He could feel the electric sensation snake along his skin, a sparkling slide of heat that ran along his spine and made the hair at the nape of his neck stand on end. It was the buzz of a nearby Immortal. Call it a warning, a sixth sense if you will, but it had saved his Immortal life many times. Carefully, he moved from the mat and reached for his katana propped against the nearby wall.

The razor sharp blade slid along its protective covering with a deadly whisper as he removed it and moved to the door. Duncan MacLeod, of the Clan MacLeod, raised the sword over his head, adrenaline surging through him as the buzz raced through his body, stronger and more intense now. His muscular body tensed, his dark hair, which had grown longer in his days of solitude, fell across a lean cheek, partially hiding his sculpted features. Expressive, dark eyes, which could light up with laughter or darken with sadness, were now narrowed with concentration.

His body tingled, an almost explosive jolt jarring him as the door to the room opened. He braced himself for the confrontation, his strong fingers gripping the katana.

“Whoa! Wait a minute, Mac. I have no desire to lose my head today,” the darkly sardonic voice drawled. The tall, leanly muscular man walked through the open doorway, nimbly sidestepping the imperceptible dip of the sword as Duncan released the tense readiness of his body. With a deeply drawn sigh, Duncan dropped the sword and placed it back against the wall, turning to face his Immortal friend.

“Methos. You could give a person a little warning, you know. Other than this plague of a buzz that doesn’t have a calling card with it.”

Methos laughed and sprawled his muscular frame onto a softly cushioned chair, casually draping himself over it. “Now, tell me how I’m supposed to let you know I’m coming when you’ve cut yourself off from everyone. Your cell phone is turned off and I’m guessing you haven’t even checked messages lately. I can understand wanting a little time alone, but this is getting to be ridiculous. Come on, Mac. Don’t you think it’s time you rejoined humanity?”

Duncan turned and slumped onto the sofa across from his friend. He knew Methos was right. And, sometimes, this man was beyond wise, having lived for over 5000 years. There were times when his friend’s eyes seemed to hold the knowledge of the universe. Then, he would see the sadness lurking there, revealing a soul that was often ravaged with regret over the atrocities he had committed before he changed his life.

“No, Methos, I don’t,” Duncan softly replied, coming to a quick decision, “and I don’t believe I ever will.”


“Oh, come on, Mac, you can’t do this. When you get into one of these funks, it’s never good for you,” Methos softly replied. “As a matter of fact, it’s bad for everyone.”

Duncan stretched his long legs out in front of him. Crossing his arms across his chest, he leveled dark eyes at Methos. “Are you saying I’m not a joy to be around right now?” he growled.

Methos laughed and quickly replied, “Let’s just say you aren’t the life of the party.”

“Fine,” Duncan bluntly stated, raking a hand through the soft, dark waves of his hair agitatedly, “but, tell me how I’m supposed to put what happened behind me?”

Methos leaned forward, his intense eyes locking with those of his friend. “You do it because it’s part of what we are. We are Immortal. And with that comes the pain, the grief and the aching loss of losing the ones we love. But there’s also the other. The soul searing, sweet ache we experience when the special ones come into our lives, if only for a moment. For a short time, our existence has meaning; we click in our perfect world.”

Sighing deeply, Methos leaned back into his chair and Duncan could see the sadness flash through his eyes as the memories caught up with him. Then it was swiftly gone as Methos turned his way. He spoke again, his lyrical voice almost hypnotic as he continued, “Surely, you don’t regret the time you spent with her?”

Duncan swiftly rose from the sofa, paced softly across the floor, and then turned to face Methos. His dark eyes were almost wild with the pain etched across his handsome face. “No, I will never regret that. What I regret is not knowing what happened. Did she die a swift death or did she linger? Was she afraid or at peace?” His deep voice took on a raw edge as emotion raged through him.

“You’re only hurting yourself by doing this, Mac. When Kara’s boat went down during that storm there was no sign of her. We can only hope she didn’t suffer.”

“There is that, isn’t there? But I can’t let it go, Methos, don’t you see? A part of me tells me she isn’t gone. I can still feel her here.” He placed a hand on his chest above his heart and tears glistened in his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” Methos softly said. “I know how much you loved her, but how many rescue teams have dredged those waters. You, yourself, were among them. Don’t you think it’s time you let it go?”

A loud knock interrupted them and Duncan turned to open the door. As it swung wide, he was surprised to see a familiar face staring back at him. Joe Dawson moved into the room, his cane softly thumping the floor as he went.

“Hi, Joe. What brings you here?”

Joe looked over at Duncan and a slow smile spread across his face. “I think I might have some good news.”

__________________
destiny

Just when the caterpillar thought it's life was over, it became a butterfly.

Good !!!

...so what happened?!!!

__________________
A promise made, is a promise kept... :-)

Thanks, pukkie, and, JustBecause, here's the next installment.

__________________
destiny

Just when the caterpillar thought it's life was over, it became a butterfly.

The pulsing beat of the chopper’s blades was a comforting sound as Duncan leaned forward in his seat. Looking out at the blue waters of the ocean rushing beneath them as the helicopter raced to its destination, he felt slightly at peace. At least he was doing something besides sitting around being depressed. When Joe had told him he might have news that Kara was alive, hope blossomed within him. And, now, that he, Joe and Methos were traveling out to a remote island to confirm Joe’s information, Duncan was confident she was still breathing. With each passing second, he could feel the bond that had connected him and Kara growing stronger. Strange as it might seem, he had known in his heart that she was alive.

“Leave it up to Kara to sail her boat in one of the most remote parts of the world,” Joe said as he leaned forward and rested his hands on the handle of his cane.

“Yeah. You know how she is, Joe. When she wants to be alone to work on her novels she really needs the solitude. The strength and beauty of the sea gave her that,” Duncan replied as he met Joe’s all knowing eyes.

“I can understand that and the storm that destroyed her boat wasn’t one that was forecasted. Quick and vicious was what I heard. She couldn’t have had time to prepare. But, apparently she managed to survive it.”

“What I can’t understand is why she hasn’t contacted me,” Duncan softly said, his dark eyes filled with concern.

“There’s something I haven’t told you, Mac, and I was hoping to wait until we landed. But, I guess now’s a good time as any.”

Duncan tensed, knowing what he was about to hear wouldn’t be good news. If he knew anything about his watcher, he knew this man believed in telling it like it is. No subterfuge, just plain old Joe. “Spill it, Dawson. What’s going on? I have to know.”

Joe rubbed a hand wearily across his face and heaved a deep sigh. “Kara is living on the island with Don Armando Santiago, a powerful man who runs his island with an iron fist. She was sighted at his home by one of my fellow watchers and he let me know.”

Anger, fast and furious flowed through Duncan, along with disbelief. How could she do this to him? Had their love only been one sided? Or maybe it had only been a dream on his part. He slumped back in his seat, shock mirrored on his face.

“Mac, don’t jump to conclusions,” Methos interrupted, hoping to calm his friend. “Maybe he has taken her against her will. We don’t know the circumstances yet.”

Duncan leaned forward, his lean jaw tensing as he ground out, “Believe me, I intend to find out just how Don Santiago came to have Kara in his life. When I finish with him, I will know every detail.”

“Mac, there’s something else you should know,” Joe said, regret shading his rugged features. “Don Santiago is Immortal.”

__________________
destiny

Just when the caterpillar thought it's life was over, it became a butterfly.

The warm ocean breeze filtered through the open patio window, drifting over Duncan as he lay in bed. Restless, he moved from the bed and walked out into the warm night air. He wore only the bottom of his pajamas and the moonlight scattered its iridescent light across the rippling muscles of his chest and shoulders, highlighting the smooth golden glow of his skin. The insistently chanting rhythm of an island insect filled his ears as he moved across the smooth, white tiles in his bare feet. Near the back of the patio, alongside the peaceful flow of a small water fountain, he found the solitude he was looking for.

Earlier that night, they had arrived on the island and Duncan had wanted to confront Santiago, but Joe had convinced him to wait until morning. Now, his restless mind wouldn’t let him sleep. Emotions and thoughts plagued him, disturbing his peace of mind. He knew he needed the tranquility only the smooth form of the kata gave him. The softly rolling waves of the ocean provided a soothing beat as his disciplined body moved from one point to another, flowing in fluid motion. With each movement, he felt his racing thoughts slow, and the anger flow from his tense body, leaving only peace behind. With one final movement, he brought his palms in, close to his chest, and released a pent up breath. He could feel the negative emotions flowing from him, cleansing his soul.

“I thought I might find you here,” Joe quietly said as he moved out of the darkness near the patio doors.

“Yeah, Joe,” Duncan remarked, almost sarcastically, as his body tensed again, all thoughts of relaxing forgotten. “What sage words of wisdom do you have for me now?”

“Listen, Mac,” Dawson growled. “I don’t pretend to have all the answers, and I know you’re going through a lot right now, but give me a break, will ya?”

Duncan sighed and moved away from the fountain, its serenity a source of irritation now. He looked over at Joe and saw the tired set of his shoulders as he leaned heavily on his cane. Maybe he was being a little hard on him. It wasn’t Joe’s fault that Kara was here on this island. “Sorry. Just overlook me, will you?” Duncan asked as he walked past Joe, patting his old friend on the shoulder, and then moving on. He stopped at the edge of the patio where it met the ocean sand. Overhead, a full moon shone down on the softly rolling waves, their peaceful rhythm a balm to his tortured soul.

“It’s okay,” Joe replied, and then moved over to a nearby table. He sat down with a soft sigh. “Why don’t you join me, Mac? Looks like it’s going to be a long night.”

He did as Joe suggested, stretching out in the softly cushioned chair opposite him. Why not, Duncan thought. If he was going to be miserable, he might as well be comfortable.

“Hey, is this a private party or can anyone join in?”

“No, Methos. The more the merrier,” Duncan laughed and welcomed his Immortal friend, who carried an armful of drinks he had confiscated from the bar inside the private home where they were now staying. Hours, and many drinks later, they had, all, wearily, stumbled off to bed.

__________________
destiny

Just when the caterpillar thought it's life was over, it became a butterfly.

Very Good !!

__________________
destiny

Just when the caterpillar thought it's life was over, it became a butterfly.

As the jeep they rode in bumped over the rough road that bordered Don Santiago’s estate, Duncan mentally prepared himself for what was to come, unsure of what might happen. Earlier, they had passed through an armed gate and Dawson had used his credentials to get them through. All of this hadn’t set well with Duncan and he tried not to imagine the worse. Hopefully, it wasn’t as Methos had suggested that Kara was being held against her will. The alternative was unthinkable, though. The thought, that Kara wanted to be here and not with him, left a bitter taste in his mouth. He would face that problem, if it came about, he decided, and chose not to worry about it now.

The driver turned the jeep into a circular drive, which encompassed a huge fountain, and they came to a jarring lurch in front of a palatial home. With its adobe pink walls and trailing greenery, it was almost inviting in its quiet beauty. Without a word, Duncan exited the jeep and made his way to the door, closely followed by Joe and Methos.

“It might be better if I do the talking for now, Mac,” Joe said as he pressed the doorbell and patiently waited for an answer. As Duncan started to protest, Joe quietly interrupted, “Trust me. It’s for the best. At least I’ll get us through the front door, and then you can confront Santiago.”

Duncan reluctantly agreed, thinking Joe, in all his watcher wisdom, might just be right, because everything that was in him was screaming for him to rush in and make sure Kara was safe. He was so used to being cool, calm and in command, that these feelings were new to him. With that in mind, he took a deep breath, and forced himself to relax.

Just then, a uniformed butler opened the door and, after a short explanation of who they were, directed them to the back of the home where a large pool was located. The warm, midday sun reflected off its cool blue waters, making it an almost irresistible temptation in the sultry heat. Several lounging chairs were located around its perimeter and a bubbling spa was a welcome companion for the cool nights. Stone steps led down to a private beach, the salty ocean scent drifting up from that direction.

“Master Santiago is down on the beach. I will inform him you are here,” the butler said and quickly walked down the steps.

“Joe, I appreciate your help,” Duncan began, “but I can take it from here.”

“Mac, Kara’s not…”

A movement from the steps drew their attention as a man walked up from the beach. Clad in swim trunks, he was physically fit and toned. He climbed the steps with ease and made his way toward them. His burnished gold hair glinted in the sun as he turned cool, blue eyes their way, assessing them with a calculating gleam. “Hello.” he said, his voice clipped and slightly accented. “May I ask why you are here? When my guards informed me of your arrival, they didn’t elaborate on the reason for your visit.” He looked at Duncan, meeting his dark eyes with a slight challenge, having felt the Immortal buzz emanating from him and Methos as he neared his home.

Joe stepped forward, prepared to launch into a plausible story for their being there, when he heard Duncan suck in his breath. He looked over at the steps and saw what had caught Mac off guard. Kara walked up the steps, her long, red gold hair loose and flowing down her back. She wore a swimsuit with a matching sarong tied loosely around her hips. Smiling, she walked over and linked her arm with Santiago’s.

“Armando, our picnic on the beach is getting cold. What’s keeping you?” she inquired, all her attention on the tall man next to her.

“Kara, I can’t believe you’re here,” Duncan said, his voice low and raw with emotion. “Are you okay?”

Kara turned to look at Duncan, her emerald green eyes confused. “I’m sorry,” she replied, with a slight tremor to her voice, “but do I know you?”

“It’s Duncan, Kara, Duncan,” Macleod said with some force, a worried frown marring his features. With determination, he strode towards her, intent on settling this once and for all. He placed a gentle hand on her arm when he reached her side. She turned to face him and, as her eyes locked with his, he saw a flash of pain spark through them.

“Duncan?” she softly moaned, and reached up to rub her temple with trembling fingers. Giving a small cry, she started to fall, losing consciousness and terrifying Duncan all in the same moment. He caught her as she fell and lifted her off her feet, cradling her close to his heart. Holding her next to him, images flashed through his mind. Images of the special women he had given his heart to and lost one by one. The pain was there, gnawing at him like a burning abscess, determined to undermine everything he was. Shrugging off the memories, he looked down at Kara and saw the small, red scar on her smooth forehead near her hairline. Could she have been seriously injured during the storm? Was this why she didn’t recognize him? The thought that she might be suffering from amnesia had never crossed his mind.

“Juan, call my personal physician at once!” Santiago shouted and directed Duncan to bring Kara inside. Once there, Duncan placed her on the leather sofa and smoothed the silken waves of hair from her forehead. He frowned as he saw the ugly red scar once again.

Lifting accusing eyes to Santiago, who stood on the opposite side of the sofa, concern for Kara evident in his eyes, Duncan fiercely whispered, “How could you let her become so ill? Couldn’t you see she wasn’t well?”

“She has been under the personal care of my physician and was doing very well until she saw you. I won’t ask you who you are and how you came to know her, but we will talk soon,” Santiago sharply replied.

“Don’t worry; we will certainly talk. And I will know why Kara is here with you. We have much to discuss,” Duncan shot back, his voice a silky threat.

“Mac, how’s she doing?” Joe interrupted, moving next to them. Duncan almost smiled. Never mind that Joe was supposed to be his watcher and not interfere. This trip had gone way beyond that. For the time being, Joe had successfully tempered the moment between the two Immortals.

“Better, Joe, I think,” he replied with a smile. And, as if to prove his point, Kara moaned and slowly opened her eyes. Looking up at the three of them anxiously staring down at her, she seemed as confused as ever.

“Well, this is certainly turning out to be an interesting day,” Methos dryly remarked from his position at the back of the room. During all this he had been a silent observer, content to go with the flow, coolly watching and carefully analyzing. Now, he moved forward, unfolding his lean frame from his propped position against the wall. Duncan almost groaned aloud. What would happen next was almost anyone’s guess.

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destiny

Just when the caterpillar thought it's life was over, it became a butterfly.

It is very good Destiny!