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strangevisitor7Title: Love, Honor and Immortality, Part 2/3
Author:strangevisitor7
Fandom: Magnificent 7 and Highlander
Beta: Much thanks to my most excellent betaslyl_devil & ithildyn
Written for: The Mag7 ficathon atmag7_fic.
Prompt: Prompt #31: Sunrise forcrossovers100
Rating: PG, Gen
Characters: HL: Methos; Mag7: Buck, Chris, Vin, Ezra, JD, Nathan, Josiah, Don Paolo, Inez, Raphael
Summary: This is an alternate version of the Magnificent 7 episode ‘Love and Honor’ in which Buck is challenged to a sword fight to defend the honor of Inez. Methos identifies Buck as a preimmortal and feels obligated to help him train for the duel which Methos is sure he will lose.
A/N: One other difference to the original episode: Don Paolo does not employ the Pico Chavez gang and they will not be appearing in this AU.
Chapter List:
Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3
Love, Honor and Immortality, Chapter 2
Even as he climbed the stairs to his hotel room to retrieve the Ivanhoe, Methos continued to argue with himself about his course of action. He should just ride out of town and leave the man to his fate.
It wasn’t like him to get involved. He’d run into many Immortals over the years and walked away from as many as possible. He avoided the Game and left the others to fight their petty duels for a mythical prize that Methos doubted even existed.
When Buck died at the hands of Don Paolo, as Methos was sure he would, the gunslinger would revive. His friends would hail Nathan as a miracle worker and no one would be the wiser. This wasn’t the Middle Ages where such resurrections were marked as the work of the Devil
Buck’s life would go on - until the next Immortal came to town. That was as inevitable as the sunrise considering the number of Immortals this country seemed to be producing. Without any preparation or training, Buck would lose his head for sure.
Pausing in front of his room, he sighed, knowing that he’d be handing Buck a death sentence if he left. Methos had been called a cold bastard by many and he wondered when that thought had started to bother him.
He opened the door, grabbed his sword and left the room. As the door snicked shut behind him, he knew the decision was made. He was staying.
After the duel he would have to find a way to remove Buck’s body from town so that the man could revive out of sight of prying eyes. Methos doubted the six men who called Buck friend would just let him ride away with the corpse. Digging Buck out of his grave might not be an option as there was no guarantee that the burial would take place in time.
Plus, Methos was unsure of his ability to get the newly Immortal Buck to walk away from his friends. The man might be stupid enough to want to continue to make a life here.
Taking a deep breath, Methos banished thoughts of any real preparation. He headed down the steps and outside toward the church. He’d just have to hope he was as clever as he believed himself to be when the unavoidable occurred.
**************************************
Methos paused in the doorway of the church, surprised at the scene before him. Ezra and Nathan were dueling. He hadn’t expected any of the seven to know how to handle a sword.
It didn’t last long, but in the few moments he observed, he was able to assess each man’s skills. Ezra, like so many southern gentlemen, had a rudimentary understanding of swordplay. He had good form, but lacked the training to be of much use in a real sword fight.
Nathan, on the other hand, showed some skill even though he looked uncomfortable with the blade. He could certainly teach Buck enough to keep the big man from embarrassing himself.
“Dr. Adams, have you come to offer some expertise?” Ezra called when he caught sight of Methos hovering in the doorway, sword in hand.
“I had, but it seems Buck already has an instructor.” Methos nodded at Nathan.
“Hell, join us Doc,” Buck said waving him forward. “I can use all the expertise I can get.”
“That’s quite an impressive blade,” Ezra commented as Methos approached. “How did you come to own such a weapon?”
“Family heirloom,” he replied. “But as Nathan already has already supplied a second blade I see that mine is unnecessary.”
It hadn’t occurred to Methos that one of the others might have a sword. His only thought had been to aid in Buck’s instruction. There were swords that were for show and others that could be used for friendly contests but the Ivanhoe was a blade designed for killing.
“You any good with one of these things?” Buck asked.
Methos quirked a smile. “I have a passing knowledge of swordplay.” He placed the Ivanhoe on a bench. “But I don’t think my sword is appropriate for this endeavor,” he said and reached for the blade in Ezra’s hand. "May I?”
“By all means,” Ezra said as he relinquished the weapon and stepped aside.
Methos could feel the others watching him as he moved through a complex series of stretches and maneuvers to get a feel for the borrowed blade.
“Nathan, please join me in a little demonstration.” Methos said as he came to a ready position. If he was going to do this, he might as well show Buck what his skill level was. He needed Buck to trust him, helping him now would generate a lot of goodwill for later.
Nathan nodded and raised his sword. Methos waited. Nathan had more of a defensive style, exactly the kind that Buck needed to emulate to survive.
The Immortal moved forward and engaged his opponent’s blade. Nathan stepped back and parried the attack. Methos pushed forward and allowed Nathan to block his thrust again. Then he brought his sword back up, disarming Nathan easily. The healer’s blade skidded across the floor.
Buck gave a low whistle. “No offense, Nathan, but I think I found myself a new teacher.”
“None taken,” Nathan said as he bent to retrieve his blade.
“That was most impressive,” Ezra said. “It seems Buck is lucky that you happened into our little town this week.”
Not as lucky as you realize, Methos thought as he threw Ezra a rueful smile. “I’m just happy to help.”
“Well Nathan, as you and I are no longer needed-”
“Actually, Ezra,” Methos interrupted. “Please stay. I could use you both to help demonstrate some of the things I wish to show Buck.”
The men nodded and took seats in the pews awaiting Methos’ instruction.
“Now, Buck,” Methos said turning to the gunfighter. “Let’s talk about how a good defense is the best offense in this type of contest.”
******************************************
Methos called a halt to the practice once again, his level of frustration barely contained. The gunfighter could not grasp even the simplest understanding of patience and defense. Buck simply wanted to charge in and hack away with the sword like it was some kind of long bladed machete. As much as he liked Buck, Methos was not looking forward to teaching the man in the future.
“Buck, please,” Methos begged. “Nathan and I showed you the maneuver to stay at a distance. Why can’t you grasp that this will keep you alive?”
“I still gotta stick him with it to win, don’t I?”
“No,” Methos yelled, finally giving into his frustration. “In order to win you have to first stay alive. If you go charging at him with your body completely exposed, I can guarantee you will be dead before the first minute is up.”
“Now come on, Doc, I ain’t that bad.” Buck laughed.
“Yes. You are,” Methos said, his tone deadly serious.
Anger flashed in Buck’s eyes. “Now hold on,” he growled.
“Buck, you need to listen to Ben,” Nathan said. “He’s good and he knows what he’s talking about.”
“You might just make it out of this alive if you do as he says,” Ezra added.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Buck snapped.
“He’s right,” Methos confirmed without emotion. “Ezra could take you easily the way you’re performing and I suspect that Don Paolo’s skill set lies somewhere beyond Nathan’s.” Methos had no illusions about what would happen when Buck met Don Paolo in the morning. “So yes, you will die tomorrow.”
Buck blanched at the harshness of his words, his frustration and fear finally spilling out. “Fine, just go, all of you. I’ll figure it out myself,” he shouted.
“I know this is hard for you, Buck, but try not to be a stubborn idiot,” Ezra teased trying to lighten the mood.
“You should be happy.” Buck growled, turning all his anger on the gambler. “It’ll be easier to make some money off the duel if ya know I ain’t got a chance.”
Ezra stepped back as if he’d been slapped.
“That was uncalled for, Buck,” Methos chastised him.
“Of course,” Ezra smirked. “I am found out. My true motivation for allowing the good Doctor Adams to use me as a training dummy was simply to assess you skills so that I could offer better odds.” Ezra gathered his things and headed for the door.
Buck at least had the good sense to look ashamed. “Ezra, hold up now,” Buck called after the retreating figure. “I was just - I’m trying to say – Well hell, Ez, you know I didn’t mean it.”
The gambler paused; he turned to look back at them with his smiling poker face affixed firmly in place. “I think it is best I go. Good luck, Mr. Wilmington,” he said as left the church.
Buck ran a hand through his hair in defeat, his rage having dissipated with the gambler’s exit. “I didn’t mean it,” he appealed to Nathan. “You know that.”
“I know, Buck. ‘Spect Ezra knows it too,” Nathan explained. “That man and I have had our differences but I know Ezra wouldn’t have been here if he didn’t care about what might happen to you.”
“I should go talk to him,” Buck admitted.
“Apologies later,” Methos snapped and waited. Maybe this blow up would be the thing to get Buck focused.
Buck nodded. “Okay, Doc, whatever you say, I’ll do it.”
“About time,” Nathan mumbled.
Methos smiled. “I agree, Nathan. Let’s get to it, shall we?”
**********************************************************
It was getting late; they were tired and hungry. “Why don’t you get some dinner and rest,” Methos said as he called a halt to their session.
Buck had worked hard but he was nowhere near ready. Methos could sense the fear of tomorrow rolling off the man. Personally, he would have walked away. He’d always believed that Honor was a thing for fools and the naïve. While he knew Buck was neither, he grudgingly respected the fact that the man wasn’t giving into that fear and consigning Inez to a horrible fate.
“Guess I should.” He held out his hand to Methos. “Thanks, Doc. I know I ain’t the best student but I’ll try to remember all you told me.”
Methos shook the proffered hand and clapped Buck on the shoulder. “Please do. If you frustrate him half as much as you annoyed me, he’s sure to make a mistake just to get it over with,” he teased.
Buck laughed. “If only it were that easy, I’d have him beat for sure.” He turned toward Nathan. “I best go find Ezra. If I buy him a few drinks maybe he’ll understand I didn’t mean what I said.”
“You buyin’ Ezra alcohol? Oh yeah, that’ll win him over,” Nathan agreed with a smile.
The big man headed for the door and almost collided with Josiah as he entered the church. “You ready?” The preacher asked.
“As I’ll ever be,” replied Buck and headed out into the night.
“That true, Doc?” Josiah asked as he walked up the aisle. “Buck got a chance?”
Methos grimaced as he locked eyes with Nathan. “No,” he sighed.
“Nathan?” Josiah appealed to his friend for a different answer.
The healer shook his head. “Still, Buck could get lucky.”
“Maybe Dan Paolo will slip and fall on Buck’s sword,” Methos grumbled. He didn’t want to give them unrealistic expectations; Buck would be outclassed plain and simple. Methos needed to start planning for after.
“Maybe we can still talk Brother Buck out of this foolishness,” Josiah offered and then recanted. “No, I suppose not.”
“Nathan, can I ask a favor of you?” Methos inquired.
“After today Ben, you name it.”
Methos hesitated, not sure how Nathan might respond to his bizarre request. “When – If,” he shifted quickly. “If Buck is badly wounded, even if it appears fatal, can you move him as quickly as possible to your clinic?”
“I’d do that anyway.”
“Yes, but can you maintain the illusion that he is alive and will live?” Methos paused before plunging ahead, “Even if he is dead we should keep everyone away and uninformed.”
Methos saw no way to have the kind of privacy he needed to usher Buck into Immortality; the best he could hope for was limited exposure. He hoped he might only have to explain things to Nathan and even then he might be able to pull a supposed medical miracle out of his bag of tricks.
Confusion crossed Nathan’s brow. “Why?”
“I know this sounds callous, but there is still the matter of Inez. If Buck is dead, the duel is over and Don Paolo will claim her. But there might be a loophole of some kind if Buck is still alive.”
“Maybe give Ezra a chance to fill that loophole in our favor,” Nathan suggested.
“Exactly.”
Josiah nodded solemnly. “I’m not saying anything bad is gonna happen to Buck and I will pray that it doesn’t, but if it should come to pass, his efforts will not be in vain. We will find a way to make sure Senorita Inez is safe.”
“Then that’s settled,” he said. “I will of course render any medical assistance I can.”
“Thanks, Ben,” Nathan said. “Now, how about some dinner?”
“I’d like that.” Methos smiled.
****************************************
The next morning, Methos positioned himself on the board walk. Buck strode confidently down the main street, Nathan and Josiah flanking him. He hadn’t spoken to Buck that morning; there was nothing left to say. Methos thought it best he leave those conversations to the big man’s friends.
He watched as the rest of the seven came forward to greet Buck. Methos still hadn’t shared more than a few words with Chris, but knew from the others that their leader was less than thrilled with Buck’s decision to continue with the duel.
Methos couldn’t hear the exchange, but when he saw Buck smiling he knew that the two friends had made their peace.
The others said their final words to Buck and moved away to position themselves throughout the crowd. Ezra came to stand by Methos.
Inez ran into the street to face Buck. She removed the ribbon from her hair and with a flourish tied it around his arm as a token. Acknowledging the gesture, Buck then handed her his hat as he moved forward to face the approaching Don Paolo.
The don stopped a few paces in front of Buck, Raphael behind him still holding his master’s blade.
“After I have had my satisfaction,” Don Paolo announced to the crowd but never taking his eyes off of Buck. “I will take the woman and no one will interfere.” His glance then shifted to linger on Chris, his challenge clear.
“I will never go with you alive,” Inez spat at him.
“After this, senorita, you will do whatever I want.” Don Paolo turned away from her to face Buck once again as he took his sword from Raphael.
Nathan took Buck aside for some last minute advice. As the gunslinger stepped back to face his opponent, he caught Methos’ eye. The Immortal tipped his hat in a gesture of support. Buck nodded in reply.
The don took a few practice swings to limber up.
“Stop all this preening and let’s get on with this,” Buck snapped.
A feral smile played across the Mexican’s face as he bowed with a flourish. Before he’d even straightened up, Buck charged.
“No!” yelled Nathan. “Defense, Buck!”
Methos shook his head. In that split second it seemed Buck had forgotten everything Methos and Nathan had tried to teach him about patience and tactics.
Don Paolo had already drawn first blood as the lawman’s initial charge went awry and his opponent’s blade raked across Buck’s upper thigh.
Buck backed away briefly but then lunged forward again. As their blades engaged, Methos could see that the don was just toying with Buck. A satisfied grin played across the Mexican’s features as he controlled the fight, retreating and advancing on his terms. To the crowd it might look as if Buck was holding his own as their swords danced against each other but Methos knew differently. Don Paolo was definitely more skilled than Nathan but compared to Methos, he was a novice.
Ezra leaned over to Methos. “Is this as one-sided as I think it is?”
“Yes,” Methos whispered back as he met the gambler’s eye. It seemed he wasn’t the only one who recognized how outclassed Buck was in this fight.
“I was hoping I was wrong,” he said sadly.
Don Paolo parried Buck’s weak thrust, throwing the lawman off balance and delivering another deep cut to the opposite leg.
“Now I think you do not move so well.” Don Paolo snickered.
As Buck limped backwards trying to get away, the don advanced on the wounded man. He flicked his sword across Buck’s arm, before the big man could even lift his own to parry, slicing through Inez’s ribbon and sending it fluttering to the ground.
Buck was growing tired, but Don Paolo did not even looked winded. Taking a deep breath, Buck pushed himself forward in a charge and Don Paolo whirled away slicing across his chest.
“End this right now,” Nathan called as Buck staggered away from his opponent trying to regain his equilibrium.
“No!” he shouted, throwing himself back at Don Paolo. Raising his sword as if to club the man, Buck had left himself wide open.
Don Paolo smiled as he brought his sword up and ran Buck through the chest.
Don Paolo leaned into the thrust. “And now the woman is mine,” he crowed triumphantly as he stepped back, withdrawing his sword from Buck’s chest.
Buck’s mouth opened and closed as he looked down at the redness spreading across his shirt before toppling backwards. Nathan was there with JD to lower their friend to the ground. Methos raced to the fallen man as chaos erupted around him.
“Nathan?” Chris asked as he knelt beside Buck.
Nathan looked at Chris and then at Methos; they both knew the wound was fatal. Buck’s left lung had been pierced and he was slowly drowning in his own blood. There was no saving him.
“Won’t know for sure ‘til I get him to the clinic,” he said and added more quietly. “It don’t look good.”
Rage flashed across Chris’ features. He sprang to his feet and whirled to face Don Paolo. As he attempted to draw his weapon, Vin appeared at his side placing a hand on Chris’ wrist.
“Don’t do it, pard,” the tracker said. “You shoot him now; it’s murder.”
“Listen to your friend,” the don sneered. “Inez, vamanos.” He walked over to grab the woman roughly by the arm.
Meanwhile, Methos helped Nathan, JD and Josiah lift Buck to get him to the clinic. Nathan and Josiah kept up a steady stream of encouragement to comfort their friend. Unfortunately, Buck’s eyes had glazed over, his breath was hitched and labored. Methos knew that it wouldn’t be long.
He could hear Vin and Chris arguing with Don Paolo behind him. He thought that part of this confrontation was no longer his problem until he heard Chris ask, “You think you can take him, Ezra?”
Methos turned to see Ezra, sword in hand, ready to finish what Buck had started. No, no, no, his mind screamed.
“I shall endeavor to do so, such that we may end this in an honorable fashion and save the fair senorita,” the southerner replied with a crooked smile.
“Then do it,” Chris encouraged him with a solid clap to the shorter man’s shoulder.
“You coming, Ben,” Nathan called when he realized Methos wasn’t following.
He waved a hand at Nathan indicating he should keep going. “I’ll be right there.” But first it seems I have to stop another idiot from getting himself killed.
“Don Paolo,” Ezra said, commanding the Don’s attention. “Inez will be staying here.”
The Don turned to face this new challenge, never loosening his grip on Inez. “I have obtained my satisfaction. I have no need to fight you.”
“Senor Standish, do no do this!” Inez begged as she struggled against her captor.
“As Mr. Wilmington is still alive and as his second, I am honor bound to finish what he started, as are you,” Ezra insisted.
Methos sighed and shook his head as he strode back toward the conflict. “Americans,” he muttered. “Idiots, all of them.” When he’d hoped Ezra might find a way to save Inez should Buck fail, sacrificing himself was not what he’d had in mind.
Don Paolo laughed. Releasing Inez, he stepped back to the center of the street to face Ezra.
“Please don’t do this,” she cried and was ignored by the combatants. Vin placed a protective arm around her and guided her away to prevent her interference. “You must stop them,” she pleaded with the tracker.
Vin just shook his head. Resigned, Inez fell silent as she watched this new confrontation over her.
“Why not,” Don Paolo said brightly. “I am happy to put you into a grave beside your friend.” He gestured for his weapon which Raphael placed into his outstretched hand.
Ezra started to go through his warm–up when Methos grabbed his hand. “Let me,” he said.
“Doctor Adams, while I appreciate --”
“Shut up, Ezra and give me the damn sword,” Methos commanded. He didn’t have time to argue. This needed to happen quickly so that he could see to Buck.
The Gambler handed over the blade without another word.
Chris stepped up behind him. “This ain’t your fight, Doc.”
Methos turned his head to meet the gunslinger’s gaze. “Truer words were never spoken,” he smirked and then added more seriously. “Unless you want to see Ezra lying next to Buck, you will let me do this.”
“But Buck needs you.”
“Nathan can handle it for now. But the quicker you stop arguing with me then the quicker I can finish this and see to your friend.”
Chris nodded and stepped back.
Methos did not want to do this and still was unsure why he was. He didn’t even fight Immortals these days. How ironic that the first man he would kill with a blade in almost a century was mortal.
Everything about the past three days had been a series of strange choices for him. Once he had Buck trained and out of his life, he was going to find a nice quiet place of solitude to spend the next few decades. God help the next man of honor who wanted to befriend him, because he’d had enough of do-gooders to last several lifetimes.
Don Paolo eyed the Immortal. “So quick to kill yourselves over this woman.”
Methos stepped forward, his eyes cold and the sword held loosely at his side as he waited for the Don to make his move.
“No threats or final words, Senor -,”
“Adams,” Methos finished and waited.
Don Paolo paced slowly forward. Methos still did not raise his blade. Confusion crossed his opponents face replaced quickly by a smirk of satisfaction as the Don presumed, incorrectly, that Methos was unprepared.
The Don attacked, blade held high in front of him aiming for Methos’ heart. In a flash, the Immortal brought his sword into play. He knocked the thrust aside spinning Don Paolo around one hundred and eighty degrees. While the Mexican was still off balance, facing away from him, Methos grabbed him by the left shoulder as he thrust upward with his blade, piercing the Don’s heart.
He pushed the body away from him and the sword came loose with a loud sucking sound. Methos turned and handed the bloody blade to a stunned Ezra. He was halfway to the clinic by the time Don Paolo’s body hit the ground
Author:
strangevisitor7Fandom: Magnificent 7 and Highlander
Beta: Much thanks to my most excellent betas
lyl_devil & ithildynWritten for: The Mag7 ficathon at
mag7_fic. Prompt: Prompt #31: Sunrise for
crossovers100 Rating: PG, Gen
Characters: HL: Methos; Mag7: Buck, Chris, Vin, Ezra, JD, Nathan, Josiah, Don Paolo, Inez, Raphael
Summary: This is an alternate version of the Magnificent 7 episode ‘Love and Honor’ in which Buck is challenged to a sword fight to defend the honor of Inez. Methos identifies Buck as a preimmortal and feels obligated to help him train for the duel which Methos is sure he will lose.
A/N: One other difference to the original episode: Don Paolo does not employ the Pico Chavez gang and they will not be appearing in this AU.
Chapter List:
Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3
Even as he climbed the stairs to his hotel room to retrieve the Ivanhoe, Methos continued to argue with himself about his course of action. He should just ride out of town and leave the man to his fate.
It wasn’t like him to get involved. He’d run into many Immortals over the years and walked away from as many as possible. He avoided the Game and left the others to fight their petty duels for a mythical prize that Methos doubted even existed.
When Buck died at the hands of Don Paolo, as Methos was sure he would, the gunslinger would revive. His friends would hail Nathan as a miracle worker and no one would be the wiser. This wasn’t the Middle Ages where such resurrections were marked as the work of the Devil
Buck’s life would go on - until the next Immortal came to town. That was as inevitable as the sunrise considering the number of Immortals this country seemed to be producing. Without any preparation or training, Buck would lose his head for sure.
Pausing in front of his room, he sighed, knowing that he’d be handing Buck a death sentence if he left. Methos had been called a cold bastard by many and he wondered when that thought had started to bother him.
He opened the door, grabbed his sword and left the room. As the door snicked shut behind him, he knew the decision was made. He was staying.
After the duel he would have to find a way to remove Buck’s body from town so that the man could revive out of sight of prying eyes. Methos doubted the six men who called Buck friend would just let him ride away with the corpse. Digging Buck out of his grave might not be an option as there was no guarantee that the burial would take place in time.
Plus, Methos was unsure of his ability to get the newly Immortal Buck to walk away from his friends. The man might be stupid enough to want to continue to make a life here.
Taking a deep breath, Methos banished thoughts of any real preparation. He headed down the steps and outside toward the church. He’d just have to hope he was as clever as he believed himself to be when the unavoidable occurred.
**************************************
Methos paused in the doorway of the church, surprised at the scene before him. Ezra and Nathan were dueling. He hadn’t expected any of the seven to know how to handle a sword.
It didn’t last long, but in the few moments he observed, he was able to assess each man’s skills. Ezra, like so many southern gentlemen, had a rudimentary understanding of swordplay. He had good form, but lacked the training to be of much use in a real sword fight.
Nathan, on the other hand, showed some skill even though he looked uncomfortable with the blade. He could certainly teach Buck enough to keep the big man from embarrassing himself.
“Dr. Adams, have you come to offer some expertise?” Ezra called when he caught sight of Methos hovering in the doorway, sword in hand.
“I had, but it seems Buck already has an instructor.” Methos nodded at Nathan.
“Hell, join us Doc,” Buck said waving him forward. “I can use all the expertise I can get.”
“That’s quite an impressive blade,” Ezra commented as Methos approached. “How did you come to own such a weapon?”
“Family heirloom,” he replied. “But as Nathan already has already supplied a second blade I see that mine is unnecessary.”
It hadn’t occurred to Methos that one of the others might have a sword. His only thought had been to aid in Buck’s instruction. There were swords that were for show and others that could be used for friendly contests but the Ivanhoe was a blade designed for killing.
“You any good with one of these things?” Buck asked.
Methos quirked a smile. “I have a passing knowledge of swordplay.” He placed the Ivanhoe on a bench. “But I don’t think my sword is appropriate for this endeavor,” he said and reached for the blade in Ezra’s hand. "May I?”
“By all means,” Ezra said as he relinquished the weapon and stepped aside.
Methos could feel the others watching him as he moved through a complex series of stretches and maneuvers to get a feel for the borrowed blade.
“Nathan, please join me in a little demonstration.” Methos said as he came to a ready position. If he was going to do this, he might as well show Buck what his skill level was. He needed Buck to trust him, helping him now would generate a lot of goodwill for later.
Nathan nodded and raised his sword. Methos waited. Nathan had more of a defensive style, exactly the kind that Buck needed to emulate to survive.
The Immortal moved forward and engaged his opponent’s blade. Nathan stepped back and parried the attack. Methos pushed forward and allowed Nathan to block his thrust again. Then he brought his sword back up, disarming Nathan easily. The healer’s blade skidded across the floor.
Buck gave a low whistle. “No offense, Nathan, but I think I found myself a new teacher.”
“None taken,” Nathan said as he bent to retrieve his blade.
“That was most impressive,” Ezra said. “It seems Buck is lucky that you happened into our little town this week.”
Not as lucky as you realize, Methos thought as he threw Ezra a rueful smile. “I’m just happy to help.”
“Well Nathan, as you and I are no longer needed-”
“Actually, Ezra,” Methos interrupted. “Please stay. I could use you both to help demonstrate some of the things I wish to show Buck.”
The men nodded and took seats in the pews awaiting Methos’ instruction.
“Now, Buck,” Methos said turning to the gunfighter. “Let’s talk about how a good defense is the best offense in this type of contest.”
******************************************
Methos called a halt to the practice once again, his level of frustration barely contained. The gunfighter could not grasp even the simplest understanding of patience and defense. Buck simply wanted to charge in and hack away with the sword like it was some kind of long bladed machete. As much as he liked Buck, Methos was not looking forward to teaching the man in the future.
“Buck, please,” Methos begged. “Nathan and I showed you the maneuver to stay at a distance. Why can’t you grasp that this will keep you alive?”
“I still gotta stick him with it to win, don’t I?”
“No,” Methos yelled, finally giving into his frustration. “In order to win you have to first stay alive. If you go charging at him with your body completely exposed, I can guarantee you will be dead before the first minute is up.”
“Now come on, Doc, I ain’t that bad.” Buck laughed.
“Yes. You are,” Methos said, his tone deadly serious.
Anger flashed in Buck’s eyes. “Now hold on,” he growled.
“Buck, you need to listen to Ben,” Nathan said. “He’s good and he knows what he’s talking about.”
“You might just make it out of this alive if you do as he says,” Ezra added.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Buck snapped.
“He’s right,” Methos confirmed without emotion. “Ezra could take you easily the way you’re performing and I suspect that Don Paolo’s skill set lies somewhere beyond Nathan’s.” Methos had no illusions about what would happen when Buck met Don Paolo in the morning. “So yes, you will die tomorrow.”
Buck blanched at the harshness of his words, his frustration and fear finally spilling out. “Fine, just go, all of you. I’ll figure it out myself,” he shouted.
“I know this is hard for you, Buck, but try not to be a stubborn idiot,” Ezra teased trying to lighten the mood.
“You should be happy.” Buck growled, turning all his anger on the gambler. “It’ll be easier to make some money off the duel if ya know I ain’t got a chance.”
Ezra stepped back as if he’d been slapped.
“That was uncalled for, Buck,” Methos chastised him.
“Of course,” Ezra smirked. “I am found out. My true motivation for allowing the good Doctor Adams to use me as a training dummy was simply to assess you skills so that I could offer better odds.” Ezra gathered his things and headed for the door.
Buck at least had the good sense to look ashamed. “Ezra, hold up now,” Buck called after the retreating figure. “I was just - I’m trying to say – Well hell, Ez, you know I didn’t mean it.”
The gambler paused; he turned to look back at them with his smiling poker face affixed firmly in place. “I think it is best I go. Good luck, Mr. Wilmington,” he said as left the church.
Buck ran a hand through his hair in defeat, his rage having dissipated with the gambler’s exit. “I didn’t mean it,” he appealed to Nathan. “You know that.”
“I know, Buck. ‘Spect Ezra knows it too,” Nathan explained. “That man and I have had our differences but I know Ezra wouldn’t have been here if he didn’t care about what might happen to you.”
“I should go talk to him,” Buck admitted.
“Apologies later,” Methos snapped and waited. Maybe this blow up would be the thing to get Buck focused.
Buck nodded. “Okay, Doc, whatever you say, I’ll do it.”
“About time,” Nathan mumbled.
Methos smiled. “I agree, Nathan. Let’s get to it, shall we?”
**********************************************************
It was getting late; they were tired and hungry. “Why don’t you get some dinner and rest,” Methos said as he called a halt to their session.
Buck had worked hard but he was nowhere near ready. Methos could sense the fear of tomorrow rolling off the man. Personally, he would have walked away. He’d always believed that Honor was a thing for fools and the naïve. While he knew Buck was neither, he grudgingly respected the fact that the man wasn’t giving into that fear and consigning Inez to a horrible fate.
“Guess I should.” He held out his hand to Methos. “Thanks, Doc. I know I ain’t the best student but I’ll try to remember all you told me.”
Methos shook the proffered hand and clapped Buck on the shoulder. “Please do. If you frustrate him half as much as you annoyed me, he’s sure to make a mistake just to get it over with,” he teased.
Buck laughed. “If only it were that easy, I’d have him beat for sure.” He turned toward Nathan. “I best go find Ezra. If I buy him a few drinks maybe he’ll understand I didn’t mean what I said.”
“You buyin’ Ezra alcohol? Oh yeah, that’ll win him over,” Nathan agreed with a smile.
The big man headed for the door and almost collided with Josiah as he entered the church. “You ready?” The preacher asked.
“As I’ll ever be,” replied Buck and headed out into the night.
“That true, Doc?” Josiah asked as he walked up the aisle. “Buck got a chance?”
Methos grimaced as he locked eyes with Nathan. “No,” he sighed.
“Nathan?” Josiah appealed to his friend for a different answer.
The healer shook his head. “Still, Buck could get lucky.”
“Maybe Dan Paolo will slip and fall on Buck’s sword,” Methos grumbled. He didn’t want to give them unrealistic expectations; Buck would be outclassed plain and simple. Methos needed to start planning for after.
“Maybe we can still talk Brother Buck out of this foolishness,” Josiah offered and then recanted. “No, I suppose not.”
“Nathan, can I ask a favor of you?” Methos inquired.
“After today Ben, you name it.”
Methos hesitated, not sure how Nathan might respond to his bizarre request. “When – If,” he shifted quickly. “If Buck is badly wounded, even if it appears fatal, can you move him as quickly as possible to your clinic?”
“I’d do that anyway.”
“Yes, but can you maintain the illusion that he is alive and will live?” Methos paused before plunging ahead, “Even if he is dead we should keep everyone away and uninformed.”
Methos saw no way to have the kind of privacy he needed to usher Buck into Immortality; the best he could hope for was limited exposure. He hoped he might only have to explain things to Nathan and even then he might be able to pull a supposed medical miracle out of his bag of tricks.
Confusion crossed Nathan’s brow. “Why?”
“I know this sounds callous, but there is still the matter of Inez. If Buck is dead, the duel is over and Don Paolo will claim her. But there might be a loophole of some kind if Buck is still alive.”
“Maybe give Ezra a chance to fill that loophole in our favor,” Nathan suggested.
“Exactly.”
Josiah nodded solemnly. “I’m not saying anything bad is gonna happen to Buck and I will pray that it doesn’t, but if it should come to pass, his efforts will not be in vain. We will find a way to make sure Senorita Inez is safe.”
“Then that’s settled,” he said. “I will of course render any medical assistance I can.”
“Thanks, Ben,” Nathan said. “Now, how about some dinner?”
“I’d like that.” Methos smiled.
****************************************
The next morning, Methos positioned himself on the board walk. Buck strode confidently down the main street, Nathan and Josiah flanking him. He hadn’t spoken to Buck that morning; there was nothing left to say. Methos thought it best he leave those conversations to the big man’s friends.
He watched as the rest of the seven came forward to greet Buck. Methos still hadn’t shared more than a few words with Chris, but knew from the others that their leader was less than thrilled with Buck’s decision to continue with the duel.
Methos couldn’t hear the exchange, but when he saw Buck smiling he knew that the two friends had made their peace.
The others said their final words to Buck and moved away to position themselves throughout the crowd. Ezra came to stand by Methos.
Inez ran into the street to face Buck. She removed the ribbon from her hair and with a flourish tied it around his arm as a token. Acknowledging the gesture, Buck then handed her his hat as he moved forward to face the approaching Don Paolo.
The don stopped a few paces in front of Buck, Raphael behind him still holding his master’s blade.
“After I have had my satisfaction,” Don Paolo announced to the crowd but never taking his eyes off of Buck. “I will take the woman and no one will interfere.” His glance then shifted to linger on Chris, his challenge clear.
“I will never go with you alive,” Inez spat at him.
“After this, senorita, you will do whatever I want.” Don Paolo turned away from her to face Buck once again as he took his sword from Raphael.
Nathan took Buck aside for some last minute advice. As the gunslinger stepped back to face his opponent, he caught Methos’ eye. The Immortal tipped his hat in a gesture of support. Buck nodded in reply.
The don took a few practice swings to limber up.
“Stop all this preening and let’s get on with this,” Buck snapped.
A feral smile played across the Mexican’s face as he bowed with a flourish. Before he’d even straightened up, Buck charged.
“No!” yelled Nathan. “Defense, Buck!”
Methos shook his head. In that split second it seemed Buck had forgotten everything Methos and Nathan had tried to teach him about patience and tactics.
Don Paolo had already drawn first blood as the lawman’s initial charge went awry and his opponent’s blade raked across Buck’s upper thigh.
Buck backed away briefly but then lunged forward again. As their blades engaged, Methos could see that the don was just toying with Buck. A satisfied grin played across the Mexican’s features as he controlled the fight, retreating and advancing on his terms. To the crowd it might look as if Buck was holding his own as their swords danced against each other but Methos knew differently. Don Paolo was definitely more skilled than Nathan but compared to Methos, he was a novice.
Ezra leaned over to Methos. “Is this as one-sided as I think it is?”
“Yes,” Methos whispered back as he met the gambler’s eye. It seemed he wasn’t the only one who recognized how outclassed Buck was in this fight.
“I was hoping I was wrong,” he said sadly.
Don Paolo parried Buck’s weak thrust, throwing the lawman off balance and delivering another deep cut to the opposite leg.
“Now I think you do not move so well.” Don Paolo snickered.
As Buck limped backwards trying to get away, the don advanced on the wounded man. He flicked his sword across Buck’s arm, before the big man could even lift his own to parry, slicing through Inez’s ribbon and sending it fluttering to the ground.
Buck was growing tired, but Don Paolo did not even looked winded. Taking a deep breath, Buck pushed himself forward in a charge and Don Paolo whirled away slicing across his chest.
“End this right now,” Nathan called as Buck staggered away from his opponent trying to regain his equilibrium.
“No!” he shouted, throwing himself back at Don Paolo. Raising his sword as if to club the man, Buck had left himself wide open.
Don Paolo smiled as he brought his sword up and ran Buck through the chest.
Don Paolo leaned into the thrust. “And now the woman is mine,” he crowed triumphantly as he stepped back, withdrawing his sword from Buck’s chest.
Buck’s mouth opened and closed as he looked down at the redness spreading across his shirt before toppling backwards. Nathan was there with JD to lower their friend to the ground. Methos raced to the fallen man as chaos erupted around him.
“Nathan?” Chris asked as he knelt beside Buck.
Nathan looked at Chris and then at Methos; they both knew the wound was fatal. Buck’s left lung had been pierced and he was slowly drowning in his own blood. There was no saving him.
“Won’t know for sure ‘til I get him to the clinic,” he said and added more quietly. “It don’t look good.”
Rage flashed across Chris’ features. He sprang to his feet and whirled to face Don Paolo. As he attempted to draw his weapon, Vin appeared at his side placing a hand on Chris’ wrist.
“Don’t do it, pard,” the tracker said. “You shoot him now; it’s murder.”
“Listen to your friend,” the don sneered. “Inez, vamanos.” He walked over to grab the woman roughly by the arm.
Meanwhile, Methos helped Nathan, JD and Josiah lift Buck to get him to the clinic. Nathan and Josiah kept up a steady stream of encouragement to comfort their friend. Unfortunately, Buck’s eyes had glazed over, his breath was hitched and labored. Methos knew that it wouldn’t be long.
He could hear Vin and Chris arguing with Don Paolo behind him. He thought that part of this confrontation was no longer his problem until he heard Chris ask, “You think you can take him, Ezra?”
Methos turned to see Ezra, sword in hand, ready to finish what Buck had started. No, no, no, his mind screamed.
“I shall endeavor to do so, such that we may end this in an honorable fashion and save the fair senorita,” the southerner replied with a crooked smile.
“Then do it,” Chris encouraged him with a solid clap to the shorter man’s shoulder.
“You coming, Ben,” Nathan called when he realized Methos wasn’t following.
He waved a hand at Nathan indicating he should keep going. “I’ll be right there.” But first it seems I have to stop another idiot from getting himself killed.
“Don Paolo,” Ezra said, commanding the Don’s attention. “Inez will be staying here.”
The Don turned to face this new challenge, never loosening his grip on Inez. “I have obtained my satisfaction. I have no need to fight you.”
“Senor Standish, do no do this!” Inez begged as she struggled against her captor.
“As Mr. Wilmington is still alive and as his second, I am honor bound to finish what he started, as are you,” Ezra insisted.
Methos sighed and shook his head as he strode back toward the conflict. “Americans,” he muttered. “Idiots, all of them.” When he’d hoped Ezra might find a way to save Inez should Buck fail, sacrificing himself was not what he’d had in mind.
Don Paolo laughed. Releasing Inez, he stepped back to the center of the street to face Ezra.
“Please don’t do this,” she cried and was ignored by the combatants. Vin placed a protective arm around her and guided her away to prevent her interference. “You must stop them,” she pleaded with the tracker.
Vin just shook his head. Resigned, Inez fell silent as she watched this new confrontation over her.
“Why not,” Don Paolo said brightly. “I am happy to put you into a grave beside your friend.” He gestured for his weapon which Raphael placed into his outstretched hand.
Ezra started to go through his warm–up when Methos grabbed his hand. “Let me,” he said.
“Doctor Adams, while I appreciate --”
“Shut up, Ezra and give me the damn sword,” Methos commanded. He didn’t have time to argue. This needed to happen quickly so that he could see to Buck.
The Gambler handed over the blade without another word.
Chris stepped up behind him. “This ain’t your fight, Doc.”
Methos turned his head to meet the gunslinger’s gaze. “Truer words were never spoken,” he smirked and then added more seriously. “Unless you want to see Ezra lying next to Buck, you will let me do this.”
“But Buck needs you.”
“Nathan can handle it for now. But the quicker you stop arguing with me then the quicker I can finish this and see to your friend.”
Chris nodded and stepped back.
Methos did not want to do this and still was unsure why he was. He didn’t even fight Immortals these days. How ironic that the first man he would kill with a blade in almost a century was mortal.
Everything about the past three days had been a series of strange choices for him. Once he had Buck trained and out of his life, he was going to find a nice quiet place of solitude to spend the next few decades. God help the next man of honor who wanted to befriend him, because he’d had enough of do-gooders to last several lifetimes.
Don Paolo eyed the Immortal. “So quick to kill yourselves over this woman.”
Methos stepped forward, his eyes cold and the sword held loosely at his side as he waited for the Don to make his move.
“No threats or final words, Senor -,”
“Adams,” Methos finished and waited.
Don Paolo paced slowly forward. Methos still did not raise his blade. Confusion crossed his opponents face replaced quickly by a smirk of satisfaction as the Don presumed, incorrectly, that Methos was unprepared.
The Don attacked, blade held high in front of him aiming for Methos’ heart. In a flash, the Immortal brought his sword into play. He knocked the thrust aside spinning Don Paolo around one hundred and eighty degrees. While the Mexican was still off balance, facing away from him, Methos grabbed him by the left shoulder as he thrust upward with his blade, piercing the Don’s heart.
He pushed the body away from him and the sword came loose with a loud sucking sound. Methos turned and handed the bloody blade to a stunned Ezra. He was halfway to the clinic by the time Don Paolo’s body hit the ground
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-14 04:01 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-14 04:15 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-14 05:33 am (UTC)Ah man, I loved this section just as much as the first and now I can't wait for the next!
keep penning, (as I impatiently wait cause I'm greedy that way *g*)
Marns
~pN
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-14 05:48 am (UTC)Next section will be posted as soon as the edits are done!
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-14 08:09 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-14 06:59 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-14 08:23 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-14 06:59 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-14 10:06 am (UTC)Poor Ezra though i see that you love to play with his feelings.
Please update more.
*Hugs*
Sivan Shemesh
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-14 07:00 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-14 03:28 pm (UTC)METHOS!!!
Love it.
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-14 07:01 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-14 06:16 pm (UTC)Glad Methos killed Don Paolo, otherwise Don would've gone the way of the sword slinger in Indiana Jones. ;)
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-14 07:02 pm (UTC)Couldn't have Chris shoot Don Paolo in cold blood - might be hard to explain that one to the judge. :D
Glad you enjoyed it!
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-14 08:19 pm (UTC)God help the next man of honor who wanted to befriend him, because he’d had enough of do-gooders to last several lifetimes.
Love, love, *love* this line.
Poor Mac. Somewhere, his skin is crawling, and he doesn't have the foggiest idea why. :)
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-15 12:46 pm (UTC)Yep Methos is a bad ass and I was so happy I had the opportunity to show that.
So glad you enjoyed the story.
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-14 09:19 pm (UTC)BTW, I watched the first season of Mag 7 , and the first three eps of Firefly, all because of your fics. I hope you're proud of yourself *grin*
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-15 12:48 pm (UTC)Glad you liked the story. Methos is a deadly and that was fun to write
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-15 12:37 am (UTC)I'm really enjoying this story and look forward to the final part.
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-15 12:50 pm (UTC)Unfortunately part three is stuck on the home computer and we are without power becasue of the storms but it is done.
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-16 07:30 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-16 07:33 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-16 11:18 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-17 11:43 am (UTC)I am glad that you liked Ezra trying to take over. It was my way of showing that Buck and & Ezra had fixed fences. Being manly men they don't say much *hee*. I do believe that Ezra really doesn't think he'd lose either - otherwise I'm not sure he would do it.
I always felt it was a bit silly that Buck even held his own with Don Paolo after a three hour lesson from Nathan.
Next part soon - but I'm without power and part three is trapped on the home computer.
Thanks Again
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-18 06:55 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-18 11:56 am (UTC)Still no power! *sighs*