

[Methos] No problem, got me curious enough to take a look anyway, so...

Methos shrugs with a smile.

Gemini quickly stands up when Annie does, not wanting to be left behind.

[Gemini] See you later, David.

Gemini murmurs softly.

[David] Yeah, see you later.

David says with an unhappy sigh, he didn't want to be left alone with those two.

[Annie] Well, see you around.

Annie says looking at Adam Pierson and Judge Everson, and ignoring David, before she turns to leave.

[Gemini] Bye all.

Gemini murmurs to the table.

[Methos] Bye girls.

Methos says after them with a smirk, Annie would probably think he was teasing, so it was safe.

David watches Annie and Gemini go then turns back to the table.

[David] So where were we?

[Ally] We're drinking. That's where we are.

Ally shrugs.

[David] Hmm, so dinner?

David asks hoping to get an answer this time.

Methos raises an eyebrow and looks at Aldria to see how she's going to react.

[Ally] Nope. I'm full.

Ally says taking a drink.

[Methos] Don't you get it...

Methos stops himself in time, refraining himself from calling him kid.

[Methos] She's already having dinner.

Methos smirks as he adds to Aldria in Greek.

[Methos] And dessert after the way he behaved is out of the question.

[Ally] Yup.

Ally agrees with Methos in Greek.

David frowns, they're going to do it again?

[David] Hey, if you two are starting with that again I'm leaving.

Methos looks around with a puzzled frown.

[Methos] I don't think anyone is trying to hold you up.

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] We're going to drink. You can stay or go.

Ally shrugs.

Methos frowns at the kid, he's acting like he's doing them a favor by staying when they didn't even invite him to sit?

[Methos] You know what? You bug me. Go away.

Methos tells David resisting the temptation to shoo him.

[David] Fine.

David grumbles offended as he stands up and moves to the bar.

Methos sighs watching the kid go.

[Methos] Just remembered a reason I don't take students anymore.

[Ally] You know... with that attitude he sure isn't proving himself to be anything other than the child we named him.

Ally points out to Methos amused.

[Ally] I mean, seriously? Throwing a temper-tantrum?

[Methos] Who cares?

Methos shrugs as he picks his pitcher and clicks it against Aldria's.

[Methos] Bottoms up.
« Last Edit: October 15, 2011, 01:21:58 pm by Cyberfox277 »

Offline Cyberfox277

  • Administrator
  • New Immortal
  • *****
  • Posts: 131
    • View Profile

  • Total Badges: 11
HALF MOON RISING Part 15
« Reply #14 on: September 30, 2011, 12:51:21 pm »
***4th of July***

Ashley frowns as she steps into the small changing room. That was the only issue with places like this. The attendants never shut up. Oh, the masseurs did wonderful job, generally weren't too talkative, but the young women who lead you from place to place didn't know how to hold their mouths. With a mental shake of her head, Ashley strips down and takes on of the towels in the room, there were several and she'd need them, she wrapped herself in the towel and opened the door to the room. Only to be greeted by the incessant chatter of the attendant who lead her towards the coed sauna. If a spa offered a choice, Ashley always took coed. Because it involved being naked besides the towel, it was generally the most empty of the sauna's offered. The same for the steam rooms.

Methos puts his clothes inside the locker and checks his towel, wrapping it better around his waist, before he locks it and moves away. This year no fireworks for him thank you very much, he think while he walks to the sauna, he still missed the Roman baths after all these centuries and before Nikki or MacLeod showed up and dragged him to one of those, he decided to disappear and hide himself in a spa for a couple of hours.

[Methos] I'll find my way to the sauna, thanks.

Methos tells the disappointed attendant with a smile as he moves past her, the last thing he wanted was to have to listen to an empty head girl who didn't know how to keep her month shut. He opens the door and sighs in satisfaction as he feels the heat. Then he moves to a wooden bench and stretches against the wooden wall.

[Ashley] Thanks.

Ashley says shortly as she arrives at the sauna.

[Ashley] I can certainly find my way back to dressing room without you, and will summon you from there when I'm done and ready for my massage.

Methos opens his eyes and turns his head to the door with a sigh, apparently he was having company, he was hoping he'd be alone in here so he could relax.

Ashley sighs gratefully, as she opens to the door to her pleasure there was only one other person in the sauna. She stars towards a bench opposite the man, when she freezes, recognizing him.

[Ashley] Adam?

Ashley asks astonished.

Methos gasps in surprise when he recognizes the woman in front of him.

[Methos] Ashley?

Methos asks still slightly surprised, this was the last place he was expecting to find her.

[Ashley] What... What are you doing here?

Ashley gapes. A spa was the last place on earth she would have expected to find Adam Pierson.

Methos smiles glad he'd decided to cover his track just in case, Adam Pierson wouldn't be able to pay for this after all.

[Methos] I got a gift certificate, can you believe it? I thought it was a joke but then I decided to use it anyway.

Methos shrugs still smiling.

[Methos] Can't hurt and it's free, so...

Ashley grins as she moves and sits down in her original choice spot.

[Ashley] Personally I don't see why more men don't pamper themselves. Even if it's only with sauna, steam-room and massage.

[Methos] Yeah, had some sauna when I was in Finland on business.

Methos nods giving her a look so she'd know what business he's talking about.

[Methos] Decided to skip the ice part though.

Ashley laughs.

[Ashley] Can't say I blame you on that!! Though I'm sure the sauna itself was WONDERFUL.

[Methos] Oh yeah, I was there with a couple of Finnish colleagues.

Methos nods with an amused smirk as he mentally corrects it to female Finnish colleagues.

[Ashley] Nice.

Ashley nods appreciatively.

[Ashley] Though I have to admit I'm surprised to see you here. Last I had heard from you, you were in Paris.

[Methos] Yeah, but after Don died I had no reason to stay there anyway.

Methos shrugs with a sigh.

[Methos] And I like working with Joe Dawson, even though you don't, I've read your report.

Methos smiles amused, wondering what will be Joe's reaction when he comes back from his trip.

[Ashley] Oh... well, I don't have anything against Joe personally...

Ashley says slowly.

[Methos] Yeah, I know, you just don't approve his methods.

Methos shrugs with an amused smile, Ashley's idea that mortals and Immortals shouldn't mix never failed to amuse him when he considered what he was.

[Ashley] I don't approve of him breaking centuries of tradition with that... Duncan MacLeod.

Ashley shrugs.

[Ashley] However, I also don't approve of the way the Watchers council handled it either. After all, it is the 20th, well now 21st century. Their way was a bit barbaric.

Ashley adds.

[Methos] Yes, but dead men don't talk.

Methos shakes his head with a sigh, as he thinks he was the one you had to fix him up after that.

[Methos] I suppose you'd have a better idea?

[Ashley] The Watchers is an employer. Joe broke his employer's rules. He should have been fired. End of story.

Ashley shrugs.

[Methos] That's it?

Methos side glances at Ashley smiling amused.

[Methos] Don't you think he knows too much to be left to his own devices?

[Ashley] Far as I can tell, Joe respects the Watchers too much... even given what they've done to him. He certainly isn't likely to go telling the media, or even every Immortal he can find. We have spouses that have known. And even fired, it's not like he wouldn't be watched, and if he was going to tell, or associate with Immortals outside of Duncan MacLeod and HIS Immortal associates, whom he more than likely has told about us anyway. I see no reason why Joe couldn't be left to his own devices.

Ashley shrugs.

[Methos] I think Shapiro took it personal after Galati killed his son, and blamed Joe for something that wasn't his fault.

Methos tells Ashley while he moves on the bench to get a better position and leans against the wall closing his eyes.

[Ashley] Yeah, well, that's the other reason why Joe would have needed to have been monitored, but...

Ashley shrugs leaning back herself.

[Methos] That judgment wasn't about justice but revenge, and he ended up having the Watchers kill Galati as if it would bring his son back.

Methos sighs keeping his eyes closed.

[Methos] Apparently that was his idea of not interfering.

[Ashley] Which was stupid.

Ashley says flatly.

[Ashley] And, has no bearing on what SHOULD have happened to Joe, from the beginning.

[Methos] You realize it was all Horton's fault, right? Joe going to talk with MacLeod, Galati coming after Watchers, it all began when Horton started killing.

Methos says side glancing at Ashley for a moment, then he closes his eyes again.

[Ashley] Yes. And Horton got what he deserved... even if MacLeod was the one to see to it... but that doesn't mean Joe should have been forgiven of HIS rule breaking, even if it was much a lesser degree than Horton's.

Ashley says with firm conviction.

[Methos] What? Be expelled just because he talked to MacLeod?

Methos opens his eyes and stares at Ashley with a frown.

[Methos] I think you take things a little bit too seriously. Immortals are just like us, not better or worse.

Ashley shrugs.

[Ashley] That doesn't make us any less peeping toms into their lives... and more so. Besides, is there something wrong with following the rules?

Ashley asks.

[Methos] No, but why can't a Watcher and an Immortal be friends? Personally I don't see a problem with that.

Methos shrugs before he leans his head back and closes his eyes again.

[Ashley] But befriending an Immortal, betrays the oath. If you want to keep a friendship with an Immortal, over your oath, fine. But then leave the Watchers.

Ashley shrugs.

[Ashley] Then you can't interfere with your knowledge.

Ashley adds after a moment.

Methos tries not to smile when he thinks what would she say of an Immortal inside the Watchers writing his own chronicle and looking for himself, but he has no idea what would be her first reaction. Then he shrugs.

[Methos] I guess we'll never agree in this so we might as well drop it.

[Ashley] Oh come on Adam. This is me, you're talking too. I'm not stupid, I'm well aware of what I'm called behind my back. I am also well aware that I've earned that title.

Ashley says with a half grin on her face.

[Methos] Oh you know the others call you Miss By-the-book, huh?

Methos asks with an amused smile.

[Methos] Not me, at least not behind your back. I think everybody is entitled to their own opinion.

Methos shrugs unconcerned.

[Ashley] Yes. Some fool, who'd been out of the Academy for all of week, called me that, to my face.

Ashley says with a shrug.

[Ashley] Not that I didn't suspect it before that... The idiot just confirmed it... Got him sent back to research indefinitely. He was obviously not cut out for being a field Watcher.

Ashley smirks slightly.

Methos chuckles softly.

[Methos] No, not at all, too dumb for that.

[Ashley] Hence why I got him sent to research... book smart, no common sense.

Ashley smiles.

[Methos] Hmm, come to think of it it's not very flattering, he wasn't good enough for the field but he's good enough for research?

Methos opens his eyes and side glanced at Ashley suspiciously.

[Methos] You're not trying to call me dumb, are you? Miss By-the-book?

Methos asks teasingly.

[Ashley] The man was brilliant... I will give him that... But absolutely no street sense.

Ashley explains.

[Ashley] And as for you... I think you'd make a wonderful field Watcher. You've more street sense, than just about anybody I know, besides being brilliant.

Ashley shrugs indifferently.

[Methos] Maybe, but I like what I'm doing.

Methos shrugs, while he thinks he'd be a lousy field Watcher, all the people he was supposed to watch would notice him, and wouldn't it be great that he even got challenged?

[Ashley] I know you do. Which is why I don't mention it, but in passing. I know nothing will drag you out of research. I'm just grateful you helped ME get out.

Ashley shrugs, eyes still closed as she sweated.

Methos shakes his head chuckling softly.

[Methos] Ash, you never needed my help for that.

Ashley shrugs.

[Ashley] I thought I did... which when it comes down to it, is all that really matters.

Methos nods side glancing at Ashley and seeing a younger and more vulnerable woman than the woman in front of him, this Ashley wouldn't need anyone's help to make up her mind.

[Methos] Yes, you didn't know your own strength.

[Ashley] No. And we can thank my aunt and uncle for that.

Ashley spat out.

[Methos] Well, I assume they only want what they think it's best for you, but that's a decision they can't make for you, you have to live your own life, not theirs.

Methos shrugs as he sighs in pleasure, he loved to be in a sauna, too bad Adam Pierson couldn't afford it.

[Ashley] Isn't this great?

Ashley asks recognizing the sigh for what it was, and echoing it herself.

[Ashley] I just wish I could do this more often.

[Methos] Yeah, so do I, I should get a raise.

Methos smirks, thinking Joe would never give him one even if he asked.

[Ashley] Ask. You'll never get one if you don't ask, and what's the worst they'll say? No?

Ashley smiles, relaxing even further.

[Methos] Hmm, no such luck with my beer tab at the bar.

Methos chuckles softly.

[Ashley] Well... maybe he could take your raise have it go directly to your tab?

Ashley suggests with a laugh.

[Methos] But then, why should I bother to ask for a raise?

Methos points out still chuckling.

[Ashley] Wouldn't hurt to ask for a raise anyway. Maybe you'll even get one without having to pay the bar tab. Only one person is going to be able to answer that for you.

Ashley grins.

[Methos] I suppose. I'll think about it later.

Methos shrugs unconcerned, maybe he could find a way Adam got another gift certificate, maybe another one of his alias paying for it?

Ashley shrugs. It wasn't her decision.

Methos stays in silence for a few minutes just enjoying the heat, then he smiles when he thinks of something.

[Methos] You know? When I found out your guy was in town I assumed we'd meet at Joe's sooner or later, but never in a sauna wrapped in towels.

Ashley chuckles.

[Ashley] This is much more preferable... though actually, I'm surprised I haven't heard from Joe, since I posted that last report.

[Methos] He's out of town, I'm sure you will as soon as he gets back.

Methos chuckles softly.

[Ashley] Probably.

Ashley agrees shaking her head ruefully.

[Methos] You just had to write that, didn't you? Couldn't stop yourself.

Methos shakes his head amused.

[Methos] He's not going to like it a bit, I tell you that.

[Ashley] It's the truth!

Ashley says flatly.

[Ashley] And I don't care if he likes it or not.

[Methos] I took a look at your guy's chronicle and if he goes after newbies I'm not surprised they don't have a Watcher, most newbies don't until someone takes them as student.

Methos points out, pretending he didn't know Annie was no newbie at all.

[Ashley] Yes, but the other Immortal woman there was no newbie. She didn't have their... lack of presence, their way of moving. She was experienced.

Ashley says with firm conviction.

[Methos] Hmm, there are some Immortals not even you guys dare to take anymore, they keep killing Watchers until we give up on them, maybe she's one of them.

Methos shrugs unconcerned, he's sure Kronos was one of those anyway.

[Methos] Like your guy would be if he knew about the Watchers.

[Ashley] Yes, but we have records of all of those Immortals and last time I checked, they were all male!

Ashley points out.

[Methos] Yeah, talk about too much testosterone.

Methos chuckles amused.

[Ashley] Thanks to him though... I've really learned to hate the 4th of July.

Ashley sighs absently.

[Methos] Yeah, I was wondering why you were hiding in here instead of watching the fireworks. He's too patriotic for you?

Methos asks with a frown, maybe he had a special way of celebrating the 4th of July.

[Ashley] Hell yes. For the scum bag that he is... He figures himself a war hero, and celebrates independence day with gusto.

Ashley spits disgustedly.

[Methos] How long are you following him? I think I saw 7 years. Don't know how you have the stomach for it.

Methos says making a face like he knows Adam Pierson would in this situation.

[Ashley] Closer to seven and a half years. And I hate it. I keep hoping one of these newbies is going to get lucky and come out on top. But... the only way they can replace me for anything other than short term is to have someone as good as me... and well...

Ashley hesitates not wanting to sound like she's bragging, when it's just the facts of what she's been told.

[Methos] And we don't have enough experienced Watchers, sometimes we have to send a rookie into the field and they end up dead.

Methos finishes up for her.

[Methos] And to that Lee guy, it needs to be someone white or he'd notice them right away, so it's even harder to find a replacement.

[Ashley] Exactly.

Ashley agrees with a sigh and a nod.

[Ashley] And being a woman helps too, believe it or not.

[Methos] Oh yeah, he'll never see one as a threat, remember old Southern women?

Methos points out with a smile.

[Ashley] Well, not personally.

Ashley laughs.

[Ashley] But, yes. I do... they were pretty much helpless.

[Methos] Is it just me or it would be amusing if a woman was the one who ended up taking his head?

Methos asks with a smirk, while he thinks that guy should watch out if Annie decided to take Gemini as student and he kept harassing them.

[Ashley] A black woman would make it the perfect irony.

Ashley says with a grin.

[Methos] Oh yeah.

Methos nods chuckling softly.

[Methos] A black female newbie would be great.

[Ashley] Well... one that's a newbie would make the irony even perfect but... have to say, I won't be complaining at any time if he loses in the game.

Ashley sighs.

[Ashley] No matter WHO does it.

[Methos] I've read he took a lot of heads, is he that good or he just got lucky?

Methos asks with a frown, of all Watchers Ashley would know.

Ashley sighs.

[Ashley] It's a bit of both.

Ashley says slowly.

[Methos] Figured he wasn't that bad because he didn't just kill newbies, but also their teachers when they had one.

[Ashley] He has, the devil's own luck when it comes to finding newbies. But, he is fairly skilled, when he gets challenged by or challenges a non-newbie. He's by no means the best I've ever seen. I've seen much better, but... he does have skill.

Ashley sighs.

[Methos] Yeah, if he didn't have some skill he'd be dead already.

Methos nods with a sigh, as he thinks that wouldn't be such a bad thing.

[Ashley] He, sadly, has more than just some skill. He's probably comparable to oh....

Ashley pauses thinking.

[Ashley] Hugh Fitzcairn, maybe?

Ashley suggests.

[Methos] Oh really?

Methos raises an eyebrow, then Lee was better than he expected, not that he was planning to fight him anyway.

[Methos] Heard of him, MacLeod's friend I think.

[Ashley] Yeah, before Kalas got him.

Ashley shrugs.

[Methos] I suppose all Watchers have heard of Kalas after that mess with the CD.

Methos says while he picks an extra towel to wipe the sweat of his forehead.

[Ashley] Yeah...

Ashley sighs, then frowns.

[Ashley] Personally I think the project you and Don were working on was a great idea... especially as it's pretty much what we've got now, but... you should have gotten permission from head of research before starting.

[Methos] There weren't supposed to be copies laying around where anyone could find them.

Methos answers with a shrug.

[Methos] I didn't even know Don knew how to make one, he hated computers.

Ashley grins.

[Ashley] That sounds like Don alright. Why use a computer when a book was available. Why use the phone when you could write a letter.

Ashley chuckles.

[Methos] Yeah, if everybody was like him we'd still be living in caves.

Methos chuckles softly.

[Methos] He hated changes and starting to live in huts was a big change.

[Ashley] Or at least as it was around the turn of the 17th century.

Ashley chuckles.

Methos sobers up and sighs unhappily.

[Methos] I miss Don, he was a good friend.

[Ashley] A good mentor too.

Ashley agrees.

[Methos] He deserved better luck than to be killed by that creep.

Methos shakes his head as he thinks about what happened next.

[Methos] I had no idea his wife had such grudge against us.

[Ashley] I think that had, at least in part to do with the way he died...

Ashley says slowly thinking.

[Ashley] Though... he did spend a lot of time on the Watchers that maybe should have been spent on her. I mean... he canceled how many vacations the two of them had planned?

[Methos] Too many I think.

Methos sighs remembering how Don Salzer was like.

[Methos] But she just wanted to blow his life's work, and then all that sacrifice would have been in vain.

[Ashley] She didn't care anymore.

Ashley points out with a shrug.

[Ashley] Her husband had been taken from her and any chance to gain those missed times together, gone for ever.

[Methos] You know, letting friends and family know about us isn't one of the safest things. I can understand why it's allowed but still it's a security risk.

Methos points out as he wipes the sweat on his forehead again.

[Ashley] Not so much an issue for me.

Ashley shrugs, thinking that her only living relatives WERE Watchers, and the few friends she had were Watchers themselves.

[Methos] Yes, I know, you were practically raised in the Watchers.

Methos nods with a smile.

[Ashley] Yeah. I barely know anything else... Just the little bit from before my parents had died.

Ashley shrugs.

[Methos] Yes, wasn't it you who saw a man coming back to live when you were a child?

Methos asks with a frown like he didn't remember anymore.

[Ashley] Oh, yes... same ferry accident that killed my parents. Some man who could swim jumped overboard with myself and several other children. We were pulled aboard some fishing vessel. They pulled some bodies aboard too... one was a man, whom they covered over and then when their backs were turned got up and jumped back over... They all just assumed the body rolled off the deck... There wasn't any railing there, and the Watcher was rather choppy.

Ashley says softly the memory of that horrific day replaying before her eyes.

[Methos] I bet it scared the hell out of you, unless you didn't realize he was dead.

Methos nods understandingly.

[Ashley] I was old enough to understand what was meant when they talked about the 'poor bastard' and covered him with a blanket. Kept telling them he was alive, and had jumped back in... nobody believed me, until my aunt and uncle got to the hospital and told me to hold my tongue.

Ashley sighs.

[Methos] Yes, people coming back from the dead and carrying concealed swords, it's a little hard to believe.

Methos nods chuckling softly.

[Ashley] Well... at that time I didn't see any sword but... makes you wonder some how Watchers found Immortals in the past... given the sword is one of the most tell tail signs NOW.

Ashley says chuckling herself.

[Methos] Yeah, also puzzles me.

Methos says with a smile, he wasn't going to point out the not aging part since he was one of them. People would start noticing that sooner or later without him pointing at it.

[Ashley] I would have added the lack of aging, but... the way they're always moving around that's harder to notice.

Ashley adds absently.

[Methos] I guess they'd know for sure if someone came back from the dead in front of witnesses.

Methos shrugs unconcerned.

[Ashley] Oh yes... that does explain a lot of the witch hunts of the past.

Ashley points out.

[Methos] Yeah, we always needed an excuse to kill other people, whether it's a political or a religious one. We'd never admit that we do it because it's in our nature.

Methos sighs while he wipes the sweat on his face again.

[Ashley] That's humanity for you.

Ashley murmurs.

[Methos] The only difference I see through the years it's the type of weapon, nothing else.

Methos shrugs before he picks up his watch to check the time.

[Ashley] More and more sophisticated, but not necessarily better.

Ashley says, allowing the historian in her speak out.

[Methos] Shouldn't we be leaving? I'm not sure how long we're supposed to be in here.

Methos asked with what he hoped to be an embarrassed smile, remembering that it was supposed to be Adam Pierson's first try on the sauna.

[Ashley] You leave when you get too hot.

Ashley says with a shrug.

[Ashley] But I suppose I should be going. I have a massage when I'm done here, then the whole mani, pedi and facial after that.

Ashley smiles standing up and approaches the door then pauses and turns back to Adam.

[Ashley] Would you like to have dinner sometime? Just to catch up?

Ashley asks.

[Methos] Sure.

Methos nods with a smile as he stands up to walk to the door.

[Methos] I'll probably be ready before you so I'll wait for you at the bar.

[Ashley] You and beer... does not surprise me THAT hasn't changed for you. Alright, I'll catch you in the bar later.

Ashley grins and heads back to the changing room.

[Methos] Yeah, a massage sounds good, probably not as good as the ones from wife 47 but passable.

Methos murmurs with a shrug as he exits the sauna.
« Last Edit: October 15, 2011, 01:22:47 pm by Cyberfox277 »

 

Disclaimer: Any of the characters on this site that are taken from the Highlander universe, belong to Gregory Widen and Panzer/Davis Productions. The concept of Highlander belongs to Gregory Widen, Panzer/Davis Productions, Rysher and Miramax. No copyright infringement is meant by using these characters, and they are used strictly for non-profit entertainment. Any of the pictures on this site belong to the person that created them, or to the site that they originated from. No harm is intended by using these pictures, and there is no profit being made by their use. All original characters belong solely to the person who created them, and are copyrighted by their creator. Any unique text, including outlines, explanations, archives, marked character profiles and the rules belong to the creator of this site and are not to be used without permission, and credit.

Click Here to Fax Congress for Free
Click Here to view Congress Grade Cards

protonic.com : fast free technical support
Send a Greeting Card
Retrieving an E-Card?
Enter Card Pick-up ID below:
Get your Free E-cards
by bravenet.com