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)
For Tomorrow We Die
Guest Starring
Roland Gift as Xavier St. Cloud
Werner Stocker as Darius
The Paris Street was very busy. People bustled around for work or school, or people enjoying the beautiful sights of the City of Love.
"Taxi!" called a man who needed a lift.
Along the crosswalk came gentleman Gerard Fleuret, walking down the path toward a jewelry store.
"Hold it," said a street cop directing traffic, before making sure the coast was clear. "Go on."
Gerard crossed the street and walks to the jewelry store. The security guard was lowering the security grille across the front door, locking up for the night. Gerard tapped on the glass door and pointed at his watch, then at clock on wall behind guard. It showed '5:55.' The guard stopped lowering the grille and opened the door to let Gerard in.
"I'll only be five minutes," the gentleman reassured.
The guard took his word well and allowed him in. Nathalie, one of the store employees came to greet Gerard.
"Bonjour, Monsieur," she greeted. "May I show you something?"
"Anything you wish," replied Gerard. "I'm looking for a pendant."
"Oh, yes, certainly."
Nathalie walked over to a display case, while Gerard waited.
"Something you would like," he suggested.
He watched as the security guard began lowering the grille again. Then he returned his attention to Nathalie who showed him a necklace.
"I'm sorry to keep you after closing," Gerard apologized, while secretly pulling a thin, silver, cylindrical object from his coat pocket and unscrewing the end. "I wish I could make it up to you by buying you dinner."
"Who says you can't?" Nathalie asked, flirtatiously.
"I'm afraid you won't be available."
Gerard then tossed the metal cylinder onto the carpet.
"What's that?" asked a confused Nathalie.
The cylinder suddenly began to emit a thick yellow smoke along with some flames. Gerard gently gripped Nathalie's chin, leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips. She then began to cough and fell to the floor. The security guard began coughing and fell as well.
"Monsieur Gerard!" cried another woman before falling too.
Gerard fell to the floor as the remaining store employees were also overcome by the smoke. Then Gerard revived, revealing his Immortality. He rose quickly and stepped over the sprawled bodies to the back door to let his partner, Francois Bertrand, in. He was wearing a gas mask and carrying two briefcases.
"They look dead," he pointed put. "What happened?"
"They'll wake up in a few hours with a heck of a headache, but otherwise they'll be fine," lied Gerard. "Clean out the manager's safe."
"Here."
Francois handed Gerard one of the briefcases and ran upstairs to the second floor. Gerard quickly emptied the jewelry from display case into briefcase. Then Francois quickly returned, still wearing the mask.
"I got it all," he called, setting the briefcase on the counter and held up a handful of jewelry. "Look! We're rich!"
He laughed happily, tossing the handful back into the case.
"You can take off your mask," said Gerard. "It's safe."
"You're sure?"
"It's only potent for a few minutes. Trust me. You're safe."
"Well, if you say so," Francois agreed, taking off the gas mask. "That's better. Hey, I'll take these, boss."
He reached for briefcase, but Gerard stopped him.
"I think not. I lied," Gerard said, smiling evily as Francois started to cough. "You're dead."
Francois collapsed to the ground, but an angry expression was on his face.
"I'll see you in hell," he swore as he died.
"Probably."
Hours later, the sun fully went down, and darkness crept over the City of Love. At St. Joseph's Chapel, Darius sat in the confessional, comforting a teenage girl.
"My mother doesn't know that she's breaking my heart," the girl vented.
"Well, it's not a sin for your mother to date your ex-boyfriend," replied the priest. "Bad taste, perhaps, but no sin."
"I guess you're right," said the girl, feeling a bit relieved.
"I am."
Suddenly, Darius sensed a buzz. He needed to confront this Immortal.
"Go with God, my child... and God bless you," he encouraged the girl.
She left the confessional and in entered Gerard.
"The Lord be in your heart and on your lips so that you may freely and sincerely confess your sins," offered Darius.
"So, is God as good a business as they say, Darius?"
Darius turned his head to face him.
"Xavier...?"
"I'm flattered you remember me," said the thief.
The charming and thieving Gerard Fleuret was the evil Immortal, Xavier St. Cloud.
"Why are you here?" demanded Darius.
"I've come to confess, same as everyone else," St. Cloud replied. "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned."
"I will not hear this."
"You are a priest. And I AM a sinner. Isn't that how it goes? Or have you reinvented the position?"
"Why do this? It means nothing to you."
"Because it means everything to you. Here I am, humiliating one of the world's greatest warriors, and what does he do? Nothing. God, I love religion."
"I pity you."
"Let's not get maudlin. Are you going to hear my confession or not? I bet you hear MacLeod's all the time."
"If I must, yes."
Xavier - I've been a very bad boy. I've killed six people.
"Why?"
"Money. There's never enough. Looks like I'm gonna have to do it all over again."
"Nothing touches you, does it? Where is your heart, Xavier? Where is your soul?"
St. Cloud laughed evilly at the pitiful questions Darius through at him.
"Who needs a soul?" he asked.
He then left the confessional.
Next morning, LeBrun was at the jewelry store, inspecting the crime scene.
"Six dead. Including that one, Francois Bertrand," he observed. "Why does a known criminal wind up dead with five innocent victims?"
For a moment, he considered the scene.
"Maybe his partner got greedy."
He would never found out he was ironically correct.
The medical examiner held up a plastic baggy containing the gas pen used in the robbery.
"I'd say it was some toxic gas - exceptionally toxic - high dispersion factor," he guessed. "It took about five seconds to fill the room."
"Poor bastards," sighed LeBrun.
"I'll give you specifics later."
"Security tapes, Inspector," called a detective, bringing the tapes to LeBrun.
"Thanks. I'm going back to my office and take a look at these."
"The security video tapes won't tell us much," the examiner cut in. "They spray-painted the camera lenses."
"Yeah..."
LeBrun turned to the other officers and raised his voice so they could hear him.
"Okay. It was rush hour. Let's put some people out on the street and see if anyone saw anything. And I want a door to door in a four block radius. The guy went somewhere when he left here."
They all hurried out of the shop, determined to find the perpetrator.
Back at St. Joseph's Chapel in the rectory, Darius was sitting at his desk, feeling glum. Suddenly, he sensed a buzz and looked up as Duncan and Owen entered the room.
"Morning, old man," Owen teased.
"So, my old friend, how are we today?" asked Duncan.
"Mmph," replied Darius, shrugging.
"You ready for our game? Or are you afraid I'll finally beat you?"
Darius did not answer. He just looked at his crucifix. Duncan pulled up a chair and sat down next to him.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
"Sometimes being a Catholic priest is easier than other times," answered Darius.
"So is being protector of the world," Owen agreed. "Anything you want to talk about?"
"Would that I could, my child. Would that I could."
Darius stood up and went to the chessboard.
"Now... to our game."
Owen scurried over to the chessboard and sat at the middle, hoping to learn more of the game.
"I won't press, but if there's anything you need…" began Duncan.
"Yes, I know, but... some things must remain unsaid," Darius replied, sitting down at the chessboard.
"Okay, so who's move is it?"
"It's yours."
Duncan took off his jacket and sat opposite of Darius. Owen sat in the middle, brushing his hands together, hoping to learn a lot from the game.
"Are you sure?" Duncan asked.
"Yes, very," answered Darius. "Good move now, huh?"
But before they could begin, a knock on the door interrupted them.
"Come in."
The door opened, revealing LeBrun. Owen kept himself from cursing in the chapel.
"Father Darius?" asked the inspector, entering the room.
"Yes?"
Then LeBrun noticed the MacLeods.
"MacLeod, garçon, what are you two doing here?"
"Playing chess?" answered Duncan. "Uh, Father Darius, this is Inspector LeBrun of the Paris Police."
"Inspector... Can I help you?" the priest asked.
"I hope so..." replied LeBrun. "There was a robbery last night in a jewelry store a block away from here."
"Yes, I heard. It's a terrible thing."
"From the security video, we learned the robbery happened around six. Now, just after six, a man saw someone leave the store and enter this chapel."
Duncan and Owen glanced at Darius, the later becoming uneasy.
LeBrun went on, "He was a handsome black man, early thirties, well dressed. Do you remember seeing anyone fitting this description?"
Darius contemplated on what to say, but the look on Duncan's face gave him the answer.
"Yes, I do," he replied.
"Who was he?"
"I'm sorry, I can't tell you."
"The man is a murderer."
"Whatever he is, I can't discuss it with you."
"And why is that?"
Darius got up and started to pace.
"He came to confession," was his answer.
"He told you about the murders?" pursued LeBrun.
"He told it to him in the confessional, LeBrun," Owen cut in. "He wants to tell you, but he can't."
"At least tell me his name."
LI'm truly sorry, my son," said Darius as he continued to pace.
"MacLeod, garçon, he's your friend... talk to him."
"He's also a priest," Duncan replied.
"The poison he used could have killed hundreds and that son-of-a-bitch-!"
"Hey!" interrupted Owen, "Watch your mouth. This is a chapel!"
"Sorry, Father," LeBrun apologized to Darius before continuing, "He didn't even wear a gas mask."
"He was immune?"
"He enters the store, releases the gas, collapses - just like everyone else. But two minutes later, he's back on his feet again like nothing happened..."
Duncan and Owen looked at each other before standing up and moving away from LeBrun and Darius.
"He's probably going to kill again."
"I would do anything I could to stop it."
"But you won't."
"I can't..."
As the two argued, the MacLeods stared at a cross on the Bible stand, as they remembered 1917.
In Soissons, France, a Red Cross on the canvas side of army ambulance was seen. Men carrying stretchers ran past it, explosions were nearby, and men were groaning in pain. Suddenly an explosion hit a nearby ambulance.
"We have to get out of here, run!" medic Stan called to Duncan and Owen as they ran for cover in a trench, behind a wooden crate.
"This is the infirmary, you bastards! The war's over there!"
He turned to the MacLeods, "I don't know why I volunteered for this war."
Then, a large, armored vehicle drove up. The lettering on its side read,
'TRESORS ET POSTES AUX ARMEES 5éme Division d'Intendance'.
"Hey, the mail is here," said a soldier.
"I don't know about you, but I need a smoke," said Stan, sitting on a crate.
"Me too," Owen chuckled.
Then, Duncan saw the armored truck and several crates
"Huh, it's pay day," he pointed out.
"Hurry up," urged a soldier to the guys unloading truck, "These guys want to get paid. Come on, come on. We've got eight more stops to go."
Duncan began to stand up, when he sensed a buzz. Owen felt it too.
"Hey, what is it?" asked Stan. "What's wrong?"
"Someone's here," Owen replied.
"Who?"
Suddenly, a small metallic object fell to the ground nearby. Duncan ran toward it, with Owen following in a panic.
"Hey, guys! Guys!" called Stan, but it was too late.
The metallic object exploded releasing yellow gas everywhere. Everyone nearby, soldiers and wounded alike, begin coughing and falling down, including the MacLeods. Then Duncan saw Stan running to help.
"Stan, get back! It's mustard gas! Save yourself," he wheezed as Stan grabbed him and tried to drag him to safety before passing out.
"Ah, stop trying to be a hero," wheezed Stan, before coughing himself and collapsing under Duncan.
Owen revived first, bus was struggling to find his strength. Then, a gas-masked figure emerged from the smoke and began loading the boxes back in the armored truck. Suddenly, he sensed a buzz, which sounded like a deep, chuckle. Duncan revived with a start sensed the figure's buzz as well. But Owen, closer to the figure and still affected by the gas, could only watch helplessly as the figure drew a Japanese Military katana and advanced toward him slowly. The figure scouted through the bodies before finally reaching Owen.
"My name is Xavier Saint Cloud," he introduced, his voice muffled by the gas mask. "There can be only one."
But before he could do anything, more soldiers had arrived, wearing gas masks.
"They're all over the place!" the soldiers spoke to each other. "Go, quick. Let's move. This way."
"Another time," St. Cloud swore to Owen before climbing into the armored truck and driving away with the money.
Owen struggled to crawl after him, but he could not stand in his weakened state. As the truck drove away, he could hear Duncan calling in vain for Stan to wake up.
"Stan. Stan. Stan! Stan!"
"I beg you, Father... talk to me. Help me…"
Darius sighed, but said nothing. With nothing else he could do, LeBrun turned to go.
"This is on your head," he warned before closing the door as he left.
"It's Xavier St. Cloud, isn't it?" asked Owen.
Darius nodded sadly.
"I think I need a drink now," he said, getting up to grab one.
Inside barge at the quay, Richie had told Tessa he had a new girlfriend.
"So tell me about her," insisted Tessa as she was sculpting with clay.
"She's beautiful. She's... she's smart, she's sexy. And she's classy. She's like you," Richie described. "And the thing is, I really think she's nuts about me."
"It's great you've found someone you like. How long have you known her?"
RR - Well, just a few days. In fact, I'm supposed to meet her for lunch, and I do not want to be late. I will —" he paused to kiss Tessa's cheek, "— see you later.
Richie hopped up the steps to the door.
"Good-bye, au revoir!" he called.
"Hey, you didn't tell me her... name."
But Richie had already left. Just then, the phone rang. Tessa wiped off her hands and answers it.
"Hello?" she answered. "Oh, hello, Achmed... Well, I discussed the matter with the cultural attaché at your embassy. The Egyptian government has already agreed to send two pieces to the exhibition…."
Unbeknownst to Tessa, from behind her, Xavier St. Cloud entered the barge.
"Yes, we have all the proper insurance... Yes, the paperwork will be completed in triplicate... Goodbye, Achmed," she finished before hanging up. "Bureaucrats."
"Forgive my intrusion, dear lady," said St. Cloud as he removed his fedora. "I knocked, but-"
"I didn't hear, I'm sorry. I was-" Tessa began.
"Yes, I heard. My name is Gerard Fleuret."
"Can I help you?"
"Actually, it is I who can help you."
An hour later, Duncan and Owen returned to the barge. Lynn had just returned with some groceries. The trio entered the barge together.
"Tess? Tessa…?" called Duncan.
"I'm here!" Tessa said cheerfully as she came out of the galley. "I was just about to cook lunch. What do you feel like?"
"Oh, nothing right now. I just came back to pick the speed boat up."
Tessa gave him a quick kiss as she walks past. Owen and Lynn looked confused.
"You look too happy," said Lynn. "Who are you and what did you do to Tessa?"
"That terra cotta Fanti piece I was looking for... just walked into my collection," Tessa explained.
"Really?" asked Owen. "All by itself?"
"This morning, this man shows up out of the blue - Gerard Fleuret - big collector. And he specializes in - guess what?"
"Seventeenth century African sculpture," guessed Duncan.
"Exactly. He read that interview I gave. He's offered to lend us a Fanti Queen."
"Not bad."
"I thought they were all lost, but he came across this one in Ghana. Said it cost him an arm and a leg."
"Did he say whose?"
"Very funny, Duncan. And it's come at the perfect time. The showing for the Refugee Relief Fund is at the gallery tomorrow night."
"TOMORROW night?"
"Did you forget about it?"
"'Bout what?"
"About the show."
"No, I didn't forget."
"Besides, Lynn's constantly reminded me," Owen chimed in. "She's been dying to see this show."
"Okay. Did you two remember to have your tuxedos cleaned?" asked Tessa.
"Yes, I remembered to have my tuxedo cleaned," Duncan teased before going back to normal. "You know, the last time I wore a tuxedo…"
"Was on the deck of the-" was all she said as she leaned forward to kiss him, resulting in him toppling backward, taking her with him. "Ah! -of the Titanic."
"You know what? You've got an awful mind."
"And you love it."
"Mm, I know. Come here."
He pulled her head down for a kiss, but she quickly pulled back.
"Oh Lynn," she said to the younger girl, "I've got both of our dresses cleaned."
"That's good," said Lynn happily. "Can't wait."
Minutes later on the Seine, Owen stood in the middle as Duncan drove the speedboat away from the barge, along the river. Owen stayed standing, happily riding along and feeling the wind blow through his mane.
Eventually Duncan moored the speedboat at a quiet dock in a small inlet near a French warehouse. The MacLeods walked along path beside some old buildings, when Owen noticed two tough-looking guys walking up behind him.
"Can I help you, monsieurs?" asked one.
Duncan turned to them, "We're looking for Dalou."
"Who are you?"
"Friends."
"I know all of Mr. Dalou's friends, and you're not one of them."
"Why don't we ask him?" asked Owen.
He started to turn, but the tough guy grabbed his arm. Duncan came up to him.
"Please don't," he warned.
The tough guy did not listen and swung at Duncan with his other hand. But Duncan blocked the strike, punched him in the face, kicked him in the groin and threw him away.
"Stop!" the second tough guy ordered, drawing a revolver.
But Owen kicked the gun from his hand and hit him in the chest before head butting him unconscious.
"Really, these are tough guys?" Owen asked sarcastically.
With the tough guys lying unconscious on the grass, the MacLeods continued to walk among the buildings.
"Right there is fine," said a voice, as Georges Dalou appeared around the corner of building in front of the MacLeods with shotgun, stopping them. "Smart boys."
Duncan and Owen entered the warehouse with Dalou behind them, shotgun ready. Duncan stopped first and turned. Then Owen did.
"Georges Dalou," the youngest Highlander spoke first.
Duncan noticed Dalou's stare, "Don't you recognize me?"
Dalou looked at him up and down, before it dawned on him.
"Duncan MacLeod!" he exclaimed in surprise. "It's... it's impossible. You two must be his sons. MacLeod's sons. You could be no one else. Welcome. Your father and I had a hell of a time in the resistance together."
"Yeah, he told us."
"You look just like him - it's incredible! Incredible!" said Dalou as he looked at Owen. "You must resemble his wife."
"I get that a lot," Owen replied, playing along.
"Ah! Did your father tell you about the time we got a message from DeGaulle himself?"
"Yes," said both MacLeods.
"He wanted us - he expressly asked for us - to blow up the railway bridges at Compiegne."
"Besançon," Duncan laughed.
"What are you talking about?"
"The bridges were north of Besançon."
Dalou chuckled, while tapping his forehead, "That's right. Ah, it's all in here. Just like it happened yesterday. How is your father?"
"He died some time ago."
"In his sleep," added Owen.
"Ah," Dalou said sadly. "I'll grieve for him. Well, what is it I can do for you?"
"Well, our father told us there wasn't much that went down in Paris without you knowing about it."
"Oh, I am... somewhat connected."
"There was a robbery last night - a jewelry store on Rue Montcalm. Six people died."
"I know. It's bad business - it's bad FOR business. Parisians don't mind a little larceny now and then. If it's done with ingenuity, no one gets hurt. But... killing for no reason... ah."
"The police think one of the dead was involved in the robbery. I was wondering if you knew him," Owen chimed in.
"Why is this important to you?"
"We think the man that did the killing murdered a good friend of ours."
"You want revenge?"
"I want him dead," replied Duncan.
"I want the sprees to end," added Owen.
"The thief who died was named Francois," Dalou explained. "He worked for me from time to time. He was a good boy. Loyal. He always did what he was told. I used to court his mother when she was young."
The MacLeods each clasped a hand of his in thanks and turned to go.
"Ah... If you find the killer... and need my help…"
"If I find him... I won't," reassured Duncan as he left with Owen.
Back at the barge, Richie had just returned with his girlfriend, Renée, to show her around.
"Welcome to my lovely home," he said proudly. "Do you like it?"
"Yeah, it's nice," said Renée.
"Very nice, huh?" he sniffed her. "Ooh, you smell great. We got the kitchen area back there, a little work area here, an area for chess, and THIS... is the bedroom area."
Renée immediately gripped his chin and they shared kiss. Just then, Tessa, who had been lying on couch the whole time, sat up.
"Hello," she greeted, causing the two to break apart in surprise.
"Tessa," said an embraced Richie. "Ha. Hi, uh, I didn't expect you back here for a little while. Um, I'd like to introduce you to Renée."
"Renee, nice to see you again."
"Tessa…" greeted Renée.
"You guys know each other?" asked Riche, surprised again.
"Mm-hm."
"We've met. Renée is one of our patrons," Tessa explained.
"Oh, well, that's great! You guys are friends. Excellent. Well, listen, we were just about to take a little stroll along the Seine - you want to join us?"
"Well, I'm sure Tessa is much too busy to tag along with us," Renée pointed out.
"Maybe next time," suggested Tessa.
"Okay," Richie agreed before turning to Renée. "Shall we?"
"Come on."
"Bye-bye, Tessa."
The two strolled to the exit.
"It's always nice to see you, Tessa," called Renée as she left.
Tessa looked uneasy as she looked at the door. Just then, Lynn walked out of the bathroom. She had heard everything.
"You don't seem to like her," she said. "What's up?"
That evening, the MacLeods had returned to the barge and the girls had told them about Renée.
"He doesn't know," said Tessa, clearly annoyed.
"It's not something he'd tell you, even if he did," Duncan replied as he was playing chess with Owen.
"I called Renée. She hasn't told him she's married. For her it's all a big joke... a fling with a young, virile lover. She was laughing."
Lynn saw the MacLeods still playing chess. However, Owen was scowling.
"You don't look shocked," she pointed out.
"I'M not," claimed Owen. "I'm just angry. Are you two surprised?"
"I am."
"A little," Tessa said. "Besides, she must be at least ten years older than he is!"
Duncan laughed, "Hold on a minute. You're stepping on dangerous ground, here."
"ou know what I mean. She's using him, and he's taking it seriously. I know this woman... she's not going to leave her rich, influential husband for Richie."
"And I hate people who would marry rich, older people and would cheat with youngsters just because they were 'bored,'" added Owen.
"Okay, I guess he ought to be told," Duncan said.
"So... when are you going to tell him?"
"Me?"
Tessa smiles and nodded. Duncan chuckled nervously. Lynn noticed Owen creeping over to the phone. He picked it up and carefully dialed a number.
"I need you to look into Renée de Tassigny," he said. "Find some dirt under her."
Next day at St. Joseph's Chapel, Darius was holding Francois' funeral, reciting the 23rd Psalm.
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.' God bless you, Francois."
He addressed the mourners, "And God bless all of you."
The mourners stood and Darius signed the cross in front of him.
"Is everything all right?" Dalou asked Fancois' mother, Anne.
Anne looked at him sadly and walks away. He follows her and stopped by Duncan and Owen.
"I will never forget what you did today."
Duncan stated, "Well, anyone would have-"
"-buried him in a pauper's grave and been done with it. It's because of you that he will rest in Holy Ground. Your father would have been proud."
He then walks away.
"See you around, Dalou."
Duncan then approached Anne and handed her an envelope. She opened it, revealing a lot of money inside.
"Oh, no, you've done enough already," she said.
"It's from your son," explained Duncan.
"Bless you."
She sat down but Owen joined her.
"Maybe you can help us," he said.
"What can I do for you?"
"Tell me all you know about the man that killed your son."
"All I know is... Francois came home one day and said he'd met a man who was going to make him rich - and they were going to meet again that night."
"Where?"
"In this café near Saint Michel."
"Le Picotin?"
"Yes, that's it."
"Perfect, thank you."
Outside St. Joseph's, Darius was bidding farewell to the mourners as the MacLeods joined him.
"Thanks for fixing it with the Archbishop," said Duncan.
"I may have neglected to ask his permission," Darius deadpanned, causing Duncan to chuckle. "Use caution. Xavier is ruthless."
"He'd better be."
Duncan walked off with Owen following.
"MacLeod…"
"I'll send Lynn over for her history lesson!" Owen called as he hurried away.
At Café Le Picotin, St. Cloud smiled as he read the newspaper headlines.
"Waiter... more coffee," he requested.
"Right away," replied the waiter as he went inside.
Suddenly St. Cloud sensed a deep, chuckling buzz. He stood up and looked around the area. Finally, he spotted Duncan on the high ground of a second floor window from across the street. Owen slipped out from the bottom floor doorway of the building.
"Xavier St. Cloud at last," he gruffed.
St. Cloud turned to run and Owen began to chase. Duncan jumped from window and swung on a cover pole to break his fall.
"Whoa! What the—?" cried a man who witnessed it.
St. Cloud ran past another man, knocking a box of fruit from his hands to the ground.
"Hey!" he shouted as he bent down to pick the things up only for Duncan to run past, pushing him down. "Hey!"
Owen ran around in hopes of cutting the mercenary off, but St. Cloud was able to exit the building quicker before he caught up.
The MacLeods continued to chase St. Cloud through the park. The mercenary ran into a traffic cop, before pushing him down and running on. He then past some construction workers and shoved one of them out of the way.
"Hey, slow down!" he shouted.
St. Cloud turned saw the MacLeod catching up to him, but they stopped when they saw him pull out a gas canister, activate it and throw it toward them. The canister landed on a pile of sand by the construction workers.
"Look out!" cried one.
As Owen chased after St. Cloud again, Duncan lunged for the canister and, thinking fast, climbed the latter on the nearby cement truck and dropped it in.
Back at the barge, Tessa was adjusting the logs in the fireplace after hearing everything from the MacLeods. Lynn was at the chapel, getting her history lesson.
"You said Darius had been a Buddhist and a Hindu," she said. "Why is it so important that he now respect this rule about the confessional?"
"Well, you said it," replied Duncan. "Respect. I don't think Darius believes in religion or a set of rules…"
"Then what does he believe?"
"Being your brother's keeper. I think Darius, if he has to help mankind, he has to honor their codes."
"Even when they protect a murderer?"
Owen just sat and listened.
"The courts protect murderers and innocents alike," Duncan explained. "No one suggests that we destroy them."
"Why do I argue with you?" complained Tessa.
"Because you're contrary by nature."
"I am not!"
"MacLeod!" came LeBrun's voice from outside. "Are you there?"
"God damn it," Owen swore.
"Yes, you are," Duncan teased.
"No, I'm not," insisted Tessa.
"Yes, you are."
"No, I am... not."
Both MacLeods knew she hesitated and smiled.
"See what I mean?" laughed Duncan as he left with Owen.
Tessa simply made a fake annoyed growl in response.
On the deck, the MacLeods saw LeBrun wondering around.
"What do you want, LeBrun?" demanded Owen.
"Who is he?" LeBrun asked.
"Who's that?" asked Duncan, causing LeBrun to fake chuckle.
"The guy you two were chasing. Talk to me. It was the same guy who confessed to the priest, wasn't it? His description matches. Where's he hiding?"
"I don't know."
"You always know more than you're saying."
"His name won't mean anything to you and even if we did tell you where I met him, you wouldn't fucking believe us," replied an impatient Owen. "I'm serious."
"If this man kills again because you're both holding out on me... I will personally have your heads."
"Many have tried but never got close you know."
Duncan looked at Owen with annoyance while LeBrun just squinted his eyes.
"Remember what I said," he said before walking down gangplank.
"LeBrun!" said Duncan, "We're on the same side."
"That's what worries me."
LeBrun got into his car and drove off as Tessa came up behind Duncan.
"Maybe you should have told him," she said.
"Told him what exactly?" asked Duncan. "That we met Xavier in 1917 and he was wearing a gas mask, but I'm not quite sure? How's that going to help him?"
"Besides," said Owen, "That's only when he started using the gas for the first time."
"How are you going to find him? You know he's not going back to that café."
"Well, my guess is that Darius has known Xavier a lot longer than we have... maybe he can tell me something," Duncan suggested.
The MacLeods walked off the grab their gear.
Outside St. Joseph's Chapel, Owen and Duncan were walking along with Darius and Lynn through the arriving fog as the monk explained his past with St. Cloud.
"Long ago I found him hiding from the police in my church," he reminisced. "He was a... he was a petty thief then. They would have guillotined him for stealing a piece of jewelry. No, that's hardly a crime to die for. And later I had news of him robbing, murdering... He was sentenced to life, but he escaped."
"Where did he go?" asked Duncan.
"Well, he fled to West Africa, India - he lived there like a king."
"How's that possible?" Lynn asked.
"He must've gotten smarter and luckier," suggested Owen. "Look where he's at today."
"And he must have spent his fortune and now he's here in Paris to collect more," Darius finished. "I should have stopped him. LeBrun was right. People will die because of me."
"Not because of you," insisted Duncan. "Because of him."
"Perhaps it's time that…" Darius began as he sat down, Lynn joining him to comfort him. "Perhaps it's time that I should leave my sanctuary."
"You can leave if you want Gramps, but not over this," replied Owen as he joined on the bench. "We'll stop St. Cloud. Besides, he's killed too many already."
That hardly comforted Darius. Suddenly Owen shot up, sensing a buzz. Darius stood, too. Duncan turned around as Lynn stood up as well. Then, they saw the fog blow away, revealing St. Cloud standing nearby.
"I'm afraid the three of you together is more good news than I can take," he said, before looking at Lynn. "Well, Little MacLeod, your tastes in women have improved over the years."
"Don't patronize me, St. Cloud," retorted Owen.
"Ha, ha, ha. Holy Ground's a wonderful thing. It allows us to speak almost like friends."
"What do you want?" Duncan demanded.
"Did you come to repent on what you've done?" asked Lynn, sarcastically.
"Actually, I've come to make another confession. You see, I enjoy the company of my own kind. I find humans, um... limited."
"So you kill them in hopes it will lessen your boredom," deadpanned Owen.
"No, I kill them because... What's the difference? They all die anyway."
"So can Immortals," reminded Duncan.
"True, but not today."
"Really?"
St. Cloud responded by pulling out another gas canister.
"I wouldn't try following me. You may not find any fresh cement this time."
"We'll be seeing you real soon, St. Cloud," promised Owen.
"Sooner than you think, Little MacLeod," replied St. Cloud before he departed.
The MacLeods took Lynn back to the barge, where they found Richie lying on the couch.
"What're you doing in here?" asked Duncan jokingly. "Practicing to be a politician or something?"
"Mac, you ever been... you know…" asked Richie.
"What do I know?"
"You ever had it bad for an older woman?"
Duncan chuckled while Owen laughed.
"That situation hasn't come up recently for either of us," replied the younger MacLeod.
"Ha, ha, ha. Very funny. You know what I mean. You know I've been seeing this woman, Renée, recently, and it's like she's…"
"Married," Duncan interrupted.
"What?"
"Renée's married," Lynn added.
"What're you talking about? Is that what Tessa said?"
Duncan sighed melodramatically, "I'm sorry, partner. Hasn't she told you?"
"No, she didn't tell me that she was married! Okay, yes, yes, she said that she was married, but... but... but I thought that was like, as in the past. You know, ancient history. You're putting me on."
"Do any of us look like we're putting you on?" asked Owen.
"Well, sometimes with you, I never know."
"Oh, well, grand. But we're not putting you on."
Owen poured Lynn as glass to drink.
"She's married. Oh, man. Well, I mean, it's not like it really matters, right?" asked Richie. "You know, I mean when two people are tight... It's gonna be tough on her husband when she tells him, though."
"Richie, don't you think you're taking this a little fast?" asked Duncan.
"Fast? Mac, you have no idea what's gone on between me and this woman. It was like, she saw me, I saw her - boom."
"Boom?"
"Yes."
"Richie, sometimes when you meet somebody, there's an attraction. But…"
"No, no, no, no, Mac. I am not talking about an 'attraction'. I am talking about the real thing. I just feel sorry for her old man."
Duncan gave him a look. Richie shrugged, sat back down and played with a plaster model of a hand for a moment. Then he looked at Duncan.
"What?" he asked.
Duncan smiled and waved it off as nothing.
"She enjoys cheating but isn't willing to let go of the clean house and large money bin," Owen blurted out.
Duncan rolled his eyes and Lynn facepalmed. Richie just looked at him.
At the art gallery, Tessa was setting up in St. Cloud's presence.
"It's spectacular," she said, admiring the Fanti statue. "I don't know how to thank you, Monsieur Fleuret."
"Gerard, please," insisted St. Cloud. "I hear you've invited some of the more prominent philanthropists of our fair city."
"That's right."
"Excellent. And I will finally be able to meet your boyfriend - what was his name?"
"Duncan MacLeod. He promised faithfully to be here."
"I'm so glad. And what time is this event?"
"Eight."
"That means everyone should be here by nine. Heh, heh. The French are never on time."
Tessa chuckled, when the phone rang.
"Excuse me a moment," she said, walking away to answer it.
When she turned her back, St. Cloud picked up the Fanti statue and lifted the cover from the hollow base. A bomb timer was sitting inside. St. Cloud set the timer for '9:00:00', replaced the cover, and set the statue back on top. He was just in time as Tessa returned.
"I'll see you this evening," she said.
"I may be a few minutes late, but I wouldn't miss this for the world," promised St. Cloud, smiling evilly.
That night, the guests began to arrive at the gallery. Richie, dressed in a fine tuxedo, lounged against a column at the top of stairs at the gallery entrance. Renée arrived with her husband, Albert, and saw Richie.
"Richie…" she said rather surprised.
"Madame de Tassigny, how good of you to make it," said Richie warmly. "And this, I presume, must be your husband. It is a pleasure to meet you, sir."
"How do you do?" said Albert respectfully shaking the younger man's hand.
"Very well, thank you. I'm Richard Ryan, Tessa Noël's associate. I can't tell you how much we appreciate your generous contribution. Oh please, don't let me keep you. Have a wonderful evening."
"Thank you, Mr. Ryan," Renée said and the two began to enter.
"Uh, Madame de Tassigny... If I may have one small moment, please?"
"Go and talk to your friends. I'll be right in, cheri."
Albert agreed and entered while Renée walked over to Richie.
"Richie, I meant to…" she began.
"It's okay," Richie cut in. "He seems like a nice guy."
"Well, he is."
"Renée, I've been doing a lot of thinking."
"I see."
"We can't keep seeing each other."
"We can't?"
"Ah, maybe if we'd met in another time... or another place... I don't know. But he is your husband."
"Yes, he is."
"Well, I'm glad you understand. Good-bye, Renee."
He gave her a kiss on the cheek and walked down the gallery steps.
"Good-bye, Richie." she said as he looked back. "Another time. Another place."
Unbeknownst to them, a green eye was watching them from inside the gallery.
Inside the gallery Duncan and Owen were observing the Fanti together, dressed in stunning tuxedos. Lynn stood next to Owen in a red dress with her arm around his. Tessa walked up to the trio, in a red dress that matched Lynn's.
"So, what do you think of our fertility goddess?" she asked.
"I think she's wasting her time around me," joked Duncan, holding up a glass of wine. "Here, you want it?"
Tessa accepted the glass, but Lynn noticed something off.
"Where's the donor?" she asked.
"He said he might be a few minutes late," replied Tessa, before quietly saying, "Take a look at these people. Have you ever seen so many diamonds?"
"Once - King Solomon's Mines, but that's a long story," answered Duncan.
"Some other time."
"MacLeod," said a dreaded voice that killed the mood.
"Why?" deadpanned Owen.
Duncan looked up and Owen turned to see LeBrun.
"Can I have a word with you?" the inspector asked. "Both of you."
Duncan and Owen followed LeBrun to an empty corner.
"What is it?" asked Owen. "We're kinda busy at the moment."
"It's time to go downtown," said the inspector.
"Is that really necessary?" Duncan asked.
"A witness saw you throw something into a cement mixer. We dug it up... it was a nerve gas canister. The same kind of gas used in the jewelry store."
"Was anyone hurt?"
"No. You guessed right. The concrete deactivated it."
"Then you don't need to talk to us."
Duncan started to walk off but LeBrun stopped him, "We also ID'd the guy you were chasing. We think his name is Xavier St. Cloud. Where is he?"
"If I knew, you wouldn't have to worry about him."
"This is no time for personal vendettas, garçon," retorted LeBrun. "Let's go."
"Give me a moment," requested Duncan.
LeBrun reluctantly nodded and Duncan went to see Tessa, while Owen walked up to Lynn.
"What does LeBrun want now?" she asked.
"Dad and me. Downtown. Now," grumbled Owen. "Don't worry, we'll be back as soon as we can."
He kissed her cheek and went with the inspector.
On the Paris Street, the MacLeods were riding with LeBrun. Both were in the backseat while LeBrun was in the shotgun seat.
"We believe this man... this Xavier St. Cloud, came from West Africa," he explained.
"Why?" asked Duncan.
"InterPol reports a similar crime fifteen years ago. A drug lord was found gassed in his mansion. The place had been looted. The guy got away with millions in cash and a priceless collection of seventeenth century African sculpture."
Suddenly, the MacLeods remembered the Fanti statue.
At the gallery, the timer had reached '8:41:01.'
"West African sculpture?" asked Duncan.
"Yes, why?" LeBrun asked.
"Too long to explain!" Owen barked, as he grabbed the door and forced it open.
"Hey, hey, garçon!" yelled LeBrun, but it was too late.
At the same time, Duncan opens his own car door and at the same time, they threw themselves out. Upon recovering, they started running back toward the gallery. LeBrun's car made a screeching U-turn and prepared to give chase.
Back at the gallery, Tessa slipped off her left glove to look at her watch. It was almost 9:00.
The bomb timer was reading '8:59:40,' twenty seconds until the explosion.
On the street outside the gallery, St. Cloud was watching gallery entrance from his car across the street.
"Where's MacLeod?" he grumbled impenitently.
The bomb timer was reading '8:59:46,' fourteen seconds until the explosion.
On the street near gallery, Duncan and Owen ran as fast as they could. When they got close, they felt St. Cloud's presence but knew they had to defuse the bomb first. Duncan pried the doors open and ran inside first with Owen right behind. They pushed their way through the crowd, ignoring the protests before Duncan was able to grab the Fanti statue and look at it.
"What are you doing?!" cried Tessa.
Not seeing the bomb on the stature, Owen went for the base.
"What are you doing?!" Tessa shouted again, as Duncan shoved the statue at her.
Luckily, Owen found the bomb under the cover after removing it. Pulling out the bomb, he yanked the black wire away as bomb timer read '8:59:59' before stopping at '9:00:00.' Nothing happened. The bomb had been disarmed in the nick of time.
"Is that bomb?!" demanded Lynn.
"Hooked to nerve gas," Owen replied. "It appears our supplier, Gerard Fleuret is Xavier St. Cloud."
He hurried away with Duncan, ignoring the murmuring of the crowd. Tessa and Lynn looked at each other, disturbed that they could have been caught in the gas explosion.
Back outside, St. Cloud looked at his watch. It was nine, but nothing happened. Then LeBrun's car drove up to gallery entrance with the lights and siren on.
"What's going on?" asked the gallery security guard. "May I help you? What can I do for you?"
Realizing his plan had failed, St. Cloud stepped on the gas pedal and drove off.
Later, at the quay by the barge, St. Cloud arrived with a gas canister, looking around the deck. He knew at least one MacLeod was there, having sensed a Quickening. Then he sniffed the air. Smoke, he thought.
"We've been waiting for you," said a voice.
St. Cloud looked up and saw Duncan standing in front of a large light, katana in hand. Owen was sitting nearby, smoking a cigarette, with his own katana on his lap.
"Don't bother with the gas," Owen mocked. "There's nobody home."
"You and your son do turn up most unexpectedly, MacLeod," said St. Cloud.
"I think we both expected this," Duncan retorted, moving his katana into offensive position.
St. Cloud slipped the gas canister into his coat pocket.
"I'm just trying to earn a few francs," he said, dropping his overcoat to reveal his military katana. "After all, a man's got to live."
"Not necessarily," retorted Duncan, and he attacked.
Sparks flew from the katanas as the sworn enemies fought on the deck. They decided to use one hand for their two-handed weapons. But as they circled each other in a blade lock, St. Cloud attacked with two hands, resulting in Duncan doing the same. Owen stood from where he was sitting, waiting for a victor.
Then, St. Cloud struck out with his elbow and fist, knocking Duncan down the ramp and onto the quay. St. Cloud lunged at him, but Duncan rolled away, St. Cloud's blade piercing the ground where his face had been. Duncan got back to his feet and they grappled each other as they reengaged in battle. Owen walked carefully and slowly down the ramp, his sword resting on his arm.
St. Cloud then released Duncan, but the mercenary's beheading strike was dodged by the Highlander. They reengaged again, altering between one hand and two hands. None of them was gaining an advantage in Owen's eyes.
Just when that thought left Owen's head, St. Cloud pulled out the gas canister again and held it aloft in his left hand, preparing to win by cheating. Seeing the dirty tactic, Duncan blocked the one final attack and with a powerful downwards stroke, sliced off St. Cloud's hand close to the elbow.
"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" screamed the mercenary as he attempted to clench the stump.
Turing around, St. Cloud ran for the river, dropping his sword and leaping into the water. Throwing his katana aside, Duncan dived in after him. Quickly, Owen placed his sword on the deck before hurrying to the quay and collecting the swords and severed hand.
The next morning, Tessa strolled across the deck to Owen, Lynn and Richie, who had been standing there for a while.
"Any sign of the lord and master?" Richie asked Tessa.
"He's been gone all night," Tessa replied. "I don't know where he is."
"I'm starting to get worried," said Lynn.
"Well, don't worry," Owen soothed. "St. Cloud's severed hand is a good sign. Besides, Dad's a tough cookie."
"Tess... I need to ask you a question," said Richie.
"Sure."
Richie took a deep breath, "Am I as big a fool as I feel?"
"What do you mean?"
"I said all this stuff to Renée last night. I thought I was, like, breaking her heart. Little did I know she was happily married. All I was, was just a fling on the side. I never really meant a thing to her, did I?"
"She married for wealth and convenience. Passion is not something that is so easy to come by."
"Passion...? She told you I was passionate?"
Tessa shrugged, but Owen exhaled a mad breath. Lynn looked at him, knowing what he had done.
"Hm. Well, I suppose there are worse things one could be than a sex object," Richie continued, giving her a peck on the cheek before he saw Duncan walking along the river. "Ah, look who's here."
Tessa ran to Duncan, who was still wet from head to toe from his swim.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"Yeah," replied Duncan.
"Did you find him?"
"No, he's gone. I found some blood and tracks a few miles downriver."
"LeBrun has been calling you all morning. He wants to talk to you."
"Oh, I bet he does. But right now, I just want to get some sleep."
They entered barge together, leaving Owen with Lynn.
"Owen…" began Lynn, "Do you think he will-"
"St. Cloud never forgets," Owen replied. "He's still out there somewhere. He'll be back. But with his arm destroyed, he cannot reattach it and will have to change fighting styles."
Owen pulled out a cigarette pack, took one and lit up.
"Do you really think outing Renée was the right thing to do?"
"Lynn, I told you, I hate people who would marry rich, older people and would cheat with youngsters just because they were 'bored.' What happens to her now is not my concern. Maybe she'll learn her lesson after this."
Owen unveiled St. Cloud's katana from its resting spot on the barge. What he would do with that sword, is a story for another day.
(Cue Princes of the Universe)
Co-Starring
Hugues LeForestier as Inspector Raymond LeBrun
Mapi Galan as Renee de Tassigny
Jean Claude Deret as Georges Dalou
Sandrine Caron as Nathalie
Tanguy Gouasdoue as Stan
Francine Olivier as Madame Bertrand
Thierry de Carbonnieres as Francois Bertrand
Philippe Agael as Medical Examiner
Crystel Amsalem as Young Girl
(Princes of the Universe ends)
Xavier St. Cloud was originally only supposed to appear in one episode and never to be seen again. But he proved popular with fans and the writing staff who liked Roland Gift's portrayal, as a result, he was brought back in season two. The decision to bring him back without a regenerated hand was on the writers who had a long debate on whether Immortals could regenerate lost limbs. Ultimately, they CAN reattach limbs if they have the pieces and are in the condition to perform the reconnection.
Also originally, Duncan first met St. Cloud in 1917, but it was retconned later on when he returned. Luckily, St. Cloud's face was hidden behind a full gas mask, which he probably knew would keep his identity hidden from Duncan and he wanted Duncan to know it was HIM who took his head. So, this retcon is not a problem for me.
Renée's husband, Albert de Tassigny, was not credited and his actor is unknown. Owen outing Renée as a cheater was inspired by my own dislike for people who cheat on their spouses for no good reason.
Also, the chess game, while I do not understand the game, I could not help but notice that the chess board was set up sideways from normal. In other words, instead of the white and black pieces being lined up in FRONT of each player respectively, the white pieces are lined up along Duncan's left/Darius' right and the black pieces are lined up along Duncan's right/Darius' left. After several centuries, maybe they got bored playing in the normal orientation and decided to change orientation?
Anyway, thanks for reading, please review, your support helps my writing. And at the time of this chapter, Merry Christmas!
R&R, Roland Cain out!