DCH 48
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Forty-Eight: The Return of Kenny
Kenny found himself running through the garage, holding his bleeding arm. Kincaid was after him and if he caught him, he would be dead. He ran towards a nearby door, and found himself at the hospital.
"Help!" Kenny shouted, running through the hallway, "Help, please! Help me! Help! Somebody, help me! Help! Help, please!"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Anne caught Kenny as he ran past her, "Kenny?"
"Anne, you gotta help me," Kenny pleaded.
"Kenny, what happened to you?" Anne asked, seeing his bleeding arm.
"I….fell," Kenny answered, "climbing through this window."
The lights at the hospital suddenly went out.
"What's that?" Kenny asked.
"Power failure," Anne answered, "It happens sometimes. They're probably working on it now. I need to get a better look at this arm. Come on."
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Anne led Kenny into a cubicle, "There you go. Let me take a look at that arm."
She laid a gauze band aid over the cut on his arm, "You hold this here and I'll be right back."
"No," Kenny pleaded, "Don't leave me alone."
She then turned to see what he was looking at, and saw a man as he was walking away, "Kenny, you know that guy?"
He shook his head, "I never seen him before."
Anne asked a passing nurse, "Could you get me my suture kit, please? Thanks."
She then turned to Kenny, "Let's take a peek at this."
"No," Kenny replied, "it's not that bad."
"Kenny, let me look," Anne insisted before she lifted the gauze, seeing his healed arm. This was something she hadn't seen in awhile, "Oh my God…..You're like Duncan."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Kenny replied.
"Kenny, no. Look at me. It's okay," Anne spoke up, "I know what you are. You're an immortal. Okay, um, there's a chapel down the hall. You'll be safe there. Holy ground. Let's go."
She led him back to the darkened hallway, and met with another nurse with the suture kit, "Oh, thanks Christine."
"Look. Halfway down the hall, Okay?" Anne told Kenny, directing him to the chapel. Kenny made his way to the chapel.
After he left, she walked over to Christine, "Are the phones up yet?"
Christine nodded.
"Oh good," Anne replied, "Could you do me a really big favor? My rolodex is at the nurse's station. Could you look up Duncan MacLeod?"
"Okay," Christine answered.
"Tell him to get here. Tell him it's urgent," Anne requested, "Also, tell him, if possible, to bring Richie Ryan and Tori Gordon."
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"We were pulled out of a date," Richie stated.
"We can always go out for dinner tomorrow," Tori assured him, "Besides, Anne knows we're immortal and this was urgent. What do you think it could be, Mac?"
"It could be anything," Duncan answered, "Be prepared."
"So, what else is new?" Richie muttered.
The three saw Anne, and greeted her. Duncan asked, "Anne, are you all right?"
"Duncan, Richie, Tori," Anne greeted her friends, "Yeah, I'm fine."
"Is the baby okay?" Richie asked.
"Oh yeah," Anne answered, "the baby's learning to tap dance, I think."
"Somebody told us it was an emergency," Duncan stated.
"Well, yeah," Anne replied, "It's your cousin."
"Cousin?!" Tori and Richie exclaimed in unison, realizing who Anne was implying.
"The one from Wisconsin," Anne elaborated.
"Kenny's here?" Duncan asked.
"Even worse," Richie muttered.
"Yeah, even worse," Tori added.
"Yeah," Anne answered, "He's here."
"Where is he?" Duncan, Tori and Richie all asked in unison.
"Oh, he's in the chapel," Anne answered, "This way."
She led the immortals toward the chapel, "I was going to call security, but then I thought what am I going to tell them? I've got this kid who can live forever but he's only safe in churches?"
"That summons it up," Richie stated.
"Kenny?" Anne called out as they entered the chapel. Duncan, Richie and Tori sensed the Buzz, "He must have ran off."
"Maybe not," Tori muttered.
"He's here," Duncan told Anne before he raised his voice, "Say hello, Kenny."
Kenny stood up from behind the pulpit, "We're on holy ground. You can't touch me."
"Kenny!" Anne exclaimed.
"Duh," Richie retorted, "Of course, we can't touch you."
"At least not here," Tori chided.
"You said you'd help me," Kenny told Anne, "What'd you call them for?"
"They are here to help you," Anne insisted.
"Get real," Kenny retorted, "They just want my head, just like that guy outside."
"You're the one who should get real, brat," Tori replied.
"If we wanted your head," Duncan declared, "we'd already have it."
"What's the matter with you?" Anne asked, "The kid's in trouble."
"The kid is trouble," Richie stressed, "More than you may realize."
"I knew it," Kenny stated, "He's not going to protect me."
"We'll keep you alive as long as it takes us to get you to the airport," Duncan replied.
"I'm not going anywhere with any of you," Kenny said.
"Fine," Duncan replied, "Have it your way."
He, Richie and Tori left the chapel.
"He was lucky we were on holy ground," Richie stated, "Otherwise, one of us would have his head right then and there."
"In front of Anne?" Tori asked, "Do you think she'd take lightly to one of us taking the head of an immortal that's a child?"
The three sensed the Buzz. They turned to see a gray haired man.
"You two stand back," Duncan instructed.
"Who's this guy?" Richie asked.
"Kincaid," Duncan answered, "I knew him from our time in 1778 at the South Pacific Island."
"Do you think he's after Kenny?" Tori asked.
"Possibly," Richie answered. The three sensed the Buzz again, and they turned to see Anne walking to them with Kenny in tow.
"Whatever he's done to you guys, you have to help him," Anne insisted, "Come on. He's just a little boy."
"Like hell," Richie retorted.
"He's eight hundred years old," Duncan added before he asked, "So, what's it going to be, Kenny? Him or us?"
Kenny glared at Duncan, Tori and Richie. He held Duncan's hand, "Let's go."
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Duncan looked at Kenny as he, Richie, Tori and Kenny were at the dojo, walking towards the elevator.
"Look, it's not like I meant to come back here," Kenny told the group, "I was just running. You going to give me a hard time?"
"We'll see where the road goes," Richie stated.
"We won't get the chance," Duncan answered, "Where'd you meet Kincaid?"
"Down by the docks," Kenny answered, "You know him?"
"We've met," Duncan told him as the group entered the elevator, "One night. Then you're on the first plane out of here. You got that?"
"Yeah, I got it," Kenny replied.
"Good," Duncan pulled the elevator door closed and the four immortals sensed the Buzz as the elevator rose.
"Someone's up there," Kenny stated, "Someone's waiting you son of a bitch. You set me up!"
"You have no proof of that," Richie replied.
"Your word against ours," Tori added.
"Relax. Nobody's setting you up," Duncan assured Kenny, "She's a friend. She's not like that."
"We're all like that, MacLeod," Kenny replied, "You're a fool if you don't know it."
Duncan, Richie and Tori all glared at each other in response.
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"Where have you been?" Amanda demanded as she saw Duncan, Tori and Richie enter the loft.
"There was a situation," Tori answered.
"We had to go to the hospital," Duncan added, "It couldn't be helped."
Amanda then saw a familiar face, one she thought she'd never see again, "Oh my God."
"What?" Tori quipped.
"Yeah, I know," Duncan stated.
"Kenneth?" Amanda noted the child immortal.
"Amanda?" Kenny muttered.
Amanda walked towards him, "Kenneth, is that you?"
"Amanda?" Kenny stated.
"Yes!" Amanda exclaimed as she grabbed him in a hug, and spun around, "I can't believe it. I can't believe it!"
Duncan, Tori and Richie glanced at one another at a loss here as Amanda and Kenny shared a reunion.
"Oh!" Amanda told Kenneth, "Oh, it's so good to see you!"
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Richie and Tori looked on as they were having dinner with Duncan, Amanda and Kenny.
"Having you back, and the five of us sitting here like this," Amanda stated in awe, "It's lovely, isn't it?"
"Wonderful," Duncan replied as he was eating his dinner.
"It's like having a real family," Amanda stated in awe. Duncan gave her a look as Kenny was ravenously eating his spaghetti, "Us, the parents. Tori, the oldest daughter, and Richie, her boyfriend, and of course, Kenny, the son."
"A regular Brady Bunch," Duncan replied.
"Duncan, this is as close as it will ever get for me," Amanda quipped, "so, would you guys lighten up?"
Richie hugged Tori close to him as they quietly ate their dinner.
"I'm done," Duncan finished his dinner and he stood up and moved to the living area. Kenny traded his plate for Duncan's and continued to eat.
"Let's go, Tor," Richie told his girlfriend.
"I'm all for it, but I want to ask Amanda something first," Tori replied.
"And what's that?" Amanda asked.
"How long have you known Kenny?" Tori proceeded with her question, "Were you his first teacher?"
"Yes, just like you," Amanda explained, "and Kenny and I, we go way back. Back in 1182, I met him in England and helped him learn about what he was."
"What happened to make you two separate?" Richie asked.
"Norman soldiers found us," Amanda answered, "and I was executed. Kenny managed to escape, but I haven't seen him since, until now."
Kenny gave a small smile.
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Amanda smiled as she watched Kenny sleep on the sofa, "Poor little guy. Never saw him again. He's been running ever since."
She walked over to the bed where Duncan was preparing for sleep, "You don't like him very much, do you?"
"Neither do Richie or Tori," Duncan answered bluntly.
"Duncan? Do you know how I have never never really asked you for anything?"
He gave her a look.
"Can't he just stay with us for a little while," Amanda asked, "until Kincaid leaves?"
"Amanda, he's not helpless," Duncan insisted.
"I know," Amanda replied, "Please…..humor me?"
She kissed him.
"All right."
"Thank you."
Amanda kissed him again. Duncan picked up his katana and brought it to the bed.
"You won't need that," Amanda assured him.
"Humor me," Duncan replied.
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Kenny woke up on the sofa as he noticed that Duncan and Amanda were asleep. He was going to plan something in regards to the other couple: Richie and Tori. He was going to use them to get to MacLeod, and he knew exactly how he was going to do so.
"There can be only one," Kenny muttered, "and it might as well be me."
Kenny rose up from the sofa and went to do his task.
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Tori sighed as she put down her book.
"Are you okay?" Richie asked.
"I'm just irked with Kenny returning and all," Tori answered, "and not to mention he was Amanda's pupil just like I was."
"Don't tell me you feel like this is a contest for attention," Richie quipped.
"Richie Ryan, you know that's not the case," Tori stated, "You should know very well why Kenny irks me."
"Yeah," Richie nodded, "I was just kidding. He irks me too."
"Do you think we should get some sleep?" Tori asked.
"Are you sleepy?" Richie interjected.
"Not really."
"Me either."
Suddenly, they both sensed the Buzz.
"Kincaid?" Richie asked.
"I don't know," Tori answered, "We should spread out and look in case it is."
Richie nodded, "Good idea."
They shared a kiss.
"Good luck," Richie told his girlfriend.
"You too," Tori nodded. They headed out of the apartment and went separate directions to look for the immortal near their apartment.
Tori headed to a nearby alleyway, and she noted how strong the Buzz was. Before she could react, she felt a sharp stinging pain hit her neck.
"What the?!" Tori exclaimed as she touched her neck. She realized it was tranquilizer dart that hit her, "Oh Merde."
Then she blacked out.
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"Duncan," Amanda whispered to Duncan as she was wide awake next to him in bed, "Dun – can."
"Hmmm?" Duncan replied, mostly asleep.
"Did I wake you up?" Amanda asked.
"Not if I can help it," Duncan answered.
"Duncan…."
"What?"
Amanda sounded pitiful, "I can't sleep."
"Then count sheep," Duncan suggested.
"It doesn't work for me," Amanda replied.
"Then drink some warm milk."
"Duncan, would you wake up and talk to me, please?"
"Can't it wait till morning?"
"No, no," Amanda insisted, "This is really important."
She nudged him, "Duncan."
Duncan gave up, "All right, I'm up. What's important?"
"This is kind of hard for me."
"Then why don't we sleep on it and talk about it tomorrow?" Duncan asked.
"No, no, Duncan," Amanda answered, "Would you say – what, we've known each other for three hundred years something like that?"
"If you say so, yeah."
"Yeah, well," Amanda stated, "when you think of me, what, when you – you know, if you ever had to describe me to someone else, would you describe me as a nurturing person?"
Duncan stilled for a moment before he answered, "Definitely. Is that it?"
He then rolled over.
"No," Amanda replied before he rolled back, "I want you to be honest, okay?"
"How honest?" Duncan asked.
"Honest. I mean," Amanda answered, "Don't think about hurting my feelings."
"Okay, then no," Duncan replied, "Nurturing is not the first thing that comes to mind when I think of you."
He gave her a half smile when she looked at him. Amanda was hurt at the response, "Well, I don't think you know me very well."
"Amanda, you're beautiful, you're smart," Duncan told her, "and you're a lot of fun. Nurturing is in there, it's just not high on the list."
"Well, do you think that I would have made a good mother?" Amanda asked.
"Absolutely," Duncan answered.
"Really?" Amanda replied, "I mean, because I could take it if you don't think that, you know, I have it in me."
Duncan snuggled close to her, "You would have made a wonderful mother."
He kissed her cheek.
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"I wish we could have kids."
"Me too."
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"Tori, did you find anything?!" Richie called out as he was looking for his girlfriend at the empty apartment. He looked to see no one was present.
"Tori?!" Richie called out again. He looked nervous as Tori would normally be around here at this time to report whether or not she had an immortal sighting.
He tensed up as he heard the phone ring. He answered it, "Hello?"
"Hello, Richie," Kenny greeted on the other end of the line, "it's good to hear from you again."
"I can't say the same for you," Richie replied, "you little son of a bitch!"
"Richie!" Tori called out in the background.
"Tori?!" Richie exclaimed in shock. He realized that it was Kenny who was outside their apartment a little while ago, "I swear to God, if you hurt Tori, I'll…."
"Yeah, I have your girl," Kenny told Richie, "We are at the warehouse district, building 2A. If you don't show up by dawn, I will take her head."
"Don't come, Richie," Tori yelled, "it's a trap!"
"Tori, hang on," Richie replied before the call disconnected. He got his sword and declared, "Kenny's a dead man."
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Tori struggled while both of her wrists were handcuffed to a pole against the wall, "Do you really think you will get away with this?!"
"I know I will," Kenny replied with a smug look on his face, "I know you wouldn't be able to kill me, neither would your boyfriend because if you do, Amanda will kill you."
"It's only a matter of time before Amanda sees you for what you really are," Tori stated, "and when she does, you'll be sorry."
"I doubt she would do anything," Kenny retorted.
"Maybe not," Tori rolled her eyes, "but I might, and I don't care what she thinks."
"I better go," Kenny glanced around, "I will be in my position to wait for Richie."
Tori struggled against her bondage again as Kenny left the area. If MacLeod or Amanda don't take this brat's head, she would do it for sure.
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Richie arrived at the warehouse area. He knew Kenny and Tori would be there, and he would take that brat's head before Mac would get a chance to, and he would rescue his girlfriend in the process.
He walked over to the building where Tori was being held as he sensed the Buzz.
Richie called out, "Tori, are you in there?"
"Richie?!" Tori called out from inside the building, "Is that you?!"
Richie hurried into the warehouse building to see Tori handcuffed to the wall.
"I'm here, Tor," Richie assured his girlfriend.
"Richie, watch out!" Tori yelled.
Richie blocked a blow Kenny swung for him. The two parried before Richie managed to disarm Kenny.
"You better be lucky Amanda's in town," Richie told him, "Otherwise, you'd be dead by now. I suggest you better go before I change my mind."
Kenny quickly picked up his sword and left the warehouse.
Richie then walked over to Tori and used his sword to break the link from Tori, to free her from the bondage.
"Are you okay?" Richie asked, holding Tori in his arms.
"I'll be okay," Tori answered as she held her boyfriend in a loving embrace, "I was just shaken up."
"Me too," Richie replied, embracing his girlfriend, "I'm glad you're okay."
"Me too," Tori stated before she declared, "I swear, I'm going to get Kenny for this, regardless what Amanda has to say."
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"Are you sure you don't want me to help you with those?" Amanda asked as she was walking down the streets with him, carrying grocery bags.
"I can handle it," Kenny answered as he was holding two full grocery bags.
"Sorry," Amanda apologized.
"You don't have to be sorry about anything with me ever," Kenny assured her.
"Thank you."
"I mean it."
"I know," Amanda stated, "You know, when those Norman pigs left, I looked for you."
"I went to the coast and found a ship I could stow away on," Kenny replied.
"I looked for three years," Amanda said, "every day and every night."
"I wish you would have found me," Kenny replied.
"Me too," Amanda smiled, "The important thing is you're here now."
"Yeah, well, not for long," Kenny replied.
"Oh, we'll see," Amanda quipped.
"He's gonna throw me out as soon as he can," Kenny told her, "He hates me."
"I think that's a little strong," Amanda replied.
"You don't see the way he looks at me when you're not looking," Kenny told her, "Tori and Richie feel the same way. I don't want to lose you again, Amanda."
"You won't," Amanda assured him, "I promise."
"I will," Kenny stated, "as long as he's around."
"You know, they're not bad guys once you get to know them."
"I don't want to know them."
"Look. We are going to work this out."
Kenny turned to her, "Yeah right."
He tried dealing with the grocery bags, "This is getting kind of heavy."
Amanda took the bags from him, "I think I can handle it the rest of the way."
"Good," Kenny replied, "I'll be back in a little while."
Then he started back up the street.
"Where are you going?" Amanda asked.
"I, uh, forgot something at the store," Kenny lied.
"Well, we'll get it later," Amanda replied.
"No, it's okay," Kenny insisted, "really."
"Kincaid is still out there," Amanda stressed.
"I'll be careful," Kenny assured her, "I promise."
He jogged off.
"Kenny!" Amanda called out, "Kenny!"
"Don't worry," Kenny assured her, "I'll be back soon."
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"He did what?!" Duncan exclaimed as Richie filled him in on what happened just after meeting with Kincaid while they were on the elevator.
"Exactly as I explained it," Richie replied, "Kenny set up a trap for us. He kidnapped Tori and used her as bait for me. Kenny was going to take my head."
"I'm just glad you two are safe," Duncan replied.
"Safe for now," Tori replied, "We're not permanently safe as long as that little brat is around, and I don't think Amanda will be too keen on one of us taking his head. We'll be able to make our move sooner or later, it's only a matter of time."
"You're right, you know," Duncan added.
The three sensed the Buzz. Duncan lifted the elevator door and saw Amanda.
Amanda greeted them, "Oh, I thought you'd be Kenny."
"Disappointed?" Tori crossed her arms.
"No. I'm just worried," Amanda answered, "He said he'd only be gone for a few minutes. You know, I shouldn't have let him go."
"He knows what's out there," Duncan told her, "He's tougher than he looks."
"Not to mention he brought Tori to a warehouse to lure me to a death trap," Richie retorted.
Amanda scoffed, "Kenny would never do that."
"You'd be surprised at what he can do," Duncan replied.
"He might be growing on you, Duncan," Amanda said. The group sensed the Buzz, "That must be him now."
Kenny entered through the side door, "Oh, hi. Sorry I'm late. I ran into someone downstairs."
"Did you?" Duncan asked.
Anne followed Kenny into the loft, "Hi."
"Hi," Duncan replied, surprised.
"I, um, was checking in on Kenny and he insisted I come up," Anne stated.
"Oh, well, how thoughtful of him," Duncan replied before he looked behind him. Amanda cleared her throat, "Oh, Amanda this is Anne."
"Nice to meet you," Amanda replied.
"Yeah, Anne, Amanda. Amanda, Anne," Duncan introduced the two women to one another.
"Anne's a good friend of ours," Tori told her teacher.
"Hmmm. The doctor," Amanda noted. She and Anne smiled at each other in an awkward glance, "Ah, look, I was getting ready to make some coffee. Would you like some decaf?"
"Regular is fine," Anne replied, "I'm willing to sacrifice, but caffeine is not high on the hit list."
Duncan glanced at Kenny, "We agreed you'd stick close by."
"There was something I needed to get," Kenny insisted.
"Was it important enough to lose your head over?" Duncan asked.
Kenny showed the group the bouquet of flowers he was holding behind his back, "They're for Amanda."
He took the flowers to her.
"Oh, really pretty," Amanda replied, seeing the flowers, "Thank you."
She took the flowers and kissed his cheek, "I'll put them in water."
"I saw Kincaid at the docks," Duncan said, "One of us was there."
"So? It wasn't me," Kenny insisted, "I'd be crazy to go near him."
Duncan grabbed Kenny by the jacket, "Let's take a little walk."
"I don't want to go," Kenny objected.
"I didn't ask whether you wanted to go," Duncan replied before he pulled Kenny by the elbow towards the elevator.
"Leave me alone!" Kenny exclaimed.
"Hey, what's going on?" Anne asked.
"Nothing," Duncan answered before he reached for the elevator gate. Richie and Tori followed them.
"Duncan, he's scared," Amanda told him.
"Mac, we need to talk to the IUA about a couple of things," Richie informed his teacher, "We'll catch up later."
"Okay," Duncan replied before he closed the gate. Richie and Tori left through the stairs.
Duncan eyed Kenny.
"He won't hurt you," Amanda told him from the loft.
"Much," Duncan replied.
"Help, Amanda!" Kenny shouted, "Please, don't let him do this to me. Help!"
Duncan raised the gate, "You can drop the little boy act. She can't hear you."
He pulled Kenny out of the elevator, "I know that you kidnapped Tori and used her as bait for Richie. Pretty bad move there."
Kenny pulled away from him, "Let go of me, damn it! Stay the hell away from me. You kill me, she'll kill you."
"You think so?" Duncan asked.
"I'm her son," Kenny answered, "You're just some guy she screws."
"I don't want your little head," Duncan retorted, "I just want the truth if you remember how to tell it. What were you doing by the docks?"
"You're so damn smart," Kenny replied, "what makes you think I was even there?"
"Because I know you…..and you've got tar on your shoes," Duncan told him, "Now I don't know what you're up to, but I'm through treating you like a little kid, and so are Richie and Tori. You come after me, I'll kill you. Tori and Richie will feel the same way."
"You're just like the rest," Kenny retorted, "looking for an excuse."
"Hey, I'm just giving you a fair warning," Duncan stated, "I won't turn my back on you again."
"Good, cuz the second you do," Kenny replied and snapped his fingers, "I'll take your head. Tori and Richie too."
Duncan watched him leave the dojo.
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Amanda looked at Anne awkwardly as they were sitting on the sofa, having coffee.
"So," Anne spoke up, she chuckled nervously, drinking her coffee.
"My thoughts exactly," Amanda said. They both laughed a little.
"This is really awkward," Anne stated.
"Only for the first hundred years or so," Amanda replied.
"He seems very different around you," Anne pointed out.
"You think so?" Amanda asked.
"Yeah. Yeah, the way he smiles," Anne elaborated further, "He can really open up to you."
"Well, I'm sure Duncan really cares about you too, Anne," Amanda replied.
"I-I was talking about Kenny."
"Right," Amanda replied before they shared a laugh, "Kenny's, uh, really special. I guess I'm the closest thing he'll ever have to a mother, and um, he's definitely the closest I'll ever get to having a kid, and he's not even a kid."
She then noticed Anne's pregnant stomach, "So, so what are you – about four months?"
"Five," Anne answered.
"Could I?" Amanda held out her hand.
"Oh, yeah," Anne set her coffee cup down and took Amanda's hand, "Go ahead. Here."
She put her hand to her belly.
"Wow," Amanda felt the baby move, "So what's it like?"
"Oh, like all the cliches," Anne answered, "You know – carrying a watermelon, walking like a duck, and this...this is the easy part. The tough part comes when she gets here."
"Are you scared?" Amanda asked.
"Terrified. Well, you know, I'm a single mother," Anne answered, "I work crazy shifts and weird hours. She's going to need me, and the ER's going to need me, and I haven't figured out how I'm going to make it all work yet."
"You know what?" Amanda replied with encouragement, "I think you're going to do great."
Anne smiled, "Thanks."
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Amanda was pacing around the loft, "You know, I don't like this. He's been gone almost all night."
Duncan was relaxing on the sofa with a book, "Well, maybe he's buying you some more flowers."
"Or maybe he's getting killed," Amanda stated with worry, "I can't believe you just let him go."
"How could I stop him?" Duncan replied, "Besides, he's lived without you for eight hundred years."
"You know, he's an easy target, and you know it."
The phone rang, and Amanda ran to answer it.
Duncan got up from the sofa, "Amanda."
"Kenny," Amanda answered the phone.
"Kincaid's after me," Kenny told her on the other end of the line, "but I got away, but he's coming. Please, come and get me. Oh, tell – tell Duncan I'm sorry, and I should have trusted him, but I was afraid. Also, tell Richie and Tori, I'm sorry for the stunt I pulled on them. I'm at Kita Point, by the dock."
"Give me that," Duncan ran towards Amanda and tried to take the phone from her, but Amanda pushed him away.
"Amanda, I'm scared," Kenny told her.
"Okay, Kenny," Amanda instructed, "just listen to me. Stay out of sight until I get there okay? All right. Good bye."
She hung up.
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Kenny hung up the pay phone and turned to Kincaid.
"I told you I wanted MacLeod, you little dwarf," Kincaid stressed, "not the girl!"
"He'll be here," Kenny replied.
"What makes you so sure?" Kincaid asked.
"Because I know him," Kenny answered, "MacLeod's yours. Just remember one thing….Amanda's all mine."
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"Thanks for letting us tag along, Mac," Richie told Duncan as they made their way to the dock.
"I would prefer to do this alone," Duncan replied, "but I felt I needed to have some witnesses to Kenny's antics."
"She won't listen," Tori retorted.
The group sensed the Buzz as they made it to the warehouse docks. They met up with Amanda.
"Don't sneak up on me like that!" Amanda exclaimed.
"Thanks for coming, Duncan," Duncan replied.
"I didn't ask you to come," Amanda replied. She then eyed Tori and Richie, "I didn't ask any of you to come."
"Well pardon me," Richie retorted.
"Amanda, we can't believe that he's completely taken you into this," Duncan stated, "He's not a kid. The three of us have witnessed him in action. He's a con man, and the only thing he wants are heads."
"Not mine," Amanda insisted.
"Yours, mines, theirs," Duncan gestured towards Amanda, then himself, then towards Tori and Richie, "it makes no difference? He's taken enough of them."
"Oh, and we haven't?" Amanda retorted.
"Not like him, Amanda," Richie interjected, "He's an evil little bastard."
"He uses people," Tori added, "He kills anyone…..good, bad, it doesn't make any difference!"
"You say," Amanda replied.
"I know," Duncan stated, "They know. We've seen it."
"None of you understand," Amanda stressed, "Whatever he is, I helped make him."
"Amanda, please, help me!" Kenny faintly cried out.
"Kincaid has him," Amanda stated.
"Maybe," Duncan replied. He, Richie and Tori followed Amanda into the warehouse.
"Amanda!" Tori shouted.
"Amanda!" Richie and Duncan exclaimed in unison.
They entered the warehouse.
"I've been waiting for you for a long time, MacLeod," Kincaid declared.
"If this is what you want," Duncan replied, "let's get it over with."
"Aye-aye, Mr. MacLeod," Kincaid replied before they began their fight.
Suddenly, Duncan felt hot steam into his face, which temporarily blinded him. He was flailing with his sword in Kincaid's direction. Kincaid threw a bit of debris behind Duncan and he turned towards the sound. Kincaid cut him across the back and he fell to his knees.
"I want you to know what it feels like to die slowly," Kincaid told Duncan before he sliced Duncan's leg.
Duncan started to regain his vision and pretended to not be able to see, but when Kincaid got too close to him, Duncan took advantage, and stabbed Kincaid.
"See ya," Duncan stated before he beheaded Kincaid and took his Quickening.
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"You set him up," Amanda stated, eyeing Kenny after he turned a metal wheel, which unleashed hot steam in the process, "just as you set up Richie and Tori."
"I had to do it," Kenny insisted, "Kincaid made me."
"Like hell he did," Richie replied.
"I've about had enough of you," Kenny stated before he cut another piece of metal nearby, which also had hot steam. Richie screamed in pain as the steam hit his face. He dropped to his knees, crying out in pain.
After the steam cleared, Tori hurried to her boyfriend's side.
"Are you okay?" Tori asked.
"I'll be blind for awhile," Richie answered, "but I'll be okay."
Amanda realized Duncan and the others were telling the truth, "Why?"
"I haven't lived this long trusting anyone, except for you," Kenny told her, "When this is over, we'll be together."
"Ewww," Tori couldn't help but to mutter as she was comforting Richie.
"But he would have helped you," Amanda told Kenny, "They would have helped you."
"Kincaid's got him," Kenny told the remaining group, "and none of you can interfere."
They watched the fight until Duncan triumphed over Kincaid and the quickening happened.
Kenny handcuffed Amanda to the metal wheel.
"Take these off!" Amanda exclaimed.
"I'll be back," Kenny told her, "I've got some business to take care of first."
"Kenny! Take these off!" Amanda shouted, struggling against the bondage. Kenny stepped close, and kissed her gently on the lips and then smiling at her before running off.
"Kenny!" Amanda shouted, "Kenny, take these off!"
"I... I am starting to regain my vision," Richie told his girlfriend, "Help Amanda and Mac."
"Are you sure?" Tori asked.
"Yeah," Richie answered as he started to move around, opening his eyes, "Go."
Tori got out her tachi and freed Amanda by breaking the handcuff link.
"Thanks, Tor," Amanda smiled, "I'm sorry I didn't believe you."
"Don't worry about it," Tori replied.
Amanda and Richie hurried as Kenny was about to take Duncan's head just after the quickening ended.
"The bigger they are," Kenny declared, "the harder they fall."
He raised his sword, preparing to take Duncan's head.
"Do it, and you're up next," Amanda declared as she walked towards them with Richie right behind her. She threw the broken handcuffs at Kenny's feet, "It's kid stuff."
"You wouldn't," Kenny retorted.
"Maybe not," Amanda replied, "but she might."
She looked on as Tori had Kenny by the neck with her own sword.
"The game is over for you," Tori stated.
"But I'm just a boy," Kenny argued.
"Like hell."
Tori took a deep breath before she looked at Amanda, "I'm sorry, Amanda."
Amanda gave her an understanding nod before she turned away for a moment as Tori took Kenny's head. Amanda turned back as Tori was taking Kenny's quickening.
"Somebody had to," Tori said as the essence of the quickening was happening. She felt the full force of the quickening. It was so powerful that flames were blazing behind her as Tori was screaming, feeling the power of the quickening.
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Tori screamed as she felt the full force of Kenny's quickening. She was seeing Kenny's memories as well; Kenny taking Ross' quickening, his time with Amanda, among other things.
Things cleared up after the quickening ended. Richie hurried over to Tori and helped her up.
"Are you okay?" Richie asked.
"I'm fine," Tori answered.
They walked over to Duncan and Amanda as Duncan hugged Amanda.
"You were right about him," Amanda told Duncan, "all of you were."
"I'm sorry," Duncan said to her.
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"Are you okay?" Tori asked.
"I'll be fine," Amanda answered, "At least I know who I can really count on. When I come to think about it, I consider you a daughter, Tori."
Tori gave out a small smile.
"How's Richie?" Duncan asked.
"He's resting at our place," Tori answered, "Kenny gave him a bad burn from that steam."
"It couldn't be that bad," Duncan replied.
Anne suddenly arrived at the loft.
"Anne," Duncan stated in surprise, "I wasn't expecting you."
"I was," Amanda replied.
"I still have your key," Anne stated as she held up the elevator key and put it on the table, "We discovered we had a lot more in common after all."
"Don't wait up," Amanda chimed in before she eyed Tori, "You coming?"
"Me?" Tori looked in surprise.
"Yeah, it's a girl's trip," Anne added.
"Sure," Tori joined Amanda and Anne.
Duncan waved at the three women, "Bye."
"Bye!" the girls waved as they left the loft.
---------
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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