DCH 45
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Forty-Five: Walking On Shattered Glass
"What do you think?" Tori asked as she glanced at Richie as they were having lunch at a cafe across from the airport.
"I don't know," Richie smiled, biting into his burger, "it's just all been great. For what it's worth, it was worth the while because I made it through. From Felicia to Michael, and even Kalas."
"I beheaded two thirds of the ones who hurt you," Tori stated, sipping her drink, "but even though Mac was the one who took Kalas' head, I'm just glad he's gone too."
"Yeah," Richie nodded in agreement, "me too. The worst of that saga is over."
The pair heard beeping on the tablet. Tori proceeded to answer it, "Hello?"
"It is good that you and Richard made it back to Seacouver in one piece," Janet stated, "after that short trip to Scotland, of course."
"Mac didn't want us in Scotland," Richie informed her, "as it was related to his family, and his past."
"I see," Janet nodded. There was a pause of silence before she spoke up again, "I've come to inform you that there is another immortal in the city that you need to be on the look out for."
"Oh boy," Richie muttered.
"Who's the immortal this time?" Tori asked.
"His name is Andrew Cord," Janet answered, "He's not exactly good news, and you two be on the look out as does MacLeod."
"It's fortunate that we made it to Seacouver before Joe and Mac did," Richie stated.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
"I wouldn't worry about it, MacLeod," Joe told Duncan as they were walking through the airport, "Richie and Tori are your friends, and they wanted to show you support."
Duncan sighed, "I supposed you're right."
"Of course, I am," Joe stated, "they're not exactly over 400 years old like you are or a thousand years."
"Like Amanda," Duncan chimed in.
"Exactly."
"They're just in their 20s and they'll forever be that young age when they first became immortals," Duncan stated, "Tori became immortal three years ago while Richie's been immortal for two."
"And they're both Intergalatic Union Agency Agents," Joe stated, "if there is any immortals in the area that need to be aware of, they get the heads up. They've been doing a good job at the IUA too, from helping you, to their own jobs."
Suddenly, Duncan sensed the Buzz. He looked around, and saw a man nearby, and looked on as the man had been shot twice. Duncan looked around until he saw the sniper who shot the immortal man as he ran off.
"Get him out of here," Duncan told Joe. Then, he took off after the sniper, and ran after him until he caught him at the chain linked fence. They fought hand in hand, until Duncan held the sniper down to a nearby car, and pulled off the ski mask – revealing to be Charlie.
"Charlie?!" Duncan exclaimed as his friend pushed him off of him.
"It's private, MacLeod," Charlie told him as he leaned back on the fence, "It's got nothing to do with you."
"You let me decided that," Duncan replied, joining his friend at the fence, before he asked, "Since when did you start shooting from cover, Charlie?"
"It's not what you think," Charlie answered.
"I'm listening."
"For what? To hear me say I'm sorry? It's done."
"To hear why."
"Because that son of a bitch deserved it, that's why," Charlie insisted before he gave a pause of silence and said, "It was a righteous action."
"Hey, it doesn't go that easy man," Duncan replied.
"Look MacLeod," Charlie insisted, "I did it, and I'll take the heat. Now, if you want to call the cops, I'm here."
"I'm not going to turn you in," Duncan replied, "but if you're in some sort of trouble, I'll..."
"There's nothing I can't handle," Charlie stated.
"You can't handle this one, Charlie," Duncan stressed.
There was another pause of silence.
"Is this because it's immortal business?" Charlie asked, breaking the silence.
Duncan took a deep breath, remembering that he knew he was immortal, "Yes. It's immortal business."
"That figures," Charlie sighed.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Joe pulled up to a deserted area, with Cord's body next to him. He listened as a familiar voice played over the radio.
Joe looked on as Cord revived, jerking upright and coughing. Cord was starting to move, and then he finally spoke up, "Turn that crap off!"
"No problem, Sergeant," Joe replied before he turned off the radio, and continued to watching Cord with a grin.
"Do I... Do I know you?" Cord asked.
Joe started singing in response, "I don't know but I been told, Good Marines, they don't grow old."
Cord leaned across the seat into Joe's face, "I don't know what the hell you're talking about."
"Viet Nam, Sergeant," Joe replied, "Trying to tell me you don't remember Thien Duc?"
Cord sat back, and stared at Joe.
"If I die don't bury me."
"If I die don't bury me."
"Stay in Bravo Company."
"Stay in Bravo Company."
"I don't know but I been told..."
"My platoon," Cord stated.
"Yeah," Joe replied.
"Boy Scout, is that you?" Cord finally recognized Joe, "Joe Dawson. I'll be damned. Outstanding!"
Joe held his hand, "Been a long time since anyone called me Boy Scout, Sarge."
1968
Joe was marching down the dirt road with the other Marine platoons, guns ready.
"Boy Scout!" a voice called from nearby.
Joe looked back, seeing Cord, "Me?"
"Yeah, you," Cord answered, "Follow me."
The Platoon entered Cong village, where they saw people dying, some wounded, others screaming.
"Maybe we should help?" Joe suggested.
He heard screams until a woman's screams caught his attention, as well as Cord's. They made their way to a village hut. They saw a Vietnamese woman cowering in the corner, crying. A soldier facing her was hiking his pants back up.
"Butler!" Cord called out to a soldier.
"No!" the woman shouted.
"Wait for me outside," Cord told Butler before he went to the woman.
"No!" the woman shouted, "No more hurt! No more hurt! No!"
"No, no, no. No, see?" Cord tried to comfort the woman as he crouched near her, set his rifle down, and took his helmet off, "Joe, what have you got in your pockets?"
Joe proceeded to check his pockets, "Some rations. Chocolate...Maybe a couple of bucks."
"Give it to her," Cord told him, before shouting, "Now!"
"No. No," the woman was still crying as she knocked the items out of Joe's hands, "No!"
Cord removed a watch from his vest pocket.
"Where'd you get that?" Joe asked.
"It fell off a truck," Cord answered before he shown the woman, "See? See? Rolex...three thousand dollar."
"No money!" the woman shouted, "Me no wicky wicky girl! Me tell! Me tell everybody!"
"Just tell me what you want, and I'll give it to you," Cord told her, "but you're not going to report him."
"Yes, yes!" the woman insisted, "Me tell!"
"Go find me up a radio or something," Cord told Joe.
"Maybe I should get the Lieutenant," Joe stated.
"Maybe you ought to do what I tell you," Cord interjected.
"No. No!" the woman exclaimed.
Joe proceeded to leave the hut, leaving Cord with the woman.
"Help me!" the woman shouted from inside the hut, "Help!"
Joe flinched upon hearing a gunshot from the hut. As Cord left the hut, he walked over to him, "Andy! What the hell did you do?"
"What I had to do," Cord answered, "She would've had him court martialed."
"He should've been court martialed," Joe argued.
"Butler's scum," Cord replied, "but he's one of our scum."
"He raped that woman, man. Damn it!" Joe exclaimed, "We're supposed to help these people, not kill them!"
"We're supposed to stay alive," Cord stressed, "and the only way you do that is take care of your own, no matter what."
"We can't do crap like that," Joe argued again.
"No matter what, Joe!" Cord stressed again, "Look around you. Look around. They want us like they want another dose of the clap. All we got is each other."
Joe looked to see Butler smoking a cigarette, smiling in response to a comment nearby before he was hit in the head by a bullet.
"We got snipers!" a soldier shouted.
"Incoming!" another soldier shouted. The soldiers attacked.
"Hold your ground!" Cord shouted, "Hold your ground!"
He ended up being shot multiple times before he fell down.
"Get down! Get down!" a soldier shouted.
"Sarge! Sarge!" another soldier shouted. Several soldiers hit the ground next to Cord, and they managed to duck the bullets.
"Come on, Andy!" Joe called out.
"He's dead!" a soldier exclaimed as he pulled him away, "Let's go! Come on! Let's go!"
Joe made a run for it, away from the village until he stepped on a pressure mine in the grass and froze.
"No!" Joe exclaimed in fear.
The mine exploded, sending Joe through the air and landing with a splash in the river. He found himself floating near a wooden dock, where Cord ended up finding him.
Joe noticed Cord's presence, "You're dead!"
"This look like heaven?" Cord asked before saying, "You got low expectations, Joe."
"Christ, I'm dying too," Joe groaned.
Cord saw an enemy that he didn't see, "Shhh. Keep your mouth shut, all right? You're going to be okay."
He started pulling Joe through the water with him.
The Present
"You look good," Cord told him.
"Hmmph," Joe replied.
"Better than the last time I saw you," Cord assured him.
"Yeah," Joe muttered to himself before speaking up, "No, I got old, Sergeant. You look good."
Cord tried to dissemble, "Well, yeah, you know, not – – not bad for someone who just got clipped."
"Clipped," Joe replied, "Right through the pump, Andy."
Cord scoffed, "Do I look like I just got dusted?"
"It's okay. I know what you are," Joe assured him, "I know about immortals."
"Well, that's a hell of an ice breaker," Cord replied.
"Ain't it, though," Joe stated, "You got any idea who the shooter was?"
"Could have been anybody, Joe," Cord replied, "Got a lot of past, Joe. Things accumulate."
"Yeah."
"Must be, uh, pretty much the same for your friend," Cord stated.
"Oh. Duncan MacLeod. A very good friend, Andy," Joe replied, "The best, but don't worry. I know how to keep a secret."
"Semper fi."
Joe gave Cord a salute.
"You always were a Boy Scout, Joe," Cord smiled.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
"Mud, those damned leeches everywhere," Joe stated, "You know, that guy carried me on his back sixteen miles through the jungle. I owe him my life."
"I couldn't imagine what you were going through," Richie stated, taking a sip of his Sprite Chill.
"But we understand," Duncan added.
"He'd be really pissed if he knew I came to talk to you about this," Joe said, "but he doesn't know about you or Tori."
"But he knows about MacLeod?" Tori asked.
"Yeah," Joe answered, "I forgot to mention you and Richie, but MacLeod was mentioned, but anyway, MacLeod, I just want you to know that he didn't come for you. He's – – he's just passing through."
"Fine. If he's not looking for me," Duncan replied, "I'm not looking for him."
"The IUA is on the watch for Cord unfortunately," Tori informed him, "My mom informed me that he was on their list of immortals to look out for."
"Why is that?" Joe asked.
"I'm not sure," Tori shook her head, "she never said."
"Well, whatever the case," Joe replied, "I just don't want any accidental encounters."
"I'm not looking for him," Duncan assured him, "The IUA may be looking for him, that doesn't mean you two have to."
"You're right you know," Richie nodded, "we let Leader know that they'll have to put Jack on assignment with Cord if he is really that concerning."
"And we'd be back up if something does happen," Tori added.
"Thank you," Joe replied with relief in his tone, "all of you."
He then walked towards the door, "Oh yeah, by the way, what happened to the sniper?"
"Sniper?!" Tori and Richie exclaimed in shock.
"So, someone else was after this guy too apparently," Richie stated.
"Evidently," Tori chimed in.
"He got away," Duncan answered.
"Oh, that's good," Joe replied, "Poor bastard doesn't know who he's taken on."
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
"I appreciate you two backing out of the IUA mission for this one," Duncan said as he was working out at the dojo, swinging punches at a punching bag.
"We're not officially backing out," Richie pointed out, "We just insisted that Jack take on this mission as I recalled Joe mentioning something about an Andy, at least briefly."
"Good memory," Tori quipped.
Charlie entered the dojo, "Hey, don't interrupt, man."
"Charlie, is that you?" Richie greeted his friend.
"When did you get back?" Tori added.
"Just got back yesterday," Charlie answered as he accepted the hug from them both, "it's good to see you guys too."
"Well, I just finished Charlie," Duncan replied, "unless you're here for a work out."
"Not really after what happened yesterday."
"What do you mean by yesterday?" Richie asked.
"There was an incident that happened yesterday," Charlie answered, "and it turned out to be immortal related."
"Andrew Cord?" Tori asked, "He's the immortal my mom mentioned."
A pause of silence filled the room.
"He was the immortal you shot down yesterday," Richie realized.
"Yeah," Charlie nodded, "Don't forget, I know you guys are immortals."
"Why'd you do it anyway?" Duncan asked.
"It's Mara," Charlie answered.
"Mara?!" Tori and Richie exclaimed in surprise.
"What happened to her?" Duncan asked. Charlie remained silent.
"Charlie, what happened to her?" Richie asked this time.
"Cord was killing some of our men and he set us up," Charlie told the group, "We trusted him and he killed her."
Richie and Tori looked on in shock.
"Charlie," Duncan assured him, "I understand what you're going through, but you have to forget about Cord."
"If you think I'm gonna forget about him, you don't know squat," Charlie replied, "Look, just tell me. Did you see me take down Cord or not?"
"You didn't kill him," Duncan insisted, "and you should know this since you already know about immortals."
"Are you going to take his head then?" Charlie asked, "MacLeod?"
Duncan remained silent.
Charlie then looked at the pair, "Richie?"
Richie remained silent.
"Tori?"
Tori took a deep breath, then spoke up, "There's not much we can do right now."
"I... I can't believe this," Charlie scoffed in disbelief before he started to walk towards the door. Duncan grabbed him as he walked past them, "I'm your friend."
"Sure," Charlie replied, "Later."
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Joe was stocking shelves as Duncan, Richie and Tori entered his bar, "Hey, guys. A little early in the day for you three, isn't it?"
"We're looking for Cord," Duncan stated.
"Thought you were going to let him be," Joe declared, "We had an understanding."
"We still do," Duncan replied, "We need to talk to him. I want you to arrange a meeting."
"You know, I don't know if I can do that," Joe declined.
"You're the only one that can," Tori argued, "and it'd be part of back up for the IUA."
"And if things are proven to be a misunderstanding," Richie added, "then Cord will be off their list."
"Good to know that you want to take precaution," Joe replied, "but don't put me in this position."
"Joe, it's just talk," Duncan insisted, "I know he saved your life."
"He did more than that," Joe stressed.
Field Hospital, 1968
Joe started coming to as he was hearing voices.
"He's coming around," a medic's voice was heard.
Joe groaned in pain and noticed a doctor approaching him, "The pain is killing me. Where am I?"
"Phu Sai. Field hospital," the doctor answered, "You were brought in four days ago, son."
"Right. I remember," Joe recalled, "Andy brought me. Sergeant Cord. Who are you?"
"Hank Weldon. I'm the resident shrink," the doctor answered, "and yes, somebody staggered in, and dropped you off here, but it wasn't anybody named Cord."
"What are you talking about?" Joe asked, "Sergeant Andy Cord."
"The only Cord with this unit is dead," Weldon answered, "A couple of guys brought in his tags."
"You don't spend sixteen miles on a guys back and not know who he is," Joe stated.
"You took a heavy hit, son," Weldon informed him, "It's normal to be a little confused."
"I don't know what the hell you people are up to but..." Joe started to say until he moved a little on the cot, "I mean, can't you give me something for my legs?"
"It's called Phantom Limb Syndrome," Weldon told him, "Sometimes the pain continues after a limb's been amputated."
Joe realized what he was talking about, and started to cry, and lifted the sheet to look, seeing it was true, "Oh no! No!"
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Several days had passed since Joe had found out he had lost his legs. Despair had filled his mind as he realized his career in the Marines was over. He could no longer walk. He couldn't do much of anything. Joe had never felt so useless in his life.
He knew what he wanted to do. Joe reached under his pillow and pulled out a gun. He turned the gun in his hand so it was pointed him.
"Joe?" a man called out as he approached his bedside.
"Go to hell," Joe replied as he slid the gun under his pillow.
"If you've got a minute," the man said, "I wouldn't mind talking to you. I came to talk to you about Sergeant Cord."
"I wasn't out of my head," Joe insisted, "and I don't need another damn shrink. Andy brought me here."
"I have no doubt about that," the man replied before he introduced himself, "Ian Bancroft, and I'm no shrink."
"They keep telling me he was killed," Joe said.
"You're right, Joe," Ian informed him, "It was Cord who brought you in...and he was killed back in the village."
"Take it somewhere else," Joe replied, "I don't need this crap."
Ian showed him the tattoo on his wrist.
"What the hell's that?" Joe asked.
"It's a symbol," Ian answered, "It means I belong to an organization called the Watchers."
"Watching who?" Joe asked.
"Those that can't die, like Sergeant Cord," Ian answered.
"Andy Cord..." Joe stated.
"Died. You saw him. You were there," Ian replied, "You know it's true. He's an immortal."
"This can't be real," Joe stated in denial.
"It's real. Who are they? Why are they here? Biggest questions on Earth, Joe," Ian explained, "That's why we watch, why we record their lives, why we don't interfere. You could belong...or you could say no. You could go on...with your life. I could just fade away...and you'd wonder whether this ever really happened."
The Present
Joe flashed the Watcher's tattoo on his wrist, "If it wasn't for Andy Cord, I wouldn't have this. I wouldn't know you. None of you. I might not even be alive."
"You know, no one knows more about me than you," Duncan replied.
"But about Joe Dawson," Richie quipped, "we don't really know a thing."
"That's a fact," Tori chimed in.
"Yeah," Joe replied, "None of you ever asked, and even if you had, I don't know if I'd told you. When you've got a secret, uh, you get in the habit of not opening up."
Richie nodded, "I can relate to that."
"We've got to talk more often," Tori stated.
"I agree," Joe smiled at his friends.
"Joe, about Cord," Duncan spoke up, "The sniper at the airport was Charlie Desalvo."
"Charlie's at the Balkans," Joe replied.
"Not anymore," Duncan stated.
"Well, why would he want to shoot Cord?" Joe asked.
"That's why I want to talk to Cord," Duncan answered, "For Charlie's sake. It's just to talk. You have my word."
Richie and Tori looked at each other, then at Joe.
"We're doing this for IUA related reasons," Tori said, "that's the back up, recordings and anything else. As of now, it's just precaution."
"Of course," Joe sighed.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Joe walked over to the gaming area where he saw Cord, and then he saw the wrist recorder where Tori had him to wear for this visit, much to his annoyance. This audio and video wrist recorder would be in case their suspected immortal enemy said anything damning, Fat chance of that.
Cord noticed Joe and noticed him and walked over to Joe.
"And I can't believe you still think this is fun," Joe stated.
"It's poetry, Joe," Cord replied, "Poetry of war."
"Knocking off a bunch of yuppie rabbits?" Joe asked, "Isn't really fair, is it?"
"Nah," Cord replied, "but the rabbits don't know it."
The two men shared a laugh.
"Andy, I still need an answer," Joe insisted.
"This MacLeod," Cord asked, "do you really know him?"
"Like I said," Joe answered, "he's a friend."
"And the shooter? What's the story on him?" Cord asked. Joe shrugged, "Got a lot of friends, Joe. Regular Sesame Street over here."
"Believe me," Joe insisted, "He just wants to work something out."
"Okay, Joe," Duncan replied, "A friend of yours is a friend of mine. We'll meet. We'll work something out."
Joe nodded, "Okay."
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Richie and Tori looked at each other at they heard the audio of the conversation.
"What do you think?" Richie asked.
"Cord seems a bit harmless," Tori answered, "He did save Joe's life. I don't know."
"Maybe Leader's got a dead end this time," Richie stated, "and what if it is?"
"Then it's a dead end," Tori answered.
"What if there is more to Cord than what we are seeing?" Richie asked.
"We will cross that bridge when we come to it," Tori answered, "it's only a matter of time before we find out if it is Cord that's in the wrong, or if it's Charlie."
"Why would it be Charlie?" Richie asked, "I can't see Charlie acting like this for no reason."
"Me either," Tori replied as she shook her head, "but anything can happen."
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Duncan, Tori and Richie looked on as Joe was playing the guitar. They looked on until Joe stopped playing.
"How long have you been playing, Joe?" Richie asked.
"Ah, since I was a kid," Joe answered, "Of course, after Viet Nam, I kinda had a lot of time on my hands."
Duncan tapped his hands restlessly on the table while Tori and Richie looked at Joe while holding each other's hands.
"Don't worry," Joe assured the group, "He's gonna be here. He keeps his word."
The three immortals sensed the Buzz.
"Could that be him?" Tori asked. Jack entered the bar, "It seems nothing has happened so far."
"Obviously not, Jack," Richie smirked.
"We're fine now," Tori added.
"You're fine now," Jack stated, "but not for long."
Nobody seemed to be buying it at the moment.
"I just wish you guys would meet on holy ground somewhere," Joe spoke up, "At least that'd keep you guys from killing each other."
Charlie entered the bar, catching the others' attention.
"Hey Charlie," Richie greeted his friend, "what are you doing here?"
"This is a meeting where you immortals have conversations regarding immortals?" Charlie asked.
"One of the places," Tori answered.
"Is this a good idea?" Joe asked.
"It's okay, Joe," Duncan assured him, "He already knows. We have Amanda to thank for that."
Joe shrugged his shoulders, "All right then."
Suddenly, the immortals sensed the Buzz.
"In the words of Beetlejuice," Jack declared, "it's showtime."
They looked as Cord entered the bar.
"Son of a bitch..." Charlie stated as he made his way towards the immortal.
"There he is!" Jack exclaimed.
"Stop it!" Tori barked.
"Jack, this is insane," Richie stated.
Duncan blocked Charlie, "No, Charlie! Let it go! Let it go!"
Charlie pushed Duncan away, and pulled out a knife.
"Charlie, calm down!" Richie exclaimed. Duncan grabbed Charlie's wrist and manhandled the knife, and then, manhandled Charlie towards the exit. Tori, Jack and Richie followed them outside.
"What is this all about?!" Richie demanded.
"Yeah," Tori added, "Mom told us to only record and act as back up..."
"In case something happens," Jack cut her off, "and I have a feeling something is about to happen."
"Oh boy," Richie muttered.
"Get out of my face, MacLeod!" the three heard Charlie shout as they headed towards the exit. They met up with Duncan and Charlie as the men were arguing, "What the hell's going on?! What's he doing here?"
"They're old friends," Duncan answered, "They have a history from way back."
"And you?" Charlie retorted in disbelief, "What the hell are you doing here with Cord?"
"That's not what's going on!" Duncan argued.
"He killed Mara!" Charlie exclaimed.
"Which is exactly why the IUA has him on top of our Immortal Most Wanted," Jack added calmly, "along with the incident at the Balkans."
"Thank you," Charlie glanced at Jack, "an immortal with common sense here!"
"You're not immortal, Charlie," Duncan spoke up, "he'll kill you too if you go after him."
"He's right, Charlie," Tori added, "Tessa knew about Mac's secret, and she ended up dead. Anne knew about Mac being immortal, and things didn't work out with them. We can't afford to lose you too."
"I appreciate your concern," Charlie replied, "but you don't know that I'll end up dead."
"Actually, we do know that," Duncan argued, "I know exactly that, Charlie. This immortal thing is something we take seriously!"
"I do too," Jack spoke up, "but I am here on an assignment."
"You're my friend, Charlie," Duncan stressed, "I'm trying to keep you alive."
"We all are," Richie added.
"What do you expect me to do?" Charlie asked, "Walk away? Forget her?"
"Look..." Duncan started to say.
Charlie eyed Richie and Tori, "If it was one of you two who died, the other one would be hell bent on avenging his or her death, wouldn't you?!"
"Possibly," Richie answered calmly, "depending on the situation."
Tori took a deep breath, "I'd find a way to where Richie would find peace, but Charlie, you're being very reckless right now. I guess this is a rule on why immortals and mortals don't interact."
"This immortal business is bull crap!" Charlie exclaimed, "Your stupid rules! I don't even have the words for it!"
"Give us a chance to straighten this out with Cord," Duncan told him, "A couple of days."
"Straighten out what?" Charlie replied, "There's only one way to settle this."
"Not today," Duncan insisted, "Please, Charlie, at least for me."
"Okay," Charlie relented, "Not today."
He left the area.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Cord cursed as he walked over towards Joe upon being defeated in a game.
"Hey, lighten up, Andy," Joe told him, "It's a game."
"I want to set up another meeting with MacLeod," Cord said, "but this time not at your place, and not with those agents present either."
"Why?" Joe asked. Cord gave him a look, and then Joe spoke up, "Oh, damn it. You gave me your word. This is not about MacLeod, Richie, Tori or the IUA Agent. It's about Charlie."
"Not anymore," Cord replied, "Come on, Joe, you know about us. We're all after each other. They are all targets: MacLeod, and even those of the likes of that agent, the boy and the girl, and I'll start with MacLeod."
"It doesn't have to be like that," Joe insisted.
"Grow up, Joe," Cord replied, "That's the way it is."
"He is my friend," Joe stressed.
"And what am I? I saved your life," Cord replied in a harsh tone, "I carried you sixteen freaking miles on my back. I own your ass!"
"I owe you my life, not his," Joe replied, "or the boy, or the girl."
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Duncan was working on the internal gears of his ornate mantel clock as Joe was pacing the floor, "You going to lay it out or wear a hole in my floor?"
"Yeah," Tori chimed in, "this is making me nervous."
"Not to mention dizzy," Richie added.
"Everything's wrong," Joe finally spoke up, "Just that everything is wrong."
"So he does want me," Duncan stated, "as well as Richie and Tori, to take us out one by one."
"Not at first," Joe answered, "It was Charlie, but now I don't know."
"Well, it's not the first time someone's come looking for us," Richie replied.
"If he wants me, I'm here," Duncan declared.
"Mac, I never asked you for anything," Joe proposed, "but will you do this one thing for me? I don't know. Can you...just go away for a few days, and let me talk to him?"
"The way Jack is talking about Cord," Richie spoke up, "that's not going to work."
"I'm not going to hide, Joe," Duncan spoke up, "It doesn't work that way for us."
"We're not hiding either," Tori chimed in.
"You don't have to ask me," Richie stated, "I am staying too."
"It's not about hiding," Joe stressed, "I mean, you guys are my friends. All of you. Let me work this out."
"We work it out ourselves," Duncan insisted.
"You should know that by now, Joe," Tori added.
"Dammit, don't do this to me!" Joe exclaimed.
"We're not doing this to you," Duncan replied. Moments later, the three immortals sensed the Buzz, "Stay here."
Tori heard a beep on her phone, "Jack wants us to report at once. This might be it. Come on, Hot Shot."
Richie followed Tori out of the loft via the stairs. Duncan left via the elevator.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Duncan stepped out of the elevator, with his katana in hand, "Joe Dawson thinks he owes you."
"Good ole boy scout," Cord replied smugly, "he does."
"Then walk away," Duncan instructed, "We don't have to do this."
"Well, I'm afraid we have a little situation here," Cord replied, waving his sword, "You see, I went to a lot of trouble flushing out old Charlie."
"You wanted him to come for you?" Duncan asked, holding out his katana.
"Well, let's see," Cord answered, "He finds me, I find him."
"He knew what we are," Duncan stated, "but you can still let him go."
"Come on, MacLeod," Cord replied, "He's a lot like us. We don't walk away. En garde."
He attacked, punched Duncan in the jaw, and traded parries with him.
Duncan dodged a swing, "Missed."
He circled, stepped forward and attacked. Cord pinned him against the wall with wooden lattice frame, and they exchanged blows from around the frame. They exchanged blows on the open dojo floor around the staircase in the corner. Cord ended up on his back, Duncan's katana at his throat, Cord's blade trapped under his foot, "Let it go."
Cord released his sword, and Duncan crouched beside him, "Joe Dawson saved your life. You're even, so long as you stay away from Charlie."
"For the Boy Scout," Cord relented.
Duncan moved the sword away and stood up, "Now get the hell out of here."
Cord complied and left the dojo.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
"Okay, so it's you and me Charlie," Joe declared as Charlie entered the bar.
"Okay," Charlie replied.
"Thanks for coming by," Joe told him before offering, "Listen, can I, uh, buy you a drink?"
"No," Charlie waved the offer aside before saying, "I always thought you were a stand up guy. I know about immortals, or at least the gist of it, and MacLeod said you and Cord had history. What's that all about?"
"He's my friend," Joe answered.
"Then we've got nothing to talk about."
"No, no, no. We've got a lot to talk about," Joe insisted before he poured a drink, "Here. You make a lot of friends over there, Charlie? I mean, you'd trust your life too."
"A couple."
"Say you were dug in, in a hooch, up to your ass in swamp water, just praying to God the choppers come," Joe tried explaining the situation, "because otherwise they're going to send you home in a bag. Somebody covers for you, he's your brother. No matter who he is. That's forever."
"Cord," Charlie stated.
"I'm asking you, Charlie," Joe insisted, "Please leave him alone."
"I can't do that," Charlie replied.
"He'll kill you. You're not immortal."
"Everybody keeps saying that," Charlie replied, "Thanks for the drink."
With that, he left the bar and found Cord nearby.
"Everybody comes to Joe's," Cord stated, emerging from his hiding place. He walked towards the dock, looked back at Charlie, and called mockingly, "Charlie, come to play."
Charlie followed Cord, who then stated, "You're a good soldier, and a brother, and I don't like to kill brothers."
"Kiss my black ass, man," Charlie replied before starting his fight with Cord.
"Ooh, Charlie, that was nifty," Cord stated during the fight, "MacLeod teach you that? Please, entertain me for awhile."
The two men continued their fight.
"Son of a bitch," Cord noted, "that was good."
Eventually, Cord grabbed Charlie's arm and disarmed him, "Say goodbye to MacLeod for me."
"Andrew Cord," Jack ordered as he and a group of other IUA agents were armed, aiming for the Immortal enemy, "We order you to stand down, and release him right now!"
Cord scoffed, "You gotta be kidding me."
Then he stabbed Charlie, "Oh, yeah. Say hello to Mara."
He pushed Charlie off the dock.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Richie looked on as he and Tori were nearby.
"Richie! Tori!" he heard Jack shout from an alleyway, "I need help over here!"
They both hurried to the area to see Charlie fatally wounded while Jack was crouched next to him.
"Charlie!" Richie and Tori exclaimed in shock as they rushed to Charlie's side.
"Help is on the way," Jack informed them.
"It's too late," Charlie replied.
"Charlie?" the group heard Duncan call out, "Charlie? Charlie, hang on."
"Forget it, MacLeod," Charlie replied weakly as Duncan approached the group.
"I'll get some help," Duncan told his friend, "Hang on, man."
"We both know it's too late," Charlie replied, "Don't you suppose you guys could spare some, could you?"
"This can't be happening," Richie muttered.
"Come on, hang in there, Charlie," Tori pleaded, "Talk to me, hey, Charlie."
"It's all right," Charlie stated, "I screwed up...the immortal stuff...it's not...it's not bull crap...I just underestimated it. I'm sorry...for not listening."
"It's all right, Charlie," Duncan assured him.
"I believe in you guys," Charlie told his friends, "Keep fighting...and take care of that son of a bitch, and be safe."
"We will," Richie nodded, tears filling his eyes.
"You know it," Duncan added.
Charlie died in Duncan's arms. Duncan clenched his forehead to his hand, and was mourning his fallen friend. Tori and Richie looked to see Jack bowing his head before it hit them both before Tori burst into tears and started crying. Richie held Tori and tearfully comforted her, not saying anything.
Duncan, Richie and Tori each reflected on Charlie. He was the person who originally held the dojo before Duncan bought it.
"Nice place you got here," Duncan stated.
"It'll do," the man replied, "who sent you?"
"Nobody really," Tori shook her head.
"Nobody," Duncan added, "I just was looking for a place to work out."
"Well, I'd like to help you three out," the man replied, "but this is a private club. Invitation only."
"So invite me," Duncan insisted.
"You look in decent shape," the man replied, "but trust me, you stay around here, maybe all you're gonna do is get your butt kicked."
"Maybe we should talk to the owner," Richie suggested.
"I'm with Richie here," Tori nodded in agreement.
"You're looking at him," the man replied.
"And your name is?" Tori asked.
"Charlie Desalvo," the man introduced himself, "owner of Desalvo's Martial Arts."
They remembered how Charlie was able to gain the upper hand against Duncan during the first meeting.
The pair fight some more. Duncan knocked Charlie down. He got back up, and took off his sweatshirt. The two men fought some more. Tori squinted a bit upon seeing Joe in the corner of the room. The Watcher's presence distracted Duncan, and Charlie flipped him to the mat.
"Hey!" Charlie exclaimed, "Now, that's better."
Duncan recalled when Charlie was interested in wanting to learn about who he was.
Duncan stated as he started to stand up from where he was sitting, "You're pushing your luck."
"Maybe," Charlie replied, "but one day, I'm going to find out what you're all about."
He also remembered when he took one to the heart and so did Charlie, where he was sitting by his side.
"I saw you take one in the heart," Charlie stated, "I know I did."
"Charlie..."
"Tell me...I'm wrong."
"You're not wrong, Charlie," Duncan assured him, "you saw what you saw."
"What are you, MacLeod?" Charlie asked, "What in God's name are you?"
"It's hard to explain," Duncan answered.
"Try. This time, don't say it's nothing," Charlie insisted, "I want you to tell me...before I die, MacLeod."
"You're not going to die, Charlie," Duncan assured him.
Eventually, Charlie found out that he was immortal.
"Where could the Immortal be then?" Amanda asked.
"Amanda!" Tori and Duncan exclaimed in unison.
"What?" Amanda quipped.
"Immortal?" Charlie asked, confused.
The four Immortals looked at him. Amanda was confused while Duncan, Tori and Richie all looked around, unsure how they were going to explain this to him since the cat was now out of the bag.
Duncan, Richie and Tori would now be thankful to Amanda for the little accident because of this situation, and especially grateful to Charlie for taking it well, and keeping their secret.
"So, let me gather all this information straight," Charlie finally spoke up as he faced Duncan, "you are immortal, and you have lived for 400 years, correct?"
"That's correct," Duncan nodded.
"That's why you couldn't die when you took that bullet," Charlie stated.
"And I'm not alone," Duncan stated, "I'm not the only immortal out there. In fact, Tori and Richie are also immortals, and so is Amanda, the one you just met."
"Well, that explains why Richie was a fast healer," Charlie replied before he paced the room, processing the news.
"I promised I'd tell you the truth one day," Duncan stated as his friend was pacing the room, "and here it is."
"I always knew there was something weird about you, MacLeod," Charlie faced his friend, "Now, it all starts to fit. I assume there's a reason you don't tell people about this, right?"
"Right," Duncan nodded before explaining, "usually, mortals are not supposed to learn about immortals, but sometimes, it can't be helped, and sometimes people can handle it, sometimes people can't."
"Don't worry," Charlie assured him, "I can keep a secret."
"Thanks, man," Duncan replied.
Then Duncan, Tori and Richie reflected on the last time they saw Charlie prior to this day.
"Hey, Charlie," Duncan called out. Charlie turned around and faced his friend as he made a peace sign, "Stay safe."
"You know it," Charlie replied, "and don't worry, your secret is safe with me, even from Mara."
"Thanks," Duncan replied before he turned around and left the dojo.
Tor would definitely miss Charlie, as did Richie.
"We'll miss you, Charlie," she spoke up as she walked over to give him a hug.
"I know," Charlie replied as he proceeded to hug her, "you take care of Richie, hear me?"
"Clear and loud," Tori nodded, hugging her friend.
Charlie then handed Tori a piece of paper, "What is it?"
"I'm one phone call away," Charlie answered, "and one email away. Promise me you'll contact me at least once in your busy immortal life."
"Promise."
Tori and Richie shared a group hug with Charlie.
"Take care," Richie told him.
"You two take care," Charlie replied before he left the apartment, closing the door behind him.
Richie helped up Tori as Duncan held Charlie's body.
"I want you two to head back to your apartment," Duncan instructed, "stay there for the rest of the day. I will deal with Cord myself."
"Mac..." Richie started to say.
"Don't argue!" Duncan exclaimed, "Charlie is dead, and I'm not going to let Cord take anyone else."
"If you say so," Jack replied.
"I say so," Duncan nodded.
"Come on, Richie," Tori replied before she and Richie left the area.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Duncan slammed the door open as he entered the bar, "Where is he, Joe?"
Joe didn't respond.
"Charlie's dead!" Duncan yelled as he faced Joe, "I let him go and he killed Charlie. Now, where is he?"
He pounded his fist on the table, knocking on the table, knocking over the beer glass in the process, causing Joe to tell him where he was.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Duncan stepped into the gaming area, ready to fight.
"Watch your step," Cord told the Highlander, "You're in my camp now."
He took off into the gaming area, "You should have killed me, MacLeod!"
Duncan removed his coat, and followed him, "It's not too late."
Cord yelled as he was out of sight, "Reconnoiter. That's the key. I scouted this place, especially for us!"
Duncan swung at a hanging dummy. Cord hit him with a paintball in the face. Duncan staggered, holding a hand to his eye.
Duncan straightened up as Cord approached him, "It's not that bad."
"I'm not done yet," Cord replied before they started their fight.
"Come on," Duncan stated.
"Search and destroy, little snake," Cord replied as they were dueling. He followed Duncan out of the gaming area into the empty warehouse, and continued their fight, "Come on."
Duncan managed to catch Cord in the chest, then he got his katana at his throat.
"Damn," Cord noted, "Outstanding."
"I'm not done yet," Duncan said before he took his head. Then he took his Quickening in the process.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Duncan was in the office, holding a framed picture of him and Charlie.
"We're going to miss him," Richie spoke up as he was comforting Tori.
"Charlie was a real nice guy," Tori added, "One of a kind."
"And like Tessa, he ended up dead," Duncan stated.
"Mac, I'm going to take Tori to Seattle," Richie informed his teacher, "and let her meet my old friend, Angie."
"Go for it," Duncan said.
"We'll be back in a couple of days," Richie added in.
Duncan nodded before Richie and Tori left, just as Joe entered the office.
"I don't know what to say," Joe told Duncan, "This never should have happened. Never. I'm responsible."
"Charlie's dead because I let Cord live," Duncan said.
"Aw, Mac..." Joe started to say.
"I let you get between us, Joe," Duncan continued, "I shouldn't have. You and I, we're different. We got too close."
"But we're friends, Mac," Joe interjected.
"We're different," Duncan said as he faced a window, "There's a reason we stay apart. We crossed the line."
"So that's it, huh? We walk away?" Joe asked.
"I am immortal," Duncan stated.
Joe looked down in anguish before he left the dojo.
---------
Author's Notes:
Canon on Earth N is different from the original Highlander: The Series and the Highlander franchise in general. If you want to know how Charlie found out about immortals, read my side story Beginning of a New Life, set between chapters 27 and 28 of this ongoing story.
First flashback in awhile. Here's something you should know. I am planning a possible set up for Richie, Joe and Methos to becoming members of Defenders of the Earth, or honorary members at least. Hence, I chose to add in the flash back from this episode since it is Joe's backstory.
---------
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.
Comments
Post a Comment