Disclaimer: Highlander belongs to Davis/Panzer Productions, I don't own anything, just my original characters.
I was born before 1600 in the Highlands of Scotland, and I am still alive. I am Immortal and I am not alone. For four hundred years, I have fought, loved, wondered, explored and avenged. Now, I have found the woman of my dreams, but we are always in danger. For centuries, I have battled the Dark Immortals, with Holy Ground my only refuge. Soon will be the time of the Gathering, when the stroke of a sword and the fall of a head, will release the power of the Quickening. I am Owen MacLeod, the Highlander. In the end, there can be only one.
(Cue Princes of the Universe)
Starring
Jack Turpin
Kehli O'Byrne
Adrian Paul
Alexandra Vandernoot
Stan Kirsch
(Princes of the Universe ends)
Eye of the Beholder
Guest Starring
Nigel Terry
Katia Douvalian
Special Guest Appearance by
Anthony Hopkins as Clifford Holden
In lovely, organized bedroom, the very young and beautiful Cynthia Hampten was lying in bed with her older boyfriend, Gabriel Piton, glancing at the ceiling.
"Sometimes I look around and I cannot believe it," she said.
"What can't you believe?" asked Piton.
"That it is really me in your arms. Gabriel, do you love me?"
"I love your grace, your beauty. The way you move, the feel of your skin. Your kisses, your passion."
"Gabriel, I want to stop hiding our relationship."
"No."
"But-"
"I'm serious. Not a word. Come on. We have a show to prepare."
Piton got out of the bed, put on his robe, and left the room. Cynthia gets up, removed the blankets from her chest and put on her own robe, too. She crossed to a small table and picked up an earring, then looked around for the other one.
"Gabriel, did you see one of my earrings in there?" she asked.
"No," Piton called back. "You probably dropped it somewhere."
"Hm. It's got to be around here someplace."
She looked around the table briefly, then got distracted by a music box on a table in the corner. She started the music box playing and a hidden door rotated open next to the table. Cynthia entered the hidden room, which was full of treasures - artwork, clothing, etc. She observed many of them in awe.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" asked Piton, suddenly showing up next to her.
Cynthia admired a piece of jewelry, "I've never seen anything like it."
"No, you haven't. It was created by Ivan the Great for one of his mistresses. No one has seen it for over three hundred years. How'd you get in here?"
"I don't know. The door opened."
She looked at a painting on an easel, "She's beautiful. Who is she?"
"Francesca da Rimini," answered Piton.
"Francesca da Rimini? Isn't that the painting that was stolen last year in Italy?"
"That's right."
"How did you get it?"
"I truly am sorry, Cynthia. This was never intended for anyone's eyes but my own."
"I don't understand, Gabriel."
"How could you? Everything you see here is in some way connected with the most beautiful women in history. It is my inspiration; it is my secret place…" he gave her a kiss before repeating, "…my secret place."
"Secret place? So you don't want me to tell anyone about it."
"Exactly."
He kissed her again, but then jabbed her in the neck with giant hat pin. She collapsed onto a chair and died as he looked down at her with a blank expression.
At the L'Etoile D' Café, Owen and Lynn were sitting with Richie at a table when a waiter sat down a large platter of shrimp and oysters.
"There you are, monsieur," he said to Richie. "Bon appetit."
"Whoa," Richie replied, seeing the food, "What's this?"
"It's what you ordered, monsieur."
"Ah, no, no, no," Richie replied, "I think you've got the wrong guy. I ordered fruit salad."
"Actually, Richie," Owen spoke up, "You DID order this. I tried to tell you what it meant in English, but you wouldn't listen to me."
"Thank you, monsieur," the waiter nodded. "You did order this, monsieur."
"No, no, no, I didn't. I ordered fruit. You know, like bananas, apples, oranges - that sort of thing."
"Monsieur, we do not serve fruit," the waiter told him, "If you want fruit, go to California."
Owen and Lynn desperately tried not to laugh.
"Okay, okay, just," Richie reached for the menu, "just excuse me for one moment here, sir. Now just pardon me."
He pointed at an item on the menu, "This is what I ordered, right there. You see that? Fruits de mer."
"Oh boy," Lynn laughed, shaking her head.
"Oui, oui," the waiter replied, "Fruits de mer. Exactement. Bon appetite, monsieur."
He then left the area.
"Look on the bright side," Lynn continued, "At least none of us are allergic to seafood."
"True," chuckled Owen.
Then they heard a someone laughing. The trio turned their heads and noticed a girl with shoulder length brown hair laughing nearby.
"Excuse me?" asked Richie, "What's so funny?"
"Um, sorry," the girl replied with a slightly grating French accent. "Maybe I should tell you three that in French, 'fruits de mer' means shellfish."
"Exactly," confirmed Owen. "I'm actually good in French. Just trying to teach these two."
"Maybe in France they should call it whatever it is," Richie chimed in. "Besides, who could eat this stuff anyway?"
"I do."
"I do like American shrimp," added Lynn. "French shrimp might be similar."
"You can say that."
"It's good," the girl chimed in. "Try it."
"You try it," retorted Richie.
"Yeah," Lynn agreed, feeling uneasy by the girl's presence.
"Okay," the girl responded as she moved closer. "Hmm, let's see."
She used the cocktail fork to eat an oyster.
"All right," agreed Richie.
He took an oyster shell and cocktail fork.
"What are you doing?" the girl asked.
"Just checking to make sure it's still alive. "Don't hate me for this, okay?"
He ate an oyster, as did Lynn. Owen helped himself at the same time.
"Good, huh?" the young lady asked.
"As always," said Owen, happily.
Lynn nodded, though she was trying to get used to the change.
"Wonderful," Richie answered, trying to hide a face he was making. "You want some more?"
"Sure," the girl accepted.
Richie handed her the fork, "Help yourself."
"Thanks," the young woman replied before introducing herself, "My name is Maya."
"Hi, Maya," Richie greeted. "I'm Richie."
"Mine's Lynn," Lynn eyed the pair.
"And I'm Owen," finished Owen.
"You three are American, aren't you?" asked Maya, wiggling her eyebrows, which Lynn did not like.
"Actually, THEY'RE the Americans," Owen corrected. "I was raised in America, but I was born in Scotland."
"Oh, a Scotsman."
"We're in town on vacation. It's mostly to celebrate my girl's graduation."
"How exciting."
Owen was just trying to be nice, but Lynn was able to notice the look Maya was giving HER boyfriend. However, Richie's laughter distracted her. He wanted to keep the conversation going.
"Yes, I, uh, I guess that would be fairly obvious, and you are..."
"Late for a meeting," Maya answered. "It was nice meeting you three."
She got up and walked out of the cafe.
"Yeah," said Richie to himself. "Maybe in my next life."
"You're better off without her, Rich," Lynn said as the three were finally alone. "She's not even THAT pretty."
Richie was surprised at her attitude towards Maya, while Owen just grinned.
"Why are you saying that?" asked Richie.
"I'm being honest, the look she's giving Owen is one thing. But there's just something else about her I just don't like."
"A possessive girlfriend?" Owen asked as if he was in denial over getting a Christmas present he always wanted. "I love it!"
"Owen!" Lynn exclaimed in embarrassment.
At a fashion show runway, Duncan, Owen, Lynn, Tessa and Richie were watching the show as the Fine Young Cannibals song "She Drives Me Crazy" was playing.
"Is it weird that Roland Gift, this song's vocalist, looks like Xavier St. Cloud?" Owen whispered to Lynn.
"It actually IS kinda strange," she replied.
"It's wonderful!" Tessa exclaimed as the quartet looked around. "I can't believe you managed to get us backstage passes."
"Me either," added Richie.
"Thanks," Duncan replied. "It's really courtesy of an old friend that I have. Figured you guys would like it."
"Eh, not a huge fan of fashion," explained Lynn. "Some of it is too 'flashy.'"
Richie surveyed the room full of models, "Yeah. I like it a lot."
The younger couple rolled their eyes. Richie was such a hopeless simp. The group watch the activity as the song continued.
Lynn looked on in disapproval as Richie watched Maya in a frilly white dress walking out onto the runway. Richie attempted to follow.
"Excuse me," the handman stopped Richie from going any further.
Lynn rolled her eyes, knowing it was Maya. Owen placed his arm around her shoulders, letting her know she was safe with him.
Richie pulled his head back from the curtain and faced his people, "I know her."
Duncan and Tessa just chuckled.
"I'm serious. I do. Met her in a cafe."
"All three of us did," Owen added.
"And she's not that pretty," patronized Lynn.
"That's not very nice," Tessa replied.
"Well, she's not."
Before Duncan could follow up, he looked around, feeling a buzz. Owen felt the same. On the other side of the room, Gabriel Piton walked over to the stage, greeted the handman kindly and kissed Maya on both cheeks while he greeted the audience.
"Old friend?" Tessa asked Duncan.
"Very old friend," answered Duncan.
The older couple got some champagne, when Piton reentered the backstage with Maya. He relished in the applause he was getting as he walked over to greet Duncan.
"Duncan MacLeod, you got my invitation," he beamed.
Duncan shook his friend's hand, "Yeah, I did. This is Tessa."
"Nice to meet you," Tessa greeted, shaking Piton's hand.
Piton turned to Owen, "And this must be the son you told me about."
"Yes, Owen MacLeod," Owen introduced himself as he shook Piton's hand. "And hello to you too Maya."
"Hello, Maya," Richie greeted Maya.
"Maya," Lynn nodded respectfully.
"Hello, Richie, Lynn, Owen," Maya replied, mostly looking at Owen. "I had no idea I would see you here."
"I'm trying to get Lynn here into fashion," chuckled Owen. "Richie here is interested in a lot."
Richie smiled and nodded quickly, "Listen, you were fantastic...stupendous...incredible."
"You did a good job," Lynn simply said.
"She's right, you were wonderful," Tessa added with more enthusiasm in her voice. "I'm Tessa and this is Duncan."
"Hi," Duncan shook Maya's hand.
"Oh, yeah, sorry," apologized Richie, realizing he forgot to introduce the elder couple. "Uh, listen, can I buy you a champagne or something?"
"Sure, but it's free," Maya answered.
"Then great, I'll buy you two."
"Okay, let's go."
Maya took Richie's arm and they walked off together.
"I'm going to have a look at the clothes," said Tessa. "Come with me, Lynn."
"Oh, ok," Lynn agreed as she walked off with Tessa.
A female admirer came up to Piton and made some compliments.
"Thank you, thank you," he responded.
"So, it's Gabriel Piton now?" asked Duncan. "Still trying to make women happy, I see."
"Magnifique," a madame said to Piton.
"Thank you, thank you," he responded before turning back to Duncan. "Succeeding, Duncan. Succeeding. You're looking fit. Not quite in my league, but fit enough."
"Well, I guess you don't really want to put your money where your mouth is," retorted Duncan.
"I have a training area at my apartment, if you and your son care to join me."
Duncan smiled and shrugged, "Maybe."
"Think about it."
Piton turned and walked away. Duncan smiled, shook his head and turned to look across the room. Owen, on the other hand, watched Piton suspiciously. He had something he was hiding about the Immortal fashion designer.
Elsewhere, Richie and Maya had gotten their champagne.
"Cheers," said Richie, as the two clinked glasses.
"Cheers," Maya responded as they both took a sip.
"So, what's up?"
"I hope I didn't seem too nervous out there."
"Nervous? If anybody should be nervous, it's definitely me."
"Why?"
"Well, look at you, Maya, you, uh... you look quite a bit different now."
Maya looked up at the ceiling and sighed, "I just hope I did okay. A chance like this doesn't come along every day."
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, you know, my roommate, Cynthia, was supposed to do the show."
"Right…"
"But she had to leave town suddenly, so Piton asked me to fill in."
"And you were magnificent," said Piton, joining them.
"Mr. Piton, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine, Richie Ryan."
"Sure. Hey, uh, glad to meet you," Richie greeted.
"Well, most people are," joked Piton, before turning to Maya. "We need to discuss the next show."
He began to lead her away, when Richie spoke again, "Ah, um, listen, Maya... you, uh, you want to go out later and grab a bite to eat?"
"I'm afraid she can't," responded Piton. "She's joining me at a reception."
"Maya?"
"I'm sorry, Richie," Maya responded over her shoulder. "Next time, maybe."
Then the MacLeods approached with the girls.
"You ready to go?" asked Duncan.
"We found something for me. Something-" Tessa paused before kissing her fingers.
"YOU found something for you. I didn't."
Outside, Maya and Piton walked out of the hotel lobby, where reporters were waiting for them, flashing cameras.
"Ah, here he is. Yes, there they are. All right, all right. I'm going to take a shot over there. Piton, here!" they said amongst themselves.
"C'mon, let's go," Richie said, standing outside with his crew.
Just then, a detective intercepted Piton at his car, "Excusez-moi, monsieur. Mademoiselle, I'm with the police."
"What?" asked Maya.
"May I have a word with you?"
"Police?"
"What's this all about?" demanded Piton.
"We've discovered a body," the detective replied. "We believe it to be Cynthia Hampten."
"Cynthia?" asked Maya.
"My God," gasped Piton.
"Wha... What... what happened?"
"She was killed with a sharp object and left in an alley next to the Seine," the detective explained. "We've been unable to locate her family. Do you think you could come with me to identify her?"
"I… I don't... I don't know."
Richie came over. He had been watching the exchange.
"I'll go with you," he offered.
"That won't be necessary," replied Piton, before turning to the detective. "If you'd like to come with us…?"
They get into the car, while Richie went to stand by the MacLeods. The car door closed as Duncan, Owen and Richie were left standing outside the hotel.
Later that night, the quartet were relaxing in the barge.
"I just got a very, very suspicious feeling about this Piton character from the first second I laid my eyes on him," he said, clearly annoyed.
"You mean the second you saw HIM lay eyes on Maya," dismissed Tessa.
"If you guys want my opinion on that," Lynn interjected, "It was creepy."
"Also, Piton is on the edge of ending up on my hit list," added Owen.
"Why?" Duncan asked, who was giving Tessa a footmassage. "Piton and I have been friends for a long time."
"Yeah, well, you're the one who said the guy's a thief," put in Richie.
"So what are you driving at?"
"On one of his thieving sprees, my friend, Clifford Holden, who vowed to defend the town he was living in from evil, went after him," Owen explained. "I've never seen him since then. Clifford was one of the best of us, settling into countries wherever there was a series of beheadings and 'investigate' the crimes while simultaneously taking down the Dark Immortals."
"If Piton is responsible for this Holden's disappearance, then that should be a reason to be concerned," agreed Richie. "I can't put my finger on it. I just don't trust him."
"Richie, he's an Immortal," Duncan stressed. "He's not somebody you want to tick off."
"And I'M not somebody HE wants to tick off," retorted Owen. "If I find out Piton took Holden's head, I will take HIS."
Duncan looked at Lynn, but she just gave a look that let him know she was on Owen's side.
Next day at the L'Etoile D' Café, the young trio was speaking to Maya.
"How well did you actually know Cynthia?" asked Richie.
"We'd only been roommates for a couple of months," Maya answered.
"So it was a professional relationship, not an actual friendship?" asked Owen.
"We were friends."
"Was she seeing anybody?" asked Lynn.
Maya pondered the question for a second before asking, "Why do you want to know?"
"Curiosity," Owen simply replied.
"Ah-hm."
"I'm going to take that as a yes."
"Yes, she was, but she never told me who. I guess he was married or something."
"And what about her and Piton?" asked Richie.
"What about it?"
"How'd they get along?"
Maya thought, before shaking her head, "Great, as far as I know."
"Did they ever get together outside of work?"
"If they did, I never saw them. Listen, Richie, what Mr. Piton does is not my business."
"Listen Maya, somebody killed your friend and what if Piton had something to do with it?" asked Lynn.
"No, he couldn't. Listen, it was nice talking to you."
She stood up, but Owen spoke again.
"Maya... if find out anything by any chance, let us know," he said.
Maya did not say anything. She turned and walked out. But as she walked down the sidewalk, she peaked through the window to see Owen. A small smirk appeared on her face as she continued to walk.
On the deck of the barge, Duncan was performing kata with a wooden stick. He was also wearing headphones and his moves appeared to be synchronized to the music he was listening to. Owen, Lynn and Richie showed up while he was in his technique.
"Mac?" Richie spoke up.
"What?" answered Duncan, continuing the kata.
"Is this a bad time?"
"No."
"Good. Do you understand women?"
"Occasionally."
"Well Richie," Owen replied, "They're like artichokes. You have to do a bit of work before getting to their hearts."
Lynn felt lovestruck by the comment.
"Well, then, will you tell me why they're always going for the guys who are jerks?" Richie continued.
"If you're talking about Piton, that's not exactly difficult to understand, is it?" asked Duncan.
"Oh, pardon me for being so stupid. I mean, the guy's an arrogant, humorless, self-centered son-of-a-bitch. What's not to love?"
Duncan stoped his kata, "Richie…"
"No Dad, he has a point," said Owen.
"He's an ass, and you know it," Richie added.
"Not only that, he's also a creep," insisted Lynn. "I can see it in his eyes."
"Richie, you're dealing with a guy who has three hundred years' experience with women as your competition," Duncan simply said as he returned to his kata.
"You think that's what this is all about?" accused Richie.
Duncan paused again, "Isn't it?"
Richie walked away in frustration as Duncan continued his kata. Owen then grabbed the stick, getting Duncan's attention.
"It's not Dad," he insisted. "He's the prime suspect in Holden's disappearance, and you told me you constantly butted heads with him. At this rate, anything is possible."
Owen released the stick and walked away in a huff, Lynn holding his shoulder. Owen thought back to his training with Holden in 1835.
Owen stood in a cave that seemed designed to train swordplay in various forms. An older man, with long grey hair, stood at the back of the room, at a table that gave him a full view of the cave.
"I'm Owen MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod," Owen announced.
"I am Clifford Holden," replied the older man. "Why have you come?"
"I was told that you teach various people art of sword. I've come to learn and use my knowledge to protect this world from our evil brothers and sisters."
"This is going to take a lot of work."
Owen stood in a large circle, holding a rapier, as Holden stood before him, a rapier in his own hand.
"This is called a training circle," he explained." It will be your world, your life. Till I tell you otherwise, there is nothing outside of it. Your enemies do not exist until I say they exist. As your skill improves you will progress to a smaller circle. Each new circle brings you closer to retribution."
"Let's begin," Owen said.
Over the course of the coming weeks, Holden trained Owen the various forms of fencing, improving Owen's current style. He even showed him new moves with the katana. Owen even practice his acrobatics on a course in the cave, which Holden also showed a different style. While Owen did pushups, Holden even taught him several more words he had not picked up, as well as teaching him in Spanish and Mexican. When the time came for them to part ways, Holden stood at the cave entrance to see Owen off.
"May God be with you, as you tempt your fate," he wished.
"Farewell, my friend," said Owen. "I hope we meet again."
Owen moved the stirrups and the horse made her way down the path.
That night at Piton's apartment, Maya was sitting on Piton's bed as he stood before her.
"Maya, I know how hard this was for you," he said as he sat down next to her, "But I just want to tell you - I thought you were spectacular in the show. I never realized how special you are."
"You're saying that just to make me feel better," replied Maya, unimpressed.
"No, I never say anything I don't mean. I think Cynthia would be pleased if you were the one to fill her shoes."
Maya chuckled, "But I never even thought…"
"I know."
He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand, while she kept a pokerface.
"Can I have that drink now?" she asked.
"Of course."
He got up and left the room to find the drink. Maya's pokerface dropped and her real face emerged. A face that had no interest in Piton, merely a suck up. She wandered around the room, looking at things. Suddenly, at the base of a sculpture, she spotted Cynthia's missing earring and picked it up. She looked around, contemplating her options. Just then, Piton reentered, but only saw her looking at the sculpture.
"It's an interesting piece, isn't it?" he asked.
"What?" she asked before going back into her pokerface."Yes, yes, it's lovely. I forgot... I have to meet someone. I need to go. Thanks for everything. I'm sorry."
"I understand."
Maya left quickly.
Next day at the L'Etoile D'Café, Maya tossed the earring onto table.
"I found it last night at Piton's apartment," she said. "It was Cynthia's."
"Yeah, and…?" inquired Lynn, noticing Maya sounded like she did not want to be there.
"She was wearing the other one when she died. She got them for her birthday. The police asked me about it."
"I knew it!" Richie exclaimed. "So now we know Piton was with her the night she died."
"But he told the police he did NOT see her. Why would he lie?"
"Big names in agencies like these are surprising people, girl," Lynn replied. "I suggest you take it to the police."
"But what if it's nothing?" asked a stressed Maya. "If I go to the police and they question Piton, my career is finished. Don't you see? This is my chance."
"I know, but Maya, if he DID waste her, then you're just protecting him, and where does that leave you?"
"But it's just an earring," Lynn pointed out.
"You have a point," agreed Owen. "It's not enough evidence. We need more."
"Maya, the boys and I need a word alone."
"Sure, I should be going anyway," replied Maya, as she got up and walked away.
Owen got up and followed her, something Lynn was not pleased with.
"What?" Richie asked.
"She cares more about her damn career than the truth," said Lynn.
"Lynn, that's just rude!"
"Rude?! Oh. My. GOD! If she actually cared, she would've told us EVERYTHING by now! I know she's only telling half-truths!"
"Ever since Maya showed up, you've been cold and distant toward her! Are you jealous or something, Lynn?"
"Jealous?! Me?! How desperate are you?!"
At the same time, Owen caught up with Maya outside the cafe.
"Maya, if you're worried about the repercussions, don't worry," he reassured. "We'll help you pick up the pieces in the aftermath."
"How?" asked Maya.
"We'll investigate the matter and let you know if we find anything. If we do, we'll need your word made to the police."
"I'll consider it."
"Also, in case something happens to Piton and your career is at risk, I know a lot of popular agencies in the area that could use your talents. And if I can't do it the normal way, I got another way."
Owen rubbed his fingers together, creating the illusion of money. That brought a smile to Maya's face.
"Rich, smart AND a Scotsman, hmm?" she said.
Owen shrugged, "You can say that."
"Ok, I trust you."
Then, Maya leaned to Owen's right, and planted her large lips on his cheek, giving him a goodbye kiss. She then walked away, but not before giving him a flirty smirk and wink. Owen immediately felt his blood freeze and second thoughts entering his head. Lynn was right, this girl WAS trouble.
Outside Piton's apartment building, Piton himself exited the building, got into car and was driven away. Richie crossed the street, used a burglary tool to open the door, and slipped inside.
As Richie made his way through the apartment, he set off a motion detection device on the wall that began to blink.
In the back seat of his car, Piton heard a beeping noise, picked up a small pager-like object sitting beside him on the seat and looked at it. His car made a U-turn and drove back the way it came.
Back in the apartment, Richie was looking around when he heard the downstairs door buzz and open. As Piton came up the stairs, Richie looked around for a place to hide and ended up hiding in a wardrobe against the wall. Piton entered the room and slowly stalked around. Suddenly, the telephone rang and he walked over to the desk to answer it.
"Yes…." he responded as he spoke to the caller. "Now's not a good time... Later."
He hung up the phone, then noticed the wardrobe door was slightly open. He slowly moved closer to investigate, only to get hit by the doors that Richie shoved open. Richie jumped out and tried to run, but Piton tripped him, knocking him down. Piton quickly placed his foot on Richie's head.
"Nice to see you again," he said sarcastically.
Using his right arm, Richie freed himself and got back to his feet.
"I know this looks bad…" he said quickly.
"Why are you here?" demanded Piton.
Richie glanced at the display of sketches nearby and got an idea, "I was a little short, and they made me an offer I couldn't refuse."
"What are you talking about?"
"The designs. They... they... they wanted the designs for your fall collection."
"Who wanted the designs?"
"The guys. You know, the guys."
"What guys?"
"The guys with the noses."
"What are you talking about?"
"The knock-off artists. They said they'd cancel my gambling debt if I stole them."
"I don't believe you."
"I swear."
"And if you didn't steal my designs, what would they have done to you?"
"Only broken both my legs."
"You would have been better off."
"You did kill her, didn't you? You son-of-a-bitch."
Richie looked behind himself and saw a bottle of brandy. He grabbed the bottle of brandy off the side table and threw it at Piton. Piton ducked and the bottle broke against the nearby table, spewing the alcohol all over the floor.
"Are you quite through?" asked the unimpressed Piton.
Richie responded by pulling out a match and lighting it, confusing Piton.
"Not quite," he responded, before throwing the lit match at the spilled alcohol, setting it ablaze.
"Gah! Ah!" Piton cried out as the fire started to burn his clothes.
Richie runs out of the room as Piton flailed about, still yelling and still on fire.
"What's the matter with you?!" shouted Duncan. "In all this time that you've been with me, haven't you learned anything yet?"
"Oh, Mac, gimme a break!" Richie snapped. "He killed that girl! I'm going to the cops."
"And what are you going to tell them?!" Owen spoke up. "I told you an earring wasn't enough evidence so you broke into his apartment and you set him on fire?!"
"Okay, okay. So I admit it looks a little funny."
"This ISN'T funny! This is serious!"
"Oh great, just great! What the hell am I supposed to do now?!"
"I think you've done enough already!" Duncan yelled back. "Piton hasn't lasted this long without taking a few heads. I want you to leave him alone."
"Leave the job to us Immortals," added Owen as he and his father headed for the door.
"Where are you going?" Richie asked.
"To talk to him!" replied Duncan.
At Piton's gym, he was sparring with Duncan, both using wooden staffs. Owen stood on the sidelines, waiting his turn and watching Piton with suspicion.
"Your young friend has caused me a lot of trouble," said Piton. "He thinks I killed Cynthia, doesn't he?"
"Did you?" Duncan asked.
"MacLeod, you know me."
The sparring continued as Owen squinted at Piton while moving menacingly.
"You didn't answer my question," said Duncan as they locked staffs.
"You've killed," Piton retorted. "You believe there are things worth killing for."
They broke off the lock and Duncan dodged a strike for his head.
"Not THINGS," he snapped. "Not PROPERTY."
"What about beauty?" asked Piton, which to Owen, sounded like manipulation. "Flawless, timeless beauty. Perfection itself. Wouldn't you kill for that?"
The two sparred some more and using a switch between one hand and two hands, Duncan knocked Piton off his feet and on his back. He then pointed his staff at Piton's face.
"Life is beautiful; that girl was beautiful," replied the elder Highlander.
"Yes, she was, but the beauty was transitory," Piton snapped before catching himself. "Hey, I was just using her as an example. I thought you'd understood that."
But unknown to him, Owen got what he saw as a confession.
Duncan helped Piton to his feet with the staff, "I understand. Now I want you to understand something."
"What's that?" asked Piton.
"You owe me."
Piton prepared to continue the fight, but Owen jumped in the way and blocked the strike.
"Yes, you do," he said. "A palace in England, 1803. You stole a necklace from a duchess, who was dating Dad. He asked you to return the necklace, but you were offended that Dad had taken the side of a mortal over you and challenged you. Dad won, but let you keep your head in return for the necklace. But now, another issue is here, a friend of mine who disappeared looking for you."
Unknown to them, Piton was thinking back to the Las Californias in 1841.
Holden stood before Piton, sword in his hand. Piton, holding his own blade, noticed a black braid katana on Holden's horse.
"Clifford Holden," introduced the defender.
"Gabriel Piton," the thief responded. "What do you want."
"The necklace," Holden spoke sternly. "You should return it."
"Forgive me. It was too tempting."
"I am not your enemy. We do not have to fight."
"I avoid duels, Holden, but I never run from them."
"I do not hunt for Quickenings, Gabriel. I fight to protect the people, and the world."
"The people here are very rich. They won't miss it. I never give up that which I have acquired."
"I can see your passions in your eyes. A man of your talent has no need to steal."
Piton scoffed, "I need nothing from these fools, Holden. I simply create for them."
"Thievery is a hard habit to brake. You must stop now before it is too late."
"No, I've grown attached to this necklace. More attached than your head will shortly be to your shoulders if you try to stop me."
Holden sighed with disappointment, then raised his blade in offering the challenge.
"So be it," vowed Piton.
They begin exchanging blows, with Piton struggling against Holden. As they slashed, thrusted and stabbed at each other, Piton's transitional rapier, which had been damaged from many years of usage, got broken by Holden's. Holden then backed Piton toward the horses, and made one last offer of redemption.
"Leave peacefully," he offered.
Suddenly, Piton grabbed the katana from the nearby horse, swung hard at Holden's rapier, knocking it aside and stabbing him in the chest. Piton freed the blade as Holden fell to his knees.
"I believe this is where I say, 'there can be only one'," said Piton.
"But it will not be you," Holden replied.
Piton swung down and took Holden's head. Energy and lighting flew from the body and caused explosions around the area as Piton took Holden's Quickening. The horses neighed loudly from the destruction caused by the Quickening.
"You'd risk your life and challenge me for a mortal?" Piton asked, offense in his voice.
"If I had to, yes," answered Owen. "I've done it before. But I won't have to because you're innocent, will I?"
"You really are your father's child. As you both said, I owe your father. I won't hurt the boy."
"Hurt him in anyway, and you're on my list, regardless of the rumor."
But something was telling Owen that Piton would not keep his word.
Back at the barge, Richie was wanders around, while Lynn was sitting. Feeling bored, he picked up Duncan's katana, swung it around a few times and took a stance with it.
"I am Duncan Macleod of the Clan MacLeod," he said, imitating Duncan before raising the sword to a blocking position and changed imitation. "And I am Connor MacLeod. Same clan, different vintage."
Lynn giggled as Richie continued to play with the sword. He swung the sword around some more, making swishing noises as he did so. Unknown to the two, the MacLeods had returned. They watched Richie silently, almost sadly.
If only he knew, thought Owen.
"No one's ever beheaded themselves before, but you might make history," Duncan said, announcing his presence.
"He has a point you know," added Owen as the two made their way over.
"I was just getting the feel of it," Richie explained.
"Sure. How is it?" asked Duncan.
"It's good. It's good. I think I could really get the hang of it if somebody was to teach me."
"Don't," Lynn warned.
"Not a chance," agreed Duncan.
"Oh, come on," Richie begged. "You're the one who's always telling me I need to know how to defend myself, right?"
"Right, I'll just give you a quick lesson and off you go."
"Good."
"Give me that."
Duncan took back the katana, "You know how you fight an Immortal?"
"With your wits and cunning."
Duncan's tone became serious, "You take out your gun and you shoot him in the chest. Then you shoot him again, and again. And when he rises…"
"I shoot him again."
"No. You run like hell."
"Only take the head if you have the weapon to do so," Owen continued. "And make sure another Immortal is present."
"Why?" asked Richie.
"Because if an Immortal is beheaded and there is no other Immortal nearby to absorb the released Quickening, the Quickening will dissipate. And I also believe that's the reason new Immortals are rising. More Quickenings lost, more new Immortals with Quickenings and knowledge to take their place."
Some time later, Owen was on the roof, using a stick to stand in for his sword. He was preparing for his inevitable duel with Piton. Due to how much of a workout he was having, he was shirtless. As he practiced, he thought he saw a figure on the quay, hiding behind a brick wall, but the figure quickly vanished. Shrugging it off, he stopped to mop his face with a towel, when he heard footsteps. He peeked around the corner of his area of the barge, and saw Richie sneaking away. When Richie got a distance away, Lynn appeared next to Owen.
"I'm following him to see what he's up to," she said.
"Ok, just be careful," warned Owen.
"I will."
Lynn quietly followed Richie behind as Owen continued to practice.
Later on the dock beside the barge, Duncan and Owen were practicing kata, when Tessa drove up in the car. Lynn came out quickly.
"Get in. The lawyer's waiting," she said.
"What lawyer?" asked Duncan.
"Richie's in jail," Tessa explained. "He went after Piton with a gun."
"MotherFUCKER!" exclaimed Owen, slamming his hand on the car roof.
"He set Richie up," Lynn added. "The police were waiting for him."
"He said he wouldn't hurt him," said Duncan. "Move over."
He got into the driver's seat after Tessa scooted over.
"I knew Piton would not keep his word," Owen seethed with fury as he got in with Lynn.
"At least he's alive."
"But Piton won't be, not for much longer."
Duncan stepped on the gas and the car sped away.
At the French jail, Duncan, Owen, Tessa, Lynn and the French lawyer approached. Richie was relieved to see them.
"It's about time," he said. "Have you paid the bail?"
"Bail? What is 'bail'?" asked the lawyer.
"In case you've forgotten, Richie, this is France," Duncan explained.
"Eventually the judge will see you, monsieur, and he will then decide if you must remain in jail until your trial," added the judge.
"Okay, fine," Richie agreed. "Let's go see the judge."
"Ah, I'm afraid that is impossible."
"Why is that impossible?"
"Ah, because the judge is on vacation. But fortunately, he will be back tomorrow."
"Lynn…? Tessa...? Owen…? Duncan...!"
"I'm afraid there's nothing we can do," apologized Tessa.
"Don't worry, Richie," Duncan said sarcastically. "The chef's probably French."
"That's not 'good news'," Owen pointed out.
"You can't leave me here," said Richie.
"All things considered, it's probably safer," Duncan replied.
"What do we do about Piton?" asked Owen.
"Piton let Richie off easy. He could be dead."
"It's Maya who's going to be dead!" Richie snapped.
"What do you mean?" asked Tessa.
"God help me," Lynn muttered to herself. "Now I'm wondering if the world would be better without that bimbo."
"She's with Piton. He knows she found the earring."
At Piton's studio, Maya was standing in front of some mirrors as Piton was making adjustments to a dress she was wearing. Unbeknownst to Piton, he was so busy adjusting the dress that he did not notice Maya glancing at a printed out picture in her hands. A picture, OF OWEN ON THE BARGE. She slowly licked her lips at the sight of the 'young man's' looks: long hair, healthy appearance, and the mention of his connections and wealth.
"It's late," she said, slipping the picture into her dress to hide it. "I really should be getting home."
"Patience, it's almost done," replied Piton.
He turned Maya to face him, made one last adjustment and stood up, looking serious.
"What's all this business about an earring?" he demanded. "You never mentioned anything to me."
"I found it the other night," she explained. "I did not tell you anything because I did not think it was important."
"You told that boy. How much did Cynthia tell you about us?"
"Nothing. I didn't know."
"Too bad. Now you do."
He backed her up against a nearby table. Instantly, Maya became afraid and the realization donned on her.
"You DID kill her," she accused.
"Don't act so shocked," replied Piton, stroking her cheeks. "You've suspected me all along."
"Why?"
"Just bad luck for her... and now for you."
"I won't tell anyone. Please. I swear, you can trust me."
"Trust is a very fragile thing."
He leaned in to attempt to kiss Maya, while grabbing her throat with his hands. But then, Maya reached for pair of scissors and stabs Piton in the side.
"Ahh!" he cried out as he stumbled away.
Maya ran off down the stairs, while Piton grabbed a black braid katana from a nearby table and ran after her.
"Maya!" he snarled as he chased after her.
"Stay away!" Maya ordered as he backed her into a corner.
"I will always remember how beautiful you were."
He then raised his sword to kill her.
"Nooo!" Maya screamed.
But then, Piton paused as he sensed a buzz. He turned, and saw the MacLeods appearing above them. Owen jumped down to their level. Seeing Piton was distracted, Maya ran to Owen and hugged him. Piton glared at the sight.
"Quite an entrance," he scoffed. "Your father always had a flair for the dramatic. Seems you really are his child."
"Maya, get out," Owen ordered her. "Tessa and Lynn are waiting in the car."
Maya glanced at Piton, a look that showed disgust and smugness, before quickly running out. Owen pulled out his katana as Duncan was walking down the stairs.
"You can't let him do this," Piton told Duncan. "We're friends, MacLeod."
The older Highlander shook his head, "Not anymore."
"Well, you know what they say... breaking up is hard to do."
He turned to face Owen, who pointed at the katana.
"That sword belonged to Clifford Holden," he said.
"Who?" asked Piton.
"An Immortal that was after you in 1841. He was also my friend. You'll remember it when I take your head."
The two began to fight, trading a few blows until Piton dodged a swing from Owen. They paused briefly, before trading two strikes and missing a third one. Owen slowly backed Piton into the mannequin area and attacked again. But after blocking two strikes, Piton pushed mannequin at Owen and knocked his katana from his hand. He then kicked the katana away and backed Owen up to the stairs. Owen climbed a few steps, dodged three blows that hit the stair rails, then summersaulted over the left stair rail and reclaimed his sword before Piton caught up with him.
"For Clifford," whispered Owen.
Backing Piton toward the mannequins again, Owen attacked him with one hand before going for two again. After another swift exchanged of blades, Owen swung to the right and Piton swung to the left. Duncan watched as Piton's head fell from his body, which collapsed onto a long red dress. Owen walked to the stairway, when a surge of energy left Piton's body and entered him, releasing lighting bolts. Owen screamed in excruciating pain from the force of Piton's Quickening, while lightbulbs and sparks flew.
When the rage subsided, Owen ended up at the stairs. There, he saw his angry father crying. Seeing Duncan hit the railing in grieving rage, Owen walked over to him to hug him. Little did they know, a catfight was happening at the barge.
"I kept quiet all this time out of respect for Richie," Lynn eyed Maya, "But not anymore."
"What are you talking about?" Maya asked.
"Don't play dumb with me! It's your fault Richie's in jail! If you had just cooperated and helped with our investigation, he wouldn't be there right now!"
"It's not my fault, I didn't want to make a big deal over nothing!"
"It IS a big deal!"
"What is your problem with me?!" Maya asked. "You've acted like this to me since we met!"
"For good reason, but I don't expect a BIMBO to understand!"
Maya's eyes widened in offense, "Do not call me that! DO NOT call me that!"
"Well, what else should I call you?!"
Lynn and Maya's argument escalated to the point where Tessa could not take it anymore.
"You know what?! That is it!" she exclaimed. "Get out! Go outside and work it out! Talk it out! When you have, you can come back in! Go on! This has gone on long enough!"
"Fine then," replied Lynn. "You, with me."
She led Maya to the deck, secretly grabbing a tape recorder and activating it. As they walked along the deck, she turned to face her.
"Look, I know we started off on the wrong foot, but I know people like you have a deeper personality and I think you should be honest with me," she said. "If you have something to admit, say it to my face."
"Sure," Maya nodded. "I would love to tell you the truth."
"Alright. You knew there was something off about Piton and yet you defended him. I thought Richie and Cynthia were your friends, why risk them and avoid justice?"
Maya scoffed, "Justice? Everything about this is completely stupid. Even if Piton wasn't the murderer, I would still want to save my career, no matter what. If all others before me have to die, so be it. I don't care about that. I'd even throw an autistic model under the bus, literally, even my own best friend to make it to the top because the top model position is the place for me."
It's worse than I thought, Lynn thought. Fucking bitch.
"Cynthia was just a plain girl who didn't deserve what she got," Maya continued. "I'm more beautiful and sexier than her. Piton is a fool to not realize that when she was alive."
Fuck this bitch, thought Lynn. If Owen were here, he'd probably call her a whore.
"As for Richie, hmph, he is stupid. He's good for nothing and just trash. I don't think I could ever find myself attracted to, let alone be friends with a loser like that American boy. I personally think he will never amount to anything in life and I know he will be a convicted felon before he even becomes thirty. I don't know why I think that, but he's nothing to me. He never was. I'd leave him to die if given the opportunity."
"Anything else?" Lynn asked.
"I'm also baffled that you also have what I don't," Maya said suddenly.
"What?!"
"Don't be dumb, how did a plain blonde amerloque like you end up with a handsome man like HIM?"
Lynn's eyes widened as she realized the meaning.
"You probably had dirt on him. A man as handsome and rich as him is too good for you. He even offered to help me if something happened to Piton. He could do SO much better, like ME, for example."
"What are you saying?!" Lynn demanded.
"You're plain, I'm beautiful. You're nothing, I'm sexy," answered Maya, smirking cruelly. "I bet I can steal him away from you."
"I'd never let a slut touch me," said a voice.
The girls turned and saw Owen standing there, arms crossed, with Duncan standing by his car. Owen had heard everything.
"I know the movements you made when you glanced at me at the show. You might as well have been naked. You might be a model, but even the best ones don't have such vulgar. If anything, you're the one with dirt on guys. I think even pornstars have more class than you."
"That's not the real me," insisted Maya. "It's just business."
"I can tell you're lying. Don't pretend to be someone that you're not."
"I'm not pretending anything. My love for you is real."
"Can't you see that I'm happily taken? Why would you try to steal another girl's boyfriend?"
"Owen," said Lynn quietly, her heart melting in her stomach.
Maya was in shock. It seemed like no man had ever rejected her in the past. Owen walked over to the barge, climbed aboard, walked to Lynn and held her hand.
"You might be in love with Lynn now, but I'm not giving up," Maya warned.
"Heh. Well, you should," scoffed Owen. "I'd never fall for a girl like you."
"I'm going to be even more successful as a model and then I'll get you to pay attention to me. You'll end up regretting that you choose her over me."
"I plan on spending the rest of my life with Lynn. We've been together for two years, while you're just a stranger."
"Don't be too optimistic. I'm sure that you'll get sick of her soon."
"Can't you see that all the men that ask you out are only interested in one thing? They just want to sleep with you. Only Richie wanted to get to know you. I bet you've never had a serious relationship. You're too scared to date anyone seriously out of fear that they'll realize how shallow you really are. That must also be why you turned Richie down. Not just for what you already said. I almost feel sorry for you. You want to be rich and at a high position and yet, you're too afraid of a serious relationship."
"Well, if you feel sorry for me, you should dump that plain girl and date me instead. At least give me your phone number for when the time comes."
"I'd rather cut my own head off than date you."
Maya was so shocked that Owen was that in love with Lynn, that she turned on her heel, stormed down the plank, across the quay, up the stairs and out of sight. Lynn turned off the tape recorder as Duncan walked onto the barge, clearly disappointed in Maya.
"Seems Maya wasn't a true friend after all," said a voice.
The three turned to see Tessa.
"You heard the whole thing?" Lynn asked.
"Yeah, I understand where you're coming from."
"I seriously think I should sabotage her career for this."
Owen made a wolf whistle in response.
"I know how you feel, and before you ask, I would be furious if someone like that said those things about Duncan."
Duncan smiled as Tessa continued, "Regardless, she's no longer in your life anymore, so I think you should let it go."
Tessa placed her arm around Lynn's shoulders as a form of comfort, as the younger girl leaned against her and tightened her grip on Owen's hand.
Next day, Richie was released and Maya left for Monte Carlo, resulting in the Piton incident ending for good. Owen walked with Lynn along the bridge near the barge. The incident with Maya really had Lynn in a bad mood.
"She called me a plain blonde amerloque," she said, angrily.
"The fact that she did just proves she's jealous of you," soothed Owen.
Lynn sighed, "Maybe you're right. But she admitted that she was planning to steal you from me."
Owen stopped walking and made Lynn face him, "Why would I drop the woman I love and have been with for the past three years for a complete stranger I just met a few days ago?"
"I don't know, but there have been boys who did that to their own girlfriends."
"Then those boys were lowlifes who were NEVER good enough for the girlfriends they cheated on. Besides, their cheating partners probably dumped them after getting bored with them. Then those assholes went crawling back to their exes, only to be turned down immediately."
Then, an idea flew into Owen's head.
"Listen, I know just the thing to get your mind off of Maya. It's time we went on a ride around France. It's why we're here after all. What do ya say?"
Lynn smiled the biggest smile she ever made in a long time. She threw her arms around Owen's neck and he spun her around. He set her back on the ground, and they kissed passionately.
Below at the barge, Richie was watching the whole thing. He had heard the recording Lynn provided to him and was disappointed. He gazed at Owen and Lynn in their embrace and slumped his chin onto his hand.
"I've GOT to get a girlfriend," he said.
But he said it to himself.
(Cue Princes of the Universe)
Co-Starring
Rachel Palmieri as Cynthia Hampten
Thomas Kaufman as Police Detective
Olivier Pierre as Waiter
Edwin Gerard as Lawyer
Manault Deva as Duchess
(Princes of the Universe ends)
Yikes, this is the longest chapter I've written with 9,478 words!
For the record, Clifford Holden actually appeared in The Watcher Chronicles CD-ROM being watched by Samuel Bruckner from 1870 to 1879. His backstory is an original one made by me. I know he feels inspired by Diego de la Vega, but I always saw that character as the closest way Anthony Hopkins could be to an Immortal. So I added some elements from The Mask of Zorro into the character of Holden.
You will also know that this is the last beheading you will see in this book, but Avenging Angel will still take place before the next chapter. In the next chapter, Owen will have beheaded Matshiro Kanagawa, Slan Quince, Carlo Sendaro and Gabriel Piton. Duncan has beheaded Marcus Korolus, Howard Crowley, Caleb Cole, Alexei Voshin, Walter Reinhardt, Andrew Ballin, Grayson, Christoph Kuyler and Alfred Cahill. In the next chapter, Duncan will have beheaded nine Immortals in this book, while Owen will have beheaded four. Sure Voshin and Sendaro were beheaded by machines, but the former's Quickening went to Duncan and the latter's went to Owen. I like indirect Quickenings.
I also wanted to use this chapter as a way of strengthening the relationship Owen has with both Lynn and Richie. Show how he truly loves Lynn and the fact he is looking out for Richie as if he were his little brother. I also wanted to use the artichoke metaphor that Steve Martin used in The Pink Panther to describe women like he did.
The fleshing out of the character Maya has to go to PhoenixRisingfromAshes007. I did not care much for Maya until I saw her version of the character. I need to credit her as part of the reason I wrote the character this way. So, what do you think, is my version of Maya worse than your version? Worse as in a person, not as in the writing.
This chapter is also dedicated to Nigel Terry, who played Gabriel Piton in the episode. Nigel, a very private actor, sadly passed away of emphysema ten years ago. He spent most of his career in historical and period roles. So it is nice for him to have a change in pace by appearing in something modern.
RIP, we will miss you, Nigel.
August 15, 1945 – April 30, 2015 (69 years old)
Anyway, thanks for reading, please review, your support helps my writing.
R&R, Roland Cain out!