========================================================================= Date: Wed, 24 Apr 1996 21:51:06 -0400 Reply-To: MJordan104@AOL.COM Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: "Monica T. Jordan" Subject: Out of Love and Vengeance - Part 3/11 X-cc: moreau@odixie.enet.dec.com, mjordan@gwis2.circ.gwu.edu, nevets@newwave.net, naortiz@dttus.com "Out Of Love And Vengeance - Part 3/11. by Monica T. Jordan. Copyright, 1996. Author's note: This story is told in 11 parts not 10. I forgot to include the Epilogue. Thanks and I apologize for the typo. For Disclaimers, Warnings, etc. see Part 1. Thanks. Seacover. December 8, 1995. Aria couldn't believe the predicament she'd fallen into. If she didn't do as she was told Emily would be hurt. Or worse. Besides what was the big deal she constantly asked herself. All she had to do was gain the confidence of some Immortal. One Duncan MacLeod. Though his name did sound familiar she couldn't remember having met him. Whenever Aria faced an Immortal, she liked having an idea of who she was about to fight and why. But with MacLeod she didn't know what to expect. She wouldn't back down. But to simply hand over an Immortal to his death was so much against who she was it made her ill. She glanced out the window of her car at the deserted street. She'd been waiting for about twenty minutes wondering what the sign would be. The woman had said she arranged everything for her to meet MacLeod tonight. All she had to do was be ready. she thought anxiously. Her attention was drawn to a car that stopped a few feet from her. Three men came out of the car and approached her vehicle. Aria leaned out the car window and assessed them but got a foreboding feeling when she noticed what they each held in their hands. A large knife, a chain, and an ax! Aria didn't have to guess what was about to happen. Their intentions were written on their faces. "This isn't going to be easy, huh fellows?" she asked hoping her instincts were wrong, but they were screaming. The one with the chain looked her straight in the eyes. "This can be easy or it can be hard. It's your choice, but we have our orders." Reluctantly Aria stepped out of her car and stared into each man's eye. In her long life as an Immortal, Aria had experienced pain. It was nothing new to her. It was part of her world -- Pain and Death. She'd faced many vicious Immortals and mortals along her journey. But what this woman was about to put her through, Aria would make her pay dearly for. Especially for any pain she'd inflicted on Emily. Whatever sick plan that woman had in her demented mind, Aria had no choice but to participate. But she'd be damned if she was going down easy. Aria made a move for her sword but they expected that and knife man came at her from the right and slashed at her sword arm. Aria stifled a scream when the pain registered through her body. She backed away from him but chain man came at her from the left and hit her hard with the chain connecting with the left side of her face causing Aria to fall to the ground. she thought angrily, covering her face with her hands. While she tried getting up, one of them kicked her in the stomach and this time she fell against the wall. "That's it" she whispered getting her footing to stand. The knife wound had started to heal already and her face still stung as blood ran down her face from the opened wound but Aria was going to draw blood of her own. Pretending to struggle while getting up off the ground, Aria charged into chain man head first knocking him to the ground. She smiled as the other two hesitated slightly and she took advantage of the opportunity. She rushed forward her head held low and connected with knife man abdomen sending him crashing into a parked car. The move left her exposed and Aria's eyes widened as she saw ax man bearing the weapon down in her direction. She quickly moved over to her left as fast as she could, the ax narrowly missing her. She kicked ax man in the shin but then a recovered chain man grabbed her legs from behind leaving her open for attack. She kicked frantically at chain man trying to pry her legs loose while fighting off ax man. As Aria still couldn't get her legs free, leaving her vulnerable, knife man got back into the fray and thrusted the knife deeply into her right leg. She screamed in pain. Knife man then went behind her back and reached for her arms and yanked them back roughly. Although shaken from the beating she just endured, Aria still struggled against them, but with her hands behind her back she couldn't do much. Then she felt it. The buzz of an immortal. And a thought immediately assaulted her mind and some things became clear to her. <<< "His instincts are to protect the weak and helpless." >>> "He's here," said one of the men holding Aria and tightened his grip on her. ### The art reception at the university had been going well. Shandra encouraged Duncan to mingle and to get to know everybody, but he stood alone watching the mortals interact. Sometimes he felt detached and would think he would never feel connected to them again the way he used to be when he'd been mortal. Duncan sighed heavily and tightened his grip on the steering wheel of the t-bird. Right now all he wanted was to reach home, take a shower and sleep. His thoughts drifted to the events earlier in the day. He'd spent the day training with Richie, and the young Immortal had tried to cheer him up but he'd returned to the loft still guilt ridden. He had remained in the loft until he received the phone call from Shandra. She wanted him to join her an other faculty at a reception displaying newly acquired Indian art. Duncan initially declined, but Shandra insisted he come and wouldn't take no for an answer. He continued to decline until she warned him she would come down to the loft and drag him there herself. Duncan knew she would do it so he went. Duncan had convinced himself that being around lots of people would lift his spirits, but he had felt alone and useless. He repeatedly chastised himself he shouldn't be, but he felt the need to mourn Kristin's death nonetheless. Methos had left stating he couldn't stick around any longer if he had to keep looking at the guilt on Duncan's face. He couldn't find Amanda, and talking to Joe didn't seem like a good idea. He thought about calling Anne, but she had enough on her mind with her pregnancy. And Richie... Well, Richie was Richie. Duncan knew Richie would be there for him. He had started feeling claustrophobic. He found Shandra, made his apologies and left. Duncan made the final turn for the loft and felt the buzz. He parked the car and followed the sensation. He saw two men dragging a woman and a third one next to a car. It wasn't until he got closer he realized she was the immortal he'd sensed. "Didn't your mother ever tell you to pick on someone your own size?" Duncan shouted. The men holding Aria spun around to face him. The third one at the car walked toward Duncan. A smirk on his face. "And didn't _your_ ever mother tell you to never fight when you're outnumbered?" Duncan grinned. "I never listened." The man at the car, Knife man, went after Duncan but with a quick move Duncan knocked the knife out of his hand. With the added distraction, Aria pulled free from the two men and grabbed chain man and yanked the chain from him and proceeded to beat him senseless. Ax man smiled evilly and attacked Aria and this time she didn't see him coming but felt it as the ax slammed into her right side. The sharp pain knocked all the fight out her body. Aria screamed as he drove the weapon deeper into her side. She slumped to the ground. Duncan head butted knife man sending him flying backwards landing into the ground. Duncan, taking his katana out, set his sights on ax man and brought the blade next to his neck. "Drop it. Drop it now," Duncan said in his most menacing voice. Ax man hesitated. He was over Aria who was on the ground seriously wounded. Duncan pressed the sword against his neck and he dropped the ax. "Get up... very slowly," Duncan said. "Who are you and what do you want with her?" he asked, but ax man said nothing. Before Duncan could ask another question, gun shots were fired. Duncan hit the ground. Ax man grabbed chain man and dragged him away with the help of knife man. They made a run for the waiting car which sped away as soon as they got in. Duncan, about to go after them, stopped when he heard her groaning in pain. He turned to face the unknown female Immortal who'd propped herself up against the wall, slightly bent, holding her right side. Duncan approached her but stopped when she made a move for her sword and he remained still not sure what to expect. "I'm Aria Moore," she said out of breath, not removing her sword. "I'm Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod. And I don't wish to fight you," he said moving his katana to rest position hoping that would convince her. Aria gave him a once over and accepted, "Good! I don't wish to fight you either. she thought, admiring the view. "Great. Besides, you're in no condition to fight anyway. Let me help you," Duncan said in his most sincere voice offering his hand in peace. "I live right here in this building. You could rest there and be on your way in the morning," Duncan said. Aria's eyebrows perked up in surprise at why this particular spot had been picked. In a building across the street, a smile slowly came to the woman who'd viewed the whole spectacle. "Good work," she said without looking at the men standing behind her. Duncan came through the Dojo doors carrying Aria. She'd protested stating she could walk on her own but when she'd tried pain racked her whole body. It'd been a long time since she'd sustained such serious injuries. The ax wound was deep and it hadn't healed 100% but the knife wounds were almost gone. So MacLeod had insisted on carrying her and picked her up without effort. Aria, deciding to play the helpless victim, rested her head on his shoulder. She could feel the strong muscles on his arms and chest and assumed he had to be a good swords man -- and possibly a deadly opponent. She didn't recognize him but looking at him she didn't believe she ever would. She'd gotten a better glimpse at him as they entered the Dojo were the hallway light washed over him. He was very handsome and his eyes were kind. Aria was perplexed. She'd learned along her journey as an Immortal, that an Immortal's personality and character could be gauged through their eyes "Why would you trust me?" she asked softly checking the Dojo out. "You don't even know me." Duncan was amazed at her direct questions and shrugged, "You needed help and I was there," he said simply. "Oh," she said and tightened her grip around his neck. "Did I thank you?" she said, studying his face, wishing there was more lighting to really have a good look at him. "No," he said, catching her staring at him. Duncan smiled as she blushed turning her head away. "But you don't have to." "Yes I do. Thank you," she said softly, this time not looking at him but checking the Dojo out. Again. "I'm glad I could help," Duncan said as he reached the elevator. "You can put me down now." "Sure?" "Yeah, I think I can manage now." Aria just wanted him to put her down. She felt herself getting dizzy being so close to him. Something about him felt familiar, but whatever it was, she couldn't put her finger on it. "If you're certain?" he asked her. Aria nodded she was. "Okay," Duncan said, setting her down gently and gestured her into the elevator. Aria moved slowly from the pain she felt all over her body. Even her teeth ached. She thought and faltered walking into the elevator as a thought of Emily flashed through her mind which Duncan mistook for exhaustion and reached out to hold her. She smiled at him. She had to earn this man's trust. And fast. Settled in the elevator, Duncan pushed for the button for the Loft and wrapped his arm around her waist, propping her up next to him. They rode in silence, each in their own thoughts. It hadn't been lost on Duncan how attractive she was. Her eyes were dark as a starless night. Her lips full and sensuous. Shoulder length curly brown hair. Incredibly long legs. His heart rate had increased a notch when she'd smiled at him. As Duncan helped her out of the elevator, Aria suddenly felt self-conscious. She didn't like the idea of having to deceive him. He'd helped her and didn't want to take her head -- which struck her as odd. An Immortal who didn't want to take another Immortal's head? Even though she didn't go out hunting anymore, the itch was still there. She arched her brows as she got a look at the place. Nice. And what a collection of antiques. For the first time she wondered how old he was. She'd collected many items on her journeys. Some of her furnishings were centuries old. Duncan helped her to the couch. "Please excuse the mess. It usually doesn't look like this," he said walking to the kitchen and picked up the dishes of the morning he hadn't washed. Aria smiled as she watched MacLeod make a fuss about cleaning up. The place didn't look so bad. Only the few dishes here and there and some empty beer bottles. "Would you care for some coffee?" "Look. I don't mean to put you out. I live in the area. I could leave now. I'm feeling somewhat better," Aria said rising from the couch. Cursing silently as the pain grabbed at her every nerve. Duncan stopped what he was doing and watched her. He didn't know why, but he didn't want her to leave. "No. You should at least wait 'till morning. Give yourself time to truly heal." "Well you might have a point there." Aria sat back down with some effort. When this whole mess was all over, she'd find those men and teach them a lesson. "Did you know who they were?" Duncan asked having a few ideas of his own but wanted to hear what she had to say. She _was_ an Immortal and trust had to be earned between their kind. "No. Never seen them before." Which wasn't a lie she reasoned. "At first I thought they were just going to mug me," she said. Duncan set the coffee to brew and came and sat next to her. "But somehow they seemed to know what I was." "What do you mean?" he asked raising an eyebrow. "You think they knew you were Immortal?" he asked, concern showing on his face waiting for her to explain. Being this close to him again, with the lights on, and getting a good view at his eyes, Aria knew that instant she couldn't possibly betray MacLeod. she thought. When she didn't answer, Duncan's concerned expression grew. She tried clearing her mind but his scent was intoxicating. A blend of musk and fresh pine woods. "Just what I said MacLeod." She began nervously. "They seemed to know I was Immortal. How? I don't know. I don't relish the idea of mortals sneaking up on me and slicing me up," she said nervously chewing on her bottom lip thinking she'd blown it. Duncan was pensive for a moment contemplating his next question. "You have no idea why they attacked you, right?" he said moving closer, eyes narrowed with a penetrating stare. Aria thought slinking down further in the couch which made Duncan pause. "You know you don't have to be afraid of me. If you're worried I'll take your head. Don't. I give you my word I won't," he said sincerely but winced as an afterthought of Kristin ran through his mind. Aria didn't know why but for some strange reason she believed him. "Sorry, MacLeod. It's not everyday I meet an Immortal that doesn't want my head," she said flatly. "Well, there's always a first time for everything," he said smiling thinking how beautiful her eyes were. "And please, call me Duncan." "Okay. Duncan," she said somewhat shyly. His eyes were a soft brown color she noticed. "These men that attacked you," he said getting up as the coffee finished brewing and made his way to the kitchen. "Did you happen to notice if they had a tattoo on the inside of their wrist?" "I didn't notice one. Why?" she asked yawning and stretching on the couch eagerly rubbing at her tired eyes. Sleep was beckoning. "It's a long story," Duncan said as he fixed the coffee. "How do you take your coffee?" he started but stopped as he saw her yawning on the couch. "I'm sorry." "For what?" she said through another yawn. "Please don't be. I'm most appreciative of your hospitality. Most Immortals would rather take my head than offer me their bed." Aria stifled a laugh when she saw Duncan's face burn at her suggestion. "Well... we can discuss it in the morning." Duncan paused and grinned mischievously. "You might want to get out of those clothes now." Now it was Aria's turn to be embarrassed. "What?" She looked down at her clothes which she'd forgotten where covered in blood. "Oh my. I forgot. I must look a mess!" Aria said genuinely embarrassed at looking like a slob in front of MacLeod. Duncan thought. "You can clean up in there," he said pointing to a room in the back of the loft. Aria felt awkward if not foolish, what the hell was she thinking. Emily was her top priority. She didn't understand the intense attraction MacLeod elicited from her. He was standing in the kitchen with a dishcloth in one hand while pointing to the room with the other. She drank the sight in. He had a warriors body that much was obvious by the look of his built. She remembered the hard muscles as he'd carried her into the building and smiled nervously. He had long black wavy hair past his shoulders he wore lose. His skin was kissed by the sun. His face was beautiful, even with the hint of stubble, with sleepy dough eyes and a strong nose. His lips were soft pink. "Maybe I should leave," she said half heartedly not really meaning it. "Don't be silly." Duncan teased motioning her to the back of the loft. Aria didn't want to admit it but she did feel silly around MacLeod which surprised her. That and the fact she liked the feeling. The rest of the events in the early morning hours happened rather quickly. Duncan showed her where he kept the extra towels and pointed to the robe hanging on the bathroom door she could wear while he laundered her clothes. Aria took a quick shower trying not to think of Emily, the woman from hell, or Duncan. Duncan prepared the sofa with clean sheets and extra pillows. Aria had insisted she would sleep on the sofa and not take his bed. There had to be limits to his kindness. He said he knew none. She liked that. Aria came out the room tentatively checking the place out further. It was exquisitely furnished. Duncan was still in the kitchen doing something which made her smile. He seemed pretty comfortable being domestic. She liked that also. Patting her hair with a towel Aria walked toward him. She admitted to herself catching her breath. Duncan's expression was intense and made her wonder where his thoughts were. Duncan was still staring at Aria when she leaned against the kitchen island. He'd been rooted to the spot as he watched her walk. His robe hugged tightly around her body but he'd managed to catch a glimpse of her long legs. The black robe was a great contrast against the rich caramel color of her skin. Duncan stifled an incredible urge to touch her wet dark hair as she continued patting it down. "It's always so awkward when things like this happen," she said breaking the silence. "Yes they are," he said swallowing hard deciding to keep his eyes above neck level. "Ready for coffee now?" "No," she said, but added quickly as his face fell. "I won't be able to sleep if I do," she said smiling, coming around the kitchen island. "Thank you Duncan. In just one night you've managed to renew a semblance of trust in Immortals. It's nice to know they're some honorable ones still left." And she kissed him on the cheek. she thought grinning as he blushed. "You're welcome." Duncan blurted out. "You know I must say Duncan... you're very cute when you blush," she said smiling as Duncan's face burned even more, which made them both laugh. They said their good nights and headed for their respective sleeping areas. Aria quickly fell asleep when her head touched the pillows. The day had been too long and exhaustive. Duncan on the other hand had a hard time falling asleep. If he wasn't thinking about how beautiful she was and how great she looked in the robe. He was thinking about the possibility that she'd been attacked by Hunters. A thought he didn't relish. Or he was thinking it could all be a set up. After tarrying for a while Duncan finally managed to fall asleep. But not for too long as he jumped up from his sleep to the sound of Aria's screams. End of Part 3. Comments can be sent to (mjordan104@aol.com)