Date: Mon, 20 Feb 1995 21:51:44 -0400 Reply-To: Superhero in Training! Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: Superhero in Training! Subject: They Also Serve... Revised This story is an alternate ending to the episode _They Also Serve_. The story diverges from the regular episode during Duncan's battle with Christian. I want to thank Mary Ann for suggesting that someone tackle this. I hope you all like it. It is my first fiction post ( I have other ideas to write also ) so be kind :) Comments and suggestions welcome, flames read and ignored. They Also Serve: The other possibility. *SPLASH* "The sword, I have to reach the sword," Duncan thought. Fate however has other plans for Duncan Macloud. As he takes move toward the sword Duncan slips into a hole hidden among the rocks of the river. *SNAP* "AAAHHHHH!!!," screams Duncan as his leg breaks. Still struggling foward Duncan looks up to see Christian pick up the sword. "Goodbye Macloud. Your pet immortal is next. There can be only one!" *SWISH* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Feeling very pleased with himself Christian begins the climb out of the riverbed. Unknown to him Richie has just arrived. "Oh no, I'm too late. I hope that wasn't Duncan's Quickening," thinks Richie. Holding Duncan's katana at the ready Richie cautiously approaches the river bank looing for the surviver. Richie backs up when he sees that it is Christian coming up the path. "So Ryan you have come to save me the trouble of finding you. I'll be sure to have that carved on your headstone." Drawing his sword Chirstian advances slowly toward Richie. "You don't stand a chance against me Ryan. I have all of Macloud's knowledge and power. There is nothing you can do that don't know about." Circling around Christian Richie says, "You may have Duncan's knowledge and power but you lack once thing. Knowledge without skill is useless. You have been babied so long you don't have the edge. That is why you must cheat. I will avenge Duncan." Richie quickly slashes at Chirstian's chest making a small cut. Christian counters and cuts Richie's arm. After several minutes of battling Christian begins to understand what Richie was saying about skill. Christian realizes that he is being worn out so he rushes at Richie swinging. Doing as DUncan drilled him Richie drops to his knees and cuts deaply through Christian's chest. Standing back up Richie looks down at Christian. Christian is trying to hold himself together. "Please... don't??" begs Christian. "Unlike you Christian I play by the Rules," Richie says and screams, "There can be only one!!" The quickening begins and Richie falls to his knees. Looking up Richie sees the spirit of Duncan one last time. As the quickening ends Richie hears Duncan say, "I will always be with you. I am gone so now you must protect the world from darkness. Listen to Joe and Connor. And Richie, try to stay out of trouble." As he passes out Richie whispers, "I will. Goodbye Mac." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once he wakes up Richie drives Mac's car back to Joe's. *CHING* [_Who wants to live forever_ plays in back ground] Joe Dawson looks up and sees Richie. Joe's concern is apparent as he asks, "Duncan?" Richie looks at Joe with old, sad eyes and says, "There can be only one Joe." "Oh damn." Joe walks behind the bar and gets out a bottle of brandy. "Duncan gave this to me. It is a 1700 vintage. Here." And joes pours two glasses. "I was too late Joe. Another ten minutes and I could have saved him." "Richie you know it doesn't work like that. You will have to be careful now. With the Quickenings that Christian and Duncan have taken you are now a threat. Watch your head, I don't want to loose you too." Joe pushes the phone toward Richie. "What is this for," Richie asks. "You need to make a phone call." "I know but I hate to do it." Richie says as he dials a number. "Nash's Antiquies. Nash speaking" "Connor, its Richie. I have to tell you about Duncan...." [Fade to black] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I hope you enjoyed it. Doug Triplett ******************************************************************************** * Doug Triplett | triplet1@muvms6.mu.wvnet.edu trippy5500@aol.com * * 4759 Prices Ck. Rd. | triplet1@marshall.edu * * Huntington WV 25701-9656 | Phone: (304)529-4830 Fax: (304)523-6713 * *------------------------------------------------------------------------------* * Beware fear, hatred, aggression these lead to the Dark Side. -- Yoda * ******************************************************************************** =========================================================================