DCH 30
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Thirty: Unwanted Advances
"You mean I'm never gonna turn nineteen?" a voice asked from a distance asked.
Tori glanced at Richie.
They noticed Duncan was talking to a young woman.
"You might get to see a thousand," Duncan said.
"Oh, man. Oh..." the young lady replied. "You're serious. You're telling me this is real."
"I think you know it is," Duncan affirmed. Suddenly, it looked like the pair were sensing the Buzz.
"What's going on here, Mac?" Tori asked.
"Tori Gordon, Richie Ryan..." Duncan gestured to the dark-haired girl. "This is Michelle Webster. She is a new immortal."
"Nice to meet you," Richie replied as he shook her hand.
"Good to meet you," Tori chimed in.
"Pleasure," Michelle replied. She suddenly eyed Richie, making him nervous, "You didn't tell me there were other cute immortals out there."
"Immortals come in many shapes and sizes, Michelle," Duncan replied as Richie proceeded to step back.
"I'm sorry," Michelle said. "He's just cute."
Tori cleared her throat. "He happens to have a girlfriend."
Richie backed next to Tori. Neither of them intended to be rude, but Richie just got out of a terrible ordeal regarding another female immortal, which Tori will not name, and to Richie, Tori was the only female he'd prefer to be around right now.
"Don't have to be possessive about it!" Michelle scoffed. "Jeez!"
"Michelle," Duncan uttered, placing his hands on her shoulders, "it's not like that."
"Then what is it like?" Michelle asked.
"I'll explain at a later time," Duncan answered. "Richie, Tori, you two are doing something, right?"
"Yeah," Richie said. "We're just going out for dinner."
"Can I come?" Michelle asked.
Duncan touched her shoulder again. "Not a good idea."
He eyed Richie and Tori. "Go on ahead, you two. I'll train her as she's...new to being immortal."
"Let's get going," Tori replied before she left the dojo with Richie in tow.
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"It's a beautiful day," Tori stated while looking around the area with Richie. "I think it's the first time since what happened that day that we're feeling fresh air."
They both sensed the Buzz. Then, they looked to see Michelle nearby.
"Michelle," Richie staggered behind Tori.
"Hey," Michelle told the pair, "I'm sorry for acting intrusive before. MacLeod told me about what you went through a couple of weeks ago. I'm really sorry."
"So, you are doing okay after what that Axel Whittaker guy put you through?" Tori asked.
"Yeah," Michelle nodded, "I'm going to be hiding in holy ground."
"I hope you find what you need now that you're immortal," Tori stated.
"Yeah," Richie nodded in agreement, "you are a great person. I already have someone."
"I know," Michelle nodded, "I'm sorry again."
"It's okay," Richie accepted her apology, "I forgive you."
"I better get going," Michelle said.
"See you around?" Tori asked.
"Maybe," Michelle nodded before leaving the area.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Tori asked Richie.
"Of course," Richie nodded, "I'll be just fine. It's going to take time dealing with this assault."
"I know," Tori comforted him, "but I'll have your back."
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Michelle looked at her own grave, which read: IN LOVING MEMORY
MICHELLE WEBSTER
Michelle sighed before stating, "So that's it. They'll never know."
"It could do more harm than good," Duncan assured her.
"Yeah, you're probably right," Michelle replied before she sighed and asked, "God, my parents. Why was I so angry?"
"They're in your past now," Duncan told her, "It's time for you to move into the future."
"I was hoping to do that with you," Michelle replied.
"She does remind me of someone," Amanda arrived from behind, "I just can't remember who."
She then told Michelle, "I think we'll get along just fine."
"That's what I'm afraid of," Duncan replied.
"So, where are we going?" Michelle asked.
"It's an old abbey," Duncan answered, "You'll be safe there. It's holy ground."
"Axel promises me Paris," Michelle asked, "and you're sending me to a convent?"
"He also didn't want to teach you to use a sword," Duncan retorted.
"Oh, typical male sexist mind set," Amanda quipped before assuring her, "Don't worry, there'll always be Paris."
"I think a convent's all she needs," Duncan stated.
"So did you two ever..." Michelle started to ask Amanda.
"Uh," Duncan retorted, "that's none of your business."
"How was he?" Michelle asked Amanda, ignoring Duncan.
"We'll talk," Amanda answered.
"Uh, no you won't," Duncan retorted.
"Bye bye, Duncan," Michelle bid her farewell to Duncan before she walked off with Amanda. She heard him call for her new teacher.
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Tori and Richie walked down the bar, hoping to enjoy themselves. They both sensed the Buzz.
"Trouble just happens to find us, huh?" Tori quipped.
"Pretty much," Richie replied, "but I think it's best we ignore him."
"I agree," Tori nodded as she eyed the man looked drunk, eyeing them.
"You looking for me, kid?" the man asked, eyeing Richie.
"Not tonight," Richie answered, ignoring him.
"Hey, Richie," a bartender greeted the couple, "Tori."
"What's up?" Richie replied, "Joe been around?"
"Nah," the man replied, "He left an hour ago."
"Ah, bummer," Tori replied.
The drunk man walked over to Tori, making her uncomfortable, "Maybe your pretty lady might want to spend the night with me."
"No!" Tori pushed him off her, "Get off me!"
"Get away from her!" Richie managed to get his girlfriend away from the drunk guy, "We're in public!"
Richie was yanked by the jerk as he told him, "You're lucky there's people around. You'd be begging my ass for mercy."
"Some other time," Richie retorted. As he tried to leave, the man swung at Richie, who then ducked and the man lost his balance, fell down and knocked himself unconscious, "Uh, call him a cab."
He handed the bartender some money, "Okay, Mike?"
"You've got it, Richie," Mike replied.
"All right," Richie replied, "we'll see you man."
He and Tori left the bar and took off back home, riding on Richie's bike.
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Duncan was jogging down the trials. He saw Anne ride down the crowded path.
"On your left," Anne called out, "On your left! Look out! Look out!"
She crashed her bike onto him, "Oh, damn!"
"Oh. Sorry," Duncan apologized, "Are you all right?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Anne replied.
Duncan looked up and recognized her, "Oh, Dr. Lindsey."
"Oh, hi," Anne replied, "Yeah, its', uh, it's Anne. I'm off duty."
"Duncan," Duncan replied, "So am I."
"Yeah, I remember," Anne stated, "You know what? This is, uh...This is a bike path."
"Yeah. I'm sorry," Duncan apologized, "Funny how we keep running into each other."
"Maybe you should get collision insurance," Anne suggested.
"What, are you going to sue me?" Duncan asked.
"Well," Anne answered, "I'm thinking about it."
"How about we settle out of court?" Duncan suggested.
"Depends on what you have in mind," Anne answered.
"Dinner?"
"Sounds good."
"Tomorrow night?"
"Great. Pick me up at the hospital?"
"Sure."
"Okay," Anne replied as she rode off on her bike, "See you later."
"Bye," Duncan called out as she left.
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Tori sat next to Richie.
"Are you okay?" Richie asked.
"I'm fine," Tori snuggled on her boyfriend, "I'm glad that you're with me. Too bad about that Cullen creep though."
"He tried to hit on you," Richie pointed out, "and he tried to kill me."
"Yeah," Tori nodded, "it's stuff we couldn't look past, not even for Mac's sake."
"Do you think we'll have to face something like Duncan taking Cullen's head?" Richie asked.
"We're immortals, Rich," Tori answered, "we're going to have to face stuff like this one way or another."
"You're right," Richie gulped, "right now, it's probably best we enjoy each other's company."
"I agree with you there."
Richie and Tori remained in place, cuddling with one another.
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Author's Commentary
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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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