DCH 4
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Four: Questions & Answers
Tori sighed sadly as she walked away from the casket. She couldn't believe her aunt was gone, but it was a fact. Dale was dead, killed by Ming, and she was not coming back. She joined the family back at the mansion.
"It's hard to believe Dale is no longer with us," Abigail stated.
"Yes," Mandrake replied, "but she will always be with us in our hearts."
The family continued talking about Dale, talking about how she was a wonderful mother, even to Tori, who was a daughter to both Flash and Dale after Ian's death and Janet's incarceration.
Tori listened in on different stories of Dale, most of them she had already heard of.
Suddenly, she was sensing something, as if there was another presence in the area. She twitched a little.
"Tor?" April asked, tugging at her arm. "What's wrong?"
"Someone's here," Tori muttered.
"What do you mean?" Kshin asked.
Suddenly, the window smashed and a man appeared, taking everyone by surprise. This man wasn't too huge in size, but he was well built and had dark hair with a beard. Not only that, he was holding a sword in his hand. "Ah, now I have come to finish the job I have started."
"What the hell is his deal?!" Abigail exclaimed.
"Oh, don't worry," the man said with an evil smirk, eyeing Tori. "I won't be long. Just let me have the girl, and I will be on my way."
"Are you an agent for Ming?" Flash asked. "No matter because you will not be touching my niece."
"We shall see about that," the man replied. The man started swinging his sword around the room.
"You kids stay back," Mandrake told his young ward.
"I know," Kshin replied, annoyed, "so we can be safe."
Tori, Rick, Jedda, LJ, Sara, April and Kshin did their best to stay out of the action.
"Why does this psycho want Tori?" Sara asked.
"I have no idea," Rick shook his head.
"Regardless," April stepped forward, "he's not going to touch our cousin!"
"What are you doing?!" Rick exclaimed. "We were told to stay back!"
Flash and Abby tried their best to fire at the mysterious man. He dodged until their blasters ran out of rounds. Lothar tried beating the brute down, and Mandrake summoned an illusion in effort to to subdue him. The Phantom also used a power, summoning the strength of ten tigers against the man. He was down for a moment on each attempt but he eventually recovered each time.
"Is that the best you can do?" the guy chuckled. He then grabbed Tori by the hair while she was standing with the younger kids.
"Tori!" April exclaimed in horror.
Tori pushed him away, then unleased a series of Muay Thai strikes as he approached again. She stunned him with her knees, then swung a beauty of a high kick that landed square on his head.
The attacker stumbled onto his side. It looked like one of his teeth flew out. As Tori's attention was caught by that, the man recovered and tackled her to the floor.
"Stop where you are, Davis!" a female voice demanded.
Everyone looked to see a young woman with pixie brunette hair, holding a sword of her own.
"Oh, Amanda," Davis glanced at the swordswoman, "you know the rules."
"Yeah, I know the rules," Amanda nodded in response, "but the girl you're attacking is new to the game, so therefore, you will have to battle me."
"Fine," Davis scoffed before freeing Tori from his grasp, "but after I take your head, I will take hers."
With that, Davis and Amanda engaged in a one on one sword fight.
"Who is this girl?" LJ asked.
"Her name is Amanda," Kshin answered bluntly.
"We know that from what that sick man said," Sara replied, "but who exactly is she?"
Eventually, Amanda gained the upper hand against Davis before swinging her sword, and his head rolled, prompting gasps to fill the room.
"That's what MacLeod did," Tori muttered.
Suddenly, the Defenders, Abby, Sara and Tori all heard a crackle of thunder.
"Is it supposed to be thundering tonight?" Flash asked.
"Not that I am aware of," Mandrake answered, shaking his head. The group looked to see the lighting surrounding Amanda, shortly after some mysterious energy transfer from Davis' body to hers.
Everyone looked on in shock as some of lighting hit different parts of the room, including causing a blackout in the living room.
After a little bit, it was all over. Amanda looked at Tori, Sara, Abby and the Defenders.
"This is going to be a lot to take in," Amanda glanced at Tori and the Defenders, "so, I hope you guys can brace yourselves."
"What was all that about?" Jedda asked, "you beheaded that guy and thunder surrounded you after that."
"That is called a Quickening," Amanda answered. She paused and took a deep breath. "Normally, mortals are not supposed to know about immortals, but there had been exceptions, so..."
"Immortals?" Mandrake spoke up next.
"Yeah," Amanda replied. "Immortals exist, and one of your own happens to be immortal."
The Defenders all looked at one another, wondering who the immortal was.
"The guy your beheaded nearly took Tori's head," Rick uttered. "That is, until you showed up."
"Yes," Amanda said bluntly. "Tori would be the immortal."
Tori paled in shock. So, this was what happened to her.
"Tori..." Amanda glanced at her. "Do you recognize the changes you had experienced?"
She shook her head. "Not really. I just noticed I was feeling changes when they happened last night."
"Can you explain further about these changes?" Mandrake asked. He seemed to be curious about what was going on as did the rest of the Defenders.
"Last night while I was enjoying the night view," Tori explained, "then suddenly, I heard a loud clapping sound. It sounded like a gun shot, and I felt some intense pain in my back before I blacked out."
"That's when I found Tori," April added, "she looked awful and she told me to take her to the summer home."
"So, that's why you went to our summer home," Flash stated quietly. "I can understand why though."
"That's your first death," Amanda said. "Davis was killing pre-immortals in this area, and then try to take their heads before they can figure out what happened to them."
"Like what nearly happened back there," Lothar stated.
"Davis must have shot Tori last night," Amanda explained. "Some immortals are good, and some are evil."
"And this Davis guy was an evil immortal," Kshin asked, "while you are good?"
Amanda looked around as she eyed Tori and the Defenders. "Tori, you mind if you come with me and I will explain things further to you, and perhaps I'll help train you before you return home."
There was a pause of silence as Tori glanced at her uncle and cousins as well as the rest of the Defenders. They were surprised at everything that had happened.
"You should go with her," Flash said, "and us Defenders will take care of getting our headquarters up and running."
"Okay," Tori uttered before she looked at Amanda. "That sounds like a plan."
"What will we tell Sara and Aunt Abigail?" April asked.
"I guess we tell them," Flash answered. "Tori had an emergency and was in the process of returning home."
"Hopefully, they'll buy that story," Rick nodded.
"In due time," Amanda assured the Defenders. "If it's true that Tori is living in Seacouver, this may not be the last time you have immortal encounters."
"What do you mean by that?" LJ asked.
"Well," Amanda answered, "if Tori has met MacLeod as she stated, then you will be in for more adventures than just this Ming the Merciless you speak about."
That gave the Defenders something to think about. They weren't sure if they would come across Duncan MacLeod given he was a few states away from where they lived, being Washington as they lived in California. Of course, in their line of work, anything could happen.
You're Reading
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
Tori looked around the hotel room Amanda was staying in. She was immortal now, and she assumed that Amanda had been immortal much longer than she had.
"There's a lot more to being immortal than what you told the Defenders, isn't there?" Tori asked.
"Yep," Amanda affirmed. "I explained the Quickening already, but there is more to immortals than what I explained as well as how first deaths work."
Tori nodded.
"There are some rules with being an immortal," Amanda revealed. "First, you may not fight on holy ground, such as a church. Second, immortal combat is one on one only, no outside interference. Typically, mortals are not supposed to know about immortals, as I explained to your friends back there, as the mortal dies, you move on."
Tori nodded, listening intently as Amanda explained the rules to her.
"When only a few are left," Amanda continued. "All immortals will be drawn to a distant land, and that is called the Gathering, which is around the corner, give or take."
"What's the Gathering?" Tori asked. "And what's the prize?"
"The Gathering is an event, during which all immortals will be drawn to a distant land. In the end, there can be only one. The last immortal will receive all the power of all the immortals who have ever lived."
"You're not supposed to die as an immortal, are you?" Tori asked.
Amanda paused. "There is one way," she said under her breath. "Your head can be decapitated from your body, like you saw back at the mansion."
"And when I saw MacLeod take the Quickening from that one man," Tori stated.
"Exactly," Amanda said. "So you have witnessed immortal action prior."
Tori nodded. "There is a way to defend yourself from other immortals, right?"
"There is." Amanda produced some sort of box. "Here, this is yours."
Tori opened the box. It looked like a tachi. She got the sword out of the box and examined it. "Nice."
"I shall be training you to get to your opponent before they get to you." Amanda touched her student's shoulder gently. "Get some rest. You're going to need it."
"Here?" Tori asked. "I can spend the night here?"
"Of course."
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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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