========================================================================= Date: Mon, 22 Apr 1996 22:29:45 -0400 Reply-To: MJordan104@AOL.COM Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: "Monica T. Jordan" Subject: Out of Love and Vengeance - Part 1/10 Timeline: This story takes place a few days after the Highlander episode "Chivalry" which aired the week of November 27, 1995, but before the episode "Timeless." Other notes: Methos is not involved in this story. I wrote that he left after he beheaded Kristin. Anne is still pregnant. Duncan is still working on the house. And Joe and Duncan haven't talked much since the episode "The Colonel." Disclaimer: Highlander The Series is a property of Rysher Entertainment. Characters are used without permission, except for characters created by the author. Credits and Acknowledgements: I'd like to thank the following people who helped me immensely through the writing of this story. Caroll Ann Liddiard for the initial encouragement and such a fine example of writing. Vi Moreau for her endless ideas and agreeing to be a reader. Laura Schomberg for her invaluable help in editing and agreeing to be a reader. Sandra MacDonald whose story gave me the perfect title for mine. (I'd been struggling with one that would convey what the story was about and her story gave it to me.) Mike Breen, for advice on planning and research. (He may think it wasn't much but his advice helped me get over weeks of writers block.) Steve Payne, for being a "cold reader" and giving me great advice on why my quotes weren't coming through. (I really appreciated that.) And to all the kind readers who gave me encouragement after Remembrance. It gave me the courage to write this one. Thanks. Warning: Some Parts of the story includes some strong language and some violent scenes. Comments, Opinions, Criticism, can be sent to (mjordan104@aol.com). This is my first major fanfic, so I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thanks. "Out of Love and Vengeance - Part 1/10." by Monica T. Jordan. Copyright, 1996. Seacover. December 6, 1995. The elevator ride to the third level parking area had been quick and uneventful. A formidable looking woman, in business dress and a long jacket, exited carrying a briefcase in one hand and a small package in the other, and began walking rapidly towards her vehicle humming a tune, and tucked the small package under her right arm and fished for her car keys in her suit pocket. But as an all too familiar feeling engulfed her senses she stopped, her dark eyes scanning the immediate area, searching for the unseen immortal. she thought bitterly putting the briefcase and the package down and removed her sword, a scimitar. "Okay, you've made your presence known. Now show yourself and let's get this over with." She snapped, careful of any surprise movements from the unseen Immortal. She glanced over the different vehicles, walking to the center of the lot. The immortal emerged from behind one of the large support columns about twenty feet from her and began closing the distance between them. "In a hurry to die, are we, Aria Al-Haban, or should I call you La Mora," said the unknown male immortal in a faint English accent. Aria's eyes narrowed as she heard her name. As he stepped into the lights she could tell he was a few inches taller than her five feet ten inches, but that wouldn't be a problem. "No. Just in a hurry to get home, if you must know," she said flatly. "Obviously you know who I am but who are you?" "My name is Julian Works," he said smugly. His sword, a rapier, already drawn. "Look. I don't know who you are and I don't wish to fight you," Aria said, and smiled inwardly at his stunned reaction, which he didn't cover quick enough. All who challenged her expected her to fight, to eagerly accept their challenge, to live up to the reputation of La Mora -- a name she'd grown to hate. It brought her nothing but trouble. As the distance between them was eliminated, Aria finally got a good look at him. He was several inches taller than her, short brown hair, blue eyes, wore an expensive tailored suit and a long leather jacket. He seemed very young, in his teens, but she knew better. At best, people thought she was in her twenties, not actually in her eighth century. "Too bad," he snarled, raising his rapier for the attack, "I, however, wish to fight you. It took a lot of hard work and money to find you," he said as he prepared to attack. They circled each other, ready for battle. "How _did_ you find me?" Aria asked. Works smiled, "Come on Al-Haban. You may use a lot of aliases to throw us off, but Aria _Moore_? Not one of your most originals." "I'll have to remember that next time," she said as he made the first strike, which she blocked easily. "And who do I owe the pleasure of your presence?" she said, both glaring at each other through locked swords. "I like to know why I'm fighting," Aria said. They backed off, and circled each other again, blades connecting briefly, sizing each other up. "Does the name Angus Wilburn ring a bell?" he spat. The jaws on Aria's face tightened at the mention of the name. "Who?" she lied. "Mexico City, 25 years ago." The memory of it came like a bolt of lightning but Aria didn't have the luxury or time to remember when a battle to the death was at hand. "Oh? And it's taken you _this_ long to get the nerve to challenge me?" She taunted and readied for his attack, again. Works attacked her visciously, hating her matter of fact attitude at having killed his mentor. "You will lose your head for this." Works had speed as an advantage, but no matter how fast he moved or varied his strokes, he couldn't get through her defenses. All he'd managed to do was frustrate himself as she continued to block every strike he attempted. Aria tried to block the memory of Angus Wilburn, but it flooded her mind. Twenty five years ago he'd murdered her lover Nicolas Rojas, when she'd refused to fight him. "He died like the pig he was. And besides..." she said coolly, "...he challenged me and I won. You know the rules," she said, mockingly. Works further enraged by her words, redoubled his efforts coming from every angle he could. Aria continued to block every move he tried and he was beginning to tire. Then it hit him. What she was doing, but by then it was too late. "Had enough yet?" she grinned at him knowing what he was thinking. Heat flooded his cheeks. he thought bitterly. "I will have satisfaction!" Aria sighed heavily. She didn't want to fight him, but she wasn't about to let him win either. Defeat in an Immortal battle meant true death and in the blink of an eye her fighting stance went from defensive to offensive. Her attack on Works was cold, furious, and precise and in a matter of seconds she'd managed to inflict severe wounds while he hadn't even knicked her. Works now knew he'd misjudged her, although he'd heard of her reputation, he couldn't help but curse at himself for the costly mistake. While she'd remained with an impassive look as he had attacked her, she now had a cold look in her eyes that sent chills through him. He remained on the defensive as she continued her unending attack when she kicked him hard in the stomach causing him to lose his balance and she loss no time as she rammed him with her shoulder slamming him into a car. He fell hard on the floor barely managing to block her next blow as he tried to get up. She wasn't smiling as the next stroke of her sword cut deeply into his sword arm. He screamed in agony as all sensation in his arm left him then his sword fell with him following. Aria stood mere inches from him as he knelt on the floor, clutching his wounded arm, his sword next to him lying in defeat as he did also awaiting for the final stroke that would end his Immortal life. He raised his head to stare into the eyes of his killer but she looked grim, all the fire from a few seconds ago gone. Softly she said, "If I spare your life, would you let me be?" But Aria knew his answer by the hatred in his eyes and the tightening of his jaw. "I was afraid of that... Well, Wilburn left me no other choice either and you know the rules: There can be only one." her mind screamed at her as the words left her mouth. But she swung the final stroke. Taking the soul of another Immortal had ceased to be a pleasant experience for Aria. As the Quickening left his body and began to assault her, Aria began to cry as it struck her body, mind, and soul. All the bitterness, all the anger, all the loneliness, all the loss, all the grief, all the pain. It had all become too much. Seacover. An Office Building. December 7, 1995. "Have you finally picked the right one yet?" said the man sitting opposite his employer's cluttered desk. It was a medium sized office, decorated in burgundy hues and dark mahogany woods. She sat in an executive leather chair, staring out the office window at the city skyline. A beautiful, blond, young woman, in her mid-twenties, wearing a two piece white business suit. Her blues eyes had a faraway look as her mind was somewhere else. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< It's an overcast day, with rain falling slightly. She was attending a funeral in the early morning hours. The day was gray and ugly. She stood still, her arms embraced across her chest, ineffectually holding her grief in. She inched closer to the grave as the casket began its descent. She couldn't believe what was happening to her. Her whole world died with that man. Two men approached her and begged her to leave now. She remained stolid, refusing to leave until the last bit of earth filled the grave. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> "Boss?" he called again. She refocused her eyes on him, staring at him with eyes of a stranger. He was in his late forties, stocky build with sharp gray eyes. "Boss? Have you picked the right one yet?" he repeated trying to regain her attention. "Yes, Drake." She stood and pointed to the picture on her desk. "She seems to be the perfect candidate for our special assignment," she said tapping down on the photograph. "Especially after her performance last night. She'll serve us well," she paused, licking her lips. It all finally seemed to be coming together. She focused her eyes on him intently. "And with our little insurance policy, she'll have more incentive to be successful." They both smiled, but she continued not waiting for a reply. She rarely did. "Well... with this final detail everything's in order." "I like the sounds of that, Boss." Drake smiled. "Good. Let me know when you have her," she said dismissing him. She sat back down in the large leather chair and whirled it to look through the window again. She closed her eyes as a tear started to fall. "Soon I'll have what I've dreamt of," she said softly. The Loft. Duncan stood by the kitchen window, looking but not seeing, out into the street below. He hadn't done much in the days since Methos took Kristin's head and he still felt guilty. He knew she was evil and had to be stopped, but he just couldn't bring himself to do it. So Methos had offered and he'd been depressed ever since. She had meant something to him once, and he just couldn't overlook that. In a way, she'd been a teacher once in his early Immortal life. She'd taught him about the finer things in life. Turned him from a barbarian into a gentleman. Something he would always be grateful to her for. And now she was dead. Methos had left, not long after and Richie hadn't visited much. He tensed when he heard the elevator begin and felt the sensation of an Immortal. "Mac? It's me, Richie," said the young immortal. He usually wore a ready made smile but this time he wasn't smiling. "Over here Richie," said Duncan, who remained standing next to the window. "I was wondering if you needed help with the house today," said Richie, who approached slowly to where his mentor stood and waited for a reply. Not turning to face the young man, he answered, "I probably will. Thanks Richie." Richie still felt guilty over having ignored Duncan's advice about staying away from Kristin. He always hated the fact that Mac was always right and seldom wrong. And in this case, Mac had been right all along but he had to find _that_ out the hard way. He still shuddered at the fact he jumped out a window, several stories high, to escape near decapitation at Kristin's hands. Richie felt awkward standing in the kitchen in the ensuing silence, but said nothing. Duncan turned around and smiled at his young student. He knew Richie was entitled to his share of mistakes, lord knows he made stupid ones in his early days as an Immortal. "Hungry?" "Always," said the young man, a shy smile on his face. "I... I wasn't sure if I should come over." "Why? Because of Kristin?" Duncan said. Nodding, "Yeah. I mean..." Richie began, but Duncan cut him off. "Richie, she had to be stopped. I know that. Adam did what he had to and I understood that," Duncan paused, "And as far as what you did? We aren't perfect Richie. Immortals make mistakes too. We just have to live with them longer." "Well, I should've listened to you, Mac," Richie said, finding something interesting on the kitchen floor. "Well..." began Duncan. "It's not the first time and it won't be the last." Richie's head snapped up in alarm but quickly relaxed as he saw the smile on his mentor's face. Instead of feeling ashamed he'd disappointed him, Richie felt a wave of protectiveness overcome him towards Duncan. At that instant he felt like the luckiest Immortal alive to have a mentor and friend like Duncan MacLeod. Richie knew Duncan would always be there for him, and so would he -- he would be there for his friend. A School Yard. Seacover. "Mom!" screamed a brown haired little girl as she caught view of her mother parting through the throng of children looking for their parents after school. Aria Moore enjoyed picking her daughter up from school and smiled inwardly as she heard her favorite word again. "Mom!" screeched the little girl again, getting closer to her target. "How's my favorite daughter?" Aria said, who stopped and bent ready for her daughter. The child dropped her books and leapt in her mother's arms and hugged her tightly. "I'm your _only_ daughter," whined the little girl. Pulling away slightly she peered into her daughter's brown eyes and asked in a teasing tone, "Are you sure?" "As sure as there are stars in the sky!" beamed the little girl. "Then, I guess that makes you my little star," Aria said. "Yes it does!" she said jumping on her mother's back, ready for her piggy back ride to the car. "Em, you're ten years old. Don't you think you're a little too big for this?" Aria said, laughing at her daughter's loud sigh. They did this everyday and it had become a ritual neither grew tired of. "No. I think it's fun!" said Emily not budging off her mothers' back. Aria simply smiled, picked up her daughters' discarded book bag on the sidewalk, stood and grabbed onto Emily's legs tightly as they wrapped around her waist. Aria smiled as Emily shouted to her friends not to forget about her slumber party this weekend. But the parents were too busy yelling and complaining to their kids, to stop and make a conversation with Aria. It was beyond her comprehension why'd they do that. Didn't they realize what precious gifts children were? She thought about how Emily came into her life, chuckling at the fact she'd convinced herself she disliked children, and there was no doubt in her heart now she loved Emily dearly. Even though she hadn't given birth to her, she would give her own life for her daughter's. It always amazed her how attached she'd gotten to the child. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Seacover, 1985. It was drizzling slightly as Aria exited the movie theater with the other handful of movie goers. She wrapped her coat tighter around her body as the cold reached her bones. But she couldn't help grinning. Watching any Bruce Lee movie always made her feel like she could take on the world. She loved his skill, discipline, and dedication. When she'd read about it in the paper, she couldn't pass up on the opportunity on seeing her favorite one, Enter the Dragon. She stepped from under the small roof of the building and raised her face to the sky letting the water droplets saturate it. She smiled at the other people leaving and headed for the parking lot next to the theater. Aria had walked a few feet when she heard what sounded like whimpering. She stopped and scanned the area listening intently. It was after midnight, and except for a couple of people walking to their cars from the theater, the lot was pretty empty. She'd dismissed the sound when as she began to walk again she heard it more clearly. Aria followed the sounds which came from the alley behind the movie theater. Since there wasn't much lighting in the alley, she entered alert and ready for anything, her hand on the hilt of her sword. What she found was a young pregnant girl crouched next to some boxes sobbing. The young girl jumped when she saw Aria and pushed back further into the boxes. "I'm not going to hurt you," Aria said, carefully approaching the young girl. "Do you need some help?" she said in a soothing voice trying to gain the girl's confidence. "My baby," said the young girl. "I think it's time," she said, crying more loudly now. "I'll call an ambulance..." "No!" screamed the young girl, cutting Aria off. "No hospital. No!" "But..." "No! No hospital. Please." she pleaded. Aria's eyes widened at the implication those words meant. She'd never delivered a baby before, in fact she couldn't stand children. They were annoying to begin with. Or so she'd tried convincing herself. "Please," pleaded the young girl again, looking at Aria with her sad brown eyes. "Please help my baby." Upon hearing those words, the girl's desperate plea for help for her unborn child, Aria could do nothing but help. The young girl was scared and, it seemed, alone. Just like Aria. She was a young Hispanic girl, probably unwed and homeless. No parents to love her or take care of her, no husband or boyfriend. And she didn't want to go to the hospital. Aria was curious as to why, but let it go. The girl needed help and Aria would gladly give it. But an alley was no place to bring a child into the world. "What's your name nina?" Aria said, as she bent and held the young girls' hands helping her up. "Emilia Rosa," she said. "Un placer Emilia. I'm Aria." "Where are you taking me?" Emilia asked apprehensively. "Well, since you don't want to go to the hospital, I was thinking we could go to your place. Does that sound good?" Aria said as she helped Emilia along. Emilia stopped walking. "What's the matter?" "I don't have..." she said, trailing off. She was shaking from the cold. The tears started falling again. Aria waited patiently for the girl to finish. "I don't have where to go," she said softly. "Estoy sola." Aria squeezed Emilia's hand, "You are not alone anymore," she said, smiling at the young girl who had bowed her head. "You will help me?" "Yes, nina." Aria paused, coming to a decision. "I'll take you to my place... If that's okay with you? It's getting colder out here and it would be best to get you out of those wet clothes," Aria said and wrapped her hand around Emilia's waist prodding her along until they stopped next to a black corvette. "Is this you car?" asked Emilia to which Aria nodded. "Nice car. What kind is it?" "It's a 1959 Corvette Convertible." "Wow," Emilia breathed. Aria just smiled and opened the door motioning her in. ### On the drive home Aria asked Emilia all sorts of questions. Where was the father? Where were her parents? Why was she out alone in that alley this time of night? She would have asked more questions if Emilia hadn't yelped in pain as the contractions increased. Aria's stomach made a cartwheel as she thought about having to deliver Emilia's child. ### Emilia was propped on a bed, with lots of blankets and pillows. She'd changed into a robe which Aria had warmed up to get the chill off her body and now Aria was busily fussing about the details to help her deliver. Emilia looked around the room slowly, it was just as beautiful as the rest of the house she'd managed to see as Aria brought her to this room. It was Aria's room. The only bedroom with any furniture or so Aria had said. Emilia knew Aria had to be loaded to afford a big house like this all by herself. The room was exquisitely done in whites and browns, an odd coloring Emilia thought, but it worked. Although the room was filled with beautiful furniture what stood out was the bed. It had to be a king sized bed. Emilia had heard about them but she'd never actually been in a bed so huge. It had iron poles at each corner with white satiny sheets hanging on each pole. The sheets were cool and the comforter was big and cushiony. She sank into the pillows which alternated between different shades of whites and browns and thought she could easily get used to it. But she was brought out of her moment of awe as another contraction hit her. They were getting stronger and closer. Aria vaulted back into the room when she heard Emilia scream. Aria now wished she'd paid more attention when Grace had delivered babies on the plantation. She thought she had everything she remembered Grace using. Clean sheets, hot water, a sharp cutting instrument, damped towels, where to put the creature. She'd always only helped Grace prepare and would leave soon after, but no sense in complaining now. Over the next few hours Aria helped Emilia along with her breathing and getting her as comfortable as possible. When the baby did come it was one of the ugliest and yet one of the most beautiful things she'd ever witnessed in her entire life. "It's a girl!" Aria said amid tears and laughter. she thought, nauseated, which struck her funny. As an immortal she'd seen much blood in her life. But not like this. Aria insisted on taking Emilia to the hospital but she would get hysterical whenever Aria mentioned it. Aria had thought that once the child had been born, she could convince Emilia to go to the hospital. But since she couldn't, she did the next best thing and called a private doctor who gave Emilia and the baby clean bills of health. Aria then suggested Emilia should stay with her for a few days until she could work out whatever problems she was facing. Emilia eagerly accepted. Over the next few weeks, Emilia took the opportunity and walked through the house admiring every beautiful detail. Aria had only lived in the house for almost a year but she had the place looking like she'd been there for years. It had such a comfortable feel. The kind where a child should be raised. Emilia was happy to see how taken this stranger had become with her new daughter making her decision easier to make. She could never provide for this child. She had no job, no real home, and no one to turn to. Before leaving, Emilia toyed with the idea of taking some jewels she'd found in Aria's bedroom, but how could she do that to her? Aria was the only person in a long time to be kind to her and she opened her home to her and her unborn child. Emilia decided leaving a note of explanation was the best thing. She held her baby close and with tears falling kissed her goodbye. Aria had left to buy more things the baby would need. She'd already spent money buying clothes for herself and the baby. Emilia made sure the pillows were set closely around the baby and left. When Aria returned she found no sign of Emilia. Only the note next to the baby. She was furious that Emilia could abandon her child as she held the note tightly in her hands. She sat down heavily at the end of the bed, listening to the quiet breathing of the sleeping baby, and read the note. "Aria, please don't hate me for leaving. I don't have anything to offer her. My boyfriend wanted to sell her to an agency which I refused. He had arranged to have the agency people take her right after she was born. I couldn't do that to my baby. At least with you I'll know she's being well cared for and not with strangers that would sell her for profit. Please don't hate me. And take care of my baby. Maybe one day you'll tell her about me. Tell her that I love her very much. Con Gratitud, Emilia." All at once, Aria was angry, happy, and scared. She couldn't take care of a child. She's an Immortal. How would she manage? How could Emilia do this to her? And as if on cue the baby started crying. No. Screaming was more like it. Aria bowed her head and massaged the bridge of her nose in frustration. She could search for Emilia but all she had was her name. Plus her description fitted most young unwed Hispanic girls. Short, slender frame, brown eyes and hair. Aria picked up the baby, which Emilia hadn't bothered to name, and cradled the screaming creature in her arms, hugging her close. The child stopped crying and peered out through tiny slits looking at Aria. "We're both alone in the world aren't we little one?" she said smiling, gently grabbing one small hand. Aria's heart leapt as the tiny hand tightened around her finger. "What should we call you, huh?" Aria said softly, then smiled. "It's so obvious, huh, little one? I think Emily Rose is a beautiful name, don't you think?" The baby smiled, or looked like a smile Aria reasoned. "Yup. Emily Rose it is then." >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> "You brought the Vette?" Emily yelled, and jumped off her mother's back running to the car. The plates read 'Forever', which always made Aria chuckle at the hidden meaning. It wasn't a family car, but she loved classic sports cars, one thing she had refused to give up after Emily came into her life and besides she loved the child's reaction whenever she used it to pick her up from school. "What happened to the van, and can I drive home today?" Emily said, with a sly grin on her face, who'd jumped into the driver's seat. "The van's in the shop and sure you can drive," Aria paused as Emily beamed at those words. "In about eight more years!" Her smile subsided but not for too long as she began shrieking in laughter as her mother tickled her. "Enough?" "Yes." she breathed. Aria smiled as Emily slid over to the passenger seat. "So what will it be today?" Aria asked, perusing through the CD tray. "Oh, Mom! Do you even have to ask?" Emily said as Aria popped in Michael Bolton's Greatest Hits CD. Aria found Emily's crush on the singer adorable. It was preprogrammed and as they drove off, singing at the top of their voices, their favorite one began to play. Yeah. There was no doubt in her mind she loved this child dearly. ### Aria pulled up to a colonial style home in a quiet neighborhood. The garage doors where already opening, and she parked the corvette next to a '66 White Mustang. Emily already out of the car, headed for the house. "So what are we having for dinner?" Inquired Emily. "I was thinking spaghetti." Aria knew what her daughter's reaction would be and smiled when she wasn't disappointed. "All right!" she yelled jumping up and down heading for the side door that lead into the kitchen. Aria got out, shaking her head at her daughter's lack of order, and removed Emily's discarded bags and jacket from the car and laid them on a shelf behind her. The garage doors were closing while she retrieved the cover for the car and was about to cover it when she heard a large crash from the kitchen. "Emily?" she called walking hurriedly towards the kitchen, when she got no reply, she ran, panic filling her heart. End of Part One. Comments can be sent to (mjordan104@aol.com). Thanks. Translations: nina - child (girl); Un placer - A pleasure; Estoy sola - I am alone; Con Gratitud - With Gratitude.