Chapter Twent-Two: The Final Battle
Thunder crashed and lightening flashed, as if the weather knew something important was happening, something that might even be life changing, or life saving, if Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod had anything to do with it. He still had no idea where he was - oh, it certainly seemed like it was the Horseman's camp, but they couldn't really be there. It had to be some kind of trick, but at the same time it seemed appropriate. He could see that this fight was one of the most important of Methos' long life, if not the most important. He forced himself not to interfere, as swords clashing and the age-old song of
deadly battle sang once again. To Duncan, it was as beautiful as it was deadly. Like a dance, and Methos was a master. He could see how much Methos usually held back. But this time, it was the real Methos, and he was very evenly matched, as the rhythm speeded and the tune changed, and changed again. Mesmerised, in the end Duncan could do no more but stand there following every move. It was one of the most intense fights he had ever witnessed. So captivated by it, and by the atmosphere in this small area of deserted desert, that he almost forgot who Methos was fighting.
"Aren't you tired, Methos? You haven't fought in so long, have you, this must be quite a challenge? Sure you don't want to stop?" 'Kronos' taunted.
"Or are you enjoying this? Just like the old days, hmm? Getting that blood lust, are you? The wonderful smell of death in the air, or should I say the actions of 'Death'", he finished as he succeeded in distracting Methos enough to draw first blood.
Duncan gulped, realising what Ahriman was doing. He just hoped Methos was strong enough to resist.
"Such good old days. Such happy days..."
"No!!" Methos yelled, stepping up his attack. 'Kronos' neatly avoided it.
"Not fast enough, boy", he hissed, and Methos lashed out again, getting angry.
"Use that anger, Methos, it makes you stronger. Makes you more dangerous...", he hissed again, sweetly and persuasive, and ever so deadly. Duncan flinched, both at the tone and at the emotions fluttering over his friend's face. It was clear that Death was very tempted by Ahriman's images of power.
"No!", he whispered.
"Come on, Methos, you can do it. You know that's not you. Not anymore. You're stronger than that..."
As if hearing the softly spoken prayer, Methos seemed to relax.
"I've outgrown all that..." he replied, with determination, and concentrated back on the fight.
After a minute or two Ahriman tried again.
"You now you're a useful member of society are you? A good man? A regular boy scout like your friend here. There was more of Death in you than you may think. I only used what was already there, you know", he stated with a sly smile.
"I'm no boy-scout, but I'm not death, either..."
"Oh, really, so you didn't kill Alexa then, or Ryan, or Joe Dawson".
Methos paled.
"I wonder what they really think of you, hmm, boy...?"
Suddenly very real images of Alexa, Richie, and Joe appeared on the other side of the two to Duncan. Duncan gasped. They seemed so real.
"It's not real..." Methos muttered, squeezing his eyes shut.
"It's as real as you make it, Methos. Look inside yourself, you know it's true."
The images of their dead friends began to speak to Methos.
"So, couldn't let me just live, could you? 5000 years old and almost taken by a newbie! Not had a fight in 200 years, hmm, but had to cheat anyway. But, you always cheat and lie, don't you? How long did you pretend to be Adam Pierson, even to Mac, even to Joe? Some friend, 'Adam'!" 'Richie' spat. Duncan shuddered at how real it seemed, and told himself that Richie wouldn't think that. He understood Methos' reasoning. He just hope Methos knew that...
Next it was Alexa's turn:
"How could you lie to me, Adam? You didn't even love me enough to tell me your real name. Or to try and save me. After 5000 years, you must have been able to think if some way. Maybe I just wasn't important enough to you..." She trailed off, shaking her head sadly.
Catching his breath, Duncan forced himself to listen to 'Joe', whilst keeping one eye on Methos. The old Immortal didn't look good. He had dropped his sword to his side and wasn't looking at his 'visitors', just nodding his head sadly. 'Kronos' was also nodding his head, his grin growing larger and more ugly by the minute.
"Why didn't you save me, Old Man? All your manipulation, all your prepared-ness, and you didn't even think to see if I had a gun. Some friend! Thanks for nothing..."
"No", Methos said softly, "It's not true. I didn't know..."
"Oh, stop lying, Adam", 'Alexa' replied, spitting out his name.
"I'm sorry! I should have told you. I should have saved Joe, and Richie. Oh, God, it's all my fault!"
"That's it Methos, it is all your fault. They all die. And they all die hating you. You haven't changed a bit", 'Kronos' stated.
"I...I did change. I tried to change, but maybe it's too late..." Methos stated, no longer looking at either Kronos or the others.
Finally shaking himself free of the almost-hypnotic trance he'd gone into, Duncan took a step towards Methos.
"Methos, it's not true. Don't listen. You have changed. You're a good man, a good friend..."
"You can't interfere, Highlander. Wait your turn!"
"Well, you're not playing by the rules, so I can do anything I want. Besides, I'm the Champion here, aren't I? I bet you can't actually kill me all that easily".
"What?! I can swot you like a fly, boy!"
"You and who's army? You won't get to me with your magic tricks..."
"Oh, really...?"
With a flash, 'Alexa', 'Joe' and 'Richie' were joined by 'Tessa'. Duncan groaned, and forced himself to remember that it wasn't real.
"Duncan, I've missed you so much. How could you let me go? I always knew your Game would come between us, and now look. Why didn't I just go off with some nice, normal, mortal man..."
"No, I tried my best to protect you. You loved me, I know you did and you knew the dangers. I won't listen to this!"
"But it's true, Mac. She died, I died too young, all cos the other Immortals wanted to fight the great Duncan MacLeod. Thanks a lot, Teach!" put in 'Richie'.
"That's not fair. Richie knew that wasn't my fault. We'd both accepted that, and Tessa's death. And I won't let you ruin her memory like this. I loved her", Duncan growled, turning to 'Kronos'.
'Tessa' faded away as Duncan gained the upper hand. Kronos snarled.
"It's not that easy!"
"Methos, snap out of it. It's not real!"
"What...?...Mac...?" queried Methos as Duncan's words reached him.
"Fight it, Old Man. I'm with you".
Smiling, Methos returned to the fight, but their visitors were still there.
"You always need someone to help you, don't you?" asked 'Richie', as Methos fought and Duncan covered him.
Another flash and 'Silas', another of the Horsemen, was there to fight Duncan.
"Just don't listen", Duncan told his friend, reflecting Silas' blows.
"It's true, though!" Methos declared.
"No, it's not! Remember them how they were. Joe stood by you till the end, even when he knew the truth, and Alexa loved you, and knew you loved her".
"That wasn't me..."
"Yes it was. It was the best part, the part you gave her, the part she
needed..."
He trailed off as Silas' advances took his attention. He fought back and gained the upper ground, not thinking of anything else but the fight. Behind him he could still hear Methos and 'Kronos'. Neither spoke. Both fights were hard, and took all the concentration of both Immortals to stay ahead.
After what seemed like hours, with a sudden opening, Duncan finally got a killing stroke in at Silas, slashing at his chest. Breathing heavily, he pulled out the sword and beheaded his opponent. It seemed like an anti-climax that there was no Quickening. With a flash, the body disappeared.
"No!" cried 'Kronos',
In anger, he fastened his next advance against Methos, who truly was beginning to tire now. Managing to get through his defence, Kronos landed a number of painful cuts to Methos' chest and arms. Duncan wondered how long his friend could hold up, more mentally than physically. Their 'visitors' were laughing softly. Duncan made his
way, exhausted, over towards his friend.
"Don't give up", he whispered fiercely.
"And now, you're mine! Again!" laughed Kronos, as Methos stumbled under a particular nasty blow.
"No!", yelled Duncan. Using a sudden reserve of strength, he pushed Methos out of the way.
It was enough to distract Kronos, and his sword came down across Duncan's shoulder.
"How dare you!" he cried.
"Easily", replied Duncan.
"So, you want your turn now, do you? Fine. First you and then I'll make Methos suffer..."
So saying, Kronos went back on the attack... Duncan grimaced, and managed, just, to hold him back. He thought of how Methos had tried to protect him from this, and it gave him strength. It was his fight, and he would win!
The images of his friends were still laughing, but, was it Duncan's imagination or were they somewhat less sure of themselves?
Duncan felt himself achieving that slight form of meditative trance that he sometimes got when fighting, pushing his body to it's limits and working almost on instincts. With that, part of his mind began to drift, as he gave it up to his instincts and his body's natural, and trained, abilities. His thoughts turned again to his friends. He knew they were on his side, and he smiled.
"Hey, Mac, go get him!" came Richie's voice.
"Give that bastard one for me, Mac", joined in 'Joe'.
That was more like it, Mac thought, grinning wider, as Kronos scowled.
"You can't use them against us any more", Mac proclaimed, knowing it was true, and realising that maybe this was his challenge and that had been his mental fight as well as Methos'. He truly did believe that Richie forgave him. He had always tried to help him, and it wasn't his fault that he'd died when he was 19. He couldn't control everything. If anything, Richie had seemed grateful that he'd survived the Game as long as he did. He'd died fighting his best fight. It wasn't his fault, or Methos', that 21 years just couldn't survive against 5000.
And Joe. Joe who had been loyal to the last, a much better friend than either of them deserved sometimes. Joe had resisted and, although beaten in the end, had killed himself rather than let Ahriman use him.
Even Alexa was looking upon Methos fondly.
"I forgive you, Adam. I forgave you before I even knew I had anything to forgive you for. You gave me everything I needed, everything in your power to give me."
Duncan watched Methos out of the corner of his eye, as the truth sunk in and his friend began to smile.
"We're with you, Mac", declared 'Joe'. Using that trust and confidence, Duncan pushed forward still.
"NO!" cried 'Kronos', "Stop!"
"Too late", Duncan grinned. He saw an opening, knocking 'Kronos' sword to the ground.
"I'm the Champion and I've beaten you. So has Methos. You can't touch him anymore. I banish you back to hell where you belong".
Duncan made the killing stroke, beheading 'Kronos' with a flourish, blood spilling everywhere.
For a second the image of Kronos wavered into something much more shadowy, dark, and sinister. Then it vanished in a flash of amazing red light.
Breathing deeply, Duncan stumbled over to Methos.
"You did it, Duncan. It's over! I almost can't believe it!"
"Believe it my friend. But, we did it, together. I was the Champion, but it was just as much your fight, and we both won".
Methos smiled, and nodded.
"Just one more thing, Methos".
"What?"
"Can we go home now? It's been a very long day!"
Methos just nodded again.
Thunder crashed and lightening flashed, as if the weather knew something important was happening, something that might even be life changing, or life saving, if Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod had anything to do with it. He still had no idea where he was - oh, it certainly seemed like it was the Horseman's camp, but they couldn't really be there. It had to be some kind of trick, but at the same time it seemed appropriate. He could see that this fight was one of the most important of Methos' long life, if not the most important. He forced himself not to interfere, as swords clashing and the age-old song of
deadly battle sang once again. To Duncan, it was as beautiful as it was deadly. Like a dance, and Methos was a master. He could see how much Methos usually held back. But this time, it was the real Methos, and he was very evenly matched, as the rhythm speeded and the tune changed, and changed again. Mesmerised, in the end Duncan could do no more but stand there following every move. It was one of the most intense fights he had ever witnessed. So captivated by it, and by the atmosphere in this small area of deserted desert, that he almost forgot who Methos was fighting.
"Aren't you tired, Methos? You haven't fought in so long, have you, this must be quite a challenge? Sure you don't want to stop?" 'Kronos' taunted.
"Or are you enjoying this? Just like the old days, hmm? Getting that blood lust, are you? The wonderful smell of death in the air, or should I say the actions of 'Death'", he finished as he succeeded in distracting Methos enough to draw first blood.
Duncan gulped, realising what Ahriman was doing. He just hoped Methos was strong enough to resist.
"Such good old days. Such happy days..."
"No!!" Methos yelled, stepping up his attack. 'Kronos' neatly avoided it.
"Not fast enough, boy", he hissed, and Methos lashed out again, getting angry.
"Use that anger, Methos, it makes you stronger. Makes you more dangerous...", he hissed again, sweetly and persuasive, and ever so deadly. Duncan flinched, both at the tone and at the emotions fluttering over his friend's face. It was clear that Death was very tempted by Ahriman's images of power.
"No!", he whispered.
"Come on, Methos, you can do it. You know that's not you. Not anymore. You're stronger than that..."
As if hearing the softly spoken prayer, Methos seemed to relax.
"I've outgrown all that..." he replied, with determination, and concentrated back on the fight.
After a minute or two Ahriman tried again.
"You now you're a useful member of society are you? A good man? A regular boy scout like your friend here. There was more of Death in you than you may think. I only used what was already there, you know", he stated with a sly smile.
"I'm no boy-scout, but I'm not death, either..."
"Oh, really, so you didn't kill Alexa then, or Ryan, or Joe Dawson".
Methos paled.
"I wonder what they really think of you, hmm, boy...?"
Suddenly very real images of Alexa, Richie, and Joe appeared on the other side of the two to Duncan. Duncan gasped. They seemed so real.
"It's not real..." Methos muttered, squeezing his eyes shut.
"It's as real as you make it, Methos. Look inside yourself, you know it's true."
The images of their dead friends began to speak to Methos.
"So, couldn't let me just live, could you? 5000 years old and almost taken by a newbie! Not had a fight in 200 years, hmm, but had to cheat anyway. But, you always cheat and lie, don't you? How long did you pretend to be Adam Pierson, even to Mac, even to Joe? Some friend, 'Adam'!" 'Richie' spat. Duncan shuddered at how real it seemed, and told himself that Richie wouldn't think that. He understood Methos' reasoning. He just hope Methos knew that...
Next it was Alexa's turn:
"How could you lie to me, Adam? You didn't even love me enough to tell me your real name. Or to try and save me. After 5000 years, you must have been able to think if some way. Maybe I just wasn't important enough to you..." She trailed off, shaking her head sadly.
Catching his breath, Duncan forced himself to listen to 'Joe', whilst keeping one eye on Methos. The old Immortal didn't look good. He had dropped his sword to his side and wasn't looking at his 'visitors', just nodding his head sadly. 'Kronos' was also nodding his head, his grin growing larger and more ugly by the minute.
"Why didn't you save me, Old Man? All your manipulation, all your prepared-ness, and you didn't even think to see if I had a gun. Some friend! Thanks for nothing..."
"No", Methos said softly, "It's not true. I didn't know..."
"Oh, stop lying, Adam", 'Alexa' replied, spitting out his name.
"I'm sorry! I should have told you. I should have saved Joe, and Richie. Oh, God, it's all my fault!"
"That's it Methos, it is all your fault. They all die. And they all die hating you. You haven't changed a bit", 'Kronos' stated.
"I...I did change. I tried to change, but maybe it's too late..." Methos stated, no longer looking at either Kronos or the others.
Finally shaking himself free of the almost-hypnotic trance he'd gone into, Duncan took a step towards Methos.
"Methos, it's not true. Don't listen. You have changed. You're a good man, a good friend..."
"You can't interfere, Highlander. Wait your turn!"
"Well, you're not playing by the rules, so I can do anything I want. Besides, I'm the Champion here, aren't I? I bet you can't actually kill me all that easily".
"What?! I can swot you like a fly, boy!"
"You and who's army? You won't get to me with your magic tricks..."
"Oh, really...?"
With a flash, 'Alexa', 'Joe' and 'Richie' were joined by 'Tessa'. Duncan groaned, and forced himself to remember that it wasn't real.
"Duncan, I've missed you so much. How could you let me go? I always knew your Game would come between us, and now look. Why didn't I just go off with some nice, normal, mortal man..."
"No, I tried my best to protect you. You loved me, I know you did and you knew the dangers. I won't listen to this!"
"But it's true, Mac. She died, I died too young, all cos the other Immortals wanted to fight the great Duncan MacLeod. Thanks a lot, Teach!" put in 'Richie'.
"That's not fair. Richie knew that wasn't my fault. We'd both accepted that, and Tessa's death. And I won't let you ruin her memory like this. I loved her", Duncan growled, turning to 'Kronos'.
'Tessa' faded away as Duncan gained the upper hand. Kronos snarled.
"It's not that easy!"
"Methos, snap out of it. It's not real!"
"What...?...Mac...?" queried Methos as Duncan's words reached him.
"Fight it, Old Man. I'm with you".
Smiling, Methos returned to the fight, but their visitors were still there.
"You always need someone to help you, don't you?" asked 'Richie', as Methos fought and Duncan covered him.
Another flash and 'Silas', another of the Horsemen, was there to fight Duncan.
"Just don't listen", Duncan told his friend, reflecting Silas' blows.
"It's true, though!" Methos declared.
"No, it's not! Remember them how they were. Joe stood by you till the end, even when he knew the truth, and Alexa loved you, and knew you loved her".
"That wasn't me..."
"Yes it was. It was the best part, the part you gave her, the part she
needed..."
He trailed off as Silas' advances took his attention. He fought back and gained the upper ground, not thinking of anything else but the fight. Behind him he could still hear Methos and 'Kronos'. Neither spoke. Both fights were hard, and took all the concentration of both Immortals to stay ahead.
After what seemed like hours, with a sudden opening, Duncan finally got a killing stroke in at Silas, slashing at his chest. Breathing heavily, he pulled out the sword and beheaded his opponent. It seemed like an anti-climax that there was no Quickening. With a flash, the body disappeared.
"No!" cried 'Kronos',
In anger, he fastened his next advance against Methos, who truly was beginning to tire now. Managing to get through his defence, Kronos landed a number of painful cuts to Methos' chest and arms. Duncan wondered how long his friend could hold up, more mentally than physically. Their 'visitors' were laughing softly. Duncan made his
way, exhausted, over towards his friend.
"Don't give up", he whispered fiercely.
"And now, you're mine! Again!" laughed Kronos, as Methos stumbled under a particular nasty blow.
"No!", yelled Duncan. Using a sudden reserve of strength, he pushed Methos out of the way.
It was enough to distract Kronos, and his sword came down across Duncan's shoulder.
"How dare you!" he cried.
"Easily", replied Duncan.
"So, you want your turn now, do you? Fine. First you and then I'll make Methos suffer..."
So saying, Kronos went back on the attack... Duncan grimaced, and managed, just, to hold him back. He thought of how Methos had tried to protect him from this, and it gave him strength. It was his fight, and he would win!
The images of his friends were still laughing, but, was it Duncan's imagination or were they somewhat less sure of themselves?
Duncan felt himself achieving that slight form of meditative trance that he sometimes got when fighting, pushing his body to it's limits and working almost on instincts. With that, part of his mind began to drift, as he gave it up to his instincts and his body's natural, and trained, abilities. His thoughts turned again to his friends. He knew they were on his side, and he smiled.
"Hey, Mac, go get him!" came Richie's voice.
"Give that bastard one for me, Mac", joined in 'Joe'.
That was more like it, Mac thought, grinning wider, as Kronos scowled.
"You can't use them against us any more", Mac proclaimed, knowing it was true, and realising that maybe this was his challenge and that had been his mental fight as well as Methos'. He truly did believe that Richie forgave him. He had always tried to help him, and it wasn't his fault that he'd died when he was 19. He couldn't control everything. If anything, Richie had seemed grateful that he'd survived the Game as long as he did. He'd died fighting his best fight. It wasn't his fault, or Methos', that 21 years just couldn't survive against 5000.
And Joe. Joe who had been loyal to the last, a much better friend than either of them deserved sometimes. Joe had resisted and, although beaten in the end, had killed himself rather than let Ahriman use him.
Even Alexa was looking upon Methos fondly.
"I forgive you, Adam. I forgave you before I even knew I had anything to forgive you for. You gave me everything I needed, everything in your power to give me."
Duncan watched Methos out of the corner of his eye, as the truth sunk in and his friend began to smile.
"We're with you, Mac", declared 'Joe'. Using that trust and confidence, Duncan pushed forward still.
"NO!" cried 'Kronos', "Stop!"
"Too late", Duncan grinned. He saw an opening, knocking 'Kronos' sword to the ground.
"I'm the Champion and I've beaten you. So has Methos. You can't touch him anymore. I banish you back to hell where you belong".
Duncan made the killing stroke, beheading 'Kronos' with a flourish, blood spilling everywhere.
For a second the image of Kronos wavered into something much more shadowy, dark, and sinister. Then it vanished in a flash of amazing red light.
Breathing deeply, Duncan stumbled over to Methos.
"You did it, Duncan. It's over! I almost can't believe it!"
"Believe it my friend. But, we did it, together. I was the Champion, but it was just as much your fight, and we both won".
Methos smiled, and nodded.
"Just one more thing, Methos".
"What?"
"Can we go home now? It's been a very long day!"
Methos just nodded again.