Chapter 12
Awaking, I notice the room was bright; it was a place I had never been before. The sheets and spread was white. Trying to force my eyes to open further I could see Methos sitting in a chair just on the other side of the nightstand. There was a meal prepared on the stand. Glancing up at Methos, I saw a gentle smile cross his face. Reaching for him, I felt my body gave out, my eyes rolled back and I was asleep again.
It would take many tries before I was fully awake. This time Methos was not there waiting but I could hear his voice in the next room. I struggled to sit up in the bed and turned my feet towards the floor. Sliding off the bed I was surprised to find out that my legs were no longer strong enough to hold me. Touching the back of my neck, I could feel the markings of three strikes. I was unable to accept the fact I could not stand. I struggled and fought to stand, then weak and exhausted I called out to Methos. I sat there curled in a pile of blankets and holding the top of the bed for support.
Hearing him coming down the hall I became a little nervous about what he might think. The door opened, Methos came swiftly into the room scooping me up off the floor without hesitation.
Then he looked at me with a smile asking "where would you like to go?"
"I would like to go to the front room with you." I said smiling back in relief that he was now here.
As we went to the front room I noticed how much better I felt when he was close. He had the strength I used to have. The strength that helped me feel safe and confident wasn't mine anymore. But the closer I was to Methos the closer I was to my old strength.
As he sets me down on the couch he asks "How's that?"
"Good" I replied
"Would you like something to eat?"
"Yes please." I replied with a smile.
As he walked to the kitchen, I noticed myself becoming more and more anxious the further away he got. I felt very uncomfortable and worried. Trying to remain strong I didn't say anything about how It. He returned holding a lunch meat sandwich, chips, and a glass of water. Then, he sat on the far side of the couch studying the book of Darius's. Watching him sit so far away was hard. Even though there was only one empty cushion in between us, it still felt too far away. Methos had been very nice today even though, when we were going through the ritual he appeared cold, mostly.
So I held out as long as I could until I finally asked "Methos...Methos can you come closer?"
"What is wrong?" he asked sliding toward me slightly and turning to face me.
Looking into his eyes for just a second, I turned my head away. Too proud to say anything else I leaned my head on his shoulder. He must have known what I was thinking because he pulled my legs across his lap, wrapped his arms around me and leaned back on the couch.
"Thank you" I whispered as the tension seemed to melt away.
This was a difficult time for me. I could tell he wanted to oblige my insecurities but there is only so much he could get done this way. Night time was the hardest. Alone in the room, I knew there was nothing I could do. I heard the sound of traffic outside my window, so many people around and I can't even run away if I needed. I had become dependent on Methos for everything; I really couldn't do anything on my own.
After about a week, I noticed that all he ever had for me to wear was white. For a time I didn't say anything but I started to wonder if it was intentional or not. The clothing was nice, mostly silk but I became more curious each day.
Finally, I asked "Is there anything else to wear that isn't white?"
"No." he replied.
"Ok" I said, wondering if I should pry any further.
Turning towards me, he added "It's to help us remember the rules."
"How can I forget them, I have lived it for a long time now?" I asked, frustrated that he thought I would forget.
"Not for you to remember but for the rest of us." he said turning his head away for a moment.
I was a little embarrassed that I thought it was just about me and not about those around me. There are others around that had been affected also. I didn't want to be paraded around anymore than I already felt I had been but Methos had a point. I would do my best to follow his example.
To my surprise one morning, as I woke Duncan was sitting in the chair next to the bed. Happy to see that he was still around, I smiled saying "it's nice to see you again"
"Yes, nice to see you too." He replied with a half smile then a frown. His eyes seemed to dart from one side of the room to another like he was avoiding making eye contact.
"Duncan if there is something you want to say, will you just say it" I blurted adenoid things weren't as they were before.
"Why did you not trust me?" He bellowed.
"Trust had nothing to do with it. Do you remember the first time we met?"
"In the field"
"No, in the diner across from the temple. I was taking to Tessa about her artwork. I had snuck out and when I returned Darius had his sword out and for him that is a big deal. Not to mention James and what I went through with him. By all rights Methos is obligated to challenge you just because you know about me. So, right now, I am so excited that Methos chose to make his own rules. I was reckless and stupid."
Then it was quiet for a moment as Duncan seemed to study the floor. Then he asked "Can I get you anything?"
"A glass of water would be nice," I replied softly.
He stood and left the room. I wondered if I had upset him or if I would ever see the look on his face that made me feel like a person again. I missed it. When he returned with the water I thanked him, as he sat back in the chair.
"You don't have to stay if you don't want to." I stated "I'll be fine."
"I want to stay." He replied solemnly.
Both of us seemed to be in our own worlds for a time. Then he asked "would you like to move into the other room?"
"Sure," I replied trying to ease the tension.
Entering the other room, something was still bothering him.
"Something is wrong and it is time for you to tell me or yell at me, something, anything." I blurted.
He quickly turned back toward me asking "what are you talking about?"
"You have not been the same since that night; you don't look at me the same or talk to me like you did before. So just get it over with, get it off your chest."
"No! No. It's nothing like that."
"Then what is it?" I announced.
Duncan sat down releasing a big sy then softly saying, "I've been wondering about my mother. Do you know about her and do I want to know what happened?"
Smiling back at Duncan, I understood his dilemma. "Yes, you would be proud of her," I said "She was young and in love with a clansman. He had left to go into battle. She waited for him even though they had not been married. Unfortunately he would not return. She loved children but never had one of her own at that time. She started excepting in orphaned children from the tribe and surrounding tribes. Her home was the one every child wanted to be at. She lived on the outskirts of town and it wasn't the safest place. The invaders eventually made their way to the house. She fought them off the best she could. She survived a stab wound but when she woke the children had been murdered. This triggered the crystal and her changes begun. Your uncle did the best he could to help her but he really had no idea what to do so he retaliated against the invaders, killing them all. As she went through the change, your uncle did the best he could to keep her hidden but the town began to talk. A drifter came to town to give her the last letter her betrothed had written and in her state on mine one thing lead to another. After that on the winter solstices you were born. She knew her time was short and as she aged she refused to put you down, holding you close till the end. You were taken by your uncle, and there you would stay."
After I finished the story, I examined Duncan's expressions. It was clear to see he had been crying and happy at the same time.
"Thank you," he replied.
In that moment, there was a knock at the door. Duncan stood and wiped his face then answered the door. Chief stepped inside.
"Hello," Duncan said.
"Nice to see you," Chief replied.
"You two have met?" I questioned a little confused.
"Yes," Duncan stated.
As Chief walked in continued saying "I introduced myself when you took a week of leave at the cabin."
"You introduced yourself and no one said a word to me?" I wanted answers.
Duncan intervenes explaining "When you left Chief came. He convinced me that you needed to see Methos and that it were important."
"So when we went on the picnic you already knew?"
"No"
"The two of you set me up!" I announced."Do you know what could have happened? Do you realize how bad it could have been?"
"It needed to be done, Jena. You know it needed to be done." Chief interrupted.
"I know but he could have left before Methos came." I said to Chief. Then turning to Duncan "You knew when you..." stopping myself, I turned away. Wishing I could run off to the room and hide, when there was another knock at the door. Then Joe walked in the room. Everyone was quiet and the tension was high.
"Wow, what did I walk into?" Joe asked.
"Nothing," Duncan stated, standing up and walking into the kitchen.
"So the only one missing from our get together is Methos. Where is he at?" I asked adding a little sarcasm.
Then no one said a word, they just seemed to look around like they knew something but didn't want to say, I became a little worried. I instantly stared intently into the wall concentrating on Methos. Finally, I was able to link up with him trying to find out where he was. It was shocking to see James through Methos's eyes.
"He challenged James!" I yelled.
"It's OK" Joe insisted.
"No it's not," I replied "Methos is strong but slow; he hasn't had enough time to practice."
Duncan turned quickly toward me, "Can you stop him?"
"I don't know it may be too late." Trying to continue the link and send a message I once again focused on the wall.
Then, I start receiving a message from Methos. Announcing the message as it arrives I said, "He says he is sorry for leaving us this way, but it was the only way. He doesn't plan on making it through this. He doesn't feel that his past would save the human race but destroy it. And he knows that Duncan is the one that can save everyone, but he knows Duncan would not take his head so he challenged James to do just that. He is relying on Duncan to be swifter than James to win. He also has a warning for Duncan and me. He says that after James takes his head then I will try everything to get to him because of the energy level he will have. I will be drawn to him and he will be drawn to me, fighting anyone in the way. That is why his took all my strength so that I could not leave or fight on my own. Now, he has a message for Duncan, he said... he said he has seen my feelings for you even though I tried to keep them buried to protect you, they were strong, and to ignore anything I might say about James. It will be false feelings brought on by the energy levels I will be drawn to. All of these reactions will end after the time of judgment."
When the message ended, I quickly turned my head and hid it into the couch, embraced and unset by the whole ordeal. I could feel the tears start to form; fighting back the urge to cry was impossible.
I could feel Chief walk over and pet the top of my head saying "Daughter, this will be over soon and you will be yourself again."
Duncan was sitting at the end of the couch with his head in his hands. I could tell that today had been a lot for him, a lot for all of us. Joe sat speechless on the stool, hurt by Methos's decision. Suddenly Duncan stood up; walking over to me he knelt down in front of me.
"Is this true?" he asked.
"Yes," I stated turning toward him but still hanging my head.
He reached up and took my face in his hands, kissing my cheek; he moved his hands down my shoulders then onto my arms. He then lifted my arms over my head. Not understanding what he was doing, I took a long look into his eyes. You could see the sadness and despair on his face as he guided my arms behind me. With the scarf he tied my hands behind my back. He then scooped me up and carried me to the bedroom. He tightened the scarf and used the slack to also tie my ankles together. Covering me up, he left the room.
I could hear him talking to Joe and Chief, angrily and upset he stated, "Hang the screens and stay out of the room, her energy level should increase here soon and remember, she is still an immortal. This ends now!"
I jumped as the front door slammed. But the vision of Methos's battle replayed and became more intense. I could see the swords swinging through the air, the laugh of James and the force of Methos's sword. They seemed to dance around in a circle, blades hitting blades. I kept thinking he could win, but he would smile and I knew that he didn't want to. My heart pounded as I watched. I wanted him to come back.
Then with a final comment, "our job is done, but it has been worth It." and he over swung leaving himself wide open for the final blow.
"Methos!" I yelled as the quickening begun.
I felt abandoned and alone, everything was happening so fast. I didn't know how I could keep up. Giving in to the anguish I melted into the bed and began to cry until exhaustion took over and I was asleep.
The next morning, I woke to the taunting of James, but now he seemed more appealing than before. I started remembering the kindness he showed me when I was alone. It was like I could see him in a different light and things had changed but I knew this was a trick by the energy so that I may fulfill my promise.
Duncan had not returned but Chief and Joe remained in the other room. The first day they brought meals in feeding them to me. I would ask if they heard from Duncan but no one had. Day after day it was the same thing. I could feel myself getting stronger but would not dare to disrupt the scarf that represented so much for so long.
Then, I could tell that James was coming for me. A bit excited about it but fighting the desire to run to him I felt that Chief and Joe needed to be warned, I didn't want them in the middle. Hearing their voices in the other room I called out to them. I could hear their footsteps slowly walking down the hall. The door opened but neither one of them stepped into the room.
"What can I help you with?" Joe asked.
"James is on his way here, you both should leave before he gets here." I said.
"We knew he would be coming." Chief stated.
"You are in danger as long as you are here." I explained.
"We cannot let him take you." Joe added.
"You can't stop him!" I emphasized.
"We will do what we can, and that will be the end of the subject." Chief stated with certainty.
"But..." I started to say.
"No." chief interrupter, "that is enough"
Turning away, I was distressed about their stubborn attitude, but looking forward to seeing James. I wondered where Duncan had left to, he didn't seem to be anywhere around James that I could tell. James was not the least bit intimidated by Duncan that I could tell. Knowing, soon, this would all be a bad dream, I rolled over and watched the sun come thru the window. It reminded me of the day when I watched the dust dancing in the beam of light at my lowest moment. Feeling helpless, lost, and ignored I laid there waiting.
Days later I felt the presence of an immortal. Sitting up in bed, I could tell it was James. He had arrived at last. Then there it was another feeling, it was Duncan. It was going to happen now. I could see Duncan through James's eyes. They were in the abandon courtyard just outside my window. Falling out of bed and crawling to the window I could see them. Duncan was standing there holding his sword up waiting for James to make the first move.
James taunted Duncan by saying "you know she wants me now, don't you."
"She doesn't know what she wants right now." Duncan replied.
"Oh, she knows."
"Let's get on with it shall we."
James made the first strike but Duncan deflected it. Duncan countered it. With both fighters engaged the fight lasted for quite a few minutes with both fighters getting various wounds in various places. I could feel James getting frustrated in the battle. With the quickening from Methos, James had more stamina while Duncan started wearing down. Duncan makes a slip up and James brings his sword across Duncan's chest. In pain Duncan falls to his knees. As James goes to make the final stroke, Duncan rolls out of the way. James hesitated and Duncan took the chance and brings his sword up and I could feel James agony as his left hand was cut off. It felt so real that I fell over. James rage only grew as James lifted his sword. He was now at a major disadvantage. Duncan pressed the assault now. James had nothing to do but be on defense. Duncan landed a cut to James' shoulder. James knew it was done. With that Duncan brought his sword down and the final quickening gathered.
As he reached for the sky it opened up as to give him everything it had left to offer. The sky lit up lighting seemed to come from every corner of the sky, and coming together right into Duncan's hand, this was a show that would be seen across the world. When it was over he was motionless for a while.
Then he stood and looked back at the window. I was so excited to see him make it through to the end; I knew everything was going to be OK.
He slowly wobbled his way to the fire escape and climbed up, struggling to regain his strength. As he made it to the window, he smiled, looking in at me. He opened the window and climbed in.
Now that his strength had returned, he picked me up saying "Guess what I can do now." I paused for a moment, holding my breath to hear his answer. Then he untied the scarf, and helped me stand on my own two feet. I was so excited I laughed out loud, and spun around. He just seemed to laugh and smile back. Then he turned holding my hand we walked out of the room.
Following him, in a child like excitement, we went into the living room where Joe and Chief had been waiting. They had a bottle of wine and began toasting to Duncan's victory and the future of the people.
"It's not over yet." Duncan commented in a cheerful voice, as if he was celebrating this moment and preparing for the next.
"There is some time to get ready for the next challenge." Chief said trying to encourage Duncan to be in this moment.
The wine was passed; we all had our fill and the celebrated into the night.
As the night wore on Joe had to leave Saying "It's time I let the other watchers in on the results of the quickening." He then said his goodbyes and left.
Just behind him was Chief, "I should return to the others now. Good luck with the final step of your challenge, we will be with you always." he said as he walked to the door.
I stopped him, giving him a big hug, I Whispered "Thank you I could not have made it all this way without your help."
"You can do anything you set your mind to." he replied walking out the door.
With everyone gone I turned back toward Duncan feeling a little nervous, I asked "so what do we do now?"
He chuckled like he was enjoying this, a little too much he said "I am going to sit here and relax for a while, do you want to sit with me?"
Just a little baffled, I added "You know that I can still give you the blood ritual I gave Darius and Methos, if you would like."
"Is it necessary?" he questioned.
"No, but you would have all the answers and all of my thoughts and feelings since the day I was immortal." I answered uncertain if this would help him or not.
"Then, no, I don't need to know anything that you don't want to tell me. We will have plenty of time to get to know each others past."
"OK, I am confused, I am offering you everything you have ever wanted on a silver platter and you are turning it down?" I stated a little bit annoyed.
"Yes." he stated with a smile putting his arms around me. Then just like in the field, he move in and gave me the most genital breathtaking kiss. As I again, struggled to catch my breath, he sat down pulling me down beside him. There we sat just taking in everything.
Waking, still on the couch he stood and walked to the kitchen looking back at me with his stupid grin, he asked "what would you like for breakfast?"
I replied, "You are impossible."
