DCH 23
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Twenty-Three: The Madam Weds
"What do you mean Richie is missing?!" Tori exclaimed, glaring at Rick, who had the misfortune of telling the group that he hadn't been able to locate Richie for the past hour, "It is time for us to head home from this party and Richie suddenly vanishes?!"
"He's just gone, Tori," Rick tried to explain, "Jedda, LJ and I tried looking for him but there's no sign of him."
"I knew there was something off about that woman he was with!" Jedda exclaimed.
"That lady who Richie seemed charmed by?" Tori asked.
"Yeah," Jedda nodded, "I had this bad vibes kind of feeling when I saw Lucy with Richie. Like she was some sort of evil person."
"Come to think about it," Tori added in, "I did sense the Buzz when she approached the scene, and so did Richie."
"The Buzz?" LJ asked.
"The Buzz is a sensation when an Immortal can sense another Immortal," Tori answered.
"I still think you two are a bit jealous of Miss Lucy, given that's she's rich and everything." LJ glanced at both Tori and Jedda. Tori narrowed her eyes at him, giving him a dirty look in the process.
"Well," LJ stepped back a bit, "didn't she tell us she's rich?"
"If she is immortal," Rick asked, "should we call Duncan MacLeod and get him involved?"
"I think we, the Defenders should handle this ourselves," Tori answered, "first off, I happen to be immortal as well as Richie and one of us will most likely take her head, and second off, Mac isn't too happy with us for how we acted rash with our first Quickenings."
"How were you two rash again?" Rick asked, "I mean, I can see Richie being rash, but you?"
"Uh, actually, that's a funny story," Tori explained, "I happen to have broken a rule when I took Annie Delvin's Quickening. I interfered when she knocked Richie's sword out of his hands, and I took her head before she could take Richie's."
"That was reckless," Jedda stated, "especially coming from you. Did Amanda teach you that?"
"Not directly," Tori replied, "but Amanda also interfered when she took her partner's head when he dueled with MacLeod."
"What about Richie?" LJ asked.
"There was this chick named Laura Daniels," Tori explained, "she was wanted for the murder of her husband, albeit in self defense, and Richie was willing to do what it took to protect her. He just about succeeded when the immortal bounty hunter who was after her, Mako, ran her over and killed her. Richie got furious and took his head during the duel. That was when MacLeod decided he should go out on his own."
"That was really extreme," Jedda asked, "wasn't he a bounty hunter working for the law at whatever city she was at?"
"Yeah, in a way," Tori answered, "but the IUA was after Mako for his methods in turning in his criminals as the last six, including Laura, ended up dead."
"Yikes," LJ muttered. Tori nodded. Suddenly, she heard a ring on her phone.
"Great, Uncle Flash is probably wondering where we are," Tori stated. She answered the phone, "Hello."
"Tori, it's mom," Janet spoke up as she was on the other end of the line, "I just want to let you know about Immortal activity your way."
"Does that immortal happen to be named Lucy?" Tori managed to ask.
"Yeah," Janet answered, "That's what she is generally called, but her full name is Lucinda Grayson. I don't know how she found you, other than the fact that you are Immortals like she is, and she is a Black Widow who is 730 years old."
"Black Widow?!" Tori and the young Defenders exclaimed in unison.
"Yeah," Janet replied calmly, "she lures men she considers attractive to her mansion and she marries them within 24 hours. Shortly afterwards, she disposes of her husband. Typically, the male victims are rich billionares. Sometimes, they're Immortals. In a nutshell, she either kills her victims for either money or their Quickening."
"And now she's taken Richie!" Tori exclaimed.
"I was afraid of that," Janet replied.
"How did you get that information anyway?" Jedda asked.
"A watcher by the name of Joe Dawson sent me the email," Janet answered, "probably to inform me of potential immortal threats in Central City."
"Joe?!" Tori quipped glancing up, "He's Duncan MacLeod's watcher."
"You know him?" Rick asked.
"He seems to be harmless," Tori answered, "unlike his demented brother in law Horton, who is a Hunter, believing all Immortals are a cancer."
"Geez," LJ replied.
Janet announced, "Tori, I'm sending you Lucy's location. You might want to hurry before Richie makes the worst mistake of his Immortal life, and don't make any rash decisions, except to take her Quickening. I understand by now these evil immortals can't be kept alive."
"Will do," Tori nodded, "and I won't act rash. Not too rash anyway."
The call ended, and she looked at Rick, Jedda and LJ.
"What now?" Rick asked.
"We let the Defenders know what's going on," Tori answered, "and then we head over to the mansion to stop a wedding from happening. Lucy is not going to win Richie's heart, not if I can help it."
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Richie came to. The last thing he remembered was talking to some beautiful woman. He found himself dressed in some fancy silk robe. Had he been drugged? How long had he been here? Richie clutched his head as he felt dizzy.
He sat up from the bed after recovering and looked around, finding himself in a beautiful bedroom of some sorts. The aura was red in color, some mist of some sorts. The sheets of the bed were silky too. The curtains were red as well.
"This looks like a weird dream," Richie muttered.
"But it's not a dream." a thick French accent chimed in the room.
He turned to see Lucy walk into the room. Richie knew he wasn't dreaming, and this was for real.
"How did I get here?" Richie demanded. He tried to look for his sword but it was not where he usually placed it, "Wait, where's my sword?"
"You won't be needing it," Lucy assured him, "I had it put up in my closet for safe keeping."
Richie tried to make a move to the closet she was implying, but Lucy grabbed him before he can even move.
"Hey, let go of me!" Richie demanded.
"You're such a cutie," Lucy grinned, "and you have such spunk. I cannot wait to marry you."
"Me marrying you?!" Richie exclaimed, "Lady, you are clearly delusional."
"Am I now?" Lucy grinned, "It's not like your friends will be able to find you in time."
"You don't know who my friends are then," Richie replied, "if Mac doesn't find me, then the Defenders will find me."
"Mac?" Lucy glared at him, "You mean Duncan MacLeod?"
"Yeah, that's the guy."
"He was under my power 200 years ago, but his cousin Connor MacLeod managed to find him before he could marry me," Lucy looked down, "what a pity."
"You're not going to win this time either," Richie replied before he pushed her down to the red carpet. He hurried to the carpet and managed to find his sword, "That's more like it."
He hurried down the stairs and tried to make a run for it. He looked around as the door was moving, keeping him from escaping.
"Man," Richie looked on in disbelief, "this is messed up."
"You're not going to escape me, Richie," Lucy stated as she arrived at the room. She grabbed his hands, and made him look her in the eyes. Her eyes were glowing a bright neon blue color.
"N...no!" Richie cried out as he felt himself fall under her control again. He felt his thoughts changing, from his normal thoughts: loyalty to Mac, Tori and the Defenders to whatever Lucy wanted him to think and feel. He was falling under her control, just like before.
"There we go, that's better," Lucy caressed his face, "I think you should get ready. In a few hours, we shall be wed."
All he could hear was her voice, "Yes, I will wed you."
"Good," Lucy smiled, "it is time for you to get ready. My servant will help you prepare for our wedding."
"Yes, Mistress," Richie replied, "I cannot wait to marry you. I cannot resist you."
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"We all object!" Mandrake exclaimed as the Defenders entered the room, ready for a battle. The Defenders were informed that Richie had been taken by Lucy and that Janet informed them the information about this twisted Immortal.
"Isn't that a shame," Lucy turned towards the group before he caressed Richie's face, "Come on, my beloved, why don't you attack these intruders and teach them a lesson in not to interfere with our wedding."
Richie nodded before he got out his sword, "You are not welcome here. We are about to be wed. You must leave now!"
"Are you crazy?!" Flash exclaimed, "there's no way in hell we are leaving you with that woman, Richie."
"Go now!" Richie demanded, "or you will be forced to leave!"
"Richie, snap out of it!" Tori got her Tachi ready to defend herself, "You don't wanna marry this tramp. She wants to use you!"
"You don't know that," Richie replied, "Mistress Lucy loves me, and I vow to protect her."
"Allow me to handle this," Mandrake took a brave step forward, before he proceeded to use his hypnosis to break Lucy's hold on Richie, "Richie Ryan, sleep. Go to sleep. When you wake up, you will be back to normal. Your loyalties will return to MacLeod, Tori, and the Defenders."
Richie resisted the power at first, then it ended becoming overwhelming for him and he passed out. Lothar managed to catch him before he could completely hit the floor.
"No!" Lucy screamed in disbelief over the failure of her plans.
"Is he going to be okay?" Tori asked.
"He'll be fine," Mandrake assured her, "Richie will just need to rest. When he comes to, he will be as good as new."
"Thank God," Tori sighed with relief.
"LJ," Lothar instructed, "go with Kshin and take Richie to the Terry."
"What?!" LJ exclaimed in disbelief as his father handed Richie to him.
"It'll be fine," Lothar assured, "and besides, you're strong enough to watch after them in case something else happens."
LJ sighed, annoyed as he carried Richie to the Terry and Kshin followed him.
"Now, for our Immortal opponent," Flash declared.
"Where did she go?" Phantom asked as the group noticed Lucy was nowhere in sight.
"Leave her to me." Tori got out her tachi. "Lucy is immortal, and so am I."
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Tori glanced at Lucy as both women had their swords in hand.
"So, you're the jealous lover, aren't you?" Lucy retorted.
"Lover?! He's not...oh, what's it to you?" Tori retorted, "Are we going to duel, or are you just going to yap all night?"
Lucy swung her sword, and Tori blocked the attack, "You ruined my wedding, and I think I'll take your head before I take your lover's head."
"I am only going to tell you this one more time," Tori replied, "he's just a good friend of mine."
Lucy chuckled, "If he's your friend, and a boy, then he's your boyfriend."
The two women proceeded with their duel. They clashed through the stairs, fell down to the next floor, and swung each of their moves carefully.
Eventually, Tori gained the upper hand and disarmed Lucy, pinning her to the floor, "Curtains."
She swung her sword and took Lucy's head. Then, she looked up and noticed Flash, Rick, Jedda, Phantom and Mandrake nearby. They seemed to be surprised at what had happened.
Tori felt the energy of Lucy's Quickening. Then, she felt the lighting strike her. She laughed and yelled as she felt the full force of the Quickening. She dropped to her knees as the Quickening ended, and then looked around as the area had been charred to bits and several items being shattered to bits during the Quickening as well. Nothing new to her as there was still fire at opposite sides of her.
Flash arrived at the area, "What the hell was that about?!"
"That's what is called a Quickening," Tori stood up as she took a deep breath, "didn't you see Amanda take that one dude's Quickening when I first became Immortal?"
"I never thought you'd be one to take another Immortal's head!" Flash exclaimed in disbelief, "I don't think your aunt would approve of this!"
"I know she wouldn't!" Tori exclaimed, "but taking an Immortal's life is different than taking a mortal's life. It's part of what us Immortals have to do to survive."
"Flash, take it easy," Mandrake arrived at the area and helped up Tori, "I may not agree with the methods myself, but I understand why the Immortals have to do what they need to do to survive."
"Both Mac and Amanda said there could be only one," Tori stated.
"Do you think they could take your head in the future?" Rick asked. Tori didn't want to answer this question. She knew there could be only one Immortal who could receive the prize. It wasn't like Lucy was her first Quickening either, as far as Tori knew, this was now the third Quickening she had received since becoming Immortal. It would be a hard pill to swallow, for her, for the Defenders.
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"I don't think Richie will need the medical attention," Tori told Flash, "any wounds he'll heal in due time. We regenerate unless the injury is at the neck up."
"Are you sure?" Flash asked.
Tori nodded, "We'll be okay."
He nodded before making his way to pilot back to Monitor. Soon, they would be home, and this nightmare would be over for good.
"Tori?"
She turned to walk next to Richie, who was laying in the bed set in the Terry. He smiled at her, "Hey, Tor."
"Richie, are you okay?" Tori asked.
"I'll be okay," Richie answered, "most of the night was such a blur though."
Tori sighed as she was relieved with that statement. She couldn't help but to wonder if she did anything to him before the Defenders could rescue him.
"Are you hurt?" she proceeded to ask, "Did she do anything to you that we need to know about?"
Tori loved Richie like a brother. Oh, what the hell, the feelings she was having for him was more than a friendly thing, or even a brother – sister vibe. The feelings Tori was having for Richie appeared to be loving, as if she truly loved him, like a man would love a woman. It was only a matter of time before her feelings would truly come to play, but she didn't know when, or even if Richie felt the same way towards her.
"Nothing too bad, other than the brainwashing part," Richie answered, "even so, Lucy is dead now. She won't be able to hurt me anymore."
"Tell me the truth, Richie," Tori insisted, "Did she do something to you?"
Richie hesitated for a moment before he finally answered, "Truthfully, she didn't. Nothing that is worth going crazy over. I mean, she was doing all in her power to keep me from escaping as I nearly escaped once, and she put me back under her control. Luckily, Mandrake freed me from her control for good, and there was no wedding since you guys crashed it, so, yeah."
"Thank God," Tori sighed with relief before she hugged Richie.
"Thank you for taking care of her for me," Richie accepted the hug in return, "I know you really do care about me, probably more than a friend."
He kissed her on the cheek. Tori blushed in response, "Well."
"Don't ask," Richie smiled, "I just felt like it."
"Ewww, mushy!" Kshin exclaimed.
"Kshin!" Tori exclaimed, glancing at the kid, annoyed, "What did we tell you about eavesdropping?!"
Richie rolled his eyes at Kshin as well.
"Sorry," Kshin replied before he walked away muttering, "but it is."
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Author's Commentary:
Eventually, Tori gained the upper hand and disarmed Lucy, pinning her to the floor, "Curtains."
She swung her sword and took Lucy's head. Then, she looked up and noticed Flash, Rick, Jedda, Phantom and Mandrake nearby. They seemed to be surprised at what had happened.
Tori felt the energy of Lucy's Quickening. Then, she felt the lighting strike her. She laughed and yelled as she felt the full force of the Quickening. She dropped to her knees as the Quickening ended, and then looked around as the area had been charred to bits and several items being shattered to bits during the Quickening as well. Nothing new to her as there was still fire at opposite sides of her.
I was inspired to come up with scene after watching a clip from Highlander: The Raven in the episode "Passion Play" in which Amanda took the head of Wilson Geary. Either you like the spin – off or you don't, from what I heard from fellow Highlander fans. Like myself, fellow Highlander fan Harry2 suggested that it was good as it was great to see Amanda in the spotlight in this spin-off, but the finale of that series was not good. I'm going to take his word for it and try to watch the series on my own term when I get the time as I have both the complete series DVD set with the Raven, and the DVD set of Highlander: The Raven. Looks as if the DVDs are my best bet for the time being as every streaming service that had both series' such as Tubi, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and even Pluto tv, all took the shows off their streaming services. I'm going to end the rant before I say something I'll end up regretting. It was still stupid that it's not on a streaming service now. I digress. Thankfully, Highlander: The Series is still on Me – TV plus and Heroes & Icons.
"Are you hurt?" she proceeded to ask, "Did she do anything to you that we need to know about?"
Tori loved Richie like a brother. Oh, what the hell, the feelings she was having for him was more than a friendly thing, or even a brother – sister vibe. The feelings Tori was having for Richie appeared to be loving, as if she truly loved him, like a man would love a woman. It was only a matter of time before her feelings would truly come to play, but she didn't know when, or even if Richie felt the same way towards her.
"Nothing too bad, other than the brainwashing part," Richie answered, "even so, Lucy is dead now. She won't be able to hurt me anymore."
"Tell me the truth, Richie," Tori insisted, "Did she do something to you?"
Richie hesitated for a moment before he finally answered, "Truthfully, she didn't. Nothing that is worth going crazy over. I mean, she was doing all in her power to keep me from escaping as I nearly escaped once, and she put me back under her control. Luckily, Mandrake freed me from her control for good, and there was no wedding since you guys crashed it, so, yeah."
"Thank God," Tori sighed with relief before she hugged Richie.
"Thank you for taking care of her for me," Richie accepted the hug in return, "I know you really do care about me, probably more than a friend."
He kissed her on the cheek. Tori blushed in response, "Well."
"Don't ask," Richie smiled, "I just felt like it."
"Ewww, mushy!" Kshin exclaimed.
"Kshin!" Tori exclaimed, glancing at the kid, annoyed, "What did we tell you about eavesdropping?!"
Richie rolled his eyes at Kshin as well.
"Sorry," Kshin replied before he walked away muttering, "but it is."
Looks like Tori and Richie won't be able to deny their feelings for one another for too much longer, and this scene proves it. As for Kshin, Mandrake might carry out his threat to punish him for a week for butting in like he did when the Defenders were at the beach. Oh boy.
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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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