DCH 38
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Mystery of Methos
Kalas walked around the dark, empty Nosferatu jazz club.
"Ah, MacLeod," Kalas thought to himself, "MacLeod. What would give me the final edge? The power I need to finally defeat you."
Kalas looked up in satisfaction as he spoke out loud, "Methos."
He left the club and noticed his watcher, Roger calling someone on his payphone, with his Watcher tattoo very visible. Kalas stalked his target, knowing he was talking about him. He knew Roger was waiting for him to pass, then followed at a distance until Kalas was able to make Roger lose track of him.
Suddenly, Kalas grabbed Roger from behind, "Looking for me?"
He took Roger to his house, and tied him up to a chair.
Kalas picked up two metal electrical probes, and approached Roger, who was shirtless and tied to a chair.
"Electricity. Such a wonderful discovery, Roger," Kalas stated, "it doesn't care where it goes or what it goes through...it just takes the path of least resistance. So, why were you following me?"
"I wasn't!" Roger lied, "Why won't you believe me?"
"Long experience, Roger," Kalas replied, "So, what do you say, Roger?"
He touched two metal rods together, causing a blue spark of electricity between them.
"Ahhh!" Roger screamed before he relented, "All right. All right. I was...I was going to rob you."
"Try again," Kalas didn't accept the answer as he touched the metal rods to Roger's arms, causing a blue spark of electricity between them. Roger screamed and jerked violently.
"Why were you following me?" Kalas asked again. Roger refused to answer, prompting him to reply, "I think it's going to be a very long night."
He held the metal rods near Roger's head.
"I-I-I'm your Watcher," Roger finally answered.
Kalas stepped back, "My Watcher, and that's supposed to mean something to me?"
"Immortals," Roger explained, "We know what you are. We've been observing you for centuries."
"Tell me," Kalas asked, "do you watch all of us?"
"I-I think so," Roger answered.
"Did you watch Fitzcairn?"
"Yes."
"And MacLeod?"
"Yes."
"Methos?"
Roger nodded, "But we never interfere..."
"Tell me more, Roger," Kalas insisted, "Tell me everything."
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Duncan heard his phone ring while driving his car. He answered it, "Hello, MacLeod."
"Mac," Joe responded on the other end of the line, "Joe Dawson."
"Hey, Joe," Duncan greeted his friend, "What's up?"
"You've got trouble."
"How come you never come to me with good news?"
"One of our guys," Joe explained, "he hasn't been seen or heard from in a couple of days."
"And?"
"Well, he spotted Kalas...in Paris," Joe continued, "I think the son of a bitch is tracking you."
"I know he is," Duncan replied, "I've been looking out for him. He found Fitzcairn."
"Damn. What happened?"
"Kalas was better."
"Yeah," Joe stated quietly.
"You said one of your guys spotted him," Duncan asked, "Where?"
"Coming out of a little jazz club in Saint Germaine," Joe answered, "Nosferatu."
"Okay," Duncan replied, "Thanks."
"MacLeod," Joe told his friend, "Watch yourself, my friend."
"Always do," Duncan replied before he hung up.
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"Are you sure about this?" Tori asked as she glanced at the tracks where the race was going to take place.
"Of course I am," Richie replied as he was holding his stop watch, "Besides, your mother asked me to take part of the races for some investigation about corruption within the team."
"You're right, you know," Tori replied, "Even without the investigation, I believe you will win the races and end up on the top."
"Thanks, Tor," Richie replied before they shared a kiss.
"We should be going," he told his girlfriend after the kiss broke. They both looked to see two men arguing before the one in the race track outfit stormed off.
"Looks like somebody had a bad day," Tori stated.
"No kidding," Richie quipped as he and Tori walked over to where the racing was supposed to take place. They eventually made it to the Saracen pit.
They noticed as the boss was talking to another man. Then Richie cleared his throat to get his attention before calling out, "Mr. Saracen?"
Saracen turned to face the couple and said, "No visitors in the pits."
"I'm a rider," Richie proceeded to introduce himself, "Richie Ryan."
"And I'm his girlfriend," Tori followed suit, "Tori Gordon."
"Let me guess," Saracen stated, "You want to join my team, and the girlfriend is here to support you."
"In a nutshell," Tori answered.
"I've always wanted to take part in competitive riding," Richie added.
"He's a really good rider, sir," Tori chimed in.
"Well," Saracen replied, "this isn't the US."
He then walked away.
Richie eyed a nearby bike. Tori looked at him, "What are you doing?"
"I'm gonna show them what I can do," Richie answered before he walked over to the bike, put on a helmet and sped off.
"Richie, are you kidding me?!" Tori shouted as people nearby were yelling in protest. While he was riding, Tori walked over to see two racers talking to each other.
"Hey man," the blonde rider stated, "it was an accident. No hard feelings?"
"Saracen's losing it," the dark haired rider stated, "He thinks I should retire."
"So?"
"I was wondering if you could talk to him," the dark haired rider suggested, "Tell him he's crazy."
The blonde rider scoffed before asking, "Why would I do that?"
"Because I'm your friend," the dark haired rider insisted, "Because I taught you everything about racing. Without me, you would be nothing!"
Ignoring his teammate, the blonder rider started up his motorcycle, making the other rider take a hint and leave the area.
"What an ego," Tori muttered before she glanced around, "Richie should be back by now."
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Tori returned to the area where Saracen was watching. She looked to see her boyfriend riding on the bike. Despite him stealing it, Tori admitted Richie was really good at this.
The bike came to a stop and Richie stepped out, taking off his helmet.
"That was excellent," Tori told her boyfriend, "You were great."
"Thanks," Richie replied.
"Excellent? Great?" Saracen scoffed, nearly mimicking Tori, in dismay before telling Richie, "I could get you arrested for that."
"You could," Richie replied, "or you could have me ride for you."
The dark haired man approached the group and told Richie, "Hey, get off my bike!"
"It's not yours anymore, Philippe," Saracen told the dark haired man, "You should have taken the watch."
Philippe left the area. Then Saracen gave Richie a pat on the arms and declared, "It's your bike now."
Tori cheered and clapped, and then she went to hug her boyfriend.
"This is going smoothly," Tori stated.
"You can say that again," Richie replied.
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"His name is Kalas," Duncan told the bartender, "Somebody saw him here the other night."
"Never heard of him," the bartender answered.
"Well, you couldn't exactly miss him," Duncan replied before he described his enemy, "He has an unusual voice. Something happened to his throat."
"I'm sorry," the bartender shook his head.
Suddenly, Duncan heard the piano play. Then he turned around and walked over to see a beautiful woman singing, "Love Come Back". This suddenly caused Duncan to remember Kalas making beautiful music with a woman, Maria, at Paris in 1920. He was desperately jealous to what Kalas thought, given both Kalas and Maria had something in common: making music.
After some reflection, Duncan approached the singer after she was finished.
"I haven't heard that in a long time," Duncan stated.
"Yeah?" the woman replied, "Stick around. We play it every night. The owner's got this thing about it."
"Really?"
"Mm – hmm."
"What's the owner's name?" Duncan asked.
The woman saw the bartender looking at her before telling Duncan awkwardly, "Uh, sorry. I gotta go."
She left the bar. Then, Duncan walked over to the bartender after he turned away.
"Maybe you could answer the questions," Duncan stated before he walked over to the bartender, "Now, where can I find your boss?"
"The bar's closed," the bartender said as he pointed towards the door.
"Really."
"I said the bar's clo –," the bartender was cut off when Duncan punched him, shoved his head under a beer tap, pulled the lever so beer ran out into the bartender's head, and he sputtered as a result.
"This could last for hours," Duncan stated, "Sounds like a new keg."
"Shakespeare and Company," the bartender finally relented on the answer.
Duncan closed the tap, "Put it on my tab."
He released the bartender from his grasp and left the bar.
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"No, no," Salzer insisted, "I'm sure I've never heard of him, but books...books, I do know."
Kalas proceeded to pick up one of the books, something his prisoner recognized, "Ah, that is my prize. An original of Poe, signed by the author himself."
"Facsinating," Kalas stated before insisting, "but it's not what I'm looking for, Mr. Salzer. You are!"
"I – I think you've made a mistake," Salzer stammered before he looked at the book Kalas was holding, "Uh, please, put it back."
"That's not what Roger said," Kalas stated, "You remember Roger, don't you?"
Then he tore a page out of the book.
"Don't!" Salzer cried out, "Look, it's priceless!"
Kalas tore out another page in the book.
"Look!" Salzer insisted, "I don't know what you're talking about!"
Kalas closed the book, "Let me refresh your memory."
He backhanded Salzer with the book, stalked him through the bookshelves, "I'm an immortal. You're a Watcher. I've heard you knows things about us."
"No."
"All of us!"
"No, no! I swear!"
"It's not nice to lie to people," Kalas stated before he pushed Salzer into a corner and leaned over him, "I'm looking for a particular old, powerful immortal. His name is Methos."
Salzer's eyes widened.
"I see you've heard of him," Kalas noted the expression on the Watcher's face before he pulled a knife and held it over Salzer, threateningly, "Speak...or you'll never speak again."
Kalas held the knife against Salzer's tongue.
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Duncan was walking to where the bookstore was located, trying to sense Kalas' buzz. He walked past a table of books, and entered the shop. He looked to try to find Kalas, or someone who might be inside.
"Hello?" Duncan looked around, walking through the shelves of the bookstore, "Hello?"
Suddenly, he heard moaning sounds and Duncan found Salzer on the floor and knelt down next to him. His mouth was bloodied while he laid there dying.
"I'm Duncan MacLeod. Who did this to you?" Duncan asked. Salzer reached down to the puddle of blood and put the blood on a piece of paper to write with his finger. He first wrote the letter M.
"M," Duncan stated, "MacLeod. That's right."
"Uh – uh," Salzer replied with a moan before he wrote again.
"What? What is it?" Duncan asked. He noticed Salzer had written the letter E.
"E," Duncan asked, "Is that an E?"
He never got that answer as Salzer died moments later. Duncan grabbed his arm, revealing a Watcher's tattoo on his wrist, then he picked up the paper with ME in blood before leaving the bookstore.
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Tori stewed as she sneaked her way to the storage room. She had no idea there was even a storage area in this kind of place, but then again, what did she know? Motorcross racing was Richie's thing. Maybe she would ask him about it.
She glanced around a nearby box, seeing something glowing blue inside. Wondering what it could be, Tori hurried to the area to see a box full of tablets glowing bright blue.
"This looks suspicious," Tori noted before she grabbed a handful of tablets and snuck them into her handbag. Then without a second thought, she hurried out of the storage room. Tori couldn't let Richie suspect something from the start and crush his dreams. That would've been inconsiderate of her. She decided to let her mother or Jack examine the tablets before jumping to conclusions.
For right now, Tori was going to meet back with Richie, and then she was going to get the tablets investigated.
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"Simon, will you take care of her for me, tomorrow?" Richie asked as it was night time, and the practice was over for the day.
"Yeah, all right," Simon answered.
"Okay, great," Richie replied, "thanks, man."
Tori hugged her boyfriend, "You were great."
"Thanks, Tori," Richie replied, holding her hand.
"You should have been in third on turn four," the blonde rider called out.
Richie chuckled, "Maybe you take it that way."
The blonde man walked over to Richie and introduced himself, "I'm Basil Dornin — Saracen's number one."
He shook Richie's hand, "Welcome to the team."
"Thanks. Richie Ryan," Richie introduced himself, "Nice to meet you."
"And this is Terri," Basil introduced the blonde female rider he was with.
"Hi, Terri."
"Hi."
"And this is my girlfriend," Richie introduced his girlfriend to them, "Tori Gordon."
"Nice to meet you," Basil replied.
"Pleasure," Tori stated as she shook hands with the racer.
"Let's all have a drink with the ladies, shall we?" Basil suggested.
"What do you think?" Richie asked as he looked at his girlfriend.
"It doesn't sound like a bad idea," Tori replied, "but I can't drink too much alcohol."
Richie smiled, he couldn't be more happier to be with a wonderful, smart and beautiful girl such as her.
Richie then recalled Maya, a friend of his who Tori thought helped Piton set up Richie in an irrational move. Maya was killed awhile back, so Tori did get her wish. He'd be mad about it, but given that Maya said some crappy things about him to Piton after Richie was arrested, which Tori managed to catch on video/audio, he didn't really miss her.
Then he thought about Tori. Most of the time, she didn't like some of the women he hung out with, namely Maya, Laura, Felicia, and Donna. However, some of his friends she did like, such as the musician Jenny. Richie suspected jealousy when it came to both Maya and Donna. It shouldn't matter to either of them now since Felicia, Maya and Laura were all dead, but he didn't know where Donna was.
However, he knew Tori just wanted what was best for him, and that was what a good girlfriend would do. This wasn't just about looks, Tori Gordon had the package deal in his opinion and was steering him to the right path.
"Long live the king!" a slurring voice declared.
Everyone looked, noticing Philippe had just arrived and he was drunk. Richie held Tori in a protective mode. He'd be damned before he let anything happen to her.
"Still here, Philippe?" Basil asked.
"You did this," Philippe ranted at Basil, "You forced me off the road and then you trashed me to Saracen!"
He gave Basil a push, "You!"
"You couldn't move over fast enough," Basil argued.
"There was nowhere else to go!" Philippe exclaimed.
"Hey, why don't you just chill out," Richie told the two men before Philippe pushed him away.
"Richie's right," Tori added, "Calm down!"
"You don't want to do this," Richie insisted.
"What?" Philippe replied.
"Leave him alone," a spectator called out, "Why don't you leave him alone?"
Philippe swung at Richie and grabbed his hand and held it in position.
"Back off!" Tori snapped before she gave the man a hard kick, causing him to release Richie from his grasp. She hurried next to him, "Are you okay?"
"I'll be fine," Richie assured her, "Let's go."
"Good idea," Tori nodded in agreement before they both walked away.
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Seacouver – Joe's Bar
Joe was looking around his bar as he heard the phone ring. He answered it, "Joe's?"
"Hi, Joe," Duncan responded on the other end, "it's me."
"MacLeod."
"Yeah, I've got some bad news," Duncan informed him, "It's about your missing Watcher."
"Yeah," Joe stated, "he turned up a few hours ago. The police fished him out of the Siene."
There was a pause of silence between the callers.
"MacLeod?" Joe asked, breaking the silence, "Did you hear me?"
"Yeah, I heard you," Duncan responded, "That means Kalas killed one of your people."
"No," Joe muttered in disbelief.
"Yeah, in the American bookstore."
"Don Salzer," Joe stated, "Oh boy."
"What is it?" Duncan asked.
"He's not a field guy," Joe answered, "He's a historian. He'd have no reason to be near Kalas."
"Before Salzer died, he was trying to write something," Duncan explained, "They were the letters M – E. What could they mean?"
"This is no good," Joe muttered to himself, "I'm gonna have to make some calls."
"Joe!" Duncan exclaimed.
"Salzer, he's been working on the Methos chronicle," Joe explained, "If Kalas was to find Methos..."
"Oh, come on, Joe," Duncan stated with skepticism, "Methos doesn't exist. The oldest immortal? He's a legend. He's like, well, uh, Adam and Eve."
"Oh no," Joe replied, "He exists all right."
"Are you telling me you've seen him?" Duncan asked.
"Me? No. He's very elusive," Joe explained, "Have to be, to live that long. Imagine an immortal so old that he doesn't remember the time of his birth. If Kalas found him and took his head, he'd be even stronger."
"That means we're going to have to find him first," Duncan replied.
"We've got a guy at the university," Joe stated, "Adam Pierson. He's been our top Methos scholar for about ten years. He knows as much about Methos as anybody. I'll, uh, let him know you're coming."
"Okay," Duncan replied before the call ended.
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"What did you find?" Richie asked Tori as they were sitting at a separate table from the rest of the group.
"I found some strange blue tablets that were glowing," Tori answered, "I don't know what they are, or what it means, but when we get back to my place, I'm going to show the samples to Mom. This might be the corruption that had been suspected."
Richie groaned. "I hope not."
"For your sake," Tori replied. "I hope not either."
"Try and look happy, mate," Basil told Richie as he approached the couple. "You just made the bloody Saracen team."
"I'm okay," Richie assured him.
"Me too," Tori added.
"Is it Philippe? Is that what's eating you two?" Basil asked before telling them, "Hey, he can't cut it anymore. That's just the way it is. Everybody gets old."
"Yeah," Tori chimed in, "but sometimes people grow old and they remain looking young."
Before Basil could say anything else, the group heard engine revving outside.
"Uh oh," Tori stated.
"Somebody's out on the tracks," Richie added.
The group looked to find Philippe on one of the bikes outside.
"Philippe?" Tori quipped.
"What the hell is he doing?" Richie asked.
"I guess the man thinks he's got something to prove," Basil answered.
"The guy's loaded," Richie insisted, "He shouldn't be out there."
Richie, Tori, Basil and a group of people ran out of the bar and to the tracks.
"Slow down!" Tori shouted.
The group looked on in horror as Philippe lost control, flew off the bike and hit the ground hard.
"Oh God," Tori stated before she asked, "Is he okay?"
Philippe took off his helmet and passed out. Tori looked on in horror as blue smoke evaporated from his body.
"Could it be?" Tori muttered.
She and Richie hurried over to where Philippe was laying as the latter checked for a pulse.
"Richie, what happened?" Tori asked, seeing the blue liquid emerging from Philippe's mouth.
"He's dead," Richie answered.
"We need to get back," Tori whispered to her boyfriend, "I'll show Mom the tablets I found and we'll take matters from there."
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"What did you tell him?" Kalas asked his bartender.
"The bookstore," the bartender answered, "That's all, I swear."
He then asked, "Who was that guy?"
"Get back to your work," Kalas instructed the bartender.
"Yes, sir."
Kalas took a seat and unbuttoned the collar of his shirt, rubbing the scar on his neck, grimacing. Then he reflected on that fateful day in 1920, Paris where Duncan and Kalas fought, and it led to Duncan giving him that scar on his neck.
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Tori placed the tablets on a pad next to her computer.
"What's that for?" Richie asked.
"It'll allow my mom to figure out what these tablets exactly are," Tori answered, "and we'll get our answers about corruption, hopefully."
"Good luck with that, babe," Richie replied, "I'm going to head to bed now."
"Get some sleep," Tori smiled at him, "I'll join you after I figure out what is going on."
They shared a kiss before parting ways.
"Goodnight, Slic Vic," Richie called out.
Tori chuckled before replying, "Goodnight, Richie Rich."
They both shared a laugh before Richie left.
Then Tori heard beeping on her computer and answered the video call.
"I got your message, Tori," Janet spoke up.
"I don't know what's going on," Tori stated, "other than these mysterious glowing blue tablets I found, and the fact that Philippe was foaming blue liquid when he died."
"Scan it to me," Janet instructed, "and I'll take a look."
Tori complied with the instructions. A few minutes later, Janet had a surprised look on her face, "This isn't good."
"What is it?" Tori asked.
"These are Glowraids," Janet explained, "these drugs originated from the planet Delta Phoenix 9, something really bad. If someone takes these drugs, the effects are similar to if you were to take cocaine or steroids, and your Philippe racer must have died not only from his crash, but from an overdose on Glowraids."
"Great," Tori stated, "Just as Richie's dream is about to be realized, the corruption of these space drugs come into play."
"It is suspected that one of the riders were behind the drugs being illegally brought here," Janet explained, "I believe it is the one you call Basil Dornin."
"Why would he do such a thing?!" Tori exclaimed, shell shocked at the revelation.
"From what we were able to figure out," Janet answered, "an inhabitant from Delta Phoenix 9 snuck by and Basil brought the drugs from him."
"What?!" Richie exclaimed in shock as he entered the room, "There's no way."
"I'm sorry, Richard," Janet apologized, "but it is true."
There was a pause of silence as Richie shook his head in denial, "Damn. Damn. Damn it!"
"There's one more thing," Janet spoke up, breaking the silence.
"What's that, Mom?" Tori asked.
"Another immortal has been spotted in Paris," Janet explained, "this time, it's believed to be the legendary immortal, Methos."
"Methos?!" Richie and Tori exclaimed in unison.
Janet nodded, "Jack gave me the files. There's not many pictures for Methos, but we have pictures of his watcher, Adam Pierson, and it is possible both Methos and Adam have a connection."
She shown one picture of the supposed Methos, an immortal man with dark hair, "That was from over 500 years ago."
Then, Janet shown them a picture of Adam, "And this is his watcher, Adam Pierson. Jack believes these two look familiar, even though no one has ever seen Methos before."
"It's more than just familiarity, Mom," Tori replied, "It might sound far fetched, but I believe that the Watcher Adam Pierson, and this immortal Methos are exactly the same person."
"It is possible," Richie replied, "seeing the resemblances and all."
"That's my daughter for you," Janet stated proudly, "You're capable of putting two and two together in certain situations."
"I don't always have the answers," Tori quipped.
"True," Janet replied before telling the couple, "You two might run into Methos in the foreseeable future."
"If Kalas doesn't take his head first," Tori replied.
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Duncan found himself at a quiet, isolated house which was located on the outskirts of Paris. Duncan stood at the door as he got the buzz.
"Come in," a voice replied, "It's open."
Duncan drawn his sword and entered the house. He had no idea what to expect, but it wouldn't hurt to prepare for everything as usual as he was moving towards the Buzz, it was strong, coming from a well lit room beyond.
"Adam?" Duncan called out, looking for the immortal, "Adam?"
Duncan saw that the room was stark ultra mix of computers and leather jacket books of any sizes.
Then he looked to see Methos, listening to head phones, Doc Martens propped at the desk, and he noticed pizza half eaten in a box along a couple of beers behind him.
Methos looked up and gazed at MacLeod with an intelligent, penetrating look. Duncan gazed back. They held this stance a beat before Methos closed his book and took off his headphones.
"Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod," Methos greeted him. He paused a moment before saying, "Have a seat. Mi casa es su casa."
He handed Duncan a beer, then the Highlander lowered his sword to catch the can. Then he started to laugh, "Outrageous."
Duncan looked at him, "Methos?"
Methos looked down briefly acknowledging, then back at Duncan with a smirk.
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"Five thousand years," Duncan stated as he walked with Methos at the canal bank.
"Give or take," Methos replied, "and that was when I took my first head. Before that...it all starts to blur."
"I guess it would," Duncan said, "So, have you, uh..."
"Made any sense of it?" Methos chimed in, "Found any purpose?"
"What, you read minds too?" Duncan asked.
"No," Methos answered, "It's what I'd ask if I'd just met me."
"I just didn't think you existed," Duncan insisted.
"Well, it's good to be a myth," Methos replied.
"Yeah, no one hunts a myth...or a Watcher."
"What better place to hide?" Methos asked, "I'm in charge of finding myself, and I make sure it never happens. Even got a few entries of you in my journal."
"You keep a diary?" Duncan asked.
"Been keeping it almost since writing began," Methos answered.
"That would make a hell of a read."
"You could say that," Methos said before asking, "How many people have stood on the same stage with Julius Caesar and the Rolling Stones?"
"So you know about Kalas?" Duncan asked.
"He killed a good friend," Methos answered.
"Yeah," Duncan informed him, "Now he'll be coming for Adam Pierson."
"Do you think I'd still be around if I was an easy mark?" Methos asked.
"When was the last time you faced someone?" Duncan inquired.
"Ohh. Uh, where were we?" Methos asked before answering, "Sixth of March. Uh...two hundred years."
"Oh, that's good."
"Hey, I may be a bit rusty, but I'm still here."
"Well, let's keep it that way," Duncan insisted, "I'll stay close."
"You cannot fight my battles for me, MacLeod," Methos told him before walking away.
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Tori looked on as she watched Richie taking part of the races. She wasn't really paying attention to the announcer as she was focusing on her boyfriend, cheering him on to win first place.
"You can do it, Richie!" Tori cheered.
The racing continued until both Basil and Richie crossed the finish line.
"Dornin and Ryan finish one, two for the Saracen team!"
Tori cheered for her boyfriend again before going over to find her boyfriend, who was with the other racers. The time trials have ended for the day.
Tori looked over to see Richie talking to Basil.
"Hell of a run," Basil told his competitor, "You were really flying out there today."
"Thanks," Richie replied, deciding not to let him know he knew about the drugs as both Tori and Janet advised for the time being.
"Richie..." Basil started to say.
"Yeah?" Richie replied.
"Never mind."
"Hey, if you've got something to say," Richie told him, "just say it."
"You were very tight on that turn," Basil told him, "The inside line is pretty unstable."
"That's funny," Richie replied, "I was talking to Saracen..."
Basil cut him off, "Saracen's not a racer. Just offering some friendly advice."
"Thank you."
"No problem," Basil replied, "we're on the same team, right?"
"Yeah," Richie replied before his competitive rival left.
Then Tori walked up to him, "I know you wish to be a team player, but creeps like Basil don't as you might have guessed."
Richie nodded.
"You should be proud," Tori told her boyfriend, "second place isn't that bad, but it'd be better if you beat that Basil creep."
"I agree," Richie replied.
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Methos walked towards the apartment and he sensed the Buzz. He turned around and saw Kalas.
"So you're the famous Adam Pierson," Kalas eyed his target.
"At the moment," Methos replied.
"I was in your house," Kalas informed him as he moved forward, "Found a diary there. Pity I couldn't read the hieroglyphics, but the Ancient Greek was most enlightening."
"You should have been there," Methos replied.
The next thing Methos knew, he was dueling with Kalas onto a bridge. Methos was retreating as Kalas attacked. Methos blocked an overhead swing and exchanged some parries, and then climbed onto a bridge rail. Kalas followed him. Then they continued to fight until Kalas pinned Methos, trying to take his head.
"You've been out of the game too long," Kalas stated.
Methos twisted, sending himself over the rail into the river, and he pulled Kalas with him. Upon hitting the water, Methos escaped to where Kalas could no longer find him, at least for the time being.
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Duncan entered the fog shrouded tunnel, carrying a paperback. He paused, opened the book and looked at it for a moment before he continued walking. He then sensed the Buzz.
Methos appeared with his own sword in hand.
"Methos," Duncan noticed him, "Kalas found you? Is he dead?"
"No," Methos answered.
As he swung his sword at the Highlander, Duncan jumped back, dropped his book, and drawn out his sword, "Why?"
"Because there can be only one," Methos declared before he attacked again and the two immortals fought.
Duncan ended up knocking Methos' sword aside and brought his katana to his throat. He was very reluctant to simply just take his head.
"What are you waiting for, MacLeod?" Methos asked, seeing his reluctance.
"No!" Duncan shouted as he stepped back and used his katana to knock Methos' sword from his hand.
"I'd have killed you," Methos told him.
"No, you would have made a mistake," Duncan replied, "and then let me take your head."
"You think I want to die?" Methos asked, "You think it's easier after thousands of years?"
"Then why?"
"Because if you don't kill me, Kalas will."
Duncan could tell Methos was desperate to an extent, but he wasn't going to make it easy, "Not unless I get him first."
"And if you don't?" Methos asked before telling the Highlander, "I cannot beat him. I have tried. He will take my head and then he will have the strength to take yours."
"So after five thousand years, your only solution is that I kill you?" Duncan asked.
"He can beat me," Methos answered, "He might beat you. He can't beat both of us."
"If it's that simple," Duncan asked, "why don't you take my head?"
"Because it's not just a matter of who's the best fighter," Methos answered as he walked towards him, "It is about passion and hate. I don't have the fire. You do. You want Kalas."
Methos grabbed Duncan's katana and placed it on his neck, "Live, Highlander. Grow stronger...Fight another day."
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Tori watched as Richie was again taking part of the races. She wanted him to win, and she wanted Basil to lose. She clutched her fists just thinking about how arrogant Basil was.
She looked on as Basil was unfortunately in the lead, but Richie was right behind him.
Tori noticed as Basil and Richie were the strongest of the team, with the latter trying to take the lead from the former. She'd hoped that her boyfriend turned out on top.
"Ryan and Dornin are one, two. The Saracen team is taking it away."
Tori smiled proudly of her boyfriend. This was what he wanted to do. She reflected on Richie telling her something before they left for Paris.
"You know," Richie told her, "if Kalas didn't try to torment me, I would have been in Florida for that race."
"I know," Tori comforted her boyfriend, "I know. Kalas won't get away with what he's done."
Tori looked up as she saw Basil was riding neck and neck with Richie.
"Go, Richie!" Tori cheered.
The cheering was cut when Basil tried to force Richie to fall back or lose control of his bike. In response, Richie retaliated.
"You can't be serious," Tori glanced on in disbelief.
The two racers jostled each other until Richie lost control and crashed.
"Ryan is down!" the announcer declared, "It looks like Dornin is going to take the race for the Saracen team!"
"Oh no," Tori muttered, shaking her head, "Richie really was riding with the devil, and Basil is that devil."
She looked in worry as Richie staggered to his feet, removed his helmet and slammed it to the ground. It was clear that he was furious.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Tori looked on as Richie was taking his gloves off. She did her best not to say anything, otherwise he might go off on her.
Saracen walked over to the couple, "Are you okay, Richie?"
"Yeah," Richie answered, still mad.
"Up in the corner like that?" Saracen asked, "What the hell were you thinking?"
"I made a mistake," that was all Richie could say.
"Yes, I made a mistake!" Richie exclaimed.
"You only get one!" Saracen replied.
"At least Richie didn't buy illegal drugs from an alien planet!" Tori shouted as Saracen left. She took a deep breath to try and compose herself.
Basil walked over to the couple with a bottle of champagne in his hand, "Consolation drink?"
Both Richie and Tori turned away.
"Ah, too bad, Richie," Basil stated, "You were that close. It's a grown up game, Ryan. You're only as good as your last win."
Richie immediately got in his face, "You set me up."
"Like you Americans say," Basil replied, "if you can't take the heat..."
He proceeded to leave. In an out of character move, Tori flipped off Basil in sign language as well as giving him the middle finger. Richie's eyes widened in surprise.
"Sorry, Rich," Tori apologized, "he had it coming."
"It was kind of funny honestly," Richie chuckled, "I never knew you had colorful vocabulary."
"Growing up," Tori stated, "Flash and Dale told me and my cousins that we weren't allowed to swear, let alone flip somebody off."
"You're all grown up now," Richie told her.
"I know Basil set you up," Tori glanced at her boyfriend, "but I think this is getting to be a bit dangerous."
"The investigation isn't over yet."
"I totally hate that part."
"Your mom wants to see the races, and if anything happens," Richie stated, "Leader is willing to make a cover up story for the authorities and news reporters."
Tori only glanced at him in response. It seems he wasn't listening to her concerns and neither was her mother, which couldn't be a good thing.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Duncan walked into the apartment Methos was now staying at. He sensed the Buzz.
"Welcome home, Methos," Kalas greeted him.
"Hello, Kalas," Duncan greeted his enemy.
Kalas turned, stood up and faced him, "Where's Methos?"
"It doesn't matter anymore, does it?" Duncan asked as he walked down and came face to face with his enemy.
"You were after him all along," Kalas stated.
"Now I'm after you!" Duncan declared.
"I'll get Methos," Kalas announced, "when I get you."
With that, the two immortals began their duel. They exchanged a few blows as Kalas led Duncan out of the apartment, and onto a bridge over Seine.
"Ah, it's a bitter taste, isn't it, Kalas?" Duncan asked, "Fear."
They fought along the bridge.
"You're losing your touch, Kalas," Duncan stated.
Kalas jumped off the bridge and landed on a stack of pallets and was down to quay. Duncan followed him. They continued to fight until they were interrupted by the arrival of the police.
"Some other time, MacLeod," Kalas said.
"We'll make it soon," Duncan replied before both immortals hid their swords away and Duncan watched what was going on, hiding behind a support column.
He saw the police car surrounding Kalas.
"Mr. Kalas," the male inspector informed him, "You're under arrest for the murder of Don Salzer."
"You have no proof of that," Kalas replied.
"Wrong," Methos replied, stepping forward, "That's the man, inspector."
The Inspector escorted Kalas to a police van.
"Why?" Duncan asked as Methos walked over to him.
"Because I didn't know if you could beat him," Methos answered, "It's a chance I couldn't take."
The Inspector walked over to the pair.
"Mr. Pierson," he addressed Methos, "We'll need your statement at the station."
Methos turned to Duncan, "Remember, Highlander. Live...grow stronger...fight another day."
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Duncan paced around the empty apartment and he called Joe, explaining everything.
"You're telling me that Adam Pierson is really Methos?" Joe asked.
"I think it was his little jokes on you," Duncan stated, "Adam, the first man."
"What better way to steer clear of other immortals," Joe muttered over the phone before telling Duncan, "He's been right there all along. I can't believe I missed it."
"There's no way you could've known," Duncan assured him.
"You hang tight, MacLeod," Joe informed him, "I'm gonna be on the next plane."
"Joe, don't bother," Duncan replied, staring at the empty apartment, "He's gone, and all your chronicles went with him. He's gonna be hard to find."
"What about Kalas?" Joe asked.
"Out of reach," Duncan answered, "He's in jail, at least for now, but I can wait."
He hanged up the phone before looking around the empty apartment again, saw his book laying next to the radiator. Duncan picked up the book and began to read.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Tori was sitting by herself in the living room. She had to do something about this racing situation pronto before something worse happens, such as Richie dying, but being presumed dead for at least a generation in France, maybe all of Europe as well.
Her mother insisted this was part of the investigation of the Delta Phoenix 9 drugs being at the station illegally as well as Philippe dying from not only the accident, but a possible overdose as well.
Richie was also brushing her concerns off, stating he just had to try harder, then he'd win the race.
It was up to Tori to resolve this matter in case something did happen during this upcoming race. She began working on a stimulation invention, it'd make "Richie" appear to the other racers and Saracen as the real deal while Richie had VR goggles on the whole time. In case he actually died, it would be like a usual immortal death, except the image would vanish before the explosion could happen.
"I hope this works once it's completed," Tori stated to herself, she looked at her designs before declaring, "Perfect. It should be ready the day before the races."
---------
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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