Duncan MacLeod bowed his head, bringing the long match to the candle wick. It sparked to life, glowing brightly in the dark church.
A candle for Connor. A candle for Richie. A candle for Tessa. The candle burned for all of those MacLeod had known in his 400 years, and who had died because of him. He was so tired of the death.
He shut his eyes, saying a prayer. He ignored the buzz he felt. He was on Holy Ground.
He opened his eyes, looking at the man who was next to him. He recognized him immediately.
It was 1850. He had been challenged by a dark haired woman. Her name was Imelda. She was young, inexperienced. MacLeod tried to stop her from challenging him, but she would not listen. He beheaded her. When the Quickening ended, her husband saw what had happened. MacLeod had barely gotten out with his life.
"Duncan MacLeod," Logan Kerrigan growled. "Do you know who my candle is for?"
"Imelda," he whispered.
"You murdered her."
"She challenged me...."
"I'm going to kill you, Duncan MacLeod. If it's the last thing I do."
*****
He is immortal.
Born 5,000 years ago, the details of his birth have been lost to the ages.
He will only fall with the strike of a sword and the loss of his head.
He has been a healer....
A scholar....
A killer....
He is Methos.
The Methos Chronicles
Episode 1-- Come Together
Written by MC
*****
Just how many times had he been in a classroom? Methos had lost count.
For thousands of years, Methos had flirted with scholarly living. He had learned, taught. Now, he was teaching hundreds of kids the facts of history.
Methos liked facts. They were what society told you was the truth. It was the whitewashed version of what really occurred. The truth is ugly. The facts are just echoes of the truth. According to the facts, people had a lifespan of about 80 years. If only that were the truth.
For most people, it was the truth. For Methos, and a handful of others, it was different.
Over 5,000 years had past since Methos had felt his first death. He had never divulged to anyone how he first died. He said he couldn't remember. You never completely forget your first death. It may fall into the recesses of your mind, but it is always there.
They were never solid memories. It was just flashes, almost like when a person goes under hypnosis to "find" a past life. Yes, this event happened during your lifetime. However, you can't recall anything else about it.
Methos had too many experiences like this. His time on the Methos Chronicles, in the guise of Adam Pierson, proved this. Half the time, if he got a piece of information from several millennia ago, he could not remember if it was fact or fairy tale.
The Methos Chronicles were behind him now. Adam Pierson was behind him. The hard part was figuring out if Methos himself was behind him.
He was Dr. Benjamin Roberts, a teacher of Ancient History as Oxford University. It was an identity, easily cast aside among those he trusted. These days, those numbers dwindled.
"For next class, I would like a 1500 word essay on Ancient Greek Mythologies and how it was incorporated into daily life." Methos turned to the class, smiling. "And I expect it to be more than a synopsis of last week's episode of 'Xena'."
The students who had sat enraptured by his lecture gathered their books. They cleared out quickly.
A young woman, no more than nineteen, approached the tall man. "Dr. Roberts, I just wanted to say, your lecture was wonderful."
"Thank you." He pulled his chair out, falling casually into it. His body seemed boneless as he conformed to the hard wood.
"You speak with such passion about history," she said. "Like you were there."
"The only way to honour the dead is to teach those who remain of their feats."
The young woman leaned over Methos' desk, showing off her ample cleavage. He tried to fight laughter. Whenever he posed as a teacher, at least one student tried to weasel her way into his sheets. There was something attractive about university professors. "It is so refreshing to meet a man who treasures knowledge."
Methos smiled, rising from his chair. "It is nice to meet a girl who treasures a man who treasures knowledge. But I'm afraid you're looking in the wrong place."
"Is it the age difference?" she asked. "It's only a few years."
Gathering his papers, Methos bit his tongue. "If only you knew."
*****
Striding casually down the halls, Methos glanced at student and faculty members. He kept his chin held high, a self-confidence surrounding him. Methos fit the role of the new university professor perfectly. Dressed in a white cableknit sweater and black jeans, he appeared professional, but still young. His chiseled features and stunning hazel eyes had earned him many admirers.
Methos stopped in front of a oak door, opening it. His office was still in a disarray, the furniture old and worn. He needed to work his way up to nice furniture.
He also needed to work his way up to a better secretary.
Erin Shields was the first person Methos had met when he came to work at Oxford. She was a beautiful, tall blonde. While hard-working and kind, she was one of the dumbest women Methos had ever met.
"Dr. Roberts!" Erin jumped up from her desk, her hand filled with papers. "I have your messages."
He took the papers from her. "Thank you."
Smiling broadly, she sat back down. "I sort of.... Made a mistake."
"Oh?" Methos' eyebrow quirked up.
"Two of your students wanted to make tutorial appointments, and I scheduled them at the same time. They're both waiting in your office."
"I'll take care of it." Methos looked over his messages. The coloured immediately drained from his face. "Send them both away. Reschedule them."
Erin got up again. "Is everything okay, Dr. Roberts?"
"Fine." Methos clutched the paper. "I have some unfinished business."
Slipping his jacket on, Methos felt the cool steel of his sword. And he thought he had left Paris behind him.
*****
It's not that Methos hated Paris. It was just too much for him. He had so many ties there. Amanda, Joe and MacLeod were living there full time. He had friends.
In his business, friends were not an asset.
It had been nice. If Methos had ever needed help, there was someone there. Usually, it was Methos who was doing the helping. That was the problem.
It was time for a fresh start. A new home, a new identity. Deep in his heart, he felt a pang of regret. He had grown to like the role of Adam Pierson. Adam was low maintenance. No one ever checked up on him. He was just one of those kids around the university who kept to himself.
Then, MacLeod came into the picture. Six years ago to the fucking day. In those six years, he had done more fighting than he had in centuries. In that short time, Methos had lived. He had ceased to be a legend. He became a man again.
After six year of living as an immortal, Methos needed a change. He needed to sever the final ties. It took a hell of a long time to finally be free of Adam Pierson, but now it was done.
It didn't help that the Watchers had discovered his identity. It was only a matter of time. Hanging around with Duncan MacLeod, he should have know he couldn't stay hidden. Methos was good at hiding, but not that good.
He strode down the street, pulling his trenchcoat tightly around his body. The sky was filled with dark rain clouds. The atmosphere of London was almost always like this. Everything was a different shade of grey.
Duncan MacLeod was coming to town. Methos' stomach dropped at the thought. It's not that Methos never wanted to see Duncan MacLeod ever again. In the last six years, he had grown quite fond of the Highland bastard, but disappearing for a few decades wouldn't hurt. Methos knew MacLeod and he would be around for a long time. They would cross paths again.
Now was not the right time.
Sighing, Methos headed down to the pub. He had become a regular face around the bar. He kept to himself, having a few drinks before disappearing into the night. No one knew his name. Most people didn't care. He liked it that way.
He was just about to open the door when his ears prickled. There was someone walking behind him. The walk was distinct: slow and methodical. There were three clicks of metal against the concrete ground. Letting out a deep sigh, he slowly turned.
His eyes set upon an elder man in a grey suit. His silver hair was swept back neatly, his beard closely trimmed. Methos shook his head. "I got your message."
"Surprised, Old Man?" Joseph Dawson asked, walking to Methos.
His shoulders slumping, Methos leaned against the wall of the pub. "Surprised, no. Annoyed, yes. So I'm going to be seeing MacLeod?"
"Yes. I called him, told him to come see me. But I want him to talk to you."
"Why? I haven't seen MacLeod in months."
Joe nodded. "I know. He came to you looking for Connor MacLeod. Do you know what happened after that?"
"I've decided to stay out of other people's business. Easier to stay alive that way."
"Do you know what happened with Kell?"
"I figured one of the Highlanders got rid of him."
"Duncan."
"Well.... Mazel Tov." Methos opened the door, going into the pub.
"Connor MacLeod is dead."
Methos stopped cold in his tracks. He tried to swallow the lump in his throat. Slowly, he turned around. He walked back out the door. "I have been out of the loop. It was Kell?"
"No."
Shutting his eyes, Methos let out a sigh. "Don't tell me...."
"Connor attacked Duncan. Made him do it. It was the only way Duncan could take down Kell."
"Immortal suicide. I'm familiar with it. And MacLeod is brooding over the death of his kinsman?"
"There's more."
*****
Two pints of beer later, Joe had laid out the story for Methos. Sprawling on the barstool, the 5,000 year old man tried to absorb it all.
"I repeat, I have been out of the loop. So you want me to talk to Mac?"
"Would you?"
"If Mac wanted to talk to me, he would have come to me."
"I'm worried about him, Methos."
"Since Mac chopped Sean Burns, I'm now the immortal therapist?"
"He's you're friend."
"And every time he comes knocking, I get dragged up to my ass in problems!" sighing, Methos conceded. "So, is MacLeod going to be stopping by my place?"
"I'll call you when he gets in. Tell you where you can meet him."
Methos narrowed his gaze at Joe, his hazel eyes scrutinizing the mortal. "So why are you here? You don't watch MacLeod anymore. Last I heard, you were in a nice little training position."
"I am. It's here."
Setting his beer down, Methos groaned. "You're living in Oxford."
"Methos, this is where the English division of the Watchers are. Hell, I'm surprised you settled here."
"All the Watchers in Oxford are rookies. I've been able to dodge them."
Joe cracked a smile. "I know."
*****
Methos kicked his feet up onto his desk, marking his class' essays. Most of them were exactly the same, as if photocopied out of an encyclopedia. He sighed, rubbing his eyes. Staying awake was key at this point.
The door opened, and Erin poked her head in. "Dr. Roberts? There's somebody here to see you."
The buzz spread through Methos. He stood up, ready to reach for his sword. He relaxed when the beautiful brunette sauntered into the room. "Well, well, well... Amanda."
Amanda smiled, sitting down. "Benny, it's so good to see you."
"Thank you, Erin," Methos gestured for her to leave. Erin shut the door.
"What brings you to my neck of the woods, Amanda?" He ground his teeth together. "I bet I can guess."
Crossing her legs, Amanda tried to keep her composure. "It's about Duncan."
"And that was my guess." Methos rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. "What about him?"
"I'm really worried about him."
"Apparently, so is the rest of the world."
Amanda reached into her jacket. She pulled out a sword. Her hands trembled as she set it on Methos' desk.
"Duncan's katana?" Methos picked it up. "I don't understand...."
"I received this in the mail two days ago. Duncan is walking around unarmed. I talked to Joe, and found out he was coming here."
"What do you and Joe expect me to do?" Methos asked. "MacLeod's not famous for taking my advice."
"Please, Methos.... I think someone's coming after MacLeod."
"Haven't we gone through this melodrama before?" Methos spat. "It sounds awfully familiar."
"There's an immortal who's been looking for MacLeod. His name is Logan Kerrigan. I am almost positive he's following Duncan. And he's unarmed, and upset and I think he has a death wish."
"I'll see what I can do," Methos muttered, "I leave Paris, and Paris comes to me."
"Thank you." Amanda gave him a kiss on the cheek.
As Amanda left, Methos sunk even lower in his chair. He buried his face in his hands. "Why do I even try? That fucking Highlander is going to be the end of me."
*****
Methos strolled back to his office. Class had gone by uneventfully. It was the only time in the last twenty-four hours he hadn't been bothered by an old friend. Upon entering his office, Erin jumped up as usual. "Dr. Roberts, you have a phone call. They say it's urgent."
Setting down his briefcase, took the phone. "Hello?"
"It's Dawson."
"Where can I meet him?"
"He's going to be at the Ashmolean at 5:00."
"Is there any truth to what Amanda told me?"
"About Logan Kerrigan?"
"Yeah."
"Kerrigan's one step behind MacLeod."
"Perfect." Methos sighed. "Just perfect. I'll talk to you later."
He slammed down the phone. Putting his coat on, he turned to Erin. "Cancel my appointments for this evening."
"But you already canceled on these two students yesterday."
"They will have to learn to live with disappointment." Methos scowled as he headed out the door. "I sure have."
****
The Ashmolean was a beautiful, ornate museum. It had been standing since the late 17th century. Methos stood outside it's grand doors, leaning against one of the white pillars.
Methos' mind flipped to full awareness as the buzz hit him. He looked around, trying to locate MacLeod.
The muscular Highlander noticed Methos. He sighed, "Who called you?"
"Maybe I'm just here for fine art," Methos said coolly.
"What's going on Methos?" MacLeod demanded. He ran a hand through his short brown hair.
"It's really not smart to meet an immortal without a sword." Methos said. "Especially when another one is coming after you."
"How do you know I don't have a sword?"
Methos pulled Duncan's katana from his coat. He handed it to the younger immortal. "Amanda gave it to me. Said you sent it to her in the mail."
"How does Amanda know about Kerrigan?"
"She's talked to Joe." Methos tightened his jacket around himself. "You haven't taken a head since Kell, have you, Duncan?"
MacLeod stayed quiet.
"You've lost your taste for blood."
"I killed my Clansman. He was more than a teacher to me, Methos."
"He was your brother. I know. MacLeod, you've gone through times like this before. You know we have to fight or die."
"Why do I have to do the killing?" MacLeod asked. "Why did I get anointed the knight on the white charger? For years I've been saving people left and right. I've been saving them by murdering others!"
"Most who were so dangerous, they needed to die." Methos sighed. "Connor provoked you. He was tired. He didn't want to be in the Game again. You didn't kill him. You liberated him."
"I haven't battled anyone in months, Methos." Cradling his head in his hands, MacLeod sighed. "I don't think I can."
"You can. You have to." Methos stared into MacLeod's deep brown eyes. "If you don't, you'll die."
"I can't, Methos. I've lost so many people. It's too much. I just.... I want...."
"What did you do to him?"
"Kerrigan? I killed his wife. It's not a very complicated story. She was an immortal, she challenged me, I won. He's wanted me dead ever since."
Methos shook his head. "Immortal couples is nothing but trouble." He placed a hand on MacLeod's shoulder. "You're too good to let this joker kill you. What? You're just going to give up your life?"
"I murdered his wife." Duncan whispered hoarsely. "He has good reason to hate me."
"What? Were you supposed to give up your head just so they could live happily ever after?" Methos shook his head. "It was her fault. She came after you."
"I just can't do it. I can't kill him."
Methos felt his stomach turn. He had invested so much time in MacLeod. He was a good man. He couldn't just die like this. He wouldn't-- couldn't-- allow him to kill himself. He could be the One.
"Run, MacLeod." Methos whispered.
"What?"
"I said run. There's Holy Ground not far from here."
"You're not doing what I think you are."
Methos' heart flip-flopped. He reached for his sword. "If you can't kill Kerrigan, I will."
"Methos--"
"MacLeod, dammit. Are you going to make me say it?"
"Say what?"
"I want to keep to alive. You may be a real pain in the ass, but I like you. And sooner or later you'll get over this. But to do that, you need your head. Now RUN."
"I'm not going to let you kill for me."
"You don't have much of a bloody choice!" Methos yelled. He clenched his fists. "You KNOW that you don't deserve to die because of what you did to Kerrigan. Yes, you killed his wife. Only because she would have killed you. Now, if you're not going to fight him, I. WILL. I don't make this offer to many people. I was quite happy living a peaceful existence as Benjamin Roberts. But Amanda and Joe won't let me. If I let you die, Amanda will probably kill me."
Methos growled. "Now go, or I will kill you and still fight Kerrigan. Either way, I'm making you keep your head."
****
Amanda was close by. She had followed Methos from the university.
Even after these years apart, even after her doomed relationship with Nick Wolfe, Duncan MacLeod was still first in her heart.
He had changed so drastically in the past few years, ever since Richie's death. He had blamed himself for everything, thinking he was the problem with everyone's lives.
That's why Amanda left, why she went to New York. She couldn't watch MacLeod keep destroying himself.
It had pained her to leave. She always liked to stay close to him. While their relationship was anything but conventional, she did feel a need to be close.
Amanda felt the buzz behind her. She whirled around. "MacLeod?" she called out. She looked around, seeing no sign of the Scot. "Benjamin?"
She took in a deep breath as she saw the tall Logan Kerrigan. He approached her, his mouth twisted in a grin. "So I finally get to meet the infamous Amanda Montrose."
"The pleasure's all yours," she snapped, moving for her sword.
Logan raised his hand. "We don't do well in public, Miss Montrose."
"Then let's go somewhere private. I'd like to get this over with."
Logan approached Amanda, sticking a gun to her belly. "Walk slowly, towards the museum. We're going to go visit MacLeod."
****
Methos sat on the front steps of the Ashmolean when he felt the buzz. He looked around. Amanda was walking towards the museum with another immortal.
Kerrigan.
Standing up, Methos smiled. "Let Amanda go, Logan. She's not part of this."
"I don't think we've been introduced." Kerrigan snarled.
"I'm MacLeod's stunt double." Pulling out his Ivanhoe, Methos prepared to fight. "So let's do it. Let Amanda go."
"Do you really want to do this?"
Methos shook his head. "No, I really don't. I want to live a nice quiet life as Benjamin Roberts, not decapitate people.... But apparently fate doesn't want that because he keeps bringing bloody immortals to me! Now let Amanda go and draw your sword!"
Kerrigan pushed Amanda to the side, threw his gun to the ground and drew his sword. He flashed a grim smile. "I'll leave you as a message to the Highlander."
Their sword clashed together, the echo reverberating in Methos' ears. He hated fighting.... He didn't want to do this. But if it meant MacLeod stayed alive....
He could feel the blood pumping through his veins as he met Kerrigan hit for hit.
Methos was a better fighter, but Kerrigan was bigger. He used all of his strength to push Methos to the ground. He lost hold on his sword and it clattered to the ground. Methos shut his eyes, preparing for the final blow. This was it.... This was how it was going to end.
A gunshot rang out and Methos heard a started gasp. He opened his eyes. Kerrigan pitched forward, Amanda behind him armed with the gun. She quickly wiped her fingerprints off and threw the gun down. "Grab your sword and let's run, Methos!"
****
"Don't you guys realize I left Paris because of shit like this!" Methos ranted. He paced his living room flat, Amanda, Joe and MacLeod on his couch.
Duncan stayed quiet. He kept his eyes downcast.
"Come on, Mac," Joe said. "From what I hear, Logan Kerrigan is not a tough customer. For you, it would be--"
"What? Easy?" Duncan spat. "Is it ever easy to murder someone?"
"Amanda, Joe...." Methos sat down in his easy chair, stretching out. "I want a word with Gandhi alone."
Watching Joe and Amanda leave, Methos waited until they was out of earshot. "I want to tell you a little story, MacLeod."
"I don't want to hear a story."
"Humour me, I nearly got killed today." The 5,000 year old cracked his knuckles. "Back in the 15th century, I knew this immortal woman. Rose. She was beautiful, redhead, legs up to the sky. Good friend of mine."
"Let me guess, she challenged you and you killed her because it's what we do."
Methos shook his head. "Now, you see, Rose had a student-- A daughter actually, Marian. Rose is the Mia Farrow of immortality. Took in children, raised them up. Marian became immortal when she was 18, and Rose took it upon herself to train her. A few months into their training, Marian decided that she doesn't like the idea of only killing when necessary. She attacks Rose, and Mom does what she has to so she can stay alive."
"Is there a point, Methos, or do you just want to tell me about your girlfriend?"
"The point is, going after immortals blindly is suicide and that we must be prepared to take heads when our lives are in danger. No matter who it is. With the exception of your Dark Quickening, you've only killed when its necessary. At one time you knew the score. We fight or we die. I know you feel all of this guilt over Richie and Connor. Well, MacLeod I'm just going to tell you this one more time-- GET THE FUCK OVER YOURSELF."
The phone was ringing in the kitchen. Methos got up to answer it. MacLeod sighed. "So what happened to her?"
"To who?"
"The leggy redhead. Who got her?"
"No one did. She's doing quite well these days, I understand. Not every immortal has a sad ending." He continued towards the kitchen, answering the phone. He sighed, picking up his sword. He went to Joe and Amanda. "Well, I'll see you two later."
"Where are you going?"
"To fight Kerrigan. Son of a bitch tracked me down."
****
Methos shook his head, walking into the warehouse. "Could you be a little more cliche, Logan? The bad guy in the abandoned warehouse has been done."
Kerrigan stepped out of the shadows. "I had hoped you would send MacLeod, Mr. Roberts. You do realize how stupid it was to tell me your name."
"I've been out of the game for a while. I'll do better next time."
"You seem to value your life. Yet you come here in place of MacLeod. Why?"
Shrugging, Methos drew his sword. "We've all got friends, Kerrigan. Sometimes it's worth more to put yourself on the line just to keep them alive."
"I'm going to kill you, you know."
"I'll take the chance."
****
"Duncan, he's taken your place!" Amanda pleaded. "He's one of your best friends! How can you let him do this?"
"I can't fight. I can't kill."
She grabbed his shoulders, pulling him to face her. "None of us are going to let you die, MacLeod. We will fight to keep you alive, even if it kills us. If you don't fight... It will kill us! You might have sent Methos to his death."
"Amanda...."
"Kerrigan's not worth it. None of these bastards who come after you are worth losing your friends. We fight or we die, that's the one true rule in the Game."
****
Methos let out a winded laugh. "You know, we really don't have to do this, Logan."
"If MacLeod won't fight, then we do Mr. Roberts."
"Then fight me," MacLeod snarled, coming through the door. His katana was clenched tightly in his fist.
Kerrigan smiled. "MacLeod! I've been waiting."
"Wait's over."
Methos stepped aside, keeping his sword at the ready. MacLeod and Kerrigan circled each other.
Kerrigan slashed at MacLeod. He jumped back, avoiding the deadly blade. "Looking a little tired," MacLeod snarled.
"I'm going to keep going until you're dead."
MacLeod stuck his katana deep into Kerrigan's shoulder. Logan howled, covering his wound with his hand. He continued to fight sloppily with his injured arm. MacLeod snarled ferally, stabbing Kerrigan's other shoulder. The pain became too great and he dropped his sword.
Shaking his head, MacLeod watched Kerrigan fall to the ground. "I'm sorry." he swept his sword down, cleaning decapitating him. The Quickening took over, lightning crashing, surging through.
As the Quickening faded, MacLeod made no move to get off the ground. Methos put a hand on his shoulder. "You had to."
"I know...."
MacLeod stood up. "We fight or we die, right? I've got too many people who want me to live."
****
Methos leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "Are you sure you can't stay in town, MacLeod?"
He shook his head. "I need to get away for a while, clear my head. I'll visit soon."
Smiling softly, Methos patted MacLeod on the shoulder. "Just don't bring any friends along with you."
Amanda smiled softly as MacLeod wrapped his arms around her. "Be careful," she whispered. "And don't send me your sword anymore."
"I won't. I'll keep in touch." He kissed her gently.
Joe smiled as MacLeod turned to him. "I put Sherman Peabody on your case. He's so inept, you'll lose him by the time you reach the airport."
"Thanks Joe." MacLeod shoved his hands in his pockets. "I'll see you guys around."
With that, the Highlander walked out the door, leaving his friends behind.
****
Methos, Amanda and Joe sat in the living room, solemn looks on their faces.
"Do you think he's going to be okay?" Amanda asked.
"Mac's a survivor," Methos assured her. "So when are you leaving town?"
"I've moved here," Amanda said casually, "I've had a bit of trouble in New York and Paris. I thought England might be a good place to hide out."
"Oh no...." Methos got up. "Get out, get out now."
"But Methos--" Amanda started.
"You guys always bring trouble. Get out."
Dawson shook his head. "Haven't you learned yet? You're never going to get rid of us."
Methos covered his face with his hands. "Oh God...."
Amanda hugged Methos. "We're going to be around forever and ever...."
"Just take my head now. Please. It'll be so much easier."
****
March 6, 2001
Dear Em,
You can never escape your fate. I've learned that now. No matter what, I'm going to have to keep on fighting. When I "came out" to MacLeod, that was the end of my vacation. I don't think anything will stop the immortals from attacking me. I just need to get used to being in the Game again.
I envy you, my friend. You've been able to avoid all of this for even longer than I have. I hope you have more success keeping hidden than I did. I just hope I have some more wins coming to me. I don't think I'm ready to go just yet.
Take care,
~The Old Man~
*****
He roller-coaster he got early warning
He got muddy water he one mojo filter
He say "One and one and one is three"
Got to be good-looking 'cause he's so hard to see
Come together right now over me
--"Come Together" (John Lennon/Paul MacCartney)
****
Next time on "The Methos Chronicles": Lady Madonna
Even after 5,000 years, death is hard. Methos must deal with the loss of someone special to him, while dealing with the grief of a friend.