The Friday Series Chapter 2: An Immortal With Amnesia and His Jinniyah, a highlander fanfic

THE FRIDAY SERIES 2

AN IMMORTAL WITH ANMESIA AND HIS JINNIYAH

RATING: PG

CHARACTERS: RR, DM, A, JD, M, OFC Friday

SUMMARY: Duncan and Richie agreed to retraining, but of course, Richie's leery of the man who took his head.

SEPTEMBER 23, 1998
SEACOUVER
METHOS' APARTMENT

Richie couldn't sleep. Methos was in a deep slumber on the other side of his studio apartment and the couch wasn't in the least bit restful. Methos obviously preferred looks over comfort as the couch seemed like it was straight from the French revolution. It was a nice couch. It could even be considered a pretty couch. But it had a bothersome rod that laid perfectly across Richie's shoulder blades all night.

Not being able to take it any longer, Richie sat up and rubbed his eyes, then squinted up to the window and saw the sky was still black as night and wondered if he should use his second wish for a place of his own. At least a nice bed. Duncan had paid for his flight back to the states and gave him some money to get by on--it was the least he could do for taking his head.

Since Richie Ryan was supposed to be dead, Richie had thought of changing his name. Nothing he came up with seemed to fit except for John Doe. He remembered smells and pop culture. Newspaper accounts from years ago. Spoke English well. Knew how to take care of himself. The Rules of Hygiene for instance. But anything single thought that was personal, was all gone. Living the last seven months as an empty shell was starting to get to him.

Methos turned over on his large comfortable bed. A down feathered pillow beneath his head. Richie remembered the bickering they went through to have Methos agree to let him stay there until he got back on his feet. You'd think Richie had the case of the plague the way Methos bitched and moaned about a guest in his humble abode. But, he finally relented. He kind of had to, Friday threatened to turn him back into an ass, or maybe that toad she visualized him as, if he didn't.

The others had been filling him in the past couple of days on what his life was like before Mac got his quickening, but that kid they described seemed like a total stranger to Richie. A total stranger. And what a gullible wimp! Richie couldn't believe half of their stories. He didn't even feel an affinity for motorcycles, even though they told him he lived and breathed them. Richie had even raced, and won a few.

Richie couldn't stand another second on that couch, or being inside doing nothing. He was alive! He wanted to experience life, get out there and make his own mark. When Richie stretched and walked to the window to look out on the city they say he was born and raised in, he spotted a 1971 Cherry Red Mustang Fastback parked down the street. Now that seemed more his speed. Or Mac's Tbird. Maybe that should be his second wish. A nice set of classic wheels.

He had to think of two more wishes, or else Friday would start to get testy with him for having the same Master for so long. With how she'd been treating Methos, it was best to stay on the right side of her. Richie decided that he wasn't going to be able to get back to sleep, so he took a shower and got into some of his first and only wish he'd received thus far... clothes. When he packed them in that suitcase at the cemetery, he took what looked to be expensive, just because they were expensive. But, buttoning the dark blue silk shirt, it felt like a second skin. He gazed lovingly at the leather jacket he chose... dark brown, broken in. It was as if he had worn it for years, from the very first time he put it on.

After starting the coffeepot, he wondered if he should wake up Methos. Duncan had told him that he should stick to immortals he could trust until he was confident with his sword and could protect himself. The oldest immortal in the planet was lightly snoring across the room from him. Wearing boxers and a T-shirt. Hugging his pillow. Richie wondered what that smile on his face was all about. He really should pick that man's brain to get the life experience he had acquired, but every time he tried, Methos would cut him off with a glib remark. The flight from Paris was an eternity.

It was 6 am and Richie was stir crazy. He wanted to get out and enjoy another day. Then Mac's warning to stick close to an immortal fluttered through his head. He should probably wait until that mass of 5000 years decided to start another day before he could take his walk. The world of immortality was new to him and was still a little scary. But he wanted out. He looked back at Methos, wondering if he dared wake him.

Nope, Richie thought as he looked at the man's peaceful face that he knew could turn testy in a second and a half. Not a good way to start the day. But I can't stay cooped up in here!

Richie figured an 'immortal' wouldn't be a companion for that walk, but an old jinniyah might be willing. It wasn't too early to wake her up, was it? He tentatively asked the thin air, "Friday?"

Methos yelled out in pain and couldn't move. All 220 pounds of Richie's genie, Friday, was planted right on his shoulder blade, pushing him further into the bed. "Get off me!"

"Say the magic word," she sweetly replied as she straightened the ostrich feather that held up the right side of her long frizzy hair.

"NOW!"

Friday glared at him, then looked toward her Master, "A toad?"

"No," Richie said. "Could you please get off him and come with me?"

Friday appeared at the door wearing winter weather gear. "Absolutely. Where are we going?"

"One can only hope that it will be as far away as possible," Methos threw his pillow at them.

Richie regarded the pillow, handling it like it was the Holy Grail. "Can you keep this in that safe place for me so I'll at least have a comfortable pillow tonight?"

Friday made it disappear with a smile and wave of her hand. "You just need to ask for it." She warned him, "Do not wish for it, just ask."

"Get out!" Methos turned over.

Friday loudly asked Richie, "How can you put up with tricksters?"

Richie turned somber, "He offered me a place to stay. I don't have many people in my life."

An surge of sympathy for the young man overwhelmed Friday so much she grabbed him into a bear hug to boost his self esteem, "You have anything you desire, Master. Just keep your eye on him." A porcelain statue sitting in the corner caught Friday's eye, "What in all that is magical is that monstrosity?"

"You're going to insist I wake up, aren't you," Methos spouted as he sat up. "Don't disparage my things."

Friday went what looked like a dalmatian, the ears about to her waist, and patted it on the head. "Where did you pick this up?"

"In my travels. Is the coffee ready?"

"It should be," Richie said.

"Nice and strong?" Methos poured himself a cup before the pot was full. After taking a sip and letting the hot liquid flow down, he squinted up at Friday, who was eye level with the dog statue. She rubbed her finger against the chip on the dog's jowls, fixing it. "Hey, thanks."

Friday waited for the hounds of hell to accompany the touchy immortal's gratitude. When it didn't come, she told him, "If you are going to display such an eyesore, it might as well be perfect." Friday stood up and couldn't take her eyes off it. "This looks so familiar for some reason."

It was a lark the thing was sitting there in the first place. When Methos cleaned out a storage garage, he was thinking of dropping it and just leaving the pieces for someone to clean up. "I'm sure there are thousands of people in the US that have one exactly like it."

Friday humphed, "Was there a Plague of Bad Taste I had not heard about?"

"Thousands?" Richie asked, then stared at the dog who's head was slightly tilted, as if listening for his master's command. "That's a ... wait a minute." Richie paced around the dog, looking at it from all angles. "Hey! I remember something! A long time ago there was a game show called Wheel of Fortune and that stupid dog was one of the shopping spree items."

"Bingo," Methos announced. "We have a winner."

"You were on a game show?"

"Yes," Methos spouted. "I have a lot of wisdom, I may as well win something."

"Wheel of Fortune?" Friday laughed.

"I have a great command of the English language."

All of a sudden, a floppy hat appeared in Friday's hands and she plopped it on the dog's head. "I am beginning to like this thing."

"How much did you win, Methos?" Richie asked. "Or was that the boobie prize?"

"I also purchased a lovely trip to Australia, thank you very much."

Friday offered, "I can turn it into a real dog if you want."

"No, thank you. You'd probably turn it into a pit bull."

"You are the trickster, not me."

Methos' pleasant demeanor shifted, suddenly weary of both of their company, "I am sick and tired of hearing you call me names and waltzing into my home without being invited," he cut Richie off when he was going to say he called for her and forcefully pointed to himself. "By me! I think you broke my shoulder blade this morning, but did I complain? No. I'm a grown up. Just get out, both of you. I have things to do today."

Richie asked, "I can stay here again tonight, can't I?"

"Yes," Methos calmed. That female rubbed him wrong, got his hair up, riled his anger and he didn't like it one little bit. "Just stay away from me today. Or rather, you can come back here," he pointed to Richie. "Not her."

"Where my Master goes," Friday proudly proclaimed. "I am sure to follow."

"Then wait outside. You aren't invited into my home anymore."

Friday suddenly disappeared. Richie yelled, "Friday!" Nothing happened. "What did you do?"

Methos waited for something to happen. Checked himself over to see if he was a different species. That the apartment was on fire, anything. The only thing that happened is that he'd have to sweep up the ostrich feathers that fluttered to the floor when Friday disappeared. Methos couldn't help but belly laugh, "I think I did something I should have done a couple of days ago. I'm not that up on Jinn lore. If I tell one they're not invited, do they have to stay out?"

Richie shrugged, "She hasn't mentioned that before."

"I'm sure she wouldn't mention such a thing."

Richie opened the door to the hallway to see Friday leaning against the wall filing her fingernails. She sweetly asked, "Are you ready to go, Master?"

"You can't come in here anymore?"

"No," Friday tried not to look at the man who got one over on her. "So be careful around him."

Methos continued to laugh, loudly. "You're not all that powerful, are you?"He waltzed over to the dog and plucked the hat off him.

"Methos, invite her back in."

"No. You're fine here." He shoved the hat at Friday said, "You are not welcome." He pushed Richie into the hall and shut the door. When he was alone, he rubbed his hands in victory.

Friday and Richie were walking down the streets of Seacouver as the sun was up and people emerged from their abodes to get to their jobs. Richie commented, "Nothing and nobody looks familiar. I still only remember what I lived through since I got out of that grave."

A woman waiting for the bus overheard him and hesitantly looked over her shoulder at the two of them. A young well dressed man in a leather jacket and a weird looking woman in a full length mink coat, thick round glasses and a feather sticking out of her hair. Bus, schmus! The woman decided to walk to work and high tailed it down the street.

Richie hadn't noticed how he freaked the woman out and continued to Friday, "How can I remember a show from my youth and not this city I'd lived in all my life?"

Friday said, "Well, the program Wheel of Fortune is still on. We watched it while in Paris. Remember that cold night we decided to splurge and stay at the Ritz?"

"How could I forget?" Richie smiled and put his arm around his genie. "I don't think I ever watched TV and eat escargot while sitting in a jacuzzi watching Wheel of Fortune before. Heck, I didn't even know I liked escargot. Or even knew what it was."

"I am happy you have a good memory with me, Master."

"All my memories of you are good," Richie said, chucking his closed fist lightly against her chin. The light changed and they crossed the street, not really caring where they were going.

Friday was really enjoying herself with Richie and most of his friends. Heck, she was even enjoying tormenting that man. But Richie looked so down in the dumps, so unsure of himself. She tried to help, "They have a different host now and give out money instead of having those poor contestants spend their winnings on crap."

"So how can I remember that stupid show before they changed it and I don't remember my mother?"

"It is a puzzle. You did come out of your grave with a full vocabulary and were literate." They walked past a bookstore and Friday paused in front of it. Diet books and cookbooks filled the window space. Friday shook her head as her focused went from the Zone to Luscious Desserts that were only inches from each other on the display case, "What are they trying to tell their customers?"

There was a little rack of top sellers to the right and she looked them over. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." Friday's interest was peaked. "Hm. I will have to check that one out. But, where are the classics?" She saw Richie was staring off across the street at an antique store. "Do you remember Shakespeare?"

"Never met him," Richie muttered. His gaze didn't leave that shop's window. But, he couldn't figure out why it held his interest. Try as he might, he just didn't get the vibe that he should have had. That shop was Duncan and Tessa's, and was the reason Richie met them in the first place when he broke in.

"Funny," she smiled, bopped him on the arm. "Have you read books, do you remember books?"

"I don't know. Name some."

Off the top of her head, she chose one that most people had probably at least picked up once in their lives, "The Bible?"

"Yeah. Adam, Eve, Noah, Moses..."

"Okay, you have read the Bible, or at least the Old Testament. I think it is just the personal angle of things that you are missing. Maybe we will come across something that you will remember. An old house you lived in... an apartment... your favorite store? We are just in the wrong part of town?"

Richie took his eyes off the antique shop and looked at his jinniyah, with the wind wrecking havoc on her frizzy hair and feather. He reached over to straighten it for her, then brushed her hair back off her shoulders. "Must be," he said, then started walking again, lost. "But I didn't remember the dojo. Sounds like I spent a lot of time there."

"I wonder if you were ever at the dojo before you turned immortal. You lived on the other side of town and didn't get around much? I've heard that people live in big cities and only stick around their part of it. Could that be it?"

Richie walked on, then felt the rumble in his stomach and the hair on the back of his head rose up that he had learned could only mean one thing. "Someone's around."

"An immortal?" Friday looked around for Duncan MacLeod or Amanda. Or even Methos.

Please let it be Methos to say something flippant and not one who would try to take my Master's head. Friday took Richie's arm, "May I take us out of here, Master?"

"No. I gotta get used to this."

"I am proud of you, Master. You didn't double over or anything." She could see his eyes were wide and darted around the perimeter for another like him.

Down the street was a man in a long coat, legs apart, hand in his coat. Richie and the man locked eyes. Friday asked, "Is he familiar to you?"

"No."

"Let us go."

"No," Richie lightly said, and started to walk toward him. Friday didn't like it and waved her arms.

All of a sudden, Richie was walking along the sand on a Jamaican beach. "Friday!"

Friday appeared right in front of him, pointing her finger at him like he was a child, "You do not even have a sword, Richie. I really do not think it is smart to walk up to an immortal you do not know. I, for one, have listened to Mr. MacLeod. He said not to do that."

"I don't know who I am, but I'm positive I'm not a wimp."

"When you are trained and confident with a sword, you can walk up to anyone you desire. Until then, you have two wishes. And me. I am not going to allow that. Let us go right to the dojo and you can start your training with Mr. MacLeod."

Richie was ticked at being treated like a child, but looked around the deserted beach and at the rising sun. It was beautiful. Peaceful. He took off his coat. "What are you doing?" Friday asked, then magically put his coat back on him. "We are going back to the cold weather."

"No." He defiantly took his coat off again.

When he pulled off his shirt, then his boots, pants, Friday asked, "Master, what are you doing?"

He folded his clothes neatly and put them in a pile on a rock by the water's edge. "The water's nice here, isn't it?"

"It is perfect."

"I'm going for a swim. Care to join me?"

She waved her hands with a flourish putting Richie in swimming trunks. "You just had to tell me what you were thinking." She waved her hand and she was suddenly outfitted in a swimming suit, and was a hundred pounds lighter. "Let us go," she grabbed his hand and ran into the waves.

DOJO

Duncan was worried and paced a circle into the wood gym flooring. It was afternoon and no one had heard from Richie since they left Methos' just after 6. Methos sat on the stairs going to the locker room with his head in his hands while Duncan paced in front of him, "The one person in this world that Richie trusts, and you banish her from your apartment? What were you thinking?!"

Duncan had been on him for a half hour and the conversation was beyond boredom. "I need peace and quiet," Methos yelled. "You don't know how annoying that woman is."

Amanda sat on a weight-lifting machine with her legs crossed, bored with the conversation, "I like her. But then again, I haven't ticked her off."

"I can't believe I did, either." Methos got up to leave. But then, had to say, "In fact, I saved her life. She doesn't remember that. No. Of course not."

For once, Duncan actually listened to what he said that day. "How could you possibly save a genie's life?"

"She was going to be executed. I paid for her freedom."

Duncan had heard some stories from that man, but that was beyond ridiculous. "How can anyone execute a genie?"

"Well..." Methos paused to remember. "I didn't know she was a jinniyah! She was letting them, I suppose. They were about to take her head. The axe was in the air."

Amanda smiled and between Methos and the door, "How sweet. How did you stop it?"

"I offered to pay for her freedom, and replace the box she stole."

That interested Amanda, it could be a relic to find, and must be worth a lot of money. "What was in the box?"

"I don't know. It was just a box. A worthless box that she was caught taking."

"So, you came to her rescue?"

"Taking her head for a stupid box seemed a little overboard to me, and her freedom wasn't cheap."

Amanda said, "Well, then. She owes you something."

"Yes, she does."

Duncan interjected, "But she could have gotten herself out."

Amanda continued, "Or, was that how you got Cleo?"

"Be quiet, both of you."

Duncan looked at his friend being nonchalant and his lover wanting to pick his brain for more details on the box. He couldn't just wait around. He marched to the office to call Joe again. Turns out, Joe hadn't seen hide nor hair of the kid and his companion. "If he's with her," he said, "they're fine. She wouldn't let anything happen to him."

"We were supposed to start training today. I cleared out the dojo for that very purpose."

"Maybe he's not ready. You've dealt with leery new ones before. Give him time."

"Joe, there's not time if he comes across one of us."

"You're really shook up," Joe said. "You want me to come over?"

"No. You can't be seen with us."

"My thoughts exactly," Joe said. "Just keep me posted. Hey! I'm performing at the Quest tonight. You want to come over?"

"What time?"

"We start at 9."

"We'll be there. Good luck." Duncan hung up and went back out to the gym. "Joe hasn't seen him either." They both looked at Methos like he hadn't given them the whole scoop of what happened that morning.

Methos said, "Well, I have other things to do. See you later."

"Joe's playing at the Quest at 9."

Methos was half out the door, but held up his hand in response, "I'll be there." Then he fell flat on his back. Richie and Friday in their swim suits were standing over him, dripping Caribbean water on his face.

"Good shot!" Friday did a victory dance. "I was hoping to target where you were. I am good!" She high-fived Richie.

Methos knocked the back of her knee and Friday went down like a sack of potatoes. As he stood up, he announced, "I am better, and I don't need magic."

Richie held out his hand to help him up, but Methos slapped it away. Duncan charged to his student. "Rule number one, young man, you tell me where you are at all times."

"So you know where my head is?"

"Yes!"

"It's right here, teach," Richie drew his finger across his neck. Duncan stepped back from visualizing once again when his sword went through that exact area. The rumbling of Richie's quickening in his spirit violent. Again, it was as if Richie was yelling at him from the inside. He had to grip the epee rack to steady himself.

Friday picked herself off the floor and turned herself back into her favored form, then waved at Richie. He was suddenly completely dressed and dry. "I am sorry, Mr. MacLeod. My fault. We saw an immortal on our way over here, so I got Richie to safety. And the water was so clear. The sun was so warm. We had the beach to ourselves. We lost track of time."

Richie agreed, "It was her fault, Mac. I wanted to talk to the guy."

"What immortal?"

"I don't know you," Richie shrugged. "How could I know anyone else?"

Duncan straightened, "Where was he? Was he dangerous?"

"They are all dangerous, are they not?" Friday said, glaring at Methos.

"Your feather is off kilter," he commented as he brushed off the water from his face and clothes.

Friday adjusted it in her hair, "Master has not eaten. Can you feed him, please?"

"Of course," Amanda said, wondering when the best time to ask for a freebie for herself would be. "We have pasta waiting upstairs."

"Good. I am going to go shopping," Friday happily announced. She straightened Richie's collar and said, "You have a nice training."

"You aren't leaving," Richie plead.

"Yes. You are among friends. I have things to do."

Amanda inquired, "I couldn't by chance... go shopping with you? Could I?"

Friday looked her over, surprised at the question.

"Please?"

Friday put her hand to her chin and really gave Amanda the once over. Amanda was seldom uncomfortable, but the examination made her wonder what was going on. "What?"

"I am trying to figure out where you like to shop."

"I have a choice?"

"The world is at my disposal," Friday said, making Amanda giggle. "I was just going to go to a drugstore for a new nail file."

"Oh, we can do better than that." Amanda put her arm around Friday in a very friendly manner. "I'll show you were the great places are."

Friday pushed her glasses up her nose and asked, "Is your passport up to speed?"

"What do I need a passport for?"

"I serve my Master and myself. Who are you? Why would I take you anywhere?"

Amanda took her arm back, and felt like crawling into the wall with the boldness of the jinniyah's voice and embarrassed for making an assumption that the jinniyah would help her out at all.

Friday let the uncomfortable tension fill the air, and then laughed, "Stick up for yourself, Amanda! I would enjoy a shopping spree with you. I am sure you know what you are doing and can teach me a few things. Have you got your credit cards?"

"Of course."

"Let us go!"

Methos observed, "And you don't think that wasn't a trick, keeping Amanda on edge like that?"

"Oh, be quiet," Friday seethed at the man so cavalierly leaning against the banister with his arms crossed, then waved her hand in his direction. Methos' mouth had disappeared from his face. He put his hands on his face, squealed, then glared at Friday. That was it! He'd had enough of that bag and grabbed her neck and squeezed. She disappeared, making Methos fall on the floor and roll, groping at where his mouth used to be.

Richie yelled, "Jeez, I'm the youngest one here and I'm the grown up."

Duncan popped him on the arm. "Hey, don't count me in with them." All was quiet from Richie and his essence, that made Duncan again feel comfortable. "She does bring out the worst in you, Methos."

Amanda could only laugh, making Methos slap her on the leg. "Woo soone et her rah!"

Duncan smiled, "I kind of like that version of Methos."

Methos grumbled more.

Richie yelled, "Friday!"

The jinniyah who was just having fun knelt right behind Methos and sweetly replied, "Yes?" Methos turned and grabbed her head. She flipped over him, then disappeared, a load of ostrich feathers covered Methos' lap.

Friday reappeared at the top of the stairs to the locker rooms. She'd seen that face on him before. Well, not that particular face. Before, he had a mouth. And he used it. Oh... did he use it. "Okay," she held up her hands in surrender. "I may have gone too far. I am sorry, Methos."

He grumbled at her, pissed.

"If I give you your mouth back, will you not yell at me?"

He grumbled.

"I apologized," she hopefully smiled.

He grumbled, picked himself up, walked toward her.

"I am sorry."

He got to the bottom step. Pointed at his face. Waited.

"Come on!" They all yelled. "Leave him alone!" Amanda added, "I want to go shopping!"

"But I prefer him this way."

"Give him his mouth back!"

Friday waved her hand and became invisible, not wanting any part of his wrath, but wanted to know what the others would say about her. Methos opened and closed his mouth. Felt his lips and tongue. Worked out his jaw. Glared at them all, then he walked out of the dojo with his dignity intact.

The three immortals were silent, then Duncan told Richie, "She's kind of a dangerous type, isn't she?"

"No." Richie caught a glance of her outline on the steps from where she disappeared from. "Are you?"

Friday made herself visible to Duncan and Amanda. You could have heard a pin drop, all frivolity was gone. "I am sorry."

"You shouldn't have done that, Friday," Richie said. "He is a person."

Friday started crying and fire escaped from her wrists as no one was on her side or saw the humor in it. "I was just having fun," she whined, tears dripping down her face. "I did not think. I am sorry."

When they didn't offer any support, Friday disappeared.

Methos walked out to his SUV and turned the key in the ignition. He sat back wondering just what he did to that woman to make her despise him so thoroughly. He couldn't think of a single reason. He saved her life! Was her life so horrible that she would have liked to end it? Is that why she let herself be tied and put on her knees with an axeman hovering over her? It was all the space of a few minutes from the time she was accused to when she would have lost her head in Egypt, 68 BCE. She could have disappeared at any moment, but she didn't. Why not? Of all the people in the world that had a real reason to hate him and want to see him dead, Friday, or Laminae as she called herself then, shouldn't be one of them.

Methos felt a presence in the car with him, but there wasn't a human form. He was too smart for that, remembering when she was a table at Duncan's barge. Friday had to be in that car somewhere. He looked in the back seat in case she made herself a couple of inches tall. He walked around the outside, and she wasn't hiding in the back. He sat in the driver's seat again and couldn't shake the feeling he was being watched. He felt the dash. The seat. The stick shift. They were all cool to the touch. When he felt the rear view mirror, it was warm. "Get out of my vehicle," he promptly stated.

Friday appeared in the passenger seat, crying. "Please, me do not banish me anymore." When he didn't even move a muscle, she continued, "I want to really apologize. I am sorry for all the things I have done to you."

"Apology accepted. Get out."

"Do not banish me."

Methos felt a little smile form on the side of his mouth. He straightened it, she was not going to see that he was going to put a huge one over on her. He cleared his throat and announced, "You are not welcome in my vehicle." Her cries got bigger as Methos continued in a very calm and collected voice. "You are not welcome in my home." The tears flooded down her face. "You are not welcome in any of my properties." He was having so much fun, that smile grew to a full fledge shit eating grin. "In fact, you are not welcome in my presence."

"You can not banish me from anything you do not own."

"You'd be surprised what I own, lady." He started the vehicle as soon as she disappeared. He looked up at the floor of the dojo and suddenly realized he had to take something back. He opened the window and yelled, "Friday!"

An old man was leaning against the building and jumped from the exclamation. Methos at first felt embarrassed, especially since it didn't work to call her. But then, he really scrutinized that old man. Methos motioned with his finger for him to come closer. The old man looked both ways down the sidewalk. Yep, the young looking one was talking to him. He shuffled closer to the vehicle's window.

"I take one back," Methos said.

"Huh!?" The old man put his hand to his ear to hear better.

"Come off it," Methos grumbled. "I know it's you and I'm only going to say this once, so listen up. I have to take one of the banishes back."

Friday swiftly turned from the old man into her favored form and pushed her glasses up on her nose. She hopefully looked at him as Methos shook his head, "And you call me a trickster..."

"What is it?"

"I'm only taking one back, only one. I have half interest in that dojo. If it wasn't for the fact that Richie has to train and you have to watch over him... you're allowed there, but nowhere else that I own. Ever. Just stay away from me."

"I will."

"And stop crying. It's not jinniyah."

"How do you know? Jinn have big hearts."

"Where's yours?"

Friday gasped and couldn't believe he would think so badly of her. She was just startled to see he was alive at the barge when she turned him into a ass. She was just having fun the rest of the time. Methos drove off.

"I am sorry," she muttered, and then disappeared.

Duncan and Richie were going over sword moves and stances while Amanda paced, wondering if Friday was going to return so they could go shopping. She mused that with her powers and Amanda's knowledge of all the jewels ripe for the picking, they could make a wonderful friendship. If only she was her genie. Or, got a freebie like Richie and obviously Methos, got. Think of what they could accomplish.

"Come on, Rich," Duncan moaned. "You aren't even trying. You know this move in your sleep."

"That was before you took my head," Richie seethed, out of wind.

"Rule number two, you are never to bring that up again," Duncan warned. "We both have a second chance at this, we're starting a new beginning."

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

"You know," Duncan stepped back and put his hands on his hips. "I think that genie's magnetic personality has rubbed off on you."

"Where is she?" Amanda asked.

"Friday!"

Friday appeared meek by the door. "May I come in?"

"Of course, I called for you," Richie said.

"I mean, really come in. You are not mad at me, are you?"

"If you don't turn anyone into anything or take away parts of our anatomy, you're fine," Duncan said. "Where's Methos?"

"I do not know. He drove off angry."

"Bah," Amanda waved away the thought. "He's fine. Let's go."

"I can not go anywhere," Friday solemnly stated. "My Master called me."

"Richie, tell her to go shopping with me."

"No. I feel like a lobster," Richie mopped the sweat off his head and neck. "Let's go to Maine for dinner."

Friday didn't know how many ways and in how many languages she had to tell her Master that he couldn't demand anything. "Is that your second wish?"

"No."

"Then no."

"Why not?"

"I will not just give you what you demand. I give you what I want to give you or what you wish for."

He paused, and then sweetly asked, "Please take me to Maine for a lobster dinner?"

"No."

Richie threw the sword and it clattered across the room.

"Hey!" Duncan jumped back to life. "Rule number three, you treat your sword like it's your arm, because it is."

"Just how many rules are there?!"

The two immortals stood nose to nose again as Duncan yelled, "A lot!"

"Well, I believe things are humming along just fine here," Friday said. "Amanda? Shall we go shopping?"

"Yes!"

"No!" Richie said, "I want you here."

Friday folded her arms under her breasts and glared at Richie because if he kept demanding she stay put, she had to. They waited. Duncan asked, "Why do you want her here? We were just getting somewhere in your training."

"I don't want to be alone."

"You're not alone. I'm your teacher and there is no one on this earth you can trust more than me."

Richie still had issues with that, but Friday interrupted, "May Amanda and I go shopping, Master?"

Richie groaned, "Yeah." Before they knew it, Amanda and Friday disappeared.

"Can we get back to work? If we work a couple of more hours, I'll treat you to a lobster dinner, right here in Seacouver. Then we'll go enjoy Joe and his band. We'll have a few drinks, have some fun, listen to some good music. We can get to know each other again. Okay?"

Richie went to pick up the sword he threw. He noticed the tip had broken off. "I'm sorry. I don't know what got into me."

Friday appeared and rubbed her hand against the tip of the rapier, and it reformed to be good as new. "You are safe with Mr. MacLeod, Master. Have fun. Amanda and I will see you later."

She disappeared.

Duncan put his hand behind Richie's head. "Rich, you were my best student I ever had. I was so proud of you. You ticked me off at times, but it was only when you didn't listen to me. I am so sorry about what I did to you. It will never happen again. You can trust me."

Richie felt the power of his words and the force of something that must have been their friendship at one time. He simply nodded, as he didn't trust his voice from not breaking.

Duncan felt the rumble of Richie's quickening in his gut slowly quiet. He rubbed Richie's head and said, "I guess I should feel fortunate you haven't sicced Friday on me."

"I wouldn't do that," Richie smiled. "I do feel a friendship from you, Mac. Maybe one day, we'll have it."

LONDON

Amanda opened the door to Harrod's to let Friday go first. After all, because of her magic they'd been able to go from Seacouver to Rio to Geneva, then to London all in one afternoon, it was the least she could do. And with the fact that her mood could shift at a moment's notice, Amanda was as pleasant as possible.

"Thank you, Amanda," Friday sweetly said with a smile as she walked into the store. As soon as she reached the doorframe though, she bounced back.

Amanda laughed, "That was cute."

Friday tried it again. It was like there was an invisible barrier blocking her way. "You first," she told Amanda.

Amanda walked through, and held the door open for her. "Come on. I need new hose."

Friday tried to stick her hand through the doorframe, but couldn't. She walked back on the sidewalk and looked up at the building trying to figure out why she couldn't pass the doorway. Amanda let two other women into the store and walked back out to Friday. When it seemed to Amanda Friday was going to start bawling again, she rubbed her shoulder, "What's the matter?"

"I have never that problem before," Friday mused, looking at the building that took over the whole block. "I am not welcome. I have been banished."

"By who?"

"It must be Methos. I could get in there last week."

"What does Methos have to do with anything?"

"He must own this place."

"No, he doesn't," Amanda laughed. "That Fayed guy does."

"He owes something here. I can not go in that building. He is the only who has banished me that is still alive. I know it is him."

Amanda dropped her arms and thought, "Well, okay. Jeez, you learn something new everyday. I didn't know Methos was part owner of Harrod's. Unless there's offices up there or something. Man! His taxes must be something."

Friday adjusted the skin on her wrists. Even though Amanda hadn't spent a lot of time around her, or any genie for that matter, she knew that if Friday did that, she was upset or something bad was going to happen. "We'll just go somewhere else."

"You may go in," Friday offered. "I will wait here for you."

"What's the fun in that? Let's go."

They walked down the sidewalk as Amanda thought of the next shopping district to visit and when would be the best time to ask for a freebie. Friday keep her eyes on the sidewalk, sullen, "Is he ever going to forgive me?"

"Who? Methos?" Friday nodded. Amanda continued, "I wouldn't worry about it. He'll come around. He's used to people not liking him."

"But, I do like him. I was just playing with him."

Amanda laughed, "Well, you went too far. I'd hate to see what you do to people you can't stand if you like Methos and did all that stuff to him."

"I was surprised to see him. He brings out the worst in me. We met under... extreme circumstances."

Amanda really wanted to know how that all unfolded, from her point of view, but didn't want to make her more upset.

Friday mumbled, "In fact, I thought I would never have the opportunity to tell him that I..."

"What?"

Friday didn't verbalize that she was glad he saved her life. It was the one and only time in her almost 3000 years floating around the planet that she needed saving. And he's the one who did it. And she thought he was a normal human. Would be long dead by now. And he was friends with her Master. And he was mad at her. And banished her. Oh, she made a mess of things.

Amanda wiped off a stray tear that rolled down her face, "Were you in love with him?"

No answer. Amanda choked back a smile, wanting to belly laugh. It was classic!

Friday said, "Maybe I should get him a gift. You know, as a peace offering. What would he like?"

"Methos? I have no idea."

"What does he do?"

"I have no idea since he left the watchers."

"Watchers? Those people like Joe who watch immortals?"

"Yeah."

"Methos was a watcher?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

Amanda shrugged and looked in the window of Harrod's, really wishing she could spend an hour or two there. Friday said, "I should get him something."

Amanda didn't like the turn in the mood of their shopping excursion. "I'll help you pick something out. Let's go to... well, how about Rodeo Drive in L.A.?"

"Ooo!" Friday suddenly smiled. "I found the most fabulous scarves there back in the 50's. Do you think they might still have some?"

"Absolutely!"

Friday waved her arms and they were off.

LOFT

Richie was sitting on the couch in the loft fingering the chess pieces when Amanda and Friday appeared with their bundles. "I can't wait to show Duncan this stuff," Amanda smiled.

"He's in the shower."

Friday asked, "Did your training go well?"

"Yeah," Richie smiled.

"How long will it take for you to be trained?"

"I don't know," he said, wondering if she asked because she was tiring of him already. "I'm feeling better now."

"More than one day, Richie." Amanda said.

"I am hungry," Friday said, in a good mood. "Shall we go eat?"

"Yeah, Mac should be done soon," Richie smiled and rubbed his stomach. "He promised lobster."

"Sounds good," Friday waved her hand.

Duncan appeared next to the bed dressed in a nice suit and was completely dry. Even his hair, which he was still going through the motions of washing. "What the..."

"Let us go eat." Friday waved her hand and they all looked very nice in dress clothes.

Duncan realized he was wearing a suit that didn't belong to him, but fit like a glove. Amanda was wearing a red strapless ball gown with silk gloves to her elbows, a glittering diamond bracelet. "We're going to be very overdressed for the Quest."

"What kind of clientele do they have?"

"Normal people."

When Friday rose her hands, Amanda yelled, "Wait!" and unclasped the bracelet and held onto it for dear life. Friday waved her hand and they were all dressed in jeans and t-shirts. The bracelet had disappeared. So close...

Richie said, "Try again. I'm not the jeans type."

Duncan laughed, "Since when?"

Suddenly, they all looked like they stepped out of Banana Republic with a wave of Friday's hand. "We could be here all night," Duncan said. "Or I can put on my own clothes."

"Fine," Friday said. "I was just trying to move things along."

After their lobster meal, Richie and Duncan were actually joking and having a good time as they walked ahead of the two ladies on their way to the Quest Nightclub bundled up in coats. They all wanted to take a cab, but Richie. Friday offered to whisk them, but Richie wanted to walk and feel the fresh air in his lungs, the breeze on his face. After a couple of blocks, it was getting old and cold! He was going to mention that Friday could give them a boost when Duncan told them the club was just around the corner.

Amanda asked when Friday was going to give that present to Methos, when they turned the corner, and all three immortals felt a buzz and stopped in their tracks. Friday immediately ran up to Richie, "Master, is it safe?"

"Don't call me Master in public."

They all over the perimeter and zeroed in on Methos who emerged from the parking lot. "Is it just you," Richie asked.

"I hope so."

Friday slunk back, Methos smiled, having put her in her place. He held the door open for them. Duncan and Amanda bowed and thanked him and walked in. Richie next. Friday tried to, but Methos shut the door before she could enter. "I also own this place. See ya." He waltzed in.

Friday stared at the closed door, then looked in the darkened window. They were sitting at a table next to the stage. She was looking forward to hearing Joe play his music as he came highly recommended. "Jerk," she muttered.

She stepped back to loiter. There was no way she wasn't going to let Richie be out alone. Maybe there was a way to become the stage or something. She waved her hand, but she ended up a piece of plywood leaning against the building. After making herself her favored form again, she shouted, "Jerk!"

Onto the foot of someone. "Sorry," she turned around, but was grabbed by the neck and couldn't see who it was.

A gravelly baritone voice reverberated in her ear, "How could you remember what a jerk I am?"

Friday caught her breath as that voice could only belong to one man... or being. "Diabol!" Just saying his name sent shivers down her spine. Friday was going to make a fast exit, but it didn't work. His grip was tight on her arm. He spoke again, laughing, "I am pleased you remember me. You are going to come in so-o-o-o handy." Before she could look onto his face, Diabol punched her, knocking her out.

They both vanished in a cloud of smoke, making the people on the street wonder. But, there was a Magician's Convention in town. They just thought it was pretty cool.

Inside the Quest, Richie got his draft from the buxom blonde waitress and smiled at her. Then followed her back to the bar. Duncan looked around and asked, "Where's Friday?"

"Outside," Methos proudly announced.

"You own this bar?" Amanda asked.

"Yes." Methos sipped his beer. "You know. I want champagne instead." He got up and walked to the bar.

Amanda mused, "I wonder what went on between those two."

Duncan looked at Richie, "I wonder if we'll ever be good friends again."

"The training went well, Richie even said as much at dinner."

"Yeah, but it's not the same."

Amanda put her hand on his, "Mac, he knows you took his head," she whispered, "He knows you killed him. He's doing the best he can with that information."

Duncan dropped his head that his lover was bringing up such an awful period. Maybe he can't rise above that swing of his sword no matter how much he tried. Maybe Richie should have a different teacher, one he can totally trust. Amanda lifted his head and kept her hand on his chin, kissed his cheek. "Just give him time, Mac. He'll get to know you and he'll have no choice but to fall in love with you."

"Oh, wonderful," Duncan smirked.

"You know what I mean."

"Dom Perignon for everyone," Methos announced as he set the chilled magnum on the table with four glasses.

Amanda immediately took one of the glasses and held it up, "Ladies first."

"Of course, madam," Methos poured.

Amanda thanked him and asked, "Don't you think bygones should be bygones? How about letting Friday back in?"

"No," Methos stated, and poured Duncan a glass, then himself and toasted, "To us, who are not gifted with magic."

"But, she's fun," Amanda moaned. "She bought you something today."

"Bought?" Methos whispered, "She's a jinniyah, she doesn't have to buy anything."

"Okay, she got you something."

Methos laughed. "What? A bed of nails? A flower that spurts ink?"

"No. It was very nice. We both put a lot of thought into it."

"What?"

"Let her back in here and you'll find out."

"I'm not that interested," Methos poured himself another glass as Joe and his band set up.

Diabol appeared with the still comatose Friday in his arms outside the abandoned warehouse that he had staked out as his home base. Imagine, he just came to Seacouver to go to the Bartolomeo Bosco Appreciation Society Convention, and who does he see? The bane of his existence, Laminae. He thought she'd be dead by then, with how emotional she was. Some are just the survivor type. But, no longer.

But, he couldn't figure out why his magic made him appear outside the building. He had heat inside. With just a thought, the door to the building flipped open. Diabol was an Afrit, a more powerful Jinn than Friday, in fact, was just under a Marid in the hierarchy of things. He looked down at the still knocked out jinniyah in his arms and would graciously carry her over the threshold. As soon as her body hit the plane of the doorframe, he bounced back. He looked at her again to see if she was indeed awake and playing with him. How dare she! A flame of fire emitted from his eyes, scorching her blouse. She didn't react at all.

He tried to get inside again. As soon as Friday's head hit the plane of the doorframe, he bounced back with her in his arms like he was butting her head against a brick wall. Friday came to and rubbed her head. "Ow." Then felt her charred clothes. Then looked up in fear at the one holding her.

Diabol dropped her but kept a hold of her arm. Even though she tried for all she was worth, she couldn't get free, or disappear.

"Oh, my world," she clasped a hand to her chest as breath escaped her. She moaned, "Diabol? How did you get free? How are you still alive?"

"You ask a lot of questions. Answer me one." He motioned to the door, "Why can't we enter?"

Friday looked at the broken down old building and shrugged. "I can not get in there?" Then she started laughing.

"What is wrong with you?"

"He must own that building, too."

"Who?"

"None of your business, Diabol," Friday spat out.

"Don't call me that!" Fire emitted from his fingertips and scorched her hair. "How dare you!"

Friday tried to get free. Fire from her wrists mixed with his and soon they were both on fire. Then, Diabol clicked his fingers and they were both pristine. Although the flames were still shooting from Friday, making no damage on the other jinn. He was a more powerful jinn than she, and her magic was worthless against him. The seriousness of her predicament became clear. She could not leave him. He could do anything he wanted with her. After what she did to him, at that moment, a quick death seemed like a very great idea.

THE QUEST NIGHTCLUB

When the band went on a short break, the bar fell to a decibel level that only consisted of people's voices and glasses tinkling. Richie rushed back to the table with great news. "Guys, I'm off," he announced.

Duncan and Amanda unhooked themselves from a clench, and Methos stirred out of his slumber. He looked at the two empty bottles of champagne in front of them and realized it must have been him that drank most of it. He never did well with champagne in his system. Even the loud band didn't stop him from taking a catnap.

"I'll see ya tomorrow," Richie smiled, then winked at Methos, "I won't be needing your couch tonight."

Before he could leave, Duncan stood and grabbed his arm, "Hey, hey, hey. Where do you think you're going?"

"I got a date."

"Who?"

"Her," Richie pointed to the waitress standing by the bar twirling a ringlet through her fingers snapping bubblegum. "She just got off work and we hit it off. See ya."

Amanda tisked, "Oh Rich, you can do better than that. She's more his speed," she pointed at Methos.

"Hey!" Methos was suddenly wide awake. He was glad he wouldn't have to put out the welcome wagon to a kid, but to be carelessly insulted was more than he needed for the evening.

Duncan quietly warned Richie, "You can't go off with someone alone. Didn't I tell you that Seacouver is crawling with immortals and you should stick close to one of them?"

"I don't need a chaperone for what we're going to do."

"I think it's too soon."

"Friday's within calling reach. Come on! I'm a grown man, with needs." Richie smiled at the chick at the bar and mouthed that he'd be right there. "I'll show you Mac, Friday?"

They waited and nothing happened. "Friday!" Still nothing.

Methos giggled, "I guess you were out of the loop. She can't come in here," he relished telling them all that he got one over on a jinniyah.

"That's right," Richie shook his head at the 'children' around him. "Friday's just right outside. I'm fine, Mac. Thanks for the concern. I'm not staying on his couch one more night and Candy told me she's got a nice comfy queen bed." Then he looked at Methos, "You don't by chance own the Vivaldi Garden Apartments on Shea, do you?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Methos smiled. "Have fun, lad."

"Let's take it outside," Duncan said, moving Richie to the door. "I want to make sure she's going to protect you for the evening."

On the way to the door, Richie stopped, "Hey! She's there. I'm not a kid. I can run. I think I can fight, training went good today. Leave me alone."

At the table, Amanda sipped the last of her glass of champagne and sneered at Methos, "She should bring that pen back, you don't deserve it."

"A pen?" Methos forcefully asked. "She got me a pen? That's my big gift?"

Amanda spouted, "Yes! You don't deserve it."

Methos feigned a wounded heart, "Oh, I don't know how I'm going to be able to carry on because a weirdo didn't give me a pen." Then he laughed uproariously.

"Oh, shut up. You don't know what you're talking about. Let her back in here."

"No."

Duncan came back to the table, alone. Methos smiled, "Your charge didn't want your help undressing the lass or something?"

"Shut up."

"Fine," Methos stood. "I know when I've overstayed my welcome. I'm off."

Friday's mind swam... Diabol was freed, alive and in a pissy mood. Three strikes, Friday's out. Just to think, an hour ago, she and Amanda had a nice afternoon shopping, they all had a nice meal, Methos even allowed her access to the dojo for Richie's training, and she didn't know the bane of her existence was walking around, plotting. If only she could go back in time.

Since the crazy jinniyah was banished from the warehouse he'd staked out as headquarters for himself, Diabol had to improvise. He waved his hand and they were suddenly on top of the hotel holding the magic convention in the memory of Bartolomeo Bosco, one of the few mortals Diabol had ever gave a damn about in all his years. Bosco was a magician in the late 1700-early 1800s, one of Harry Houdini's idols. What Diabol appreciated about Bosco was that he freed him from a cooking pot hidden in an abandoned house. Damn tricksters!

Diabol was one of the most power jinn there ever was, and he was tricked by a mortal to get into that pot. After he was freed, Bosco told him there was a vise attached to it, and that was the only reason he gave it a second look. Otherwise, he would have thrown it in the trash when he bought the property to build a new house on. Then, Bosco never was able to build. His three wishes went toward making his magic more electrifying, death defying, more crowd pleasing. He didn't ask for money. His life was devoted to the illusion and preservation of magic. Granted, Diabol wasn't in that pot for as long as he was trapped by Friday, but it was still years, and it ticked him off and was grateful to the man.

Friday was still so fruitlessly trying to get away from him, Diabol had to laugh. There was no escape for her, she was going to pay. Diabol produced a cage on the roof of the hotel. As he pushed her toward the door, Friday's hand brushed against his coat and distinctly felt sharp metal.

A sword? What in the hell did he need a sword for? Was he going to kill her master? With everything Richie Ryan was going through, a pissed off Afrit with a sword was the last thing he needed. Diabol shoved her in and then waved his hand. Friday expected the cage to squeeze her, or snakes to overtake her, or... something worse than she could ever imagine, he was too evil for her. What appeared was just that. Evil. A golden brace that held the magic of Diabol. "No, please," Friday begged. She tried to disappear, make herself invisible, become a bar of the cage, anything to fend off the inevitable.

"I do not know the meaning of the word, please." Diabol walked in the cage, cutting off any way for her to escape and pulled her close enough to put the brace around her neck. The clasp magically disappeared as soon as it was fastened. She was now totally under his power. Any power she would employ would only be to aide him.

He pushed her back, and stepped out of the cage. The door disappeared. "Please," she cried. "I am sorry."

"I do not believe you," he pressed his face against the bars and mocked her. "You will get a chance to help me. Oh boy, will you. Or you will die."

Friday settled back on the other side of the cage and tried to think of a way out, but couldn't. Her mind wouldn't let her. Then she realized he might be able to read her thoughts. Suddenly, she did the only thing she could do, clear her mind. Don't think of anything about anything... Soon, she was singing to herself, "Conjunction, junction... what is your function?... The wheels on the bus go 'round and 'round... Su-u-nny day, everything is A-okay... I am on my way... to where the air is sweet... can you tell---."

"Shut up!" Diabol screamed, making Friday lose some ostrich feathers and fire escaped from her wrists. She saw what he had been up to, and it was sharpening that sword of his. "If you can not think of anything helpful, do not think of anything at all. You are bothering me."

Friday walked to the other side of the cage as he was just a foot away on the freedom side, sitting on a luxurious throne, sharpening a katana. "What is that for?"

"You can not ask questions either."

"What does an all powerful jinn need with a sword?"

"To cut of heads, my dear."

"Why?"

"That's the way the game is played."

"How did you find out about immortals?" She knew he was strong, got around, but how did he stumble upon them?

Diabol stood and twirled the sword, making it disappear and the bulge appeared alongside his body under that long trench coat. "Because of you."

"Me?"

"I have been watching you. I have been waiting for the best opportunity to make you pay. You already offered herself for death, so just killing you wouldn't be thrilling enough for what you did to me. You have really been taken with your current master. I have eavesdropped on your conversations. Immortality is a very interesting concept. They must all be killed. There is no room in the universe for them and us. Me. When I found about the existence of Watchers, well..." he laughed. "They made my plan easier. Do you know they have every single immortal on the planet cataloged on a computer. It is so easy. I am going to get rid of them all. But, I am going to get rid of your Master and his friends first. And to make you really pay, you are going do it for me."

"Never." As soon as she said that word, she grabbed the brace, couldn't breath. It was choking her. She fell to her knees trying to get it loose.

"Think about what you say and what you think, young jinniyah. You will help me. You have to pay for what you did."

She fell on her back about ready to pass out. Diabol walked around the cage to be near her head and simply stated, "Just say yes."

She shook her head and pulled at the brace. She turned her face away from him. Suddenly, he was in the cage with her, holding her hands away from her neck, pulling her up. "Say it!"

She wouldn't, and passed out, fully expecting to die. He dropped her to the concrete and loosened the brace. He paced as she laid still. "So, you just need a little convincing. I am glad to see your ethics are intact. You just have to figure which morals you need to hold dear from now on."

He walked over to her and kicked her leg, "Get up! You are not dead."

She tried to stay still, but an asp appeared at her chin. She bolted up and ran to the other side of the cage. Diabol laughed. "You always were scared of snakes." He picked up the asp and held it to her as she cowered in the corner. Tears ran down her face as she knew she was only a pawn from then on, clutching at the brace. She would rather die than betray her master. She would have to let her enemy win, she couldn't do it. Hopefully they can fend for themselves.

Diabol and that asp were inches away. Friday straightened and wiped the tears off her face. The asp's tongue slithered in and out of its mouth. She quickly put her hand over it's mouth and the snake clamped on. Friday could feel the poison wash into her bloodstream and in moments she would be dead, no use to her enemy.

Diabol screamed and made the snake disappear. "Fool!"

Friday fell to the concrete and felt the muscles of her heart constrict. It would only be a matter of time. All she could think, and hope, was that her master could be protected. She tried to put out a spell for him, but couldn't. Diabol grabbed her hand and rubbed the bite away, made the poison evaporate. With contempt, he dropped her hand and let her lay crumpled in the corner. He walked through the bars and sprawled on his throne.

"I have all the time in the world," he stated calmly, playing with the little sparks he allowed to escape his fingertips. "And so do your little friends."

LOFT

Duncan couldn't sleep. He didn't know if Richie was safe and felt like an idiot for just letting him walk out of the Quest unprotected. Amanda had no trouble sleeping. Richie mentioned the Vivaldi Garden Apartments... Candy... Duncan hadn't even gotten the woman's last name to call and check up on him. Yes, he was acting like an overprotective parent, but how else could he think? Richie was alive! It was still so unbelievable, but it was true. And there was nothing in this world that was going to get in his way to live a long, full, happy life. Not if there was anything Duncan could do about it.

He got up and dressed and went out the side door so the elevator wouldn't wake Amanda. He needed to check up on him, but he didn't need her to tease him about it. He'd be back before she awoke anyway, hopefully, if all goes well. He just needed to know that Friday was at his beck and call.

He parked the T-Bird at the curb on Shea, across the street from the Vivaldi Apartments. They weren't what you would call chic. Candy must be really underpaid to have to live in such a dump. He'd have to mention it to Methos that the help should get a raise. The buzzers only had last names listed, and it was the middle of the night. Instead of picking buttons at random and waking the entire building, he walked around it for any lights on, or better yet, any immortal buzz sensation.

Richie held Candy in his arms on the nice, comfortable queen bed and slept like a baby. He snapped awake though when he felt the distinct buzz ring throughout his body. He had his sword in his coat, but it was really the last thing he expected. He slid out of bed, not wanting to wake Candy or she'd be as frightened as he was and got into his pants.

He quietly walked to the living room window with his sword in his hand and looked out. A face looked back. They both screamed. Richie grabbed his chest and moaned, "Mac! What the hell are you doing here? You scared me to death!"

Candy hollered from the bedroom, "Rich? What's going on?"

"Nothing," he moaned. "I stubbed my toe. Go back to sleep." He opened the window and told Duncan, "Go home."

"Come out here and talk."

Richie groaned, shut the window and put on his jacket. They met by the side door of the building. Duncan asked, "Are you okay here?"

"Yes."

"Where's Friday?"

"I don't know. I don't want her here now."

"Why not?"

"I'm with somebody?"

Duncan demanded, "Call her so I know and I can get back to bed myself. I can't sleep."

"Mac..."

"Call her!"

"Friday?"

The two immortals looked at each other as nothing happened. "Friday!"

Richie asked him, "What did you do to her? Is this a trick? Methos can't own airspace."

"I just... I had a feeling. Come out here and call her again."

"I'll get locked out. My stuff is in there."

Duncan put a rock in the doorway and dragged Richie by the arm to the yard, "Call her."

"Friday!"

They looked around and there was no response. Duncan asked, "Has she ever played with you before?"

"In what way?"

"Not come when called?"

"No."

"Could she be jealous that you..." he pointed at Candy's apartment.

"I wouldn't think so, we're not... you know."

"I don't like this, you're coming with me."

"I'm sleeping, Mac. I'll be back in the morning."

"No, you're coming with me right now. I have a feeling and you can't be out here alone."

Richie put his hand on Duncan's shoulder and said, "Mac, I appreciate it, but I'm a grown man. When I first turned under your watch, did you watch me 24 hours a day?"

"No."

"Then why now?"

"I lost you once, Rich, I can't lose you again. Please. For my own piece of mind, come with me."

Richie appreciated that and smiled, happy that he had a big brother type to look after him. He looked around the yard and said, "That is strange Friday hasn't come. Maybe she's a tree or something. Friday, come on, show yourself."

Nothing. "That is strange."

"Let's go," Duncan said. "I'll be waiting in the car while you say goodbye to Candy."

Instead of bringing Richie to the loft, Duncan brought him over to Methos'. Needless to say, Methos wasn't pleased about feeling a buzz at 3 in the morning, and seeing Richie at his door didn't make him any cheerier. "I was enjoying my solitude," he muttered as he walked away from the left open door.

Duncan shut the door behind them after he and Richie walked in. "He's got to stay here." The great exhale of Methos' only agitated Duncan. "No discussion."

Richie said, "There's got to be a more comfortable couch in the world, Mac."

"Yeah," Methos agreed. "The one at the loft is wonderful to make yourself comfortable in."

"Amanda's there. Three's a crowd."

Methos suggested, "Well, we can exchange guests, MacLeod. You take Richie and Amanda is welcomed here."

"Get over yourself," the Highlander spouted.

"I try," Methos said, getting back into bed. "Lock up when you leave, MacLeod. Blankets are in the closet. Good night."

"That couch is really uncomfortable, Mac."

"I'll buy a new one tomorrow for you."

"It had better match my decor," Methos groaned from his bed.

After Duncan left, and Richie tried to settle into the awful couch, his mind turned to Friday. Why didn't she come when he called her? Could she have really been mad about his conquest? Jealous? Or angry she was left out at the Quest? She was a touchy sort. Her emotions went from hot to cold in seconds. Well, Richie was feeling good. He was young, good looking, alive, he had what seemed to be good friends, he had a jinniyah at his beck and call, usually, he had two more wishes, he just met a great gal who wasn't upset he left in the middle of the night. Yep, things were good. If only that bar didn't go right across his back, things would be perfect.

CONTINUED in Diabolic