Title: The Past Returns
Summary: Methos has a secret that he’s kept for thousands of years. But the past, as it always does, comes back to haunt him and he must make some very difficult decisions. Can he trust MacLeod with the secret? Is Richie walking into a confrontation with a deadly Immortal and what is Methos’ connection to her?
Archive: At Ink-and-Quill
Disclaimer: I only own Jade.
Summary: Methos has a very closely guarded secret. His past returns revealing more about him than he’s comfortable sharing, even with MacLeod.
The dream was always the same:
//Somewhere in Europe c. 450 B.C.
The woman clutched onto her husband. The thunder of hooves echoed across the land. “Please, Raulf, please let’s leave,” she screamed at him.
“No, woman. I said for you to take the children and hide. Now, go!” he said, pulling his arm free.
Tears filled her eyes. Everyone knew the sound of the hooves signified the approach of the Horsemen. “Then, I will fight beside you, please,” she begged. Being an immortal, she knew her prowess with a sword would be beneficial.
“No!” her husband said, “Please, Jade. I need for you to take care of the children. Someone has to protect them!” Desperately he started to push her aside, but instead he pulled her to him and kissed her. “I love you,” he said.
Touching his face tenderly, and for the last time, she said, “I will love you always.”
Knowing the full meaning behind those words, Raulf looked at his wife for the last time as she ran to protect his children.
The village was in total chaos. Women were running around, dragging scared children behind them. Still, other women, men, and boys were arming themselves in a futile attempt to protect their homes from the inevitable. It was hard for Jade to ignore the desperation and focus on the task of getting the children as far away from the village as possible. Running to her hut, she quickly gathered the four children close.
“Are they coming, Momma?” a fearful voice asked.
“Yes, Sethra. They’re coming. We have to leave, now!”
“What about Daddy?”
Taking the youngest in her arms, she took another by the hand. “He’ll find us later,” she lied, “We have to move, children.”
She led the children at a fast pace. Her sword and constant companion placed firmly at her side. They’d just reached the edge of the woods when she felt the tingle of another immortal. She stopped suddenly, holding back the panic. If it was Kronos or the one called Caspian, they were all dead for sure. She calmed herself and reached out. *No,* she thought, *the signature is as familiar as my own. We may still stand a chance, maybe.* To the children, she said, “We have to keep moving.” Better to move than take a chance. Six hundred years ago, she’d known him like the back of her hand, but now…
The sound of hooves came closer. Knowing they could never outrun him, she hid the two oldest children. Her hope was to save at least half of her family if she could. She knew the two youngest would never be able to hide quietly. “Stay quiet,” she warned, “No matter what you see or hear. Stay quiet.”
She held the two youngest tightly as she watched the Horseman known as Death approach on his white steed. Half of his face was painted blue. The look in his eyes was unreadable. It had been six hundred years since she’d last seen him. Since he’d left her to pursue this life of hell, and he’d done it for so many reasons. She knew that. Most of which revolved around the fourth Horseman, Silas, her former student. She looked nowhere but in his eyes as he approached. He had been her teacher, friend, lover, and so much more. Now, she recognized him by his Quickening only. And even that was almost beyond her recognition. She knew in that instant that she would kill him if she had to. She hoped it wouldn’t come to that.
He stopped his horse and dismounted. He was so confident, so arrogant. Yet, she sensed a tinge of guilt and despair within him. And, he had yet to unsheathe his sword. They still had a chance.
Speaking in a language the children would not understand, he said, “It has been so long, Jade.”
Replying in kind, she said, “Yes, Methos, it has.”
“I don’t want to kill you or the children.”
“Then, don’t. Let me take them away from here.” Saying that, she saw for the first time the exhaustion in his eyes. He was tired of this life. He was finally pulling away from Kronos. It was just a beginning, but maybe he could be saved.
“I can’t do that, Jade. He will find you. It’s unavoidable.” He took two more steps closer, causing the youngest to cry.
“Sshh, Danni, it’s okay.” To him, she said, “Methos, I can’t let you hurt these children. I won’t let Kronos. He will NEVER kill another child of mine!” she yelled, pain in her voice.
Methos flinched. “These aren’t your children!” he yelled in return, finally drawing his sword.
“You’ve killed their father, my husband! They are my children now!” she yelled, dropping the young boy and drawing her sword.
“I AM YOUR HUSBAND!” he shouted, but did not raise his sword.
Shaking her head in hopelessness, she said, “Methos, I did not marry this man standing before me. I do not know who you are anymore. The man I married, the man I love, is not this cold-blooded killer. Please, let us go.”
Methos approached the youngest child and picked him up by his tunic. Her voice, her pleas, her cries filled his ears. No, he would not kill her children. He would not let Kronos or Caspian kill another one of her children. She was his wife still, therefore, these children were his now too. “I did not kill your husband. I will not kill any of you.”
Tears of fear turned to tears of relief. “Come with us, Methos. Please.”
“I cannot. You must go.”
She closed the distance between them, no longer afraid of him. “You don’t have to stay with him. Please come with us,” she begged.
“I can’t, Jade. Someone has to stay with Silas.”
“Silas can take care of himself, Methos. I was wrong to think otherwise. I love you. I always have. The children and I need you. Please.” She could tell her words were affecting him. He was torn between her and Kronos. And, Kronos’ pull was so very strong. She knew he was not ready to leave Kronos yet. No matter what he would say. But, he was pulling away from Kronos. Of that, she was sure.
“Dear, Jade,” he caressed her face. Gods above but he did love her. Six hundred years apart had done little to change that. The grief in her eyes was gone. The guilt in his heart assuaged. He wanted to believe that he could be with her again. The wheels in his mind began to turn. It was possible, but first he had to get rid of Kronos. He was beginning to feel that task would be a pleasure. He pulled her to him and kissed her fully on the lips. The immediacy of her response filled him with hope. “Okay, take the children to Antilla. I’ll meet you there soon.” He wasn’t sure if he meant it, but the thought gave him hope.
She could tell by the look on his face that he may not be able to keep his word, but she knew in his heart that he wanted to believe it. She smiled broadly and said, “We’ll wait for you.” She took the other two children out of hiding and smiled. ” I do love you, Methos.”
“I know, Jade. Wait for me.” //
The children hot on her heels, Jade ran off into the woods. After he could no longer feel her signature, Methos returned to help his brothers finish off the village…
Methos woke with a start. He had no idea what had set this off, his thinking about her. They hadn’t seen one another in about a century. Yet now, here she was in his mind. He’d have to get control of that.
The dream always started out from her perspective. The story always filled with emotion. She’d told him about that day when the Horsemen raided her village on several occasions. Her love for Raulf was ever evident. Methos had never been the jealous type. Raulf had been a very lucky mortal. When Kronos killed him, Raulf had died with her name on his lips. Methos had never told Jade of the violence of Raulf’s death, only that he died bravely, which was true.
Although they had exchanged words of marriage over 4600 years ago, they’d both realized that living as man and wife for eternity was an impossibility for both of them. They’d pursued other relationships equally, always respecting the other’s current status. But, as always, the vows they had made all those millennia ago remained. They’d kept one another’s existence a secret for protection. Jade was only a couple of centuries younger than Methos. She would be hunted vigorously for her age and because of the supposed vulnerability of her sex. However, it never took an opponent long to learn of his mistake. She was feminine in every sense of the word, but fierce and strong when engaged in battle. Methos smiled at the memory of some opponents’ fear.
Getting out of bed, Methos went to his bathroom and showered. He needed a distraction to get his mind off of her. He knew right away where he would go, who his favorite target was. Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod.
****************************
Lifting the gate, Methos knew Mac was around. The sounds of the shower told him where. Making himself at home, Methos grabbed a beer and sat on the couch. He looked up when the Highlander exited the bathroom wrapped in a towel.
“You really don’t believe in privacy, do you?” MacLeod asked.
“Why? You shy?” Methos teased.
“Hardly,” Mac said as he grabbed his clothes and went back into the bathroom. The sounds of Methos’ laughter followed him.
When Mac returned, Methos was just about to give him a lecture on the finer points of vanity when both immortals felt the signature. Methos didn’t even bother to stand.
Richie lifted the gate. The smile he wore covered his entire face. “Mac, Methos, good morning.”
“Rich, what’s up?” MacLeod asked.
“Nothing,” came Richie’s reply, a devious smile on his face.
“Liar. That smile is so big it could crack your face. Give.” Mac smiled. Richie’s good mood was obviously contagious.
“I met someone. Now, don’t look at me like that. It’s nothing romantic. We clicked, but it’s really just a friendship thing. She’s the neatest person.”
“What’s her name?” Duncan asked, not really believing Richie could have a platonic relationship with a woman.
“Ja’lyn. Ja’lyn Benjamin. She’s an immortal, Mac. An old one, I think.”
“Woah, Rich,” Mac said, full protector mode in gear. “What do you know about her exactly? How long have you known her? How old is she?”
“Jeez, Mac. Relax.” Richie put up his hands. He looked at Methos for help.
“Sorry, kid. You know how he is,” Methos said, moving to the breakfast nook to listen to the conversation.
“Thanks, Methos,” the young immortal said sarcastically. To Mac, Richie said, “Okay, FYI, I don’t know everything about her. I know she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. She smiles easily. She’s unassuming. And, even a little shy. She’s so easy to talk to. And, she doesn’t judge me.”
“Give her time,” Methos said.
Mac laughed. “How old is she, Rich?”
“I haven’t asked. She hasn’t said. I know she’s at least 2000 years old.”
MacLeod and Methos both took a step back then. “Say again,” Mac said.
“At least 2000.”
“How do you know?” Methos asked.
“She lived in Rome during the Roman Empire.”
“She told you this,” Methos said, more than a little involved in the story now. There were very few female immortals that old. Very few old immortals gave out their true age.
“She said that statue in the park of the Roman soldier reminded her of someone she knew.” Richie smiled as he remembered the rest of the conversation.
“Really,” the Highlander said. Thinking for a moment, he continued, “I wonder what Joe would know about her.”
Richie stood and confronted his former teacher. “I don’t need you to check up on everyone who comes into my life, Mac. Give me a break.”
“What if she’s up to something, Richie? What if she’s after your head?”
“Then she would have challenged me days ago. Come on, Mac!” Richie was clearly exasperated.
“Have you ever heard of Ja’lyn Benjamin, Methos?” Mac continued, ignoring Richie’s plea.
“Nope, but that’s probably not her real name. If she’s as old as that, she may not have a surname.” Methos stood to get another beer. The whole situation wasn’t sitting quite right with him. His dreams of Jade. This mysterious older female immortal popping into Richie’s life. Too strange to be a coincidence. He and Jade had been together back when he was Dr. Benjamin Adams. It wasn’t such a stretch to think that Jane Adams, as she had called herself then, had become Ja’lyn Benjamin. But, why was she here? If this was her, she obviously had tracked him down and needed him for something. Her contact with Richie had not been a coincidence. She was too intelligent to let slip information that could lead to her true identity. Methos’ gut was telling him that Richie’s Ja’lyn was his Jade.
Sipping his beer, Methos said, “Don’t worry, Mac. I’m sure Richie will be fine.” If indeed the woman was Jade, Richie would be as safe as a kitten.
“Thanks, Methos. I really just came here to invite you guys to meet her. Don’t worry, Methos, I told her your name was Adam.”
“Sure we’ll meet her,” MacLeod said, “You just say when and where.”
“She agree to that, Rich?” Methos asked. He didn’t want their first meeting to be with Richie and Mac around. He needed to talk to her alone. If the woman was Jade, that is.
“I haven’t asked her yet. I’m meeting her this evening at the park. We’re going to take a walk along the river.”
“Sounds romantic,” Mac teased, “I thought the relationship wasn’t romantic.”
Methos smiled. It was platonic all right. Ryan was not Jade’s type. More like the type she would coddle, but never have a romantic interlude.
“It isn’t,” Richie smiled, “But, I wouldn’t complain if it were.” He rose to leave. “I’ll see you guys later. Should we all meet at Joe’s tomorrow for lunch?”
“Sure,” Mac said and Methos nodded.
After Richie left, MacLeod looked at Methos and asked, “You think he’s going to be okay.”
Methos laughed, “Yes, worry-wort. He’s going to be fine. Now if I’m not wrong, you have a dojo that needs to be opened, and I need to scam on your computer. So go!”
“Okay. See you later.”
Methos sat in front of his computer but didn’t turn it on. He stared into the blackness of the monitor and let his mind float back into time. Back to that terrible day almost 3000 years ago:
//Somewhere in Europe c. 1000 B.C.
‘Arin. Have you completed your chores?’
‘Yes, father. May I please go play by the creek?’
‘Yes. Be home by dark, son.’
Jade came around the house wiping her hands on her skirt. ‘Where are you heading, Arin?’
‘Father says I can go to the creek and play with the other boys.’ Arin ran to his mother and kissed her lightly on the cheek. ‘I’ll see you later.’
‘Be careful.’ She watched her son run off through the woods. Feeling her husband’s arm come around her shoulder, she turned to him and smiled. ‘He’s growing so fast,’ she said embracing him.
‘I know. We’ll have to tell him soon, you know.’
She sighed, ‘I know, Methos. I know. It’s just that I don’t want to tell him that he isn’t of our flesh.’
‘Or that we are immortal.’
‘I’d rather tell him that. Although he doesn’t look like either of us. I’m sure he suspects that he is not ours.’
Methos laughed. ‘Yes, it would definitely be hard for two black-haired, green-eyed people to have a red, curly-haired , blue-eyed boy.’
‘True,’ Jade sighed, ‘Still he feels like my own. Gods, Methos, I love that boy like I’ve loved no other. For all intents and purposes, he is our son.’
Methos pulled his wife close. ‘Yes, Jade, love. He is our son.’ He led his wife inside to help her prepare the vegetables for their supper.
Several hours later, screams from outside their door accompanied the strong immortal signature. Methos and Jade ran out of the hut to find the cause of the commotion.
Methos barely had two seconds to react before his wife ran toward the strange immortals. All strange but one. The sight that greeted him was emblazoned forever in his memory. The sight as well as the screams of his wife. Dragged behind the horses of the immortals were the dead bodies of three young boys. One of which was his Arin.
‘Silas, you bastard!’ Jade was screaming through her tears. ‘I’ll kill you, you ungrateful, heartless, son of a bitch! Let me go, Methos. They killed our son. Damn you!’ she screamed over and over.
Methos took one look at the leader of the group and knew he could not let his wife go. The leader would kill her as surely as he killed their son.
The three immortals stopped in front of their hut. The leader spoke, ‘One of these boys yours?’
Methos met his eyes, controlling his anger and hatred, ‘Yes, he was.’
‘Pity,’ the man said and laughed.
Jade’s anger inflamed then. ‘Let me go, Methos. I want to kill the bastard! Let me go!’
Methos brought his fist to Jade’s jaw effectively knocking her cold. He hated to do it, but if he didn’t, she would get herself killed.
‘What do you want here?’ Methos asked the leader.
‘We want you,’ he said, ‘I am Kronos. This is Caspian. And, of course, you know Silas.’
Methos was losing control over his anger. ‘What the hell do you want with me?’
Kronos smiled, ‘Silas tells me you’re very good at planning battles. Apparently, you’ve advised kings. I want you to help us.’
‘You bastard. You’ve killed my son. Why would I help you?’
Kronos got off his horse and walked to Methos. Menacingly, he said, ‘Because if you don’t, this is only the beginning. I’ll take your very beautiful wife and you’ll watch as I rape her and kill her over and over. I’ll also kill everyone in the village. Starting with the babies. They will all know it’s because of you that they are dying slowly and painfully. But…’
‘But, what?’ Methos said through gritted teeth.
‘If you come with us and follow me loyally, I won’t hurt anyone else in this village. You have my word. As long as you help me and my brothers, they and your wife will live.’
His mind had become numb. His dead son lay tied to Kronos’ horse. His wife lay passed out at his feet. The malicious evil that emanated from Kronos was undeniable. Methos felt torn. He knew he had no choice, but would Jade understand. Then, there was Silas, her former student. Jade loved him like a son. Why was he with this madman? Methos made up his mind. Kronos would follow through on his threat. Methos was positive of that. For Jade’s safety and for Silas’ salvation, Methos unwillingly agreed. ‘I’ll go,’ he said, ‘Let me talk to my wife.’
‘NO!’ Kronos said, ‘We ride now or we kill now. Your choice.’
Methos looked at the crumpled form of the love of his life. She would understand, eventually. *I love you* he thought. To Kronos, he said, ‘We ride.’
A horse was produced for Methos as the bodies of the young boys were finally untied from the horses. Methos rode off with the three men. Planning a way to kill the leader, he had no way of knowing how the power of Kronos’ evil would take over his mind, body, and soul…//
The phone rang again, waking Methos from his thoughts. He wiped the tears from his eyes and picked up the phone. “Hello,” he said.
“Adam, it’s Richie.”
“Rich, hello.”
“Hey. I just wanted to call and say we’re definitely on for lunch tomorrow at Joe’s”
“Great, what time?”
“How about 12:30?”
“Fine. See you both then. Bye.”
“Bye,” Richie said and hung up.
Methos fought off the growing feeling of anxiety. This mystery woman may not be Jade. And even if she was, why was he worried? Methos began to puzzle it out in his mind. If this was Jade, she was here for a reason. What could it be? Why was she here? Then, he thought, ‘Something’s wrong.’ He’d have to find out, which meant he had to find her before this lunch tomorrow.
Quickly grabbing his coat, he ran out the back door before Mac could sense he was gone.
Arriving at the park, Methos walked silently around, ever careful not to be seen or felt. He stopped as he saw a couple sitting on a park bench. It was almost nightfall, but he could tell the male form was Richie. The female stood and ran her hand through her hair, shaking it slightly when she reached her crown. Methos observed the action, took in the shape of that body he knew so well and knew in an instant that this woman was his Jade! Ah, yes! Now all he had to do was follow her back to her hotel then he could talk to her.
She embraced Richie quickly and kissed him on the cheek. Methos watched as the boy reluctantly turned and left. Jade stood by the bench for a few more seconds and watched Richie leave. Purposely, she turned and walked toward Methos’ hiding place. He bowed his head. Caught.
Stopping directly in front of him, Jade smiled. “Thought you were out of my range, huh?”
Methos laughed. “Something like that, yes.” He stood. “You’ve gotten better at finding Quickenings.”
“The talent has saved my life more than once.”
Methos closed the distance between them and embraced her. “How have you been, Ja’lyn?” He closed his eyes enjoying the feel of her.
Jade hugged him in return. “Fine. How about you, Adam?”
“I’m here, for now. Tomorrow, who knows? You know the life.” Small talk didn’t really become them, and neither did the use of these assumed names. He gazed at her intently and as he did, he caught a glimpse of something. What was it? Damn, she was almost as good at masking as he was.
“Are you okay?” He knew she wasn’t, but he had to get her to talk.
“No,” she said honestly. “I’m not okay, Methos.”
Putting his arm around her naturally, he started to lead her back toward the bench. “Tell me.”
“I killed Cassandra.”
Methos closed his eyes. “I can’t say I’m sorry. I’m not.” Although, he thought Mac may take it personally. That thought caused him to pause but in typical Methos fashion, he’d worry about that when the time came. “What happened?”
“I ran into her last week in Houston. She challenged me openly. I had no choice. She was crazy, Methos. Saying things like Kronos was dead. You killed Silas. She was going to kill you and MacLeod for protecting you. Damn, Methos.”
“It’s all true, love. Every bit of it.” Methos had to support her as the weight of what he said hit her.
“Kronos is dead?”
“Mac killed him.”
She was fighting tears. “Good.”
“I agree.”
“Did you kill Silas?” she asked tentatively, praying it wasn’t true even as she knew it was.
Methos sighed. This was the hardest part to admit. But he owed her the truth. “Yes,” he whispered.
Quickly tears of grief overcame her. “I thought we’d saved him, Methos. What happened?”
“Kronos found him again.”
“How? He was alone in the Ukraine. Only you and I knew…” It hit her then. “You led Kronos to him, didn’t you?” She rose from the bench, angry. “Didn’t you?! Why?”
Sometimes, a little white lie could save someone a lot of grief. This was one of those times. “Kronos had found him without my help. I thought if I was there, I could help Silas resist Kronos’ magnetism. I was wrong.”
Jade returned to her seat on the bench. She was tired. The weight of all this new information plus her current problem became bigger baggage than she could carry. Putting her face in her hands, she cried.
Methos put his arms around her. “Let’s go back to my place, love. We can talk there.” It was easy to see that Jade needed him. Whatever was going on went well beyond her killing Cassandra or him killing Silas.
He took her back to his apartment, but by the time he got her there, she was so exhausted, she didn’t want to talk. Easy enough. He could tell her fatigue was emotional and mental more than physical. Since she was a child, she’d brought out the protector in him. The one he swore to Mac and Joe didn’t exist. But with her, he didn’t have to deny it. Slowly, he undressed her and gave her a pair of his sweats.
She put them on willingly. Never would she let anyone treat her the way she let Methos. Apparently, 4800 years made a difference. Quietly, she slipped into his bed, not surprised to feel him slip in beside her. Wrapped in the embrace that she hadn’t felt for over 100 years, Jade fell into a completely restful sleep, knowing he’d take care of her.
*****
—–
Methos woke the next morning to find that sometime during the night, Jade had slipped out of the bed and left him a note. She said she had gone to run a couple of errands and would return to her hotel room. She had some things she needed to work through, but she had thanked him for helping her.
Methos put the paper down and stared off into the distance. The note was distant. Almost mechanical in nature. It wasn’t like Jade at all. What in the world was wrong with her? It was more than likely something she was trying to handle on her own, but wasn’t having much luck, and the woman just wouldn’t ask for help. He’d have to get to the bottom of this.
—-
Jade was completely lost in thought as she walked down the sidewalk in a more deserted district of Seacouver. She’d have to tell Methos about her problem. Damn, she hated admitting that she was at an impasse. But she knew Methos had connections to the watchers, and that’s what she needed. It was at that precise moment that she felt the presence of another immortal. She sighed and drew her sword. She really didn’t feel like taking a head this afternoon. The weather was just too nice, and she had things she needed to do.
She quickly scanned the area and found the only other person had also drawn a sword. She took a good look and immediately sized him up. Tall, strong-build. His frame was decidedly deceptive. How many opponents had thought him slow only to be surprised at his speed? Their eyes locked, and Jade was the first to speak. “I have no quarrel with you. Let’s just go our own ways. Today is too beautiful a day for you to die.”
“I am Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod,” he introduced. She was an arrogant woman, but then most female immortals had to be.
“I am Ja’lyn Benjamin,” she announced, recognizing the name as one that Richie had given to her as a friend. She put her sword away, but kept it at ready in case he wasn’t as trustworthy as Richie had believed.
As she withdrew her sword, so did he. This was the Ja’lyn that Richie had spoken about. She wasn’t merely beautiful, she was gorgeous, and as was his way, Duncan wanted to get to know her. Approaching her, the Highlander said, “I believe we have a mutual friend.”
“Richie Ryan. Yes, I believe we do. He’s a nice kid.” This man looked like a bronzed god. She could definitely spend some time with him. Jade may be 4800 years old, but she still had the same stirring of sexual excitement that she had when she was much, much younger. And just the sight of him was causing very familiar stirring in her.
Cocking one eyebrow at her, Duncan closed the distance between them and gave her a smile. Most certainly, he could understand what Richie saw in her. “He is.” His head inclined toward his business as he said, “I run that dojo over there. If you’d like…”
Looking at him wearily, Jade consented. In all actuality, spending time with this gorgeous man was not such a hardship. With a display of gentlemanly charm, Duncan MacLeod led Jade to his dojo.
************************************************************************
Methos had been chomping at the bit all day. Jade’s leaving didn’t bother him so much, but the reason she was there was. He knew this woman better than he knew himself. She was keeping something from him. Something that she wanted to discuss with him. He was sure of that. It was all a matter of timing. He had a few ideas, and he was on his way to bounce them off of MacLeod. As he went up the elevator to the loft, he felt two distinct signatures. One, he assumed was MacLeod’s and the other he knew as well as his own. So, Jade had run into Mac. He chuckled wondering what that meeting had been like.
Lifting the gate, he gazed in unsurprised awe to find his wife sprawled out on MacLeod’s bed. A white sheet covered her obviously naked body. Mac was nowhere in sight.
Jade had woken the second she felt Methos’ Quickening. When she heard the gate lift, she opened an eye and gave him a bright smile. Sitting up, she shrugged and said, “I couldn’t resist. I mean, his body rivals Adonis. I just had to try it out.”
Methos opened and closed his mouth. He wasn’t surprised or enraged or even hurt. In fact, he found great amusement in the prospects. Giving her a wink, he bellowed, “MACLEOD!!”
Duncan came running out of the bathroom, obviously just finished with his shower. He took one look at the mused goddess in his bed, the very peeved Methos standing before it, and began to sputter. “L-lemme guess… She’s with you.”
“SHE’S MY WIFE!”
Jade tried very hard not to laugh.
“W-what? N-now w-wait. You said NOTHING to me about having a wife. Nothing. And even if you had, I had NO idea that SHE was your wife. SHE DIDN’T TELL ME SHE WAS MARRIED!!” He was looking from Methos to Ja’lyn, trying desperately to figure out the situation. He and Methos had been friends for a couple years now, surely if Methos was married, he’d have said something. But then again, there was a lot about Methos that Mac didn’t know about. Damn! This woman could very well be his wife.
Methos saw the look on Mac’s face when it dawned on him that there was a possibility that Methos was indeed telling the truth. It was at that moment when Methos let the facade crack and he broke out in laughter. Jade’s laughter mixed with his. Methos moved to sit on the side of the bed. “Relax, MacLeod.” Methos patted Jade’s leg and said, “Yes, she is my wife, but we don’t live as man and wife. At least not right now. Who she sees, who she does,” he chuckled, “is her own business.”
Jade chimed in, “There’s no way I could be faithful to someone for as long as we’ve been married.”
“How long have you been married?”
“We first took vows about 4600 years ago.”
Shock didn’t even begin to describe what Mac was feeling. “How old is she?” he asked Methos.
“4800 years, give or take a century.”
“Give…” Mac started.
“Or take,” Jade finished, admiring the beautifully naked body still bared before her. Turning, she kissed her husband’s cheek before rising. She moved to kiss the Highlander before going to use his shower.
Watching her go, Duncan turned to Methos and asked, “What’s her real name, Methos?”
“Jade,” the eldest man answered. He knew Mac could be trusted with the information, after all, Mac knew his real name.
Mac nodded and quickly dressed before saying, “I have another question.”
“Shoot,” Methos said.
“Why is Jade here?”
“We didn’t get that far. Something’s happened for sure.” Methos swallowed. He knew Mac deserved to know the next part, but Jade and Mac squaring off was not something he wanted to have happen. “I have something I need to tell you.”
“Shoot,” Duncan said, copying Methos’ own words.
“Cassandra’s dead,” Methos said, not hiding his un-disappointment.
“Jade?” Duncan asked, no emotion on his face at all.
“Yes,” Methos answered, scared. The last thing he wanted was the two people he loved the most fighting to the death.
“Was it a fair fight?”
Methos sighed, relieved that Duncan wasn’t angry. “Yes, Jade was challenged. Cassandra had gone over the edge.”
“I know. I wish I could have helped her.” Duncan sighed. He couldn’t blame Jade. She had done what she needed to survive. “That doesn’t explain why she’s here, does it?”
“No, it doesn’t. We hadn’t discussed that yet, as I said. I don’t know why she’s here. We can find that out later.”
Hearing the shower turn off, Duncan said, “Or we can find out now.” The signature of another immortal filled them and Duncan said, “I’ll bet that’s Richie.”
By the time Jade returned, the three were standing around the island, talking about her, no doubt.
“We need to talk, Methos.” Jade began without preamble.
“I figured you weren’t here for a social visit.”
“I didn’t want to interfere in your life, no. But I may have no choice.”
Duncan looked on in wonder. Jade had pulled her long, beautiful hair back into a ponytail. Her features even more stunning without the hair for accent.
“What’s wrong, Jade?” Methos asked putting aside his beer and taking her hand.
“I don’t know why I keep doing this,” she began.
“Doing what, love?”
“I took another student.”
“So,” Richie interrupted. “Doesn’t every immortal?”
“Not Jade,” Methos answered, “Not since her last two, Silas and Kya.”
“Silas was HER student!” Duncan said, incredulous.
Methos looked over Jade’s head at MacLeod. “I’ll explain later.” To Jade, he said, “Go ahead, sweetheart.”
Clutching Methos tightly, she continued, “Something’s gone seriously wrong. I’d trained him and he’d decided to stay with me. No problem. I always like to keep my students close. To watch over them.”
“What went wrong?” Methos asked.
“He’s disappeared. Methos, I know I have absolutely no right to come to you. Gods above I know you’ve sacrificed enough for my students and me. But, I’ve nowhere else to turn. Devin simply is not the kind to run off.”
Duncan asked, “Are you sure he’s even alive?”
“I would know it if he were dead.” To Methos, she continued, “Please help me.”
“Of course. But you have more than my help. All of us are here for you. I believe I’ve told you this before but apparently you choose to ignore me, the choices I made in the past were mine to make. I have no one to blame for the outcome but myself. No more guilt from you because of my past. Understand?”
“Yes,” Jade nodded but not convincingly.
Duncan’s mind began to work. “I’ll call Joe and see if there’s any info on Devin. What’s his last name?”
“Morgan. Who’s Joe?”
“A friend,” Richie said.
Jade smiled knowingly. “You mean a Watcher.”
Duncan and Richie looked at her in shock. “How did you know about watchers?” Richie asked. Duncan went to call Joe.
“The Watcher Organization is only 3000 years old. I’ve been around longer than that.”
Richie grew bold. “How old are you exactly?”
Methos spoke up, “Haven’t you learned yet never to ask a woman her age?”
Jade laughed. “This is true, Richie. But, truth be known, I’m not exactly sure. Calendars are different now than when I was born. We guesstimate my age to be about 4800 years.”
“4800 years,” Richie repeated, open-mouth.
“Give or take a century,” Methos added.
“Give…” Richie said, still shocked.
“…or take, yes,” Jade finished for him. “I know it’s hard to believe. But, it’s true.”
Duncan hung up the phone and joined the group. “Joe’s going to start looking for Devin? What’s up, Richie?”
“Did you know that Jade is 4800 years old?”
“Yep.”
Richie shook his head still unable to believe it. He’d measured the attributes of an older immortal to Methos. The extremely beautiful woman before him was the exact opposite of Methos. She was open where Methos was closed. She smiled where Methos scowled. They were polar opposites.
Jade sat down heavily on the couch. Methos close at her side. “Talk to me, Jade,” he said, “Anyone who could be after you for any reason?”
Jade shook her head. “No, not that I know of anyway.”
“Were you in Houston when he came up missing?”
“No, Methos. We were in Seattle. Devin had wanted to do some traveling. I went along more or less to have something to do.”
“Has anyone contacted you?” Duncan asked.
“No,” Jade said, “See why I feel so helpless. Damn! I hate this feeling!”
Duncan looked on realizing exactly how she felt. He couldn’t help but like this woman. There was a quality of deep caring about her that he sympathized with.
*************
After several hours of diligent searching, Joe had called to admit that he had been unable to find anything. He had promised to keep his ears and eyes open though.
Finally, Jade stood. “Well, thanks for your help today guys. I appreciate it more than you know.”
“We’ll keep looking,” Duncan said.
Methos rose as well. “Let me take you back to the hotel, okay?”
“Thank you, all of you,” Jade said.
Once in the vehicle, Methos said, “We’ll find him, love. I swear it.”
“I can’t shake the sense of déjà vu, Methos. This is all too familiar to me. My student disappears by suspicious means and once again, I’ve put you in the middle of all of it. But I’m desperate.”
“Listen, woman, cause apparently you have cotton in your ears or something. You’d do the same thing for me. So, quit it with the guilt already. Geez.” She was so like MacLeod in some ways he wanted to scream.
Jade nodded. Then her smile turned wicked as she said, “I like your Highlander friend. He’s very protective of his ‘family’.”
“Sounds like someone else I know.”
“Who?” Jade asked.
“You.”
“Oh please. Me,” she said incredulous. “I am not THAT protective of people.”
“Are too,” Methos loved to raze her.
“Am not,” Jade laughed. “I’ll never admit it.”
“I know. You don’t have to.” Methos laughed as well. It never ceased to amaze him how easily they fell into step with one another. That was the beauty of their relationship. Slipping easily in and out of each other’s lives, falling into whatever role was necessary. He pulled into the hotel parking lot and stopped at the door.
***********
Methos returned to his apartment, thinking that his dreams had warned him of her return. He was sorry for the reason, but glad she still felt she could come to him.
************
Jade had not shown up the next day. That evening a very worried Methos was hanging out at Mac’s loft when the presence of another immortal filled the loft. Methos rose immediately and ran to the side door. He knew the feel of that Quickening anywhere. Opening the door, he just managed to catch the bloody, weak body of the second oldest immortal. “Jade, what happened?”
“I found Devin,” she whispered, “They’ve taken him.”
“Who has?”
“Some kind of hunters, I think. All swordsmen. Only one immortal.”
“How many?”
Jade fought for consciousness. “At least five probably more. I killed a few…” She broke then. The weight of the fight finally more than she could bear. She lost consciousness.
“I’ve got to get her cleaned up, Mac,” Methos said picking her up and carrying her toward the bathroom. “Run me some bath water, please.”
As Duncan ran the water, he asked, “Methos, she really take on all of them?”
“Yep.”
“And she survived. How?”
“She’s good, Mac. Really good.” As Methos started to remove her clothing, Mac politely left the room to give her privacy.
When her body hit the water, the shock started up her system. “I’ve got you, Jade,” Methos said as he helped her to bathe. “What the hell happened?”
“There was a message waiting for me at the front desk. It said to be at this lot and I’d find Devin. So I went.”
“Without calling me.”
Jade lowered her head as Methos scrubbed her back. Her nudity was no more uncomfortable to him than his own. “The message said to come alone.”
“This isn’t one of the smartest things you’ve ever done,” he scolded lightly.
“I know. I had no idea.” Rising from the tub, Methos handed her his robe. She wrapped its warmth around her and stepped from the bathroom. Methos was right on her heels.
Now that she was better, Methos became angry. “Dammit, Jade! What the hell were you thinking?!”
Remaining calm, Jade turned. “I had absolutely no idea that he had been kidnaped by such a large number of men. Let me ask you this… What the hell kind of good is that damn Watcher Organization? One immortal has kidnaped another and not ONE watcher knows about it. Please.”
Duncan had to admit she had a point.
“I’d like my clothes please.”
“You can’t go back to that hotel, Jade. They’ll be waiting,” Methos said, “Duncan will go to your hotel, get your things and take them to my place.” He pulled her to him, but she tried to pull away. A part of her not wanting to admit that he was right.
Finally, Jade let her head fall to her chest. “Ok, I’ll go.”
************
As the hour was late when everything finally go squared away, Duncan agreed to stay on Methos’ couch. A strange role reversal, but there was safety in numbers.
Methos woke a few hours later.
“I’m awake,” Jade said sitting up.
“I figured. Want to talk?”
“Not about Devin,” Jade said.
Methos smiled. “About what then?”
“Richie,” she whispered.
Neither Methos nor Jade noticed that Mac was awake as well and listening. He had tensed when Jade mentioned Richie. His protector mode instinctively kicked into full gear. He decided to lay quietly and listen.
Curious as to this line of conversation, Methos asked, “What about Richie?”
Jade’s look became wistful. “He reminds me of Arin. The red, curly hair. Blue eyes. Belligerent and temperamental. So like our Arin.”
“But, he isn’t our Arin. Our Arin was killed over 3000 years ago.”
“Methos, I know that. I had been trying to figure out why I felt so drawn to him. That would explain it. That’s all I meant.” Her explanation was given in a forthright manner. She was being totally honest.
“Do you ever think about that time?” Methos asked, unsure about whether or not to dredge up this part of their past. “About Arin. About our son.”
“Not really. It was so long ago, Methos. For me anyway. I imagine it’s a little more fresh for you. Seeing Kronos, Caspian, and Silas again.” Her voice caught slightly.
“True.” He put his arm around her shoulders and clutched her to him. “I’m so sorry about Silas. I know he still meant something to you.”
Inhaling deeply, she said, “Don’t be sorry. You did what you had to do. Kronos was evil. He corrupted everything around him. Silas included. I don’t know how you resisted him.”
Methos kissed the top of her head. “I didn’t, Jade. I became a part of that evil. I relished in it. In the end, I only resisted him because of you. That day when I found you in the forest with the children. I never told you this, but I lied to you that day.”
“You never intended to join us.” Jade cupped Methos’ face. “I know, Methos. I knew all along. But, I also know that, that day was the day you decided to leave Kronos forever. When you finally left him, you just couldn’t come to me right away.”
“But Silas did.”
Jade sighed. “Yes, he did. He was lost, confused, and scared. I had to help him. I still believe he was worth my time and effort. I thought that by hiding him away, I could save him. But, the predator stayed alive in him. It was held firmly in check, but it was always there.”
“I’m sorry,” Methos pressed his forehead to hers.
“Don’t be. Like I said, it wasn’t your fault.”
“That predator is still in me too, you know. I fight him constantly.”
“I know that too. But, Methos, you are a good man. Underneath all those masks that you put up for everyone to see, you are a good man. You forget, those masks don’t work with me. I know you far too well. I know all your demons and your past and I love you just the same.”
“The same goes for you.”
Changing the subject, Jade said, “So you’ve made yourself a Sundance to Mac’s Butch Cassidy, huh?”
Methos laughed and said, “Not hardly. Now go back to sleep, love. By the way, nice diversion of topic. Unsubtle but nice. You’re slipping in your old age.”
Jade laughed quietly, “I was never the master of duplicity. That has always been your specialty. Goodnight.”
****************
Jade rose early the next morning. The lack of sleep not affecting her wits in the least. After her shower, she scanned the apartment, she chuckled softly to see Methos’ rumpled form still buried under the covers.
“He likes to sleep late,” Duncan said from behind her.
Smiling at him, Jade replied, “That wasn’t always the case. He used to get up before the sun.”
It was Duncan’s turn to chuckle. “I cannot imagine that.”
“It’s true.”
Hoping to wiggle even a minute amount of information about Methos’ past, Duncan decided to try to make Jade prove her knowledge. “I don’t believe it.”
“‘Tis true, dear Scot. Methos would go to bed after the sun went down and rise before the sun came up.”
Duncan got another good chuckle out of the thought and asked, “I was on my way back to the dojo for a workout. Care to join me?” At her nod, he led her to his car and together they drove to the dojo. Ever since their ‘interlude’, Mac had wanted to get her by herself again. This was the perfect opportunity. He noticed though that she didn’t fail to leave a note for Methos. Whether he would admit it or not, the old man would worry if he woke up and found her gone.
Jade had watched MacLeod closely during their drive. When they finished warming up, she came out and asked, “You want to ask me something, Duncan. What is it?”
He’d wanted to find out details about her marriage, but wouldn’t just come out and ask. “To understand,” was his response.
“Who? Methos?”
Duncan smiled. “That would be a good place to start.”
Jade nodded. “Sorry. I can’t help you. I’ve known him for 4800 years. What I know, I’ve had to learn the hard way. You appreciate him more if you learn about him yourself. I can tell you that he is an enigma wrapped in a puzzle.”
Duncan laughed. “Indeed, he is.” He stepped into the office still believing that Jade was holding out on him. But, then he probably would have been upset if she would have easily betrayed Methos’ confidence.
Sitting on his desk was a well-penned envelope with Jade’s name in big letters. “Jade, there’s something here for you.”
Jade stepped into Mac’s office and took the envelope. She opened it quickly and read. “Trap number two set, MacLeod.” She handed him the letter and walked back into the dojo.
Duncan read:
Tonight. The dock by the marina. You for him. 8:00.
Jade had taken a sword from the wall and was becoming accustomed to the weight.
Duncan stepped from the office to talk to her.
“You spar, MacLeod?” she asked before he could question her about the letter.
“Almost daily.”
“Care for a round?”
Mac more than understood her need for physical action. He took another sword and faced her. “Use me as you will.”
Her attack was fierce. Her speed was unimaginable. She was also strong. Duncan had wondered, at first, how she could have survived for almost 5000 years. Now, he knew.
Both felt, but neither one acknowledged, when Methos entered the room. He watched in awe as the two experts squared off. Jade would take the offensive, and Duncan would counter. Then, they would reverse roles. The two were so evenly matched, it was amazing. As the spar continued though, Methos had to admit that Jade had the advantage. Mac just could not match her intensity. After almost twenty minutes, Mac was on his knees, Jade’s borrowed blade at his throat.
“You’re phenomenal,” she said. Her breathing was heavy. The physical workout recreated the initial sexual attraction between them.
He rose. “I should say the same for you.” He reached out to take her hand; a precursor to taking her upstairs.
——————————————————————————–
Part Three
Leaning up against the wall, the eldest immortal clapped his hands loudly to remind them that he was there. “Fabulous display. I’ve never seen the like.”
Breaking contact with the younger man, Jade said, “It’s been a rough morning.”
“How do you mean?”
Mac handed Methos the note. “This is how she means.”
Reading the note, Methos said, “You’re not going alone.”
Jade sighed, “The note says I have to.”
“Bull shit, woman. You’ve never done anything you’ve been told. Why start now?”
“Because Devin will die.”
“There’s always a way. Let me think.”
Jade touched Methos’ cheek softly. “That’s my Methos. Always planning, always strategizing. I’ll put our lives in your hands.”
“I won’t let you down.”
Kissing his cheek quickly, she said, “You never have.”
Methos closed his eyes and wished it were true. But, Silas’ face quickly sprang to his mind. He’d let her down so many times. First losing Silas to Kronos, then killing Silas over 3000 years later. Oh, he’d let her down so many times.
Thumping him lightly on the chest, she said, “Forget about Silas. I told you, he made his own choices. I need you to help me. I’m going upstairs to shower.” To Duncan, she said, “You better do something to lighten his mood or we’ll all be sorry.”
Duncan’s laugh followed her up to the loft. He had to admit that he felt a large amount of jealousy as he watched the tender display. Those two had lived through more things than Duncan could imagine. And, they had done it together. To have a relationship like that himself would be wonderful.
Once she left, Methos teased, “She beat you good.”
“So,” Duncan said, feigning indifference.
“It doesn’t bother you at all that she beat you.”
“No,” Duncan lied.
“A woman, the fairer sex, bested you in combat, MacLeod. That doesn’t bother you at all.” Methos was relentless in his teasing.
“Come on, Methos. She’s almost 5000 years old. I would hope she would be good enough to take me.”
Methos laughed out loud. “It bothers you though. Face it, Mac,” Methos goaded again.
“Alright,” Duncan said as he absently straightened his ponytail. “But, damn, she’s good.”
“Yes, she is. I’d never seen her match, until…”
“Until, what?” Duncan asked.
“Until I saw you,” Methos finished.
Duncan smiled at the compliment. “Tell me about Silas, please,” Duncan asked quickly changing topics.
Methos struggled inwardly to maintain a look of indifference. “What about him?”
“He was Jade’s student.”
“Yes.”
“And you killed him?”
“You were there, MacLeod, don’t you remember?”
Duncan definitely caught the sarcasm in his friend’s voice and the impersonal use of his surname told Mac all he needed to know. The topic was off limits for whatever reason and he should leave it alone. Which, he would do, for now. “Well, I should shower.” Duncan left to shower in the gym locker room knowing Jade was still using the bathroom in the loft.
Methos sat at Duncan’s desk to plan their strategy. Jade would play a part alright, but she would play it unwillingly and probably hate Methos later. But, if it all worked out, she would live, and Methos would redeem himself.
*****************
The phone rang just as Jade was pulling her hair back. “Hello,” she answered.
“Jade, it’s Richie.”
Jade smiled despite her mood. “Hello, Richie. I think Duncan is downstairs with Methos. You want me to go get him.”
“No, actually, I wanted to talk to you.”
“About?” Jade could hear the nervousness in his voice. It was so endearingly cute, she had to stifle a chuckle.
“I was wondering if I could interest you in lunch.”
Jade’s smile faded. “I’d love to, Richie. But now is not the best time.”
“I think you’re wrong.”
“Young man,” Jade couldn’t help but tease, “respect your elders.”
“I’m trying,” Richie whined, “You’ve been under an enormous amount of stress lately, and I think you could use a break. Even if it’s only for a few hours. What do you say?”
Jade shook her head. When would she ever learn not to give in to charming, extremely young immortals. “Okay, Ryan. But I can’t stay out all day. Just a quick bite to eat.”
“Great. I’ll pick you up in an hour.” Richie hung up the phone and looked at Methos. The old man had showed up at his apartment and asked for his help in diverting Jade. Methos’ level of deception was phenomenal. “She’s going to kill both of us when she finds out about this.”
Methos shook his head. “No, she won’t. She’ll be mad as hell. That you can believe. But, she won’t take our heads. I know her too well.”
Somewhat subdued, Richie asked, “So, what’s the plan?”
“Take her out for a picnic. Somewhere isolated. Enjoy yourself. Enjoy her. She’s a lot of fun to be around and has a wonderfully funny sense of humor. As you start to leave, have problems with your bike. Something major that requires you to walk all the way back to town. I’m not kidding about this, Ryan. I don’t want her stepping foot in Seacouver until well after 8:00.”
The look in Methos’ eyes was deadly. Richie had no choice but to agree. It was almost 1:00 anyway. He could keep her out of town easily. He hoped. “Methos,” he couldn’t help but ask, “these guys, why do they want to kill her?”
“I don’t know,” Methos replied, just as curious about it as Richie.
“She just doesn’t seem like the type to make mortal enemies.”
“Ah, young Ryan. One day you will learn that any immortal over 1500 has lived long enough to have dark secrets and dangerous enemies in their pasts.”
“Even Jade,” Richie didn’t believe it. She seemed too wonderful to have enemies.
“Even her,” Methos said.
“I can’t fathom it.”
“It’s not my place to discuss her past with you, Ryan. You’ll just have to believe me.”
“What are you planning?” Richie asked in reference to Methos’ plans for the kidnappers.
“Mac and I plan to clean house. They jumped her all at once, which is not playing fair. Now, I intend to show them what not playing fair is all about.”
Richie couldn’t help but shiver. Methos’ tone was deadly. “Mac gonna go along with that?”
“Mac’s mission is to save the boy. The kidnappers are mine,” Methos vowed as he rose to leave. “I mean it, Ryan. I want her out of the picture.”
“No problem.”
*******************
Four hours later, Richie was eating those last few words to Methos. Jade was anything if not resourceful. The plan was working just as Methos had said it would. Richie had driven Jade about 45 minutes out of town. She was angry at the long drive, reminding him several times that the drive alone had used up the hour she allotted. Richie had apologized profusely, but promised to have her back in town by 4:00. Jade relaxed then, but only a little.
Lunch itself had been wonderful. Methos was right. Jade’s sense of humor was contagious. Richie was actually shocked that she had relaxed enough to share some of the lighter events of her past.
At 3:00, they packed the bike to leave. Richie had tried to start the bike, but failed. Repeated tries only led to a flooded engine. Damn, he was good!
A half-hour of tinkering had produced the expected results. However, Jade’s mood had turned dark. Richie was a little tense.
“What’s wrong now, Ryan?” the anger in her voice undeniable.
“I’m not sure,” Richie lied, “The son of a bitch just won’t start.”
“I thought you knew how to fix these damn things.”
“I do. Just give me some time.”
“I DON’T HAVE TIME!” Jade screeched. “I have to be back in town by 7:00.”
“It’s only 4:00 now. Why don’t we walk it?”
“Better yet. Why don’t we leave the bike here, hitch a ride back to town, you have Mac bring you back for the bike, and I’ll take care of my business.”
Richie didn’t know if he could out wit her or not. But, he had to try. Methos would kill him for real if he failed. “No way. I’m not leaving the bike here for someone to steal.”
“Fine. I’ll hitch back and have Mac come get you.”
Thinking fast, Richie lied, “You can’t leave me alone.”
“Why the hell not?”
“I didn’t bring my sword.”
“WHAT?!!! Richie are you a complete idiot?!! Didn’t MacLeod teach you anything?!!”
“I knew I’d be okay because you had your sword.”
“How did you even last one year as an immortal?” She thought for two seconds about just leaving him there in all his stupidity. Quickly realizing the futility of the situation, she gave in to Fate. “Let’s go then, dammit.”
Richie didn’t like lying to her, which is why when he fell and broke his ankle an hour later, it was for real.
Falling down beside him, the despair was easy to read on her face.
“I’m sorry.”
“It will heal in a few minutes. Give it time,” Jade said off-handedly.
Richie glanced at his watch. It was only 6:30. He had to come up with another way to stall. His ankle was healing quickly as the break was not too serious to begin with. Reaching over, he gathered what courage he could. “There’s something I need to tell you?”
“What?” She was trying to cover her impatience, and was doing a good job of succeeding.
“I know you said that we can only be friends…”
Jade looked at him incredulously. “Now is definitely not the time for this conversation.”
“Why?”
“Because I have to get back to Seacouver and I’m not in my right mind enough to give you the answer you deserve. Trust me.”
“Jade, please.”
“Richie…” she started then changed tacts, “How’s the ankle?”
“Better, I guess.”
She stood. “Then, let’s go.”
“I want to talk about this.”
Through clenched teeth, Jade said, “If you don’t get up now, I will leave you here to take your own chances. Do you understand?”
Richie stood as well. “Fine,” he said harshly.
Jade, at that point, didn’t care what kind of mood Richie was in. She had warned him to save the conversation for another time. Right now, all she cared about was that he was finally moving.
When the bike’s rear wheel locked up and became unable to push without both of them, Jade seriously thought about killing young Ryan.
******************
Methos looked at this watch. It was shortly after 8:00 and no sign of Jade. Richie had done his job! Methos looked out to the dock. There was no sign of Jade’s student, but he could sense people hiding and watching. ‘Time for some stealth,’ Methos thought.
Lurking in the shadows, becoming one with them, Methos set out to rid the world of some hired scum.
Mac had worked the perimeter of the area searching for the immortal signature. He found none. He did, however, find a small boat shack and decided to investigate.
What he found was too horrible to comprehend! Tied to a chair was the headless body of a man. One Mac could only assume had been Jade’s student. The body was tied to a chair. The ropes cut into the flesh not only from the boy’s struggles, but from the body’s swelling. Duncan guessed the boy had been dead for about twenty-four hours. Damn!
Just then, Mac felt the tingle of an immortal, and it wasn’t Jade.
“You’re not Jade,” the feminine voice said.
“Not hardly. Step out and face me.”
Stepping out of the shadows, Mac came face-to-face with a beautiful woman. “I am Kya.”
“Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod. Why have you done this?”
“I have no quarrel with you.”
“Aye, but I have one with you. This kind of killing is monstrous.”
Circling him, Kya said, “It was a mercy killing. He would have bled her dry.”
“What do you mean?”
“She is mine. I won’t share her.”
Mac understood at that point. Kya was insane. When Kya found out about Jade taking on a new student, the girl had become insane with jealousy. The boy paid a dear price for his love. “But, Jade no longer teaches you.”
The presence of another immortal filled the area. “Back off, MacLeod. I told you this is my fight,” Jade’s presence was undeniable.
In deference to her prior relationship to both the deceased and the killer, MacLeod bowed to her claim.
Jade stepped in, taking note that Devin was dead. She kept her heartache and despair in check. She was tired from the trip back into town, but the sight of her dead student gave her new strength. “I told you, Kya. I cannot teach someone with your lack of scruples anymore. But, it appears that you are going to have to learn the hard way.”
“I need you,” Kya begged to explain. “I did this for you.”
“No, Kya. You did this for yourself. I could never care for someone who would do this. I told you that.”
Kya attacked then. Mac watched in awe. Kya was good, but she was no match for Jade. In a very few seconds, the fight was over, and Kya lost her head.
*****************
Back at the loft, beers were served all around. Methos making very sure that when Jade came to her senses, it was he she attacked and no one else.
Richie rested his tired feet on the coffee table. Immortal or not, after all that walking, his feet hurt.
Mac was sitting quietly in the chair trying to digest the entire situation. Jade had just unwillingly taken her student’s head. She had not wanted to do it, but she had. He wondered if he would ever have to face such a choice. Looking at Richie, he hoped not.
“You bloody bastards.”
“Jade,” Richie started.
Methos stared at him hotly to shut up. “I see you’ve come back to the land of the living.”
Quick as lightning, Jade’s fist struck Methos squarely in the jaw. “How dare you?”
Duncan rose, and Methos raised a hand to stop him. Richie was suddenly glad he was across the room.
“I had to,” Methos explained.
Picking him up by his shirt, she asked again, “How dare you?”
“It was a trap.”
“I KNOW IT WAS!!!”
“You would have walked right into it. I killed six of her henchmen. You couldn’t have done it by yourself.”
“We could have done it together. I almost didn’t even get to avenge Devin’s death. Your righteous friend almost stole even that from me.”
Methos had no response, neither did anyone else. She was right. But, Mac also had every right to challenge Kya. Neither of them were wrong.
Jade fell to her knees and cried. The tears came from her in rivers.
Kneeling beside her, Methos could only offer her the comfort of his embrace. “It’s okay, love. Let it out.”
Mac looked on in concern. The sounds coming from Jade scared him. Methos had her wrapped tightly in his arms, but the woman was definitely not well.
“It’s all too much, Methos. I can’t do it anymore.”
Methos soothed her hair. “Yes, you can.”
Mac touched Richie on the shoulder and signaled that they should leave. Richie followed dutifully. Mac mouthed to Methos that they would be at Joe’s.
“They all die, even the immortals ones,” Jade continued. “I’m tired of them dying while I live on.”
“You still have me,” Methos offered.
“No, we haven’t been together in centuries, Methos. We aren’t at that stage right now. I’m alone, totally alone.”
Methos closed his eyes. Jade was talking suicidal. He didn’t know what he’d do if she went through with it. “Listen to me, love. You will forever be a part of me, of my life. I love you. And whether I’m your lover, your husband or just your friend, I love you. I wouldn’t change it even if I could.”
“You wouldn’t,” she asked, sounding so much like the child he saved from sacrifice all those millennia ago
“No,” he responded softly, praying it helped.
“It’s impossible.” She began crying again. This grief over Devin’s death was ripping her apart.
Methos pulled her closer. “You know, I thought the same thing myself. And I know you’ve gone through this before. But dammit, Jade, you are a survivor. I won’t let you give up on me.”
Jade let her self melt into him. “You know I love you, always have, always will. But I’m needing something right now, Methos. And I’m hopeless to find it.”
Methos thought for a moment. It clicked in his head suddenly. He knew the perfect purpose for her. “How about this? I know a Highlander who has a certain rash and temperamental ex-student.”
Reading his mind, Jade said, “No, I’m not taking on another student.”
“I wasn’t going to suggest it. I was thinking that he could use some taming though. His temper is a big problem, Jade.”
Pulling as close to him as was humanly possible, Jade said, “I’m not up for it.”
“He can help you. He’s a good kid who has more fire for life than I’ve seen in a long time.”
“I can’t,” Jade said stubbornly.
“Why?” Methos asked exasperated.
“I’m still mad at him.”
Methos chuckled, “I thought he did rather well.”
“I can’t believe you corrupted the poor child.”
Methos rubbed her back instinctively. “It was so easy.”
They sat together for quite a while longer talking about everything and nothing in particular. Eventually, Jade relaxed in Methos’ arms and fell asleep. Methos decided he didn’t really want to move. She would be leaving soon enough, and he didn’t know how long it would be before he saw her again. That revelation made him a little sad.
******************
The sun was barely rising in the East when Methos stirred slightly. Sometime during the night, he and Jade had stretched out on the floor and fell into a deep sleep. It was not entirely uncomfortable.
The sound of the lift and the signature of two immortals made Jade stir as well. She burrowed closer to Methos and said, “The light of day is upon us.”
He hugged her tightly as Mac and Richie lifted the grate to find them laying there. “Yes, sweetheart, and we must rise to meet it.”
Standing and stretching, Jade smiled at the two men. “Good morning. Sorry about the scare last night. I hate taking Quickenings. They mess with my moods something fierce.”
Mac smiled. He had just found Methos sleeping with his wife and all he could do was smile. He’d kinda hoped for something more with her, but it was clear that even after 4800 years, her heart was still very taken. He was glad that she was better. Her mood when he left had scared him terribly.
“So what now?” Methos asked.
“I think I’ll travel.”
“Let me guess, Bora Bora,” Duncan laughed.
“That’s Methos’ spot. I prefer the mountains. I was thinking Colorado. It’s very beautiful.”
“You’ll always be welcome here, you know,” Duncan said as he gave into temptation and hugged her close.
“Thank you.” She pulled him closer. “Take care of each other,” she whispered for his ears only before she pulled away. To Richie, she said, “You’ll come help me pack, won’t you?”
Richie ducked his head slightly. “I was kind of hoping I could tag along for a while.”
“What about your business?” she asked as she remembered Richie bragging about the business he and Mac shared.
“Richie is now a silent partner.”
Jade looked at Methos who said nothing but lifted his brow in a ‘Go for it’ expression.
“Why not? But we’re not taking that damn bike.”
“But…”
“I hate the bike, Richie. I really, really hate it. I hate it with a passion.”
Laughing Methos said, “I think she hates it.”
“Okay,” Richie gave in. “We’ll find alternate means of transportation.”
“Then you can come.” She looked at Methos and said, “Happy now?”
“Completely. Every husband wants to see his wife happy.” Methos pressed her to him. In a language only she would understand, he said, “Life is never the same without you in it. I will miss you more than you know. You will take care of yourself,” he said over the lump in his throat. He didn’t want to cry in front of her.
“Definitely. I’ll see you soon.”
“In sixty or seventy years.”
She laughed before she could cry. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” He embraced her tightly before reluctantly letting her go. He hated these good-byes. A part of him was always afraid this would be the last.
She pulled away and without looking back, she ran down the back steps.
Methos swallowed thickly and to Richie, he said, “Take care of each other.”
“We will.” And with that, Richie followed her out the door.
Methos stared at the empty space and held his breath as the signatures faded away. Turning to Duncan, he said, “Well, I’m outta here.”
“Where are you going? Want some company?”
“I don’t know, and not really. Catch you around, MacLeod.”
Left in the loft alone, Mac looked around at the empty space. He had no idea when he’d see the other three immortals again. Sitting on his leather couch, he sighed. Such was the life of an immortal. He sent out prayers to his friends, hoping that they would stay safe until they all met again.
Finis
Tags: drama, duncan macleod, het, humor, jade, joe dawson, methos, original character, rating: pg-13, richie ryan, romance