DCH 35
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Thirty-Five: State of Mind
Richie woke up screaming. He touched his chest and felt his heart pounding. He took some deep breaths and looked around to see he was in his apartment, and he was in his bedroom, sleeping with Tori. He was safe. He quickly stood up and took a look at himself, and saw he was his normal weight. He wasn't fat. Given the end of his latest nightmare, that was a relief.
For the past couple of nights, Richie had been having nightmares about being held captive by Michael Christian and his Watcher Rita Luce. Richie remembered screaming for help and no one would come.
"Mac! Tori!" Richie would call out.
Nobody came to help him, and Christian would tell him no one would come and he was "all mine" now before Rita slapped him and Christian beat him all for talking. Screaming. Crying. Laughing. At one nightmare, he found himself fat in more than one nightmare thanks to that comment Christian made when he was captured by him.
It was a bunch of twisted nightmares that he thankfully didn't have to experience for real.
"Richie?"
He turned to see Tori looking at him with concern.
"Are you all right?"
"Just had a nightmare." Richie shuddered as he sat back down on the bed. "I shouldn't let them get to me because...they're both dead."
Tori wrapped her arms around his, "It's all right, Richie. Whatever that sicko and unhinged lady put you through must have shaken you up. I can't even imagine what you went through."
"It was almost like what Tessa went through when she was taken by Pallin Wolf, that Hunter," Richie explained, "except for the fact Rita was only rooting for one immortal, who was a creep who has an apparent fetish."
He took a deep breath and sighed with relief, "But thank God that he never got the chance to go through with his sick fantasies."
"Maybe you should talk to your therapist about this ordeal," Tori suggested.
"That would be a good idea."
"In the meantime...you should try to get some more sleep, please."
"I'll try," Richie said with a slight whimper as he eased back down.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Tori walked over to the laptop. She had a hunch someone back at Central City might have an idea on what to do in regards they've been in a similar situation her boyfriend had been. She hated to call in this hour of the morning, but it was bothering her.
Tori got out her laptop and proceeded to make a video call.
"Hello?" Flash appeared on the screen, looking confused as to why Tori was calling at this hour. "Tori, what's going on?"
"Is Jedda home?"
"Yeah, why?"
"I was wanting to talk to her about something."
"About what?"
"I think it's best that it'd be a conversation between us," Tori said.
Flash hesitated. "Right. I understand. I'll go find Jedda. Hang on."
There was a pause on the other end of the line as Tori waited for Jedda, preparing for anything that could possibly happen in the conversation.
Jedda appeared on screen.
"Hey, Jedda. Sorry to be calling this hour of the morning. I didn't know who else to talk to about this."
"What's the matter?" Jedda asked.
"Something crazy happened most recently," Tori answered, "and I thought I'd tell you about it."
She then proceeded to tell Jedda about the ordeal regarding Michael Christian and his Watcher Rita Luce, and Richie being kidnapped by the Immortal, using him as bait for her because he wanted her head, and most likely MacLeod's head too, and Tori taking Christian's head before Rita being shot by the IUA after refusing to cooperate.
"Wow," Jedda muttered, clasping her hand to her mouth, after Tori finished. "That's quite a story."
"Yeah." Tori felt slightly nauseated thinking about it. "Richie mentioned Christian wanted to use him as a toy in some sort of sick, twisted fetish fantasy that I don't really want to mention."
"Yuck." Jedda grimaced. "I won't ask about it."
"Thank you. That doesn't even do it justice, though. Richie is having nightmares from the ordeal too."
Jedda huffed. "I have had a feeling that I was going to get news about this from one of you guys."
"Yeah," Tori added. "Richie is afraid of eating too much, fearing he might get fat as an immediate result."
Jedda gulped and her eyes widened. "It must be where Richie is suffering from being kidnapped by that creep."
"Most likely," Tori said. "I had a hunch that you might be able to talk to me about this."
"I was in a somewhat similar ordeal with Prince Krotan not too long ago," Jedda explained. "I regretfully dated him for awhile when I thought he was this guy named Dan. He tricked me, and it could have cost our fathers their lives. Then later on, he kidnapped me and took me to Planet Mongo, threatening to kill the others with some mind bombs if I didn't marry him."
"Did you?" Tori asked.
"No." Jedda shook her head. "I was able to warn the Defenders about Krotan's plans and they helped me escape before I could become Queen of Mongo."
"Well, that's a relief. You shouldn't let that Krotan creep bother you like that."
"I won't. I'm attending therapy over the ordeal with what he put me through, given that Krotan was trying to do stuff to me while he had me captured."
"That's good to hear," Tori replied, making a small smile.
She could tell Jedda had some inner conflict with Krotan, but was similarly traumatized as Richie was. What was she saying?! Their situations were polar opposites essentially! Jedda was taken by the Prince of Mongo, and Richie was taken by an immortal. However, the outcome was almost the same. They were returned safely, and they had trauma with their ordeal.
"There's something else that is concerning," Jedda spoke up, pulling Tori from her thoughts.
"What would that be?" Tori asked.
"Your cousin Rick."
"What about him?"
"He's been avoiding Kshin like the plague ever since we got back from Mongo," Jedda noted.
"Why would he do such a thing?" Tori asked. She thought it was because of the incident at Halloween what he did to Richie. It was an awful prank, but nobody got seriously hurt.
"He's probably upset over the fact that he had to stay behind with him and the Zuffoids back on Mongo," Jedda explained. "The rest of us were on Mongo City fighting Suramog."
"Well," Tori replied, "somebody had to look after him."
"Rick said he was old enough to protect himself and the Zuffoids on the trip home," Jedda stated. "The last time Kshin got the cold shoulder was from all three of us."
"All three of you?"
"Me, Rick and LJ."
"Oh. What happened then?"
"Kshin made a stupid mistake when we were at a carnival. He was duped into listening to a bad guy and we almost lost our fathers because of that mistake."
Tori's eyes widened in shock.
"Our fathers shrunk to three inches, and we nearly lost them as they continued to shrink. Luckily, they managed to return to their normal size." Jedda sighed. "However, we were still upset with Kshin after the fact, and we did all we could to avoid Kshin after the carnival until our fathers made us talk it out and reconcile."
"Do you think Rick still might be harboring some trauma from almost losing Uncle Flash from that carnival incident? He did lose his mother after all. Unlike you and LJ, his father is the only parent he has left. I know he has April, me, Mom, Aunt Abby and Sara, but I understand it's not the same as having a parent in your life."
"It's possible."
"I hope Rick gets his emotions in check," Tori stated. "I know what Kshin did at the carnival was dumb, but there's no need to hold a grudge."
"I agree, and as for you guys, Richie should get himself into some therapy," Jedda advised.
"He's already into some therapy, but he's going to tell the therapist about this latest ordeal."
"That's good. Thanks for talking with me, Tori."
"Thanks you," Tori replied. "I'll see you around."
"See you around."
With that, the conversation ended.
Tori hoped Rick would get his issues with Kshin resolved soon because holding a grudge like that was not healthy.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Duncan looked on as he was eating at the local Cracker Barrel with Tori, Richie and Anne.
"How's everyone doing?" Anne asked.
"Been better," Richie answered.
"Did you guys sleep good?" Duncan asked.
"Barely," Tori and Richie answered in unison.
"Is that ordeal with that harlot still bothering you?" Anne asked.
"I was doing fine recently until last night," Richie answered.
"A relapse?"
"You can say that," Tori quickly answered, trying to hide the immortal situation from her. She glanced at Duncan and Anne. "Did you guys sleep good?"
"We slept great," Duncan said.
"I talked to Jedda about what happened," Tori stated.
"Who's Jedda?" Anne asked, confused.
"She's the daughter of the Phantom," Duncan relayed.
"Oh," Anne said.
Duncan glanced over as Richie was barely eating his loaded tots and BLT sandwich. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah. Trying not to eat too much."
"From what I'm seeing," Anne glanced at his breakfast, "you shouldn't worry about that."
"He was like this at dinner last night too," Tori pointed out. "And all day with every meal. He's barely eaten much."
Duncan shot up, realizing this was serious. Then he looked over at Anne. "Could you excuse us?"
"Fine." Anne huffed. "I hope you guys get Richie's situation resolved."
"Me too," Tori replied.
Duncan motioned for her and Richie to head to the corridors leading to the bathroom for a private conversation.
"All right, Richie," Duncan asked, "what is going on here?"
"What do mean what is going on here?" Richie retorted.
"You know what he's talking about, Richie," Tori added. "What you're doing, barely eating. That's just as not healthy as eating too much."
He saw his student was shaking. Something serious was going on with the situation.
"You wouldn't understand." Richie finally spoke up.
"Then make us understand." Duncan stressed.
Richie took a few deep breaths before finally speaking up, "I've been having nightmares about my ordeal. I see Rita slapping me. I see Christian torturing me. I see..."
Duncan gently touched him, "A...fat you?"
Richie burst into tears.
"My God," Tori stated, "it's worse than I thought."
She became tearful, "Richie, why? Why didn't you say something sooner?"
"I didn't want you guys to worry," Richie sobbed, "I thought I could deal with this myself."
"Richie," Duncan stressed, "No one person can deal with things by themselves. If something like that is bothering you, tell us."
"You shouldn't have to worry about those clowns anymore either," Tori assured him, "they're both gone, and we don't have to worry about to worry about them anymore."
Duncan, Richie and Tori formed into a group hug.
"It's going to be okay." Tori comforted her boyfriend, "Remember what I told you. Tell your therapist about this."
"I'll do that," Richie said.
Duncan sighed. He forgot Richie was in therapy from his last kidnapping.
"We should be heading back," Tori suggested, "Anne is probably wondering if we ditched her to pay the bill."
Duncan chuckled, "You're right."
He looked back over at Richie, "Can you try to finish your meal?"
Richie nodded as he wiped his tears away, "I'll try my best."
Duncan looked on as they met back up with Anne. Richie had nothing to worry about. He was in good shape. He had a normal diet and exercised regularly, so as long as he kept up with that, he would be okay in that case, even as an immortal.
As for Richie's trauma, it was going to be a long road, but he had a good head on his shoulders. As long as another immortal didn't take his head, Richie Ryan would be just fine.
"Is everyone okay?" Anne asked, concerned.
"Yeah," Duncan assured her, "We had a little talk, and things are going to be just fine."
"I sure hope so." Anne replied.
"You have nothing to worry about." Tori stated. She hugged Richie before allowing him to eat his breakfast.
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Author's Notes:
This chapter is set to be the calm before the storm that is the Kalas Saga. It is going to be quite interesting how things turn out in the Earth N Version of the well known Kalas saga.
This chapter shows that Immortals have emotions just as mortal humans can. Similar to "Shadows", two chapters prior as well as the story "Beginning of a New Life", immortals are not immune to emotions such as trauma. Hope that explains the chapter.
Author's Commentary:
"I was in a somewhat similar ordeal with Prince Krotan not too long ago," Jedda explained, "I regretfully dated him for awhile when I thought he was this guy named Dan. He tricked me, and it could have cost our fathers their lives. Then later on, he kidnapped me and took me to Planet Mongo, threatening to kill the others with some mind bombs if I didn't marry him."
"Did you?" Tori asked.
"No," Jedda shook her head, "I was able to warn the Defenders about Krotan's plans and they helped me escape before I could become Queen of Mongo."
Tori sighed with relief, "Well, that's a relief. You shouldn't let that Krotan creep bother you like that."
"I won't." Jedda shook her head, "I'm attending therapy over the ordeal with what he put me through, given that Krotan was trying to do stuff to me while he had me captured."
"That's good to hear." Tori replied, giving a small smile.
She could tell Jedda had some inner conflict with Krotan, but was similarly traumatized as Richie was. What was she saying?! Their situations were polar opposites essentially! Jedda was taken by the Prince of Mongo, and Richie was taken by an immortal. However, the outcome was almost the same. They were returned safely, and they had trauma with their ordeal.
At long last we have the story of Prince Krotan mentioned! I shown here the gist of what Jedda went through and the aftermath of the ordeal.
"There's something else that is concerning." Jedda spoke up, pulling Tori from her thoughts.
"What would that be?" Tori asked.
"Your cousin Rick." Jedda answered.
"What about him?"
"He's been avoiding Kshin like the plague ever since we got back from Mongo," Jedda answered.
"Why would he do such a thing?" Tori asked, confused. She thought it was because of the incident at Halloween what he did to Richie. It was an awful prank, but nobody got seriously hurt.
"He is probably upset over the fact that he had to stay behind with him and the Zuffoids back on Mongo," Jedda explained, "while the rest of us were on Mongo City fighting Suramog."
"Well," Tori replied, "somebody had to look after him."
"Rick said he was old enough to protect himself and the Zuffoids on the trip home." Jedda stated, "The last time Kshin got the cold shoulder was from all three of us."
"All three of you?"
"Me, Rick and LJ."
"Oh. What happened then?"
"Kshin made a stupid mistake when we were at a carnival," Jedda explained, "He was duped into listening to a bad guy and we almost lost our fathers because of that mistake."
Tori's eyes widened in shock, "What happened?"
"Our fathers shrunk to three inches," Jedda answered, "and we nearly lost them as they continued to shrink. Luckily, they managed to return to their normal size."
Jedda sighed, "However, we were still upset with Kshin after the fact, and we did all we could to avoid Kshin after the carnival until our fathers made us talk it out and reconcile."
"Do you think Rick still might be harboring some trauma from almost losing Uncle Flash from that carnival incident?" Tori asked, "He did lose his mother after all. Unlike you and LJ, his father is the only parent he has left. I know he has April, me, Mom, Aunt Abby and Sara, but I understand it's not the same as having a parent in your life."
Yeah, the infamous "Book of Mysteries" is mentioned here too and the possible aftermath of how Rick, Jedda and LJ cope with the ordeal at the episode "The Carnival of Dr. Kalahari". Is it possible Rick had some further trauma regarding that situation? Only time will tell.
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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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