========================================================================= Date: Thu, 25 Apr 1996 22:44:41 -0400 Reply-To: MJordan104@AOL.COM Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: "Monica T. Jordan" Subject: Out of Love and Vengeance - Part 7/11 X-cc: moreau@odixie.enet.dec.com, mjordan@gwis2.circ.gwu.edu, nevets@newwave.net, naortiz@dttus.com "Out Of Love And Vengeance - Part 7/11." by Monica T. Jordan. Copyright, 1996. For Disclaimers, Warnings, etc. see Part 1. Thanks. Joe's Place. December 9, 1995. After the bar closed and Joe finished arrangements with the executives for the release of his demo, he was now able to direct his attention to the immortals waiting to talk with him. He sat across from both and contemplated the request that had been asked of him. He was tired and wanted to get some rest. It had been a good night but a long one. And it was about to get longer. He sighed heavily and took a sip of his scotch. "Do you have any idea what you're asking?" Duncan knew there was great inner turmoil going on behind Aria's dark eyes. She appeared restless, ready to pounce at any second. He needed to know more. "Yes." Taking a deep breath, Joe became lost in thought. First he knew how difficult it had been for MacLeod to ask. And second, it wouldn't be the first time he'd broken the Watcher rules to help a friend. And if the possibility of danger existed with Aria's sudden appearance into MacLeod's life, then Joe would gladly help out his friend. "I guess at one point in her immortality she'd been considered dangerous... still could be I guess." Duncan leaned forward in his chair, his gaze on Joe unwavering. "What do you mean 'you guess' Dawson? Is she or isn't she?" "It isn't simple to explain MacLeod," Dawson replied wearily. "Try Dawson," Duncan said, sounding almost pleadingly. "I need to know what kind of person she is." Joe studied MacLeod's face. He looked anxious. Joe had already decided to tell MacLeod what he knew about Moore. But he wondered _how_ much he should tell. He then looked over towards Richie, who didn't seem convinced on her intentions and could react badly to the information. Joe took another sip of his scotch, took a deep breath and began Aria's tale. <<< When Aria had moved into the Northern Pacific area, Joe had been assigned to update her file. It was his first major research assignment as lead researcher with the organization. Her current watcher had resigned and a new one needed to be assigned. Upon checking the file, Joe noticed nothing had been reported on Aria for close to two years, which went unchecked and no one had ever noticed. Joe decided a visit with the watcher was in order. He wanted an explanation of why such a large omission of information since she'd been watching Aria for close to twenty years. The watcher informed him he could find out whatever he needed through her reports. She had no desire to discuss the matter. But Joe insisted he wanted to hear it from her, and eventually, with much prodding, she gave in and told him something. But not everything. Aria had lived just outside Mexico City, in the small town of Ajusco, for about ten years and went by the name Maria Jaban. She met Nicolas Rojas and they fell in love. Aria had been very happy with him in the five years they spent together. They met at a relief mission in Ajusco where they taught the children how to read and write. In the last ten years she'd watched Aria, the watcher's files had became more detailed. Since it was a small town, and not to bring attention to herself, the watcher also worked at the mission giving her the unique opportunity to interact with Aria on many occasions. In those years the watcher witnessed few beheadings since most times Aria talked the challenging immortals out of fighting her. The watcher and Aria became friends with Aria never suspecting the woman's true purpose. It gave the Watcher first hand knowledge about Aria's life. Joe had the impression the watcher admired Aria. But that all changed when an immortal, Angus Wilburn, came into the picture. >>> Joe stopped unsure if he should continue and remained quiet for several minutes, deep in thought. He hadn't thought about Aria in a long time. As the silence grew, Joe seemed oblivious to the fact the immortals patience were wearing thin. "Geez Dawson, so what happened?" Richie was perched at the edge of his seat. Both Immortals were enthralled by the tale and wanted to know more. Joe remained silent, still deep in thought. "So are you gonna tell us the whole story or you gonna claim you can't interfere again?" Duncan did his best not to react to the comment and Joe simply ignored it. "Well?" Duncan asked. What Joe had found out in talking with Aria's watcher was the fact she never believed Aria was La Mora. The watcher believe it had to be a mislabeling but that was until Wilburn. It was like she was watching two different people. Duncan was growing impatient with Joe and he desperately wanted to know more about Aria. "Dawson?" "All right, Mac!" Dawson said irritated. <<< Aria had refused on different occasions to fight Wilburn. The watcher noted that it wasn't until Wilburn kidnapped Rojas that it had been confirmed Rojas was a pre-Immortal. A fact Aria kept from Rojas. The watcher's first suspicions had been when Aria began teaching Rojas how to fence. At first the watcher initially thought it was a way for Aria to keep her skill up. Wilburn's price for releasing Rojas was Aria fighting him. So when she showed up to the place Wilburn had chosen, Rojas was manacled to a post, badly beaten and bleeding. Plus he was immortal now. Wilburn had killed him activating his dormant immortality. She was angry, but she still tried talking Wilburn out of fighting her. She tried reasoning they could work their differences out some other way. But Wilburn would have none of that. He wanted her head and wouldn't back down. So he made sure she wouldn't refuse him again. >>> Joe paused in reflection. "Yeah, Wilburn took out an insurance to make sure she'd fight him for sure." "What was it?" asked Richie. "He beheaded Rojas!" Duncan said. It was a statement and not a question. Richie's jaw fell when Dawson nodded and continued. <<< Wilburn knew she'd fight him now, but even though Rojas was barely a day into his Immortality, he knew the Quickening would weaken him some. Aria, blinded by rage charged forward, which Wilburn had anticipated, and had a trap waiting for her. She fell through the flooring he'd rigged and Wilburn escaped. Aria, grief stricken over losing Rojas, went on a rampage hunting for Wilburn killing anyone who was associated with him until she found him. Wilburn thought that by messing with her mentally he'd be able to defeat her. But her rage and fury were so strong she was too much for him. >>> "There was no information available on the beheading, the Quickening, and for that fact nothing on Aria for the next two years. Then she turned up in L.A. and later in Seacover. When I pressed the watcher for more information she would say nothing further. Except, she no longer wanted any part of it." "So you never found out what happened?" Asked Richie. "No," Joe said quietly. "Never. After I returned from talking with Aria's watcher, I read every and anything available on her. There would be no questions asked since I'd been assigned to update her file and I also did it out of intense curiosity. What I found was fascinating." Joe remained quiet for a bit, thinking, then continued with further explanation. "See, when she went hunting for Wilburn and killed those mortals, that reflected the image of La Mora." Dawson saw the curious looks Duncan and Richie gave him. He knew he would have to give them more details than he'd intended on Aria's life. He felt he had to explain his reasoning. "She became immortal when Spanish soldiers broke into her home and killed her father, and her husband after a major win by the Spanish army during the re-conquest in Spain." "The re-conquest?" Richie gasped. "That would mean she's pretty old right? Older than Mac?" Dawson nodded his head. "She also took her first Quickening from a Spanish immortal. He'd been taken in by her mentor and the immortal had betrayed their trust. This is what marked the beginning of her rampage against the Spanish. She declared war on them and killed many. Men and women. That is how she became known as La Mora or the Moor. The Spanish called her that and feared her. "She lived in a time of war and death and she lived it. And immortals? She killed any that crossed her path. This went on for almost a century and it wasn't until she went to North Africa did it stop. She met an immortal holy man in North Africa and remained with him on holy ground for years. After that she traveled the world extensively and spent many years in The Americas hardly fighting any immortals. And until Wilburn showed up in Mexico, she hadn't hunted another immortal or killed mortals." Joe leaned back in his chair and rubbed at his tired eyes that were stinging from lack of sleep. "So that's what you mean that she could be dangerous," Duncan said softly. "Yeah. If provoked. And I wouldn't want to be anywhere near her," Joe said. "It was fascinating researching her and it sure was strange seeing her in person tonight." Dawson shifted in his seat, his muscles were aching him and he rubbed at his left shoulder wearily, hoping he'd given the immortals what they were looking for. "How come you know so much about her?" Duncan asked, his eyes narrowing in Joe's direction. Sometimes Duncan hated the fact that immortals were watched and recorded. Their lives open to the eyes of strangers. But sometimes the information proved useful. Joe suddenly felt apprehensive but didn't break his gaze with Duncan. "Her mentor's watcher became her watcher. Things back then weren't well organized and one watcher would watch several immortals. This person lived in her home town and knew her while she was still mortal." Joe thought about what he'd read about Aria's early life, but felt her mortal life should remain hers and he wouldn't tell Duncan any of it. "Can you tell us anything else about her Dawson?" Richie asked. He wasn't satisfied. Dawson shrugged and watched Richie as if he could communicate telepathically with the immortal. "Is there any reason why she would want Mac's head?" "Richie! Haven't you heard a word Dawson said? She's not a threat to us," Duncan said irritably. "Dawson has only covered parts of her life, not all of it," Richie said curtly. "You expect me to tell you her _whole_ life story in one sitting, Richie," Dawson said in disbelief. "No," Richie said sharply. "She's been around a long time and maybe has a bone to pick with Mac. Like maybe Mac killed an immortal she knew? I don't know Dawson, but I just don't trust her." "You're reaching Richie," Duncan began, but the change in Dawson's posture caught his eye. He now wondered what the watcher hadn't told him. "Joe, is there something you're not telling me I should know?" Duncan said, his voice intense. Dawson shifted again and drank the rest of his scotch and finally stared back into Duncan's dark eyes. Joe had noticed on several occasions his eyes would darken whenever Duncan would get angry. "Well..." Dawson trailed off, shifting again. By this time of night, he expected to be in a warm bed, not still sitting on his prosthesis. "Well, what?" Duncan demanded. Joe thought, too late, that maybe it wasn't such a good idea telling Duncan anything about Aria. "She spent twenty years in the Amazon with your friend Grace Chandler, and...." "And Carlos Sendaro!" Duncan finished. "Didn't you kill him?" Richie asked. Duncan nodded, but said nothing. "Well at the time Aria stayed with them, Sendaro wasn't the raving lunatic he'd become when you faced him Mac," Dawson said and poured himself another scotch. "So she _could_ be here to avenge his death?" Richie asked, concern furrowing his brow. "I doubt it," Dawson said nervously. "The last time I checked on her she was raising a daughter." That last statement hit Duncan like a mallet and he sprang to his feet. "What did you say Joe?" Duncan's sudden movement startled both Richie and Joe. Causing Joe to spill his drink on the table and Richie to bolt from his seat. "Give a guy a heart attack MacLeod!" Joe gasped. "Yeah, Mac. What's up?" Richie said, agitated. "You said she was raising a daughter?" Duncan demanded. Joe eyed him curiously as he attempted to clean up the spill. "Yes, I believe that's what her file said." Then again, he hadn't read up on her in the last few years. Duncan thought that was odd. In the brief time he'd known Aria, she hadn't mentioned a daughter. Some Immortals had been blackmailed or lost their heads for the safety of their children and family. He remembered Connor's distress when Kane had kidnapped his adopted son, John. Simply because Immortals couldn't have children, didn't stop them from loving them. If this was the case with Aria it would explain why she was acting so strange. He had a bad feeling about this then the realization hit him, "Was the child's name Emily?" "Sounds familiar. Why?" "Just check it out and let me know," Duncan said. "You're beginning to have doubts about the attack outside the Dojo, aren't you Mac?" Richie said. "I don't know Richie," Duncan sighed. "But it was too much of a coincidence." "You think she's setting you up?" Dawson said. Duncan sighed again. He didn't know what to make of it all. "I don't know Joe. I just can't see her letting herself be attacked like that only to set me up." Duncan turned to Richie who'd voiced some protest. "What?" "I don't know Mac. It sounds to me like _the_ perfect way to get you to trust her. You would never stand by while a woman needed help." Richie stared at Duncan who didn't answer. "I still wouldn't trust her. Even if she's being forced, Mac. What if the price for her daughter's safety is your head?" Duncan didn't like the sound of Richie's insinuation, but it had merit. Aria had appeared distracted and jumpy. He had to know. "Dawson, I need to find her." Joe took a deep breath and stood. "Okay my friend." Joe ambled off to the back of the bar leaving the two immortals. "So what if someone _is_ using her daughter. You think she'd give you up?" "I don't know Richie. It's possible. And if what Dawson said about how she retaliates when someone she cares about is hurt or dies...." Duncan trailed off into thought. The worst thing he'd wish on his worst enemy was a pissed off immortal. "Even so Mac," Richie said, "Still. I wouldn't trust her. Especially not now." The Dojo. December 9, 1995. The chill of the cold morning could be felt through the open windows of the Loft as Duncan paced near the telephone. He'd left Richie working out downstairs after talking some more about what Dawson had revealed last night about Aria. But Richie was still mistrustful of her sudden appearance into their lives. Duncan argued with himself that maybe Richie had good reason to be concerned since they really didn't know what to expect from her. But Duncan grew more troubled over Richie's attitude. Where Duncan refrained from judging Aria until he spoke to her, Richie didn't. Duncan thought he knew how Kristin's betrayal had deeply affected Richie. But now he realized he really didn't know. He continued to pace the loft waiting for Dawson to call. Joe had been unable to come up with any information from his laptop at the bar and would call him this morning with the information from his home. He'd barely gotten a wink of sleep and his patience was wearing thin. Before the phone could finish ringing, Duncan snapped it up. "Dawson?" he said into the phone. "What did you find out?" "And a good morning to you too MacLeod." "Dawson!" "All right, all right. Don't get your panties in a bunch." Dawson was tired. He'd spent most of the night searching for the desired information, and none of what he'd found out was good news. Joe didn't relish the conversation he was about to have with MacLeod. Not this early in the morning. "Seems Aria's been pretty busy. In the last few days she's taken the heads of two immortals. Three days ago it was an immortal named Julian Works. The name ring a bell?" "No." "The other one yesterday. It was your old friend David Keogh." That gave Duncan a moment of pause. Keogh was a good swordsman. "He's no friend of mine. Where can I find her?" "She lives at 1221 Pomplain Drive and her daughter's name _is_ Emily." Joe paused and sighed heavily, he wished he didn't have to continue. "And you're right MacLeod. Her watcher reported that her daughter's been missing. Both Aria and the child were taken by three men two days ago. Aria's watcher tried following but lost them in heavy traffic, so she returned the house and waited. A few hours later they'd returned Aria, but no daughter. That same night, she was attacked outside your Dojo." "Damn it Dawson!" Both men became silent. "Hunters?" "I don't know MacLeod. I don't know," Dawson breathed with regret. He prayed hunters weren't involved. But things seemed to be pointing in that direction. Duncan tensed when he sensed another immortal in the Dojo and walked immediately to the elevator. The color drained from his face when he heard the distinct sounds of clashing swords. "Got to go Dawson." "What's wrong?" "Tell you later." Duncan hung up. Dawson knew better to question the abruptness of it. Duncan took the elevator to the Dojo and found Richie and Aria in battle. ### Richie was working out on the punching bag in earnest trying to understand MacLeod. Mac truly believed Aria wasn't out to get him. That she wouldn't take his head. No matter what Dawson said about her, she was still dangerous. He wondered if MacLeod would fight her. Even though Kristin had tried killing Maria, Duncan still couldn't bring himself to kill Kristin. If fact, MacLeod had a long history of sparing the lives of female immortals, Richie remembered bitterly. No. There was no way Richie would lose his long time friend and mentor to Aria. He stopped and turned around facing the entrance of the Dojo when he felt the presence of an immortal. A few seconds later Aria walked through the doors smiling. Richie thought he'd like to wipe it off her face. "What do you want!" Aria stepped back, hearing the anger in his words. The last she saw Richie he had been pretty friendly. She wondered what happened since to change that. "I came to see Duncan," she said apprehensively. "What kind of games are you playing, huh, Aria? Gain Duncan's confidence then take his head when he turns his back on you?" Richie said tightly and picked up his rapier which laid on his gym bag. Aria was stung by the words, but instinctively put her hand on the hilt of her own sword. "I don't want his head. Or yours." Aria hoped she could talk Richie out of fighting her and didn't take her sword out yet. "I don't believe you!" Richie was closing the short distance between them. "Look, boy..." Aria said, becoming angry. She backed away from Richie, her hand still on the hilt of her sword. "I said I _don't_ want to fight you." "Yeah? And it doesn't rain in Seacover!" Richie said, advancing. "And I really hate it when people call me boy!" The challenge had been made. Aria was left with no other choice and drew her sword ready to defend herself. As their swords met Aria knew that by the glint in Richie's eyes, talking was definitely out of the question. Aria didn't want to hurt Richie but his attack was quick and furious. And her heart sank when she saw that for a young immortal, Ryan was good. He had speed and strength. Aria was thinking of a way to stop him or slow him down, when she became momentarily distracted by the noise of the elevator and she paid for that lapse in concentration as Richie's blade slashed her skin. She fell back, wincing at the pain, and lost her footing slipping slightly on the floor. Richie didn't miss a beat, and lunged forward, his sword connecting with flesh again. The pain seared through her and she fought to regain her concentration, to gain the upper hand but he was quick. He lunged at her again, forcing her further back and this time Aria tripped over some equipment and fell on the floor. Aria scrambled to get back up, barely managing to block the rapier which came too close to her neck. Richie meant business and wasn't letting up. She rolled away from him and got to her feet, but there was that speed again. Aria swore at how good he was. If Richie learned most of his skills from Duncan, Aria didn't have to imagine how good a swordsman Duncan had to be. Duncan, katana in hand, stood grim as he watched a battle he couldn't interfere in. Richie was backing Aria against the wall, but he overextended his thrust leaving his left side open. A move Duncan had continually warned him about. Aria, a more experienced fighter than Richie, saw it and took it knowing there was only one way to stop Richie. She wasn't about to lose her head in order not to hurt him and thrusted her sword forward. "Richie," Duncan whispered rooted to the spot. Aria's blade entered Richie's abdomen side ways and he slumped down to his knees, surprise and pain in his eyes. The grip on his sword weakened and it clattered to the floor. Aria knew Duncan had been watching and knew he wouldn't interfere. Or she hoped. She took the sword out in one quick move and Richie doubled over in pain. His neck exposed and vulnerable to her sword. Aria stood, breathing heavily, and brought her sword to Richie's neck. She was exhausted from the fight. Exhausted from everything. "Duncan?" Aria and Duncan's eyes met as she said his name. He was still rooted to the same spot. "You once told me you wouldn't harm me. That you'd help me? Was that a lie?" Her gaze didn't waver and her sword remained next to Richie's neck. Duncan was torn. He'd given her his word, but she had Richie at her mercy and he couldn't interfere. he thought. "No. It wasn't a lie," he said stiffly. Aria removed the sword from Richie's neck and sheated her sword. Richie looked up, incredulity in his eyes, to see her outstretched hand ready to help him up. Duncan was speechless -- and thankful. Richie didn't take her offered hand but struggled to his feet on his own. Aria had to respect that. He was a good swordsman, but too eager. Duncan finally moved and went to stand next to Richie, who'd picked up his sword and was breathing haphazardly. His wound was healing. But the anger remained in his eyes. "Why didn't you take his head?" Duncan inquired. "I don't work that way Duncan." "Oh yeah!!" Richie spat. "What do you know about me Ryan?" Aria asked, her eyes narrowing, stepping closer to him. "Nothing!" "Richie!!" Duncan barked stopping Richie before he could say anything further. Aria was sure she'd missed something. "I think there are something's we need to discuss Aria." Nodding, "That's why I came, until wonder boy here challenged me!" "I'm not afraid of you!!" Aria stared coldly at Richie. "You should be." Duncan grabbed Richie by the arm and held him back. "That's enough!" He said yanking Richie harder until Richie turned to face him. "Richie if you haven't noticed, you still have your head attached. Why don't you use it!" There was hurt and betrayal in Richie's eyes. "You're going to take her side?" "I'm not taking her side Richie. There are things you don't know or understand." "I understand all right." Richie's body was shaking from the anger he felt. "I understand that she'll kill you!" Duncan closed his eyes briefly and wondered how he could make Richie understand. "Richie, please." "Forget it Mac!" Richie yanked his arm free from Duncan's hold. Their eyes fixed on each other. Anger in Richie's. Pleading in Duncan's. Aria didn't know what was going on between them. Why did Richie feel she would kill Duncan? Richie glared at Aria and left the Dojo ignoring Duncan's protests. Duncan shook his head at the level of stubbornness Richie could reach. Sometimes he took it too far. Aria could've killed him, but she didn't. He turned to her and motioned her to the elevator. Once again, they rode in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. End of Part 7. Comments can be sent to (mjordan104@aol.com). Thanks.