DCH 3
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Three: Changes
Tori looked in from outside of the shop. Richie was there, as he'd said in a text. She certainly could use a friendly face right now.
Just as she was stepping through the shop's small door, she froze in her tracks, beginning to gawk. The guy from the woods was inside too.
Did she call the IUA up right now? She had been searching for the guy for days.
"Can I help y… Tori?" Richie noticed her and started bearing a grin. "Tori, is that you?"
"Hi…" she said, giving him a glance. Then her eyes settled on the man again.
"How's it going?" he asked, offering a quick hug. She was too stunned to really hug him back.
"Richie, who's this?" a woman with a thick French accent asked.
"Tessa, I'd like for you to meet Tori Gordon. Tori, meet Tessa. She's taken me in. She and Mac are kind of my foster folks now." He gestured to the man whom she'd seen in the woods.
Tori felt a shudder as the words sank in. Richie was living with a violent killer? "Richie!" she said, whispering. She pulled him close, stepping away. "I saw that guy do everything you described. He killed someone! He took his head!"
Richie's lips parted. He paused for a second. "Oh," he uttered, holding her hands. "About all that…" He licked his lips. "Let's sit for a moment. I can explain."
For around ten minutes, he did just that, telling her all about Duncan's clan. Tori grew aware of their noble cause. They weren't enemies of the IUA. They were fighting people who were, however.
After Richie's story was all wrapped up, with Duncan chiming in every now and then, Tori heaved a sigh, deeply relieved.
"I'm sorry that you saw what you saw out there," Duncan declared, extending his palm.
Tori paused a moment, then offered her own. She made a calm smile while shaking his hand.
"Nice to meet you, Tori," Duncan affirmed.
"You as well," Tori declared. "You too, Tessa."
Tessa made a nod.
Duncan got up and turned his gaze toward Richie. "Tessa and I are going out for a bit."
"I got things here," Richie replied.
Around two minutes after both of them left, Tori's phone rang. She answered it.
"Tor, it's me…"
Tori froze, gripped by fright, a deeper fright than she'd felt in a while. She heard a deep pain in her cousin's voice. April never spoke to her like this. She didn't want to learn what was going on — but knew that she had to ask anyway. "April…" she said.
"I'm on my way back from the academy. I'm coming home, T. You have to come too."
Victoria Gordon felt her knees grow weak. Her head felt light. Her face got cold. "…Why?" she asked.
Richie eyed Tori, looking concerned.
"Dad just called," April revealed.
Tori listened on, eyes on the wall, receiving the very worst news of her life.
Once it sank in, she dropped to the floor. The cell phone was shaking against her ear.
"Whoa!" Richie said. "What's going on, Tor?"
Tori eyed the wall. She couldn't respond.
Richie wrapped his arms right around her frame. "Tor?" he whispered.
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Richie let himself out of Tori's home. He'd driven her there once she'd gotten the news. She was devastated by her Aunt Dale's death, and said that she needed to sleep right now. He'd asked repeatedly if he could help at all, but there was nothing more he could do at the moment.
Tori had been good to him since they'd met, and he knew how it felt to lose someone he loved. His heart was bleeding for the girl right now.
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"We have to turn around," Janet announced, speaking to the pilot of her private plane.
The man glanced at her through the monitor. He appeared surprised as he saw her face. Maybe he'd noticed the tears she bore.
She brushed a long lock of her black hair forth, hoping to cover her current expression. People never spotted much emotion in her. She was a leader. She had to be tough.
She lowered the phone that she'd just hung up. "I've gotten bad news. Head to Central City."
The pilot made a nod. "Right away, leader."
Once upon a time, Janet and Dale were the best of friends. They had fallen out after Ian was shot. Over the past two years, however, the two had begun to rebuild their bond.
Janet recalled what had severed things. She wished ardently that she could change her mistake.
Several Years Ago
She steadied the rifle, taking a breath. Then she heard a crackle on her radio. No one ever reached out before a hit. No one except for the head honcho.
"Elisonne!" he barked. "It's Captain Hill. Lower your weapon. Do not engage."
She had to pretend that she couldn't hear. "Sorry, commander. You're breaking up." Janet made a sigh as she studied the target. Why couldn't anybody see things her way? These mystical people simply couldn't be trusted.
Another crackle came on the radio. "Janet, it's Dale. Do. Not. Shoot! That man whom you're targeting is innocent."
"Too late to pull back," Janet replied.
"Jan!" she bellowed. "You pull that trigger, I'm taking your daughter. I'll file for custody immediately."
The Present
Tori arrived at Central City. She looked around as she had spotted April at the airport.
"Hey, April," Tori greeted her cousin.
"Hey yourself," April smiled as she hugged and greeted her cousin. "I wish we were meeting under better circumstances."
"I can't believe it," Tori said sadly, "your mom was essentially a second mom to me."
"I know," April smiled. "I can't believe mom's gone."
"Did you find out how she was killed?" Tori asked, almost a stupid question.
"Ming," April answered bluntly. "He killed her, and Rick witnessed her death."
Tori placed a hand on her mouth in shock. It must have been horrible for her younger cousin to have witnessed something as horrible as their own mother's death. She couldn't have imagined what Rick had gone through.
"We should meet with Dad and the others," April suggested.
"That sounds like a plan," Tori nodded.
Within a half hour, Tori and April arrived at the mansion where Flash was waiting.
"He lives in a mansion now?" Tori asked.
"This is the mansion of Mandrake the Magician," April answered. "He and Rick live here now, and from what I hear, they're planning to find a new Headquarters to defend the Earth from Ming the Merciless."
Flash was at the doorway of the mansion, and he greeted his daughter and niece.
"The others are here waiting for us," Flash informed them.
Tori nodded as she and April followed him to the den. She recognized her other aunt Abigail, who Tori had considered to be nicer than her mother, and her youngest cousin Sara. She was the youngest by a couple of months, between her and Rick. She also recognized her uncle Flash and younger cousin Rick, who was talking with a girl with dark hair and a young black guy.
"Hey, Sara," Tori greeted her cousin.
"Hey." Sara hugged Tori. "I wish this was a family reunion and not a funeral."
"I couldn't agree more." April crossed her arms.
Then there was Mandrake the Magician, whom she recognized as the man her mother tried to kill. Next to him, she recognized as Lothar, a man who was friends with Mandrake. The last person in the room Tori recognized was the Phantom, someone she thought was just a legend.
Along with the guy and girl who were talking with Rick, Tori didn't recognize the young Asian boy who was also in the room.
"Tori…" Flash looked over at his niece. "Allow me to introduce you to the team."
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Tori looked at the beautiful night sky after enjoying a wonderful dinner with her family. She found the mansion was beautiful, and she was certain the Defenders would find a base. She was certain they would find proper resources and anything else they needed for that home base.
"Hey, Tori," her cousin Sara said. "The funeral is tomorrow, and we should get some sleep. Are you coming in?"
"Yeah." Tori replied. "I'll be in shortly."
"Okay," Sara said before she made her way back to the mansion.
Then, Tori was thinking about the team her uncle Flash and cousin Rick would be with; the Phantom was mysterious, and from what she heard about him, he could be very helpful to the team. The same could be said for his daughter Jedda, who seems to be a quite bold young lady. Mandrake the Magician could prove very helpful as well with the battles against Ming. Lothar and his son LJ were strong and surely, they would be capable of taking down strong opponents when the others couldn't. She wasn't sure about Mandrake's ward Kshin though, but she was certain he would be helpful somehow, but she wasn't sure.
Being pulled from her thoughts, Tori heard a loud clapping sound from behind, followed by feeling a sharp pain in her back. She screamed in pain before she fell to the ground, despite trying to catch something to keep from hitting the ground, and she suddenly blacked out.
Several Years Ago
Dale knelt down and touched Tori's arms. "You know that me and Uncle Flash love you, right?"
Tori made a nod, licking her lips. Why did Aunt Dale seem nervous now?
"And you realize that we would never be mean. You know that you're perfectly safe in here."
She made another nod, holding her tongue.
Dale took a breath. "There's something that we need to have a talk about, Tor." She paused again. "You live here now. You're staying with us. You won't be going back to your house anymore."
Tori twitched a tad. "But why?" she asked.
Dale shook too. "Do you understand what a mistake is, Tor?"
Tori paused a second. "When someone does something that they shouldn't have done?"
She nodded a little. "When someone does something that they shouldn't have done." Her gaze drifted onto the carpeted floor. "Absolutely anyone can make a mistake — and that means mommies and daddies too." She shifted her eyes up to Tori's again. "Your mother made…a big mistake. I can't really tell you just what she did. But when a parent makes that kind of mistake…the rules say they have to stop being a parent."
The Present
April was startled upon hearing a gun shot sound, followed by a scream from Tori.
"Tori?!" April exclaimed in worry.
"What's going on?" Rick asked.
"Stay here," April told her brother before she headed outside. "I'll go out. Tell Dad that I'm with Tori for a late night walk."
"Okay," Rick nodded as she left the room. She could tell he wanted to help out with whatever was going on, but she guessed he was too tired to think about arguing.
April hurried outside, and then she looked on in shock as her cousin was shaking on the granite ground.
"Tori!" April ran and knelt at her side. Tori felt frail and weak in her arms. Her eyes had a hazy and distant look. "Can you hear me, Tor? Do you know who I am?"
Tori shook a little, pausing a second. "…Take me home, A. Just take me back home."
April knew exactly what Tori meant — back to the place where they'd both grown up. They still had the keys. It hadn't been sold. It was mainly used as their summer house now.
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The home was covered in a dark-blue hue. Everything was absolutely quiet within.
She sat cross-legged on her bed with Tori, just as they had done on so many occasions. The house was flowing with memories — holiday seasons, birthday parties, little Rick sharing his dreams of heroics.
But April couldn't focus on the past right now. She had to zero in on the present instead. "What happened, Tor?" she asked with caution. She sensed that she wouldn't like the answer at all.
Tori eyed her lap. "It was really weird," she managed to mutter. "I blacked out a moment, and when I woke up…I kind of felt like I had changed somehow."
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Notes: Story by AmandaDoE. Co-written by James.
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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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