DCH 29
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Not Quite Fine
Charlie walked over to Duncan, preparing to leave with his new lover, Mara.
"It's funny," Charlie stated, "This time I'm the one leaving with the girl, and you're stuck here running the dojo."
"Sure that's what you want?" Duncan asked.
"Yeah," Charlie answered, "I'm sure."
"You know, even if this peace works," Duncan glanced at his friend, "it's gonna be harder than any war."
"I'm needed, man," Charlie insisted, "Whether it's to fight or rebuild, I'm needed. I like the way that feels."
Duncan looked down and nodded.
"Hey, you sure you don't want to come along?" Charlie offered, "We could always use another pair of strong hands."
"No, it's not for me," Duncan replied as he stood up and walked face to face with his friend, "Besides, somebody's gotta look after the place."
"Yeah," Charlie replied before both men shook hands and Charlie started to leave.
"Hey, Charlie," Duncan called out. Charlie turned around and faced his friend as he made a peace sign, "Stay safe."
"You know it," Charlie replied, "and don't worry, your secret is safe with me, even from Mara."
"Thanks," Duncan replied before he turned around and left the dojo.
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Tori sighed sadly as she closed her laptop.
"What's the matter?" Richie asked as he walked over to her.
"It's just sad," Tori answered, "Charlie is going to be leaving town."
"I know," Richie hugged her, "but he's finally found someone, and wanting to do something with his life."
"Just as we are," Tori gave a small smile, "but still, it's going to be weird going to the dojo, knowing he is no longer there. After all, he used to own the dojo before Mac did."
"You're right you know."
The couple hear a knock on the door.
"Anybody home?"
"Just a minute!" Tori called out. She glanced at Richie before they walked over to the doorway. Tori opened the door and it was Charlie.
"Hey, man," Richie greeted his friend.
"Glad to see you two are doing well," Charlie smiled, "I am going to miss you guys."
"We're going to miss you too," Tori replied, giving a small smile.
"You two sure you don't want to join us?" Charlie offered.
"No thanks," Richie shook his head, "besides, I don't think her mom would allow us."
"That's understandable. I'll see you, Richie."
"See you, Charlie."
They both shared a hug before Charlie eyed Tori.
"We'll miss you, Charlie," she spoke up as she walked over to give him a hug.
"I know," Charlie replied as he proceeded to hug her, "you take care of Richie, hear me?"
"Clear and loud," Tori nodded, hugging her friend.
Charlie then handed Tori a piece of paper, "What is it?"
"I'm one phone call away," Charlie answered, "and one email away. Promise me you'll contact me at least once in your busy immortal life."
"Promise."
Tori and Richie shared a group hug with Charlie.
"Take care," Richie told him.
"You two take care," Charlie replied before he left the apartment, closing the door behind him.
Tori sighed sadly again. Richie looked over at her, "What do you say we share a romantic night together to cheer you up?"
"That sounds good," Tori smiled.
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Joe stepped out of his car, looking forward to see his girlfriend, whistling with contentment. He walked over to the doorway and knocked on the door, "Lauren."
No answer.
"Lauren?" he called out again.
Again, no answer. Joe rattled the doorknob, trying to get in. Seconds later, he saw a man strangling Lauren.
"Lauren!" Joe yelled from outside, "Lauren! No!"
He used his cane to beat on the door window, "Lauren! Lauren!"
The attacker dropped Lauren's lifeless body on the floor as Joe broke through the window.
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Richie eyed Tori as they both shared concern for their friend.
"How bad was it?" Tori asked.
"Joe said he was strangling her when he found her," Richie answered, "it was brutal. I can't imagine what he's going through, had it been you."
"Same here," Tori sighed sadly.
The two looked to see Joe playing on his guitar sadly.
"We can be in love a hundred times," Tori stated.
"We might just get that chance," Richie chimed in, "but at least we get to have that chance."
Joe eyed the couple as he put down his guitar, "How are things going with you two?"
"We're doing better than we were," Tori answered, "we're more concerned for your well being right now."
"Tori's right," Richie added, "for you to have lost your girlfriend like that, I can't imagine."
"Well," Joe proceeded to ask, "not meaning to change the subject, but how are you handling things regarding your ordeal with Ming and his immortal cohorts?"
"At least we don't have to deal with it anymore," Richie answered, "Mac and Tori took care of Keogh and Felicia respectively, and I started therapy with Dr. Burns to deal with the aftermath of the ordeal."
Joe smiled in response, "Good. That's what I needed to hear. That had been on my mind since we got you home from being imprisoned by Ming besides dealing with Ming."
"What about Mac and Amanda?" Richie asked, "How are they dealing with this?"
Joe sighed before he answered, "They're helping me find this son of a bitch who killed Lauren."
"What can we do?" Tori asked.
"There's not much you guys can do," Joe insisted, "you two need to recover from what Felicia did to you guys, especially Richie. I think it'll be best for you two to focus on your relationship and recovery. Let MacLeod and Amanda deal with this situation."
"Are you sure about that?" Tori asked.
"I'm sure as I'll ever be," Joe answered, "you two focus on each other and healing from that stunt Ming pulled on you."
Tori sighed. She hated being benched, but yeah, Dawson had a point. Richie needed her. He'd be there for her if she was the one suffering from that ordeal. Tori guessed it was probably for the best to leave this mission to MacLeod and Amanda, and let them help Dawson.
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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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