Date: Wed, 26 Jun 1996 04:59:49 -1000 From: Kevin Matsumoto Subject: XOVER: A SLIGHT COMPLICATION PT 1/? A HL/FK CROSSOVER This story follows Companionship, Remembrances, Trinity and Past, Present & Future. Disclaimer: Nicholas Knight, Natalie Lambert and Company belong James Parriot and I guess now The SciFi Channel. Highlander and everything that goes with it belong to Rysher and USA Network. This story, Aaron Grey and Theresa Ryan belong to me. A Slight Complication Kevin Matsumoto kevinm@pixi.com A Highlander/Forever Knight Crossover story Chapter 1 Andy entered the station with some amount of trepidation. She thought. Bracing herself, she walked over to Joe Reese's office with more confidence than she felt. Joe Reese looked up from his paperwork to stare at the rather attractive young woman who entered his office. "Captain Reese?" Andy extended her hand to Joe Reese. "My name is Andy Rochelle. I believe I spoke with you on the phone?" "Oh yes. Miss Rochelle," Reese indicated she should sit down "you wanted some information about Detective Knight?" "Yes, I was wondering if you could tell me something about him?" "Well, I met him about a year and a half ago, when I first became Captain." "That was during the Vudu bomber case?" "Right." Reese looked slightly pained at the memory of how he had become captain. "Could I ask you what this is about?" "Sorry, I guess I should have explained. I'm researching a family from Belgium, the De Brabants. I know Detective Knight is related to them, but I need a more complete family tree to place him. I was hoping to backtrace his ancestors and link them to the De Brabants." Joe Reese nodded his understanding. "Well, maybe his first captain, Stonetree, can give you more information. I'll set up a meeting with him if you like." "Thank you, I'd appreciate that. I was wondering if I could speak to Detective Knight's partner as well?" "Well, Detective Vetter is off duty tonight, but I'll have her call you." "Again, thank you." Andy stood up and left the office. Reese asked himself as Andy left the office. Andy sighed as she finished entering what she had into her laptop. All Captain Stonetree could tell her was that Nick was from Chicago originally and had joined Metro Homicide some four and a half years ago. Picking up the phone, she dialed Stefan's number. "Hello?" Stefan sounded slightly annoyed. "Did I call you at a bad time?" Andy asked. "Just during breakfast." Stefan's voice was less annoyed now that he knew who was calling. "So, did you find anything?" Andy could tell that he didn't expect her to report success. "Nothing yet, but do we have anyone in Chicago that can physically go through their personnel records?" "Why?" Stefan inquired. "Because according to Detective Knight's former captain, he's from Chicago. I want to confirm that." "And if I can confirm that you'll give up this idea of yours?" "Yes," She sighed at Stefan's tone. "I'll give up and return to the Vatican archives." "Very well, I'll see what I can do." Stefan hung up with out saying good bye. Andy thought. Andy thought as she entered the loft. Overriding the alarm had been simpler that she expected. She still remember Stefan telling her that she might need the skills someday. Her former mentor was a firm believer in the "better to know it and not use it, than need it and not know it" school of learning. As she went through the loft she noticed the heavy shutters that blocked out the stars. She thought. She slowly went through the entire apartment. Looking through a series of old photographs, she suddenly found what she had been looking for. She grinned as she stared at the tintype of a Civil War unit. Nick's face was recognizable, even with the old fashioned uniform. As she finished rummaging through the loft, Andy took several photographs of the items she had uncovered. Including a nameplate with "Nicholas Girard" carved into it. As she put everything away, she noticed that the bag she was holding contained a cross. Pulling it out she was stunned to see a simple wooden cross. But as hard a she tried she couldn't remember why that was so special. Finally she gave up and just took a picture of the cross. She finished putting everything away and left the loft. The next day, Stefan called her back. "Andy, I have someone checking the Chicago Police now. But it might take awhile. It seems they changed over to a new computer system and some files where never loaded into the system. They're doing a physical search." "That's great Stefan, but I have something that might interest you. I'm faxing it too you now." "Yes, I'm receiving it but what is so important that you couldn't send it through the usual....Good Lord! Are you sure these are authentic?" Andy nodded even though she knew that Stefan could see her. "I'm sure. Once we have the verification from Chicago, I expect an apology." "If we get confirmation from Chicago, you'll get it." Andy smiled as she hung up the phone. Then she began looking for the number for the precinct. Finding it, she dialed and waited for someone to answer. "Could I leave a message for Detective Vetter? Can you have her call Andrea Rochelle please?" Andy gave the person her number and hung up. Tracy saw the message on her desk as she got in that night. She'd been hoping to avoid talking to Miss Rochelle but it looked like she didn't have much choice. Picking up the phone she dialed the number on the paper. "Hello?" A female voice answered. "Miss Rochelle? This is Tracy Vetter. You wanted to speak to me?" "Yes, I wanted to tell you that I was going to be busy this week and I wondered if we could meet over the week end?" "Sure, Nick will be back by then and I should be able to take a few hours off." She thought. "Thanks," Andy said as she crossed her fingers that the Chicago information would come soon. "I'm looking forward to it." Andy hung up the phone and leaned back into the couch with a satisfied look on her face. End chapter 1 Comments can be made to kevinm@pixi.com, All comments welcome, constructive criticisms will be accepted with gratitude, Compliments with stunned silence and Flames Grudgingly ignored.:> "Remember, You're the Brain, I'm the Brawn" :Detective Bobbie Mann "Technically, I'm the Brain and the Brawn" :And Eve Edison "So what does that make me?" :MANN & MACHINE "The one that can be killed." : Kevinm@pixi.com A Nick&NatPacker with Cousinly tendencies :=) This story follows Companionship, Remembrances, Trinity and Past, Present & Future. Disclaimer: Nicholas Knight, Natalie Lambert and Company belong James Parriot and I guess now The SciFi Channel. Highlander and everything that goes with it belong to Rysher and USA Network. This story, Aaron Grey and Theresa Ryan belong to me. A Slight Complication Kevin Matsumoto kevinm@pixi.com A Highlander/Forever Knight Crossover story Chapter 2 Aristotle frowned as he saw the message flashing on his computer. Opening his database, he looked up the coded number flashing on the screen. "Oh dear," He said as he found the name associated with the number. "This is not good." Picking up the phone, he dialed the number to the Raven. "LaCroix? This is Aristotle. I think you had better see this." 15 minutes later, LaCroix entered Aristotle's room. In a sharp tone he said. "Now, what could be so important that you cannot tell it to me over the phone?" Aristotle pointed to his computer. "As you know, I have several flags set in several computers across the globe. Yesterday, one of those flags was tripped. Someone in Chicago accessed several files on Nick" "I see. You are correct, this is most distressing. Can you get me more information?" "No, the request was made through an open terminal. I know that someone accessed the information but not who. If they are investigating Nick, and dig through the physical files. They will find discrepancies." "I am well aware of the potential problems involved." LaCroix sounded troubled. "I believe I will take this up with his partner." "His partner?" "Detective Vetter." LaCroix explained. "If anyone would know about an investigation about Nicholas, it would be her." "Good luck." Andy leaned back from the Microfiche viewer and grinned. "Hello again." She said the face on the screen. After several inquiries, she had learned that Nicholas Girard was Professor at a Chicago university who had been blacklisted during the 50s. From that she dug through a decades worth of microfilm to find a picture of Girard. "One more piece of the puzzle." She said to herself as she had the microfilm copied. Tracy giggled as Vachon began kissing her neck. "Stop it! I'm trying to finish this report." "Only you would bring a report home to finish on a Saturday night." Vachon replied as he changed his target a little and kissed her temple. "I hate to interrupt such a _touching_ scene but I need to speak to Detective Vetter." A sardonic voice came from behind them. Vachon moved between Tracy and LaCroix. "What do you want, LaCroix?" Vachon asked coldly. "Really, Javier. You are becoming as bad as Nicholas." LaCroix practically sneered. "Bite your tongue." Vachon retorted. "What _do_ you want, LaCroix?" Tracy asked quietly. Her head peered out from behind Vachon's body. "Has anyone asked you any questions about Nicholas recently?" LaCroix asked in a surprisingly mild tone. Tracy looked startled. "Yes, as a matter of fact someone has. Why?" "Someone has made inquires in Chicago about Nicholas. If they have searched the physical records then they will have found some rather severe holes in Nicholas' background." Tracy suddenly understood. "Her name is Andrea Rochelle, and she's from Europe. But I haven't actually spoken to her about Nick yet." "And where does this Miss Rochelle reside?" "All I have is her cellular phone number." Tracy shrugged apologetically. "That will be a start." LaCroix nodded. "Once you have spoken to her, you will contact me?" "I'd rather talk to Nick first." Tracy replied. "Indeed. Your loyalty does you credit." LaCroix inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Very well, speak to Nicholas first. I will do the same." With those words, LaCroix left the apartment. After he had left, Tracy gave a sigh of relief. "Is it me or does he get more intimidating every time I meet him?" "It's not you." Vachon replied as he picked up the bottle sitting on the floor and took a drink. "So, are you going to call Knight?" Vachon asked after finishing the drink. "I can't." She admitted. "I don't know where they're staying in Paris." "When are they due back?" "At the end of the week." She shivered. "Are you OK?" Vachon asked as he hugged her close. "Just nerves," She replied. "LaCroix has that affect on people." "It isn't just LaCroix, I'm worried about Nick." "Nick can take care of himself." Vachon whispered. "Relax, if this Andrea is a hunter, the Enforcers will deal with her." "What!?" Tracy pulled away. "If she's a hunter then she's a threat to the whole community. The Enforcers won't just let it slide. They'll have to take measures to insure the community's safety." "You mean kill her." Tracy said in a flat voice. "I didn't mean, ask her pretty please." Vachon tried to be flippant. Seeing that it wasn't working, he sighed. "Trace, I don't make the rules." "I know." She let herself be pulled back into a hug. "But it doesn't mean I have to like it." End Chapter 2 Comments can be made to kevinm@pixi.com, All comments welcome, constructive criticisms will be accepted with gratitude, Compliments with stunned silence and Flames Grudgingly ignored.:> "Remember, You're the Brain, I'm the Brawn" :Detective Bobbie Mann "Technically, I'm the Brain and the Brawn" :And Eve Edison "So what does that make me?" :MANN & MACHINE "The one that can be killed." : Kevinm@pixi.com A Nick&NatPacker with Cousinly tendencies :=) This story follows Companionship, Remembrances, Trinity and Past, Present & Future. Disclaimer: Nicholas Knight, Natalie Lambert and Company belong James Parriot and I guess now The SciFi Channel. Highlander and everything that goes with it belong to Rysher and USA Network. This story, Aaron Grey and Theresa Ryan belong to me. A Slight Complication Kevin Matsumoto kevinm@pixi.com A Highlander/Forever Knight Crossover story part 3 As they waited for the elevator, Natalie leaned against Nick and yawned. They were finally home. "Tired?" Nick asked with a smile. "Jet lag." She replied as she waited for the elevator doors to open. Her eyes fell on the ring on her finger and the tired expression turned radiant. Nick saw the look on her face and whispered. "Welcome home, Mrs. Knight." "I like the sound of that." Natalie whispered back. "What? Mrs. Knight?" "No... home." Natalie smiled at him. After entering the loft, Nick pushed the play button on their answering machine. Most of the messages were from telemarketers, then Tracy's voice came over the speaker. "Nick, this is Tracy. I need to talk to you as soon as you get back. Call me." Natalie and Nick looked at each other. Nick shrugged and picked up the phone. "I wonder what's going on now." He sighed. At the station, Tracy picked up her phone. "Metro homicide. Vetter speaking." "Trace, this is Nick." "Nick! I'm glad you're back. Listen I need to speak to you about something. I'll stop by the loft after work, OK?" "Sure, Tracy. What's wrong?" Tracy held the phone closer to her mouth and whispered "I don't want to talk about it over the phone. Bye." She hung up. "Trace?" Nick looked at the phone as the dial tone replaced Tracy's voice. "Great." Natalie got up from the couch. "Nick, is something wrong?" "I wish I knew. Tracy was being very evasive." Nick started pacing. "Nick, pacing isn't going to help." "So, what do you suggest?" Nick asked. "We could start by putting everything away." Natalie nodded to the luggage piled in front of the doorway. "Right." Nick smiled ruefully as he began carrying the luggage up to the bedroom. Natalie watched Nick pick up the heaviest pieces of luggage and move them with no effort. Shaking her head she gathered several of the smaller ones and followed him. When she got to the bedroom she saw Nick standing and staring at his closet. "Nick? Is something wrong?" She asked. "I'm not sure." Nick replied as he moved past her and down the stairs. Natalie watched as Nick went through every nook and cranny in the loft. He opened several boxes and checked all of the cabinets. Finally he sat down, anger and worry warred for dominance on his face. "Nick?" "Someone's been in here." Nick replied. "They've gone through everything." "How do you know?" Natalie asked. "One of the boxes in the closet. When we left there was a layer of dust on it nearly an inch thick. Now it's clear." Nick got up and began pacing again. "Most of the boxes have been open and someone's moved things in them." "Calm down, Nick. Is anything missing." "No... At least not that I call tell just by looking. Everything seem to still be there." "Ok," Natalie placed her hand on her chin and started thinking. "Maybe this is what Tracy wanted to talk to you about." Nick paused his pacing. "Maybe" He agreed. "Then stop pacing and sit down. Relax. Please, you're making me tired." Natalie smiled as she said that. "Sorry." Nick smiled back as he sat on the couch next to her. Pulling her into his arms, he decided to change the subject. "So, who do we break the news to first?" "Why break the news?" Natalie looked mischievous. "Let's just see who notices." Nick laughed. "And if no does?" "Then it serves them right to remain in ignorance." Natalie grinned back at him. Then she began laughing. "What?" Nick voice was amused. "I was just picturing LaCroix's face when he finds out." Nick's face became serious. "Nat, that isn't funny." "Oh no?" She pulled herself into a haughty stance and in a poor imitation of LaCroix's voice said. "Nicholas, I do believe you have finally lost your mind." Nick sat there thinking about it. Natalie's portrayal of LaCroix's reaction was almost dead on. Slowly he began to chuckle then finally he started laugh full out. That was enough for Natalie and soon both of them were sitting on the couch, holding their sides. End part 3 Comments can be made to kevinm@pixi.com, All comments welcome, constructive criticisms will be accepted with gratitude, Compliments with stunned silence and Flames Grudgingly ignored.:> "Remember, You're the Brain, I'm the Brawn" :Detective Bobbie Mann "Technically, I'm the Brain and the Brawn" :And Eve Edison "So what does that make me?" :MANN & MACHINE "The one that can be killed." : Kevinm@pixi.com A Nick&NatPacker with Cousinly tendencies :=) This story follows Companionship, Remembrances, Trinity and Past, Present & Future. Disclaimer: Nicholas Knight, Natalie Lambert and Company belong James Parriot and I guess now The SciFi Channel. Highlander and everything that goes with it belong to Rysher and USA Network. This story, Aaron Grey and Theresa Ryan belong to me. A Slight Complication Kevin Matsumoto kevinm@pixi.com A Highlander/Forever Knight Crossover story part 4 Tracy walked into the loft with a worried look on her face. "Nick do you know an Andrea Rochelle?" Both Nick and Natalie started at the mention of that name. "Why do you ask?" Nick inquired. "Because she's been making inquiries about you all over the station." Tracy explained. "She's spoken to Reese and Stonetree and I'm supposed to meet with her tomorrow." "That's not all is it?" Natalie asked. "No," Tracy admitted. "Someone's been digging into the Chicago PDs computers for information on Detective Nick Knight." "Terrific." Nick sighed as he fell backwards onto the couch. "She suspects something about me." "How can you be so sure?" Tracy asked. "Because someone went through my things here in the loft. I don't think anything's missing." "And if they weren't here to rob the place then they were after something else." Tracy concluded. "Like information." Natalie agreed. "Great...So why is she interested in Nick Knight all of a sudden?" "She told Captain Reese that she was researching the De Brabant family and that she thought Nick was related to them." Nick got up and began pacing. Natalie shook her head and smiled. "Nick, if you don't stop that you're going to wear a hole in the floor." "Nat, you don't understand." Natalie became serious. Walking over to him, she placed her hand on his shoulder. "Oh, I understand. If she's a hunter then all the vampires are in danger. If she isn't, she's still got enough to make your life here impossible." "Uh, Nick?" Tracy interrupted. "I think I'd better tell you that LaCroix is looking for Miss Rochelle as well." "How did LaCroix find out?" Nick turned to stare at Tracy. "He told me." Tracy shrugged. "What about the Enforcers?" Natalie asked. "Them too." Tracy nodded. "Better and better." Natalie rolled her eyes. "Haven't you discovered anything yet?" LaCroix asked the Enforcer leader impatiently. "Look, LaCroix. I know Nick is your favored child and you're impatient. But if you don't back off..." Michelle left the threat hanging. "I apologize for my outburst Michelle." LaCroix said in a unruffled voice. "But you do understand my desire for haste." "Yes," Michelle sighed. "It may surprise you that I like Nick and Natalie too." "Indeed." LaCroix fixed Michelle with a look of cold disdain. "And why do you include Natalie in with Nicholas?" "Oh, come off it LaCroix. You might be able to fool the others, but I'm as old as you." Michelle smiled. "You haven't had this much of a challenge from a mortal in centuries." Michelle started to laugh at her remark. "Something amusing?" "Private joke." Michelle grinned. "So what is taking so long?" Michelle sighed again. "It's not like we're all that organized to hunt down a specific someone. Most of the time we already know where they are." "And the phone number?" "Paid for through the Vatican. I don't think any of our Enforcers are going in there willingly." LaCroix closed his eyes for a moment. "Another dead end?" "Not quite." Michelle looked smug. "When this Rochelle person calls Detective Vetter, I'm going to follow her." "And why would the good Detective aid us?" "Because despite his many faults. Your son is quite good at inspiring loyalty." Michelle explained. "She'll help to protect her partner." "And Vachon." LaCroix added. "Yes, and Vachon." Michelle agreed. "This Rochelle is a threat to the whole community not just to Nick. If necessary we will have to silence her." "You are too tenderhearted to be an Enforcer, Michelle." LaCroix noted. "On the contrary," Michelle got up and looked LaCroix in the eyes. "I'm just pragmatic. It would look suspicious if everyone who believed in vampires were to suddenly turn up dead. So I only authorize killing as a last resort." "And in this case?" "We don't know yet. If she is a resistor then it will be necessary to remove her." "Such a way with words." LaCroix replied. "I believe I will pay Nicholas a visit." Tracy stared at Natalie, for the last hour she had been having the oddest feeling that something was different about her. But for the life of her she couldn't figure out what it was. "Nat, did you do something to your hair?" Tracy guessed after she came up blank for the umpteenth time. "No. Why?" Natalie frowned as she ran her hands along her hair. "Is something wrong with it?" "Omigosh!" Tracy suddenly saw the ring on Natalie's finger. "You got married and didn't tell me? I'm never going to forgive you!" She raced over and began hugging Natalie. The smile that appeared on Nick's face got wider as he saw Natalie mouth the words "Help" to him. Finally Tracy released Natalie and the two of them sat down on the couch. Natalie extended her and Tracy got a good look at the ring. "It's beautiful Nat. Did Nick pick it out?" "Actually, Theresa and Natalie did." Nick admitted. "I just stood there with a silly look on my face." Natalie laughed as she remembered Nick's grin all through the talk with the jeweler. "So, tell me all about the wedding." "I can do one better." Natalie walked over and pulled a cassette from the shelf. "Nick and Natalie the wedding video." She announced. Tracy stared at the figures on the screen. "Are those the Macleods?" "Duncan and Connor." Natalie nodded. "Do you know them?" "Only by reputation." Tracy said. "They were mentioned quite often in the files that Daniel gave me." "Who's that?" Tracy pointed to a bearded man playing the guitar. "Joe Dawson." Nick answered. "He's Duncan Macleod's watcher." "How did he get there?" Tracy asked. "Apparently he and Macleod are friends. Another Immortal named Ellsworth kidnapped both Daniel and him." Natalie explained. "Is that what happened to Daniel? When I couldn't get in touch with him, I thought he left to keep track of Aaron." "Not exactly," Nick began, as he told her the whole story behind the kidnappings. "Wow. Looks like I missed out on a lot." Tracy exclaimed as she looked at them wide-eyed. She turned back to the video and started laughing at the face that Nick made as Natalie fed him a piece of the wedding cake. "Geez, Nick. Real romantic." She said through her laughter "You have no idea what it took to keep that cake down." Nick remarked as Natalie's laughter joined Tracy's. "Who's that?" Tracy managed to ask as Methos appeared on the screen. "Adam Pierson, he's a researcher assigned to the Methos Chronicle." Natalie said through the giggles. "He's the one trying to locate the oldest Immortal?" Tracy grinned. "He's kinda cute." Nick appeared on the screen holding a slice of cake. Tenderly he fed the slice to Natalie. "Much better." Tracy remarked, then said in an aside to Natalie "At least he didn't smear the cake all over your face. A friend of mine had that happen to her. Gross." Natalie started to laugh again. Comments can be made to kevinm@pixi.com, All comments welcome, constructive criticisms will be accepted with gratitude, Compliments with stunned silence and Flames Grudgingly ignored.:> "Remember, You're the Brain, I'm the Brawn" :Detective Bobbie Mann "Technically, I'm the Brain and the Brawn" :And Eve Edison "So what does that make me?" :MANN & MACHINE "The one that can be killed." : Kevinm@pixi.com A Nick&NatPacker with Cousinly tendencies :=) This story follows Companionship, Remembrances, Trinity and Past, Present & Future. Disclaimer: Nicholas Knight, Natalie Lambert and Company belong James Parriot and I guess now The SciFi Channel. Highlander and everything that goes with it belong to Rysher and USA Network. This story, Aaron Grey and Theresa Ryan belong to me. A Slight Complication Kevin Matsumoto kevinm@pixi.com A Highlander/Forever Knight Crossover story part 5 Natalie sighed as the phone began ringing. "I've got it." Picking up the phone she was startled to hear Michelle's voice. "Natalie. Look, LaCroix is on his way over there. Could you please keep him there as long as possible." Natalie frowned at the tone of Michelle's voice. "Is something wrong?" "No," Michelle answered. "I just need a break from him." Natalie started to laugh. "And you expect me to put up with him?" "Just for a while," Michelle asked. "He's been driving me crazy by constantly asking whether we've found Rochelle yet." "Have you?" Natalie asked. "Not you too." Michelle sighed. "LaCroix was bad enough." "Relax, we'll try to stall him as long as we can." "Stall who?" Nick asked as Natalie hung up the phone. "LaCroix is on his way over." Natalie explained "I think he wants to talk to you about Andrea Rochelle." "And she wants us to stall him here?" Nick asked stunned. "He's driving her crazy." Nick shook his head. "I'm not sure this is a good idea." Natalie smiled. "Relax, Nick it's not like he's coming over to cause trouble." "When did you get so blase about LaCroix." Nick asked. "About the same time I found out I was Immortal." Natalie replied. "Mind if I stay?" Tracy asked grinning. "Why?" Nick asked. "I just want to see the look on LaCroix's face when he sees the ring." LaCroix landed in the center of the room. Fully expecting Nick to become defensive and hostile the moment he was noticed. "Welcome home, Nicholas. I trust you had a pleasant journey." "Hello, LaCroix." Nick kept the smile off his face. "Hello? Not _what are you doing here, LaCroix?_ or _What do you want?_" LaCroix turned to Natalie. "My dear Doctor Lambert, I do believe you have had a civilizing effect on Nicholas." Before Natalie could answer, LaCroix began looking around the loft. Since his last visit someone had thoroughly redecorated the place. It was well lit, and light Oak paneling covered the formerly bare brick walls. Curtains, of all things, hid the secured windows. "This place looks almost _cheerful_." LaCroix's voice expressed his disapproval. "Let me guess, you allowed your partner to choose the decor?" "Actually I did." Natalie replied. "I should have guessed." LaCroix smiled. He turned to Tracy who was sitting in front of the Television. "Detective Vetter." "LaCroix." Tracy was fighting to keep the smile off her face. "Now Nicholas, I..." LaCroix's voice trailed off as his gaze locked on the images on the Television. Tracy had rewound the tape to the point where Nick and Natalie were speaking their vows. Tracy had a clear look a the stunned horror that filled LaCroix's face and just managed to stifle the laughter that threatened to break out. "Nicholas, have you finally taken leave of your senses?" LaCroix turned a disapproving look at Nick. "Or has Dr. Lambert finally found your _cure_?" Nick had seen LaCroix stiffen and had almost been unable to keep the laughter in when he had used almost the same words that Natalie had earlier in the evening. "No, I've given up on finding a cure for now." Nick answered. "Indeed? And how does Doctor Lambert feel about this?" "I have to admit I was upset at first but I've gotten used to the idea." Natalie admitted when LaCroix looked at her. "And have you fully thought this out, Nicholas?" "What are you talking about?" Nick asked in confusion. "This marriage, of course." LaCroix sounded exasperated. "Have you considered what will happen when it is time for you to move on?" "I'm going with him, of course." Natalie answered for them. "Have you considered this." LaCroix addressed both of them. "When Natalie grows old, what then? How will you deal with it?" "One day at a time." Nick replied. "For as long as God allows us." "Nicholas," LaCroix shook his head with a trace of sadness in his manner. "This is ill planned. But I will not try to stop you. Perhaps you need to learn this lesson about letting go." "Well, thanks." Natalie said insincerely. "I presume, you know why I am here." LaCroix stated. "You want to warn me about Andrea Rochelle." Nick nodded. "And you're probably wondering what she's up to." "I take it you've met the lady before?" LaCroix asked. "In Belgium." Nick replied. "She was investigating Nicholas DeBrabant." LaCroix looked annoyed. "And she obviously found something that roused her suspicions about you." "I just can't figure out what." Nick replied. "I had all the portraits of me removed before I left the last time." "Then you obviously missed something." LaCroix stated. "And now we have someone from the Church investigating you. You do remember the church and their Inquisition, don't you Nicholas?" "I remember." Nick sat down. "But that was in the past." "Not if they get proof that we exist." LaCroix replied. "She must be found and silenced." "I won't allow you to kill her." Nick started to get back up. LaCroix held up a hand to stop him. "You may not have that choice, Nicholas." LaCroix answered. "At least, not if the Enforcers find her first." Andy groaned as she stood up from her computer and stretched. The report from the Chicago PD had come back with several holes in it. According the computer, Nick Knight had been a highly qualified officer. But the paperwork showed no Nick Knight was ever drawn pay or filed any type of report through the department. Andy thought. There was no doubt in Stefan's mind now. She still had to meet with Knight's partner to keep Knight from suspecting anything but it was almost over. She felt the feeling of satisfaction for a job well done. Picking up the phone she dialed the precinct's number. "Hello, is detective Vetter there? Thanks." "Metro Nightwatch, Vetter here." "Detective Vetter? This is Andrea Rochelle. I was wondering if you were free tonight?" "Well, I have a short shift tonight. How about meeting me at my place around 11?" "That's fine." Andy wrote down the address on a piece of paper. "I'll see you then. Thanks. bye." As Andy hung up the phone, she noticed a new set of faxes had come over her machine. Picking up the first, she started smiling. It was a handwritten apology from Stefan for not believing her. she thought. No one had believed what she had found, they had all thought that she was jumping to a false conclusion. Tracy hung up then dialed Nick's loft. "Nick? Andrea just called she's going to meet me at my apartment at 11. Maybe you should be there." "I'll come early and listen in. I want to know who she's contacted about me and how much she really knows." "Great! I'll see soon." End part 5. Comments can be made to kevinm@pixi.com, All comments welcome, constructive criticisms will be accepted with gratitude, Compliments with stunned silence and Flames Grudgingly ignored.:> "Remember, You're the Brain, I'm the Brawn" :Detective Bobbie Mann "Technically, I'm the Brain and the Brawn" :And Eve Edison "So what does that make me?" :MANN & MACHINE "The one that can be killed." : Kevinm@pixi.com A Nick&NatPacker with Cousinly tendencies :=) This story follows Companionship, Remembrances, Trinity and Past, Present & Future. Disclaimer: Nicholas Knight, Natalie Lambert and Company belong James Parriot and I guess now The SciFi Channel. Highlander and everything that goes with it belong to Rysher and USA Network. This story, Aaron Grey and Theresa Ryan belong to me. A Slight Complication Kevin Matsumoto kevinm@pixi.com A Highlander/Forever Knight Crossover story part 6 "Hi, Sydney." Nick bent down rub the cat s fur as he walked into Tracy s apartment. "I see you ve been taking good care of him, Tracy." "He s been a doll." Tracy smiled as she picked up the carrier. "Natalie called and said that since you re here..." "I might as well take Sydney home with me." Nick smiled. "Where do you want me to hide?" "The Bedroom s about the only place to hide." Tracy pointed the way. "What do you propose to do? Listen at the door like a eavesdropper?" LaCroix asked suddenly appearing behind Tracy. "LaCroix!? I guess I should have expected you." Nick sighed as Tracy gave off a shrill shriek. Placing a hand over her heart Tracy pleaded. "LaCroix, I know you dislike people giving you orders. But could you please not do that?" "My apologies, Detective Vetter. I sometimes forget how nervous your kind is around us." "And where are the Enforcers?" Nick asked. "Situated around the building. Miss Rochelle will followed when she leaves. With any luck we ll be able to find all of the people behind her little investigation." With that LaCroix left the apartment. "Detective Vetter?" Andy smiled as she entered the apartment. "I m Andrea Rochelle, just call me Andy." "Andy." Tracy s voice was a little strained as she let Andy in. "I m glad to meet you." "I just wanted to ask you a couple of questions about your partner." Andy said as she sat down. "What sort of questions?" Tracy asked. "Well... First off. Why haven t you pegged on what he is?" Andy replied. "W..What?" Tracy sputtered. "What are you talking about?" Nick almost fell back stunned. "Come off it, Vetter." Andy raised her arm and pulled down her sleeve. "I know that you re one of us." Tracy gave off a small gasp. On Andy s arm just below the wrist was the tattoo that identified a Watcher. Suddenly she put two and two together and started laughing, almost hysterically. "You think..." Her voice broke off as the laughter rose in volume again. "You think Nick is a.... is an Immortal?" Nick was grinning in relief. All the worry about the possibility of Andy being a vampire hunter and she was a Watcher? Then his smile faded. Watcher or not, she still had too much information for the community s comfort. If he didn t do something, she d still wind up dead. On the other side of the door, Andy was presenting her proof to Tracy. "This was the first real piece of evidence I found." She placed the parchment with Nick s drawing on it. "This was found in the diary of Fleur De Brabant." Nick froze at the mention of the drawing. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ De Brabant Castle 1220 AD "Nicholas!" The slim brown haired young girl smiled as she saw her brother ride up. "Hello Fleur." Nick smiled as he picked his sister up and hugged her. "You look quite handsome in your armor, brother." Fleur picked up the piece of charcoal she had been holding and began drawing on a piece of parchment. "Still making your drawings?" Nick bent over and watched as she outlined what soon proved to be his face. "Father, doesn t approve." Fleur frowned, then shrugged. "But he allows me to make them anyway." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Nick smiled wistfully as he remembered that their father had ignored Fleur s talent for drawing because she was a woman. "And because of that, you think Nick is an Immortal?" Tracy asked. "Not just that." Andy replied. "I found several photographs in Nick s apartment that date back to at least the 1800 s. He s in most of them. I also found a nameplate belonging to a Nicholas Girard in one of the boxes in his loft." Nick saw red for a moment at the thought of her going through his personal belongings. Tracy was caught in a bind. She couldn t tell Andy the truth and there was no way to refute all the evidence she had gathered. "So what are you going to do now?" She asked Andy. "As soon as Stefan notifies the head of the Watchers in Toronto, I m on the next plane home." "Stefan?" "Stefan LeDoux, head of the Watcher researchers in Europe." Andy explained. "And then?" "I suppose they ll assign a Watcher to Nick." Andy shrugged. "You know, Nick did a really good job with his cover. If it hadn t been for that one drawing, I might have never found him." "So why did they send you to investigate?" Tracy inquired. "They could have just asked me to do it." "For one thing, you re to close to Nick. Being his partner and all." Andy smiled again. "For another, they didn t believe me." "What." Tracy stared at Andy in astonishment. "Stefan thought it was just a coincidence. He couldn t believe an Immortal had dodged for that many years." Andy looked a little disgusted. "I broke a few rules coming here to investigate myself. But I wanted to prove that I knew what I was doing." Tracy nodded. She knew exactly how Andy felt. Ever since she had joined the Police Force, she had felt like everyone was waiting for her to fail. Even her own father had tried to pave the way for her. "I know how you feel." she told Andy, "but what if you had been wrong?" "I would have been eating serious humble pie and apologizing til next Christmas." Tracy remembered that the Enforcers were waiting for her outside. "Who else has this information?" She asked. "Just Stefan. I think he was going to contact one of the specialist researchers." "Who?" "Adam Pierson." Andy smiled. "The one assigned to the Methos Chronicle." "Why him?" Tracy asked then started. "OH come on... they can t think that Nick is Methos?" "It is a possibility. Most of the descriptions of Methos are pretty vague and Nick is older than most of the others." "But Methos?" Tracy asked again in disbelief. "It s just a theory, Tracy." Nick had flown out the bedroom window after hearing Andy tell Tracy that Stefan was the only person besides her that knew about him. "LaCroix." he landed on a nearby roof. "Nicholas, I thought you planned to remain in Detective Vetter s apartment until you learned everything about Miss Rochelle." "I learned enough." Nick explained to LaCroix who Andrea Rochelle was. Something in the way, LaCroix had acted during the first set of beheadings had convinced Nick that LaCroix knew about the Immortals and their Game. "Indeed." LaCroix looked thoughtful. "That does bode well for the community but not for you, I m afraid." "I ll say." Michelle said as she landed next to them. "I ll have one of the Enforcers follow Miss Rochelle. In the meantime, we have to figure out a way to get to Monsieur LeDoux." "We need someone in Europe that already knows about the Immortals." LaCroix agreed. "I know just the person." Michelle grinned. The shrill sound of the phone ringing woke Aaron out of a sound sleep. With a growl he grabbed it off the nightstand. "Somebody had better have died." He snarled in to the receiver. "Honestly Aaron, is that anyway to greet an old friend." Michelle s voice came over the line. "It s ten a.m. here, Michelle. You of all people should know we sleep days." Aaron s voice was still irritated. "OK, OK. I just needed to ask a favor." Aaron listened as Michelle outlined what had happened. Halfway through the explanation, his laughter woke Theresa up. "What s so funny?" She grumped. "Hang on, I ll tell you in just a minute." Finally he managed to stop laughing long enough to say goodbye to Michelle and hang up the phone. "So what s so funny?" Theresa asked again. "You ll never guess what s happened now." Aaron started laughing again. End part 6. Comments can be made to kevinm@pixi.com, All comments welcome, constructive criticisms will be accepted with gratitude, Compliments with stunned silence and Flames Grudgingly ignored.:> "Remember, You're the Brain, I'm the Brawn" :Detective Bobbie Mann "Technically, I'm the Brain and the Brawn" :And Eve Edison "So what does that make me?" :MANN & MACHINE "The one that can be killed." : Kevinm@pixi.com A Nick&NatPacker with Cousinly tendencies :=) This story follows Companionship, Remembrances, Trinity and Past, Present & Future. Disclaimer: Nicholas Knight, Natalie Lambert and Company belong James Parriot and I guess now The SciFi Channel. Highlander and everything that goes with it belong to Rysher and USA Network. This story, Aaron Grey and Theresa Ryan belong to me. A Slight Complication Kevin Matsumoto kevinm@pixi.com A Highlander/Forever Knight Crossover story part 7 Daniel watched as Theresa and Aaron got out of their car. "OK., I got why you need to find Stefan." He said as he joined them. "Now explain to me why both of you have to go in?" Theresa shrugged. "Stefan is a priest assigned to the Vatican. There is possibility that he ll be able to resist the whammy long enough to get to a cross." "And if he does?" Daniel was worried. "I m going to hit him across the head with something relatively solid." Aaron replied. "You d hit a priest?" Daniel was slightly shocked at the off hand way Aaron had said it. "You re a Pagan" "So what else is new?" Aaron laughed softly. "I was raised to worship many gods. The idea of one god always sounded a little dull to me." "Theresa?" Daniel appealed to Aaron s wife. "Don t look at me." Theresa smiled. "I ve always wondered how a cross can affect me when I don t believe." "Collective unconscious." Aaron shrugged. "The combined belief of all the worshippers lends the religious icon power that can affect you." Theresa gave her husband a sideways glance. "You ve been reading those books Mulder sent you, haven t you?" "I have to admit they re interesting. Totally offbase but interesting." Theresa landed on the balcony. Releasing Aaron, she peered into the darkened room. "He s sleeping and I think he s alone." Aaron checked the balcony door. It slid open with just the slightest screech of the rollers. "Hasn t this guy ever heard of security?" Aaron whispered. "Apparently not." Theresa whispered back. "Do you want to wake him or should I?" "I ll do it." Aaron gently prodded Stefan in the back. "Monsieur LeDoux." He said in a normal voice. "I need to speak to you." "Who are you?" Stefan muttered as he woke up. "My name is Aaron Grey. I think you know what I am." "Mon Dieu." Stefan whispered as he realized who he was speaking to. "What ever you want the answer is no." "Terry. I think that s your cue." Aaron looked over at his wife. "Monsieur LeDoux, I want you to listen very carefully to what I am saying to you." She leaned in and watched as Stefan s eyes glazed over. Aaron listened as Theresa interrogated Stefan. In a matter of minutes, they had all of the files collected. "Ask him if he s sent copies to anyone yet." He whispered to Theresa. "Does anyone else know about Nicholas De Brabant?" "No." Stefan answered the question. "The only people who currently know about De Brabant are Adam, myself, Andy and the researcher in Chicago." "What is the Chicago researcher s name?" Theresa asked. "I don t know." Stefan answered. "I routed all my requested through the Chicago branch and received my answers by email." "Great." Aaron said outloud. "No matter how we handle this, Nick s cover is screwed." "Does Adam Pierson have copies of the files?" Theresa asked. "No, I have the only copies besides Andy s originals." "So now that we have the copies and the originals, there is no real proof that Nick is an Immortal?" "That is correct." Stefan answered. "Listen to me, Stefan LeDoux." Theresa whispered. "You will forget all about these files. If anyone ever asks, Nick Knight merely resembles Nicholas DeBrabant. The files in the Chicago Police department were misleading and Nick is not an Immortal. Do you understand?" "Nick Knight is not an Immortal. The files were misleading. Yes, I understand." "Good." Theresa smiled. "I want you to go back to sleep and forget you ever met us." "Sleep...forget...." Stefan s voice trailed off as he fell into a deep slumber. Aaron stepped back onto the balcony. "Do you think that will work?" "It s a start." Theresa said. She grinned as Aaron looked over the railing nervously. "Afraid of heights? Or just afraid of falling?" "Neither, it s that sudden stop at the end that bothers me." Theresa chuckled. "Don t worry, I won t let you fall." "Nicholas. I have some news for you." LaCroix announced as he entered the loft. "What sort of news, LaCroix?" Nick asked as he got up from the couch, where he and Natalie had been snuggled together watching a movie. "Some good, some bad." LaCroix said as he sat down in a chair. He picked up the goblet that Nick had been drinking from and took a sip. Immediately his face pulled into a grimace. "Honestly, Nicholas. You re taste in refreshments hasn t improved" "LaCroix." Nick s voice registered his impatience. "Very well, Nicholas." LaCroix put the goblet back down. "Aaron and Theresa had a little meeting with Monsieur LeDoux. The good news is, they have all the files on you and Monsieur LeDoux no longer believes you to be an Immortal." "And the bad news?" Nick asked nervously. "There are at least two other people who might suspect something. The researcher in Chicago who dug up your files and an Adam Pierson, a researcher in charge of something called the Methos project." "So what now?" Natalie asked. "Nicholas and I will pay visit to Miss Rochelle and we will see what can be done about her." LaCroix explained. "In the meantime, Aaron and Theresa are on their way to this Adam Pierson s abode to discuss things with him." "What about the researcher in Chicago?" Nick asked. "I m afraid that there is no way to find him." LaCroix explained. "However, all he discovered were a few anomalies that Aristotle and a Chicago Enforcer have corrected." "So that just leaves us with Andy to deal with?" Nick asked. "Indeed." LaCroix nodded. "I thought that you would prefer to speak to her yourself. And keep the Enforcers out of it." End part 7. Comments can be made to kevinm@pixi.com, All comments welcome, constructive criticisms will be accepted with gratitude, Compliments with stunned silence and Flames Grudgingly ignored.:> Dracula: Renfield, look into my eyes. Renfield: Zzzzzzz Dracula: Renfield, you went to sleep to soon. Dracula, Dead and Loving it. Kevinm@pixi.com A Nick&NatPacker with Cousinly tendencies :=) This story follows Companionship, Remembrances, Trinity and Past, Present & Future. Disclaimer: In part 1 This story, Aaron Grey and Theresa Ryan belong to me. A Slight Complication Kevin Matsumoto kevinm@pixi.com A Highlander/Forever Knight Crossover story part 8 Aaron got back in the car with a tired look on his face. "Something wrong?" Theresa asked as she started the car. "Adam's already left for Toronto." Aaron answered. Theresa was puzzled. "Why? He knows Nick isn't an Immortal." "That's right." Aaron nodded. "He _knows_ Nick isn't an Immortal." Theresa suddenly understood. "So he's wondering why Stefan would ask him whether Nick could be Methos." "Right again." Aaron sighed. "And now he's on his way to Toronto to find out what's going on." "Where to?" She asked. "The house and then the airport." Aaron replied. "So we're heading back to Toronto." Theresa stated as she put the car into gear and pulled out onto the road. "I think we'd better." Aaron said. "I know you wanted to stay a few more weeks." "They're both our friends. One of them could be in trouble by the time this is over." "Well, Adam doesn't even know about vampires." "And how would you know that?" Theresa asked. "We talked about it a few days ago." Aaron replied. "You talked about vampires with Adam?" Theresa stared at Aaron. Shock was written all over her face. "I thought we agreed not to do that." "It wasn't what you think." Aaron explained. "It happened like this." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Seine A few days before "I still can't believe that in all the time you've been around, you've never found any explanation for us." Aaron said as he walked alongside Methos. "Well to be honest. I have heard a few stories that might be origins for our kind but they're all pretty wild." Methos replied. "More wild than the idea of Immortals running around chopping each others heads off?" Aaron asked. "Well the one that's really out there is a story about a group of people who believed that dying was a sign of weakness." "You're joking. Right?" "No, according to the story, they believed that anyone who died was weak. That death was something to be fought with everything in them." "And they're the ancestors of the Immortals?" Aaron began to snicker. "No, actually they encountered a group who lived for battle. To this other group dying in battle was the greatest honor anyone could have." "And they fought." Aaron could see where the story was going. "For generations." Methos nodded. "And then?" "In the end, they gathered in one spot and fought to the last man. Neither side left the field of battle." "So where do we fit in?" "Another group, tribe whatever, watched the battle. They saw a cloud of lightning rise from the bodies of some of the slain and watched as it coalesced into a ball of fire. Then the ball brought into myriad pieces and each piece went in different directions." "And what? We're all pieces of that cloud?" Aaron looked a little skeptical. "Doesn't the lightning sound familiar?" Methos asked. "Sure, the quickening." "It also explains the Gathering." Methos continued. "The lifeforce of the people who lived to fight, combined and then whenever it touched a pregnant woman it changed the baby." "Adam. That sounds about as reasonable as Agent Mulder's theory." "First, who's Agent Mulder?" "Fox Mulder. He's with the FBI and he discovered the truth about the Game while he was in Toronto." "And what's his theory?" Methos asked. Aaron shrugged."That we're the result of alien experimentation." Now Methos began to laugh. "Actually it makes more sense than the one I just you." "Why?" "Because I didn't tell you how the story ended." "Sure you did. The lifeforce of the people merged and then broke apart again." Methos held up a finger to emphasize his point. "But several of the bodies of the first group, the ones that fought death, came back to life." "What?" Aaron stopped in his tracks and stared at Methos. "They came back to life as undead. Vampires to be precise." Methos grinned. "Every society has a myth about a creature that comes back from the grave to feed on the living. This must have been their explanation." Aaron rubbed the back of his neck for a second. "Where did you hear this story?" "I forget." Methos said with a shrug of his shoulder. "I heard it about the time I took my first head. It was never written down because the people I heard it from died in some plague." "So the reason you're dismissing the story is because of the vampires?" "Wouldn't you?" Methos sighed. "I think that the original storyteller witnessed a quickening and embellished the tale." "And of course, you don't believe in vampires." Aaron said with a smirk. "Of course not." Methos looked offended. "Vampires are just stories made up from primitive man's fear of death. That's all." "Of course." Aaron grinned. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Theresa laughed as Aaron concluded his story. "I wonder if that story might be true." "I doubt it." Aaron said half laughing himself. "Methos is probably right though. Some ancient storyteller saw a quickening and wove into his vampire story." "Has that happened often?" Theresa asked. "Not that I know of personally." Aaron replied. "But I have my suspicions that several of the so called gods and heroes of mythology were probably Immortals." "Like?" Theresa asked. "Oh, like Achilles for instance. Or maybe Heracles. Possibly some of the Danaan as well." "I thought Achilles' only vulnerable point was his heal, not his neck." "If he was an Immortal the story probably got changed as the years went on." Aaron concluded. "Maybe I should ask Adam." "If nothing else you'd get a good story out of it." Theresa laughed. End Part 8 Authors Notes: Sorry it took so long to post this one. But not only did Real Life rear it's ugly head but I got the worst case of writer's block. Hopefully the remainder of this story will be out in a timely fashion Comments can be made to kevinm@pixi.com, All comments welcome, constructive criticisms will be accepted with gratitude, Compliments with stunned silence and Flames Grudgingly ignored.:> Dracula: Renfield, look into my eyes. Renfield: Zzzzzzz Dracula: Renfield, you went to sleep to soon. Dracula, Dead and Loving it. This story follows Companionship, Remembrances, Trinity and Past, Present & Future. Disclaimer: In part 1 This story, Aaron Grey and Theresa Ryan belong to me. A Slight Complication Kevin Matsumoto kevinm@pixi.com A Highlander/Forever Knight Crossover story part 9 Andy was just settling in to relax when she heard a rather insistent knocking on her hotel door. "Be right there." She yelled, wondering who could possibly know how to find her. She thought as she looked through the peephole. "Hell." she whispered as she recognized Nick standing outside her door with a disgruntled expression on his face. "She told him. I just don't believe it." Bracing herself for a potentially fatal confrontation, she opened the door. "Detective Knight, a pleasure to see you again." "I think you know why I'm here, Miss Rochelle." Nick said as he entered the room. "Yes, I believe you're right." Andy said, resignation evident in her voice. "Oh by the way. Just for the record. Tracy didn't tell me anything about you being a Watcher. And people that work for the church shouldn't swear." Nick smiled as he tried to unbalance her with his knowledge. The words she had whispered were inaudible to a human's senses but not to his. "How?..." Andy stared at him. She could have sworn that no one could have heard her through the solid wooden door. "Never mind. It's already too late. I've sent everything I have to my superiors in Europe. By now he's contacting the Toronto group to have a Watcher assigned to you." "I'm not an Immortal." Nick said. "Or to be more precise I'm not the type of Immortal you're used to." "Nicholas" A voice suddenly came from behind her. "Would you kindly stop this nonsense and just get on with it?" "What the???" Andy spun around to see a dour figure dressed in black holding her notes and photographs. "How did you find those?" Andy asked. "And how did you get in here. "You really shouldn't hide things without drawing your curtains, my dear." LaCroix said with a cold smile. "I see." Andy watched as LaCroix handed everything to Nick. When their attention was off of her she bolted quickly for the door. "OOOMMMPHH!" The air was knocked out of her as she ran full tilt into Michele. "That was really very careless, you know." Michele smiled as she picked up Andy. "Sorry but I needed to get out of my room really fast." Andy explained. "Oh, I wasn't talking about you running into me. I planned that. I meant the two of them letting you get out of the room." She nodded towards the door where Nick and LaCroix were standing. "Dammit" Andy said as she started to draw a deep breath in preparation for a loud scream. "Don't even think about it." Michele whispered in her ear as she applied a vise like grip to Andy's shoulder. The scream came out as pitiful whimper of pain as Andy felt the joint start to compress. Tears sprang into her eyes as she almost passed out. "Enough, Michele." Nick said as he placed his hand above hers. "You don't have to hurt her." "Not yet, you mean." Michele replied as she eased her grip. Andy gave a gasp of relief as the pain faded. She quickly obeyed as Michele guided her back into her room. "Now then." Michele sat Andy down into a chair and stepped back. "I wouldn't suggest trying to run again. The others are just waiting for a chance at you." "Others?" Andy looked at Nick. "Why would any of the other Immortals be interested in me? I'm not a hunter, just a historian. Who are you? For that matter." "Immortals?" LaCroix leaned in close. "Child, you have no concept of the hornet's nest you have stirred up, do you?" "Child?" Andy looked indignant "Who are you calling child? I'm not that much younger than you." "Indeed?" LaCroix asked as he smiled. Andy shrank back into the chair as LaCroix's eyes went gold. As she stared at the elongated canines in LaCroix's mouth, a sound came out of her mouth that Nick could only interpret as "Gleep." As sorry as he felt for Andy, Nick was still furious at her for going through his loft. "Now do you understand, Miss Rochelle?" He allowed his own eyes to turn gold. "Vvvv.. Vampires?" She stammered out. "I've been investigating a vampire?" "Listen to me, Andrea Rochelle." Michele interrupted before LaCroix or Nick could go any further. "I am going to tell you what to forget and what to remember." Andy's eyes glazed over as Michele attempted to mesmerize her. "You are going to forget that you have ever met us." Michele began. "You will forget all you know about vampires. Vampires are only a myth" "Only a myth, of course." Andy replied. LaCroix moved into Andy's line of sight and began to methodically tear the photos and notes into tiny pieces. Then he began to burn each piece until nothing but ash remained. "Without those papers, you have not proof of Nick's extended existence." Andy continued. "So you will forget you ever found any of it. You will forget your idea that Nick is an Immortal. It was all a big misunderstanding." "Like hell it was!!" Andy suddenly stood up. "Nick's an Immortal and I know I can prove it!" Nick put his head in his hands and groaned. End Part 9 Comments can be made to kevinm@pixi.com, All comments welcome, constructive criticisms will be accepted with gratitude, Compliments with stunned silence and Flames Grudgingly ignored.:> Dracula: Renfield, look into my eyes. Renfield: Zzzzzzz Dracula: Renfield, you went to sleep to soon. Dracula, Dead and Loving it. This story follows Companionship, Remembrances, Trinity and Past, Present & Future. Disclaimer: In part 1 This story, Aaron Grey and Theresa Ryan belong to me. A Slight Complication Kevin Matsumoto kevinm@pixi.com A Highlander/Forever Knight Crossover story part 10 Natalie opened the elevator door and saw Andy asleep in a chair and Michele sitting across from her in center of the loft. Sighing she walked over to kitchen area and put her packages down. Turning she could just make out Nick coming down the stairs. "Let me guess. She's a resistor right?" "Not exactly." Nick replied as he gave her a welcome home hug. "She's certain that Stefan LeDoux has copies of everything she managed to collect." "And so long as she knows that empirical evidence exists, she can't be whammied into forgetting." Natalie rolled her eyes and headed up the stairs. "I'm going to take a long hot shower and hopefully by the time I get out, someone will have a plan." Michelle smiled at the resigned look in Natalie's face as she headed up the stairs. "Does LaCroix know?" She asked Nick. "About our marriage?" Nick answered. "Yes, he wasn't too thrilled about the idea." "No," Michelle corrected Nick. "About Natalie being an Immortal?" "No, not yet." "Make me a promise Knight." Michele's smile grew broader. "If it's at all possible. Let me know when you're going to break the news to him. The look on his face is going to be priceless." "Michele, I've been meaning to ask you something." Nick began. "Why don't I act like the typical enforcer?" Michele laughed. "All dour and full of menace?" "That's about it yes." Nick nodded. "Not all of us act that way all the time Nick." Michele answered. "The doom and gloom act is great for intimidating you younger ones but even the worst of us can't be that way all the time. Too depressing." "LaCroix seems to enjoy being that way." "LaCroix also enjoys getting a rise out of people." Michele shrugged. "That's his idea of entertainment." "You've changed since our encounter at Vachon's." "No." Michele shook her head. "That was mostly an act for Vachon and your partner. I knew that it wasn't a hunter taking heads. But I had to make it look like I was checking up." As Natalie finished dressing, she heard Nick getting off the phone. "Who was that?" "Aaron, he and Theresa are on their way back." Nick answered "Did he say why?" Natalie asked as she sat down. "Adam Pierson is on his way to Toronto. He's got about a 2 hour lead on them. But they're taking the Concord over so they should beat him here." "This is not good." Natalie said with a sigh. "If you can't keep her quiet what happens?" "You're better off not asking." Michele replied. "Then again." She continued. "Nick could always pretend to be your kind of Immortal for a couple of decades." "How did you learn about the Game?" Natalie asked. "By accident." Michele answered. "Theresa was the one that brought me across. I was a slave, she found me half-dead after my Roman master had me beaten. I guess she felt some sympathy for me. We traveled together for a while but eventually we drifted apart." "You found out about the game because of Aaron. Didn't you?" Nick asked. "Yep." Michele smiled. "I ran into them in 1214 or so. Then again in 1440. Aaron hadn't changed at all." "Didn't Theresa sense you?" Nick questioned. "Sure but by the time they realized it, I had already spotted him." Michele answered. "I think that this is the first time in almost 300 years that Aaron and Theresa have allowed the community to see them together." "I think the fact that one of the Enforcer leader's is a friend might have something to do with it." Natalie replied. "It's more than that." Michele said. "I don't what but I think that they had other reason's for coming to Toronto." "Natalie maybe?" Nick asked. "Maybe." Michele replied. "But I'm not sure. I have the feeling that Aaron's got a few secrets of his own." Andy woke up to see Nick and Natalie watching a program on the television. "How did I get here?" She asked as she stood up. "She doesn't remember?" Natalie whispered to Nick. "No, we erased all her memories about vampires but we can't make her forget the idea I'm an Immortal" Nick replied in a equally quiet voice. "I knocked you unconscious and brought you here." Nick turned to answer Andy's question. "We need to talk about this." "Look." Andy said insistently. "There's nothing you can say that will convince me you're not an Immortal. I have to much evidence." "Why is it never easy." Nick asked no one in particular. End Part 10 Comments can be made to kevinm@pixi.com, All comments welcome, constructive criticisms will be accepted with gratitude, Compliments with stunned silence and Flames Grudgingly ignored.:> Dracula: Renfield, look into my eyes. Renfield: Zzzzzzz Dracula: Renfield, you went to sleep to soon. Dracula, Dead and Loving it. This story follows Companionship, Remembrances, Trinity and Past, Present & Future. Disclaimer: In part 1 This story, Aaron Grey and Theresa Ryan belong to me. A Slight Complication Kevin Matsumoto kevinm@pixi.com A Highlander/Forever Knight Crossover story part 11 Theresa sighed as they dropped the remainder of their luggage at home. "That s the last of it." Aaron headed for the bedroom, he came out carrying a set of car keys. He tossed them over the Theresa and said. "You get the car out of the garage and I ll pay the cab." "We re going somewhere?" "Nick s loft." Aaron explained. "We still have to deal with Miss Rochelle." "I almost forgot." Theresa looked slightly chagrined. "OK, I ll meet you outside." She headed for the door. As Theresa pulled the car out of the driveway. Aaron handed the driver his fee plus a healthy tip. "Keep the change." "What have you got in there?" Theresa asked as Aaron threw a briefcase into the back seat. "The evidence that Miss Rochelle sent to Stefan LeDoux." Aaron buckled himself in. "You don t think Andrea Rochelle s going to whammy without knowing that all the evidence is destroyed." "You heard Nick." Aaron replied. "They tried to whammy her already and as soon as they tried to get her to forget about Nick being an Immortal, she shook it off. What I don t get is why LeDoux wasn t capable of doing the same thing." "Possibly because LeDoux isn t obsessed with proving that Nick is an Immortal." "Would that really make that big a difference?" Aaron looked skeptical. "It can, especially if the person is as stubborn as Miss Rochelle." Natalie was eating a late dinner with Andy when she felt the buzz. Looking towards the elevator door, she reached for her sword. "Someone s here." She told Nick as she pulled the sword out of its sheath. "Oh god." Andy whispered as she looked for someplace to hide. She d read enough reports from field agents to know what happened when two Immortals fought. In a closed area like this the quickening could be horrendous. "Hi Nat." Aaron grinned as he and Theresa walked into the loft. "Feeling a little jumpy tonight?" "Welcome back." Natalie s shoulders sagged with relief. "I wasn t sure who was coming through that door." "I would ve called ahead but I left our phones in the luggage." Theresa looked around. "Not bad, you ve done wonders to this place." "Thanks," Natalie said absently as she watched Aaron walk over to Andy. She couldn t figure why Andy still looked like she wanted to find something to hide under. "Miss Rochelle." Aaron greeted her in a cold voice that would have done LaCroix credit. "I believe you ll recognize these?" He pulled out Stefan s copies of her notes out and showed them to her. "Oh god." Andy repeated herself. "What did you do to Stefan?" "Nothing," Aaron replied. "That s a little insulting you know." "What?" Andy looked puzzled by Aaron s comment. "Assuming that I did something painful to LeDoux." Aaron looked a little disgruntled at her words. "She knows your reputation, Aaron." Theresa grinned at the dour look on his face. "Reputation?" Nick asked as he came down the stairs. Andy kept staring at Aaron as she answered Nick. "He s a real bastard when someone he cares about is threatened." "How so?" Natalie asked. "Let's see, in 1816 he slammed a Naval Officer s hand into a blacksmith s forge after the man threatened his son, Kyle." Andy voice was as dispassionate as a person reading a weather report. Her eyes never left Aaron s face. "Aaron?" Natalie s voice betrayed her shock. "It happened." Aaron sighed. "He pulled a knife on Kyle and I lost my temper." "Does that happen often?" Natalie asked. "Remember Ellsworth?" Aaron asked. "How can I forget." Natalie replied. "I heard that you wanted to go after Ellsworth with a small army." "Actually my first reaction was to find Ellsworth and feed him feet first into a wood chipper." Aaron confessed. "Remind me never to get you mad at me." Natalie said shaking her head. Michele arrived shortly after Nick had finished erasing Andy s memory. "Any problems?" She asked, looking at the unconscious form of Andrea Rochelle. "Not this time." Nick replied. "I think seeing LeDoux s papers took the fight out of her." "So she doesn t remember?" "We ll find out in a moment." Theresa gently shook Andy awake. "Huh?" Andy blinked as she woke up. "Sorry, I must have fallen asleep." "Don t worry about it." Nick replied. "I m just glad you finally realized your mistake." "Yeah," Andy looked a little blank. "I can t believe I made that big a mistake. I m really sorry about all the trouble I caused." "No problem." Nick barely held his laughter in at the face that Michele made behind Andy s back. "I ve got to get going." Andy headed for the door. "I m going to be apologizing to Stefan till next Christmas for this one." After Andy left, Natalie fell onto the couch with a relieved sigh. "Finally, it s over." "Not quite." Aaron said as he sat down across from Natalie. "We still have one loose end." "Adam." Natalie suddenly remembered. "You got it." Aaron nodded. End Part 11 Comments can be made to kevinm@pixi.com, All comments welcome, constructive criticisms will be accepted with gratitude, Compliments with stunned silence and Flames Grudgingly ignored.:> Dracula: Renfield, look into my eyes. Renfield: Zzzzzzz Dracula: Renfield, you went to sleep to soon. Dracula, Dead and Loving it. This story follows Companionship, Remembrances, Trinity and Past, Present & Future. Disclaimer: In part 1 This story, Aaron Grey and Theresa Ryan belong to me. A Slight Complication Kevin Matsumoto kevinm@pixi.com A Highlander/Forever Knight Crossover story part 12 Aaron froze for a second as Theresa pulled the car into their driveway. "Stop here." He said calmly. Theresa shot her husband a worried look as she stopped short of the garage. "Another Immortal?" Aaron's only answer was to step out of the car and pull his sword. "I'm hoping it's Adam." He said as he shut the door. "I really hope that's because you don't know it's me." Methos' voice came for the side of the house. "Hi, Adam." Aaron grinned as he put his sword away. Inside the car, Theresa smiled and opened the garage door with the remote. Once they were inside Methos turned to Aaron. "Would you mind telling me, what the hell is going on?" "What do you mean?" Theresa said with all the innocence of the world. "You know what I mean." Methos replied angrily. "Two days ago I got a message from the head of the Watcher's research division in Europe, saying that they _might_ have found Methos. Then all of a sudden it's all a mistake?" "It has to have been a mistake, Adam." Aaron replied as he sat down. "You know as well as I do that Nick isn't an Immortal." "Then why did they tell me they had evidence that proved he was one of us?" "It was all a big misunderstanding." Theresa tried the whammy on Methos. "Andrea Rochelle found a drawing at the De Brabant estate that resembled Nick. Then she found a few discrepancies in the computer files for Nick in Chicago. That's all. She just jumped to conclusions." Methos stared at Theresa for a moment, then he shook his head. "Not a chance. I know Stefan, he wouldn't contact me with such shaky evidence." "Why don't you call him and ask what evidence they do have." Aaron replied. As Methos called Stefan, Aaron followed his wife into the kitchen. Putting his arms around her waist, he pulled her into his embrace. "It was worth a try love." "That's the problem with you damned Immortals. Almost all of you are resistors." Aaron laughed softly. "Well, LeDoux should tell him that they don't have any real evidence about Nick." He whispered into her skin as he nuzzled her neck. "If you don't want to get bit, stop it." She elbowed him. "Might be worth it." He said to her as he opened the refrigerator and pulled out two beers. "Well?" He asked Methos as he walked back into the living room. "He said they don't have any real evidence to prove Nick's an Immortal." Methos turned his head to look at Aaron. "Why do I get the feeling you know more than you're telling?" "Beats me." Aaron answered as he handed Methos one of the beers. "Maybe you're just being paranoid." "No," Methos replied. "Something's going on, and I'm not leaving the city, till I know what." After Methos left, Aaron picked up the phone and dialed Nick's loft. "Nick, Hi. Look, Adam's in town and we just finished talking. There's been a slight complication." The End. Notes: Ok that's the end of this part of the Story Arc. The next part might be delayed while I iron out the outline for a Quantum Leap/Forever Knight crossover that's been percolating through my head. So many stories, not enough time in the day :) As always Comments can be made to kevinm@pixi.com, All comments welcome, constructive criticisms will be accepted with gratitude, Compliments with stunned silence and Flames Grudgingly ignored.:> Dracula: Renfield, look into my eyes. Renfield: Zzzzzzz Dracula: Renfield, you went to sleep to soon. Dracula, Dead and Loving it.