Highlander Universe

[scikaiju]

They say their order was created when an Akkadian named Ammaletu witnessed the legendary Gilgamesh come back to life. The supposed first case of an Immortal being discovered by those who where not “blessedâ€. Right then and there he laid the foundations to what would eventually be known as the Watchers. Their mission was to chronicle the lives of these beings, for they knew history that was either lost or forgotten. Not that they were allowed to interact, or interfere in the “Game†as they called it. Not to say they weren’t discovered from time to time. No there were slips up, momentary lapses of judgment that lead them to being accidently discovered. Incidents like that could be forgiven, because every one made mistakes. Then you had someone like Dawson who practically gave the organization away on a silver platter.

Most were content in those duties, living their normal lives while they watched in secrecy. Then there were the others, a sect within the sect. The ones who recognized what these “Immortals†really were, abominations. Beings who laughed in the face of the Lord and what he created. They who were cursed to forever walk this Earth. They who saw it as their mission to lift this curse from them by the only means possible. And this wasn’t the first group to think so. Going through the archives one could found instances of Watchers who thought this way and they acted. The Watchers stopped them of course when they discovered their actions and it would die down, but it would always come back. The last time was by a man named Horton. He was dead now but the “Hunters†lived on.

Trevor Rader remembered when he first discovered the truth about the Immortals. He was a teenager and stumbled into onto one of their little sword fights. His distraction was enough for one of the Immortals to look in his direction, concern etching his face. He remembered almost pissing himself as he watched the other one use that distraction to take the other’s head, and the after effect. He soon came to realize that what he saw wasn’t two humans in combat. A fact confirmed when he was recruited to become a Watcher himself. He gladly accepted, pledging his allegiance to them. But after awhile he slowly began to realize what he had to do. Knowing the history of the order he knew to be quiet about his belief, but he soon discovered others who thought the way he did. Being careful he acted disturbed by what they were implying just in case it was a test of some sort, but it wasn’t. Slowly their little sect grew in number, but always careful about whom they let in. Once or twice they caught a spy trying to join them. Over the years he had been apart of this group he had learned to call most of these men friend.

Which made this night all the harder despite the necessity of it all.

He and a few of the others were waiting by an old wood shed located on some abandoned farmland. A perfect location for what they were about to do. Occasionally he would look at his watch, catching others doing the same. Running a hand through his fading hairline he watched as a station wagon pulled up. The driver and the ones riding in the passenger and back seat got out and they nodded to each other. Without a word they went to the back of the wagon and pulled their other “passenger†out. He plopped on the ground still struggling. Bound at the wrist and ankles they removed the bag off of his head and took the tape off of mouth. He looked at them in fear as they closed around him. As the leader of this group he walked foreword and calmly said, “Good evening Peter.â€

“Trevor,†he asked in a shaky voice, “what’s going on? What are you doing?â€

“You know why we’re here Peter,†he said, trying not to betray the sadness that threatened to overtake him. “We all know why we’re here.†Peter knew it was over but he still refused to admit it.

“There’s some kind of mistake Trevor,†he said quickly, almost tripping over the words. “I know it. You know me Trevor, ever since you joined the Watchers.â€

“I knew the man,†he stressed the word man, “who believed in the same goal I did. That man died last week Peter. A simple robbery gone horribly wrong according to the police reports. You were pronounced dead at the scene, another statistics. Then your body disappeared from the morgue.â€

“It was a mistake, why can’t you believe that,†he pleaded, as he started to cry. “It was just a man with the same name as me,†he said talking quickly. “I’ve been out of town for the past week, a family emergency. That what caused all the confusion.â€

“I do want to believe you Peter,†he almost called him old friend but caught himself. There would be no way he would dishonor the man he knew by calling this… thing that. “I really do. But you see your wife even said it was you after she was called in to identify you.â€

“She was hysterical,†he said trying to grab his leg. Trevor stepped back letting the disdain show. “It was a sudden trip out of town. I didn’t have time to tell anybody. I’m telling you the truth, Trevor you have to believe me.â€

“Perhaps I will,†Trevor said. Then he took a revolver out of his overcoat and promptly shot Peter in the head. Watching the blood pour out oh his head he said, “After a simple test of course.â€

“What if he was telling he truth?â€, one of them said. Trevor located it as one the newer men in their Sect, a young man named Robert Wong. “I mean it is possible,†he backed up a bit as the other stared a whole into him.

“We’ll see one way or another won’t me,†he quipped. “Granted the man I knew wouldn’t have been gone that long and not leave his wife of twenty years in the dark. Even if he was having an affair he would have made up something.†Deciding to humor the young man he added, “In the slight chance I am wrong and he was telling the truth I’ll do the right thing and turn myself in for killing him in cold blood. It is the least I could do for all the years I’ve known him.â€

“So how long do we wait?â€, the driver asked.

“It’s hard to say, the strength of their abilities vary from Immortal to Immortal.†Looking at his watch one more time he said, “Let’s give it to morning. Then we can give him a proper burial in the light like civilized men if we are wrong.â€

They stood around and wait, almost a half hour later Peter breathed in hard as he came back to life. “Looks like proof to me,†one of them joked.

“Oh God Trevor don’t do it,†he started crying again. “Please I’m begging you. You could use me as a spy. None of the other Watchers know about me. Imaging what kind of advantage this would give us, eliminating them from the inside.â€

“Did you really think I would ever remotely agree to that?â€, Trevor asked him. “Even if one of them didn’t take your head you would have been tainted the moment you took one of theirs.†Walking away the driver and one of the passengers grabbed Peter by the arms while the third went back into the station wagon.

“Please Trevor, don’t do this! For the love of God don’t do this!â€, he continued begging as they dragged him toward a tree stump by the woodshed. The other man came back out holding an ax and followed them. “Think of Emma! Think of my family!â€

“I am thinking of them. They already think you’re dead Peter,†he reminded him calmly. “The Lord thinks you’re dead as well and is probably wondering where you are.†They forced him over the stump and held him there as the ax man took position.

“You son of a bitch!â€, Peter cursed at him while struggling to get free. “Have some fucking loyalty! Have some fucking compassion!â€

“I am being loyal to the memory of the man I knew that died a week ago. And I know he wouldn’t want to be an abomination. Porter hold him still if you will.†The driver held on as the other man let go just long enough to grab Peter by the hair and kept his neck in place. Saying a quick prayer for the man he used to know and kissing the cross around his neck he announced, “Any time you’re ready Marcus.â€

“No, Please God don’t do …†Peter cried as Marcus raised the ax and brought it down on top of his neck with a wet thwack. The first strike silenced Peter forever as the spinal cord was severed. A few of them stepped back to avoid the blood splatter. It took Marcus several more times before his head was completely separated, a precaution on his part just in case Peter could come back from that. As the other man pulled the head away and dropped it to the ground the neck of the body started to glow. Trevor looked on disgusted as this so called Quickening danced around in the air looking for a receptacle before dissipating into the sky.

Waiting until it was totally gone he said, “It makes one wonder how they can do that in one stroke doesn’t it.â€

“They had more practice at it,†Marcus joked. The group shared a laughed, all except for Robert. He looked sick. “What’s the matter junior, never took out one of these freaks before?â€

“I knew him,†he said staring at the body. “He brought me into the Watchers, understood when I mention I had problems with the very idea of immortality.â€

“And that man died in that robbery Robert,†Trevor said. “We just sent him to God, where he was supposed to go afterwards. Honor that man Robert, not this thing we put out of its misery. Never forget that.†The young man kept staring at the body. Trying to break the hold it had on him Trevor asked “So who are you assigned to watch?â€

That work as he looked at him and tried to remember, “Ah… Harris, Scott Harris.â€

“Heh,†Trevor smirked, “I was assigned to him once, years ago. I never thought I see that much of the world that quickly.â€

“It has been a bit of an experience,†Robert admitted.

“Do you want us to take care of him?â€, Marcus offered.

“No,†Robert quickly stated. Then he said, “Some of the others are on to me I think. If Harris suddenly died outside of the game they might suspect me right away.â€

“Smart thinking,†Trevor reluctantly admitted. “The others are starting to get wiser about our action, ever since word about Horton got out. No, we should be careful about who we eliminate in the future. Make sure none of us are assigned to the target.†Looking at his watch one more time he said. “We better get going, Marcus, Porter burn the body and the head. Robert, watch and make sure nobody walks in on them.†They agreed, although Robert reluctantly did so. Then one by one they left he farm and headed home.

Pulling into the parking garage across from his apartment he took a second to search for a tinge of regret of what he had done. He was relieved that he found none and went to get a solid night sleep. He was stopped by somebody saying, “For somebody who’s supposed to be watching me you are an extremely hard man to locate.†Trevor slowly turned around and stared into the deceptively old face of Malcolm McAllister as he leaned against a pillar. There was a reason why he could never judge those who have slipped up in the past harshly, for he had done it himself.

“I was not aware this parking garage was considered holy now,†he commented dryly. The immortal said nothing as he walked foreword. “To what do I owe the ‘honor’ of this visit?â€

Trevor watched for any signs of the Claymore he carried with him, McAllister calmly said, “Thanks to a certain English twit I’ve recently become aware of the fact that I have family that is also immortal. I want to know who he is.â€

Trevor barked out a laugh, “Don’t you already know?â€

“And do you know everybody in your particular order?â€, he challenged. “An immortal can be alive for thousands of years and still not meet all of the others.†Standing on the other side his car he continued, “It just a simple request, after all.â€

“Nothing with you is ever simple,†Trevor said bitterly as he reached for his laptop in the passenger seat and saw the handle of his revolver under the seat. He toyed with the idea of grabbing it and shooting McAllister and using the abominations’ own sword to take his head. But that might raise question like Robert was afraid of earlier. “So why do you want to know about this other McAllister?â€

“More out of curiosity than anything,†he answered as Trevor put the laptop on the hood of his car and powered it up. “If anything I want to see how many generations removed he is. The way I figure it he’s a clansman more than anything else, like with the MacLeods. The older one was bearable when I meet him but the younger one was a pompous ass at the time.â€

“I think you’re connection is a little closer than that,†he said as he pulled up the file. “Owen McAllister, born in the year of my Lord sixteen hundred and fifty eight.â€

McAllister raised an eyebrow at that, “I do believe the correct terminology is ‘in the year of our lord’.â€

“My Lord could not have created anything like you,†Trevor told him. Malcolm seemed to ignore him as he appeared to be deep in thought.

“Sixteen fifty eight,†he muttered, “I was still in charge of my clan then. I don’t recall any baby being named Owen.â€

“That’s because his Father wasn’t in your clan at the time,†he said as he turned the laptop around so the immortal could read the file for himself, “thanks to you of course.†Trevor took a moment to savor the look of absolute shock on the immortals face. Almost like he had seen a ghost on the computer screen. That look quickly disappeared as he regained his composure.

“So,†he said after studying the picture on the file, “this is William’s bastard son.†Reading the file a bit further he added, “And a half Irish bastard at that. Why didn’t you inform me of this earlier?â€

“Like I said I assumed you already knew,†Trevor replied. “There has been some debate with our historians on which of you became an immortal first. He obviously became one at a much younger age than you did. But nobody is quite sure when you became one, outside of yourself of course.

“Well,†he said smiling in way that made Trevor nervous, “I’m sure Michel would be very interested in meeting my nephew.â€

Trevor felt a chill go down his back, “You’re going to set Dijkhuizen on him? Are you mad?â€

“He’s already looking to take a McAllister’s head. I’m sure one that’s watered down with Irish blood will do just as well.â€

“Wait,†Trevor almost shouted as Malcolm started to ay. “Why rely on that maniac when you can use somebody looking for a bit of revenge?â€

“Alright, you peaked my interest Trevor,†Malcolm said as he came back over. “But Michel will sure be disappointed if he doesn’t get the call. Imagine what he would do if he ever learned about the Watchers.â€

Ignoring the thinly veiled threat he said, “Have you ever heard of an immortal named Heidenreich?â€

Yes,†Malcolm said slowly, “I meet him shortly after his so called daughter became immortal as well. It still confound me why he would call anybody his daughter after almost three hundred years is beyond me. But what does this have to do with my nephew?â€

“Do you want to take a guess on who he thinks killed her?â€, he said while tapping the top of the screen.

 

[scikaiju]

“Hello?â€, Owen asked as he answered his phone. There were only a couple of people he knew that would be calling this early in the morning. He was glad the caller was one he actually liked.

“Owen,†the Father said, “Can you come by the church? I need to see you about something.†Owen smile faltered as he listened to the preacher. He seemed off, almost like he was distracted by something.

“Father, is everything all right? You sound…â€

“I…,†there was a long pause, “I need to tell you in person.†A nervousness edge his voice, “Please hurry.†The Father hung up before he could ask more questions. That was not like the man. Getting worried he grabbed his jacket left his apartment.

The church wasn’t far but the trip felt like it was taking forever. Trying to calm himself he tried to pay attention to his surroundings, a rookie mistake for all immortals as it was a good way to lose your head. He was distracted for a moment when he thought he saw a gentleman in his fifties look at him and say, “Abomination.†He turned and looked at the man with some confusion, but ended up ignoring him. It was probably some nutcase anyway.

The church was in sight and he quickened his pace but stopped short when he felt the buzz. Owen looked around then realized it was coming from the church. “Father,†he said feeling the concern coming back. He ran up the steps and flew through the doors “Father Andrews,†he called out. He saw him in the front of the church looking both scared and relieved. Then he noticed the man sitting in one of the pews with a sabre leaning next on it on the aisle. Owen stopped short the moment he saw it, he knew the family crest on the gold guard all too well. He knew he couldn’t avoid this forever. He ignored him at first and went to the Father to make sure he wasn’t hurt. Then he looked at the other man with some trepidation, “Victor.â€

“Finally,†he said as he got up. He was an older man who looked like he was in his forties. Dressed in a blue three piece suit, gray temples edged his blond hair. Vengeful gray eyes stared him down, “After a hundred and sixty eight years I finally got you.â€

“You didn’t have to involve the Father,†Owen told him. Victor grabbed the sabre and swung, just stopping at Owens’ neck. His heart stopped momentarily, not for being that close to dying for real. For the fact he thought Victor would actually do it on holy ground. Looking him in the eyes he didn’t see any hint of regret. “Victor…â€

“I will not listen to the man who murdered my daughter,†Victor said coolly. The father gasp as Owen found himself looking away. “Don’t you dare look remorseful to me you bastard. I waited a long time for this day and I will have my revenge.†Taking the edge of the sabre away from his neck he calmed down slightly and placed a piece of paper on the bench he was on. “I will give you a day to prepare yourself McAllister. I am civilized after all. But remember I have my sources and I will know if you decide to run again.†Owen could do nothing but watch him leave the church.

Feeling very weary the Immortal dropped down into a pew and buried his face in his hands. Feeling the Father gaze on him he looked up. “He had a daughter?â€, he asked. Owen simply nodded. “Was she…?†Again he nodded. “How is that possible? You told me immortals couldn’t have children.â€

“Long story,†was his only response. Looking at him again and anticipating the next question Owen told him, “It’s an even longer story.â€

The Father sat next to him, “Owen I know you Immortals have to precipitate in this Game as you call it, so I won’t judge you for the things you have done in it. But if you feel the need to confess a particular sin you have been holding on to I am more than willing to listen.â€

“It’s not that black and white Father,†Owen told him softly. “Things might be simpler now if it was.â€

~1840~

Owen decided to make the journey to the states a couple of years ago. He was wondering why he done it ever since. Right now he agreed to come to Iowa to help out a friend run his hotel while he took care of a sick family member. He never carried much, all he had fit into a pack and some saddle bags, so he just had a horse as he rode into town. It was pretty small, just a few buildings by a river. Most of the people didn’t give him a second glance as he stopped in front of the hotel and tied the horse up. Patting her down as he gathered his belongings he felt the buzz and looked around. A stage coach was pulling up at the same hotel. Owen watched a well dressed man with graying blond hair came out and looked him over. Then he looked in further into the stagecoach and saw a raven haired beauty look back and smile slightly. Owen found himself just looking at her until the other man stepped between them. It was right about then he realized both of them where Immortal. He looked him over again and introduced himself, “Victor Heidenreich.â€

“Owen McAllister,†he said as he looked around to see if it was possible to get away incase this was a challenge. Victor tilted his head slightly when he said his last name but said nothing else. “I don’t want any problems, I just got into town.â€

“As did we,†Victor said. He looked back into the stage coach and said, “Natalya, go into the hotel. I’ll meet you inside momentarily.†She said nothing as she got out and smiled at him again. Again Owen couldn’t help but stare at her as she entered the hotel. Victor looked stern as he said, “I would greatly appreciate it if you didn’t look at my daughter in that way.â€

“Your what?â€, Owen said caught off guard.

“I know she’s not really my flesh and blood,†Victor said, “but I love her like my very own. Her mother was married to a good friend of mine in Russia who was dying. He knew he was going to die before she was born. His last wish was for his unborn child to have a father and asked me to be it.â€

“No offense sir but why are you telling me this?â€, Owen asked.

“I honestly don’t know,†he said with a slight laugh. “I suppose I had to explain it so many times it comes out of my mouth almost automatically now. But you seem like a friendly face,†he grinned, “if I may continue? I am so used to telling it.†Owen gestured for him to go on, curious himself on how this happened. “Well he died and like I agreed to I married his wife so she would have a father. But I was moving to Paris at the time and thought about leaving them there and sending them money to get by but as I said I am a man of my word so I took them with me. I was just going to give them a roof over their heads and leave it at that. In fact I was doing exactly that for the next six month and a few months after she was born. But her mother forced me to help keep up appearances and spend some time with her. Then she lost her mother when she was five due to illness. The more time I spent the more I saw her developed with wonder. Before long I started seeing her as my own daughter and quickly tried to make up for the lost time I foolishly wasted.â€

“So how did it happen?â€, Owen asked. “If you don’t mind me asking.â€

“Because I was way too lenient with her,†he said sadly. “I let her do things that are not that lady like although I tried to raise her to be as proper as possible. Most fathers would be stern and make sure their rules was being followed. No, I let her go explore the Swiss Alps all by herself instead of telling her no and she was caught in an avalanche. I was hoping against hope she wouldn’t face a violent death.â€

“I’m sorry Mr. Heidenreich,†Owen told him.

“Please call me Victor,†he said. “The sad part is I still can’t say no to her. That’s why we’re out her in this godforsaken part of the country. It was the only thing she wanted for her two hundredth birthday, but for the life of me I can’t see why.â€

“If you don’t mind me saying Victor she’s probably read one of the stories they been printing nowadays and got excited.â€

“I had the same thought,†he chuckled.†I’m hoping the stark reality of this place will help her come to her senses.†They stopped talking as they heard someone singing, Victor smiled as he closed his eyes and listened. “She always had a lovely singing voice. That’s one of the songs she created herself.â€

“It’s lovely,’ Owen said mesmerized. “It must be hard traveling with her.â€

“It is at times,†he admitted, “but I am her father. And I will protect her no matter what.†Owen couldn’t help but notice the threat in his voice.

“I don’t go looking for trouble unless I have to,†Owen told him.

“Good, then we’ll get along just fine then,†Victor said. He offered a hand that Owen took, “It’s a pleasure to meet you good sir.â€

“Same here,†Owen said. The hotel owner came out and greeted both of him and thanked “Jesse†up and down for coming out to help.

The next couple of weeks went by pretty smoothly. Owen and Victor were getting along rather well considering their different backgrounds. They even spent a day trying to catch some fish in that river. Victor eventually “allowed†him to say a few words to Natalya here and there. Things went so far that they shared sword fighting techniques they picked over the centuries. Although he quickly changed the subject or was vague when he was asked about how he was preparing Natalya in the Game. In any other situation this would have been the grounds for a good and lasting friendship.

Owen was laying in his bed one night, looking out the window. The way the sky looked in the dusk he felt it might storm before too long. It wasn’t the only storm brewing as Natalya walked into his room unannounced in her nightgown. “I think you’re in the wrong room lass,†he told her.

“I hope you don’t mind,†she said as she closed the door. “Father got called away, something about getting a wire that arrived late or some sort.â€

“I heard him say something about that earlier. It must be important if it couldn’t wait until morning.â€

“I rarely bother with such things,†Natalya told him. “Father’s business is his business after all. But he did say to come to you if I had any trouble.†She smiled a bit, in way that made Owen uneasy, “You must be honored, my Father trusts no man the way he does you.â€

“I can’t say for sure either way,†Owen told her looking for any hint of trouble. “What’s troubling you?â€

She simply said, “I can’t seem to fall asleep,†then let her nightgown drop to the floor. Owen eyes went wide as he started at her naked body. With some effort he looked at something else. Slowly she got on his bed and crawled toward him.

“I don’t think I can help you with particular problem lass,†he muttered quickly. “It might be best if you went back to your room.†He tried to back up but he ran out of room at the headboard.

“But this is the one problem I can’t go to Father for,†she said softly, almost whisper like in his ear. “Don’t you find me attractive?â€

“You’re very attractive, beautiful in fact.†Realizing those thought would make this harder to get out of he changed tracks. “It’s not proper. Your Father…â€

“Is not here,†she said. “And what he doesn’t know won’t kill him.†She started kissing him. Owen was having a hard time pushing her away.

“It’s not the killing him part that concerns me,†he told her plainly hoping she would get the hint. She didn’t and kept kissing him. Every decent part of him screamed at him to kick her out of the room. Those screams got quieter with each passing second. Finally he gave in, threw her to her back, tore his clothes off and made love to her. He’d promised himself to regret it in the morning.

As Owen slept Natalya got out of the bed and quickly got dressed. Instead of leaving she searched his room until she found his long sword. Checking the weight a bit she crept to his side and stood there. Her voice barely above a whisper she said, “Out of all the men I’ve had, you are definitely up there. It’s a pity I have to take your head.†She raised it over her head and aimed the chop at his exposed neck. Owen rolled to the floor before it hit. He quickly grabbed her arms to keep her from attacking again.

“Lucky for me I’m a light sleeper,†he told her. With a quick movement he took his sword back and held it to her neck. “Some how I doubt you are the innocent angel your Father thinks you are.â€

“My father doesn’t know a lot of thing about me,†she said defiantly. Owen took the sword away from her neck and started getting dressed. “What are you doing?â€

“I am getting out of town,†he told her. “You obviously are going to tell him I forced myself on you and there is no way he’s going to believe his precious little girl is a whore. If nothing else I must thank you for it,†he teased with a grin, “I’ve never been do relaxed in my life.â€

“How dare you,†she told him and rushed out of the room. She entered her Fathers’ room and searched every where hoping he didn’t take it with him. Then she found his sabre and went back to Owens’ room. She’d teach him for calling her a whore. He was already gone by the time she got there. Looking out the window she saw him heading for the corral. Natalya jumped out of the window and sprained her ankle as he hit the ground. It took a second for it to heal then she went after him, “McAllister!â€

“Don’t you give up?â€, he moaned as he was untying his horse. She ran at him swinging the sword. For somebody that was two hundred years old Owen was easily deflecting each strike. It was almost like he was dealing with a new born. “Don’t keep up with sword practice do we? And we’re out in the open.â€

“I’ve taken the head of plenty of immortals,†she said, obviously angry at how well he was doing against her. “I know everything they know.â€

“Knowing is one thing,†he said while parrying one strike, “knowing how to use it is another. Or so I’ve been told.†Natalya kept attacking, getting wilder and wilder and using words that would make a gentleman blush. Trapping the sabre against a corral post he said, “Little lady, by the way you’re acting, I have to say somebody should take you behind a woodshed and tan your hide.â€

Natalya got a furious look on her face, “How dare you!†She let go of the sabre and went to slap him.

Owen caught her wrist and told her, “I wasn’t volunteering.†He pushed her away. She lost her balance and fell into his horse. Some how her hand got caught in the stirrup as the horse got startled and ran off into the wilderness. She screamed all the way. Owen just stood there and watched them get smaller in the horizon. “Serves her right,†he said. He started looking for another horse before looking back. With his sword out he jumped on another horse and went after her. He owed Victor that much.

The next morning Vtor was finally able to come back after the storm kept him away all night and the whole town was in a frenzy. The moment they saw him they jumped on him everybody almost talking at once. He was able to get bits and pieces. Owen and his daughter was missing, somebody saw them fighting with swords. His mind was reeling from that. Then he saw his sabre, still by the post. Then somebody mentioned something about a how much lightning there was the night before and his blooded boiled. He trusted that bastard and he goes and does this. He stormed over to his sword and glared at it. Picking it up he screamed, “McAllister!â€

~now~

Owen got to his feet, picked up the paper Victor left and headed for the door of the church. He paused midway and said, “Honestly Father my only sin that night was I felt sorry her and I’ve been regretting not listening to my gut ever since. If I survive this I’ll explain everything.â€

 

[scikaiju]

Owen sat by the counter separating the living room and kitchen of his current apartment staring at his sword. He said nothing as he felt the buzz and Keith walked in a few moments later. He didn’t even reply when the youth said hello. Keith looked the scene over noticing the whetstone beside him and the piece of fine grade paper he was using on the edge of his long sword. After several uncomfortable moments where his student stayed by the door Keith spoke up, “Are you going to teach me how to sharpen a blade or something?â€

“Not yet, maybe I’ll be able to,†Owen said absentmindedly. His gaze drifted over to the piece of paper next to the whetstone and the address on it. He stared at his reflection in the blade. “Keith I want you to do me a favor.â€

“Sure Owen what is it.â€

“Leave me alone for a bit.†He went on to explain, “If you don’t hear from me by this time tomorrow go talk to Father Andrews. He has a name and number of someone I know. I trust this person with my life so I know you’ll be taken care of.â€

Keith studied him, figuring out what he wasn’t saying, “You going to fight somebody aren’t you? And you don’t think you’re going to win.â€

Glancing at him briefly all he could only respond with, “Something like that.â€

“Then don’t fight.â€

“I have no choice.â€

“Why?â€, he demanded. “Because of some stupid sense of honor? Because this is what we do or some stupid **** like that?â€

“Because it’s something I’ve been avoiding for way too long,†Owen said. Letting the weight get to him again he said, “It’s something that never should have started to begin with.†Getting and walking over to his student he put a hand on his shoulder, “I promise you if I make it out alive I’ll explain everything to you. But right now I need time to think, alone.†Keith looked like he wanted to protest but accepted it without another word. Saying good bye, in what he hoped wasn’t for the last time, he left Owen alone.

A few hours later Owen took his motorcycle out of the garage and headed for the address Victor gave him. It took him out of the city and into the suburbs and an old country house in the middle of nowhere. The sun setting over the horizon he felt the buzz before he came to a stop. Owen waited as Victor came out of the house, sabre in hand. Owen removed his jacket and took his long sword out of its holder after he got off. “I can’t believe you actually showed up,†Victor commented looking mildly astonished. “Did you come to your senses and decide to offer me your head in order to right the wrong you did against me?â€

Standing there Owen felt he had to ask something before it was over, “What would you have done if you and Natalya were the last two?â€

“Do not speak my daughter’s name you murderer!â€, Victor exploded. “I will not hear her name sullied by your tongue.â€

Owen repeated, “What would you have done?â€

“I made a vow to protect her no matter what,†he seethed. “A vow broken because of you. Now take what’s coming to you like a man you dog!â€

Getting his sword up in a defensive position Owen prepared himself for what was to come, “I had no plans on surrendering my head.â€

“I should have known,†Victor sneered, “just like the bastard you are.†Owen didn’t wait and went after Victor who replied in kind. It wasn’t long before Owen found himself on the defensive. Switching to a style more suited to a katana he was able to catch Victor off guard, and get him some breathing room in the process. He tired to disarm Victor, maybe he’d try to talk to him, reason with him. But Victor was relentless in his attack. He couldn’t help but remember back when they first met and they shared various fighting techniques. Back then he was deliberate, always studying his opponent, always looking for that opening he knew they would give him. Now it was like he didn’t have a strategy, all he wanted was to take Owens’ head. Owen remembered the words of an old teacher of his, saying this was the worst type of opponent, because you couldn’t really study them and figure out a weak point in their offense or defense half the time.

The look in Victor eyes is what disturbed him the most, the look of sheer hate in them. He couldn’t do this to him any more. It was a gamble but Owen couldn’t let this go on like this. Their swords locked at the hilt and Owen grabbed his wrist and forced both of the swords over their heads. He looked him in the eyes and said, “I didn’t kill her!†Victor tried to push him back, “Listen to me Natalya’s alive!â€

“Liar!â€, he exploded. He got his arms free from the lock. Before Owen could react he was punched in the face with the gold guard of the sabre.

In 1840 Victor response to Owen’s question about that tactic was very different. “I would never do that,†he said. “It may be a viable strategy but I my opinion it would violate the honor of my family’s crest.â€

Now he was rocked by another punch to the face and he fell to the ground. “If she was alive she would have contacted me!â€, he spat. “She would have let me know!†Victor swung wild as Owen rolled out of the way.

“She tried to attack me on holy ground,†he kicked him in the stomach to get him away and continued to try to get him to understand. Victor came back at him as he got to a knee and he barely blocked the attack. “I told her about the game. I told her about the rules.†Victor attacks got even more vicious and forced Owen to start to start walking backwards while he defended himself. Not a good situation to be in, especially if you’re too busy trying to protect your head. “She made me promise…â€

“LIES!â€, Victor screamed and caught him off guard with a kick to the gut. Owen fell against a tree that he didn’t see was behind him. Then he felt cold steel enter him and exit out his back. The blade of the sabre impaled itself into the tree and Owen was stuck there. At some point his hand opened up and dropped the long sword. Victor glared at him, “Even if what you say is true, you put the idea in her head. She went out and fought somebody and got herself killed because she didn’t know what she was doing. So her death is still on your head!â€

“She made me… made me promise…,†Owen fought to stay conscious as he lost blood, because if he lost that fight he was never waking up again. Surprisingly Victor backed away and went back into the town house. Owen gripped the blade as best he could and tried to free himself.

Victor came back out carrying a bag, even from where he was Owen could tell something heavy was in it. Noticing his struggle Victor commented, “Try and free yourself if you want. I won’t try and stop you. Even if you did it wouldn’t stop your fate.†Victor put the bag down on a log and opened it. “I never told you but I used to be an executioner in my younger days. Even after I became an immortal I would occasionally put on the black hood.†He reached into the bag and pulled out an executioner ax. Owen started to struggle harder, “I’ve kept this more as a memento of those days. But today I will gladly bring her out of retirement do deal with you.â€

Slowly he felt the blade start to move as Victor approached. He reared back for a swing with a look of glee in his eyes. Owen removed the sabre from his gut and his knees gave away and dropped to the ground. The edge of the ax slammed into the tree where his neck was. As Victor pulled the ax out Owen took the moment he had to heal up a bit. The he rolled out of the way as the ax came at him again. Holding his gut he rolled out the way one more time and lashed out with the sabre. It cut the handle in half. Victor rage grew as watch the ax head fall to the ground and proceeded to attack Owen with the remains of the handle. Owen kept rolling out of the way. He felt the handle of his long sword with his free hand and grabbed it readily. Owen got to his feet, cut the handle again, then held the blade of each sword at Victors’ neck, crossed at the hilt as he stood. He stared the older immortal in the eyes. Back when he first met him those gray eyes held laughter, hinted at a dry wit and over all kindness. Now they held nothing but rage, contempt and madness. And Owen knew he was the one responsible. “I’m sorry.†He swung both blades and took Victors’ head. Dropping to his knees he wanted to remember the man he met back all those long years ago. The man Victor was. Then the first bolt hit him.

Not far away, in the bell tower of church that was nearby Malcolm watched the entire thing through a pair of binoculars. Michel stood on the other side of the tower leaning against a wall not even looking in the fight direction with Harris a little bit away dangling his legs off the roof viewing things threw an old pirates telescope. Malcolm watched slack jaw as the Quickening consumed his nephew, “The half Irish bastard actually did it.â€

“What are you talking about old man?â€, Michel asked, silently cursing the fact Malcolm was able to find any holy ground this close. “You didn’t think your nephew could do it?â€

“A parent’s rage is a powerful thing Michel,†Malcolm said turning away.

“What parent rage?†Michel scoffed. “They weren’t even related.â€

“Blood means very little in the over all scheme of things Michel,†Malcolm put the binoculars away. “Victor raised his daughter and eventually grew to love her like any parent of blood would. And yet my nephew over there,†he gestured toward the battle field, “is of my blood. But I could care less if he lives or dies.†Looking thoughtful for a second he said, “And yet he over came a parent’s rage. That would make him an interesting challenge, wouldn’t you say so Michel?â€

“I know what you’re trying to do old man,†Michel snapped. “And don’t think I’m just going to fall for it.†Malcolm said nothing but had that content look on his face that drove Michel crazy. “And what if your nephew lost? You would have dragged me out here for nothing.†Darkly he added, “And I would have caught you off of holy ground eventually.â€

Not affected by the threat Malcolm got close and said, “Then I would say it was a good thing Harris followed me here. Wouldn’t you agree Michel?â€

Unaware that Scott heard them he glanced at them before returning his gaze through the telescope toward the younger McAllister, “Now that’s not very interesting at all, is it?â€

Owen waited for morning before calling Keith and the Father. Both of them were relieved to hear from him again. And both understood when he asked if it would be all right if he waited until later that day to see either one of them. He went to a park and sat on the bench trying to forget everything and just become one with everything. It wasn’t going to happen when he felt the buzz and knew exactly who it was. Not looking up he asked, “You come for my head?â€

“No,†she said. He looked up, her hair was shorter now, and she always tried to stay dressed in the current fashion. But in a world were immortals usually lose themselves a bit at a time over the years Natalya always stayed the same. “If I was I‘d have to offer my neck to somebody too. I’m as much to blame for this happening, if not more so.â€

~1840~

It took an hour but Owen finally caught up with Natalya and his horse. Well Natalya any way as she finally slipped free and the horse kept going. He stopped the one he was one and checked on her. She was unconscious, he arm looks like it was out of its socket and she was bloody from being dragged by the arm. But her head was still on her shoulders so she’d be fine. Despite of what she’d done he couldn’t leave her out here, that up coming storm looked massive and who knew who would come across her out here. Scanning the area there was what looked like a missionary or a church not far from where they were. It was holy ground at least, no immortal would touch her there. Picking her up and draping her over the horse he rode off for it.

When he got close he felt the buzz coming from it and held up. God please let that be a decent one. Getting off the horse he made his way over, sword ready just in case. He saw a nun came out who looked both confused and excited, “Owen?â€

“Susan?â€, he went over to her. “Sorry I mean Sister.â€

“It’s alright but what are you doing all the way out here?†He wasn’t sure how he was going to explain Natalya when she gave her a quizzical glance.

“I was about to ask you the same thing.†While they talked Natalya came back and looked around. She was confused for a moment than she saw that bastard talking to a nun. They were probably discussing who was going to take her head. Well she wasn’t going to die without a fight. She slowly got off the filthy animal they placed her on and found a branch that looked like it could do some damage. Screaming at the top of her lungs she charged them. Owen easily dodged her attack but he was too shock to do anything else. Why was she attacking them here of all place. Finally he found his voice, “Holy ground.†She kept attacking, “Wait a second this is holy ground.†His temper getting the best of him he grabbed the stick in mid swing and screamed “This is holy ground!â€

“So what?!†she yelled.

“So…?â€, Owen was confused. Sister Susan had no idea what to think either. “What are the rules?â€, he asked suddenly.

“The what?â€, she shot back

“The rules,†he repeated. “What are the rules of the Game?â€

“What are you talking about?â€, she demanded. “What rules to what Game?â€

“The game our lives are now under,†Sister Susan said. “Fights are only one on one. There is no fighting on holy ground, any holy ground.â€

Playing a hunch Owen added, “In the end there can be only one.â€

“Only one? One what?â€, Natalya asked totally confused.

“There can be only one immortal,†the Sister answered. Natalya blanched as she fell on her butt. Owen let loose a string of curses in various languages that he quickly apologized to the Sister for. Then he went into another round soon afterwards. What game was Victor playing here?

Natalya quickly clutched at the Sister as she snapped out of it, “You got to help me. Please I don’t know what he was planning on doing with me? Please you got to help me!â€

“It’s all right child,†Sister Susan said trying to comfort her. “You can stay her as long as you want. None of us will try to do anything on holy ground.â€

She looked relieved but still scared, then she looked at Owen. “Don’t tell him where I am please,†she pleaded.†You have to promise me you won’t tell him where I am.â€

Owen was divided on what to do. Susan watched him and gave him a slight nod when he looked at her. “I promise you he won’t find out where you are from me.†She was grateful to no end. The Sister helped her up and guided her into the church. Owen stayed outside and looked at the storm on the horizon.

Susan came back out of the back after awhile and found Owen stationed near the doorway. He watched as the storm raged. She had to admit it was most impressive. “She’s sleeping now,†she informed Owen who said nothing. “It took her a while to calm down so I don’t think it will be a peaceful sleep.â€

“So now what?â€, Owen asked to nobody in particular, he was expecting the storm to answer with something other than lightning.

“I’ll watch over her,†Susan answered. “I’ll teach her what she needs to know. I was a pretty impressive warrior before I took the vow if you will remember.†He barely acknowledged what she said. After a few moments of silence she asked, “So what are you going to do?â€

“I can’t keep her father in the dark,†he said, not looking at her. He knew he couldn’t stand under the stare she was giving him. “No matter what he planned that’s still his daughter. Besides people saw us fight so I know exactly what he’s going to think once he finds that out.â€

“Owen you gave her your word that you wouldn’t tell him,†Susan scolded him. “On holy ground no less. Are you prepared to break that?â€

“Do not try to pull that on me Sister,†he shot back. “And my neck is the one on the line here. And after what she tried to do to me earlier I’m not sure she is worth that.â€

“She told me everything about what happened earlier,†Susan informed him. Owen looked away embarrassed. “It’s not my place to judge you for your indiscretions Owen. But remember this, that girl is two hundred years old and knows nothing of the game. Her Father made sure she was unaware this entire time. She talked about him a lot Owen. He taught her how to be a lady, how to interact in high society, even how to act in a foreign settings. But she knows nothing of the Game.†She made him look at her, “Are you telling me you’re comfortable with sending her back to that situation?â€

Owen didn’t know what to think. The Victor he knew these past couple of weeks loved his daughter to death. Deep down he knew he wouldn’t do anything to hurt her. But different immortals played the Game in different ways. Natalya was proof of that. Reluctantly he said, “I won’t tell him. But she has to at some point, I can’t run from him forever.â€

“I’m sure she will,†Susan agreed. “She just stunned right now. I’m not sure about this father of hers but they still have a connection. It’s not our choice to break it.†Owen silently agreed and waited for the storm to pass over before heading out, knowing he couldn’t go back to town.

~now~

They were silent for a few moments, just staring out into the distance while sitting on the bench. Before long Owen spoke up, “All this time and you never told him. You kept promising me you would tell him. Every time I saw you, you told me you world so I could stop looking over my shoulder.â€

“I know,†Natalya said, she couldn’t look at him. “At first I was scared, I was scared of him Owen. My own father and for the first time in my life I was actually scared of him. I didn’t know what he was going to do with me, or to me. After awhile I got a little selfish and began to enjoy my freedom from him. Seeing places he would say he would take me but never would. Exploring things on my own without him trying to filter things. For the first time I was actually enjoying life. Then I got afraid again. Afraid of what he would say. What he would do.†She closed her eyes for a bit.

“I tried to tell him,†Owen admitted, “during the fight.â€

“I know you did Owen. I knew you would if it came down to it. I’m surprised to kept quiet this long.†She looked unsure for a moment, “There’s a reason why I’ve been avoiding you these past few years. Because I finally did track him down and go see him. And he didn’t recognize me,†her voice cracked a little. “He told me how I reminded him of his lost daughter and started ranting about the bastard that took her from him. I tried to get him to see it was me. I told him thing about me growing up. I told him things that only weow. I sang him one my songs.†She started to tear up, “But he didn’t recognize me. He was too far gone, I lost him to the madness that grew since then. I… I tried to put him out of his misery but I couldn’t…â€. She put a hand over her mouth and tried to compose herself. “Despite of what you might have thought of him he did love me.â€

“I know he did,†Owen told her. “I know it doesn’t work this way but deep down I know he just wanted to protect you. I just wished he knew his daughter was playing the Game behind his back.â€

“I guess I was wrong,†she said as a tear started to fall, “what he didn’t know did kill him.†She put a hand to her mouth again, but this time she couldn’t stop it. She started crying, Owen knew this woman for a hundred and sixty eight years and he knew these tears were real. He put an arm around her and pulled her close while she cried into his shoulder “I’m sorry,†she said, “I didn’t want it to end like this. I didn’t want to lose him like this.†Owen kissed her lightly on the top of her head and just held her.

 

[scikaiju]

How life treated you was totally dependant on how you looked at it, that’s what Natalya always believed. Look at her fellow immortals, they refer to the time they first become woke up as their “first deathâ€. She always thought of it as her “new lifeâ€. Living for hundred of years, seeing mankind grow along the way. How could anybody see that as a negative? Granted there was the whole Game thing and the other immortals trying to cut your head off in order to win it thing. But you couldn’t have the good without some bad.

And she would never forget that day either. She thought she was dead, in fact she did die, then she came back and experienced the buzz for the first time. The feelings of confusion and fear she experienced when she woke up in total darkness. Then the doors behind her opened up and she realized she was in what was a hearse at the time. Her Father was the one who opened the door and let her out. Another bomb was dropped on her when he told he wasn’t really her father and that she would now be nineteen years old forever. And she never looked back.

Her life after that was totally different. Her father took her and she met other like them. Natalya was surprised at how many of them they were. Yet after it all she still had a feeling her Father was leaving some thing out. He always said she was a little too inquisitive for her own good. But it was obvious to here something was off. They way her Father would change subjects or speak in hushed tones with other immortals whenever she was around. How he would act all different when another immortal paid her a little too much attention. Especially if that person had a particular sinister look in their eyes. Of course after that her Father would take them someplace and she’d never see them again. After all of that happening for so long how could she not wonder what was going on?

Determined to know what was going on she followed him one night, making sure to stay far enough behind he couldn’t sense her. At the time she was positive it was because he was trying to protect her purity. She wasn’t stupid she saw how most men looked at her, but she knew she could take care of herself if it came down to it. When her father finally arrived to his destination she saw the particular ruffian who was giving her a hard time earlier. Natalya was expecting them to have some words then her Father would send the brute running. Then both of them drew swords and they started dueling. Her first instinct was to rush down there and help him but he made her promise to stay at the side if she ever saw him duel with someone. At the time he assured her it was a mater of honor and nothing more, something she understood. Watching in awe of the duel she assumed it was over once he stabbed the brute through. Her heart stop as her Father, the nicest, kindest and most honest person she had ever known, took the man’s head without a second thought. She watched dumbstruck as lightning emerged from the headless body and struck her Father repeatedly. Natalya ran back to the palace they were staying at and tried to drive out her Father’s voice screaming in pain.

The next day he noticed how nervous she was and asked what was wrong. She told him she had a nightmare, he assured her it was nothing and she would be fine later. It wasn’t a total lie, all she saw in her head that night was her Father cutting off that man’s head. A few years later he had to leave her for the night, saying he had some business dealing to take care of and that he would be back in the morning. Again she thought about that night as curiosity started to get the best of her. She knew from an earlier experience there was an immortal living in a hobble in a nearby village. She knew she couldn’t duel him like her father did the other one, but she had to know what that lightning storm was about and what it felt like. Something inside her wouldn’t stop nagging until she found out. So she did the only thing she could, used how men looked at her to her advantage. To say he was disgusting as he had her way with her didn’t even begin to describe it. Eventually he rolled off of her and fell asleep. Getting off the bed she looked round and saw a broadsword nearby. The sword was shaking in her hands her nerves was so bad but she did it. She took his head in one stroke and waited. She wouldn’t know until decades later that it was called a Quickening but it was nothing like she could ever imagine in a thousand years. A pain she never knew existed ripped through her body but it was soon over as she dropped to the ground. Despite of what it did something inside of Natalya was driving her to find another immortal, she had to experience that again.

Her father was keeping all of it from her, so Natalya knew she wasn’t supposed to know about it so she had to be careful. Waiting until he was called away or had business out of town she would searched out the closest male immortal and did the same thing over and over. But she was always careful to keep those experiences as far apart as possible out of fear Father would find out. Then she met a man named Owen McAllister and everything changed. He didn’t fall for her trick, well he fell for part of it too bad he was a light sleeper. She learned the hard way that there was more to her life than what she thought there was and there were rules to follow. And all the time after she never knew why her Father didn’t tell all of it and prepare her properly for the game. Deep down she knew Owen was right and he was trying to protect her. But now she’ll never know what he intended to do if they were the last two. Then again it was probably a good thing that she’d never now, it kept her from thinking ill of the only Father she had ever known.

Now a days she did like her fellow immortals and tried to keep as a low a profile as possible. But there was a certain lifestyle she was accustomed to that she couldn’t leave behind no matter how hard she tried. Thanks to her upbringing she could usually nail a high end job no problem. Like her current position at a posh art gallery. She bought and appraised paintings for the various clients they had. She was currently examining a painting this pompous windbag she was currently dealing with who was quite found of. She had to keep from laughing as he went over the history of the painting. The fake smile she plastered on her face was starting to hurt. She was almost grateful for the distraction the buzz gave her right before the bell over the door signaled that it was opening. She looked over and gave a genuine smile to Owen as he entered the establishment. The windbag turned up his nose up even more as he caught sight of him. “They’ll let anybody I here now I see.â€

“That is my friend who I invited,†Natalya informed him, knowing it wouldn’t make a bit of difference.

“There is no accounting for taste,†he replied, almost looking bored with the situation. “Now if we can get back to the matter at hand.â€

“Of course,†Natalya replaced the fake grin with a different one. Time to let some wind out of this bag. Taking a good look over the painting she found what she was looking for. “Well you see sir, first let me inform you that while you have an absolutely gorgeous painting. But however it is a, in my personal opinion an incredibly brilliant,†she paused a few moment, just for effect, “fake.â€

“What?!â€, he exploded. “How dare you say this is fake? This painting has been in my family for generations, given to us by the artist himself. Where the manager? I want to know what kind of credentials you faked to get this job. You obviously had to **** somebody to get this job.â€

Dropping the smile she looked deadly serious. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Owen give the poor bastard a sympatric look. “If you will calm down for a second sir,†she told him with an authority that took the windbag by surprise. “I will explain to you why this is a fake. If you would look closely here at the lake.â€

“What about it you fraud?†he demanded regain a part of his ire. Oh this was going to be sweet.

“Well if you know anything about the artist then you would he would always paint the peaks of the waves pointing to the left of the frame. Well if you will take a look at these waves right here.†She used the end of a pen to point out a couple of particular ones, “They are pointed to the right.â€

“So what does that have to do with anything?â€

“Well giving the history of the artist’s style you would have a very hard time getting what the actual painting is worth from any dealer worth his or her salt,†she tried not to looked too pleased, and knew she was failing miserably. He was so mad he was sputtering all the way out for the building. Natalya gave him a cheery wave, “Have a nice day.â€

Owen gave her a dubious look as he approached her and looked at the painting for himself. “Are you sure this is fake?â€

“I should know, I painted it,†she told him. “I had to do something while I was locked away in that monastery you stuck me in.â€

“You were begging to stay if I recall,†Owen said dryly. She gave him the “whatever†sign. He looked around the room looking uncomfortable and she knew why too. “I’m surprised you still wanted to see me after what I did.â€

“I told you I was partially responsible too,†she reminded him. A little softer she said, “Thanks for coming to his funeral by the way. I didn’t want to be the only one there.â€

“It was the least I could do after all this time.â€

Smiling softly as she remembered her father she tried to brighten the mood a bit. Her father did teach her to not dawdle in the moment but to continue looking foreword. “Now I do believe I invited you to dinner so we could catch up on things. My apartment is right across the street, trust me you’ll love it.†After locking up the shop she took Owen by the hand and led him across the street. He protested slightly to being lead there like a child so she responded with a, “Don’t argue with your elders young man.†Well she was eighteen years older than he was after all.

She let him into her apartment and took a moment for herself to absorb the feeling of the room. She grew up in Paris so she always had a French influence to her home design. So it was always nice to come home to something familiar, especially after dealing with customers like windbag. Owen took a seat on her couch as she headed for the kitchenette to the side. Fortunately Father insisted she’d learn how to cook when she was younger. “Give me a few moments to get things started, then you can tell me everything that’s been going on since the last time I saw you.â€

“It better be a quick cook time because not a whole lot has happened,†he replied.

“Something had to have happened, you can’t have been hiding under a rock all this time.â€

“I got a new student,†he said after thinking it over. “He’s name Keith, he’s a pretty good kid.â€

“You give him a sword yet?â€, she asked.

“Not yet,†he replied not looking particularly pleased.

“Don’t wait to long,†she told him after getting the oven going. “One of these days he’s going to run into somebody who’s not going to care if he can defend himself or not.â€

“I know I know,†he said. “I’m still teaching him how to use one, he’s a little slow on the uptake there.â€

“That’s the age we live in I guess,†she said. “Then again it took me a while for Susan to teach me how to use a sword properly too.†Stepping away from the stove she walked over until she stood in front of him. Playing with the collar of her shirt she teased, “So do you want to search each other for weapons now or later?â€

“Natalya,†he said looking uncomfortable.

Dropping onto the cushion next to him she crossed her arms and looked annoyed. “You had no problems while you were running from my Father.â€

“And he was still alive then,†Owen said looking ashamed of himself.

“It’s who we are Owen,†Natalya told him. “I killed peopled you knew and cared about and you had no problem afterwards.â€

“And they challenged you,†he told her.

“And we both knew my Father was going to challenge you the moment he laid eyes on you again. Owen there’s nothing to forgive here. If anything I should be on my knees begging for your forgiveness for putting you through all of this.â€

“Well if you’re going to be on your knees…â€, Owen had a familiar twinkle in his eyes as he gave her a sly grin. She slapped hard him on the chest for even thinking that. The rest of the night it was like old times at least. They talked for what seemed like forever. Then they felt a faint trace of the buzz, “You expecting anybody?â€

“Just you,†she answered and went to the window. She looked down and saw an eager looking brown haired man looking up at her. Natalya got out of the window and pressed herself against wall looking horrified, “Oh God.â€

“What is it?â€, Owen asked as he went to the window and looked out. The man below looked furious the moment he saw him

“What are you doing with my Natalya!â€, he demanded. Owen just looked at her.

“He’s a former student of mine from a few years ago,†she explained. “I tried to get rid of him after he became a tad possessive. He never got the hint.â€

“Natalya!â€, he cried out again. “You know we were meant to be together. That night in your bedroom where we became one you I knew I could never be with another. Deep down you know it too.â€

Natalya pinched the bridge of her nose totally embarrassed at what was going on. She knew Owen was staring at her with a stupefied look, “You slept with your student?â€

“It was a pity ****,†she said quickly through her teeth. “If I knew it would have lead to all of this I never would have done it.†Peeking around the corner to the street she added, “Besides he was really bad at it too. It was over in like two minutes.â€

“Wow,†Owen said while leaning against the wall, Natalya shot him a warning look but he kept going, “you’re a slut.â€

“That wasn’t funny the first twenty times you said it and it’s not funny now,†she snapped at him. “You are so lucky you’re in my top three.†Looking out the window she shouted at the street, “Go away Tim. You don’t need me any more.â€

“Yes I do and I’ll kill any man who get’s in the way of what we have.â€

“We don’t have and never had anything!†He kept going on about their destiny and what not. People were going to call the police before too long. And wouldn’t that be fun to explain.

“Want me to take care of it?â€, Owen offered. For a second she actually considered it.

“No,†she finally said, “it’s my mess I’ll clean it up.†Pulling a thin blade katana out of it’s holder she jumped down to the street. Like a dog Tim followed her into an alley. “I’m challenging you Tim,†she said plainly. “Draw your sword.â€

“Anything for you Natalya,†he said as he drew a US artillery sword out of its’ hiding place. She came at him striking high. He blocked and parried each strike she aimed at him. She noticed he wasn’t making a move to attack her. She got a bad feeling about this but couldn’t stop in fear he would pick that moment to take her head. This went on for a few more minutes before she slashed the blade horizontally neck high figuring he would block it too. Instead he dropped his arms and stood there. She couldn’t stop in time as she realized what was happening and the blade sliced through his neck with ease. She stood there looking stunned as his body crumpled to the ground, that fucking bastard just let her take his head. Any other thought she had were interrupted while his Quickening assaulted her. She did manage to curse his name for the entire time.

When she got back to her apartment Owen opened the door for her. “You all right?†She said nothing as she dropped the sword by the door. “Maybe I better leave. I already turned off the stove so you don’t have to worry about this place burning down.â€

“No,†she said, “it’s all right. I’m just stuck with the bastard now. I’m just glad I can’t feel him or I’d never be able to sleep at night.â€

“So when did you start using a katana?â€, he asked. “Last time I saw you were using a rapier.â€

“I likenge things up every so often. What’s the big deal?â€

“You change swords more often than most people change their underwear,†he said. “Of course if you ever wore any you’d know that.â€

“And I have yet to hear you complain about it,†she smiled slyly. She started rubbing the side of her neck and tried to stretch it out. “I think I might have pulled something.†She started heading to the bedroom while unbuttoning her shirt. “I could really use somebody to help get the kinks out with a good deep massage.â€

Owen stood in front of the bedroom door with his hands in his pockets. “So are we skipping dinner then? Because I had an early lunch.†Her shirt shot out and wrapped around his neck. He didn’t put up much of a fight as she pulled him into the bedroom.

 

[scikaiju]

~1968~

It was mid September and the city of Chicago was still talking about the riots that happened during the Democratic National Convention. But Father Martin Andrews never cared about politics all that much. No he was more concerned about saving the souls of those involved on both sides of those riots. Father Andrews found himself in a unique position. Just about everyone in his immediate family backed the war in Vietnam. But he found himself siding with his fellow twenty years olds about how pointless this war actually was. His older brother Steve was the only one who didn’t give him any grief over it. He had served in the Korean War the decade prior and had no wish to see another one. He saw no need on driving the current generation of young men to an early grave either.

Which was why he felt some confusion when Steve insisted he met one of his old war buddies. So he humored him, thinking he could pass the time away as they talked about some old stories they shared. Their dad and his old WW2 buddies did it all the time. Except for this one individual that kept trying to tell them not to glamorize the war in front of the kids. They called him names but they still remained friends. Intending to go over the sermon he planned for this coming Sunday in his head he entered the restaurant and quickly found Steve, It wasn’t hard he waved him over as soon as he entered, “Marty over here.â€

“I see you Steve,†he said as patiently as he could. He may have been a reverend now but his older brother could still push his buttons, like the fact he insisted on being called Martin since Marty was so juvenile in his eyes.

“Another coffee,†Steve told the passing waitress, “Black, no sugar.†Well at least he still ordered the coffee the way he preferred it. Coming over he saw Steve with a man that was younger than he was expecting. “Marty this is Matt Hawkins. This was my best bud back in Korea.â€

The dark hair man stood up and offered a hand that Martin quickly accepted. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Steve wouldn’t shut up about you back in Korea.â€

“Hey my little brother had the ability to be the first in our family to do some actual good in the world,†Steve said. “Who wouldn’t be proud of that?â€

“I just became a priest Steve,†Martin said blushing a bit. “I’m just a simple man trying to help spread God’s word to those who are willing to listen.â€

“Personally I think this world could use a few more priest and few less soldiers,†Matt said as he took a sip of his coffee. Steve grunted in agreement. Martin studied Matt. There was something about him that seemed off. Part of Martin was wondering his Steve was pulling his legs or something. They caught him staring and he quickly apologized for his lack of manners. “I get it all the time,†Matt simply said not showing a hint if he was offended or not.

“The company always said Matt was blessed with young looks,†Steve joked. “We also called him one of the luckiest SOBs on the planet. Nobody can remember him even getting a scratch back then.†Martin watched as Matt shook his head and laughed. Yes the man before him looked young. But there was something about his demeanor and in his eyes that made him look much, much older. At first Martin put it down to the Korean War. Lord only knew Steve looked like something inside him aged a bit when he got home. But this was different, like the individual sitting with them had been in more than his fair share of wars. Then there was his voice, to Martin it sounded like he had an accent that was lost. He almost reminded him of his grandfather who lost his accent decades ago according to his mother.

It wasn’t long before Steve was telling him a couple of stories about how Matt saved his life several times. Including one where he would swear on a stack of bible he saw Matt get shot dead in his tracks. Matt looked a little uncomfortable talking about that one and quickly changed the subject, “So Steve tells me you the reverend at the local church. That’s quite an accomplishment at such a young age.â€

“Well when Father Johnson passed away suddenly and I had to fill in. The church decided to give me a chance to lead on a regular basis. Even if some of my views are somewhat unpopular.â€

“They’re a little anti war I gather,†Matt said.

“More like pro anything that doesn’t get anybody killed,†Steve answered for him. “Despite some of the protest he still packs him in.†Dinner went well as Steve and Matt caught up with each other. Matt even asked about some of the stories Steve told him about Martin. Of course he chose some of the more embarrassing stories he could think of to tell his buddy. They said goodnight and Martin went home to get some sleep while Steve decided to show Matt one of his favorite bars downtown.

Martin thought that would be the only time he would ever see this Matt person. But to his surprise he saw Steve and Matt in the fourth row of his church that Sunday. Steve looked a little hung over but he gave him a thumbs up. Afterwards he met up with them, “What are you two doing here?â€

“I never miss one of my little brother’s sermons,†Steve said. “Besides after all the talking up of you I did Matt wanted to see you at work.â€

“I have to say,†he said, “what I said the other day is even more true, this world does need more priests like you in it and less soldiers.â€

“I’m just doing what the Lords wants of me,†Martin said. “Any other man would be doing the same as me.â€

Matt looked like he was going to say something but stopped. He had this weird look in his eyes then looked around a bit. Distracted he said, “You’re a better man than I am Father. I hate to run off but I have… to be somewhere soon.†He left them without another word.

“What was that about?†Martin asked.

“I’m not sure,†Steve answered. “He did the same thing back in Korea a couple of times too. He would get that look and disappears for a while. Then he’d be back like nothing had happened.†After talking for a few more minutes Steve started looking up at the sky. When Martin asked what was wrong he said, “The times Matt did that there was usually a freak lightning storm, it didn’t last long but it always caught us off guard. I’m just trying to see the clouds coming this time.â€

A few days later Martin was carrying some groceries home, he had to admit it was more than he could carry but tried to do so any way, when Matt caught up with him. Taking a couple of the bags he said, “Let me help you Father.â€

“Bless you my son,†he said out of habit. But he was grateful for the assistance. “I’m afraid it’s been awhile since I shopped for some food.â€

“I’ve been guilty of the same thing myself,†he said.

“So what are you still doing around?â€, Martin asked. “Steve gave me the impression that you were only going to be here for a couple of days, a week at the most.â€

“That was the plan,†Matt said. “But I got to walking around the city and decided to stay. Besides it was time for me to move on anyway. I only stay in one place a few years at time.â€

“That’s a very strange life for somebody to lead,†Martin commented. “It would be hard to make any sort of connection in that period of time.â€

“I’m a little nomadic at heart,†he said. “Sometimes I stay in one area longer than I usually plan to but it’s always temporary. Besides they say home is where you hang your hat.â€

“Don’t you get lonely being on the move all the time?â€

“Sometimes,†he admitted. “But I have a few friends that are the same way.†He stopped in his tracks and got that same weird look in his eyes before he looked around. This time he found something and Martin saw it too. A mean, almost gangster, looking individual staring right at them. Matt said something in a language he didn’t recognize, then dropped the bags he was carrying and pushed Martin into an nearby alley, dropping his bags as well. All he said was, “Run!â€

“I got you now McAllister!†the man yelled as he gave chase. Martin, despite his fear, wondered who this McAllister was that Matt was obviously being mistaken for. The alley turned out to be a dead end very quickly as they spilled into an open area with no route to continue. The gangster quickly caught up with them and Matt looked trapped. “No where to run McAllister,†he said. “I’ve been waiting for this ever since Korea. Ever since you killed Soonji.†Martin stared at him Matt when he realized he wasn’t denying anything.

“She challenged me Rodger,†he said. Martin looked at the man he knew, that old look he had was replaced with something else, something dangerous. “That how the Game works, you know that. I didn’t want to fight her but she wouldn’t let it go.â€

“Doesn’t matter now,†Rodger pulled a revolver out of his coat and shot Matt in the middle of the chest. Martin was horrified as he heard him gurgle and die. Despite of what this man might have done Martin dropped to his knees and started praying for him. He looked up and saw Rodger come closer with a machete in his hands saying, “There can be only one.â€

“What are you doing!?â€, Martin demanded.

“This doesn’t concern you,†Rodger said pushing him away. Holding the edge of the blade by Matt’s neck he raised it over his head.

“Stop!â€, Martin grabbed his arm and tried to stop him. He didn’t care about what Matt may have done. He didn’t even care that Rodger still had a gun on him. But he would not stand by and let some sadist desecrate a corpse. “This is inhuman!â€

“I told you this doesn’t concern you!†Rodger tried to resist the priest but Martin kept a death gripe on the other mans arms. “Let me go you bastard before he wakes up!†Now Martin was convinced this person was sick in the head. He couldn’t hear anything outside of his own heartbeat pounding in his head. Rodger got an arm free and socked Martin in the mouth. He dropped like a bag of bricks to the ground. “Fine you want to die too. I’m happy to oblige.†Martin was too scared to even pray, his eyes only on the glint coming off the machete. It came down at him and he squeezed his eyes shut not wanting to see it coming. There was metallic sounding ping and then nothing else happened. Martin opened his eyes and his heart stopped as he saw Matt blocking the machete with a long sword. Rodger looked disgusted as he stared dagger at the resurrected man.

“Shooting a guy dead and trying to take his head is one thing,†Matt said. “But attacking priest, now that’s just low.†Rodger yelled as he tried attacking him with the machete. Matt easily blocked each strike at him, trying to take the fight away from Martin. From where he was Martin saw Rodger go for the gun again. Matt saw it too. In a sickening move Matt cut the hand with the gun clean off the wrist. Rodger dropped to his knees holding the bloody stump with his other hand and Matt stood beside him. Without any hesitation Matt beheaded the man with one stroke.

Martin looked on horrified at what he was seeing. But nothing prepared him for what happened next. Matt screamed at the top of his lungs as it looked like God himself was smiting him with lightning for what he had done. It took a moment for him to realize the lightning was coming from the headless body at Matt’s feet. After it was over Matt fell to his knees and looked at Martin. He didn’t take the time to decipher what was in the man eyes as he ran out of the alley as fast as he could. He passed a blond hair youth who saw them enter the alley a few moments prior. If he stayed around he would have saw him watch Matt come out from the alley from a distance and study him intently. An English accent saying, “McAllister huh? I know a McAllister, this could be interesting. When the time is right that is.â€

It was another few weeks before Martin saw Matt again. For the first time he wasn’t sure how to act around somebody. He always considered himself a pretty good judge of a person’s character but this took him by total surprise. Neither of them said anything for the longest time. “Who are you?â€, Martin asked breaking the uncomfortable silence. “What are you?â€

Rubbing the back of his neck he said, “I’m immortal.â€

“Are you kidding me?†he said without thinking. After what he saw weeks ago he shouldn’t have been surprised he said something like that.

Without another word he pulled a knife out of his pocket. For a brief second Martin was afraid for his life. Then Matt put it to the back of his hand and cut deep. Despite everything saw this man do his first instinct was to help him. But he held up his other hand to keep him at. Martin was sure his eye was playing tricks on him but it looked like lighting was dancing around the cut in his hand for a few seconds. The next instant Matt wiped the blood out of the way and showed him the hand. There was no sign of a cut. Martin dropped into a pew in total shock. Matt, or whoever this was sat in the one across the aisle. A hint of an Irish accent edged his voice as he said, “My real name is Owen McAllister and I was born in the year sixteen fifty-eight.â€

“Why?â€, Martin stammered out, “why are you telling me this?â€

“Because I’m pretty sure I owe you my life,†he said his voice returning to normal. He rubbed the front of his neck slightly before continuing. “And I didn’t want you to think I was a monster of some sort. And trust me I know the look, I’ve seen it enough times.â€

“You took a man’s head and…,†he could come up with the words to describe what eh had seen. “What was that all about? Who was that man?â€

“Rodger was somebody I met back in Korea. We weren’t exactly friends but we weren’t enemies either. He had a Korean girl friend who recently became immortal at the time. I was on guard duty one night and she tried to attack me by surprise. I tried to talk her out of it but…,†he trailed off. “I was trying to scare her. I got the feeling that Rodger glorified the Game to her or something, making it to be something it’s not. I was going to come short of taking her head, but she moved when I wasn’t expecting it.†Martin wasn’t sure what to expect but deep down he was positive of one thing. No matter how old a person may be there was no way they could fake the regret he was seeing in this man eyes. “I tried to explain what happened but he wouldn’t listen.â€

“That’s twice you said something about a Game. What game?†With some reluctance the other man told him everything. How immortal fight each other to win the prize that nobody what it was. About the Quickening, the lightning he saw, he absorbed and it’s purpose. And some of the rules that went along with it. Martin sat there in stunned silence. Then he looked the other man in the eyes. “Why do you do it?â€, he finally asked. “If you have no idea what it is why risk everything to win it.â€

“I only fight unless I have no other choice,†he said. “But there are some out there, they don’t care, they just want to win. In my world it’s kill or be killed. You can hide on holy ground but eventually it finds you.†Not sure what else to say he got up and left. Martin thought it over and stood up.

“Matt… Owen,†the other man stopped and looked at him. “Do you have similar regrets like that one?â€

“I’ve made more than mare of mistakes.â€

“If you ever feel the need to confess those regrets my ear is always open.â€

Smiling a bit he said, “Thank you father. Like I said you are a better man than I am.â€

“My job is to save souls Owen, even those as old as yours. Maybe one day you can call me friend.â€

“I hope I will be able to as well.†Thinking things over a bit he said, “I’ll see you around Father.â€

“Thank you for being honest with me.â€

“I could never lie to a priest,†he said. “My mother and Father taught me better than that.†He left the church and left Father Andrew alone. He didn’t know it at the time but that moment would be the start of friendship both men would treasure fort he rest of his life. And one Owen would always be grateful for.

 

[scikaiju]

Owen stood over the stove as the eggs fried in the pan. His mind was barely concentrating on the task, but he wasn’t worrying about anything important at the moment. No he was just happy in general. Well maybe not in general, the person still sleeping in the bedroom was a major reason why he was in such a good mood. There was a reason why he always looked foreword to being in the same town she was in. Everything just seemed to go away for a few months. It was a weird relationship but he wasn’t complaining one bit. Of course if anybody told him about all of this a hundred and sixty eight years ago Owen would said they were crazy. He wasn’t sure about Natalya but he was damn happy he was a light sleeper.

He heard Natalya stir in the next room and start to get out of bed. After a few minutes she appeared in the doorway wearing a shirt of his that just went past her hips. Somehow that shirt never looked so good. Then again he could never figure out how she could look so beautiful first thing in the morning either. He had known some woman that took forever to look like that after they got up. As she walked into the room he said, “You’re up early.â€

“I smelled food,†she answered as she leaned on the other side of the kitchen counter. “And I always loved your cooking. World War Three couldn’t keep me away.â€

“Then where were you during WW1 and WW2?â€, he teased.

“You know what I mean.†She took a moment to study what he was doing, “Eggs, sausages and I’m guessing… pancakes?â€

“Right in one,†Owen said as he plated the eggs. “I’m even taking a stab at some blueberry muffins. I already got them in the oven.†He looked back and saw the look in her eyes, blueberry muffins were her favorite.

“My,†she said with some surprise, “somebody has some extra energy this morning. I think I might have done something wrong last night.â€

“Trust me you did nothing wrong last night. You did some thing that I’m sure are illegal in most states and probably a couple of countries, but nothing wrong. As somebody keeps telling me it all in how you look at it.â€

“This sounds like a very smart person,†she said with a knowing smile.

“Oh very wise beyond her years,†He said smiling back. Walking over to the counter he leaned over a bit to look her in the eyes, “One of the few bright spots in a very lonely existence.â€

“Oh poor baby,†she said as she stroked his cheek. “How ever do ever you manage without this person?â€

“I keep looking foreword to our next encounter.†He leaned in and kissed her passionately. They stopped when they felt the buzz. Both of them looked at the door as it opened. “Why did I give him a key?â€

“Hey Owen sorry to come without call…ing…â€, he sort of stopped as he saw them standing there.

“Hey Keith,†Owen said. “This is Natalya. I told you about her, right?†She wiggled her fingers at him. Keith hand barely twitched as he kept on staring at her.

“He’s cute,†she told Owen.

Studying Keith’s expression, and realizing where he was staring, Owen looked down a bit before saying, “I know this will be one of the dumbest things I have ever said. But please tell me you’re wearing underwear.â€

“Do I ever?†she answered with a wicked grin. Owen grabbed her shoulders and tried to turn her a bit so she wouldn’t be flashing his student anymore. She pouted a little but complied. Keith still looked locked in place. His only reaction was one of protest after a pencil flew through the air and smacked him in the forehead.

“Breath boyo,†Owen told him.

Natalya had a surprised look on her face, “I haven’t heard you call anybody ‘boyo’ since World War 2.â€

“Things change,†was his only explanation. “Besides he felt like a boyo. Of course I expected him to have better manners than just stare,†he said a bit sternly, quickly falling into the teacher role.

“Sorry,†Keith said a bit red faced, actually if his face was any reader he’d look like a beet. “I didn’t know you had company.â€

“This looks like a teacher-student moment,†Natalya said straightening up. “I better get going.â€

Owen quickly told her, “You don’t have to leave. I’m sure Keith not going to stay that long.†But she was already in the bedroom and closing the door behind her. He shot a nasty look at Keith, “Thanks a lot.â€

“I didn’t know,†he repeated. “If I knew you had your girlfriend over…â€

“She not my girlfriend,†Owen told him. It was true after all they weren’t officially a couple. They were just two ships that went bump in the night. Repeatedly.

“So what are you then?â€, Keith asked. A small look of triumph passed over his face as he realized he tripped the older immortal up.

“You know. We’re just friend,†Owen blurted out. “Just with some… you know… benefits… and stuff…â€

“What Owen is trying to say is,†Natalya came out of the bedroom wearing some tight dress pants and a loose blouse, putting an arm around him she finished, “we’re **** buddies.†Before Owen could say anything she kissed him. Owen stopped protesting after a second then pulled her close. Keith was starting to feel uncomfortable and wished he was elsewhere at the moment. Finally breaking away she said, “See you later ‘buddy’.â€

“You better believe it,†he told her and gave her a quick swat before she got out of range. She wagged a finger at him then gave him one more quick kiss then waved bye to Keith as she left. Keith just started at Owen after she was gone. “What she said.â€

Keith looked deep in thought for a moment, “Uh Owen?â€

He poured himself a cup of coffee, “Yeah Keith.â€

Slowly he started, “Since you’re not officially a couple, would you have any problem if I asked her… out?â€, he faltered a bit as he looked at his mentor.

Owen just stared at Keith over the rim of his coffee cup. Finally looking away he said, “Boyo, she’d break you in half.â€

Well the day didn’t start like he thought it would, but it could have been worse. He gave the Father a key to his place too in case of emergencies and they would have no warning what so ever. And wouldn’t that have been fun to explain. Of course now that his day had some free time in it he might as well get some errands done he’d been putting off. That was the one thing about immortality, you think you have all the time in the world to get things done and yet you find more ways to put things off.

Owen was never one to believe in signs, but maybe he should have taken Keith walking in on them as one. Almost all day he was getting the buzz. But whoever it was would quickly get out of range before he could locate who it was. He was being followed, no doubt about it. The only question was by whom. He was pretty sure it wasn’t Natalya, this type of hide and seek wasn’t her style. Taking a deep breath as he felt it come and go again he decided to be patient. Whoever it was would make themselves known before too long. It was getting dark by the time he felt it again. This time he saw a flash of somebody in an alley. “I am officially tired of whatever game this is,†he muttered before entering. Incase he was wrong about the source he didn’t draw his sword as he entered. Owen didn’t get far before he saw a blond hair youth sitting cross legged on top of a garbage can, a mischievous twinkle in his grey eyes.

The youth hopped off the can and bowed, “Scott Harris, a true pleasure to meet you.â€

“Owen McAllister,†he replied studying him. Harris put his hands behind his head and started walking around him. Turning to follow him Owen was on guard for any tricks.

“I know who you are,†he said not even looking at him as he walked. “I’ve been following you all day you know. And I must say you are nothing like your uncle.â€

“I don’t have an uncle,†Owen told him.

“Maybe you do, maybe you don’t,†Harris commented. “Only your grandparents know for sure I suppose. Them and myself that is.â€

“If this is a challenge then this is the weirdest one I’ve ever seen.â€

“Who said this was a challenge?â€, Harris asked innocently finally stopping right in front of him. “No sword is in my hand, no malice is in my intent. But,†he held up a finger and started walking again, “I am interested in you. I’m wonder how good you actually are now that I’m getting a good look at you. This could be a problem.â€

“And what problem is that?â€, Owen asked getting a bad feeling all of the sudden.

“Your uncle brought in an outsider,†Harris said. “I shouldn’t have been surprised I suppose, he’s not the most confrontational person in the Game. Maybe that’s where I get it,†he said looking thoughtful, then shrugged it off. “You and your uncle, now that would have been interesting, but you and this outsider I don’t know.â€

“If this supposed ‘uncle’ of mine that I have never heard of sent somebody after me why are you telling me this? And how do I know you’re not this outsider just to throw me off guard?â€

“Well you don’t,†Harris said answering the second question. “That what makes this interesting. But I’m the one who told your uncle about you and he changed the rules. Truly bad form I have to say.â€

“What are you talking about?â€, Owen demanded.

Harris smirked, “I just want things to stay interesting that’s all. That’s not going to happen if you go down early. But Big Evil…â€

“Who?â€, Owen asked but Harris kept on talking.

“… well he can end this before it even gets going and we can’t have that, now can we?â€

“You take this guy on then,†he told him.

“I just get the pieces together, what happens after that is up to the pieces.†Harris looked thoughtful again, “Hmm, I do take after him don’t I? Don’t know why I never realized it before now.â€

“Are you done? I got things to do.â€

“Yes you do,†Harris said stopping again with his back turned toward him. Owen didn’t fail top notice he was blocking the only way out of the alley. His hand inched toward the handle of his long sword, this was smelling more and more like a trap by the second. “But I do have to make sure you’re up to this new challenge first.†He spun around with a cutlass now in his hand. Owen drew his long sword and took up a defensive position. Harris stood sideways with the cutlass raised about shoulder high, “En guard.â€

Harris came at him using a style Owen had only seen pirate movies. The problem was it was working for him. Of course Harris was looking like he was actually enjoying this. Owen held his ground blocking each strike, looking for a hole to exploit. Actually there was something about the way he was fighting that looked familiar but Owen couldn’t place it. “You ever been to Japan?†Owen asked after getting some space between them.

Harris stopped and rested the blade on his shoulder, “Yes I have as a matter of fact. This temple on this little island off the main island. Have you been?†Owen only nodded. “Well now, that does make this interesting than doesn’t it?†Harris attacked him again but Owen quickly got him on the defense. “You have a bit of your uncle in you, you know that?â€

“I won’t take that as a compliment,†Owen told him. Sparks started to fly off their blades as the deadly dance went on. Harris was still smiling all the way. Owen swung the Long sword right at Harris’s neck. He back flipped out of the way, the blade just missing him. Owen ducked a retaliatory swing then popped back up just to punch him.

Harris stepped back holding his mouth, “Bad form, seriously bad form.†He came at him again. The blade of the cutlass was swinging so fast it was almost a blur. Owen was able to lock hilt and force the point of both swords to the ground. Harris let go and spun around with a kick. Picking the cutlass back up he told Owen, “You’re good, but you might have to be better. Big Evil is serious business.â€

“Do you think I care?†Owen thought he had him just about figured out. But he couldn’t afford to get overconfident about it now. Harris dropped the smile looking serious for the first time. Clashing swords one more time neither of the backed up. Harris kicked him the gut than ran for a wall. Getting frustrated Owen followed. Harris jumped on top of a garbage bin then flipped off. Owen ducked a bit to avoid getting hit. Harris landed on his feet and swung with all he had as Owen turned around with a killing strike. Their arms blocked each other as they stood there.

Harris’s eyes glanced from Owen to the blade at his neck a few times, feeling a trickle of blood go down his skin after he twitched a bit. Gingerly placing a finger at the edge of the blade he pushed it away saying, “Alright let’s call it a draw.â€

Owen was in no shape to answer. The blade of the cutlass was embedded in his neck since he swung a second too late. The edge of the blade was touching spinal cord as little arcs of lightning were trying to escape the wound. Going pale it took Owen a few tries to grab the blade and rip it out of his neck. Dropping the long sword he grabbed at the hole in his neck while he went to a knee loosing a lot of blood. A few moments later he was on the ground and lost consciousness and soon he wasn’t even breathing as the blood pooled around his head.

Harris paid no attention to him as he died. He was resting the sword against his shoulder and pacing back and forth, “Not good, not good, not good.†Stopping to look at Owen laying there he continued pacing, “Not good, not good, not good at all. How is this supposed to last and be interesting against Big Evil if you can’t even beat me? I held on to this information for decades just giving you chance to get ready and you do this to me.†Putting the sword away he kneeled down and started searching Owen’s body, “I can’t leave you out here like this. Somebody could finish the job I started and that just won’t do. Don’t ake sure nobody touches you before help arrives.†Finding a cell phone on him he looked through the list. “Hmm, who going to know what you are and not take advantage of it. Natalya, sounds like she could be fun in other ways.†He hit call and waited.

It wasn’t long before he got an answer, “Geez Owen already, you usually need a day to recuperate.â€

“He’s going to need longer than I day I think,†Harris told her.

“Who the hell is this?â€

“Your friend in an alley by 35th and 8th street and almost lost his head.â€

“What the hell did you do to Owen?!â€

“If you want him in one piece I suggest you hurry and get him. Nobody is going to be as nice as I am after all.†He ended the call before she could respond. “You better hope she gets here fast. Who knows when Big Evil is going to show up. And he wouldn’t pass this up if you paid him.â€

 

[scikaiju]

~1683~

Life wasn’t easy for Owen growing up. As a child he always heard the others boys taunt him with the fact his Father was an outcast. But his Father always told him not to mind the idiots, if they couldn’t get past that then there was no point in bothering with them. Then one day he came home after getting into a fight with those same boys for saying the same thing. Owen was sure his father was going to beat him for not listening to him. Instead he sat Owen down and told him. “I am proud of you for defending the family’s honor. But you have to learn to fight only when you have too and not before. Trust me you’ll live longer.†Owen looked up to his Father, he was always strong, upbeat. Never once did he admit about being depressed or angry about being forced out of his clan. But as he listened to him talk about his old village Owen could see that he did, just by that far off look in his eyes. Then at the age of ten a great big hole was knocked into his world when Owen and his mother lost him when he went out at sea. He quickly assumed the mantle of man of the house because that was what his Father would have done. Never once showing any signs that he missed him, although he did terribly.

When he was older he had to take care of his mother more and more. It seemed like she wouldn’t admit that he was never coming home and it was eating her away inside. His head was telling him to make her see the truth, but his heart wouldn’t let him. She was suffering enough, if clinging on to this last piece of hope was keeping her going then he wasn’t going to deny her it. Truth be told part of him hoped she was right. But through it all he found love in Deborah. She was one of the few people who looked past the stigma of his Father’s outcast status and the rumors of dementia in his Mother and only saw him. Owen burden seemed to grow lighter when he was around here. Even his Mother seemed like her old self when she was around. Despite the objections of her Father they married.

Five years after they wed Owen grew a little lighter attitude, feeling normal for the first time in his life. Everyone said Deborah had a good affect on him and he was hard pressed to disagree. Things were going good, he took up his Father old position as fisherman since they lived near the coast and the catch was usually a good one. While most of the village was happy for them, some spoke that there was something missing behind their backs. There were times both of them felt that missing piece as well, looking at the new parents every year. But they tried not to it let it affect them too much. They knew they would be blessed with a child sooner or later. Not that the subject didn’t come up every so often. They were walking in the woods one day when Deborah said, “So when are you going to give me children? My Mother is starting at it again.â€

“Well I hope you told her it hasn’t been for a lack of trying,†Owen told her.

Her jaw dropped, “Owen McAllister, I can’t saw that to my Mother. I’m starting to think the town is right that you have a little of the devil in you.â€

“They said that about my Father for years,†Owen said. “Although,†he said looking a little deeper into the woods and hearing the sounds of the river, “I do believe I’m in the mood to try again,†and he started pulling her toward the sound of the river.

“Owen we’re out in the open!â€, She protested, but she wasn’t really resisting.

“Then we better hurry before somebody comes along,†he said pulling her off the path and into the trees. They found an open area by the bank. Owen quickly dropped to the ground. Propping himself up on his elbows he told her, “Well hurry up woman I haven’t got all day.â€

“You do have the devil in you,†she said with a laugh. She got on the ground with him and started kissing him. Soon his hands found the familiar curves of her body.

“Well ain’t this nice.â€

Owen and Deborah both looked up and saw three rough looking characters sneering at them. Owen, looking right at the dagger on the ones’ waist, got up and pushed her back, “Stay behind me Deborah.â€

“How sweet,†the apparent leader said coming foreword. “Now you’re trespassing on our land, so you’ll have to pay. Gold or a taste of your woman would do nicely.†Owen pushed her farther back. “Looks like the boy doesn’t want to pay. Take it from him.â€

The other two came at him looking like they were going to enjoy every second of this. Owens’ hand found a sizable rock about the size of his fist. With everything he had Owen smashed it against the side of the closest ones head. He went down in a heap as Owen turned his attention to the other one. The leader ran in and tackled him to the ground. Deborah tried to pull him off of her husband but a backhand knocked her down. A solid punch to the bandit’s face got him of Owen. Pulling Deborah to her feet he yelled, “Run woman!â€

The leader grabbed him around the neck while his back was turned and threw him in the river. The other one grabbed a hold oh Deborah and threw her to the ground. She screamed for all she was worth. Owen tried to go to her but the ring leader knocked him down. Wrapping both hands around Owens’ neck he held his head under the water. Owen pounded away at his arm, trying to get free. One hand did leave his neck and he fought harder. His mouth opened as he tried to scream after that dagger plunged into his chest. The ring leader stabbed him again and again as the water around him went dark red. Through the haze and blackness he saw the shadows pull his attacker off of him. His world went black as the current of the river took his body away.

Owen woke back up with a start in near darkness. Everything felt different, looked different, seemed different. He grabbed his head as he felt a weird sensation right before his stomach started to twist in knots. Looking around he saw an older man with weathered skin sit by a small fire. A broadsword was close by his side. Not looking in his direction he said, “Finally you’re up.†He started toward him and Owen tried to back away. “Relax boyo,†he said, “if I wanted you dead you wouldn’t be breathing right now.â€

“Who are you?â€, he demanded. “Where am I?†Owen remembered everything at that moment. Looking at the holes in his shirt he felt sick, “What sort of devilry is this?â€

“Maybe it is, none of us can truly say.†He said with some mirth. “But I can say you and I are more alike than you think. And my name is Finlay.â€

“I need to get back,†Owen said getting up. “I need to find Deborah.â€

“It’d be best to forget her boyo,†Finlay said returning to the fire. “I found you floating at sea a few hours ago and I don’t know how long you been out there. Besides you’re not one of them any more. They shouldn’t concern you.â€

Owen just looked at him like he wasn’t of this planet. Seeing an opening he ran away. If he stayed around long enough he would have heard the old man sigh. Owen ran through the forest, pretending he knew where he was going. He had to get back to her. After a few hours he found things and landmarks he recognized and made his way back home. His heart stopped as he found himself near the cemetery. A freshly dug grave grabbed his attention. His legs refused to work as he made his way over. The marker next to it grabbed his eyes first, it said Owen McAllister. He dropped to his knees as he read the one next to it, Deborah McAllister. “NOOOO!â€

He felt that sensation again and saw Finlay come toward him. Standing behind him he bowed his head slightly out of respect. Owen cried as he realized he was never going to see her again. He hadn’t cried like this since he lost his Father. “Stand up boyo,†Finlay told him, “Be a man instead of crying like a new born babe.†Owen stayed on the ground. “I said get up,†he told him. He grabbed his arm to haul him to his feet. Owen popped up and took a swing at him. Finlay easily dodged it and let him fall back to the ground. Owen got up and tried it again. This Time Finlay was able to pin him against a tree. “First rule boyo, we do not fight on holy ground. Remember that if you have any honor. And show her some respect if you miss her that much.â€

“She was my life!†Owen told him.

“And that life is over,†Finlay shot back. Backing away Owen slid down to the ground one more time. “I know it hurts, I felt it more times than you can possibly imagine.†Sitting down next to him he looked a little more sympathetic. “You’re one of the lucky ones you know. No one who knew you knows you came back. They’ll remember you for who you were and not some demon spawn.â€

“What am I?â€

“You’re like me,†Finlay replied. “You are immortal. You will remain alive until another one of us takes your head off your shoulders.†Owen was suddenly very ware of the broadsword hanging by his waist. “Relax boyo,†he said realizing what he was looking at. “Like I told you before if I wanted you dead you wouldn’t still be breathing.â€

“Why do you want me alive?â€

“I want to give you a fighting chance,†he said. “There are plenty of us out there more than willing to take a newborn’s head without a second thought. But some of us, well we remember somebody showed us the way and taught us the rules. We feel the need to give somebody else that same courtesy.â€

“My home…â€

“I told you you’re not one of them anymore.†Getting up he offered Owen a hand. Reluctantly he took it. “No you have other things to worry about now. The more you are prepared the better.â€

“Does that include the other rules?â€

“All in good time boyo,†Finlay patted him on the back “All in good time. Your first awakening is soul shaking enough as it is. In the morning I’ll explain everything to you.†He glanced at the markers he was kneeling before. “McAllister, I knew a clan of Scots with that name a long time ago.â€

~1708~

Both of them could smell the sea air at the docks as they waited for the ship’s crew to finish preparing to leave. Owen had been under Finlay’s tutelage for a little over twenty five years now. Although there were times Owen wondered why he still hung around the older man. Around friendly Immortals he was courteous, if not a bit wary. But when among regular humans he was condescending if not altogether rude. For some reason it rubbed Owen the wrong way, but he stayed more out of loyalty than anything else. A young child in rags came up to them. It looked like she hadn’t seen a decent meal in a couple of days. “Please sir,†she said through a cough, “can you spare a few coins so I can get my brother something to eat.â€

“Get out of my way you filthy beggar,†Finlay shoved her aside.

Owen stayed back for a few moments instead of following. Getting the girls attention he dropped a few coins by her feet, winked at her then followed his mentor. “It’s a good day to set sail,†he commented nonchalantly.

“You still too soft Owen,†Finlay scolded him. “That girl was probably an outcast, kicked out of her village or something. Not worth anybody time or effort.â€

“My family has been branded with outcast status as well,†he said. “It is not a good feeling.â€

“And you are above such matters now. How many times must I tell you that?â€

“And if a person forgets where he comes from then he is lost,†Owen argued. That was something his Father always told him. “If we forget we’re human than where does that leave us?â€

“I am not having this argument with you again,†he told him.

“What is you problem with the humans?†Owen asked. He has many times before but never got a straight answer. Now he was determined to get one as he stood in his way. “I am not getting on that boat until you tell me.â€

“I have been around for over a thousand years and I have seen how petty they are. How needy, violent. How destructive they become.â€

“Sounds like some Immortals we’ve come across,†Owen commented dryly. “I think part of the reason you want me to leave is so I’ll stop asking you about it.â€

“I want you to grow Owen,†Finlay said. “You need to explore the world.â€

“I have explored things,†Owen protested.

“I mean beyond the borders of this land,†Finlay corrected him. “There’s a whole other world out there Boyo. You should learn as much as you can. The more well rounded an Immortal is the better the chances he has of winning. That’s what I believe.†Heading off for the ship again he added, “Besides it will be good for you to get away from here. You’re too tied up in the past. You need to be thinking about the future and the Gathering. That is the only concerns we have now.†They reached the ship and Finlay faced him. “And you need to make this journey alone, as we all must. Take care of yourself boyo. And watch your neck.â€

“You too Finlay,†Owen patted him on the shoulder and boarded the ship. Owen always promised himself he would return home one day. In three hundred years he never kept that promise.

~Now~

Owen woke up with the usual start. But when he breathed in his throat clenched up tight. One hand went for his neck as the other instinctively looked for the sword by his bed as he was feeling the buzz. He realized a few things in matter of moments. He wasn’t in his bed, his sword wasn’t in reach and there was a something around his neck. The neck part became clear as he remembered his last few moments. He nearly lost his head, so why wasn’t he dead. The sterile air he was smelling was telling him hospital. But how did he get there? He found his answer by looking around the room. Balled up in a chair in the corner was Natalya, holding on to her katana. From where he was it looked like her mascara was running a bit. Getting out of bed as gently as he could so he wouldn’t disturb her he made his way into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. A bandage was wrapped around his neck. Taking that off revealed a scar going halfway around his neck.

He stared at it before leaving the room and entered the hallway trying to find out where he was. A familiar face turned the corner. “Owen what are you doing out of bed?â€, Susan asked. He tried to say something but his voice came out raspy. “Don’t talk for a moment,†she told him as she examined him. “You lucky most of your vocal cords were still intact so you should sound normal, but you need to take it easy for a bit. I seen some cases where the vocal cord where cut clean through and they never sounded the same. But you’re going to be stuck with that scar though. I have never seen a neck wound on an Immortal heal completely. I’d do a study on it but I don’t think I could get a grant. Or any willing volunteers for that matter.â€

“I’m feeling better now,†he said but his voice still sounded a little rough.

“You always were stubborn,†she said. “I think this is the first time you visited me at this hospital. Natalya has been here more time than you.†She stopped fussing at his neck and looked at him, “I didn’t know what to think when she called me a couple of days ago. I’m glad she did though I don’t know of anybody else who wouldn’t have asked any question about taking in a dead man. Outside of that preacher friend of your but I don’t think she knew how to contact him.â€

“Owen!â€, Natalya ran out of the room looking frantic. She laid eye on him and looked very relieved. Then she looked angry, “Do not scare me like that again. Do you hear me McAllister?â€

“Go easy in him,†Susan told her. “Let him rest up then tear into him. Besides your still in a hospital after all, think of the other patients. And we still have to find out what happened to him.†A door opened a little further down the hall and a young man of nineteen with blond hair walked out looking very pleased. He looked in their direction, smiled and gave them a cheery wave.

“He happened,†Owen said with a grunt. Without warning he grabbed Natalya’s katana and drew it out of it’s sheath.

“Owen not in the hospital,†Susan said.

“Is it on holy ground?â€, he demanded.

“Close enough,†the youth said pointing at a cross on the wall.

“That voice,†Natalya muttered. “You where the one who called me on Owens’ phone.â€

“Scott Harris,†he said with a bow, “at your service.â€

“You did this too him.†Natalya went to take her katana out of Owens’ hand but Susan grabbed it and the scabbard before she could.

“There is to be no fighting in this hospital, not while I’m around. Is that clear?â€, she looked at all three of them. All of them silently agreed, although Owen and Natalya both looked ready to continue it. “Scott why are you here if you caused this?â€

“I wanted to see the other person in the only known tie in Immortal history. It was quite historic wouldn’t you say?†Owen didn’t reply. About then a nurse stumbled out of the room he came out of. Her uniform was a mess. She looked over in their direction, saw Harris them stumbled away in another direction. He started looking pleased with himself until he saw Susan staring at him. “Now Sister it’s not what you think,†he said quickly. “I made her moan, groan, shiver, quiver and made her feel all fuzzy wuzzy on the inside. But I didn’t do anything improper.â€

“Was she a willing participant?â€, she asked.

Looking lost for words for a second Harris asked her, “How would you define willing?â€

“Come on Owen,†Natalya said grabbing his arm “lets get you back to bed.â€

“That’s a little cheeky,†Harris said, “right in froister and all.†She said nothing as he took Owen back to his room and closed the door. “Well that was a little rude.â€

“Why are you really here Scott?†Susan asked. “I’ve known you since you were a boy. You wouldn’t check up on anybody unless you had another motive.â€

“There’s no point in lying to you Sister,†Harris said. “I’m making sure things stay interesting.†She rolled her eyes realizing he was in the middle of one of his games again. “Big Evil been sent after him. I want to make sure he’s up to snuff.â€

Susan heart filled with dread, “Scott you didn’t.â€

“Not me,†he replied. “No the rules were changed behind my back.†A grin reappeared on his face. “But now things are in motion and I have no intention of stopping it. But he better last a while or I’m going to be upset.†Harris walked away with his hands behind his head. Susan watched him leave then looked at the door leading to Owens’ room.

 

[scikaiju]

Malcolm paused when he felt the buzz as he headed for his meager apartment. For the first time for awhile he was actually afraid, he was caught off of holy. His imagination ran a little wild as he considered the possibility that Dijkhuizen was in there waiting for him. He pushed those fears aside, there was no way Michel could have followed him, he hadn’t seen him in days. Still he reached for the handle of his claymore as he cautiously opened the door. That fear quickly turned to annoyance as he discovered who the intruder was. Sitting upside down on the couch with his head hanging off the seat was Harris, watching some sort of garbage on the television. “How did you find out where I lived Harris?â€

“Did a little checking and found out which apartment complexes where by holy ground,†he said. “And there’s a nice little Mosque right down the street.â€

“You actually thought it out?â€, Malcolm asked in mild amazement. “You didn’t listen to the wind or what ever it is you do.â€

“Just an idea I got from a little bird at a hospital. What’s that in your hand?â€, he asked changing the subject.

Malcolm glanced at the CD case in his hand. It couldn’t hurt to tell the twit. “I blackmailed that stalker of mine to get me a copy of the file on that half Irish bastard they call my nephew.â€

“You that curious about what he had for breakfast this morning?â€, Harris asked as he flipped the channels.

“Rader claims he could only go up to week or so back.†Malcolm snorted, “He said people would get suspicious if he copied anything more recent.†Harris nodded. Malcolm paused for a moment. He could have sworn that English twit just smirked for a brief second. That was always a sign that he might know something he didn’t. Then again there were a couple of times Malcolm did some checking based on that expression and ended up on a wild goose chase just because he wanted to be entertained. He’ll ignore it for now, Harris was probably setting him up for something. Popping the disc into his he typed in the password Rader said was mandatory for this, in case it fell into the wrong hands.

Harris popped up behind him and leaned on his shoulder, “I know, you want to know when his birthday is and trying to figure out something appropriate to get him at the same time. That’s very big of you.†Malcolm held his tongue. Owen’s Watcher file popped up and both of then scanned the first few pages. “Click on his first teacher. You can tell a lot about an immortal based on who taught him.â€

“I wish you wouldn’t say things like that,†Malcolm sighed. Much to his surprise a file on this Finlay character did pop up. It wasn’t much, just his name, age some basic info and a picture. He just happened to look up at Harris and was caught by surprise again. Harris was gripping the back of his chair and just stared at the photo. For the first time ever he saw something that resembled hatred in the younger Immortal’s eyes. Without a word or warning Harris stormed out the door. “Now what could that be about?â€, Malcolm scratched his chin as he looked back at Finlay’s picture.

“The wheelchair isn’t necessary,†Owen complained again. Natalya pushed him toward the door while a blond nurse with short bobbed hair walked beside them. She was a newer immortal under Susan’s care. Outside of that, whatever it was, with Harris she was friendly enough to be around. She and Natalya talked while ignoring Owen’s complaints. Finally he hit the wheel brakes and the chair came to a quick stop and he quickly freed himself. Natalya had a few choice words for him for the unexpected stop. “I can walk on my own two feet. I’ve been doing it for as long as I can remember.â€

“And how many times are you going to get released from a hospital,†Natalya shot back. “I say enjoy the perks while you can. Besides you’re going to need your strength later when I properly welcome you home.â€

“Susan did warn me about you two,†the nurse said.

“Don’t mind her Serenity,†Owen told her taking the chair from Natalya and parking it next to a wall, “she’s got a one track mind half the time.â€

“And I have never once heard you complain.†To Serenity she added, “Actually I never hear him complain at all so I must be doing something right.â€

“I think Susan left some things out,†she commented to herself. “And please call me Ser. All my friends do.â€

“Sure thing,†Natalya said. “Now help me get this big lug back in the chair.â€

She pointed toward the exit, “He’s already at the door.â€

“Hey wait up,†Natalya called out and went after him. “Owen, say a few words in your old brogue for me.â€

“Why?â€, he asked as she got in his way.

“I want to make sure you can still do it. I hate to think that almost losing your head cause you to lose it permanently. Come on please, please, please.â€

Owen walked past her, but his old accent slipped out anyway, “You’re crazy woman.â€

“I always loved that accent of his,†she said to Ser as they followed him out. “It broke my heart when he finally got rid of it.â€

“Susan said that happens to a lot of immortals,†Ser said. “Like they slowly lose who they are or something.â€

“Only if you let it,†Owen said as he held the door open for them.

“Why thank you,†Natalya said with a little curtsy. “And Owen’s right. You only forget who you are if you let it happen. I’m proud to say I’m still the same person I was, just a little more worldly then what I was. We should hang out Ser, I could tell you a lot of things about being an Immoral.â€

“Then I’d go to Susan for the truth,†Owen said. Natalya slapped his arm. All three of them froze as they felt the buzz. Both Owen and Natalya’s first instinct was to move Ser between them until they located who it was. Natalya spotted him first and got Owen’s attention to see if he knew who it was. Owen turned and felt his jaw tighten up. An older man with weathered skin walked toward them. Owen immediately got the girls behind him despite Natalya’s protest.

“Good thing I got here in time boyo,†Finlay said with a wave that Owen didn’t return. “Susan said you were injured when I called her. I just had to see it for myself. Did you forget everything I taught you?â€

“I told you not to call me boyo,†Owen spat at him. Natalya looked at him in surprise. She has never seen him act like this before.

“You’re still not upset about what happened are you boyo?â€, he dismissed his anger. “That happened years ago.â€

~1943~

Owen quickly got rid of his parachute as he looked around him. He and the special force unit he was in dropped into France with only the upcoming dawn as light. It was a tricky mission but it was their only chance to get in without being seen. They were lucky none of the German heard the plane on the way here. It seemed so noisy he was positive it was waking the dead along the way there. The first order of business was to find the rest of his squad and determine if they were close to the target area. He went a few yards before he felt the buzz and went into a protective stance immediately. There were a few rumors floating around of some of the shadier Immortals shooting another one first before taking their heads. A rustling in the trees made him look up, “Jackson?â€

“It’s about time you looked up,†he said. His chute was caught in the tree. So far he didn’t get the idea to cut himself down yet. “How did I let you talk me into doing this mission?â€

“We were ordered boyo,†Owen reminded him trying not to laugh but failing.

“That beside the point,†he said. “God I am never doing this parachuting **** again.†Gunshots rang out silencing them both. Owen ducked while Jackson struggled harder to get out of his predicament.

“Stay where you are,†Owen told him. Jackson cursed his choice or words as he hung there. Owen stayed low as he made his way toward the direction the gunshots came in. Then he heard them again. Years of battlefield experience told him those shots weren’t coming his way. He heard a woman cry out right before another shot fired. Owen started running. He found a small farm and a couple of dead bodies, a man and a small boy, and felt sick. Quickly he located the body of a woman, also shot. He heard somebody else cry out and turned to see a girl no more than fifteen back away from a man in a German uniform. Before he could react she was shot by the soldier as well. “No,†Owen said as he made his way toward him, raising his rifle to shot the bastard in the back.

He only got a few feet before the buzz stopped him. For the first time ever he was actually glad one of these bastards was an Immortal. The he turned around and Owen stopped immediately. An all too familiar weather beaten face looked at him. “Owen?â€, Finlay said. “What are you doing here boyo?†Looking Owen over a bit while he was still stunned he grimaced a bit, “I was afraid you go and join the wrong side of this war.â€

Finding his voice Owen demanded, “What in the hell do you think you’re doing?â€

“My job,†his mentor sounded like he was amazed he would ask that, “what else would I be doing? My superior heard rumors that these humans were helping the resistance and I was sent to check it out.â€

“You’re with the Germans?â€, Owen couldn’t wrap his mind over what he was seeing. He and Finlay might have saw thing differently at times but this was beyond anything he could imagine. “You’re with people who goal is to take over everything? You, the man who told me the best way to grow as a person is to be as well rounded as possible. That meant studying other cultures and how they do thing according to you. How does this help anybody grow?â€

“And things were growing a little too wild boyo,†Finlay said. “Sometimes you have to weed things out before the rest start growing properly. I heard the message and I found myself agreeing with them. This world might be a little better off if one power was ruling it. It’s not like things were running all that well before all of this.†Looking at the corpses around the farm he added, “Of course things would go easier if the troublemakers would just stop what they’re doing and see we’re doing the right thing.â€

Remember what drew him here and what he saw Owen felt his anger raising again. “And where in all the garbage they’ve been spewing does it saw you have to kill the entire family.â€

“The man was a suspected rebel sympathizer,†he said waving Owen off. “There was enough evidence that I saw that supported that claim. He denied it of course, when do they ever confess? So I took matter into my own hand. Of course any survivors would tell what happened and possibly turn the man into a martyr. I’ve seen it before.â€

“The kids…â€, Owen started to say.

“Would have just picked up where their father left off,†Finlay told him. “You have to think about the future. Haven’t I always told you that?†He studied Owen for a few silent moments. “Are you going to cry up like a newborn babe again? Like you did after I found you.†Walking up to his former student he put a hand on his shoulder, “They’re just mortals Owen. They are beneath us. The only reason why any of us are in this war is because, well let’s face it, we don’t have much of a choice.â€

Owen slapped his hand away. “You murdered an entire family.â€

“Get your head out of the clouds boyo,†Finlay told him. “They are the enemy. The enemy dies, that’s how war works.†Turning his back on his former student Finlay walked away. “I’ll let you go this time Owen, for old time’s sake. But next time you might not be so lucky.â€

“You’re not walking away from this Finlay.†He turned around as Owen removed his backpack and retrieved his long sword from inside.

“Are you challenging me boyo?â€, he said totally amused. Reaching for his broadsword he added, “You think you can take the man who taught you?â€

“Don’t call me boyo,†Owen told him plainly. Before either of them could move artillery fire came out of the woods. Owen ducked out of instinct while Finlay was riddled with bullets. Hiding his sword Jackson and the rest of the unit ran out of the forest.

“What in the hell did you think you were doing running off like that Peterson?â€, his commander demanded. Giving him the abridge version of event, the commander understood as he looked around. “Damn Krauts,†he said, “I don’t think they’re human at times. At least this is one less we’ll have to worry about. Get you gear back on soldier, we got to move before any of his friends show up.â€

“Yes sir,†Owen said absentmindedly. Staring at Finlay body, he entertained the notion of just taking his head right then and there. But he would be hard pressed to talk his way out of them seeing the Quickening, much less why he was chopping up a dead body. Even if he was the enemy. Grabbing his pack he quickly got back in the group and they headed off.

Walking next to him Jackson leaned in a bit and asked, “Are you ok Owen?â€

“I’m fine bo…â€, he started to say out of habit. Boyo, he never said the word before he met Finlay. Even he wasn’t even sure where he picked it up he said he just started saying it. Out of respect for his mentor Owen used it for a term of endearment for those he trained in the ways of the Game, or for very close friends. Now he wasn’t sure what to think. Instead he said, “I’m fine Jackson.â€

~now~

“They were an innocent family,†Owen said.

“It was war,†Finlay snapped. “How many times do I have to tell you that?†Natalya and Ser looked at the door as Susan came rushing out. “Two of my favorite students in one place, who would have thought.†When she didn’t say anything he said, “Susan we lived through the same time, more or less. Tell Owen he’s making a mistake at not letting this go.â€

“The only mistake,†She said slowly, “was when I let it slip that Owen was here. Owen told me all about it Finlay, there as no need to kill the entire family like that. What happened to you Finlay?â€

“I think that cross went to your head.†Finlay turned in disgust, “all of you are crazy. It was just a bunch of mortals.â€

“I let you get away once Finlay,†Owen said. “I’m not doing that again.â€

Slowly Finlay turned back around, “So you do think you can take me. Finally found your spine after all these years. Fine over there then,†he pointed to an empty lot. Owen nodded and both of them walked over. Natalya went to stop him but Susan got in her way.

“Get Serenity into the hospital,†she told her. When Natalya didn’t immediately comply she said, “Do what I say for a change Natalya.†Without another word she followed them over. Entering the lot she was confused when she found them just standing there, then she noticed the third man walking toward them. With a jewel covered cutlass resting on his shoulder he stared a hole into Finlay. “Scott?â€

“Never thought you see me again did you?â€, he said to the older immortal. “In case you don’t remember me let me give you a hint. Mid fifties back in Paris. There was a little bird I may or may not have had feelings for at the time. I stayed there for a month so I think I did, I never stay anywhere that long unless I got something going. And you killed her, in a church of all places. No Immortal is supposed to kill on holy ground.â€

“That only applies to other Immortals,†Finlay told him. “And she was a thief who took something important from my employer. He wanted to keep things quiet and gave me carte blanche. It was only business.†When Harris didn’t look convinced Finlay looked at him and Owen. “What is it with you crybabies and these pitiful humans? You breathe on them hard and they die.â€

Harris glanced at Owen, “He may be your teacher and all but as far as I’m concerned he’s all mine. Unless you have a problem with that?†Owen fingers found the scar on his neck. Eyeing Harris he wanted nothing more than to get a little payback. Instead he walked away and leaned on the wall next to Susan. Satisfied Harris brought his cutlass into position, “En guard.â€

“I’m going to enjoy this boy,†he said as he brandished his broadsword. Harris came in fast coming at Finlay in that pirate style of his. Finlay held his ground refusing to back up for this whelp of an Immortal. Suddenly Harris jumped back a bit causing Finlay to fall foreword a bit. He corrected his balance in time to block the cutlass. “Did you think you had me boy?

“I’m just getting started.†Harris pushed him back and came at. Watching from the sidelines Owen was still having a hard time keeping up with Harris’s blade. But from he was right about something he saw from before, the kid spent some time with Naoto. Although he did take some pleasure in the fact Finlay was looking frustrated with him as well. So much so he actually punched Harris in the gut. “Bad form,†he grunted as he fell to his knees.

“Too bad whelp,†Finlay sneered. He went for his head. Harris rolled foreword to avoid the slash at his neck. Finlay tried to pound the cutlass out of his hand with the broadsword but Harris was holding on to the hilt for dear for dear life. “Do you really think somebody as young as you can beat somebody as old as I am?â€, he demanded and brought the sword down one more time.

Again Harris blocked it. His face wasn’t showing any kind of struggle though. In fact he looked like he was enjoying this. “It’s happened before,†was all he said. He pushed him away then started slicing away at Finlay in the next second. Unable to get his sword up in time several long cuts decorated his upper body. As he fell to his knees Harris spun around and in one motion took his head clean off. Resting his cutlass on his shoulder again he waited until the Quickening came to him. “Rrrraaaaaaaaagggh!†arms out wide every inch of him felt like it was on fire as he absorbed the power from within Finlay. When it was over he dropped to his knees then popped back up to his feet and tried not to act a little woozy. “That’s always a rush.â€

“Why am I not surpriaid dryly.

“Are you going to have a problem with me now?â€, Harris said. “Fallen teacher, revenge and all that good stuff.â€

“We already have problems,†Owen told him, again fingering the scar on his neck. “But the only problem I have today is I didn’t do that years ago. We’ll finish this some other time.â€

“If you say so.†Harris returned the cutlass to it’s hiding place, “He felt old.â€

“He was fifteen hundred years old,†Susan informed him.

Harris whistled,†Too bad, that could have helped you against Big Evil.†Walking away with his hands behind his head he said, “Or maybe it wouldn’t. Who can say but fate really?â€

“Again with this Big Evil,†Owen said starting to follow him. “Who in the hell is Big Evil?â€

His answer was, “Ask the Sister, she was the one who told me. Oh and say hello to that little blue eyed bird for me. I might be seeing her again if the mood strikes me. She was fun the first time around.â€Owen turned to Susan but she was already gone.

 

[scikaiju]

He was getting sick of McAllister’s games. Every time he had a job he didn’t want to dirty his hands on he would call him. Like he was some fucking attack dog. One of these days he was going catch him off of holy ground. When he did he was going to take his time, draw it out as long as possible. But that was in the future, tonight Michel wanted to relax. Using the fortune he built over the years he bought an old ware house and converted a section of it into a modest looking apartment. The rest was either barren or modified to be his personal training area. With some Lacrimas Profundere playing in the back ground he held a wine glass filled with some of the purest bottled water he could find. He never drank anything that dulled his senses. Sitting back in a Victorian chair he liberated from an Immortal queen he defeated centuries ago he listened as the beats felt like they vibrated within him. The music was one of the few things he could actually stand in this time, it reminded him of some of the music he heard when he was a child.

Getting up he wondered over to one of several bookshelves along the wall. Studying the spine of each one he looked for something that fit his mood. If one were to ask McAllister about his collection he would swear on a stack of bibles he had nothing but books on how to torture a man. And truth be told he did have a sizable collection on the subject matter. But he had seen these methods first hand, if not experienced in some way. To read the words written by these so called experts… well there was a reason why he thought of it as the “comedy†section. But he wasn’t in the mood for that so he moved on to a section of book that Michel was certain that if McAllister ever learned about them it would leave him stunned enough to take his head. Several books of poetry lined the selves in the next couple of cases.

He smiled to himself as he studied the titles. He never would have looked at this if it wasn’t for a beauty of rare strawberry blond hair showed him there was more to this world than war and conflict. His one saving grace who almost changed him until… Shaking his head he lost the smile. Michel did not live this long remembering about the past. He did not forget it but he refused to live in it. His eyes settled on a book of poems from the eighteenth century that always pleased him so he took it and went back to his chair. Settling back into the chair he carefully handled the worn pages and started to read. His moment of tranquility was broken when he heard the rain fall on the windows.

He stopped and listened to the rain for the few moments. Rain, Michel had learned to hate the sound. Due to some cruel twist of fate all the major developments of his life happened in the rain. And very few of them were a pleasant experience or memory. Closing his eyes he remembered the day his life started on the path it did.

~1017~

He was nine years old and the sky poured down on top of him and his family. His Father was cursing their luck that day. Nothing seemed to going right for them at all. It was almost like the Gods were playing with them for their own amusement his Father had said. None of them was looking where they were going and ran into a group of drunken soldiers, an angry group of drunken soldiers. Both his father and the soldiers exchanged some angry words. Then they jumped on top of him. Taken by surprise his Father didn’t stand a chance. As he watched the soldiers kick and stomp at his father something inside young Michel snapped, he rushed in and grabbed the sword off of one who wasn’t watching. Swinging wildly he injured a couple of them before they were able to contain him. One was about to bring his sword down on his head when somebody grabbed his arm. “Stop this right now!†They recognized their troop leader and let go of young Michel immediately.

“This… boy attacked us,†he said trying to defend their position.

“After you attacked his father!â€, he snapped back. “If any of you showed the pure spirit he just did maybe we wouldn’t have lost that battle, or any of the others! Instead you would rather get lost in your sorrows instead of trying to get better.†One of them open their mouth and he was greeted with a fist to the jaw. “You do not get to talk!â€, he spat. “No get out of here before I take out my frustration on the lot of you!†They quickly did as they were told leaving the troop leader with the family. “What is your name?â€

“Dijkhuizen,†his Father answered as he slowly got to his feet.

“Congratulation,†he said, “your boy just became my new soldier. His training starts in the morning.â€

He walked away with Michel protesting, “I don’t…â€

“Quiet,†his father ordered and Michel obeyed immediately. “This might be the bit of luck we need.â€

The soldiers came for him the next day. The troop leader didn’t hold back on him because he was a boy. He trained him just as hard as the other soldiers under his command, if not harder. Several times a day Michel felt his fist every time he didn’t meet expectations. At one point the other soldiers started to taunt him as well making him mess up even more. One day he was in sword practice with one the soldiers who kept on making fun of his swordsmanship, “Not so good without catching somebody from behind are you brat.†He kept coming at him not giving Michel an inch or breathing room. Suddenly he cut him twice, once on the arm and on the leg.

The soldier laughed at him and the others soon joined in. Feeling the troop leaders eyes on him Michel felt his hatred grow. With a wild look in his eyes he charged the soldier. Swinging wildly he was able to drive the soldier back. So fierce was his attack he was able to knock the sword out of his hand. “Aargh!â€, with one swing of the sword he sliced through the man’s chest, blood spurting everywhere. He fell to the ground as the troop leader and the other swarmed around them.

One of the other soldiers checked the fallen man, “He’s dead.†They looked at him. The dead man’s blood running down his face he had the look of a wild animal being backed into a corner. The other started to draw their swords. Knowing their intent he raised his prepared to die on his feet.

“That’s the look I wanted,†the troop leader said as he rushed through his men. “I knew this little bastard had it in him.â€

“He killed…,†one of them started to say before he was silenced by a backhand.

“He was a moron who left himself be beaten,†he said. “It’s better the bastard died here instead of showing his stupidity on the battlefield. Training for the day is over.†The group started to disperse as Michel stayed his ground. “That rage you’re feeling, I can show you how to harness it. How to release it at just the right time. I can show you how to make your enemies fear you.â€

Michel was still speechless at what he just did. He knew he should be horrified at just happened. But instead he felt a sense of power for some reason. And he liked it a lot. “How soon can we get started?â€

~now~

Walking over to the window Michel watched the rain. As much as he hated it she loved it just as much. Bekah, he hadn’t thought that name in several lifetimes. He became a feared warrior just like his old troop leader said he would be. On more than one occasion he had heard those he was about to kill call him a demon. A nickname that quickly stuck. More than one of his fellow warriors called him by that moniker. It got to the point those in his village, even his own family, started to fear him. He didn’t care, al he wanted was the next battle.

But Bekah, she wasn’t afraid. For some strange reason she saw it as her mission to tame the savage beast he had become. He should have shoved her off, ignore her. But for some reason he let himself listen to her. Oh he told himself he was just humoring her, lining her up so he could ravage her at the first possible moment. In fact he saw more than one opportunity to do just that, but he never took them. He just sat there and listened. And wondered why she was wasting her time trying to show him there more then war in this world.

~1028~

Michel and the others had come back from a successful attack on other village who wanted a treaty with them. As always he earned his nickname, leaving several bodies missing limbs and the occasional head. More than a few were cut open and left for dead. And again she was waiting for him. Several others had tried to get her attention but she didn’t pay any attention to them. Every time anybody asked her why she was so fixated on him her only answer was, “I know in my heart we are meant to be.â€

She walked up to him and without a word led him back outside the limits of the village. “I just came this way,†he snapped.

“Tell me what you see?â€, was all she said.

He grunted but he told her what saw, “I see a battlefield. I see ground covered in bodies and the blood still flowing from their wounds.â€

“Very descriptive,†she said. Michel went to leave but she stopped him, “I see the sun setting and the clouds and sky colored in purple and red. I see the Gods painting a splendid picture we rarely see.†He was getting tired of this and went to tell her just that. But when he did he saw the sky and for a brief moment he saw what she did. Watching him she smiled, “Now that wasn’t so hard now as it?â€

“Why are you making me see this?â€, he demanded. “Why are you so determined to change me?â€

“I don’t want to change you,†Bekah told him. “Unlike the others I see the soul in the savage beast. I’m afraid if the soul dies the body will soon follow. And I will defy the Gods themselves before I let that happen.†The silence was deafening for several moments as they stared each other. Out of the blue she said, “So is that for bauble for me?â€

“What?†He looked down at his waist, there was a chain of gold hanging out of his pouch. He had forgotten he grabbed it off the original owner right before he killed him. Michel had no idea why he did it, he had never had before. Taking it out he handed it to her, “Take it if you want it, I have no use for it.†She was about too when he noticed it still had the previous owner blood on it. “Wait,†he looked around and saw a river. Making sure it was flowing away from the village he washed the blood off it as best as he could. Handing it back to her he said, “Nothing covered in blood should come into contact with someone as beautiful as you.â€

“Michel,†she said a little shocked, “That was the most poetic thing I think I ever heard you say. I didn’t know you had it in you.†Smiling she took his arm. He was surprised when she led him back to his home.

~now~

Michel watched the rain for several minutes before turning away. Any thoughts of relaxing disappeared as he grabbed his leather coat and headed for the door. There had to be an immortal out there that was fucking stupid enough to cross his path tonight. Walking around for an hour he didn’t feel anything, no immortals where around. And of course the mother fucking rain wouldn’t stop. Movement behind him told him that he was being followed, that he was certain about. Given the situation it was probably somebody looking to rob him. Alright he’d play along for the moment. Right now he’d take on anybody. Turning a corner he saw a figure stop and try to make it look like she was doing some window shopping. And it was a she, there was no mistaking that profile. Well this was a first.

He waited a little further down the street. Either way he was going to relieve some type of frustration tonight. She turned the corner and stopped when she saw him. A second later a group of men grabbed her and dragged her in an alley. One of them pointed a gun at him to warn him to stay away. He grinned in a way that made the gunman falter a bit before backing away. He let them have the woman, he really wasn’t in the mood any way. Michel got a good look at her face as they dragged her in and felt his heart grow cold. She looked exactly like… “No,†he said as he tried to walk away, “that’s not Bekah. She’s dead.â€

~1031~

It was raining, that should have been his first hint something bad was going to happen. Michel and his soldiers ran into another force that was more than ready for them. During the battle Michel found himself without an opponent. In fact the enemy force made sure the battle stayed as far away from him as possible. “Fight me you cowards!â€, he shouted at them. Then he saw movement in the background. Archers took aim and fired right before he noticed them. An arrow pierced his forehead right before the others struck him. The enemy picked that moment to rush him. Several swords violated his body before his army could drive them away from him. By all rights he should have died right then and there.

But he didn’t, in fact he had to endure the pain of pulling out each arrow all alone. Not sure what else to do he made his way back toward the village. Of course he should have expected the greeting he got. They had him cornered, the only thing keeping them away was the sword in his hand. Somebody came at him with a pitchfork but he quickly cut him down and dared somebody else to try their luck. Bekah made her way through the crowd and got between him and the mob. “Leave him alone!â€

“Get out of the way Bekah,†he said.

“Get out of the way woman!â€, the village elder ordered. “That isn’t Michel. It’s a demon taking his form.â€

“It is Michel,†she argued. “I know this man better than any one of you. This is Michel, I know it.â€

“He’s bewitched her!â€, somebody shouted. “Kill them both before they bewitch the rest of us!†The waves of agreement came fast and furious as they came closer. Michel got in front of Bekah and swung wildly at the crowd. Slowly he was able to get them closer to a way out. During it all Michel forgot the most important thing his old leader told him. Be aware of your surrounding. Some coward snuck behind and grabbed Bekah from behind. Michel turned around just in time to see the knife slit her throat. Time seemed to stop as he let her go and she fell to the ground. His heart beating again he ran in and ran his sword through him. Then he turned his attention toward Bekah. He saw the life leave her eyes as he held her.

Shaking in anger he looked at the crowd who suddenly started to back away. They looked at him like he was an beast. “You want an animal?†he said through gritted teeth. Griping the handle of his sword, the same sword the old troop leader gave him years ago, he pulled it out of the corpse as he rose, “You want a demon?†They backed up even more as he came toward them. The tip of the sword dug a grove into the ground, “I’LL GIVE YOU A DEMON!†He cut off the head of the first person he came across before any of them could react. Another lost an arm while another held the bloody stump of his leg. The carnage seemed to snap the others out of their fear and tried to swarm him again. Several more dead bodies decorated the ground before they finally made him back up. A few of the soldiers climbed on the houses and dropped on top of him, pinning him. Getting the sword away from him he held on tight as they hauled him up.

“BURN HIM!†somebody shouted and again the group agreed. They dragged him to the center of the village as other quickly gathered wood and prepared torches. Out of desperation he head butted one holding his right arm. Free from him he turned around and bit the one holding his left right deep in the neck. He screamed and tried to keep the blood from flowing. Swinging wildly he cleared himself some room to fight. Somebody came at him with a sword, his sword.

Michel caught his wrist and saw the fear in his eyes. “Keep your filthy hands off of my sword,†he growled right before he broke his arm and the sword fell out of his hands and stuck in the ground. Pulling it out of the ground he started fighting for his life again. With all his soul he wanted to make this entire village pay for what they did to Bekah. But his warrior instinct told him this was a fight he could not win, the numbers were more than against him. Slaying a few more of his fellow soldiers and any stupid enough to get in his way Michel escaped the village and get on going. Bekah was lost to him forever and he had no place to call home. This world told him he was a savage beast, a demon and he would be that. But he would not let this world kill his soul, that is what Bekah would have wanted. And he would do anything to keep that from happening, just to keep her spirit happy.

~now~

The gang tore at her clothes as she screamed. Michel stood at the opening of the alley and watched. The gang noticed him and stopped. Slowly he drew his red bladed sword as they stared at him. The tip scraping the ground he slowly came toward them. He started running as the gunman from earlier drew his weapon. Before he could take aim Michel was already on top of him and cut the hand holding the gun off the arm. He dropped to his knees as Michel quickly spun around and jammed the sword into chest. Grabbing another by the throat he freed the blade and sliced deep into the man chest. He swung again in a wide arc and the sword came into contact with the man’s neck. The head landed by the woman’s feet and she was too frightened to scream.

Lightning started to flash in the sky as he cut off the arm of another one. Not even thinking he jammed the sword into his throat and pulled the blade out. The last one started to back away but ran into a wall as Michel stood there. In another cruel twist of fate this fucking bastard looked exactly like the coward who killed his beloved Bekah. “Wh…what are you?â€, he stammered

“A beast,†he said. Then he started grinning manically, “A demon.†He charged the gang member who was too scared to even move. He didn’t even protect himself as the red blade came at him. Michel didn’t stop with one cut, even though he knew it was a fatal blow. He kept swinging and slicing at the body as it died and grew colder. By the time he was done it could be hardly called a body any more. He turned toward the woman who was still on the ground. She was trembling in fear, of him. He held out a hand and she recoiled. “Bekah…â€, he said as he came toward her, the rain made it look like the blood was following him. Finally she screamed and ran out of there. He started to chase after her but he stopped.is still outstretched hand slowly balled up into a fist. That wasn’t here, it could never be her. Punching the wall in frustration he screamed at the heavens pouring down at him.

The woman ran for a couple of blocks. Finding cover under a canopy she tried to catch her breath. After a few moments she pulled out a digital recorder and turned it on. “Watcher log, while trailing Dijkhuizen I was jumped. For some reason he saved me. I don’t understand why.†She was quiet for several minutes. Lowering the recorder she whispered, “How did he know my name?â€

 

[scikaiju]

Growing up Keith thought that he had a couple thing figured out about life. A good chunk of your money was going to taken by the Government. Your ideal life was going to be nowhere close to your real life. You get hit by a car chances were good you were going to die. Nothing major, nothing life shattering just simple, everyday facts of life. Then he was hit by a car and fully expected to be seeing the Pearly Gates as soon as he started to feel cold and his eyes start to close. Then he woke up in a body bag. The attendant who was about to close the metal drawer he was in screamed and **** his pants before he fainted. Keith almost joined him but his first instinct was to get out of there. He found a sheet to wrap himself in and tried to sneak out. He wasn’t sure how far he went but he did see an exit sign. That’s when he felt whatever it was and he froze. He looked around and saw a blond haired woman stare at him. He bolted for the door as she called out to him and he ran for his life.

Sticking to the alleys he tried to figure out what was going on. Why wasn’t he dead? Who could he go to? Who would believe him? Shivering in cold night air he wrapped the sheet around him as tight as he could. He froze as he felt that sensation again and grabbed his head trying to get it to stop. Keith looked up and saw a man with dark hair come toward him. “I knew you couldn’t have gone far†He started to run but the guy said, “Relax kid relax. Believe it or not I know exactly what you’re going through. You think you’re supposed to be dead right now and you’re not and it’s freaking you out. Trust me I’ve been there.†Keith stared at the guy, how in the hell did he know? He watched as he came forward a little bit and knelt down in front of him. “My name’s Owen.†Keith just started at him. “This is where you tell me your name.â€

He tried to make a name up but his brain refused to work. So he said, “Keith.â€

“Nice to meet you Keith.†He saw him shiver under the sheet and quickly took off his jacket. Keith jumped back a bit when he handed it out to him. “Put this on before you catch your death of cold. Trust me dying isn’t the worst part it’s the coming back.†Taking the jacket Keith put it on and felt warmer already. “The hospital isn’t far we can head back there.†The last place he wanted was to head back there. Owen picked up on it and said, “Or I know a church that’s pretty close. The Father will give you shelter for the night. Don’t worry you’ll be safe there.â€

“How do you know?â€, he asked.

“Because none of us would dare do anything in a church.†Keith quickly figured out that meant there were more of… whatever they were. “I better tell you that thing you’re feeling right now, that’s me. You felt it earlier at the hospital. That was my friend Susan, she the one who called me to help look for you. Chances are good you might feel it again from somebody else before too long.â€

“Why are you looking for me?â€

“Because there are some of us out there who wouldn’t think twice about…,†he paused. He looked thoughtful for a moment before saying, “There’s some really nasty guys out there and we wanted to find you before they did. I’ll explain the rest of it after the shock wears off. All of it is too much to take in at once.†Owen took him by the arm and helped him to his feet, “Come on boyo, let’s get going.â€

“What did you call me?â€

“Bo…,†he looked dismayed for moment as he realized what he said. “Nothing, come on I have a car over here.â€

He was right the Father at the church did take him in, found him some clothes and pulled out a roll away bad out of his office so he could sleep for the night. Keith overheard the Father and Owen talk but he quickly fell asleep before he could figure out what they were saying. The next day Owen visited him again and kept his word, explaining what they were and going into the Game and the rules they had to live by. Keith listened but he couldn’t wrap his head about what he was hearing. Guys were going to come after him and try to chop his head off? He would have been better off staying dead. But Owen assured him he’d do everything to prepare him for this life.

For the past four months Keith tried to pick up the sword fighting techniques but he was having a hard time getting it. Oh he was better now than what he was originally, in fact he was holding his own before Owen found a way to knock the kendo stick out of his hands. Owen was pleased with his improvements but Keith could tell he wasn’t ready for his first fight yet. Owen kept training him but he wouldn’t explain what a Quickening felt like, all he said he would have to experience that for himself because words couldn’t even begin to describe what it felt like. But he became like a (really) older brother to Keith and did just about anything Owen asked of him.

Today however he was questioning that trust as he helped Owen carry a heavy ass couch up a flight of stairs. Normally Keith wouldn’t have complained but he saw Owen was breathing heavy from the task and mumbling to himself. Both of them got the same idea and lowered the couch on the stairs to take a quick rest. Panting a bit Keith asked, “Why are we doing this again?â€

“Because I’m an idiot,†was all he said.

“OK that covers you but what about me?â€

“The blood contract,†Owen told him.

“I didn’t sign any contract.â€

“You didn’t have to,†he said. “I pricked your finger while you were crashing on the Father’s spare bed. It’s all perfectly legal.â€

“You’re kidding right?â€, Keith asked him. “Please tell me you’re kidding.â€

“Owen stop picking on the newbie,†Natalya called out from a couple of flights up.

“You pick on newbies all the time,†Owen informed her.

“I’m allowed,†she said as she came down the stairs, “I’m mean spirited.â€

“Excuse me,†Ser said as she came up behind them carrying a box. “This the last box Natalya, all we got left is the couch.†Keith watched her walk by, trying to pretend he was admiring the link chain belt around her waist but he kept looking and Owen caught him.

“It’s a skort, you’re not going to see anything,†he admonished him. “At least try not to be obvious about it.â€

“Some of us haven’t had three hundred years of practice at it,†Keith shot back.

“Most men learn how before they’re twenty boyo.†Natalya coughed to get their attention. She told them to hurry up with the couch. “Why did the freight elevator have to break down today?â€

“It’s been down for a couple of weeks, didn’t I mention that?â€, she asked innocently. She ran up the stairs when Owen took a step toward her. “Hurry up now,†she called back down when she got a couple of flight up. “You big strong men only have four more flights to go.â€

“I’m going to kill her,†Owen mumbled. “Alright boyo,†he said as they reached for the couch again. “Pick it up on three… three.†With a small strain they picked it back up. Both Owen and Keith looked up at the distance they had to go.

“Do you think she’d noticed if we ‘accidentally’ dumped it over the side of the railing?â€, Keith said as they got moving.

“Don’t temp me,†Owen grunted. They finally got it in Natalya’s new apartment and dropped it. She said it would look better somewhere else the moment they did. Owen shot her a look that made her say they could do it later. Owen sat on the couch to catch his breath and Keith joined him. “What was wrong with your old place again?â€, he said after a few moments.

“Nothing but the art store I was working at closed down,†she answered. “A lot of people and customers stop showing up so it was getting boring. I swear one headless body and everybody get’s their underwear in a bunch.†Owen opened his mouth, “And no comments from you thank you very much.â€

“I’m surprised you look so tired Owen,†Ser said. “Susan said she always marveled at your endurance.†The way she was smiling made Natalya stare at her for a moment then at Owen. Keith watched him smirk for a bit before noticing Natalya. Suddenly he was real interested in seeing where she wanted the couch.

She kept staring at him, “You did not sleep with a nun.â€

“She wasn’t a nun when I met her,†Owen quickly said. “And it was a really cold night. Besides how do you think I learned how to…,†he trailed off as he glanced at Keith and Ser. Walking over to Natalya he whispered something in her ear.

She immediately went bug eyed and pulled away from him. “We are never doing that again. Damn it I really liked that move too.†Owen shrugged and took a box labeled kitchen. “Then again it’s no wonder you were at least in my top five when I first meet you.â€

“You said I was top three,†Owen protested.

“After I worked on you,†Natalya informed him. “There still some room for improvement.â€

“Improvement my ass,†Owen said as he went into the kitchen.

“If you think you’re so good why are the two above you mortal?â€, Natalya shot back. “Chew on that.â€

“Slut!â€, rang out from the kitchen.

Looking angry for a moment Natalya shouted back, “Twenty two times and still not funny!â€

Keith looked over at Ser, “Maybe we should go.â€

“Relax,†Natalya told them, “if we were arguing you’d know it. Once that big lug gets back in here you guys can move the couch over by that window over there.†Keith looked that the window she was pointed at, way on the other side of the room. He moaned in protest but the girls pretended they didn’t hear him. A couple of hours later most of the heavy items were more or less in place. Owen volunteered to grab some food. “Can you go to that Chinese restaurant down town? I’ve been craving it all day.â€

“Sure, “ Owen said, “You want the usual?†Natalya nodded then asked them what they wanted. Keith said he have whatever they were having.

Ser looked at her watch, “I didn’t think it was this late. I got to go get ready for my shift at the hospital. Can I use your phone to call a cab?â€

“My motorcycle is right downstairs,†Owen said. “I’ll give you a lift.â€

“I don’t want to take you out of your way,†Ser said.

“It’s no problem,†Owen assured her. “Besides I don’t want you running into any trouble on the way home.â€

“You’re that concern for my welfare?â€, Ser said as she they headed for the door.

“I’m more worried about mine. Anything happened to you and Susan will kill me,†Owen said as he closed the door.

Keith picked up another boxed and was about to ask where Natalya wanted it when he saw how she was looking at him. “So it’s just you and me,†she said in this sultry voice. She walked up to him with her hands behind her back, “I already got the bedroom set up if you want to help me break it in properly.†His heart started to race as he began to sweat. Whispering into his ear she said, “Don’t worry I won’t tell Owen.†Keith actually squeaked right before she started laughing, “Owen would say that me being evil. I’m sorry Keith but after the way you were looking at me that first time I couldn’t resist.†He felt more relieved than he thought possible because he was sure Owen would kill him if he tried anything.

Trying to get his voice back to normal he said, “So how long have you and Owen been…?â€

“Fuck buddies?â€, she teased.

“Friends,†Keith quickly blurted out, “I was going to say friendsâ€

“You make this too easy. And not as long as I would’ve liked,†Natalya said. Looking out the window she continued, “Man I was such a piece of work back then. I don’t know what I would be like now if it wasn’t for that incident. I don’t think I’d even be alive now if it wasn’t for him and Susan setting me straight.â€

“You care a lot about him don’t you?â€

“Keith I love Owen,†she told him plainly. “If he ever lost his head I’d be after the bitch or bastard who did it the moment I found out. I like to think he do the same for me.†She looked back out the window, “He told me some of his history with relationships. I’m surprised he opened his heart to me after what happened to him.â€

“What happened?â€, Keith asked. “I asked him about it but he keeps changing the subject.â€

“It’s not my place to say,†Natalya quickly backtracked, “he wouldn’t like me talking about it.â€

“I know it has something to do with losing his wife,†Keith said.

“Wives,†She corrected him. “Owen was married twice, once before he became an Immortal and once after. I think losing his second wife hurt him more than losing his first one did.â€

“Was he away somewhere?â€, Keith prodded a bit.

“He saw her die,†Natalya said softly. “Some immortal bitch killed her and he couldn’t get to her in time to stop it.†Looking embarrassed she quickly said. “I said too much about it.â€

“Sorry,†Keith said feeling embarrassed too. “So if you guys care so much for each other have you ever tried living together?â€

“You ever hear of throwing a softball question?â€, Natalya said with a laugh. “We did try the living together thing back in the eighties actually. We lasted about eight months before we got on each others nerves so much we couldn’t hide it any more. A lot of things went were going against us, outside of my Father hunting Owen down that is. Wouldn’t that have been fun to explain if he caught us? But what we got now is good enough. We see each other every couple of years and catch up in various way. Then one of us leaves before we get tired of each other. It’s worked out pretty well so far. Of course I’ve heard of Immortals being married for centuries,†she started shaking her head, “I don’t see how they do it.â€

“If you don’t mind me asking but what happened?â€

“Well mainly it’s because we’re two totally different people. I like to live the high life while Owen’s a little more low key. I’m not the settling down in one place type, I have to move around every so often. Owen he can stand being in one place for years at a time. But the biggest thing was there was this whole ‘there can be only one’ bullshit hanging over our head. †Staring out into space she said, “I often wondered what would happen if we were the last two. Part of me thinks we just throw down our swords and be happy till the end of time.†Losing the look she added, “Another part hopes we at least have a week of mind blowing sex before we finished it.â€

“Wait... what?â€

“Keith we been drilled that there can be only one,†Natalya explained. “Besides I don’t know what would happen to the last two. There could be an overwhelming drive to kill each other at that point.†Keith quickly changed the subject, which Natalya appeared grateful for. He found out they had more in common that he would have thought while they talked.

Owen came back with their order in hand and looked at Natalya saying, “He’s still there.â€

“You’re kidding?†She explained what they were talking about for Keith benefit. “Owen found this place in the seventies and took me there a few times. The head cook was this blind ninety year old man who looked he had one foot in the grave. Thirty years later and he still there. I’d swear he’s an immortal if it wasn’t for the fact there nothing coming from him.â€

“I’ve been trying to figure out if it a relative of his or some kind of act. Besides the food the next best thing to actually eating in China.†Passing out the food Owen sat on the couch, then gave Keith a quick lesson on how to eat properly with chopstick since he never had eaten that way before. Owen was amazed at how fast he got the hang of it. “If we can figure out how you can take a head with a pair of those you’d be all set.â€

“Owen stop teasing him,†Natalya told him. The three of them started talking about various things. Suddenly Natalya said something in French. Owen got this glint in his eye as he replied in what Keith was pretty sure was Japanese. Natalya leaned in with a smile and spoke back in German. Owen then said something in Spanish and Keith got excited. He knew Spanish and quickly said something to join in. Owen slapped his head into his hand while Natalya tried not to laugh. “That was a nice try Keith.â€

“Never do that again,†Owen told him. Natalya slapped him in the arm.

“What was wrong with my Spanish?â€, he demanded.

“High school accent,†she informed him. “Look Keith let me give you one piece of advice. If you’re going to learn another language you have to learn it in that culture. You can’t go by a book. You have to go there and walk off the beaten path. You got to say the wrong verb. Try a new food by accident. Take a chance and kiss a total stranger.â€

“That last one’s just you,†Owen said as he grabbed the empty food boxes. Natalya slapped him on the leg as he passed. With break time over they went back to work. After a few hours Keith saw one last box on the floor that Owen picked up. “Where does this one go?â€

“I got that one,†she said. “It’s just small stuff any way.†She looked into it and saw a smaller bow, “Damn it I was supposed to give this to Susan at the hospital.â€

“The one a few blocks west from here?â€, Keith asked. “I passed it on the way from my place I can drop it off for youâ€

“Thanks Keith,†She handed him the box then gave him a quick peak on the cheek. “And thanks for helping me move my stuff in. And you,†She turned to Owen and gave him a kiss on the lips, “you I expect to be back here in a few hours fully rested and cleaned up so we can break this in properly.â€

“I’ll be back before you know it,†he gave her a quick couple of pats on the butt before letting her go and getting Keith out the door. Studying his mentor Keith was amused at how different he looked when he was around Natalya. Without thinking he commented on it out loud. “Let me put it this way to you Keith, she’s one of the best things that happened to me in long time. I don’t want to think what I’d be like if it wasn’t for her. If she ever died before I did I wouldn’t stop until I hunted them down because the person responsible would be living on borrowed time. I told Father Andrews I met up with after we were done. I talk to you later boyo, watch your back,†he patted him on the shoulder and headed off in a different direction.

Keith hurried up to make it to the hospital. He didn’t mind doing this for Natalya, beside it give him a chance to talk to Serenity if she had the time. When he got there he felt the buzz and tried not to panic. Then he saw Ser talking to some guy wearing eyeliner around his eyes. She didll that happy. He walked into the lobby and overheard. “You really didn’t give me a choice either way.â€

The guy, who was apparently English, replied with, “But I noticed you didn’t exactly try to get away. Just how you’re not exactly walking away now.â€

“Is there a problem here?†Keith asked.

With a slight bow he said, “Scott Harris, a pleasure to meet you. And who might you be?â€

“A friend of hers,†Keith told him.

“Well then a friend of the lovely creature to my left is a friend of mine. But three is company as they say so I think I’ll be the one who leaves. I’ll see you around my lovely little bird.†He bowed again and left the hospital.

“Who was that?†Keith asked Ser.

“Just somebody who knows Susan,†she answered. “Nobody particularly important. What’s with the box?â€

He forgot about it in his hands. “Natalya sent this over for Susan. Do you know where she is?â€

“She’s in the cafeteria. I’ll take you there. We can get a bite to eat too if you want.â€

“That’d be great,†Keith told her. He walked beside her but he didn’t see her look back at the doors. Harris was still standing outside. He waved goodbye, Serenity’s hand started to rise up and wave in kind but she quickly stopped herself. Giving all her attention to Keith they talked all the way to the cafeteria.