I've just finished Narcissus in Chains so I went back and changed a few
small things in the last chapters. I've decided this is set post that book.
Obviously this is set during and after the time with the horsemen though
I've never seen those episodes so this is definitely AU. I also hate that
Richie was killed off so that is sooo not happening here!
Chapter 3
Kaylin awoke with a splitting headache. Her dreams had kept her up half the night and it seemed that immortal healing wasn't up to dealing with nightmare caused headaches. She wearily got up and grabbed some Tylenol. Unlike many Immortals she still used painkillers, no point waiting for her quickening to have to do everything. The headache would probably be gone before they kicked in fully but she didn't have anything stronger. She ordered some coffee from roomservice and took a quick shower to wake up. By the time the coffee arrived she was dressed and more aware. She had till about midnight tonight until Edward would come looking for her. There was no point changing hotels, he was way too smart for that. Maybe she should just tell him what he wanted to know and let him get himself killed. But that would be braking the rules, specifically the one about not involving mortals. Of course that particular rule got broken a lot. No matter how much she didn't like him she couldn't let Edward die like that.
Sighing she got up and grabbed her helmet. Where would I go if I were Craig? Simple. Holy Ground. The safest place to hide between fights. And as every Immortal left would either be looking for him or running, that was the most likely place for him to be. Run or hunt, that's what you did when a headhunter hit town, you either ran or hunted down the hunter and prayed you were the better fighter. Kaylin was hunting him, but not to kill him but so Adam or whomever he sent could. She got on her bike and headed towards the nearest church.
Sundown
Kaylin had spent the entire day going from church to graveyard to church with no sign of her quarry. By shielding herself she made her search harder as it meant she couldn't sense him. She slowed the bike outside a fairly new building. The Church of Eternal Life was a vampire church. Kay lowered her shields and felt nothing, the church wasn't Holy Ground. But Craig, unlike most Immortals, couldn't sense that, he'd probably assume a church meant safety. It also made sense as a hiding spot as no Immortal would risk a challenge with so many vampires nearby. She parked and watched the human congregation file in. It wasn't full dark yet so no vampires. She got off the bike and headed up the stairs. There was a young man greeting people at the door. He smiled as she approached.
"Welcome to tonight's service. Is this your first time with us?" Very well mannered. Might as well play along.
"Yes, I'm actually looking for a friend. He's about 5'10", has collar length ash blonde hair and blue eyes. Do you know if he's here yet?" Kaylin smiled shyly at him.
"Anthony? Yeah he's here. He's over there, last seat on the right. He's a bit of a regular but this is the first time he's ever brought a friend. He's a nice guy, he'll help you."
"He is, isn't he? I better go before he thinks I've deserted him. Thanks for the help." Kaylin moved over to the right of the church and dropped her shields for a second. His buzz hit her immediately. She watched as 'Anthony' stiffened and looked around before relaxing again. He probably assumed it was a passer by on the street. Kay slipped into an empty seat and managed to endure the parishioner's attempts at conversation. She gritted her teeth as a young vampire sat next to her. She couldn't exactly ask him to move because he was giving her a headache. He flashed her a smile, revealing fangs. Kaylin smiled back and looked like she was enjoying herself. 'Note to self, thank Adam for the term of acting classes.' She watched Craig the entire time, chatting to those around him and being a really likeable guy. How could he kill his own people and be so friendly to mortals and vampires? Easy answer, the Prize. Craig was a firm believer in the Game and the Prize. Kaylin shared Methos' scepticism, although if the Prize were mortality she wouldn't complain if she won.
Her main complaint with immortality was the inability to have children. She could adopt and many did, but it wasn't the same. And unless she told her spouse and children her secret she'd have to 'die' within about ten years. She didn't think that was fair. She could marry an Immortal but those marriages rarely lasted more than 70 or so years. Guess marital bliss is hard to attain with the very real possibility that your spouse may one-day try to take your head. Kay loved Methos but she couldn't see herself settling down and marrying him. She had the feeling that she could ask her mother for advice. Soon after she'd moved to Seacouver and had started to observe the others around pre's some of her mothers behaviour made sense. She knew her parents hadn't gone to her funeral, was it because they knew that she was alive? Were they looking for her? The only way to be sure was too ask but if she were wrong she'd give them the shock of their lives.
Lost in thought, she almost didn't notice the service end. The vampire next to her offered to walk her to the coffee room but she declined, politely. Craig was leaving and she needed to follow. She slipped outside and saw him getting into a car. Kay got on her bike and followed. Half an hour later he pulled into the drive of a small house and went inside. Kaylin headed back to her hotel, she didn't have long till Edward would come looking for her.
She went straight to the phone and called Adam. She left a message confirming Craig's identity and that she knew where to find him. Then she called Joe. He picked up on the second ring. Slow night.
"Hey Joe. It's definitely Craig. I found him hiding in the local vamp church and followed him home."
"Did he see you?"
"Nope."
"Good. Give me the address and I'll put someone on him."
"Joe, what happened to his last Watcher?"
"He killed her, why?"
"Because he'll do it again. I'll watch him." "No way! What would happen if he sensed you?"
"He won't, I can shield my buzz completely and you know it. This way no mortals are out at risk. I can doe this Joe."
"Alright, I don't like it but you're right. Heard from the old man?"
"No, I was kind of hoping you had."
"Sorry kid. I'll let you know as soon as I hear something though he'll probably contact you first."
"Thanks but don't call here. Sam's got to vanish due to a certain hitman. I've got my mobile so use that." The phone had been a gift from Adam, like her sword and half her wardrobe.
"Will do. You watch yourself. I don't want to hear about any heroics. Understand?"
"Yes Dad" She drawled sarcastically.
"Watch your head Sam."
"I will. Later." She replaced the phone and grabbed her bag. She checked out and returned the bike. Hailing a cab she went to a car rental on the other side of town and rented a small car using another id. Adam insisted she have more than one on her in case of emergencies. He'd had a total of ten made for her. There was nothing to link the id's, except the picture on the accompanying driver's licences. Anne West signed for the car and left. The friendly Australian chatted with the guys in the yard before driving off. Luckily her college roommate was Australian and she'd picked up the accent quickly. Instead of checking into another hotel she drove back to Craig's and parked a few houses down from his. It wasn't the first time she'd ever slept in a car.
Circus of the Damned
Anita and Micah were sitting together on a couch in the underground rooms of the circus. Jean-Claude was sitting opposite them. Anita had filled Micah in during the day and he had agreed that something was up. So now the three of them were waiting to see if anyone had been able to find out anything. Anita smiled as Asher and Jason walked in. Jason gave her his normal grin and Asher gave her a small smile before leaning against the fireplace.
"We found her hotel but she had checked out ten minutes previously. The bike was also returned but there is no record of an airline ticket in her name. It is possible she left on a private jet or used an alias. However we have more information on her and a possible id on the 'good doctor'." Asher paused and looked at Jean-Claude who nodded. "Samantha Scott was born in San Jose, California 23 but moved to Washington after her parents died in a car accident approximately five years ago. She is studying Ancient cultures and languages at the local College. She is a straight A's student. Her main professor is Doctor Adam Pierson and she is his research assistant. She is the local fencing champion for her age and has a license to carry a gun concealed. She also trains and works at DeSalvo's gym and is good friends with the owner, Duncan Macleod, and is often seen with her coworker, Richard Ryan. Mr. Ryan has a juvenile record mainly for petty theft while Dr. Pierson and Mr. Macleod have been questioned about several murders although neither has ever been charged. Miss Scott has no record and the police have never questioned her.
"So how are they connected to Edward?" Micah had never met him but had heard about him from the others.
"Two years ago someone tried to Kill Dr. Pierson. Miss Scott stopped the killer who later left without being arrested. Dr. Pierson told the police the man had made a mistake and that everything was fine. The description matches Edwards."
"That explains their reactions to each other. But someone stopping Edward is a little hard to believe." Anita said. Jason spoke up.
"Apparently she tackled him from behind sending them both over the balcony and into the pool beneath. Caused a bit of a sensation as it was at a party."
"No wonder he doesn't like her."
"So we're at a dead end. Looks like I'm calling Edward."
Two days later
Kaylin dialed Adam's number from the payphone. Just as she was about to hang up someone answered.
"Hello?"
"Richie? What are you doing there? Is Adam alright? What about mac?"
"Slow down Kay, it's over. They won but whether they're ok or not is another question. I guess you could say I'm the babysitter till Joe gets here."
"Babysitter? What is going on?"
"It was an incredibly tough fight. Theyr'e both completely drained. Mac wasn't to happy about the whole horseman thing , then Cassandra shows up and then to make matters worse they took a double quickening. Mac m,anaged to talk Cassandra out of killing what's his name so now she's gone and the two of them are out cold." There was a slight pause while Richie thought. "Did you know?" He asked softly.
"Did I know that Adam was Methos? Yeah he had to tell me because I could tell how old he was and stuff. I know all about him and Cassandra."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Great! Richie sounded like she'd just kicked his puppy.
"It wasn't my secret to tell Rich. Besides would you have believed me?"
"Ok, I guess you're right. Anyway as soon as Joe gets here I'm on the next plane to St. louis or else according to Methos."
"Call him Adam or you might slip up later. Why's he sending you?"
"Because he wants me there as backup when you fight Craig."
"But you can't interfere."
"Yeah but I can help you with the quickening. Trust me on this, a headhunter as youre first is a real pain to assimilate. I should be there around 11 tonight so where are you staying?"
"Nowhere, unless you count sleeping in a rental car."
"What no bike? Kay how could you?"
"I had to return it to keep a friend of Adam's off my tail. Meet me here." She gave him Anita's address. "But leave your sword with your bike."
"Why?"
"So you don't get shot or perhaps eaten on sight."
"WHAT!"
"I'm going to Anita's. It's probably going to get pretty tense so your showing up armed."
"I get the picture. Adam's going to flip. Are you sure about this? It's not just your life on the line if she decides to start hunting us."
"I know but we may need the extra help and anyone else will end up dead a lot easier than her and her friends. Besides she'll only know about a small handful of us, so unless she's willing to go around shooting people to see you gets back up she won't have a lot to go on."
"Ok, but you get to explain to the old men."
"Yeah, well they'll just have to deal with it. I want to see what Craig's up to so I'll see you later."
Kaylin got back in her car and drove to Craig's. She swore very fluently in several languages, some that are no longer spoken curtesy of Adam, when she saw that his car was gone. Great! She'd lost him for the night and he hadn't hunted since she'd been following him. Knowing her luck that's what he was doiing and she had no way to warn any Immortals still in the city. She checked her watch. Time to head for Anita's if she wanted to finish explaining before Richie arrived. Since it was 8:30 any vampires who were going to show would already be there. Kay wanted to meet Jaen-Caude to see what kind of vamp finally snared the Executioner and hey, she could always hint about Adam as a bit of payback.
Chapter 3
Kaylin awoke with a splitting headache. Her dreams had kept her up half the night and it seemed that immortal healing wasn't up to dealing with nightmare caused headaches. She wearily got up and grabbed some Tylenol. Unlike many Immortals she still used painkillers, no point waiting for her quickening to have to do everything. The headache would probably be gone before they kicked in fully but she didn't have anything stronger. She ordered some coffee from roomservice and took a quick shower to wake up. By the time the coffee arrived she was dressed and more aware. She had till about midnight tonight until Edward would come looking for her. There was no point changing hotels, he was way too smart for that. Maybe she should just tell him what he wanted to know and let him get himself killed. But that would be braking the rules, specifically the one about not involving mortals. Of course that particular rule got broken a lot. No matter how much she didn't like him she couldn't let Edward die like that.
Sighing she got up and grabbed her helmet. Where would I go if I were Craig? Simple. Holy Ground. The safest place to hide between fights. And as every Immortal left would either be looking for him or running, that was the most likely place for him to be. Run or hunt, that's what you did when a headhunter hit town, you either ran or hunted down the hunter and prayed you were the better fighter. Kaylin was hunting him, but not to kill him but so Adam or whomever he sent could. She got on her bike and headed towards the nearest church.
Sundown
Kaylin had spent the entire day going from church to graveyard to church with no sign of her quarry. By shielding herself she made her search harder as it meant she couldn't sense him. She slowed the bike outside a fairly new building. The Church of Eternal Life was a vampire church. Kay lowered her shields and felt nothing, the church wasn't Holy Ground. But Craig, unlike most Immortals, couldn't sense that, he'd probably assume a church meant safety. It also made sense as a hiding spot as no Immortal would risk a challenge with so many vampires nearby. She parked and watched the human congregation file in. It wasn't full dark yet so no vampires. She got off the bike and headed up the stairs. There was a young man greeting people at the door. He smiled as she approached.
"Welcome to tonight's service. Is this your first time with us?" Very well mannered. Might as well play along.
"Yes, I'm actually looking for a friend. He's about 5'10", has collar length ash blonde hair and blue eyes. Do you know if he's here yet?" Kaylin smiled shyly at him.
"Anthony? Yeah he's here. He's over there, last seat on the right. He's a bit of a regular but this is the first time he's ever brought a friend. He's a nice guy, he'll help you."
"He is, isn't he? I better go before he thinks I've deserted him. Thanks for the help." Kaylin moved over to the right of the church and dropped her shields for a second. His buzz hit her immediately. She watched as 'Anthony' stiffened and looked around before relaxing again. He probably assumed it was a passer by on the street. Kay slipped into an empty seat and managed to endure the parishioner's attempts at conversation. She gritted her teeth as a young vampire sat next to her. She couldn't exactly ask him to move because he was giving her a headache. He flashed her a smile, revealing fangs. Kaylin smiled back and looked like she was enjoying herself. 'Note to self, thank Adam for the term of acting classes.' She watched Craig the entire time, chatting to those around him and being a really likeable guy. How could he kill his own people and be so friendly to mortals and vampires? Easy answer, the Prize. Craig was a firm believer in the Game and the Prize. Kaylin shared Methos' scepticism, although if the Prize were mortality she wouldn't complain if she won.
Her main complaint with immortality was the inability to have children. She could adopt and many did, but it wasn't the same. And unless she told her spouse and children her secret she'd have to 'die' within about ten years. She didn't think that was fair. She could marry an Immortal but those marriages rarely lasted more than 70 or so years. Guess marital bliss is hard to attain with the very real possibility that your spouse may one-day try to take your head. Kay loved Methos but she couldn't see herself settling down and marrying him. She had the feeling that she could ask her mother for advice. Soon after she'd moved to Seacouver and had started to observe the others around pre's some of her mothers behaviour made sense. She knew her parents hadn't gone to her funeral, was it because they knew that she was alive? Were they looking for her? The only way to be sure was too ask but if she were wrong she'd give them the shock of their lives.
Lost in thought, she almost didn't notice the service end. The vampire next to her offered to walk her to the coffee room but she declined, politely. Craig was leaving and she needed to follow. She slipped outside and saw him getting into a car. Kay got on her bike and followed. Half an hour later he pulled into the drive of a small house and went inside. Kaylin headed back to her hotel, she didn't have long till Edward would come looking for her.
She went straight to the phone and called Adam. She left a message confirming Craig's identity and that she knew where to find him. Then she called Joe. He picked up on the second ring. Slow night.
"Hey Joe. It's definitely Craig. I found him hiding in the local vamp church and followed him home."
"Did he see you?"
"Nope."
"Good. Give me the address and I'll put someone on him."
"Joe, what happened to his last Watcher?"
"He killed her, why?"
"Because he'll do it again. I'll watch him." "No way! What would happen if he sensed you?"
"He won't, I can shield my buzz completely and you know it. This way no mortals are out at risk. I can doe this Joe."
"Alright, I don't like it but you're right. Heard from the old man?"
"No, I was kind of hoping you had."
"Sorry kid. I'll let you know as soon as I hear something though he'll probably contact you first."
"Thanks but don't call here. Sam's got to vanish due to a certain hitman. I've got my mobile so use that." The phone had been a gift from Adam, like her sword and half her wardrobe.
"Will do. You watch yourself. I don't want to hear about any heroics. Understand?"
"Yes Dad" She drawled sarcastically.
"Watch your head Sam."
"I will. Later." She replaced the phone and grabbed her bag. She checked out and returned the bike. Hailing a cab she went to a car rental on the other side of town and rented a small car using another id. Adam insisted she have more than one on her in case of emergencies. He'd had a total of ten made for her. There was nothing to link the id's, except the picture on the accompanying driver's licences. Anne West signed for the car and left. The friendly Australian chatted with the guys in the yard before driving off. Luckily her college roommate was Australian and she'd picked up the accent quickly. Instead of checking into another hotel she drove back to Craig's and parked a few houses down from his. It wasn't the first time she'd ever slept in a car.
Circus of the Damned
Anita and Micah were sitting together on a couch in the underground rooms of the circus. Jean-Claude was sitting opposite them. Anita had filled Micah in during the day and he had agreed that something was up. So now the three of them were waiting to see if anyone had been able to find out anything. Anita smiled as Asher and Jason walked in. Jason gave her his normal grin and Asher gave her a small smile before leaning against the fireplace.
"We found her hotel but she had checked out ten minutes previously. The bike was also returned but there is no record of an airline ticket in her name. It is possible she left on a private jet or used an alias. However we have more information on her and a possible id on the 'good doctor'." Asher paused and looked at Jean-Claude who nodded. "Samantha Scott was born in San Jose, California 23 but moved to Washington after her parents died in a car accident approximately five years ago. She is studying Ancient cultures and languages at the local College. She is a straight A's student. Her main professor is Doctor Adam Pierson and she is his research assistant. She is the local fencing champion for her age and has a license to carry a gun concealed. She also trains and works at DeSalvo's gym and is good friends with the owner, Duncan Macleod, and is often seen with her coworker, Richard Ryan. Mr. Ryan has a juvenile record mainly for petty theft while Dr. Pierson and Mr. Macleod have been questioned about several murders although neither has ever been charged. Miss Scott has no record and the police have never questioned her.
"So how are they connected to Edward?" Micah had never met him but had heard about him from the others.
"Two years ago someone tried to Kill Dr. Pierson. Miss Scott stopped the killer who later left without being arrested. Dr. Pierson told the police the man had made a mistake and that everything was fine. The description matches Edwards."
"That explains their reactions to each other. But someone stopping Edward is a little hard to believe." Anita said. Jason spoke up.
"Apparently she tackled him from behind sending them both over the balcony and into the pool beneath. Caused a bit of a sensation as it was at a party."
"No wonder he doesn't like her."
"So we're at a dead end. Looks like I'm calling Edward."
Two days later
Kaylin dialed Adam's number from the payphone. Just as she was about to hang up someone answered.
"Hello?"
"Richie? What are you doing there? Is Adam alright? What about mac?"
"Slow down Kay, it's over. They won but whether they're ok or not is another question. I guess you could say I'm the babysitter till Joe gets here."
"Babysitter? What is going on?"
"It was an incredibly tough fight. Theyr'e both completely drained. Mac wasn't to happy about the whole horseman thing , then Cassandra shows up and then to make matters worse they took a double quickening. Mac m,anaged to talk Cassandra out of killing what's his name so now she's gone and the two of them are out cold." There was a slight pause while Richie thought. "Did you know?" He asked softly.
"Did I know that Adam was Methos? Yeah he had to tell me because I could tell how old he was and stuff. I know all about him and Cassandra."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Great! Richie sounded like she'd just kicked his puppy.
"It wasn't my secret to tell Rich. Besides would you have believed me?"
"Ok, I guess you're right. Anyway as soon as Joe gets here I'm on the next plane to St. louis or else according to Methos."
"Call him Adam or you might slip up later. Why's he sending you?"
"Because he wants me there as backup when you fight Craig."
"But you can't interfere."
"Yeah but I can help you with the quickening. Trust me on this, a headhunter as youre first is a real pain to assimilate. I should be there around 11 tonight so where are you staying?"
"Nowhere, unless you count sleeping in a rental car."
"What no bike? Kay how could you?"
"I had to return it to keep a friend of Adam's off my tail. Meet me here." She gave him Anita's address. "But leave your sword with your bike."
"Why?"
"So you don't get shot or perhaps eaten on sight."
"WHAT!"
"I'm going to Anita's. It's probably going to get pretty tense so your showing up armed."
"I get the picture. Adam's going to flip. Are you sure about this? It's not just your life on the line if she decides to start hunting us."
"I know but we may need the extra help and anyone else will end up dead a lot easier than her and her friends. Besides she'll only know about a small handful of us, so unless she's willing to go around shooting people to see you gets back up she won't have a lot to go on."
"Ok, but you get to explain to the old men."
"Yeah, well they'll just have to deal with it. I want to see what Craig's up to so I'll see you later."
Kaylin got back in her car and drove to Craig's. She swore very fluently in several languages, some that are no longer spoken curtesy of Adam, when she saw that his car was gone. Great! She'd lost him for the night and he hadn't hunted since she'd been following him. Knowing her luck that's what he was doiing and she had no way to warn any Immortals still in the city. She checked her watch. Time to head for Anita's if she wanted to finish explaining before Richie arrived. Since it was 8:30 any vampires who were going to show would already be there. Kay wanted to meet Jaen-Caude to see what kind of vamp finally snared the Executioner and hey, she could always hint about Adam as a bit of payback.