DCH 2

Defenders Chronicles: Highlander

By AmandaDoE

Chapter Two: Chance Encounter

Tori tied a shoe and headed off on her jog. This wasn't going to be a very peaceful morning. She'd have a whole lot on her mind today. Her mother was heading up to Seacouver, transferring here so she could be with Tor.

Janet was the head of the IUA. She could lead whichever division she pleased. But why did she have to come to Tori's division? Why did her mother have to follow her here?

Was this related to strategy? Was Janet really needed in the area? Or was she attempting to build a bridge, seeking the bond that they'd always lacked?


Several Years Ago


A loud clap of thunder echoed over the grounds. Tori cuddled up right beneath her sheets. She was relieved to be where she belonged — back amongst the people whom she'd grown up with.

This wasn't exactly what the courts decreed. The law said she had to give Janet a chance — that she had to live with her mother a while.

All of that had lasted for around two weeks. Then she'd snuck away so she could come back here. This was her family. This was her home.

Her younger cousin April came and snuggled her close.

"I was simply losing my mind in there, A."

April made a chuckle. "I'm not surprised."

Tori frowned a tad, then heaved a soft sigh. April didn't have a high opinion of Janet. None of her relatives did, it seemed. Tori had attempted to bond with her mom, but found they didn't have a lot in common at all.

A very loud knock sounded off downstairs. Someone was pounding on the home's front door.

It had to be Janet. This wouldn't end well.

Tori rose a bit, and April followed suit. Both of them swore, which Tori regretted. They had certainly been raised not to.

Tori heard the sound of the door swinging open.

"All right, where is she?" Janet inquired.

"Where is who, Jan?" her aunt Dale replied. Tori could tell Dale was prepped for a fight. Her aunt and her mother never got along well.

"Victoria, Dale. Where is my daughter?"

"What are you saying?" Dale sounded surprised. She didn't know that Tori was here just yet. "You're telling me you don't know where Tori is?" Dale was getting angry. That was quite clear. The women would probably come to blows in a moment.

Tori ran down with April following.

"Aunt Dale," Tori called. "I snuck in here."

Dale looked stunned. She touched Tori's cheek. "Hon?" she said, eyeing her closely. "What are you doing? Why'd you sneak off?"

Tori hesitated. "I know that I'm supposed to be living with Mom…" She looked at her mother. "But this is where I feel most comfortable."

April wrapped her arms around Tori's chest.

Flash walked up. "What's going on?"

Janet heaved a moan, then met Tori's gaze. "Get in the car."

"No," she answered, perhaps too sharply. "Mom…" she muttered. "I want to stay here."

"Tori…" Janet mumbled.

Flash stepped forth. "Jan," he said. "Why don't you go home? Let us talk to Tor. We'll sort this out."

Janet shook a bit. "The law says that Tori- -"

"I know that, Jan. We'll sort things out."

Janet stared a moment, then turned and left.

Tori eyed the carpet as she heard the door close.


The Present


Tori stared downward, eyeing the ground. The sound of a grunt snapped her out of her trance. Then she noticed something very strange up ahead.

"What in the world…" she uttered in awe. She'd walked to a wide open spot in the woods.

A bloodied man was kneeling. Another guy stood — the very same man who took Richie away. The latter was armed with a glistening sword. His black ponytail swung about in a breeze.

The standing man slashed. The former's head rolled.

Tori gasped loudly. She hid behind a tree.

Then she heard what sounded like a crackle of thunder, not unlike the thunder that she'd heard long ago. It wasn't raining then, and it wasn't raining now.

She peeked outward. The armed man knelt. It looked as though lightning was surrounding him now.

Tori pulled her phone and dialed the IUA up. The agency needed to know about this.

She glanced at the screen for a moment or two. When she looked up, the man was gone.

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Notes: Story by AmandaDoE. Remastered by James.

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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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