Highlander: Immortal Lives - Page 5

**Opunaya** · 07-28-2008, 09:17 AM

"Good evening, my name is Matthew, we met earlier at the café on the University of Bristol campus. I was wondering if we could talk." The man asked after entering the store, after giving the room a curious glance, his eyes telling Wade that he found the wares for sale unappealing to say the least.

"Uh...yeah, about that...you're not a cop, are you? Cause you have to tell me if'n you are." Wade rubbed his temples, curious as to why the pain in his head was not going away; whenever he normally hit his head, the pain stopped after a few moments, but it has continued. There was only one explaination for that. "You're the one from earlier, aren't you? You've come for my head?" Wade cried out, his eyes wide with panic; the young immortal reached below the counter with one hand and jerked his sword-holster from beneath, before lurching back into the wall just behind him Damn my cheap ass for not renting a bigger building as the store...

"You want me? Come get me!"

**Ristaron** · 07-28-2008, 05:21 PM

With a sigh, Matthias held his arms before him in a gesture of peace. He was hoping that the man's lack of immediate threat was indicative of a desire for conversation, obviously the man was merely new to the immortal scene and hadn't quite become familiar with the sensation that alerted immortals of each others' presence.
"This might be hard for you to believe", Matthias said, "but I haven't come for your head. I stopped headhunting centuries ago". Slowly, the immortal lowered his arms and stared at Wade with sincerity, imploring him not to make a move that would break their tentative truce. "You might live that long yourself if you listen to me carefully. I'm not asking you to put your weapons down, just hear me out".

**Opunaya** · 07-29-2008, 05:50 AM

"This might be hard for you to believe" The man spoke with a calm, almost soothing voice. "but I haven't come for your head. I stopped headhunting centuries ago". Wade slowed his breathing as he stared at the man before him; This man did not seem that threatening, at the moment, but if he's really as old as he says he is, then it could be a trap. "You might live that long yourself if you listen to me carefully. I'm not asking you to put your weapons down, just hear me out".

"Well, I wasn't gonna put it down anyway, so there." Wade answered dumbly, gripping the blades tightly. Slowly, Wade moved back towards the counter, idly flipping one of the swords back and forth in his hand--swifting it from an upright offensive position to a upside-down defensive position--a subtle hint at his confused mindset at the moment. "Alright, talk. You got, like, three minutes."

**Ristaron** · 07-29-2008, 03:14 PM

Matthias smiled at the time he had been given. Three minutes was usually more than he needed to get new immortals too interested to stop him.

"I can see from your choice of weapon that you know about the Game", Matthias began, "your conduct earlier in the café leads me to believe that you don't fully understand how drastically your life has changed since... since you died". The man let the words sink into Wade's consciousness, knowing well their numbing effect.
"Your violent death", Matthias went on, "triggered a rare phenomenon present only in certain individuals -- always foundlings -- called the quickening. It brought you back, healed your wounds, and started attracting others like yourself; other immortals".

**Opunaya** · 07-30-2008, 05:42 AM

Wade listened to the man's words carefully, not wanting to believe but knowing in his heart that he spoke true. The shop owner glanced down at his hand, his blades still at the ready, but Wade had no strength at the moment, the newcomer's words nearly overwhelming him.

"Heh...the only reason I have swords is because they were the only weapons I had at the time in the store...plus, I don't know how to use a gun that well...not that I can afford one..." Wade muttered to himself, or to the man, he honestly did not know which.

"So...killing others..." Wade began slowly, going back to the matter at hand. "Is some type of Game to them--us? Why exactly do we do this? I mean, yeah, that lightning thing is...quite a rush...but...why?"

**Ristaron** · 07-30-2008, 04:21 PM

"Who knows?" Matthias asked rhetorically in response, "it's been going on since long before I was born, and the only time it will stop is when there is only one left". The proverbial words rang through his mind as he spoke. The first rule he had been taught. In the end, there can be only one.
"The last one gets the Prize", Matthias went on, "some want it badly enough to kill for it. From what you've told me, you've obviously met these men before. It's a wonder that you survived without a teacher", Matthias added, giving Wade another look-over. The man could tell that underneath Wade's leather jacket was a strong body, capable of significant power. The other immortal -- for Matthias only knew of the one -- must have underestimated the man's strength. Or maybe... Matthias noted Wade's posture. Even burdened by the overwhelming information Matthias had given him, he still kept his shoulders straight, but loose. The man's biceps were enormous, and his knuckles toughened by hundreds of punches.
It wasn't karate... karate was more rigid. Searching his extensive memory for the suitable martial art style, he started, based on the man's obvious relative youth, with modern styles.
Mitsuyo Maeda's Jiu-Jitsu, he concluded, recalling the style according to its founder -- a former Kokodan judoka. With a hint of boxing, he also observed. This man was obviously very good at both styles to have a chance at standing against someone who possibly had decades, or even centuries, on him.

"I know that you already killed another immortal", Matthias said, "but you still have a lot to learn before you are ready to stand against others. There are people out there who have centuries on you -- centuries on me! And not all of them are more interested in talking than fighting". Slowly, Matthias took a step forward, keeping his hands at his side to not appear threatening.
"How about you meet me, tomorrow, at the end of Church Road in Leigh Woods. I can show you how far you have yet to go".

**Opunaya** · 07-31-2008, 05:57 AM

"Only one left? Wow...that's dark." Wade chewed on the inside of his lip, weighing his options. Near as I can figure...I have three options. One, jump over this counter and attack the guy. I might can take him in hand-to-hand...but I have no clue his style...or if I can get to him before he gets that sword out. Damn paranoia, it makes it hard to read someone! The older Immortal took a step towards the counter, but this time, Wade did not react visibly, merely watching the "old" man carefully; he probably had a least a few pounds of muscles on Wade, and perhaps an inch or two in height and reach, though Wade's style was designed to take on people larger than him, Wade still was not quite sure he should risk it.

Second option...I go with him in the morning...and...see what's up. At the very least, if I can't beat him in a fight, I sure as hell can run away. Third option? Hide in here forever... Wade tossed that idea around for a moment or two, spinning his right sword around casually, before disregarding it completely. There can't be any danger to this, right? "There's always an escape. You just have to find it."

"...Alright..." Wade answered at length, placing his swords down. "I'll see you there. What time?"

**Ristaron** · 07-31-2008, 11:29 AM

"Let's say noon", Matthias decided, "bring your swords". He turned to leave, but paused, remembering Wade's reaction to his presence in the café.
"I'll be bringing someone else along", he warned, "the young woman I was with earlier today. She's a relatively new immortal, like yourself. I'm hoping that you two can learn as much from each other as you can from me".

With a smile, Matthias turned to stand facing Wade again.
"What's your name, anyways?"

**Opunaya** · 08-01-2008, 05:02 AM

"Another newcomer, huh? And a woman? Alright...I'll see you at noon, I guess." Wade muttered to himself, scratching his chin thoughtfully; he honestly could not remember a girl with him, but that did not really matter at the moment, Wade was more concerned that he was setting himself up for disaster. "Anyway, my name's Wade...Wade Howlett." He did not extend a hand, rather placing his swords one the counter in a silent agreement.

"One last thing though...um..." Wade hesitated with a chuckle. "I'm...kind of new here...where exactly IS Church Road?"

**Ristaron** · 08-01-2008, 10:17 AM

Looking around for a convenient map, Matthias was disappointed to find none.
"It's West of Bristol", he said, "just outside the city limits. Take Gloucester Row out to Abbots Leigh Row and follow it about a mile. Follow Church road North for another half-mile and you'll be in Leigh Woods. I'll be at the end of the road, there's an area to park your vehicle".
Turning to leave again, Matthias stopped once more and turned back.
"One more thing. I introduced myself as Matthew, as I am currently Matthew Cole to the mortal world. My real name is Matthias; pleased to make your acquaintance, Wade Howlett". Likewise not offering his hand, Matthias then turned and left.

The sun had already set and a warm sapphire blanket had fallen over the sky. In spite of Bristol's bright lights, a few stars were visible, shining stubbornly against the glare of civilization. Looking around the city, Matthias allowed himself a moment of reminiscence. He had grown up with torches, not light bulbs, and every night, before he went to bed, he would stare at the stars with his father.
His adopted father, Matthias reminded himself; but even after two thousand years the knowledge of his original foundling heritage did not diminish the pride he took in his upbringing... as disastrous as it had ended.

---Maleventum, 312 B.C.---
The soft whistle of the wind flowing around the hill was like a lullaby, but Matthias would not heed, determined to remain with his father as long as he could.
"And there is the Bull", Orias traced the outline of several stars with an extended finger. Matthias, lying on his back beside his father, could only barely make out the vague shape.
"See how it gores the wolf?" Orias went on, tracing further shapes with his strong finger. "The Roman wolf", he elaborated, "impaled by its mighty horns. That is our destiny, to destroy the Romans, as they have destroyed so many before them. You'll see, son, one day we will topple their regime, and take this land for what it was meant to be".
"Paradise", Matthias whispered.
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Paradise. Even then the word had tasted funny in Matthias' mouth; but so possessed of idealism and hope, he had followed his father's dreams for a better world. Even into the third Samnite war, which saw the destruction of his people... and his own death.

Having reached his house, Matthias mounted the first few steps and slipped his key in the deadbolt. As he entered his home, he found himself reaching for his sword as he felt the potent sensation of another immortal's presence. A moment later he chastised himself for having forgotten that he was sheltering Léana. He must have wakened her by his late return, and glancing at his watch he noted just how late he was.
"At least tomorrow's Saturday", he said to himself as he removed his jacket and messenger bag, "no lectures to give". Taking his Roman spatha from inside his coat, Matthias kicked off his shoes and headed upstairs toward his room to retire for the night.