========================================================================= Date: Mon, 22 Apr 1996 11:30:00 +0100 Reply-To: "S.Duncan" Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: "S.Duncan" Subject: Heaven Sent Part 2/8 *********************************************************************** *********************************************************************** Heaven Sent =========== Heaven Sent is A Sequel to my last fan fic Innocence and Justice - if you want to read that first, it may be archived already, ftp.highlander.org, but otherwise, it can be found on my web page under the heading of Home Grown Fiction: http://eleceng.ukc.ac.uk/~sd5 Or, mail me and I'll send you a copy direct. Any problems with Heaven Sent, it'll be available on the web page, or by Email. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Hope you like it! Thanks, , Sophie sd5@ukc.ac.uk 0<<>>0 ' "Disce pati" - Duncan Clan Motto |______________________________ 0[[[[[[XX|_____________________________/ | |-------/ Richie Forever! | / =============== | R \ |_______\ | NOTE: There are two versions of Part 5 and Part 6, one in Adult format, the other edited for those who do not appreciate the steamier side of Highlander. DISCLAIMER: =========== The characters of Richie Ryan and Duncan MacLeod, along with the rest of the Highlander Universe do not belong to me, I'm just borrowing them `cause fan fic's fun!:-) Do what you like with the following story, as long as it doesn't involve profit (sorry if there are any Ferengis out there). *********************************************************************** *********************************************************************** *********************************************************************** *********************************************************************** Part 2 Richie spun in his seat and frowned scornfully at the squabble which had just started two rows further back between one of the girls, Jessie, and her boyfriend, Luke. They'd been on the road for six hours with only one stop for fresh air, and boredom was threatening the peace. The portable CD player Richie had passed around the packed bus since the trip began was merely an excuse for a release of tension. "Look, Guys," he scolded evenly, "I know we said three songs each, but Bohemian Rhapsody is cheating. Lets say if you pick that one, you only get two songs before you pass it on, okay?" The grimace he received in response he decided to take as an affirmative. The young man sighed as he took in the sight from his front passenger seat position. The odds against cabin fever setting in didn't look good. A couple of faces were staring blankly out of the window at the endless interstate, a few bright sparks were reading, but the rest just looked sourly back at him, their mood frustrated. Except for the occasional argument, there had not been a peep out of the motley crew since the initial excitement of starting off had worn out an hour into the drive. The radio in the truck was busted, and even the selection of discs the youth had brought with him was wearing thin. Richard Ryan only saw one solution he had left, his lip, so he continued with the break in the silence. "Is the art of conversation dead?" he quipped lightly; there were a few harder looks, but not much more of a return; he pressed on, "Okay, since you're all intent on being mean and moody, I'll start. Does anyone know if Mr Javecki's on the corner still sells candy out of the jar, or is it all packaged now?" "Jars," came the stiff reply from the back, and Richie smiled to himself as he turned back to face front - it was a start. "Do you still get the drinks for the bar from there?" the animated mouth protracted. "Yeah," Jake piped up, giving in to the interest, "did you used to have to collect them as well." "All the time," the young Immortal laughed and winked at Kathleen in the rear view mirror. "Used to volunteer for it, `cause there was always a chance old man Javecki would be in, and he'd give us aniseed twists." "That's kids' stuff," struck out from a very young sounding voice, which, all the same, seemed miffed that he'd missed out on such a gift. "Tastes good though," someone else laughed and there was the brush of a teasing hand ruffling some hair. A short complaint followed, but settled as more voices joined the conversation. Soon, the eloquent youth just sat back and let the discussion continue behind without him. The CD player was back in his lap as no one wanted to be left out of the friendly banter, and he closed his eyes and lost himself in the rock music; he would be taking over the driver's seat soon, and he wanted a doze before that. ################################################################# The drive was long, and at some points, strained, but the stranger in the pack couldn't help but get to know his troop rather well. There was Mary and Martha, two unrelated sixteen-year-olds, who had paired off together at an orphanage where they'd grown up. They did most everything together, which mainly consisted of bunking off from school and spending the day at the Mall, from where Father Macey had often rounded them up. They'd been coming to the centre for three years, initially for the line the priest had spun them about the collection of `talent' that could be found there. Since then, the man's influence had reduced their absences from the local educational establishment, and they'd become role models for a lot of the younger girls. They were tall, and elegantly slender, with rocker style long dark and blond hair respectively, and both were hoping to become model/actresses. Personally, Richie thought that Mary would make a good accountant the way she kept track of the pair's money, and Martha had a wicked eye for art, which was shown through the intricate pictures she had painted on the denim jackets they both wore. Jake was in the same grade as the would-be-sisters, and had been trying to catch Martha's eye since the journey began. He wasn't the oldest boy in the group, but he did seem to be the unofficial spokesperson and leader for the street band. His small group, which included the two girls, seemed to be the `society' to whom to pay respect. He seemed to run the show with as much fairness as a teenager could manage; he was sometimes gruff and moody, sometimes friendly, but *always* cool. He was a biker like the man he was fast coming to consider a friend, and despite the punk image, had a soft soul which could been seen through his eyes. Randy, the elder boy's protege was fourteen, but looked more like a twelve-year-old, due to his lack of stature and a baby face. He was a wily fox, smart to a possibly worrying potential, who was the genius behind many a scheme that the group had discussed with their new confidant the night before. Father Macey had been trying desperately for a year to make him apply some of his natural brain to his school work, and had made a little head way, but the boy could be disruptive in class when he became bored at the `slow' pace. There were tentative feeler out about seeing if he could jump a grade next year, but the boy didn't really like the idea, it was too geeky. Luke and Jessie were another pair, and the oldest teenagers at seventeen going on the trip, although they didn't always act that way. They'd been dating for almost a month, a lifetime for the hot blooded street kids, and were, at the moment, inseparable. The relationship was rowdy at times, Richie had witnessed three arguments in his short time with them, but they seemed to care about each other. There was no doubt that they were sleeping together, but the two chaperones had been warned to keep an eye out to make sure there was no rumpy pumpy during the vacation. Somehow, the youth didn't consider the prospect of stopping it altogether realistic, where there was a will, there was a way, but any meetings would, at least be clandestine and out of the experience of the younger adventurers. There weren't many dark skinned kids at the church centre, they tended to stick outside the Irish Roman Catholic tradition that ran the hall, but Michael was one of three young people who had chosen to frequent the place. At fifteen, his polite, quiet manner and sharp good looks were well liked among the elite, but he didn't join in with the gang activities, only socialising with them at the community building. He was one of the group who had actually brought some reading material with him on the trip, but had joined in the conversation with enthusiasm once it was in full swing. His physique was trim and slender where a strong interest in athletics had left him very fit. Richie had already arranged early morning runs with him for the rest of the week. Thomasita-Jemima-May, better known as Mimi by her associates, could not be missed by anyone. She was short, rotund and as lively as Kathleen. She always appeared to be wearing too much make-up, and had gold jewellery hanging from every available piece of flesh. A quick wit and good humour made her, more often than not, the peacemaker on the ground among the teenagers. If she could handle the situation, Father Macey had instructed both escorts to leave her to it. She was also the supplier of as many snacks as the bus load could eat, and she enjoyed her food! There was one body who didn't seem to fit into the rag-tag cluster at first glance, but on closer inspection, she was well respected. Emily was an uptown high school girl, dressed in pressed jeans, an expensive jacket, her bobbed hair held back by a rolled scarf. She was quiet, pretty, feminine in a polite way, and at odds with every other image in the bus. She was Kathleen's daughter, not that you'd know it to see them together, and had accompanied her mother to the centre since they'd arrived in the neighbourhood three years ago. She liked the `rough crowd' as she called them, and surprisingly, they'd accepted her as she was. She was popular with the other girls, a source of advice and make-up when attracting the boys, whose heads she unfailingly turned as she walked by. At fifteen, she was friendly with Mimi, and they made an odd partnership when it came to mediating in the lives of their comrades. Four of the younger children stuck firmly together: Jamie, Luke's younger brother; Pog, known so for his collection of the discs; Peter, a dark-eyed, `reformed' pickpocket; Biff, a young lady who, at twelve, insisted she wanted to be a tomboy for the rest of her life. They were the youngest of the elected representatives, and were obviously destined to fill the maturing present gang's shoes. The previous evening, they had hooked onto Richie as soon as he'd come back down from the meeting with Father Macey, and were inherently curious about everything. They'd done most of the questioning for anyone who cared to know anything about the well-dressed stranger, and had uncovered most of the youth's history that he was willing to reveal on such a brief acquaintance. Biff was especially interested in his connection to the dojo, and seemed to be developing a crush on her blond, muscled idol. Richie wasn't sure what to make of Kim, a mainly silent, Korean girl who looked so delicate she might break. She hadn't stayed long at the centre the night before, and from the brief glances the young man gave her on the journey, he couldn't gauge much. Sometimes her black eyes were hard, hostile of the newcomer, who was trying to be friendly, at others, mainly when she hadn't noticed his eyes on her, she seemed sad. There had been a mumbled message to him from Jake, which had mentioned a recent death in the family, the reason she'd been chosen by her colleagues to go on the trip, but exactly who had not been clear. She was the only child not to join in the conversations that started and stopped every so often, and spent most of her time looking out of the window. The youth hoped the vacation would help her to heal and wondered if Naomi, with her still recent bereavement, could help. If a nickname of Ranger didn't give the hint, then the last boy's clothing gave away the fact that he was a cowboy nut. No one had had the heart not to vote for him as his dream seemed to be coming true. He had turned up wearing the boots, plus spurs, the chequered shirt, necktie and hat. He was a city cowboy. He'd read books, watched all the westerns on which he could lay hands, loved the music, but had never set foot outside the town he lived in. He was looking forward to his first contact with a horse and the `injun' Father Macey had told him lived at the ranch. Richie wondered if either would be pleased to see his overwhelming enthusiasm. Last, but not least, Amber sat at the very back of the bus, sultry and alluring to her male counterparts. If Emily was the image of clean cut, then the young woman was the epitome of the sex goddess. She was fourteen, but dressed herself to hide her youth. Where Mimi's war paint was over the top, hers was perfect, enough to tempt any man, however old. She was supposed to be dating a twenty five year old crook, who ran a gang up town, but he remained unnamed, and Richie suspected he was fictional. There was an air of loneliness about the girl which showed through her shield, and the story seemed to be a way of impressing her fellows. However, all it did was put her out of reach, as all the young men appeared to have voted for her, but were too scared of her image to approach, and the girls found her aloof. The young Immortal felt sorry for the situation she'd created for herself, and had tried to chat with her, but had decided it was best to leave her be when the impression he cast to the others was that he fancied his chances. Randy had scowled at him when he'd backed rapidly off, and the unusual being considered that he might try and play matchmaker in that embryonic relationship. Overall, they weren't a bad bunch, and Richard Ryan thought he could get along with them. ################################################################# It was nearly dark by the time the bus came close to its destination, and the ranch was a welcome sight on the flat horizon. With the sun setting behind them, the shape was murky up ahead on the long drive, but it was impressive all the same. Richie had seen it in photos, but it seemed larger in life. All made out of dark-stained wood, the main house was a wide, single storey creation, one long window and several smaller ones along its front blazing light out into the paddocks around. There was another, plainer building attached by a covered walk to the house, and two huge barns, one either side. That was it in front of them for miles around, until the eye reached dark hills in the distance. The hairs on the back of the young Immortal's neck prickled as he drove the final half mile up to the ranch; there was an atmosphere in this place that spoke to his unnatural being, an aura of peace and great power. He was silent amongst a hubbub of excitement that was going on behind him as the youngsters recognised their target. Their noise was at the back of his mind as his weary mind focused on the sense of the wide open valley. The actual buildings were largely irrelevant once he'd taken them in, it was the land itself which touched his soul and he *knew* this was holy ground, a haven for his kind. The instinct confused him, it wasn't something that he felt from most sacred sites, but the presence was so strong here that the Eternal youth couldn't deny it. The thunk as the door to the van was slid open brought him back from the daze, and blinking, the young man recognised five of the seven forms, who were watching them draw up from the porch. Naomi's beautiful visage took the place of the musings, and he smiled broadly as she waved. Bodies were already piling out of the hot bus, and he swiftly followed them. He was half expecting the missile, which came rapidly towards him, and the shift in his soul which accompanied her. The familiar pain and joy mixed in him once again as he swung the small figure rapidly into his arms and spun round wildly. "Hi, Sweetheart," he greeted warmly, ruffling the curly head lovingly. The wonderful smile of welcome he received was angelic and excited all at once. There was a weariness in her eyes, and she was dressed in her night clothes, but there was also an intense pleasure at the arrival of her kin. "Rich-ee," she giggled, wrapping her one-time saviour in an energetic hug. There was laughter from the group gathering by the bus, not to mention the child herself as Richie followed an old tradition he'd begun by accident, and hooked Annie efficiently under his arm. She kicked and screamed superbly, but her efforts were not meant in earnest, it had been too long since her favourite adult Immortal had teased her, and she was enjoying his attention. The young man glanced up at the porch, more precisely, directly at his soul mate. His face was smiling as he asked casually, "This belong to you?" There was a vague shrug of response as the divine creature joined in the play, and Annie yelled even louder at the non-committal action. She was giggling craftily, and the youth started as her small fingers found their way under his jacket and began to dance through his thin shirt; he managed to stay upright as her `attack' became stronger, and he caught the slender figure of his darling begin to slink down the steps towards them. Her movements were slow, and gave the young man enough time to allow his little charge a good revenge, before he righted her and offered peace, much to the amusement of his companions. Penelope-Anne was sat securely on his hip by the time he was stood straight once more, and faced his approaching goddess. The last few steps were closed at surprising speed, and with a small exclamation of delight, the Immortal found himself engulfed in another embrace, which he returned whole-heartedly. Naomi's relationship to him had been explained on the way as one of the things all the kids wanted to know, but there were a few murmurs from the crowd as they gathered that there was probably more to the bond than the understatement which Richie had given them. The youth barely heard them, the warmth that was running through him at the long-overdue reunion blocked out the rest of the world. By the time he pushed away the intoxicating feel of his spiritual partner, there were five more bodies standing just behind the heavenly woman. "It's good to see you again," she breathed, her tone full of emotion as she held her hands either side of his neck and took in his handsome features. Feeling overwhelmed, the young man examined every inch of the pale visage and deep eyes, and his words failed him. He breathed deeply of even the scent of her being, and revelled in the faint telling of her waiting Immortality. The youth's cheeks coloured a little as a polite cough from behind the god-sent woman finally drew the couple all the way apart. Harry was smiling devilishly as the Immortal's attention was laid on him, and he spoke deeply, "Save some of him for us, Naomi." The girl laughed gorgeously and turned to the group, hooking her arm around her companion's waist. A quick wave down three offered hands was a content greeting between the reunited friends; all of the boys grinned in welcome, even Garion, and then manners demanded some introductions. Agatha was not difficult to deduce, she was a tall, elegant woman who had died somewhere past the time when women continue to reveal their age. Her hair was long and white, held back in a sweeping bun fixed in place with stick and leather. That was the only clue as to her maturity, her face, although sun touched, was not lined and her grey eyes held a fire which defied any years. She was stood straight, her hands held in front of her like a Victorian lady, but her clothes were modern and far from prim. There was a warm smile of welcome on her features. Her companion was the same height as the resplendent woman, and although his descent was so obviously different, due to his long, dark straight hair and darker skin, he fitted in beside her like a close friend should. The Native American was dressed in similar, out door clothes to all of the older residents, jeans, boots and front button shirts, but there was also decorations of his ancestors around his neck and wrists. His dark eyes were twinkling a salute. "Richie, this is Agatha and Jon," Naomi introduced. The Immortal nodded respectfully and greeted warmly, "Nice to meet you." He didn't offer a hand as one was holding Annie in place, and the other he'd just wrapped carefully around the slim waist of his dear one. Instead, he turned the three of them round and displayed his motley crew. "This is Kathleen..." the youth ran down the list of names and waited for some type of response to every one. "Welcome to Heaven Sent," Agatha purred, her voice deep and amicable. "I am Agatha Newly, and this is my steward, Jon Buffalo-Sky. If you'll follow us, we'll show you where to drop off your things in the bunk house, and then there's a warm supper waiting in the dining room." That brought a rumble of approval from the travel-weary group. The bunk house was the building down the walkway, and was divided into two rooms plus single sex shower and bathrooms; each room was lined with ten beds and cupboards similar to a military hut, but had a softer feel due to the heavy beams which criss-crossed the roof space, and the warm glow of the lights. Each new arrival grabbed a bed and left their bags for sorting out later, and within ten minutes, everyone was sat around a long oak table in the room which belonged to the single large window at the front of the house. There was a magnificent view of the ranch gates and the town lights miles away across the flat terrain, but everyone was more interested in the display that was on the table. Richie stood at the door to the supper room, holding a dozing toddler and watching the animated scene which began as soon as Agatha and her resident helpers began to dish out a thick, appetising stew. Naomi stayed by Agatha until she was sure that she wasn't needed, and then joined him. "She's so tired," the girl whispered, wiping a curl from the smooth brow with affection, "but she insisted on staying awake until you arrived." "Lets put her to bed," her companion suggested, rocking the small form a little as she shifted in sleep. More than a few of the eaters noticed the young couple leave with their charge, and smiles were exchanged. Annie didn't stir as she was tucked into her bed in a room she shared with Naomi. Her peace captivated both her carers as they perched on the edge of the bed and watched her a while. There was nothing on the young face save for the ghost of a smile as she dreamt contentedly, and her calm sent a wave of radiance through Richie's soul. The months of separation had faded his memory of the dear creature, but only minutes with her had brought back all his feeling. His blessed curse, held Immortal in the body of an innocent, and he loved her without reservation. He'd even missed the pain and anger that sat permanently in the back of his mind when he thought about her Eternal immaturity. The little girl who held two centuries of simplicity inside her made him smile as he absently smoothed her covers. "You must be hungry," Naomi's sweet tones brought him gently from his daze as she laid a palm on his shoulder. "Mm," he murmured, feeling the sleep he needed catch up with him for a moment as his thoughts came back, "it's been burgers and candy bars for two days." "Come on, or there'll be none left," her voice smiled as she stood to lead the way. One last moment of protective wonder, and then the Immortal leant over and laid a good night kiss on the untouched forehead. He breathed in deeply as he stood and stretched aching legs, pulling back his wits from the drifting that tiredness was inclining him to. "Looks like we shouldn't keep you away from your bed much longer either," the slight female observed with a wry grin, and holding out a hand, nodded towards the doorway. ################################################################# Despite his weariness, Richie was still sat at the table with Kathleen, Agatha, Jon and Naomi two hours later, hovering over a cup of black coffee. The Immortals and their allies were in fact waiting for the rotund lady to retire to her bed, but would never have said anything. Half an hour of inane chatter had gone by, and it appeared that now their patience was at last going to be rewarded. The bright woman drained the last of her cup, and slamming it down heartily, admitted, "Well, I think it's time to join the sleeping beauties down the way. Goodnight, people." Friendly dismissals came from all direction in a manner they hoped wasn't too obvious, and with a grin, the large creature was gone. As soon as she was out of ear shot and visual range, the youngest Immortal pushed his cup out of the way and slid his head onto the table. "At last," he muttered, without malice, "I thought she'd never go." "It still strikes me how resilient Mortals are considering their non- renewable condition," Agatha disclosed, irony in her speech. "That woman has more stamina than an ox," the young man continued in some amazement. "She spent most of today at the wheel." A gentle laugh went around the group, and Ryan lifted his attention once more. There was an easy smile on the elder woman's lips as she finally asked, "How's Duncan?" "He's well," Richie nodded enthusiastically with a smile. "Trying to make a running concern of the dojo and failing as usual, but then he's not bothered. I think teaching is becoming more and more interesting for him. The Gathering around us has been peaceful for a couple of months, so we're just taking life easy at the moment." Agatha snorted and countered with mock scorn, "Naomi tells me that the reason she couldn't reach you in the week is that you've been training up in the mountains." The youth shrugged and answered smoothly, "That *is* Mac's idea of the easy life, and well it keeps me fit. I think his bug is infecting me, I've already arranged a run with Michael and a spar with the wooden swords I brought with me with Harry for first thing tomorrow. I must be going mad!" There was no real concern in the young man's voice, and he was looking forward to the exercise to stretch limbs which had been cramped in a vehicle for two days. "There's a path up the valley that's good for a jog, and the secluded gully where you and Harry can practise without being disturbed that he told you about is at the end of it," Jon entered the conversation helpfully, "and you will not need protection unless you cross the boundary line at the hills." "Is that how far the holy ground stretches?" there was incredulity in the youth's manner, but somehow he didn't doubt the statement as the feeling of immense power still hung around him. "This whole valley is an Indian meeting ground that Jon's people believe was blessed by the spirits at the dawn of time," Naomi explained, her face showing that she too felt the presence. "When the white man began to steal the land from the Indians, the tribe gave this place to me," Agatha continued, "because they knew I could hold it for them for as long as they needed. They never took the place back from me, but I still am host to tribal gatherings about once every generation. Jon here is the look out for his people, waiting until he sees the signs to call another meeting, and he doubles as my watcher; he wasn't pleased when Duncan told me about our nosy Mortals and I spotted the tattoo on his wrist." The Native American made a face and returned pragmatically, "My family had been keeping our eyes on her for generations without any interference, then this MacLeod tells her and for three weeks all hell breaks lose. I was sleeping in the bunk house for a month after that." "Well, reporting my comings and goings to a secret society without my knowledge," his companion sounded almost like she was cursing, and she slapped the man in the manner of close friends. It was well known among locals that as well as steward, Jon was also a lover, and the meaning drifted across to their guest. He raised an eyebrow and grinned at Naomi as the pair continued to banter about the old issue... ...The discussion continued for another half an hour as Richie filled in any more news about the Highlander that his hosts wanted to hear. Then his exhaustion begged a respite until at least the following morning, and he retired to bed. End Of Part 2 *********************************************************************** **********************************************************************