DCH 53
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Fifty-Three: Facing the Music
Duncan walked over to the Recital Hall auditorium as he saw Claudia playing "Chopin Etude in C Minor" on the stage. He looked on as he was listening to her play.
He knew this aura quite well. It was the same aura which Richie and Tori had all those years ago: Claudia Jardine was a pre-immortal. After her first death, she would become immortal. On top of that, they had history with one another. Does she even know?
Claudia stopped playing the piano. "Whoever you are, you're fired."
"Well, if I ever work for you," Duncan stated, "I'll remember that."
He walked forward.
"Duncan?" Claudia noticed him right away, turning around to notice him.
"How quickly they forget," Duncan stated as he continued walking towards her. He sensed the Buzz, "Claudia, get off the stage."
"What?" Claudia replied.
Duncan continued to move forward, "Move it. Now!"
Claudia stood up and stated, "Duncan, nobody talks to me like that. Not even you."
Duncan noticed the set of lights starting to fall, aiming towards the piano and Claudia. He ran forward, "Claudia, look out!"
Claudia looked up, gasped, and spun away as the lights fell onto the piano. Duncan caught her as she fell off the stage, holding her in his arms.
"How did you know?" Claudia asked.
"Intuition," Duncan answered.
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Claudia exited the elevator of the loft with Duncan in tow, "What's the phrase: I wouldn't be paranoid if they weren't out to get me?"
"Claudia, I don't need convincing," Duncan replied, "Someone tried to hurt you for real this time. That's why you're staying here."
Claudia looked around the loft, prompting Duncan to say, "Eh, well, I'll have the couch."
"You know, people have been jealous of me for years," Claudia stated, "I don't know why you suddenly take this murder attempt any more seriously than all the others."
"You can have the two bottom drawers," Duncan replied, "All what others?"
"The Van Cliburn Competition?" Claudia answered, "Someone tried to poison my dinner."
Duncan laughed, "That was Moscow, and you made yourself sick by gorging on too much caviar."
"All right then," Claudia replied, "The Horowitz competition. You know I almost died."
"No, you didn't almost die," Duncan argued, "It was just a very good excuse for playing badly."
"I hate you," Claudia stated as she sat down on a nearby chair.
"I love you," Duncan replied.
"Somehow, Duncan," Claudia affirmed, "I never imagined you living in one room."
"You really are a spoiled brat," Duncan said.
"I was a spoiled brat when we first met," Claudia argued, "but now…...I'm a genius."
Duncan poured her a glass of orange juice, "Silly me. I forgot. Here. It's not poisoned, although I'm tempted."
"You know, just because you think you own me," Claudia interjected, "doesn't mean you can tell me how to live my life."
Duncan chuckled in response, "I don't think I own you."
"Oh yes, you do," Claudia retorted, "I you hadn't paid for Julliard, the Paris Conservatory, I would probably be stuck in some crummy lounge in Las Vegas doing my one millionth redention of Proud Mary."
"Is that a thank you I'm hearing?" Duncan asked.
"I thanked you by being brilliant," Claudia answered.
Duncan laughed, "She said, modestly."
He heard a piano key being plucked nearby, "What's that?"
"What?" Claudia asked, hearing the piano sounds as well.
"That," Duncan answered.
"Well, it's about time."
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Duncan and Claudia went down the elevator to the dojo, and noticed the piano at the dojo.
"A piano?" Duncan asked.
Claudia exited the elevator with him, "You didn't expect me to go anywhere without my instrument, did you?"
"Well," Duncan replied, "I'm surprised you didn't just crate in Carnegie Hall while you were at it."
"I would have if I could," Claudia stated, "Excellent acoustics."
She told the tuner, "Excuse me. Thank you. It's perfect."
Claudia plunked a key several times, checking the dojo's acoustics, "Could be better, but it'll do."
She sat down on the bench, "Thank you. Come on."
She then handed the tools to the tuner, "Here you go."
Claudia played a chord on the piano.
"You know what?" Duncan announced, "I'm going to leave you here with your one true love."
"Where are you going?" Claudia asked.
"I'm meeting some friends," Duncan answered.
"You're going to take me," Claudia replied.
"Will I?" Duncan asked.
"Yeah. You're not going to leave me alone – not with a mad killer on the loose," Claudia insisted, "Of course you'll take me."
She went further with difficulty, "Duncan…..please?"
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"What immortal issue happened this time," Dr. Watson asked as Richie and Tori were seated next to each other, "something which required the both of you to attend this session?"
"Richie is feeling guilt for the most recent immortal problems we've been having lately," Tori answered, "which he blamed himself for it."
"Because it is my fault," Richie insisted.
"Could you describe everything that had happened lately?" Watson asked.
"The things that had been bothering him lately are the ordeal with the witch immortal and the nightmares," Tori answered.
"Tell me about this immortal witch," Watson asked, "What was she like?"
"Her name was Kristin Gilles," Tori answered, "and she makes Tyra look like a total angel, and I have total disdain for that model."
"What all did she do?" Watson asked.
"Kristin tried to make her moves on me," Richie answered, "and she tried to make me cheat on Tori, but I turned her down. I tried letting her know nicely that I couldn't do that."
"Of course," Watson replied, "and you did the right thing there."
"Flash would never forgive me if I cheated on his niece," Richie stated.
"I'll bet."
"I thought that was the end of it," Richie continued, "but our friend Me... Adam, Adam warned us about what this witch was capable of doing."
"She places curses on those who she feels wronged her," Tori added on, "and apparently, Richie wronged her, so Kristin cursed Richie to where he wouldn't feel any emotions."
"So this witch immortal placed a curse on Richie to where he lost his emotions?" Watson inquired.
"Yes," Richie nodded, "It was a pretty good spell, and she also placed a curse on MacLeod a long time ago after he dumped her."
"She must have been very unhinged," Watson quipped.
"I couldn't feel any emotions," Richie explained, "I couldn't feel love when Tori was making out with me, happiness with the success my foster sister, Maria, had at the time, and I barely shown worry when Kristin tried to kill Tori."
Tori nodded, "And he shown the closest he had to emotion since being cursed when he saw Maria drowned in the pool."
"How did that happen?" Watson asked.
"Kristin drugged her," Tori answered, "and then tried to get us to forget her. Like hell was that happening."
"I felt like crap the whole time I had no emotions," Richie added in, "I felt guilt for what I put my girlfriend, my sister, and my friends through."
"We did CPR to revive Maria," Tori stated, "and Kristin was taken care of."
"After that, I felt my emotions coming back," Richie elaborated things, "At first, I was laughing like the Joker when I realized not only my emotions are back, but the witch was gone, and my curse was gone as well. After a little bit, I started crying, feeling guilt for what I put everyone through."
"After he got his emotions back," Tori stated, "he kept apologizing to all of us every hour, on the hour for what happened."
"It is not your fault what happened," Watson assured his patient, "If the magic is as powerful as you guys are claiming, then he had no way to control what happened."
"Mandrake tried to do something to remove the curse on him," Tori spoke up, "but it didn't work, and only taking care of Gilles was the only way to get him back to normal."
"I see," Watson nodded, "It is good that he is back to normal on that terms."
"He still apologizes for what happened," Tori stated.
"In time he will understand that you and your friends have all forgiven your boyfriend as it was not his fault," Watson told her.
"That's a good thing," Tori sighed with relief.
"I agree," Richie nodded.
"Richie had mentioned his nightmare becoming reality to me as well," Watson stated, "Where he said he was obese, being 40 pounds heavier, looking like that heavyset actor, and worrying other immortals would now take his head at his physique. Was there other things that troubled you?"
"For starters, Richie got nervous and worried about bending down to pick up things," Tori explained, "He worried about his pants ripping like what happened when his nightmares became reality.."
"That must have been embarrassing," Watson nodded, "In addition to waddling like a penguin, having difficulty breathing, in addition to barely being able to fit into MacLeod's car, and the car breaking down over his heavy weight and having a hard time running during that time."
"Yeah. I also heard comments at me, and people pointing and laughing at me during that time, and I was shoved to the ground when I was trapped in that crowd before I discovered what happened to me," Richie nodded, "One comment I heard included, Not even baratic surgery could help this pig, among other things."
"People can just be cruel sometimes," Watson stated, "and they are not nice at times."
"All that is a drop in the bucket compared to when I got stuck in the vehicle when we were getting out," Richie said.
"What happened there?" Watson asked.
"I tried to get out," Richie answered, "but….I got stuck over my body at the time, and both Mac and Tori had to help me get out of the car, and the worst part came when I fell out of the car."
"What happened then?"
"I landed on Tori on impact," Richie looked down, not looking at anyone, "Over my fat ass, I could have squished her to death."
"I keep telling you, Richie," Tori assured her boyfriend, "I am okay, and…."
Richie cut her off with a revelation, "I started having nightmares about you being smothered to death from what happened."
"You do understand that you are not obese," Watson assured Richie, "and you do eat healthy on a regular basis, correct?"
"That's right," Richie looked back up at his therapist.
"Focus on eating normally," Watson advised, "and rely on your friends and your girlfriend. You can trust them. Whenever the thoughts or nightmares come crawling to your mind, assure yourself that none of that is real, and your girlfriend is alive and well. As long as you have a supportive girlfriend such as Tori, and good, reliable friends like MacLeod and this Adam you mentioned, you should do just fine."
"I believe in you, Richie," Tori held her boyfriend's hand, "You should know that."
"Always," Richie smiled at her.
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"Okay, once more. It's quite simple," Joe explained to Methos, "Nine innings, two halves to each inning, three outs for each half inning, played at a nice, leisurely pace. Baseball, it's like – I don't know. It's like meditation."
"To me, it's like sleeping," Methos replied.
A beautiful woman arrived, carrying a tray of empty cups up to bar, "Two beers."
"Okay," Joe replied, "Coming up."
Methos glanced over at Alexa, "Excuse me. If I sat at a table, would you be my waitress?"
The woman turned to Joe, "Is he a good tipper?"
Joe smiled, "No."
"Well, too bad. Makes up for being cute though," the woman replied before she walked off with a tray to collect more empty glasses.
"Cute," Methos stated, "I can do cute."
Joe chuckled as Methos took another sip of his beer. Then the woman returned again.
"I'm, uh, Adam Pierson," Methos proceeded to introduce himself. He held out his hand. She reached to shake it and almost dumped her tray, "Whoa."
He kept one of the glasses from falling off.
"Alexa Bond," the woman introduced herself, "Where are you from?"
"Um…." Methos tried thinking of an answer.
"Your accent," Alexa elaborated further, "You're not from here."
"No, I've traveled a lot," Methos stated.
"Really? Paris," Alexa proceeded to guess.
Methos shook his head, "Paris is too full of Parsians. Even the French don't like Paris."
"Venice," Alexa guessed again.
"Venice," Methos replied, "The smell alone would kill you."
Alexa asked, deflated, "A little young to be cynical, aren't you?"
"Uh, if you say so," Methos answered.
"I just did," Alexa replied before she left, carrying the tray of drinks.
"Ah, forget it," Joe replied, "Alexa's not your type, okay?"
Methos looked behind him at the tables as a man in a red shirt walked past, then he turned back, considering.
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Duncan parked the T – bird by the curb near Joe's, goes around to let Claudia out on the passenger side.
"Relax," Duncan told her, "It'll give you a chance to get out of the limelight for awhile."
"Oh, you think so?" Claudia asked.
"Yes," Duncan answered.
Another car careened towards them, and Duncan sensed the Buzz. Before he could make a move, Richie appeared from out of nowhere and pushed Claudia out of the way as the car zoomed past them.
"Thanks, Richie," Duncan stated.
"What was that all about?" Tori asked as she arrived at the scene.
"Thank you," Claudia told Richie as he helped her up.
"Someone doesn't like her Chopin," Duncan answered, "Claudia Jardine, meet my friends Richie Ryan and Tori Gordon. Tori and Richie, this is Claudia."
"Nice to meet you," Claudia replied, extending a hand.
"Nice to meet you too," Richie shook her hand first.
"Pleasure," Tori then shook her hand.
"We should be heading to the bar," Duncan suggested.
"I agree," Richie nodded.
"So do I," Tori added. The group headed to the bar.
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Methos sensed the Buzz, and he looked towards the door. Duncan, Richie, Tori and another woman entered the bar.
"Check this out," Joe noticed the group as he came out to greet the group, "Hello there, MacLeod, Richie and Tori."
"Good to see you, Joe," Richie replied.
"MacLeod, you have really outdone yourself," Joe eyed the second woman, "Claudia Jardine at my tavern. Wow. This is a real pleasure."
"Joe Dawson, Adam Pierson," Duncan introduced Claudia to the group.
Claudia shook Joe's hand, "Hello."
"Uh, hi," Methos greeted her.
Claudia shook Methos' hand, "Hello. Nice to meet you."
"So, you guys know her?" Richie asked.
"Yeah," Joe answered, "I saw her with the Philharmonic last year. She is – I mean she's brilliant."
"Thank you," Claudia replied.
"And we have history," Duncan told Richie.
"Noted," Richie nodded.
"This may be... I don't know," Joe told Claudia, "pretty presumptuous, but…...I mean, I play a little blues, and I would love to play some music with you."
"Oh, Claudia plays some blues," Duncan chimed in, "Not well, but passable."
"How would you know?" Claudia asked, "You're tone deaf."
"All I've got's this old Fender Rhodes," Joe said, "I mean, it is a beater, but got a lot of heart. Please?"
Duncan gave her a look.
"If you insist," Claudia replied, "Duncan?"
She handed her coat to him.
"Pleasure," Duncan took her coat.
"Fantastic," Joe replied before he led her to the stage.
"How long have you known her, Mac?" Richie asked.
"Beer please," Duncan called out to a bartender before he answered, "Since she was fourteen. She was living with a foster family, just like you did. They were pretty poor and intimidated that they had a prodigy in their mix."
"Ah, man," Richie replied, "I couldn't imagine."
"And does she know?" Methos asked.
"That she's one of us," Duncan answered, "Doesn't have a clue, just as Richie did, just as Tori did."
Electric guitar and electric keyboard music began to play as Claudia and Joe started playing.
Duncan, Methos, Richie and Tori looked on as they were playing, listening to them performing on stage.
"Nice," Tori noted.
"Brilliant," Richie added.
"Somebody does though," Duncan spoke up, "One of us tried to kill her in the recital hall."
"And a few minutes ago as well," Richie added.
"It was the same immortal," Duncan informed him.
"Who'd want her dead before her time?" Tori asked.
"I don't know," Duncan answered. He then turned to the bar to grab a bottle of beer, and turned back to watch the musicians, watching Claudia and Joe jamming.
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"Admit it," Duncan told Claudia as they both returned to the empty dojo, "You had a great time."
"It was tolerable," Claudia replied.
"Tolerable."
"Yes, and I think Joe's a halfway decent musician."
"Halfway?"
"Okay," Claudia admitted, "He's a very good musician. I just don't know why he's wasting his talents in a place like that."
"Well," Duncan replied, "Maybe he doesn't think he's wasting it."
"He's wasting his talents," Claudia insisted as she walked towards her piano.
Duncan sensed the Buzz, and saw a familiar man outside the dojo door, "Walter!"
He then reflected meeting Walter at the English Countryside in England in 1663, where he performed as "Kate" while Walter performed as "Petruchio".
"It is cruel, you know, that music should be so beautiful," Walter stated, pulling Duncan from his thoughts, "It has the beauty of loneliness, of disappointment, and…...never satisfied love."
He kissed Claudia's hand.
"Heartbreaking," Claudia noted.
"Yeah. Who said it Walter?" Duncan replied, "Guy hasn't had an original line in his life."
"To my chagrin," Walter said, "Benjamin Britten said it first."
"The composer?" Claudia asked.
"Yes, a lovely man," Walter answered, "He wrote it while listening to Mahler. Would it embarrass you, Miss Jardine, if I told you I am one of your greatest fans."
"Absolutely not," Claudia answered, "Call me Claudia."
"Claudia," Walter replied, "Oh, this is so presumptuous, I know, but I'd never forgive myself if I didn't at least ask."
Duncan interrupted, "No, Claudia doesn't like to rehearse in front of an audience."
"I'll – I'll be quiet as a little mouse," Walter replied with a stammer.
"No, I don't think so," Duncan stated, "She's fine."
He then asked her, "Aren't you?"
"He is a friend of yours, Duncan," Claudia inquired.
"Yeah, I know but…." Duncan began to say.
"I don't see the harm in it," Claudia stated. She sat at the piano and began to play "Debussy's Claire de Lune".
"Astonishing, isn't she?" Walter asked quietly, "At the peak of her talent. Breathtaking."
"You always did have an eye for talent, Walter," Duncan answered.
"I've been watching this one for some time now," Walter explained, "You've guided her well. Perhaps something you learned from me?"
"Okay, Walter," Duncan asked, "What do you want?"
"To kill her," Walter answered.
Duncan looked at him in reaction, then away and back again.
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Duncan was gathered in the loft talking to Methos, Richie and Tori while Claudia was taping sections of sheet music together, sitting on the sofa.
"Alexa….you see?" Methos told his friends, "Even her name is beautiful."
"Yes. Her name is a pretty name," Tori nodded.
"I agree," Richie chimed in.
"If you say so," Duncan replied.
"I'm telling you, I haven't felt this way since," Methos started to say before informing them, "well, you don't want to know."
Richie and Tori looked at each other before they looked back at Methos.
"She seems very…..nice," Duncan stated.
"She's more than nice," Methos elaborated further, "There – there was something, you know? There was – there was a spark. I wonder if she felt it. I mean, I – Richie, Tori, have you two felt that spark when you two first met?"
"Not when we first met," Richie admitted.
"We started off friends," Tori added, "Albeit I shown concern when he hung out with another woman who seemed questionable."
"We eventually shown our love last year," Richie affirmed, "After the incident with Donna, I knew I couldn't really deny my feelings for her any longer, even as we were arguing."
One Year Ago
"Are you okay?" Richie heard Tori ask as he turned around and faced her.
"I'll be fine," Richie answered, "but they won't be back."
"It's probably for the best," Tori assured him.
"She hates me," Richie stated before asking, "Do you think I did the right thing?"
"Honestly," Tori replied, "it is for the best. The important thing is they are still alive."
"How long have you been standing here?" Richie asked.
"Just a minute," Tori crossed her arms.
"Oh," Richie groaned.
"Look Richie," Tori glanced at him, "I followed you around because I didn't want you to make another mistake."
"Another mistake?" Richie scoffed, annoyed. He didn't really need a lecture after Donna had slapped him.
"You know your history," Tori replied, "I'm not going to bring it up though."
She took a deep breath before saying, "Donna is not right for you. She tried to baby trap you when we both know Immortals can't have children."
"I figured that out over the past 24 hours," Richie replied, "especially with the part that she slapped me."
He took a deep breath before stating, "You're the one who said it's not over till the fat lady sings!"
"True," Tori crossed her arms, "but I didn't really mean it."
"Come on, Tor," Richie glanced at her, "stay on the subject!"
"I will," Tori replied, "I'm just trying to keep you from ending up with Donna because I know without a doubt it would not work out between you two!"
"Give me a break," Richie replied, "You're mixed up trying to peg me for someone I'm not. I am not a Hansel from Hansel and Gretel , I'm not a little kid, hell, I'm far from a kid, and I don't need protection from the wicked witch, and if I want to go to that gingerbread house, that will be up to me to decide!"
"What are you saying?!" Tori demanded.
"You don't trust me," Richie replied, frustrated, "You don't trust my instincts, let alone my judgment!"
"Well," Tori replied, "your judgment hasn't had the best track record for being good judgment."
"So what else is new?" Richie retorted.
"Well, pardon me for trying to keep my best friend from getting hurt," Tori replied, "or doing something irrational!"
"Some friend!" Richie exclaimed, "I don't have room for friends like you, Tori!"
"So, you're saying you don't wanna be friends?" Tori asked.
"No, I don't!" Richie answered.
"Well, good!" Tori replied, "Neither do I!"
Seconds later, she pulled Richie into a loving embrace and she kissed him. Reluctantly, Richie accepted the kiss.
Moments later, Tori and Richie broke apart and look at each other in delight.
"Um…" Tori started to say.
""Um, Tori," Richie stammered before he asked, "why didn't you just tell me you have feelings for me?"
Tori looked around for a bit before answering, "I didn't think you shared the same feelings. Do you?"
"Well, um," Richie looked around for a moment before looking back at Tori, "yeah. Oh, what the hell, let's make it official."
With that, Tori and Richie held each other in a loving embrace and shared a passionate kiss.
"Mac said he'll buy us a drink at Joe's," Tori said during the kiss.
"You think we'd warrant a drink?" Richie asked.
"After all we've been through," Tori answered, "I wouldn't mind a drink myself."
The Present
"That was something else," Tori nodded.
"Yeah," Richie nodded.
"What about you, MacLeod," Methos proceeded to ask Duncan, "did you ever feel like that?"
"Yeah," Duncan nodded, "A couple of times."
Fifteen Years Ago
Duncan looked around for a moment, trying to escape the police as well as immortal assassin Kuyler. He made a decision and leapt from the bank onto the vedette.
"Hey, what are you doing?" a voice asked from behind.
"I'm sorry," Duncan apologized, "I didn't want to miss the boat."
He then walked to an empty seat, acting like nothing had happened.
"What do you think you're doing?" the woman asked.
"Ah, I didn't want to miss the tour," Duncan answered.
"Is this the way you always make an entrance?" the tour guide asked him.
"I was trying to make an impression," Duncan answered.
"You did. Bravo," the tour guide replied before she told him, "You could have been hurt, and there's another boat in fifteen minutes."
Duncan looked at her directly in the eyes, "I wanted this one."
This caught the tour guide off guard, "I….you…."
She eyed him with a mixture of humor and attraction, then turned back to the tour, "I'm sorry for the interruption, ladies and gentlemen."
The tour guide smiled, "I told you Paris is full of surprises."
She continued with the tour, "Behind you we have the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Construction began in 1163 and was completed in 1342."
Duncan smiled and sheepishly raised his hand.
"Yes," the tour guide asked, "What do you want?"
"It was completed in 1345," Duncan pointed out.
"What?" she asked incredulously.
"Notre Dame was completed in 1345," Duncan answered.
"Anyway, as I said, construction was completed in 1343."
"Five."
"Three. The Seine divides Paris in two parts. This is the left bank."
The Present
"I don't see what the problem is," Duncan stated.
"Pure panic. I can't seem to stop thinking about her," Methos replied before he asked, "What if she doesn't like me?"
"What if she does?" Tori interjected.
"It always worth a try if you really like her," Richie smirked.
"What am I going to tell her?" Duncan asked, regarding Claudia.
"What about the truth?" Methos answered, "At least then she'd know what she's facing."
"Exactly," Tori and Richie added in unison.
"Yeah," Duncan replied, "Be nice if she had a semblance of a normal life. When she finds out what she is, that becomes impossible."
"You can't keep her here forever, Mac," Richie told the Highlander.
Claudia slapped down the magazine and called in to them, "Hello! Would somebody like to pay a little attention to me?!"
"It's what I live for," Duncan replied dryly before he and the others moved to join her.
"Duncan, I'm tired and I'm bored of being locked up in this dump," Claudia spoke up, "No offense."
Duncan handed her a glass of wine, "None taken."
Claudia sniffed the wine and set it aside, "Why don't we go out for a drink or something?"
"Yeah," Duncan relented, "a drink we can do."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Oh, let's go to Botticelli's," Claudia suggested, "Would you call them and have them hold my table, and uh, your friends can come along if they'd like."
"Uh, no thank you," Methos turned down her offer, "I have other plans."
"So do we," Richie added, gesturing towards himself and Tori.
"Sorry," Tori shook her head.
"Seriously?" Claudia asked.
"Totally," Richie answered.
"Really?" Claudia then asked.
"Absolutely," Methos answered this time.
"Well, you lose," Claudia replied before telling Duncan, "I know the paparazzi will be there, so will you tell them that we're just friends?"
"We are just friends," Duncan answered.
"I know," Claudia replied, "but they don't have to know that."
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Methos sat nervously as he sat with Tori and Richie.
"It'll be just fine, Methos," Richie assured his friend.
"I hope so," Methos replied.
"We know it will be just fine," Tori chimed in.
"You really think so?" Methos asked.
"We know so," Richie nodded.
They noticed Alexa walking into the bar, meeting up with Joe at the bar, "Sorry, Joe."
"No problem. It's all right," Joe assured her, "How did it go?"
"It's not getting any easier, if that's what you mean," Alexa answered.
"I wish there was something I could do for you," Joe shared a look with her.
"Oh, yeah," Joe handed Alexa an empty tray, "You uh – you have a customer waiting."
Alexa walked over to where Methos, Richie and Tori were sitting at a table. Methos was smiling nervously at her. They saw Joe shrug at Alexa before she cautiously walked over to the table.
"Well," Alexa stated nervously, "It appears you have some good friends here."
"Yes, I do," Methos replied before introducing the couple, "Alexa Bond, this is Richie Ryan and his girlfriend Tori Gordon. Tori and Richie, this is Alexa."
"So, you must be the lovely Alexa," Richie replied, "Nice to meet you."
"Yes, very nice to meet you," Tori added.
"Pleasure," Alexa shook hands with first Richie, and then Tori.
"Well, either you like to drink," Alexa told Methos, "or you're crazy about the blues."
"No, I was waiting for you," Methos replied. Alexa remained quiet for a moment, "I see I leave you speechless. This is an excellent start."
"Start to what?" Alexa asked.
"To….dinner," Methos offered to her, "a film, a concert, a smile, a sunset, a walk, all of the above, whatever you would like."
Richie and Tori glanced at each other before they eyed back to Methos.
"Do women really fall for that line?" Alexa asked.
"I have no idea," Methos answered, "I've never used it before. Richie here offered the suggestion to me."
Richie chuckled nervously as Tori gently tapped her boyfriend's arm.
"Never is really a long time," Alexa stated.
"Well, to the best of my recollection," Methos replied.
Alexa motioned to her order pad, "I'm waiting."
Methos, Tori and Richie placed their orders, with Methos ordering a draft beer.
"Why do you want to go out with me?" Alexa asked Methos.
"Because the alternative is unthinkable," Methos answered.
"Okay. Tomorrow," Alexa relented, "if – if Joe lets me have off."
"Oh, no, he will," Methos assured her, "Uh, I have pull here."
Alexa moved off to wait on other tables. Methos, Richie and Tori got up and walked over to Joe at the bar.
"Congrats, Methos," Richie congratulated his friend, "I knew you could do it."
"Yeah, you did awesome," Tori added.
"It looks like you were wrong, Joe," Methos said, "Turns out she is my type."
"I don't know," Joe replied, "Looked like a lot of arm twisting to me."
Richie and Tori looked at each other while Methos talked to Joe, "A girl like that – you're lucky if you find one every ten lifetimes."
He noticed Joe's reaction, "Joe? Joe, what?"
Richie and Tori also followed Joe's reaction as he looked away.
"You got some kind of house rule about dating the help?" Methos asked as Joe faced the group again, "What?"
"Alexa is dying," Joe informed the group. Richie and Tori paled in surprise while Methos' expression dropped as well.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Duncan pulled up besides the dojo building.
"The truth," Claudia asked, "When was the last time you were treated like that? Like royalty."
"Yesterday, at Joe's," Duncan answered, "He gave us his best table."
"Ah, you're impossible," Claudia replied.
"I'll tell you what," Duncan suggested, "Why don't you get out so I can park your car, your highness."
"I think I will," Claudia stepped out of the T – bird, and then Duncan parked his car. He got out of his car, and sensed the Buzz.
"Oh!" he heard Claudia call out, "Walter. Duncan, it's your friend."
Duncan ran towards Claudia as Walter handed her a bouquet of white roses, "No!"
As Claudia smelt the roses, Walter pulled out a gun and shot her.
"No!" Duncan caught her as she fell to the ground. He glared at Walter, who smiled in satisfaction and the flowers fell from Claudia's hands.
Duncan knew now that Claudia Jardine was about to become immortal.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Methos was sitting in the rain, wearing headphones at the park. Alexa walked up to him, holding an umbrella.
Methos took off his headphones, reached into his jacket and turned off his music, "Hi."
"Joe said I'd find you up here," Alexa said.
"Lucky guess, or else I've become horribly predictable," Methos replied, "Pull up a slab."
She sat down next to him, held umbrella over them both, and tucked her hair behind her ear. Methos looked up at her.
"This is nice, isn't it?" Methos asked.
Alexa laughed, then she sobered, "I'm a little concerned about something."
"Yeah, I sense that," Methos replied.
"This date we're supposed to go on?" Alexa told him, "I – I don't think it's a very good idea."
"Thought you liked me…..a little," Methos stated.
"It's not that," Alexa replied.
"It's my nose, isn't it?" Methos asked before he stated, "Yep, it's my nose. I knew…."
"No, it's not your nose," Alexa assured him, "You have a very nice nose."
"It's because you think I'm English," Methos stated, "It's my accent. Now, I don't have to be English. I can be Russian. Uh...pongee nah khahr'kahf ahtkhoddeet s ehtigh plahtform? It means, uh, Is this the right platform for the train to Kharkov?"
Alexa laughed in response, "You're outrageous."
"Russian doesn't turn you on," Methos continued further, "Okay. I can do it in…Swahili, except if I was speaking in Swahili, why would I be wanting a train to Kharkov? Uh…Lithuanian? No? Farsi?"
Alexa continued to laugh, "Please, don't make me laugh."
Methos was serious as he asked, "Why not?"
"Because it's not fair," Alexa answered.
"It rarely is," Methos replied before he leaned in to kiss him.
Alexa gasped before she recoiled, "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Methos asked, "You can tell me."
"I'm dying," Alexa answered, "You see, don't you? We can't go out tomorrow."
"Absolutely," Methos replied, "We'd better make it tonight."
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Duncan, Joe, Richie and Tori looked on with Walter as Claudia was trying to play Joe's piano, but with no such luck.
"Ah, there's no feeling," Claudia sighed with frustration, "It's dead. I can't play Bach."
She hit the keyboard discordantly, "I can't play the Blues. Nothing's working."
"Come on, you had a hell of a shock," Richie told her, "Tori and I know how that feels."
"Richie's right," Tori added, "Give yourself a break."
"No, she's right," Walter inquired, "I can hear the difference."
"Shut up!" Richie exclaimed.
"Richie, calm down," Tori grabbed her boyfriend's arm.
Duncan sarcastically replied, "Thank you, Walter. You're a big help."
"You just have to try harder," Walter told Claudia, "That's all."
"No, that's not all," Claudia replied before she stormed away from the keyboard.
"Did you ever stop to think that maybe there was a reason why Shakespeare, or Mozart, or Bach were mortal," Duncan asked, "Maybe that's because they…."
"No! I won't accept that!" Walter protested before he went to follow Claudia.
"Maybe when the candle burns for a shorter time," Joe spoke up, "it burns brighter."
"You get back to that piano and you play," Walter grabbed Claudia and made her face him, "It'll all come back to you."
"Just leave me alone," Claudia pushed him away from her.
"Listen to her, Walter," Duncan said as he approached them. Richie and Tori were right behind them.
"She just needs her confidence back," Walter insisted.
Claudia knocked a glass off the bar, onto the floor, "What I need is room to breathe!"
"Of course," Walter replied before he asked, "Where would you like me to take you?"
"I think she'd like you to leave," Richie suggested.
"Stay out of this, boy!" Walter exclaimed.
"I think he's right," Duncan chimed in, "She wants you to leave her alone."
"Oh, yeah, you'd love that, wouldn't you?" Walter sarcastically replied, "Then you could snatch her up for yourself."
"Don't be stupid," Richie retorted.
"People handle immortality differently," Tori chimed in.
Claudia reacted, sensing the Buzz along with Duncan, Walter, Richie and Tori. Methos entered the bar. Claudia ran out of the bar.
"Claudia, wait!" Walter ran out of the bar, going after her.
"Stay here," Duncan told Richie and Tori before he told Methos, "Don't say a word."
Duncan then left the bar himself, chasing after Walter.
"Where's Alexa?" Methos asked Joe, "We, uh….we have a date."
"She called in sick," Joe answered.
Methos looked alarmed, "Where does she live?"
"Don't you think she wants to be left alone?" Tori asked.
"Yeah, dying with a grim prognosis," Richie added, "I can't imagine what she's going through."
"Adam, she doesn't want to see you, okay?" Joe insisted, "Just leave her alone."
"Hey, Joe, I didn't ask for your opinion," Methos replied, "none of you. I know she's dying, okay? You are all dying, except Richie and Tori. Twenty years, six months, what's the difference?"
"She's protecting herself," Joe stressed, "She's protecting you. Don't you get it?"
"Exactly," Richie and Tori added in unison.
"Yes, I get it," Methos answered, "Now, Joe, tell me where she lives."
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Methos knocked on the front door, holding a rose behind his back after Joe told him where Alexa's residence was at. He looked on as Alexa opened the door.
"Hi," Methos greeted her. She came out onto the porch. Methos handed her the rose, "Am I late?"
"Only about a year," Alexa answered before telling him, "You shouldn't have come."
"You, uh, hiding your husband in there?" Methos asked, "Is that what's going on? Lover? Boyfriend? Seven Dwarfs?"
"That's exactly what I was doing," Alexa answered with sarcasm, "hiding my husband, my boyfriend, my lover and the Seven Dwarfs."
"I can take them all on," Methos replied, "I'm not afraid."
"I shouldn't have agreed to see you. I was stupid, really."
"Why?" Methos asked.
Alexa looked up at him, "Because you don't need to be a witness to what I'm going through. It's going to get ugly."
"You look beautiful to me," Methos insisted as Alexa looked at him in awe, "Look, whatever it is you're going through, I can handle it. If you let me."
"Why would you want to?" Alexa asked.
"Because the alternative is unthinkable," Methos answered, "How long…."
"Less than a year," Alexa answered, "They don't know. Do you – do you ever wish time could stand still?"
Methos reached into his coat pocket, handed her an envelope.
"Plane tickets, to where?" Alexa asked.
"Anywhere you like," Methos answered, "Everywhere, if there's time."
"It's not that easy," Alexa replied.
"Yes, it is," Methos assured her, "You spend whatever you have left dying, or you spend it living….with me."
Alexa started at him, tears filling her eyes.
"Please say, you'll come with me, Alexa," Methos proposed.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
"A Buddhist retreat?" Claudia asked, "What good is this going to do me?"
"It'll give you time to think," Duncan answered, "A chance to figure out who you are before you start your training."
Claudia scoffed, "My training. How long has it been for you? How many years?"
"You're better off counting in centuries," Duncan stated.
"See? I can't handle this," Claudia stated, "I – I can't even conceive of it."
"Claudia, you will," Duncan assured her, "At least you'll be safe from other immortals while you make the adjustment."
"Adjustment," Claudia asked, "What are you talking about?"
"I haven't told you this. All right. This is holy ground. No one can harm you here," Duncan explained, "There'll be nothing to be afraid of. All right?"
They both sensed the Buzz and noticed Walter arriving at the scene.
"Walter," Duncan noted his presence. Walter shot him in the chest.
Claudia screamed, "God! Oh, Duncan! Oh my God, Duncan!"
She looked on as Duncan died, and turned as turned towards Walter, "What do you want?"
This was the man who killed her. Walter shot her, and made her immortal, and he took away her natural talents.
"What I've always wanted," Walter answered, "To guide your genius."
"No, it's gone, Walter," Claudia insisted, "You stole it from me."
"We can find it again," Walter replied.
"I can't play," Claudia stated in anger, "I will never play."
"Don't say that!" Walter exclaimed. Duncan revived.
"It's because of you," Claudia elaborated further, "You did this to me."
"No!" Walter snapped before he pressed his sword against her neck.
Claudia gasped and sunk to her knees, "Okay."
Duncan swung his katana blade to rest against Walter's neck.
"Don't, Duncan," Claudia pleaded, "Let him."
"Put it down, Walter," Duncan told him before he instructed, "Claudia, get inside the monastery. Stay there and wait for me."
"Go on," Walter replied calmly, "I'll be in in a moment."
He spun around and hit Duncan's sword with his own, "MacLeod knows which of us is the better swordsmen."
"I've had a little practice since the last time we met," Duncan replied before saying, "Claudia, get moving."
Claudia moved away from the group.
Walter laughed, "You never had all that much talent, MacLeod."
"Oh, I never pretended to," Duncan replied, "You, on the other hand, couldn't write a sonnet to save your life."
"Lay on, Macduff, and damned be him that first cries, Hold, enough!" Walter quoted.
"Will you shut up already?" Duncan asked.
They began their fight. Walter retreated and dodged a blow, and chuckled. He then ducked a blow, jumped onto a rock feature, then ran back over by a small statue. The two immortals exchanged blows, a few quick parries, then circled each other.
Duncan dodged a blow, backed towards the statue. Walter pressed his advantage. Duncan continued backing away, then he went on the offence again. Walter retreated.
"Come here, Walter," Duncan called out, "Right here."
He finally disarmed Walter, "Now swear it, Walter. Leave Claudia alone, and I'll spare you. I swear it."
"Out, out, brief candle! Life is but a walking shadow, a poor player who struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more," Walter quoted.
Duncan started walking walking towards the monastery with Walter, "That was pretty good."
"You think so?" Walter asked.
"Yeah," Duncan answered, "Who wrote it?"
"I did."
"Really?"
"Yeah," Walter motioned with his hands, "Where'd you pick this move?"
"I told you I'd gotten better," Duncan replied.
Walter scoffed in response as he and Duncan continued toward the monastery.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
"How is Claudia doing now?" Richie asked as he, Tori and Duncan walked to Joe's.
"She almost got her talent back," Duncan answered, "When she feared death, her talent of playing the piano came back."
"Which made her human," Tori stated, "A natural feeling."
"Where is she now?" Richie asked.
"Claudia is in the game now," Duncan answered, "She's going to work on being a musician, a path in her life. She should focus on surviving, but I accept her decision."
Duncan, Tori and Richie went to meet up with Joe, Methos and Alexa.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Methos was packing some bags in the van.
"We're going coast to coast in the van," Alexa told Joe, "Adam likes to call it our tour of the New World."
"Well, it's all new to you, isn't it?" Methos asked.
"Sounds great," Joe replied, "Then what?"
"A cruise," Methos answered, "Then Egypt."
"Isn't that romantic?" Alexa replied.
"Well, he's certainly the man to take you," Joe replied.
"Thanks, Joe," Methos stated.
"Yeah."
Alexa hugged Joe, "We'll write."
"Okay," Joe replied.
Methos helped Alexa into the passengers side of the van, before he walked over to Duncan, Tori and Richie, "It's not long enough."
"It never is," Duncan replied.
"Take it easy," Richie added. The two men and then Tori said their goodbyes to Methos before he got into the van and drove away.
"They don't know if she'll make it to Egypt," Joe said.
"I hope so," Richie replied, "it'd be said if she doesn't see that place."
"We might get to see it too," Tori chimed, "but….I know."
"Doesn't matter," Duncan added in, "Even if she lives to be a hundred, he'll still have the pain of losing her."
"Where's Claudia?" Joe asked.
"Gone," Duncan answered.
"She left this morning," Richie elaborated.
"On her own? Unprotected?" Joe replied, "One of them trying to die, one of them trying to live."
"It's crazy," Tori chimed in again.
"Exactly," Joe nodded.
"Not for her," Duncan replied before he told Joe, "Listen, Dawson, when, uh, you get a watcher on Claudia…."
"Don't worry," Joe assured him, "We'll keep an eye on her."
"That's good," Richie sighed with relief.
"Very good," Tori nodded in agreement.
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Author's Notes:
This was one of the more frustrating chapters as Claudia and Walter are characters I didn't much care for. Needless to say, I don't have any further plans for these characters, except for where Claudia was mentioned in the future.
I did enjoy writing the scenes with Alexa and Methos, my favorite parts of this episode. I also enjoyed writing Richie and Tori in the episode as well. Those four will meet again in a near future chapter of this story, so I hope you can stay tuned for that!
Author's Commentary:
Duncan smiled and sheepishly raised his hand.
"Yes," the tour guide asked, "What do you want?"
"It was completed in 1345," Duncan pointed out.
"What?" she asked incredulously.
"Notre Dame was completed in 1345," Duncan answered.
"Anyway, as I said, construction was completed in 1343."
"Five."
"Three. The Seine divides Paris in two parts. This is the left bank."
That tour guide happens to be Tessa Noel, who would end up becoming Duncan's love interest until her untimely death in "The Darkness." This was a flashback scene in the season one episode "For Evil's Sake" and I thought it'd be a good treat to see it since I didn't show much of Season 1, but I sure as heck will be making up for it with this and a future chapter. Stay tuned for that!
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Chapters
Tori Gordon, a teenage operative for the Intergalactic Union Agency, transfers to a branch in Washington State, where she becomes involved in a battle between supernatural forces.
While reflecting on personal matters, Tori witnesses a stunning occurrence.
Richie introduces Tori to his friends, Duncan and Tessa, who detail the secret affairs of immortals.
As Tori begins learning more about her true nature, a teacher offers assistance.
Tori informs the Defenders that she plans to help Duncan and his companions.
Tori and Richie continue bonding as the IUA works with Duncan.
Tori is given a new task by her mother Janet.
Duncan and the group encounter Tori's teacher, Amanda. Tori learns that Duncan and Amanda have history.
9: Two Families, One Adventure
The Defenders arrive in Paris, where they unite with Tori's team.
Tori tends to an ailing Richie.
The group gains allies while investigating a new matter.
The search for Horton begins.
An old friend of Tori's reveals a darker side. Janet becomes involved in the current operation.
Duncan is told to be wary of a dark prophesy.
The team is menaced by Annie Devlin, an old associate of Duncan's.
Duncan begins refining Tori's skills.
Richie and Tori continue bonding.
A new woman comes into Richie's life.
Janet takes steps to make Richie an IUA operative.
Tori and her allies confront a number of enemies in the city.
The teams head out for a day of fun.
Rick's capture leads to a compromising situation as LJ and the others attempt a rescue.
Lucy, a dangerous immortal, targets Richie. Tori intervenes.
The IUA investigates when one of the Phantom's acquaintances is victimized by an immortal.
Richie and Tori return to Paris to assist with the mission, which is complicated by police involvement.
Duncan meets a woman who bears a strong resemblance to Tessa.
27: Can't Help Falling In Love
Kern, a vindictive old associate, returns to challenge Duncan.
Duncan attempts to work with the unstable David Keogh.
Charlie prepares to depart.
The group meet a girl named Michelle, who has just discovered her immortal nature.
Tori and Richie attempt to care for a younger boy named Kenny.
Everyone prepares for a holiday.
A mysterious statue creates chaos.
Joe and the team find others in need of their help.
Jedda and Tori have an intimate conversation.
Kalas haunts Richie and the others.
Duncan prepares for battle with Kalas and finds a surprise.
Kalas searches for Methos.
Tori worries as Richie begins taking chances.
Anne arrives.
41: The Exorcism of Richie Ryan
Richie requires assistance in getting back to normal.
The Defenders step in to assist with Kalas, and to help prevent the truth about Duncan's kind from leaking.
Duncan prepares to confront Kalas.
Duncan embarks on a private journey to Scotland. Jedda and Tori spar before an audience.
45: Walking On Shattered Glass
Duncan tries to intervene as Charlie clashes with Cord.
The current situation reminds Tori of a well-known scenario.
Amanda and Richie follow Duncan on a journey in secret, and end up defending themselves from a horde of ice robots.
The friends see Kenny again. Duncan suspects that a certain immortal is pursuing the child.
Seacouver is targeted by an ambitious supernatural woman named Sierra.
Duncan, Tori, and Richie investigate a matter from Duncan's past alongside the police.
The group is challenged by a charismatic new antagonist, Kamir.
The spellcaster Kristin Gilles arrives and pursues Richie. Mandrake offers assistance in thwarting her.
Duncan and his friends attempt to aid a pianist.
Anne and Jack participate in the latest endeavor.
Duncan falls under a dark influence temporarily.
Methos and the others reflect.
The exploits of Flash and his famed allies from Mongo are chronicled. Meanwhile, Zorelda reemerges.
The team members engage in sparring and storytelling during downtime.
The groups attempt to rescue Joe, who has been lured into a trap.
As tensions rise and truths are revealed, the team bands together in their effort to help Joe.
Richie makes a monumental decision.
As Tori and Richie prepare for the big day, opposing forces on Mongo makes plans of their own.
Katarina and Castra attempt to unite with the Defenders before Zorelda makes her move.
Zorelda arrives on Earth.
65: Setting Up The Rescue Mission
The groups outline their rescue effort.
Zorelda begins enacting her plan for Richie.
67: Mongo Showdown — Part One
Methos and Duncan engage in action on Mongo.
68: Mongo Showdown — Part Two
As the battle continues, Tori confronts Zorelda.
The group deals with the repercussions of their adventure and return to Earth.
Duncan's ally, Cassandra, relays a vision.
Tori and Richie encounter a cult. Duncan pursues Clay.
The Ryans foster a mysterious child who bears a resemblance to Tori.
Amanda and Maurice return as a new enigma arises.
Amanda engages in more questionable activity.
The group tries helping a woman who might be stalked by an old acquaintance of Duncan's.
76: All That Glitters Is Not Golden
Richie seeks to assist a childhood friend who's dealing with legal issues.
The Ryans encounter an apparent impostor, who also approaches Hadea.
An adversary known as Kronos targets Tori, seeking to exploit her intellect.
Richie and Duncan move to counter Kronos.
80: The Ransom of Richard Redstone
The Ryans depart for an undercover mission overseas.
The group make new acquaintances while pursuing a lead tied to a mysterious dancing event.
The enigmatic Keane arrives, wreaking havoc on several people's lives.
Duncan deals with a mischievous adversary named Byron. Jedda and Rick prepare for parenthood. Both Katarina and Jedda sense danger ahead.
Ming and Octon turn to a new ally.
Duncan is haunted.
The shape-shifter initiates a confrontation.
Ming shifts his focus to an isolated girl.
The Defenders unite with Tori's friends in an effort to stop Ahriman.
A climactic battle occurs as the Defenders clash with Ming, while Tori and Richie attempt to aid their friends.
90: Aftermath: The World Changes Forever
Everyone is affected by the recent events, which will have lasting repercussions.
Richie copes. Duncan travels overseas.
Joe, Amanda, and Duncan continue to hunt the enemy.
April locates Richie and provides an update on the current situation.
Richie is confronted by the opponent again.
Joe leads the investigation as everyone bands together.
The final clash begins.
Duncan makes a crucial discovery.
The key element to the plan is obtained.
The team proceeds with their endeavor.
100: The Last Stand — Part One
The group discovers that only one person can assist Duncan.
101: The Last Stand — Part Two
The battle reaches a conclusion.
Series finale.
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