Farewell to Mortality

[Michele Hawkins]

It was three hours into packing and I was beat. Fiona has way too much crap to put away. Not to mention she has her 'filling' system that had to be exact otherwise she supposedly couldn't find anything every again when we move into our new condo.

Sometimes, she's a wee bit overdramatic. But I still love her. Not sure why ...

I side on the side of the couch and fall back, kicking up newspaper and cotton. Maybe I can hide for a while while Fiona's busy inside the bedroom.

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona walked out of the bedroom and noticed the pair of bare feet around the corner ::

"You're not finished yet?"

[Michele Hawkins]

My swinging feet stopped and I winced. Busted. "Um ..." I pull myself up and lay my head every so cutely on the couch. "... no?'

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona looked a bit perplexed ::

"What have you been doing?"

[Michele Hawkins]

"To put it bluntly, Fiona. You have way too much crap to pack." I stifle a yawn. "I'm beat."

And bored, but I didn't say that.

[Fiona Devlin]

:: She tried desperatley to keep a straight face, but her cheeks puffed ::

"I thought you knew I was kidding about all this. I'm just here to clear out the closets, luv."

:: She flashed her sweetest grin as Michele's eyes narrowed ::

[Michele Hawkins]

"So I did this all for nothing?" I start looking around for my sword ... My voice is growly and seemingly serious eventho the last thing I want to do is kill my girlfriend.

.....


Maybe.

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona looks over her shoulder, gauging the distance to the bedroom door and takes a backwards step ::

"Would you like a beer?"

[Michele Hawkins]

I pound my head once into the sofa and fall back on my back. "Sure."

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona danced to the kitchen and back to Michele with two bottles of honey brown ale. She sat down beside her lover and offered her one of the bottles ::

[Michele Hawkins]

"Thanks." I took the bottle and had a nice refreshing drink of the ale. I let out a pleased sigh and set the bottle on the coffee table before I pounced on Fiona.

I did make sure the beer wasn't in hand and pinned her against the couch, "Ya think I let you get off that easily, missy?"

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona squirmed and pretended to cry ::

[Michele Hawkins]

"Bah!" I grinned and steal a kiss. "You know you love it."

[Fiona Devlin]

:: She wrinkled her nose and her eyes were sparkling as she gave Michele more of a struggle with her arms ::

"Let me go!"

[Michele Hawkins]

"Like hell I'm letting you go!" I laugh and was about to attack Fiona before I hear someone clearing their throat. I grumble and look up to see the movers we hired, giving them the most incredulous of stares. Bitches ruining my fun and with the looks on their faces, their fun too. Pfft. Men.

I get off of Fiona and wave them on in. "Bedroom, main hall and here. Knock yourselves out."

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona catches her beer as she hops up, quickly sticking out her tongue in victory before she scampers down the hall to give instructions ::

[Michele Hawkins]

I pout, crossing my arms as one of the movers passes by my vision to pick up a couple of boxes.

"Your timing sucks. You know that right."

He chuckled and nodded in agreement.

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona slid past another mover as they set themselves to work, and she whispered into Michele's ear ::

"You can torture me later, I won't run away." :D

:: then she cleared her throat ::

"Come on, let's go eat."

[Michele Hawkins]

My pout extended into a sly smile. "You just better keep that promise."

I put on my flip-flops and follow Fiona out to grab something to eat. It's late spring here in Chicago and needless to say, the weather has baffled our fair city. It’s actually SPRING. The humidity hasn't come yet and it's a beautiful 76 degrees outside.

As always, my arm finds a way around Fiona's hip while we're walking. "What did you have a taste for?"

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona leaned her head on Michele's shoulder as they walked and wrapped her arm around her waist in kind ::

"You pick."

[Michele Hawkins]

"Oh, nononononono. I'm getting what I want later and since this is your last meal, you pick."

I'm so mean.

[Fiona Devlin]

:: She turned on the big puppy eyes ::

"Hibachi."

[Michele Hawkins]

Hibachi was a Japanese steakhouse that wasn't too far by bus but a healthy walk. My cheek nuzzles into her hair. "As you wish."

I check my watch. Bus should be by in a few. "Wanna walk it?"

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona nodded, and kissed Michele's cheek ::

[Michele Hawkins]

We hoofed four city blocks, mostly in silence. Every now and then Fiona's curious nature took her away from me as she planted her face on a window to peek inside the storefronts. Grumbling bellies made it easy to pull her away.

Once we got to the restaurant, we got seated for two and ordered some wine while we looked over the menu. A menu I could read. For a change.

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona ordered the shrimp & chicken combo, and shiitake tempura for an appetizer ::

[Michele Hawkins]

"Why must you always order what I want to order all the damn time?" I bump Fiona in the side playfully and order the shrimp and scallops just to be different. "You owe me some of your appetizers.

[Fiona Devlin]

"My plate is your plate."

:: She smiled back and sipped her wine. It was then she felt another presence ::

[Silas Balan]

"I'll bet."

[Michele Hawkins]

I got the buzz too and turned around. I gasped. I'd recognize that face anywhere. This was Balan. The jag off that tried to run Fiona and me off the road and caused my first death.

"You sonofabitch!!!" I was getting ready to pounce. Balan tried to ruin my life and I was going to repay him in kind. My blood was boiling and I didn't care who was watching us. I might’ve accepted my Immortality but if it weren’t for this jerk, my life would’ve still been normal!

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona caught Michele's hand to calm her ::

"Don't."

[Silas Balan]

:: Balan smirked at the couple ::

"I like butch chicks. I think I'll save you for last."

[Michele Hawkins]

Oh he did not just say that. I tried to get back up but Fiona forcefully sat me back down again. I know if anything left my mouth at this moment, it would be loud and crude and we didn't want any more attention on us. So for Fiona, I stayed quiet and gripped the side of the table. My knuckles were turning white under the strain, popping from the pressure being released and eventually began to hurt so badly that my fingers began to pound.

[Silas Balan]

:: Balan noticed the concerned faces as the head waiter came up. ::

"I was just leaving. The food sucks anyway."

:: The man warily escorted Balan to the door, but not before Balan gave them a last look ::

[Michele Hawkins]

I kept staring at him as the waiter led him out. I don't think I blinked once. Not even when Balan stared back at us before disappearing.

"I'm going to kill him." I wasn't speaking out of bravado. I was dead serious. I was gonna kill that sonofabitch.

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona noticed the alarmed faces of the people sitting next to Michele ::

"We'll get a restraining order. In the meantime, try to relax."

[Michele Hawkins]

I looked at her oddly and followed her eyes, seeing the people next to me shudder. Yikes. I really messed up.

"Yeah," I mumble and turn around to try and eat but I can't get Balan outta my head. All I see is his face and feel my rage.

The fork slips outta my hand and I blow out a stress filled breath. I've lost my appetite and down my wine instead. Not the best thing to do on an empty stomach but I'd rather be tipsy then pissed right now.

[Fiona Devlin]

:: The Hibachi Chef came and entertained as he cooked up the food for everyone. Fiona gave Michele's hand a gentle squeeze and offered her some tempura ::

[Michele Hawkins]

I waved it away, "No thanks," and poured myself some more wine, focusing on the Chef's entertainment instead.

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona deftly took the glass after Michele filled it and smiled ::

"Slow down."

:: Then she took a delicate sip and set it down again ::

[Michele Hawkins]

"Why?" I roll my eyes. "Not like I'm driving home."

I play with the tempura on my plate and finally take a bite.

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona opened her mouth, just as the onion volcano lit up. Then dinner was served. She stole one of Michele's scallops with her chopsticks ::

[Michele Hawkins]

I narrowed my eyes, "Hey."

I snatched a piece of chicken off her plate and ate it in victory.

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona was very relaxed throughout the meal, as if Silas Balan hadn't heckled them at all. She talked freely with the people beside her, actually teaching them a bit of Japanese as they ate ::

[Michele Hawkins]

Course my appetite came back with the humor. I just wish I was able to block what happened with Silas like Fiona was able to. I guess that sorta thing comes with age. Like speaking a bazillion languages.

In the midst of her lesson, I snatched my wine glass back.

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona went on about how her Aunt Lavinia lived in Japan in the seventies, to account for her knowing so much. She finshed up her meal with some pineapple for dessert and raised a brow at Michele as she filled her glass with more wine ::

[Michele Hawkins]

I hear a stop in the conversation and can feel my girlfriend's eyes on me. I set the bottle of wine down and looked at Fiona innocently. "What?"

[Fiona Devlin]

"That's your third glass, luv."

[Michele Hawkins]

I sighed, "And?"

Fiona just stared at me expectantly since I should know better. She didn't need to spell it out for me. Plus, do I really wanna get drunk? It wouldn't make the problem go away. Silas would still be here.

My eyes narrowed slightly as a thought hit me and I pushed the glass away. "Yeah. You're right. I'm cut off." I produced a defeated smile but inside my anger hadn’t subsided. It was just redirected into making good on my statement. To kill Silas Balan. Tonight. The longer he was out there breathing down our necks, Fiona and I would never find peace or we'd end up in pieces. I'd have to face an Immortal sooner or later. Might as well be one I have A LOT of motivation to chop his head off, right? It should make the act of beheading Silas easier but I wouldn't know until it came down to it. Or if I even get a chance. Silas is twice my size and had hundreds of years of experience in the Game. The odds are against me but I have to do this. Not only for myself, but Fiona. I don't want her to die.

I squeeze her hand before she thinks something is up and stand, "Let's go home."

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona paid for the meal and also had the wine decanted back into the bottle to go. The sun had finally set when they stepped outside, and Fiona glanced around. There was no sign or feeling of another Immortal for miles ::

[Michele Hawkins]

"Well," I pull Fiona close in an embrace, "Least he's leaving us alone."

I nuzzle my way to a kiss, so soft and tender. The kind that always melts Fiona within my arms and gets her craving for more. If this is my last night with her, I'm going to make her the happiest woman on earth, though I'll admit part of me is being devious. I'm also doing this because after we're done making love, I know it means we'll fall asleep soon thereafter. She'll never know I'm gone until it's too late.

[Fiona Devlin]

:: The walk home was uneventful, but Fiona was trembling with arousal by the time the door opened. She scampered down the hall giddily as she stripped ::

[Michele Hawkins]

I smiled out of sadness as I watched Fiona head into the bedroom. She was so excited and unexpecting that I almost stopped myself there because I knew I was going to hurt her in the end. My feet kept moving me forward as less clothing found its way off my body, leaving a trail from the front door.

As I entered the bedroom, Fiona had just made it to the edge of the bed. I quickly stalked her, taking her lips roughly and lifting her off the floor so I could lay her on top of the bed. She was putty in my hands, allowing me to do what I pleased which was returned in kind. For three hours, we were in heaven and I didn't want to go back to reality.

But another three hours later I was watching the angel sleeping at my side. I burned her perfect form into my mind because this image of peacefulness is what I was fighting for. I want all of our nights to remain like this, drowning in each other’s love. And if things went to hell, well, this would be the last thing I see before the end.

I finally muster the strength to pull myself away and get dressed in comfortable clothes, jeans and a t-shirt. I stole one last glance at Fiona, making sure I didn't disturb her. I stood there silently for three minutes before I was satisfied and left the room. I slipped on the black trench coat that Fiona bought me and hefted my sword in front of my face. I saw my reflection staring at back me filled with determination and knew I wasn't afraid.

The weapon slipped inside my trench and I left the condo in the search of my prey. Sooner or later Balan would show up and then, one of us was going to die.

[Silas Balan]

:: On the other end of town, Balan had just finished playing Clockwork Orange with some Gangrel biker wannabe, and was cruising down the avenue on his newly taken Harley ::

[Michele Hawkins]

It was close to 3AM and no sense of Balan. I figured he wouldn't be too far from the condo and started a circular search pattern. Enough military types do it so it can't be that bad of a plan. Plus, it wasn't a weekend. Streets weren't crowded.

Then I felt that familiar tingle coupled with a loud roar of a motorcycle. It HAD to be him. I turned around and saw his silhouette coming closer. I needed him off that bike to stand a chance and hopped over a bench, dashing into the park.

I would be a fool to think he just ditch the bike. He was reckless so I ran in a way that kept obstacles between me and him.

[Silas Balan]

:: Balan sensed her, and sped into the park after her ::

[Michele Hawkins]

Okay, now I gotta think fast. How do I get him off the bike? AHA!

I dart behind a tree that happens to have a trashcan handy. Hopefully I time this right or I'm dead.

When I hear the bike revving closer, I pick up the top of the trashcan with both hands and throw it sideways at him. A few months ago, I wouldn't of had the strength to do this. Thanks love for the training and please god, let it hit...

[Silas Balan]

:: The can bounces, hitting him in the side just hard enough to make him skid out. He lay on the ground as the harley came to a stop a short distance away ::

[Michele Hawkins]

Perhaps a better opportunity could present itself but I don't think I could catch Balan this off guard again. He wasn't helpless by any means, but I got him off his feet. I had to go for it.

Springing from around the tree, I pulled my sword out from underneath my coat. I heaved the blade horizontally through the air to give me the momentum I needed and curved it down towards Balan's neck with a guttural yell.

[Silas Balan]

Nevermore - What Tomorrow Knows

Dreams lie smashed again
They've pinned your back to the wall
Like faded pictures of what might have been
Fate is cruel when dreams, like candles, fade
Smashed again down into the gray
Despise for a world turned cold
No one sees what tomorrow knows

There's a shame in blind suffering
Dishonor from the inside
Find hope from the voice within
Clear vision of your own mind

Mistakes you wear like your skin
You wish you'd never been born
Stand up, you can't escape your past
But fools will try just to forget
From where they came
Smashed again down into the gray
Despise for a world grown cold
No one sees what tomorrow knows

No more color to will to fade
To see life clearly, regretful nevermore
Take the time, make the time

There's shame in false victory
Dishonor from the inside
False pride, all you can't redeem
Clear vision of your own mind

:: Balan brought his pirate cutlass up in a block before Michele could take his head ::

"Hi Butch."

:: He shoved her backwards and gave her a crooked smirk as he got to his feet ::

[Michele Hawkins]

God I hate him!!! But I have to keep my wits about and not let him get to me. He knows I hate that butch crap and is trying to get me riled. Well, all he got was a pissed off sneer when my balanced returned.

I didn't attack. I got into a defensive position first because I remembered my earlier lessons with Fiona and being too cocky. I can't be that way. Not here. I have to wait for an opening on my terms. So I keep the blade steady eventho I can feel my body trembling from the adrenaline.

[Silas Balan]

:: Balan marched forward, kicking the trashcan aside as he swung. A shower of sparks lit up as their swords clashed ::

[Michele Hawkins]

I gritted my teeth, trying to hold my own against his strength. I could feel my feet sliding against the pebbled ground of the hiking path. We stood there, vying for control and it was obvious I was going to loose.

I step away, encircling my blade against his cutlass in an attempt to open up room for an attack.

[Silas Balan]

:: Balan barreled forward as their blades unlocked, and he bashed Michele in the head with his fist ::

[Michele Hawkins]

My whole head jarred with that attack and I stumbled backwards. My ears were ringing in a bad way and yeah I saw stars. Lots of stars. I tried to shake it off and brought my sword up just in time to parry his next attack. It wouldn't have killed me but I do think having a cutlass ran through your leg wouldn't help my slim chances of winning either.

[Silas Balan]

:: Another shower of sparks as their blades clashed. He gave her a hard shove backwards towards a park bench ::

[Michele Hawkins]

There's nothing I can do as I stumble backwards once again and into the bench. I end up falling into it so hard that it actually gets pushed back a foot. What's worse, I felt the sword leave my hand and heard it hitting the ground. Damnit he's strong.

[Silas Balan]

:: He ran forward, slam dancing right into her as she tried to get up. They both fell as the bench crashes over and they hit the ground hard. Balan was laughing ::

[Michele Hawkins]

I'm glad one of us is enjoying this because I'm, certainly not! Hell, my head's ringing even worse now that it slammed against the ground. Thank god I hit the grass instead of the rocky path. I might have had my head split open.

I spy my sword five feet away and groggily get to my feet and make a break for it.

[Silas Balan]

:: He reaches out, grabbing her calf to trip her ::

"Slow down, Butch. I like foreplay."

[Michele Hawkins]

My feet fly from underneath me and I get a few seconds of airtime before I face plant. I hear the crackle of cartilage and gasp in pain. My nose has to be broke and it was confirmed when I lifted my head, seeing blood hitting the grass below me.

Things are just going from bad to worse. I roll over onto my back and slam the heel of my boot onto the palm of his hand. "You really have an odd sense of what Butch is ya know."

[Silas Balan]

:: He winced, but let go of his sword to grab her by the legs, pulling and grabbing at her until his face was between them ::

"Right."

:: He stared, admiring the view ::

[Michele Hawkins]

I look at him aghast. He did not just do that!!!

"YOU BASTARD!!!" I grab him by the head with both hands and dig my thumbs into his eyes, pushing into his sockets as hard as I can. It wasn't pretty but it hurt like hell.

[Silas Balan]

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!"

:: He rolled away, his hands over his eyes as blood streamed down his face ::

[Michele Hawkins]

I'm not stupid or cocky. Here's the moment that I can end this with Balan, who shouldn't have underestimated me because I haven't taken a head yet. Idiot.

I get to my feet, still wobbly. I think I might have a slight concussion so I didn't want to waste precious time in getting my own sword with how I was feeling. I took Balan's cutlass instead and stood at his side. I felt my lip twitch in anticipation. I knew what was going to happen next after I took his head. This would be my first Quickening and after it was over, I would have all of Balan's strength and knowledge mold into my psyche as if were always mine. I was once afraid of this but not anymore because if I was, I would have been Balan's plaything by now.

The blade rose above my head and I found myself smiling as it dropped. It was really satisfying to kill this pervert with his own weapon ...

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona woke up to find herself alone. She cursed, dressing frantically and grabbing her sword as hurried to find Michele. A half-hour later, she reached the edge of Dvorak park. Lightning filled the sky, and she screamed in horror as she got out of the car ::

"Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!"

:: She was sobbing as she ran towards the direction of the Quickening ::

[Michele Hawkins]

I know I'm screaming but I can only hear the crackle of lightning booming all around me. Nearby park lamps blew out in succession.

My eyes are shut tight from the pain as each arc of Quickening leaps off of Balan headless body and penetrate my chest. My mind feels like jello as over three hundred years of knowledge fuses with my own while my body writhes with power.

When it was finally over, I finally drop Balan's cutlass and fall to my knees shaking. I look around the park with new eyes in a sea of wonder ...

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona's heart pounds in her ears as she reaches Michele, a look of great torment giving way to relief as she falls to her knees several feet away. Unable to speak, she stretches out her hand towards her lover as it starts to rain ::

[Michele Hawkins]

My eyes are still blurry from the Quickening and I see someone coming towards me quickly. I shake my head and force my vision to clear. To my surprise it's Fiona! I saw the look of relief wash over her and took her hand, pulling myself into her arms while the falling rain soothed our nerves.

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona clung to Michele tightly, letting herself have a good cry before she looked up again ::

"We need to get out of here."

[Michele Hawkins]

I pet her hair as she cried in my arms. I really didn't think I'd ever get to see her again. I'm blessed in my victory.

I thumb her cheeks as she pull away and look at Balan, "Um, we can't just leave him here."

Fiona kinda left the part out about cleaning up after a duel. Ain't I lucky she came along. Heh. I'd probably have to call her anyway since I'd have no idea what to do.

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona stood, helping Michele get to her feet. She looked more concerned about finding Michele's sword ::

[Michele Hawkins]

"Okay, okay." I got the hint. We'd attract attention soon because of the ruckus Balan's death caused. I walk over to the toppled over bench and pick up my sword, placing it back inside the folds of my coat.

Fiona had followed me and I stare at her in confusion as we head back to the car, "Shouldn't we do something tho?"

[Fiona Devlin]

"He won't be missed, if that's what you're worried about."

:: She wiped the wet hair away from her face and started the car ::

"Trust me."

[Michele Hawkins]

I open my mouth to tell her I do trust her but that would be a lie considering my actions this night. So I simply nod and turn on the car heater to warm us up. I flip the visor down to get a good luck in the mirror at how bad I look. My hair is wild and wet, and there's a nice bruise starting to form on the side of my head while my nose is twice its normal size all bloodied to hell.

Yeah, I'm a picture of beauty.

[Fiona Devlin]

:: The drive home was silent, with Fiona's attention totally focused on the road ::

[Michele Hawkins]

I kinda got the hunch that what I did was finally hitting Fiona. She was too quiet and that worried me. However, the pain I was feeling was beginning to subside the closer we got to the condo and much of the swelling was gone too. This Immortal healing thing is nice.

I look at myself in the mirror again and see my nose is back to normal tho it hadn't fully healed. I wonder if I'm healing faster because I took a head ...

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona walked to the kitchen and reached for a towel to dry her face ::

[Michele Hawkins]

My sword went back inside its case and I peeled off my wet trench, hanging it over the shower rail inside the bathroom. I got another good look at my face and it looked fine, save for the caked blood under my nose and the tiredness in my eyes. I wash my face with soap and water and I'm surprised I didn't flinch. I wiggle my nose. No pain? I move it around with my fingers and stare at my reflection. It's like it was never broken.

I grab a towel to dry off and head out into the living room, peeking inside the kitchen to see how Fiona was doing. I honestly didn't know what to say without making her angry. Well, anymore angry. Being silent seemed like a good idea until she said something. She was just so hard to read right now ...

[Fiona Devlin]

:: Fiona's eyes caught her movement, and she walked into the living room, pacing back and forth in front of Michele. Then she pointed her finger theatrically and her face was a wide eyed snarl ::

"DON'T EVER ... DON'T EVER DO THAT TO ME AGAIN!!!"

:: She poked at the air ferociously ::

"EVER!!!"

[Michele Hawkins]

I lean backwards away from the finger pointing and wince as my lecture was about to begin. Fiona was still suffering from a mixture of relief and anger, and I'm willing to bet our neighbors could hear her through the walls, and not in a good way, heh.

Now, I do realize that this was going to happen to me the moment I returned home, whether my girlfriend found me or not. But hell, it was worth it. I don't mind this being my reward. To be able to see her beautiful face all puffed out upset with wet strings of hair hugging her adorable cheeks. I'm alive! That's all that matters!

"You know," I flash a charming smile like I did nothing wrong, "You really are sexy all riled up like this."

[Fiona Devlin]

"What???"

:: Fiona looked blown out of the water, then her eyes narrowed ::

"This isn't funny!!!"

:: She fought desperately as the corners of her mouth curled into a smile ::

"Damn you, Michele Hawkins."

:: She was blushing ::

[Michele Hawkins]

When I heard her say my name like that and watched those adorable cheeks blush, I knew I won.

"Seriously," I step forward and take her hands in mine. I speak with a deep sincerity and give Fiona the answer she deserves with kidding aside, "I had to know if I could do it and I know you wouldn't let me. Not by myself. I wanted him gone with no distractions so we could be left alone. And ... now he is gone."

I can feel a fire burning in my eyes that wasn't there before. Tonight taught me a lot about myself and that I really am ready for this life. I'm stronger, faster and full of confidence now. I just need to be careful as the Game continues and not get in over my head. Luckily, I'll have Fiona to reel me in. Otherwise, she'll take my head!

...

Seriously, heh. Only time will tell and we have all eternity to find out together.