Immortal History Lessons 18

Immortal History Lessons 18

Wakie, Wakie

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Thanos sipped his coffee watching Zak from across the table on the terrace. "Well?" he asked.

"Well, there's no doubt Kenan knows. If you'd counted on subtlety forget that. Oh, and I should tell you they used the bloody thing. Used the magic. That probably sent up flags halfway round the world." Zak was fighting back a grin, thinking about it.

"How nice," Thanos said.

"Oh, and there's the dog. Oh, and there he is." Sugar came racing into the room ahead of Methos and Sydney.

Methos was bearing the weight of the aegis on one arm, being an immortal who had born such a thing into battle more often then most, he didn't look perturbed by the weight. No, his expression of cold glee had more to do with a person rather then an object.

Thanos eyed the dog, then leaned back and eyed Methos.

To which Methos unceremoniously dropped the aegis on the ground which gave off a piteous humming sound at the treatment.

"And your point is?" Thanos asked.

"What do you need this for?" Methos asked.

"I don't need it for anything," Thanos said. "Though I do worry about what others think they need it for. Still it's a little late to be asking that question, wouldn't you say?"

"Sugar, stop growling at the nice man. Heel. What's the word in Turkish?" she asked Methos.

"Topuk." Methos said and Sugar fell back, looking at the immortal expectantly. "I thought we were going after a fake, a very good fake, but a fake. The last thing I expected was having to test the theory under gun fire."

"I thought I told you it wasn't a fake," Thanos said. "When Sydney was outlining the fakes, I distinctly recall making it plain it wasn't. Interesting that a non-mage was able to use it. It shouldn't have been possible. Even more interesting that you survived it...as it were."

"Yeah, well I'm persistent that way." Methos spat. "And even though I come across vampires and mages on a regular basis lately, it doesn't mean I'm going to believe in the Holy Grail or the Golden Fleece simply on a word."

"And that's my fault how?" Thanos asked.

"Look, we got your aegis. Are you happy now?" Sydney asked Thanos. "Because we did our best."

"I'm not the one having problems, Sydney. Nor the one who's unhappy," Thanos replied.

"Want to know why I'm unhappy, Thanos. I'll tell you why," Methos said, pointing at Zak. "Because he wasn't where he was supposed to be, that's why. Everything was going along smoothly until he screwed up, now there are at least four men dead and Sydney was put in more danger then I was willing to risk. Now ask why I'm unhappy."

Thanos keep his face impassive with an effort. "I feel sure you'll tell me without asking."

"Because you gave me your word he'd be there, Thanos. If the aegis hadn't been real we would be dead by now, and if I understand what you were saying earlier, real or not it shouldn't have worked for me anyways," Methos added sarcastically.

"I am loathe to correct your recollection but it was Zak who promised to be there," Thanos said. "And you understood correctly." He paused as the buffet and coffee were replenished. "Breakfast? If you're hungry, help yourselves." He glanced at the dog. "And I'm sure we can find something for the nice doggie."

"Can we just get out of here," Sydney suggested, eying Thanos and then Methos.

"I am sorry I was a bit late. One of us was on the wrong street, I'm afraid," Zak commented. "I found you as quickly as I could, given the distractions in the area."

Methos groaned and slipped into a chair next to Thanos. "Oh forget it, I'll just have to add this to the very long list of things I'll never do again."

"That makes two of us," Thanos said, still eying the dog.

"For gods sake, Thanos. He's not going to bite you, not unless I tell him to." Methos said with mild annoyance that bordered on amusement.

"I'm not worried about him biting. It's the flea bites I'm not interested in," he explained as the dog started scratching again.

"He does not have fleas," Sydney replied hotly. "He helped us get away, and I wasn't going to leave him there to face the music, so to speak. You don't leave your team behind!"

Thanos watched the dog start chewing on his paw. "No?" he said politely. And with a slight bow of his head, "Then I defer to you superior judgment."

"Would it kill you to be polite to your guests?" Sydney asked him. "Can we just leave?" she asked Methos. "I don't like him."

Methos turned wide eyes on Thanos and shrugged helplessly, though it was obvious that the immortal was trying not to laugh at Sydney's open dislike of the prince. "I guess we'll be going then."

"So I gathered. I appreciate this," Thanos said as he stood. "It is I who am in your debt now."

"Then I'd like to ask a small favor," Sydney said, looking at Thanos a bit defiantly. "Since you appreciate it and all."

"But you don't like me and I'm rude, remember. How can you bear it?" Thanos asked.

"Yes, well," Sydney replied, "it's in a good cause, and actually it's Zak I'm requesting the favor from, but since he works for you I thought it only polite to ask you."

His lips twitched. "Feel free."

"Would you, Zak, mind terribly delivering Sugar to Duncan MacLeod in New York. Also, if by chance there are any fleas, could you zap them off of him while doing it?"

Zak's grin was wide. "I'd be delighted to, Miss Watson. I can't wait to see the look on the Highlander's face."

"Me too." Methos said, chuckling.

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