Chapter 19
Joe's Bar
Duncan opened the envelope pulling out the note inside, Duncan's blood ran cold as he read, 'I told you I would take what was mine and I thank you for making it so easy, MacLeod' Duncan crumbled the note in his hand "Damn it" Duncan said as both Richie and Joe turned towards him "Cristo's gone after Dani" Duncan looked at Joe's badly bruised face "Richie, you'd better take Joe to the hospital.get him checked over" Richie helped Joe to his feet "What are you going to do, Mac?" Duncan walked over to the door "The only thing I can.I'm going after her" Duncan had just taken hold of the door handle, when he felt the presence of another Immortal, he took his sword from his coat and waited, as the door opened Duncan swung his sword just stopping short of Methos's neck. Methos clasped his hand around his neck and swallowed "Well, Hello to you too MacLeod". Methos then saw Joe leaning against Richie. "Sorry.I thought you were someone else" Duncan said returning his sword to his coat.
"Evidently.What's happened here?" Methos said walking over to Joe and Richie.
"Joe had a visit from Cristo and his buddies, I'm taking him to the hospital.can I have the keys to the TBird Mac?"
Duncan though the keys to Richie, he then took Methos by the arm "I need a ride.and your it.I'll explain it all on the way.see you two back at the dojo.Richie.and be careful"
"A starring role in a MacLeod Crusade wouldn't miss it for the world" Methos said as he opened the car door. On the way to the Dojo Duncan explain to Methos about the note from Cristo.
As he spoke Duncan's face darkened and Methos had seen that look before and he knew it wasn't good idea to argue with him. "Mac.you know he's not going to be alone"
"Yeah.Joe said that there were two guys with Cristo last night.and that's why I've got you" Duncan smiled at Methos "Come on Methos doesn't this heap go any faster?"
Methos glared at Duncan "There is such a thing as traffic MacLeod"
Methos hadn't managed to bring the car to halt before Duncan was out and taking the stairs to the loft two at a time, as he opened the door he just knew Dani wasn't there, looking around he could see that there hadn't been a struggle so Dani must have left of her own accord, his eyes then focused on the note lying on the kitchen counter.
Duncan
Cristo called he was with Maria; he said if I didn't meet him he would kill Maria. I have to go, I have no choice. He's going to be at Pier 5 at the Old Docks.
I hope your friend Joe's is all right; I don't want anyone else to suffer because of me. I hope you understand.
All my Love
Dani
With the note in his hand Duncan made for the stairs, he met Methos coming up "she's gone to the Old Docks, Pier 5" Duncan said as he handed Methos the note. Methos glanced at the note "Smart Girl" he said before following Duncan to the car.
Pier 5
Dani pulled her car into the kerb at the end of the old wooden pier; Dani got out and stood by the car for a few moments staring down the length of the pier, she put her hand into her pocket and curled her hand around the cold metal of the gun. With the gun firmly in her right hand she started to slowly walk down the pier. There were several derelict buildings on the pier their broken windows looked like the eyes of a dead man, hollow and without life, although Dani couldn't see anyone she felt that there were eyes watching her. Dani's walk was slow, as she wanted to delay her progress for as long as she could, she could see the building at the end of the pier where she knew Cristo would be waiting. Her throat was dry and it made swallowing difficult, the anger she had been felt when she thought Cristo would hurt Maria was now giving way to fear again with every step she took.
Dani stopped and her heart seemed to miss a beat as Cristo stepped out of the doorway, a broad smile on his face, Dani looked around for anyone else but she couldn't see anyone. Cristo beckoned her towards him "We are all alone.my love.no one to stand between us now" Dani continued slowly towards him, her hand tightly gripping the gun "I'm not Louisa.I've never met you.why won't you believe me?" Dani said as she clicked the safety was off. "You and I were meant to be together.look into our heart Louisa.you need me, just as I need you" Cristo replied "No, I don't.I'm Dani.Dani Angel.not Louisa.and this ends here.I'm not going with you" Dani said as she brought the gun out of her pocket and pointed it at Cristo. "You've tried that once before.it didn't work then.and it won't work now," Cristo laughed.
Methos parked the car next to Dani's no words were exchanged between the two Immortals as they had both seen Dani and Cristo at the end of the pier. Duncan flung the door open running towards them, as he got nearer, he slowed to a walk but then he saw Dani raise the gun to her head and he quickened his pace.
Dani cocked the gun "I know.I know I can't kill you.but I can" she raised the gun to her head.
Dani swallowed "If I'm dead.you will have no reason to hurt anyone.I care about" Dani's attention had been focused on Cristo and she hadn't heard Duncan's approach. Cristo stepped towards her as he became aware of Duncan "You have no idea what you are.do you.the gifts you have been given" Duncan saw Dani's hand tighten on the gun "Dani.NO" he shouted Dani turned towards his voice, "Duncan.I have no choice.I can't kill him.if I'm dead he will leave Maria alone" Duncan walked up and stood beside her, his hand reached up for the gun, Dani didn't resist as he took hold of her hand "You can't kill him.but I can.now let me have the gun.he's not going to hurt you or Maria again.I promise" he could see that her eyes were filled with tears.
Methos's approach had gone unnoticed, as he quietly walked down the pier his attention had been drawn to one of the broke window, he had seen a flash of reflected light and knew Cristo had brought company. 'Not this time Cristo' he thought as he entered the building and although Methos wanted Cristo's head, himself, he realised that Duncan had to be the one to protect Dani but he would make sure that the odds were equal, and if by some miracle Cristo took Duncan, he would be on hand to make sure that Cristo didn't see another dawn.
It seemed a long time before Dani released her hold on the gun and Duncan breathed a sigh of relief, he through the gun into the water, he then slipped his arm around Dani "Adam's waiting by the car.Now Go" Dani didn't want to leave him but she knew that she couldn't do anything more so she slowly backed away. Duncan brought his sword out and shook off his coat "Let's go Cristo.it's just you and me, now."
Cristo produced his own sword with a broad a grin on his face he said "You might be alone Highlander.but I always have my friends" Cristo had just finished speaking when a shot rang out it hitting Duncan in the chest sending him crashing to the ground. Cristo laugh "See what I mean.Highlander" Cristo said as he swung his sword as he walked towards Duncan. Then there was a yell as Wade was propelled from the upper floor window crashing to the ground, which caused Cristo to stop, he looked up and saw Methos standing in the window "Charles Denman.You can't interfere Denman.you've lost Louisa to the Highlander as well you know" Methos lent on the window frame "I'm not interfering Cristo just evening the odds.and that's not Louisa.you killed Louisa a long time ago"
Dani had been routed to the spot when she heard the shot and saw Duncan crumple to the floor. Dani ran back towards Cristo and Duncan, she slowed as Wade was propelled from the upper window but as Cristo resumed his walk towards where Duncan lay on the ground, her fear again gave way to anger as she saw Cristo raise his sword as he approached Duncan "NO" she shouted as she rushed forward managing to get between Duncan and Cristo.
Cristo grabbed hold of Dani pulling her closer to him "So.the Highlander means so much to you.that you are willing to betray me again.well, if I can't have your love then I'll have your head" Cristo spat as he pushed her away from him. Duncan could only watch as he revived just as Cristo plunged his sword into Dani.
Dani looked down at the cold steel that was now embedded in her chest, she hadn't felt any pain as it ripped through her flesh, she looked up at Cristo "So all you wanted my death?"
"No.I wanted to be with you.to share your gift.but if you won't share your gift with me.I'll take it from you" Cristo said as he withdrew his sword, without the sword hold her up Dani fell to her knees, her hands trying to cover the wound, the blood seeping between her fingers. Cristo lifted Dani's face up with the end of his sword "we could have been invincible together.goodbye my love" he said as he drew back his sword for the final blow, Dani closed her eyes.
As Cristo swung his sword it didn't find Dani's neck but Duncan's Katana. "Before we were interrupted.I think you were fighting with me," Duncan said as he got to his feet. Their swords clashed in sprays of sparks, Duncan managing to counter every move Cristo tried to make, Cristo managed to cut Duncan's arm. Duncan smiled at him "is that the best you've got?", Cristo lunged at him again Duncan defended bring his sword down slashing Cristo across his chest, as Cristo bent forward from the blow and was off balance, cutting him across the back of the legs and as he fell to his knees Duncan knocked Cristo's sword out of his hand.
Cristo turned to face Duncan "you have no idea what she is.do you Highlander.or how to help her now.you should have let me take her head and spared her the pain that is to come" Duncan's held his sword over his head "whatever is to come we'll face it together" they were the final words Cristo heard as Duncan brought his sword down for the final blow, severing Cristo's head from his body.
As the quickening exploded around Duncan, Methos rushed from the building where he had been watching, to where Dani was lying, he put his hands under her arms and dragged her towards the building, he then put himself between Dani and Duncan, shielding her from the force of the quickening. As it died down Methos moved Dani's hands away from the wound, Dani groaned as Methos moved the torn clothing to look at the wound beneath, he looked up as Duncan stumbled over to them and shook his head.
Duncan laid his sword on the ground and sat down beside Dani, "Doesn't look to good does it?" she said as Duncan lifted her so that she could rest against him. "Everything will be all right.don't try to talk" Duncan said as he stroked her hair "I had to go Duncan.you do understand? I couldn't let her die" a single tear slowly rolled down her face. Duncan's eyes misted as he fought back his emotions, Methos put his hand on Duncan's shoulder before walking away his hands in his pockets and his head bent forward, leaving them alone.
"I understand" Duncan vision started to blur. He looked down into her smiling face but he knew that the life he could see in her eyes was starting to fade. "Thank you" she said faintly.
"What for?" he asked, "For the time we've had.you will remember me Duncan won't you? .But only the good memories Duncan." Dani could see the tears in his eyes "Promise me". He stroked her face "I promise".
"Duncan?"
"Yes"
"I know we only had a short time.but it's been the best week of my life," she said. Duncan took hold of her hand and held it to his lips. "But even if someone offered me to live forever.or a short life but to have known you.I'd take the short time with you" Dani's words trailed off as she let out her last breathe she was still smiling as she slowly closed her eyes. Duncan pulled her close to him caressing her hair; a tear finally broke free and fell onto Dani's hair as he rocked her gently in his arms.
Methos had been watching from the shadows and see Duncan pull Dani close to him, realised what had happened. He didn't want to intrude but he knew that they had to leave before anyone became interested in what was happening. With his hands in his pockets Methos walked slowly over to Duncan, putting his hand on his shoulder "We need to get out of here MacLeod"
Duncan continued to hold Dani close, rocking gently back and forth; he didn't look up at Methos "I failed her, Methos.I failed" was all Duncan could say.
"You did all you could Mac.it was her choice.no one could've stopped her" Methos scanned the area "Come on MacLeod" Duncan laid Dani gently on the ground and got to his feet. He picked up her lifeless body and followed Methos to the car. Methos opened the rear door and Duncan laid her body gently onto the backseat covering her with his coat that Methos handed to him.
Joe's Bar
Duncan opened the envelope pulling out the note inside, Duncan's blood ran cold as he read, 'I told you I would take what was mine and I thank you for making it so easy, MacLeod' Duncan crumbled the note in his hand "Damn it" Duncan said as both Richie and Joe turned towards him "Cristo's gone after Dani" Duncan looked at Joe's badly bruised face "Richie, you'd better take Joe to the hospital.get him checked over" Richie helped Joe to his feet "What are you going to do, Mac?" Duncan walked over to the door "The only thing I can.I'm going after her" Duncan had just taken hold of the door handle, when he felt the presence of another Immortal, he took his sword from his coat and waited, as the door opened Duncan swung his sword just stopping short of Methos's neck. Methos clasped his hand around his neck and swallowed "Well, Hello to you too MacLeod". Methos then saw Joe leaning against Richie. "Sorry.I thought you were someone else" Duncan said returning his sword to his coat.
"Evidently.What's happened here?" Methos said walking over to Joe and Richie.
"Joe had a visit from Cristo and his buddies, I'm taking him to the hospital.can I have the keys to the TBird Mac?"
Duncan though the keys to Richie, he then took Methos by the arm "I need a ride.and your it.I'll explain it all on the way.see you two back at the dojo.Richie.and be careful"
"A starring role in a MacLeod Crusade wouldn't miss it for the world" Methos said as he opened the car door. On the way to the Dojo Duncan explain to Methos about the note from Cristo.
As he spoke Duncan's face darkened and Methos had seen that look before and he knew it wasn't good idea to argue with him. "Mac.you know he's not going to be alone"
"Yeah.Joe said that there were two guys with Cristo last night.and that's why I've got you" Duncan smiled at Methos "Come on Methos doesn't this heap go any faster?"
Methos glared at Duncan "There is such a thing as traffic MacLeod"
Methos hadn't managed to bring the car to halt before Duncan was out and taking the stairs to the loft two at a time, as he opened the door he just knew Dani wasn't there, looking around he could see that there hadn't been a struggle so Dani must have left of her own accord, his eyes then focused on the note lying on the kitchen counter.
Duncan
Cristo called he was with Maria; he said if I didn't meet him he would kill Maria. I have to go, I have no choice. He's going to be at Pier 5 at the Old Docks.
I hope your friend Joe's is all right; I don't want anyone else to suffer because of me. I hope you understand.
All my Love
Dani
With the note in his hand Duncan made for the stairs, he met Methos coming up "she's gone to the Old Docks, Pier 5" Duncan said as he handed Methos the note. Methos glanced at the note "Smart Girl" he said before following Duncan to the car.
Pier 5
Dani pulled her car into the kerb at the end of the old wooden pier; Dani got out and stood by the car for a few moments staring down the length of the pier, she put her hand into her pocket and curled her hand around the cold metal of the gun. With the gun firmly in her right hand she started to slowly walk down the pier. There were several derelict buildings on the pier their broken windows looked like the eyes of a dead man, hollow and without life, although Dani couldn't see anyone she felt that there were eyes watching her. Dani's walk was slow, as she wanted to delay her progress for as long as she could, she could see the building at the end of the pier where she knew Cristo would be waiting. Her throat was dry and it made swallowing difficult, the anger she had been felt when she thought Cristo would hurt Maria was now giving way to fear again with every step she took.
Dani stopped and her heart seemed to miss a beat as Cristo stepped out of the doorway, a broad smile on his face, Dani looked around for anyone else but she couldn't see anyone. Cristo beckoned her towards him "We are all alone.my love.no one to stand between us now" Dani continued slowly towards him, her hand tightly gripping the gun "I'm not Louisa.I've never met you.why won't you believe me?" Dani said as she clicked the safety was off. "You and I were meant to be together.look into our heart Louisa.you need me, just as I need you" Cristo replied "No, I don't.I'm Dani.Dani Angel.not Louisa.and this ends here.I'm not going with you" Dani said as she brought the gun out of her pocket and pointed it at Cristo. "You've tried that once before.it didn't work then.and it won't work now," Cristo laughed.
Methos parked the car next to Dani's no words were exchanged between the two Immortals as they had both seen Dani and Cristo at the end of the pier. Duncan flung the door open running towards them, as he got nearer, he slowed to a walk but then he saw Dani raise the gun to her head and he quickened his pace.
Dani cocked the gun "I know.I know I can't kill you.but I can" she raised the gun to her head.
Dani swallowed "If I'm dead.you will have no reason to hurt anyone.I care about" Dani's attention had been focused on Cristo and she hadn't heard Duncan's approach. Cristo stepped towards her as he became aware of Duncan "You have no idea what you are.do you.the gifts you have been given" Duncan saw Dani's hand tighten on the gun "Dani.NO" he shouted Dani turned towards his voice, "Duncan.I have no choice.I can't kill him.if I'm dead he will leave Maria alone" Duncan walked up and stood beside her, his hand reached up for the gun, Dani didn't resist as he took hold of her hand "You can't kill him.but I can.now let me have the gun.he's not going to hurt you or Maria again.I promise" he could see that her eyes were filled with tears.
Methos's approach had gone unnoticed, as he quietly walked down the pier his attention had been drawn to one of the broke window, he had seen a flash of reflected light and knew Cristo had brought company. 'Not this time Cristo' he thought as he entered the building and although Methos wanted Cristo's head, himself, he realised that Duncan had to be the one to protect Dani but he would make sure that the odds were equal, and if by some miracle Cristo took Duncan, he would be on hand to make sure that Cristo didn't see another dawn.
It seemed a long time before Dani released her hold on the gun and Duncan breathed a sigh of relief, he through the gun into the water, he then slipped his arm around Dani "Adam's waiting by the car.Now Go" Dani didn't want to leave him but she knew that she couldn't do anything more so she slowly backed away. Duncan brought his sword out and shook off his coat "Let's go Cristo.it's just you and me, now."
Cristo produced his own sword with a broad a grin on his face he said "You might be alone Highlander.but I always have my friends" Cristo had just finished speaking when a shot rang out it hitting Duncan in the chest sending him crashing to the ground. Cristo laugh "See what I mean.Highlander" Cristo said as he swung his sword as he walked towards Duncan. Then there was a yell as Wade was propelled from the upper floor window crashing to the ground, which caused Cristo to stop, he looked up and saw Methos standing in the window "Charles Denman.You can't interfere Denman.you've lost Louisa to the Highlander as well you know" Methos lent on the window frame "I'm not interfering Cristo just evening the odds.and that's not Louisa.you killed Louisa a long time ago"
Dani had been routed to the spot when she heard the shot and saw Duncan crumple to the floor. Dani ran back towards Cristo and Duncan, she slowed as Wade was propelled from the upper window but as Cristo resumed his walk towards where Duncan lay on the ground, her fear again gave way to anger as she saw Cristo raise his sword as he approached Duncan "NO" she shouted as she rushed forward managing to get between Duncan and Cristo.
Cristo grabbed hold of Dani pulling her closer to him "So.the Highlander means so much to you.that you are willing to betray me again.well, if I can't have your love then I'll have your head" Cristo spat as he pushed her away from him. Duncan could only watch as he revived just as Cristo plunged his sword into Dani.
Dani looked down at the cold steel that was now embedded in her chest, she hadn't felt any pain as it ripped through her flesh, she looked up at Cristo "So all you wanted my death?"
"No.I wanted to be with you.to share your gift.but if you won't share your gift with me.I'll take it from you" Cristo said as he withdrew his sword, without the sword hold her up Dani fell to her knees, her hands trying to cover the wound, the blood seeping between her fingers. Cristo lifted Dani's face up with the end of his sword "we could have been invincible together.goodbye my love" he said as he drew back his sword for the final blow, Dani closed her eyes.
As Cristo swung his sword it didn't find Dani's neck but Duncan's Katana. "Before we were interrupted.I think you were fighting with me," Duncan said as he got to his feet. Their swords clashed in sprays of sparks, Duncan managing to counter every move Cristo tried to make, Cristo managed to cut Duncan's arm. Duncan smiled at him "is that the best you've got?", Cristo lunged at him again Duncan defended bring his sword down slashing Cristo across his chest, as Cristo bent forward from the blow and was off balance, cutting him across the back of the legs and as he fell to his knees Duncan knocked Cristo's sword out of his hand.
Cristo turned to face Duncan "you have no idea what she is.do you Highlander.or how to help her now.you should have let me take her head and spared her the pain that is to come" Duncan's held his sword over his head "whatever is to come we'll face it together" they were the final words Cristo heard as Duncan brought his sword down for the final blow, severing Cristo's head from his body.
As the quickening exploded around Duncan, Methos rushed from the building where he had been watching, to where Dani was lying, he put his hands under her arms and dragged her towards the building, he then put himself between Dani and Duncan, shielding her from the force of the quickening. As it died down Methos moved Dani's hands away from the wound, Dani groaned as Methos moved the torn clothing to look at the wound beneath, he looked up as Duncan stumbled over to them and shook his head.
Duncan laid his sword on the ground and sat down beside Dani, "Doesn't look to good does it?" she said as Duncan lifted her so that she could rest against him. "Everything will be all right.don't try to talk" Duncan said as he stroked her hair "I had to go Duncan.you do understand? I couldn't let her die" a single tear slowly rolled down her face. Duncan's eyes misted as he fought back his emotions, Methos put his hand on Duncan's shoulder before walking away his hands in his pockets and his head bent forward, leaving them alone.
"I understand" Duncan vision started to blur. He looked down into her smiling face but he knew that the life he could see in her eyes was starting to fade. "Thank you" she said faintly.
"What for?" he asked, "For the time we've had.you will remember me Duncan won't you? .But only the good memories Duncan." Dani could see the tears in his eyes "Promise me". He stroked her face "I promise".
"Duncan?"
"Yes"
"I know we only had a short time.but it's been the best week of my life," she said. Duncan took hold of her hand and held it to his lips. "But even if someone offered me to live forever.or a short life but to have known you.I'd take the short time with you" Dani's words trailed off as she let out her last breathe she was still smiling as she slowly closed her eyes. Duncan pulled her close to him caressing her hair; a tear finally broke free and fell onto Dani's hair as he rocked her gently in his arms.
Methos had been watching from the shadows and see Duncan pull Dani close to him, realised what had happened. He didn't want to intrude but he knew that they had to leave before anyone became interested in what was happening. With his hands in his pockets Methos walked slowly over to Duncan, putting his hand on his shoulder "We need to get out of here MacLeod"
Duncan continued to hold Dani close, rocking gently back and forth; he didn't look up at Methos "I failed her, Methos.I failed" was all Duncan could say.
"You did all you could Mac.it was her choice.no one could've stopped her" Methos scanned the area "Come on MacLeod" Duncan laid Dani gently on the ground and got to his feet. He picked up her lifeless body and followed Methos to the car. Methos opened the rear door and Duncan laid her body gently onto the backseat covering her with his coat that Methos handed to him.