So Much Love, So Little Time

All standard disclaimers apply. This story is about Methos and Alexa who are characters owned by Davis/Panzer Productions and are used without permission. To tell this story I have used scenes that have come directly from Timeless, Deliverance, Methuselath’s Gift and ends to co-inside with Through A Glass Darkly. I make no money out of this it is done for enjoyment only. This story may not be copied of distributed without my permission. The lyrics are from a song by Queen called One Year of Love which comes from the original Highlander soundtrack.

Just one year of love
Is better than a lifetime alone
One sentimental moment in your arms
Is like a shooting star right through my heart
It’s always a rainy day without you
I’m a prisoner of love inside you -
I’m falling apart all around you - yeah

Paris - Present Day
        Paris was in the grip of a very cold winter, snow had been falling all week and was showing no sign of stopping. Everything was covered in a coating of white, leaving the city looking bleak and lifeless. Even if you looked up at the sky it was impossible to make out if there were any clouds about.
        Although he was in the Barge which was lovely and warm due to the open fire. Duncan still shivered as he glanced out of a porthole, checking to see if his visitor was coming yet or not. It’s certainly not the best day for it he thought gloomily as he walked over to the fire to add another log. As he finished he felt the familiar sensation, another immortal was close by. Looking out the porthole he saw Methos emerge from a Taxi and then make his way up the ramp, a moment later there was a knock on the door.
        Duncan opened the door and was shocked at the general appearance of his friend. The last time he had seen Methos he was rushing to catch the 10.00pm flight to Geneva, so that he and Alexa could spend whatever time she had left together. There time together had not been long, within a matter of a week or so he had received a phone call from Methos informing him of Alexa’s passing. Methos had spoken of his intention to have Alexa buried in Paris.
        Duncan had expressed his sympathies and had extracted a promise from Methos that he would get in contact if he needed help with anything, or even if he just needed to talk. He had not heard anything for another week but he knew not to worry as Methos had mentioned about organising the transportation of Alexa’s body from Geneva to Paris, which meant a lot of paperwork and red tape.
        When Methos had eventually made contact that morning, explaining that the funeral was to be held that afternoon Duncan had suggested that he should come over to the Barge and they would attend the funeral together.
        “Come in” Duncan said quietly, moving back to make room for Methos to enter, then followed him as he made his way down the steps. Duncan could not stop looking at Methos, he could not believe that a few short weeks could cause such a drastic transformation.
        Even though it was impossible for an immortal to age after their first death Duncan could think of no other way to describe Methos’ appearance. He looked as if he had physically aged ten years or more since he had last seen him. There were bags under his eyes and although Methos had always had a slim build, now he looked gaunt. He has lost a lot of weight, his cheeks were hollow, his eyes usually so bright and alert had lost their usual sparkle, now looking dull and lifeless, he looked haggard and in need of sleep.
        His mouth was sullen and his skin had a grey tinge to it and it clung to his cheekbones, highlighting the overall gauntness of his features. In general he looked tired and strained, the overcoat he wore looked as if it were two sizes to big for him as it hung from his slumped shoulders and Duncan was sure it was only sheer determination that kept him going.
        Duncan felt at a loss as to how to deal with Methos, especially now. Should he embrace him and let him know he was there for him if he felt the need to breakdown. Or should he stand back and give him some space, even though he was here now because he couldn’t stand the idea of being alone. Duncan watched him feeling at a complete loss.
        Unaware that he was under such close scrutiny Methos took off his coat and threw it over the back of the sofa. Turning to Duncan he said “I really appreciate that you’re coming with me, I just don’t know if I could go through with…” Tears began to well up in his eyes and he quickly turned away. Duncan patted his shoulder awkwardly before making his way over to an armchair where he sat and watched as Methos took up position at one of the portholes, looking out as he regained his composure.
        As he gazed out, Methos felt about as bleak and lifeless as the surrounding landscape. My whole existence seems to have lost all its colour, ever since Alexa had… He shuddered as he realised where his thoughts were taking him. Today was the day of the funeral, and he was at the Barge because he had got in contact with MacLeod when he realised he was not going to able to face it alone.
        When Duncan had suggested that he should come to the Barge he was relieved that he would not have to face this terrible time alone and had immediately agreed to Duncan’s suggestion. Accepting it almost like a lifeline that would hopefully pull him free of the well of despair he had created for himself.
        Restlessly Methos moved away from the porthole and began to wander aimlessly around the Barge. Catching Duncan watching him as he began to pace up and down he forced himself to stop. Instead he made his way over to the sofa which faced the open fireplace. Sighing deeply as he sank down into it, moulding his body into the leather, his gaze now focussed on nothing in particular, just staring ahead without seeing anything, totally unaware of the flickering flames which were providing warmth to the room.
        After watching Methos for sometime Duncan glanced at his watch and saw that it was nearly 2.00pm, and the funeral was being held at 3.00pm. Getting up from his seat he commented to his silent companion “I’m going to get changed.” Knowing not to expect a reply he made his way out of the room.
        Methos had heard the Highlanders words but had been unable to reply. Now that he was sitting motionless, everytime he closed his eyes he would see her face, just as she was when he first met her. He knew he was losing himself to the memories of that time, a time that he sometimes wished he could forget. But no, they were etched deeply into his brain and painful though those memories were, he couldn’t help but remember…
Joe’s Bar - Seacouver
        “Okay once more, its quite simple” Joe explained patiently “Nine innings, two halves to each inning, three outs for each half inning, played at a nice leisurely pace. Baseball its like, I don’t know its like meditation.”
        Methos was only half paying attention to what Joe was saying, the other half was occupied with the pretty young waitress that was moving around taking orders for drinks. She was a pretty petite blonde, early to mid twenties, and she had to Methos’ prejudiced eye the face of an angel. Methos was totally besotted.
        He was finally able to observe her at close range when she came to the Bar and gave Joe the orders.
        “Three beers” Alexa said.
        “Okay” Joe replied.
        Methos put his beer down carefully and said cautiously “Ex - excuse me, if I sat at a table would you be my waitress?”
        Alexa turned from the interesting looking young man to Joe and raised inquiring eyes as she asked “Is he a good tipper?”
        Joe turned from getting the beers, looked at Methos as he replied jovially “No.”
        Methos gave Joe a small smile but his eyes looked like murder, he then turned to Alexa as she commented “Well too bad. He makes up for it in cute though.” She then moved to collect some more empty glasses.
        Methos turned to Joe his eyebrows raised and eyes twinkling “Cute, I can do cute.”
        Joe just laughed and went back to work behind the Bar.
        Methos had just started to drink his beer when Alexa returned to the Bar. He quickly swallowed and put his glass down. Turning to her he reached out with his right hand as he introduced himself “I’m ah Adam Pierson.”
        Alexa looked up at him then reached awkwardly to shake hands, knocking the empty glasses on her tray as she did so.
        “Ooh” they said in unison trying to stop anything from dropping and breaking.
        “Where’re you from?” Alexa asked.
        “Umm” Methos said uncertainly, frowning slightly.
        “Your accent” Alexa clarified “You’re not from here.”
        “No” he replied slowly “I’ve travelled a lot.”
        “Really!” Alexa cried her eyes widening in excitement.
        Methos nodded slightly.
        “Paris?” Alexa asked.
        Methos closed his eyes and shook his head “Paris is too full of Parisian’s, even the French don’t like Paris.”
        Alexa would not be undaunted “Venice?”
        “Venice? The smell alone will kill you” he replied.
        Alexa’s face lost some of its glow, she turned away briefly before looking at Methos as she stated “A little young to be so cynical aren’t you?”
        Methos raised his eyebrows as he replied almost flippantly “If you say so.”
        Giving him a steady look she said “I just did” and walked away.
        Realising he had said something wrong, but not sure what it was he watched her walk away. He turned back and saw Joe watching him “What’d I say?”
        Joe said “Ahh” raising his hand in a dismissive gesture “Forget it” he advised “Alexa’s not your type, okay.”

Paris - Present Day
        Duncan emerged from the other room, as he made his way towards Methos he could tell by the others expression that he was lost deep in thought. Unwilling to disturb him but knowing he must Duncan gently took hold of Methos’ shoulder and shook it.
        Methos instantly snapped out of his reverie, looking up at the Highlander in surprise. “Sorry, I got a little lost there” he said by way of explanation.
        “I know” Duncan replied. “It’s time we were leaving.”
        Methos nodded his head, his features turning from grey to white. Duncan knew he was dreading the funeral and the burial. Not only because that would truly be the end of Alexa, but because it always brought back memories of the other loves that were lost, buried centuries or in Methos’ case thousands of years before. Reluctant to rush him, he none the less prodded gently “We really do have to make a move now.”
        Sighing deeply Methos finally pulled himself up from the sofa, reaching for his coat which he had draped over the back of the sofa when he had first arrived.
        Both now ready they made their way out of the Barge. Walking down the ramp Duncan commented as Methos started to walk along the Quay “I think we should take the car.”
        Methos changed direction and made his way over to the car without saying a word. As the car pulled away he watched the people of Paris going about their business, wrapped up warm against the bitter cold. Many kept their heads down as they walked along. A wind was now beginning to blow, causing the snow to go everywhere.
        Methos knew Duncan was concerned about him and he knew that he was becoming more and more morose. Why? He could not say for sure. It’s not like I haven’t lost others I have loved he pondered to himself. Why does this one hurt so damn much. I knew she was dying virtually from the time I got her to agree to go out with me. So why, why, why does the hurt go so deep?
        As Duncan carefully negotiated the busy streets of Paris Methos smiled a small bitter sweet smile as he remembered asking Alexa to go out with him. He had never felt so nervous in all his 5000 plus years…
Joe’s Bar - Seacouver
        Methos sat at a table in Joe’s Bar he was feeling very nervous, even more so when he saw Alexa coming towards him, tray in hand. It didn’t help that she didn’t look very comfortable herself.
        “Well” she began “either you like to drink or you’re crazy about the Blues” she said picking up her pen to take his order.
        “No I was waiting for you” he replied. Getting no response to his statement he continued “I see I leave you speechless, this is an excellent start.”
        Alexa was looking more and more confused “Start to what?” she asked.
        “To” Methos began counting off his fingers “dinner, a film, a concert, a sunset, a walk, ah, all of the above whatever you would like?”
        Alexa laughed softly “Do women really fall for that line?”
        Shaking his head he replied “I have no idea, I’ve never used it before.”
        “Never is really a long time” Alexa said quietly.
        “Well to the best of my recollection.”
        Alexa indicated her pad with her pen “I’m waiting?”
        Realising he had somehow offended her again he replied “Um, I’ll have a draft beer please.”
        “One draft beer” she repeated as she wrote it down, then turned to walk away.
        “Here I got it” Joe called out from the Bar.
        Alexa acknowledged him then paused before turning back to Methos and asked him before she lost her nerve “Why do you want to go out with me?”
        Methos smiled softly at her question but knew he had to convince her “Because the alternative is unthinkable” he replied simply.
        She looked stunned a moment and then she smiled “Okay” they smiled at each other “Tomorrow if Joe lets me have it off.”
        “Oh, no he will. I have pull here” Methos said a silly grin chasing across his face. As Alexa walked away Methos closed his eyes and offered a prayer of thanks.
        He then made his way over to the Bar with a confident swagger to let Joe know that apparently she was his type after all. Joe was acting rather strangely and finally Methos couldn’t take it anymore so he demanded to know whether Joe had some sort of house rule about dating the help.
        Joe turned his world upside down with three little words “Alexa is dying.”
        Paris - Present Day
A few minutes later Duncan pulled up close to the church. Waiting patiently for them was the Priest, Father Gerard. Who upon sighting them rushed over to Methos offering his condolences. Duncan let the pair walk ahead of him as they made their way inside the church.
        It was a plain, simple, some might say basic little church. Containing only a dozen or so rows of rough wooden pews, which led up to the altar. Duncan could see why Methos had chosen this church for the service, Alexa he felt sure would have felt comfortable here.
        They were led to their seats at the front, they were the only one’s in attendance. Aside from Father Gerard, the organist and the Pallbearers who sat at a respectful distance, a few pews back. Amanda and Joe had been unable to attend, Joe due to business commitments in Seacouver. While Amanda had decided to stay on with the Circus for a little while longer and was at this time touring Japan.
        Both had none the less sent a large bouquet of flowers each attached with a card offering their sincerest condolences to Methos on his loss. Those bouquets now rested atop the coffin that sat a few feet away from the mourners.
        Father Gerard seeing that the two gentlemen were comfortably seated made his way over to the altar, turning to indicate to the organist to begin to play he then opened up his Bible and began the service.
        Methos paid little attention to what was going on around him, he focussed all his attention on the coffin. Everything else blurred out of existence, all he cared about was in that wooden box. A life that had been cut short long before her time, he remembered vividly Alexa trying to get out of seeing him and his equal determination that she should…
        Joe’s Bar - Seacouver
Methos walked into Joe’s and was a little taken aback when Claudia Jardine rushed passed him, quickly followed by Walter Graham and coming up the rear was Duncan.
        As Duncan passed Methos he warned “Don’t say a word.”
        “Oops” Methos remarked eyebrows raised as Duncan went through the door. He then turned and looked around the Bar. “Where’s Alexa?” he asked Joe.
        Joe lowered his head and looked at the floor, rather than look Methos in the eye.
        Methos either didn’t see the gesture or he simply choose to ignore it. “We ah, we have a date” he said feeling as light as air.
        “She called in sick” Joe replied.
        The lightness left Methos’ face, but he immediately demanded “Where does she live?”
        Joe sighed “Adam, she doesn’t want to see you okay” and he began to move away. “Just leave her alone.”
        Methos grabbed Joe’s arm “Hey, Joe. I didn’t ask for your opinion. I know she’s dying okay, you are all dying. Twenty years, six months, what’s the difference?”
        “She’s protecting herself, she’s protecting you. Don’t you get it!” Joe cried.
        “Yes, I get it. Now tell me where she lives” Methos said calmly.
        Seeing the determination on the others face Joe sighed and made his way over to the Bar, grabbing a pen and a piece of paper he scribbled down Alexa’s address and silently handed it over to Methos.
        Methos looked down at the paper then up at Joe, meeting his eyes he said softly “Thanks Joe.” He then turned and made his way out of the Bar.

        Methos moved quickly down the street, looking at his watch he saw that it was getting fairly late but if he were lucky the Travel Agent may still be open. As he got closer he saw that his prayers were answered, but he could see that they were getting ready to close up for the night. But he didn’t intend to be long, it didn’t really matter what destination he choose as long as he had something with him to show Alexa how serious he was.
        The Travel Agent, a woman in her early fifties looked up in surprise when she heard the door open, she was just about to close and very few people made arrangements this time of night. But she smiled when she recognised the young man who entered “Mr Pierson, its so nice to see you again. Are you wishing to book another flight to Paris?”
        Methos smiled charmingly at the Travel Agent “Yes Mrs Ford, if you can fit me in?”
        “Please take a seat Mr Pierson” she said indicating the seat in front of her.
        “Thank you” he replied. “Actually this time I would like to make a booking for two people…”

        After leaving the Travel Agents Methos popped into the Florist next door then walked to his car and was on his way to the address Joe had given him. A short time later he parked his car and looked at the house, all the lights were on, so she was at home at least. All he could hope for now was to convince her to come with him. But he thought sighing deeply You can’t convince her sitting here all night. Putting the plane ticket in his inside coat pocket he got out of the car and locked the door.
        He then made his way up the steps to Alexa’s front door and knocked. Alexa opened the door and paused.
        “Hi” Methos said quietly.
        Alexa opened the screen door and stepped outside, closing the door behind her.
        Methos extended the flowers he had bought for her “Am I late?” he asked.
        Taking the flowers Alexa replied “Only about a year” she paused before continuing “You shouldn’t have come.”
        Methos followed her as she walked along the verandah “You ah hiding your husband in there is that what’s going on?” he asked pointing to the house with his thumb. When Alexa just looked at him saying nothing he continued, raising an eyebrow inquiringly “Lover? Boyfriend? Seven dwarfs?”
        Alexa set the flowers down on the railing “That’s exactly what I’m doing. Hiding my husband, my boyfriend, my lover and the seven dwarfs.”
        “I can take em all on” Methos said raising his hands into fists like a boxer “I’m not afraid.”
        “I shouldn’t have agreed to see you. It was stupid really” Alexa said.
        “Why?”
        “Because you don’t need to be a witness to what I’m going through, it’s going to get ugly” she tried to explain.
        “You look beautiful to me.” As she still looked uncertain he continued “Look whatever it is you’re going through I can handle it, if you let me.”
        “Why would you want to?” she asked unable to comprehend his determination.
        Methos used the same argument he had used earlier in the day when he got her to agree to go out with him. “Because the alternative is unthinkable” he said sincerely.
        Alexa continued to stare at him disbelievingly.
        “How long…?” Methos asked delicately.
        “Less than a year” Alexa replied shaking her head “they don’t know.” After a brief pause she asked “Do - do you ever just wish that time would stand still.”
        Methos closed his eyes Oh Alexa if only you knew he thought. Instead he smiled softly at her, taking a deep breath he reached into his coat and pulled out the plane ticket and handed it to Alexa before stepping back to observe her reaction. He made an attempt to look unconcerned folding his hands together in front of him.
        Looking at him in stunned disbelief she stepped haltingly towards him “Plane tickets to Paris” she said uncomprehendingly.
        “Anywhere you like, everywhere if there’s time” Methos explained.
        “It’s not that easy.”
        “Yes it is, you spend whatever time you have left dying, or you spend it living, with me.”
        Alexa couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
        Taking her hands in his Methos said emotion clouding his voice “Please, say you’ll come with me Alexa.”
        It took some doing but eventually Alexa realised that Adam meant every word he said. She looked up into his face, noting his earnest expression and began to wonder how she had ever gotten so lucky.
        He’s absolutely right she thought and began to smile softly, a smile that soon turned into a huge grin.
        “What?” Methos asked, his own lips curving into a smile.
        “I was just thinking, you’re right” she replied softly. “And I would love to go away with you Adam, anywhere and everywhere if we have time. But lets not discuss it outside, lets go inside where its nice and warm.”
        “Of course.” Methos replied, feeling happier than he had in a long time.
        Now smiling broadly at each other they made their way hand in hand back inside the house, spending many a long hour organising their trip.
Paris - Present Day
        Methos felt the pressure of Duncan’s hand on his arm, looking around the church in mild confusion before he remembered where he was. The service was now over, all that was left was the burial. He struggled to his feet his body protesting after sitting on the hard wooden seat. Following Duncan out of the church they made their way to the car. They would then follow the hearse the short distance to the cemetery.
        Once in the car Duncan asked “You okay?”
        “Yeah” Methos replied then gave the Highlander what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “I just don’t seem to be able to stop thinking about her.”
        “Understandable, you were very close.”
        “I know, but…” Methos shook his head slowly “it’s more than that. I knew her less than a year and yet she seems to have taken me over in a way no other lover I have known ever could.”
        “It’s probably to do with her illness, you virtually had to take care of her right from the word go.” Duncan reasoned.
        “No that’s not it. It would be so easy to say that and the last thing I want to do is reduce what we had down to that level.” Methos responded adamantly.
        Duncan didn’t reply, instead he started up the car and pulled out onto the road, following the hearse at a respectful and safe distance. As he drove along he remembered being outside Joe’s Bar with Joe, Methos and Alexa as they were preparing to leave. Although he had been concerned at the time of the whereabouts of Cluadia Jardine he could not help but notice the close bond that had sprung up between Methos and Alexa in such a short period of time.
        “Hey snap out of it MacLeod” Methos’ raised voice snapped into his thoughts “Not being all there’s my territory.”
        Turning to grin sheepishly at the ancient immortal he said apologetically “Sorry about that.”
        Methos frowned at him before turning to look out the window and asked casually “Out of curiosity what had you so lost in thought?”
        Duncan shook his head dismissively “Ah, it was nothing.”
        “Hey” Methos cried throwing his hands up in front of him in a dramatic fashion “just tell me to mind my own business.” He then turned slightly away, folding his arms across his chest in a defensive manner as he muttered to himself “Just wanted to know what was so interesting that you almost drove up the rear of the hearse.”
        Duncan looked startled “Did I?”
        “Just about. Now come on Mac spill the beans, what was so important?”
        “You don’t give up, do you?” Duncan asked getting exasperated.
        “Only when I want an answer and you won’t give me one” came the unrepentant reply.
        As Duncan contemplated what to tell Methos they arrived at the cemetery. Duncan parked the car and both men got out.
        Snow was beginning to fall again as the Pallbearers removed the coffin from the hearse. They then carried it to the freshly dug grave site.
        As Duncan watched their careful progress he turned to Methos and finally answered him. “I was thinking about you and Alexa, when you were about to depart on your trip.”
        Methos looked at the Highlander then nodded his head towards the departing coffin, indicating that they should follow. As they walked over to the grave site Methos smiled softly as he remembered that day and how excited Alexa had been…
Joe’s Bar - Seacouver
        “We’re going coast to coast in the van” Alexa explained to Joe as Methos put their bag in the van and slid the door shut. Turning to Methos as he came to stand beside her, smiling at him as she continued “Adam likes to call it our tour of the new world.”
        “Well it’s all new to you isn’t it?” Methos said as he put his arm around her.
        “Sounds great, then what?” Joe asked.
        “Egypt” Methos replied.
        “Isn’t that romantic?” Alexa cried, barely able to contain her excitement.
        “Well he’s certainly the man to take you” Joe acknowledged ruefully.
        Shaking Joe’s hand the oldest immortal said quietly “Thanks Joe.”
        “Yeah” the Watcher replied, then stepped forward to give Alexa a heartfelt hug.
        “We’ll write” she promised, her voice cracking with emotion.
        Patting her gently on the shoulder Joe said simply “Okay” before taking hold of her hand to give it a quick squeeze to let her know he understood.
        Methos stood by the open van door, Alexa turned and got in and Methos closed the door once he was sure she was in okay. Finding her gaze fixed upon him he made a playful grab for her nose which made her laugh. She then turned once again to Joe and they nodded to each other, knowing they would never be able to find the right words to express what they felt.
        Methos made his way to the rear of the van to get to the drivers side. As he approached Duncan he paused “It’s not long enough.”
        “It never is” came the Highlanders reply, it was the only thing he could think to say even though it was stating the obvious. “You take it easy” he advised shaking Methos’ hand.
        Methos walked around Duncan, slapping him on the back in farewell as he passed. Then he continued on his way to the drivers side of the van and climbed in next to Alexa, starting up the engine and without a backwards glance they started off.

My heart cries out to your heart
I’m lonely but you can save me
My hand reaches out for your hand
I’m cold but you light the fire in me
My lips search for your lips
I’m hungry for your touch
There’s so much left unspoken

Paris - Present Day
        Fog was now beginning to descend over the cemetery as the Pallbearers gently lowered the coffin into the grave. A few handfuls of earth had been sprinkled over the coffin, followed shortly after by the dozen red roses Methos had brought with him. Then the Undertaker stepped forward and began to fill the grave, within a few minutes the funeral was over.
        Father Gerard, the Pallbearers and the Undertaker made their farewells before they rushed away as the snow began to fall a little heavier. They were all eager to be on their way so that they could get to the comfort of their nice warm homes before the weather turned really bad.
        Methos and Duncan stood by the grave, snow still falling but both men ignored it as they looked at the headstone solemnly. It read simply -

ALEXA BOND
     Beloved

        “She loved Greece, Santorini especially” Methos said.
        “Well she would never have seen it if you hadn’t taken her” Duncan replied. Loathe as he was to admit it Methos’ state of grief was beginning to worry the Highlander.
        “I think she might like to have been buried there but I didn’t want her so far away” Methos continued.
        “Come on, I’ll drive you home” Duncan said before turning and moving away.
        Methos remained a few moments more, just looking at the headstone before he too moved away.
        Following MacLeod down the steps that led out of the cemetery Methos voiced his thoughts “You know I knew Alexa was dying, every moment we were together, everywhere we went I knew. And yet, when she finally closed her eyes I was surprised.”
        “You know the Navaho have a saying” Duncan said trying to offer comfort “The spirit lives as long as someone who lives remembers you.”
        “Aren’t you a little young to be so smart…” Methos began but then stopped as both men felt that all too familiar presence. Another immortal was close by.
        As Duncan moved away Methos queried “MacLeod?”
        “Just looking” Duncan replied before walking off.
        Methos turned the other way in disgust “Well that’s just great” he muttered as he saw the Highlander rush around the corner in the hopes of confronting the unknown immortal. Wrapping his coat more securely around him Methos began to pace up and down at the bottom of the steps. One of these days his curiosity is going to get him killed he thought irritably, but no sooner had the thought entered his head then he dismissed it. Duncan MacLeod had lived for over 400 years, just because he hadn’t learnt the value of keeping a low profile was of no concern to him.
        As time began to drag Methos was unable to just wait around for Duncan to return, instead he found himself retracing his way back up the steps and into the cemetery. Before he knew it he was looking down at the headstone of his beloved.
        “Hello love” he murmured. Bending down he brushed away the layer of snow that already covered the grave. “I told you I could handle it, didn’t I?” He looked up briefly at the bleak skyline before returning his gaze to the headstone as more memories began to wash over him. He remembered their arrival at the Holiday Inn that first night…
Holiday Inn - Spokane
        It had just turned 9.30pm when they arrived at the Holiday Inn and booked a room for the night. The room they entered was simply furnished as you would find any motel room. It contained a double bed on each side was a beside cabinet. In one corner of the room were two armchairs and at the foot of the bed, arranged on a stand was a large television. The other side of the room was set up like a kitchenette, with a table, chairs, bar fridge and microwave. There were two other doors, one was a closet while the other led to the bathroom etc.
        Methos placed their bag beside the bed then made his way over to the windows, closing the curtains against the already darkened sky. He then turned and found Alexa still standing by the door looking a little uncertain of what to do next.
        Walking over to her he took her hands in his and said softly “Why don’t you go into the bathroom and freshen up. It’s been a long day, I’ll make us a cup of coffee and see if there’s anything of interest to watch on the TV.”
        “Yes, I think I will” Alexa replied flashing him a heartfelt smile before moving over to the bag and removing a few items and turning towards the bathroom.
        Shortly after the bathroom door clicked shut, there was the sound of running water as the shower was turned on. Methos walked into the kitchenette area, found some cups and began preparing their drinks. Once he had plugged in the jug he went over to the bed, sat down and untied his shoe laces before pulling his shoes off followed by his socks. Next he picked up the remote turning the TV on and began flicking through the channels. Only to be interrupted by the jug whistling as the water came to the boil. He carried the two cups over to the table before returning to sit on the side of the bed, aimlessly flicking through one channel after another.
        Not long after Alexa emerged from the bathroom. Not wanting to startle her he continued what he was doing, even though every sense was attuned to her presence. Only when he felt her slender fingers brush softly against his cheek did he make any move. He began by reaching up and enfolding her hand in his and kissed it as he finally turned to look at her.
        The vision she presented took his breath away. She wore a simple cotton nightie that went to the knee, it had short sleeves and a gently scooped V neckline that revealed the gentle swell of her breasts. Methos could smell the talcum powder she had used after her shower and her hair had been brushed until it shined, it tumbled around her elfin shaped face.
        Alexa laughed softly at his stunned expression, reaching out she removed the TV remote from his hand, turned the TV off and placed the remote back on the stand. She then leaned down towards Methos and whispered “We won’t be needing that tonight.”
        Methos closed his eyes as he felt the first gentle touch of her lips, opening them as her kiss became more demanding. He opening his mouth allowing her tongue entry, then very carefully he took hold of her around the waist, allowing his fingers to slide gently up and down her body.
        Alexa in turn ran her hands along his sides until they reached his waist where they grasped hold of his t-shirt and began tugging at the material in a vain attempt to remove them from his jeans. After a few frustrated tugs Alexa groaned as she laughed “Some seductress I turned out to be. I can’t even get your top off.”
        Methos too began to laugh “Personally I thought you were doing very well, for a beginner.”
        Alexa still continued her battle, but getting nowhere fast “Ohhh, Adam help me!” she cried.
        “Here” Methos said as he took hold of her hands and placed them over the fly of his jeans. “Why don’t you try opening this and see if it makes your task any easier” he said, eyes twinkling merrily.
        Alexa without hesitation opened the snap then slowly eased the zipper down, her own eyes twinkling as she observed his very visually blatant reaction to her attempt at seduction. “Well, well, well, what do we have here?” she asked playfully, returning her gaze to his, eyes all innocent, but lips curving in a well satisfied smile.
        Methos groaned as she pushed his jeans out of the way and within minutes, with his help, his jeans and t-shirt were soon on the motel floor. He then reached out for her, holding her around the waist as he leaned back on the bed, pulling her down with him…

        Sunlight was straining to get through the gap in the curtains the next morning, leaving a faint line that came to rest on the bed. Indicating that the day was going to be a fine one. The fine morning found Methos and Alexa wrapped securely in each others arms.
        Methos woke, a smile spreading across his face as he looked and admired the sleeping woman beside him. Alexa slept on her side, head resting on his shoulder, her long hair splayed out on the pillow and over his chest. So young, so beautiful and so fragile he thought sadly, gently running his fingers through her long tresses.
        As Alexa began to stir Methos stopped what he was doing immediately, regretting waking her up when she obviously needed the sleep.
        But “Don’t stop” she murmured, opening her eyes “I was enjoying that.”
        “I didn’t mean to wake you” Methos said as he resumed stroking her hair.
        “You didn’t. I’ve been awake for half and hour or so, I just didn’t open my eyes because when I did that means we must soon get up and be on our way.”
        Methos frowned as he turned to her and asked uncertainly “But I thought - I thought that’s what you wanted?”
        Seeing the confusion and concern in his eyes Alexa was quick to reassure him “Oh it is Adam, believe me it is. It’s just…”
        “What then?” he prodded gently.
        Alexa lifted her head from the pillow and turned so she could see his face clearly as she asked in turn “You really want to know?”
        Methos nodded.
        Alexa smiled at his solemn expression, leaning over him she whispered into his ear “Travelling the world I want to do yes, but I want you a whole lot more” she then sank her teeth into the lobe of his ear.
        Methos’ eyes widened in surprise and then he moaned as all kinds of sensations began to ripple through his body as Alexa began placing wet open mouthed kisses over every part of his exposed flesh that she could get to.
        If Alexa’s not in the mood to rush, why should I he thought as he reached for her and began to return the favour. “Your wish is my command” he said as a comically evil grin began to chase around his lips as he covered her body with his own.
        Consequently it was a little after 1.00pm that afternoon before they eventually booked out of the motel and continued on with their journey.
        Paris - Present Day
Methos could feel that same silly grin now as he stood before her grave, but was soon distracted when he heard Duncan calling out frantically.
        “Cochrane!, Warren Cochrane!, it’s me Duncan MacLeod come back.”
        Methos followed the sound of the Highlanders voice and found him rushing about not far from the cemetery in an obviously agitated state.
        When he spotted Methos he came running up to him “Did you see him?”
        “See who?”
        “Warren Cochrane” Duncan replied as he again dashed off in another direction. He began searching again, looking desperately left and right, moving quickly leaving Methos behind.
        A short time later Methos followed MacLeod as he rushed passed him again, still searching desperately for his friend, who according to Duncan had run off screaming like a scared rabbit. Methos was not convinced.
        “I don’t understand” Duncan said as they walked “It was as if he didn’t know who I was, who he was, or what was going on?”
        “You should be more paranoid” Methos commented as Duncan made his way back over to him.
        “What are you talking about?” Duncan asked.
        “Hey, look” Methos said turning to Duncan slightly as they walked. “Cochrane runs out screaming bloody murder. How do you react? You’re confused, you’re off balance, you’re distracted, maybe that’s what he wants?”
        “You don’t trust anybody do you?” Duncan asked in disbelief.
        Methos totally unrepentant replied “I find it safer not to make a habit of it, no.” As he began rubbing his hands together he caught the look in Duncan’s eyes. “Present company excepted of course but…”
        “He was my friend.”
        “Yeah was” Methos interjected quickly eyebrows raised.
        “If he wanted to face me, one of us would have been dead. Warren Cochrane never walked away from a fight in his life” Duncan said with determination. He then went on to explain to Methos the events that took place at Eriskay Island, Scotland in 1745.
        Duncan then continued looking for his friend, unable to find him he made his way back to where Methos was waiting for him at the bottom of the steps. As Duncan came down the steps Methos commented “All I’m saying is don’t take anything for granted.”
        At that moment a Police car pulled up ordering Duncan to remain where he was. Duncan turned to Methos and said simply “Leave.”
        Methos turned without a word and made his way up the steps Duncan had just come down. When he got to the top he walked a short distance until he got a good view of the events that were taking place below. Once Duncan got into the Police car and it had pulled away he also left the scene. MacLeod could look after himself so there was little point in heading for the Police Station.
        Instead he made his way over to the bookstore Shakespeare & Co, which he partly owned and which he used as part of his cover as Adam Pierson, Watcher Research. Once inside he walked over to the secret entrance that led down into the cellar. There was plenty of work down there to be done for Paris was prone to flooding in the winter and this year was no exception. Unfortunately due to his absence and his preoccupation with the care of Alexa he had quite forgotten this fact. And so he had returned to Paris to find all of his Chronicles completely sodden.
        Now looking down on the pile of soggy papers he shook his head in disgust. Where to start? He thought to himself before heading back up to the bookstore and making his way over to a cupboard that was used to hold stationery items as well as other bits and pieces.
        After searching around the disorganised mess for some time Methos cried triumphantly “Ah, just what I need” as he spied a couple of balls of string. He then continued his search and eventually found some nails, gathering these items up he took them back down to the cellar.
        Within minutes he was setting up a very crude but none the less effective washing line. Unable to find a hammer he instead used a heavy block of wood to hammer the nails into the wall. Although all this activity helped him to stop worrying about what was happening to MacLeod, it didn’t stop his mind from wandering to when he took Alexa to Egypt and remembering her expression when they got to the famous Valley of the Kings…
Egypt - Valley of the Kings
        “Oh Adam!” Alexa cried, her eyes glowing like that of a child on Christmas morning. She could barely contain her excitement “Isn’t it wonderful?” Methos smiled with affection as Alexa stood next to him totally affected by what she was seeing.
        They had arrived in Egypt a few days before and in that time they had visited the Pyramids at Giza and Saqqara. They had also gone to the famous Cairo Museum which contained many of the mummies discovered at The Valley of the Kings.
        Alexa had been silent as they had walked around the mummies which were now encased in glass cabinets. She stopped as she approached the mummy of Pharaoh Seti I. Sighing softly she had looked over her shoulder at Methos “It’s a shame to see him like this.”
        Methos joined her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders “Yes it is” he agreed.
        “I mean they were regarded as Gods and to be treated this way, its just so - so disrespectful!”
        Methos had been surprised by her outburst and yet at the same time it was so like her to worry about people who had died thousands of years before she was born.
        Seeing his expression Alexa gave a rueful grin “Sorry Adam, I just don’t know how people can do that” she said as she indicated the mummy, no longer adorned with his riches, grave robbers had seen to that.
        “No need to apologise” Methos responded as he led her outside. “You’re not the first person to feel that way and you won’t be the last.”
        As they had walked down the street Alexa commented “I wonder what it would be like to be thought of as a God.”
        You have no idea Methos thought, but aloud he suggested “Why don’t we go see The Valley of the Kings?”
        “I would love to” Alexa had replied enthusiastically.
        So here they stood looking around the site of the ancient city of Thebes and all around them were the more than sixty tombs. They had spent the day walking through these tombs that had held the likes of Seti I and II, Ramesses I - IX and what was seen as being the most famous, that of Tutankhamun. Out of all the mummies that had been recovered from this site it had been the only one not plundered by grave robbers.
        Which is probably why there are all those stories about a curse Methos thought, a cynical smile twisting his lips.
Paris - Present Day
        Methos smiled softly to himself as he began to realise just how much Alexa had given him. Living so long the world held few surprises for him, but they had been to her and she had somehow managed to transmit her sense of wonder and joy to him at everything he showed her
        He reached for another pile of damp Chronicles and began sorting them out, before adding them to another line in his paper laundry. As he turned to pick up another pile he remembered when their trip had been rudely interrupted by a frantic phone call…
Athens - Greece
        Methos tried to ignore the persistent ringing of the phone, he grabbed his pillow pulling it from under him and holding it over his ears. But it still kept ringing.
        “The only way its going to stop is if you answer it” Alexa said sleepily.
        Knowing she was right Methos threw his pillow to the floor and reached for the phone. “What?” he snapped.
        “Adam, that you?” the voice down the other end of the line asked anxiously.
        “Yes” Methos replied, then “Who is this?”
        “Its Joe” Joe Dawson said “Look I’m sorry to disturb you but this is an emergency.”
        “When isn’t it?” Methos asked dryly. Wearily he eased his body onto his side, resting his weight on his other arm “So what is it this time?”
        “Its MacLeod.”
        “Surprise, surprise.”
        “No Adam, this time its really bad.”
        Noting something in Joe’s voice Methos leaned closer into the phone and asked as concern crept into his voice. “What’s happened Joe? Is Duncan …?”
        “No” Joe replied “Its worse.”
        Methos frowned, what on earth could be more worse for an immortal than loosing their head “Explain.”
        Joe then related to Methos in great detail what had happened with Jim Coltec and his fight with Duncan which had ended with the Highlander receiving a dark quickening and turning evil himself. “He even tried to take Ritchie’s head and would have if I hadn’t shot him” Joe finished getting more and more agitated.
        Methos closed his eyes trying to gather his thoughts Why now? Now of all times. He quickly snapped back to the problem at hand “All right Joe, now tell me do you know where he is now?” Methos asked as he reached for a pad and a pen, quickly writing down the address where Duncan had been seen entering. “Okay Joe I’ll see what I can do.”
        “Thanks Adam, sorry to do this to you, but I didn’t know who else to turn to” Joe responded.
        Sighing deeply Methos replied “It’s all right Joe, Bye” as Methos put the phone down he became aware of Alexa watching him.
        “Trouble?” she asked concern furrowing her brow.
        Methos immediately turned to her, gathering her up in his arms he kissed her brow then slid his lips down her cheeks before reaching her mouth. He eventually replied “Nothing I can’t handle, but I have to go away for a few days. Will you be all right?”
        Smiling at him as she brushed her fingers against his cheek and over his lips in a gentle caress she assured him “I’ll be fine, I’ll just laze about here and think about you.”
        Paris - France
Methos hurried back to France, he had managed to find MacLeod and had taken him to Holy Ground. But Duncan had run off stealing a young couples car.
        He had finally tracked down MacLeod thanks in part by another Watcher Claude Massanet and had just made it to the home of Duncan’s friend Sean Burns. But no sooner had he arrived then Duncan took Sean Burns’ head and Methos realised how evil Duncan had become.
        After the quickening was over, day had become night. Methos approached Evil Duncan who was kneeling on the ground. “Maybe I’m wrong, maybe I can’t save you.” Methos declared.
        Evil Duncan suddenly lunged, making a grab for his katana which was behind him, but Methos got to it first and put it out of Evil Duncan’s reach.
        “I’ve known a lot of us in five thousand years MacLeod” he continued. “Of them all you were the best I’d seen.”
        “I still am” Evil Duncan replied billigently.
        “No you’re not” Methos paused briefly “and I think I have to kill you.”
        “And I hope you like what you see” Evil Duncan said.
        Methos began to move backwards as Evil Duncan began walking towards him, taunting Methos all the while. “Because you kill me, you become me, you become what I am.”
        “Maybe not” Methos claimed “maybe there’s more room inside me.” As he spoke Methos continued to move back cautiously.
        “You’ll kill Methos, you’ll do exactly what I did” Evil Duncan spread his arms out wide. “You’ll kill a friend” and then he jumped up onto the stone wall “a lover, you will go mad.” He then turned to Methos and asked “Do you know what evil is? Dark, soulless evil? “Imagine it, live it.”
        Methos shook his head almost in despair “You’re deluded.”
        Evil Duncan jumped down from the wall which caused Methos to raise the sword again. Evil Duncan continued to taunt him “What you see is what you get.”
        They circled one another slowly “I hope your soul is ready for me” Evil Duncan said.
        “Well we’ll see” Methos replied still keeping a close eye on Evil Duncan as he went one side of a tree and Evil Duncan the other.
        Evil Duncan began to laugh “Go ahead” he said walking towards Methos who moved carefully backwards again. “Take my head, kill me, go on.” He steadily moved closer, Methos had been forced to stop because of the stone wall. Evil Duncan kept coming, his head tilting to one side so that his neck would be aligned with the sword. Then suddenly he moved crying out “Yaaaa!” and running straight into Methos and shoving him over the wall. It was quite a drop, Evil Duncan looked down at the prone figure and cried out “Fool!”
        Methos lay where he was a moment, sighing he said to himself “I’m too old for this” and then slowly got to his feet. He heard Evil Duncan get into the car he had stolen earlier and drive off at high speed.
        Methos could still not believe the changes that had come over his friend and he knew it was going to take a lot more than he was personally going to be able to bring about. As he walked through the streets of Paris that night his thoughts were focussed on all the old beliefs and superstitions that he had known of in his long life. While he pondered what was to be done, he remembered about the secret well “Of course” he whispered to himself “That’s it. Now all I have to do is find something that means a lot to Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod.”
        Glenfinnan - Scotland
Methos stood in front of the irate Celtic woman, quietly fuming at how long this was all taking when time was of the essence. But he made a supreme effort to keep calm knowing that was the only way he was going to be able to convince her.
        Taking a steading breath he told her “Duncan MacLeod is in trouble and I need that sword” indicating Duncan’s Fathers sword that hung on the wall “If I don’t we could lose him.”
        “How do I know you’re telling the truth?” Rachel asked.
        “You don’t.”
        Rachel looked closely at the man before her, he had come barging in claiming to be a friend of Duncan MacLeod, the famous Scottish warrior who after over 400 years still lived.. Rachel was not one for trusting people easily but she sensed this man was telling the truth, even though he obviously wasn’t telling her everything.
        Rachel MacLeod is certainly an intimidating figure Methos thought, a small smile twitching at the corners of his lips as he watched her marching up and down in front of him as she thought through what he had said. Finally she came to a halt, standing right in front of him her mind made up.
        “Okay” she said finally coming to a decision “You can have the sword.” As Methos reached for the weapon she added “But I’m coming with you.”
        Methos returned her steady gaze raised no objections, seeing quite rightly that he wouldn’t get anywhere even if he tried. Stubbiness must be a MacLeod trait he thought.
        Paris - France
After Duncan had been able to defeat his evil self in the sacred well with his Fathers sword he and Methos headed back to the Barge. When they got there Duncan was surprised to find Rachel, tidying the place up. When Methos saw that she was going to stay in Paris for awhile he knew it would be safe for him to go back to Alexa.
        “Listen I’d love to stay and chat but I’ve left Alexa in Athens, uh” he said feeling slightly awkward as he placed one of two statues he was holding by the fireplace.
        “Yeah” Duncan said.
        “I’ll just leave this” Methos said as he put the other statue down.
        “Thanks” Duncan replied.
        Looking at Duncan and Rachel, Methos said as he rubbed his hands together “You kids be good” he then turned to leave.
        “Ah, um, Adam” Duncan called out making his way over to Methos who had now stopped and turned looking inquiringly at Duncan. “Um, look, um, look um” Duncan stammered not sure what to say.
        Methos seemed to understand and leaned over to rub Duncan’s arm in a warm, friendly gesture. “Hey, no big deal” he then turned and made his way up the steps and out the door, closing it behind him.
        And all I can do is surrender
To the moment just surrender
And no one ever told me that love would hurt so much
Oooh yes it hurts
And pain is so close to pleasure
And all I can do is surrender to your love
Just surrender to your love

        Paris - Present Day
After leaving the Police Station Duncan went to Methos’ flat, only to discover he wasn’t there. Then he realised he must be ‘at work’. Methos posed as a Research Watcher called Adam Pierson, who now worked at the Shakespeare & Co Bookshop once owned by his friend and fellow Watcher Don Saltzer. Don had been murdered the year before by an immortal named Kalas.
        Duncan walked into the bookshop and although he could feel Methos’ presence he couldn’t see him anywhere. So he called out “Methos?”
        To which he received a muffled reply “Down here in the cellars, there’s a fake door on your right.”
        Duncan found it and entered, walking carefully down the steps he eventually entered a large room where he found Methos carefully pegging out on bits of string strung across one side of the room what appeared to be very soggy Chronicles.
        “Been storing stuff down here for years” Methos said by way of greeting. “Apparently Paris is prone to flooding in the winter.”
        “Well just be thankful you don’t own a Barge” Duncan replied. “It’s not that bad” he stated as he walked towards the lines of paper.
        “You can read them at least, that’s the main thing” Methos said as he picked up another pile. Spotting Duncan looking more closely at the pages he asked “How’s your Latin?”
        Duncan leaned closer, screwed up his eyes as he rested his hands on his hips “Well it’s either rusty or I’m looking at a recipe for sea anemones.”
        Methos stepped over to Duncan’s side to see what he was looking at. “Apisceous, everyone’s favourite Roman cook. What he could do with lentils and chestnuts um, looked like road tar - but tasted…” Methos was in the process of pegging up another page, but paused as Duncan moved restlessly around the room. “I’ll cook it for you sometime” Methos offered.
        “Great” Duncan replied distractedly and without much enthusiasm.
        Methos looked down at the page in his hand “Okay you didn’t come here to exchange recipes” he said as he hung the page on the string and pegged it.
        “Look I saw Cochrane” Duncan began “he doesn’t remember me, he doesn’t remember his wife, he doesn’t remember his life, anything. It’s - I just didn’t think immortals got amnesia.”
        Methos reached for another page “Well it can’t be physical. If he’s not faking it he must have had one hell of an emotional shock” he hypothesised. “How did he react when you told him what he is?”
        “I didn’t get the chance. Look I need some information from you?”
        “Oh no no no” Methos cried holding his hands up and taking a step back “I’ve got to keep a low profile.”
        “Come on Methos, this is important to me” Duncan cajoled.
        Methos paused, looked at MacLeod, then away, at last he said quietly “Okay.”
        “Thanks” Duncan replied and turned to walk away, stopping as Methos posed a question.
        “What would it be like, d’you think?” he asked fingers restlessly rustling the pages in his hands.
        Duncan turned to look at him “What to forget everything?”
        “Start fresh. Maybe it’s a blessing.”
        Duncan knew Methos was referring more to himself than to Cochrane, but he answered him honestly “Until someone comes and takes your head.”
        Methos stood silently as he watched Duncan leave the cellar and wondered to himself Getting the information he requires is not going to be easy.
        He knew that from personal experience, having to surpress a shiver as he remembered being discovered by Nathan Stern, while looking through a file of one of Stern’s former assignments Luther. He had been trying to find out what information Luther had gathered about the Methuselath Stone, trying to see if the rumours surrounding the stone were true. At that time he would have done anything to get his hands on it if there was the slightest possibility it could save Alexa’s life.
        Realising where his thoughts were heading Methos left the cellar, making his way back into the bookstore. He grabbed his coat and as he turned the sign on the store’s door to closed and locking the door, checked his watch to see what the time was.
        “Good” he sighed, seeing it was only just after 4.30pm in the afternoon. Still time to get over to Watcher Headquarters and try to do a little digging he thought.
        As he walked down the street snow began to fall more persistently causing him to pull his collar up and to reach for his gloves which he kept in one of his pockets of his coat. Putting them on he began rubbing his hands together in a vain attempt to keep them warm. It certainly wasn’t like this in Santorini…
        Santorini - Greek Isles
Their first couple of days in the Greek Isles had been spent wandering around soaking in the atmosphere of this beautiful and peaceful island. They got up very early the day after they had arrived so that they could make their way down to the beach and watch the sunrise over Santorini. Consequently getting up so early meant that they were too tired to see the sunset.
        They made a decision that the following morning they would sleep in so that when they rose they would be awake and alert enough to enjoy the sunset. As the sky began to change colour Alexa and Methos walked along the beach hand in hand, they had taken off their shoes so that they could feel the sand between their toes. Methos had tied their shoes together and carried them in his other hand. As they walked they looked out to sea and marvelled at the magnificent sunset they were witnessing.
        “It’s so beautiful here” Alexa sighed.
        Not wanting to disagree with her Methos nodded his head in agreement. But to his own personal view nothing could compete with the woman now standing beside him. Alexa wore a simple summer dress with no sleeves, which fit her petite form like a second skin. Her hair was left to flow down her back, during their short journey it had already turned fairer, confirming Methos’ first impression of her that she was an angel.
        As they walked along Methos became aware that Alexa was becoming short of breath and he immediately began to keep a look out for somewhere where they could stop and have a rest. Spotting an old fallen tree he ever so gently directed her to the spot saying “Let’s sit for a bit until the sun sets, then we’ll head back to our hotel room.”
        Alexa sat and made herself comfortable then said apologetically “I’m sorry, I just don’t seem to have much energy today.”
        Methos watched her carefully before putting their shoes down and reaching for her delicate hands and holding them in his much larger one’s. “Maybe we should take things easy for the next few days” he suggested.
        “Oh no Adam, really I’m fine” she cried.
        He leaned down until his forehead rested against hers “Just for a few days, until your energy level picks up.”
        She sighed softly knowing it was pointless to argue with him. So she gave in gracefully “Okay” she agreed rubbing her brow against his like a contented cat. Turning to look back over at the sea she noted sadly “We missed seeing the setting of the sun.”
        Methos pulled Alexa to her feet and said as they made their way slowly back “Don’t worry we’ll see it another day.”

        Unfortunately Alexa never did get the chance to see another sunset on the beach. A few days later she unexpectedly collapsed on the floor of their hotel room. Methos rushed anxiously to her side “Alexa!” he cried in alarm.
        Her face was as white as a ghost, her pupils dilated and her body was shaking uncontrollably. Her body had obviously received a massive shock that was still making it’s presence felt. “Adam?” she cried, fear very evident in her voice.
        “I’m here love, I’m here” he tried to reassure her, though he himself was feeling totally helpless.
        “I’m so scared” she whispered.
        “I know, I know” he replied and then “Alexa!” he cried as he felt her suddenly go limp. Quickly he checked for a pulse and sighed with relief when he found one, although it was very weak.
        He left her briefly to find a pillow for her head and wrapped some blankets around her. Before making his way over to the phone and dialling emergency.
        Geneva - Switzerland
Methos had read in a recent magazine article about Specialist in Switzerland who were having some success in treating people with Alexa’s condition. He therefore made arrangements to have Alexa moved from Greece to Switzerland. Although at first she seemed to respond well to the treatment, she soon slipped back. Eventually slipping into a coma. Methos hated to see all the tubes sticking into her, but he knew they were keeping her alive.
        He stayed with her every day, holding onto her hand and talking to her about anything, from how beautiful she was to what a wonderful time they had had together. The only topic he didn’t discuss was who he really was, it wasn’t because he didn’t want to quite the opposite. It was because of the hospitals monitoring equipment, which included audio and video gear.
        Ten days after she had fallen into the coma one of the Specialists called him into his office. “Mr Pierson, please sit down.”
        Methos sat down wearily, he all but knew what the man was going to say even before he said it, he could tell by the man’s body language alone. Now sitting Methos looked the Specialist in the eye “There’s no hope of recovery, is there?”
        The Specialist dropped his eyes for a moment before replying honestly “No, its gone too far for that now.”
        “How long?” Methos asked in a strained voice, gripping the arms of his chair as he waited for the reply.
        “A week, ten days, its hard to say. It all depends on how much fight she has left in her.”

        Later that night as he sat once again beside her bed, he thought about the injustice of the situation and how he wished a miracle would arrive to save her. While he sat thinking he suddenly remembered a conversation he had had long ago with Rebecca about the pieces of crystal she gave to all her students, The Methuselath Stone.
        You’re grabbing at straws he thought in disgust. But what if it’s true? If it were true Alexa would live forever.
        He spent the rest of the night thinking it through, by morning light he had made up his mind to go. He made arrangements with the hospital staff of where he could be contacted should her condition change. Just before he left for Paris he went to Alexa’s room and sat down, taking one of her hands in both of his. Leaning close to her he whispered “Hold on a little longer love I think I may have found a solution” he then leaned forward, kissing her gently on the lips before getting up and leaving.
        Paris - France
Things were not going as planned, first Nathan Stern had found him reading Luther’s file and became suspicious. Then he had managed to sneak into the European Watcher Headquarters, only to be interrupted as he collected the majority of the crystal by Amanda who had threatened him with a sword, causing him to step on one of the hidden alarms which meant he dropped the crystal and had to make a quick getaway before he was discovered. And now to really top things off nicely he had just received a summons from Duncan MacLeod to meet him now!
        He could see Duncan sitting on the wooden bench looking absent-mindedly through the fog to the lake. When Methos eventually arrived, walking up to him with his coat wrapped securely around him Duncan said “You’re late.”
        “I’m here” Methos replied. “What’s so important?”
        “A crystal.”
        “News travels fast.”
        Duncan got to his feet “Don’t tell me you’re buying that stuff about invincibility of magical powers.”
        “Do you know anything about the Methuselath’s Stone MacLeod?” Methos asked. “There’s been stories about it’s power since before I was born. Whoever has it lives forever.”
        “Yeah, but our immortality doesn’t work like that, you know that” Duncan said, stating the obvious.
        “No our immortality doesn’t. You know anything of it’s history?”
        Duncan shook his head.
        “It belonged to Methuselath” Methos explained. “He lived to be over nine hundred years old.”
        Duncan wasn’t convinced “Says who?”
        “Before Methuselath died” Methos continued “he gave it to his grandson Noah. Now Noah survived the great flood.”
        “Why’re you doing this? You’ve lived this long without it, why do you need it now?” Duncan asked shaking his head, at a loss to understand Methos’ interest in the crystal.
        Methos took a moment to answer, almost seeming to steal himself to do so “Alexa.”
        Duncan watched his friend carefully knowing bad news was on the way.
        “She’s in hospital in Geneva. She doesn’t have long.”
        “You knew it had to be this way” Duncan said softly.
        “Yeah” Methos replied “from the first moment I saw her.” As he continued he became more and more emotional. “Is - is that supposed to make it easier? Is that supposed to make it okay?”
        Duncan shook his head sadly “No.”
        “If there is one chance that I can save her then, I have to try.”
        “Yeah but how much is this stone worth?” Duncan asked.
        “My life.” Methos replied.
        “And anybody else’s?” Duncan queried.
        Methos watched Duncan then looked away briefly, knowing to what the Highlander referred “Amanda attacked me last night.”
        “Yeah and somebody tried to take her head a few nights ago.”
        “Well it wasn’t me” Methos said as a frown furrowed his brow.
        “Yeah they were mortals I know” Duncan took a deep breath before continuing. “She thinks you - you sent them to get the last piece of the crystal.”
        Methos looked at Duncan, his expression giving nothing away “I think I’d better go .”
        “Methos” Duncan called as Methos turned and began to walk away “Methos” Duncan began to follow him. When Methos stopped Duncan continued “Just - tell me you didn’t do it?”
        Methos turned to look at Duncan but said nothing and then he continued to walk away.

        Methos was not at all surprised when he received a phone call from MacLeod later that day explaining that Amanda wanted to meet him, to discuss the little incident from the other night. He had agreed albeit rather reluctantly as he felt that Amanda was loosing her mind to suggest that he would higher mortals to take her head.
        None the less he arrived at the rail yards at the appointed time, not long after he felt the familiar presence of another immortal. At last he thought now we can get this ridiculous accusation sorted out. Methos walked around the train carriage, when he saw Amanda he stopped and waited. To his surprise Amanda drew her sword as she approached him. “What’d you doing?” he asked frowning.
        “I came to talk and you set me up again” Amanda said getting angrier and angrier.
        “What!” Methos said in disbelief, backing away slowly.
        As she moved towards him she told him “Even if you kill me Methos, you’re not going to get my crystal.”
        “Amanda” Methos said as he drew his sword “I need the crystal.”
        “Not a chance” she cried as she lunged at him with her sword.
        They began to fight, clambering over the carriages. At one point as Amanda made her way down some steps Methos waited at the bottom “Don’t do this” he said, trying to reason with her.
        But Amanda was beyond the reasoning stage “Shut up and fight.”
        A few minutes later Methos had managed to disarm her. She was now on all fours on the ground with his sword resting on the back of her neck. “You fool” was all he said.
        “At least I don’t betray my friends” she cried. “Who’s it going to be next, MacLeod? Huh? You’re going to kill him next. Just go ahead and kill me if she means so much to you.”
        Methos raised his sword and Amanda screwed her eyes shut tight as she waited for the final blow, but was surprised when he threw his sword away before taking her by the shoulders and hauling her to her feet.
        “You know nothing” he said “three weeks ago we were standing on a beach on the Santorini watching the sun rise on the Mediterranean. Now she is lying in a hospital in Switzerland breathing through a tube.” He then let her go and walked a short distance away from her before turning and continuing, getting more and more agitated and emotional “You think it takes courage to do what we do, face another immortal with a sword knowing only one of you will win. You try being her. You try living one year knowing that your time is running out, knowing that when it comes to the final fight, knowing however much you train whatever tricks you have, you still lose.”
        He paused briefly, his breath coming quickly as his emotions began to engulf him. “That’s the way it is for them, so little time for them to see anything or do anything.” He then turned and walked away stopping only to pick up his sword.
        “Methos” she called out, greatly affected by what he had said.
        He spun around his sword pointed at her “What!” he cried.
        Amanda took a few steps forward, holding her sword against her chest “I’m sorry” she said softly, still moving towards him as he dropped his sword and hung his head and began to cry. “I’m sorry” she said again as she walked forward and took him in her arms to offer support. Grateful when he had returned the embrace.

        Unfortunately Methos’ whole plan to obtain the Methuselath Stone was doomed to failure, even with the skills of an expert thief at his side. His initial attempt to steal the crystal had come to the attention of Nathan Stern and another young Watcher called Daniel Geiger.
        The Watchers were waiting for them when they made their second attempt, Amanda managed to get away unharmed but Methos was shot and his cover as Research Watcher Adam Pierson was shot to hell literally. Stern had decided on a trade Methos’ life for the crystal Amanda had managed to snatch, plus her own piece which would complete the stone.
        They had met the following morning on a bridge over the river Seine, but Geiger had set up a double cross and killed Stern and his men. When the final piece of crystal was added to the rest it magically changed into a crystal ball, but unfortunately it did not stay that way for long. Although Geiger and his conspirators were subsequently killed the Methuselath Stone came apart and all but one piece fell into the muddy waters of the river, never to be seen again.
        Methos looked helplessly into the muddy waters a moment, hoping somehow that the other pieces would be retrievable, but deep down in his heart he knew there was no hope. As soon as they got back to his flat he immediately made arrangements for the first flight back to Geneva and quickly packed an overnight bag as Duncan and Amanda looked on.
        “My flight back to Geneva leaves at ten” Methos said as he did his bag up. “She’ll never know how close I came” he carried on sadly.
        “She’ll know how much you love her” Duncan assured him.
        “As much as I can for as long as she lives.”
        “Here” Duncan said as with one hand he placed it around Methos’ shoulders and with the other reaching to take his bag.
        Amanda came up to Methos and took him by the arm as they walked around to the drivers side of the car. “Methos I know this doesn’t have the magic but um, I don’t know I was thinking maybe you take it for good luck.” She said holding out the only remaining piece of the Methuselath Stone.
        Methos took the crystal as he opened the car door. He looked at it a moment then handed it back to her “You keep it, think of us.”
        As Methos began to get into the car Amanda stopped him “Methos” she said quietly “Courage, courage” she whispered before kissing him gently on the cheek.
        Duncan put the bag in the passengers side of the car as Methos got in behind the wheel and closed the door, then started up the engine.
        Amanda and Duncan moved so that they were out the way, meeting at the rear of the car. As Methos pulled away Duncan raised his arm in farewell “Godspeed my friend, Godspeed.”
        Paris - Present Day
After managing to obtain the information on Warren Cochrane Methos left Watcher Headquarters. Unfortunately the Chronicle didn’t contain the most up to date information, or at least specifically not pertaining to what had happened to Cochrane when he had gone off that fateful weekend.
        MacLeod consequently had not been very impressed and so Methos was forced to make a second trip to Watcher Headquarters in the hope that more recent details had now been filed. Much to his relief there were so he took them with him back to Shakespeare & Co before he sat down and began reading through them.
        As he read his brow furrowed in a worried frown “This doesn’t look good” he muttered to himself. Knowing that Duncan was waiting for any further information that was recorded in the latest reports, he put the Chronicle down and reached for the phone.

        When Duncan got back to the Barge he checked his answering machine for any messages. There was only one, it was from Methos “Meet me at the bookshop.”
        Duncan collected his coat and walked out, arriving a few minutes later at Shakespeare & Co. Upon entering he went immediately to the hidden door and entered. Walking into the room he found Methos absorbed in some Chronicles. “Is this the look you’re going for?” he asked making his way over to the lines of paper.
        “No I got distracted, I found some texts on first century Chinese Apothecaries, couldn’t put them down.”
        Duncan was only partly paying attention to what Methos was saying, he was desperate to know what Methos had found out. “Yeah well at this rate it will take you ten years to put these all away.”
        “You say that likes it’s a bad thing.”
        Unable to wait any longer Duncan asked “Methos?”
        Reaching under the pile of texts he was reading Methos pulled out Cochrane’s file. As Duncan approached Methos stated “You and this guy Cochrane had quite some history.”
        “Yeah, I know” Duncan acknowledged reaching for the file but Methos moved it out of his reach.
        Opening the file Methos indicated it’s contents “Does he remember any of this?”
        “He remembers Picardi, when we went to see Bonnie Prince Charlie but, but then he doesn’t, it’s - his memories are all different. It was him that press ganged me into going after Charlie, then when we got there…”
        By the time Duncan had finished relating all that had happened in Normandy in 1786 to Methos he had found a place to sit. “The memories he’s getting back are all wrong” he said dejectedly.
        “It’s a human trait. Remembering things the way we wish they’d been. We re-write history so that we can live with it, you ask the Russians. Or come to that ask the Americans or the British.”
        “Or the Scots” Duncan added sadly. “Turning a loser into a Bonnie Prince because they needed a hero.”
        “Does it matter what he was really like?” Methos asked “Surely it’s the legend that really matters.”
        “Right now the truth is what matters.”
        “Maybe Cochrane can’t face the truth” Methos said as he turned back to the file.
        “You found something else” Duncan stated, at last he was going to find out why Methos had called him.
        “Cochrane left Paris on Friday with a kid named Andrew Donnelly. His Watcher didn’t go with him because his sister was getting married, figured he’d pick him up on Sunday when they got back.”
        Duncan gave a snort of derision.
        Methos instantly became defensive “What d’you expect - the - the Watchers the immortal FBI. We’ve got lives to live okay!”
        Duncan slowly got up “Who’s Andrew Donnelly?”
        “His student probably” Methos replied looking at the Highlander as he approached. “Cochrane met him in Aberdeen a couple of years ago” he went on to explain. “He had no parents, he was on the streets. Told him about his immortality and recruited him to his cause.”
        “Where is he now?” Duncan asked.
        “That is the sixty four thousand dollar question” Methos replied.
        Both men stood looking at each other a few moments, then Duncan shook himself and said “I have to go find him, find out what happened.”
        Methos just nodded but said nothing. What would be the point he thought he wouldn’t listen to me anyway. Looking around the cellar Methos felt disinclined to continue with his task, instead he made his way back up to the shop and closed it for the day.

        Half an hour later Methos walked into his flat, not altogether certain why he was there. He had tried over the past few days to make sure he was either not alone or had something to occupy his thoughts. As a result his flat was one of the places he had tried to avoid, and yet here he stood in the middle of the living area.
        He began slowly moving around the room, brushing his fingers over various objects as if to reaquaint himself with them. After awhile he walked over to a bookshelf and stared at the object that was the only item on the top shelf, it was a framed photograph of he and Alexa standing by the river Nile. He reached out taking the frame off the shelf he made his way over to an armchair and made himself comfortable. Closing his eyes, the picture frame resting on his lap he remembered rushing back to the hospital in Geneva, to spend whatever time they had left together…
        Geneva - Switzerland
It was past midnight by the time he made it to the hospital. As soon as he arrived he went immediately to the Nurses station of the ward where Alexa was being cared for. “How is she?” he asked the Nurse on duty.
        “She’s slipped back a bit I’m afraid, but no major change” the Nurse replied.
        Even though he knew that that was bound to be the response it still shook him that Alexa was slipping away so quickly. He hurried along to her private room and entered, tip toeing over to the bed he pulled up a chair and sat down.
        All was silent in the room except for the bips from the life support system. Feeling exhausted from the events of the last few days Methos leaned towards the bed, gently kissing Alexa on the lips he whispered “I’m back love” then he laid his head against hers on the pillow and within minutes was sound asleep.
        When the Nurse looked in a few minutes later, she smiled softly at the image the couple presented Such a shame she thought. But at least its nice to know true love and commitment really does exist in today’s cynical world, then finding a blanket she gently placed it over the sleeping man.

        Everyday Alexa slipped further and further back until eventually the Specialist came to have a word with Methos who refused to leave her side. “There’s nothing more we can do for her Mr Pierson. A decision must be made now” the Specialist said quietly but firmly.
        Even though he knew the answer Methos, playing for time asked “And what decision is that?”
        The Specialist sighed sadly as he looked over at Alexa, it was tragic to see such a young life end so prematurely. Turning back to Methos he replied “To turn the machine off or not.”
        Methos bit his lip and looked down at his feet, he had hoped that this decision would not come around so soon. Obviously the Gods were not with him today, taking a deep breath he asked in a strained voice “Where are the forms?”
        The Specialist turned and indicated to a young Nurse to enter. A few minutes later all the paperwork giving permission for the machine to be turned off were signed. But before they could make a move to turn them off Methos stated firmly “I want to hold her while you do it.”
        The Specialist raised no objection just nodded his head. He had seen how devoted Mr Pierson had been to Alexa and he did not have the heart to deny him this final embrace.
        Methos walked over to the bed and very carefully climbed up onto it. He then carefully manoeuvred his body so that he was lying next to Alexa. One arm he wrapped around her holding her close while with the other he gently caressed her elfin shaped face. As the hospital staff moved around performing their duties Methos whispered “I’m sorry it has to end this way.” He began kissing her gently on her forehead and down her cheeks, the whole time aware that the life support system was being disconnected.
        As the last machine was about to be turned off Alexa gave a little shudder and then her eyes fluttered open, they searched the room frantically until turning her head she saw Adam laying beside her. Instantly everything inside her relaxed . The couple gazed into each others eyes for what seemed like an eternity, no words were spoken there was no need their eyes did it for them.
        Alexa smiled serenely, her lips moved and Methos leaned closer to hear her “Thank you” she whispered before closing her eyes, this time for the last time.
        Alexa no! Methos’ mind screamed out silently as he realised her time had come.
        Not long after the constant bip of the heart monitor became one continuous squeal confirming what Methos already knew. He closed his arms even more tightly around her, feeling tears stream down his face as he felt life leave her body “I love you Alexa” he cried knowing he would never hear a reply.
        Paris - Present Day
With these images still fresh in his mind Methos gave in to his grief that he had been trying so hard to hold off, tears streamed uncontrollably down his face, he could taste the salt as some of his tears slipped over his lips.
        “Why, why, why did she have to die” he cried out aloud. “She was so beautiful, so caring, she deserved more than this.”
        He clutched the photo hugging it to his chest, rocking back and forth as he finally allowed all the pain and anguish he had been feeling for the last few weeks out through the gut wrenching sobs racking through his slender frame. All the despair he felt found release as he cried as he felt he had never cried before.
        As the initial storm of emotion left him he stood up and began to pace around his flat, his grief taking on a different form, that of anger. His movements becoming very erratic as his pacing picked up speed.
        He bumped into furniture without even appearing to realise it was there. He wanted to yell and scream about the unfairness of it all, a beautiful young woman who’s life had ended so tragically short, while he, he was to be punished by still living, remembering always those he had lost.
        But No he thought as his pacing finally brought him back to his chair and he sat down exhausted. God fearing men would say that there was a purpose to this death, though what it was exactly Methos wasn’t too sure.
        Looking down at the photograph that he still carried, he sighed as he wiped the remaining tears from his face, he then reached for a handkerchief blowing his nose thoroughly. Taking a few deep breathes Methos calmed himself down as he observed the happy smiling face of the woman he loved, knowing deep in his heart that Alexa would not want him to grieve long.
        He smiled softly to himself, that was the way she was and one of the reasons he loved her so much. She cared more for others and their well being then she did her own. That was a memory he would always have of her, the one he would cherish most.
        So deep in thought was he that he jumped, dropping the photo frame when the phone rang. On the other end of the line was a frantic Duncan MacLeod.
        “All right, all right MacLeod I’ll be right there, where are you? Okay got it.” Putting th