Immortal Love (Closed for Veroe)

[Asa]

Sully

Once everything was done and he could get a "Coffee break" before he started ripping people apart himself he pulled into the little alleyway parking lot at the coffee shop near the garage. Spotting Mac he laughed and called out.

Get over here ya old buzzard... free coffee... I'm buyin.

He was used to Watchers forgetting he was a watcher too since his ward had not left her monastery in in over 4 decades... at least not for long that was.

Frank

The Older monk there with him nodded and slipped away leaving Frank to talk to his young friend.

What ya wanna know? Ask away I will tell ya what I think ya can handle knowing... for now. Or whats mine to tell ya if its about Selena.

He tossed him one of the plums and gestured to the other little stone seat. He looked calmer... saner... and strangely at peace for someone like him.

Gitana

She sat talking with them a little about her encounter and how her ability had worked to both calm and reveal something to him without that being her intent. Her plan was to calm but the gift does what it must in some ways and clearly whatever it reminded him of or revealed to him of his life affected him though what it was she could not say as she did not know.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Alain De'Montreau

He left the monastery next and found Frank and one of the monks on the river bank. "Mind if I sit with you?"

"What ya wanna know," The old veteran said tossing him one of the plums from the orchard, "Ask away I will tell ya what I think ya can handle knowing... for now. Or whats mine to tell ya if its about Selena."

He indicated the stone bench beside him, and Alain took it. "Something about you just doesn't add up. I haven't figured out what yet, but I'm working on it. Care to shed some light on that?"

He looked over the river flowing through these hills and under the bridge. All very natural and peaceful...a counterpoint to all the excitement-in the Chinese sense of the word-for them lately.

"You didn't seem surprised by dead people coming back to life like me and Selena did..." He watched a leaf fall into the water and the current carry it down stream back towards the city. "...You said it was because you heard of people like us before, but I can't point at anything that proves your holding back something, but I get the sense you're not telling us everything you know about Immortals."

-----------------------------X

IC: Mac

He headed to the alley in behind the garage. He pulled out his phone and dialed a guy he knew in the coroner's office. Maybe he could find out if any headless corpses were brought in today.

Mac froze as in mid dialing when a beat up 80's green Jeep Wrangler pulled into the alley. This could be trouble, but a better look at the guy behind the wheel made him breath easier.

"Get over here ya old buzzard..." Sully called out to him, "Free coffee... I'm buyin."

"Sully," He said sliding his phone back into the pocket of his coveralls, "Shoulda thought of calling you before."

He told the boys in the garage to take the day off-which wasn't great for the roadster, but they had bigger things going on today. Then he climbed into the passenger seat of Sully's jeep. "I expect some answers will go along with the coffee?"

 

[Asa]

http://www.my-3-sons.com/starsincorps/JoeLisi4.jpg
Sully

Answers and a few questions as well... you know the game.

He laughed and took off down the road just back around a half a block to the coffee shop. Pulling in he nodded to a couple walking out and just laughed as the old woman asked him when he was going to retire and join them at the senior center. Walking in he pointed out a table out of the way and nodded to the waitress who just nodded in return and went to get them some coffee.

Alright... your question is no doubt where is our less than stable Frank his ward her daughter and your boy right? They are with Gitana at the monastery. My question... I don't know much about ya boy so how safe if Gitana? Not that I think Selena would let anyone hurt her but still Selena isn't really a sword pro ya know. What else ya wanna know?
~~~~~~~~
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Frank

Not just heard of... met... kinda hard not meet your kind when ya sitting in a POW camp watching one of their officers toss a sword at a fellow POW and them sword fight right there in from of ya only for one of the officers men to shoot him toss him back in his cage and the next day someone you saw bleed out from a head shot is sitting there with a not quite sane laugh asking you if he missed breakfast. Then again that boy never had really been sane. Any suicide mission he could grab... Any impossible supply run... you name it... Don't think he ever had a grasp on what he was. Ran across a couple others but he always stood out. Well him and a skittish little Egyptian nurse in a MASH unit I spent a little time in... you might know her.

Shrugging he already knew the man he had first met had been killed long ago so its not like it really mattered.

What else ya wanna know?

 

[Veroe]

IC: Mac

He told the boys in the garage to take the day off-which wasn't great for the roadster, but they had bigger things going on today. Then he climbed into the passenger seat of Sully's jeep. "I expect some answers will go along with the coffee?"

"Answers and a few questions as well..." Sully said as he shifted the jeep into reverse, "You know the game."

Mac scowled, "Fine, something for something then."

Sully backed out of the alley and they were soon heading down the road to a nearby coffee shop. When they arrived a couple greeted them in passing. Mac was briskly ignored him...he didn't really have time for niceties-not when he had no idea where Alain was or if he was okay or not.

He ordered his coffee and sat with Sully.

"Alright... " He said when the waitress left, "your question is no doubt where is our less than stable Frank his ward her daughter and your boy right?"

Mac nodded impatiently. "I should've thought to call you before. They're with your girl, right?"

Sully nodded, "They are with Gitana at the monastery."

The waitress came back with their coffees and when she left Mac took a sip. "Alright, your turn."

"My question... I don't know much about ya boy so how safe is Gitana?" He asked before qualifying his question, "Not that I think Selena would let anyone hurt her but still Selena isn't really a sword pro ya know."

"I'm not sure about your girl either," Mac said putting the coffee cup down, "But as long as she doesn't challenge him to a duel I think they'll get along pretty well. From what I heard of her Alain will be skeptical of her abilities and her age, but who wouldn't on just hearing about them? A case of seeing is believing."

"What else ya wanna know?"

Mac shook his head, "Maybe a way to keep that butcher away from them while keeping our involvement secret." His hand clenched into a fist and he held it trembling on the table. "They're in the firing line, Sully. We both know it, and both of us can't do anything about it really. This is the part of our job I hate."

-----------------------X

IC: Alain De'Montreau

"You didn't seem surprised by dead people coming back to life like me and Selena did..." He watched a leaf fall into the water and the current carry it down stream back towards the city. "...You said it was because you heard of people like us before, but I can't point at anything that proves your holding back something, but I get the sense you're not telling us everything you know about Immortals."

"Not just heard of... met... kinda hard not meet your kind when ya sitting in a POW camp watching one of their officers toss a sword at a fellow POW and them sword fight right there in from of ya only for one of the officers men to shoot him toss him back in his cage and the next day someone you saw bleed out from a head shot is sitting there with a not quite sane laugh asking you if he missed breakfast."

Alain raised an eyebrow, "Anyone I know? He sounds like a few reckless guys I've come across over the years. There was this one guy from Scotland I met in the first world war. He rushed straight into clearing a whole machine gun nest with nothing but his katana if you can believe that. Got shot all to hell but saved our entire regiment."

"Then again that boy never had really been sane. Any suicide mission he could grab... Any impossible supply run... you name it... Don't think he ever had a grasp on what he was. Ran across a couple others but he always stood out. Well him and a skittish little Egyptian nurse in a MASH unit I spent a little time in... you might know her."

He nodded, "Selena was never one for battles, except against the pain and suffering of others, in that she is the most stalwart of soldiers."

"What else ya wanna know?"

"Lots of things," He shrugged, "Why she left me. What is it about this man that makes everyone so terrified of him? He can be beaten. Every one can. The Selena I knew never backed down, but she runs at the first mention of this man, why?"

He looked at Frank, "I know those aren't questions you can answer. There's only one who can, and I look forward to finding those answers out before I take his head."

He got up and left adding, "And I still don't think you're telling me everything."

 

[Asa]

Sully

He nodded as Mac talked about wishing they could stop him without interfering.

How well do you know his Watcher? And by that yeah I mean how well do you trust that kid? Getting in that close... Something in my gut says something ain't right. Beyond the kid... Something would seriously have to flip that switch in Gitana's mind and put her back on that dark path... With that we are looking at lesser of two evils ya know.


He sat there thinking for a long moment... He could call in a couple of favors with other watchers who had been found out and were now "friends and family" with their immortals but still that would be a stretch.


Its too bad we could not have directed our misguided brethren to take him out before they got wiped out.

Cringing at one thought...

We could hunt down the horsemen? You and I know where one of them is sitting rotting in a french madhouse prison. OR... I have information on a couple of Gitana's former associates a couple of them are still alive too.

He did not want to do that to her. Bring those monsters back into her life but if it would take out the butcher... Alain might have a better chance taking one of them out if not both if he had to.

Then there is the matter of Frank... He ain't snapping back as quick as he used to. Part of him is still in that infernal jungle protecting that little village. You know what happened after the village he charged that line and nearly died. Problem in this line is an immortal and his suicidal homicidal army. We may lose Frank if someone doesn't end this and soon.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Frank

He stood up growling as Alain started to walk away.

If you had half a set you would talk to her instead of hiding from her and avoiding her. Men and women have been ripping each other hearts out since before you were born boy and they will still be doing it long after you are dust... You are still alive because of what she did back then... take it for what it is and grow up.

You wanna know more... you wanna know how shattered that girl was when I found her after the last time that bastard got a hold of her... Personally I don't think you can handle it but maybe it will put the fire in your gut to grow up and return the favor from her protecting you.

The old man was cold as steel but his eyes were lava as he stared down Alain. It was clear the old man was not fully sane... war and watching over Selena for so long and viewing her like a daughter and keeping quiet for so long about that demon that plagues her life had taken its toll.

Now either sit down and I will tell you or find your sack boy and go talk to the woman you love who kills herself every time she protects someone sacrificing her own mind body and soul to that demon to keep everyone safe. This aint about you... its about her.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Mac

Mac shook his head, "Maybe a way to keep that butcher away from them while keeping our involvement secret." His hand clenched into a fist and he held it trembling on the table. "They're in the firing line, Sully. We both know it, and both of us can't do anything about it really. This is the part of our job I hate."

"How well do you know his Watcher? And by that yeah I mean how well do you trust that kid? Getting in that close..." Sully asked, "Something in my gut says something ain't right. Beyond the kid..."

Mac shook his head. "I don't know. I've never met the guy, but Frank seems to trust him and usually that's enough for me, but he's in a really tight spot with him and I can't put my faith in that kid like Frank does. Not when it might mean my guy's head."

"What about your girl," He asked taking another sip, "I heard she was pretty awesome in a duel before she fell to the darkside and came back andwent all hermit."

"Something would seriously have to flip that switch in Gitana's mind and put her back on that dark path..."

"She's that against taking up the sword again?"

Sully didn't answer, but really didn't have to. Mac knew the answer. Whether it was Gitana or Darius or the legendary Methos the sword and the gathering was a young gun's game. The millennia and the lives lived begin to weigh on them...he hoped when Alain got that old he'd still manage to be still active and vibrant, full of energy and purpose. Yes, that was it, time seemed to erode their purpose century after century.

They sat sipping their coffees in silence for a moment. Then Sully broke it saying, "Its too bad we could not have directed our misguided brethren to take him out before they got wiped out."

MAc shook his head barely believing Sully to be suggesting this, "Misguided brethren...they interfere on purpose...those traitors are no brethren of ours." He slammed the coffee cup down on the table. "They twisted everything we believe in...sure I gripe and complain about it, even toe the line a bit here and there, but this is our guys' show, Sully. They're the ones on the stage we're just the backstage crew."

"Besides," He said in a quieter tone, "Don't forget because they tried to lock him up and botched it he found out about our existence in the first place. So Martinez's murder was their fault just as much as that butcher's. No, way using them is a good idea. Best not to have anything to do with the black sheep of our little family."

"We could hunt down the horsemen? You and I know where one of them is sitting rotting in a french madhouse prison. OR... I have information on a couple of Gitana's former associates a couple of them are still alive too."

Mac sat there staring at the man mouth agape. "The Horsemen? Those nutjobs Gitana hung around with? You can't be serious! that's like trying to stop a forest fire by using the mother fucking deathstar to blow up the world. No, no, no, No! No way in hell are going to bring either of those suggestions in on this." He shook his head a hand running over his bald head, "The Horsemen, for Christ's sake, Sully? With our luck Kronos would ask him to take Methos' spot in the four, and those two together would be the last thing anybody would need."

"Look, its getting on and my coffee's gone cold here," He continued, "Is there anything else we should discuss?"

"Then there is the matter of Frank... He ain't snapping back as quick as he used to." Sully said.

"Oh?"

"Part of him is still in that infernal jungle protecting that little village. You know what happened after the village he charged that line and nearly died. Problem in this line is an immortal and his suicidal homicidal army. " He continued.

Mac ran a hand over his head again warily, "I know. I know. And there's no stopping him when people he cares for are under the gun. I've always wondered why the uppity ups assigned him to his girl given his past and her troubles."

"We may lose Frank if someone doesn't end this and soon."

Mac nodded, "Not a pleasant thought, but we can't do anything, Sully. It's their show, this is their fight, its up to them."

-----------------------X

IC: Alain De'Montreau

He got up and left adding, "And I still don't think you're telling me everything."

He stood up growling as Alain started to walk away.

If you had half a set you would talk to her instead of hiding from her and avoiding her. Men and women have been ripping each other hearts out since before you were born boy and they will still be doing it long after you are dust... You are still alive because of what she did back then... take it for what it is and grow up.

You wanna know more... you wanna know how shattered that girl was when I found her after the last time that bastard got a hold of her... Personally I don't think you can handle it but maybe it will put the fire in your gut to grow up and return the favor from her protecting you.

The old man was cold as steel but his eyes were lava as he stared down Alain. It was clear the old man was not fully sane... war and watching over Selena for so long and viewing her like a daughter and keeping quiet for so long about that demon that plagues her life had taken its toll.

Now either sit down and I will tell you or find your sack boy and go talk to the woman you love who kills herself every time she protects someone sacrificing her own mind body and soul to that demon to keep everyone safe. This aint about you... its about her.

Alain hid a smile. It had worked. Old CIA trick-get someone mad enough to rant and they slip out details he wouldn't when he was calm. Now Frank was telling him everything. He turned looking all indignant. "What did you want to tell me?"

 

[Asa]

Sully

He had to come up with something. Frank had been a good friend and a damn good watcher for a very long time. Gitana had actually come to mean alot to him as well and had helped Sully on many an occasion as well. He could not understand how this butcher had managed to survive and not draw the attention of an even worse foe. Sully drank his coffee thinking more on it. He had tried to question Franks appointment to Selena but they needed someone close that she would trust and they did have history.

Selena's daughter has it summed up about right this don't get involved rule can be some serious bullshit ya know.

He chuckled trying to lighten this hurry up and wait hell the two of them were now trapped in.

Frank

He knew what Alain had tried to do... now to tell him only one of tings he knows about how people have found her after the butcher. Time to prove to this pompous prick that no matter how "past" everything with Selena is its never past.

Yeah... the last time I found Selena after he had found her. Huddled in the remains of an old forgotten train station covered in blood from whatever poor sap he used her to help him kill for who knows what reason. So terrified if it even remotely looked like someone was going to touch her she was screaming and shaking. Nightmares begging and pleading about who knows what all in her native language. Its probably a good thing in a way and a bad thing in a way that your kind heal up everything or who knows how long ago he might have killed her with everything he puts her through. Never any external scars so there is no telling what all he has done to her but I can tell you this... to her... everything she endures at his hands is all worth it till death does take her because she protected you that night.

Now cut the bullshit quit dancing around it all and...

His attention whipped around eyes narrowing for a moment before realizing what he heard was just some of the wildlife around the place

As I was saying quit dancing around it all and trying to trick people into telling you stuff grow up and go talk to her... she is your best shot at answers... Sonam and Gitana might be able to help you get her to talk but this needs to be you and her. Think it is long overdue... don't you?

 

[Veroe]

IC: Alain De'Montreau

"What did you want to tell me?" He had hoped to unhinge Frank, but one look at him told Alain that while he was mad the old veteran was not far enough over the deep end to not notice what he had tried to do. Though he was just mad enough to not care too much. So he bulled his way through.

"Yeah... the last time I found Selena after he had found her. Huddled in the remains of an old forgotten train station covered in blood from whatever poor sap he used her to help him kill for who knows what reason." Frank told him, "So terrified if it even remotely looked like someone was going to touch her she was screaming and shaking. Nightmares begging and pleading about who knows what all in her native language. Its probably a good thing in a way and a bad thing in a way that your kind heal up everything or who knows how long ago he might have killed her with everything he puts her through. Never any external scars so there is no telling what all he has done to her but I can tell you this..."

Despite an air of calmed disinterest, the picture Frank painted of Selena's turmoil at the hands of this man made his blood boil in his veins. His eyes narrowed and his lips tightened as Frank continued.

"To her... everything she endures at his hands is all worth it till death does take her because she protected you that night."

He looked away towards the river and the bridge. "So he showed up back in Venice. Somehow she learned of this, and to protect me from him she left what we had."

"Now cut the bullshit quit dancing around it all and..." He stopped as a squirrel among the plum trees searching for enemies.

Alain looked at him, he had fought and he had served, he remembered all too well seeing the same hyper-sensitive jumpiness in others in the trenches or battlefields of history.

Frank looked back at him and continued with his monologue, "As I was saying quit dancing around it all and trying to trick people into telling you stuff grow up and go talk to her... she is your best shot at answers... Sonam and Gitana might be able to help you get her to talk but this needs to be you and her. Think it is long overdue... don't you?"

"I could tell you saw through it," He said ruefully, "And you may not be wrong that the only one that can provide me the answers I want is Selena, and that I may be afraid to ask her-no strike that-I am definitely afraid to see her again."

He got up and turned to go, "You're in that place, Frank...been plunged back into that humid god-forsaken jungle again...I've seen it before in others as well as stared into it in the mirror a couple times." He looked over his shoulder at him. "I won't waste my breath with empty platitudes and tell you to take it easy. You won't or more to the point you can't. Just keep an eye on her for me....she's...I thought it was buried, part of our past I've moved on from, but I still love her....so watch out for her...while I'm gone. Now that Selena and the kiddo are safe I'm going to go find this man and take his head."

He left Frank then heading back to his classic Bel Air. He stopped at the person behind the wheel looked up at him. His heart soared in plummeted at the mere sight of her. How did she do that?

"Selena," He said raising the keys from his pocket, "You won't get very far without these...." He looked down under his dash, "...Wait...you're trying to hotwire my baby."

------------------------X

IC: Mac

Mac nodded, "Not a pleasant thought, but we can't do anything, Sully. It's their show, this is their fight, its up to them."

Sully didn't like that as much Mac hated it. "Selena's daughter has it summed up about right," He said ruefully, "This don't get involved rule can be some serious bullshit, ya know."

Mac nodded his head at that. "C'mon, let's head out. You gotta get back to your girl and I gotta head back to the garage. Now that I know Alain's ok, I'll cast some feelers out. Maybe I can track down where that god damned butcher is right now?"

They got up and left the coffee shop heading for Sully dirt and dust-covered jeep. There was a bright white envelope slipped underneath the windshield wiper. Mac pulled it free and opened it. Inside was a letter handwritten in flowing swirly-curly cue cursive writing-the kind they used to do two or three hundred years ago.

"To Mac or Sully
Hello we have not met but in time that will change. A meeting I look forward to. I would like you to deliver my terms to Selena, but first I want you to be sufficiently fearful when you do...." ​

That was when a red dot roamed over the paper and up Sully's body settling on his forehead. Mac shoved his friend down to the asphalt as the glass of the jeep's windshield shattered. The sound of the sniper's shot echoing from a far away rooftop. The shot had come from the east. Now that they were lying down on the parking lot that put the jeep between them and where the sniper had to be, blocking his shot. Yet there were no other cars in this part of the parking lot, no trees, no cover at all besides the jeep. They were stuck as long as the sniper was aiming for them. Fumbling with the old-style paper Mac reopened the letter and read where he had left off.

"...Now that you understand how I want my terms delivered to her...I want you to tell Selena that it is time she remembers that she is mine and returns to me as my wife. I grow nostalgic and I want to go back to the days when we were inseparable. I will not allow her to slip away once again. I will wait outside the monastery for her to surrender. If she does not within one hour of receiving my message from you, I will exterminate everyone within it including those she cares for to reacquire what is mine.

Sincerely Acheron.

Postscript: Oh and unfortunately I only need one of you to deliver this message."​

Then two red dots came from the direction of the west. One on Mac's forehead. the other on Sully's.

 

[Asa]

Selena

All of you are safe here... but my being here...

She was scared she could not sense another immortal except for Gitana and Alain but she knew he was near. Reality or just irrational fear she did not know and did not care. As long as she was there with them they were in danger. She stared at him biting her lip.

Alain... help me get out of here... distract them... do something but stay here The four of you are all I have... I have to keep you all safe.

If he felt anything she hoped he would at least do this. Help her protect Sonam Gitana and Frank.

Sully

He looked to Mac hearing what he read.

I am pulling seniority Mac... plus I have someone in the inside that will watch over Gitana and can help with Frank. Tell Gregory he is on the clock now.

With that Sully stood up with a roar.

Don't have the sand to fight face to face... pathetic punks guess all those centuries have made you all weak...

Sully continued to yell as the dots remained on both of them. Kesi walked out of the alleyway and over to Sully.

So noble... but beware the insults you throw around mortal... life is far too...

A sparkle in her hand as a knife found its mark in Sully's gut as she drove it deep and lifted.

for nosy little mortals who help hide witches. Don't even get up off the ground old man

Her attention turned to Mac.

its either you deliver the message or be responsible for all those pathetic priests nuns and residents death all because you have the choice right now to be stupid.

With that she let Sully's body fall and kept walking like nothing happened. If she was lucky Mac would think that Selena just killed Sully.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Alain De'Montreau

"Selena," He said raising the keys from his pocket, "You won't get very far without these...." He looked down under his dash, "...Wait...you're trying to hotwire my baby."

He watched her sitting there looking up at him. The wires she was attempting to cross still lose beneath the dash. She was trembling, and the look on her face...He could tell she was terrified.

"All of you are safe here..." She said with a quavering voice, "but my being here..."

Despite the fact that Alain still had very confused and mixed emotions about Selena leaving him back in Venice, she had still been his wife, and the greatest, truest love of his long long life. He still loved her, this petrified, infuriating, beautiful woman. He had never stopped loving her.

"Alain... help me get out of here..." She continued biting her lip in the way that he knew betrayed how desperate she was, "distract them... do something but stay here. "

"Selena-"

"The four of you are all I have..." She pleaded, "I have to keep you all safe."

Something broke in him then. He still loved this woman, and despite the past...despite the looming shadow of her mysterious tormentor...he still loved this woman here now in this moment, and Alain could not, would not abide seeing her in such anguish alone.

He opened the car door and reached in wrapping his arms around her and pulling her in close against his chest. He buried his face in her hair until his lips were close against her ear.

"Shhhh..." He whispered to her, "...You're scared....you've run for so long its the only thing you know to do...you have kept it penned up for so long...but it's okay...You don't have to bear it all alone....let it go, my love. All that fear...all that running...the sacrifices...Let it go....Save the action for later...just right now...let it go...release it...that fear...the pain...and suffering you endured...let it go, just for right now...You can take it up again in a moment, but I beg you, my love, let it go. I cannot bear seeing you like this...let it go...let it go..."

-------------------X

IC: Mac

Mac brushed the broken pieces of the windshield off the jeep's driver's seat. He had gotten the keys from Sully's hand. He had avoided the pool of blood steadily growing larger on the tarmac underneath him...his friend...his friend's corpse...no he can't focus on that right now. He had to deliver the message...or else...or else Sully would have died for nothing...and Mac couldn't let that happen.

Police sirens were blaring when he pulled the jeep out of the coffee shop's parking lot. If he delivered the message to Alain and Selena...the watcher's secrecy would be blown...but Sully died...and Mac couldn't let it be for nothing.

He needed to tell Frank first...he'd know what to do.

 

[Asa]

Frank

Once the boy walked away. They may be older than most even him but to frank they were a bunch of kids trapped in endless cycles. He went back to watching the water and the trees. Animals were restless but why? He began carefully stalking around walking the area pulling the hunting knife out of his boot he moved closer to the woods and away from the temple so not to upset anyone with the knife. Lost in the past or not he understood certain things around him.

Gitana

Closing her eyes she felt the troubled minds around her and sighed. Sinking deep into meditation she let her mind and awareness float... Selena was being Selena seeking to flee... Sonam was speaking with Gregory... Something was missing... a presence she was comfortable with... one that had been near for quite some time.

Farewell old friend

She whispered as her attention went to the gathering consciousness outside the gates as it were. She knew that Selena was safe enough on here he would not set foot nor would his people set foot on holy ground but... there are other things that black heart and mind could cook up of that she had no doubt.

Selena

She balled up in his arms shaking. She could not imagine letting go of any of it. She had to protect him again. Protect Sonam as always and Gitana. She knew Frank would face him if he thought he had to but she knew he wouldn't be able to do so. She tried to look to him.

I have to protect you... and I need you to help Gitana protect them. Frank... He... he can't fight him you and I know that... he will try to...

She fell silent hugging him tight she was sure that she was running out of time to run that he was near and she had to escape but could not bring herself to struggle from ALains arms.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Alain De'Montreau

"...Let it go....Save the action for later...just right now...let it go...release it...that fear...the pain...and suffering you endured...let it go, just for right now...You can take it up again in a moment, but I beg you, my love, let it go. I cannot bear seeing you like this...let it go...let it go..."

She scrunched up in his arms like she used to do, but then it was a reassurance of strength now it only emphasized what she had sacrificed and what she may have to sacrifice again. Alain's heart went out to her, and his anger at this man that terrified her so made his blood boil in his veins. When he was face to face with this mysterious man, there will be a definite and absolute reckoning for what he had done to the woman he loved.

"I have to protect you..." She said softly like a mantra she had repeated again and again to herself for an uncounted number of lifetimes, "And I need you to help Gitana protect them."

"Shhh..." He said running gentle fingers through her hair to hold the back of her head, stirring long buried memories when he spent hours luxuriating in the miracle of how her hair felt sliding over his skin. "...I will...I will."

"Frank... He... he can't fight him you and I know that..." She continued, "He will try to..."

Alain nodded, "Yes, but I need you to do something for me first, Selena."

His fingers traced slowly over the lips he had once long ago had cherished as his. "...I need you to let it go, Selena. Just thirty seconds without the need to run...the need to sacrifice...the need to protect us...just thirty seconds of freedom...thirty seconds of the Selena I remember." Without thinking his face lowered and his lips pressed against hers in a slow tender but needy kiss.

 

[Asa]

Selena

She whimpered in the kiss. It had been so long and again here was Alain but this time there was no chance of any time with Alain her fate was already here hunting her as always. She could not give into this tenderness... the moment she did they were all dead. She could not risk that... she could not lose them she could not give into this... Alain had said they were nothing but past but this was not past this...

She tensed for a moment trying to push away knowing he would not let her push him away. She was shaking fighting to maintain that alert that panic that energy to run to protect them she had to protect them. Somehow... Alain... he always could... NO she could not allow his tenderness and pleading affect her alert... she could not let him risk himself and the others thinking that she could be calm and let all of this pain and fear go.

Frank

Gregory walked over to him.

Whats wrong old friend?

Frank looked to him.

They're back Col get everyone ready... We will not let this innocent place endure any more of this godforsaken war... Keep the civilians hidden... the caves and tunnels should hold them all. I will take care of as much of this as I can any of them get past me... you know what to do... and you better do it.

Gregory watched Frank's eyes...

Frank... you are in the monastery grounds... Selena and the young one are here... Gitana is here... talk to me Frank this is Gregory... Not Joseph... look at me old friend...

Frank stared at him as if trying to process what he said or blend it into his current mental location.

Gregory... you are not supposed to be here... you were... MASH... David brought you back here... he was crazy... he was one of them... not Charlie but the eternal soldiers... Selena... you saw that skittish little Egyptian nurse didn't you?

Gregory then paused and listened as Franks attention was snapped again to that high alert... they were not setting foot on holy ground but they were restless young soldiers... so there was no telling what would happen.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Alain De'Montreau

"...Just thirty seconds of freedom...thirty seconds of the Selena I remember." Without thinking his face lowered and his lips pressed against hers in a slow tender but needy kiss.

Like assailing a fortress she did not succumb to the kiss right away, but Alain could sense her defenses eroding away. She tensed rallying against him. Alain pressed into the kiss. Those lips, Selena's, he had missed them for so long....he drank from them like a man that had walked through the sahara for weeks. He felt her trembling beneath his embrace.

Reluctantly he pulled away from the kiss, but only far enough away to whisper, "Please, Selena, just thirty seconds."

 

[Asa]

Selena

His eyes... voice... lips she broke. Sobbing shaking clinging to him as if that was the only stable thing anywhere. She was shaking more now with no defense only tears.

Alain...

She tried to talk only to do the only thing she could think of to even remotely stop the tears. She moved closer pressing into another kiss. It was all too overwhelming as she cradled there holding tight to him as everything seemed to shatter within her.

Gitana

She had made her way past all of them and walked the edge of her sacred home. Her eyes scanned and her mind went back in thought to that darkness she once called home and how that unique assembly of power could end this problem with ease. Could she risk making contact with them to call in an old favor or would it bring more torture torment and madness?

She had not found it strange to venture into that risk for Selena since she has so much to live in freedom for now. Could she do it? Would they come to her aid and at what price?

 

[Veroe]

IC: Alain De'Montreau

Reluctantly he pulled away from the kiss, but only far enough away to whisper, "Please, Selena, just thirty seconds."

"Alain..." She replied her voice quavering as she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his in a renewed kiss. This was more than lust or passion or romance...they were there, but overwhelmingly the kiss between them was about Emotional release. For Selena it was finally letting go of the tremendous burden she had carried for so long. For Alain it was letting go of the anger and hurt, the wound over his heart he had carried since Venice.

They kissed slow, tenderly, without any urgency. Seconds passed with the kiss unbroken. They just let the moment be as it would be, but moments no matter how magical never lasted. Eventually the need for air forced them to break the kiss and the moment expired with it. Their burdens remained and they looked at each other panting that air.

Alain raised a hand and used the pad of his thumb to wipe away the tears she had shed.

"You are determined to run, Selena," He asked gently like a lover's caress. "Then scoot over. Now that the others are safe I will take you back to the city. There we can part ways once again."

 

[Asa]

Selena

Hearing him say he would take her into town for her to escape from there she backed up shaking her head.

NO... Alain... you have to stay here... please... a day or two please. Don't let any of them leave. He can't find you or any of them... he will not cross Holy ground nor Gitana... please... Alain... I have to know that you... that he... Give me a few days for him to follow me from this town and please... watch over Sonam... I know she can be a bit bull headed but please.. those of you here are all I have and I have to keep you all safe.

She searched his eyes seeking the answer that he would do this for her and remain here safe on holy ground. She was trying to seal herself mentally after the kiss but all she wanted to do was to hold him again.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Alain De'Montreau

"NO... Alain... you have to stay here... please..." Selena pleaded with him, "... a day or two please."

There was once a time Alain would've agreed with her, at least to ease her fears, wording the agreement so he could go when he chose without expressly breaking the promise made to her, but now after Venice.... No, he would not lie to her, hide the truth of matters from her as she had done to him...not even to protect her from worrying about him.

Alain shook his head resolutely, "No, that's not possible Selena. I will not stay here and let this man terrorize you any longer while hidden safely in this monastery like a craven. I will go and find him and rid you of this curse on your life and the others'."

"Don't let any of them leave. He can't find you or any of them..." She started, "... he will not cross Holy ground nor Gitana... please... Alain... I have to know that you... that he..."

He shook his head at that.

"Give me a few days for him to follow me from this town and please... watch over Sonam..." She continued, "I know she can be a bit bull headed but please.. those of you here are all I have and I have to keep you all safe."

"No, Selena," He said firmly, "You run and we are safe, but then what? This mystery man will still be out there hanging above you like the sword of Damocles. And then it will start all over again and again and again. As long as he is alive there is no place you can run nowhere you or those you love will be safe. Have you ever even considered just confronting him?"

 

[Asa]

Warwick England 1264

Hearing him ask if she had ever confronted him her mind snapped back to one of the darkest memories. In her mind for a moment she was standing there on the banks of the River Avon near Warwick Castle shaking a sword in her hand staring at him. He had tracked her down to a celebration is Warwick Castle where she had been taught for her own protection how to sword fight well enough to protect herself. Gifted a sword crafted for her solely she was ready to try to face him. Seeing the care and beauty of this place she had not wanted to leave but when one of the kitchen help had informed the Lord of the house days earlier that a ruthless and cruel looking man was asking for their guest and he saw the fear she displayed he began teaching her to defend herself and his soldiers began milling around the town keeping an eye out as well as an old soldier Immortal like her he began hunting keeping a close eye and a priest always near her to keep her safe for as long as they could.

Within weeks though she found herself fleeing the castle to keep them all safe and trying to get to the river to escape only to find him there that smug smile waiting.

You will not be smiling for long this time. I will NOT go back.

She stood there her voice shaking but firm as she stood there sword ready. Her heart racing from fear and her feeling that she might escape this fate if what she was taught was enough.

NEVER AGAIN!

 

[Veroe]

IC: Acheron: Warwick England 1264

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http://moblog.net/media/c/h/e/chelseagirl/warwick-castle.jpg

Warwick Castle sat on the rivers edge in the distance. Acheron had caught up to her a quarter of a league away from it. Selena had tried to run. She always tried to run from him. When would she ever learn?

The river flowed serenely to one side of them. The other side was bordered by a dense copse of trees. He climbed down from his horse in the open meadow she stood within. He signaled his two mortal minions to stay on their horses and circle them. When she bolted once more their task would be to head her flight off her follow close after her until he could get back on his stallion and run her down again.

But when she looked at him there was an atypical amount of steel in her eyes. Oh Selena, she had gotten the nerve up to challenge him again. Acheron would have to make this painful for her once more so once again she'd learn her place.

She raised a broadsword to point at him declaring, "You will not be smiling for long this time. I will NOT go back."

Her voice shook with the memories of that last time she had dared challenge him, when was that? Jerusalem? Calcutta? Byzantium? So many lessons learned and forgotten only for Acheron to hammer home to her once again the futility of opposing him.

Acheron was not an especially cruel man-or at least he did not consider himself a savage-he did not want to hurt her, but she needed to relearn her place as his property, and alas pain was the only mentor she paid attention to when in this defiant state.

"I will NOT go back." she continued fire and fear warring for dominance in her tone. "NEVER AGAIN!"

"Come now, Selena," He said pulling a sack hanging from his saddle free and throwing it to the ground in front of her. Inside she would find the severed head of the Immortal that had trained her. The weak fool had tried to buy her time to escape by challenging him. Alas for him he proved only to be a momentary distraction. "When shall you learn to stop endangering the lives those that give you refuge and recognize your place is by my side?"

He reached across and pulled out his own broadsword and stepped over to the riverbank's edge staring right into her. "Selena...so beautiful...so enchanting...so foolish." He raised the sword to make contact against hers. "Shall we begin your lesson?"

A sudden flick of his wrist batted her sword to one side. A quick step forward and his free hand closed over her fingers wrapped around her sword's hilt controlling it. Meanwhile the broad heavy pommel of his struck forward to slam into her temple.

 

[Asa]

Warwick England 1264

She saw the bag and did not need to look inside of it. Typical Acheron gloating over killing any that tried to care and help her. The Immortal had lived a very long life before learning he was immortal anyways. His death did bring more anger but not surprise or horror that it would have brought most.

Her fear was slowly diving deeper out of the way as her anger began to win this fight. When he made his move to knock the sword away and struck with the pummel of his sword at her temple her own instinct to push him away drove her sword and his hand quickly back against him. Instinct took over of what the old man taught her as she took a step back her hand gripping the sword even more firmly and determined. That Desert asp movement...fluid... striking began to slowly move her body. Breaking her hand and sword from his grip she slipped back.

She would not run this time... this time he would have to kill her. In her mind that was the only way this could end... she would not go back death would take her this time. The trickle of blood from her temple sealed that decision in her mind. Death would take her or him tonight and if his mortals got in the way they could die too.

So Acheron... you attempt to taunt me with the death of an old man... He had a full life before becoming like us... to him death was a blessing... You have actually in your entire life finally made someone happy... Bravo an unintentional first for you... doing something nice for someone other than yourself.

She drew back that serpentine movement slowly taking over once more as she stood there watching him.

That must really bother you to know you have done something good for someone...

 

[Veroe]

IC: Acheron: Warwick England 1264

He reached across and pulled out his own broadsword and stepped over to the riverbank's edge staring right into her. "Selena...so beautiful...so enchanting...so foolish." He raised the sword to make contact against hers. "Shall we begin your lesson?"

A sudden flick of his wrist batted her sword to one side. A quick step forward and his free hand closed over her fingers wrapped around her sword's hilt controlling it. Meanwhile the broad heavy pommel of his struck forward to slam into her temple.

She stepped back and the blow to her temple only became a grazing scratch, not the debilitating blow to quickly end this pointless rebellion of hers.

Acheron stepped back as she executed a lithe sinuous serpentine movement that pulled her swordhand from his grasp. However a supple turn of his wrist in the flow of his swords motion scratched the tip of

"It seems the old man had taught you some new tricks, my beloved," He remarked stepping to one side and clanging his sword against hers to test her strength and resolve, "Pity I took his head so swiftly. It's been ages since I've been truly challenged. Sadly he was found wanting."

"So Acheron... you attempt to taunt me with the death of an old man... He had a full life before becoming like us... to him death was a blessing..." She countered, "You have actually in your entire life finally made someone happy... Bravo an unintentional first for you... doing something nice for someone other than yourself."

She drew back in that sinuous serpent-like motion as he grimaced at her words.

"That must really bother you to know you have done something good for someone..."

"Yes I am the terrible monster, that destroys and devours all," He mocked bringing his sword to engage hers in a swift block, parry, block forcing her further back. The sound of metal against metal sung out across the river Avon as Acheron and Selena's sword danced in a swifter and swifter pace. Block, parry, block, parry....and so on until suddenly Acheron's sword broke the rhythm and he dove under her guard and slashing across her left thigh ripping her dress and opening a painful gash there.

 

[Asa]

Warwick England 1264

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oZxESCgoN3M/TmbFQDiGVjI/AAAAAAAABRM/hBQGDKTTQvU/s400/Image17.jpg
Stepping back had done little to prevent her own headdress from cutting her when the pummel of his sword struck her. Blood still trickled down a little from her temple irritating the nerves along side of her eye. She could not worry about that the wound would close up on its own soon enough.

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Groaning at the gash she tried to maintain her balance tearing the skirt more herself as she did all she could to keep an eye on him and ready to attack or for his next attack. She could not let him win One of them was dying this night but she was not going back.

She moved to crouch down some till her leg could heal as she stared at him. How she could ever have found any redeeming qualities in this monster before her she could not remember. Had she ever found anything about him or had they always been like this... all she could remember was running only to have him find her. Him constantly hunting her... she has tried to fight back before but never any freedom. This time she was determined to be different.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Acheron: Warwick England 1264

"Yes I am the terrible monster, that destroys and devours all," He mocked bringing his sword to engage hers in a swift block, parry, block forcing her further back. The sound of metal against metal sung out across the river Avon as Acheron and Selena's sword danced in a swifter and swifter pace. Block, parry, block, parry....and so on until suddenly Acheron's sword broke the rhythm and he dove under her guard and slashing across her left thigh ripping her dress and opening a painful gash there.

Groaning she backed away precariously close to the river bank's edge.

"There was a time long ago you would have come with me without hesitation, Selena," He said giving her the time to rip her dress and staunch some the bleeding. "There was a time you would have followed me into the shadowy depths of the underworld without reservation. I can not understand what has happened to that woman."

He raised the sword to point its tip at her, "You should be at my side as I claim the prize and bring order to nations of this world."

At her response to that he lunged attacking her with a demonic fury, block, parry, block,,,pushing, pinning her against the river bank.

 

[Asa]

Warwick England 1264

This time it was her turn to knock the sword away. Her eyes near wild with her own fear anger and determination. Knocking the sword away she Was able to stand up a little more staring intently at him. Her sword dancing out to strike far more aggressive and determined. This would end and it would end here... it had to.

You destroyed her a very long time ago...

Her leg still hurt muscles knitting back together was a painful process no matter if you were immortal or not. She glared at him wobbling but fighting hard not to lose her balance. She did her best but the pain was still flooded with moments of sharper pain helping give him the upper hand as she landed at one point fully on the slippery mud on the bank of the River Avon. Pinned down she stared with that same venom in her eyes trapped once more.