strangevisitor7: I will call Her george (Mag 7 - Ezra - Immortal)
[personal profile] strangevisitor7
Title: The Truth Is Immortal (1/6)
Author: [livejournal.com profile] strangevisitor7
Fandom: Magnificent 7 and Highlander
Beta: Much thanks to [livejournal.com profile] ithildyn
Prompt: #80 - Island for [livejournal.com profile] crossovers100. My table is here
Rating: PG, Gen
Characters: OFC - Charlotte Sparrow (AKA Pearl Black); Ezra Standish, Chris Larabee, Vin Tanner, Buck Wilmington, Josiah Sanchez, Nathan Jackson and JD Dunne

Summary: During a gunfight Chris is hurt trying to protect Ezra not realizing that he is Immortal. Ezra is torn between telling the others about his Immortality and leaving town to prevent anyone else from getting hurt.

A/N: This is the sequel to Child of My Heart. Other stories in the Aces Immortal series can be found here here

A/N: Just a reminder: The Mag7 boys know Ezra's cousin Charlotte by her current alias: Pearl Black

Chapter List:
Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4;Chapter 5; Chapter 6


The Truth Is Immortal: Chapter 1




Ezra felt the impact and was face down in the dirt before he registered what exactly had propelled him in that direction. It was when the weight of another body landed on his that he realized that someone had pushed him down. He had been trying to get to one of the criminals that was sequestered behind an overturned wagon in the street when he’d been tackled from behind.

He’d known it was a risk crossing the open main street, but his Immortality had given him an edge in these situations that Ezra had learned to use to his advantage. His attire had suffered due to his endeavors, but so far none of his companions suspected that he’d ever been hit by gunfire. As he analyzed his current situation, it became clear that someone had decided to stop this particular advance.

Spitting out dirt, he attempted to push off the weight still lying protectively on top of him when a hand on his shoulder prevented him from moving.

“Stay down, you idiot,” Chris growled.

“Chris?” Ezra asked, though he already knew that it was. “Let me up; I can get to him.”

“No, you won’t! Vin is flanking him from above. We are getting back to cover,” Chris commanded as he finally rolled off of Ezra and began moving away.

Ezra nodded and was edging backwards as both men fired blindly to cover their retreat. They were almost to safety when Ezra heard Chris cry out. Turning he saw the gunslinger fall backwards.

“Chris!” Ignoring any personal danger, Ezra rushed to Chris’s side to drag him out of the line of fire. Chris was coherent enough to throw one arm around Ezra’s shoulder as he felt himself being lifted. Ezra positioned himself to shield his burden and, as he expected, the Immortal felt a bullet tear into his upper back almost causing him to drop his friend. Only the knowledge that the wound would begin healing immediately kept Ezra moving forward.

“Almost there,” he encouraged Chris through clenched teeth. Ezra hoped that no more bullets found their way into him because his shoulder was screaming in agony to release his passenger, and he was sure he wouldn’t be able to stay upright under the pain of another hit. Ezra guided Chris up the boardwalk and into the safety of the jail.

Depositing Chris onto the floor, away from the entrance, Ezra collapsed next to him. His head was swimming and he willed his healing power to hurry up. He had yet to be seriously wounded enough to pass out in previous shootings and he hoped this wouldn’t be the first time. He leaned over apply pressure to the bullet wound on Chris’s thigh. It didn’t appear to be too bad but he wished Nathan were here.

Chris propped himself up on his elbows in an attempt to sit up.

“Relax, Chris. I am endeavoring to stop the blood flow and your movements will only exacerbate the situation.”

“Hurts like a son of a bitch,” Chris groaned as he fell back onto the floor.

“I am sure it does,” Ezra chuckled ruefully, straightening his back trying to ignore his own pain.

“Everyone else?” Chris asked.

Ezra spared a glance out the door and was relieved to see Vin and Buck leading the last of the miscreants their way. The gunfight was over.

“It appears our compatriots have won the day and are headed in our direction,” Ezra informed his patient as he felt relief flow through him. As soon as Nathan arrived, he’d be able to collapse quietly in the corner and finish healing.

Vin and Back pushed the criminals into the jail and stopped short when they saw Ezra leaning over Chris.

“Take ‘em. I’ll get Nathan.” Vin shoved his prisoner at Buck before heading out.

“You okay, stud?” Buck asked as he passed by on the way to lock up their captives.

“I’d be fine if Ezra hadn’t been an idiot.”

“I fail to see how you putting yourself in harms way was my fault,” Ezra replied indignantly. “I would have succeeded; there was no reason to throw me to the ground.”

Chris scoffed, “You take to many damn risks.”

“He’s right, Ez. You got a death wish or something?” Buck asked. Having finished with the task of incarceration, he settled in behind the sheriff’s desk.

“I assure you my continued healthy existence is paramount in my mind. I simply saw an opportunity to end the conflict and was attempting to implement my plan when Chris interrupted my advance.”

“Not the way I saw it,” Chris grumbled. “You didn’t see the one in the alley. He had you in his sites.”

Ezra paled as he realized that he may have misread the situation. If he’d been ‘killed’, his time in Four Corners would have come to an abrupt end. His second thought was that Chris had risked his life to save him. That thought was even more unsettling than the first. It had not occurred to him that in using his Immortality to protect his companions from harm that any of them would throw themselves into the line of fire to save him; a gesture which could prove fatal and completely unnecessary.

“While I’m grateful for your actions, you should not have put yourself in danger.” Ezra was still a bit shaken by what Chris had chanced for him. He could not remember anyone being concerned enough about him to risk their own life.

“I wouldn’t,” he spat out. “If you hadn’t put yourself there first!”

Ezra was prepared to continue the defense of his actions but at that moment, Nathan swept in and took over. The others piled in behind him, anxious to see if Chris was all right.

“He okay, Nathan?” JD asked.

“Give me a chance,” Nathan snapped as he gestured for the others to provide him room to work.

Ezra gratefully relinquished his hold on Chris’ leg to the healer and moved to stand in the corner. While his wound was fully healed the soreness that came with such damage took a little longer to dissipate. He stretched and rolled his shoulder, trying to work out the kinks.

Vin moved to stand next to him. “You hurt, Ezra?”

The gambler smiled. “Our fearless leader is no light weight and I had to drag him quite a distance.”

Vin chuckled and clapped Ezra on his freshly healed shoulder causing him to wince at the contact. Ezra felt Vin’s hand linger on his back. He turned to look back at the tracker who was frowning at him.

“Something wrong, Vin?”

“Ez, ain’t this a new coat?”

“I was unaware that my garments were worth your notice, but yes it is.”

“Then how’d you get this bullet hole?”

Ezra plastered a false smile on his face while inwardly he bemoaned the tracker’s sharp eyes. “I must have torn my coat during the melee. I find the cost to my wardrobe to be incalculable. I do feel that Judge Travis should reimburse us for replacements and repairs.”

Vin cocked his head and Ezra could see that his attempt at misdirection was being met with skepticism. It had been a disaster of a day and Ezra was too tired to continue to argue with Vin. Beside there was no explanation he could give for the damage to his coat that his friend would believe. Instead he turned back to ask how Chris was fairing. To his relief, Vin let the subject drop.

Nathan had finished his preliminary investigation of Chris’s wound. “Bullet went straight through. Just need to get him back to the clinic to stitch him up,” Nathan said.

Without being asked, Josiah came forward to help Nathan get Chris to his feet.

“Buck, you and JD stay with the prisoners,” Chris commanded before he allowed himself to be lead away.

Ezra waited for the others to leave, fully planning to head in the opposite direction and collapse in his bed.

“You coming, Ez?” Vin called from the doorway.

Ezra’s mind was still a jumble from the events of the day. Without conscience thought the old walls came up and his separation from this life began.

“No, Mr.Tanner. Mr Jackson has assured us that Mr.Larabee will be fine and as you pointed out, I need to change my attire, so I will retire to my rooms.”

Six pairs of eyes turned to stare at him.

“Ain’t mad at you ‘cause I got shot, Ezra” Chris said. “Just angry that you took a stupid risk.”

“As I mentioned previously, I did not see it as a risk. But that is neither here nor there. The clinic is far too small to easily accommodate so many. I will stop by later and check on your recovery.”

Chris continued to stare at him. “You do that,” he said coldly

“Don’t got time for this,” Nathan interrupted. “We need to get to the clinic before you start bleeding again.

Ezra watched them maneuver Chris out of the jail. Nathan’s voice floated back to him as the healer addressed Chris loud enough for Ezra to hear, “Could have at least thanked you for saving his life.”

Ezra felt like he’d stepped back in time to the first few weeks he’d been part of the group when everything he said or did wasn’t good enough. He’d handled this situation badly. His altruistic motivation to use his Immortality to end the gunfight had not gone as planned. He had endangered Chris and he was officially persona non grata once again. How quickly they closed ranks against him.

He looked back to see Buck and JD watching him. They were waiting for him to say something he was sure. Instead, he simply placed two fingers to his hat and left.

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-30 10:13 pm (UTC)
ext_12296: (Default)
From: [identity profile] tygermama.livejournal.com
Poor Ezra, he was trying to do good. Chris and everyone else are going to flip when/if they find out about the Immortality thing.

(next part?)

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-30 11:39 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] strangevisitor7.livejournal.com
*hee* It's going to be quite the conversation. Ezra alwys gets hurt the worst (emotionally) when he tries to do good. Glad you enjoyed it

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-30 10:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sivanshemesh.livejournal.com
Yay! Another fic from you.

Looking forward to read the next one.

Now i'm sure that they suspected if he got shot, i just wondered how soon they'll know that he is immortal, and how will they take it?

Keep writing,

*Hugs & Kisses*

Happy New Year,

Sivan Shemesh

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-30 11:38 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] strangevisitor7.livejournal.com
Thanks - I'm glad you enjoyed it. They may not know exactly what's going on but they know Ezra is hiding something

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-30 11:01 pm (UTC)
ext_9031: (Default)
From: [identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com
Cool, you've started posting it!

Oh, and do you want me to list it on my Charlotte stories index post (http://ithildyn.livejournal.com/652634.html)?

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-30 11:37 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] strangevisitor7.livejournal.com
Yep - I forgot to link to the index - I should do that in the header

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-30 11:50 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kesomon.livejournal.com
Oh dear oh dear. Y'know, I think Vin should be his Watcher.

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-31 12:44 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] strangevisitor7.livejournal.com
LOL - If Immortals knew about Watchers back then - I think Vin would be a good one...except for the fact he can't read - would be hard to keep a chronicle.LOL

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-31 12:58 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kesomon.livejournal.com
Bah, details details. illiteracy is the perfect cover.

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-31 02:27 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] strangevisitor7.livejournal.com
You have a point

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-31 12:01 am (UTC)
ext_59232: mine (Default)
From: [identity profile] conjured-1.livejournal.com
Oh, my, you've hurted my poor Ezra where it counts. One day his heart is going burst from all the angst. *glee*

Can't wait for more!

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-31 12:23 am (UTC)
ext_9031: (Default)
From: [identity profile] ithildyn.livejournal.com
This one scores a big 10 on the angst-o-meter [g]

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-31 12:45 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] strangevisitor7.livejournal.com
Yep He's in for lots of hurt - the emotional kind - before this is over.
Glad you Like it!!!

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-31 12:27 am (UTC)
ext_25347: (Default)
From: [identity profile] bookaddict43.livejournal.com
Oh no! Poor Ezra! He thought he was helping and now he's feeling like an outsider again.

Is he going to tell them? Or will Vin guess and bring it up - I can't wait to see what happens next. It's great to see Immortal Ezra back.

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-31 12:47 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] strangevisitor7.livejournal.com
You know Ezra he immediately figure poeple think the worst of him. Glad you enjoy my take on Ezra.

Stay tuned he either tells them or he doesn't :p

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-31 02:32 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] dnalia.livejournal.com
Woo! Another Mag7/HL story! Awesome :D

Poor Ezra. he just can't win.

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-31 02:57 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] strangevisitor7.livejournal.com
Glad you're so excited. Cards he has the luck but people not so much

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-31 04:52 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sparrowwritings.livejournal.com
You'd think a person whose learned to read cards and people at a poker table, would be able to translate that into the world beyond poker. lol

Poor Ez, all he wants to do is help.

Can't wait until the next part! :D

(no subject)

Date: 2008-12-31 05:37 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] strangevisitor7.livejournal.com
True - though I suspect he can read people just not when their emotion is directed at him. Glad you're enjoying it. Next part going up today

Yay! A sequel!

Date: 2008-12-31 06:28 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sfulton229.livejournal.com
Wonderful to see the sequel and Ezra is in a bad way; trying to help and protect his friends but making things worse. Buck knows that something is off and Vin really noticed the coat and I bet the flinch as well; they are trying to figure it out and keep Ezra as a friend. Ezra is thinking the worst and starting to protect himself. Looking forward to the next, angst filled chapter!

Re: Yay! A sequel!

Date: 2008-12-31 05:39 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] strangevisitor7.livejournal.com
Thanks! Ezra isn't used to being the protector of anyone but himself, he was bound to screw it up. But as you suspect, they aren't going to let him go without a fight.

(no subject)

Date: 2009-01-03 11:01 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] egorstandish.livejournal.com
I'm here! *waves*

This is going to be angsty isn't it? You don't have to answer that but it's going to be angsty isn't it? Huh? Isn't it?

I looove angsty. And a guilt ridden Ezra.

Ohh, this is love so far.

(no subject)

Date: 2009-01-03 05:25 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] strangevisitor7.livejournal.com
HI!!!!!
Yep Angst is the word of the day. Welcome back :D

(no subject)

Date: 2009-04-18 09:40 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] rubystandish.livejournal.com
Poor Ezra, no matter how hard he try to help he's always getting yelled at and getting in the way. If only he could just tell them and be done with it but then we wouldn't have this cool story.

I can't wait to see how the others are going to react if/when they find out.

*Hugs*
Ruby Standish

(no subject)

Date: 2009-04-19 05:10 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] strangevisitor7.livejournal.com
Glad you are liking it so far. It's true poor Ezra is too quick to believe that the others would turn against him.

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