DCH 63

Defenders Chronicles: Highlander

By AmandaDoE

Chapter Sixty-Three: Reunion

"So you guys are engaged now?" Maria asked as Richie and Tori were talking to her via Tori's tablet while they were walking in the airport, making their way to Central City.

"That's right," Richie answered, "Tori and I are going to get married. I proposed to her last night and she said yes."

"Oh my gosh," Maria replied with a smile on her face, "Congratulations, you two!"

"Thanks, Maria," Tori replied.

"I wanted to share this news with you because I love you like a sister, Maria," Richie told his foster sister.

"Thanks, Rich," Maria replied, "Let me know when your wedding is and I'll try my best to make it. I want to be there for my foster brother's big day."

"Thanks, Maria," Richie replied.

With that, the call ended.

"What now?" Tori asked.

"Our plane will be taking off without us if we don't get in there," Richie answered, "So, we should get moving."

"Of course."


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The Phantom was pacing the room, feeling uneasy.

"What's the matter, Phantom?" Mandrake asked.

"Something doesn't feel right," the Phantom answered.

"What do you mean?" Lothar asked.

"I feel as if something is about to happen," the Phantom explained, "and it is something we won't be prepared for."

Mandrake and Lothar looked at him in surprise.

"I am happy for Tori and Richie's engagement, and I am glad April is back with us full time," the Phantom continued, "but I still believe we should be prepared in case Ming or another enemy comes to attack us."

"You have a valid argument, Phantom," Lothar replied.

"At the same time," Mandrake added, "the issue with the Necklace of Oros is over has been resolved for over a couple of months now, I adopted Kshin last month, and the immortals are the least of our issues."

"As far as we know," Lothar stated, "there's nothing to worry about for right now, particularly because Ming has been mostly quiet after the events with the Necklace of Oros."

"You're right," the Phantom nodded, "but we shouldn't let our guards down, no matter what."


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Richie and Tori found themselves at the States as they stepped into the airport that would take them to Central City. They met up with April and Flash, who had been waiting for them for some time now.

"So this is your future husband, Tori?" Flash asked.

"That's right," Tori answered with a proud smile on her face, "In the meantime, Richie Ryan is my fiance."

"I'm excited," Richie stated, "I'm excited to be Tori's future husband."

"All too perfect!" April exclaimed happily.

The group all shook hands with one another and also exchanged hugs.

"The party's tonight," April informed the group, "We got everything set up."

"I am so looking forward to it," Richie replied.

"And we are looking forward to having you officially a part of the Gordon family," Flash told Richie, "but in a way, you already are family to us."

"Thanks, Flash," Richie replied with a touched smile on his face.


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"Incoming call from Princess Castra of Planet Mongo!" Dynak X announced, catching Flash's attention as he, the rest of the Defenders, Tori and Richie were all at Monitor.

Flash accepted the call, "Castra."

Castra appeared on the screen, "Flash, Katarina had another vision and we believe it means the events are going to become closer than before."

"What do you mean?" Flash asked.

"She saw Zorelda and then she saw Mongo being on fire," Castra answered, "I believe it has something to do with the visions we had last time."

"You mean about the witch Zorelda?" Richie asked.

"Exactly," Castra answered, "Zorelda is not only a witch and an immortal, but she is the original queen of Mongo, and she has cheated death in the past."

"What else did Katarina say about the dream?" Flash asked, "Mongo being on fire?"

"Yes," Castra nodded, "If Zorelda prevails in this next battle on Mongo, she will rule it and our planet will be doomed."

"We should go to defend Mongo after our party for my daughter, niece and future nephew in law," Flash stated.

Castra nodded in response, "You guys decide what to do."

"We will make sure that Zorelda won't win," Flash declared.

"Thank you," Castra replied, "and congrats to your niece and future nephew in law on their engagement."

With that, the call ended.

"We should remain on guard in case Zorelda shows up," the Phantom suggested.

"Why would she show up here?" LJ asked, "Earth is not her target."

"Mongo is," Kshin added.

"True, but if Zorelda is immortal," Jedda stated, "and she is after immortals here on Earth, Father has a valid argument. Something tells me Zorelda will be either after Tori or Richie."

Tori and Richie looked on in worry as they held each other's hands.

"While we take part of this party," Flash stated, "We'll remain our guard. If Katarina is correct about her premonitions, it could be possible that we are all in trouble."

"Tori and I will be armed with our swords if Zorelda tries to come after us," Richie stated.

"We still shouldn't be overconfident," Tori told her fiance, "because knowing how powerful Zorelda is, this could mean serious business."

"You're not wrong there," Richie replied.

"Are we still able to have the engagement-homecoming party?" April asked.

"As far as I know the party is still going on," Flash answered, "but we need to remain on guard in case Zorelda does show up here."


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"You don't have to worry about anything, Kat," Castra assured her baby sister, "The Defenders are aware of Zorelda now."

"Thank goodness," Katarina sighed with relief.

"What is going on?" Baylin asked as she and Aura entered the room.

"Katarina had a nightmareish vision," Castra answered, "She saw Zorelda and then she saw Mongo being on fire."

"Which will happen if she completes her conquest," Baylin replied.

Aura paled in response, "This can't be good. Zorelda is capable of destroying Mongo, or being a ruthless leader, even without Suramog."

"What does Zorelda want?" Castra asked.

"I don't know," Katarina shook her head.

"Knowing she is the original queen of Mongo," Baylin replied, "and a powerful witch, it is probably power and something to do with Richie and Tori."

"I also saw Zorelda dueling with someone using swords," Katarina stated.

"Doesn't Flash have a niece who uses a sword for a weapon?" Castra asked.

The girls looked around in surprise.

"This cannot be good," Baylin stated, paling herself, "if she triumphs over Tori, it could spell doom over Mongo."

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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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