DCH 62

Defenders Chronicles: Highlander

By AmandaDoE

Chapter Sixty-Two: Set In Motion

Zorelda looked upon the mystical screen, spying on her target: Tori Gordon. How great it was to have some of her favorite powers. How great it was to be alive. Suramog thought he destroyed Zorelda, but she was one step ahead of him, using astral projection after he restored her, which was precisely why her power wasn't fully in effect when she'd teleport the Defenders away. Her plan worked and the team took care of Suramog for her eventually.

After hiding in the shadows for a couple of years, Zorelda had taken the heads of a few immortals. By that she kidnapped someone the immortal loved and so far, the immortal had successfully taken the heads of the five immortals. As for the hostages? Either they served her, or they would died, and three of them perished while the other two gave in and became loyal servants to her. Some would prefer death over being loyal to a witch who used to be the queen of Mongo, which was unfortunate.

Now, Zorelda's next target, Tori Gordon, would determine the future of Mongo. If the witch triumphed over her, not only would she take her handsome lover as she pleased, but Mongo would be hers for the taking. Not only that, Tori had a connection to the Defenders of the Earth and it was perfect.

"I shall draw out Tori Gordon," Zorelda declared, "and challenge her to a duel on Mongo."

"When shall we make our move, Mistress?" Rubeus asked. Zorelda looked at her black robed assistant with a smile on her face, "We shall make our move real soon, Rubeus. Real soon. Just wait and see."

"As you wish, Mistress," Rubeus bowed before the witch before he left the chambers.


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"He proposed?!" April exclaimed in surprise as Tori shown her the ring while they were talking via laptop.

"Yeah," Tori answered, "Richie and I are going to get married."

"Oh my gosh," April replied, "Congratulations!"

"So you are officially back in with the Defenders?" Tori asked.

"That's right," Flash answered as he joined in on the conversation.

"It's good that you're back with us full time," Tori told her cousin.

"Thanks, Tor," April replied.

"And congrats on your engagement, Tori," Flash added in.

"Thanks, Uncle," Tori smiled.

Richie walked into the room, "Good to see you are back with the Defenders, April."

"Thank you, Richie," April replied, "I can't wait for you to become a part of the Gordon family officially."

"Thanks," Richie chuckled.

"Why don't you guys come to Central City for a party," Flash suggested, "We were already planning to have a homecoming party for April, but we can also make it into an engagement party as well."

"Oh no, uncle…..I couldn't….." Tori started to say.

"I insist!" April exclaimed, "I know the Defenders have seen you recently, but I haven't gotten a chance to see you!"

"All right, A," Tori replied, "I missed you too, and I did say we'd come back after our situation with the watchers."

"That reminds me, how did that go?" Flash asked.

"Dawson got reinstated into the Watchers after the renegade watchers tried to put him and MacLeod to death," Tori answered, "and the perpetrators behind the mess: Shapiro and Galati were taken care of."

"What did they do?" April asked.

"Shapiro was being a hypocrite," Tori answered, "He thought Joe should be punished for breaking the watchers oath, but tried justifying things when he did the same thing. That scumbag got a fate worst than death during his trial after Joe got his watchers status reinstated."

"What about the other guy?" Flash asked.

"Galati was an immortal who was killing all the watchers after Horton killed his wife," Richie answered.

"Horton, that scumbag?" Flash asked. Tori and Richie glanced at each other as they did inform the Defenders the gist about who Horton and the hunters/renegade watchers were.

"But isn't he dead?" April asked.

"Yeah," Tori answered, "but Galati insisted that all of the watchers should be eliminated, but I eventually took care of that delusional immortal, especially before Shapiro could take his head."

"He sounded unhinged," April replied.

"They were both unhinged," Tori affirmed them, "Shapiro lost his son, which prompted him to break his oath and as a result, he was expelled from the watchers and his wife filed for divorce and she'd make sure he'd never see his daughters again."

There was a pause of silence as the group looked around.

"So, we'll see you sometime tomorrow?" Flash asked.

"Yes," Richie answered, "You'll see us sometime tomorrow."

"Sounds like a plan," Tori nodded in agreement.

"I can't wait!" April exclaimed.

With that, the call ended.


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"Did I just hear someone proposed?" Mandrake asked as he stepped in the room.

Flash and April looked at him in surprise.

"I know it is not polite to eavesdrop," Mandrake stated, "but I couldn't help but to overhear about the proposal."

"You heard correctly," April replied happily, "Tori and Richie are finally engaged. That means they are going to be married soon!"

"I know what that means," Mandrake chuckled before he replied, "I am happy for the pair."

"We decided that April's homecoming party will also be the engagement party to Richie and Tori," Flash informed, "and they are coming here tomorrow."

"That is a marvelous idea!" Mandrake exclaimed with delight.

"I agree so myself," April nodded.


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Richie laid his head on Tori's lap. He was shirtless, wearing black shorts while Tori was wearing a white, silk gown.

"You think that Mac and Tess were feeling this way the night after he proposed to her?" Richie asked.

"Probably," Tori answered, "Probably. I never in my life imagined falling in love like this. At this point, I can't even imagine life without you."

"Oh, Tori," Richie replied, "I feel the same way. I can't imagine my life without you. You're so beautiful, Tor."

He leaned over to face her, "Your beautiful face. Your beautiful smile. Your beautiful eyes."

They shared a passionate kiss.

"You know," Tori stated, "I think my uncle and April consider you family."

"And we aren't married yet," Richie replied.

They continued with their kiss.


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"So the Defenders of the Earth will be throwing a party for April, Tori and Richie," Zorelda stated as she watched Richie and Tori through her screen, "This is working out perfectly."

"Defenders of the Earth, mistress?" Rubeus inquired.

"They have a connection to the planet Mongo," Zorelda explained, "Flash Gordon has allies on Mongo and it will be the most perfect way to destroy the Defenders and their allies while reclaiming the planet Mongo as my own once again."

"By challenging Tori Gordon to a duel?" Rubeus asked.

"Exactly," Zorelda answered, "Not only will she be dueling for the fate of Mongo, but to save her beloved fiance as well. When I take her head and her quickening, my conquest will be complete and Mongo will be mine for the taking."


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Katarina woke up screaming. She looked around her room in a panic. She reflected on the visions that she saw: she saw swords, she saw Zorelda, and she saw Mongo being set on fire.

"It can't be," Katarina stated, catching her breath, "It can't be."

"Katarina?!" Castra called out as she hurried to her sister's side, "Kat, wake up."

She comforted her baby sister, "Kat, it's me Castra. It's all right. You just had a bad dream."

"Cas, I – I saw Zorelda," Katarina said, "Then I saw Mongo on fire."

Castra looked on in surprise, "How long now?"

"It feels like it is going to be sooner," Katarina answered, "Sooner."

"We might need to warn the Defenders in that case," Castra stated, "especially since it might involve immortals, and Zorelda seems to be after immortals the last time you had a vision like this."

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Chapters

1: Prelude To A Storm

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.

2: Chance Encounter

While reflecting on personal matters, Tori witnesses a stunning occurrence.

3: Changes

Richie introduces Tori to his friends, Duncan and Tessa, who detail the secret affairs of immortals.

4: Questions & Answers

As Tori begins learning more about her true nature, a teacher offers assistance.

5: Prelude To A Storm

Tori informs the Defenders that she plans to help Duncan and his companions.

6: Swift Action

Tori and Richie continue bonding as the IUA works with Duncan.

7: Paris Bound

Tori is given a new task by her mother Janet.

8: Past Teacher Surprise

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.

10: Care and Comfort

Tori tends to an ailing Richie.

11: The Hunters

The group gains allies while investigating a new matter.

12: The Watchers

The search for Horton begins.

13: Vendetta

An old friend of Tori's reveals a darker side. Janet becomes involved in the current operation.

14: The Darkness

Duncan is told to be wary of a dark prophesy.

15: An Eye For An Eye

The team is menaced by Annie Devlin, an old associate of Duncan's.

16: Teacher, Teacher

Duncan begins refining Tori's skills.

17: More Than Friends?

Richie and Tori continue bonding.

18: Richie

A new woman comes into Richie's life.

19: New on the Job

Janet takes steps to make Richie an IUA operative. 

20: Immortal Task

Tori and her allies confront a number of enemies in the city.

21: A Day at the Beach

The teams head out for a day of fun.

22: Suspended Sabotage

Rick's capture leads to a compromising situation as LJ and the others attempt a rescue.

23: The Madam Weds

Lucy, a dangerous immortal, targets Richie. Tori intervenes.

24: Clouded Issues

The IUA investigates when one of the Phantom's acquaintances is victimized by an immortal.

25: Framed

Richie and Tori return to Paris to assist with the mission, which is complicated by police involvement.

26: Game of Peril

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.

28: Obsession

Duncan attempts to work with the unstable David Keogh.

29: Not Quite Fine

Charlie prepares to depart.

30: Unwanted Advances

The group meet a girl named Michelle, who has just discovered her immortal nature.

31: The Child

Tori and Richie attempt to care for a younger boy named Kenny.

32: Halloween Incident

Everyone prepares for a holiday.

33: Shadows

A mysterious statue creates chaos.

34: They Also Serve

Joe and the team find others in need of their help.

35: State of Mind

Jedda and Tori have an intimate conversation.

36: Song of the Executioner

Kalas haunts Richie and the others.

37: Star-Crossed

Duncan prepares for battle with Kalas and finds a surprise.

38: The Mystery of Methos

Kalas searches for Methos.

39: Astral Richie

Tori worries as Richie begins taking chances.

40: Double Jeopardy

Anne arrives.

41: The Exorcism of Richie Ryan

Richie requires assistance in getting back to normal. 

42: Out of the Frying Pan

The Defenders step in to assist with Kalas, and to help prevent the truth about Duncan's kind from leaking.

43: Into the Fire

Duncan prepares to confront Kalas.

44: Home, Friends, & Family

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.

46: Of Mice and Men

The current situation reminds Tori of a well-known scenario.

47: Good Intentions

Amanda and Richie follow Duncan on a journey in secret, and end up defending themselves from a horde of ice robots.

48: The Return of Kenny

The friends see Kenny again. Duncan suspects that a certain immortal is pursuing the child.

49: Nightmares

Seacouver is targeted by an ambitious supernatural woman named Sierra.

50: Between Black & White

Duncan, Tori, and Richie investigate a matter from Duncan's past alongside the police.

51: Culture Clashed

The group is challenged by a charismatic new antagonist, Kamir.

52: Witch

The spellcaster Kristin Gilles arrives and pursues Richie. Mandrake offers assistance in thwarting her.

53: Facing the Music

Duncan and his friends attempt to aid a pianist.

54: Rescue Mission

Anne and Jack participate in the latest endeavor.

55: Darkest Before The Dawn

Duncan falls under a dark influence temporarily.

56: Cruising Storytellers

Methos and the others reflect.

57: The Mongo Adventure

The exploits of Flash and his famed allies from Mongo are chronicled. Meanwhile, Zorelda reemerges.

58: Storytellers

The team members engage in sparring and storytelling during downtime.

59: Judgment Day

The groups attempt to rescue Joe, who has been lured into a trap.

60: One Minute To Midnight

As tensions rise and truths are revealed, the team bands together in their effort to help Joe.

61: Deja Vu Proposal

Richie makes a monumental decision.

62: Set In Motion

As Tori and Richie prepare for the big day, opposing forces on Mongo makes plans of their own.

63: Reunion

Katarina and Castra attempt to unite with the Defenders before Zorelda makes her move.

64: Zorelda Strikes

Zorelda arrives on Earth.

65: Setting Up The Rescue Mission

The groups outline their rescue effort.

66: Making Way To Mongo

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.

69: Loose Ends Tied

The group deals with the repercussions of their adventure and return to Earth.

70: Prophetic Summit Meeting

Duncan's ally, Cassandra, relays a vision.

71: Transition To Marriage

Tori and Richie encounter a cult. Duncan pursues Clay.

72: Jenny

The Ryans foster a mysterious child who bears a resemblance to Tori.

73: A Friend Indeed

Amanda and Maurice return as a new enigma arises.

74: Money No Object

Amanda engages in more questionable activity.

75: Haunted

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.

77: The Messenger

The Ryans encounter an apparent impostor, who also approaches Hadea.

78: Comes a Horseman

An adversary known as Kronos targets Tori, seeking to exploit her intellect.

79: Revelation 6:8

Richie and Duncan move to counter Kronos.

80: The Ransom of Richard Redstone

The Ryans depart for an undercover mission overseas.

81: Duende

The group make new acquaintances while pursuing a lead tied to a mysterious dancing event.

82: Forgive Us Our Trespass

The enigmatic Keane arrives, wreaking havoc on several people's lives.

83: Before The Oncoming Storm

Duncan deals with a mischievous adversary named Byron. Jedda and Rick prepare for parenthood. Both Katarina and Jedda sense danger ahead.

84: The Summoning of Ahriman

Ming and Octon turn to a new ally.

85: More Trouble Rears In

Duncan is haunted.

86: More Clues Emerge

The shape-shifter initiates a confrontation.

87: The Walls Closing In

Ming shifts his focus to an isolated girl.

88: Divided Loyalties

The Defenders unite with Tori's friends in an effort to stop Ahriman.

89: The Trap Is Set

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.

91: One Year Later

Richie copes. Duncan travels overseas.

92: Arrivals and Tasks

Joe, Amanda, and Duncan continue to hunt the enemy.

93: To Find Richie

April locates Richie and provides an update on the current situation.

94: Double Summoning

Richie is confronted by the opponent again.

95: The Blinding Truth

Joe leads the investigation as everyone bands together.

96: Last Temptation

The final clash begins.

97: Crunch Time

Duncan makes a crucial discovery.

98: Ahriman Tries To Bargain

The key element to the plan is obtained.

99: The Crumbling Falling Gap

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.

102: The Demise of Ahriman

Series finale.

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