========================================================================= Date: Wed, 6 Mar 1996 16:09:17 -0500 Reply-To: JJSWBT@AOL.COM Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: Wendy Tillis Subject: Hidden Potential 22/22 Hidden Potential By: Wendy Tillis March 1996 All standard disclaimers apply. Chapter 22 "RING, RING." Duncan picked up the phone. He wondered who could be calling him here, since he didn't know anyone in the whole country. Maybe it was the airline - one of his bags had gotten lost on the flight from Darwin to Sydney. "Hello?" "MacLeod, is that you?" "Methos?" Duncan was pleasantly surprised. He hadn't heard from Methos in years. Duncan had been pretty sure that he wasn't dead - but stranger things had happened. Duncan had lost too many old friends to discount thepossibility. Ever since Darius had been killed on holy ground, Duncan hadknown that none of them were truly safe. He realized that Methos was stilltalking. " Where have you been, MacLeod? I've been trying to reach you for months. What happened to that guy who used to leave a forwarding address and pick up his messages every week? " He's gone walkabout as they say down here. What's the matter? Trouble?' "No, no trouble. I just wanted to know what you are doing New Year's Eve." "New Year's Eve?' It was now the week before Christmas. " Yes, you know, NEW YEAR'S EVE. Happens once a year? What are your plans?" "I don't have any." "Good! Then you can come to my party." "Party? You're having a New Year's Eve party?" "Is there some trouble with this line - you keep repeating things? Yes, I'm having a party. Food, drink, paper hats, noisemakers, the whole thing. I plan on seeing 2001 in in style. A new millennium doesn't come along that often" "Yeah - they usually take 1000 years." "So where is this party?" "Rio! Where else for a great party? The Inter-Continental. Grand ballroom. 8:00 pm until the last person drops. Come. Please. I've already reserved a room in your name - you have to come or I'll have to pay for it." "Like you couldn't afford it." Duncan laughed. "All right. New Year's Eve it is. I'll be there." " Great. I'm inviting every pretty girl in Rio. See you then." And Methos hung up. A party. Well, why not? He hadn't been to a good party in years. And he wanted to see Methos again. Sure. Rio. Duncan clicked the receiver and ask the desk to connect him to Quantas. ************************************ Duncan reached Rio on the morning of the 31st. Arriving at the hotel, he found that a room was, indeed, reserved in his name. An expensive room - good old Methos. Duncan filled out the registration card and handed over his bags to the bellman. All except the long skinny case which he carried himself. The bellman lead him to the elevator and then up to his room on the 20th floor. After tipping the bellman, Duncan hung out the "Do Not Disturb" sign and locked the door. It was a long flight from Australia and he was tired. He had almost twelve hours before the party began and he intended to get some rest. As he moved around the room, checking out the view, the bathroom, the TV, he wondered where Methos was. He had neglected to tell MacLeod what name he was traveling under now. When Duncan had called the Inter-Continental after Christmas to inquire after a Mr. Adam Pierson, he had been told that no such person was, or had been, registered there under that name. Methos! It would be good to see him again. Duncan laid down on the bed. He *was* tired. He ran his hand through hishair - he needed a shower but he might as well wait until he got ready for the big event. Even after three years, his short hair still felt odd to his fingers. He had cut it just after leaving Seattle. He had done it partly because so many people recognized him by the long hair and partly because it was time to change. Tessa had been the one who had encouraged him to grow it long almost twenty years ago. He had vowed not to return to the Pacific Northwest or Paris until everyone he had known there was dead - he was putting the dead past behind him and cutting his hair was part of that. When he woke up, it was almost 5:00. He called room service and ordered some food. His Portuguese was rusty but he managed. Then he went in and took a shower. By the time he was done, the food had arrived. The eggs were poached instead of scrambled and he had ham instead of bacon. Duncan guessed his Portuguese was rustier than he thought. He turned on the TV and sat down to eat. He watched a local newscast. Listening to it would help bring back the language. >From the news, he saw that this year would end about the way they always did. There were small wars being fought in spots all over the world. Nothing major- unless you happened to live under the guns. There were "last days" parties being held in every major world capital - people waiting for the End-of-the-World or the Second Coming, depending on their nature. Last New Year's Eve had been as bad. At least half the world's population had decided that the new millennium started on the first day of the year 2000 instead of on the last. It didn't seem terribly important to Duncan, but then he had lived through a lot of new years. He had spent last New Year's Eve dead drunk in Iceland. Finishing his food, he went into the bathroom and shaved, brushed his teeth, and combed his hair. He found his tuxedo and shook it out - not too badly wrinkled. Taking his time, he went about the process of getting dressed. He hadn't had his tux on for a while. He couldn't remember when - maybe the night the statute of Kali had been unveiled at the University? Maybe. Richie had been with him that night. Richie. Duncan tried not to think about Richie. In the years since Richie had left him, he had made quite a reputation for himself. Somehow, and Duncan didn't want to know how, Richie had come in to a lot of money and was now playing the part of an international playboy. He seemed to enjoy the limelight - not especially smart since he left a trail of broken hearts and decapitated bodies where ever he went. They had seen each other only once. Early last year, passing through Heathrow airport, Duncan had sensed an Immortal. Looking back over his shoulder, he had seen Richie waiting to board a different plane. Duncan had nodded in recognition but Richie had just turned his back. Duncan thought he had heard that Richie was in New York these days. At 8:00 Duncan left his room and headed up the elevator to the top floor. Stepping out of the elevator, he could hear the noise of the party - and feel the presence of an Immortal. Duncan fought the urge to go back down and get his sword. He told himself it was only Methos and they *were* in a public place. He moved on toward the open double doors of the Grand Ballroom. Just outside the door there was a small table and a uniformed man seated behind it. He stood as Duncan approached, a sheaf of papers in his hand. " Name, sir?" " Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod" The man checked the list. Duncan could see that it contained not only names, but in some cases brief physical descriptions also. The man looked at him again and then smiled. "Please go right in sir, have a good time." Duncan walked through the doors and stopped. It was a huge room. Directly in front of him was the dance floor and across the room the bandstand. What appeared to be a full orchestra was busy assembling there. To his left, there were tables scattered and further away, against the wall, was a long buffet table. Doors lead off to what Duncan assumed was the kitchen. There were a few people seated at the tables, none he recognized immediately. The feeling of Immortal presence was coming from his right and he turned that way next. There were more tables and then the bar. Standing at the bar, glasses in hand, was a small knot of people. Duncan headed that way and got the shock of his life. No wonder he had felt an Immortal! There, at the bar, were Methos, Amanda, Marcus Constantine and Ceirdwyn. Together. Duncan was stunned. They all turned to watch him approach. Methos was wearing a big grin - like a cat who has just eaten a canary. Duncan used the time it took to cross the floor to analyze the little group. Methos had his arm around Amanda - subconsciously staking his claim, Duncan thought. Constantine and Ceirdwyn seemed to be together too - though they were not touching. Just something in the way they stood. Duncan suddenly felt like a fifth wheel. "Duncan! You made it! I'm glad!" This was Methos. "Yes, I made it. So - what's up?" Duncan's gesture indicating the whole group. "I decided that we needed to celebrate the new millennium and who better to do it with than people who have already experienced a millennium - or two." Methos was enjoying this. "I tried to veto you on the grounds you weren't old enough, but I got overruled." Marcus smiled to show that it was a joke. He and Duncan had only met once before but they had parted friends. Amanda had been standing next to Methos looking a bit uncertain of her reception. Duncan put out his hand to her and she took it. They kissed cheeks then Duncan stepped back. "Nice to see you again, Amanda. It's been a while. And you too, Ceirdwyn. I heard you had left France." "Yes, I did. I found Rome to be very inspiring." And she smiled at Marcus. The conversation died for a moment. Methos poured Duncan a glass of champagne from a bottle on the bar and handed it to him. Duncan took a sip. Then Methos raised his glass and said: "A toast. What should we drink to? Eternity?" " No" Amanda cut in. "How about - to good friends well met." "Or - to happy times" This from Ceirdwyn. " How about - there can be only one?" Duncan suggested somewhat unpleasantly. He found himself wishing he had refused Methos' invitation. Seeing Amanda with Methos and Ceirdwyn with Marcus just reminded him that he was alone. Of Maggie he had heard nothing since she left Seattle almost four years ago. Rationally he knew that four years was not very long - not in an Immortal's life. Irrationally he knew that she wasn't coming back. "Duncan! That wasn't nice." Methos looked at him closely. "All right, we'll drink to the New Year. That ought to be safe." They all raised their glasses and toasted the New Year. A silence fell . More and more people were arriving at the party. Methos apparently had not been exaggerating about inviting every pretty girl in Rio - and they all had dates. Amanda nudged Methos and nodded her head at Duncan. Methos looked questioningly at her then nodded back. "Duncan, come over here, I want your advise on the music for tonight." Methos took Duncan by the arm and lead him away from the others. Duncan glanced at the others and then followed Methos across the room. Methos should have known better, Duncan thought. Over the years he had had intimate relationships with both Amanda and Ceirdwyn. It wasn't all that pleasant to see them with other men now. Even if those other men were friends too. Especially if those men were friends. There were reasons that Immortals didn't hang about in gangs. The interpersonal relationships got too tangled. And heads got lost. Once they were out of earshot of the other Immortals, Methos stopped. "Look Duncan. Maybe I shouldn't have sprung this on you like this. I thought you'd enjoy seeing some friendly faces. You've been of wandering by yourself for too long." "Who says it's been too long, Methos? "Never mind, really I'm fine. Don't worry. I'm not upset." He was, but he wasn't a child, he would get over it. Duncan looked around. "This looks like it took a lot of work. Have you been in Rio long?" " Not that long. It was Amanda's idea. . " He trailed off. "Methos. It's OK. I don't own Amanda. She goes where she pleases. Always has. Relax." " She said you'd be all right. I admit I was nervous. I know how close you two have been. ." "Could we talk about something else?" " Sure. So - what do you think? Big Band or more modern stuff? "Big Band definitely," " OK. I have to go talk to the kitchen about something. Oh yeah, there's this girl I want to introduce you too later. I don't see her yet - your gonna love her. Lots of fun at parties." Methos left him and went toward the kitchen. Duncan wandered around the room. He supposed he should head back to the other Immortals but he didn't want to face that right now. He just carried his drink and walked between the tables, looking at the happy people and catching bits of their conversations. Mortals - they were having a good time. Amanda caught up with him as he made his second turn around the room. She looked slightly apprehensive as she approached. He stopped walking and waited for her. "Duncan. Are you avoiding me?" She smiled her most ingratiating smile. "No, Amanda. I'm not avoiding you. I just needed to get used to the idea of you and Methos. I'm fine, really." "Really? Good. I love him, Duncan. Kind of a shock at my age. It . . it doesn't change what I feel for you. It's just. . we don't do so well in the long haul, Duncan. You know that. With Methos, I . . I don't know. I think we could be together a long time." "Shhhhhhh. Amanda. It's OK. I understand. Don't worry. If you're happy. . . that's all that matters." " What about you?" " Me? Oh, I'm doing OK. This whole thing kind of surprised me, that's all." " I don't mean just tonight. Methos told me about Seattle. About what happened with that girl and Richie." "What did he tell you?" "Only that you and Richie both fell for some mortal girl and it turned out badly." "That's over. I'm fine." "Good" Amanda looked around the room at the festivities, the party was getting loud. "Tonight is going to be fun." They spotted Methos talking to Marcus and Ceirdwyn again. " You know who would have enjoyed this?" "Who?" " Joe Dawson. Imagine. Five old Immortals in one room." "You're right. Joe would have loved it." They were both quiet. Joe Dawson had died last year of a massive sudden heart attack. Duncan had been in China when it happened and hadn't gone back for the funeral. He couldn't do anything for Joe and besides, he had been to too many funerals in his life. He would remember Joe as he had been. Alive and happy with his blues and his bar. "Let's dance, MacLeod." "Let's." They danced for a while, then went over to rejoin Methos. Duncan began to relax and enjoy himself. They ate and danced, laughed and talked for hours. As midnight approached, Duncan found himself standing alone in a crowd of happy people standing in front of the bandstand. Most everyone was paired off in anticipation of the stroke of midnight. Duncan sipped his champagne and tried to enjoy the moment. The crowd began to count down the seconds. Ten. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six. Five. A tall woman with chocolate brown hair who was standing directly in front of Duncan began to turn as the crowd kept counting. Duncan was concentrating on the band leader. Four. Three. Two. One. Midnight. Happy New Year!!!!! The woman turned completely around, directly into Duncan's face. She put one hand around his neck and kissed him - hard - as the clock stuck midnight. Surprised, Duncan returned the kiss while also trying to disentangle himself from her grip. It was only as the kiss lingered that he suddenly recognized who he was kissing. He jerked back to look at her. "Maggie." Duncan barely got the word out. " Ah, so you remember me." She was grinning like a Cheshire cat. Duncan was stunned. She looked the same - except that her hair was brown now, not red. She was staring at him, searching his face for his reaction. He couldn't decide what he felt - surprise, happiness, leftover anger at her disappearance, irritation at being surprised, fear that she would disappear again. Finally, deciding on happiness, he grabbed her by the hand and pulled her through the crowd to a small table in a corner. They sat down facing each other across a corner of the table. "What are you doing here?" "Celebrating New Years?" ""You know what I mean." Duncan looked impatient. " Oh. Well, I suppose I came to see you.." "Was all this your idea?" " Oh no. It was Amanda's idea. And Methos' money." She smiled. "I came along after the fact." "When? Come on Maggie, tell me what's going on." "Fine. I'm only here by chance, really. A week ago I was passing through Rio's airport on my way to Cartegena. I wasn't "hiding" and I felt an Immortal. I looked around and there was Methos. He was there to pick up Ceirdwyn and Marcus. He told me about the party - and mentioned that you were coming." " And you decided to stay?" "Well, no. Not right away. I almost got on my plane anyway. Then I don't know - I guess I had an airport epiphany. I decided maybe it was a good time to see you again." Duncan looked around for the other Immortals, he couldn't see them through the crowd. " Do *they* all know who you are?" "Heavens no. None of them know I'm Immortal or that I'm the girl you knew in Seattle. I have seen most of them before, mind you. Not Amanda. Somehow I've missed her all these years. Marcus I knew once - but it was a thousand years ago and I looked somewhat different then. Plus I was married to a friend of his - we just met a few times in passing. He thinks I look familiar - but nothing more. Ceirdwyn. Now her I knew when she was a child. She wouldn't remember me - but her tribe was one I used to watch over - in the good old days when I was a Goddess. Even after I gave up Godhood, I'd stop in every few hundred years to see them. I was most put out when the Roman's slaughtered them." Duncan was having a hard time taking all this in. He was still stunned to see her here so unexpectedly. She hadn't said why she had decided it was time to see him. He wished Methos had warned him. Damn Methos! He was probably somewhere watching them and having a good laugh. " What have you been up to, Duncan? Since I saw you last." What could he tell her? That he had spent four years wandering aimlessly, drinking too much, being careless, hoping someone would challenge him to a fight? That the only time he truly felt alive was when he took a head? How much that scared him? That he had not made love to a woman he hadn't paid for since she left? "I've been fine. Out seeing the world." "Oh." " What have you been up to?" She stared into space, not really seeing the partygoers or hearing the music. He expected her to give him some flip line about seeing the world too. She surprised him. "I've spent the time convincing myself I didn't love you. Didn't need you. Didn't want you." Duncan stared at her. "I've climbed a few mountain, spent time wandering in a desert or two. I've drank rather more than my share of alcohol. I've done some very interesting drugs. I went looking for Immortals I could kill. I've slept with more men than I can count." Duncan winced at that revelation. "And in the end I came to a remarkable discovery." "Which was?" Duncan held his breath. "Which was that there comes a time when you have to make a choice. To keep running or stand still and let fate catch up to you. Standing in the airport getting ready to fly out of here - I decided that time had come. I was going to see you and tell you how I felt." Her hands were outstretched on the table in front of her. He reached over and took both of her hands in his. He held them very lightly, not trapping her, just wanting to touch her. " And how do you feel?" "I think I've been searching for something for a long time. Endlessly searching. I've tried to lose myself in the pleasure and in the pain but it wasn't ever enough. Then I met you. It doesn't make any sense but ever since I met you I've been thinking that maybe love can last forever. I love you, Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod. If you want me, I'm yours. For as long as you'll have me." Duncan couldn't believe what he was hearing. It was so far beyond what he had been hoping for that he didn't have an answer for her. She was waiting for him to say *something*- she looked like an uncertain teenager who had just ask a boy out for the first time. But he knew she wasn't a teenager - she was perhaps 25 times older than he was. Did she mean what she said? Was it a joke or a trick or. . He was trying to decide what to say when Methos appeared at the table. Duncan looked up in irritation at the interruption. " AH! I see you two found each other without my help. Good. Good. So, what happens now?" "That was what we were about to find out before you showed up." Duncan snapped. Unfazed Methos went on: " Here's the plan. This party's getting old, so Amanda says we should all go down to the beach and have a swim. She suggests skinny-dipping but Marcus is holding out for bathing suits. Come along and help us dump him in the water." Duncan looked back at Maggie. She was sitting calmly now, waiting for his answer. He smiled. "Sorry, Methos. I think Maggie and I have some unfinished business to take care of. Tell you what, we'll see you later. Tell Amanda and the others good-bye from us, OK? " With that, he pull stood up and pulled Maggie up with him. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly. Methos stood by amused. They didn't pay him anymore attention as they headed for the doors. Methos followed at a distance and watched them as they waited for the elevator. "You colored your hair. I liked the red." " It will wash out. You cut yours. I liked it long." "It will grow. So, Maggie. Are you going to teach me that little trick of yours?" He nibbled her neck. " Trick?" She laughed as he nibbled harder. "Oh. *That* trick. I suppose I could *try* to teach you. It's a hard trick to learn. But - you seem to have potential." She ran her hand down his shirt from his shoulder to his waist. "I'm willing to try hard and we do have forever." His hands played across her back, caressing her gently. "The first step is you become my slave for a hundred years." "Slave?" < He laughed now> " What does this slave have to do?" He had stopped nibbling her neck and was working on her ear now. " Hmmmmmm. . . I'll think of something..." The elevator doors opened and they got in. Methos watched the doors close. Then he turned to go find Amanda. 2001 was getting off to an interesting start. The End.