Date: Fri, 2 Dec 1994 11:27:52 -0800 Reply-To: Highlander TV show stories Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: Perri Subject: What's Past is Prologue (7/7) X-To: fkfic-l@psuvm.psu.edu What's Past is Prologue (7 of 7) By Perri Smith Copyright 1994 For once, the evening was clear. The fog had apparently chosen to take a night off, and the lights of the Bay Bridge gleamed and flickered against the last remnants of the sunset. Kurt dropped Ais' duffel bag at her feet. "I wish I could think of some way to thank you," he said again. Ais smiled. "You've done more than enough, Kurt." He shrugged. "No, not enough. I wasn't there to help you fight those bastards. You saved my life." "You did well," she tried to assure him, laying a hand on his shoulder. "You fought fairly against bad odds. It's not your fault they chose to cheat. And I handled them fine on my own." Michael looked away. They had agreed not to tell Kurt who had actually killed the second Immortal -- it could raise too many questions, and there was no need for him to know. "Still..." Kurt stared off into space, reliving the night, as he had a hundred times in the last two days. He had sensed an Immortal's approach and had turned to greet Ais, only to find a sword at his throat. The fight had been short, his opponent unskilled and he had been winning. Until he had felt the sudden agony in his back, felt himself falling to the carpet. Until he had known he was going to die. "I have something for you." Aislyn's voice broke him away from his memories. He focused on her with an effort, and saw her holding out a sword. Deirdre's katana. "I can't," he protested automatically. "Yes, you can," Ais said firmly. "I have my own sword, and this one needs a worthy holder. I think Deirdre would want you to have it." Kurt slowly reached out and took the hilt. The balance was beautiful, the blade keen..."Thank you, Lady." Ais blinked at hearing him use Michael's name for her, but let it pass. She smiled again, leaning over to kiss him. "May your sword always be faster than your enemy." He blushed faintly, turning hastily to hold his hand out to Michael. "I hope to see you again." Michael shook the offered hand. "Perhaps you will." None of them really believed it. The ferry left a few minutes later. Ais waved until Kurt was out of sight, then let her arm fall to finger her cross. "How do you think he'll do?" she asked, a little wistfully. "He'll be fine." Michael stroked her hair gently. She smiled up at him, then looked at the small pottery urn he held, biting her lip. He handed it to her gently. She unsealed it, murmuring an ancient Gaelic prayer. He surprised her by saying it with her. She clutched the urn for a moment, then in one smooth movement spilled its contents out into the air. In a strange trick of the fading light, the arc of ashes seemed to glimmer silver, before settling into the waves. "Rest in peace, my friend," Aislyn whispered. Michael saw her shoulders shake, and turned her face up to his. But she was smiling through tears. "Why are you laughing, Lady?" he asked gently. "Because it hurts less than crying." He pulled her back into his arms, holding her. She laid her head against his chest and they stood together, watching the lights of the city fade away. FIN __________________________________________________________________________ Perri "There's nothing in the rule book that says FOLC an elephant can't pitch!" DDEBrigadier Knightie "Life's a walking shadow......." ___________________________________________________________________________ That's all Folks. Flames, comments welcome at ksmith@scf.usc.edu. There will be more of these, so keep an eye out! =========================================================================