DCH 65
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Sixty-Five: Setting Up The Rescue Mission
Once again, Richie made a tug on the powerful chains, the chains that were holding his back to the wall. He struggled to speak through the gag as well.
His captor threw a glance his way before she turned and continued her conversation to the robed individual she was talking to.
Ever since he came to, Richie had discerned parts of Zorelda's plans. Zorelda had brought him here as bait for her plan against Tori as the witch was planning to challenge her to a duel.
Richie scowled again as she studied his foe. He didn't know why she was doing this.
All he knew was that she had to be stopped.
Richie looked around as he found it bad he couldn't use his street smarts to try and escape this icy prison. This weather was unbearable.
"Mistress, I feel our prisoner is quite spirited," the robed being told her.
Zorelda smirked, facing Richie, "Ah, yes, Rubeus. Seems that he is spirited."
She removed the gag from her prisoner. He spitted on the floor before he faced her, "I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but what do you plan on doing with me? Why am I here?"
"You are bait, of course," Zorelda answered, "I have challenged your lovely fiance to a duel."
"Like the way us immortals duel on Earth?" Richie inquired.
"Exactly," Zorelda answered, "If she wins, you'll be free to reunite with your fiance."
"Tori is good," Richie smirked, "She'll stop you, you know."
"We shall see, dear boy," Zorelda continued, "If she loses, not only will I have her head and quickening, but I will be ruling Mongo for all time, and you'll be stuck here with me."
"No!" Richie shouted, "I'd rather die than to be stuck with you!"
"I appreciate your sentiments, but no," Zorelda crossed her arms and shook her head, "I've come through all this trouble just to bring you here. Soon as I win, Mongo will be your new home, and you'll never see Earth again."
Richie trembled, quivering his lip. His jaw was sagging. This couldn't be the way his life would play out. If Zorelda prevailed in this upcoming duel, not only would Tori be dead, but he would never see MacLeod or his other friends and allies again, and she had the power to make that happen. He hoped it'd be Tori who would prevail and escape this nightmare.
"I shall leave you to your thoughts, Richie," Zorelda informed him, "Rubeus, let's get going. We shall feed our prisoner in a little while."
"Of course, Mistress," Rubeus, the robed being replied.
They both left the room.
Richie looked on bravely and he took some deep breaths.
I'll find a way out of this, Richie vowed to himself. He then muttered, "Tori, Mac."
He took some deep breaths to try to keep himself calm and warm.
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Mandrake looked on as he held a picture of Methos in his hands. He also had a couple of materials needed to make Methos come out of hiding. He had a feeling that this immortal would be interested in this rescue mission, and the Defenders would need him.
He placed the picture down on the table before chanting in Greek and then the spell proceeded to take place.
Mandrake sighed, knowing that Methos would show up sooner or later.
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"What?!" Amanda exclaimed in shock, talking to Tori via laptop, "A witch took Richie?!"
"Not just any witch," Jedda chimed in, "Zorelda is also the original queen of the planet Mongo."
"That's the gist of it," April chimed in.
"And I met Zorelda when I was Krotan's prisoner on Mongo," Jedda added.
"I'm certain Methos would be interested in a mystical adventure," Amanda stated, "I'll look him up right away."
"And while you're at it, can you get a new sword?" Flash asked.
"Why?" Amanda interjected.
"Zorelda broke Richie's sword," Tori shown her teacher Richie's broken sword. Amanda nodded in response, "I'll see what I can do."
"When will you be able to report back to us?" Flash asked.
"I am going to let Duncan and possibly Methos know right away," Amanda answered, "As soon as I do, I will call you right back."
"We'll let the others know," Rick replied, "Thank you."
"Yes, thank you," Tori added.
The call ended moments later.
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Europe
Amanda managed to sneak her way to a museum to where she would find a real good sword that would be best suited for Richie. She noticed a bastard sword on display and smiled, Perfect!
She snuck to the display and grabbed the targeted sword, and took the sword from the display before she made her way out of the museum with the bastard sword in hand.
Amanda smiled in satisfaction as she held the sword. Another theft was successful and she knew the Defenders needed this sword. Suddenly, she was startled upon sensing the Buzz.
"Hello, Amanda."
Amanda turned to see Methos standing behind her.
"What are you doing stealing a sword," Methos asked, "and a bastard sword at that?"
"I'm a thief," Amanda answered, "an essential Catwoman to MacLeod's Batman as LJ calls me."
"Let me guess: one of the Defenders are now immortal and needs a sword?" Methos asked, eyeing the sword.
"Not exactly," Amanda answered, eyeing the sword herself, "but it is a Defenders related situation, and we are involved."
"We?" Methos asked before he sighed and said, "I had a feeling we would be needed. For the past couple of hours, I have been having visions regarding a witch with red hair and green dress."
"It's Zorelda," Amanda stated, "and she's kidnapped Richie."
"So a witch is holding Rich Ryan on Mongo and not the typical tyrant?" Methos inquired, intrigued by this new situation, "Now, we're getting somewhere. You're wanting me to come along this rescue mission?"
Amanda nodded, "I know you're interested in the mystical stuff and I thought you'd be interested."
"I guess you can count me in," Methos relented, "That explains my visions."
"Good," Amanda smiled, "Now for Duncan MacLeod."
"Let's see how that goes," Methos muttered.
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Duncan prepared to lock up his barge and move back to Seacouver. He reflected on the loss of his friendship with Joe, and the whole ordeal with Shapiro and Galati. He also thought about Tori and Richie and hoped they were okay, given they were angry with him after everything that had happened.
Suddenly, Duncan sensed the Buzz.
He turned to see both Methos and Amanda.
"Good to see that you're still in Paris," Amanda stated.
"I was about to leave," Duncan replied.
"We need to talk," Methos told the Highlander.
"If it's about Joe, save your breaths," Duncan replied.
"What happened there?" Amanda asked.
"Something regarding the watchers," Methos answered, "Long story there."
"Well, that's not even close to what we need to talk about," Amanda stressed.
"What is it then?" Duncan asked.
"It's Richie," Amanda answered, "He's in danger."
Duncan turned, looking nervous, and showing worry for his student.
"The witch Zorelda, who is the original queen of Mongo has kidnapped him," Amanda stated, "and Tori and the Defenders has enlisted our help."
"Why are the Defenders needing us?" Duncan asked, paling at the statement.
"For reinforcement obviously," Amanda answered, "and Zorelda broke Richie's sword during a fight before she took him."
"If Richie is rescued," Duncan's eyes widened in shock, "he won't be able to defend himself."
"But," Amanda replied before she got out the bastard sword she stole, "when Richie is rescued, this will be his new sword."
"When do we make our move to Mongo?" Duncan asked, "I want Richie to be safe."
"I need to inform the Defenders, then we'll meet before making our way to Mongo," Amanda answered.
"And bring Richie home," Duncan added.
"I hope Tori prevails over this witch Zorelda, or that won't be possible," Methos replied.
"Obviously," Duncan nodded nervously.
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Central City
Tori was training, using her martial arts skills and her swordsmanship skills, preparing for her battle with Zorelda while listening to Journey's "Separate Ways, Worlds Apart".
Before this, Tori was meditating, trying to keep her thoughts clear of what wasn't needed.
Tori was training with determination. She was willing to defeat the witch Zorelda, and it didn't matter if she was the original queen of Mongo or not, she was determined to defeat this witch, and rescue her fiance.
Tori couldn't help but to think this must have been what MacLeod was feeling when Tessa was taken by Wolf: determination to save the woman he loved.
After the song was over, she finished training and took a sip from her water.
"Talk about determination," April stated as Tori took a seat next to her.
"I couldn't sleep," Tori stated.
Moments later, she heard beeping on her laptop. She grabbed the laptop and turned it on, seeing Amanda on screen.
"Hey, Tor," Amanda greeted her student, "Didn't realize it was morning where you guys are."
"It's okay," Tori replied, "I couldn't sleep anyway."
"Worried about Richie?" Duncan asked, appearing on the screen with his lover.
Tori shot up in surprise, "MacLeod?"
"Congratulations on your engagement," Duncan told his friend, "Amanda told me, and she managed to get through to me and Methos. We're on our way to meet up with you guys."
Tori smiled and sighed, "Oh good."
"Tor, what's going on?" April asked before she saw the laptop, "Oh my….it's MacLeod!"
"Hello," Duncan greeted her, "Welcome back to the Defenders full time."
"Thanks," April replied.
"When will you guys be here?" Rick asked.
"We just left Paris," Duncan answered, "so we will be here in a few hours."
"And we'll rescue Richie from the witch Zorelda," Methos declared.
"Excellent," Rick replied, "We'll let the others know right away."
"Perfect," Amanda nodded with a smile, "See you guys in a few hours."
With that, the call ended.
"It's great that things worked out on that end though," April replied.
"Too bad about Joe though," Tori sighed sadly.
"Joe? The watcher guy who was with us during the Kalas and Felicia incidents?" Rick inquired.
"There was a falling out with us after the events with Shapiro and Galati and Methos told us what happened via email," Tori explained, "and Joe will not be involved in our lives for the foreseeable future."
Tori, April and Rick informed their roommates about the situation before letting the others know.
"Well, we should get ready," April suggested.
"April's right," Flash replied, "After we meet with Mac, Methos and Amanda, our next stop is Planet Mongo to rescue Richie!"
"Right!" the others replied.
Hang on, Richie. Just hang on, Tori thought. We're on our way to save you. Just hang in there. I will triumph over Zorelda, and I will bring you home. I swear.
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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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