Chapter 22

A/N: Sorry about the LONG delay. :/ I've not been writing much, and I'm stuck horribly on a Remus/Sirius HP one-shot that's drifting towards 10k words... I wanted to get this to ~4.5k before posting too. A few notes before we begin... a) Thanks to everyone who is still interested in this story! This chapter's for you! b) I need to go back and sort out a few, erm, plot holes and grammar/spelling errors. If anyone feels like helping, please offer! c) I want to re-write the whole tracking-Methos-down-via-computer bit - it just doesn't sit comfortably with me... So that's on the agenda at Some Point. d) I'm also toying with a HP/HL x-over if anyone's interested in that... Anyway, on with the show...

The gong rang out and immediately the Shenlong pilot dropped into a ready stance, his dao slipping from its scabbard and coming up in front of him in a guard position, his opponent's weapon, a claymore, raising warningly.

Duncan's eyes flicked between the mortal and the calm woman watching on the sidelines. He'd been out of the Game too long again if he couldn't see that the so-called Lady wanted to see how well he'd trained the Preventer. The fact that Wufei's skills had almost exclusively been taught by teachers on L5 and his mentor, Master O, as well as learnt by hours of long practice on his own, had been dismissed, or unheard of. Or maybe it was because he himself thought Chang was a worthy opponent and therefore this match would be a way of discovering his own current level of skill. His thoughts were stopped by the sudden whirlwind that erupted in the ring as Seften launched an attack and the smaller man darted out the way to counter.

It was obvious within seconds that Seften was far more used to fighting people who were worried about a sword connecting with their neck. The man's defense of the rest of his body was surprisingly poor for an Immortal he knew to be at least five hundred, and Dragon scored five hits on the lower body before the other man began adjusting his style. Within a few blows, Wufei had lost several of his own points and the two men were warily circling each other, Seften's confidence having faded to a hard focus on his opponent.

He couldn't help but admire both men's skill - it took strict control to be able to score hits with a bladed weapon without cutting the skin, even if they were both using the flat of the blade. Even with the Immortal healing ability Seften would likely be bruised the next day.

"He's good,"Sete observed, his eyes fixed on the pair, "If you've been holding back when sparring with him it can't have been by much."

He held back a shrug as he kept his own eyes trained on the Immortal in the ring, studying the stocky man's technique. There was little doubt that Seften would hunt him down now that it was known that he was in the city, and knowledge of any weaknesses he could exploit would be useful. He noticed that the claymore didn't seem to be guarding the right side around the same time Chang's eyes narrowed and the dao darted around to score a quick hit on his enemy's upper right thigh.

"I heard that the pilot of Shenlong once fought with Trieze Khusrenada,"Giovanna added, "I believe he lost."

The politician replied with something about the OZ commander's skills and he nodded absently as the two figures in the ring separated after a flurry of blows. "He's improved."

The scoreboard to the side was indicating that the Immortal was one point up when a flash of pain flew across Wufei's face. Before his mind fully registered the bleeding gash that had appeared in his companion's upper arm, the gong rang out again, stopping the pair mid-strike.

"Stop."Kyuushuu was abruptly standing, her eyes blazing as the single word sung out with the dying thrum. "Seften, if you cannot obey the rules of Duality, then leave."Turning her eyes onto the mortal, she nodded coolly, "By virtue of Seften's defiance of the rules, I declare Chang Wufei the winner of this duel."

What hold did this woman have that she could treat Immortals like naughty children? Even Methos wouldn't be able to command others like she did - he was more likely to find himself in multiple fights before he could get more than his name out.

He moved forward to help Dragon from the ring, but the Chinese pilot waved him away, easily hopping out the ring and ignoring the bleeding wound in his arm, sheathing his sword easily. "I'm fine, Duncan. I've had worse."He unwound the fabric belt from his waist and began wrapping his arm calmly.

The relief turned to anger, and he turned to stare at the pilot, hissing quietly. "What possessed you? I thought I told you not to fight anyone."

Shrugging, the young man just turned cool eyes on him as he tied the belt off. "I thought you understood honour, MacLeod."

"There's honour and then there's stupidity,"he muttered, hearing footsteps behind them.

"Did I just hear Duncan MacLeod say that honour wasn't everything?"There was deep amusement in the Italian accent as Giovanna and Andrew reached them. The dark haired woman shook her head in disbelief. "I never thought I'd see the day."

Before he could respond, the sound of small slippered feet caused them turn to meet the gaze of the Lady of the club as she approached, her two shadows following her respectfully. "Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod,"she repeated, nodding formally towards him, her clear voice accentless in a way that told him that he was either old enough to have lost her birth accent, or simply good enough to pretend she had. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard so much about you, Highlander. Welcome to Club Duality."

Before he could reply with a formal bow she was turning to Wufei, the slender brunette smiling apologetically under her veil, "Welcome, Dragon. I am so sorry about Seften. This place is not for true Combat, he will be reminded."The capital was obvious to the Scot's ears. "As an apology, would you care to take tea with me?"Spreading her arms to include the other two Immortals, she bowed ever so slightly as her hand indicated the fabric draped entrance.

He paused, recalling the faraday cage, and he caught the brown eyes that seemed to read his mind with a disapproving glint. "Highlander, I have no designs on you or your companion. And as long as I do not, you are safe in Duality."Again the unspoken words were clear and he frowned even as Wufei executed a perfect bow to the Immortal, albeit in the Chinese rather than Japanese style, and offered his arm gallantly. Checking his sword was in easy reach, he met the now amused gaze once again and offered his left arm to Giovanna.

The two pairs, plus Andrew, headed towards the doorway flanked by the two silent men; out of the corner of his eye he could see Seften's head turned towards them, glaring even as he was escorted towards the exit by a suited bouncer with a sword at his hip. He wasn't going to escape that fight easily.

As they passed through the gauzy hangings, Kyuushuu ignored the door at the end of the narrow corridor. and took a sharp left to head up a flight of stairs, unlocking a plain door at the top before leading the way into an opulent sitting room decorated in a mix of antiques and modern style. "Please, take a seat."

Placing the gong to one side, he watched as one of the silent guard dogs headed off to the side to start pouring water and readying cups and it took a pointed nudge in his side before he remembered his manners and escorted the woman on his arm to one of the cushions by the low table.

Sinking down into the familiar seiza position between Giovanna and Andrew, he slipped his trench coat off, placing it by his side with the hilt of his katana positioned for easy access if he needed it. The other Immortal guests present were also ensuring they could reach their weapons, and even their hostess's swordbearer had positioned himself behind his lady so she could access her blade. Pacifistic area or not, it seemed none of them were willing to give up their instinctual behaviours, while he wasn't familiar enough with the club to be remotely comfortable without his sword, it was revealing that the other two who seemed to be familiar with Kyuushuu and Duality were equally paranoid about their weapons.

A moment later and the familiar utensils of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony were being placed in front of their host who began cleaning them in the ritual motions he remembered from so long ago.

"I apologise for the fact that the full chanoyu will not be possible,"the woman murmured and he realised that she'd noticed his slight frown, interpreting it as disappointment that the full ceremony was obviously not taking place. "I have heard that you spent,"she paused as his eyes flew to Wufei, "much time researching Japanese culture?"

Dragon's eyes narrowed and with a flash of panic he thought the mortal had picked up on the slip. Then the moment was gone and his companion was studying the precise movements of their hostess as she prepared the tea.

"I have spent a short while getting to know your culture,"he admitted. It wasn't a lie, a few years was a short time in the grand scheme of his life span, "I take it you were born on L1?"

Amusement glittered in her eyes as she passed the bowl of thick tea to Sete who was sitting at her right, bowing formally to him. "I was brought up there."

The other Immortal bowed in return, taking a sip from the bowl, before turning to offer it to him with another bow. "So, MacLeod, what do you think of the view that maybe the colonies are gaining too much power in ESUN?"

"I think that given the effort the colonies put in to keep Earth free from OZ, there shouldn't be any need for that question!"

Forcing himself to accept the bowl with a solemn bow, turning it to take his own sip of the thick liquid, he shot a glance at Dragon. The younger man's face was suddenly hard, an angry tension in his jaw, and he was glaring at the male Immortal with dislike.

"I fought for the Earth as well as the Colonies, or has ESUN conveniently forgotten that fact?"

"I didn't say it was a popular point of view in politics,"Sete's voice was smooth and calm, almost soothing, "I was just wondering what MacLeod thought of it, given that he was..."

"I'm fond of Earth, yes,"Duncan cut in with another quick glance towards Wufei. Honestly, how Duality managed to keep any secrets when people like Sete paid little attention to what he might have told the mortal of his past. "but I don't see why the colonies shouldn't have a say in the whole Earth Sphere. If I recall my history correctly, the countries in the European Nations often had influence over countries they had no direct connections or loyalty to."

""Ah, but that was centuries ago, and they were sharing the same resources of Earth. The colonies can manufacture everything themselves, they don't need Earth."

"My ancestors were from China, the Long Clan can,"the smaller man paused for a moment, his lips thinning, "could trace its line to the old Emperors. Can you trace your line to pre-Colony?"

Passing the bowl with a bow to Giovanna, who was watching the exchange with interest, he levelled a stern glare at his companion. He'd known that Dragon was calm, reasonable and thoughtful. He hadn't realised the mortal had a temper that could rival Duo's. Just what he needed. A mortal in a room with four, six if you counted the bodyguards, Immortals, throwing a temper tantrum.

"Andrew."The calm voice cut into any response the politician was about to make. "I believe this is not the time to discuss your opinions. Maybe after the ceremony is over?"

Again, the Scot was surprised at how petulant the Immortal looked at the gentle, well, scolding. What the hell was Kyuushuu's hold over the Immortals in the club? Even Giovanna was studying the bowl she was still holding with an appreciative look, obviously avoiding the other woman's gaze.

"I apologise, my Lady."

Wufei also bowed his head, an equally formal apology following from him on the heels of Sete's words, but he could tell from the glitter in the dark eyes that the mortal hadn't forgotten, or forgiven the words, as the Chinese boy accepted the bowl from the Italian with a bow.

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It was only when one bodyguard was tidying up the formal tea service, and another was bringing out small delicacies and a lighter, thinner tea, that the Preventer part of his brain clicked into gear and he cursed silently. Carefully noting that Dragon was engrossed in a conversation with their hostess, something about one of the oriental antiques dotted around the room, he turned to Andrew with a smile that he didn't feel. "So, you're one of the supporters of the separatist movement?"

The pleased look on the other man's face gave him the answer before he spoke, and he groaned inwardly. Damn you Methos...

"Well, I wouldn't say it's precisely a movement as such. But, I do hold the opinion that your... companion,"the word was grudging, suggesting that only Chang's ability in combat still afforded him that status in the Immortal's eyes. "Finds so distasteful. Oh, I understand that he's from the colonies, and the whole war thing, but honestly MacLeod, they don't need us."

He forced himself to remain neutral, but give the impression that he was open to debate on the issue, his earlier . "But we need them - for one Gundanium can only be produced in space as well you know. However, I agree that the Colonies are currently run separately from Earth."

"We've coped before, and the existing trade agreements can be maintained. They don't need to have any say over Earth to be paid by us."

And now was the time for delicate, oh so delicate interrogation. Something that he'd never been particularly talented in. The Clan where he was brought up was far more interested in physical prowess than political. His instincts however were screaming that this was the break-through that they'd been looking for, and given that he was the only Preventer that had even a vague chance of getting any information from an Immortal, he was stuck with the job.

"So, are there many like you that feel like this?"Oh, yes Mac, that was so subtle. He just hoped that Sete took the question as a Immortal and not as a politician. Not that the man seemed to separate the two.

The look that the other man gave him bordered on suspicion and the politician reached to touch the handle of his sword with a raised eyebrow before he relaxed at the Scot's subtle nod. "There's a few. Maybe I could introduce you to one or two next time they're in Brussels."He paused, "As a friend, of course."

The emphasis wasn't missed. This was strictly Immortal business. Which was interesting in itself. He pasted a smile on his face with long practice and nodded at the other man. "I'd be interested."He was about to say more, but a subtle kick on the shin from a feminine foot made him look towards Giovanna who subtly indicated that Dragon's conversation was coming to an end as the thinner aromatic tea was being poured and the small cakes passed around.

He sat back, content to listen to Giovanna's conversation with Chang about sword fighting styles - obviously the fight with Seften had elevated the mortal to someone at least worth conversing with - and Andrew making small talk with Kyuushuu about recent fights in the club. Although it was obvious when you knew about Immortals that it was more a discussion about who'd taken who's head recently.

"..and I heard that Iva Dolahov has left the country?"

He was half expecting a reaction when he heard the name, but the slow turn of his companion's head towards Sete and their hostess was full of far more deadly calm than he'd hoped for, the explosion would have been preferable. Iva had been one of the decapitated bodies identified recently - a new Immortal who's first death due to an accident had only been five or so years ago and that the Watchers, according to Des at least, felt that the death wasn't worth covering up as she hadn't yet changed her identity and would still be known as her mortal self. For a moment he was grateful for the few times he talked to his Watcher, and the man's willingness to at least share some information, even if he never quite broke the non-involvement rule. Then Dragon's calm, too calm, voice broke into his thoughts.

"Surely you're aware that Ms. Dolahov was murdered two weeks ago?"

There was a flicker of suspicion in Andrew's eyes, gone before the Scot was sure he'd registered it, as the politician's mask twisted into an expression of surprise with just the right amount of sadness. "She was? I'm sorry to hear that."

Given the disgusted look in his companion's eyes, Duncan had to admit that perhaps wasn't the best thing that the Immortal could have said. It was also swiftly becoming clear why the Chinese teenage had not been the primary tactician amongst the Gundam pilots - and that the name Dragon suited him as much in temperament as in lineage.

"Yes. She was a victim of the decapitation murderer. If you're not aware, Minister Sete, there is currently a murderer on the loose within this area who kills using a sword,"the dark eyes flashed pointedly towards the weapon at the other man's side, "and if you kept up to date with the news on Earth, then perhaps you'd be aware of the fact that Ms. Iva Dolahov was found in an alleyway on the west bank of the Charleroi canal two weeks ago with her head removed from her body."

"Oh, I see. That's terrible news. I assure you I wasn't aware that she was one of the poor victims - I was under the impression that she had returned to Russia to be with her family. If I'd only known..."

And that was quite enough of Sete's empty platitudes. Resisting the urge to make a sarcastic comment about Preventers and being up to date with the news, he turned to Kyuushuu to make their apologies on a pretext of having work to do before the next day only to find the woman looking at Chang with a familiar expression, at least amongst the older Immortals, of finding an interesting and rare insect specimen that they wished to observe.

"I assure you Chang Wufei, that we were unaware of poor Iva's death,"the majestic plural was clear, "and I can assure you that Duality promotes consensual and safe dueling as practiced by yourself and Mr. MacLeod. Our patrons are well aware of our views on the use of weapons and I can guarantee that none of them would be involved in the disgusting act of murder."

It wasn't hard for him to read between the lines of the woman's little speech, but at least Dragon seemed to be accepting her words the tension fading a little even as his mouth pulled into a narrow line and he studied the pale face hidden behind the layers of oriental make-up. "You know everything that your patrons do outside Duality?"

The delicate long fingers fluttered towards the others at the table. "Ms. Novi is a well known researcher in the fields of philosophy and economics, Minister Sete is, as you know a member of ESUN, your friend Mr. MacLeod is hardly an unknown member of Preventer. Even Seften is relatively known in the circles he moves in."She paused for a moment, a moue of distaste appearing. Lifted her cup to take a small sip of her tea, she continued before Wufei could ask precisely what circles those were. "Duality is a very exclusive club, Agent Dragon, rest assured that no one who would commit such an act is welcome here."

Another sarcastic comment was swiftly suppressed, Damn you Methos, and he started to tidy up his tea things in preparation to move, hoping that they could get out of this without any blood, mortal or Immortal, being shed. Of course Chang had other ideas. Of course he did, nothing he'd done that involved the bloody Gundam pilots was simple.

"So, Iva Dolahov, a twenty six year old woman with a small receptionist job in a small shoe business was part of your exclusive club because?"

He caught a glimpse of amusement on the pale face before the Lady replied sombrely, "And maybe you do not know everything about her. However, I'm curious, Chang Wufei, what interest do you have in Iva? Or is it, perhaps, the murderer that you're more interested in?"

And finally, finally, his companion seemed to notice the situation he was in. Surrounded by people with weapons similar to that of the apparent murderer, all of whom were being evasive, and all of whom were currently looking at him with varying amounts of suspicion, interest and annoyance. "I apologise, my Lady,"Dragon's voice was formal, although irritation was still evident in the stiff tones, "and to you, Minister Sete, Ms. Novi, Mr. MacLeod. My words were ill-thought and I did not mean to imply that you had any connections to the situation."

The look in Giovanna's eyes shouted 'Liar'more clearly than any words.

"And that, I believe, is our cue to leave."Before you put your foot in your mouth any further. Standing up, he plucked his coat up from the floor as he rose, his knees cursing him as they unbent. It had been far too long since he'd spent any time in the traditional position. He managed an elegant bow to their hostess who had risen gracefully just after him, more out of habit linked with the setting than any conscious effort. "I apologise for our sudden departure, but we both have work tomorrow and it is getting late."

The Lady bowed slightly in return, the ornaments on the hair sticks falling forward to mingle with the pale hair. "Of course, Highlander. I hope you will return to Duality in the future."Her eyes didn't leave his. "And, you, young Dragon, your apology is accepted, however there are many things that you do not understand in this world. I would suggest that you remember that before forming assumptions."

After a polite bow and a few meaningless words to both of the other Immortals, he allowed one of the bodyguards to accompany him to the door, He well aware of the glare of his companion's eyes on his back and hoped that the boy would follow - the ex pilot was meant to be intelligent after all.

As the door closed behind them, he wished he could hear the ensuing conversation, certain that Chang's actions would have some repercussions which he was honour bound to protect him from. If he hadn't agreed to this little outing in the first place...

Brushing off the welcome from new arrivals in the main room and comments from those who had been there since their arrival, he unpinned his badge in the hallway, glad to get rid of the yellow symbol. Hearing the sound as Wufei's blue badge was dropped into the tray after his, he lead the way out of the club, resisting his urge to swing around to yell at the mortal. It wasn't his fault he didn't understand the underlying subtleties of the conversations, and it was a good thing he didn't, but he had all the subtlety of his mobile suit when it came to asking questions.

The rain was still falling, even heavier than before if that was possible, as they left the bright radius of the door lights for the car. As soon as they were out of sight of the club, it was Dragon that moved in front of him, scowling at him as the water slicked over him.

"You realise those people knew more than they were letting on, Duncan MacLeod?"And they were back to formality.

He closed his eyes, willing himself to patience as he continued to head towards where the car was parked. "Even if they did, that was not the time or the place to confront them,"he replied, letting his own irritation with the situation slip into his voice. "You're meant to have a modicum of sense, Chang!"

Any response from the mortal was lost as a Immortal buzz suddenly ripped through his mind and his instincts took over, his hand on his sword and his eyes looking into the shadows before he realised. All sense of anger towards his companion was washed away as he twisted around, trying to look everywhere at once. "Dragon, be careful, there's someone out there."

"How..."

The words disappeared in the rain as they both cautiously made their way forward, the Scot hoping that they could make it to the car and away before whichever Immortal it was found them. He had a nasty feeling he knew precisely which Immortal it was too.

When the sound of metal clashing rising above the torrential rain became audible he was relieved that Seften had found someone else to fight. That was before the silhouette of a boy became visible under a street light as he darted out of an alleyway ahead, long dark braid swinging out behind him, two swords raised against an oncoming attack.

Duo.