raze_flyn | Entries tagged with deadmanverse

Crossposts: http://raze-flyn.livejournal.com/136994.html

Crossposts: http://raze-flyn.livejournal.com/110792.html

Disclaimer: The various incarnations of the Highlander universe belong to Panzer/Davis and anyone I’m forgetting to mention. I am just borrowing them for my own and hopefully the enjoyment of other fans. Please don’t sue.

Note: This is part of the Deadman verse and takes place in the year 2003 for that fic verse. This takes place a few months after Long over due conversation.

Arrival in Paradise

She took a moment to appreciate the white sandy beaches as she strolled along looking for the bar where she was supposed to meet Richie. She had called ahead to make sure she could find him in this tourist trap that he’d chosen to live in. She felt a bit self conscious having so much more clothing on than everyone else but she wasn’t about to wander around without her sword. She preferred private beaches where she could keep her sword at hand near by without a nosey tourist finding it and raising a stink.

She finally arrived at the bar that was more of a shack with stools beside the beach. She felt another immortal then and turned to see Richie sitting there waving her over wearing a wet suit sitting next to a surf board. “Not that I don’t appreciate the view,” She said as she settled down taking in how tight the wetsuit was. “But I don’t think you could be hiding a sword in there.”

“No one will pick a fight on this beach too public,” Richie said under his breath. “And in my car I’ve got all the protection I need.” She personally thought he was being rather cocky but as she took another look around she realized he was right. This beach was so crowed with tourist that there was simply no privacy to pick a fight. “So why are you hear Amanda?”

“I came to get you to agree to come to Duncan’s welcome home party in a few weeks,” She said and saw his face fall. “Richie, Duncan is better he’s got a pair of new students and it would do him good to see you again.” She could tell he was still going to object so she decided to play one more card. “Joe wants you to come and unlike us he’s mortal Richie we don’t know how many years he’s got left one accident and he’s gone.”

“I’ll think about it but why don’t you come with me to my house where you can make yourself more comfortable,” he said looking at the suit case she had brought with her. He stood up carrying the surfboard with him. She followed actually grateful to get somewhere where she could loose a few layers of clothing. They were entering the parking lot heading toward what she assumed was Richie’s beat up SUV when she felt the presence of another immortal. She looked around and spotted him but he was waving to Richie who waved back nonchalantly. “Don’t worry that’s just Dallas a good friend.”

“Is his name actually Dallas,” She asked as Richie opened the back window and slid the surfboard into the back. She then handed over her suit case and Richie slid it through the opening as well. “And just out of curiosity how many immortals are on the island and are there any I should look out for?”

“There are four besides me who live here full time,” Richie said. “Most of them have no interest in the game so you don’t have to worry about a challenge from them it is mainly tourist immortals here on vacation who are the problem.” They got in the car then and Richie stopped talking while he navigated out of the busy parking lot. “Just last week I had to behead this tourist who wouldn’t take no for an answer on his challenge.” Richie sounded really annoyed. “I’m just glad Dallas helped me dump the body into an area where it shouldn’t be found.” He looked over at her with a smile. “Since a headless body turning up would be big news in such a tourist friendly place all us immortals here year round will help each other out when we have a body to dispose of.”

“I don’t know if I should find that touching or really creepy,” She said picturing the mixed bag of experiences she’d had helping folks hide a body. “So where exactly do you live?” They were heading into a more scenic area.

“It is up ahead was originally the site of a church that was wiped out by a fire and never rebuilt,” Richie said and she was liking the idea of staying at his house instead of a hotel even more holy ground was the safest place to stay. She took a quick look around at the neighbor hood and while it was comfortable it didn’t scream wealth just the sort of area she’d pick. “We might have company later another of those four immortals I mentioned likes to drop by in the evenings with his latest girlfriend of the moment and borrow my Jacuzzi.” He looked slightly indulgent. “Poor kid has only been immortal for a year now and his teacher never lets him have any fun at his mansion.”

“And his teacher has no problem with him hanging out at another immortals home?” She couldn’t think of many immortal who would allow that. She certainly never allowed her students to hang around with neighboring immortals unless he knew them very well.

“His teacher knows Mac and as I said all of us have to kind of help each other out so he’s fine with the kid coming over.” He seemed thoughtful for a moment. “You probably know him yourself Wakahisa Hideaki.” She flinched when Richie mentioned him.

“He’s on the island then it is best that I stay far away from his student.” She said seeing Richie smile he already knew about her history with the man the little brat. “You already know all about how he’s never forgiven me for stealing from him don’t you?”

“Yes, but don’t worry he’s currently out of the game since he promised his mortal wife no head hunting until after she has passed.” Richie said with a smile. “So he won’t come for your head unless you challenge him first.” He began to pull into the drive way of his home when the sensation of another immortal hit him. “Looks like Akoni might already be here.”

“He’s got a key to your house?” She asked and saw Richie shake his head. “Then how could he get inside?” He pointed behind his house to where there was a simple guest house. “He’s got a key to the guest house?”

“Yeah, in case the kid ever needs to take refuge on my house since its holy ground I gave him and the others a key to the guest house but no one gets in the main house without me being there.” She was still nervous walking towards the house. She had thought Richie had learned his lesson from his time dead but he seemed way to careless as they walked toward the house.

“Isn’t that a bit risky letting strangers have access to a key to part of your property?” She saw him smile then as if she was crazy. “It is a big deal showing that kind of trust Duncan doesn’t even give me a key to his house.”

“Because you just let yourself in whenever you feel like it,” Richie said with a laugh. “Most of the immortals on the island could pick the locks on my guest house in less than a second so it was just easier to give them a key.” He then pointed toward the guest house where a young dark haired Hawaiian was looking out the window nervously. “Besides that’s Akoni right there so I was right about who is here.” He then frowned. “Kid died at twenty one but looks younger than I am.” He looked over at her. “He’s going to have a hard time blending in I can only hang around for ten to fifteen years before I have to move on he’ll have to do it even quicker.”

“Looking young can also have some advantages.” She said speaking form her own oberservations and experience. “But getting back to another topic who’s the last immortal on the island you’ve mentioned your friend Dallas, Hideaki and Akoni but there’s one left.”

“That’s Mary but she’ll be leaving at the end of the month lived on the island for twenty years now so it’s time for her to pack up and leave for a couple of generations.” Richie said with a shrug. “She’s probably the least friendly on the island.” He then began to laugh. “Oh boy looks like Akoni took Dallas’ advice and broadened his horizons and now he’s embarassed.” She looked back at the guest house and saw the young man looking extremely embarrassed walking out with another young man who looked like a poster boy for a gay pride parade.

“Richie when you said you were meeting a friend I didn’t expect you to be back so soon.” The younger immortal said as his friend blatantly cruised Richie and then looked disappointed when he saw her. She threw her arm around Richie and smiled at the both of them. “I didn’t realize it was that kind of friend.”

“The two of you can join us if you like.” She said deciding this was going to be too much fun to pass up. “I’ll only watch if you don’t mind because while I certainly enjoy a good all male review my boyfriend wouldn’t approve me joining in.”

“Ignore Amanda she just has a warped sense of humor,” Richie said not missing a beat. “Don’t worry about things Akoni I’m heading in to get cleaned up and Amanda needs to unpack from her trip the two you can use the guest house as long as you want.” She watched as they made their excuses and left in a hurry. “Well come on Amanda I need to get out of this wetsuit and take a shower and then we can get something to eat.” She was beginning to think this was going to an eventful visit.

The End.

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Crossposts: http://raze-flyn.livejournal.com/95529.html

Disclaimer: The various incarnations of the Highlander universe belong to Panzer/Davis and anyone I’m forgetting to mention. I am just borrowing them for my own and hopefully the enjoyment of other fans. Please don’t sue.

Note: This is part of the Deadman verse and takes place in the year 2002 for that fic verse. This follows Merlin’s Revelation

A visit with a Sorcerous

“Greetings Duncan Macleod of the Clan Macleod,” The beautiful immortal shrine maiden said as he arrived at the steps leading up to her shrine. “I trust you had a pleasant journey from Zheng’s temple to my humble shrine.” He nodded as he followed her in glad this meeting was taking place on Holy ground. “There is something I have to tell you before we begin our discussion I am a member of the fourth covenant, Agathe of Sparta’s secret society.”

He was startled into stopping outside the gate of her shrine by that confession. “You are a member of that group who arranged for Richie to kill Cassandra?” She nodded and then headed inside clearly giving him the option to just turn and leave. He would have if he didn’t need her help to learn how to face Merlin. He followed her in and saw the shrine was deserted as he looked around. “Why tell me?”

“Because the man you know as Merlin told me to when he dropped in to announce your upcoming visit.” She said shaking her head. “He was very blunt that I would regret it if I was not completely honest with you about everything and I am no match for him in combat.” She glanced back at him. “So ask your questions and I will answer honestly but I would prefer if you didn’t ask me too many questions about the covenant.”

“You cannot help me if your magic isn’t strong enough to defeat his,” he said mind reeling from the explanation. “Do you know of any other sorcerers who have the magical power to defeat him that I can ask for help?”

“You misunderstand Merlin is better with a sword than I am,” She said surprising him. “Ask yourself this Duncan Macleod,” she said smiling darkly. “How did Cassandra lose to Richie Ryan when she had killed the only sorcerer alive older than Merlin, his former teacher Ananzi the trickster?”

He found himself frowning he knew from Joe that Cassandra had used her voice but Richie had used the same trick he did against Kantos to beat her. “Why didn’t Cassandra use that magic if she possessed it?” He was embarrassed that the answer had never come to him.

“Because she was smart enough to know that using the power of illusion in a fight is the quickest way to lose your head.” She gestured and chains wound around him pinning him in place. “These chains are not real it is my will that holds you,” She dropped her hand and the vanished. “They can last only as long as my will is greater than yours and in a fight to the death that isn’t always the case.” A serious look spread over her features. “Any of my ilk who rely on our more esoteric powers to win a fight are usually dead within a year take for example Kane killer of the great Nakano who within weeks of gaining his freedom returned to the game and died by your kinsman Connor’s hand.”

“So you are saying Merlin will not use his powers in our fight that I will be able to simply take his head like any other immortal?” He found the idea unbelievable. She continued walking deeper into the Shrine’s grounds so he followed.

“Yes and no,” She said after a moment. “Merlin will not use the power of illusion or some of the more draining powers,” she paused frowning to pick a stray weed from the ground. “However, he does possess some powers that like Cassandra’s voice can be used safely in a fight.” She turned back toward him. “And in truth I believe it would be a mistake for you to try fighting him, your destiny lies elsewhere and Merlin is no threat to you.”

“He helped make me think I killed Richie and gave me the experience of a false world where I was reunited with Tessa, for those crimes alone he should die.” He perhaps could have understood why he made him think he killed Richie but he couldn’t forgive the torment of letting him see a different Tessa.

“That world wasn’t false,” She said giving him a hard stare. “I do not really understand why they exist but they do exist and I have seen them.” She smiled a bit then. “For the longest time I doubted their existence until I learned to turn my prophetic gifts from looking into the future to looking side ways into parallel worlds.” Her face changed to be filled with wonder. “The things you see when you look at them are incredible and I greatly envy the man you call Merlin who can supposedly actually visit them as well as send others to them.”

“You are saying he physical sent me there,” He shook his head. “That is impossible my body did not disappear.” He was sure of that and had always assumed it was some kind of dream sent by Fritz before everything else happened.

“I was hoping not to have to show you this,” She said and began to lead the way toward a small tool shed. “Please do not tell anyone about what I am about to show you.” She glanced back at him and he nodded wondering what it was. Inside the building she opened a trap door in the floor and headed down into it. He followed into a stone room that had a huge steel vault door with a tiny window set in it. “Look through the window and tell me what you see,” she said sadly.

He looked into the room and saw a strange glass coffin with an exact double of her laying within it. “Is that you?” He asked and she nodded. “How is that possible I can feel your presence and the weed is all this just an illusion?”

“No, this is a special form of astral projection that creates a second body for my spirit,” She said looking away. “It is virtually just as real as my own body except I cannot receive a real quickening in this form taking one would simply shove me back into my own body without me receiving anything from it.” She then turned back with a sad smile. “It has a major draw back however once dispelled by quickening or by my own choice I cannot do it again for ten times the amount of time I inhabited the false form.” She looked away again. “If I spend an hour in this body then it is ten hours before I can do it again.” She turned back smiling. “I do not know what affect it has on Merlin but it is probably less than that for him since he has mastered this ability to a much higher level.”

“What happens if you lose your head in that form?” He asked as he wondered if he’d been in real danger in that world. She looked absolutely horrified as she turned back toward him. “I take it that it is a terrible out come?”

“One of the worst,” She said with real fear. “Those who lose their head in a false form live but their esoteric power the thing that makes them special is gone forever.” She shuddered. “It happened to my teacher and he was never the same.” She then turned toward him. “And before you ask I have no idea what would happen if you had lost your head it was your essence but Merlin’s power that made it possible,” She said and then paused looking thoughtful. ”I do not know if he would have lost his power or if the power sleeping inside of you would have been destroyed instead.”

He could clearly see she was wondering about that. “I have only one more question and then I will go,” he said knowing he had a lot to think about. “I know you don’t want to answer this but what is the goal of the society of Agathe’s?”

“We have three goals,” She said calmly. “The first is to discover the truth about the game and why it exists, the second to do our best to ensure the game never ends and finally if the game must end to ensure the winner is not an evil immortal.” She turned a sad smile on him. “We do not believe any immortal should have the power of the prize but if someone must win it then we want them to be good.”

That raised a lot of questions but he decided not to ask anymore. She had given him a lot to think about and he needed to return to Zheng and get his opinion on things. “Thank you for your assistance Sorcerous.”

“Good-bye Duncan Macleod of the Clan Macleod,” She then smiled. “And my name is Chiyo.” He thanked her again and followed her back up and out of the shed. She stopped when they got out and saw a teenaged Japanese girl walking around listening to music loudly smacking gum. “The shrine is closed for cleaning didn’t you see the sign?”

He hadn’t seen the sign himself but he supposed he might have missed it. “I saw it but it doesn’t apply to me Chiyo,” The girl said in a distinctly male voice. “Told you that you wouldn’t recognize me Macleod.” Then the girl was gone replaced with a character from the Wizard of Oz film.

“Merlin,” he said darkly recognizing the form of Oz the great and powerful. “You have a great deal of nerve showing up in front of me again.” He turned to glance at Chiyo but she was gone. “Chiyo, where is she what did you do to her?”

“She’s fine just back in her body,” Merlin said shaking his head. “She panicked and ended the false body when she figured out who I was.” Merlin was looking toward the shed. “She should join us in her real body soon and then I can answer the question bugging her.”

He debated challenging Merlin and seeing if he’d accept. They could leave the holy ground of the shrine and find a safe spot for a fight. “I am sorry, Duncan,” Chiyo said as she exited the shed in her real body. He really couldn’t tell the difference.

“No big deal I’m used to my fellow sorcerers cancelling false forms when I show up,” Merlin said with a twisted smile. “They seem to think since I cut the Oath breaker’s false forms head off I’d do it to them.” He saw Chiyo’s eyes widen in recognition at the mention of whoever the Oath breaker was. “If your curious Macleod the Oath breaker is the man Agathe expects you to kill and you’ll learn the full story from her later.”

He was getting tired of being told he’d learn things later. “Why are you here?” Chiyo asked a hint of fear still in her voice. He wondered how good with a sword Merlin was to install that kind of fear.

“To answer your question about what would happen if Macleod there had lost his head in the other world,” Merlin said looking at them as if they were stupid. “It would have destroyed the power sleeping inside him and prevented him from ever existing as a false form again.” He smiled over at Duncan. “I thought that was an acceptable risk to try to show you how important you are to the world.”

“So you wouldn’t have suffered any side effects?” Chiyo asked her fascination seeming to override her earlier fear. He didn’t care if Merlin was risking side effects but out of respect for her. He kept his mouth shut and focused on figuring out how to get Merlin off holy ground so he could end him.

“No, I created it but it was maintained by Macleod’s essence so I was in no danger except during the moment of creation.” Merlin’s smile turned sad. “Don’t worry Macleod the next time you see me will be the last and it isn’t going to be for a few years so get on with your life.” Merlin was gone seconds later.

“That is good advice Duncan Macleod,” Chiyo said softly. “It could be decades before you see Merlin again so you would do well to move on with your life and face him when he returns.” She then turned back toward the house behind the shrine. “I must take my leave I need to rest to recover my strength,” she turned back toward him. “I wish you good luck and hope you find happiness along your path.”

He watched her walk away getting the impression she wasn’t going to speak to him again. He wondered what she’d do if he called out to her and asked for more information. He suspected he wouldn’t like it so he turned and headed toward the exit of the shrine. He would go discuss things with Zheng.

The End...

REVIEW HERE

Disclaimer: The various incarnations of the Highlander universe belong to Panzer/Davis and anyone I’m forgetting to mention. I am just borrowing them for my own and hopefully the enjoyment of other fans. Please don’t sue.

Note: This is part of the Deadman verse and takes place in the year 2002 for that fic verse.

Merlin’s Revelations

“Tell me, Duncan, did you know that the legends of King Arthur were based on a group of Immortals?” Zheng asked as they walked through the recesses of the monastery. He was a bit shocked at that strange statement since before they’d been discussing how his memories of killing Richie continued to remain even though all the other memories Cassandra had given him had faded.

“No, I didn’t,” He admitted after a moment. “I’ve heard of immortals who claimed to know or be someone from the myths but never heard it said the myths themselves were based on immortals.” He wasn’t sure he believed it even though Zheng was a good sixteen hundred years older than him.

“Yes, they were according to the immortal we will be speaking with today.” Zheng looked concerned as he went on. “According to him, he is one of the three immortals who together inspired the myth of Merlin and while it isn’t his name he has asked that we refer to him as such.”

“Do you believe he really helped inspire the myth of Merlin?” He asked not finding the idea as ridicules as he once would have. After everything Cassandra had done he was a lot more open minded about magic.

“I do not know if the story is true but he is powerful and ...” He suddenly stopped looking past him. “And he has apparently been right behind us for a while.” He spun around to see a short figure with long white hair and a huge white beard.

“I hope this look is appropriately wizardly,” the old man said with a laugh and the sensation of another immortal slammed into his head suddenly. “I really have to figure out how to block my presence from other immortals without blocking my own ability to sense them.” The old man said walking past them. “Even after two thousand years the head rush when I end the parlor trick still hurts a bit.”

“You’re Merlin?” He asked once the sensation dropped to a normal level. It had been centuries since the presence of another immortal had hurt that much. The old man merely nodded and settled himself down on a meditation rug.

“My Friend must you wear such a silly form I had hoped you would wear the face you usually wear when we interact,” Zheng said speaking up finally. “I think it would help Duncan if you assumed a more appropriate form.”

“Just be glad I didn’t come as Oz the great and powerful,” Merlin said with a smirk that just looked out of place on the old face. “I am here because you requested my help with Duncan’s persistent memory that refuses to fade, how I look has no bearing on my ability to explain the lingering memory of him beheading Richie Ryan in Paris.”

“I do not know if I want help from someone who refuses to show his real face,” He said as he regarded the old man with suspicion. He had never liked immortals who went to great lengths to disguise themselves.

“Do not tempt me to turn you into a toad Duncan Macleod,” The old man said his eyes glowing with an eerie light. “There are only thirteen immortals on the entire planet who know my true face and neither you nor Zheng will ever be one of them.” He then laughed. “Nothing personal but for all my power I cannot survive a beheading any better than any other immortal.”

He felt an old bit of fear from his childhood at the threat of being turned into a toad. He didn’t really believe it was possible but the old fear of witches and warlocks remained deep down from his youth. “Can you tell me why some immortals have powers and some don’t?” He finally asked around the old fear. “How is it Cassandra could steal the powers of another wizard but when I killed Kantos I never gained his powers.”

“You did gain his power, you just can’t use it yet,” Merlin said smiling darkly. “As to why some immortals are born with powers, well that I can’t answer it has just always been so.” He produced three candles each a different color and set them in front of him. “Let me finish my explanation before you ask any questions.” It was difficult but he nodded his head in agreement.

“Think of this gold candle as those rare immortals like myself and Cassandra who are born with the potential for power,” He tapped the candle and it lit. “Now the power can be useful like Kantos or basically useless like the guy I once met who could see exactly five minutes into the past.” Merlin smiled slightly and then it was replaced by a haunted look. “Or it could seem useful and back fire horribly like what happened with Kol’tek.” It was all he could do not to flinch at the mention of his friend who had suffered the dark quickening. “He was able to help so many others because of his ability to draw in the negative aspects of others but he was unable or unwilling to release that negativity back into the world.” Merlin looked away. “Eventually the poison pool inside of him grew too large and erupted corrupting him and you when you took his quickening.”

He could still remember the things he’d done under the influence of the dark quickening. “But I’m getting off track the important thing is those of us born with power have it from birth and well when we lose our head the person who took it gets our power.” He then gestured and the top of the gold candle flew off. “Now when the person who took it can use it depends entirely on how old they are.” Merlin tapped the white candle. “For some reason immortals not born with a power can only use it once they have been immortal for one thousand years.” The old man shrugged his shoulders. “That also affects how it develops by the way those over a thousand get the power exactly as it was for the other immortal immediately assuming they understand it well enough.” Merlin smiled. “That’s how Cassandra could kill Ananzi and use his powers immediately.” The old man then pointed at him. “However, in cases like yours sometimes the powers change while they were dormant because of exposure to other powers, you yourself have killed three immortals with power so your power when it manifest will be different but have aspects of all three.”

He was disturbed at the thought that in a few centuries he’d have to deal with having some kind of power. He didn’t like what it seemed to do to those with it. “I suppose your wondering why you don’t see more immortals with power running around?” Merlin said and he saw Zheng nod his head. “The reason for that is represented by this third candle.” He watched as Merlin tapped the black candle. “You see power only transfers when it is active when someone like Duncan here loses their head the power sleeping inside them is lost forever.” Merlin gesture and all three candles melted away into nothing. “Immortals with power tend to lose their heads to active resourceful immortals like Duncan here and most immortals as active as he is tend to lose their heads before they make it to the millennia mark.” Merlin then got a serious look on his face. “Now I think you can guess why Agathe used such a young immortal to kill Cassandra,” Merlin said darkly. “It doesn’t matter if he lives a thousand years or not for now Agathe doesn’t have to include Cassandra or Ananzi’s powers in her schemes for the next millennia.”

He thought about Richie and frowned as the implications hit him. Richie would most likely never make it to a thousand years so everything Cassandra could do would be lost forever. He was surprised how relieved he was about that. “So you know this Agathe of Sparta and her secret society?”

“Oh yes, I know her,” Merlin said with a dark smile. “I was in the previous incarnation of her society with her, and the rise and fall of that incarnation of the society is what inspired the myths of King Arthur.” He was stunned by that statement. “Ask me no more about that Duncan Macleod you’ll learn about all of that in time.”

“Perhaps now Merlin you can answer the question I brought you here to answer,” Zheng said before he could try to get Merlin to talk about Agathe. “I have done all I can but the implanted memory of him killing his student remains and continues to trouble him.”

“That’s not an implanted memory,” Merlin said simply, “Cassandra didn’t save Richie I did.” His shock caused him to yell out in surprise and even Zheng made several curse filled statements at that remark. “Sit down and I will explain.” He didn’t even realize he had risen to his feet.

“You have to understand Macleod that Ananzi was my teacher and friend so when I learned he had died I went after Cassandra,” Merlin looked sad. “I arrived in Paris and realized she planned to change Richie’s fate from death at the hands of Maco’s ex wife to death at your hands.” He started to ask but Merlin held up a hand. “She needed the trauma of you killing your student as a way into your head.” The old man looked tired all of a sudden. “You can’t begin to understand how difficult pulling him out and replacing him with an altered body I stole from the morgue seconds before your blade loped his head off was.” He then sighed, “Not to mention faking a quickening.”

“You were responsible for me thinking I killed Richie,” He said angrily. He hadn’t been this angry in years. He knew if they weren’t on holy ground he’d be trying to take the old man’s head. “I should kill you for that.”

“She would never have stopped Macleod until you killed someone you loved and I didn’t have the strength to save anyone else so I let her have her doorway into your head.” Merlin said as if he was simply stating a fact. “I am not all powerful and it took me months to recover enough to give you that glimpse of what the world would be like without you.” Even as he said it for a split second the old man was gone and Fritz was there smiling at him.

“You were responsible for that false world,” he practically screamed. He felt Zheng grabbing him to keep him from attacking Merlin. “You are no better than Cassandra screwing with my head for your own amusement.”

“Not a false world just a different one,” Merlin said with a strange smirk. “There are many worlds Duncan Macleod more than you can imagine that was simply one of them.” The old man stood up. “I have seen worlds where the game is over and the prize won,” Merlin smiled then and continued. “I have seen worlds where immortals are simply alien refugees from another world,” Merlin laughed as he said that. “I have seen worlds where the game is a cruel lie to keep immortals under control.” the old man grimaced. “and I have no idea if the game in our world is true or false and it is wonderful and horrible not to know.”

He managed to pull free from Zheng and tried to punch the old man but before he could he was thrown back through the air to land hard on the ground. “I will kill you if I ever see you again,” He said weakly staring at up at Merlin who was still smiling.

“No you won’t Duncan Macleod of the clan Macleod,” Merlin said a smirk back on his face. “You won’t even recognize me when next we meet.” The old man then began to simply fade out of sight. “Until then Duncan Macleod try to keep your head.” He was then simply gone no trace of him left anywhere.

“I am sorry Duncan if I had known how this would go I would never have asked him here,” Zheng said holding out a hand to help him up. He took the monk’s hand calmly and shook his head. “I have never seen him act this way before in all the previous times I sought his advice he was reserved and noble. “

“It isn’t your fault Zheng,” He said quickly. “I just have to find information on how to face him again when he returns.” He thought for a moment and then turned towad the monk. “Do you know of any other sorcerers, someone who can explain how he does that?”

“I know of one other,” Zheng said almost reluctantly. “She lives in Japan but it has been many centuries since I last spoke with her.” He watched as Zheng looked reluctant. “I will attempt to contact her and make arrangements for you to meet with her.”

“Thank you,” He said feeling better. He would definitely need help if he was ever going to face the immortal calling himself Merlin again. He couldn’t help but worry a bit that the next sorcerer would be as unbalanced as all the rest he’d met.

The End

REVIEW HERE

Disclaimer: The various incarnations of the Highlander universe belong to Panzer/Davis and anyone I’m forgetting to mention. I am just borrowing them for my own and hopefully the enjoyment of other fans. Please don’t sue.

Note: This is part of a fic that is set in the world of Highlander the series. It takes place in the year 2000 in a world where Endgame and it’s horrible sequel never happened. So basically nothing after The Raven will matter to this fic. The Dynamite comics are also not going to feature in this universe despite supposedly taking place in the TV series universe.

This is one of several fics dealing with different aspects of a major series of events in this fic’s universe.

Confrontation

The quickening left him feeling weak and annoyed that he’d been forced to take a quickening at all. The girl was clearly out classed and he wouldn’t have even killed her if she hadn’t called him by his actual name. He just knew that Cassandra was behind this somehow there was no other explanation.

He felt the sensation of another immortal approaching and braced himself for the worst. “I’m too late you took her head,” A familiar voice said and he saw Duncan sinking to his knees. “Why did you take my wife’s head Methos; now there’s no saving you.”

“Your wife,” he asked a bit startled. He knew it had been a few years since he’d seen Duncan but he thought he’d have been invited to a wedding. “Duncan, what are you talking about since when have you ever been married.”

“It is already starting isn’t it,” Duncan said standing up and pulling out his sword. “Ahriman is taking you over I have to kill you to end it.” He didn’t even have time to object to Duncan’s rambling before he was attacked by Macleod. He realized early on this was bad in perfect shape he’d had difficulty with Macleod just a few minutes after a quickening he wasn’t going to last long. “I am sorry you have to die but there is no other way to save the world from Ahriman.”

He blocked another blow aimed at his head and realized he either had to figure out a way to put Macleod down without killing him soon or one of them was going to lose their head. The way the fight was going it was probably going to be him. He could almost hear Cassandra laughing at the idea of Duncan being the one to kill him. He lost his footing then and hit the ground he was done for there was no way Macleod was going to miss that opening when suddenly Duncan dropped his sword and screamed.

It was surreal and disturbing but experience had taught him not to let such sights distract him so he got up and scrambled back away form Macleod putting some distance between them to give him options if Macleod picked up his sword again. Macleod didn’t he just stopped screaming and walked over to look at the woman who’d challenged him earlier. “She’s not my wife I don’t even know her.” Duncan then collapsed and he cautiously approached.

He nearly jumped when his phone rang. “Hello,” he said and heard Joe’s panicked statement about Macleod hunting him. “Don’t worry Joe he’s already attacked me, snapped out of it and collapsed I’ll tie him up and bring him by the bar,” He hoped he sounded relaxed and confident he didn’t want Joe to know how nervous he was. He hadn’t come that close to losing his head in quiet a while.

The End.

REVIEW HERE

Disclaimer: The various incarnations of the Highlander universe belong to Panzer/Davis and anyone I’m forgetting to mention. I am just borrowing them for my own and hopefully the enjoyment of other fans. Please don’t sue.

Note: This is part of a fic that is set in the world of Highlander the series. It takes place in the year 2000 in a world where Endgame and it’s horrible sequel never happened. So basically nothing after The Raven will matter to this fic. The Dynamite comics are also not going to feature in this universe despite supposedly taking place in the TV series universe.

This is one of several fics dealing with different aspects of a major series of events in this fic’s universe.

Goodbye and good luck

The phone’s incessant ringing woke him up from a deep sleep. He grabbed it haphazardly and winced as his eyes settled on the time. “It is four a.m. this better be important,” he managed to growl out even as he felt Michelle shifting against him.

“Is Michelle there,” Amanda said concern clear in her voice. “I woke up to make an international phone call and she isn’t in the guest room.” He wasn’t in the mood to be understanding so he shook Michelle awake and handed the phone to her.

“Amanda calm down I’m fine,” He heard her say as he dropped his head back down onto the pillow. He knew Amanda and the others still weren’t sure it was really him but calling him in the middle of the night was just stupid. If he’d meant her any harm Michelle would have been dead a dozen times over this week as often as they’d been alone. “Yes, Amanda I slept with him and it isn’t the first time,” Michelle said clearly annoyed. “Yes everything is exactly the same size and shape as I remember it.”

He found himself smirking with suppressed laughter at the thought of Amanda actually going there. He knew it would occur to a lot of folks but only Amanda would have the nerve to ask over the phone in the middle of the night. He took the phone from Michelle causing her to raise her eyebrow. “Look Amanda it’s late you can question her about my body and the sex we had when you take her to the airport later this morning.” He hung up the phone knowing Amanda would be pissed at him but he just wanted a few hours more of good sleep.

“You know I could stay on here until everything is resolved,” Michelle said speaking up. “I mean it isn’t like I have that great a life to get back too another week or two off here in Paris won’t hurt.”

“It might,” He said quickly. “Things are going to get messy when Duncan shows up.” He saw her frown. “It would be best if you are as far away from here as possible.” He could tell she was about to object so he quickly added. “It’ll only make things more complicated Duncan isn’t going to listen to anyone else the only person who can convince him I’m me is me.”

“I guess that’s true, he is really stubborn,” Michelle said and he was relieved. “You know though if I leave you probably won’t get another chance at sleeping with me.” She said in a teasing voice. “At my University there’s this guy who’s been asking me out constantly and I’ll probably say yes once I get back.”

“We both knew this would be temporary,” He said seeing her eyes widen in shock a bit. “Just like last time it was a lot of fun but I doubt we are cut out for the Duncan and Amanda route.” He couldn’t see himself having an on again off again relationship lasting centuries if he even lived that long.

“I think it is kind of romantic,” Michelle admitted. “But your right that I can’t see us doing it.” That seemed to be all that needed to be said and soon he drifted back off to sleep. He woke up some time later to see Michelle fully dressed. “I’ll let myself out I need to get back to Amanda’s to grab my stuff before I leave good luck with Duncan.”

“Goodbye and good luck to you too,” He said as she headed to the door. “Be sure to keep your head.” He considered going back to sleep as the door closed behind her but he instead he got up and headed toward the shower. He had things he needed to do to get ready for the inevitable confrontation with Cassandra.

The End

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Crossposts: http://raze-flyn.livejournal.com/23255.html

Disclaimer: The various incarnations of the Highlander universe belong to Panzer/Davis and anyone I’m forgetting to mention. I am just borrowing them for my own and hopefully the enjoyment of other fans. Please don’t sue.

Note: This is part of a fic that is set in the world of Highlander the series. It takes place in the year 2000 in a world where Endgame and it’s horrible sequel never happened. So basically nothing after The Raven will matter to this fic. The Dynamite comics are also not going to feature in this universe despite supposedly taking place in the TV series universe.

This is one of several fics dealing with different aspects of a major series of events in this fic’s universe.

Aftermath

He watched seated on a bench as Mac was walked into the churchyard by Amanda. Duncan Macleod of the clan Macleod didn’t look like himself at all. He couldn’t help but wonder if he’d looked that bad when he’d first had to face what Cassandra had done to him. “You look like shit Mac,” He said attempting some levity.

“Richie,” his former teacher said and then sat down looking uncomfortable. Amanda quickly excused herself leaving the two of them alone. He waited ignoring the uncomfortable silence he wasn’t going to make the first move the ball was in Mac’s court this time. “I want to believe it’s you but I still remember killing you.” Mac finally said after a while.

“So do I Mac,” He admitted. “Well not dying but you swinging at my neck.” He ignored the old anger and feelings of betrayal now wasn’t the time to talk to Mac about that. He could tell Mac wasn’t sure how to respond to that so he decided to throw him a bone. “Have you talked to Connor yet?”

“Yes, it was good to find out he’s alive and all that trouble with Kell never happened,” the highlander said. “After talking with him those memories are fading away and I can remember that I was actually just sitting with Cassandra in the middle of no where.” He knew what was coming next. “The memory of the race track isn’t fading and I can see you, can you explain that?”

He could tell that Mac was desperate to believe it was really him. “Isobel thinks it’s because that was the first time Cassandra was using Anansi’s powers.” He said calmly. “She thinks Cassandra put more power into the fake memories than she needed so they will linger longer.” He wasn’t going to tell the older immortal any of the other possible theories Isobel had proposed.

“So it will just take time,” Mac said sounding relieved. “I look forward to putting his behind us.” That sounded incredibly rehearsed and kind of pissed him off. He knew from personal experience that this had to be awkward for Mac since he just found out he’d spent the last three years living a lie but it still pissed him off.

“I don’t know if we can put it behind us Mac,” he said letting his anger show. “You came for my head for a third time.” He saw Mac flinch. “Every time someone or something misses with your head you seem to decide my head is good target.” He saw Mac look down looking like a kicked dog it wasn’t the reaction he expected. “Fact is Mac I don’t think we can be friends anymore at least not now.”

“I’m sorry Richie,” Mac said and got up. He reached out quickly and snagged his arm. “I though you’d said all you need to say?” He pushed his annoyance away at Mac deciding on a course of action and making the situation all about him.

“No, I haven’t,” He said and Mac nodded and sat back down on the bench. “Fact is Mac I want things to go back to how they used to be but frankly that can’t happen until you deal with what Cassandra put you through and figure out why you keep going for my head.” He shook his head. “I also have to deal with what Cassandra did to me and figure out if I’m still the same Richie Ryan I was before she decided I’d make a good back up plan.”

He could see Mac thinking about what he’d said. “Where will you go?” He was glad Mac wasn’t offering to try to help him figure things out. He wondered how hard it was for Mac not to but in like he would have three years ago.

“I dunno, I’m thinking about Hawaii or Australia maybe learn to surf,” He said picking the first idea that came into his head. “I’ll keep in touch with Joe and Amanda.” He saw the slightly hurt look in Mac’s eyes. “And I’ll write and phone occasionally I think we need a couple of years away from each other for a while.”

Mac nodded and looked over at the Church. “At times like this I wish Darius was still here.” He nodded in agreement. Darius would have been a great help. “If you need anything don’t hesitate to ask.” He should have known Mac wouldn’t be able to resist saying that.

“Same goes for you,” He said knowing Mac would never call him for help. “Any idea on how your going to work through what Cassandra did?” He asked curious because if Mac was just going to deal with it on his own he was never coming back around him.

“I haven’t decided yet,” his former teacher said. “There is an immortal monk in Tibet that Marcus Constantine recommended who supposedly has experience with similar situations.” He just nodded. “I plan to discuss it with Methos and see if he knows anything about the monk’s history.”

“Sounds like a plan,” He said as he got to his feet. “I’ll see you in a couple of years Mac.” He saw the older immortal start. “Good luck and try to keep your head.” He wondered how Mac took it because he meant it both ways.

“Good bye Richie,” Mac said from where he was still sitting on the bench. “I hope to see you again on better terms soon.” He nodded and walked off. He saw Amanda hurrying over to Duncan so he headed off to plan his own future.

The End...

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Crossposts: http://raze-flyn.livejournal.com/20286.html

Disclaimer: The various incarnations of the Highlander universe belong to Panzer/Davis and anyone I’m forgetting to mention. I am just borrowing them for my own and hopefully the enjoyment of other fans. Please don’t sue.

Note: This is part of a fic that is set in the world of Highlander the series. It takes place in the year 2000 in a world where Endgame and it’s horrible sequel never happened. So basically nothing after The Raven will matter to this fic. The Dynamite comics are also not going to feature in this universe despite supposedly taking place in the TV series universe.

This is one of several fics dealing with different aspects of a major series of events in this fic’s universe.

I know I said Endgame did not happen in this fic verse but this fic treats it as if it did. All you need to know is that Duncan believes the events of Endgame happened.

The Demon Returns

He approached the house that he and Kate shared back home in the highlander of Scotland with the grocery bags. He was looking forward to a quiet evening at home when he heard the scream that clearly came from his wife. He dropped the bags and pulled out his sword heading immediately for the source of the screams. He arrived to find his wife convulsing in mid air while Cassandra chanted below her as a stone glowed in the middle of a strange circle. He had no idea what was going on but he knew he had to stop it. “Stop this,” he said angrily running forward to grab Cassandra. She turned a look of horror on him.

“Thank you, Duncan,” A disturbingly familiar voice said from the direction of his wife. He turned to see Kate fling out her hand and send Cassandra flying. “That witch nearly pulled me out of my nice new body.” The voice coming from his wife was one he’d never forget.

“Ahriman?” He asked knowing there was no other explanation for James Hortan’s voice coming out of Kate’s mouth. His wife’s body nodded and drew her sword. He parried the first blow but the demon wearing her body kept coming. “I defeated you.”

“Yes, and I would have had to wait a thousand years for another chance but then you got a second chance.” The demon contorted Kate’s face into an evil grimace. “Did you think that second chance at life was free my reawakening is the price of your enlightenment?” Kate’s body raised the sword in a mock salute. “Now I’ll take your head or you’ll take our beloved wife’s head either way I win.”

“Do not take his head under any circumstances Duncan,” Cassandra yelled from where she had fallen. “Just grant her a mortal’s death I can drive the demon from her body while she revives.” He watched as Kate’s head turned toward Cassandra a look of pure loathing on it’s face. “You cannot win Ahriman you haven’t not taken her fully yet.”

“All I need is time,” The demon snarled and there was a terrible flash of light and everything went dark. When he came to, it was to Cassandra leaning over him chanting furiously in a language he didn’t know.

“Where’s Kate?” He managed to croak out and he saw Cassandra’s face fall. “I have to find her so you can save her.” She looked away from him as he said that so he knew. “You can’t save her can you?”

“It depends Duncan on if we can find them before Ahriman takes a head,” She said gravely. “During a quickening a person’s soul is laid bear and darkness can seep deep into it as you well know.” He remembered the horrible feeling of a dark quickening and couldn’t bear to think of that happening to Kate. “He will take her after the nearest immortal; do you know of any who live nearby?”

“Sayid, runs an Islamic center about an hours drive from here,” He said recalling the friendly Muslim immortal he’d met around two hundred years ago. “He is a devout holy man of his faith he doesn’t take heads.”

“Then he will be an easy target for Ahriman,” Cassandra said darkly. “Duncan if we are too late and Ahriman has taken a quickening then we must flee otherwise Ahriman can simply behead Kate’s body to possess your own.” Her face was grave. “Without protection any immortal who takes her quickening will become Ahriman’s new host in a matter of hours.”

He felt himself freeze. “So there will be no way to stop him once he has taken a head?” He didn’t want to think about having to kill Kate but the thought of an unstoppable Ahriman was even more horrifying.

“No, there is a way but to safe guard you requires a ritual that takes time to prepare and perform,” She said darkly. “If he has taken a head we will have to flee until I can perform it on you; only then can you safely take his head while holding the stone I tried to seal him in earlier.” She produced a small stone from somewhere. “The ritual’s protection will filter Ahriman from the quickening you absorb into this stone where he will be sealed for the next thousand years.” He nodded and then ran for his house. “Duncan where are you going?”

“I’m calling Sayid, to warn him to stay on the center’s holy ground,” He called back. If they could just stop Kate from killing him then the tragedy could be prevented. He grabbed his address book and searched through it for the number he needed. He hoped the demon was limited to traveling in Kate’s body if so there was probably still time.

The End.

REVIEW HERE

Crossposts: http://raze-flyn.livejournal.com/20180.html

Disclaimer: The various incarnations of the Highlander universe belong to Panzer/Davis and anyone I’m forgetting to mention. I am just borrowing them for my own and hopefully the enjoyment of other fans. Please don’t sue.

Note: This is part of a fic that is set in the world of Highlander the series. It takes place in the year 2000 in a world where Endgame and it’s horrible sequel never happened. So basically nothing after The Raven will matter to this fic. The Dynamite comics are also not going to feature in this universe despite supposedly taking place in the TV series universe.

This is one of several fics dealing with different aspects of a major series of events in this fic’s universe.

Conversation Between Ancients

He let himself into the recently deceased old woman’s house and made his way over to her phone. He’d been careful to choose a location to make the call from with no actual connection to his real life. He glanced at the time and phone number that had been left for him. He was a bit disturbed to see it was a Parisian number but he’d made up his mind to call Agathe even though it was a risk. He looked at the clock to confirm it was the right time and quickly dialed the number glad the old woman’s heirs hadn’t cut off her phone yet.

“Methos, it’s been millennia,” A woman’s voice said as soon as the phone was answered. “I was afraid you wouldn’t call and that would have meant that I’d have to seek you out in person to talk.” He had suspected as much it was why he’d made the decision to call. “I suppose you have questions about this unpleasant business with Cassandra?”

“Just one,” He said keeping a careful eye on potential exits from the house. “Are you the one who called her just before she was killed?” He’d promised Joe he’d find out who called her since Joe was still slightly worried about what Agathe and the other immortals Richie mentioned were up to.

“No, that was another member of our organization one who wanted to give Cassandra one more chance to repent.” He found himself frowning at her words. “He was most disappointed that she wouldn’t change her mind before our agent had to take her head.” Joe wouldn’t take her calling Richie an agent well.

“So that secret society you tried to get me to join is still around?” He asked haring her laugh in response. “I have to say that twenty-five hundred years is a good run for an immortal secret society most never make it past a century or two.”

“According to the founder of our previous incarnation of this covenant has existed in one from or another since before the game began.” She laughed again. “Of course who can say for sure if Emrys was being honest or not about being the sole survivor of a previous covenant.” He recognized the name but as far as he knew Agathe had no connection to him. “This is your final chance to ask questions Methos, once this call is over you won’t see or hear from me again until it is time for Duncan to face his destiny.”

“Is that all this was a feud over Duncan Macleod’s destiny?” He asked feeling slightly disappointed. “First Cassandra and now you planning to make the man your puppet to fulfill some objective of your covenant.”

“There are several immortals among us with the gift of prophecy they all agree Duncan Macleod will face a dangerous evil immortal who threatens our covenant in the near future,” Agathe said calmly. “Cassandra became convinced it was you, despite evidence to the contrary and nearly derailed all our plans and preparations.”

“So you used Richie to knock her off so now I guess your plans are back on track,” He asked curious if she’d admit it. “You do realize if you try to hurt Macleod I’ll do everything in my power to stop you?”

“Yes we know you would that is why I am telling you all this,” She said and he could almost hear the smile. “Our plans are not back on track Cassandra has damaged Macleod terribly he will need help to recover from this ordeal before he faces our enemy.” He though about the horrible shape Macleod as in. “As his friend we know you’ll do your best to help him we just want you to know the stakes your own survival depends on him winning that fight.” He frowned at that. “You’ve got a few years left before the battle good luck putting Macleod back together again.”

He never got a chance to respond as the line went dead. He dialed the number again only to get a busy signal. He didn’t bother trying again knowing somehow she wouldn’t answer. He let himself out a different door and headed back home to safety he had a lot to think about. He needed to work out how much to tell Joe and of course how much to tell Macleod.

The End.

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Crossposts: http://raze-flyn.livejournal.com/19929.html

Deadmanverse

I have been rewatching Highlander the Series recently and became inspired to write this fic. Now I have written one highlander fic before but this is the first time I've done so under my current pen name.

This fic will be mostly canon compliant with all six seasons of Highlander the Series, The one season of the Raven and reference the events of the Original Highlander film and Highlander 3. Nothing else will be used.

I am altering the nature of the demon storyline. I hated it and consider it the moment when the Highlander franchise jumped the shark spectacularly. The events happened but the nature of them and their cause is very much different in this fic series.

I have chosen to do this fic verse as a series of one shots and a few multipart fics that bounce around in a time line. The fics will be listed in chronological order but will be written out of order.

The Fics

Dead Man Walks into a Bar: Richie Ryan walks into Joe's bar sometime in the year 2000.

Dead Man's Request: Richie has a request for Methos who still isn't convinced this isn't an impostor.

The Verdict: Methos, Amanda and Joe discuss the possibilities concerning the immortal claiming to be Richie Ryan.

Goodbye and Goodluck:Michelle and Richie's parting.

The Demon Returns: Duncan Macleod experiences what he believes is the return of the demon Ahriman.

Confrontation: Macleod confronts Methos takes place during the events of Witch's End.

Witch's End: A young watcher witness the final moments of Cassandra's immortal life.

Last Call: Joe has a discussion with Richie at closing time that sheds light on the young immortals actions.

Aftermath: Duncan and Richie talk the day after Last Call.

Conversation between Ancients: Methos phones a very old immortal who had a hand in recent events.

Merlin's Revelations: Duncan meets an ancient immortal who claims to be one of the inspirations for the myth of Merlin.

A visit with the Sorceress: Duncan meets Chiyo another ancient immortal who has powers and abilities that almost seem like Magic to ask her how to deal with Merlin.

The Request: Chiyo returns with a request for Duncan's aid.

The Mistake: In an effort to protect Chiyo from her enemy Duncan slipped away and defeated him but it failed to save her.

Long Over Due Conversation: Duncan meets Agathe of Sparta the woman who heads the organization that has plans for him.

Arrival in Paradise: Amanda arrives in Hawaii to convince Richie to attend a reunion party for Duncan in Paris.

Invitation Accepted: The morning after her arrival Richie tells Amanda he'll attend Duncan's welcome home party.

The Party: Richie wishes he'd never attended this party.

Disclaimer: The various incarnations of the Highlander universe belong to Panzer/Davis and anyone I’m forgetting to mention. I am just borrowing them for my own and hopefully the enjoyment of other fans. Please don’t sue.

Note: This is part of a fic that is set in the world of Highlander the series. It takes place in the year 2000 in a world where Endgame and it’s horrible sequel never happened. So basically nothing after The Raven will matter to this fic. The Dynamite comics are also not going to feature in this universe despite supposedly taking place in the TV series universe.

This is one of several fics dealing with different aspects of a major series of events in this fic’s universe.

Last Call

He began to clean up as the bar began to empty just before closing time. It had been a little over a week since everything went down. Amanda was doing her best to help Macleod recover from the trauma of attempting to kill Methos thanks to Cassandra’s manipulation. He still had no idea who the female immortal Mac had believed was his wife really was. He supposed Methos was probably right in his guess that she was a new one Cassandra had found somewhere. He also was pissed at the guy who’d pretended to be Richie they’d had no choice but to tell Mac about him and now he was obsessed with finding him. He didn’t think his friend was in any shape to go hunting for the imposter.

“Can I get a beer?” A familiar voice asked and he froze. He’d been so lost in thought he hadn’t even noticed the imposter walking into the bar. He knew he was glaring at the kid but he was furious with the imposter. “So you still don’t believe it’s me even after Cassandra sent Mac to kill Methos.”

“Kind of hard to believe you when you just kill an ancient immortal and disappear for three days.” He said darkly. “The Richie I knew would have tried to stop Mac not used Methos as bait to kill an ancient Immortal.”

“I warned the old timer Mac would be coming for him,” The imposter said tiredly. “I also asked him not to let Mac kill him or die.” Methos had mentioned it the request to keep both of them alive even if he had to cheat. “I won’t apologize for taking Cassandra’s head,” His face got hard. “After what she took from me there was no way I was letting her leave Paris alive.”

“It sounds to me like she saved your life,” He said knowing it was a low blow. “I mean if you really are Richie then you couldn’t have made it out of that Race track any other way.” He actually had to suppress the desire to step back when he saw the imposter’s face at his words.

“She was the one screwing with Mac’s head when he took a third whack at mine,” his voice was low and full of barely controlled fury. “I wouldn’t have been in danger if it wasn’t for her and she didn’t save my life she took it.” He grabbed an unfinished beer another patron had left and downed it. “Think about it Joe, she took my childhood, she took my first kiss, she took all the good times with Mac and Tess.” His quest looked down as he said their names. “She took you, Amanda and the old timer away.” His guest looked back up with tears in his eyes. “Don’t you get it she left me with nothing but my skill with a sword and my knowledge of the game and then handed me over to someone who couldn’t say no to her.” Richie laughed bitterly then. “And just like she asked he shaped me into a weapon.”

He hadn’t really thought about that if this man’s story was true it was a horrifying thought. “Let me get you a beer,” He said quickly to have something to do. He noticed his bouncer was watching the two of them as closing time had arrived and they were the last ones in here. “Let me lock up and we can talk some more.” The man nodded and he headed over to tell the bouncer to go he’d handle closing. He still didn’t trust the man but since he was an immortal if he wanted him dead the bouncer wouldn’t make much difference.

“I was told once how lucky I was to have Mac as a teacher,” His guest said when he got back. “I have first hand experience how true that was now.” He didn’t elaborate and he couldn’t bring himself to ask. He didn’t want to know any details in case this really was Richie.

“Why did you disappear after taking Cassandra’s head?” He asked since that stood out as the biggest reason not to trust him. “And who called Cassandra?” He remembered the report the young watcher he’d had following Cassandra after she arrived in France had filed.

“It was a difficult quickening she was a lot older than I am,” Richie said shaking his head. “I took a few days to get my head on straight and I still won’t go near the old man for a while since she really hated him.” Richie laughed weakly. “I can still feel how much she hated him.” He had never heard of someone so young taking the head of someone so old before so it made sense. Cassandra wasn’t known for her sword skills only her voice which wouldn’t work if he couldn’t hear her. “As to the phone call no idea probably one of the really old immortals who wanted her dead.” Richie was frowning as he said that. “I do know she used to be part of some group they all belong to but she went off the rails after seeing Methos again and started pursuing her own agenda.” Richie shrugged his shoulders and said, “They wanted her dead just like I did so we helped each other.”

“Duncan, is looking for you Richie, you need to talk to him.” He was startled by Richie smiling at that statement and then realized it was the first time he’d called him Richie since he showed up. “He might not believe your story very easily he still remembers killing you at that race track.” He was finding it harder and harder not believe this really was Richie ever since his statements about what Cassandra took from him.

“I know that, I still remember the same thing” Richie said frowning. “That’s why I dropped by tonight so you can tell him I’ll meet him at Darius’ Church tomorrow afternoon around three.” He made a quick note to call Amanda’s where Duncan was staying currently. “There are things we need to talk about before I head back to the states,” Richie turned back toward him. “I’m going to stay in touch but I need time to figure out who I am now after everything now that Cassandra is dead I’m a bit lost.”

Now that sounded like the Richie he used to know. “What are you going to do for money?” He asked assuming now that Cassandra was dead those other immortals would stop paying for things.

“I’m set as far as money goes for several life times,” Richie said with a shrug. “The guy Cassandra dumped me with left me his entire fortune,” He found himself frowning at the young man. “I think he did it as an apology for the crap that he put me through because of Cassandra.” He would have to check into Richie’s finances in the future. “I should go you’ve been closed for a while now.”

“I’ll see you around Richie,” He said seeing the young man smile again. He noticed that Richie no longer seemed to say goodbye to anyone at all. He headed into his office to place a call to Mac and tell him where and when to meet Richie.

The End

REVIEW HERE

Crossposts: http://raze-flyn.livejournal.com/19106.html

Disclaimer: The various incarnations of the Highlander universe belong to Panzer/Davis and anyone I’m forgetting to mention. I am just borrowing them for my own and hopefully the enjoyment of other fans. Please don’t sue.

Note: This is part of a fic that is set in the world of Highlander the series. It takes place in the year 2000 in a world where Endgame and it’s horrible sequel never happened. So basically nothing after The Raven will matter to this fic. The Dynamite comics are also not going to feature in this universe despite supposedly taking place in the TV series universe.

This is one of several fics dealing with different aspects of a major series of events in this fic’s universe.

Witch’s End

He crouched down typing furiously sending up dates to Joe Dawson on Cassandra and Macleod’s activities ever since they’d arrived in Paris. He didn’t know why the senior watcher was making such a big deal about Cassandra. He’d have rather followed the highlander after he took off but Dawson’s orders were to stay on Cassandra and keep texting updates on her activities. He couldn’t help but feel that the highlander would be up to more interesting things than just walking around the city with a smile on her face. He had really expected more excitement for his first real field assignment.

He was close enough to hear when her phone rang and Cassandra answered it. He saw her start and the smile vanish from her face. “How did you get this number,” She said sounding pissed. “No, I will not stop until Methos is dead you know that.” He nearly dropped the laptop in shock. Methos was a myth and the last immortal claiming to be him had died a few years ago.

His shock had caused him to miss some of the conversation so he focused back on it. “I know how important Macleod is to your plans, “ She said calmly. “I will do whatever it takes to see Methos dead even if it does screw up the prophecies your relying on to defeat your enemy.” He couldn’t believe what he was hearing prophecies, Methos and mysterious phone calls. This was going to make heads spin back at headquarters. He glanced down to see Joe was angrily asking why the updates had stopped. He quickly typed a message that Cassandra was on the phone and he was trying to listen in. “What do you mean this was my last chance?” Cassandra said and then froze turning. He ducked down more and glanced to see a young red headed man heading toward her.
“What are you doing here?” She sounded truly shocked.

The man didn’t say anything just pointed down a nearby alley and turning walked into it. He watched as Cassandra frowned and followed after him warily. He waited a few moments and then hurried after them. He found them further down the alley involved in fight. He snuck as close as he dared this was his first field assignment and he was already seeing an immortal fight to the death. “I told you to put down your sword,” Cassandra said her voice full of authority. “Put it down.”

Her opponent didn’t even blink just kept attacking her forcing her back. “How are you resisting you aren’t old enough to resist the voice?” He knew it was over then as the boy got under her guard and sliced her open. He felt slightly sick as the blood gushed out. “How?” She asked again this time her voice weaker.

“Ear plugs,” The guy said as he drew back his sword. He looked away from the actual strike that took her head. He looked back when the dumpster he’d ducked behind began to move and his laptop exploded with sparks. He’d heard stories about quickenings but he never imagined they’d be like this. He dropped the ruined laptop and ran as fast as he could out of there.

He stopped a few blocks away and made a call to Joe. “Joe, it’s Jean Luc you aren’t going to believe what just happened.” He ignored Joe’s gruff comment about the texting stopping. “Joe, Cassandra is dead I just saw her get beheaded and Macleod is off hunting Methos.” He couldn’t help but smile. “The oldest immortal is somewhere in Paris, Joe, can you believe it?”

“Slow down,” Joe said and then very loudly. “Are you sure Duncan Macleod is out hunting for Methos?” He wondered why Joe was speaking up so much. He quickly confirmed it and then Joe was off the line for a moment and he heard muffled conversation. “Did you say Cassandra was dead?”

“Yeah, this redheaded guy came up while she was on the phone and challenged her.” He said hearing Joe start. “Should I try to find Macleod, I remember which way he went or should I head back to headquarters and report all this?”

“Head back to Headquarters and send a detailed report to me and only me,” Joe said shocking him. “We need to keep this quiet until we know for sure exactly who the players involved are, do you understand?”

“Yes of course.” He said and after one more stern warning to keep it quiet Joe was gone. He hung up the phone and hailed a cab. He began mentally reviewing events to make sure he got everything in his report this could make his career.

The End.

REVIEW HERE

Crossposts: http://raze-flyn.livejournal.com/18810.html

Disclaimer: The various incarnations of the Highlander universe belong to Panzer/Davis and anyone I’m forgetting to mention. I am just borrowing them for my own and hopefully the enjoyment of other fans. Please don’t sue.

Note: This is part of a fic that is set in the world of Highlander the series. It takes place in the year 2000 in a world where Endgame and it’s horrible sequel never happened. So basically nothing after The Raven will matter to this fic. The Dynamite comics are also not going to feature in this universe despite supposedly taking place in the TV series universe.

This is one of several fics dealing with different aspects of a major series of events in this fic’s universe.

The Verdict

“So what’s the verdict,” She said to Methos when he and Joe entered her current apartment. “Have you found out enough to say for sure if that’s really Richie or not?” She was becoming impatient waiting for the two of them to make up their minds. Thanks to the time Michelle had been spending with him and her own conversations, she was reasonably sure this was Richie. She still didn’t know for sure if she bought Cassandra faking his death and the whole demon attack though.

“Joe still thinks he’s an imposter but I’m not so sure anymore,” Methos said as he made his way to her fridge and began raiding her selection of drinks. “By the way Joe, I think I’ve solved the mystery of how he knows so much about Cassandra’s movements.” She watched as he casually opened a beer and settled down on the couch.

“Well how does he know?” Joe said clearly very irritated with the oldest immortal. “That type of intelligence should only be available to watchers.” She could tell Joe was still very worried that Richie was the demon Macleod had supposedly defeated come back somehow. She had never been sure about the demon thing but had firmly believed that Joe and Duncan believed it. She’d never bothered asking Methos opinion on the matter because she really didn’t want to know.

“You aren’t going to like it,” Methos said pausing to take a swig of his beer. “I’m pretty sure he’s getting his information from a very old immortal who has found a way to access information from the watchers.” He sat down the bottle and pulled a folder out of his coat. “This woman Isabel is one of the immortals Richie was seen with during the time he was dead.” He set a picture of a pretty young looking female immortal on her table. “According to our files she’s only two hundred and hasn’t taken that many heads.” He looked right at Joe. “The problem is she’s got at least two other chronicles maybe more.”

She was intrigued when Joe’s reaction was obvious disbelief. “So she managed to change her identity enough to even fool you watchers that’s impressive.” She had snuck a peek once at her own file with Methos help. They had most of her aliases that she’d used except for a few that she’d had to abandon very quickly. “But then again Adam here certainly proves it’s possible.” She said giving Methos a wink.

“How could someone fake their death so completely that even we missed it three times?” Joe asked clearly shocked at the implications. She watched as he glanced down at the young looking woman’s picture as if she was mocking him. “Not to mention being able to get through our security to get at our records.”

“First of all she has to know about the watchers,” Methos said tiredly. “Second she would have had to have watched the watchers long enough to find the holes in your procedures.” She could tell he was speaking from personal experience. She wondered how long he’d had to watch before he managed to pull off his little charade.

“How old is she really,” Joe asked as Methos got up and headed back to her fridge to steal another beer. She could tell Joe was getting annoyed when Methos didn’t answer instead he just grabbed two bears and walked back handing one to Joe. “What else do you know?”

“When I met her around twenty-five hundred years ago she was known as Agathe of Sparta,” He said and she could barely conceal her gasp. “You’ve heard of her Amanda?” She nodded recalling Rebecca mentioning her during their lessons as an example that female immortals could do well in the game.

“Rebecca talked about her said she was an old friend.” She said and saw Joe look interested. She knew Rebecca was a legend among the watchers just like she had been among immortals. “I could never tell if she was alive or dead from how Rebecca talked about her though.”

“According to the watchers she had been dead for centuries by the time you came along,” Methos said shaking his head. “I had heard she’d died a century or two after I knew her so I had almost forgotten all about her till Richie name dropped her and gave me her email address.” She glanced at Joe who looked alarmed. “He also mentioned her current name so I found it on the list he gave you,” he paused taking a swig of beer, “and that’s how I found her multiple chronicles only one other that I’ve identified for sure but there might be more.”

“Have you emailed her?” Joe asked concern obvious in his voice. “She sounds like someone capable of faking Richie’s return.” She felt a moment of dread and nearly excused herself to call Michelle but stopped herself when she saw Methos frown.

“I thought about that Joe,” Methos said and then turned to look at Amanda. “Richie gave Amanda details that aren’t in the watcher’s report about Elizabeth’s party.” Joe looked slightly relieved. “That doesn’t mean someone truly dedicated couldn’t find out but it would leave a trail that I haven’t found any evidence of yet.” He gave her a look that she knew meant she needed to call up the others who were there and see if any of them had mentioned details about the party to anyone.

“So I guess we just keep looking,” She said realizing that they were no closer to coming to a real agreement about Richie or not. She watched Joe and Methos both nod. She excused herself to go call Michelle and check on her. She had been mostly convinced that it really was Richie but now she was concerned again and needed to know Michelle was all right.

The End.

REVIEW HERE

Crossposts: http://raze-flyn.livejournal.com/18569.html

Disclaimer: The various incarnations of the Highlander universe belong to Panzer/Davis and anyone I’m forgetting to mention. I am just borrowing them for my own and hopefully the enjoyment of other fans. Please don’t sue.

Note: This is part of a fic that is set in the world of Highlander the series. It takes place in the year 2000 in a world where Endgame and it’s horrible sequel never happened. So basically nothing after The Raven will matter to this fic. The Dynamite comics are also not going to feature in this universe despite supposedly taking place in the TV series universe.

This is one of several fics dealing with different aspects of a major series of events in this fic’s universe.

Dead man’s Request

He still wasn’t sure he believed the man standing in front of him in the church yard of what used to be Darius’ sanctuary was really Richie Ryan. He knew from Joe that the boy’s finger prints had matched and the body from the exhumed grave’s hadn’t but it was still hard to believe. “Joe said you wanted to see me?”

“I’m really surprised you came,” the younger immortal said shaking his head. He was truthfully just as surprised his instincts had screamed for him to disappear from Paris and not involve himself in this latest trouble connected with the highlander. “Anyway I was wondering, have you ever heard of an ancient African immortal called Anansi the trickster and story teller?”

That question threw him he hadn’t expected the supposed Richie to bring up immortal myths. “I’ve heard the legends.” He didn’t go into any greater detail, as he was curious where the boy was going with this. “Why bring up myths?”

“Because according to someone very old, Cassandra found and killed him just before Mac started seeing demons.” The boy looked over at the church with a frown. “If the stories about what he could do are true then it would explain a lot about things wouldn’t it?”

He found himself thinking about the legends of how Anansi taught the great Nakano of Japan the immortal said to have the power of illusion. He knew Nakano had existed after all he’d met the man and been amazed the things he could do. “It would,” he admitted somewhat reluctantly. “But I didn’t come here to talk about legends.”

“You don’t believe it’s me do you old timer?” He shook his head no there was no point in denying it. “I figured as much, but I’m glad you came cause there’s something I have to warn you about.” He tensed slightly old instincts telling him to be wary. “Cassandra is about to make another move involving Mac,” he said tiredly. “She’s been killing her fellow ancient immortals again just like she did before the race track and before Mac pulled his vanishing act.”

He and Joe had confirmed that Cassandra had been in Paris during both incidents but that still didn’t fully confirm the boy’s story. “You think I should be worried that she’ll come for my head?” He had no doubt Cassandra would come after him some day. She’d only spared him because Macleod had asked her to.

“No, I think she’ll be sending Mac to do it,” He said with a frown. “I’m also very sure that no matter what kind of whammy she’s puts on him the minute he has your quickening it’ll be cured just like the one she put on me was.” He knew from Joe’s story what the boy was claiming to have happened. “Which is why I’ve got a request for you?”

“You want me to give up my head to Macleod to set him free?” He asked careful to keep his voice down and not attract attention. He couldn’t believe the nerve of the boy asking him to give up his life after staying alive this long on a crazy theory.

“Actually, I want to make sure you don’t let Mac win,” He said with a barely concealed look of amusement. “I don’t care if you have to cheat don’t let Mac take your head if he comes for it.” He then looked away. “Don’t take his either but under no circumstances let him take yours.”

“Why?” He asked confused he’d have thought the boy if he really was Richie Ryan would want Macleod back to himself as soon as possible. “I’d have thought you’d want Macleod freed from any brainwashing Cassandra put him through as quickly as possible.” He didn’t add the silent unsaid if you were really Richie.

“I want him freed but not like that he wouldn’t take killing you well,” the boy said. “Not to mention he’d go after Cassandra for revenge and that would only end badly for everyone.” He wondered what the boy meant by that. “So just promise me you’ll do like you always do and do what it takes to survive?”

“I can assure you of that,” He said though he wasn’t sure he could actually survive an all out fight with Macleod. “Is there anything else or can I go now?” He was becoming more and more uncomfortable the longer he set here.

“Just this,” the boy said pulling out a card and handing it to him. “That’s the email address of someone nearly as old as you.” He said shaking his head. “She’d really like to talk to you again since she says it’s been about 2500 years since the last time.” He found himself staring at the boy. “Email her or don’t I’m just passing along the message.” The boy started to walk away then. “See you around Old Timer.”

“Wait a minute,” he said and was surprised when the boy turned. “You didn’t tell me her name?” He asked keeping his curiosity in check. He wasn’t about to email any strange immortals without some kind of idea of who it was supposed to be.

“I don’t have any idea what her original name is,” the young immortal said. “I know her as Isabel, but she said you knew her as Agathe of Sparta.” He felt himself freeze at the mention of someone he had known very well once upon a time there was no way the boy should know that. “Just so you know I’m telling the truth Methos, she looks like a tiny ballerina even when she’s kicking your ass in a sword fight.” He was at a loss for words as the boy turned and walked off leaving him with even more questions than before. It was an accurate description of the woman he’d known but like himself she’d vanished from the game years ago he thought she was dead like so many he’d known.

He looked down at the card with an email address printed on it. He needed to weigh the risk of sending one not to mention he needed to look into the boy’s claims about Cassandra and Anansi it should be easy enough to check to see if the watchers ever found any proof of his existence.

The End.

REVIEW HERE

Crossposts: http://raze-flyn.livejournal.com/18219.html

Disclaimer: The various incarnations of the Highlander universe belong to Panzer/Davis and anyone I’m forgetting to mention. I am just borrowing them for my own and hopefully the enjoyment of other fans. Please don’t sue.

Note: This is part of a fic that is set in the world of Highlander the series. It takes place in the year 2000 in a world where Endgame and it’s horrible sequel never happened. So basically nothing after The Raven will matter to this fic. The Dynamite comics are also not going to feature in this universe despite supposedly taking place in the TV series universe.

This is one of several fics dealing with different aspects of a major series of events in this fic’s universe.

Dead Man walks into a Bar

As an immortal she was used to the idea that the dead came back some times. She had even done it herself once or twice but nothing had prepared her for this. She had never, not in a million years expected a beheaded immortal to walk into Joe’s bar where she was having a drink with her teacher and friend Amanda.

It all started with the approaching presence of another immortal which caused her and Amanda to turn toward the entrance to see who it was. She honestly hadn’t even recognized him at first she’d only met Richie twice and both were a few years ago but Amanda’s vocal reaction of shock and Joe dropping the glass he’d been filling at the bar had clued her in that something wasn’t right. She had finally recognized him as he made his way over to the bar where he said something to Joe she couldn’t see and passed him a slip of paper. He then left a very obviously disturbed Joe and made his way over to them. “Amanda, Michelle, it’s been a long time.”

“I don’t know who you think your kidding but you’re not Richie,” Amanda said darkly. “So I suggest you just turn around and leave before I take you outside and take your head.” She had never heard Amanda sound so serious about taking someone’s head.

“Trust me Amanda, I know what this looks like and I’ll explain everything when Joe joins us,” He said and she followed Amanda in looking at the bar to see that Joe had vanished. “He’s checking out a list of immortal names and dates so he can vouch that I’ve been around the last three years; in spite of supposedly being dead.” She glanced back at Amanda who looked murderous. “Go on ask me things only the real me would know.” He glanced over at her. “Did Michelle ever tell you about the second time we met and that bit of trouble with that pair of head hunters?” He gave her a smile that was almost warm. “I asked her not to cause I didn’t want you or Duncan coming after me with a sword for getting her mixed up in that mess.”

She blushed as she nodded her head at Amanda’s questioning look. “Michelle, go check on Joe,” She said glancing around the bar. “This Richie and I need to talk privately.” She started to argue but one look at Amanda’s face changed her mind.

She made her way to the bar and when no one stopped her headed into the back room where she found Joe on his lab top and phone at the same time. He held up a hand clearly telling her to wait so she walked back to the door and looked out. She couldn’t tell what Amanda and Richie were talking about but Amanda’s face looked different than it had before. She was pretty convinced it was him since she’d never told another soul about that experience. She could still remember the two nights they’d spent living it up before they’d run into trouble.

“We can go join them now,” Joe said from behind her causing her to jump slightly. They made their way over to the table and set down. She glanced at Amanda who had a guarded expression on her face. “Well the names and dates you gave me match up and there are definitely photos proving a doppleganger of Richie Ryan was learning from all those immortals at those times but that doesn’t mean you’re really him.” She could tell Joe didn’t want to believe it. “If you are Richie, then why the hell did you let us think you were dead for three years?”

“Honestly, Joe, I didn’t remember who I was until six weeks ago,” He said shaking his head. “I know it sounds like a bad soap opera plot but let me explain.” She watched as he closed his eyes briefly and then opened them looking a lot older of all of a sudden. “It all begins at that Race track, I still don’t know exactly what happened though I clearly remember seeing you with Hortan and then Mac going for my head.” She felt herself gasp she’d never been told exactly how Richie died only that he did. She looked over at Amanda and Joe who both looked away guiltily.

“Anyway at some point after that I woke up with Cassandra and she told me not to worry that all I had to do was ask and I’d forget all about it,” he looked away and sighed. “I was so freaked out that I said yes without even thinking and next thing I know I have no memory of anything and Cassandra is dropping me off with her first student and telling him to retrain me.”

“Cassandra, your saying Cassandra was involved with Ahriman?” Joe said and she wondered who Ahriman could be. “That isn’t her style Richie she has never shown any history of getting mixed up with demons unless your trying to say Ahriman wasn’t real and she did it all herself some how?” She was really lost, demons, Cassandra she had no idea who or what they were talking about.

“I don’t know if the demon was real or not, Joe,” Richie said tiredly. “But she was definitely involved and she was disappointed her plan hadn’t gone properly.” He looked over at Amanda. “A friend of mine thinks she wanted the old timer to take Duncan’s head when he offered so she could send me to America with a sob story for Connor to send him after him.” She saw Amanda and Joe exchange worried glances. “I don’t know if it was true or not but it seems her plan changed after that.” She watched as he stopped talking and flagged down a waitress to order a beer. “I do know she was in Paris when Mac pulled that last disappearing act.” She could tell by Joe’s face he wanted to get up and check that out.

“So how did you get your memory back,” She asked interrupting them. “You said it was six weeks ago?” She didn’t have a clue what was going on with the rest of the conversation but that part sounded interesting. She saw everyone giving her strange looks as the waitress returned with his beer.

“The immortal Cassandra dropped me with had no choice but to do what she said and he hated it,” Richie said sadly. “He was her first student and she used her freaky powers to make it so he could never disobey a direct order from her even thousands of years later.” She glanced at Amanda and Joe who looked worried. “So he did what she asked he trained me, then sent me to a friend to learn from them, and so on and so fourth until I came back to learn his final lesson about two months ago.” He looked down. “He arranged to lose his head while I was back to a head hunter who specialized in the old ones.” She glanced at Amanda who was giving Joe a curious look and Joe nodded. “So I went out hunted the bastard down and killed him to avenge my teacher just like he thought I would.” She saw Joe nod again at Amanda’s second curious look. “So after a massive quickening I could remember everything.” He paused before draining the last of his beer, “and I’ve spent the last six weeks dealing with all the shit that comes with that.”

After sitting the empty beer bottle down he got up. “Where do you think your going?” Amanda said her voice back to wary and uncertain. She glanced at Joe who looked just as freaked out as Amanda. She was still more confused that anything else.

“I’m going back to my hotel so you can lift finger prints off that bottle and check out my story,” he said nodding at Joe. “Do me a favor Joe when you see the old timer tell him I need to meet with him.” She saw Joe stiffen. “Tell him I’ll be at Darius’ Church one week from now to give you guys time to look into things.” He then pulled out a card and slid it onto the table. “That’s my hotel and room number so feel free to call.” He then gave them a weak smile. “It really is good to see you guys again.” She then watched as he turned and walked out of the bar. She glanced at Amanda and Joe who both looked confused.

“Does anyone here know how to take finger prints?” She asked pointing at the beer bottle. Amanda nodded and picked up the bottle carefully by the lid. “So what do we do now?” She really wanted to ask about the many things she hadn’t understood but had a feeling they wouldn’t tell her.

“We check out his story,” Joe said sounding a lot older than he was. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to make arrangements to have a grave exhumed.” She glanced over at Amanda who nodded. “We need to get those finger prints as soon as possible.” Joe said and Amanda carefully handed him the bottle.

“If it isn’t him then we kill him so Duncan never finds out about this,” Amanda said darkly. “I won’t have some imposter dragging up Richie’s memory to torment Duncan.” She looked over at Joe and saw him nod. “But Joe he knows things only Richie should know.” She glanced back at Amanda and saw what almost looked like hope on her face. She wondered if she’d get the answer to if it really was Richie or not before she was due to leave Paris.

The End.

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