Vegas ... The Return

[Brehnic Kohnar]

I'll admit it, after being away from Vegas for about ... Damn, it's been exactly one month, I missed my City of sin. Well lucky lady, your fav bad boy is back. Funny thing about society? Most have a serious case of ADD. If it's not being pushed in your face everyday by the media, it's pretty much forgotten by the masses for something even more juicy. From what I've been reading of late? It's all about finding any dirt on celebrities. I guess that's the price of being famous.

BUT ... I ramble.

" This is 'ow ye be startin' over, nugget. Small scale. Don' be needin' to be paintin' a target on ye back, or forehead. Caught ye breath yet, chief? "

That gruff British accent belonged to Church, another one of those old guard Immortals, who didn't embrace the whole 21st century concept. Electronic dependency makes one weak in the long term, was Church's motto. "Look at other countries like Japan. China. They be teachin' their pups discipline, while here in the states they want to medicate kids into mind controlled zombies. Wha' ever happened to a good old fashion smack to the noggin' or a swift kick to the backside??"

"It is a mere product of the times, Churchill. Some of us have learned to adapt and evolve, and then there is you. As for being winded, I have been ready, but was actually enjoy hearing you rant."

Wait. Did Jere just make a joke??

We were having a bit of sword play inside a warehouse owned by Serenity, which meant we had some privacy. When you have this blessing or curse to live forever, it limits who you associate with, unless you get a kick out of seeing folks grow old and die around you.

The irony of the current situation, was the meeting of the minds per say between Jere and Church. Somehow those two were able to put the past behind them and create a lukewarm truce. Pretty much they still agree to disagree, but their methods were not that far apart as either of them would think. But seeing these two in action? Incredible. Jere may preach peace and love, but he wields a mean sword. Church? If you look up the phrase old school, his ugly mug would be there.

(m) "You're awfully quiet over there hun. The former student taking a few notes from watching his former teachers?" Arms covered in skin tight black leather were being wrapped around my waist from behind, as Serenity leaned into me, placing her chin atop of my shoulder. A small grin did grace my dusky features as I inhaled that subtle scent that lingered about her. "Hmmm. That's a new scent. How do you keep coming up with these?"

She didn't respond at first. But after taking a deep breath ...."Exotic scents are prepared from dry spray oil and distilled natural pure oil fragrances. These are natural perfumes which are not derived synthetically. Most have a very fresh smell and last almost double as other perfumes. These scents are used for different purposes. For message, aroma therapy or medicinal purposes and even as a room fresher it depends upon the aroma of the perfume.

These exotic perfumes are very complex. It gives fitness to one without being heavy. Generally exotic perfumes are used solitarily concentrating on single fragrance. It is light and used for different purposes. Some times fusion of two or three fragrances are also used. Some time these exotic perfumes are theme based like fruity, flowery or ocean. "

"Uh, Right." I had forgotten that Serenity had learned the lost art of alchemy back in the day.

There have been some things in my near one hundred years on this planet that I'll never forget. The latest one to add to the list? Seeing Church get knocked on his ass by Jere, and the expression on his face. It was priceless!! The tension scale about went through the roof right then, Serenity was now standing beside me, as we were ready to break these two up. A couple of key things about Church. He hates to lose, even if it's only a spar. And he hates to lose. Did I mention he hates losing? Well, the look he was giving Jere right then spoke volumes. Jere simply held out his hand ...

I think this was what meant when time stands still.

Then there was laughter.

From Church, as he accepted the offered hand and was pulled to his feet. "Now that is how you be sparrin'!! None of that pansy tap dancin' stuff they show in those John Depp pirate movies!! nice to know you have that side in you, chief ... Wulfsohng." Even Jere arched an eyebrow at Church calling him by his actual name. Forearms were grasped, in an age old warrior show of respect, with Church slapping Jere on the back.

Whoa.

Was this history in the making? One more thing to cross off my Immortal Bucket list, huh?

Serenity even had her cell out, capturing that moment, before tossing towels to both men, followed by a ice cold beer for Church, and a bottled water for Jere. "I have to admit Churchill, it has been some time since my limits have been tested to such a degree. Though are past has often cast us as adversaries, I look forward to this new path traveled as allies. "

Shit. If I didn't know any better, I swear that sounded like Jere was asking to join our little group.

[Brehnic Kohnar]

There were no plans to meet at any sacred grounds, church, or temple. This time Jere switched up things by meeting with Methos in all places? Inside a casino hotel, the MGM no less. Dressed in his usual earth tone colors, complete with a trench coat consisting of a light material, Jere was amusing himself by sitting at a Black Jack table, on a very impressive winning streak, much to the dealer's dismay. The Immortal made certain that any of his actions would not be mistaken for anything crafty, or under handed, a small crowd had even gathered, cheering on the bald man with the easy going demeanor.

Methos had a long day.? For once, he had stayed in the night before, staying in his room at the Bellagio.? He didn't sleep.? He kept the TV on while he hacked a few supposedly secure web sites for shits and giggles, including Keyes' business site, and the Watcher database.? He was impressed with the Watcher's IT department; they kept trying to keep him out, but it never worked for long.? The next morning, Methos decided to be a day walker for a change, and (horror of horrors) go shopping for clothes.?

He was sick of same three sets of clothes he owned... it was time for a change.? So when the Ancient strolled into the MGM, he was wearing a pair of khaki cargo pants, a plain black tee, and his Doc Martins.? The trench was missing, as were any evidence of weaponry on his person.? Methos scanned the crowd, getting a bead on where the Immortal Signature was coming from, and started to walk in that direction.

Brehnic Kohnar: Imagine everyone's shock when the man turned to a elderly lady who had been sitting next to him from the start, Jere would calmly push nearly all his winnings over to the now startled woman, before leaning over to kiss her on the forehead, and whispering something inside her ear. She would in turn give him a look, before kissing him on the cheek. Jere nodded again, before taking his remaining
winnings excusing himself.

He had already sensed the presence of a certain Immortal, and he would meet Methos with a small grin before arching an eyebrow at what the man was wearing. Jere peered over his left shoulder, then Methos' right, looking for something, before shaking his head. "I swear, you have more layers to you than a onion, old friend. You look as if a weight has been lifted. Shall we? There's a lounge close by where we can talk."

"After you." He gestured with his right hand, and waited to follow the other man.? Even if Methos had discarded his trench and his swords, he was still giving off a barely repressed energy that didn't seem to fit within his rangy frame.

Once they found a suitable place to sit, Jere would order an ice tea for himself, and whatever Methos decided upon if anything. Once their orders were taken, Jere wasted little time in dealing with small talk.

"It seems my former student has made his return to Vegas, apparently without the pre-immie, Niklas Wright. Understandable, but he was most elusive in offering any answers as to where she might be. Where ever he went, he appears to be more focused now than when he was last here. He even spoke freely about Shamair, which is something he never did. I have not seen the woman for some time now, but that does not mean she isn't still around."

Giving Methos a knowing smile, Jere would continue. "Some Immortals just know how to pull that sort of thing. I am concerned if what may happen if Shamair gets her hands on the young girl. Nothing good can come of it, no matter what her intentions may be. She may cross several lines that many Immortals may have a problem with if they knew." His gaze now taking more of a serious look, as the waitress returned with their drinks.

Methos shrugged.? He hadn't seen too many Immortals in Vegas lately, but his run-in with Mari was still fresh in his mind.? That had been a few weeks ago...and then Nova had blown back into his life, just to disappear once again.?He took a drink of the Coca-cola he had ordered, the caffeine and sugar content so much better than coffee.? "Do you or Kohnar even know what this Shamair wants from the girl? I've never seen so much bidding for one lousy Pre-Immie, I mean, I've talked with Wright... she isn't exactly the shining definition of "chosen one".

"That is simple enough to explain, old friend. Many years ago, she wanted Alexander, while he was still a pre-immie. However, once that element was taken away, apparently so went her interest. Given her continual evolution as a Doctor, she seeks to discover the answers ... The beginnings of our origins." Jere stared directly at Methos then, allowing him to know the seriousness of what he just told him.

" I fear I may no longer remain be able to neutral in this matter, if she persists." Jere's normal bland tone now rich with emotion, along with a glimmer inside those dark eyes.
"You've known many in your travels. If you know her, warn the woman to cease in this path, unless she brings about a storm upon us all."

Methos returned the stare, studying the younger man with a cool, detached look.? The younglings, always seemed to have some sort of 'black and white' approach to any problem:? If this, then that... if you don't, I will. It was becoming tiresome.? "And who are you to say whether or not it's her right to find where we come from?"?

Yes, he was playing Devil's advocate, it was his favorite role, apparently.? "One pre-immie going missing isn't going to stop the world in it's tracks.? Immortals and mortals alike die every day, yet I don't see you taking up some sort of...crusade to stop that.? Why only Niklas?"

"Redemption. I failed once, in not saving Alexander, and I believe the fates have given me another chance, after serving such a long penance. I had to kill him Methos, the closest thing to an actual ... Son to me, to protect him from Shamair. No matter what the reason, we cannot play god. We are not gods. I will not allow this girl to be some target, simply due to what her heritage is. Can I save every pre-immie? No, but the ones I'm aware of, I shall."

Sighing, Jere finished his drink before looking upon Methos once again. "Old friend, yours is not the only soul that carries many burdens. This is something I have to do. The fact that Alexander has ties with the girl, my path is clear."

"Kohnar's still around, just in case it's slipped your attention. If he hadn't died that First Death, he'd be buried in the ground from old age.? Perhaps this is what your Wakan Tanka, your Great Spirit, wanted." Yeah, okay, it probably poor judgement to bring the man's Spiritual beliefs into this, but hell.? And if Mari was this Shamair, he had tried to talk her out of her plans as well, but Science was her religion, and she was just as
fanatic.?

"You both think you're right in your convictions.? And no one is going to compromise."? Methos shrugged and took another couple swallows of Coke.

"Do not ever question my beliefs, Methos. I have never questioned your ways. Ever. " The look was a combination of disbelief, anger, and hurt. "You speak as if you know her, heard her words, and perhaps been enticed by her as well." Jere's eyes narrowed right then, as if he were trying to figure out who he was talking to right then. At the moment, he wasn't certain. "Perhaps this conversation may need to come to an end, before it travels onto a uncharted road."

The neutral facade had reappeared, but something else was added. An edge. His grip upon the glass had tightened slightly, his gaze locked directly onto Methos' own.

"I wasn't questioning your beliefs, Grey Wolf.? I know the Sacred Ways.? All I was getting at was... things turn out the way they're supposed to, my friend.? I say this for myself, as well."? Methos paused, considering his next "A long time ago, I was witness to a birthing.? The baby had been pre-immortal, as had both it's parents.? All this Shamair is doing, is trying to prove that instance wasn't an anomaly.? Consider this: that before our First Deaths, we had sired children with pre-immortal women.? Who wouldn't want to know where one comes from?"

Methos didn't respond to whether he knew Shamair or not, damn if the man could not be as elusive as smoke in the blowing winds. Still, his spoken words held some truth. "Do you wish to know?" A simple yet complex question.

"Yes, I do.? Even if that mean wondering if through all my hunting, I've killed sons and daughters.? I would like to know."? Methos finished his Coke, and sat the empty glass down on the table, his foot tapping out a nervous rhythm against a leg of his seat.? "What about you?"

"I am ... No longer sure. About anything any more. I would dread to know how you handled this, being around much longer than most of us. There are times now, where I just want to kill and keep killing. Why? Not because I can, but because I was good at it." Lowering his head slightly, Jere sighed.

Methos snorted at Jere's words... although Kronos would have pissed himself in glee if he had been witness to some of the Crow and Blackfoot death and torture techniques.? They could have compared notes. "Yeah, it's something you don't really forget.? Look, nobody even knows where Wright is. If she turns up, you can ask her point blank if she wants to be part of some Immortal experiment."

"I ... suppose you are right. Releasing the grip on his glass, which had developed cracks along several sides of it, Jere went into deep thought. Staring at Methos, but not really staring at him. "Perhaps Alexander taking matters into his own hands, has done the right thing. Who knows. Any more, it is often about Pro action, not reaction."

Methos gave the man a nod, eyeing the glass with one raised eyebrow.? "Let Wright make her own choices.? Nobody likes having them made for them.? Even if it's in their 'best interest'."

"Mmmmm. You are right of course. Perhaps it is time I started taking such a stance for myself once again. Leave the burdens to you." A smile finally resurfacing. "I think I shall find myself one of these one armed bandits, and let the chips fall where they may. I will keep in touch, old friend." Rising from his chair, Jere would pay for the drinks before offering the elder Immortal a nod, then vanishing into the swirling masses. His gait now held more of a purpose, his stride once more resembling that of Grey Wolf the warrior, not Jere Wulfsohng ....

The Ancient decided that he would stick around for awhile, snagging a passing waitress to order a turkey sandwich, and settled in to people watch.? This little debacle between Shamair - who had to be Mari -Niklas, Kohnar and Jere wasn't over by a long shot, but he hoped there would be cooler heads involved now.? Once his food arrived, he dug in, his green gaze flicking back and forth from person to person, watching.