DCH 24

Defenders Chronicles: Highlander

By AmandaDoE

Chapter Twenty-Four: Clouded Issues

"Long time no see, Amanda," Tori said to her teacher while talking to her via her laptop. "Like your hairdo as well."

"Why, thank you," Amanda replied. "How are things going between you and Richie?"

"Things are going great," Richie said as he entered the room. "It's all going great, Amanda. How are you?"

"Been better," Amanda stated. "Just coping with the death of my teacher."

"Rebecca?" Tori shot up in surprise. Richie listened intently. She remembered Amanda telling her about her teacher Rebecca Horne while they were training. She told her how she was fond of her teacher, "What happened?"

"She was beheaded by Luther as he was after the Methuselah Stone," Amanda explained. "He nearly took my head, but Duncan MacLeod stopped him and Duncan took his head. Afterwards, I knew Rebecca was avenged."

"We're very sorry for your loss," Tori said as Richie nodded in agreement. "We know how much Rebecca meant to you."

"Thanks." Amanda made a small smile. "At least Rebecca is at peace knowing that her killer has also lost his head."

Suddenly, Rick barged into the room.

"Rick, you really need to knock before entering!" Tori exclaimed.

"Rick?" Amanda noticed.

"Sorry," Rick uttered before stepping out. A knock on the door was heard.

"Come in," Tori responded before Rick returned.

"Who's the guy?" Amanda asked.

"Amanda, I don't think we've fully introduced you to my family," Tori replied before glancing at Rick, "so, I guess we'll start with my cousin, Rick. Rick, I want you to meet my first teacher, Amanda."

"Hi, Amanda," Rick said. "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, Rick," Amanda replied. "Great to meet members of Tori's family."

"I agree there," Richie stated. "Wait until you meet the rest of the Defenders."

"Can I?" Amanda asked.

"Sure," Tori answered.

"But another time," Rick replied. "Dad said for you guys to hurry. There's a situation that needs all of us."

Richie and Tori glance at each other in surprise.

"Immortal issue?" Richie asked.

"Possibly," Rick answered, "but you guys need to hurry."

"We'll do that," Tori replied before he left her and Richie in the room.

"We really should be going," Richie told Amanda. "And I like your hairdo."

Amanda smiled and chuckled, "Thanks. I'm hoping things work out between you lovers."

"Lovers?!" Richie and Tori exclaimed in unison.

"I'm kidding," Amanda replied. "See you guys later."

With that, the call ended.




You're Reading

Defenders Chronicles: Highlander



Tori looked on in shock. Richie and the Defenders were clearly stunned as well. They saw a man with his throat slashed, laying lifeless on the ground.

"How did this happen?" Lothar asked.

"It looked like someone cut his throat," Mandrake answered, "and it looks like the work of someone who wields a sword."

Richie and Tori glanced at each other. There was no way that either of them killed that man.

"Who could have killed him?" Richie asked.

"We are not sure," Mandrake answered, "but it does look like a sword cut when that man was killed."

"Who was the man's name?" Jedda asked.

The Phantom examined the man for a moment before speaking up, "His name was Howard Johnson. He was acquaintance with my father."

Jedda clasped her hands to her mouth in shock, with a barely escaped gasp coming from her mouth.

"Does Dynak have footage of the front door?" Tori asked.

"Let's find out," Flash answered before the ten entered the mansion and arrived near the closest screen. "Dynak, can you reveal the security footage from the past twelve hours?"

"Security footage revealed," Dynak replied before showing a blank screen nothing at first, until the Defenders saw Howard running in panic. He tried reaching for the door before a mysterious man grabbed him and slashed his throat, tossing him to the ground. As this was happening, Richie noticed the guy was dressed dark to where the others couldn't recognize him, not even in the footage.

"I know there are people here who know Duncan MacLeod," the man spoke loudly. "Two people in this residence have been trained by Duncan MacLeod. I'll have you running to your teacher, and he will meet his demise."

After that he left the area.

"What will we do?" LJ asked.

"I fear this is an Immortal matter," Tori answered.

"Tori's right," Mandrake nodded in agreement, "this is a situation I fear the Defenders might not be able to help out this time around."

"What about the IUA?" Rick asked.

Moments later, Tori called her mother. "Mom? We got a situation."

"Immortal situation?" Janet asked.

"Yeap," Tori replied. "We found an old acquaintance of the Phantom's dead at our doorway. His throat was cut by some dude. He must be Immortal because he is after Duncan MacLeod. Apparently, this guy knows we were trained by MacLeod. What should we do?"

At first, there was silence, and Tori wasn't sure what this meant.

"Mom?" she said.

"If it's Hyde, then I suggest you and Richard make your move to Paris as soon as possible," Janet uttered.

"Hyde?" Tori asked, confused.

"Martin Hyde," Janet exclaimed. "He is a headhunter, something worse than what Mako does. He goes after the students of his intended targets, which is his favorite thing to do in order to lure out his targets, the more mature Immortals."

Tori and Richie looked at each other, worried. They weren't sure who exactly this Hyde was targeting. They realized what he had to do.

"This is indeed a situation that the Defenders can't help with," Flash declared.

"That's not necessary, Steven," Janet told hi. "You Defenders have Ming the Merciless to deal with. Focus on him, and Richard and my daughter will go back to Paris to get MacLeod to aid him out, and the IUA will come back you guys up if needed."

"Thanks, Mom," Tori replied.

"A plane will be waiting for you at the airport," Janet announced. "And you'll be in Paris in no time."

"Understood," Tori replied before the call ended. She held Richie's hand in worry. He appeared to share the same concern.

"Is there anything we can do?" Flash asked.

"Sorry, Uncle Flash," Tori answered, "but Mom's right. You and the Defenders need to stick with dealing with Ming and other Defenders related stuff. Let Richie and myself deal with this sicko."

Flash nodded. "Just be careful, Tori. I couldn't bare anything to happen to you."

He paused before looking at Richie, "to either of you."

"Flash?" Richie shot up.

"You heard me." Flash smirked. "I consider you family as well, Richie."

Richie stared in awe. It looked like he never imagined in his wildest dreams that the famous Flash Gordon would consider him family.

"Thanks, Uncle Flash," Tori stated before slightly tapping Richie's arm. "Come on, hot shot. We should be going."

---------

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.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Welcome