DCH 19
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Nineteen: New on the Job
"I wasn't really surprised at what MacLeod did," Tori stated as she walked to the bed of their hotel room. A couple of days have passed since she and Richie had left MacLeod after Richie took his first Quickening because of the events with Mako and the mortal Laura Daniels, and they left Seacouver to make their way to Central City. They rode on Richie's motorcycle and they were currently in a hotel in Oregon.
"To be honest," Richie said, "neither was I."
He looked at her, "I mean, I had my expectations but I was kind of being unrealistic hoping for a job, friends, and a girl."
"When it comes to being Immortal," Tori stated, "there are many risks. We'll still have friends, and you'll find a girl, and you're about to have a job."
Richie sighed and smiled, "That's right. Your mom is going to allow me to become a part of the same agency you are working in, the Intergalactic Union Agency."
"That's right," Tori nodded gently tapping Richie's shoulder, "I'm sure it's going to be a learning experience for you, and it'll be a way to be out on your own like MacLeod wants."
"I'll be looking forward to it," Richie replied before asking, "When will I begin?"
"My mom informed me before we left Seacouver," Tori answered, "that you will be starting in Central City once we arrived."
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Richie replied, "Let's get going to California."
"Hold on there, hot shot," Tori held his arm, "we should be getting some rest as its' been a long day, and first thing tomorrow, we'll make our way to Central City."
Richie relented, "You have a good point. Resting sounds like a plan."
Richie laid down on his bed while Tori was getting ready for bed as she would sleep on the bed as the hotel room had two beds. He was thinking on what he could expect when he joined the IUA, and wondered what he'd expect in an agency where supernatural and off world stuff were concerned.
It was going to be an interesting experience, and Richie Ryan would be willing to do what it took to help the team in his way.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Richie stood next to Tori in the room. He was looking over some of the files the IUA had to deal with over the years, including rogue witches, mad moguls, and aliens such as Ming the Merciless.
"I know Ming the Merciless," Richie stated, "He was there when that witch made me sleepwalk, and had Tessa under her control. He somehow knew MacLeod."
That sleepwalking ordeal still spooked him, even after he gotten past the phase where he thought he would sleepwalk again even after Ming and Cathleen were gone.
Richie took a deep breath before looking further at the files, and this time, they were of the recent exploits regarding Immortals, from the rogue Watchers, or the Hunters. He was surprised to learn about all the IUA knew about the Immortals, and was even more surprised about who took who's Quickenings in regards to the deceased Immortals, from Tori having her first Quickening after taking the head of Annie Delvin, to Richie having his first Quickening after taking Mako's head, which was a few days ago. There were even files all the way up to Wilshire Park, the first location of an Immortal sighting to the IUA, the first time Richie and Tori met.
"So, you got details on Immortals?" Richie looked on in surprise.
"Ever since I made the call for Containment for that call that night," Tori nodded, "and evidently, the IUA has got record of our exploits since then, even those they weren't involved in."
"You don't have to worry," Janet assured him, "this is classified information, and nobody outside the IUA or the Watchers will have access to information regarding these exploits. I trust the Immortal business is supposed to be secret for a reason."
Richie sighed with relief.
"Now, Richard, shall we begin with your training?"
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Janet sighed as she entered her quarters. Today had been an eventful day. Richie had proven himself to have incredible potential to become one of their agents given how he demonstrated himself during training today. He had a little bit of an arrogant streak, but she was certain that would be straightened out, especially on Tori's watch.
Janet had found it hard to believe they were both Immortal as she had recently found out. On the other hand, she had suspicion that another one of her agents, Jack, was also Immortal based on everything she had found out based on her interaction with Duncan, Richie, and Tori shortly after Tori had her first Quickening after taking the head of Immortal Annie Delvin.
Jack walked into the room moments later, "You called for me, Leader?"
"I had my suspicion about you lately," Janet held her hands behind her back.
Jack looked confused, "What are you talking about?"
"You don't have to hide it from me any longer," Janet turned towards him, "of your Immortality."
Jack gulped. He appeared to be nervous as if the jig was up about something.
"You don't have to worry," Janet assured him, "You're not in trouble. Besides, we have two other Immortals in our agency as well, one of them being my daughter."
"Your daughter is immortal?" Jack asked, surprised.
"Yeah," Janet nodded, "I found out recently, and boy I was in for a shock."
Months Ago
"What was that all about?" Janet asked. She was at her daughter's apartment, and she wanted answers upon finding out her own daughter was the one who took the Immortal Annie Delvin's head yesterday. Duncan and Richie were with them.
Duncan, Richie and Tori glanced at each other, not knowing how they were going to reveal the truth to her.
"What do you need to know?" Duncan asked, "Annie was Immortal, and she's now dead."
"I get that, Mister MacLeod," Janet scoffed, "but usually it's you who takes the head of the enemy Immortals. Instead, I find out my own daughter took her head."
"I admit to breaking the rules," Tori stated, "usually Immortal combat is one on one only, but if I didn't act, Annie would have taken Richie's head."
"Wait? You mean..." Janet started to ask. She stopped herself as a part of her didn't really want to know the answer.
"Richie is Immortal, Mom," Tori finally spoke up, "and so am I. We are Immortal, just like MacLeod."
Janet paced the room for a minute, trying to process everything. After a little bit, she looked back at the three.
"How long has this been going on?" Janet asked.
"Richie had only been Immortal recently the same night Tessa died," Tori answered, "and he's got some pretty cool training from MacLeod and he gained the upper hand against Annie and..."
"What about you?" Janet asked.
"I've been Immortal for over a year now," Tori reluctantly answered.
"When did that happen?"
"After Aunt Dale's funeral," Tori answered, shuddering over the memory of her first death, "some psycho shot and killed me, and that's what triggered my Immortality."
"I don't believe it," Janet protested, "it's just not possible."
Duncan, Richie and Tori only stared at her as if to tell her that it was true.
"It can't be possible," Janet continued, "I mean, how?"
"You want proof, Mom?" Tori finally grabbed a hand gun that was on the table, "Shoot at one of us."
Janet hesitated as she held the gun, "What is that going to prove?"
"It's going to prove that we are Immortal," Duncan answered, "Go ahead. Shoot at us."
Janet looked nervous. She couldn't make the same mistake she did all those years ago. She had caused her husband's death, but could she actually be the cause of her daughter's death? Or her friends for that matter?
Moments later, she fired the hand gun at random and hit Tori square in the torso. She instantly fell backwards to the ground, dead. Janet started sobbing, thinking she had killed her daughter. She barely noticed Richie and Duncan as they only looked on as if they knew what to expect.
A few minutes later, Tori gasped and was coughing. She slowly got up as she was revived.
"How is...how is that possible?" Janet asked.
"That's part of being immortal," Richie answered as he helped up Tori as her shot wound was healing, "and it's something I'm trying to get used to myself."
It took a minute for Janet to process everything. She took a deep breath before asking, "Well, have you ever tried to...not be Immortal?"
"That's not how that works," Duncan answered.
"So, with you being Immortal," Janet was now coming to terms with the situation, "you live forever, and you can never die?"
"There is one way," Duncan chimed in, "and that's if the immortal has their head chopped off."
"Decapitation," Janet nodded, acknowledging the situation, "and that leads to..."
"The winning Immortal takes the power and knowledge of the decapitated Immortal," Tori answered, "and that is called the Quickening."
The Present
Flash sighed as he heard a ring. He hurried over to the screen of Monitor and looked at the time at the digital clock nearby. It was 2:45 in the morning.
"Who could it be at this hour?" he asked.
"Incoming call from Janet Gordon," Dynak announced.
"Huh?" Flash looked up in surprise to see his sister on the screen, "Janet? What's going on, and why are you calling in this time?"
"Tori is going to be in Central City for awhile," Janet answered, "and our newest agent, Richard Ryan will be accompanying her."
"Tori's coming," Flash seemed surprised by this, "and you mean Richie Ryan, right?"
"Yes, obviously," Janet nodded, "Tori and Richie will be assigned to your team for the time being."
"What happened with Duncan MacLeod?" Flash asked.
"MacLeod had recently sent Richie to be out on his own," Janet answered, "and Richie is doing quite well for his training."
"So, they'll be moving in with us full time?" Flash asked.
"At least for now," Janet answered, "yes. Life of an Immortal is unpredictable, especially those who are IUA agents."
"So, you know too?"
"About Tori being immortal?" Janet replied. "Yeah. I knew after we took Annie Delvin's men into custody. You know too?"
"I knew after the events of Dale's funeral," Flash explained, "a crazy immortal man nearly took Tori's head, and another Immortal by the name of Amanda came from out of nowhere and saved her and took the psycho's head."
"Over a year ago?" Janet asked, noting the story with Tori's immortality matching what her brother just said.
"Exactly. When will we see Richie and Tori?"
"Within the next couple of days."
"Can't wait to see them then."
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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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