Magnus raised her gun and pointed it at Dana's head. "Everyone stop this instant or I swear the next bullet will go straight through her brain," she threatened. The fact that her voice was wet didn't stop it from being intimidating. The soldiers backed off. "Put your guns down now." They did as they were told. The Immortals moved to pick them up at a nod from Helen. She looked back at her enemies. "Best run along now," she told them spitefully, "It's not smart to play with things you don't understand."
The soldiers paused for a moment until Magnus cocked her gun. Then they turned and ran. "Helen?" Methos whispered.
With a cry Magnus dropped both her gun and Dana to run to Will. "William," she called cradling his head. "William, please speak to me." She pulled more of his body to her. "Will, you must wake up now."
Tesla closed his eyes and looked away. Clara backed away from them. The Immortals hung their heads. Methos went to kneel by Helen's side. "Magnus," he said firmly. She continued to try and wake Will up. "Magnus!" he called again.
"Please, Will, you need to wake up," she insisted. "Please William we don't have much time."
"Damn it Helen!" Methos yelled. She blinked several times as she looked to him. Gently Methos pulled her hand from Will's bloody, torn shirt. Magnus watched as he took it and pressed it to his cheek. He slowly shook his head back and forth.
"You're wrong," she whispered.
"Oh Helen," he sighed, squeezing her hand. "Look at his eyes, Helen, feel his pulse. William is dead. You must accept that."
Ashley had finally come out of her headache to see her mother kneeling in a pool of blood and cradling some sort of body. She heard Uncle James explain to her mother that Will was dead. "Will," she whispered. She scrambled back until her back hit something. She looked up to see that she had backed into her father's legs. She looked back at her mother and tears welled in her eyes. "I didn't mean to," she said. Here attention turned back to her father. "Oh god, I swear I didn't mean to. It just hit and I couldn't stop it." The sobs over took her body.
Without thinking John kneeled down and pulled her close. "I know you didn't," he whispered in her ear. "I know you didn't mean it and so does your mother. It will be alright, Ashley everything will be just fine."
Helen didn't even hear her daughter wake back up. She was still stuck on her young protégé. "Dead?" she asked Methos. He was still holding her hand, pressed to his cheek. He nodded. "Dear god, James," she cried, "He was a child. Just a child. He didn't deserve this."
"I know Helen," Methos told her. He realized there were tears in his own eyes. "I know that and I also know you meant for him to do much bigger things. I know you had quite a marvelous plan for him. But Helen, he's dead."
"I don't mean to interrupt," Tesla called. "But we don't exactly have time for grieving." He didn't much like William but the boy had earned his grudging respect after the work with the Source Blood and the search for Ashley afterwards. He had to at least admire the conviction and loyalty Will had shown Helen. It made him feel wrong for intruding on the personal moment.
"Please," John chastised. "A little respect here."
Helen gave Methos a long look. He squeezed her hand. "He's right," she called over her shoulder. She looked back down at Will's body. "This is neither the time nor the place." She rubbed her thumb over Methos' cheek before pulling her hand back leaving behind a bloody smear.
"Helen?" he asked.
"It's time we finished this," she stated. "And I will not sacrifice another child to do it." She placed her other hand under William's knees and lifted him up bridal style. "John you will take all the children back to the Sanctuary and stay there with them. We shall call you when you need to come back."
"Helen, what's your plan?" Tesla asked, suddenly wary.
She turned to him with a range of emotions swirling in her eyes. There was sadness, anger and even a bit of fear. But mostly there was a fire. "My plan?" she asked. "My plan is quite simple, Nikola. In fact it's the same plan as when we started all of this. It's to destroy the Cabal. And we'll start with this place first." Her voice became stronger as she spoke. "They want to make this a grave site, then that's what it'll become. But their grave site. Not ours." She looked down at the young brilliant doctor who had given his life for her cause. "We'll see to it that not a single stone is left standing on another. When this is finished this place shall look worse than that of the ancient vampire city." She looked back to Nikola with a steely resolve.
Tesla dropped her gaze. Methos came to put a hand on her shoulder. She gave him a grateful smile then turned to John. He held her gaze for a moment before nodding. Looking down he gave Ashley one last squeeze. "Better now?" he asked softly.
"Yeah, I think so," she answered.
John smiled and gently helped her to her feet. She gave him a weak, grateful smile. Helen slowly made her way over to them. Ashley opened her mouth but Magnus shook her head. "I understand," she said simply. Ashley just looked away. "John if you could take William, please," she asked.
John carefully took the body, handling it as though it was made of glass. "Helen?" he asked quietly.
"Take him to the Sanctuary. Put him in the infirmary for right now. We'll arrange for a proper burial when I get back." John opened his mouth but she cut him off. "Please," she said. "I will not allow him to rot in this god forsaken hell hole. I can't."
"Understood," he replied.
Helen gave a sharp nod. "Clara, Richie, you're going back to the Sanctuary as well. I said I won't sacrifice any more children and I meant it. James, give the virus back to Clara. I'll deal with it when I return."
"I don't want to go," Clara said. "I want to stay here. I can help, I promise. I won't freak out or anything. I'll do whatever you want."
Helen stroked Will's hair before turning to her. With a smile she went to the young girl. "You've done your job," she told her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Now let us do ours."
Clara sighed. "I could only do it because Will believed in me."
Magnus gave her a brief hug. "Go on then, dear, we won't be long, I promise."
She nodded and went to stand next to John. Helen looked over at the Immortals. "You too Richie," she called. "Back to the Sanctuary with you."
Richie looked at Duncan. "She's right," he told his student. "We'll be back soon."
"Right," he agreed. "Good luck you guys."
Helen followed him and looked down at Dana. "I should kill you," she said. "Lucky for you, I'm a better person." She maneuvered the bound woman so that she was grabbing John's pants leg. "You'll keep your hands there or I'll have John come back for you," she warned. She leaned in close. "Trust me, you wouldn't like that." She pulled back. "Understand?" Dana nodded furiously. Helen gave her a thin smile and stood up.
"Mom," Ashley started.
"Oh Ashley," Helen sighed. She drew her daughter into a tight hug. "I love you," she whispered. "More than anything in this world."
"I love you too mom," Ashley told her.
Helen pulled away but held onto her daughter's arms. "Here's what I want you to do. Are you listening?" Ashley nodded. "Very good. When you get back to the Sanctuary, I want you to change clothes, get Henry to make you some chamomile tea and put yourself to bed. I'll come to check on you when I return." She pulled Ashley close again. "I'll take care of everything," she promised.
"I know you will," Ashley told her.
"I love you," Helen repeated. Ashley moved back and grabbed the back of her father's coat. Helen looked up at John. "You go back," she told him. "You look after them."
"I give you my word," John promised.
Helen reached up to cup his face. She pulled him down and pressed a long kiss to his cheek. "I love you too," she whispered.
"And I, you," John told her.
"Go," she instructed. "I'll call you when this is over."
John gave her a long look. "Everyone holding on tight?" he called.
"Good to go," Richie said.
"Holding on," Clara answered.
"Right here," Ashley whispered looking up at him.
John smiled at her as well. "Then let's go back." There was a bright flash and they were all back in the main hall of the Sanctuary. "Henry!" John called. "We need help here."
Both Henry and Joe came pounding down the stairs. "Ashley!" Henry grinned. "You're alright. That's awesome." He stopped as he realized it was only half the group. "Wait, where's Magnus and the others?"
"They're back at the Cabal headquarters," Clara sighed. "Magnus sent us all back."
"Is that the head of the Cabal hanging on to your pants leg for dear life?" Henry asked.
"It is," Druitt answered. He gave a sharp kick to her back so she would release him. "Helen wants information from her. Find her a cell in the SHU as soon as you can."
"Done," Henry agreed.
Joe noticed the bundle in John's arms. "Druitt," he called softly. "What is that you're holding?" He was afraid he already knew the answer.
John looked down at the body then looked back up. "This, Mr. Dawson, is the body of Doctor William Zimmerman," he said, his voice slightly wet. He couldn't help but feel sorrow at the loss of someone who was willing to give his life for Ashley's. "He died in the line of battle." He had to swallow before continuing. "Helen is back there making sure his sacrifice was not in vain."
"Oh god, Will's dead?" Henry asked.
"I'm afraid so," John said.
"It's all my fault," Ashley whispered.
"It is not," John told her firmly. "Will knew the risks when he started this journey. It was his choice. Now move along with you. Your mother's advice was quite sound as usual. You should do as she tells you."
Ashley gave a distracted nod. "Yeah," she agreed. "If anyone needs me, I'll be up in my room." She moved to go up the other staircase. Then she remembered her mom's other words. "Hey, Henry," she called.
"What do you need Ash?"
"When, um, when you get a sec…you know what? Never mind. Not important." With a weak smile she continued upstairs.
Henry turned back to the group. "Helen told her to ask you to make her some chamomile tea," John explained. "No doubt she thought it would calm her down."
"Sedatives would work just as well," Henry pointed out.
"Ashley has had more than enough drugs running through her system," John told him. "She does not to be exposed to any more. Even if they are benign."
"True enough," Henry agreed. He and Joe made their way down the rest of the stairs. "I'll get to the tea as soon as possible."
"You never mind the tea," Joe said, "I'll take care of that." He limped over to Richie. "What about the other Immortals?"
"Patrick is gone," he said. "I got the Quickening. Mac and the rest are back with that Magnus woman."
"Why send only you guys back?" Joe asked.
"It was Helen's decision," John told him. "After William went down. She said she did not want to sacrifice any more children to the cause."
"I know this might not be the best time," Henry hedged, "but, uh, how exactly did Will go down?"
John's look was sad and far away. "Helen and I had left for a just a moment," he began. "We were going after that woman. The head of the Cabal. The drugs that had controlled Ashley were giving her headaches as they wore off. But she hadn't had one in a while. We thought she would be safe. There were soldiers coming. Ashley must have been getting ready to defend herself when another headache hit. William was the closest to her." He looked back at them. "He knocked Ashley out of their line of fire but only by putting himself in their path. We teleported back at that moment. The only thing any of us could do was watch him be gunned down."
"Damn," Henry whispered. He looked down at the body. "Why is it always the brilliant ones who can't even shoot that are the first to act all brave?'
"Wasn't just acting," Richie said.
"He was damn brave," Clara agreed.
"We can debate his virtues –and I'm sure they were many –later," Joe said. "Right now we need to deal with the living. Richie, you have any pressing concerns?"
"Nah, I was just sent home," the boy told him. "If you all don't mind, I think I'm gonna crash in my room. It's been a helluva night."
"Probably the best thing for you," Joe agreed. "What about you Miss Griffin?"
"Clara," she corrected. "Miss Griffin sounds weird."
"Clara," he agreed.
She reached into her pocket and pulled out the vial of the virus. "Magnus had me bring this back," she said. "She said she would take care of it when she got back."
"You should probably put that in the lab," Henry told her. "You know where that is?"
"I'll find it," she told him.
"I can show it to you," he offered.
"It's alright. Just tell me the floor. The walk'll do me good. Help clear my head, ya know?"
Henry nodded. "Fourth floor," he said pointing. "If you need any help, radio me." He pulled a spare from his belt.
"You got it," she agreed. "Let me know when the others get back?"
"The very moment," John told her. With a nod, she started up the steps. John waited until she was out of sight before turning to the other two men. "I'm going to walk William here down to the infirmary," he said.
"EM field is off," Henry told him, "You could just teleport if you want."
"Thank you but no," John decided. "I believe like Clara, that the walk will do my head a fair bit of good."
"Okay then, your choice," the technician nodded. John began to walk off. "Uh, hey, what should I do about her?" he pointed to Dana.
John turned to the bound woman with a glare. She realized what it must have been like to be one of his victims back in England. "For all I care you can make the baggage hobble her way down there." He turned on his heel and marched off.
"Right," Henry wavered, looking around. "No problem."
Joe took pity on him. "Just relax," he said putting a hand on his shoulder. "I'll get The Big Guy to come and help you out."
"Thank you," he said. Joe squeezed his shoulder and went to find someone to help with Dana.
As John carried the body to the infirmary, he couldn't help but muse on the irony of the situation. He was one of the most prolific serial killers in history. The boy in his arms had probably studied him for numerous classes. And here he was carrying a lifeless body and being sickened by it. He hadn't felt his bad when he moved the seventh girl to under the bridge. But then he had teleported her to that place. A part of him wondered if he would have realized his madness if he had been made to carry her. Of course the fact that Will's eyes were staring up at him didn't help. He never stayed near his victims long enough to look into their eyes. The eyes were almost accusing.
John shook his head hard. His mind was going to dark places and he did not want to follow that path. He needed to focus on the positive things. They had the head of the Cabal in their power, his daughter was safe and sound at home, and soon Helen would be back after toppling at least one Cabal operation. "It's not much of a family, but it is mine," he whispered to no one.
He blinked as he realized he had made it to the infirmary. He stared at the cold and empty beds in front of him. He wasn't completely sure what to do with William. Just laying him on top of the bed seemed heartless but tucking him in seemed ridiculous. Damn ridiculous, he thought. He swept the sheets back and gently set the body down. Then he covered it up as though Will was sleeping. He even closed the eyes to complete the effect.
He paused before leaving. He couldn't look at the body as he spoke but he still felt the need to say something. "I know you're beyond hearing me," he started quietly, "But it does not feel right to leave with out speaking something. I barely knew you William. We had only met when the world was in danger to retrieve the Source Blood. Even then I will admit I had never paid you much mind. I was focused on the Ashley and Helen and the others of the Five. A simple protégé was beneath my priorities. But that does not mean I did not notice you. It does not take much time to see what Helen saw in you. You are brilliant and open minded, there is no doubt of that. Helen would not have sought you out if you weren't. But you are also caring, giving and exceptionally loyal. There are not many people in this world who would place themselves in harm's way to save another, especially when they do not expect to make it out."
He finally turned to look at Will. "I did not know you long young William, but I already know that you were a far better man than I. I thank you for my daughter's life and only wish that it did not have to happen this way. Non est ad astra mollis e terris via. Enjoy William, you have earned them." He couldn't stay looking at the boy so he went to see how Henry was getting along.
While John made his peace with Ashley's savior, Joe was bringing the girl her tea. He knocked softly on the door. "Anyone in there?" he called.
"It's open," she called back.
Joe gently pushed the door open. "I brought your tea," he said as he limped in. Ashley was dressed in an oversized t-shirt and sleep pants. She had her back to him as she pulled the covers off her bed.
"Thanks," she called over her shoulder. "You know you're going to find this funny but you look a lot my grandfather. At least I think you do. I didn't get a good look at you. My head was swimming, you understand. Come to think of it I didn't get your first name either. What was…?" The words died on her tongue as Ashley turned around.
"My name is Gregory Magnus," he said reverting to his English accent. "And I am your grandfather Ashley."
For the second time that day, Ashley felt her knees go. Gregory was by her side, leading her to the bed. "There we are," he smiled. "You just sit tight there until the world stops spinning."
Ashley nodded. "Mom didn't say anything about you being here," she said. "And they called you Mr. Dawson. Grandpa, what the hell?"
Gregory's smile turned wry. "Since you've just been through the depths of Hades and back, I'll forgive the language this time," he told her. That earned him a dry chuckle from his granddaughter. "It's a very long story," he sighed. "And you do need rest. But you also need answers. Let me see how short I can make this." He racked his brain for a place to start. "Before I was being used by the Cabal, I was working with a different group."
"Not another evil one I hope."
Gregory shook his head. "Not at all," he assured her. "This group was called the Watchers. They studied a very special form of Abnormal called Immortals. These beings can not be killed unless you cut off their head. Once you do that, you gain their power. Thus they often engage in sword fights to increase their abilities. Now that Richie boy is one of them and so is your uncle James."
"Did it come from the Source Blood?" Ashley asked him.
"No, he was born that way. Born over 6,000 years ago as a matter of fact."
"Uncle James is 6,000 years old?" Ashley couldn't really wrap her head around that piece of information. "That's a little weird."
"You don't know the half of it," her grandfather chuckled. "Anyway, your uncle James and I met up again through this organization. And we worked together for a time. Now when he got your mother's call, he of course came straight away to help her. But for some reason he felt the need to fake his own death at the end."
"Why? Why not just tell mom what he is?"
"Darling, I have never been able to understand your Uncle James' mind and I never will. But that is beside the point. He found his way to the Sanctuary in India where he read an email that your mother sent out concerning you and the Cabal."
"She wanted to warn them," Ashley sighed. "She knew the Cabal would use me to get to any and every Sanctuary. Mom knew I'd be one damn good killer." She looked at her hands. "I am my father's daughter," she whispered.
Gregory pulled her into a one armed hug. "They were controlling you," he told her firmly. "It is in no way you're fault. You remember that no matter what."
Ashley rested her head on his shoulder. "I'll try," she promised. "Finish your story, please?"
"Of course. Now when James saw that message he knew he had to help Helen. He owed it to her, you see." Ashley nodded. "So he called me and he called a friend of ours Duncan MacLeod and brought us here to help. We called up a few more Immortals and headed to the Cabal to save you. And the world. The rest of it, well you'd know it better than I would."
"Why didn't mom say you'd be waiting here?"
"Because your mother didn't realize I was here," he said simply. Ashley gave him a confused look through her lashes. "She was going through so much, she barely focused on me. Her attention was mainly on James and you. I didn't want to stir up more trouble, so I stayed in the background. It was best for everyone. When she gets back I'll tell her the truth. And the others too."
Ashley snuggled closer to him. "I think she'll be really glad to have you back," she opined. "She'll need the support system. Especially now that Will's gone."
"Such a shame about that boy," Gregory sighed. "He had such a bright future with your mother. That damn Cabal cut his life far too short."
"I wish he hadn't died," Ashley said in a small voice.
"I wish that too," Gregory agreed, "And I barely knew him. But we can't change the past, dear, only the future. You know my friend Duncan told me that there's an old Navajo saying for times like these."
"What is it?"
"That 'the spirit lives as long as someone who lives remembers you'. And in that case, William will never truly be dead." He gave her one last squeeze and pulled away. "Come now, your tea is getting cold."
Ashley let out a laugh. "You're just like mom. If the world is about to end, have a cup of tea."
Gregory smiled and handed her the tea. "It helps calm the soul," he told her. Ashley gave him her own smile as she sipped the tea. Gregory wanted to make the girl more comfortable but wasn't sure how. He lit up as inspiration hit. "Now then, how does this sound? You get yourself under these covers and keep at the tea. I'm going to go to the library and try to find the book I used to read to your mother when she couldn't sleep at night. We'll see if a good story can't quiet those stormy thoughts of yours."
"Sounds perfect, Grandpa," Ashley agreed. "What did my mom like to read? Science books or history texts?"
"Neither," he told her. "As a matter of fact your mother loved two types of books beyond all others. The first was fantasy novels. There was one in particular about fairies that she just adored. I had to read it to her every night or she wouldn't sleep a wink."
Ashley giggled. "What was the other kind?"
Gregory looked around. He leaned in close to whisper to her. "If you ever tell anyone about this, I'll deny I ever told you, understand?"
"I give you my word," Ashley said with mock seriousness.
"She loved trashy romance novels," Gregory whispered. Ashley nearly choked on her tea at that.
"You are kidding me," she laughed.
"Not at all," Gregory swore. "She was practically addicted to those penny dreadfuls, as they were called back then. The maid was cleaning her room once and she found an entire stack of them under her bed. She of course handed them to me and I confronted your mother about them. She turned so red I thought she'd burst into flames. Just absolutely embarrassed."
Ashley laughed. "That is just…I don't even know. I can't believe that was my mom."
"Oh you'd best believe it," Gregory told her. "Now, let's bundle you up and see if we can't get you some sleep alright? I'll be right back."
Ashley handed him the tea and scurried under her covers. "You'll be back soon?" she asked. Gregory handed her back her drink and pressed a kiss to her temple.
"I'm just going to the library," he assured her. "You won't even notice I'm gone." He tucked the covers in around her and smoothed the blankets. "You comfortable?" Ashley nodded. "Good then. You just sip your tea and relax. Finding the book won't take more than a moment, I promise you."
He grabbed his cane to help him get to the door. "Grandpa?" she called. He turned to her. "You're the best."
Gregory smiled at her. "So are you, darling, so are you."
A/N: The words in Italics are Latin. Translation: "There is no easy way from the earth to the stars".