DCH 25
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Twenty-Five: Framed
"We finally made it." Tori sighed with relief.
"Yeah," Richie said, "now, it's only a matter of time before we find Mac."
While on their way to Paris, there was another instance where a man was killed, throat slashed by a sword. This time, it happened three hours outside of Paris. First, the incident back at Central City, then another incident the night before, now this. What was worse, the cashier thought Richie was the one who killed the man, when he didn't.
Richie hugged her. "I don't know what I would have done if it wasn't for you being by my side."
"It's no trouble," Tori replied. "Richie, I care about you more than you can think."
"Do you know if Hyde committed the murders?" Richie asked.
"I'm not a hundred percent," Tori answered, "and I don't even know how my mom got information regarding these immortals, but if it is him, then I think Mac will be the best source to help us."
Moments later, they both sensed the Buzz.
"Looks like we're about to find out," Richie stated.
They turned and saw Duncan at the deck of the barge, "Hello, Richie, Tori."
"Mac," Richie replied.
"Good to see you again, Mac," Tori replied, almost in an echo.
"You two look like hell," Duncan stated, "Trouble?"
Richie nodded before he and Tori walked into the barge.
"This is Maurice," Duncan introduced his friend to the pair, "He lives on the barge next door."
Maurice eyed the pair and smiled as Duncan introduced the pair to his neighbor, "Richie and Tori are my old friends. Getting older fast, and Tori is a genius."
"Nice to meet you, Maurice," Tori smiled and shook his hand.
"A genius, huh?" Maurice eyed Tori.
"Yeah," Tori nodded, "I was raised in a family of geniuses."
"How are you doing?" Richie asked as he shook Maurice's hand.
"Vitamins," Maurice glanced around, "the boy needs iron."
"I'll keep it in mind," Richie replied.
"Maurice," Duncan told his neighbor, "uh, Richie, Tori, and I have some catching up to do."
"I understand," Maurice replied, "You don't have to ask Maurice twice. Red meat and red wine is also good."
"He'll make note of that," Tori replied as she and Richie walked into the barge. They heard Duncan and Maurice talk a little bit more.
"Maurice, thanks," Duncan told his neighbor.
"Any friend of yours…" Maurice started to say.
"I know."
"Fine."
Richie and Tori entered the barge. Duncan followed suit moments later.
"Maurice seems like a nice guy," Tori noted.
"I agree," Richie nodded with a smile.
"So what happened you guys?" Duncan asked.
"After we left you," Richie explained, "I became an agent of the Intergalactic Union Agency, along with Tori and then we worked with the Defenders of the Earth and things were quite fun there."
"Don't tell me this is about another woman, Richie," Duncan retorted.
"No, uh, well," Richie replied, "there was one Immortal. She nearly married me after she brainwashed me with her psychic powers and kidnapped me, but the Defenders stopped her, and Tori took her head."
"So, I see," Duncan nodded, "then what?"
"A man who associated with the Phantom was killed," Richie continued, "From what they said, it was a sword slash."
"The person who did it is possibly Immortal," Tori added.
"Are you sure?" Duncan asked.
"Yes," Tori nodded.
"We're positive, Mac," Richie added, "He killed the guy for no reason."
"There's always a reason, Richie," Tori inquired.
"She's right," Duncan added, "You never saw what he looked like?"
"He was dressed so darkly," Richie answered, "he couldn't be identified."
"What about the police?" Duncan asked.
"I don't know," Richie shook his head, "they might think I'm the culprit, or Tori for that matter."
"That's not good," Duncan replied.
"Well, Mac, it gets worse," Richie replied, "He killed a hotel clerk in Marseille right after we checked in. Oh, man, we were on our way here when that happened as we don't know what else to do."
"And he followed you two and killed again?" Duncan asked.
"Yes," Tori nodded, "this morning at the gas station a couple of hours south from here."
"Do you know what's going on here?" Richie asked, "Why doesn't he come out and fight me or Tori?"
"Maybe it's not you two he wants," Duncan answered.
"Like my mom pointed out," Tori replied, "She noted the guy as Martin Hyde."
"And he wants you running and scared," Duncan chimed in.
"So you do know him," Tori stated. He nodded in response.
"What good does that do to him?" Richie asked.
"He finds out where you're going," Duncan answered.
"But, Mac," Richie started to say, "all we did was come…"
"Straight to me," Duncan chimed in.
"So this is a set up to find you?" Richie asked before he stated, "Oh man, and like a genius I led him right to you. Mac, we're really sorry."
"Really sorry," Tori nodded in agreement.
"There's no way you two could have known," Duncan assured them.
"So, you know this Hyde guy?" Richie asked.
"We met a long time ago," Duncan answered.
"What should we do?" Tori asked.
"Well, what you two do is get some rest," Duncan answered.
"We got guys dropping all around us," Richie objected, "I can barely close my eyes."
"I've been trying to track him down," Tori added, "but he evades my technological cameras."
"I'll keep watch," Duncan told the pair, taking off Richie's jacket, "Go on, you two. Even Immortals need rest."
"He's right, you know," Tori replied.
"Mac, uh, after I left the last time," Richie stated, "I just didn't know if I'd be welcome."
"Just because a relationship changes, Richie, doesn't mean it ends," Duncan assured him, "Even the best of friends don't always have to agree on everything. When you're in Paris, you can stay with me… on the couch."
"Thanks, Mac," Richie replied.
"I told you he'd welcome you back," Tori hugged him.
"We missed you, Mac," Richie said.
"I missed you too, tough guy," Duncan replied before giving him a hug. He then looked at Tori and hugged her, "I missed you as well, Tori."
Duncan glanced at the both of them, "Take it easy."
"We will," Richie replied as he made his way to the couch, "For the first time in weeks, I feel safe."
"I wouldn't talk too soon," Duncan stated, looking out the windows.
Richie got back up, looking out the window, "Cops! Tori, stay in the barge with Mac."
"Richie." Tori tried to object, but Richie had already left the barge. He managed to sneak his way at the other end of the barge and tried to make a run for it upon getting on his bike. He ended up being cut off by police cars as they blocked both ends of the quay. Richie then dumped his bike and slid to a stop, ending up at surrounded by the police. They arrested Richie and took him into custody.
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"Bardau is a bitch of a whore," Tori couldn't help but mutter under her breath. It was out of character for her to make that statement, let alone curse, but she didn't care right now.
"I heard that, Tori," Duncan stated as they walked over to the visiting room. She made things clear that she hated the detective Bardau with a passion, but right now wasn't the time to be spiteful.
They looked as Richie was being escorted to the area where Duncan and Tori would talk to him. Tori was worried for his well being and the state he was in didn't help matters.
"Mac! Tori!" Richie called out as he was being escorted in.
"Are you all right?" Tori asked, clutching her hands to the bars that were the windows.
"You got to get me out of here," Richie insisted.
"We will," Duncan assured him, "we will soon."
"I mean, these guys," Richie stated, "they act like I'm already convicted. I can't even tell them what the hell's going on here. They don't still use the guillotine in France, do they?"
Duncan smiled an assuring smile, "No."
"So I'll just do life," Richie stated, "I mean, that's a happy thought. At least they can't pin any more murders on me that way."
"There won't be any more, Rich," Duncan assured him, "It's just a matter of time until he shows up."
"You can take this guy, right?" Richie asked.
"He will do his darned best," Tori assured him as Richie held her hands through the bars that were the windows, "I'll get footage from the Defenders of the previous incident, and get my mom's help where she possibly can. You'll be free in no time."
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"How's your friend?" Maurice asked. Tori glanced at him as she was still shaking from different emotions: worry for Richie as he was still in jail, anger, not only at Bardau for being how she was during this whole time, but also Hyde for putting Richie in this position as well.
"How do you expect," Tori retorted, "under the circumstances?"
"So many police," Maurice stated before asking, "What did he do?"
"He was in the wrong place at the wrong time," Duncan answered.
"And that bitch of a detective isn't making things better by assuring Richie is the bad guy when he's not!" Tori exclaimed in frustration.
"Tori, Bardau is just doing her job," Duncan gently touched her arms.
Tori managed to take a few deep breaths as Duncan spoke up, "Maurice, was anyone around the barge while I was gone?"
"Oh, mon Dieu, I forgot," Maurice replied as he pulled out paper from his pocket and handed it to Duncan, "He gave me this card, but how did you know?"
"Did he say anything?" Duncan asked, looking at the card.
"He wanted to buy your barge, "but I told him you wouldn't sell. Was I right, about your barge?"
"Don't worry, Maurice," Duncan assured him, "Mr. Hyde doesn't want my barge."
"I knew it," Maurice replied, "Lucky for him he said he was a friend of yours."
"He's no friend of mine," Duncan replied.
"No," Tori added, "He's an arsehole, to put it lightly."
"A liar too!" Maurice exclaimed, "Next time I see him, I'll tell him what he can do with his money."
Suddenly, Duncan and Tori sensed the Buzz.
"Hyde?" Tori asked.
"Probably," Duncan answered before facing Maurice, "Maurice, uh, can you take my bags inside for me? Tori will keep you company."
"Sure," Maurice answered. Tori didn't really want to argue further, and Maurice had been good to her since they first met, and he was harmless, so she decided to make good with the situation and talk with him for awhile.
"Maurice," Tori spoke up as Maurice got the bags inside, "I wanted to apologize for how I was lashing out."
"I understand how you feel," Maurice assured Tori, "You have feelings for the boy, don't you?"
Tori looked up, still shaking, but she was trying to calm down, "Yeah. He's a dear friend to me, maybe a bit more than a friend."
Maurice chuckled, "I see there. More than friends, less than lovers?"
"In a nutshell," Tori nodded, "look, Maurice, I'm sorry for lashing out like that. I rarely cuss like that because my aunt had told me not to growing up. This whole thing is just bothering me."
"It's quite all right," Maurice assured her, "I understand how you feel. If you and Richie ever reach that lover's status, just know there are two things Maurice knows about: food and love."
"I'll keep note of it," Tori nodded.
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Tori sighed as she looked at the laptop. Duncan had told her to stay put while he visited Richie at the police station this time to avoid conflict between her and Bardau. It was probably for the best before she was tempted to call her every name under the sun.
Duncan told her to send him every information that she can find regarding Hyde, including the security footage back at Monitor, which by luck, Mandrake and Flash were able to send her the video of the security footage. It would be stuff to send to Bardau and anyone else working in Richie's case because Hyde's build was nowhere near Richie's build. Other than the information and files her mother sent her, Janet and the IUA couldn't do much to clear Richie's name, albeit for no clear reason, much to Tori's disappointment.
She sent the footage to Duncan, who agreed to show it to the police after he got Hyde where he wanted him.
You're Reading
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
"Well?" Tori asked as she walked over with Duncan at the police station.
"They shot Hyde," Duncan answered, "and they believe he's dead."
"So, Richie?"
"He's free to go."
Tori sighed with relief before asking, "Did they get the footage?"
"They sure did," Duncan answered.
"Mac, Tori," Richie called out as he was being brought out of holding by one of the police.
"Thank God!" Tori exclaimed happily as she hugged him. He accepted the hug, "I missed you too, Slick Vic."
"Ready to go?" Duncan asked.
"About time," Richie answered, breaking the hug, "I think the guy in the next cell was looking to go steady."
Tori gave out a small chuckle. She was just happy to see Richie free, safe, and with her.
"Please, sign for your sword," Bardau instructed. He complied, "Sure."
"No offense, Mr. Ryan," Bardau stated, "but I hope I don't see you again."
"No offense to you, Inspector," Richie replied, "but same here."
"Yeah," Tori muttered, "Good riddance."
"Let's go," Duncan told the group.
"Do me a favor?" Bardau suggested, "Make sure he keeps it in a safe place."
"We'll try," Duncan replied before he left the station with Richie and Tori in tow.
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It was night time, and Richie, Tori and Duncan were standing at the deck of the barge. Tori was in a sing song tune before she hugged Richie, and then backed off.
"What's wrong?" Richie asked, "I actually liked that."
"Well, um," Tori answered, "we don't want to alert Maurice. What if he thinks we are a couple?"
"Good point," Richie nodded in agreement. He sighed before looking at Duncan, "Mac, this is my fight. I owe this guy."
"Richie, he's not going to fight you," Duncan said, "he's not even going to fight Tori. Besides, I owe him a lot more."
Suddenly, he handed Richie a bottle, "This is the best cognac in all France. You and Tori meet me by the bridge in an hour, and we'll drink it together, the three of us."
"What if you don't come back?" Tori asked.
"That's up to you if you two want to go after him," Duncan answered, "but choose wisely who fights him, and make sure you're ready."
"Mac! I hate drinking alone!" Richie called out as Duncan walked away. Tori held his hand, "You won't be alone. Whether Duncan wins or not, you will not be alone."
"That's always nice to know," Richie replied as he accepted her touch, "You're so important to me, you don't even know it."
"I may do," Tori replied. They share a brief kiss on the lips. Then, they break apart, both taken aback from that.
"Well," Richie chuckled.
"Well?" Tori glanced at him.
"I liked it," Richie smiled.
"Me too," Tori replied before stating, "What the hell, if Maurice does find out, we'll give a wacky cover up story."
"Agreed."
With that, Richie and Tori shared another kiss.
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Duncan found himself face to face with Hyde, the man who rattled Tori's cage to no end, and framed Richie for the murders.
"Hello, MacLeod," Hyde greeted his opponent as Duncan entered the room, "It's been a good hunt, MacLeod. I almost hate to kill you."
"Almost," Duncan replied before the two men proceeded to fight.
"Not strong enough," Hyde stated as he continued with the fight, as did Duncan as it was now outside. Hyde kicked Duncan down the concrete steps, "So much for your reputation, MacLeod. You're still nothing. This is it, Highlander. The moment of truth."
The fight continued as Duncan managed to fight back and he eventually stabbed Hyde in the gut.
"See you in hell," Duncan declared before he beheaded Hyde. He felt the energy of Hyde's Quickening, and the lighting hit him as he felt the full force of the Quickening.
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Richie walked down the steps of the bridge, with Tori in tow.
"I hope Mac made it in one piece," Tori stated.
"I have a hunch that he did," Richie replied as he held her hand. They saw Duncan waiting for them at the location.
"Looks like your hunch was right," Tori smiled. She joined Richie and they were seated next to Duncan.
Richie took a sip of the drink, "It's some strong stuff."
He handed the drink to Tori, who took a sip, "Strong, yes, but not too bad."
"Yeah. It takes a little getting used to," Duncan told his friends, "Of course, it was a lot younger when Segur gave it to me."
"Really now?" Tori quipped.
"After all that time," Richie added, "seems almost a shame to drink it now."
He reached for the drink and tried to take it again but Duncan grabbed it back.
"Well, I wanted to drink it with a friend," Duncan stated, "I'm drinking it with two friends, which is better. Still, didn't want to wait another two hundred and fifty years."
He took another drink.
"Thanks, Mac," Richie replied before taking the drink from Duncan and sipped from it.
"Yes, thank you," Tori added. She took the drink from Richie and sipped as well, "You know, I don't drink often, so it's a treat when I do."
"Something bothering you two?" Duncan asked.
"Just Hyde," Richie stated, "I should have whacked the son of a bitch."
"That goes double for me," Tori chimed in, "for what he put us all through."
"Yeah," Duncan replied, "but I saw him first. So, too bad for you two."
Richie and Tori shared the drink again before they looked at Duncan, and the three shared a laugh.
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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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