Disclaimer: I do not own either Twilight or Highlander, although Gabriel is my own creation.
Italics are all thoughts and flash backs.
Chapter VII: Pre-Immortal
Throughout the class period, I kept glancing at Mike Newton. I was aware that he couldn't since me. No pre-Immortal can sense other Immortals. This is why they are at an extreme disadvantage. There are cases, such as the Kurgan, where Immortals specifically hunt down pre-Immortals and trigger they're Immortality. Once they come to, they are beheaded. Thus, the Immortal gains strength, but only by a fraction. I was also aware that, if and when Mike becomes Immortal, he will need a First Teacher to guide him down the right path. Some Immortals lose their why, and I would rather not have to take Mike's head if he became nuisance.
Once I called class, Mike left amongst the rest of my student body. I sat back at my desk. That poor young man has no idea the cruel fate that awaits him, I grimaced a the remembrance of my own First Death. I knew it was rare for a pre-Immortal to live a full mortal life and die of old age.
"So Mike's a pre-Immortal? What are you going to do?" I heard Edward speak with urgency.
I looked up at him and noticed the surprised look of his siblings. "Mike Newton? A pre-Immortal? That's just absorbed," Rosalie spoke with disgust. I assumed that my family didn't have a pleasant history with the young man.
"Unfortunately, it's true. I felt the same Buzz that arrives when a pre-Immortal is near. At some point in the future, Mike will meet his First Death," I announced gravely.
Emmett tried his damnedest to suppress a laugh, and muttered, "So, what's our next move?"
"There isn't any. None of you are to do anything, and I simply cannot tell him what he is. Humans refer to that as insanity. The best course of action is to inform Connor, and keep a close eye on the boy," I declared.
There really wasn't much I could do in this situation. Immortals cannot reveal themselves to a mortal, even a pre-Immortal. If a breach was made, the results were usually catastrophic. I recall an incident Duncan once told me of, where a Immortal attempted to spare a pre-Immortal of his fate, and tell him what he was. It didn't go over as planned. The pre-Immortal became paranoid and frightened. He forced his Immortal informant away, and locked himself in a room. Needless to say, an Head Hunter came for the pre-Immortal and took his head. I surely didn't want to repeat that. I would remain steadfast in my decision. It was my best option.
We decided to part the school together and head back to Cullen territory. I would call Connor once I arrived at the main residence. I would also inform Carlisle. I figured that the more who knew of this, the better our chances were. At least that was in theory.
We parked in front of the main house and entered our home. I walked straight through to the back deck and dug out my cell from my pocket. I was quick to find Connor's number.
"Hello... Gabriel?" Connor sounded confused.
I imagined that he didn't expect me to call him so soon, "Connor, I need your counsel."
"What's wrong? Is there a Head Hunter in town," Connor worried. I suppose it was wise of him to assume that.
I took a breath and continued, "No, Connor. I had a student transfer in my class today... He's a pre-Immortal."
"I see," Connor signed, "This is certainly troubling. What's his name?"
"His name is Mike Newton. He appears to know Carlisle's children. I guess they aren't on good terms," I took a second to gather my thoughts, "Nevertheless, I think it best to keep an eye on the boy, just in case a Head Hunter appears."
Connor cleared his throat, "I'd have to agree that this would be the best course of action. I'll inform Duncan and Methos of the situation. Perhaps, I could also contact Ritchie?"
"Of course. I agree that the more Immortals on the scene, the better our chances are if a Head Hunter were to arrive," I suspected our numbers would detour a rouge Immortal. We ended our conversation and I walked inside to inform my family.
I entered the dining room to notice that the whole family was sitting at the large table in the middle of the room. I gathered that this was a meeting of sorts. They must have anticipated that I'd want to put their fears to rest. I took a seat at the end of the table facing my brother. I sighed before speaking.
"Connor is going to contact my First Teacher, along with friends of ours. There isn't much that we can do at this point. The best course of action is to keep a watchful eye on the boy. We want to avoid the attention of a Head Hunter. Our great numbers should warn one off," I met the eyes of each of my family members.
Carlisle seemed to understand our predicament, "Do you anticipate that Mike's arrival here will attract a Head Hunter?"
"No, I don't, but I'd rather be prepared for the worst-case scenario. If four Immortals seemed to protect a pre-Immortal, a Head Hunter would not bother. And I, personally, like our odds," I spoke with complete conviction.
A sense of calm washed through the dinning room. My family must have assumed that there would be a bloodbath. Thankfully, that was something a Head Hunter liked to avoid. They wanted a clean, quick kill. Easy winnings were very desirable.
"I just have one question," Bella began, "Why Mike Newton? He detests violence."
I saw what she was getting at, "Why any of us? I truly don't know the answer to that query. Like I said, Immortals don't know why we exist. Maybe it's all part of some twisted test. I may no longer share my father's religious standpoints, but it's the best assumption I have. All Immortals have attempted to search for the Source of our origins, but none have ever been successful. It's a mystery, I'm afraid."
"So, we act as Mike's guard dogs?" Rosalie asked, vaguely disdained.
I knew my family, and I for that matter, simply couldn't watch over Mike all the time, "Not at all. When the other Immortals arrive, while place ourselves at the boundaries surrounding Seattle. If a Head Hunter passes our grid, we'll sense them."
"That's rather ingenues, Gabriel," Carlisle sounded intrigued, "Have you done this before?"
I gave him a proud smile, "I have, and that pre-Immortal lived a full life."
"So, it's a case of rather be safe than sorry," Jasper stated.
Jasper seemed to understand my situation the best. Over the last twenty-four hours, I had found out that he served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. He also fought in the Southern Vampire Wars shortly after he was turned. I briefly saw the subsequent effects of those battles, and they were disturbing. "It is. I'd rather not have Mike enter this life. Training a new Immortal is difficult and time consuming. It may also draw unwanted attention. Again, I'd want to avoid that at all cost."
"You'd don't want him to enter your life," Esme stated rather than asked.
I couldn't dispute her. This life wears terribly on the soul and conscience, "Very few Immortals are unaffected by the Game. You can't fully understand taking one's life with a sword until you do. Also, achieving more Quickenings can corrupt an Immortal, especially if one typically engages Head Hunters. One wants to avoid a Dark Quickening."
"What's a Dark Quickening," questioned Alice.
I knew all to well what a Dark Quickening was, "A Dark Quickening is usually gained from beheading evil Immortals. It draws out the darker elements of an Immortal's psyche until they become corrupt themselves. It almost acts like possession. A while ago, an Immortal named Coltec vowed to rid the world of evil Immortals. He became overwhelmed be the influx of corrupt Quickenings, and became insane. My First Teacher, and Coltec's friend, Duncan MacLeod, was forced to end him. Unfortunately, Duncan gained Coltec's Dark Quickening. He went on a rampage in Paris until he beheaded his old friend, Sean Burns," I paused to take a breath, "Apparently, Sean possessed a Light Quickening, which is the total opposite of its counterpart. It subdued Duncan enough so that his mentor, Methos, was able to take Duncan to a long forgotten healing spring where Duncan was able to fight the Dark Quickening off, and gain back his humanity. Only two other known Immortals were able to do the same."
"Who were these other Immortals", queried Carlisle.
"One is Connor MacLeod. He took the head of a Head Hunter named Kurgan in 1986. Although Connor's case wasn't as severe as Duncan's, it took several weeks for Connor to fight it off. He did it by isolating himself. The other Immortal fought a similar struggle to Duncan, in fact, it nearly destroyed him," I then locked eyes with Carlisle, "I am that man."
There was a collective gasp and the room grew silent. All eyes fell upon me, and I gave them a few moments before continuing, "An ancient Roman Immortal named Hortensius tracked me down while I lived in Volterra. In 1710, he went as far as to infiltrate the Volturi castle, and pressured me into battle. Eventually, I took his head, but it cost me my sanity. I grew enraged and vengeful. I caused a bloodbath in the streets of Volterra, and fled once Aro came to secure me. I fought any Immortal I encountered as I rode on horseback across Italy. A few weeks later, Methos found me. He drugged me, and brought me to the same healing spring that he'd later bring Duncan to. It took almost a month to fight off my dark urges."
"How did the Volturi handle the situation after you regained your humanity?" Carlisle whispered sadly.
I sat back in my chair, "They didn't really do much, to be honest. Word didn't exactly travel fast in those days, so they were able to control the damage much more effectively. Once I returned to Volterra, Aro welcomed me with open arms. It was all quite strange to say the least."
Carlisle looked pained for a moment. I could imagine that he felt horrid. Hearing a story like this must be hard to swallow, but I had no intention to hide my past from him. Esme took his hand as Carlisle looked at me again. He seemed to try and gauge my guilt, which I knew he could feel. I couldn't hide that from my brother, I never could. I have learned to live with my mistakes, and I did my best to enlighten other Immortals.
"I'm sorry that you had to forgo that, Gabriel. If I would have known that you were alive, and suffering, I would have sought you out," Carlisle solemnly pleaded.
I gave him a thankful, yet sad smile, "There is no need to grieve over the past, dear brother. I know that you feel helpless, but what's done is done. I've paid for my sins. I traveled through the mouth of Hell itself, but I've emerged with my humanity intact. This is the life I lead. An Immortal is not granted Salvation because they wish to undue evil. They are punished. That's why most of us don't search for evil to conquer. We just defend ourselves. Few survive a Dark Quickening."
Once I told my story, we dispersed our meeting. I had stepped onto the deck to capture some fresh air. It was becoming Autumn, so the air was crisp. I looked forward to the season. After a few moments I heard the door behind me open and close. I turned to see Alice and Jasper join me.
"I've been down the same road you have, Gabriel. The pain and guilt you feel, I've felt. I'm glad to see that you've managed after such an experience," Jasper placed a hand on my shoulder.
I nodded and thanked him. The three of us stared into the forest for a while before Alice spoke up, "You know, our cousins will be here tomorrow. So, I was hoping that you'd like a makeover."
I raised an eyebrow at her questioningly, "I'll have you know that I dress just fine..."
"Not your wardrobe, but your hair," She cut me off.
Perhaps she was right. My long hair wasn't exactly the 'in' thing at the moment. "What did you have in mind?"
"Well, I was thinking about cutting your hair short, maybe even an inch or so at the top. I was also hoping that you'd trim your beard to a stubble," she spoke timidly.
I guess there was no harm in it, so I agreed. This made her joyful, and she beckoned me to follow her to one of the bathrooms. Once there, she had me sit in a chair she brought from the dinning room and began cutting my locks. It felt almost liberating to lose the long hair. It also made me look significantly younger. She kept the top of my head about an inch and a half long, but cut the sides short. She also decided to add gel in my hair, setting it into messy spikes. I must admit that I liked my new look. Once my hair was cut, I trimmed my beard down to a stubble. I smiled at my appearance. I wasn't egotistical, but I did look handsome. I guess this would make a good impression on the vampire family arriving tomorrow.
I ventured downstairs to rejoin my family. I heard a few gasps, and I smiled, "Does my new look not suit me?"
"Nonsense, Gabriel. You look smashing," Carlisle chuckled.
I ran a hand through my hair. It was certainly comforting without all that weight on my head, "Why, thank you, Carlisle. I must say that I almost look your age now. It feels quite nice to look young again," I joked.
"You only look just over thirty, you know," smiled Esme.
I decided to head back to my house. I was going to eat and work on some school related things before I called it a night. Even though I only worked part-time, keeping up with faculty was a full-time objective. I retired early, and prepared for my typical nightmare. And it didn't disappoint.
Seven hours later, I awoke to my alarm. Glad that I at least slept a little longer, I ventured toward my shower. I rather enjoyed my walk-in shower. Once I ended my shower, I made sure my stubble was still that, stubble. Satisfied, I threw on a pair of jeans, a black long-sleeved henley, and my boots. I walked into my kitchen and grabbed myself a glass of milk. I stood there staring at my sword. I was hoping that I'd not have to use it anytime soon. That would be a nice change. I washed my glass and walked over to the main house. As I walked around to the front entrance, I noticed three other vehicles. The all looked expensive, and foreign. I guess that taste was common among vampires. I placed my left hand in my pocket and opened the front door. I was greeted my a squealing Alice.
"Gabriel! I can't wait to introduce you to everyone," she was never without energy.
I laughed at her enthusiasm, "I'm glad you are, Alice. Lead the way."
I followed her into the living room. I was honestly looking forward to meeting a coven of vampires that shared my family's diet. Maybe Carlisle was an inspiration to them. Once I walked into the living room I was greeted by a Spanish couple, one of whom I already knew, "Eleazar! I haven't seen you in centuries. How are you, lad?"
"I'm well, thank you, Gabriel. I'd like you to meet my mate, Carmen," my old friend spoke.
The black-haired beauty smiled and extended her hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Gabriel. Eleazar has told me so much about you!"
"All good I hope," I smiled and took her hand. They stepped back so I could meet the rest of their coven. A beautiful silvery-blond woman approached me with a tall, well built man with curly blond hair on her arm.
She flashed me a generous smile, "Hello, my name is Irina, and this is my mate Fred."
I offered them the same smile and shook both of their hands, "I'm glad to make make your acquaintance." They moved back and a dashing man with a long ponytail stepped up to me. He had a military walk to him.
"Gabriel Cullen! It's an honor to meet a new cousin. My name is Garrett," he offered me his hand, which I took, "I'd also like to introduce my mate, Katrina."
The pale-blond flashed the same smile Irina did, "It's amazing how much you and Carlisle look alike. he's told us quite a bit about you in the last hour. And please, call me Kate. Katrina makes me feel old."
"Of course, Kate. I hope Carlisle has left me a story to tell," I smiled and glanced at my chuckling brother.
I heard a throat clear and Garrett stepped back to reveal the last member of their family. Once I laid my eyes upon her, I felt drawn to her. My heart started to race, and I felt my cheeks become flush. She had long, curly strawberry-blond hair. A breathtaking grin appeared on her face. She walked towards me with such grace it'd make Aphrodite weep. Once she reached me, she offered me her hand palm up, "Hello, Gabriel. It's a pleasure to make your make acquaintance. My name is Tanya."
Her voice was like velvet to my ears, "Tanya, the pleasure is mine," I happily corrected her before I took her hand and placed a soft kiss upon it.
A/N: Gabriel and Tanya? Absolutely! I loved her in the books, and I couldn't help but put her in this story. It'll be fun to write how these two interact.
Til next time...
