Duncan and Ritchie carefully moved down the alley, aware of the Presences, now that they were out of the apparent radius of the new interference. Immortals were coming to town, pulled by this phenomenon. Some were no doubt a bit on the hostile side. Which explained the cautious approach of the two companions.

They found a large door, slightly ajar. Sensing this contained their subject, they put their hands on their swords and entered, backs to each other.

"Well met, MacLeod!", a harsh voice barked. The two Immortals turned to the sound and saw...

"Kalas.", Duncan breathed, his senses now on high alert. Ritchie, sensing Duncan's tenseness, began to draw his blade. Feeling Duncan touch his elbow, he stopped.

"Your young friend is a bit impetuous, MacLeod. I suppose one of the lessons you've taught him has not included prudence. You're outnumbered."

Duncan noted the two youngish, brutish looking Immortals accompanying Kalas.

"I see you are putting together a fan club," Duncan remarked. "They must be enchanted by your lovely voice."

Kalas' face darkened. "A reckoning is coming, MacLeod. I swear it. Not today, perhaps, but it is coming." The two toughs chuckled.

"Wait. I know you," Ritchie said, pointing to the haunted, slightly unhinged looking one with greasy hair and wild eyes on Kalas' right.

"Yeah. Malcolm. Or...heh...Talon, you've started calling yourself, after your accident."

Talon's wild eyes flared, then narrowed, watching as Ritchie approached.

"I remember this character. Ran into him in Dallas. Was looking for his first Quickening," Ritchie tsked mockingly. "Tried to work up the nerve to challenge by drinking, got tossed out of the bar by bouncers, then tossed in the drunk tank."

Ritchie laughed and said, "Talon, Dark Claw of Death. Bitch, please."

Talon snarled and went for his blade, as did the burly biker looking fellow on the other side of Kalas.

"Enough!", Kalas roared. His two companions desisted, Talon's eyes blazing at Ritchie. Duncan looked torn between admonishing Ritchie and laughing. His face remained carefully neutral.

"We want to know about the phenomenon," Kalas said. "We think you know what is calling us to Paris. What is it?"

Duncan looked innocent, Ritchie whistled, winking at Talon.

"Whatever would give you that idea?", Duncan asked sweetly.

"You live in this city," Kalas growled. "You know the Immortal activity here. You have at least heard something."

"Well, I'm not the only one. Go pester them," Duncan said dismissively.

"Oh, I intend to," Kalas hissed. "But first..."

Suddenly Talon snarled, not able to take any more of Ritchie's whispered tauntings. His strokes were strong, murderous, but careless. Ritchie expertly parried and dodged, intent on keeping Talon's weapon at bay.

"Your Quickening will be mine, you bastard!, Today, I claim my first!"

Talon bore in viciously. Ritchie, backing away, didn't see the loose board in his path of retreat. His heel caught on it, and he went down. Talon rushed in to take advantage...and found himself impaled on Ritchie's blade. But then, he seemed to grow even stronger, wrenching himself off, howling incoherently, coming in fast.

"Ritchie!", Duncan called out, wanting this not to end in bloodshed. Kalas watched impassively. Duncan then wondered, where was the third? He sense movement behind him, and went for his sword. Spinning around, he saw the large immortal immobile in the shadows behind him. A shiny sword emerged from it, at the large one's throat.

"Not the most sporting...", a voice familiar to Duncan chuckled. "Now, be a good boy and stay..." The blade vanished, as did the presence.

Suddenly the noise of combat stopped. Talon's now headless body toppled to the ground. Ritchie stood breathlessly, staring. Then closed his eyes to await the Event.

Talon's body glowed with a jagged aura of light, which slowly emerged from his still form. It gathered in a ball above, and Ritchie braced himself for its impact.

The light then seemed to fold on itself, and then vanished.

Everything was still. Ritchie opened his eyes and looked around. Talon was dead. And he felt nothing.

He looked over at Duncan, Kalas, and Kalas' remaining companion. All three stared back. They all then exchanged glances. It was clear NO ONE knew what had just happened.

And back at Amanda's apartment, she felt a surge from her womb, a stirring, then all was quiet...