DCH 15
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Fifteen: An Eye For An Eye
"Richie, it's Tori?" Richie heard Tori's voice from the doorway of his room.
He woke up, and then he rose up from the bed. The door opened, and Tori stood at the doorway.
"Are you okay?" Tori asked.
"I guess," Richie answered as he looked hesitant, "I mean, it's a lot to take in given everything that's happened. Tessa's dead, and I'm now...immortal, like you, like MacLeod."
"It is a lot to take in," Tori sat by him and gave him an assuring hug, "but don't worry. You know the old saying, it's always darkest before dawn."
"The thing is," Richie stated, "Mac knew that I was immortal the whole time."
He glanced over at her, "Did you know as well?"
"Not exactly," Tori shook her head, "I've only been immortal for over a year, and I still have a lot to learn myself."
She hugged him for comfort again, "No matter what happens, I intend to stay by your side."
"I wonder if Mac is going to be my teacher now that I'm immortal," Richie spoke up.
"I wouldn't doubt it," Tori replied, "I overheard him talking about training you when you became immortal once, but I didn't think anything of it at the time."
Richie looked at her for a moment.
"Richie," Tori assured him, "that is the only thing I know about you being immortal."
"I get it," Richie replied.
"Are you guys ready?" Duncan asked as he walked over to the doorway.
Richie and Tori looked at each other for a moment before looking at Duncan.
"We're moving to the dojo," Duncan told the two, "we should get our stuff in the apartment."
Richie and Tori glared at each other.
"Well," Duncan stated, "we should get going."
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Duncan walked into the dojo.
Charlie noticed them, "Hey MacLeod, you the new owner?"
"That's right," Duncan replied.
"Why'd you buy this place?" Charlie asked.
"Because it was for sale," Duncan answered.
"Well, I'll just pack up my office, all right?" Charlie replied, making a move.
"I wanted you to run it for me," Duncan told him.
"Do I get a raise?" Charlie asked.
"Don't push it, Charlie," Duncan replied.
"Charlie, there's no hot water again!" a man called out from a distance.
Charlie looked at Duncan, "A new heater is going to cost you four – fifty."
He then replied to the person upstairs, "I'm coming!"
Richie and Tori arrived, carrying cardboard boxes.
"Hey, Mac, you hungry?" Richie called to his mentor, "I'm hungry."
"Oh, what's new?" Duncan replied.
"Not much, really," Tori quipped, "we should get a bite to eat though."
"Yeah, let's go," Richie added, "I'm buying."
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The three managed to arrive at a hot dog stand. Tori and Richie bought a hot dog each while Duncan didn't.
Richie took a bite of his hot dog before stating, "Mmmm. Rico's chilidogs, ain't nothing on Earth like them."
"I agree," Tori stated eating her hot dog with only ketchup.
"It's a good thing you two are one of us," Duncan stated, "You might actually recover from that stuff."
Richie offered his hot dog to Duncan, who shook his head, declining the offer, "You sure?"
"Yeah," Duncan answered.
"I remember Tessa loved these things," Richie noted. He and Tori glanced at Duncan before he continued, "Mac, I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything."
"She was part of our lives," Duncan told both Richie and Tori, "Never pretend she wasn't."
"We know and we don't," Tori replied, "It's just so weird. I had no memory of my dad, so I wouldn't know of that, but I knew Tessa for over a year, and it's weird."
"Same here," Richie added, "I keep waking up every morning..."
"Expecting her to be there?" Duncan asked.
"Yeah," Richie answered.
"Very much so," Tori added, "it's been a week, and I haven't felt that weird feeling since Aunt Dale's death."
"Get used to it," Duncan told the two, "both of you. It won't be the last time it happens to you."
"When does it get any easier?" Richie asked.
Duncan sighed, "It doesn't."
The three walked down the streets further.
"I keep waiting to feel different," Richie elaborated further, "like somebody's going to tell me how to be, what to do."
"I felt the changes after I first became immortal," Tori stated, "it is just weird."
"What were expecting," Duncan asked, "a set of instructions?"
"Well, Mac," Richie started to say, "even Superman had..."
"You're not Superman, Richie," Tori spoke up.
"Thank you!" Duncan exclaimed.
Suddenly, the three stopped walking as they sensed the Buzz.
"There's an Immortal nearby," Richie stated, "I can feel it."
"Me too," Tori replied, "it's called the Buzz."
The three hurried to see a slender blonde woman leaving the building with the Ambassador in tow.
A man got out of the car close to them, and walked towards the ambassador, raised his gun. Duncan saw the gun and disarmed the man.
"Tommy," the woman called out, "take the ambassador!"
Tommy got out of the car with a gun while Duncan was fighting with the other man.
Richie hurried and blocked Tommy's path, with Tori was not too far behind, "Excuse me, mister."
"Richie, be careful!" Tori called out.
Richie held out his hot dog, "You a mustard and kraut kinda guy? Personally, I like chili cheese."
He threw the hot dog at Tommy, then wrestled with him briefly and knocked him off his feet.
The woman hurried with her semi automatic. Richie grabbed her gun, and bullets sprayed wildly. The reckless move caused Tommy to be killed in the process, causing the woman to scream in anguish, "No!"
The woman dropped her gun and screamed again and dropped to Tommy's side, "No! No, Tommy! No!"
Her car arrived where she was.
"Taigh solais." the woman cried out, "Taigh solais!"
"Come on!" the man in the car called out, "Come on! Let's go!"
The woman picked up Tommy's gun, and aimed it at Richie. Duncan ran over, and prevented the woman from shooting. The other man got in the car, and they sped off. Duncan looked at the woman and she returned the gaze, and it was as if they knew each other before.
The police arrived and arrested the woman. She looked over her shoulder and told Richie, "You're a dead man."
Duncan picked up a gold ring that was laying on the sidewalk, and looked at it.
"You acted reckless Richie," Tori exclaimed, "There could have been other people here that could have been killed!"
"Easy, Tor," Richie replied, "the ambassador is safe, and that's all that matters."
Richie glanced at Duncan and asked, "She strike you as the sincere type?"
He noticed his look, "I was afraid of that."
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Duncan glanced over as he walked with Richie and Tori back in the dojo.
"I was staring right down the barrel of that creep's gun," Richie stated, "I can't believe it! Mac, right down the barrel, and I didn't even blink. Is that how it feels every time?"
He and Tori entered the elevator with Duncan.
"No," Duncan answered as he closed the gate, "only when you're a damn fool."
"What's eating you?" Richie asked as the elevator was rising.
"That was Mac – 10, Richie," Tori answered, "Forty five rounds every second and a half. Do you know how many people could have been killed?"
"Thank you," Duncan muttered.
"Yeah, but nobody was," Richie replied.
"Because you got lucky," Duncan interjected, "What if she'd hit you?"
"Mac, I can't die," Richie argued.
"True," Tori chimed in, "but it was still a reckless move you made!"
"That's right," Duncan added, "You take fifty slugs in the chest and survive. How do you explain that? As it was, a man died, and he's not coming back."
"He deserved it," Richie retorted.
"Maybe," Tori shook her head, "still no excuse, dude."
"Did he?" Duncan glanced at both of them before continuing, "Did you take a look at his soul? You'd better start learning the Game, and I mean now."
"Fine," Richie relented, "you teach me."
Moments later, at the empty dojo, Duncan started training Richie while Tori watched from a near distance. He flipped Richie onto the mat.
"Come on, get up!" Duncan shouted, "Get up!"
Richie stood back up.
"Get off the mat!" Duncan shouted.
Richie tried to hit Duncan, but he blocked the move.
"Try again," Duncan instructed.
Richie tried again, only for Duncan to take him down again.
"Get up," Duncan told his student. Richie stood up, attacked, and ended up on the mat again, "Come on! Get up!"
Richie stood back up.
"And again," Duncan told him, "Come here."
He threw Richie onto the mat multiple times, "Get up."
Duncan threw Richie onto the ground again, "Come on."
Richie tried to kick Duncan again, and ended up on his butt, "Come on. Try and take me."
Richie yelled, and took charge. Duncan threw him down again, and leaned down, "You're gonna have to do better than that. Come on. Once again."
He stated as Richie stood back up, "At least you got the yell right."
Richie started to walk away, "No more. I'm finished."
"Finished?" Duncan looked at him, "What are you doing off the mat without her shoes? Go on!"
He kicked the shoes towards Richie, "Get your shoes! You haven't even started to learn!"
"Learn what?!" Richie yelled, "Fifty ways to land on my head? What are you doing this to me for? What the hell did I do?"
"What did he do? What did he do?" Duncan asked himself before answering Richie, "She's coming for you, Richie, and she's only the first. You've got to be good. You've got to be ready."
"Aw, Mac, killing me isn't going to make me ready."
"Isn't it?"
"You know what I think? This isn't about me or her. It's about Tessa."
Duncan noticed Tori perking up in her seat.
"Tessa's got nothing to do with it," Duncan insisted.
"Bull, Mac," Richie replied, "You can't get past it. I know. You've seen a lot of people die, but you had to be the hero. You sent us to the car that night. You could have been there."
He glanced over at Tori, "At least Tori was there. She didn't know what to do as she hadn't been immortal as long as you have!"
"Let it go, Richie," Duncan told him.
"No," Richie replied, "You look me in the eye and you tell me you blame yourself for her death."
"I'm trying to protect you from Annie Devlin!" Duncan exclaimed.
"Annie Devlin's in jail," Richie told him, "She can't hurt me! I'll see you around."
Duncan looked at the ring, and he remembered Annie Devlin from the times he spent with her back in Ireland in 1919.
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Tori walked over to Richie, who was dressed in his street clothes and arrived back at the dojo. He left the locker room, and picked up his backpack.
"Where are you going?" Duncan asked.
"My place," Richie answered, "the zoo...anywhere there's no mat for you to dump me on."
"This isn't a good idea, Richie," Tori insisted.
"She's right," Duncan added, "If you come in second to Annie, you'll die...forever."
"I'll take my chances," Richie replied before he left the room, with Tori following him.
"You know something, Richie?" Tori spoke up as she walked with Richie down the streets, "Maybe Duncan does mean well."
Richie turned and glanced towards her, "What do you mean?"
"What you said about Tessa," Tori stated, "that was kinda out of line. He's going through a tough patch after he lost her last week."
A pause of silence filled the room.
"We're both affected by her loss too, I agree," Tori nodded, "and I think we should take a little walk for awhile, and we'll return to the dojo, and hopefully, things will patch up between you and Mac."
Richie smiled and held her hand, "You're right, you know."
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Duncan looked at a photo of himself and Tessa as well as the golden ring in his hand. He quickly put the ring in a jewelry box as Charlie exited the elevator.
"I don't know what it is," Charlie stated, "but it ain't doing you any good looking at it."
"You want something?" Duncan asked.
"Look, MacLeod," Charlie answered, "I've seen men chewed up before."
"Let me worry about that," Duncan replied.
"Yeah, well, it ain't just about you man," Charlie told him, "It's Richie. Look, I know you're my boss, and maybe it's none of my business..."
"You're right," Duncan replied, "it's not."
"No. Yeah," Charlie told him, "but I'm going to tell you anyway. You gotta back off, man. You're laying into the kid too hard."
"Has to be done."
"Why? Because of that terrorist woman?" Charlie informed him, "Well, if that's what it is, you can stop worrying."
"Why?" Duncan asked.
"It's all over the news," Charlie answered, "she took a header from the tenth floor of the federal building. She's dead, man."
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Richie was lifting weights as Tori was swinging kicks and punches at a nearby punching bag.
"How's it going?" Duncan asked as he arrived at the area.
Richie sat the weights down, "Mac, hey, um...I, uh, we thought we'd work out a little."
Tori glanced at the two men and nodded.
"Good," Duncan replied.
"Uh, listen," Richie told his teacher, "you were right."
"I was wrong."
"Mac, I was wrong about what I said about Tessa," Richie apologized, "I'm sorry."
"Nah, you were right," Duncan replied, "I've just been losing a lot of people lately. I didn't want to lose you too."
"Well, that makes two of us," Richie replied, "So, uh, listen tough guy."
He punched Duncan in the shoulder playfully, "Want to beat the hell out of me again?"
"I'll take it easier on you this time," Duncan answered.
"Good."
"Richie, look, um," Duncan announced, "Annie's escaped."
"Well, don't look so bummed," Richie replied, "She'll be so busy hiding from the cops, she won't have time to come after me."
"The cops think she's dead," Duncan said.
"Then she'll be after Richie, right?" Tori asked.
"Exactly," Duncan nodded.
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Tori watched at a proper distance at a hillside as Duncan was doing sword training with Richie. She sat down on a beach towel Indian style, watching the training.
"Okay, open your legs out in this stance here," Duncan instructed. He stood with his legs apart and knees bent. Richie copied him, "Use your muscles."
Duncan slapped Richie's inner thigh, "Sit down there."
"Okay, take your blade in your right hand," Duncan instructed, "into en garde position."
Richie continued to copy his teacher's moves.
"Bend your legs," Duncan continued, "Now go for a parry here."
He raised his katana blade towards his left shoulder, then over his head and behind him, "You're going to cut forward. Cut."
Duncan brought the blade around and down, "Cut."
Richie repeated the move.
"Parry."
Duncan held the blade over his head his right shoulder, "Cut."
He brought the blade around and down from the other direction, "Cut."
Richie repeated the move.
"Lunge." Duncan lunged forward with the left leg, extended his leg and Richie lunged.
"Good. Now stay there," Duncan told his student, "Stay there. Don't move."
He moved closer to Richie, "When you have your weight there..."
He stepped on the back of Richie's extended leg, bending the knee, "You're on the wrong foot."
Duncan pulled on Richie's extended sword blade, moving him forward, "See how I pull you off balance? Straighten this leg. Straighten it. Straighten it."
Richie straightened his leg.
"That's good," Duncan noted before he continued, "The lunge is here."
He demonstrated the lunge, "Good. Back again. Parry."
Duncan held the blade over his shoulder again, "Cut backwards."
He stepped backwards as he cut the blade forward. Richie tried to repeat the move, but his sword parried over the wrong shoulder, "The other way."
Duncan moved back into position, "From here."
He held blade over his left shoulder. Richie held his over his right shoulder, "Here. No, you're other one."
Richie switched positions.
"Cut backwards," Duncan instructed. Richie does it correctly this time.
Duncan continued the lesson. Tori was impressed on how Richie was doing pretty well for his first time training, and now he was able to follow the Highlander's moves more quickly now.
"Go!" Duncan continued with his instructions as he began the sequence, moving forward, "Parry."
He parried from the left side, "Cut. Parry."
"Cut. Lunge. Good, and back."
He moved backward, "Parry, cut, parry, cut, lunge. Now go back to your parry position. Show me your parry."
Richie held his sword over his left shoulder, "Okay. That's a little low. You're going to have to bring it up a little higher. Otherwise, you're going to get cut."
Duncan reached for Richie's sword, and moved it higher above his head, "Don't bring it down here, cause it's not going to save you."
He held Richie's blade too low, and rested his katana against Richie's neck, "You'll have this happen."
He raised the blade higher, and hit it with his katana, "Here, okay?"
"Okay," Richie acknowledged his teacher.
Duncan stepped away as Richie tried the corrected form a few times, "Same on the other side. Just covering your neck."
They begin to fence, practicing the moves Duncan taught Richie.
"That's good," Duncan continued with training Richie, "Back. Good. Make sure you parry with the strong part of the blade. Attack."
He swung the attack, and Richie blocked, "With the weaker part. There."
Richie moved his blade closer to the tip of the katana, "Good, and again. Same thing. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Remember it's going to come at you anyway it won't happen. Low. High. Low. Low. High. Low. High. Other side. Strokes here, here, here. Come on. Come on, come on. On the parry, you parry here."
He demonstrated some moves, "Here. All right? Parry. Try it again. Same thing again. Go. You first."
Tori continued watching, observing the training as Richie was doing what Duncan was telling him to do. This reminded her of when she was first immortal, and Amanda was her first teacher. It came natural to her, just as it seemed to come natural to Richie. She was impressed with him.
"Okay," Duncan looked over at Richie, "I'm going to teach you Annie's favorite move. It's your best chance of stopping her. I want you to come for a lateral cut to my right shoulder. There. Now, she'll come under your blade like this, bringing it back over this way, trapping your arm, and coming around for the fatal blow. Okay? A little faster this time."
They repeat the sequence again, ending with with Duncan's katana blade at Richie's neck. Tori grimaced.
"So, what happens if she does something else?" Richie asked.
"Goodnight, puppy," Duncan answered, "There is a counter to it, though. When she has you here like this, step back, okay? Ready? Go."
Richie blocked Duncan's katana, "Good. Now envelop the blade and disarm her. Then she's at your mercy. A little faster this time. Ready? Go!"
Tori watched in awe as Richie and Duncan were repeating the sequence over and over. Richie managed to disarm Duncan and held him a blade point. She thought Annie didn't stand a chance. Richie had this in the bag.
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Richie was using a hanging bag for a workout and punching it while Charlie was coaching him.
"Turn your hip," Charlie coached him, "Turn your hip. Both hands."
Richie followed his instructions.
"Come on," Charlie coaxed, "a little harder. Focus!"
Richie punched the bag and Charlie stated, "Come on! That's good. That's good. You and MacLeod work things out all right, man?"
"Close enough, Charlie," Richie answered, "I'm done."
He finished punching the hanging bag as Tori arrived at the area.
"Come on," Charlie replied, "so soon?"
"I like it here, Charlie," Richie told him, "but I got a new bike to pick up and a friend I haven't seen in a long time."
"Well, some advice here, Richie," Charlie replied.
"Talk to me," Richie replied, "Stance? Shoulders? What?"
"Shower, man," Charlie answered, "Your friend will thank you for it."
"Thanks, Charlie," Richie turned to leave, "Catch you later."
Tori walked over to him, and handed him a bracelet.
"What's this?" Richie asked.
"In case you run into Annie," Tori answered to where Charlie couldn't hear, "she can be anywhere in the city."
Richie placed the bracelet on his right wrist, under his jacket, "Thanks. I'll make note of it."
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Richie got the bike from the shop. Suddenly, just as he was driving away from the shop, a Sedan was driving towards him.
"Richie, you got trouble at six o' clock!" Tori announced via communicator.
"Gotcha!" Richie replied as he drove away. The Sedan was chasing him over to the warehouse.
"This might be a trap," Tori stated, "Annie might be setting you up by you coming here. My advice for you is to be careful."
"Noted," Richie replied as he hurried up the stairs to the top floor of the warehouse. Richie sensed the Buzz.
"Richie, behind you!" Tori exclaimed.
Before Richie could make a move, he was hit with a blunt object. He was knocked off his bike, leaving his leg injured in the process, albeit he managed to stand up in front of Annie and asked, "What's the matter? Forget your sword?"
Annie pulled her sword from behind her back, causing Richie to reply, "Sorry I asked."
"Don't worry. I will take your head," Annie assured him before she drove her sword point into the wooden floor, "but first I'm gonna hurt you."
"What for?" Richie retorted, "For saving an old man's life?"
"We were executing an enemy," Annie stepped forward.
"Don't flatter yourself, lady. That was murder," Richie told him, "You were the one with the gun."
"And you interfered. A good man was killed."
"That "good man" was a butcher."
"His name is Tommy," Annie said, "He was my husband."
She kicked Richie in the chest, knocking him down, then she continued to kick him.
"Richie, hurry!" Tori exclaimed, "Get up! She'll take your head!"
"This is nothing, Annie," Richie told the Irish Immortal, "I've had the crap beat out of me by the best."
"What's your name?" Annie asked.
"Richie."
"Say goodbye, Richie," Annie stated before she turned and walked back to her sword.
Richie got his bike back up, and he started his bike back up, kickstarting it, "Goodbye, Richie."
He drove around Annie, and through the warehouse window, landing on the streets outside, driving back to the dojo.
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Tori hurried down the stairs to meet up with Richie, "That Irish Bitch."
She knew she shouldn't have cussed, but she didn't care at the moment. Richie's well being was her primary concern as he was on his way back here. She glanced over at Charlie and Duncan, who were tightening bolts on a weight bench. Charlie looked up as Duncan watched the dojo entrance.
"You still worried about him?" Charlie asked before assuring him as well as noticing Tori, "Come on, you two, the woman's dead."
"Right," Duncan replied before he and Tori sensed the Buzz.
Richie entered the dojo, limping. Tori hurried to his side, "At least she didn't break my communicator this time."
His hand was damaged and his bad leg was bloodied.
"What the hell happened to you?" Charlie asked.
"You were right, Charlie," Richie answered, holding his bad hand, "Should have taken that shower."
Duncan blocked Charlie from helping as he and Tori aided Richie, "No, that's all right. We'll take him."
"How'd you get here?" Charlie asked.
"I drove," Richie answered.
"It's all right," Duncan stated, "Adrenaline's a wonderful thing."
"We've got to have somebody to look at him," Charlie said.
"Nah," Duncan replied, "he's going to be all right."
"What the hell are you talking about?!" Charlie exclaimed, "We've got to get him to a hospital!"
"No doctor," Duncan replied.
"You'd be amazed on how fast certain bodies heal," Tori told Charlie, trying to hide their Immortality.
"It looks worse than it is, Charlie," Richie added, "Besides, I think my insurance ran out."
The three hurried to the elevator.
"Fine," Charlie replied, "it's your funeral."
As the elevator rose, Tori couldn't help but to think, If only he knew.
The three made it to the loft.
Richie groaned in pain, "Take it easy."
"You'll be fine," Duncan assured his student.
"That's very reassuring, Mac," Richie replied, "but it still hurts."
Duncan and Tori helped Richie onto the couch.
"You got lucky this time, Richie," Duncan said.
"You call this lucky?" Richie asked, showing him his injury.
"Yeah," Duncan answered, "you still have your head. I know Annie. She missed you once. It won't happen again."
"Fine," Richie replied, "you speed up my training."
"Not me," Duncan stated as he poured Richie a glass of water, "Charlie, and Tori."
"Me?" Tori quipped, surprised.
"What are you going to do?" Richie asked before he took the water, "Thanks."
"If we wait here, it's her game," Duncan told the two, "She sets the time and the place. I have to get to her first."
"How are you going to be able to find her, Mac?" Richie asked.
"Yeah," Tori added, "it's a big city."
"I don't know."
"Actually," Richie spoke up, "didn't she say something to one of her guys after the hit at the consulate?"
"Like what?" Tori asked.
"I can't remember," Richie answered.
"Think," Duncan urged him.
"I can't remember," Richie answered again, "it was gibberish."
"It sounded, uh..." Richie answered, "chuck...solace. Ah, must be wrong. Sounds like a baseball player."
"Taigh soluis?" Duncan asked.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah," Richie answered, "that's it. That's it."
"It's Gaelic," Tori stated, "it means lighthouse."
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While Duncan went to talk with Annie, Tori and Richie were at the dojo with Charlie.
Richie trained with Charlie first. He was doing boxing exercises with Charlie, donning a helmet and gloves for the exercises while Tori watched for the time being.
"Hey, I still don't believe it, man," Charlie stated.
"Like I said, I'm a fast healer, it was mostly bruises," Richie replied in between punches.
"So, Charlie," Tori asked, "how did you get into this business anyway?"
"It was love," Charlie explained while training Richie, "My mom was black, my daddy was Italian. Trouble is, we lived in a tough hood, and the brothers figured I was Italian, so they caught me, they used to do..."
He clipped Richie on the side of the head, "that to me, you see? And for a similar version, the Italians thought I didn't belong, so they tried to do this..."
He clipped him again, "or, uh, even..."
He swept Richie off his feet with his leg, "so I got sick and tired of getting my butt kicked, if you know what I mean."
"I know how you feel," Tori stated, "a lot of people shunned me for my genius when I was a kid."
"Yeah, Charlie," Richie replied, "I'm beginning to."
"So, I joined the SEALS," Charlie continued.
"Travel? Huh?" Richie stated, "Meet exotic enemies?"
"Hey, I learned a trade, man," Charlie replied.
"Good point," Tori nodded.
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Tori was now training Richie as they were donning Kendo outfits, practicing with wooden swords. Charlie watched from a close distance, but safe to where he wouldn't get hit.
"I gotta say, Tori," Charlie noted, "you are quite good."
"Thanks, Charlie," Tori replied before she gained the upper hand against Richie and flipped him to the floor, "I was trained by my family."
"Your family," Charlie stated.
"She's the niece to the famous Flash Gordon," Richie noted with a grin.
"I know," Charlie replied, "you already told me when we first met. It's still impressive."
"Thanks," Tori smiled and nodded.
Charlie looked over at Richie, "And you, you're not bad yourself. A little rough around the edges, but you've got a real feel for it. Kind of reminds me of me."
"Thanks, Charlie," Richie replied, "I'd say we come from similar neighborhoods."
"Ain't nothing similar about us, man," Charlie replied, crossing his arms.
"He was a street punk before he met MacLeod," Tori pointed out, "but he's done better since."
"I see," Charlie nodded.
"You think nobody else has problems?" Tori asked.
"Yeah, but mine comes from being unique, you know what I mean?" Charlie replied as Tori helped up Richie.
"I think I can empathize," Richie stated.
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Richie and Tori met up with Duncan the following morning after his meeting with Annie.
"You found her," Richie stated as he took a seat on the bench next to the Highlander while Tori stood next to his other side.
"By the lighthouse, yeah," Duncan replied.
"So, you were gone the whole night," Tori stated before asking, "Did you fight her?"
"Not exactly," Duncan answered.
"Not exactly?" Richie replied in dismay, "What do you mean, not exactly?"
"Look, Richie, Tori," Duncan told the two, "it's complicated. Don't ask me to explain, but she's coming for you. I want you, the both of you, to get out of the city until she gives up."
"You've gotta be kidding me," Tori groaned.
"What have I been busting my butt for?" Richie added.
"To learn to survive," Duncan answered, "and not get slaughtered."
"Not get slaughtered?" Richie replied, "Look, Mac, maybe you couldn't face her, but I can."
"That goes double for me," Tori retorted, "I'm tempted to take her head for Richie here."
"This isn't about guts, you two," Duncan said, "She wants Richie's head, and I can't kill her. Don't you understand?"
"I understand that I'm supposed to face an Immortal," Richie stated, "and you want me to cut out and run."
"I want you to live," Duncan stressed, "both of you."
He paused before saying, "I'll tell Charlie we're leaving."
"No, that's okay," Richie replied, "I'll do it myself, and Tori will be with me."
Duncan got in the elevator while Richie and Tori went into the office.
"You really want to go with me?" Richie asked.
"I sure do," Tori nodded.
Richie sighed before saying, "Well, Annie is my fight. Got it?"
"Clear and loud."
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Richie found himself face to face with Annie while Tori was at a safe distance from the fight.
"Where's MacLeod?" Annie demanded.
"He's not here," Richie replied, "It's just you and me."
"Good," Annie replied, "Then you saved me a lot of trouble."
"Maybe not," Richie replied as he got out his sword. The two posed for a moment before they began their sword fight. Richie got lowered down the stairs of the lighthouse. Tori looked nervous as she watched the battle.
"Somebody's been teaching you," Annie noted.
"You can learn a lot from television," Richie replied before the sword fight resumed.
"Tommy wasn't afraid to die," Annie stated as she grabbed Richie's face, "Are you?"
"Damn right," Richie answered. She shoved him backwards. He stumbled down the steps below the lighthouse, and she followed. More fighting ensued, "Mostly I'm just pissed."
"So am I!" Annie exclaimed, and the fight continued. Richie scooted back some before he stood back up and the sword fight resumed.
"You're better than I thought," Annie noted.
"I'm not done yet!" Richie exclaimed, pinning her to the railing of the lighthouse.
"Wrong!" Annie replied before pushing him over the railing, and jumped down after him. As the fighting continued, Duncan arrived at the scene and Tori managed to sneak closer to where the fight was, with her tachi in tow.
Annie used her signature blow and Richie counter attacked her, disarmed Annie, and held her at blade point.
"Do it," Annie urged him, "Do it! I would."
Richie readied his sword to swing, but he raised both of his arms and yelled, "Noo!"
"You're a fool, you know," Annie snarled, "I'll come for you."
"I don't think so."
Suddenly, Annie was beheaded. Richie looked on in shock as her body dropped to the ground. He looked in surprise to see Tori.
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Tori stared at Richie as she took Annie's head. He and Duncan looked at her in surprise. She gave an apologetic shrug.
Suddenly, thunder started booming in the area as Richie stood back. Tori held her sword as energy transferred from Annie's body to her own. Then lighting hit Tori. She screamed as she was on her knees, taking Annie's Quickening. The lighting was causing damage around the area, even near the lighthouse as Duncan and Richie looked on.
Tori took a deep breath as the Quickening ended as she was now on her knees.
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"What the hell were you thinking?!" Duncan exclaimed, glaring at Tori.
"She was going to take Richie's head," Tori replied, "I knew Annie was bad news, Mac. She was a lost cause."
"You know the rules," Duncan chastised, "no outside interference and the duel is supposed to be one on one only!"
"Didn't Amanda interfere in a duel once back when we met up with her in Paris?" Tori asked.
Duncan opened his mouth, trying to make another argument, but he knew she was right. Amanda had taken Zachary's head that day, when the duel was between him and MacLeod. She had taken Zachary's head, and his Quickening. He noted that Tori was like her teacher to some extent.
Duncan sighed before telling Tori, "Don't you ever pull a stunt like that again."
"I hear you," Tori nodded.
"Good."
A minute later, Richie arrived at the loft where the others were at.
"How are you doing?" Duncan asked.
"Fine. Perfect," Richie answered, "I'm alive, aren't I?"
"Thanks to Tori," Duncan answered, "but you don't look too happy about it."
"If it wasn't for Tori, she probably would have had my head," Richie stated before adding, "That was what I was supposed to do, right?"
"Sometimes," Duncan answered.
"I couldn't do it," Richie replied, "Tori did though, and I nearly lost my head. Maybe I'm not cut out for this."
"You're still who you are, Richie," Duncan told his student, "You don't change when you become Immortal. You just live longer, hopefully."
"Oh, boy," Richie replied, "I've got a lot to learn."
"So do I," Tori nodded in agreement.
"You still have time," Duncan replied before he opened a sword case, and removed the clamshell rapier and offered it to Richie, "Take good care of it."
Richie accepted the sword as Duncan told him, "Live with it. Make it a part of you. Might be the only friend you have."
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Tori prepared the bed for the night.
"Hey Tori," Richie glanced at her. She turned and saw she had left the door open, "got a minute?"
"Sure," Tori smiled and nodded. He walked into the room with a small bag in his hand.
"I wanted to say thanks for having my back the whole time," Richie told her, "even when I gotten arrogant. You didn't have to do that."
"Richie," Tori smiled, "I'm glad to have your back. You're my friend."
"Best friend?"
"Yeah."
Richie sat down on the bed next to Tori.
"How are you enjoying your new sword?" Tori asked.
"I enjoy it quite well," Richie answered as he glanced at the bag.
"What's in the bag?" Tori asked, following his glance.
"Oh," Richie looked at her, "your mom told me you like this cute little blue alien named Stitch."
He handed her the bag.
"For me?" Tori looked surprised. Richie nodded. She opened the bag and it was a small figurine of the little blue alien who looked like a koala. She smiled upon seeing the gift, "Oh my gosh. I love it. I think I will put it on my desk."
"I'm glad you like it," Richie replied. Tori walked over to the desk and placed the figurine on the desk.
"Cute," Tori glanced at the present before she walked back to the bed and sat next to Richie.
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Duncan walked to the doorway of the room. He saw Richie and Tori sleeping together, cuddling.
He gave a small smile. A part of him figured they would one day become a couple, like when he was with Tessa, like when he was with Amanda. Well, Duncan shouldn't compare them to those relationships, but if they ever were to be romantically involved, he thought their romance would be long term.
Duncan was also thinking, when the time comes for Richie to go out on his own, he would hope Tori would help him out and be the rock that he was needing. Richie was still reckless, and Tori had her moments; heck, so did he. After all, nobody's perfect.
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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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