DCH 32
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Thirty-Two: Halloween Incident
Richie smiled as he cuddled with Tori.
"Do you have any plans for Halloween?" Richie asked.
"Not really," Tori answered, "there's usually a Halloween party at the IUA, but I don't really attend because it's not my thing."
"You don't know what you're missing out on."
"Really now?" Tori chimed in.
"You have no idea."
They shared a kiss, which started off playful, and then eventually became passionate.
They heard a ring on Tori's laptop. They looked to see the phone on the laptop was ringing.
"I wonder who that could be," Richie stated.
Tori walked over to the laptop and turned on the phone. It was Flash.
"Flash?" Tori perked up in surprise.
"Your uncle?!" Richie chimed in.
"I wanted to extend an invitation with you guys," Flash stated.
"Invitation?" Tori quipped.
"Mandrake is setting up a Halloween party this weekend," Flash explained, "he asked if you two along with MacLeod would like to visit Central City for the party."
"That would be fun," Richie smiled.
"I dunno," Tori stated, "Mac has a girlfriend now."
"Is that right?" Flash quipped, "Maybe she's busy or something."
"We'll ask her if she'd like to join us in attending that party," Richie answered.
"I guess we'll go too," Tori nodded.
"Yeah," Richie glanced at his girlfriend, "it'll be fun. You need to take some time away from research, the IUA, and our immortal business too."
"Let's hope the immortal business doesn't catch up with us here," Tori stated.
"We'll have your back in case it does happen," Flash assured them.
"Thanks, Uncle Flash," Tori smiled.
"So you guys will come?" Flash asked.
"Yeah," Tori nodded, "we'll go."
Then she clutched her hands to her chest, "On my word, I swear I will do my best to have a good time."
Flash chuckled, "I know you will."
"We'll talk to Mac and Anne," Richie stated, "and we'll get back to you for that answer."
"See you then." Flash replied.
Then, the call ended.
Tori and Richie glanced at each other.
"Let's tell Mac of our invitation," Tori stated.
"Good idea," Richie nodded.
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Duncan smiled as he cuddled with Anne.
"Do you have any plans for Halloween?" Anne asked.
"Not really," Duncan answered.
"You don't know what you're missing out on, with the Halloween parties, the movies, and stuff."
They share a passionate kiss. Suddenly, they both sensed the Buzz.
"It seems you two are enjoying yourselves."
Duncan looked up to see Richie and Tori entering the loft.
"What brings you here?" he asked.
"It's good that you're both here at the same time," Richie answered.
"What makes you say that?" Anne asked.
"My uncle Flash has offered you guys an invitation," Tori answered.
"What kind of invitation?" Anne glanced up, her curiosity piqued.
"Yeah," Duncan added, "What's going on?"
"Mandrake is having a Halloween party this weekend," Tori explained, "Flash called and offered us all to attend the party, even you, Anne."
"Wow," Anne perked up in surprise, "it's a coincidence that I happen to be off this weekend."
"A Halloween party?" Duncan asked in surprise.
"I assume we'll know more about it when let Flash know your answer," Tori stated.
"You're meaning the famous Flash Gordon, right?" Anne asked.
"That's who she is meaning," Richie answered, "We've met him before."
"Along with the rest of his team," Duncan added, "the Defenders of the Earth."
"Oh," Anne replied in awe, "I can't wait to meet them."
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Rick typed some things on his laptop. Jedda walked over to him.
"What are you working on?" Jedda asked.
"It's a new invention," Rick answered, "it's rather risky right now."
"How so?"
"It's depending on how the experiment is handled or if it's taken care of in time."
He shown her the screen of the chip before he put down the laptop and revealed the small silver chip, "It's a chip that activates the device that causes an outfit, or other device that is an inflatable, including helium balloons."
"That's interesting," Jedda replied. Rick sighed as he closed his laptop and put away the chip.
"Looking forward to the party this weekend?" she asked.
"Pretty much," Rick answered, "it's going to be quite interesting if MacLeod, Tori, and Richie come over here this weekend."
"I'll bet," Jedda quipped.
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Tori set the laptop up as the others looked on with anticipation. She set up the phone call. Anne looked on with anticipation.
Within the minute, Flash appeared on screen.
"Good to see you guys again," Flash greeted the group.
"Good to see you again, Flash Gordon," Duncan replied.
"So, this is the lovely lady you are dating?" Flash asked, eyeing Anne.
"My name is Anne Lindsey," Anne introduced herself.
The room fell quiet at first as everyone glanced around.
"So, what's it that you wanted to ask us?" Duncan asked.
"Mandrake is hosting a Halloween party this weekend," Flash offered, "and we would like for you guys to come attend with us."
"I happen to be off this weekend," Anne chimed in.
"You can come as well, my dear," Flash offered. Duncan tried to say something, but Anne interrupted, "Of course! It'll be a wonderful idea!"
"I'm up for it," Richie answered.
"There's two interested," Tori added, "correction, three interested."
"Well, majority rules," Duncan finally answered, "so, you might as well make it unanimous."
"Great!" Flash replied, "We'll see you Saturday night!"
"You guys will need to make it by Friday night and get your costumes," Mandrake instructed.
"That we shall," Richie replied, "I can't wait for it."
"The party will start off with a typical dancing, snacks and your get together early on in the party," Flash explained, "then we'll end the party with a handful of Halloween themed movies."
"That sounds like a plan," Richie replied.
"We'll see you then, Uncle Flash," Tori added.
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"So what will come of MacLeod and his group?" LJ asked.
"They'll be here this weekend," Flash answered.
"All right!" Rick exclaimed happily.
"It'll be cool that the Highlander agreed to come to our party," Kshin stated.
"He's not the only one coming," Mandrake pointed out, "his girlfriend Anne is coming too."
"And so are Tori and her boyfriend Richie," Rick added.
"I can't wait to see them again," Jedda added. She turned around and looked out the window. Rick walked over next to her.
"Is there something wrong?" Rick asked.
"I just enjoy the sunset," Jedda answered, looking at the beautiful sunset, "it's just beautiful."
"I agree," Rick nodded in agreement, "Sunsets are quite beautiful, even on a fall season."
Jedda chuckled, "Yeah."
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Duncan looked around as the mansion was decorated with Halloween stuff. It was that time of the year, spooky season. Usually, he would just stay at home, but this was Tori's family offering him and the others to this party.
They were meeting for this party on this night, and were lucky to get some costumes they were interested in on short notice, mostly they were thrift shopping, with some lucky chances some got to get some stuff at the Halloween store near Central City.
Anne had chosen to go as a surgeon, which was similar to her actual profession. She managed to find her costume at the Halloween store at a decent price by luck. She had some nice make up to match her costume.
"You look great, Surgeon Anne," Duncan complimented her.
"Thank you," Anne smiled, "so do you, Highlander Duncan."
"Yeah," Duncan nodded, holding Anne's hand, "Given that was where I came from."
Duncan had decided to go as a Highlander wearing a kilt. He looked perfectly given that he was born in the Highlands of Scotland 400 years ago. He found his costume easily at a thrift store.
Richie decided to go as a race car driver, with his suit red and white. It was an easy find for him at the costume store at a nice sale. Tori decided to go as a spy, donning a black jumpsuit, and her hair held back in a bun.
"Are you guys about ready for the party?" Richie asked.
"As much as we'll ever be," Tori answered, "it's just a get together where we dress up, dine some and watch a scary movie after dancing awhile."
"That's the gist of it," Duncan nodded.
The group walked over to the doorway of the mansion. Duncan knocked the door. Mandrake answered it, dressed as a gambler.
"That's a surprise coming from you, Mandrake," Tori stated, "I don't see you the gambling type."
"That's the purpose of Halloween, my dear," Mandrake replied, "you are not yourself and the atmosphere is frightening."
"That's the truth," Anne stated.
"Welcome to the Halloween party," Mandrake greeted the group.
"Thanks, Mandrake," Duncan replied.
They looked to see the rest of the Defenders at the main room, all in costumes.
Flash was dressed as a cowboy. Anne could tell that was from the costume shop. Lothar was dressed as a pirate.
"Ahoy mates!" Lothar greeted the group.
"You sure are in character." Tori quipped, "And so are you, Rick."
"Thanks," Rick replied. He was dressed as a computer nerd. His outfit looked like from one of the computer shops. Jedda was dressed as a princess; her make up was best suited based on the costume, her dress was a silky purple and she also wore 3 inch black heels and back seamed stockings. LJ was dressed as a martial arts master, his suit akin to the Karate Kid movies and Kshin was dressed as a high school student.
"I think we're all ready for the Halloween party," Jedda stated with a smirk.
"You're not in a costume," Anne told the Phantom.
"It's not of Phantom tradition to dress other than my normal attire," the Phantom stated.
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Kshin looked around nervously, holding the inflatable chip in his hand. He knew this would be the prank of the century, but wasn't sure how he was going to pull it off.
The prank would be to sneak Rick's inflatable chip into one of the others' costumes, and then record it when the chip was activated and their costume inflated like a balloon.
Kshin then glanced over at Richie as he was talking to Tori. He gave the chip a quick tug into the collar of his costume to where he couldn't reach it at the moment.
Moments later, he hurried away, so that the couple wouldn't recognize him or rat him out.
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Richie sat down next to Tori while most of the others were dancing. He barely acknowledged Kshin tugging at his costume for a moment before running off in a hurry.
"So, are you enjoying the party?" Richie asked.
"It's not too bad," Tori answered, "for what it's worth."
"The movie will start in a couple of hours," Richie stated, "if you're not too interested in the dancing or the costume contest."
"Uncle Flash will probably make us take part of the costume contest," Tori retorted. She paused before saying, "Okay, not make us, but he will most likely insist we participate."
"Come on, Tor," Richie placed a hand on her shoulder, "it's all fun. It's not like we're competing or anything."
Suddenly, he heard a hissing noise. Tori did as well.
"What the?!" Richie exclaimed. At first he felt his costume feeling strangely tight on him, and then, he slowly looked down and noticed his costume was suddenly inflating for some reason, "What's going on?!"
"Richie?!" Tori exclaimed in surprise as she backed up in worry.
Richie yelled out as his costume continued to inflate like a balloon.
"Richie, what's going on here?!" Flash demanded, "What's with you blowing up like a balloon all of a sudden?!"
"That's not what a race car driver does," Anne stated.
Before anyone else could make another move or sound, Richie started floating in the air.
"What's happening?!" Richie cried out.
"Why the hell is his costume inflating?!" Duncan demanded, "What is this?!"
"Help!" Richie shouted as he hit the ceiling, "Someone, please help!"
"I've seen these in movies and shows," Anne stated, "but this is ridiculous! Not natural!"
Richie used his hands to feel the ceiling, whimpering in panic.
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Tori looked up in shock seeing that her boyfriend's costume has inflated and now Richie had blown up like a balloon and hit the ceiling. She and Anne clasped their hands to their mouths in shock of seeing this.
"What'll we do?" Anne asked.
"I don't like to be in the air like this," Richie stated.
"Your costume will have to be torn up as you'll pop," the Phantom told Richie.
"Perfect." Richie muttered.
"We'll help you as you fall," Lothar told him.
"Are you ready?" Tori asked, arriving at the area.
"I might as well be," Richie answered nervously.
The Phantom used his ring to summit some light and the costume pop and Richie landed safely with help from Tori, Lothar and Duncan.
"Are you all right?" Duncan asked.
"My costume's torn up," Richie answered as he glanced at the tear at his costume, "but other than that."
"What was that all about?" Anne asked.
Rick recognized what caused this to begin with, "Damn it!"
"What's with the swearing, Rick?" Flash asked.
"That was my chip!" Rick exclaimed, "I must have forgotten to put it away before getting ready for this party!"
"That was careless," Jedda stated, crossing her arms.
"Who put the chip in Richie's costume then?" LJ asked. Tori looked up as Kshin was trying to walk away from the conversation, "Oh no, you don't!"
Everyone was looking at Kshin.
"Kshin," Mandrake asked sternly, "do you have anything to do with what just happened?"
Tori eyed Kshin as he eyed her and Richie as well as the rest of her group as well as the Defenders.
"I...uh, I, uh, I can explain." Kshin stammered.
"Yeah," Richie retorted, starting to get mad, "Explain how I blew up like a balloon just now and the others had to destroy my costume to get me down."
"Easy, Rich," Tori gently touched his arm.
"I...I used that chip to try some sort of balloon inflatable prank on one of your costumes," Kshin confessed.
There was a stunned silence at first. A mix of shock, anger and disappointment filled the room.
"Do you have any idea what kind of hell you put me through?!" Richie yelled, his voice filled in anger, "Not only that, I won't be able to attend the costume contest!"
"Attending the costume contest is not required," Flash assured him calmly.
"Costume contest or not," Duncan yelled at Kshin, also angry, "your little prank could have been dangerous! What if it had been outside?!"
"That would have been bad," Anne stated, "He would have flown away into the sky, popped God knows where, lost in..."
"Anne, you're not helping!" Duncan snapped. She held her hands up in defeat.
Richie turned around and stormed off, angry.
"He has every right to be angry," Mandrake stated as he talked to Kshin, "Your little stunt was dangerous, even indoors, even though it didn't cost too much damage indoors, thankfully, but they have a point, if you have pulled that stunt outdoors, Richie could have been in a much worse situation."
"It was just a prank," Kshin stated as he looked down.
"A prank?!" Duncan exclaimed in disbelief. He scoffed.
"We'll talk about this more later," Mandrake told Kshin, "and I will explain about a punishment that best suits what you did."
Kshin groaned as he looked down.
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Richie looked out the night view, giving himself some fresh air after the events from that ordeal. He looked at the sky, thinking if Kshin had pulled that stunt outdoors, he'd been floating high in the sky by now, off to God knows where, and eventually popping to some place he would have no clue where. Thinking about that scared him to where he rubbed his arms, getting the chills.
He sensed the Buzz. Slowly, Richie turned around and saw Tori and Duncan.
"Are you okay?" Tori asked.
"I'll be fine," Richie answered, "that scared me though."
"It scared us too," Tori smiled as she hugged her boyfriend, "I've heard of freaky things happening on Halloween, but that was something out of the ordinary."
"Of all my 400 years as an immortal," Duncan said, "I have to admit, I was worried about you to no ends back there."
"Let's hope nothing like that ever happens again," Richie stated.
"I agree," Tori nodded before asking, "I wonder why Rick was working on a chip like that in the first place?"
"Beats me," Richie answered.
"I do got something for you in case of a situation like this," Tori stated. She got out a package of another race car driver costume, except the costume was orange and white. Richie smiled, "Wow. A new costume that's not torn up."
"I don't know why," Tori stated, "but I had a feeling something like this would happen."
"Thanks," Richie hugged her.
"Good you came prepared," Mandrake said as he arrived with Kshin in tow.
"We'll join you as soon as I change into my new costume," Richie told him.
"Sure," Mandrake nodded before glancing towards Kshin, "but first, I believe someone has something to say to you."
"Richie, I'm sorry I pulled that prank on you and ruined the party," Kshin apologized.
"All right," Richie nodded, accepting the apology, deciding to drop the issue, "It could have been worse, you know."
"After you change in your new costume," Mandrake announced, "the movie marathon will begin."
"Thanks!" Duncan, Tori and Richie all replied in unison.
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Author's Note:
I goofed a bit on Highlander canon. Anne didn't become Duncan's girlfriend until the episode "Courage," yet she debuts earlier, including a cameo in Beginning of a New Life. I decided for the purpose of Earth N, Anne pursued Duncan into a bit of a relationship in between the events of Chapters 27 "Can't Help Falling in Love" and 28 "Obsession." I hope that helps you guys out.
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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