DISCLAIMER: Highlander belongs to DP.  No money is being exchanged.
---------------
Seacover, USA 

She ran as if she had never run before.  Running for her life was something she hadn't 
felt in a long time, at least not since she met her best friend and husband.  The woman 
had told her husband that she was going out to get a movie, but little did she know that 
it might be her last.  As she walked out of the movie rental place she felt the all too 
familiar buzz of another.  "Eric," she asked, but there was no reply.  Slowly she began 
to walk to a darkened alley near by, hoping that she wouldn't have to face anyone. 
She knew that if she did it would put a damper on her plans tonight. 

As she rounded the corner she came face to face with the source of the buzz, and she 
immediately unsheathed the sword located under her coat.  "I'm Victoria Waters and 
you are?" 

A man stepped out of the shadows of the darkened alley, he had short black hair and a 
smile that told her that she was definitely out-manned.  "My name is Fabian.  Today 
my dear, is the day you die."  Fabian pulled out his sword and swung.  His sword 
instantly connected to her right hand, severing it from her arm. 

Victoria realizing that she would die if she stayed there, did the only thing she could. 
Trying to ignore the pain shooting throughout her body, she raised her knee and 
firmly placed it between his legs.  As the man who called himself Fabian went 
down, she ran further down the alley and into an abandoned building, hoping to 
find a way out so she could get help.  She reached the second floor, praying that 
the darkness wouldn't take her until she was in a safe place, just as she felt another 
buzz.  "Who's there?" 

A good-looking young man stepped out a room to her left.  "My name's Thomas 
O'Connor.  Is there something wrong, milady?"  She shook her head, "May I be of 
assistance?" 

"There's a man in the alley.  He just tried to kill me. . . I need to get home to my 
husband. . Please help me."  She begged him, her breath was labored from loss of 
blood. 

The man smiled and nodded, "You need not worry about that now, I'll help you." 
Victoria nodded, giving the stranger her thanks, the last thing she saw was the blade 
of a sword coming toward her neck.  She closed her eyes, 'Eric'. 
==================================================== 

Nearby, a man around 30 kneeled behind a dumpster with a recorder in hand. 
"Subject met up with an immortal named Victoria Waters.  Once subject drew 
his sword, he quickly severed the other’s hand, forcing her sword away.  Subject 
watched Mrs. Waters enter building down the alley.  I can only guess that 
Thomas is located in the building.  They never work alone."  The man paused, 
and took a deep breath.  "A quickening has begun I can only assume that it is 
the quickening of Mrs. Waters.  I will let the person who she is assigned to 
inform them of time of death."  The man looked up from his written notes and 
noticed that the other named Thomas was coming out of the building.  "It is 
now confirmed.  Victoria Waters lost her quickening to Thomas O'Connor." 
He spoke into his tape recorder.  "Time of death. May 23rd, at 11:26 p.m. 
Pacific Standard Time." 

He continued to sit there as the two men in the alley walked to their car and 
drove off.  Once again he spoke into the recorder, "Fabian and Thomas are 
leaving the alley.  Help has arrived and Mrs. Waters' is being taken care of. 
I overheard the two men state that they were going home.  End entry." 
Slowly the man stood from his safe hiding place and walked to his car. 
Once in the car he placed his head on the steering wheel and cried.  "I gotta 
find another job, or at least another assignment," he said to no one in particular. 
As he reached for the key a tattoo showed on his right arm.  It was the symbol of 
the Watchers. 

************************************************* 

PART 1 

************************************************* 

 Scene 1 

Paris, France 
2 Days Later 

Joe Dawson sat in his office in the back of the bar and read the reports that had come 
in during the night.  He scrolled down the list and found something he had hoped he 
wouldn't see.  "Not another one," Joe said as he placed his face in his hands. 
Reaching for the phone, he dialed a very familiar number.  "Yeah, it's Dawson.  I 
would like the report of Mrs. Waters sent to my office like yesterday. . . I don't care. 
Have it sent to me now.  Is that clear?"  Joe slammed down the phone, if this gut 
instinct was right, then there was big trouble in store for some of his friends.  "Please 
let me be wrong about this." 

 A few minutes later, he heard a knock on the door.  "Come in."  A 'young' man 
walked into the office.  'Younger then me that is,' Joe thought.  In the man's hand 
was an official report.  "Is that the report on Mrs. Waters?" 

"Yes, sir.  Name's Chris Guerrero and I watch Fabian.  I was there the other night 
when it happened."  Joe motioned for Chris to sit down as he looked over the report. 

"I thought that you were in Seacover.  When did you arrive?" Dawson asked the 
man in front of him. 

Chris was sitting rigidly in the chair and sighed, "They took the last flight out of 
the US to head here.  I was on my way home when I noticed them at the airport. 
So here I am." 

"They're here?  In Paris?"  The other just nodded, as Joe lowered his face to his 
hands.  Dawson began to read the report and set it off to the side.  "How long have 
you been Fabian's watcher?" 

"About five years, sir," the man replied, not looking at his boss.  He had hoped never 
to see his boss in this type of situation.  Things had gone crazy, to say the least, in 
the past few months. 

Joe laughed, stood, and went to his own little private bar located off to the side. 
"Please, call me Joe.  Sir makes me feel old."  He grabbed some scotch off of the 
shelf and two glasses.  "Tell me what happened, the unofficial version.  Are these 
the same guys who killed the others?  Are they hunting?  Anything?"  Joe poured 
the drinks and sat back to listen. 
==================================================== 
 Scene 2 

Duncan was working on the deck of the barge, Spring was there and as Methos 
informed him, it was time to get the Spring Cleaning done.  It was a long process, 
there was a lot of junk that had been accumulated over the centuries.  Duncan 
wondered, not for the first time, just where Methos was; it had been over two 
hours since he left to get some more beer.  "Did he go all the way to Katmandu 
to get it," he muttered with a paintbrush in his hand.  He had been painting the 
same spot on the exterior of the barge since Methos had left.  Nothing was 
being done.  Duncan bent down to get the bucket of paint that sat at his feet, 
when he felt someone coming.  Slowly he looked up, making sure not to leave 
one area uncovered.  He noticed a man with short dark hair walking toward him, 
his shoulders were slumped.  When the man stepped closer MacLeod recognized 
him and smiled, "Eric, it's been a long time." 
------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
FLASHBACK: VIRGINIA, CIVIL WAR, 1863 

Duncan MacLeod crouched down in the bushes, and checked around to see what 
was there.  When the area was secured, he gave a side glance to his companion 
and nodded.  They quickly moved across the road that lay in front of them, making 
their way to a house that was just past the road.  At the land of the plantation, 
MacLeod and his friend ran to the underground passageway that was to their 
immediate right.  "This way, quickly."  In the darkness of the tunnel, the two 
men continued to walk as fast as they could to reach the other end.  Duncan 
reached around and pulled a rope, knowing that it would alarm the family inside 
that he was there.  Seconds later, a door opened to admit the two men.  Just as 
MacLeod felt another immortal, they walked farther down the hallway into a 
large room.  There was a bed set up in the corner, a small kitchen, and a bath 
tub.  In all appearances it had all of the convinces of a small house. 

A beautiful woman with long brown hair walked up to the two men, "Duncan, 
it's been a long time."  Duncan smiled as she walked over to him, giving him a 
hug.  Turning to the other she extended her hand, "My name's Victoria 
Waters.  My husband, who will return shortly is Eric.  Don't worry, you are 
safe here, we'll make sure that you get to freedom." 

The young black man, around eighteen years old, wiped his hand on his 
pants and shook hers, "Thank you ma'am.  I don' know how to thank-you." 

"No need to thank us.  Just make sure you stay free, young man.  Make 
something of yourself.  That'll be payment enough."  She turned back to 
her friend, and gave him a wink, "Now get cleaned up and supper will be 
down shortly.  Do you like chicken and grits?"  The man nodded, "Good. 
If there is anything that you need just let us know.  Duncan, Eric would 
love to see you again." 

The two left the other to bathe and change as they walked down another 
passageway to the door leading inside the house.  As Duncan opened and 
held the door for Victoria, he asked, "So where is Eric?" 

They headed into the large living room as they felt Eric return.  "I was 
stuck doing the governmental garbage at the city hall.  They still don't 
realize that I'm helping the North."  He walked up to his friend, grabbing 
his forearm.  "How long has it been?" 

"Oh about fifty years.  It was at your wedding."  Duncan smiled remembering 
------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Present day 

Eric began to walk the gangplank of the barge.  "Hello Duncan."  Slowly 
he walked over to the part of the barge that MacLeod had just painted, "So 
how have you been?  It, ah, looks like you've kept yourself busy." 

"I try.  What's wrong?  Where's Vicki?"  Duncan tried to remember a time in which 
the two were separated, but came up short.  They loved each other so much, it 
reminded him of Gina and Robert de Valicourt. 

MacLeod could tell that something was seriously wrong.  Eric turned to face his 
friend, tears swelling up in his eyes.  "She's dead," he whispered.  Duncan grabbed 
his friend's arm and lead him into the barge.  Eric sat down on the couch, as 
Duncan went over to get them a drink. 

Walking back over to Eric, Duncan handed the man a glass and sat down next 
to him on the couch.  "How'd it happen?" 

"I don't know really.  All I know is, she called from work telling me that she was 
going to be late."  Eric took a long sip of his drink, then took a deep breath, "She 
never came home." 

Duncan heard the door open and glanced up to see an older looking gentleman 
stand at the top of the stairs,  "Dawson." 

"Hey, Mac.  We have a problem."  Joe carefully walked down the stairs to stand 
beside the chessboard.  MacLeod stood, trying to begin introductions, but Dawson 
glanced over at Eric.  "Eric Waters, I'm Joe Dawson.  I am," When Joe caught the 
other's eyes his thoughts left him.  He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, "I'm 
sorry for your loss." 

Eric looked at Dawson with wide eyes, wondering what he knew, but before he 
could say anything, MacLeod stepped in.  "What do you know, Joe?" 

Joe moved over to one of the chairs, placed his hand on the arm, and sat down. 
"Two men, attacked your wife, Mr. Waters."  Joe looked at MacLeod, "They 
arrived in Paris yesterday and are looking for another target.  They seem to only attack 
females."  Joe tried to make sure that he didn't give too much information; 
with someone in Eric's condition nearby, he didn't want any problems. 
Before either Immortal could ask anything, he continued, "MacLeod, have 
you heard from Amanda?" 

Duncan's eyes went wide.  If Joe was asking him, then something serious 
was happening, and Amanda as always, was in the middle of trouble.  "No, 
why?" 

Eric glared at the two, wanting to know who had killed his wife, "Who was it?" 
He stood and walked over to Dawson, hovering.  "Who killed my wife," he yelled. 

Joe looked from Eric to MacLeod and sighed, "Have you ever heard of either an 
Immortal named Thomas O'Connor or one named Fabian?"  Both Immortals had 
blank looks on their faces. 
==================================================== 
 Scene 3 

Amanda stood at the checkout counter, paying for her dresses.  A short, tight 
black dress was placed in the bag, making her smile.  She planned on changing 
into that before going to see MacLeod, he would appreciate it.  Before she 
could get too far into her thoughts, the man behind the counter told her the 
price.  Amanda quickly paid, took her bags and walked out of the store. 
Walking down the crowded sidewalk, she let her thoughts wander, once 
again, to her times in the city and all of the fun she had there with MacLeod. 

She turned a corner and the presence of another hit her.  As she completely 
rounded the corner, she continued to look for the source of the buzz.  Once 
finding the direction, she began to walk farther down the partly abandoned 
side road.  Ahead of her stood the one she was looking for, as he walked 
into an abandoned warehouse close by.  Amanda followed, as soon as she 
stepped through the door she set down her bag and pulled out her sword. 
"Better be safe than sorry," she whispered. 

"Hello my dear," the voice seemed to echo throughout the warehouse. 
"Are you prepared to die?" 

Amanda walked around the open area in the middle of the large building, 
thinking she would be able to tell which way the man was coming.  "I think 
you should be ready yourself.  So why don't you come out, fight like a 'man' 
and we will find out just who wants to die."  From behind her she heard a 
noise, so she turned and swung.  The man blocked and the battle had begun. 
==================================================== 
 Scene 4 

Methos had gotten the beer and supplies he needed to clean MacLeod's barge, 
well to watch MacLeod clean the barge, when he saw Amanda on his way back 
to MacLeod's.  "Amanda," he said as he noticed her round a corner.  By the time 
he got there, she was entering the warehouse a few blocks down the street. 
"What in the world is she planning now?" 

Methos followed Amanda into the building, and was greeted by the sound of 
swords clashing and the sense of two other Immortals.  As he neared the 
sound, he noticed that Amanda had stopped to see who the new visitor was, 
but it had cost her.  All he could do was stand there as he watched the man's 
sword run her through the heart.  Amanda fell to the ground, while Methos, 
sword drawn, came face to face with her opponent.  *MacLeod would never 
let me live if I don't try to do something,* he thought.  "Fabian," he said in 
shock as he caught a glimpse of the other man in front of him. 

"Methos, it's been a long time," Fabian smiled. 

"Not long enough.  I'm surprised you're still alive," Methos said, sword now 
at the ready.  It had been about two thousand years since he had last seen 
this man, and he wished that he never would've seen him again. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

FLASHBACK: FRANCE, BRONZE AGE AROUND 500 BCE 

It was a typical morning for a small village in Aquitania as the sun began to 
shine over the hills, until one of the scouts emerged over one of the hills 
making his way to his home.  Many of the elders stood outside their tent, 
wondering why this young man seemed scared for his life.  Listening closely 
they heard the man yell, "The Horsemen are coming.  They're just over the 
hill."  One of the elders raised his hand to cover his eyes, blocking out the 
sun, when he noticed four men on horseback riding over the hill coming for 
them.  Before any of them knew it, one of the Horsemen rode directly behind 
the scout and stabbed him, killing him instantly. 

As the four moved toward where the elders were located, they killed everyone 
in their path.  They had on dark masks, all except one who had on a mask of 
the dead.  While the Horsemen on the reddish horse approached the elders, the 
others continued to execute the tribe.  "We are the Four Horsemen, surrender 
to us or you will die," the 'leader' told them. 

"We will never surrender to the likes of you, heathen," one of the elders stated. 
That was the last thing they would ever say, for the Horsemen made short work 
of the village. 

Once the village was claimed, the larger member and the one with the death 
mask looked up to the hills.  The one known as 'Death' removed his mask 
and tapped his brother on the shoulder, "Do you see that, Silas?" 

Silas followed Methos' gaze and smiled, "Aye, brother.  Do you know who 
it is?" 

Methos looked over to Silas, "I don't know but we will find out.  Come." 
The two began to move toward their visitor, as they walked closer to the 
man, they began to feel his presence.  When they came into clear view, 
Methos noticed who it was.  "Fabian, I thought Kronos told you never to 
come near us again."  As he was talking, Methos walked even closer and 
drew his sword, placing it next to Fabian's neck.  "I suggest that you listen. 
This is your last warning." 

FLASHBACK: ROME ITALY 635 AD 

Methos was returning home from his trip to the market with supplies for the 
week.  He had been married to his wonderful wife for twenty years now and 
would not change it for anything.  For the first time in a long time he was 
happy, he didn't have all of the pain he had experienced for centuries, the 
reminders of his days as a Horsemen.  He hoped that he never would have 
to feel that way again.  As he stepped onto his land, he felt something stab 
him in his chest.  Looking down he saw half of an arrow sticking out of the 
area around his heart, then he felt another of his kind.  Even with the distance 
he knew the man who walked into his house.  Methos wanted to stop him but 
was only met with the darkness of death that welcomed him. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

When Methos awoke from that he had learned that his wife had been raped 
and murdered, by someone from his past.  He had vowed that day that if he 
ever would run into Fabian again, he would learn what pain is.  Now standing 
there face to face with his enemy, he felt all of the pain that he had buried 
deep within himself resurface.  "Fabian, you made a big mistake.  So what, 
you can't win a fight against a man, so you have to go and kill innocent 
women now?"  Methos walked closer to the man, ready to strike at any 
moment.  "Oh, I forgot. . . that's the type of slime you are." 

Fabian bowed his head.  Waving his arms out to his side, he glared up into 
Methos' eyes, "But you helped make me this way.  Don't you remember?" 
At that moment the older man's sword came down toward him, quickly he 
moved away from the would-be fatal blow.  "Sorry to disappoint you, 
Methos, or should I say Death.   But I have places I have to be, people 
to meet.  We will meet again.  That I promise you." 

As Fabian disappeared, Methos thought about following but knew better. 
*Fabian never fought fair*, he remembered.  "You can bet on it," was 
all he said as he resheathed his sword, then bent down to check on Amanda. 
"Figures that YOU would be the one to run into him."  Quickly he left the 
building to retrieve his car.  Once he was in front of the building he went 
back inside and lifted Amanda into his arms.  Methos placed her into the 
back seat and looked at her in utter amazement, "MacLeod should keep 
a tighter leash on you." 

************************************************* 
PART 2 

************************************************* 

Scene 5 

MacLeod sat on the couch nursing his drink. *Victoria, dead?* he thought. 
She was one of the best that he had ever seen, and it was hard for him to 
realize that she was gone.  "Do we have any idea who these two are? 
What do we know about them?" the Scotsman asked Joe, who was 
standing by the bar. 

"The information that we have is kinda sketchy.  I talked with Fabian's 
watcher and we're going to come up with something.  We do know that 
Fabian is around three thousand years old.  Thomas is around fifteen 
hundred.  Besides that, we're not sure, hell we don't even know where 
they're originally from."  Joe was furious, at himself and at the Watchers. 
They should have more information on the older immortals, if only. . . 

Joe's thoughts were interrupted by the sight of the two immortals stiffening. 
The door was suddenly kicked open.  Eric had his sword drawn, ready for 
attack, as MacLeod stepped in front of Joe.  Duncan caught sight of who 
their guest was, then smiled.  "It's okay Eric, they're friends." 

"MacLeod, you really need to keep a better eye on your girlfriend here," 
came a familiarly accented voice.  Methos strode down the stairs and quickly 
deposited Amanda on the couch. 

Duncan went to her side, checking her now disappearing injuries.  "What 
happened?"  Methos didn't answer, just stood there.  He wasn't quite sure 
if he wanted to say anything, should he tell MacLeod that he knows who 
did this?  If he did, what would that do their, still at times, fragile friendship? 
"It had to be Fabian, and that O'Connor." 

Joe thought about it for a few seconds and then agreed.  "They are the only 
ones in the area that we know of who might attack Amanda."  Joe hoped 
he was wrong and decided to let Mac know this, "But of course, it's not like 
Amanda hasn't made quite a few enemies in her time.  It might be one of them." 

Eric looked over to the new arrivals, "Just who the hell are you?"  He still 
wasn't sure just what to make out of all of this.  Three days ago he was 
happily married, and now he was standing on his friend's barge with strangers 
all around him. *Duncan has always been surrounded by other immortals,* 
he thought.  The thing that caught his attention was this young looking man, 
who had brought the woman in.  He had a strong quickening, that much he 
could tell.  That meant that he was old.  In his delirium he thought that this 
just might be the one who had killed his wife.  He wanted answers and he 
wanted them now. 

MacLeod looked over to Eric.  "It's okay, Eric.  They're friends."  He pointed 
down at the dead woman on the couch, "This is Amanda.  And that is. ." 

"Adam.  Adam Pierson."  Methos stated with a smirk on his face, as he extended 
his hand.  "Nice to meet you, sorry I didn't catch your name." 

MacLeod knew that Methos was always a little nervous around others of their 
kind, so he decided to lighten the mood.  "Adam, this is Eric Waters.  His wife 
was killed a few days ago by these immortals named Fabian and Thomas 
O'Connor."  Then it hit him like a bolt of lightning.  "Have you ever heard 
of them?"  *If Fabian was around three thousand years old then maybe, just 
maybe, Methos would know him,* MacLeod thought. 

Methos looked at MacLeod as if to say 'what do I look like a friggin immortal 
guest list'.  "No, why should I?  You know, MacLeod, I don't have to know 
every immortal that there is in the world.  Despite what you may think, there 
are some that I don't know about."  He was letting his anger show in his eyes, 
luckily it didn't reach his voice.  Seconds later, they all felt another presence 
arriving.  "What is this, immortal Grand Central Station?" 

Richie walked into the room, "Hey guys?  What's going on?"  Richie was 
bored since Altea went on a trip without him, so when Mac had asked him 
if he wanted to help paint the barge, he agreed.  He didn't think that he 
would come here with such an audience.  They all felt Amanda come back 
to life, so Richie stole a glance in her direction.  "What happened to you?" 
Richie automatically went to her side and helped her up. 

Amanda took a deep breath, and let it out slowly.  "I hate dying."  She 
glanced down at her clothes then placed her hand to her head.  "Great, do 
you have any idea how much this outfit costs?" 

MacLeod let out a sigh, it was just like her to try and make light of the 
situation.  "Amanda forget about the clothes, I'll replace them.  What 
happened?  Who did this to you?" 

Amanda slowly got up from the couch with help from Richie, and walked 
over to the bar.  She poured herself some wine, hoping to calm her nerves. 
"Funny, he never even mentioned his name.  I guess I forgot to ask as he 
running me through with his sword,"  she said with a bit of annoyance in 
her voice. 

MacLeod walked up to her and placed his hands on her shoulders, gently 
massaging them.  "I'm sorry, sweetheart.  It's just that there are some 
immortals in the city that like to take the heads of women.  I just thought. . ." 

Amanda knew what he was going to say, and As much at it made her 
insides melt, it also made her mad.  "MacLeod, I can take care of myself. 
I haven't lived this long without knowing what to do." 

Methos couldn't hold in his laughter at that.  "Yeah, you did such a good 
job of it today.  If I hadn't shown up you'd be a foot shorter." 

Amanda removed herself from MacLeod's grasp and turned to the oldest 
immortal.  "Yeah, well, if you hadn't shown up I wouldn't have lost my 
concentration.  It was when you showed up that I was run through, if I 
remember correctly." 

Eric had been standing there taking in all of this.  If he was in the right 
frame of mind he might've enjoyed this, but he was too full of anger and 
sadness.  "This isn't getting us any closer to finding out where these two 
are." 

"Eric, Paris is a big city.  It may take a while to find out where they are." 
Duncan walked up to his friend, and looked his directly in the eyes.  "I'm 
sure that we will know where they are in a day or two.  Right, Joe?" 

Methos caught that and glared over to Joe, "You can't be serious?"  Joe 
shrugged, and shook his head.  It was going to be the same ol' discussion, 
he just knew it.  "Oh, I get it now.  You won't help me out if I need it, but 
if MacLeod, or one of his friends needs help, well good ol' Joe comes to 
the rescue." 

Richie was quickly getting tired of all of the arguing.  Amanda, Duncan, 
and Eric were talking about where the two wanted immortals could be, 
while Joe and Methos were having an old discussion about Watcher 
protocol.   "Enough!   All of you!" he yelled at the top of his lungs. 
Once it was quiet and he had their undivided attention, Richie continued. 
"Okay, we know that we need to find out where this Fabian and his little 
crony is.  We all agree with that, right?"  Everyone nodded in agreement. 
"Good.  So why are we fighting.  Let's start looking for them." 

Eric agreed, as he grabbed his sword that he had earlier placed on the table, 
and headed out of the barge.  Before Amanda could move to follow Richie, 
as he was leaving, she was stopped by MacLeod.  "Why don't you stay here? 
You're probably tired, so why don't you stay here and rest." 

She knew exactly what he was trying to do, the same thing that he had always 
done.  "I'll be fine.  Besides, someone needs to keep an eye on you."  She winked 
and left the barge. 

Methos stood there and watched as the others began to file out of the barge. 
MacLeod stopped and turned to the other, "Did you see who attacked 
Amanda?"  Methos just nodded, not really trusting his voice.  "Do you 
know who it was?" 

Methos closed his eyes for a second gathering himself together.  "Maybe, 
maybe not."  He began to walk toward the door.  "You coming, Highlander?" 
MacLeod continued to look at the older man, trying to figure out just what it 
was that he was not saying.  Once they all made it to the upper deck, Methos 
turned to Mac, "I'm going to check on something.  I'll contact you later." 

"Met. . Adam?"  MacLeod said, catching himself.  He had almost forgotten that 
Eric was there and didn't know just who Methos really was.  But before he 
knew it, Methos was already gone. 

==================================================== 
Scene 6 

After Chris had left the abandoned building where the confrontation with the 
immortal, Amanda, and the other immortal occurred, he followed Fabian back to his 
hotel room.  He was relieved that no one was killed this time.  He sat outside 
of the hotel at a little cafe, waiting for the next move.  He only hoped that it 
wouldn't involve another death.  He noticed out of the corner of his eye another 
Watcher moving toward the hotel.  *What is he doing here,* Chris thought to 
himself.  He had met this Watcher once before, over at Joe's bar a few years ago. 
*What was his name?  Adam. . Adam Pierson.  He's a researcher,* Chris became 
even more intrigued as to why this researcher was here.  Maybe he would get his 
answer. 

Chris turned his attention back to the hotel when he saw Fabian come out of the 
front door.  Fabian and Thomas walked out toward the car that they had rented 
and drove off.  Chris quickly paid for his drink, and entered his own car 
he started to follow.  The two immortals stop at an area just outside of the city, 
then pull their car into the open door of the large structure.  The Watcher 
stepped out of his vehicle so that he could get a closer look at what was going 
on.  He wasn't sure just what was going on but he hoped that it wasn't what 
he thought it was. 

Suddenly, before he knew it, he felt a sharp pain at the back of his neck.  He 
realized that he had been hit with a tranquilizer dart, as he drew his hand 
from the base of his neck, finding no blood, but a small pin like item there. 
Before the darkness could fully overtake him, he had heard and seen Fabian 
standing over him, "You should know better than to follow someone.  It's 
not very polite." 

Standing far off into the distance, Methos was observing the entire sequence 
through binoculars.  He saw the young Watcher go down at the hand of 
Fabian.  "Great.  Just great."  Methos had to go and get help before he 
went any farther.  He knew that if he went after the two younger immortals 
alone he would lose.  It was not something he was prepared to do.  "I 
didn't live this long by being suicidal."  Methos headed back to his car and 
drove off.  He only hoped that Fabian's watcher would live long enough for 
the calgary to arrive. 

==================================================== 
Scene 7 

Methos walked onto the barge and noticed that the others were there.  He 
took a deep breath, for he knew that Joe would not be happy with him for 
'allowing a Watcher to get caught'.  "What the hell was I supposed to do? 
Die?" he quietly said to himself before he walked into the room where the 
others were.  When he stepped farther into the general area he noticed Joe 
on the phone.  Joe shut off his cell phone and sighed.  Methos looked over 
at the 'older' man and looked concerned, and as much as he hated to admit 
it, a little relieved.  "What's wrong, Joe?" 

"Chris has been taken.  Somehow Fabian caught him and is now holding 
him."  If Joe was mad, he hid it well. 

Amanda and Richie looked at each other with knowing looks.  "Did they 
say where they are?" Amanda asked, hoping that they did know. 

Joe told them everything that he was told, Richie didn't like it, not in the least. 
"So what are we going to do?  We can't just leave him there."  Everyone 
nodded in agreement. 

Eric stood and let out a deep breath.  "Well, I don't know about you guys, 
but I think that I'm going to try and get at least an hour’s sleep before we 
confront them.  It's been a few days since I had any sleep and I don't think 
that I can afford to be tired when I face them."  MacLeod placed his hand 
on his friend's shoulder, nodding.  "I'll meet you back here in, say what, two 
hours.  It'll still be dark and then we can go." 

"See you then," Duncan said to Eric as the man walked out the door. 
"What do you think, Joe?" the Scotsman asked as he turned to the older 
Watcher.  Joe just shrugged, wondering what to do.  This wasn't the first 
time that a Watcher was discovered but it was never easy, he hoped that 
it never would be.  Duncan caught sight of Methos walking out the door, 
and thought about following.  Before MacLeod could get too far, Amanda 
stepped beside Joe, giving Mac the chance he needed.  Amanda and Richie 
would comfort Joe and begin to plan.  Now all Duncan had to do was find 
out just what was wrong with Methos. 

Methos was standing on the deck looking at Notre Dame.  It was beautiful, 
as it always had been.  He remembered when it was new, people would come 
to this building by the dozen just to see what it was all about.  That had been 
one of the happiest times of his life, one of many times.  He felt the presence 
of MacLeod come behind him and hoped that he wouldn't ask.  Methos wasn't 
sure that he was really ready to explain how he knew Fabian.  The last time 
MacLeod had found out about a bad time in Methos' life things didn't turn 
out well.  Between the Horsemen and Byron, Methos wasn't sure how he 
would react if he knew the truth.  "How's Joe?" Methos asked, hoping beyond 
hope once again that MacLeod would not ask.  If their friendship meant 
anything, then please let him be quiet and not say a word. 

"He's fine."  MacLeod walked closer to the man he respected, even if he 
didn't always show it.  Methos had been there for him when he needed 
him the most.  "What are you not telling us?"  MacLeod thought it best 
to get right down to business and find out before Methos shut him out 
again.  It wouldn't be the first time that Methos didn't tell him everything, 
but this time would be different.  He wasn't going to give up until he got 
the answer that he felt they all deserved. 

"What do you mean?"  Methos stated, he was already tired of this.  All he 
wanted to do was go and take care of this and forget that he ever knew 
anything about Fabian. 

"You know what I mean, Methos.  There's something that you're not 
telling us and I want to know what it is."  Mac stood on the left side of 
Methos, hoping that being in close proximity would let the older immortal 
know that he was there no matter what. 

Methos turned so that he didn't have to be so close.  MacLeod was strong 
and knew the game, but he was young and didn't understand that the world 
was not all black and white.  He didn't fully understand that everyone was 
good and bad, there were shades of grey in everything that lived and breathed. 
"Trust me when I tell you that you don't want to know, Highlander.  Just leave 
it at that.  I will be there when you face Fabian, but know that no matter what, 
he's mine." 

"Why?  What did he do?  So you do know him?"  The questions kept popping 
into his head but he only stated a few.  He wasn't sure that he would get 
answers to the questions asked, but he hoped that Methos would let him in. 

Methos looked at MacLeod and shook his head.  "Yes, I know him.  There 
are you happy?  Fabian killed my wife about a thousand years ago.  And it 
wasn't the first time that I met him.  Is that what you want to know?" 
Methos turned away from the eyes that were burning holes into his soul. 
"He was angry with me because of something from our mutual past.  He 
felt that I took away something that he was destined to do." 

"I'm sorry.  I didn't know."  MacLeod sounded sincere.  He felt as if he now 
understood why Methos wanted to have this fight.  It was unusual for 
Methos to want to fight anyone, to accept a challenge, but this was a 
challenge that was set about a thousand years ago.  It was time for this to 
end.  "You know where they were, didn't you, before Joe even said anything?" 

"Yes," was all he said.  Joe came up on deck and looked at the two 
immortals.  He was followed closely by Amanda and Richie.  "Find out 
something more, Joe."  Methos asked with a sudden, chilling calmness 
about him. 

Joe nodded, but it was Richie that answered.  "We have a problem. 
Eric was seen entering the building where Fabian and O'Connor are 
located." 

MAcLeod's eyes went wide, "When?" 

Amanda walked up to Duncan, placing her hands on his arms, gently 
running them up and down.  She was hoping to keep him calm, but it 
wasn't working.  "About ten minutes ago." 

"We gotta go, before it's too late."  With that the group left the barge 
and headed toward the ourskirts of the city.  MacLeod hoped that they 
arrived in time, he wasn't sure he could stand to lose Eric as well. 

************************************************* 
Part 3 
************************************************* 

Scene 8 

Abandoned Warehouse 

Fabian walked into a large room that held the young watcher; he was 
curious.  He had always felt as if he was being followed, but didn’t know 
what to make of it.  There were also the rumors about a group of mortals 
that followed immortals around.  Now he would finally get the answers to 
the questions that had been bugging him for centuries. He walked up to 
the young mortal and grabbed his hair.  “What’s your name, boy?” 

Chris just looked up at the immortal that he knew better than anyone.  His 
eyes were swollen, and lips cracked, “Captain Kangaroo.” 

Fabian smiled and raised his arm above his head.  With lightning speed he 
struck the man’s face, knocking him out of the chair.  “You should know 
not to mess with me.” 

Thomas walked into the room and grabbed a hold of Fabian’s hand before 
he could hit again.  “What are you doing?  He’s not a part of this.” Fabian 
turned, all his anger showing in his eyes.  “You said that no one 
would get hurt.  All you wanted were friends of MacLeod.  Nothing more, 
no mortals were to be hurt.” 

“I changed my mind.  Especially now that I know that an old friend of mine 
is alive.  This young ‘watcher’ is going to tell me all he knows about him.” 
Fabian walked up the watcher and picked up the chair and watcher, setting 
them upright.  “So tell me what you know about an immortal.  One by the 
name of Methos.” 

Thomas let out a deep breath.  “Methos is a myth.  He doesn’t exist.”  He 
began to pace the room.  “So what...now you’re chasing after myths and 
fables?  Methos is not real.” 

Fabian turned to his young protégé, grabbing him by the lapels.  “Trust me 
young friend, Methos is real, and he’s here, now.”  Before he could say 
anymore, he felt another presence, enter the building.  “We are not finished, 
trust me.  Why don’t you go and see who’s here?”  Thomas lowered his 
eyes and left the room.  “Now, back to where we were.  What do you know 
about Methos?” 

==================================================== 

Scene 9 

Eric Waters entered the building, knowing that he had found them.  Finally 
he was going to be able to avenge the death of his beloved wife.  From the far 
end of the room, he saw a young man walk towards him with his sword drawn. 
“Are you the one who killed my wife?” 

Thomas let a smile cross his face, “Maybe.  Is she the one who was begging for 
her life?  I wonder.”  Eric’s anger was beginning to boil over, he could no longer 
see the man in front of him, all he could see was the face of his lovely wife.  “I’m 
Thomas O’Connor, and let me guess, you’re Eric Waters.”  Eric just nodded, 
“Good, shall we make this quick, I don’t want to miss dinner.” 

Eric drew his sword, but before he could attack, he heard a car door 
open and felt the presence of more immortals..  “Damn,” he whispered. 
He knew who it was, and had hoped that he wouldn’t have to face 
them now.  As the door opened, he stared at Thomas, but talked to 
the people who walked in: “You can’t interfere. MacLeod.  He’s mine.” 

MacLeod stood off to the side, “I wouldn’t think about it.” 

Methos, however, wasn’t too pleased with this.  “Where is Fabian?”  Eric 
shook his head then attacked Thomas.  Methos quickly ran to the far side 
of the room, followed by MacLeod and Joe.  Inside the room he saw the 
man that had ruined his life; one of the many men who had ruined his life. 
“Fabian, we end this now.”  Fabian walked toward Methos and smiled. 
Both drew their swords, as Methos looked at Joe, “Get him out of here, 
now!” 

As Joe and MacLeod untied Chris and moved him to the other room, Methos 
and Fabian fought.  Duncan was torn as to what to do.  He wanted to help, he 
hated just standing by doing nothing.  From where he was standing he could 
see what was happening in both rooms.  Eric was matching O’Connor, blow 
for blow.  Duncan knew that Eric was letting his anger guide him, and that 
was not always the best way to fight. Luckily for Eric, Thomas was young 
and not as well adapted to different fighting styles as Eric was.  Thomas 
thrust his sword toward Eric, making a fatal mistake.  When his sword 
came forward, he had left himself open to attack.  Eric moved to the side 
and stabbed Thomas in the gut as he moved.  Thomas went down to his knees 
then closed his eyes, waiting for the end of the agony that he had felt his entire 
life.  Eric raised his sword to the sky, “This is for my wife, you bastard.”  His 
sword came down and neatly severed Thomas's head from his shoulders. 

MacLeod let out the breath he didn’t he had been holding, then turned 
to see what Methos' status was.  He was worried about the older 
Immortal, and even if Methos wouldn't accept his help, he felt as if he needed 
to protect him and watch out for him Methos was the oldest, and MacLeod 
was going to protect the knowledge that was locked up inside that thick skull 
of his.  Methos and Fabian were both evenly matched, and it looked like 
neither one of them would get the upper hand.  With each thrust, each 
parry, each blow, it was countered aby the other. Duncan could tell that 
the two had faced each other before Methos swung his sword, connecting with 
Fabian’s shoulder, making Fabian’s sword fly across the room.  “You 
should’ve learned your lesson a long time ago, Fabian.  There is no one here 
to protect you this time.” 

Fabian lowered his head, not looking up at the older immortal.  “So true. 
You should remember what happened the last time you thought you could take 
me out.” With that said, Fabian pulled a small dagger out of his jacket and 
drove it deep into Methos’ chest.  MacLeod cried out, hoping to stop the 
inevitable. Fabian stood, glancing at MacLeod, “You can’t interfere, 
Highlander.” Then he bent down to the dying man, “This isn’t over, 
Methos.  We will meet again. Maybe next time, you won't have your little 
friends here to protect you.”  Fabian pulled out another item from his 
pocket and threw it to the ground.  Smoke began to fill the room, as 
MacLeod ran in, hoping to stop Methos from being beheaded. He couldn't 
see a thing, but prayed that Methos was alright.  He hadn't felt a quickening yet, 
so there was still hope. 

When the smoke cleared, Methos was laying on the ground, the wound in 
his chest healing.  Fabian was no where to be seen.  Duncan picked 
up Methos and walked to the other room where Eric and the others were 
waiting.  He placed a hand on Eric’s shoulder, “You alright?” 

Eric nodded and smiled, “Yeah, better than your friend. I see.” 

Joe shook his head, “Where’s Fabian?” 

Duncan lowered his eyes.  “Gone, but I don’t think that we’ve seen the last 
of him.  I’m sure of that.” The group slowly walked out of the building, Eric 
was helping Chris while Duncan carried Methos in a fireman’s carry. 
Others would come and clean up the mess, but for now their job was done. 

==================================================== 

Scene 10 
La Blue’s Club 

Joe began pouring everyone another round.  He had closed up the bar that 
night so that they could all talk in private.  Things had to be cleared up for 
the records, and it wasn’t something that normal people needed to hear.  He 
placed the bottle down in front of Mac and Eric.  “So what are you going to 
do now?” 

Eric shrugged, “I don’t know really.  Vicky has been a big part of my life and 
now. . . I just don’t know.  I’ll go on, that’s what she would’ve wanted, but 
time will tell.”  He turned to Duncan and held out his hand.  “I want to thank- 
you, Duncan.  You have always been a good friend, and I wanted to say that 
you being there for me has been a great help.” 

Duncan took hold of his friend’s hand and shook it firmly.  “You take care 
of yourself, Eric.  If you need anything, anything at all, give me a call.  I’ll be 
there.” 

“Thanks,” Eric then turned to Joe and shook his hand.  “Thank-you.  Even 
though you had no invested interest in me or my wife, without you I would’ve 
never been able to find the ones that killed her.  I’m forever in your debt.” 

Joe smiled back at the man, “It’s my job.  It was good to finally meet you.  Take 
care of yourself.” 

“I will, but I still have one more order of business that I will need to take care 
 of before I can go one with my life.”  The two looked at Eric in wonderment. 
“I will not rest until Fabian is dead.  And he will,”  he said as he rose from his 
chair.  “Farewell, my friends.” He went over to Amanda and Richie, said his good- 
byes and left into the night. A new chapter was beginning in his life, and he was 
thankful to have friends like these to help him through it. 

Joe then turned to the young watcher who had been through so much 
as late, "How're you holding up?" 

Chris smiled and bent his head to the side, “I’m okay.  Just make sure that my 
next assignment isn’t some crazy immortal out to rule the world, huh?” 

Joe laughed and placed his hand on his shoulder, “I promise.” 

Chris looked at Joe, then glanced over to where Adam was sitting.  “Do the 
Watchers know that Adam is one of them?”  Joe just looked at him. 

Joe held his breath for a second.  He knew that he had to tell him 
something, to get him off the subject and from asking further 
questions. "Yeah, he's been assigned a Watcher. He quit as soon 
as he found out.  So it all works out in the end, right?” 

"Yeah," Chris said, knowing that it wasn't the full truth, but not 
wanting to know any more.  “Well, I better get going also.  I 
need to do some research on my new assignment.  Talk to you 
later, Joe.” 

“Take care.”  With that the man left, leaving only the five of them to sit and 
talk, without any unwanted ears around.  Amanda and Richie were talking 
about money issues, while MacLeod was sitting next to Methos.  Neither 
one was speaking, and Joe wasn’t sure if that wasn’t for the best. 

MacLeod looked at his beer sitting in front of him, he had to know.  “So 
what is it that you’re not telling me?  What is it about Fabian that you don’t 
want me to know?”  He knew that he had only gotten part of the story before. 
The part in which Methos' wife was killed by this monster, but there was 
more, he just knew it.. 

Methos smirked and shook his head.  He placed his beer down on the table, 
and stood.  “Well Highlander, that’s for me to know and you to wonder.  There 
are things in my past that are better if they stayed there.  Things that would 
make your head spin.”  He picked up his coat and pulled it on, “Let’s just say 
that it’s another part of my horrid past that you wouldn’t want to know about.” 
With that said, Methos waved good-bye to Joe and the others and walked out. 
MacLeod sat there and wondered just what it was that Methos was talking 
about.  He knew that he most likely had all the facts with a few parts missing, 
and all he had to do was put it together.  He found himself smiling, *Methos, 
you are a sly one,* he thought.  Methos made sure that MacLeod wouldn’t 
know, only giving him what he wanted to hear and what Methos wanted him 
to know.  MacLeod realized that he had been had once again.  When would he 
learn?  *Maybe if I get as old as him, I’ll finally understand.* 
  
  

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