DCH 20

Defenders Chronicles: Highlander

By AmandaDoE

Chapter Twenty: Immortal Task

"So, what's the assignment today?" Richie asked. He looked over at Tori and a dark haired man along with a small group of other agents at the area.

"Mom said something about Immortals attacking the bay," Tori answered. The man looked at them, "Which is why I am also here."

"And you are?" Richie asked.

"My name is Jack," the man said. "And like you two, I am Immortal."

Tori and Richie looked at him in surprise.

"Surprised?" Jack smirked, "Well, I've been Immortal for over 200 years. A freak accident caused my first death."

"I was shot by a mugger," Richie revealed. "And that's what led to my first death, which happened this year."

"I was shot by a crazy Immortal hunting other Immortals," Tori added in, "and it was last year. So, you've been Immortal longer than the both of us."

"That's correct," Jack uttered

"Ready for our battle?" Richie asked.

"Yeah," Tori answered, "I believe I am."

"I believe so," Jack added with a smile.

The group arrived at the bay of San Francisco where three different Immortals were waiting for them.

"So, what are the names of our opponents?" Richie asked.

"The opponents are Nathan Scotts, an Immortal who is 600 years old," Janet explained via communicator, "Amber Smith, a 500 year old Immortal, and Josh Williams, a 800 year old Immortal. The mayor of San Francisco asked for us to take care of them as they have committed several terrorist act in this city."

"Time for us to make our move?" Richie asked.

"Allow me to let you guys know your opponents first," Janet answered before instructing, "Richard, your opponent will be Josh."

"Affirmative, leader," Richie replied, with his sword in hand.

"Jack, your opponent is Nathan."

"Affirmative, leader," Jack replied, readying his sword for battle.

"Alpha Team, prepare to engage."

Jack immediately went over to his opponent. Richie glanced over at Tori.

"Your mom assigned me to the oldest of the three Immortals," Richie stated.

"Mako was 755 years old when you took his head and he was big guns to the IUA," Tori replied, "while Annie Delvin was 150 years old when I took her head, and not as much of a big gun."

"Wow," Richie mouthed before he and Tori went to their respective opponents.


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Jack eyed Nathan. Both men had their swords in their hands.

"Having a rough day?" Jack asked, "because it seems that destroying the city with your terrorist acts is not the way to handle things."

"What's it to you?" Nathan retorted, "My boss knows what he is doing, and San Francisco will burn!"

"We'll see about that!" Jack exclaimed.

The two men proceeded to their duel. At first they were evenly matched as both men were not backing down.

Eventually, Jack gained the upper hand, impaled Nathan in the chest and pinned him to the ground. He then swung his sword and Nathan's head rolled.

Jack stood back up and prepared to take his opponent's Quickening. He felt energy get transferred into his body, and he felt a small surge of lighting. The area was on fire after the Quickening was done.

Jack was on his knees and panted, "Man, I can't wait to tell Cassandra about this one."


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Tori glanced at Amber. They both held their swords in their hands.

"Do you know that it is better than to leave well enough alone?" Amber retorted. Tori noticed her thick French accent.

"Ah, so you're French too?" Tori quipped, "Just like a good friend of mine."

The two women began their duel. Given that Tori had less experience with the Game, Amber was stronger in the battle than she was, and eventually knocked her down to the ground.

"It's curtains for you." Amber smirked, preparing to make the killing blow, but Tori managed to stand back up, regain her tachi and gained the upper hand against the French Immortal, disarmed her and Amber fell on her knees.

"Now it's curtains for you," Tori declared before she swung her tachi and took Amber's head. She rose up and took the energy from Amber's Quickening. She felt the surge of thunder go through her body.

Tori screamed as she felt the full surge of the Quickening. She ended up on her knees once the Quickening ended.


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Richie was face to face with Josh. Both men had their swords in their hands.

"So, you are a new kid, eh?" Josh asked with an arrogant smirk on his face.

"For the love of God," Richie groaned, annoyed. "I am only going to say this once, and only once: I am not a kid!"

The two men dueled. Both men were evenly matched initially. Josh was not doing himself any favors by insulting Richie, and repeatedly calling him a kid. Richie realized despite Josh being the leader of this terrorist trio and the oldest of the three immortals, he was quite arrogant, and he couldn't help but to wonder what made him leader.

Richie took a deep breath before gaining the upper hand against Josh and taking his head. He felt the energy of Josh's Quickening, and it was a powerful one at that. He screamed as he felt the lighting hit him and the full force of the Quickening.

Richie dropped to his knees, noticing the damages all around him as he looked up.


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Richie sat next to Tori in the meeting room. Jack was sitting right next to him as well. The city mayor thanked the IUA for their part in taking care of the terrorists that were causing danger to San Francisco. He didn't bother to ask about their whereabouts as he assumed they were dead as he was talking to Janet earlier after the battle ended.

"Today was quite interesting," Richie stated.

"I agree with you there, Richie," Jack said, "and this was my first time as an agent that I had to take on another Immortal."

"So it's your first Quickening?" Tori asked.

"No, no," Jack shook his head, "I've had Quickenings prior to being a part of the IUA."

"Gotcha," Richie replied.

As Janet entered the room, Richie remembered the first time he was in a meeting at the IUA and adjusted himself to where he was honoring formalities.

Janet glanced at the three Immortals, "I want to commend the three of you on your work today."

"Thank you, Leader," Jack replied.

"Yes, thanks, Leader," Richie added. Tori gave an acknowledging nod.

"I must admit, Richard," Janet told Richie, "you've improved a lot since we've first met."

"Thanks, Leader," Richie replied.

"I hope you continue to make good progress," Janet continued, "especially as you and my daughter will be moving with the Defenders of the Earth now."

Richie looked up in surprise. He looked at Tori, who appeared to be surprised as well, albeit not as much. In fact, she seemed to be excited, probably because she was about to reunite with family, which he was happy for her in that perspective, "I shall do my best. Thanks again, Leader."

"Your ride to Central City will be there for you two this evening," Janet informed the group, "and on that note, you are dismissed."

Richie stood up and followed Tori and Jack as the three of them left the room.


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Richie and Tori arrived at the mansion in Central City.

"So, now we are going to be seeing the Defenders this time," Richie smirked.

"That we are," Tori nodded, "the last time we met them, they came to us in Paris."

"And Ming had that woman to get me to sleepwalk," Richie added.

Flash met up with the couple with Rick in tow, "It's good to see you two again. Janet said you were coming."

"It's good to see the famous Flash Gordon again," Richie greeted him.

"Good to see you again too, Richie," Flash replied, shaking his hand, "and I hear you are now Immortal too."

"Yeah," Richie said.

"Hey Tori," Rick called. "Good to see you again, cousin. April would be here, but she's back at the Academy."

"It's all right," Tori hugged her cousin, "I know April misses me, and it's good to see you again."

"Let's all head back to the mansion and I'll introduce you two to the team again," Flash told the couple before they made their way inside the mansion.

Richie looked up. He couldn't wait to show the Defenders of the Earth what he had to offer as a member of their team.

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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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