Gibbs and Tony had followed the couple to the park and settled down within eavesdropping distance. It didn't matter if Rafe knew they were there as long as Kate didn't. They were hoping that this would encourage a confrontation after Kate had left to go back to work. A quick phone call told Horatio where to find them.

The conversation between Rafe and Kate was alarming to say the least. Telling her about Immortals meant she would recognize the signs and might spot them at any time and if she knew it would be harder to keep it a secret from the others. Worse, telling her about the Seven would change their relationship should he name names. Then the bloody rat told her they were there.

Knowing that the conflict had arrived the three companions emerged from the trees with swords drawn.

Kate stared and gasped. Gibbs and Tony (!) were Immortals and were apparently intent upon challenging Richard.

Richard spoke first, "What a pleasant surprise! Kate I'd like to introduce you to Bruce Barkow and his two associates."

"Barkow? But…" She looked at Gibbs, who was being flanked by the others, her eyes sad and confused. The image of her boss, the one she had respected, admired, and even loved was now shattered.

But Gibbs never took his icy stare off his enemy. "Get Kate out of here," he ordered Tony before addressing Rafe, "You wanted a challenge; well here I am. I may have been a ruthless, cold blooded killer but you gave up the right to justice when you murdered Dalton."

While Jethro was speaking, Tony was trying rather unsuccessfully to lead a bewildered Kate away to a safe distance. The gruesome revelations about both her boss and her boyfriend were more than she could handle and her legs wobbled beneath her. On some level she was aware of Tony's strong arms lifting her. He carried her a couple hundred yards then gently set her down. He sat next to her keeping a reassuring arm around her.

As the opponents began to circle, Horatio backed off to the sidelines. In the event Jethro didn't come out of this, he was prepared to make certain that Cardec didn't either. Then the first blows came and he was sure of the outcome.

For a few minutes they seemed evenly matched as they took stock of the other's skills and strengths. But when Jethro began to hit him heavy, Rafe could barely get any offense in. Clearly Rafe had neither the speed nor the strategy to win this. It was then he realized the flaw that would cost him his life and his revenge: he had neglected to observe his would-be-prey in action.

Tony watched the battle of wills and felt Kate shivering against him. He had thought about taking her to where she couldn't see. Unfortunately, he had little knowledge of the psychological effects either decision could have on her. His personal belief that Kate would want to stick it out won the debate.

Though continuing shake, Kate was regaining her ability to think clearly. Compartmentalizing came with her job so she put aside everything except what was immediately in front of her. This was a fight to the death; one of these men was going to die. Which one did she want to win? Gibbs. She was amazed at how easily the answer came.

She didn't know anything about combat with a blade; however, she thought Gibbs was winning. Of course, one lucky shot and it could all turn around. She couldn't take her horrified eyes off Gibbs' sword as in one fluid motion it severed Richard's neck, the head falling to the grass with a terrible thud. She felt sick.

The expression on Jethro's face was one of pleasant relief. In the calm before the quickening, he looked into Kate's eyes. She was terrified…of him. He felt almost sad for a moment. Then the storm rushed into him and all he knew was the energy engulfing his body.

For Kate the quickening was nearly as amazing as the fight had been terrible. The lightening and the wind had her momentarily forgetting what would most likely haunt her for a long time. The air was charged, the wind whipped through her hair. The lights were bright under clouds that had appeared at the start. The lights throbbed and got brighter and brighter until she was almost blinded.

Suddenly it was over. Everything returned to normal in an instant. The clouds dissipated revealing the golden sun. The air was still except for a light breeze. Horatio was helping Gibbs off his knees.

Tony stood up next to her, reminding Kate he was there. He patiently held out his hand for her to stand up, she hesitated a moment then took it confidently. As she brushed the dirt from her clothes, she stole a glance at her boss. "Tony…" she began. I don't think I can face Gibbs right.

Tony knew what she was feeling. "Come on, I'll take you home."

That evening Jethro took Horatio to the airport and said goodbye. On his way home, he decided to call Tony and see how Kate was handling things.

"DiNozzo," Tony spoke after the second ring.

"It's Gibbs. Where are you?"

"I'm on Kate's couch. What's up?"

"I was wondering how she was doing."

He heard Tony sigh on the other end. "She's asleep right now. We had a long talk this afternoon. I think she just needs some time to think. I told her to take the rest of the week off."

"What about you?"

"I'll be there unless Kate needs something."

"See you bright and early," said Jethro as he hung up.

He was a bit worried about Kate. Well, mostly his relationship with Kate. Time off work with Tony around meant she had issues with him specifically. Sure he was used to people coming and going but the few he actually liked were indeed few and far between. He would miss her very much if she left.

NCIS Building

Monday morning came and Jethro was anxious to see how Kate was adjusting. When she stepped out of the elevator with Tony, he was surprised to see her grinning and pestering DiNozzo. "Come on, please! I'll tell you."

"Don't you know it's impolite to ask that?"

Kate shrugged. "You're not a woman."

"Thank gawd," said Tony sounding relieved.

"What is that supposed to me!" began Kate, offended. "You chauv…I know what you're doing. You're trying to distract me!"

"Darn it."

"So?"

"Fine." Tony pulled her close and whispered in her ear.

Kate's eyes lit up with surprise. "You're really," she looked around and lowered her voice, "one thousand six hundred twenty-six years old?"

He nodded.

"Wow," said Kate after a moment, "I guess you really do go after younger women."

THE END

Author's notes: (1) This chapter was supposed to be part of the one before it but I wanted to update before I went on vacation. (2) This is the first in a multi-fandom series in the Highlander universe. (3) There will be a direct sequel to this story about Kate's long term reaction as soon as I decide what pairing it should be Kate/Tony or Gibbs/Kate or no pairing. (4) To find out info about the characters check my character list at