DCH 102
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter One-Hundred Two: The Demise of Ahriman
"I would have damned myself if it wasn't for you," Beaufort told his friends.
"No," Richie shook his head. "That's what it wants you to think. I know, I was in your shoes, sort of, but that's besides the point."
"The only power it has over us is the power we give it," Duncan added.
"Duncan, everything I've read says it is useless to fight it," Beaufort explained, "that it feeds on our hate and fear. That its very presence breeds hate and fear. How can we destroy something that thieves on destruction?"
"Peace, Father," Richie answered. "Love, peace and forgiveness."
"Never will I renounce a good mind," Duncan quoted, realizing something. "It was there all the time. Peace."
"What?" Beaufort asked.
"I have to do this by myself," Duncan told his friends. "You have to leave now. I need to know you'll be safe."
"Isn't there anything I can do?" Beaufort asked.
"Pray," Duncan answered.
He left the chapel, leaving Duncan and Richie doing what they have to do.
"You too," Duncan told his student. "That went for you too."
"You're gonna leave me hanging?" Richie replied with determination. "I'll rest when I know that son of a bitch responsible for Tori's death is gone for good."
"Fine," Duncan said begrudgingly. "You really are stubborn at times."
He got into position, preparing for the final stand against Ahriman. Richie joined him.
"Do exactly as I do," Duncan instructed. He then proceeded with Chi Gung, and to the best of his ability, Richie copied his teacher.
The next thing they knew, they were back at the labyrinth.
Ahriman appeared in front of the two men. "Oh good. You're back."
"You've lost," Duncan declared.
"Let's play," Ahriman taunted. "How about guns?"
Guns appeared as both Duncan and Richie were holding them.
"Yes, yes," Ahriman urged. "Shoot each other, or shoot me. Your pick."
Duncan tossed the gun to the ground, and it vanished. Richie did the same thing.
"That's not fair," Ahriman replied. "How about, uh – how about your old friends?"
Duncan's katana appeared in his hand while Richie's sword appeared in his.
"That's it."
"Not this time," Richie shook his head.
Duncan threw his katana point first into the ground, where it disappeared. Richie did the same thing with his sword, and it disappeared as well.
"Game's over," Duncan declared. "Your time is up."
He began Chi Gung again as did Richie to the best of his ability.
"No gun. No sword," Ahriman said. "How are you going to fight me? Are you going to huff and puff and blow my house down?"
"Is that all you've got?" Richie asked, rolling his eyes.
"Focus!" Duncan told him. "Repeat after me: I become one with everything. I become one with you."
"I become one with everything," Richie echoed. "I become one with you."
"Too bad you didn't think of that before you killed Tori!" Ahriman exclaimed.
"I became everything," Duncan stated, "therefore, I become nothing."
"I became everything," Richie echoed, "therefore, I become nothing."
"Come on," Ahriman taunted. "Be a man. I dare you. Both of you!"
He caused flames to explode around the two men.
"Therefore, you are nothing. Without my anger, you have no substance," Duncan declared.
"Therefore, you are nothing. Without my anger, you have no substance," Richie echoed.
Ahriman growled in anger, feeling himself cracking as the two men were ignoring him.
"Without my pride, you have no form," Duncan stated.
"Without my pride, you have no form," Richie echoed.
Ahriman backed away, growling.
"Without my hate, you have no being," Duncan declared.
"Without my hate, you have no being," Richie echoed.
"Maybe we can find something a little more impressive."
Kronos appeared and he yelled, running at Duncan with his sword. He and Richie continued with Chi Gung meditation, avoiding and blocking Kronos' attacks. Eventually, Kronos lunged forward, running the blade through Duncan's chest, and he continued the meditation, undisturbed, as did Richie.
Kronos disappeared and Horton appeared this time, roaring in anger. Duncan turned to face him, and Richie followed suit.
"It's over for you," Duncan declared.
"I've only just begun," Horton replied.
"You have no place here," Richie chimed in.
"I'm a part of you boys now," Horton declared.
"You always were," Duncan replied.
Suddenly, Horton moaned as red energy surrounded him, cracks appearing within Ahriman. Memories of the past year flashed in rapid succession as Ahriman exploded: Rick's premonition, Katarina's premonition, Ming summoning Ahriman, Ahriman killing Landry, Horton, Kronos, Allison's death, Tori's death, memories of Tori, Tori's memorial service, Duncan in the monastery, Tori's grave, Sophie's death, Methos and the Phantom seeing Sophie at the morgue, Ahriman torturing Richie, Richie's mental break leading to his catatonic state, Duncan, Amanda and April saving Richie, and finally Methos seeing the water turn white.
As the dust cleared, Duncan looked over at Richie and they sagged in relief.
"Ahriman gone for good?" Richie asked.
"Ahriman is gone for good," Duncan answered. "We did it."
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"This past year was quite intense if you ask me," Methos stated as the group was gathered at the bar.
"At least it's finally over," Amanda replied. "How are the Defenders?"
"Flash is helping with memorial services for Janet," Richie revealed. "All in all, the Defenders are otherwise doing fine."
"Good to hear," Methos replied.
"You know, Mac, you never did tell us how you beat this bastard," Joe said after a bit of silence. "What did you have to do?"
"Nothing." Richie shook his head. "I just did the meditation he told me to do, but overall, we did nothing."
"There is a Kabbalah that Armageddon, the ultimate fight between good and evil," Duncan said, "will be fought within one soul."
"And yours is the soul?" Joe asked.
"That's why you're the champion?" Methos added.
"Maybe," Duncan answered. "All I know is that the evil exists in all of us. When we deny that, we give evil power. Ahriman said it himself."
"His greatest trick was to convince the world he didn't exist," Richie added. "Well, he does. He exists in all of us."
"Yes, once I accepted that," Duncan added, "I was able to defeat him."
"Armageddon in Darius' church," Richie quipped.
Joe poured everyone drinks. "How's Father Beaufort doing?"
"Finding his faith," Duncan said before picking up his glass. "To faith."
"To the champion," Joe picked up his glass.
"To the champion," Richie, Amanda and Methos chimed in, picking up their glasses.
The five clinked glasses before they drunk their drinks.
"Oooh, it's been awhile," Duncan stated. "Well, Amanda and I better get going. Take care, huh?"
"Yes," Methos nodded.
"Yeah," Richie chimed in.
"Hey, will you, uh – will you do me a favor?" Joe asked. "Will you please take this?"
He held out Duncan's katana. "Just so I know you'll be here when I get back."
Duncan hesitated.
"Come on, Mac," Richie said. "You've avenged my wife's death. You've avenged Tori."
"Richie's right," Methos added. "It's all over now."
"You've defeated Ahriman," Amanda chimed in.
"You're still Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod," Joe declared. "Take it, please."
Duncan took the sword.
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Mandrake was comforting Atascadero, Amy and Kshin on the sofa. Lothar was standing not too far from them.
Mandrake remembered what a remarkable woman Tori was. He recalled how she got her friends out of jams when they needed it.
Lothar recalled Tori being a smart, caring and enduring individual. One of the best.
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Hadea and the Phantom were sitting together. Hadea recalled Tori as a respectful young lady, admiring her intelligence like the rest of the Gordon Family. Hadea also recalled Tori's love for Richie as she was desperate to save him from the poison Culbraith had hit him with.
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Methos was leaning against the wall of the bar. He recalled Tori as a smart young lady. She knew who he was from the start. He liked her and he would truly miss her.
Joe was cleaning glasses. He recalled Tori being like a daughter to him. Joe could remember Tori telling him she wouldn't stop caring for him even after Charlie died, even after MacLeod fell out with him.
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Abby recalled Tori being a wonderful niece, always using her potential to the best of her ability.
Sara sat her desk, recalling Tori being smart and always being there for her loved ones and using her intelligence to its fullest potential.
April recalled Tori being like a sister to her. She recalled helping Tori when she first became immortal, even when neither of them knew what was going on. April would surely miss Tori.
Flash recalled what a wonderful niece, intelligent immortal, how she would help the Defenders as well as her friends and allies when they needed her.
"I'll miss you, Tori," Flash stated quietly. "Behave for Dale and your parents. Wait for us."
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"I was terrified, Duncan," Amanda said as she and Duncan were at the barge. "When I encountered Kenny, I saw him…...older. It was scary, almost like his true self. I'm glad Tori took care of him when she did."
"I know," Duncan pulled Amanda into a comforting embrace. "It'll be okay."
"I miss her, Duncan," Amanda stated.
"I miss her too," Duncan replied.
Amanda recalled what a wonderful student Tori was, one of the best she ever had. Heck, she even learned things from Tori, a case where the student teaches the teacher, especially when it came to Kenny. Tori was like a daughter to her, and she would never forget her.
Duncan recalled what an incredible immortal Tori became. He was grateful for her being there for Richie whenever he couldn't. She even talked sense into him whenever it was necessary, whether it was defending Richie or talking general sense into him. Duncan would surely never forget Tori.
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Richie looked through some of Tori's stuff at the storage room. He was thankful Jack was nice enough to save them for him in case he were to return, which he had.
Richie smiled as tears fell down his face. "Tori."
Richie remembered when he met Tori at the movies. Since then, she'd been good to him. They started off as friends, but eventually they became a couple and even defied the odds when they got engaged and eventually got married and adopted a child. Tori had been his rock through everything: the good times and the bad times. He doubt he'd ever fall in love again. If he did, he'd most likely wouldn't fall in love the way he fell in love with Tori. Richie would never forget her. Ever.
"I miss you, Tori," Richie said to himself, hoping somehow she'd hear him. "I love you and I always will."
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"I was pulled out of a promising post wedding date with Nick," Katherine stated as she walked down the corridor of the IUA prison cells. "This better be good."
"Trust me, Katherine," Darren assured her, "it will be good. I believe you might be helpful in helping out with this."
"What would that be?" Katherine asked.
"You're about to find out," Darren answered. They entered through another section of the prison rooms. "She became an immortal it turns out, and I think you might be a good candidate to teach her the ways of immortality."
"So what's her name?" Katherine asked.
They looked at Cell 217 to see a blonde woman staring out into space, sitting at her cell.
"Her name is Kristina Graf," Darren answered.
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CAST:
Adrian Paul – Duncan MacLeod
Alexandra Vandernoot – Tessa Noel
Elizabeth Gracen – Amanda
Ellie Cornell – Tori Gordon
Stan Kirsch – Richie Ryan
Christopher Lambert – Connor MacLeod
Peter Wingfield – Methos
Phillip Akin – Charlie Desalvo
Michel Modo – Maurice Lalonde
Lisa Howard – Anne Lindsey
and
Jim Byrnes – Joe Dawson
I was asked to do a cast list for this series, and I did it. This went for the entire course of this series.
The sequel is called "The Space Between" and what you saw is Katherine, played by Claudia Christian, taking an offer to train new immortal and former Skyband member Kristina Graf, one of the story lines for the upcoming sequel.
As far as Tori, you can still see her in the ongoing side story, which is still on the first season, and there was more to come.
The future has never been brighter for Earth N. Until then, see you around!
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Chapters
Tori Gordon, a teenage operative for the Intergalactic Union Agency, transfers to a branch in Washington State, where she becomes involved in a battle between supernatural forces.
While reflecting on personal matters, Tori witnesses a stunning occurrence.
Richie introduces Tori to his friends, Duncan and Tessa, who detail the secret affairs of immortals.
As Tori begins learning more about her true nature, a teacher offers assistance.
Tori informs the Defenders that she plans to help Duncan and his companions.
Tori and Richie continue bonding as the IUA works with Duncan.
Tori is given a new task by her mother Janet.
Duncan and the group encounter Tori's teacher, Amanda. Tori learns that Duncan and Amanda have history.
9: Two Families, One Adventure
The Defenders arrive in Paris, where they unite with Tori's team.
Tori tends to an ailing Richie.
The group gains allies while investigating a new matter.
The search for Horton begins.
An old friend of Tori's reveals a darker side. Janet becomes involved in the current operation.
Duncan is told to be wary of a dark prophesy.
The team is menaced by Annie Devlin, an old associate of Duncan's.
Duncan begins refining Tori's skills.
Richie and Tori continue bonding.
A new woman comes into Richie's life.
Janet takes steps to make Richie an IUA operative.
Tori and her allies confront a number of enemies in the city.
The teams head out for a day of fun.
Rick's capture leads to a compromising situation as LJ and the others attempt a rescue.
Lucy, a dangerous immortal, targets Richie. Tori intervenes.
The IUA investigates when one of the Phantom's acquaintances is victimized by an immortal.
Richie and Tori return to Paris to assist with the mission, which is complicated by police involvement.
Duncan meets a woman who bears a strong resemblance to Tessa.
27: Can't Help Falling In Love
Kern, a vindictive old associate, returns to challenge Duncan.
Duncan attempts to work with the unstable David Keogh.
Charlie prepares to depart.
The group meet a girl named Michelle, who has just discovered her immortal nature.
Tori and Richie attempt to care for a younger boy named Kenny.
Everyone prepares for a holiday.
A mysterious statue creates chaos.
Joe and the team find others in need of their help.
Jedda and Tori have an intimate conversation.
Kalas haunts Richie and the others.
Duncan prepares for battle with Kalas and finds a surprise.
Kalas searches for Methos.
Tori worries as Richie begins taking chances.
Anne arrives.
41: The Exorcism of Richie Ryan
Richie requires assistance in getting back to normal.
The Defenders step in to assist with Kalas, and to help prevent the truth about Duncan's kind from leaking.
Duncan prepares to confront Kalas.
Duncan embarks on a private journey to Scotland. Jedda and Tori spar before an audience.
45: Walking On Shattered Glass
Duncan tries to intervene as Charlie clashes with Cord.
The current situation reminds Tori of a well-known scenario.
Amanda and Richie follow Duncan on a journey in secret, and end up defending themselves from a horde of ice robots.
The friends see Kenny again. Duncan suspects that a certain immortal is pursuing the child.
Seacouver is targeted by an ambitious supernatural woman named Sierra.
Duncan, Tori, and Richie investigate a matter from Duncan's past alongside the police.
The group is challenged by a charismatic new antagonist, Kamir.
The spellcaster Kristin Gilles arrives and pursues Richie. Mandrake offers assistance in thwarting her.
Duncan and his friends attempt to aid a pianist.
Anne and Jack participate in the latest endeavor.
Duncan falls under a dark influence temporarily.
Methos and the others reflect.
The exploits of Flash and his famed allies from Mongo are chronicled. Meanwhile, Zorelda reemerges.
The team members engage in sparring and storytelling during downtime.
The groups attempt to rescue Joe, who has been lured into a trap.
As tensions rise and truths are revealed, the team bands together in their effort to help Joe.
Richie makes a monumental decision.
As Tori and Richie prepare for the big day, opposing forces on Mongo makes plans of their own.
Katarina and Castra attempt to unite with the Defenders before Zorelda makes her move.
Zorelda arrives on Earth.
65: Setting Up The Rescue Mission
The groups outline their rescue effort.
Zorelda begins enacting her plan for Richie.
67: Mongo Showdown — Part One
Methos and Duncan engage in action on Mongo.
68: Mongo Showdown — Part Two
As the battle continues, Tori confronts Zorelda.
The group deals with the repercussions of their adventure and return to Earth.
Duncan's ally, Cassandra, relays a vision.
Tori and Richie encounter a cult. Duncan pursues Clay.
The Ryans foster a mysterious child who bears a resemblance to Tori.
Amanda and Maurice return as a new enigma arises.
Amanda engages in more questionable activity.
The group tries helping a woman who might be stalked by an old acquaintance of Duncan's.
76: All That Glitters Is Not Golden
Richie seeks to assist a childhood friend who's dealing with legal issues.
The Ryans encounter an apparent impostor, who also approaches Hadea.
An adversary known as Kronos targets Tori, seeking to exploit her intellect.
Richie and Duncan move to counter Kronos.
80: The Ransom of Richard Redstone
The Ryans depart for an undercover mission overseas.
The group make new acquaintances while pursuing a lead tied to a mysterious dancing event.
The enigmatic Keane arrives, wreaking havoc on several people's lives.
Duncan deals with a mischievous adversary named Byron. Jedda and Rick prepare for parenthood. Both Katarina and Jedda sense danger ahead.
Ming and Octon turn to a new ally.
Duncan is haunted.
The shape-shifter initiates a confrontation.
Ming shifts his focus to an isolated girl.
The Defenders unite with Tori's friends in an effort to stop Ahriman.
A climactic battle occurs as the Defenders clash with Ming, while Tori and Richie attempt to aid their friends.
90: Aftermath: The World Changes Forever
Everyone is affected by the recent events, which will have lasting repercussions.
Richie copes. Duncan travels overseas.
Joe, Amanda, and Duncan continue to hunt the enemy.
April locates Richie and provides an update on the current situation.
Richie is confronted by the opponent again.
Joe leads the investigation as everyone bands together.
The final clash begins.
Duncan makes a crucial discovery.
The key element to the plan is obtained.
The team proceeds with their endeavor.
100: The Last Stand — Part One
The group discovers that only one person can assist Duncan.
101: The Last Stand — Part Two
The battle reaches a conclusion.
Series finale.
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