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HALF MOON RISING (Complete)
22639:
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.
22639:
***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.
22639:
***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.
22639:
***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.
22639:
***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.
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