DCH 16

Defenders Chronicles: Highlander

By AmandaDoE

Chapter Sixteen: Teacher, Teacher

Duncan pulled Amanda out of the water and they laid on the shore together. Richie recorded the incident from a safe distance while Tori's computer recorded the whole area from the whole 180 angle, in case there was anything necessary that would have been needed. The FBI agent Palance shot both Duncan and Amanda during the stand off where Palance was wanting the plates Amanda stole, and now, if Richie and Tori did their part, Palance would take the fall instead of Amanda.

Amanda coughed as she had been revived, "I feel terrible."

"Well, welcome back," Duncan replied before he kissed her forehead.

"It was worth it for the kiss," Amanda replied. Duncan smiled at her as he continued to hold her.

Richie arrived with the camcorder in hand, and Tori arrived a few seconds later.

"Congratulations," Tori told the couple, "everything has worked out in your favor!"

Duncan and Amanda looked at the pair in response.

"Did you get it all?" Duncan asked.

"Every second," Richie answered.

"And my computer recorded anything extra that might be necessary," Tori added as she got out her mini recorder.

"Good," Duncan replied, "Good."

Richie gave his teacher a high five, "Nice going."

"Come on, guys," Tori told the group, "let's get out of here."

The four left the area, and returned home.


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Amanda watched the television with Richie, Tori, and Duncan.

"Even without the unidentified bodies," the announcer on TV spoke, "prosecutors feel the counterfeit plates and the anonymous video would be enough to lay several charges against Special Agent Palance, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and fraud. We'll be back with more details later in the broadcast. Helen?"

"Well, guys, we're out of here," Richie announced as Duncan turned off the TV. Richie and Tori prepared to return to their homes.

"Well, uh," Amanda replied, "you guys take good care of yourselves."

"We shall, Amanda," Tori replied.

"And, uh...what you did, Amanda," Richie added, "it took guts."

"Thanks, Richard," Amanda replied before she kissed his cheek.

"It was good to see you again, Amanda," Tori shook her teacher's hand.

"We'll catch you later," Richie told Duncan.

"Catch you on the flip side," Tori added.

"Bye," Amanda waved them off.

"Bye – bye," Richie and Tori waved their teachers off.

"You know," Amanda looked at Duncan, "this really...this really hurts."

"What, where you got shot?" Duncan asked.

"No," Amanda answered, "giving up the plates."

"They weren't yours to lose in the first place," Duncan replied.

"Oh, I love it when you get angry with me," Amanda said as she held him in a loving embrace, "It makes it more fun to make up. Are you sure, absolutely sure, that you don't want to play house for seventy or eighty years?"

Duncan laughed, "You're impossible."

"Not for you."

"Amanda, it's like I said," Duncan told her, reflecting on Tessa's death for a moment, "it's not the right time."

"I know, I know, I know," Amanda replied, "but it was just one more shot, though. Oh well. We'll always have Paris."

"Yeah," Duncan chimed in, "London, and Rome...and Tulsa."

"Got a bus to catch," Amanda said. She glanced at him, "but before I go."

"Yes?"

"Why don't you give Tori some training?" Amanda suggested.

"Why did you suggest that just now?" Duncan asked, "She has the basic training, or should have when she first became Immortal last year."

"She has," Amanda replied, "I know I'm her first teacher, after she became Immortal, but I personally think Tori will have a lot to enjoy if she were to learn from you."

"I'll look into it," Duncan replied, "Hey, Amanda..."

"What?"

"It'll still be there in the morning."

"True."

They kissed, and Amanda gave something for Duncan to think about regarding her student. Amanda was Tori's first teacher, but she did have a point that she could learn a lot with more than one teacher.


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Tori smirked as she had a robotic cat and a small radio. This was an invention she had been working on for some time now, something she hoped would put a smile on Richie's face after everything that had happened recently.

She walked over to his apartment with the invention in hand. He lived across from where she was living, especially after he became immortal. Tori knocked on the door, "Richie? It's Tori."

The door opened and Richie appeared.

"Hey, Tori," Richie greeted his friend.

"There's something I have been working on recently," Tori told him, "I thought that you might be interested in."

Richie perked up, "Well, come on in."

She complied as she walked into the building. Tori placed the robot cat on the kitchen island.

"A robot cat?" Richie asked, looking confused.

"This is more than a robot cat," Tori answered before she placed the small radio next to the robot, "Allow me to connect this radio to the robot, and you'll see what I am talking about."

"Sure," Richie nodded. She plugged a cord which connected the radio to the robotic cat. Then, she turned on the radio. At first, no music was playing. He looked confused at this.

Then, Tori opened the cat's mouth, and music started playing. Richie looked on in surprise as the music was playing through the cat, as opposed to the actual radio. This was quite interesting. Tori closed the cat's mouth, and the music stopped playing.

Richie looked on in awe as the music played again, and the music was on again. She repeated the segment again until the pair sensed the Buzz, and a knock on the door was heard.

"It's like a blue tooth speaker of some sorts," Richie noted.

"Exactly," Tori nodded.

"Interesting," Richie smiled.

Richie and Tori got their swords out and approached the door slowly. Another knock on the door was heard. Richie opened the door, and it was Duncan.

"Mac?" Richie looked up, surprised.

"What are you doing here?" Tori added.

"I was looking for you, actually," Duncan answered.

"Me?" Tori looked confused.

"When I didn't find you at your apartment, I had a feeling you were here."

"What's going on?" she asked.

"Amanda wants me to continue your training."

"Training?" Tori stared at him, surprised.


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Tori glanced around the empty dojo. It was a day off for Charlie, and the dojo was otherwise closed for the day. Duncan started off his training with knocking her down to the mat, like with what he did with Richie, except she managed to fight back against her.

Tori had no idea why Amanda suggested Duncan to train her. She supposed she wanted her to get more knowledge as an Immortal, especially since she had her first Quickening after taking Annie's head, and she had been Immortal for over a year, and she would need this training in case another immortal was to challenge her.

They finished with that part of the training, and Duncan got out his katana, "Now, I think we should train some with our swords."

"That sounds like a plan," Tori nodded as she got out her tachi.

"Now come at me," Duncan initiated the training.

"I don't wanna hurt you," Tori prepared to make her move.

"You won't," Duncan assured her before he blocked her attack, "Don't hesitate. Now, put the sword in your right hand, just behind the guard."

Tori complied.

"Good," Duncan instructed her, "Feel the rhythm of the blade. Plant your feet and add your left hand to the swing for more power and control."

Tori complied again, following his instructions.

"Good, you're strong." Duncan continued with the training and Tori smiled, "Your strength is in the blade, not in the arms. That's why you'll be able to fight as well as a man. Now when you attack, attack with the weak part of the blade. When you defend, come at me."

He parried Tori's blade, "Change the rhythm of your attack, so that your opponent cannot anticipate your true speed."

Tori continued making her move, and swung the sword.

"That's very good," Duncan noted.

"So, all the knowledge and power are shared by the Immortals," Tori asked, "like myself, you, Amanda, and even, Richie?"

"That's right," Duncan answered, "and as you are aware of, there's some who can't wait to get their hands on it, and you can't tell who the enemy is until it is too late."

After a little more training with the sword, Tori and Duncan finished for the day.

"Thanks for the training, Mac," Tori smiled at her mentor. "Given everything that had happened recently, I was in need of this training."

She grabbed a water bottle and took a sip from it.

---------

Next

Previous

Article

Author

Chapters

1: Prelude To A Storm

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.

2: Chance Encounter

While reflecting on personal matters, Tori witnesses a stunning occurrence.

3: Changes

Richie introduces Tori to his friends, Duncan and Tessa, who detail the secret affairs of immortals.

4: Questions & Answers

As Tori begins learning more about her true nature, a teacher offers assistance.

5: Prelude To A Storm

Tori informs the Defenders that she plans to help Duncan and his companions.

6: Swift Action

Tori and Richie continue bonding as the IUA works with Duncan.

7: Paris Bound

Tori is given a new task by her mother Janet.

8: Past Teacher Surprise

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.

10: Care and Comfort

Tori tends to an ailing Richie.

11: The Hunters

The group gains allies while investigating a new matter.

12: The Watchers

The search for Horton begins.

13: Vendetta

An old friend of Tori's reveals a darker side. Janet becomes involved in the current operation.

14: The Darkness

Duncan is told to be wary of a dark prophesy.

15: An Eye For An Eye

The team is menaced by Annie Devlin, an old associate of Duncan's.

16: Teacher, Teacher

Duncan begins refining Tori's skills.

17: More Than Friends?

Richie and Tori continue bonding.

18: Richie

A new woman comes into Richie's life.

19: New on the Job

Janet takes steps to make Richie an IUA operative. 

20: Immortal Task

Tori and her allies confront a number of enemies in the city.

21: A Day at the Beach

The teams head out for a day of fun.

22: Suspended Sabotage

Rick's capture leads to a compromising situation as LJ and the others attempt a rescue.

23: The Madam Weds

Lucy, a dangerous immortal, targets Richie. Tori intervenes.

24: Clouded Issues

The IUA investigates when one of the Phantom's acquaintances is victimized by an immortal.

25: Framed

Richie and Tori return to Paris to assist with the mission, which is complicated by police involvement.

26: Game of Peril

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.

28: Obsession

Duncan attempts to work with the unstable David Keogh.

29: Not Quite Fine

Charlie prepares to depart.

30: Unwanted Advances

The group meet a girl named Michelle, who has just discovered her immortal nature.

31: The Child

Tori and Richie attempt to care for a younger boy named Kenny.

32: Halloween Incident

Everyone prepares for a holiday.

33: Shadows

A mysterious statue creates chaos.

34: They Also Serve

Joe and the team find others in need of their help.

35: State of Mind

Jedda and Tori have an intimate conversation.

36: Song of the Executioner

Kalas haunts Richie and the others.

37: Star-Crossed

Duncan prepares for battle with Kalas and finds a surprise.

38: The Mystery of Methos

Kalas searches for Methos.

39: Astral Richie

Tori worries as Richie begins taking chances.

40: Double Jeopardy

Anne arrives.

41: The Exorcism of Richie Ryan

Richie requires assistance in getting back to normal. 

42: Out of the Frying Pan

The Defenders step in to assist with Kalas, and to help prevent the truth about Duncan's kind from leaking.

43: Into the Fire

Duncan prepares to confront Kalas.

44: Home, Friends, & Family

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.

46: Of Mice and Men

The current situation reminds Tori of a well-known scenario.

47: Good Intentions

Amanda and Richie follow Duncan on a journey in secret, and end up defending themselves from a horde of ice robots.

48: The Return of Kenny

The friends see Kenny again. Duncan suspects that a certain immortal is pursuing the child.

49: Nightmares

Seacouver is targeted by an ambitious supernatural woman named Sierra.

50: Between Black & White

Duncan, Tori, and Richie investigate a matter from Duncan's past alongside the police.

51: Culture Clashed

The group is challenged by a charismatic new antagonist, Kamir.

52: Witch

The spellcaster Kristin Gilles arrives and pursues Richie. Mandrake offers assistance in thwarting her.

53: Facing the Music

Duncan and his friends attempt to aid a pianist.

54: Rescue Mission

Anne and Jack participate in the latest endeavor.

55: Darkest Before The Dawn

Duncan falls under a dark influence temporarily.

56: Cruising Storytellers

Methos and the others reflect.

57: The Mongo Adventure

The exploits of Flash and his famed allies from Mongo are chronicled. Meanwhile, Zorelda reemerges.

58: Storytellers

The team members engage in sparring and storytelling during downtime.

59: Judgment Day

The groups attempt to rescue Joe, who has been lured into a trap.

60: One Minute To Midnight

As tensions rise and truths are revealed, the team bands together in their effort to help Joe.

61: Deja Vu Proposal

Richie makes a monumental decision.

62: Set In Motion

As Tori and Richie prepare for the big day, opposing forces on Mongo makes plans of their own.

63: Reunion

Katarina and Castra attempt to unite with the Defenders before Zorelda makes her move.

64: Zorelda Strikes

Zorelda arrives on Earth.

65: Setting Up The Rescue Mission

The groups outline their rescue effort.

66: Making Way To Mongo

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.

69: Loose Ends Tied

The group deals with the repercussions of their adventure and return to Earth.

70: Prophetic Summit Meeting

Duncan's ally, Cassandra, relays a vision.

71: Transition To Marriage

Tori and Richie encounter a cult. Duncan pursues Clay.

72: Jenny

The Ryans foster a mysterious child who bears a resemblance to Tori.

73: A Friend Indeed

Amanda and Maurice return as a new enigma arises.

74: Money No Object

Amanda engages in more questionable activity.

75: Haunted

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.

77: The Messenger

The Ryans encounter an apparent impostor, who also approaches Hadea.

78: Comes a Horseman

An adversary known as Kronos targets Tori, seeking to exploit her intellect.

79: Revelation 6:8

Richie and Duncan move to counter Kronos.

80: The Ransom of Richard Redstone

The Ryans depart for an undercover mission overseas.

81: Duende

The group make new acquaintances while pursuing a lead tied to a mysterious dancing event.

82: Forgive Us Our Trespass

The enigmatic Keane arrives, wreaking havoc on several people's lives.

83: Before The Oncoming Storm

Duncan deals with a mischievous adversary named Byron. Jedda and Rick prepare for parenthood. Both Katarina and Jedda sense danger ahead.

84: The Summoning of Ahriman

Ming and Octon turn to a new ally.

85: More Trouble Rears In

Duncan is haunted.

86: More Clues Emerge

The shape-shifter initiates a confrontation.

87: The Walls Closing In

Ming shifts his focus to an isolated girl.

88: Divided Loyalties

The Defenders unite with Tori's friends in an effort to stop Ahriman.

89: The Trap Is Set

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.

91: One Year Later

Richie copes. Duncan travels overseas.

92: Arrivals and Tasks

Joe, Amanda, and Duncan continue to hunt the enemy.

93: To Find Richie

April locates Richie and provides an update on the current situation.

94: Double Summoning

Richie is confronted by the opponent again.

95: The Blinding Truth

Joe leads the investigation as everyone bands together.

96: Last Temptation

The final clash begins.

97: Crunch Time

Duncan makes a crucial discovery.

98: Ahriman Tries To Bargain

The key element to the plan is obtained.

99: The Crumbling Falling Gap

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.

102: The Demise of Ahriman

Series finale.

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