DCH 34
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Thirty-Four: They Also Serve
Rita was watching immortal activity from nearby. Her immortal of choice Michael Christian was out on the hunt, after other immortals, and he was hunting down his next target. She watched as the target: May-Ling was repeatedly diving into the pool.
Christian walked over to the pool May-Ling as swimming at. She swam over to the ladder and saw him.
"Looks like you went swimming without your life preserver." Christian stated. He clicked his tongue before saying, "You made a mistake, May-Ling."
"If you want to fight," May-Ling replied, "let me get my sword."
"Oh, no. I don't want your sword," Christian declared, "No, I want your head."
Before she could react, he beheaded her and took her Quickening. Rita watched in satisfaction. Christian was one of the best. She knew that there could be only one, and she would be certain that Michael Christian would be that one.
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Joe looked around at his bar as some of his fellow Watchers were present while he was checking his stock. Mike, Richie's Watcher, was cleaning glasses. Adeola, Tori's Watcher, was a patron that night, finishing her drink for the night.
Ian walked into the bar.
"Excuse me?" Ian called out.
"Ian." Adeola glanced over at him.
"Get you something?" Mike asked as he turned towards Ian.
"Glenmorangie," Ian answered, "if you have it."
"Coming up." Mike replied before handing a bottle and poured a cup for him.
Joe put down the clipboard, walked around the end of the bar past some patrons, "Excuse me."
He then walked over to Ian, "Ian. Oh, it's good to see you. How are you?"
Joe introduced Mike and Adeola to Ian, "Mike Barrett, Adeola Winters, meet Ian Bancroft."
"Nice to meet you," Adeola replied.
"It's a pleasure, Mr. Bancroft," Mike added, "A real honor."
"The pleasure's mine," Ian replied, "I've heard good things about you two."
Ian grabbed his glass as Joe proceeded to ask him, "So, what do you think of the joint?"
"Well, I give high marks to any club that serves fine single malt," Ian answered as he took a seat nearby, "It suits you. Must be true, what they say, You can take the boy out of Chicago, but you can't take Chicago out of the boy."
"It's a long time since we were both boys in Chicago," Joe replied as he sat down himself, "You know, you're still the only person I know who gets away with calling me boy."
Joe asked, "So, who needs reassignment?"
Ian paused for a moment before answering, "I do."
"May-Ling?"
"She's gone." Ian announced.
"I'll be damned." Joe replied.
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Joe watched as Mike was dealing the cards and his Watchers tattoo was visible. Him, Mike, Ian and Adeola, were present and Maureen and Justin Russell joined them.
"Here we go again, ladies and gents," Mike declared while he was dealing, "Five – card draw."
Rita walked into the room and over to where Joe and the other Watchers were gambling, "Joe? I didn't know you were having a pity party."
"Well, the more the merrier," Joe replied, "Grab a chair. You can make a contribution to my retirement fund."
He then proceeded to introduce both Justin and Maureen to Rita while pointing at them seated with Ian, Mike and Adeola, "Oh, uh, Justin Russell, Maureen Russell."
"Rita Luce," Rita introduced herself before declining the offer, "Uh, no thanks. You know I don't like to gamble."
"Well, Mike's off duty, so it's "serve yourself" at the bar." Joe said.
"Ian," Rita offered her condolences, "I'm sorry about May-Ling."
"Why?" Ian asked.
"I know how hard it is to lose a loved one," Rita answered, "When Gaspar got killed, it was like losing family."
"Gaspar was your first assignment," Ian stated, "You didn't know any better, but you should know better now."
"There can only be one immortal in the end." Adeola stated, "It's always sad when we lose an immortal we're assigned to."
Ian told Justin, "Your bet."
"Check," Justin replied, before he said, "So it looks like Trent is definitely moving to Boulder, Colorado."
"I'll open for five." Maureen announced.
"On this?" Adeola asked as she tossed some chips.
"So, are you going to go with him?" Joe asked Maureen.
"We haven't decided yet." Maureen answered.
"Maureen's nervous about moving to a new city." Justin inquired.
"What's Trent like?" Rita asked.
"Does it make a difference?" Ian asked her. She shrugged her shoulders.
"Keeps to himself." Adeola answered.
"Maureen thinks he's been writing historical romances under a pseudonym." Justin inquired.
"He is!" Maureen exclaimed.
"Raise you ten." Ian declared.
"I'll see that." Mike tossed in chips before he asked, "They any good?"
"Lot of sword fighting." Maureen answered.
"He must be basing them on someone else life." Justin added, "We've been watching this guy for three years and I don't think he used his sword once."
"Call." Adeola stated as she tossed chips.
"Must be rusty as hell." Mike stated.
"Mm, fold," Joe stated before asking Ian, "What was that kid, uh, remember? What was his name? Uh, took out Richland."
"Boyer," Ian answered before he showed his cards, "Uh, flush. Nine High."
He laid down 8, 3, 5, 6 & 9 of Hearts.
"Pair of Queens," Maureen revealed before asking, "What was I doing in this game?"
"Yeah," Adeola revealed her cards, "What was I thinking?"
"Uh – uh – uh," Mike stopped Ian as he was reaching for the pot. Then he laid his cards on top of Ian's, "Full house, kings and threes."
"Boyer, yeah," Joe noted, "Five feet two and skinny as a rail. Didn't think he'd last a year."
"He still around?" Justin asked.
"Last I heard." Joe answered.
"Well, I guess it's like anything else," Mike declared, "You never know until the last card."
He collected his winnings.
Justin shuffled the deck again, "Well, the one that surprised me was Grayson. No one thought that anybody'd nail that son of a bitch."
"I only saw the beginning," Joe revealed, "Looked like MacLeod was finished, and uh, I didn't want to stick around and see it happen."
Two Years Ago
Duncan was dueling with Grayson. The fight arranged among the sulfur piles and the conveyor belts and equipment around them. Up in the catwalks of the rig, Duncan dodged Grayson's blows.
"Another century and you might have beaten me," Grayson said as he held Duncan's sword against his.
He punched the Highlander in the face, knocking him from the rig. Duncan landed on the conveyor belt. Grayson jumped down after him. The fight continued. Grayson disarmed Duncan.
"There can be only one!" Grayson raised his sword, preparing for the final blow.
Duncan kicked Grayson away, and jumped from the conveyor belt. Grayson jumped down after him and they both rolled to the bottom of sulfur pile. Duncan crawled towards his katana. Thinking he had won, Grayson stalked forward and swang.
Duncan, kneeling with his back to Grayson, suddenly brought his katana up and around, blocking Grayson's stroke, then turned and slashed him across the stomach. The fight began again, but Grayson was badly wounded this time and Duncan eventually disarmed him.
"There can be only one." Duncan declared before he took Grayson's head and his quickening.
The Present
"I guess the lesson is never underestimate MacLeod." Rita stated.
"Yeah," Joe replied, "He's surprised a few people."
"The man doesn't seem to have any weaknesses." Rita stated.
"No. Not that I've noticed." Joe replied.
"Everyone's bound to have some sort of weakness." Adeola quipped.
"He's not the only immortal to bring out surprises either." Joe spoke up.
"What do you mean?" Rita asked.
"Tori Gordon, Flash Gordon's niece, is also immortal." Joe answered, with a small smile on his face.
"Flash Gordon's niece?!" Rita exclaimed in shock, "As in the famous Flash Gordon?"
"Yeah," Joe answered calmly, "that's the one. I met them a few weeks ago."
A Few Weeks Ago
Tori took a deep breath, clutching her tachi in her hand. She took another deep breath, focusing on her target. She knew Felicia was at the area, and she had to make her pay for everything she had done: first off, she killed the family of her ex lover before eventually taking his head, deceiving Richie and trying to trick one of her mentors during their first encounter, threatening them, and on top of all that, Richie had gotten drugged and Felicia raped him twice while waiting for MacLeod. Tori couldn't have imagined what Richie was going through, not only being trapped in that frozen prison, but being drugged, and the rape, and even being brainwashed into becoming a frost person.
Mac was right, Felicia couldn't keep her mouth shut and boasted about what she did, with help from Ming and Keogh nonetheless. Not only was MacLeod after Felicia's head, but Tori was too.
Richie was the man she loved and she was going to make sure he was safe from that vile, immortal woman. With the Game being as it was, the Defenders and Joe were a part of her life, even Charlie, as they were all mortals an an immortal could target them at any time.
Tori perked up. She saw Felicia standing there with the sword she stole. She didn't hesitate as she walked over to her opponent.
"You're not MacLeod," Felicia sneered at her "rival".
"No," Tori shook her head, preparing for her duel, "but I am the immortal who is going to have your head."
"Is that right?" Felicia replied before preparing to duel as well, "Well then, looks like I have no choice. Bring it on, little girl."
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Duncan hurried at the scene. He saw that Tori was dueling with Felicia. She'd beaten him to her.
"You have to duel me now!" Keogh exclaimed as he approached Duncan, "I want you to pay for letting Jill die last week!"
"You're delusional," Duncan replied, "I tried to help but you screwed things up and she fell to her death."
"Things would've been just fine if it wasn't for you though," Keogh insisted.
The two men began their duel.
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Rick, Jedda, LJ and April arrived to see Duncan dueling with Keogh while Tori was dueling with Felicia.
"Looks like things have just begun!" Rick exclaimed.
"And not only will we see one Quickening," April added, "but we'll witness a double quickening as well!"
"That'll be interesting," LJ chimed in, "we shall find out which two immortals will triumph."
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"It seems to me you have no remorse for your actions," Tori stated as she was dueling with Felicia, "from what MacLeod and Joe told me about your past as well as your previous interactions and now, you're a piece of work!"
"A piece of work is an understatement, sweetheart," Felicia replied as she dueled with her opponent, "as a matter of fact, I take pride in my work."
"No kidding."
Felicia glanced around, observing the cuts on her, "Do you really think I care about the cuts on my body and the damages on my clothes?! The wounds will heal, and I can just replace my clothes as soon as I take your quickening as well as MacLeod's quickening, and then take your man."
Felicia chuckled and gloated, "Speaking of which, what I did with your boyfriend, perhaps I've given him something that you never could."
"Maybe it was consensual during your first encounter with MacLeod," Tori stated in anger, "but this time, it wasn't. You are just vile!"
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Duncan continued with his duel with Keogh. They both had bloodied cuts from each blows. Eventually, Duncan gained the upper hand against his opponents.
"You still haven't learned, have you?" Duncan stated.
"You better finish it this time, MacLeod," Keogh glanced at his victor, "because it will never end if you don't."
Duncan took a deep breath, didn't hesitate and swiftly took Keogh's head.
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In a series of blows, Tori impaled Felicia in the abdomen. Felicia dropped to her knees in defeat.
"You are a twisted vile person," Tori glanced at her kneeling opponent, "Richie trusted you and you used MacLeod's knowledge for your own selfish, evil gain and you especially used Richie for your plans, even now. You're someone who deserves what's coming to them!"
"Go ahead and kill me," Felicia yelled, almost challenging her, "but what good will it do for you?!"
Tori took a deep breath before stating, "Bye, Felicia."
Moments later, Tori took Felicia's head. She glanced over as she noticed Duncan had taken Keogh's head and his quickening had just started. Tori looked back at her area as she felt the energy of Felicia's quickening, followed by lighting from the quickening. Suddenly, she saw an image of a man with long, dark, curly hair.
"Devereux?" Tori asked. The man nodded in response.
"Go," she told him, "Go and be with your family. You can finally rest in peace."
"Thank you," Devereux replied before he vanished.
Tori glanced at Duncan as the double quickening continued. After a little bit, Tori dropped to her knees as the quickening ended. While recovering, she looked around, noticing the damage near ice station Earth, given that this quickening was powerful.
The Present
"A double quickening, huh?" Rita quipped.
"Yeah," Joe nodded, "Tori really cares about Richie, as does MacLeod."
"To tell you the truth, Rita," Justin spoke up, "I'm surprised your guy Christian's still around. As young as he is, I'd have thought he was easy pickings."
"Maybe he just works harder than anyone else." Rita replied.
"You sound like his manager." Adeola retorted.
"Why?" Rita asked, "Because I think he's as good as anybody out there?"
"Objectivity." Ian answered, "Objectivity."
"Oh, give me a break." Rita retorted, "You put two years of your life into May-Ling Shen and when she's killed, you just go off to a poker game as if nothing happened? Well, I'm sorry. I'm not like that."
"Then it sounds to me like you'd better find a new assignment." Ian suggested.
"Don't even think about it." Rita objected.
"She's been with Christian since the beginning." Joe chimed in.
"Perhaps that's the problem," Ian stated, "She's lost her perspective."
"That's crap!" Rita exclaimed.
"Come on, Ian," Joe tried to calm the situation, "Everyone tends to root for their guy a little. It's an occupational hazard."
"That doesn't make it right." Ian replied before telling Rita, "You're too close to him."
"Who are you to judge me?!" Rita exclaimed before she reached for the cards on the table, "Is this all they are to you? Cards in a game? Here's May-Ling."
She ripped the first card to bits.
"The game is over, right?" Rita continued on her rant, "The game goes on without her. Here is Xavier."
She threw a card at Maureen.
"And this one is Annie."
She threw another card at Adeola.
"And this one: here is Sarah, and here is Stanton, and here is Darius."
Rita proceeded to throw the cards and chips at the players.
"Unhinged, much?" Adeola muttered.
"Rita, Rita!" Joe tried to get Rita to calm down.
"Go on, keep playing." Rita replied, "They're just cards!"
She stormed out of the bar.
"Perhaps we've, uh, played enough poker for tonight." Ian suggested.
"Perhaps you're right." Adeola replied. The group was left glaring at each other awkwardly.
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Rita made her way to her hide out. Who were those Watchers to judge her on how she did her job? It didn't matter what they thought. She was going to make sure Christian was going to be the one, no matter what it took.
She thought about both MacLeod and Tori, besides May-Ling, they were the immortals the Watchers were talking about. Those two were very interesting opponents.
While it would be easy to set up Duncan MacLeod, Tori would be a harder opponent to take on. She would need to inform Christian on his new target, and how they would need to work on a different game plan to take her head, and perhaps have three heads by the end of this plan.
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"Hey, Dawson," Duncan greeted Joe as his Watcher opened the elevator door while he was scraping something, "what's up?"
He realized from Joe's solemn expression that he had bad news, "Want some coffee?"
"MacLeod..." Joe began.
"Who is it?" Duncan asked.
"May-Ling Shen." Joe answered.
There was a moment of stunned silence.
"When?"
"Two days ago. In Hong Kong."
"Who was it?"
"Does it matter?" Joe paused, turned and walked over to Duncan, "Micheal Christian."
"Never heard of him." Duncan replied.
"He's quite young." Joe explained, "Became Immortal twenty years ago. Look, I – I did some digging, and well, I found this."
He held out an old leather bound chronicle with the Watcher symbol on the cover.
"One of your Chronicles?" Duncan asked.
"May-Ling's." Joe answered, "From the end of the eighteenth century. We had a man in Mongolia. I thought you might want to have a look at it."
Duncan carefully opened the book, revealing an illustration with oriental script.
Then he reflected getting better fighting skills from May-Ling at Outer Mongolia in 1780.
Duncan sighed as he closed the chronicle and looked out the window.
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"So what do you want me to do?" Christian asked as he was brushing his teeth.
"We kidnap Tori's boyfriend and use him as bait to lure out our target," Rita answered, handing him a plate of pancakes, "from what I heard, Flash Gordon's niece won't fall for your tactics easily."
"Who is my target exactly?" Christian asked, "Tori Gordon or Flash Gordon niece?"
Rita cleared her throat before she walked over to his table and handed him maple syrup, "Tori Gordon is Flash Gordon's niece."
"Oh." Christian nodded before asking, "Why kidnap the boyfriend? Why not just go after Tori right then and there? I'm ready to take her on."
Rita slapped him, "Because I said so. Tori isn't going to be easy to take out like the others, not like the others were easy either, but anyway, you'd be dead without me. You want to stay alive, you'll do as I say."
Christian finally relented, "When do we make our move?"
"We are almost at our destination." Rita answered, "We'll make our move then."
She turned and faced Christian, "Look at it this way, by the time this is over, you'll have two, maybe three heads."
"Three?"
"MacLeod might come and help his proteges," Rita answered, "if he does, he'd be your third head."
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"How are you this morning?" Tori asked as she was snuggling with her boyfriend, "Slept good?"
"Are you kidding?" Richie answered, stretching, "I slept like a log."
They started to get their clothes on.
"All things considered," Tori stated, "I see that you're doing a lot better than what you were doing these past few weeks."
"Yeah," Richie looked at the mirror, "I'm trying to do what I can to move on past that."
"That's what I like to hear." Tori smiled.
"I still have nightmares every so often," Richie glanced around, "but I assure myself that it's all in the past."
"Stuff like that doesn't just go away, Rich."
"I know. That's why I try to move on past it."
Tori and Richie both shared a kiss.
"I always enjoy these moments with you." Richie stated.
"Awww," Tori replied, "So do I. You say just the sweetest things."
They resumed kissing.
Suddenly, they both sensed the Buzz.
"Maybe it's MacLeod." Tori stated.
"This early?" Richie asked.
Suddenly, a mysterious man with curly blonde hair barged into the apartment. Tori and Richie quickly armed themselves.
"Who do you think this guy's after?" Richie asked.
"I'm not sure." Tori answered.
The man walked over to Tori, glanced at her for a moment before knocking her out.
"Tori?!" Richie exclaimed in shock. He defended himself as the man walked over towards him.
"You don't die," the man told him, "yet."
"Oh, that's reassuring," Richie retorted.
"As a matter of fact," the man said before he disarmed Richie and grabbed him.
"Hey, let go!" Richie shouted.
"You're a part of our plan." the man finished before he dragged Richie out of the apartment, as he was yelling. The man covered Richie's mouth to try to get him to stop yelling.
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"Don't you think you were a little hard on Rita?" Joe asked as he was doing some bookkeeping.
"No, I meant what I said," Ian answered, "She's getting too close to Christian."
"Aw, so what if she's projecting a little?" Joe suggested, "After her son died, Christian became much more important to her."
"We have rules." Ian inquired.
"Come on, Ian," Joe replied, "I mean, getting attached – – it happens sometimes. It comes with the job. At least cut the woman some slack."
"I don't like it."
"She was right about Darius, wasn't she?" Joe asked.
"I don't know what you mean." Ian answered.
"Yes, you do," Joe retorted as he looked at him, "You spent thirty years watching the man. You gonna try to tell me that you didn't feel something after he was killed?"
"Darius was different," Ian insisted as he and Joe reflected on the events leading up to the death of Darius, "We killed him."
"No, we didn't kill him," Joe corrected him, "Horton did. Now, what you felt for Darius, she feels for Christian."
"Michael Christian is no Darius." Ian replied.
"Maybe Rita thinks he is."
Duncan entered the bar, holding May-Ling's chronicle, "Hey, Joe."
"MacLeod," Joe introduced Duncan to his fellow Watcher, "Um, Ian Bancroft – – Duncan MacLeod."
"Nice to meet you." Duncan shook Ian's hand.
Joe pulled him aside.
"Um, I was planning to leave town for a couple of days." Duncan informed him, "I was wondering if I could take this with me."
"Sure. Fine." Joe answered, "Look, I'll, uh, I'll see you later, okay, Mac?"
Duncan looked over at Ian, "Sure."
He left the bar, walking past Ian, "Nice to meet you."
"What the hell was that?" Ian asked after Duncan left, "How long has this been going on?"
"Easy, Ian." Joe replied, trying to keep him calm.
"What did you think, Joe?" Ian replied, "No one would ever find out? Was that why you were defending Rita?"
"I defended Rita because I don't think she's wrong." Joe answered.
"Then you're as far gone as she is." Ian stated harshly, "You gave an immortal one of our chronicles. Are you out of your mind?"
"You think I planned this?" Joe argued, "He found me. What was I supposed to do, drop a cyanide tablet to keep our secret?"
"You should have been reassigned." Ian stated, "Immediately. You should have left town. There are rules, Joseph! You have your vow!"
"Sometimes in life," Joe replied, "you have to do more than just watch."
A Year Ago
Joe walked over to the area as Horton was jumping onto a boat at a pier.
"It's finished, James." Joe declared.
"Joseph!" Horton replied as he raised his hands up, "we're family!"
"I'll light you a candle." Joe replied before he fired his gun and Horton fell into the river.
"He always had a way out." Joe told Duncan as he walked over next to him.
"No, MacLeod," Joe replied, "We make mistakes, we clean them up."
Duncan took the gun from Joe and threw it into the water.
"Dawson," Duncan said as Joe started to walk away, "See you around."
The Present
Joe was seated at one of the tables while Ian was pacing the room.
"There have been Watchers for centuries," Ian told him, "If we start ignoring the Code, the whole thing falls apart."
"It's not always black and white, Ian." Joe insisted.
"It is. It has to be." Ian stressed, "Why do you think Christian is in town? Perhaps MacLeod is next on his list, or maybe Tori. What are you going to do, Joe?"
"First off, Tori is Adeola's assignment." Joe interjected.
"And Adeola does her job."
"And MacLeod doesn't need my help," Joe added, "Christian doesn't stand a chance against him."
"He didn't stand a chance against May-Ling either." Ian chimed in.
"I'm his friend." Joe argued, "I'm not his guardian angel. You know damn well I'm not about to interfere in an Immortal battle."
"It wouldn't be the first time, wouldn't it?" Ian stated.
Joe now seemed a bit daunted, realizing his dilemma as he struggled to defend himself.
"Joe, you broke your oath," Ian stressed, "It's as simple as that."
Joe remained silent, unable to argue against that statement.
"Don't think he's your friend," Ian continued, "He's an Immortal. You're a Watcher. He's not your friend. He never will be."
Joe was left in his thoughts. He didn't need to be lectured like some sort of child, but then again, perhaps Ian had a point. He wasn't sure what to believe, but one thing was for sure: Joe Dawson was conflicted between his duty as a Watcher and his friendship with Duncan MacLeod.
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Duncan was sitting with a drink in his hand, looking at the closed Chronicle on his coffee table, thinking about May-Ling. He recalled May-Ling teaching him several things back in 1780 at Outer Mongolia.
Duncan sensed the Buzz, pulling him from his thoughts. He turned to see Tori coming to him frantically.
"Tori, what's going on?!" Duncan asked.
"Some immortal came into our apartment and took Richie!" Tori answered frantically.
Duncan paled at the announcement. He took a deep breath and asked, "What did the immortal look like?"
"He was a young looking guy," Tori answered, "curly, blonde hair."
That revelation drained the color out of Duncan's face as he realized who she was talking about, "Oh no."
"What?" Tori asked, worried.
"You two just encountered Michael Christian." Duncan answered.
"Michael Christian?" Tori asked.
Duncan proceeded to explain to Tori about Christian and the death of his old friend/teacher May-Ling.
"I'm sorry about May-Ling." Tori gave her condolences.
"Thanks," Duncan replied, "but we need to focus on finding Richie."
"He left this note too," Tori handed Duncan a piece of paper, "He said for me to come to save him, but didn't bother to tell me where they were."
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Richie struggled against the ropes as his arms were tied behind his back and his ankles were tied together. He looked over at his captors as they glanced over at him, studying who they were since he'd been here over the past several hours. The immortal who took him was Michael Christian, and the old bat was a Watcher, Rita Luce.
This almost reminded him of the time when that renegade Watcher took Tessa except this Watcher had a strange obsession with this immortal he considered a man child.
"What do you plan to do with me?!" Richie demanded, "Why am I here?!"
"You're bait, of course." Rita answered.
"Let me guess," Richie stated, "for MacLeod to challenge him to a duel."
"Wrong again." Rita replied, "You are bait for your little girlfriend."
Richie's eyes widened in surprise and then he snapped, "Listen here, you old bitch!"
Rita walked over to Richie and slapped him.
He lowered his voice and continued speaking, "It doesn't matter who you take on. Tori will stop you, and so will MacLeod. Your precious golden boy doesn't stand a chance."
Christian prepared to take his head for that comment, but Rita stopped him, "Now is not the time. Besides, I have a better idea."
"You old prune shouldn't be favoring one immortal," Richie continued, "especially one that doesn't lack the maturity that..."
He was cut off when Rita tied a gag around his mouth.
"There," Rita stated after Richie was gagged, "that should shut him up."
Richie growled and glanced at his captors.
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"Spirited," Rita stated as Richie was struggling against his restraints, "I'll give him that."
Suddenly, she heard a car and looked out the window, "Someone's coming."
"Who is it?" Christian asked as he taunted Richie.
"It's Ian," Rita answered, recognizing the figure, "Better take the prisoner and get in the bedroom."
Christian picked up Richie, and dragged him to the back of the motor home with him.
Rita opened the door and saw Ian.
"I had a hell of a time finding you." Ian said as he entered the motor home.
"What do you want?" Rita asked.
"Rita," Ian answered as he managed to take a seat, "I want you to come off this assignment."
"Thanks for your concern." Rita replied.
"Christian seems to have piled up an awful lot of victories in his twenty years as an Immortal, hasn't he?" Ian stated, "And a lot of them were pretty damned unlikely."
"So he's good." Rita replied, defensively, "So what?"
"May-Ling was caught without her sword," Ian explained, "That's how he took her. I checked the reports, and guess what? That seems to happen to Christian a lot. Now how do you suppose he gets so lucky?"
"I couldn't say." Rita answered.
"I could." Ian stated, "Someone's been feeding him inside information. The sort of information only Watchers have. Rita, why don't you ask for reassignment? Get out of the field. Take a break."
"Forget it!" Rita stubbornly objected, "Christian killed your immortal, and now you're taking it out on me! Well, get used to it. He's gonna kill a lot more before he's done."
"Forget reassignment." Ian stated as he stood up and proceeded to leave the motor home, "I'll see to it that you're out. For good, and we'll see how your precious Golden Boy does without you."
Ian left the motor home and Christian came out of the bedroom.
"It's okay," Rita assured him as they didn't acknowledge Richie dragging himself out of the bedroom, "Nothing, nothing is going to happen to you."
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Rita hurried to her car, and she saw Ian walking across the street ahead of her.
She gave out a smug smile, "Perfect."
As Ian was closer to her direction, Rita drove forward, hit Ian and drove off.
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"I'm sorry," Duncan offered his condolences.
"It's never easy, losing a friend." Tori added.
"You know," Joe stated, "coming here is the last thing Ian would have wanted me to do."
"Do you think he was right?" Duncan asked.
"The last thing we did before he died was argue about it." Joe explained, "Rule number one: A Watcher and an Immortal can't be friends."
"That does make sense," Tori replied, "but I personally think it's a stupid rule."
"That might be the case, Tori," Joe stated, "but it is what it is."
"True." Tori nodded.
"Come on, Joe." Duncan insisted, "You don't have to choose."
"Don't I?" Joe explained, "I took an oath...and I broke it, and the Watchers have been around for a long time. What gives me the right to say, "I'll do this my way"?"
"Because you're a man," Tori answered, "and part of life is deciding, making your own judgment calls."
"Tori is right," Duncan added as he walked behind Joe, "and choosing who your friends are. Do you regret our friendship, Joe?"
"No!" Joe answered. He paused before he sighed and said, "I don't know. I should go."
"We'll see you out." Duncan replied before he and Tori walked with Joe to the elevator.
Joe and Duncan noticed Tori decided to remain quiet while they were talking as the elevator descended.
"Unfinished business is always hard," Duncan stated, "If you didn't believe Ian was right yesterday, dying doesn't make him right today. Follow your instincts. That's all you can do."
"What if you're wrong?" Joe asked.
"Then you're wrong." Duncan answered.
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Tori looked on as Joe left the elevator.
"You know, the life I live," Duncan told him, "Sometimes you fight, you kill...It never leaves you untouched."
"I know." Joe replied, "Thanks."
"We'll see you around, Joe." Tori called him out. She perked up as she and Duncan sensed the Buzz.
Jack arrived at the dojo with Janet in tow.
"We got your message." Jack stated.
"Where's Richard?" Janet asked.
"That's the problem," Duncan answered, "our newest immortal kidnapped him."
"Newest immortal?" Janet asked.
"Michael Christian." Tori answered, "He's working with a renegade watcher from what Joe told us, Rita Luce."
"He killed May-Ling." Duncan added.
"May-Ling?!" Jack exclaimed in shock, "Aw man!"
"You know her?" Duncan asked.
"She was working part time with us," Janet answered, "and she was last located in Hong Kong a few days ago."
"So, Jack, Richie and I aren't the only immortals working for the IUA." Tori stated.
"You'd be surprised, Tori." Jack stated.
They headed to the elevator and made it to the loft.
"We're heading to a trip." Duncan told Jack and Janet.
"For some sort of training?" Janet asked.
"You can say that." Duncan nodded.
"Where to?" Jack asked.
"The island." Duncan answered.
"This is interesting to see what Mac has in store to train me in this case." Tori stated.
"I'm sure it'll be fine, honey." Janet assured her daughter.
"We'll be back tomorrow." Duncan announced before he handed Jack his katana and Tori's tachi, "Take these."
"What?!" Jack exclaimed in surprise, "Are you high?!"
"That's insanity," Tori added, "He'll take our heads in an instant before taking Richie's head."
"Exactly," Janet said.
"It's a part of Tori's training," Duncan told Janet and Jack as the latter reluctantly took the swords. "For twenty-four hours, we're walking away from our swords."
"Don't worry." Duncan assured them as he packed May-Ling's Chronicle into his bag and zipped it close, "the island is holy ground."
"In the meantime," Janet informed them, "we will be locating Richard Ryan's location."
"Thank you, Mom." Tori replied before she hugged her mother.
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Rita managed to catch on with the conversation between Duncan, Tori, Jack, and Janet through her little spy camera. She knew what to do next as she hurried to her motor home. Maybe Tori would be more easy to kill than she thought. Maybe, just maybe.
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Richie glared at Christian as he seemed to be amused with him while watching cartoons. Christian was antagonizing him, and Richie was snapping at him as he was struggling with the handcuffs as he had been handcuffed under the table as there was a pole under the table.
"Hi." Christian looked at Rita as she entered the home. Then he glanced at Richie, "Instead of killing this guy, can we keep him instead after I kill his girlfriend?"
"You're crazy." Richie muttered.
"I for one would like to feed him until he fills out of his shirt," Christian looked at his captor, "till those buttons pop and..."
"You sick bastard!" Richie exclaimed, disgusted, "Why would you even dare to think that?!"
Rita took a deep breath, "We'll discuss that after you win."
"What makes you think he'll win?" Richie retorted. Rita slapped him again, causing Christian to smirk, pleased by this.
She took a deep breath again and placed a plate of food and some water in front of Richie, "Eat. You are going to be here awhile."
Richie glared at her. Rita reached into the closet, "It's time."
She pulled out Christian's sword and carried it over to him, "Time to take out Tori Gordon."
"Tori's here?!" Richie exclaimed in surprise.
"Where is she?" Christian asked.
"She is on an island with Duncan MacLeod," Rita answered, "A place the Indian shamans used."
"Rita," Christian pointed out, "that's Holy ground."
"And he can't get her there." Richie added. He closed his eyes, preparing for another slap.
"She's got to come back, doesn't she?" Rita asked.
"Yes, she does." Christian answered.
"So, we'll wait."
Richie took a few deep breaths. He hoped Christian wouldn't try anything on him during that time. He had hoped Tori would take his head so he wouldn't have to deal with whatever sick fetish plans this creep had in store for him.
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Joe was sitting in the closed bar, playing the blues. He was reflecting on several moments over the past year, particularly his friendship with Duncan MacLeod. First, he reflected on asking Duncan to track down the person responsible for Lauren's death a few weeks ago.
"Well, then do something for me." Joe said.
"Whatever you need." Duncan replied.
"You help me find this son of a bitch." Joe requested.
Duncan nodded, accepting the request.
Then, he reflected on last year when Duncan wanted some information about Michael Moore.
"I want your files," Duncan told Joe as they were walking down the outdoor path.
"Not a chance," Joe replied.
"I need to know more about him," Duncan insisted, "where he's lived, his habits. What he's done."
"We have rules," Joe said.
"Then break them," Duncan told him.
Joe then reflected on talking to Duncan while sitting on the park bench a year ago.
"This is my business now, not yours," Duncan inquired, "Understood?"
"Yeah." Joe answered.
Joe just couldn't stay away. He found himself reflecting on when Duncan brought him some coffee outside Helene's residence.
"Why thanks, MacLeod," Joe replied. "What is this, an act of friendship?"
"Let's just say we're not enemies," Duncan declared.
Joe stopped playing, and felt conflicted on his duty as a Watcher and friendship with MacLeod.
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Duncan looked at Tori and they practiced a kata, training against Michael Christian to save Richie.
Duncan reflected on when he first met Joe.
"You're why I'm here, MacLeod. I've been tracking you for fifteen years," Joe stated.
"Should I be flattered?" Duncan asked.
Duncan reflected on another moment with Joe from last year while training Tori.
"He's got to be stopped, MacLeod!" Joe insisted.
"Then why don't you stop him?" Duncan insisted, "I'm not a cop, Dawson."
They eventually finished training.
"It's rough." Tori sighed, "I can't imagine what Richie is going through with that weirdo."
"He's strong," Duncan assured him, "but you shouldn't have to worry. Focus on staying alive, and remember what I taught you."
"That I shall." Tori nodded, "We'll bring May-Ling to justice too."
Duncan gave out a small smile as recalled riding horses with May-Ling toward the yurt and then kissing her beside a fire at Outer Mongolia in 1780.
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"Knock, knock."
Joe turned.
"Over here," Rita said.
He arrived and walked over to her.
"Are you pouring coffee, or am I too early?" Rita asked in an overly cheerful tone.
"I'll put a pot on." Mike answered.
"So, how is Christian?" Joe asked.
"Oh, nothing exciting happening." Rita answered.
"Then you didn't hear, did you?" Mike asked.
"Hear what?" Rita asked, playing dumb obviously.
"Justin called me," Mike answered, "Christian took out Trent yesterday."
Joe realized what was going on, "You set him up. Just like you set May-Ling up!"
"Who said anything about MacLeod?" Rita asked.
"So, you set Tori up?" Joe asked, "Even worse!"
"Christian also has Richie in his clutches," Rita stated, "and don't worry, he's alive, for now."
"Where is he now?" Joe asked.
"It's too late to stop it." Rita told him.
"Maybe not." Joe replied before he hurried to make a phone call.
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Jack noticed the phone ringing as he and a few agents were at the dojo. He answered the phone.
"Yeah?" Jack answered. He heard Joe informing him what was going on.
"Team Alpha," Jack informed the group, "move out! Christian is making his move against Tori!"
"Good," a female agent replied, "Leader informed us that they found Richie's location."
"That's good news, Rita." Jack replied, "Everything is going according to plan."
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"What have you done?" Rita asked in disbelief.
"I just leveled the playing field." Joe answered.
"No!" she cried before trying to run for the exit, but Joe grabbed her.
"Now we do what we're supposed to," Joe told her, "we wait."
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Richie looked down in despair as he struggled against the handcuffs. He was alone in the motor home, handcuffed under the table. Tears fell down his face as he was worried for his girlfriend. If this creep could take out someone as strong as May-Ling, it was possible he could take out Tori, and possibly MacLeod.
He took some deep breaths as this was not the life he imagined for himself. He'd rather die than be some toy for some immortal creep's sick fantasy, which either that or losing his head would be his fate if Christian happened to be the victor over Tori.
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Duncan and Tori made it to the dam near the cabin they were staying.
"You know what to do, right?" Duncan asked.
"Yes," Tori nodded, "I believe I do."
"Good luck." Duncan touched her shoulder before they walked opposite sides.
"Thanks." Tori replied before Duncan left for his car.
She sensed the Buzz, and noticed Christian as he approached her.
"Michael Christian," Christian introduced himself before declaring, "And you're not on Holy ground anymore, Miss Gordon."
"Neither are you." Tori quipped, "Now, where's Richie?!"
"You can have him," Christian replied, "if you defeat me."
He came at her, but Tori dodged his sword. Tori gave him good kick to the chest, and hurried to the stairwell.
Christian managed to chase Tori to the bridge.
"You're good," Christian stated, "but you haven't got a chance."
He continued to fight Tori, who managed to dodge each blow, and she used not only what Duncan trained her the night before, but her own Muay Thai skills to fend back her opponent.
"When I finish you," Christian declared, "not only will I have your quickening, I will also have your man as well to do with as I please. I may kill him, or I might do...something else."
Tori scoffed in disgust, "You're sick."
She disarmed him. Tori and Christian fight hand to hand combat. Christian's hand to hand combat paled nothing in comparison to Tori's masterful skills. They both ended up falling into the lake above the dam, and fell over the spillway of the dam down to where Christian's sword had fallen.
Tori managed to make a leap and grabbed the sword before Christian could get it.
"And now, you're history." Tori declared before she took Christian's head.
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Jack met up with Duncan and several other agents nearby.
"You have my sword?" Duncan asked.
"Here you are," Jack answered, handing Duncan his katana, "and I have Tori's sword as well."
They looked to see a quickening happening nearby.
"If she survived." Jack stated.
"I hope she survived." Duncan stated.
The two men made their way cautiously down to the river, hoping for the best, and expecting anything and everything. They looked on in relief to see Tori climbing up the bank.
"Tori!" Jack sighed with relief.
"You made it." Duncan added.
"That guy was not only power hungry," Tori stated, "but he was a creep too."
"Let's go find Richie." Duncan stated.
"We got his location." Jack announced, "and after we get Richard Ryan to safety, we shall deal with the ring leader behind this ordeal, Rita Luce."
"Right." Duncan nodded.
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Richie took deep breaths, preparing for anything after he noticed a quickening. He looked up as he sensed the Buzz, wiping tears away.
"Richie?" he heard Duncan call out.
"Mac?" Richie replied hopefully.
The door opened and it was Duncan. He entered the motor home.
"Mac!" Richie exclaimed with relief. More relief filled him as Tori entered the motor home with Jack and a few other IUA agents, "Tori, thank God!"
"Are you hurt?" Duncan asked.
"Nah," Richie answered, "I'm fine."
"Are you sure, tough guy?" Duncan swung his katana and broke the handcuff links, freeing Richie from his bondage.
"Yeah," Richie answered as Duncan and Jack helped him up, "but if that creep had won, I would have been doomed to be either beheaded, or to be subjected to whatever sick fetish fantasies he was intending."
"Let's not think about that now." Tori hugged Richie.
"Yeah," Richie embraced his girlfriend, "I'm just glad you're here."
"Now," Jack declared, "for Rita Luce."
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Joe looked on with Rita as they were waiting for the news of the outcome of the latest battle. The door opened and Duncan arrived with Tori and Richie in tow. Joe was relieved to see that the outcome was good this time.
The same couldn't be said for Rita. She was distraught, realizing that her immortal Michael Christian was now dead. She tried to make an exit.
"Stop where you are!"
Rita stopped in her tracks. Joe was taken aback as they saw Jack, Janet and a group of IUA Agents training their guns at Rita.
"Sorry, Joe," Duncan apologized, "Rita has gone too far, and it's out of both of our hands now."
"I understand." Joe nodded.
"Rita Luce," Janet declared, "you are under arrest for your role in the murder of May-Ling Shen and several other immortals, the kidnapping of Richie Ryan and the attempted murder of Victoria Gordon. You will be taken into custody and committed to a rehabilitation in hopes you will reform."
"That would actually be good for her." Joe muttered.
"I will not stand down." Rita replied stupidly, trying to make another move.
Joe felt his head swimming as one thing led to another. He remembered Janet giving orders, and Rita refusing to comply and the next thing I knew, he heard gunshots, and Rita fell down to the ground. Jack walked over to her, and checked on her pulse.
"She's dead." Jack announced.
"She was unhinged after her son died," Joe replied sadly.
"I'm sorry we had to do that." Janet replied after ordering a coroner to take her body to the morgue.
"You did what you had to do, ma'am." Joe replied.
Duncan turned to Joe, "Thanks."
He clasped his hand, "Thank you, Joseph."
He set the Chronicle on the table. "For everything."
"Yeah," Joe replied, "What are friends for?"
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Richie looked out the window of his apartment. He was so glad to be home, where he belonged. He was glad this ordeal was over as he didn't want to have anything to do with Michael Christian.
Taking his head was the easy way out, and he knew that, but the other stuff, the sick fetish fantasy that Christian had planned for him crept him out.
"Richie."
Richie turned to see Tori, "Tori."
"Are you okay?" Tori asked.
"Yeah," Richie nodded, "I'm just glad you won. I'm glad to be back home."
"Did Christian hurt you in any way?" Tori asked, "Did Rita hurt you in any way? You need to tell me."
"No," Richie held his girlfriend's arm, "No. I just want this ordeal to be over. I just want to sleep, get some rest from this ordeal."
"If they did something to you," Tori insisted. "Joe needs to know so he can report it to the Watchers Chronicles. I don't know why he wants that reported, don't ask me."
Richie paused, hesitated, and then he finally spoke up before he spoke up, "There wasn't much that they done to me, other than handcuffing me under the table. Rita slapping me was the only thing that she did to me that was serious."
He took a deep breath, "As for Christian, man, he was real creep. He was proposing to ask Rita to keep me alive instead of taking my head after he took his head. He also talked about some sick, twisted, fetish fantasies that he was planning with me afterwards."
Richie felt disgusted, just thinking about it.
"Basically, he traumatized you with that?" Tori asked.
"Yeah," Richie nodded, "but thank God none of his fantasies ever came through since you won and took Christian's head."
They hugged.
"I'm glad you're safe," Tori stated, "and nothing will keep us apart, not if I can help it, even if you were like that, I'd support you regardless."
"Thank you." Richie replied.
---------
Author's Notes:
This chapter is the Earth N retelling of the Highlander episode "They Also Serve", with a different twist in regards to Michael Christian. If you have watched the actual episode, you'd know what I am talking about. The chapter and episode also focuses on Joe Dawson and his inner conflict in regards to his duty as a Watcher and his friendship with Duncan MacLeod.
I expanded Michael Christian's character a little bit to where he's a creepy weirdo immortal, who had a fetish on the side, which is sick, my point exactly. When I'm watching "They Also Serve", he seemed like a man child.
Author's Commentary:
"Ian." Adeola glanced over at him.
"Get you something?" Mike asked as he turned towards Ian.
"Glenmorangie," Ian answered, "if you have it."
"Coming up." Mike replied before handing a bottle and poured a cup for him.
Joe put down the clipboard, walked around the end of the bar past some patrons, "Excuse me."
He then walked over to Ian, "Ian. Oh, it's good to see you. How are you?"
Joe introduced Mike and Adeola to Ian, "Mike Barrett, Adeola Winters, meet Ian Bancroft."
"Nice to meet you," Adeola replied.
"It's a pleasure, Mr. Bancroft," Mike added, "A real honor."
"The pleasure's mine," Ian replied, "I've heard good things about you two."
At last we meet Adeola Winters, who is Tori's Watcher as well as Mike Barrett, who was Richie's Watcher at the time. For those who follow my Tumblr, know I make Watcher Chronicles of Tori featuring Adeola, and now you finally have met her.
Duncan was dueling with Grayson. The fight arranged among the sulfur piles and the conveyor belts and equipment around them. Up in the catwalks of the rig, Duncan dodged Grayson's blows.
"Another century and you might have beaten me," Grayson said as he held Duncan's sword against his.
He punched the Highlander in the face, knocking him from the rig. Duncan landed on the conveyor belt. Grayson jumped down after him. The fight continued. Grayson disarmed Duncan.
"There can be only one!" Grayson raised his sword, preparing for the final blow.
Duncan kicked Grayson away, and jumped from the conveyor belt. Grayson jumped down after him and they both rolled to the bottom of sulfur pile. Duncan crawled towards his katana. Thinking he had won, Grayson stalked forward and swang.
Duncan, kneeling with his back to Grayson, suddenly brought his katana up and around, blocking Grayson's stroke, then turned and slashed him across the stomach. The fight began again, but Grayson was badly wounded this time and Duncan eventually disarmed him.
"There can be only one." Duncan declared before he took Grayson's head and his Quickening.
One of the handful of "Missing Scenes" of Earth N. This would be from the Season 1 episode "Band of Brothers" before Duncan and Tori move to Paris and meet with Darius, Tessa and Richie, and it probably won't be the last flashback of that sort.
"I guess the lesson is never underestimate MacLeod." Rita stated.
"Yeah," Joe replied, "He's surprised a few people."
"The man doesn't seem to have any weaknesses." Rita stated.
"No. Not that I've noticed." Joe replied.
"Everyone's bound to have some sort of weakness." Adeola quipped.
"He's not the only immortal to bring out surprises either." Joe spoke up.
"What do you mean?" Rita asked.
"Tori Gordon, Flash Gordon's niece, is also immortal." Joe answered, with a small smile on his face.
"Flash Gordon's niece?!" Rita exclaimed in shock, "As in the famous Flash Gordon?"
"Yeah," Joe answered calmly, "that's the one. I met them a few weeks ago."
I figured out a twist on this episode in regards of who the immortal Michael Christian takes on. In the actual episodes, Rita decides Trent should be taken out before Christian takes out MacLeod, but here, it's a much different approach as you can see.
"So what do you want me to do?" Christian asked as he was brushing his teeth.
"We kidnap Tori's boyfriend and use him as bait to lure out our target," Rita answered, handing him a plate of pancakes, "from what I heard, Flash Gordon's niece won't fall for your tactics easily."
"Who is my target exactly?" Christian asked, "Tori Gordon or Flash Gordon niece?"
Rita cleared her throat before she walked over to his table and handed him maple syrup, "Tori Gordon is Flash Gordon's niece."
"Oh." Christian nodded before asking, "Why kidnap the boyfriend? Why not just go after Tori right then and there? I'm ready to take her on."
Rita slapped him, "Because I said so. Tori isn't going to be easy to take out like the others, not like the others were easy either, but anyway, you'd be dead without me. You want to stay alive, you'll do as I say."
Christian finally relented, "When do we make our move?"
"We are almost at our destination." Rita answered, "We'll make our move then."
She turned and faced Christian, "Look at it this way, by the time this is over, you'll have two, maybe three heads."
"Three?"
"MacLeod might come and help his proteges," Rita answered, "if he does, he'd be your third head."
From what I could tell here, Tori would be too smart to just blindly go after Christian, and Christian would most likely be too sneaky to just go after her blindly and set her up the way he set up Duncan in the actual episode, and like he set up May-Ling, hence, this new plot.
Joe walked over to the area as Horton was jumping onto a boat at a pier.
"It's finished, James." Joe declared.
"Joseph!" Horton replied as he raised his hands up, "we're family!"
"I'll light you a candle." Joe replied before he fired his gun and Horton fell into the river.
"He always had a way out." Joe told Duncan as he walked over next to him.
"No, MacLeod," Joe replied, "We make mistakes, we clean them up."
Duncan took the gun from Joe and threw it into the water.
"Dawson," Duncan said as Joe started to walk away, "See you around."
This flashback is from "Unholy Alliance" Part 2 which wasn't seen since this story is mostly focused on Tori and Richie. Here, we see family drama in regards to Joe Dawson and his brother James Horton, and of course, as you know, Horton was actually killed in "Counterfeit" Part 2 or Chapter 26, "Game of Peril."
Jack arrived at the dojo with Janet in tow.
"We got your message." Jack stated.
"Where's Richard?" Janet asked.
"That's the problem," Duncan answered, "our newest immortal kidnapped him."
"Newest immortal?" Janet asked.
"Michael Christian." Tori answered, "He's working with a renegade watcher from what Joe told us, Rita Luce."
"He killed May-Ling." Duncan added.
"May-Ling?!" Jack exclaimed in shock, "Aw man!"
"You know her?" Duncan asked.
"She was working part time with us," Janet answered, "and she was last located in Hong Kong a few days ago."
"So, Jack, Richie and I aren't the only immortals working for the IUA." Tori stated.
"You'd be surprised, Tori." Jack stated.
The IUA is involved this time around, and Jack and Janet are leading this rescue mission!
"This is interesting to see what Mac has in store to train me in this case." Tori stated.
"I'm sure it'll be fine, honey." Janet assured her daughter.
"We'll be back tomorrow." Duncan announced before he handed Jack his katana and Tori's tachi, "Take these."
"What?!" Jack exclaimed in surprise, "Are you high?!"
"That's insanity," Tori added, "He'll take our heads in an instant before taking Richie's head."
"Exactly," Janet said.
"It's a part of Tori's training," Duncan told Janet and Jack as the latter reluctantly took the swords. "For twenty-four hours, we're walking away from our swords."
"Don't worry." Duncan assured them as he packed May-Ling's Chronicle into his bag and zipped it close, "the island is holy ground."
"In the meantime," Janet informed them, "we will be locating Richard Ryan's location."
"Thank you, Mom." Tori replied before she hugged her mother.
It's interesting on how Duncan is going to train Tori just as May-Ling trained Duncan here in the Earth N version of "They Also Serve," and the IUA doing their part in their rescue mission to save Richie.
"Well, then do something for me." Joe said.
"Whatever you need." Duncan replied.
"You help me find this son of a bitch." Joe requested.
Duncan nodded, accepting the request.
This is a "Missing scene" from the episode "The Cross of St. Antoine."
"I want your files," Duncan told Joe as they were walking down the outdoor path.
"Not a chance," Joe replied.
"I need to know more about him," Duncan insisted, "where he's lived, his habits. What he's done."
"We have rules," Joe said.
"Then break them," Duncan told him.
This is a conflicting scene from the Season 2 episode "Turnabout", the episode before Tessa's death "The Darkness". I feel this scene implied there was some mystery of Joe Dawson during that time. Other flashbacks are from "Unholy Alliance Part One", another scene from "Turnabout" and a scene from "The Watchers". Not sure if I wanted to go over all scenes of the flashbacks.
"Michael Christian," Christian introduced himself before declaring, "And you're not on Holy ground anymore, Miss Gordon."
"Neither are you." Tori quipped, "Now, where's Richie?!"
"You can have him," Christian replied, "if you defeat me."
He came at her, but Tori dodged his sword. Tori gave him good kick to the chest, and hurried to the stairwell.
Christian managed to chase Tori to the bridge.
"You're good," Christian stated, "but you haven't got a chance."
He continued to fight Tori, who managed to dodge each blow, and she used not only what Duncan trained her the night before, but her own Muay Thai skills to fend back her opponent.
"When I finish you," Christian declared, "not only will I have your quickening, I will also have your man as well to do with as I please. I may kill him, or I might do...something else."
Tori scoffed in disgust, "You're sick."
She disarmed him. Tori and Christian fight hand to hand combat. Christian's hand to hand combat paled nothing in comparison to Tori's masterful skills. They both ended up falling into the lake above the dam, and fell over the spillway of the dam down to where Christian's sword had fallen.
Tori managed to make a leap and grabbed the sword before Christian could get it.
"And now, you're history." Tori declared before she took Christian's head.
Just like the actual episode, Michael Christian got what he deserved. I think here, there's even more satisfaction, given that he was a creep with a sick fantasy, among other things. If you seen "20 Worst Highlander Villains" on YouTube, you'll see him and Rita Luce on there, and I agree they should get their comeuppance.
"Stop where you are!"
Rita stopped in her tracks. Joe was taken aback as they saw Jack, Janet and a group of IUA Agents training their guns at Rita.
"Sorry, Joe," Duncan apologized, "Rita has gone too far, and it's out of both of our hands now."
"I understand." Joe nodded.
"Rita Luce," Janet declared, "you are under arrest for your role in the murder of May-Ling Shen and several other immortals, the kidnapping of Richie Ryan and the attempted murder of Victoria Gordon. You will be taken into custody and committed to a rehabilitation in hopes you will reform."
"That would actually be good for her." Joe muttered.
"I will not stand down." Rita replied stupidly, trying to make another move.
Joe felt his head swimming as one thing led to another. He remembered Janet giving orders, and Rita refusing to comply and the next thing I knew, he heard gunshots, and Rita fell down to the ground. Jack walked over to her, and checked on her pulse.
"She's dead." Jack announced.
"She was unhinged after her son died," Joe replied sadly.
"I'm sorry we had to do that." Janet replied after ordering a coroner to take her body to the morgue.
"You did what you had to do, ma'am." Joe replied.
I know, she was listed as deceased in 1995, but I don't think we saw any kind of on screen death, so I figured I'd remedy that, and give that crazy Watcher what she deserved.
---------
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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