Almost didn't make this one in time, but I suppose that's what I get for waiting til the end of the week to write it up. Anyways, many thanks to Spirit Speaker for looking this over. I couldn't do this without her support. Read and enjoy!

Lucas just walked down the street, frustrated at his circumstances. Three days ago, he had been a normal, pre-law student. He had a decent life, he wasn't super-rich, but he had a good time. He had plenty of friends, and did well in school. Now, his best friend was dead, his sister was probably worried sick about him, and he hadn't found it in him yet to even let her know he wasn't dead. The question was, should he? It was a dangerous move. Still, he probably should do something. It was getting ridiculous. He could barely stand these last three days, how could anyone stand 5000 years? Or however old Adam was. He was about ready to scream at God, he wasn't meant for this life. Sighing, he took out his cellphone and stared at it for a few minutes before finally calling Alice.

ATLATL

Alice was sitting on a park bench, waiting for the Watcher to contact her about any information he may have uncovered when her phone went off. She took it out, and almost dropped it as she read the caller ID. It read Lucas. This is impossible though. Why would he contact me?! Nervously she answered his call.
"Lucas, is that really you?" She wasn't sure how to play this yet. Better see what he says before I do anything stupid.

"Yeah, it's me. Hey, sorry I haven't called. I've decided to take a vacation for a while, and won't be back for a week or two. I'm sure you can understand." Lucas felt that she deserved to know the truth, but couldn't bring himself to tell it.

"So, your best friend dies horribly and you decide to just skip town. Do you have any idea how bad that looks for you?" She was getting slightly annoyed at him, but she had to keep calm.
"I know, I know. I should have called sooner, but I just couldn't. It couldn't face reality yet. That's why I'm taking a brief sabbatical."
"Uh huh. Does Methos know about this sabbatical?" She couldn't help it. She couldn't tolerate being lied to her by her own brother.

"I don't know who you're talking about. Who is Methos?" Lucas could barely contain the worry that he felt. How does she know about Adam? This is not good.

"He's about 6'2, mid-thirties, short black hair, very condescending attitude, I'm told. Last seen leaving here with you?" She had him now. No way he could get out of this.

"Ummm... I can't talk about that. I wish I could, but you're better off if I don't say anything." He was getting really worried now. How much does she know and how does she know it? I've got to talk to Adam soon.

"Dammit, Lucas, I know everything. I know you're Immortal. I know that you can't die. I know you're with a mass murderer. He's a criminal, Lucas! You're life is in danger! You have to leave soon!"
"Alice, what are you talking about? How do you know all these things? Who told you? Alice, please, tell me!"
"His name is John Franklin, he's a Watcher."
"Alice, be careful. I have to go now. Be careful, sis."

"Can you at least tell me where you are?"
"As long as you promise not to come looking for me. I'm in Chicago."
"Lucas, be smart. Come home."
"I can't."
Alice sighed as he hung up on her. So, now I know that John isn't full of crap. Let's see how this goes, shall we. Alice stood up and headed back to her house.

ATLATLATL

Lucas stared in horror at his phone, going over what he had just said and heard. My sister knows about Immortals. This is not good. Now she's in danger. I have to help her!
"You look troubled. What did you do?" Methos wasn't very concerned at the moment.

"I just called my sister." Lucas still didn't look Methos in the eye.

"You're an idiot. It would have been better for you and her if you hadn't." This kid isn't going to last long if he keeps doing stupid things like that.
"Have you ever heard of a Watcher named John Franklin?"
"John Franklin? Tell me your sister isn't being contacted by him." Methos was now slightly worried. A Hunter emerging in this area? Maybe he had been sloppy.

"Yes, actually she has. Why?"
"Then we may have a bigger problem than Lityerses. John Franklin was a member of the Watcher Organization, that's true. But he was a renegade part of it. A member of the Hunters. They killed Immortals, instead of chronicling them. I didn't realize there was one in this area. Or that they were still active. Most Hunters quit or were fired after James Horton's death. This is disturbing news. But there's nothing we can do about it. For now, we need to avoid Lityerses and keep training you. I think there's a dojo around here somewhere that you can sharpen your non-existent skills." Methos chuckled. Yes, the news was disturbing, but he had no reason to save the poor child. Her fate was hers for now.

ATLATLATL

Alice started pacing around her room when she got home. The conversation with Lucas had not gone well. She couldn't just stay here while her brother was roaming around with a mass murderer and a wanted fugitive. She had to help him, he was family. Sighing, she picked up the phone, and called John.
"John, it's Alice, I found Lucas. I'm going after him. Please let me know if you can help in any way."

With that, she hung up and started figuring out how to explain to her parents that she was going after their dead son. It wasn't going to be easy. But she couldn't just travel to Chicago without letting them know. But it was going to work. She had a mission, and she was going to see it through. Her brother was going to be rescued, and he was going to be able to live a normal life for as long as he could.

Poor Alice. She has no idea what she's gotten herself into. And Lucas isn't doing too well either. Hope you guys are enjoying this. Thank you to Spirit Speaker for reviewing and thank you to those who are following this story. I really appreciate it.