DCH 52
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Fifty-Two: Witch
"So, Mac, how much longer until you figure this place is done?" Tori asked as she was next to Richie, who was helping Duncan with the Victorian home.
"Oh, about another three weeks," Duncan answered, "I've got to get the kitchen cabinets in tomorrow."
"You know, I've got to admit," Richie spoke up, "when you first bought this thing, I thought you were going a little bit crazy, maybe going through one of those mid life crises."
Tori chuckled, "No kidding?"
"Do immortals have mid life crises?" Richie asked.
"Well, only if they live long enough," Duncan answered.
"I hope when I'm four hundred years old," Richie stated, "I buy an old Harley or Corvette or something like that."
"Will they even have Harleys or Corvettes by then?" Tori asked.
"I have no idea," Duncan answered.
"You know, whenever I get bummed out about not being able to have a regular life, or kids, or the fact that any time someone's going to come along, try to whack my head off," Richie stated, walking over to Duncan and removing his work gloves, "I start to think of all the things I might be able to see and do."
"If lucky," Tori added, holding her boyfriend's hand, "we can spend that time together. Forever."
"Yeah," Duncan replied before he asked, "Richie, give me a hand here, would you?"
"Sure," Richie moved to hold the door Duncan was relocating.
Tori was helping out as well, "Immortality surely has an upside."
"Yeah, think about it," Duncan chimed in, "In four hundred years, you might be racing starships instead of Harleys."
"You think things are going to change that much?" Richie asked.
"Well, Richie, when I was a kid," Duncan elaborated, "the fastest way to travel was by a horse, and if you wanted to fly, you had to be a bird."
He carried the door out of the way, and reacted as Richie and Tori picked up hinges for the new door.
"No, I'll do that," Duncan told the couple.
"You sure?" Tori asked.
"Yes," Duncan answered.
"I've got it," Richie insisted.
"No, no, no, no, really," Duncan replied before he took the hinges from him and Tori.
"Mac, I know how to hang a door," Richie insisted.
"I'm sure you do," Duncan retorted.
"Oh boy," Tori quipped.
She stepped back as the men argued.
"You don't trust me," Richie told his teacher.
"No! I-I trust you with my life," Duncan insisted.
"Oh, sure, but just not to hang a door," Richie interjected.
Tori muttered awkwardly, "Richie."
"I didn't say that," Duncan told Richie.
"Not in many words," Richie argued.
"Well, not in many words, but…." Duncan started to say.
"Don't start with me," Richie replied, "You know, one of these days I'm going to be better than you at something."
"Well, you already are."
"Oh yeah? At what?"
"At, um….."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. See?"
"Richie, don't we have somewhere to go?" Tori asked, attempting to break up the argument.
"Tori's right," Richie looked at his watch, "We've got dinner with my foster mother and her family."
"All right," Duncan replied.
"We'll be seeing you, Mac," Tori waved at him.
"Yeah, we'll see you later," Richie added.
"Thanks for the help," Duncan told his young friends.
"Sure thing," Tori replied.
"Oh, and by the way, Mac," Richie chimed in, "Mac — in four hundred years when we do race those starships...I'm going to kick your ass."
"Sure you will," Duncan replied.
"Richie," Tori tugged at her boyfriend's arm, slightly chuckling.
"We'll see you later," Richie told his teacher before the couple left.
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"So, this is your girlfriend?" Maria asked.
"Yes, Maria, this is my girlfriend Tori Gordon, the niece to the famous Flash Gordon," Richie introduced the two young women to one another, "Tori, this is Maria, my foster sister."
"Nice to meet you," Maria reached out her hand to offer a handshake.
"Likewise," Tori shook hands with her.
"So, you really like the outfits?" Maria asked as the three walked down the corridors of the modeling agency.
"Maria, trust me, the outfit's great," Richie answered.
"Yeah," Tori added, "You look really pretty."
"I mean, this could be my only shot," Maria stated.
"Yeah, right," Richie replied.
"When my mom told me," Maria stated, "she asked you to come with me. I almost killed her."
"Hey, if you want me to go, I'm gone," Richie stated, "Right, Tor?"
"Right," Tori nodded.
"No, I'm glad you both came," Maria assured the couple, "We're not late, are we?"
"No, we're a half hour early," Tori answered.
"Yeah, relax," Richie added.
Maria started up the stairway, "I can't…..do you know what it means if Kristin signs me? God, I was up all night thinking about it. I don't look it, do I?"
"Nah," Tori shook her head.
"You look stunning, beautiful," Richie added, "Pure perfection. Trust me. You are a Ferrari among Fords. You are a Dior among Deadheads."
Maria laughed, pulling Tori from her thoughts, "Thanks, Richie. I get the picture."
Tori observed Maria's gallery. Unlike Maya, Maria was actually pretty, and she was implying not just the outside, but the inside too. Why was she making comparisons? Maya was a friend, she was Parsian, and she had been dead for a year now, even then she wasn't even a friend, as revealed by the truth serum she taken from Jack; Maria was Richie's foster sister, and she was a nice person.
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Richie followed Tori's glance as they both sensed the Buzz upon reaching the reception area of the Kristin Agency. A woman wearing white stepped out of the office and they glanced at one another.
The woman walked over to the group and shook Richie's hand, "Kristin."
"Richie...Ryan," Richie said, then gestured to the girls. "Tori Gordon, and your eleven o' clock appointment, Maria Alcobar."
"Hello," Kristin replied.
"Nice to meet you," Tori replied cordially before they shook hands.
"Hi," Maria shook Kristin's hands as well.
"Come on in, all three of you," Kristin welcomed the trio into her office.
"Oh, we're a little early," Maria replied.
"It's all right. They can wait," Kristin insisted before asking, "So, who's who?"
"We're boyfriend-girlfriend," Tori gestured towards herself and Richie, "Richie and I are."
"And Richie's like family to me," Maria added in.
"Tori and I are here for moral support," Richie said as the group entered the office.
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"I had longer hair in those photos," Maria stated as Kristin was looking through her portfolio, "I've cut it since. I can grow it out again if you want."
"Those photos don't do you justice," Kristin replied before she walked over to Maria, "There's a certain quality, a, a glow."
She examined Maria's hair a bit, "Not many have it."
Maria smiled, "Me?"
"You," Kristin answered, "Discovering raw talent is what I do best."
"Well," Maria replied, "I've done a couple of local ads, nothing major yet."
Kristin then asked Tori, "Are you sure you're not wanting to sign on my agency too?"
"You're photogenic too, Tor," Richie assured his girlfriend.
"Thanks," Tori declined the offer, "but I don't see myself being a part of the modeling agency."
"Anyway," Kristin told Maria, "You're going to be far too busy to be doing local ads, Maria. I'm going to have Gustav do some new photos, get your portfolio in shape, and sending you out."
"So, you're going to sign her?" Tori asked.
Kristin looked at Richie, "When I see potential, I grab it. Young people need a mentor. A guiding hand, don't you agree?"
"Absolutely," Tori nodded. Richie sighed as he appeared to be nervous with Kristin trying to make advances towards him.
"I think we're going to have a great future together," Kristin stated before she leaned over her desk and talked over the intercom, "Penny?"
Penny entered the office.
"Draw up a contract," Kristin told her assistant, "Take Maria down to Lilliane. See what she can do with her hair."
"I can't believe this is happening!" Maria exclaimed happily as she hugged first Richie, and then Tori.
"Congrats!" Richie and Tori exclaimed in unison.
"Thanks," Maria replied.
Maria left the office with Penny.
"I meant what I said," Kristin told the couple while making advances on Richie. Tori was not pleased with this, while Richie appeared uncomfortable, "I know when I see promise. I think we have an awful lot to explore."
"Can you excuse me for a second, Tor?" Richie asked.
"Sure thing," Tori nodded before leaving the office.
"Look, Kristin," Richie backed away from her, "You're a nice woman, and you are beautiful, and I appreciate you getting Maria into this agency, but I can't do this. I can't. I already have a girlfriend, and it wouldn't be good if I ended up cheating on her. I mean, imagine how her mother would feel, especially her uncle."
"They don't have to know," Kristin insisted, "and your girlfriend doesn't have to know either."
"I'm sorry," Richie shook his head, "I – I just can't do that. I hope you understand."
"All right," Kristin crossed her arms, "Fine."
"Thanks," Richie sighed with relief before he left the office.
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Tori looked up as Richie hurried over to her side, leaving Kristin's office. He appeared to be rattled.
"How did it go?" Tori asked.
"She made me a bit uncomfortable," Richie answered, "but I let her know I couldn't be with her."
"Well, that's good," Tori replied. "What do you say we get some lunch?"
"Sounds great," Richie said with a small smile. "I'm starving."
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Richie was shaking with emotions while eating his lunch with Tori seated next to him. She glanced at him with concern.
"Are you all right?" Tori asked.
"Other than Kristin hitting on me," Richie answered, "I'm fine."
"I noticed that," Tori replied, "but don't let her get to you, Rich."
"I won't," Richie shook his head before eating his fries, "I just have this feeling this might not be over."
"You mean, she might try to stalk you?" Tori asked.
"That'd be bad," Richie answered, "I more worry that she might do something to hurt Maria."
"One of her models?!" Tori exclaimed before stating, "I'm not sure if she'd do anything to her. All immortals have their own ways of executing plans: Kalas, Kenny, Kristov, Felicia, Keogh, Sierra, even us good immortals."
"I get the idea," Richie nodded before he and Tori sensed the Buzz before Richie suddenly felt a painful pull on his hair for a split second, "Ow!"
"What happened?" Tori asked, looking around.
"I felt someone pull my hair," Richie answered.
They both looked around.
"I don't see anybody," Tori replied.
"Neither do I," Richie stated.
They sensed the Buzz again.
"Now what?" Tori quipped.
They turned around to see Methos.
"Hello," Methos greeted the pair.
"Methos," Richie and Tori replied in unison.
"Nice that you two remember me," Methos grinned as he sat down next to the couple.
"How could we not?" Tori smiled, "You helped save Richie when he was possessed, and then we met with you when Mac took care of Kalas."
"Besides you two," Methos stated, "only MacLeod and Joe know who I really am."
"To others," Richie said, "you are known as Adam Pierson."
"That's correct," Methos stated before he grabbed one of the fries and ate it. "Enjoying your lunch?"
"Yes. And my foster sister's signed on to be a model."
"The Kristin Agency?" Methos asked.
"Yeah, why?" Tori answered.
There was a pause of silence as Methos' smile fell.
"That's not good," Methos spoke up.
"What do you mean?" Richie asked, concerned.
"The agency is bad news?" Tori added.
"Kristin is the bad news," Methos stressed. "She happens to be immortal."
"We know that already as we sensed her when we first met," Tori replied.
"You don't get it," Methos continued. "She's not just any immortal. Kristin Gilles is a witch."
"A witch?!" Tori and Richie exclaimed in unison, surprised at the revelation.
"Like the type of witches that casts spells," Richie asked. "I'll get you my pretty, flying in brooms. She doesn't look the witchy type."
"Old hag wearing black?" Methos asked with a slight smirk. "Wart on her nose?"
"Right," Richie replied.
"Is Maria in trouble?" Tori asked.
"Not sure." Methos shook his head. "She is known for placing curses on those who she feels wronged her."
Richie and Tori looked at each other, and then back at Methos.
"If I'm not mistaken," Methos stated, "at least one of you might be in trouble."
"Does Mac know about her?" Richie asked.
"Are you kidding?" Methos answered. "They had history together, and Kristin cursed him to where he couldn't kill him even after she killed someone he was dating after he dumped her."
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Kristin looked at the picture of Richie as well as the strand of hair pulled from his head. She had what she needed to place her curse on him. After he rejected her, she could have dumped Maria from her agency in retaliation, but that would have been too obvious. She decided to resort to her magics instead.
Kristin reflected on her romantic Duncan MacLeod back in Normandy, France back in 1660. After some time, he dumped her and she cursed him to where he couldn't kill her, even when he had her at his mercy, even after she killed his new lover at the time.
This curse was going to be different with Richie Ryan. She was going to take something from him that he valued.
Kristin placed the picture and hair sample across from a silver candle and began chanting in French.
She smiled in satisfaction after finishing the spell, "Let's see how Richie likes it when he loses all of his emotions. His feelings."
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Duncan was looking at paint swatches.
"How are you doing?" Mandrake asked, adjusting his hat.
"Well, doing well," Duncan answered, "I slept well if that's what you're inquiring."
"That's exactly what we're inquiring," Lothar quipped.
"Well, how did you guys slept?" the Highlander asked.
"We slept well, thank you," Mandrake answered.
"The hotel has good accomidations," Lothar added.
Duncan sensed the Buzz, walked towards the door as someone knocked, and Duncan opened the door.
Methos stood at the door with a duffle bag over his shoulder, "Candy gram."
"Methos!" Duncan exclaimed, "Mandrake, Lothar, this is….."
"The legendary immortal Methos," Mandrake spoke up, "Who's over five thousand years old."
"Wow," Lothar added, "Nice to meet you, Methos."
"Likewise," Methos entered the loft, "Besides you three, Flash Gordon, the Phantom, only Joe and your young friends Rick, Jedda, Richie and Tori know that I'm Methos the immortal. To the rest of the world, I'm still Adam Pierson, mild mannered Watcher."
He looked around the loft.
Duncan closed the door, "Well, mi casa es su casa. How's Paris?"
"It's a lot quieter since you left," Methos answered as he looked at the swatches laid out on the table, "Taking up origami?"
"No, I'm just renovating an old house," Duncan answered.
"And he's doing quite a remarkable job at it," Mandrake added.
"Yeah, it's good to keep busy," Methos replied.
"So what brings you to MacLeod?" Lothar asked.
"The witch Kristin's in town," Methos answered, "She just opened a new branch of her agency."
"So?" Duncan replied.
"So, I thought you should know," Methos replied.
"Well, now I know," Duncan stated, "Hey, look, it's done. Over. History."
"If you say so," Methos turned away for a moment before taking a seat in a chair.
Duncan walked towards the kitchen, "You want a coffee?"
"Yeah. No, a beer," Methos answered.
"At this hour?" Mandrake asked, worriedly. Methos shot him a look before telling Duncan, "Lucky you get over things even though she placed that curse on you."
"Obviously," Duncan nodded.
"Curse?" Mandrake asked.
"From what I understand," Methos explained, "She placed a curse on MacLeod over here after he dumped her, and he was unable to kill her as a result."
"Kristin must be really good at her magics to place a curse on him like that," Mandrake replied.
"And Kristin is not not the type anyone forgets," Methos stated.
"Doesn't that remind you of someone?" Lothar asked Mandrake.
"Cathleen," Mandrake rolled his eyes, "My own ex. Don't remind me."
Duncan was too lost reflecting on his romance with Kristin Gilles in 1660 Normandy, France to pay attention to the conversation.
"Your friends Richie and Tori," Methos said, pulling Duncan from his thoughts, "They met Kristin yesterday morning. Kristin probably cursed one of them by now."
"They didn't tell me that," Duncan replied.
"They didn't say anything to us either," Mandrake added.
"Maybe they haven't gotten out of bed yet," Methos suggested.
Duncan looked down, considering this.
"We should really look into this Gilles character," Mandrake suggested.
"I'm with you on that," Lothar replied, "if she could place a spell on MacLeod and possibly Richie or Tori, who knows what she'll do with us."
"She wouldn't do anything to you unless you did something to her," Methos told her.
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"Good morning, baby," Tori snuggled with her boyfriend.
"Good morning," Richie replied as she was laying still on the bed. Tori looked over at him with concern.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Richie answered.
"Just checking," Tori nodded. She hugged him and gave him some kisses.
Suddenly, the phone rang.
"It can wait," Tori nodded. She smiled as she kissed him. Richie gave some small pecks.
Suddenly, the answering machine went off.
"Hello, Richie Ryan and Tori Gordon," Kristin's voice chimed in, "I am going to have a modeling photoshoot at two o' clock. I am hoping to see you guys there."
Tori huffed. This woman was getting on her nerves, but she didn't want to rock the boat for Maria's sake because Maria meant a lot to Richie.
Tori turned to see Richie just staring at the floor.
"Aren't you excited to see your foster sister take part of a huge photoshoot?" Tori asked.
"Yeah," Richie answered, his voice sounding half panned, "Yeah. She's going to knock 'em dead."
Tori assumed that he was just trying to wake up, but deep down she knew that Kristin had something to do with him possibly acting strange since Methos explained on what the witch was capable of.
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Kristin walked down the streets to her waiting car. She sensed the Buzz and noticed Duncan approaching her along with a well known magician and a muscular man approaching her, "Interesting."
Kristin entered her car and looked on as Duncan and the two other men were chasing her.
"Miss Kristin," Johann asked, "should I stop this guy?"
"It's all right, Johann," Kristin answered, "he's an old friend."
Duncan slapped the car window with his palm, "Kristin! I know you cursed Richie!"
Kristin reflected on her romance with Duncan MacLeod in 1660 Normandy, France, including painting a picture of him which she would use as part of her spell on him later on.
She then rolled down her window.
"Don't tell me you've missed me," Kristin smirked.
"What did you do to Richie?" Duncan demanded.
"How did you know I did something to him?" Kristin interjected, "After all these years….are you jealous?"
"Why my dear Kristin," the magician walked over to her, tipping his hat, "Mandrake is my name. He's not interested in you per say, but as a fellow person into the magics, like myself, what kind of hex did you place on young Richard Ryan?"
"Flattery will only get you so far, Mandrake," Kristin replied, "as for what I did to your friend Richie, I guess you'll have to find out when you see him in person."
"Undo whatever it is you did to him," Duncan demanded.
"Or what….you'll kill me?" Kristin replied, "We both know you are unable to do that with the curse I put on you years ago."
"Come on, MacLeod," Mandrake pulled the Highlander away from the car, "it's not worth the trouble."
"He's right," the muscular man added, "We'll figure this out."
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"This is far from over, Kristin!" Duncan shouted as Mandrake and Lothar pulled him to the T – bird as Kristin's car drove away.
"Well, it is for now," Lothar replied, "We need to see Richie in person before we make our next move."
Duncan huffed before heading to the driver's seat of the T – bird. Mandrake and Lothar joined them in the backseat of the car.
"Round one to Kristin," Methos declared as he was at the passengers seat. Duncan gave him a look, started the T – bird and drove away.
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Duncan bowed, centered himself and began practicing with his sword.
"Kristin must have been awful," Mandrake stated before asking, "When did you realize she was a witch?"
"During our relationship," Duncan answered, "I noticed she had witchy candles and other stuff that your typical witch or warlock would own."
"She'd be in the likes of Doctor Dark or Cathleen," Mandrake stated.
"I know Cathleen because of my encounter of her in Paris," Duncan asked, "but who's Doctor Dark?"
"He was a brother who betrayed Theron's teachings," Mandrake answered, "and he perished most recently during the search for the Orb of Konos."
"Yikes," Duncan quipped.
Methos entered, pausing to incline his head in a bow of respect at the entrance.
"MacLeod-san. That katana is a lovely piece of art. May I?" Methos noted. Duncan stopped and looked at him as did Mandrake and Lothar, "I washed my hands this morning."
Duncan presented him the katana and Methos took it, "Quite a blade."
He chuckled, then pressed the blade to Duncan's neck.
"Not funny, Methos," Duncan stated.
"Not meant to be," Methos replied. He backed Duncan toward a wall, "Not only are you naive."
"Now he is weaponless," Lothar stated.
"Exactly!" Methos exclaimed before he asked Duncan, "How have you lived this long? Do you know how many immortals she's killed? Do you want a list?"
"That would be a good….." Mandrake started to say, but Lothar gently grabbed his arm.
"Not the time to chime in," Lothar replied, "Besides, if I wanted to deal with a witch, I'd be dealing with Cathleen."
"You've made your point," Duncan told Methos.
"Have I?" Methos replied, "One day she's going to kill you."
"She's tried already."
"But do you think she'd try again?" Mandrake asked.
"You're better at a blade than her, yeah," Methos answered Duncan, "You are stronger than her, yes, but if you keep letting her walk away, one day, she'll get lucky and takes your head."
"Yes," Mandrake and Methos stated in unison.
"Oh, I don't know," Duncan replied, "Maybe she'll stop to gloat like you."
He pushed Methos away, knocking him to the floor, "You want to play?"
Duncan walked to the sword display on the far wall.
"Great, you knock me on my ass for making a bad joke," Methos retorted, "Very macho, but you keep letting her walk away without even taking a shot."
"Isn't that part of her curse?" Duncan asked, "That is what she wants."
"Yes, I am aware of that," Methos answered, "She's a killer, and you treat her like one."
Duncan reflected on dumping Kristin and ending up with a new romance with a woman named Louise Barton, an artist he met after the breakup.
Then, Duncan took part in a sparring session with Methos while Mandrake and Lothar watched.
"Should we be taking notes?" Lothar asked.
"It might do us good," Mandrake answered, "Besides, the kids could find the notes useful."
They looked on the swordfight between Duncan and Methos, their exchanging parries with intensity.
"Oh, you do Fabris' technique," Duncan noted as Methos parried several times.
"It's working, isn't it?" Methos asked before their fighting continued.
"Not for long," Duncan replied before the fight continued until the Highlander knocked Methos' sword down, and brought his katana to rest against Methos' neck.
Methos blew out for a breath, and sighed, "I've got to practice more. New guys come along, new moves."
Duncan pushed the katana harder against Methos' neck, "It's called progress."
"Well, then get with it," Methos suggested, "Before Kristin kills you and your friends."
The pair sensed the Buzz, and looked towards the entrance as Richie and Tori walked in the dojo.
"Mandrake told us to meet here," Tori stated, "What's going on?"
"Methos and Mac here are showing great concern since you two met Kristin Gilles yesterday," Mandrake answered, "So, I think you two have the right to know what's going on."
"What do you mean by that?" Richie asked.
He went to examine Tori. Her heart rate shown that she was showing worry and concern, "You appear to be normal."
"Why wouldn't I be?" Tori quipped.
Then Mandrake examined Richie. His heart rate was normal, as if nothing had happened, which appeared to be alarming, "Oh dear."
"So she did hex Richie," Methos stated.
"What do you mean?" Richie asked.
The group headed to the loft and explained everything to Richie and Tori.
Tori appeared to be worried while Richie wasn't showing emotions at all.
"I did warn you that Kristin would try to place a curse on one of you," Methos stated.
"Why would she take my emotions?" Richie asked.
"It's part of her ploy," Duncan explained, "If you reject or dump her, she'll place a curse on you, and eventually, she'll kill you."
"Let me try something," Mandrake stood in front of Richie. He chanted in French, and then some magical energy entered in Richie.
"Are you feeling anything?" Mandrake asked.
"I wish I could say I could," Richie shook his head, "I can't even feel happiness or sadness. I'm like a robot."
"What'll we do now?" Tori asked.
"My magics are weak against hers," Mandrake answered, "it appears Kristin losing her head is the only way the spell can be broken."
"It appears that way," Methos nodded. He walked over to Tori, "Hang in there. If MacLeod doesn't take her head, I will take her head. I promise, I will help your boyfriend."
Tori gave out a small smile, "Thanks, Methos."
"Should we be getting to the photoshoot?" Richie asked.
"Yeah," Tori nodded as she stood up and walked towards her boyfriend, "Maria will need our support."
The couple left the loft.
"What are we going to do?" Duncan asked.
"About what?" Lothar asked.
"Richie lost his emotions," Mandrake answered, "I knew I wouldn't be able to break the spell, but it was worth the try."
"Good try, Mandrake," Methos nodded, "Only by taking Kristin's head will Richie get his emotions back."
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Tori looked on as she was standing next to Richie. They were watching Maria and a group of other models take part of a photoshoot.
"Great, Maria!" the photographer exclaimed.
"Give it the Gustav magic, darling," Kristin called out, "Make her look like a Kristin girl."
She told Maria, "Sweetheart, come on. Make the little boys cry. Great."
The couple continued to look on as Maria was taking part of the photoshoot.
Tori looked on in concern. She was worried for Richie as he had lost his emotions. He knew he had no emotions or feelings, and felt like a robot and crappy person.
She was also concerned for Maria. Would Kristin try to do something to her? Would she try to curse her, or worse? Would she also be aware of Richie's lack of emotions?
Tori sighed as she knew what she had to do to save the man she loved, but for right now, she had to take it one thing at a time.
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"Do you really believe taking Kristin's head will be the only way to save Richie and get his emotions back?" Duncan asked as he, Methos, Mandrake and Lothar were at the Victorian house.
"Many immortals have been cursed before him," Methos stated, "and their curses had never been lifted."
"How do you know?" Lothar asked.
Duncan cleared his throat before saying, "Methos has the alias of the Watcher Adam Pierson, so he'd know about Immortals such as myself, Richie, Tori and especially Kristin."
Duncan then sighed, reflecting on finding Louise dead and then trying to kill Kristin, only to realize that she had cursed him to where he could never kill her, no matter how hard he tried, or how close he was to doing so.
"I sure hope Tori and Richie will be okay," Mandrake stated.
"So do I, Mandrake," Duncan replied.
"You let her walk away then, you let her walk away now," Methos told the Highlander, "What exactly are you waiting for? You know she killed Louise Barton, and cursed Richie Ryan as well as yourself."
"I would have thought the curse would have ended on MacLeod by now," Lothar stated.
"But it isn't," Duncan shook his head, "I feel this strange feeling whenever I try to take her head."
"A couple of mideval songwriters come up with the idea of chivalry one rainy day…." Methos started to say.
"This isn't about chivalry," Duncan insisted, "even without my curse."
"And you embrace it as a lifestyle," Methos continued, "You live and die by a code and honor that was trendy when you were a kid."
"Would you rather that I had no code of honor at all?" Duncan asked.
"I would rather you survived," Methos answered, "You put that first."
"We all would rather that you survive," Mandrake added, "as you are a friend of ours."
"Yeah, dying by a curse, albeit indirectly," Lothar stated, "that would be a bad way to die."
"Look at me, MacLeod," Methos stated, "I didn't last five thousand years by worrying about anyone but myself."
"Really?" Duncan replied, "Could have fooled me."
He swiped the paintbrush he was holding at Methos' nose, leaving a white streak.
"I'm glad I'm not in your position," Mandrake stated, not wanting to step near the house to get dirty.
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"So, what's the big news you wanted to tell us?" Tori asked as she and Richie were walking with Maria.
"The Taylor Agency called me," Maria announced, "They told me if I signed with them, they'd send me to Martinique. Paul Marcel wants me to model his jeans."
"That's great," Richie replied as he spoke in a dead pan voice as he hugged his foster sister, "Congratulations. I knew you had it in you."
"We're happy for you, girl!" Tori added in a more enthusiastic tone.
"Well, they said if it all works out, they'll send me on a tour," Maria told them, "feature me in their TV ads…..it's a half a million dollar deal."
Richie nodded, giving a smile, "Half a million? You go, girl."
"That's awesome!" Tori exclaimed happily.
"There's just one problem," Maria said.
"What's that?" Richie asked.
"The jeans company won't work with Kristin," Maria answered.
"Well, Maria," Richie replied, "you did sign an exclusive contract. She has to release you. Do you want us to talk to her?"
"Would you?" Maria asked.
"Absolutely," Tori answered, "I need to talk to her about something anyway."
"We'll take care of it," Richie added.
"Thanks," Maria gave a smile.
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"You want me to what?" Kristin asked after she slammed her fist on her desk.
"You heard correctly," Tori crossed her arms, "Release Maria from her contract."
"She has this offer to model jeans for the Taylor Agency," Richie added, with no emotions in his voice, "It comes with a free trip to Martinique. We figured since you don't have any work for her right now that…."
Kristin cut him off, "Look, I wouldn't mind, but Maria is a Kristin Girl."
"So?"
"So, she's going to have to turn them down. She has a contract."
"You need to give her a break," Tori finally spoke up, "and you need to undo what you did to Richie here, right this minute."
Kristin smirked. Tori advanced towards her, but she waved her hand, causing her to crash into the wall nearby.
"Not enjoying your boyfriend having lack of emotions?" Kristin asked.
Tori stood up before she drawn out her sword, "I really am going to do this, aren't I?"
"So be it," Kristin smirked as she drawn out her sword, "When you take my head, your boyfriend can have his emotions back."
Kristin and Tori began their duel while Richie watched with his lack of emotions present.
The two women parried across the office until they reached a window. Then Kristin disarmed Tori.
"Tori!" Richie exclaimed.
Kristin smirked as she picked up Tori and pressed her blade towards his girlfriend's throat, "Let's see how my spell turned out when your little girlfriend is in danger."
"Richie!" Tori shouted. Kristin stabbed Tori in the abdomen before dropping her to the floor.
Richie got out his sword and dueled with Kristin. She gained the upper hand as well and stabbed Richie in the back. She swung her sword, and Richie dodged.
Richie then jumped out of the window, and Tori followed suit, leading them both to plummet to their deaths.
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"She went nuts," Tori stated, "and tried to kill the both of us."
"Round two to Kristin," Methos declared before telling the group, "You two duel her? Talk about the blind leading the blind and the visually and emotionally challenged."
"Thank you," Tori retorted.
"All right," Mandrake asked, "Where is she now?"
"In her office," Richie answered.
"Do you think she'd be coming after me or Richie?" Tori asked.
"No," Duncan answered, "I think she's coming after somebody that you care about."
"Oh no," Tori exclaimed, "Maria!"
"I will change clothes and we'll meet you there," Richie announced.
"That won't be necessary, my boy," Mandrake replied before handing Richie a clean set of clothes, "I came prepared for you and Tori."
"Thank goodness," Tori sighed with relief, "Thanks Mandrake."
"Glad to be of help," Mandrake replied.
"You two get changed," Duncan instructed, "and meet us at Kristin's."
"Of course," Tori nodded before she and Richie left to change their clothes.
"Where are you going?" Methos asked as he noticed Duncan heading towards the elevator.
"Kristin's," Duncan answered, "Coming? I'm sure it's something you wouldn't want to miss."
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"I had a lot of faith in you," Kristin told Maria as she was having drinks with her.
"I know," Maria replied, "and I appreciate it."
"You know, Maria, when I sign a new girl, I put a lot on the line," Kristin stated as she walked over next ot her, "My reputation, my name, my loyalty, and I count on that loyalty being returned."
"Richie told you about Martinique?" Maria asked.
"Oh, yes, he did," Kristin answered, "I wish you'd had more faith in me. If you had stuck with me, I could have made you famous."
"Kristin, I don't know what to say, I…" Maria started to say.
"You could have been a Kristin Girl," Kristin continued.
"It's just that…..they offered me so much…" Maria said, as the drugs were starting to take its toll on her.
"I don't care if they offered you the Prince of Wales," Kristin replied, "Nobody, but nobody leaves me."
"Sorry," Maria apologized, "All of a sudden, I can hardly keep my eyes open."
"Nothing to be sorry about," Kristin assured her, noticing Maria becoming drugged, "It's the drugs. Makes everything much easier."
"Makes…what easier?" Maria asked, nearly asleep.
"Drowning," Kristin answered, "Young model…..drug problem. Tragic. Happens all the time."
Maria dropped her glass, and slumped over. Kristin then dropped her into the pool. She sensed the Buzz before heading towards the house.
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"Kristin!" Duncan exclaimed as he, Methos, Mandrake and Lothar approached the area.
Kristin walked over to him, "Hello, Duncan."
"Where's Maria?" Duncan asked.
"How should I know?" Kristin interjected.
"Where's Maria?!" Duncan demanded.
"I don't know. I would never hurt her," Kristin lied before finally admitting, "Okay, I was angry when Richie rejected me which is why I placed that curse on him. I was hurt, but I would never hurt him, or you."
"What do you mean you'd never hurt him?" Duncan exclaimed, "You tried to kill him and Tori like you did to me years ago."
"No, that's not true! I love you. I have always loved you," Kristin insisted, "How could you think me such a monster?"
Duncan flashed to Kristin in her bedchamber in Normandy in 1660.
"I love you," Kristin insisted, "How could you think me such a monster."
"Because you are," Duncan replied.
"I was angry when I attacked you before," Kristin said, "and I was angry when I placed that curse on you."
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Richie and Tori arrived at Kristin's place and hurried to the area. Tori was holding his hand as they met up with Duncan, who was confronting Kristin.
"Mac!" Tori exclaimed.
The couple looked to see Maria floating in the pool.
"No!" Richie exclaimed, the closest emotion he had since being cursed.
"We'll save her," Tori assured her boyfriend, "Don't worry."
"Forget her!" Kristin exclaimed before she ran off.
"Help her!" Duncan told the others before he ran off after the witch immortal.
Richie and Lothar got Maria out of the pool, and Mandrake, Tori and Methos helped them.
"Maria," Richie stated, "Maria."
He felt for a pulse. There was none.
"Please don't leave us," Tori pleaded.
"Start CPR immediately!" Mandrake exclaimed.
Richie gave his foster sister mouth to mouth. Tori helped her boyfriend with the CPR.
"Come on, Maria, breathe," Tori called out, "Don't give up on us."
"You can do it," Richie added, "Don't leave us. Don't leave me."
Eventually, Maria coughed up and spit out water.
"Richie," Maria called out to her foster brother before calling out to Tori, "Tori."
"It's going to be okay," Tori assured her as she helped Richie comfort Maria, "You're going to be all right now."
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Duncan managed to track down Kristin at the beach, drawing his sword out.
"Why, Kristin?" Duncan asked.
"Because you left me. Because they eventually, they all leave me," Kristin answered, "Did you know when I was twenty years old, Duncan, I was the most beautiful woman on the face of the continent? Any man would have spent ten lifetimes….no, a hundred lifetimes with me."
"You are still beautiful, Kristin," Duncan insisted.
Kristin looked away, choking back a sob, sniffed and tossed her head, "Am I?"
She walked slowly towards him, "Show me."
She then took off her jacket, "Prove to me."
Duncan raised his sword, "That wouldn't prove anything, Kristin."
Kristin pulled her sword from her jacket, "Then die."
She attacked. Duncan easily fended her off, and knocked her down. Duncan tried to behead her, but he felt the strange energy run through him again. It was like in 1660 when he tried to take her head. It felt like he was frozen in place.
"It appears after over three hundred years," Kristin stated, "my curse still works on you like a charm. Imagine how it will be for your friend when he lives forever without any emotions."
The group sensed the Buzz, they turned around and they saw Methos.
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Methos turned and faced Kristin, who was on her knees. He walked over to the witch, noticing her sword was on the ground.
"Pick it up," Methos told her.
"Bastard," Kristin hissed before answering, "Who the hell are you?"
"A man who was born long before the age of chivalry," Methos answered, "and someone who made a promise to a lady, and I'm not about to break it."
Then he told her again, "Pick it up."
Kristin turned towards Duncan, who turned away from her. Kristin grabbed her sword, pulled herself to her feet, faced Methos and attacked. Methos easily fended her off, and disarmed her. He stabbed her, and then finally beheaded her.
Duncan and Methos eyed each other.
"The curse is over," Methos declared as the quickening was about to start.
Methos screamed as he took Kristin's Quickening.
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Richie started feeling strange. Before he knew it, he busted into maniacal laughter. He had the sensation as if that witch was gone for good. His laughter as he was on his knees was almost akin to the Joker, and brought concern to both Maria and Tori.
"Is he okay?" Maria asked.
"I'll explain later," Tori answered.
Then, Richie felt another overwhelming sense of emotions. He felt guilt over his actions over the past few days, especially where Maria and Tori were concerned. It was one thing if he had been killed at Kristin's office, but if it had been Tori who had been killed, he'd never forgive himself. Then, when he almost lost Maria when Kristin tried to drown her to death after drugging her. Hot tears fell down his face, and his laughter turned into sobs.
Tori and Maria hurried to Richie and hugged him, and comforted him.
"It's okay, Richie," Tori assured her boyfriend, "It's okay. It's going to be all right."
"Yeah. I'm fine now, see?" Maria added as she had Richie to look at her, "I'm going to be okay."
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Duncan, Mandrake, Lothar and Methos hurried to the pool area to find Maria and Tori comforting a crying Richie.
"It appears that Richie has his emotions back," Lothar stated.
"Go," Methos told Duncan, "Your friend needs you."
Duncan nodded before stepping forward. Richie saw his mentor and he jumped out of the girls' embrace and hugged the Highlander tightly, crying onto his shoulder. Duncan returned the hug, and rubbed Richie's back soothingly.
"I'm so sorry, Mac," Richie sobbed, "I'm so sorry."
"It's okay, Richie," Duncan whispered into his student's ear, "It's all over now. It's all over now."
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Mandrake and Lothar were packing their suitcases, preparing to return to Central City.
"Do you really have to leave?" Tori asked, "We really enjoyed your company."
"That's really flattering," Mandrake answered, "but the Defenders need us. It was a nice stay while it lasted."
"How's Richie?" Lothar asked.
"He's doing better," Tori answered, "He had been apologizing almost every hour on the hour for how he'd been acting."
"It's not his fault," Mandrake replied, "That witch placed that curse on him."
"That's twice in a month we came across magic, Mandrake," Lothar stated.
"Yeah," Mandrake nodded, "First us dealing with Doctor Dark before his death, and then Kristin Gilles, and now, they're both dead."
"Will we see you again?" Tori asked.
"Most certainly, my dear," Mandrake answered, "and Tori?"
"Yeah?" Tori eyed him.
"Don't break up with Richie over something like this," Mandrake stated.
Tori chuckled before replying, "Do you really think I'm going to dump him over something stupid as a spell?"
"I was just telling you," Mandrake smiled.
"I know," Tori smiled in return, "I'm glad Richie rejected that witch's advances."
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"Well, Rich, we've got to make a decision here," Duncan said as he and Richie were looking at paint swatches, "Which one do you think?"
"That's not bad," Richie replied.
"I tend to like the beige," Duncan stated, "Don't you like that one?"
"I like them, both you know?" Richie replied before he told his teacher, "I got a card from Maria. She says Martinique is beautiful."
"It is," Duncan replied, "You know, you should go there sometime."
Duncan smiled at him, "It's good to have your emotions back."
"Thanks," Richie shared a smile.
Methos entered the loft, carrying a paper bag, "Hi guys! How are you doing?"
"Thanks for taking that witch's head, Methos," Richie told the immortal.
"I made a promise to your girlfriend," Methos replied, "If I'd broken it, one day, she might have won against you two, and even Tori. Richie Ryan, and Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod."
"That's me," Richie quipped.
"And that's who I am," Duncan chimed in.
"Well, I guess someone has to be," Methos replied as he closed the fridge door.
"I'm gonna go," Richie informed the duo, "I'm very sorry for what happened."
"Don't worry about it," Methos replied.
"I'll see you guys later," Richie waved to the older immortals before he left the loft.
"Did you know Mencius?" Duncan asked.
"Student of Confucius," Methos answered, "Yeah."
"I dislike death, but there are things I dislike more than death," Duncan quoted.
"Therefore, there are occasions when I will not….." Methos started to say.
"Avoid danger," Duncan and Methos stated in unison.
"Death before dishonor," Methos stated.
"For some of us," Duncan replied. He looked at the pain swatches, and held them up towards Methos, "What do you think?"
"Get someone in," Methos answered.
---------
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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