Fandom: Highlander: The Series

Rating: PG

Warnings/Categories: AU

By Claudia Aranda.

The whole bunch of Immortals had traveled toward Viña del Mar to rest, to prepare for their journeys back home and to think about what had happened. All of them were upset and uncomfortable; three cars weren't enough for twenty people, even comfy cars like those. The experience at Artificio had left them dirty, tired and hungry. They wanted a hot bath, a big breakfast and a deep sleep. Fortunately it was just 6 am, so no one took care of their appearance while the bunch of Immortals fought a little about the few guest rooms availables at the small house of one of the witches. Finally Michelle, Rebecca and Amanda, shared one bedroom. Darius, Sean and Coltec shared another, while Nick, Richie, Fitz and Cory had to share the last one. Nobody wants to sleep in the same bedroom with Cassandra so she was the only guest who had a bedroom for herself.

Duncan signaled Methos that they were sharing a room to what Methos refused emphaticly, his girlfriend had invited him to stay the night with her and he wasn't going to sleep with McLeod instead. Exasperated and still worried, Duncan didn't want to hear anything of that, he took Methos by the arm, propelled him into the room that he was already sharing with Joe, and closed the door on Wesa's face.

The witch looked in atonishment at her sisters that burted into laughing instead of help her. Defeated, Wesa sighed heavily, but followed her sisters toward their own rooms.

Methos complained about the rough treatment but he was as tired as the others, and he knew Duncan wasn't going to let him go, so he simply threw himself over the bed next to Joe's and left Duncan to sleep on the couch, or with Joe. Methos was unpleasantly surprised when Duncan lay down next to him and put a bit too familiar arm over his back. McLeod didn't make another move so Methos relaxed and went to sleep.

Watching from the other bed, Joe was amused until he remembered that he was angry. It was strange how easily he could forget that he was an Immortal. Joe wanted to think about it a little more but he was very tired. The last thing that Joe saw before he closed his eyes was Mac smiling in his sleep while he embraced Methos.

*---*

At breakfast time everybody was ready at the table, the miracle of the healing quickening had taken a lot of energy and they were starving. The table was noisy with conversation, dishes being served and in a strange way with Immortal buzzes. It was a rare event that so many Immortals were together and that made their quickenings buzz so uncontrollably that even the mortals serving the food could feel that there was something strange in the room.

The Immortals recovered were busy making plans for their near future: to buy an airplane ticket, to call a taxi, to buy some clothes. A lot of little, tiny things that were funny to do just for the fun of having a life to plan again. But, seated across from McLeod, Richie wasn't still in the mood to be grateful to be alive. It was the third time that Duncan endangered his life, successfully this time, and Richie was considering seriously whether he should leave and go far away from Mac, for good.

Sean could see the conflicting feelings in Richie's face. Richie and Michelle were the youngest Immortals in this group, so their fears were the strongest. Well, in fact the younger Immortal was Dawson. Sean looked around the crowded table but McLeod's friend wasn't there. Sean stood up and walked to the window that faced the sea. There was Dawson, alone on the terrace as if something terrible had happened to him. It was a pity that Dawson was so pissed off at being an Immortal; he was an incredible specimen of study. An Immortal that hadn't been born that way! Even to Sean himself it was difficult to accept it. Surely there was a rational explanation. Sean looked at the still figure but he was not worried, Joe would learn to enjoy life in the same way others had learnt it, or he simply would brood for the rest of his probably short life. Sean turned towards the crowded table, decided to start his investigation about recovered Immortals, and selected Darius and Coltec to start with. It was a good choice. Darius was another incredible subject to study. How had been recovered? After all everybody knew that Darius hadn't been killed by an Immortal. If the priest knew something about it, Sean wanted to hear it. Darius and Coltec had talked the night before and they had decided to leave together. Darius wanted to quit his life as a priest and Coltec would help him to adjust to the new world, and also teach him some things about modern women. Sean joined them and soon he convinced the two Immortals that to spend some time in his house at Paris would be a nice change. Then Sean realized that maybe he needed a girlfriend too, life was too short.

*---*

The Pacific Ocean shone under the timid rays of the autumn sun. The breeze was cold but Joe was on the terrace sitting on a chair with his cane over his legs, his hands trembling slightly. He was facing the sea, but not looking at it. His thoughts were in turmoil. After that one time at the altar, when he stood on his legs because he didn't know that he had them back, Joe hadn't been able to stand or walk again. His body seemed not to recognize those appendages after almost 30 years without them. Joe felt sick and restless. He wanted to go to the beach and feel the sand under his feet. He wanted to put on those ridiculous shorts that he bought once and swim for hours. He wanted desesperately to go to a bigger city and enjoy the sensation of the crowd bumping into him in their hurry. But he was scared to death. So scared that his legs simply didn't work. Duncan had tried to reassure him, but Joe didn't want to listen. How they had dared to lie to him? Why had they never told him that he was an Immortal? Duncan swore that he wasn't Immortal before the ceremony but that was just bullshit. Immortals couldn't be made. He had been a Watcher for almost all his life, he knew it!

Joe was so absorbed feeling pity for himself that he almost didn't feel the buzz of the approaching Immortal. He turned hurriedly. The witches were standing whitin sensing range looking completely serene. Duncan was approaching in total brood mood.

"Joe...?" Duncan knelt next to him. "Methos' friends are leaving and they want to say goodbye."

"Sorry, Duncan, I really don't want to talk with them now." Incredibly, Joe was sulking.

"Joe..."

"Duncan, please. Just leave me alone. I need to think."

"Of course, Joe. It wasn't my intention to bother you."

Disappointed, Duncan left, but Joe wasn't in the mood to deal with the Highlander, not now. Joe saw Duncan talking to the group, surely trying to excuse his rude behavior, but the witches didn't look upset at all. They tried to talk, he didn't want to. That was all and they left to continue with their lives, Joe's Immortality was just a mistake that didn't deserve any more examination. Joe was angry and bitter, and he felt that he had the right to feel that way. If his immortality was the result of the witches' spell, he could be angry with those damn witches who changed him into something he didn't want to be. If he was a pre-Immortal, he could be angry with Duncan, Methos or Amanda because they didn't say anything. Joe couldn't believe that he was actually angry with people who had demonstrated how much they cared for him, but he also knew his life had been changed forever and he wasn't sure if he would survive.

Eternal life?

Sounds like a joke. He was a Watcher and knew that were Immortals that didn't survive long enough to find a teacher. Would he survive? Who would be his teacher? Should he ask McLeod? or Methos? or Amanda? Joe almost choked laughing. He could see the entry in the Watcher database: Joe Dawson, Amanda's student. The best sense of fashion among the whole Immortal gang.

The noisy seagulls that crossed the sky distracted Joe a little, when he realized that he was brooding, something he hadn't thought possible in him. McLeod was a bad influence just like Methos said. He should be grateful that was surrounded by good friends, but what would happen with his friends in The Watchers? What would become of his sister? First she had lost her husband, now her brother. But was he really her brother? It was a very bad thing that Horton had been more family to his family than Joe himself. And what would be of Amy? He had been so happy having a daughter, someone with his blood. Joe had assumed that Amy would have children so he had felt at ease with the thought that when he would die, his genes would be in another beings. That was his idea of Immortality. Joe's world had been turned upside down and he didn't know what was real anymore, but there was something that Joe knew for sure, the only thing that really mattered now in fact: He wanted to live. So desperately that his chest hurt. Joe looked at his cane and touched the gun in his pocket. He wouldn't be an easy target. He would live.

Joe was distracted by Michelle this time. The young girl sit next to him and silently looked at the sea for several minutes. "I know what it feels like, you know." She spoke so suddenly that Joe almost jumped.

"What are you talking about?" grumbled Joe.

"Being Immortal," she continued not looking at Joe. "I was hoping to celebrate my birthday with my boyfriend when I suddenly died. I never will be nineteen." Michelle looked at Joe critically. "You should be glad that you died at this age." Her voice was filled with rage. "You have the age to be taken seriously. You could say that you are a doctor, a policeman, a professor and no one would doubt it. No one would ask you for your parents or your ID. I died two years ago, legally I could drink beer but I never will be able to buy beer or cigarettes by myself!" Michelle was yelling now. "And you... you are here... complaining because you are Immortal! You don't know how terrible it is to be an Immortal!" Michelle stood quickly and ran to the house, crying. Nobody said a word, they knew how hard it was for people too young or too old, but there was nothing they could do about it. Amanda spoke with Rebecca and both of them followed the young girl while they threw an angry gaze toward Joe.

Duncan saw Michelle and decided to talk with Joe. What did say Joe to make that happy creature cry like that? "Hello, Joe." McLeod's voice was a little cold, Joe noticed. "What did you say to Michelle?"

"I didn't say a word! She started to talk and suddenly she was angry because she will be eighteen forever!"

"Just that?"

"Yeah!"

Joe sounded tired and Duncan took the chair where Michelle had been sitting. There was an uncomfortable silence that was interrupted by Methos who greeted him cheerfully, "Hello, Joe. Making other people miserable? Good start, I thought you wouldn't be able to do that for at least another five years."

"I didn't say anything!" yelled Joe and stood angrily. He was about to leave the terrace when the shocked stares of Mac and Methos, made him realize that he was on his feet again. Terrified, Joe leaned carefully on his cane while Mac and Methos walked around him, amazed.

"It seems an hysterical reaction," declared Methos clinically.

"Yeees..." Duncan tried to approach Joe, but a warning glare of Methos stopped him. "... it's a good sign, don't you think, Joe...?" Duncan wasn't that sure, but to try to use his legs could make Joe forget a little about being Immortal. "Come on, Joe, try to take a step."

Scared, Joe tried to move his left foot. The result was a step and almost a disaster. Duncan would catch him, and with Methos' help, he would force Joe to make another attempt. Duncan was thrilled, this was promising. The three of them practiced for almost twenty minutes until Joe protested that he was tired. Duncan left Joe in a chair on the terrace, wrapped in a warm blanket while he and Methos went to the house for some warm drink. The walking had been tiring for all of them. Duncan took a look view at Joe in the chair and entered the house.

*---*

The witches were almost ready to leave when Darius approached Kanetsidohi. "Araminta, might I talk with you before you leave?" Kanetsidohi glared impatiently toward him, but nodded and both Immortals entered the small library. Kanetsidohi was walking toward a sofa when she was frozen in her tracks by Darius' words, "I know who you are."

The witch turned toward the priest and waited.

"I heard about a particular sisterhood of witches a long time ago. Of course you and your friends can't be them, because those stories were old even for Immortal standars. I used to listen to the tales just to amuse myself but now I wonder... How old are you, Araminta?"

"Hey!" laughed Kanetsidohi. "Don't ask a woman that."

"The rational part of my mind tells me that those tales were just stories, but only old witches might have knowledge and power enough to return Immortals and..." Darius smiled softly. "... well, what more can I say? How could you return a Immortal whose quickening had been lost?"

Kanetsidohi smiled too, and explained like as if she were talking to a child, "A quickening never is lost, Darius. You only have to know where to look for it."

"And... you knew it." Darius' smile become even more sweet.

"There is no mystery about it, your quickening was in McLeod."

"How? I was attacked by a mortal."

"Horton, yes. He beheaded you on holy ground and there wasn't another Immortal near. Gracias a Dios. So your quickening was trapped in the space limited by the sacred place, and when Duncan entered the building, the quickening went into him. It wasn't part of The Game; that's why the power wasn't released in the common way."

"You sound very sure."

"You aren't the first Immortal killed on holly ground by a mortal, Darius. The only Immortals in the right place at the right moment were Mac and Fitz. Since Mac had Fitz's quickening by killing Kalas..." Kanetsidohi smiled and shrugged. "We woud have your quickening anyway."

"You told Duncan this?"

"No, and he didn't ask. At the time, he was too grateful to ask questions."

"Are you going to tell him?"

"I don't think there will be an opportunity. We are leaving and we aren't going to return here anymore. Besides, McLeod has more pressing matters to take care of now."

"Dawson."

"Yes. I have to go now, Darius. Do you have more questions?"

"Yes... No... Yes! Yes a lot... but... I just wanted to ask you not to hurt Duncan. He can be a pain in the ass, sometimes, but he is a good man."

"We won't do any harm to him, Darius, if he doesn't cross our path."

"Thanks again, Araminta."

"You are welcome, Darius. Goodbye."

Kanetsidohi left the room but Darius stayed, thinking. He didn't know these women, they could be those whitches of the tales, or just a bunch of relative old witches that were taking advantage of the stories, but he knew about witchcraft and magic, and he knew how dangerous that could be; he should make sure that Duncan understood it too, so the stubborn Highlander would never challenge one of them. Darius walked purposefully out of the room to search for Duncan. They had to talk now.

*---*

When finally Duncan and Methos left him alone, Joe made a great effort and suddenly, amazingly, he was on his feet. Joe stood calmly leaning on his cane and started to pace along the terrace. His legs needed exercise if he was ever going to be able to walk again. Joe didn't want to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair because he had regained his real legs. It was too ironic. The practice with Duncan and Methos had left Joe with the sensation that he was strong enough to leave the terrace so, slowly, he descended the stairs toward the beach. There were few people because the fall breeze was too cold for a nice walk. The sand made it harder to walk but finally Joe reached the sea. For a moment Joe looked at this feet. He couldn't risk trying to take off his shoes so he walked into the water just like that. The water was almost freezing and Joe shivered uncomfortable until he realized that he could feel the freezing. That was too much and Joe had to close his eyes to keep his feelings in control, while he stood there, enjoying the unpleasant feeling of the cold water bumping into him.

It had been a short time, but Joe decided to return home, since Mac could be looking for him. Joe was struggling to get out of the water when a buzz hit him. Joe turned to greet Mac when he saw a short, fat woman in front of him. Joe panicked visibly when he saw the sword in the woman's hands. The woman advanced toward him and declared, "Soy Claudia Aranda ¡Saca tu espada!"

Joe's brain couldn't process the information for several seconds but when he finally translated the words and understood, Joe answered hurriedly, "I haven't a sword. I'm Immortal just since this early morning."

Changing language, the woman replied, "Green Immortals have a small quickening..." She approached Joe, who hadn't moved at all. "... but I'm not picky." The woman smiled wickedly. "A little is better than nothing. Say goodbye, kid."

Joe's eyes were wide open with terror but when he saw the sword ready to behead him, he closed them quickly. He didn't want to see anything more. His life as an Immortal had been even shorter that he had expected. The seconds passed and when nothing happened, Joe opened his eyes again. The woman wasn't there anymore. Instead, Duncan was looking him reprovingly. "Tell me, Joe. Do you plan to live more than just one day?"

Suddenly, filled with the burning sensation of life, Joe's body gave out and he sat right down in the water while Joe broke down crying desperately.

Concerned, Duncan ran toward him and embraced tightly. "I'm sorry, Joe. I shouldn't say that. Don't worry, I will teach you everything you need to know. You will live for millenia like the old man."

"I don't know, Mac. I can barely walk. How in the world will I fight with a sword?"

"First, we will take care of your walking, then we start to practice in all the special training you need. Methos has a house in Santiago, on holy ground. There's no risk of finding more Immortals there. We will go there as soon as possible."

With Duncan's help, Joe stood and looked at his damp clothes. "At least we won't catch a cold."

Duncan smiled and both of them walked slowly toward the house.

*---*

The Immortals had arrived at Viña del Mar in the early morning. It was now just 3:00 pm and half of them were ready to leave. Amanda kissed Nick on the cheek and he nodded understanding. Her heart belonged to McLeod.

"Come on, Nick," shouted Cory. "The trip to Santiago will take more than an hour!"

When Nick entered the car, Cory said goodbye to Amanda. She smiled sweetly, "Cory, Nick hasn't a bad temper but he doesn't like jokes. You be careful, ok?"

Cory smiled back, "This guy is almost boring as Macky. I'll be careful. I promise."

Cory stepped into the car and Amanda watched them go. Almost immediately new goodbyes were heard before Sean, Coltec and Darius also headed toward Santiago. Amanda looked at Rebecca and Michelle arranging their things in their own car. The three of them were ready to go too, but unlike the others, they would travel to La Serena where Rebecca had a house in holy ground.

There were several Immortals in the house yet, but there was a pleaseant silence now. Mac looked his friends leaving. He had been taught to be the Chief of his clan and this day had brought back to him the longing for things he didn't have. A house full with the noise of a family, his family. Even Amanda had left. Fortunately Richie was there; McLeod wanted to apologize but how? Well, to start, he should say he was sorry. But first, he had to talk with Cassandra who was waiting next to a taxi.

"What it is, McLeod? Just say it and let's finish all of this."

"You were right. I feel something for Methos..."

"So...? That doesn't mean anything to me."

"I want you to know that I will do anything in my power to protect him."

Cassandra looked intently at McLeod, then to Methos who was far away, waiting next to the main door of the house. Cassandra studied the innocent look that Methos was displaying; he sure knew how to do it. She could learn a lot from him... in the future. She smiled to herself but put a worried expression on her face to confront McLeod. "So, are you telling me to stay away from him?"

"It would be best if you forgot he even existed."

"I can."

Duncan's eyes narrowed suspiciously. Cassandra added softly, "I can. I have his memories into me and could see his life. Before and after The Horsemen. My own life wasn't that bad. Now I know that I can forgive him."

"Are you being serious, Cassandra?"

"Yes, there is nothing that I would like more than to forget my past within Death's grasp," replied Cassandra honestly. "I purged my demons, Duncan, and I can start a new life. I never will do anything against Methos again... unless he challenges me, of course."

"Of course..."

Cassandra caressed Mac's cheek softly. "Goodbye, Duncan. I believe we shouldn't see each other again for a while." She put a brief kiss on his lips and left. Duncan stood there thinking. Could it be that easy? Why not? Why did he always expect something to go wrong? The really bad thing right then was to talk with Richie, but if Cassandra could forgive Methos, why couldn't Richie forgive him? Richie was younger than Cassandra but he hoped that his student could understand.

Duncan looked at Methos an instant, then he descended toward the beach to talk with Richie. This would be hard, but it had to be done. "Richie?"

The young Immortal turned toward his teacher, and nodded. Both Immortals walked away while Fitz and Methos watched expectantly.

*---*

Days later, all the remaining Immortals traveled toward Santiago to stay in the house that Methos had on holy ground. The Immortals stopped facing a tall wall that looked very old. Methos's house was placed in front of a park that was next to a river. Joe was incredulous, the place looked as if had been taken from a postcard of Paris. Only the seagulls flying over the river ended the magic. "Methos, what the Hell is this place?"

Methos smiled fondly. "This was an old boarding school for rich girls. Ruled by nuns. I bought it just sixty years ago when the neighborhood's residents started to move their houses, and their money, far away from here. They sold the place so fast that they forgotten to take off the blessing."

Finally in the yard, the Immortals could see the beautiful building. Inside the house everything was nice and clean, like if the house was waiting to be inhabitated. They looked at Methos, intrigued. He answered simply, "I called my lawyer while we were at the witches' house. He said that everything would be ready. So if you're hungry, the cupboard and the fridge are full of food; serve yourself. If you're tired, the rooms are in the second floor. Take any room you want."

Without pausing to think about it, all the Immortals went upstairs to find a room and then to take a shower. An hour later all of them were in the kitchen eating cookies, milk, coffee and fruit. They were chatting amiably and everything seemed fine, but Duncan knew he had to do something right then because the time was slipping. He left the kitchen a moment and then returned with something wrapped in a sheet. Mac walked toward Joe and simply said, "Joe, this is for you." Intrigued, Joe took the gift from McLeod's hands. It was heavy. Joe looked at Mac questioningly. Duncan smiled embarrassed. "I bought this for your birthday, but you'll need it now so I arranged that it was sent here."

Carefully, Joe put his present over the table and started to unwrap it. The shape of the object was unmistakable and Joe felt his hands shaking. Finally, he looked at a beautiful sword. That thing surely cost a fortune. Joe lifted the sword tentatively. It was heavy. How coud it look so easy when McLeod did it? Hell! Even the skinny old man made it look easy. Practice, McLeod had said, lots and lots of practice.

Joe glared at McLeod but he couldn't say anything because Mac started quickly. "No, Joe. You weren't Immortal before. I bought the sword because I thought you could sell it to have money in case of a problem."

Joe, stood and took the sword. How could you use something so beautiful to kill? A shiver of terror went through Joe's body. What if he couldn't do it?

"You can do it, Joe," said Richie, reassuringly. Startled, Joe looked at the young Immortal but Richie just smiled. "They're old, Joe, but I had been Immortal for a short time. I understand."

"Thanks, Richie."

"We will start training your legs to walk and run, Joe." Duncan said. "Starting tomorrow, we will do katas together, everyday. It's the best exercise." McLeod addressed the other Immortals, "It will be good for you too."

"McLeod?" asked Joe, worried. "You talk like if we're going to spend lot of time here."

"We will, Joe. A couple of months at least." Duncan approached his worried friend. "You are an Immortal now. Everything in your past should be forgotten. The only thing that matters now is that you have to learn to fight."

Terror was making Joe shiver again, but he only nodded, sadly.

*---*

It was a chilly night in Santiago. Cassandra was in her hotel room, looking at the street. From the tiny park across the street, a man crossed toward the hotel. She was in the fourth floor but even then she can felt the powerfull buzz. She shivered. If this man was the messenger, it means that her offering had been accepted and he would inform her what was expected from her. Even when she thought she wasn't in danger, Cassandra walked away from the window and checked her sword. Just in case. You're never careful enough.

The knock on the door brought her back to reality. With her sword in hand, Cassandra opened the door. The man in front of her saw the sword and suggested, "Shouldn't we discuss this inside?"

Cassandra let the man in. He turned around, produced a cell phone and dialed a number. "Yes, I'm with her." The man offered the cell phone to Cassandra.

She took the cell phone and heard carefully. What was said made her grin widely, finally she said goodbye and returned the cell phone to the man. He smiled seductively and purred, "Cassandra, we meet again. Aren't you happy?"

Cassandra didn't flinch, she was completely in control. She looked at the man critically, he was good looking and powerful, maybe in another place and time... Cassandra smiled confidently. "I'm happy. Again I'm one with those who I belong to."

The Immortal looked at her intensely. "I'm glad, Cassandra. I had always like you."

"I know," answered Cassandra coldly. "But from now on, you ask nicely... and accept the answer."

The Immortal man just chuckled, Cassandra decided to start bussiness. "Kan... Ahhh... Araminta... said you have a new name."

"The Boss warned me to keep a low profile, or she'll be really angry with me. She risked a lot to bring me back."

"I'm sure, but you seems to be her predilect. So... how should I call you now?"

"Boris Kagwás," answered Kronos with a smile.

*---*

The two months McLeod had mentioned, quickly turned into six while Joe learnt to fight. It was a good thing that Joe had been in the army. He had discipline. Joe was learning more words in Spanish too. Women smiled at him invitingly, but Joe was afraid of a set up so he simply ignored them. After all, women hadn't any reason to complain. Fitz was there, making the women around him happy with an ease that amazed Joe, Methos and Richie, Mac just shook his head in amusement.

But the time to return had come and in September, on a perfect spring day, Duncan declared that it was time to leave. Richie complained that he was enjoying the bike races and the best race of all would be in a week. Methos complained that they were leaving just when the weather would be warm and nice. Fitz complained that they were leaving when women started to use very few clothes. Annoyed, McLeod reminded them that they didn't have to go with them. Grinning widely, Richie, Methos and Fitz decided to stay to enjoy spring for a couple of weeks, and after that they would return to Paris.

McLeod wasn't really ready for that answer, he had thought that his friends were going to go to Paris with him and Joe. He had got so used to having them around that he didn't want them away, but Fitz, Methos and Richie were perfectly happy with the arrangement. After mending their differences, Methos and Richie were having a good time together, watching and learning from Fitz. Fitz wanted to go with McLeod but he hadn't seen enough of the city yet, or better, there were too many women that he didn't know yet.

Joe didn't want to go yet, either, but Duncan reminded him that there were Immortals in Chile too. Staying there wouldn't mean that they would be safe forever. Besides, Joe knew that he had to take care of the little money he had before he would die in public, forcing him to disappear forever. After talking about it, McLeod and Joe agreed to go first to Paris to resign from The Watchers and to arrange everything regarding money, then both of them would go to Seacouver where he might plan what would become of his life from that moment, while continuing to train with McLeod. Having their near future planed, both Immortals were a little more calm and ready to face what would be waiting for them on the old continent.

Mac knew he was going to miss Richie and Fitz, but he also knew the worse would be to stay without Methos for who knew how many time. The fact that Methos wasn't going with him was a painful reminder that to Methos he was a friend, possibly a very close friend but nothing more, and he had to learn to accept that.

*---*

After a month in Paris, Duncan introduced Joe to his lawyer. An Immortal lawyer? Joe thought, smiling to himself. The young man was aware of Dawson's amused expression. "Oui, Monsieur Dawson. I'm a nightmare for several people, but I can take care of your business. Sign these forms, sil vou plais."

Joe signed and looked at the young man critically. "How can I be certain that everything will be all right?"

"Because I have been doing this for hundreds of years, Monsieur Dawson. If something happen to me, my associates will take good care of your business. We know what to do." the young man smiled pleasantly. "Our clients have long lives."

-I hope so- wished Joe to himself.

*---*

Fitz, Richie and Methos had returned two days ago to find McLeod and Joe arranging things to move again. The Blues Bar had been sold and almost all Joe's things had been packed and sent to Seacouver. The reunion was entertaining and sad while all the Immortals checked their plans.

Fitz couldn't stay in Paris; he had been framed for a murder so he was thinking of going to Seacouver with his friends.

Richie couldn't stay in Paris either, because he had died in front of thousands of people but on the fly to Paris he had been discovered and had a modeling contract in Germany. Duncan wasn't sure that the over-exposure would be good for an Immortal, but Richie assured him that he would never be a top model. Duncan just nodded. Was Richie still afraid of him? There was nothing that McLeod could do. Richie had to re-build his own self-confidence. Duncan sighed and looked at Methos, who hadn't said anything about his plans.

Methos had no problems preventing him from staying in Paris or from going anywhere, although he wanted to put a little distance between him and The Watchers. Methos smiled to himself. What were the Watchers bosses thinking? That if they put a beautiful young thing to watching him he would make her task easy? He had spent a rather funny hour losing her around the Eiffel tower, but she always found him. The damn girl was good. Methos knew he had to be careful, now he was listed as an Immortal. His file was titled 'Adam Pierson,' but now that he had his own Watcher, there was a greater chance that his true identity might be found. Maybe he should go with McLeod and Joe to Seacouver.

Duncan had been watching Methos intently, trying to understand what was going inside his head, and hoping that this time the old man wanted to stick with him. Mac had finally accepted that his feelings toward Methos were more than friendship, and way more than sex urges, but he had been in love before and it hadn't been a problem. What was wrong with him this time? It probably was that his ego wasn't ready to accept rejection, he got what he wanted sooner or later, this time however, he knew for sure that wasn't going to happen.

Mac wished that Amanda would return soon. Only she could distract him enough and Duncan needed lot of distraction before he did something really stupid like kissing the old man.

*---*

Joe was at The Blues Bar waiting for Methos. Both of them would go to see a very special real state company that had nice houses on holy ground. Joe had always wondered how the damn Immortals found those places. Joe was musing about it when the bar's door opened and he saw Amy staring at him. Her eyes were red and he knew she had been crying. Joe tried to approach her but she stepped back. "No! Just stay there, I don't want you near me." Amy started to pace nervously. "I couldn't believe you lied to me. When I told you that you were my father you agreed!" Amy stopped and looked at Joe, stunned. "You agreed!" There was rage this time. "How could you be that callous?"

Joe wasn't in the mood for this. "I wasn't, damn it! I believed that you were my daughter. I... wanted you to be my daughter! Do you think you are the only one who suffered? Even when you rejected me, I was hoping that we could be..."

"A family?"

"Yeah... but now..." Joe made a wide gesture with his arms. The bar was silent, Joe would leave very soon.

"We could be a family, Joe, if we really want it," began Amy. She was sorry that she had wasted the opportunity to know Joe better. Now it was futile but she had to try. "There's no reason not to..."

"Of course there is a reason!" spatted Joe angrily. "You are a Watcher, I'm an Immortal. There can be nothing between us. Nothing should be."

"I'm not a Watcher anymore, Joe."

"I doesn't matter, Amy. Now I understand how dangerous it is."

"So... this is the end?"

"Yeah..." Joe sounded defeated but Amy knew he was right.

"Goodby Joe, maybe someday we will meet again." She kissed his cheek softly and left the bar.

Joe walked toward the bar and took a drink, he needed to forget. Alcohol might not be the answer but he didn't care. It was so tempting to spend time with Amy. He still felt like if she was his daughter, but he didn't want to risk her life. He hadn't been the smartest father in that side of the world. The first thing he had done for his daughter was to give her a job that almost killed her. Only Methos' help had saved them. Now Joe was more sure than ever that to be near an Immortal was dangerous. She couldn't be really his daugther but he had to protect her just the same.

Joe looked amazed at the empty bottle, swore a little and was going behind the bar to start with another when he felt an Immortal buzz. He looked at the door.

Methos was entering the bar. "Joe, you shouldn't drink so much, you have to drive."

"So what?" spat Joe, sourly. "Wouldn't my liver stand the amount of alcohol? Or might I die in a crash?"

"No. You will continue living, but what about the people who might die because of your actions?"

"Save it, Methos!" snapped Joe. "I'm feeling bad enough without your speeches."

"Oh, yeah! Now I remember," mocked Methos. "You have legs again, your health is better than when you were twenty years old, and you have a bunch of loyal friends. Awful things indeed."

"Don't start, Methos. You know what I mean."

"Yeah and I understand, Joe, but that's the price of Immortality," replied Methos softly.

"But I shouldn't be an Immortal!"

"Then end it. Find an Immortal and let him behead you. It's clean and fast. You wouldn't feel anything." Methos smiled wickedly, "I know."

Against his will, Joe had to smile. "You are really strange, old man."

Methos poured a drink for himself and clinked his glass against Joe's. "To Immortality, Joe. To the good things and the bad things."

Joe sighed and joined Methos in the toast. "What might be a good thing, Methos?"

"You will have lot of girlfriends!"

Joe laughed amused, "Of course! What was I thinking? Knowledge? Wisdom? Those are jokes compared with the possibility of having several women."

"Come on, Joe. Are you going to tell me that you never thought about that possibility?"

"I'm not as old as you, Methos. I'm still trying to plan my live ten years from now. The possibility of being the next Casanova it wasn't one of my scenarios."

"Power, gold and women, Joe, the prizes of the Gods!"

"Yeah? What do you know about it?"

"I was a God for almost two millenia. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about."

"I believe you, Methos," Joe leaned closer to Methos. "So... now both of us are Immortals..."

"Yeah. So...?"

"Are you going to talk to me about your life now?"

Methos laughed, amused, "Once a Watcher, always a Watcher!"

"I'm trying to figure out a reason for me being Immortal. Maybe it's to know details about Immortals that no other Watcher knows."

"You aren't a Watcher anymore, Joe, remember."

"Do you think I can forget it!" Joe stood and started to pace. "I didn't ask for this, Methos."

"I know, but it wasn't the witches' intention either. They apologized to you, Joe. What else do you expect?"

"I don't know... I'm happy having my legs, but the part about cutting off heads is still a little weird."

"Give it a couple of years. When you feel a quickening for the first time you will think differently."

"Really? Is it that... good?"

"Maybe not good, but... special," Methos grinned evily. "Some Immortals think it's better than sex."

"Yeah, right!"

"Don't knock it 'til you've tried it, Joe. But I'm sure you will take your first quickening soon. McLeod is always surrounded by guys wanting his head. One of them could be yours."

"What if I can't do it?"

"You won't know until you try. Come on, Joe, let's have another toast."

Joe returned to the bar table and took the glass that Methos had poured for him. "Ok, old man, about what now?"

"To us, Joe. May we live many millenia more."

"To us, Methos. May we live forever."

*---*

Amanda had returned to Paris, looking for McLeod. No matter what exciting whatever she was doing might be, she needed her fix of Mac. The guy was incredible in bed. Besides Methos and Joe were with him. Methos had signaled his attraction to her and she was hoping they could have an opportunity to spend some time together. Joe on the other hand still saw her as a mythical creature, but she was hoping to change that. Joe was good looking...

So many attractive men! Amanda sighed happily. For an Immortal woman the fun never ended. Fortunately she didn't have to waste time worrying about things that didn't affect her: Her reputation? Any female Immortal would kill to have it! AIDS? No reason to worry about that. McLeod? Ok, maybe she had to worry about Mac, but as the proverb goes: What he doesn't know won't hurt him. She just had to be careful.

*---*

Methos and Joe were entering The Blues Bar when they saw Duncan and Amanda, saying hello in their very personal way. The passionate kiss ended with both Amanda's hands over Duncan's butt. "Amanda!" spluttered Duncan, embarrassed.

While leaving his coat and sword over a chair, Methos rolled his eyes with impatience and grumbled, annoyed, "Oh, please! Stop it."

"What!" growled Mac.

"You know, for a guy who has slept with half the female population of the planet, it's not credible that embarrassed act that you are always doing."

"It's not an act."

"Yeah, right! You are just an embarrassed teenager."

"Of course! But you, being the most ancient Immortal, surely can handle anything. Right?"

"I hadn't survived so long without seeing things coming, and handling them," answered Methos, petulantly.

"Really?" mocked McLeod, "Did you see this coming?" Easily, McLeod grabbed Methos and with a fluid movement wrapped the ancient Immortal in his arms and kissed him.

Methos' eyes opened wide in shock and he tried to speak. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Duncan plunged his tongue into Methos' mouth. Methos closed his eyes, embarrased, knowing too well that he was blushing deeply. Methos pushed Duncan roughly away, forcing him to release him. "McLeod!" spluttered Methos, embarrassed, "What do you think are you doing?"

"Well, well, well." Duncan was grinning widely. "It seems that you are feeling... embarrassed?"

"You didn't need to do that!"

"But, Methos, you can handle anything!"

"Don't you dare to laugh at me, McLeod!" Methos hated being humilliated by this child.

McLeod seized the moment, it probably was the right time anyway. He pulled himself together mentally. Now or never. Richie and Fitz entered the room just in time to hear McLeod, who had forgotten completely about Joe and Amanda, making a very personal affirmation. "I love you, Methos."

Methos stopped spitting and cleaning his mouth when he heard the soft words and looked at Duncan, amazed. But that feeling lasted only a short time, then Methos became furious. "Stop it, McLeod. I'm not in the mood to hear your stupid declarations."

"It's not stupid, Methos. Why do you always have to make everything so complicated?"

"I make things complicated?" Methos was incredulous.

"Yes! Can't you simply accept the fact that you are driving me crazy?"

"That doesn't mean you love me, it only means you want to bed me."

"That's not true!"

"No? Sorry, McLeod, but that's difficult to believe after the way you have been acting since I returned."

Shocked faces turned toward Duncan, all of them knew what he felt, but what Methos was implying was something they'd never thought of Mac, even Amanda was surprised. Seeing the acusing stares of his friends, Mac knew he had to set facts right. "I hadn't laid a hand on him. I'd been a perfect gentleman!" he defended himself.

"You stare at me all the time," accused Methos.

"It's still close to a miracle that you're here at all, Methos!" grouled Mac annoyed. "I'm just glad you are here, that's all! I always wanted you back."

"Yeah, right! That's the reason you were always telling me to go away and lecturing me."

"No, I lecture you because your incredible tendecy to always do the selfish and immoral thing."

"If I am that evil, why do you love me?"

"You can't choose who do you love!"

"So, you love me even when I'm selfish and immoral. How noble, Highlander!"

"I can help you, you can change."

"I don't want to change!" stated Methos angrily.

"You have to!"

"What if I don't want to?!"

"Then he probably will kill you, like he did before," interrumped Fitz, calmly.

"You are confused, it was me Mac killed," intervened Richie, grimacing at his own comment.

"No, I saw it clearly," insisted Fitz unsure. "Well, it's true!.... at least I think so..." Fitz addressed Methos and explained, "The skinny guy killed Richie because he didn't want to kill Dawson. Mac saw it and, in a rage, he attacked him and was going to behead him when we were sent to another place."

"That wasn't real, Fitz," intervened McLeod quickly. "It was just a dream."

"A dream, McLeod?" asked Methos in a low, dangerous, tone.

"Sort of. I was dreaming about a world where I didn't exist when you killed Richie and I.... I had to do... something," pleaded Duncan, hoping that Methos could understand.

"And that something was killing me? I can't believe it!"

"It was a dream, Methos. It wasn't real."

"And you suppose that should make me feel better? You have a strange tendency to threaten your friends' lives, McLeod. I'm not going to take the risk." Methos walked purposely toward the chair where his coat was.

"Methos, you can't simply go and disappear!"

"Why not?! For years you have been telling me how evil I am! How selfish and immoral! Ok, Highlander, you will not have to deal with me anymore because I'm leaving. Keep your perfect life to yourself." Methos took his coat and his sword. "I lived many happy years without this shit and I'm tired of it." Methos was about to leave when he turned sharply toward Duncan. "I'm very sorry for imposing my company on you, McLeod, it will not happen again. By the way, my name is Adam."

McLeod wanted to run after Methos, but the old man was really pissed off in a way that Mac had never see him before so he decided to give him a little time to calm down, because Methos wasn't being serious. To leave Mac for good? That simply wasn't possible.

*---*

Duncan had called Methos' flat almost every hour for the past two days. Finally McLeod regained the courage enough to go to see the old guy face to face. Duncan parked the Thunderbird and walked purposefully toward the building. Methos' van wasn't anywhere. Finally Duncan entered the lobby and was about to go to the elevators when the janitor stopped him. "Monsieur McLeod."

"Look, I'm in a hurry."

"But, Monsieur McLeod, it's about Monsieur Pierson."

Duncan turned toward the man, while terrible scenes played in his mind. "What happened to him?"

"Monsieur Pierson asked me to tell you that he was leaving Europe."

"What?! When?!"

"Monsieur Pierson left two days ago."

"Why!?"

"I'm sorry, Monsieur McLeod, Monsieur Pierson didn't give me details. When I asked him when he would return, he said that he didn't know, but that he will be away for a couple of centuries. I supposs that means he won't be returning anymore." Seeing the expression on Duncan's face the janitor added quickly, "Now, If you'll excuse me. I have things to do." Wisely, the man left.

Duncan was trying hard to think what to do, but was there really anything he could do? If the old man didn't want to be found, that was exactly what would happen.

*---*

At the airport, Duncan looked at his new student. Joe was a middle-aged man but a very young Immortal. He needed to learn so much yet, but things had been easier than with Richie. Joe's age helped him to understand several things that Richie still didn't accept. But Joe was suffering just like Richie. Duncan knew why you had to be careful what you wished for: you might get it. McLeod wanted Joe to be his friend forever and fate had conceded his wish. He stood and walked toward his friend, putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder. It was time to leave.

Joe turned toward Duncan with sad eyes. "This is it, Mac? Is this what it means to be Immortal? Feeling empty and cold inside? Leaving your whole life behind and never looking back?"

-And you are just starting, Joe- thought Duncan sourly. "It's a part of it, Joe. But you will discover good things too. Just give it time."

"Sorry, Mac. I'm acting like a idiot."

"No, Joe. I was afraid at first too. I had enjoyed my life, but your life is only yours. You could be like Kalas or Kronos, but there is the chance that you could be like Darius or Coltec. You have all the time in the world, Joe. You can be anything you want."

"Thanks, Mac."

The airport speakers announced their flight. Mac shook Fitz. "Time to go, Fitz!"

"I can't believe you chose a flight in the middle of the night, McLeod," grumbled Fitz.

"It's morning Fitz, and it's a perfect morning, I must say. I'm sure you haven't seen a morning for years."

"Why should I need to see the sun rising?"

"Because it's beautiful?" questioned McLeod.

"Nonsense! A woman is beautiful. This, this is torture!"

"You can go somewhere else, Fitz!"

"And leave that poor soul within your grasp? Never. There is more in life than fighting and brooding, Mac."

Joe was amused seeing Mac and Fitz starting a verbal sparring, while they were taking their bags, and Joe couldn't resist it. Quickly, he started his small Watcher recorder. Mac and Fitz stopped and looked at Joe, who was grinning widely. "Ready to go, gentlemen?"

Without another word, the three Immortals went to take their flight.

*---*

Three Watchers were at the airport following their charges.

Fitz's Watcher had asked to take her old task again, but the supervisory council, worried that she was too attached to her charge, had denied her request. A new Watcher had been assigned to Fitz. A male Watcher.

Since Joe Dawson was an Immortal now, McLeod had a new Watcher too, a middle-aged man that didn't look very different from Joe himself.

Joe's Watcher was a young woman.

Since all of them knew their Immortals were leaving, they had their tickets already. The two male Watchers knew each other so they boarded the plane together. They looked at the young woman but she shook her head. She wanted to go alone. She spoke to her small recorder, "Tuesday 15^th, may 2000. 7 am. Joe Dawson is leaving with his teacher, Duncan McLeod. We're heading for Seacouver."

It was a cold morning and Amy Thomas had to pull up the collar of her coat before she followed the man she once thought was her father.

End

Notes:

1° Amy Thomas appears in the ep "Indiscretions," season six.

2° All the theories about Darius' quickening that Kanetsidohi explained are just the result of a fevered imagination.

3° If you are wondering when McLeod endangered Richie's life, here's the list: "Shadows" (season 3), "Something Wicked" (season 4) and "Archangel" (season 5).

4° In the ep 'Money No Object,' Cory called McLeod 'Macky' (sounded that way) all the time and McLeod hated it.

5° The place that I described as taken from a postcard of Paris really exists. It was described in that way in a foreign (to me) tourist site. The seagulls are real too. They traveled thousands of miles from someplace in North America to reach the Mapocho River in the city downtown, instead of going to the sea (why?).

6° According my bible, Boris means fighter.

7° Cahuach can be spelled: Kagwác, Kagwáce, or Kagwás. Since evil Immortals usually have names that start with a K, I choose Kagwás. Cahuach is a little island in Chiloé's archipelago. The name comes from Mapudungun (Mapuche language) and it means Forsaken Island. It should sounds kawash.