DCH 61
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Sixty-One: Deja Vu Proposal
Zorelda looked at her prisoner. He was chained up to a wall to keep him from escaping, not that he'd know how to escape from this planet. She eyed his curly brown hair and brown eyes, which were filled with fear and worry, but he appeared to be trying his best to get it together.
For the past couple of weeks, she had been warming up for her main target by taking out other immortals on Earth by kidnapping loved ones of the immortals she had been using as target practices, and this had made her fifth target. The other four targets gave her a good fight, but they never stood a chance.
"What do you expect to come out of this?" the young man asked, "It's been, you know, three days, and do you think she will come here all the way from Earth?"
Zorelda turned towards his prisoner, "I have my ways to bring them here besides taking you, of course."
"What are you talking about?" the young man asked.
"Along with being an immortal," Zorelda answered, "I am a witch, and I managed to arrange for your girlfriend Kaylee to come to Mongo from Earth."
The young man appeared to be curious about what she was implying, and he was worried for his girlfriend as well, given the possible disadvantage she might have coming into the challenge against Zorelda, and he should be worried.
"Why are you doing this anyway?" the young man asked, "Kaylee doesn't even know you."
"It's nothing personal, honey," Zorelda answered before asking him, "Hope you like the cold because if I prevail, you might be here for quite some time longer."
"I like snowboarding," the young man stated, "That's one of my favorite sports besides motorcycle racing."
"Oh, I'm afraid you won't be doing any of that," Zorelda replied with a smug look on her face, "You will be serving me after I prevail over your girlfriend."
"Not a chance," the young man replied, "I'd rather die than to prove my loyalty towards you, let alone any other woman besides my girlfriend!"
"Mistress, the immortal has made it to the planet Mongo," Rubeus informed her upon arriving the dungeon, "She is at the mountains, searching for you."
"Just as I planned," Zorelda replied.
"Kaylee's here?!" the young man exclaimed in surprise. Zorelda smirked in satisfaction, "The moment I have been waiting for."
"Kaylee!" the young man shouted as Zorelda began to left the dungeon, "Kaylee, I'm in here! Kaylee!"
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Zorelda appeared outside the castle and faced Kaylee, a red haired female immortal, who was ready for a duel to free her boyfriend.
"Greetings, Kaylee," Zorelda greeted her opponent, holding her sword, "I have been waiting for you."
"Where is he?" Kaylee demanded, holding her sword, "Where's Dustin?"
"He is being held at my castle," Zorelda answered, "The castle of Mongo, my dear."
"I'll find him once I defeat you," Kaylee declared.
"Well then, let's begin," Zorelda replied.
The two women began their duel. It started off as a regular sword duel, and then Zorelda started her teleportation magic to evade her opponent. After that, she multiplied herself, "I bet you've never met an immortal who had powers such as myself."
The witch noticed that Kaylee appeared to be overwhelmed by her skills, but she was still trying her best to gain the upper hand.
Eventually, it all became too much for her opponent and Zorelda gained the upper hand against Kaylee, and proceeded to take her head before beginning to take her Quickening.
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Katarina looked on in fear as she saw lighting in the area. This had been going on for the past five times, and it hadn't ended well. Zorelda had arrived on Mongo a couple of weeks ago and she had been kidnapping random people from Earth, using them as bait for her targeted immortals, and each time she had prevailed over the immortal she targeted.
"Zorelda has prevailed again," Katarina stated in fear and sadness.
"Are you okay, Kat?" Castra asked as she walked over to her baby sister.
Katarina noticed her as well as her brother and mother in the room.
"It's Zorelda, isn't it?" Krotan asked, "The same witch who overtaken the castle."
"And she had been preparing for her main target before making her move to rule over Mongo," Zyna added.
"Why don't we just do something about this, Mother?" Krotan asked.
"You know why," Zyna answered, "Barin and Tevrok tried using their armies to take down Zorelda the first couple of times since she's been here, and even you have, but the witch has prevailed and you men barely escaped with your lives!"
"And my visions have been more recurring since Zorelda has been here," Katarina said, "It's all regarding the immortals, like what happened after Dr. Zarkov's passing."
Suddenly, Baylin walked into the room, "Zorelda is still alive, right?"
"I'm afraid so," Katarina stated sadly.
"None of us stand a chance against this witch," Castra stated, looking out the window.
"There is nothing we can do at this point," Baylin declared, "All we can do now is hope that Tori Gordon, or her targeted immortal in question, prevails over Zorelda. Only then, will this nightmare end."
"I sure hope so," Krotan replied.
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Dustin looked on in worry, trying to keep himself calm. He was hoping that his girlfriend would triumph over this witch who had been keeping him prisoner. If she didn't, either he would be dead or he would be forced to be of service to Zorelda.
Suddenly, he heard footsteps descending down the steps of the dungeon.
To his disbelief, Zorelda appeared in the dungeon and she smirked at her prisoner, "Guess who won?"
Dustin sighed sadly and muttered, "No."
"Now you got your options," Zorelda told her prisoner, "either you serve me, or I will kill you right on the spot."
Dustin remained firm on where he stood with that situation, "Do what you have to do."
"Very well," Zorelda replied before she proceeded to vaporize him to death.
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Earth — Central City
April sighed as she made her way out of the airport. It had been a couple of years since she last seen her family; The first time she visited them was during her mother's funeral, then she visited them when Tori took the quickening from an immortal chick who hurt Richie, and again, while on assignment, when MacLeod was taking on Kalas. April couldn't wait to see her family and the Defenders again, and couldn't wait to be a part of their team full time.
Flash approached his daughter.
"Hey, Dad," April greeted her father.
"Hello, April," Flash replied, "Ready to head home?"
"More than you realize," April smiled with excitement.
Flash brought April to the mansion where the rest of the Defenders were waiting for her. She looked around to see that not much had changed.
"Hey, sis," Rick greeted his sister.
"Hey, yourself," April hugged her brother.
The two siblings faced one another. April had always envisioned this day, the day she could tell Rick that she was his equal, and it couldn't have been at a more perfect time since things seemed to be looking up.
Flash eyed the others, "Let me introduce you to the team again."
April had obviously met each of them before, and she'd read their files in the years since while also reading files about the immortals that Tori had encountered. She was pleased to be joining their unit. This was the finest super team on Earth. She knew that the Defenders could save the world – and maybe April Gordon could help with that.
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Paris
"You seem nervous," Maurice told Richie as he was talking to his friend at his restaurant, "Is there any relationship trouble?"
"Not exactly," Richie replied before showing him a small box with a beautiful diamond ring.
"Oh, are you planning to propose?" Maurice asked.
"Yes," Richie answered, "and I plan to propose here at your restaurant as I think it'd be a lovely idea."
"Fantastique!" Maurice exclaimed happily, appearing to be excited upon hearing this, "It will be a dream come true for me for someone to propose at my restaurant, especially when she says yes!"
"I'll be taking Tori here for lunch this afternoon," Richie announced.
"And that's when you'll pop the question?" Maurice asked.
"Exactly."
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"What can I help you with today?" Amanda asked as she sat down on the sofa.
"Richie's taking me out to lunch today," Tori answered, "and I have a feeling that he is up to something."
"Oh, what makes you think that?" Amanda quipped, "Like a proposal?"
"I don't know," Tori shrugged her shoulders, "but he keeps acting nervous."
"I'll join you for lunch today," Amanda told her student, "but I will not get in the way, and I hope things go well, with whatever Richie is planning to do."
Tori smiled in response, "So do I."
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Richie and Tori were seated at the restaurant. They looked on as Amanda quietly waved towards them, seated across from them. Amanda waved at the couple and Tori waved back before Amanda innocently looked into the menu.
"What's Amanda doing here?" Richie asked.
"She happened to be in the neighborhood," Tori answered.
"You think it's coincidence?"
"Pretty much."
Richie sighed nervously, deciding not to press the issue further. He glanced around the room for a moment before he finally decided to speak.
"What's the matter?" Tori asked in concern.
"Nothing. Nothing's wrong," Richie answered before he finally spoke up, "I've been thinking about this for some time."
Tori listened to her boyfriend intently.
Richie continued, "Tori, you've been my rock through all the hard times we had to go through together. Ever since we first met, you've been really good to me, and you saw me through the good times and the bad times, and kept me from doing things I would have regretted later on. You've helped me through some of the most traumatic ordeals that I have had to endure since becoming immortal, and through the entire four years we have been together, I saw the brilliant, kind and understanding woman that you are."
Suddenly, Richie went down on one knee, and Tori blushed as she watched him.
"Victoria Gordon," Richie held the ring in his hands, "will you marry me?"
Maurice, Amanda and everyone else in the restaurant watched with anticipation.
Tori smiled happily, "Yes, I will marry you, Richie Ryan!"
Richie placed the ring on Tori's finger and then everyone in the restaurant cheered and clapped their hands.
"Congratulations!" Maurice walked over to the newly engaged couple, "I hope everything works out for you two!"
"Thanks, Maurice," Tori smiled, looking at her ring.
"This was a dream come true," Maurice stated, "having someone propose at my restaurant! You've made my dream come true!"
"I'm glad we were able to do so, Maurice," Richie replied.
Amanda walked over to the couple, "Congratulations, you two."
"Thanks, Amanda," Richie replied.
"Maurice, you remember Amanda, right?" Tori introduced her teacher to her friend.
"Yes, I believe I have," Maurice replied happily before shaking Amanda's hand, "Good to see you again, Amanda."
"Good to see you again, Maurice," Amanda replied.
"I wonder what MacLeod would say about this," Maurice stated.
"He'd probably think we are rushing into things as we've been in a relationship for over a year," Richie answered, "while he was in a relationship with Tessa for 13 years before proposing to her."
"Everyone's relationship is different," Amanda stated.
"That's a fact," Maurice added, "Just like my relationship with my first wife."
"I wonder what my family and the Defenders would think about this," Tori stated.
"Why don't we call them up and find out," Richie suggested.
"After lunch," Tori replied.
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Greta smiled as she had watched Richie propose to his girlfriend while she quietly ate her lunch nearby.
At first she didn't really recognize the couple because Richie's hair was different from when she last saw him. It was just too bad about MacLeod's friend, who died shortly after she gave her a palm reading a few nights prior.
Two Years Ago
Greta was walking down the streets of Seacouver. She felt a strange sensation that something had happened regarding her recent vision, but she didn't know exactly what it was.
She looked up and saw MacLeod walking down the streets, appearing to be sad about something.
"Hey!" Greta called out, which caught his attention. He appeared hesitant to approach her at first, "Hey, I want to talk to you!"
MacLeod sighed before he walked over to her.
"It's been two weeks and I haven't seen you," Greta told the mysterious man, "I thought I told you to let me know what happened."
MacLeod appeared to be hesitant to talk about what happened, which caused her to become concerned, "Something happened."
"Yes," MacLeod told her, "I rescued Tessa from the Tudor house, and the man who was holding her hostage, but she…...she was killed by a mugger."
Greta looked on in shock. That explained why she saw a gun at the end of her vision for Tessa while almost the rest of the vision had something to do with Tessa being in the Tudor house with the man who held her prisoner.
"I'm sorry," Greta offered her condolences, "So that's why I didn't hear from you?"
"Yes," MacLeod nodded, "I buried Tessa at her home in Paris."
He sighed before saying, "Long ago, I was once told I would bury many women but marry none. Maybe that might be true."
"I'm sorry," Greta said sadly.
"You should see this as a silver lining," Duncan told her, "You have a real talent for seeing into the future, and you should really look into making a career out of it."
The Present
Greta stood up from her table and slowly walked over to where Richie, Tori and a blonde woman was.
To her surprise, Richie recognized her immediately, "Greta, is that you?"
"Hello, Richie, Tori," Greta greeted the couple, "Congratulations on your engagement."
"Thanks," Tori replied. Richie then gestured to the blonde woman, who was looking at them with a confused look, "Greta, this is Amanda. Amanda, Greta is a psychic we met a few years ago."
"Nice to meet you," Greta shook hands with her.
"Pleasure," Amanda replied with a smile, "So, you're a psychic, huh?"
Greta nodded, "Yes. I'm the seventh daughter of the seventh son. I see things that other people don't even look for."
"Oooh," Amanda replied before handing out her palm, "Could you care to read my palm?"
"I don't see why not," Greta answered before she proceeded to read her palm. She had saw many things from this woman's life. It appeared to amaze her at what she was seeing. Some of the images included images as if they were from over a thousand years ago, among other things, "Whoa! This reminds me of a few years ago."
"When you met Richie and Tori?" Amanda asked.
"She's also met MacLeod too," Richie chimed in.
"Oh," Amanda nodded.
"You, however, have quite an adventurous history," Greta stated, "living your life on the edge."
"That's me in a nutshell," Amanda quipped.
"Did Mac tell you what happened after that time Tessa was taken?" Richie asked.
"Yes. I managed to catch up with him and he told me the gist of it," Greta answered, "I'm sorry for your loss."
"Thanks," Richie and Tori replied, nodding sadly, thinking about Tessa. Amanda was thinking about Tessa and MacLeod herself. She couldn't help but to wonder what was going through Mac's mind upon finding his fiance dead on the streets that night.
"What have you been doing since we last met?" Richie asked.
"I've been working on my psychic visions since that time," Greta answered, "I still read palms and I've been expanding my talents as well."
"What do you mean by that?" Tori asked.
"If there's a couple who's using my service, I am able to read their palms to determine how their relationship will turn out," Greta explained, "and I can also do long term visions too."
"Long term visions?" Richie chimed in.
"Want to see for yourselves?" Greta offered.
Richie and Tori looked at each other before they looked at her.
"Sure," Tori answered, "I don't see any harm in it."
The couple held out their palms to Greta, and she proceeded to read them. Upon taking their hands, she got a flash of something, "Wow, that's a rush."
"Are you okay?" Tori asked.
"I'm fine. Let me continue," Greta assured her before she read their palms again. She got flashes of various images: Richie surrounded in darkness, Tori in a caged room with another woman, a woman with red hair dressed in green smiling, two sword blades crossing, four men in dark attire, Richie and Tori getting married, a little girl with brown hair smiling and laughing, a woman saying, "Only a Highland child can stop him", a woman in gold attire, MacLeod and another man getting hit with a mass dose of lighting, Richie getting hit by lighting, a casket appearing in a dark room, Richie calling out, "Joe?" followed by Tori yelling, "No!" and appearing as if she was pushing someone or something out of the way, and finally, MacLeod yelling, swinging his sword and the image being covered in blood before everything flashed to white.
Greta opened her eyes in surprise, "Whoa, that was more intense than when what I read three years ago!"
Richie and Tori glanced at each other in surprise. Amanda looked on in confusion. Greta then elaborated further, "Then again, I hadn't read couple's palms at the time, only one person at a time."
"I see," Amanda nodded.
"Who are you people?" Greta asked.
"Should we tell her?" Richie asked the girls.
"It might be a good idea," Amanda inquired, "I don't think she'll meet people like us though."
"I can keep a secret," Greta insisted, "if that's what you are worried about."
Then Richie and Tori proceeded to explain to Greta about the three of them and Duncan being immortals, the gist of what she needed to know.
"So you guys are immortals?" Greta looked on in surprise, "That explains why MacLeod and Amanda have quite the history when I read their palms."
"I became immortal the same night Tessa was killed," Richie stated.
"So you were mugged to death too?" Greta asked. He nodded.
"So was I," Tori added, "but I became immortal a year before he did."
Greta nodded, "I will keep this a secret."
"Thank you," Tori replied, "So, what did you see in your vision?"
"You two are in danger," Greta explained, "but I can't tell how far in the future it will go, so my advice for you two is to be careful."
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Author's Commentary:
The witch noticed that Kaylee appeared to be overwhelmed by her skills, but she was still trying her best to gain the upper hand.
Eventually, it all became too much for her opponent and Zorelda gained the upper hand against Kaylee, and proceeded to take her head before beginning to take her Quickening.
This is a similar pattern to "The Darkness" but by the time this finale is over, this arc will be its own arc/episode. I am excited to write the witch Zorelda as not only the original queen of Mongo, but an immortal as well.
"I'm afraid so," Katarina stated sadly.
"None of us stand a chance against this witch," Castra stated, looking out the window.
"There is nothing we can do at this point," Baylin declared, "All we can do now is hope that Tori Gordon, or her targeted immortal in question, prevails over Zorelda. Only then, will this nightmare end."
"I sure hope so," Krotan replied.
I bet this is going to be quite a ride seeing the Mongo allies again, especially with them dealing with an incredible threat as Zorelda. It's going to be exciting to see my character Katarina and James's character Zyna in the mix along with the rest of the Mongo allies.
April had obviously met each of them before, and she'd read their files in the years since while also reading files about the immortals that Tori had encountered. She was pleased to be joining their unit. This was the finest super team on Earth. She knew that the Defenders could save the world – and maybe April Gordon could help with that.
Let's give you guys a blast from the past! James wrote this scene when this was featured on Sailor Moon Defenders, except here I made alterations to where it blends in with Earth N canon and the current situation.
Richie continued, "Tori, you've been my rock through all the hard times we had to go through together. Ever since we first met, you've been really good to me, and you saw me through the good times and the bad times, and kept me from doing things I would have regretted later on. You've helped me through some of the most traumatic ordeals that I have had to endure since becoming immortal, and through the entire four years we have been together, I saw the brilliant, kind and understanding woman that you are."
Suddenly, Richie went down on one knee, and Tori blushed as she watched him.
"Victoria Gordon," Richie held the ring in his hands, "will you marry me?"
Maurice, Amanda and everyone else in the restaurant watched with anticipation.
Tori smiled happily, "Yes, I will marry you, Richie Ryan!"
This is one of the moments I have been waiting for: the proposal, Richie proposing to Tori. Now, if only I could get a picture of this lovely proposal.
"I can keep a secret," Greta insisted, "if that's what you are worried about."
Then Richie and Tori proceeded to explain to Greta about the three of them and Duncan being immortals, the gist of what she needed to know.
Greta is the other connection to "The Darkness" that this arc will have. I found Greta to be an interesting character in my opinion, and she'd be one of the handful of people who would know about immortals.
As for the visions, those are foreshadowing for the Season 5 arc/finale arc.
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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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