DCH 57
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Mongo Adventure
Richie smiled as he was taking pictures of Tori. "You're looking beautiful, Tor."
"I feel a bit goofy," Tori chuckled a bit before continuing to pose near Richie's motorcycle.
"I told you that you had the looks of a supermodel," Richie stated.
He continued to take more pictures until he and Tori sensed the Buzz. They looked on as a car stopped in front of them, tires squealing.
"Move the bike, kid," a dark haired man demanded as he peeked out of the window of his car. Richie didn't comply, "Find another way."
"Richie, maybe we should get going," Tori suggested.
"Tori, you do know he can go another direction, right?" Richie asked. Tori eyed the pavement of the road they were at, "Oh, I'm glad you noted that."
"I said move the bike," the man demanded as he stopped his car again, "I got an appointment to keep."
"There's another pavement in the road we're standing on," Tori pointed out, "you do know that, right?"
The man stepped out of the car, "I'm not gonna tell you again. Out of the way."
"Wanna move the bike," Richie suggested, "move it yourself."
The man got out his sword before approaching them, "You should have moved your bike. So, who's it gonna be: you or your little girlfriend?"
Richie shook his head and replied as he went to get his sword, "Oh brother."
"Seriously," Tori scoffed, "There was another pavement in our area right next to where we are standing. You could have gone to your appointment that way. This is not necessary."
"I prefer this road," the man replied before he lunged as Richie. Richie began the duel with the man.
"Come on," the man initiated the fight further as he appeared to be the aggressor. The fight continued until Richie gained the upper hand and pinned the man to a nearby dumpster before taking his head and his quickening.
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Tori walked into the hotel with Richie following her.
"I wasn't expecting that," Tori stated.
"Neither was I," Richie shook his head, agreeing with that statement, "That guy was being aggressive towards us, and picking a fight."
"I didn't like it."
Tori heard her phone ring. She answered it.
"Tori, it's Rick."
She noticed him having a somber tone in his voice, and didn't know what was going on. Did she want to know what was going on, "Is Uncle Flash….."
"He's alive if that's what you mean," Rick answered, "but your mom will be sending you a jet to Mongo."
"What for?" Tori asked.
"Dad lost a good friend of his," Rick answered, "His friend passed away a couple of nights ago and we are all going to be there to support him during the memorial. I was thinking maybe you and Richie might want to join us in the memorial and take a look at the scenery of another planet, at least in Richie's perspective."
Tori gave a small chuckle.
"I understand if you two are unable to," Rick replied, "given you are immortals and all."
"Being immortals has nothing to do with that, cuz and you know that," Tori retorted. She took a deep breath and said, "We'll join you, but we need to think it over."
"I understand," Rick replied.
After a little more small talk, Tori ended the call. She reflected on times they lost friends of their own over the past few years: Joe had lost Cord, who saved his life a long time ago, Methos had lost Alexa, Amanda had lost Kenny and Rebecca, Richie had lost Mikey, and Duncan had lost Tessa, Fitz, Darius and God knows how many others. They also lost Charlie.
"Tor, what's the matter?" Richie asked, pulling Tori from her thoughts.
"My cousin Rick called," Tori answered as she faced her boyfriend, "It appears we are going to visit the planet Mongo."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Richie exclaimed in surprise, "Mongo? As in the planet Mongo, where Ming lives?"
"Ming doesn't currently live there, FYI as he resides on Ice Station Earth," Tori replied before she elaborated further, "The Defenders have some good friends who live on Mongo, who fought against Ming. One of them had passed away two nights ago."
"Oh man," Richie replied, "We know how that feels."
"Mom will have a jet ready for us," Tori informed him.
"So, we're really going to Mongo?" Richie asked. Tori nodded.
"Will we need to dress warmly?" Richie asked.
"Most likely," Tori answered.
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"You guys don't have to do this," Flash told the others.
"Come on, Dad," Rick replied, "You can grieve your friend by yourself."
"Rick is right," Mandrake said, "You need your friends by your side to help you mourn the loss of Doctor Hans Zarkov. I know you will have friends on Mongo….."
"But you should have your fellow Defenders by your side when you mourn the loss of Hans," Lothar added.
"Exactly!" Mandrake exclaimed.
"Mandrake," Flash looked on in awe, "Lothar."
"I had been adopted by Mandrake three days ago," Kshin spoke up as the rest of the Defenders entered the room, "and I agree with my father. You'll need your friends to support you."
"Kshin."
"You should have your own son by your side as well," Rick chimed in, "Even though April won't be with us for another couple of weeks, you will still have me, and the rest of us."
"Rick."
"I agree with Rick and the others," Jedda spoke up as she entered the room, "You helped us during the Necklace of Oros crisis as well as when we witnessed the events leading to Mandrake adopting Kshin, so now it is our turn to be there for you."
"Jedda," Flash continued to look on in awe.
"Everyone here is correct," the Phantom added in, "You are not alone in grieving your friend. We are willing to be there to support you."
"Phantom."
"I think everyone else here spoke for me," LJ quipped, "but we all have this thought in common: you should have your fellow Defenders here for support even though the others on Mongo will help your mourn as well."
"You are right, LJ," Flash replied, "Thanks guys. You can come with me to Mongo."
"I hope you don't mind extra people coming with us," Rick spoke up.
"What do you mean?" Flash asked.
"I let Tori know what happened," Rick answered, "She and Richie should be coming to Mongo as well."
"I figured my sister Janet gave you the idea, right?" Flash retorted.
"Yeah," Rick nodded, "She provided the jet and they will probably be able to come to Mongo as well."
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Methos looked upon Alexa's sleeping form. He had heard of the legend of the Methusela Stone and tried to steal it from the Watcher Headquarters in a desperate bid to save her life. He reflected on the conversation he had with Duncan on why he was initially decking it out with Amanda to get the crystal.
"Why are you doing this?" Duncan asked, "You've lived this long without it. Why do you need it now?"
"Alexa," Methos answered, "She's in a hospital in Geneva. She doesn't have long?"
"You knew it had to be this way," Duncan replied.
"Yeah. From the first moment I saw her," Methos asked, "Is that supposed to make it easier? Is that supposed to make it okay?"
Duncan answered quietly, "No."
"If there is one chance that I can save her," Methos stressed, "then….I have to try."
Methos eventually ended up working with Amanda to try to get the stone after a duel.
Methos frowned at Amanda, "What are you doing here?"
"I came to talk and you set me up again!" Amanda exclaimed.
"What?!" Methos replied.
"Even if you kill me, Methos," Amanda told him as she advanced towards him, "you're not going to get my crystal."
"Amanda, I need the crystal," Methos replied as he backed from her.
"Not a chance!" Amanda told him before she attacked him, their blades clashing together.
Methos fended her off, jabbed at her, then climbed onto a nearby train car. She followed him across the car and back down to the ground, and attacked again. He backed away. Her sword hit a pipe, releasing a plume of steam. He climbed across another car, and she followed.
"Don't do this," Methos pleaded.
"Shut up and fight," Amanda hissed. She attacked him again, and he fended her off. He parried, lunged and disarmed Amanda, knocking her to the ground and held his sword at her neck.
"You fool!" Methos looked down at her.
"At least I don't betray my friends," Amanda retorted before asking, "Who's it going to be next? MacLeod? Huh? You going to kill him next? Just go ahead and kill me if she means so much to you."
Methos swung for the killing blow, he paused, fought his emotions and then threw it aside and dragged Amanda to her feet, "You understand nothing. Three weeks ago, we were standing on the beach on Santorini watching the sun rise on the Mediterranean before taking on a cruise to the Bahamas with Richie and Tori…..Now she is lying in a hospital in Switzerland breathing through a tube. You think it takes courage to do what we do? Face another immortal with a sword, knowing only one of you will live?"
He then raised his voice in anger, "You try being her! You try living one year knowing that your time is running out, knowing that when it comes to the final fight, however much you train, whatever tricks you have, you still lose! That's the way it is for them, so little time for them to see anything or do anything."
"Methos!" Amanda called out as she picked up her sword.
"What?!" Methos spun around and pointed his sword at her.
Amanda moved towards him and quietly replied to him, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
She pulled him into a hug, "I'm sorry."
Methos howled in grief, sobbed quietly, and then pulled himself together and followed Amanda out.
Methos and Amanda's plans backfired when a watcher Daniel Geiger attempted to steal the stone for himself, which led to a showdown, which the watcher was killed by Amanda and they lost the crystal. He can still recall Amanda helping him and a recovering Duncan up to their feet with a piece of the lost crystal after the battle was over.
After he returned to Geneva, Methos found Alexa in a coma and remained by her side since, laying on the bed next to her after anointing her with myrrh.
Too bad Alexa would never know how close he was to getting this stone for her. He looked at her as she was sleeping, breathing through the tubes that were keeping her alive.
Methos looked down at Alexa. He would stay by her side until she inevitably passes. Then, he would lay her to rest. He considered burying her back in Santorini, but would that be too far away as he wanted to see her after she were to be buried. Maybe he'd bury her in Paris. It would be just as good and whenever he wanted to visit her, she wouldn't be far away, "Goodnight, my beloved Alexa."
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Tori looked on as the jet was taking her and Richie was making its way to Mongo.
"So, what was this Hans Zarkov like?" Richie asked, breaking the silence.
"He was a good friend to my aunt and uncle," Tori answered, "and he was the one responsible for introducing them to Mongo."
"Really now?"
"Yeah," Tori nodded, "He was a scientist, and there was an odd occurrence going on at Earth at the time, such as hail at random times, for example, and eventually, when aunt Dale and uncle Flash ran into him, they accidentally made their way to Mongo, and ever since then, Ming had been on a mission to conquer Earth as Flash Gordon was his number one enemy."
"I wonder if Mac was aware of the strange weather occurrences at the time," Richie stated.
"I dunno," Tori shrugged, "Probably. None of us Gordon kids were even born around that time."
There was a pause of silence as she took a seat next to her boyfriend. Tori leaned her head on Richie's shoulder.
"So, when are we going to arrive at Mongo?" Richie asked.
"Pretty soon," Tori answered, "This jet will take us to our destination in no time and the IUA is aware of about the situation with Dr. Zarkov passing away."
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Baylin looked over as the Defenders of the Earth arrived on Mongo, "It is good to see the Defenders of the Earth again."
"It's good to see you again as well," Flash replied as he shook his friend's hand, "I wish it were on better circumstances."
"It was a strange experience," Baylin explained, "Hans was diagnosed with this illness, and was expected to pass within the year. We all knew that death was inevitable, but when he closed his eyes for the final time…..it was still shocking."
"Not too long ago," Flash stated, "Our good friend, and Aura's half brother Terek was killed by Ming after she found out the truth."
Baylin nodded, "He hated that his children were finally reuniting, and this was before Ming attempted his first big invasion on Mongo."
"Now we lose another good friend," Flash glanced around, "but he passes from a terminal illness."
Baylin picked up a stick, "As I have done before, I will use a memory charm to honor our fallen friend, for Hans Zarkov."
She looked over at Flash's sullen face and figured this must have been hard on him. First, he lost his wife. Dale and Flash loved each other, and raised a wonderful family, having two children, and even raising their niece and Ming had to murder Dale because he wanted to have information where his arch enemy was. Dale Gordon had left behind her husband as well as her daughter April, son Rick and other family and friends, including the niece she raised.
Then, Flash lost a good friend of his. Hans Zarkov had been diagnosed with a terminal illness over a year ago, and he tried his best to fight the illness, but despite his best efforts, Hans had passed away two nights ago, and it was peacefully.
"Are you going to be okay?" Baylin asked.
"Yeah, I'll be fine," Flash answered, "it'll take some time but it's going to be hard."
"It never does get easy," Baylin replied.
"It never does," Mandrake stated as he approached the area. They looked to see him, Lothar, the Phantom, Rick, Jedda, LJ, Kshin, Castra, Tevrok, Aura and Barin.
"There's another jet in the area," Castra spoke up. The group looked around. The group hurried to the area and noticed a jet at the area.
They looked around. Tori and Richie stepped out of the jet and met up with the group.
"It's good that you two can make it," Flash greeted the couple.
"It's good to see you guys again," Tori replied.
Flash glanced over at the Mongo group and proceeded to introduce Richie to Baylin, Castra, Tevrok, Aura and Barin.
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"We are gathered here to remember a friend and a good ally: Doctor Hans Zarkov," Barin began as the group attended the memorial service the allies set up.
Flash looked around as his friends, allies and loved ones were all at the memorial service. Before the service started, he also introduced Richie to Prince Thun of the Lion Men and King Vultan of the Hawkmen, who were also here to pay their respects to their fallen friend.
Looking back at his major losses, first, he had lost Terek, who was Aura's half brother as he was killed by Ming during the first conflict. Years later, Flash had lost Dale, his beloved wife as he was killed by Ming when he wanted to get information to where he was located at. Now, he had lost a good friend, Hans as he had suffered from a terminal illness. It was ironic that Ming didn't claim the life of a friend of his this time.
It didn't change the fact that the loss still hurt because Hans was a good friend of his, and it was just as surprising when he heard of the terminal diagnosis, followed by his death. It didn't feel right to compare the deaths because, even though Dale and Hans were both good friends of his who were with him when he came to Mongo for the first time, and now of the trio, he was the only one left. Not even his parents were alive as his father suffered a heart attack and his mother died of broken heart not even three months afterwards.
Flash was aware he still had his sisters, his nieces, especially Tori, his friends and allies, but it wasn't quite the same.
"Are you okay?" Tori asked, pulling Flash from his thoughts. He looked to see his niece and her boyfriend looking at him with concerned looks.
"Yeah," Flash nodded quietly, "I will be fine. Thanks."
The group continued with the service as Baylin placed the memory charm on the grave where Hans was laid to rest.
Flash walked over to where Hans was being laid to rest, as he was the first to say his goodbyes to the allies, "Goodbye Hans, my old friend. I will miss you. You keep Dale and Terek company while you wait for us, you hear me?"
He would never forget his good friend Hans Zarkov and would always be grateful because he brought him to Mongo because it made him to where he was today.
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The Defenders, Richie, Tori and the rest of their allies prepared for action against a group of ice robots that appeared in front of the Rebel Headquarters.
"I wonder why Ming decided not to show himself today," Flash stated.
"Let's not take any chances and fight!" Mandrake exclaimed.
Flash, Barin, Rick, Kshin, Baylin, and Tevrok all fired their weapons as ice robots that were coming their way. Richie and Tori used their swords to take on the ice robots that were attacking them.
"By jungle law, the Ghost Who Walks calls forth the strength of ten tigers!" the Phantom called out before he used his strength to take on his opponents as well as his guns. Thun, Lothar and LJ used their strength to take on their opponents, and Jedda used her telepathy to summon some nearby creatures to take on her opponents. Vultan used his flight to take on the ice robots to help his friends and allies fighting on the ground.
Vultan chuckled before he stated, "There is no chance Ming will win this one!"
"No kidding," Thun replied.
Mandrake used a bit of illusion to defeat some of the ice robots he was facing.
Baylin could smell unfamiliar scents, "This is strange."
"What is it?" Flash asked, "Did you smell something?"
She nodded, "I do not recognize these scents."
Two cloaked figures appeared before the group.
"They're not immortal," Richie spoke up.
"He's right because if they were, we would have sensed them beforehand," Tori added.
The two figures finished off the last of the ice robots before they eyed the surprised heroes.
"That was unexpected," LJ stated.
"We thank you," Jedda told the robed individuals.
"We are glad to finally show up to help against the fight against Ming the Merciless," a feminine voice replied before she revealed herself. She was a green skinned woman with graying hair. She eyed the other robed being, "You may remove the robe. It's time for them to know the truth."
The other robed individual removed their robe, revealing a young green skinned woman with dark hair.
"Who are you?" Aura asked, "You have green skin like Ming, like Krotan and Castra?"
"It is because I am the mother of my daughter here," the woman eyed the younger woman before glancing at Krotan and Castra, "As well as the mother to you two. My name is Lady Zyna."
"Wait, am I hearing this right?" Lothar asked before he glanced at her, "You are Zyna, who was long rumored to have been dead for years."
"Yes," Zyna nodded, "that would be me."
Richie then eyed the younger woman, "And who are you supposed to be?"
"My name is Katarina." The young lady introduced herself before she eyed Krotan and Castra. "And I am your baby sister."
"What?!" Castra and Krotan replied simultaneously.
"We will need to head to a different location, and I will explain everything," Zyna suggested, "I believe what I am about to tell you is important."
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Zyna looked around and saw everyone gathered in the Rebels Headquarters, with the exception of Prince Thun and King Vultan, who returned to their respective lands to watch after their people. She eyed Flash and they gave wary glances before nodding at one another as Flash was giving her some untrusting looks. She noticed Katarina looking nervous about this meeting once they got to know everyone's name.
"So, what's going on here?" Richie asked, "Why exactly were you two hiding in the shadows all this time?"
"There is some things that you Earthlings would not understand," Zyna bluntly answered, "but I will explain everything because it is important."
"We thought that you were dead for a long time," Castra spoke up.
Baylin nodded in agreement, "That is what we were led to believe."
"That is what Ming wanted you to believe," Zyna informed the group, "The reality is: I had been in exile for many years, but I had found my way back to Mongo recently. Around that time, I was pregnant with both Krotan and Katarina."
"So, that means…..Katarina is my twin sister?" Krotan inquired.
"Exactly," Katarina replied, "It explains why I feel your ambition, your hate, your anger. All those emotions you were feeling growing up."
"You're telling me you have the power of Empathy as well?" Castra asked.
"Just as far as my twin brother is concern," Katarina answered before she asked, "Is Empathy your power?"
"Yes," Castra nodded, "I obtained the power of Empathy when I became of age."
"And my beloved had done well with her powers," Tevrok chimed in as he held his lover in a loving embrace.
"And when I became of age," Aura added, "I obtained the power of healing, which proved to be useful."
"Don't push your luck," Barin told his beloved.
Aura sighed sadly, "I'm not sure what Terek's powers would have been because Father killed him before he could obtain his powers."
Zyna noted that Aura and Terek were the older half siblings to Castra, Krotan and Katarina, as well as a third sibling Ming had probably kept from them as well as those three were Ming's children with his previous lover Cecilia.
"The witch Zorelda gave Krotan his powers early," Castra spoke up, "Teleportation, telekinesis and shape shifting."
"But I lost my teleportation powers after Zorelda and Suramog were no more," Krotan replied, "I still have my other powers."
He then eyed Zyna, "You say you are the mother to myself and Castra, then why leave us?!"
"I highly doubt our father would let us leave Mongo to be with her," Castra shook her head.
"Not in your case, Castra," Zyna explained before she looked Krotan in the eye, "but as for you, Krotan, I was given a choice. I could only take one of you to the planet I was exiled to, and in making my decision, I believed you, Krotan, would have had a better chance surviving Ming. Seeing how you are now, I have a feeling you survived. Did you? Did I make the right decision?"
"I survived all right," Krotan retorted as he crossed his arms, "but Ming's wrath didn't leave me unscathed, if that's what you mean."
"I cannot imagine what the children of Ming had to endure," Baylin spoke up, "whether it was the abuse in general or what possibly Aura and Castra had to go through."
Zyna sighed and eyed her son, "I am sorry for what you children had to endure, even Aura. I feel terrible for what you had to go through because of your father."
Krotan sighed roughly, clearly not wanting to hear it. No apologies would make the situation, his predicament, any better. He stood up and left the headquarters.
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Katarina looked on as Krotan had stormed off. She wondered if he would end up resenting her because of their upbringings being so different. She sighed sadly as she felt bad for her twin brother.
Katarina gasped as she felt a strange sensation. Suddenly, she saw Zorelda floating in the air, emitting magical energy, then she saw Zorelda taking a female immortal's head with a sword before taking her quickening, then she saw Zorelda walking around Richie, who was imprisoned in a room, then she saw two blades crossing, followed by Tori holding her sword, dealing with Zorelda's magical powers and Zorelda sitting on the throne with Richie looking down, his face etched with sadness and finally, Mongo being on fire with allies falling down, either dead or in defeat.
Katarina screamed as she dropped to her knees and fell to the ground.
"What happened?" Baylin asked with concern.
"This is her having a premonition," Zyna answered.
"Mongo is in danger," Katarina affirmed her mother's statement, "I saw the witch!"
"The witch?" Richie looked on, confused.
"Zorelda," Aura told him.
"She was attacking immortals," Katarina elaborated further, "She's going to set Mongo ablaze."
"That is impossible," Baylin stated, her eyes widened in surprise, "Zorelda had been killed during the Suramog incident while Krotan was playing Emperor."
"Her premonitions are usually on point," Zyna pointed out, "Her premonitions of you guys led us here, so it could be possible that she could set Mongo ablaze, unless it is prevented."
"What else did you see?" Baylin asked.
"I seen Zorelda take heads from immortals," Katarina answered, "and imprisoning a male immortal."
She eyed Richie and Tori, "You two are in my vision."
This caused the couple to hold their hands, worried for one another.
"How are Richie and my niece in your vision?" Flash glared at Katarina.
"Richie is the male immortal imprisoned by Zorelda," Katarina calmly answered, "and Tori is involved in a battle with Zorelda."
"Could it be that Zorelda has cheated death?" Jedda asked, feeling chills over the description of the premonition.
"She had done it before," Aura answered, "so it is possible that Zorelda could have cheated death."
"That would be a hard pill to swallow," Rick replied, "Man, if Zorelda is alive…."
"Then we would have our word cut out for us," Mandrake added.
Tori looked on as she noticed that Krotan wasn't present.
"What's wrong, Tor?" Richie asked.
"I am going to check up on Krotan," Tori answered, "It appears that this revelation is bothering him."
"Go for it," Richie nodded.
She stepped out of the headquarters to check on him.
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Krotan stared in the sky, taking in the revelation that he had just been given. He knew about the special powers the Mongo royals would receive when they become of age, and was surprised when the witch Zorelda granted him his power of teleportation, disguising and telekinesis a couple of years earlier than expected. His mother was right about the witch pushing Krotan to that degree.
"It's a lot to take in, isn't it?" Tori asked as she walked over to him.
"That would be an understatement," Krotan answered, "For many years, I thought my mother was dead, and I thought Castra was my only biological sister with Aura and Terek being my half siblings."
"I wish I could say I understand how you feel," Tori replied, "with all the long lost family revelations, and all the drama that came with it."
"Mother doesn't understand how badly I was affected growing up with my father!" Krotan exclaimed, "She assumed just because I was a boy that meant I could handle Father easier than Katarina."
Krotan then looked over at Tori. He could tell she was feeling a bit of empathy for him. How could she? She was a Gordon, and the Gordon Family were an arch enemy and the family came off to a rocky start with the family reunion.
"Do you think the Gordons don't have their issues?" Tori asked before she told him, "Well, guess what? We have our issues just like pretty much every family. Nobody's perfect. Nobody."
"What are you inquiring?" Krotan asked.
"While you were raised by a tyrant like Ming," Tori answered, "You don't have to become a tyrant like Ming. Jedda told me she sensed the good in you while she was imprisoned here on Mongo, and even though she's now in a relationship with Rick, she still feels there is still good in you. Is she wrong? Are you like your father, or are you willing to become your own person, and not only help your family, but making Mongo a better place? That's up to you. You should really think about it."
As she walked away, Krotan looked down on the ground, taking her words into consideration. This was a lot to take in. He was surprised that Jedda actually felt that way. Too bad he couldn't end up with Jedda, but maybe he could have a future ruling Mongo, without her. Krotan hoped he could become a better ruler than his father ever was. After all, he hated his father just as much as the rebels did, especially for all of the abuse he had to endure by his father growing up.
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Zorelda appeared from the mist. She looked around while standing on a familiar ground. She was on the planet Mongo, a planet she had ruled over many years ago, and a couple of years ago, Zorelda had nearly succeeded in reclaiming her throne.
Suramog thought he disposed of her, but Zorelda was one step ahead of him and created an astral version of herself. That was why she didn't fully trap the Defenders in the void like he wanted, and that was why Suramog didn't vaporize her like he thought.
Now, she was hiding in the shadows for nearly a year to prepare herself to reclaim her throne. It was getting close to time to take back what belonged to her.
Zorelda realized that reclaiming the throne of Mongo was not going to be so simple, especially given the fact that the one of her enemies, the Defenders of the Earth, were allies with immortals, who were humans who had incredible power called the quickening.
Zorelda had noticed Tori Gordon was one of those immortals, but she had to get some practice in taking on these immortals, and it was going to be easy and fun because not only the fact that she was a witch, but she was also immortal, who was previously cursed with aging and losing her immortality after being overruled years ago, but when Suramog was revived, not only was she returned, but immortality was back as well.
As soon as she got some practice with some other immortals on Earth, Zorelda would challenge her main target, and once she triumphed with all of the quickenings she had taken, she would then regain her throne on Mongo, and she wouldn't need Suramog by her side to rule Mongo.
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Tori was startled upon hearing a ping on her laptop. It had been two days since she, Richie and the Defenders returned to Earth after their trip on Mongo and the team agreed to allow them to stay with them for a little while.
Tori placed her laptop on the table and noticed she gotten an email from Amanda.
Hey Tori,
Hope you and Richie are doing well. Wish you two would get married already. Anyway, you'll never believe it. I got Mac into taking part of the circus act! You should see this act of ours in Moscow.
- Amanda
Tori saw the video attachment near the message, "Richie, I think you might want to see this."
"What?" Richie asked as he walked over to his girlfriend.
"Amanda sent an email," Tori answered, "She got MacLeod into doing a circus act with her in Moscow."
She clicked on the video attachment and they saw that this video was from Amanda's point of view.
"At last damy and gentlemen," a man announced, "the Magnificent Moreno Bormann Circus presents the most death defying act of all time! For the very first time in Moscow…..the Wheel of Death!"
Both Duncan and Amanda stepped into view, twirling to the cheering audience.
"I don't know how you talked me into this," Duncan told her as he managed to keep the smile on his face.
"They love us," Amanda replied with a bit of an accent, "and you look marvelous."
"I haven't thrown a knife in public in seventy years," Duncan warned her.
"Don't worry," Amanda assured him, "I'll heal."
Duncan tugged on the collar of her cape, trying to remove it.
"Easy," Amanda told the Highlander.
Duncan finally managed to remove the cape from Amanda, and he tossed her cape aside, helping her step up in front of of a large round board, "Remember, this was your idea."
The couple waved their arms as the crowd cheered.
Then moments later, Amanda was on strapped to the board, arms and legs splayed. The board rotated as Duncan displayed the throwing knives. He aimed and threw one, which landed near Amanda's foot. The couple watched the rest of the act until the video ended.
"Well, what did you think?" Tori asked.
Richie sighed as he seemed to be amused by the video, "They did a pretty good job there."
The couple shared an awkward glance for a moment. There was hesitation, mainly when it came to MacLeod.
"I know how you feel," Tori said, breaking the silence.
"We'll have to break the silence, right?" Richie nodded, "End our break?"
"Sooner or later," Tori answered, "we'll have to end our break and talk to MacLeod again. It's not going to be easy, but I know we can do it."
"Yeah," Richie nodded, "We can do it."
They shared a passionate kiss.
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Author's Commentary:
Richie shook his head and replied as he went to get his sword, "Oh brother."
"Seriously," Tori scoffed, "There was another pavement in our area right next to where we are standing. You could have gone to your appointment that way. This is not necessary."
This would be Richie and Tori's encounter with Alec Hill, and just as it was a flashback scene on the story "The Magic Within", this will also be a flashback scene on the "Haunted" chapter. I have yet to decide on what I am going to do with Alec's widower Jennifer Hill to be honest, but we'll have to see when we get to that chapter.
Methos looked down at Alexa. He would stay by her side until she inevitably passes. Then, he would lay her to rest. He considered burying her back in Santorini, but would that be too far away as he wanted to see her after she were to be buried. Maybe he'd bury her in Paris. It would be just as good and whenever he wanted to visit her, she wouldn't be far away, "Goodnight, my beloved Alexa."
Thanks to fellow Highlander fan Roland Cain for pointing out Alexa being in a coma. I felt since it closely blended with Hans Zarkov's death, I added that in too, along with the flashback from the episode "Methusela's Gift". It was going to be added in regardless.
Farewell, Alexa Bond. You were a great character and you will be missed.
Tori looked on as the jet was taking her and Richie was making its way to Mongo.
"So, what was this Hans Zarkov like?" Richie asked, breaking the silence.
"He was a good friend to my aunt and uncle," Tori answered, "and he was the one responsible for introducing them to Mongo."
"Really now?"
"Yeah," Tori nodded, "He was a scientist, and there was an odd occurrence going on at Earth at the time, such as hail at random times, for example, and eventually, when aunt Dale and uncle Flash ran into him, they accidentally made their way to Mongo, and ever since then, Ming had been on a mission to conquer Earth as Flash Gordon was his number one enemy."
"I wonder if Mac was aware of the strange weather occurrences at the time," Richie stated.
This is basically the origins of how Flash, Dale and Zarkov came across the planet Mongo, and yes, I based this off the 1980 Flash Gordon movie. I bet Richie would be curious in wondering if MacLeod knew about these strange events that happened during that time given he was around.
"It's good that you two can make it," Flash greeted the couple.
"It's good to see you guys again," Tori replied.
Flash glanced over at the Mongo group and proceeded to introduce Richie to Baylin, Castra, Tevrok, Aura and Barin.
About Mongo's allies. We all know Castra and Tevrok were in the DoE series, as did Prince Barin. Dale, Hans, Barin and Princess Aura were also in Flash Gordon canon, which is more of my forte than the other Defenders, lol, anyway, and then there are the characters from the 2007 series. Terek (played by Craig Stanghetta) was Aura's deviant half brother in the 2007 Sci – Fi series, but I didn't have any plans for him, hence he had to go.
Finally, Baylin (played by Karen Cliche) was an interesting character in the 2007 series, and one of my favorites from that series, and I felt she could be an interesting add to Earth N.
I'll explain about the Mongo Royal Six in a little bit.
Flash looked around as his friends, allies and loved ones were all at the memorial service. Before the service started, he also introduced Richie to Prince Thun of the Lion Men and King Vultan of the Hawkmen, who were also here to pay their respects to their fallen friend.
You can't have Flash Gordon's Mongo allies without Prince Thun, leader of the Lion Men or King Vultan, leader of the Hawkmen. As far as how I picture the two of the characters, I picture Thun as he appeared in The Adventures of Flash Gordon animated series made by Flimation, and I picture Vultan from the one, the only Flash Gordon movie from 1980! How can you overlook the performance of the iconic Brain Blessed? He was brilliant!
"My name is Katarina." The young lady introduced herself before she eyed Krotan and Castra. "And I am your baby sister."
"What?!" Castra and Krotan replied simultaneously.
"We will need to head to a different location, and I will explain everything," Zyna suggested, "I believe what I am about to tell you is important."
While Katarina is my character, Lady Zyna belongs to James, and Zyna originally debuted in the story Dynasties, just as his character Rachel Walker did, who will appear in Earth N later on. I was originally planning to bring them in the Mongo adventure of the now long-aborted Sailor Moon Defenders, and Katarina was going to debut in SMD just as Tori did.
"You're telling me you have the power of Empathy as well?" Castra asked.
"Just as far as my twin brother is concern," Katarina answered before she asked, "Is Empathy your power?"
"Yes," Castra nodded, "I obtained the power of Empathy when I became of age."
"And my beloved had done well with her powers," Tevrok chimed in as he held his lover in a loving embrace.
"And when I became of age," Aura added, "I obtained the power of healing, which proved to be useful."
"Don't push your luck," Barin told his beloved.
Aura sighed sadly, "I'm not sure what Terek's powers would have been because Father killed him before he could obtain his powers."
Zyna noted that Aura and Terek were the older half siblings to Castra, Krotan and Katarina, as well as a third sibling Ming had probably kept from them as well as those three were Ming's children with his previous lover Cecilia.
"The witch Zorelda gave Krotan his powers early," Castra spoke up, "Teleportation, telekinesis and shape shifting."
"But I lost my teleportation powers after Zorelda and Suramog were no more," Krotan replied, "I still have my other powers."
I have gotten inspiration from Marzena where those who are royal siblings of Mongo by blood would receive at least one power they would obtain once they had reached the coming of age, and provided a logical explanation why Krotan had his powers before the events of this story.
Katarina gasped as she felt a strange sensation. Suddenly, she saw Zorelda floating in the air, emitting magical energy, then she saw Zorelda taking a female immortal's head with a sword before taking her quickening, then she saw Zorelda walking around Richie, who was imprisoned in a room, then she saw two blades crossing, followed by Tori holding her sword, dealing with Zorelda's magical powers and Zorelda sitting on the throne with Richie looking down, his face etched with sadness and finally, Mongo being on fire with allies falling down, either dead or in defeat.
Katarina screamed as she dropped to her knees and fell to the ground.
"What happened?" Baylin asked with concern.
"This is her having a premonition," Zyna answered.
This would be a display of what Katarina's premonition when they happen. In some cases, it would bring her a negative reaction, but the premonitions will prove to be useful to the Defenders and their allies, especially MacLeod and his friends.
"While you were raised by a tyrant like Ming," Tori answered, "You don't have to become a tyrant like Ming. Jedda told me she sensed the good in you while she was imprisoned here on Mongo, and even though she's now in a relationship with Rick, she still feels there is still good in you. Is she wrong? Are you like your father, or are you willing to become your own person, and not only help your family, but making Mongo a better place? That's up to you. You should really think about it."
As she walked away, Krotan looked down on the ground, taking her words into consideration. This was a lot to take in. He was surprised that Jedda actually felt that way. Too bad he couldn't end up with Jedda, but maybe he could have a future ruling Mongo, without her. Krotan hoped he could become a better ruler than his father ever was. After all, he hated his father just as much as the rebels did, especially for all of the abuse he had to endure by his father growing up.
There had been a conversation in Tumblr asking whether Krotan was a villain or a victim. In the case of Earth N, I think he is more or less an antihero, given what we've seen in the series as well as in fanfiction in general. I sure hope Krotan takes Tori's words to heart and change for the better because he was exiled from Mongo in the most recent Defenders of the Earth comics, which I recommend for a good read.
Zorelda had noticed Tori Gordon was one of those immortals, but she had to get some practice in taking on these immortals, and it was going to be easy and fun because not only the fact that she was a witch, but she was also immortal, who was previously cursed with aging and losing her immortality after being overruled years ago, but when Suramog was revived, not only was she returned, but immortality was back as well.
As soon as she got some practice with some other immortals on Earth, Zorelda would challenge her main target, and once she triumphed with all of the quickenings she had taken, she would then regain her throne on Mongo, and she wouldn't need Suramog by her side to rule Mongo.
This scene is a set up for the upcoming finale for the Season 4 arc. The chapters covering "Judgment Day" and "One Minute to Midnight" are the penultimate chapters for the penultimate season of this amazing story. Yeap, Zorelda is going to be the big bad, and I made sure to provide a proper explanation on how Zorelda is still alive, essentially her astral self was the reason her magic wasn't as strong as she would normally be. Will Tori be able to triumph over this immortal witch? We shall see.
"I know how you feel," Tori said, breaking the silence.
"We'll have to break the silence, right?" Richie nodded, "End our break?"
"Sooner or later," Tori answered, "we'll have to end our break and talk to MacLeod again. It's not going to be easy, but I know we can do it."
"Yeah," Richie nodded, "We can do it."
They shared a passionate kiss.
I also presented the ending to an enjoyable episode, "The Immortal Cimoli," showing Duncan and Amanda's circus performance in Russia and also show Richie and Tori showing reluctance to return to MacLeod and end their break with him.
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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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