DCH 7

Defenders Chronicles: Highlander

By AmandaDoE

Chapter Seven: Paris Bound

Tori glanced around the headquarters. There hadn't been much going on during the past few weeks. Duncan had been subduing more enemies, and Tori reported the incidents to IUA personnel and her mother. 

Tessa and Richie understood that the IUA's monitoring and occasional intervention was deemed necessary. And while Duncan was a bit reluctant at first, he relented gradually.

Tori made her way to the leader's office. Her mother wanted to talk to her about something important. She hoped she wasn't in for a lecture. She'd been reporting everything, just as required.

Tori walked into the office and saw her mom sitting there.

"Have a seat," Janet said flatly. 

Tori sat.

"Don't worry," Janet said, "you're not in any trouble. As a matter of fact, I have some nice news for you."

"What would that be?"

"First of all, we've considered adding Richard Ryan into our agency, given the potential that he's shown."

Tori smiled and released a small sigh. She figured Richie would be happy about that, but she would have to address the announcement to him whenever she saw him again.

"Here's the other thing," Janet continued, pulling Tori from her thoughts, "you are going to be assigned full time reporting activities regarding Duncan MacLeod, given the immortal activity might be in more than one location."

Tori took a deep breath, and sighed as Janet explained further about the agenda regarding Duncan. This meant she would possibly be closer to Richie and Tessa as well, and spend more time with them.

"From what we have been told," Janet continued, "Duncan MacLeod will be relocating to Paris."

Tori was taken by surprise. She had always wanted to go to Paris growing up as that had been one of her dream locations. In a jokingly matter, she thought about having a romantic date with Richie for some odd reason. Now, why would she be thinking that right now? Richie was a good friend of hers, and besides, she didn't even think that he felt anything for her other than a friend.

Besides, she was on assignment, focusing on Duncan MacLeod and his exploits, at least for the time being, but who knows? Things might change over time, and Richie might actually end up having feelings for her. Tori would have to wait and see as this new assignment was now on her agenda.

"Any questions?" Janet asked.

"Not really." Tori shook her head. "This is just a big surprise, and knowing who MacLeod hangs out with, we might see and hear from Richie again."

"I figured that." Janet paused. "You know, Victoria, I may not agree with you hanging out with someone like Richie, but I trust your instincts, and if you wish to interact with him, I have no reason to stop you. You're an adult, and I can't control the people you hang out with."

That was odd of her to say. It wasn't like Richie was like those intergalactic beings or those with mystical powers, like those her mother was adamantly against. It wasn't like she was interested in Duncan MacLeod as a love interest either. Besides, he was already dating a beautiful woman, Tessa.

"I'm pretty sure you will enjoy this assignment," Janet declared. "And I couldn't see anyone else better suited for the job. I will give you the exact location once you arrive in Paris as your plane ticket, and other expenses are already taken care of."

Tori nodded. She then heard a ping on her phone, and answered it.

"That would be the email regarding your plane ticket," Janet said. "Jack has it taken care of for you, as well as your other expenses. Your credit card will be given to you on your way out. You are dismissed."

Tori stood, and turned to leave. She was now assigned full time to keep an eye on Duncan MacLeod and his exploits. He was moving to Paris as well, one of her dream locations, which she found to be interesting. This could also be the opportunity for her to spend time with him as well as Richie and Tessa.

Tori walked up to the front desk where a handsome young man with dark hair was waiting for her. "Are you Tori Gordon?"

"Yes." Tori nodded. "That would be me."

"Good." The man smiled. "My name is Jack, and your mother told me to give you this card."

Jack handed her a green credit card, similar to those new Chime cards that had been advertising.

"This should cover all of your expenses from this point forward," Jack assured her with a grin, "especially with you going to an magnificent place such as Paris."

Tori grinned. "Thanks."

"See you around?" Jack asked.

"I dunno about that." Tori shook her head. "We'll see."

With that, Tori walked away with everything she needed for her travel to Paris, and possibly her future, looking forward to what was to come.



You're Reading

Defenders Chronicles: Highlander


Tori walked outside the airport just after arriving in Paris. She got out her phone and read a text from Richie: "Hey Tori. Just wanting you to know I am now in Paris in case you were wondering."

That text was from yesterday. Now, she was in Paris herself, something in which she found to be pure coincidence. Duncan had relocated to Paris, and she had assumed Tessa and Richie did as well.

Janet was nice enough to show Tori the exact location they would be at in Paris, the exact city which she was at. Richie was also nice enough to let her know he and Tessa were at a church where one of Duncan's old friends were at.

In a matter of minutes, Tori managed to find the church her friends were at. Upon arriving at the church, she felt the Buzz again, moments before she met up with Tessa, Richie and a man she never met before. This man was dressed in what looked like a brown monk robe and he had short brown hair.

"Tori." Richie smiled as he gave her a hug. "Wasn't expecting to see you here."

"I got assigned here yesterday," Tori stated with a smile. "Let's say I'll be here with you guys full time."

"Well," Tessa replied, "that's good news."

"Who's the new guy?" Tori asked, glancing at the robed man.

"This is Darius," Richie said. "He's a friend of Mac's. Darius, this is Tori, niece of the famous Flash Gordon."

"It is nice to meet you, Tori," Darius replied shaking her hand. Tori returned the gesture. "I take it you are immortal too."

"Yes," Darius nodded. "I happen to be immortal. You're immortal too?"

"Yes, I am." Tori nodded.

Suddenly, she felt the Buzz again, and Tori assumed Darius was sensing it too. An immortal was nearby.

Darius walked outside the church, and Tori was overhearing relief, which gave her a sense of relief. This could mean only one thing. It was Duncan MacLeod. She heard the two men talking as she walked out of the church with Tessa and Richie in tow.

"Duncan." Tessa rushed over to her lover, held him in a hug and kissed him. Tori and Richie arrived at the area seconds later.

"Hey, buddy," Richie said to his foster dad, "let's not forget you're on holy ground." He hugged Duncan as well. 

Then the Highlander noticed Tori. "What brings you here?"

"Let's say I've been assigned to monitor you full time now," Tori answered. "Mom sent me."

Duncan nodded before giving her a hug. When they'd separated, he turned to Richie. "So..." he said. "What do you like most about Paris?"

"The women," Richie answered, causing Tori to make a small smirk. "If I knew what to say, how to break the ice with them."

"You'll figure it out in time," Tori assured him. "I've always dreamed about coming to Paris."

"Looks like it'll be a dream come true for you," Duncan replied. "Will you excuse us?"

With that, he left the area with Tessa, leaving Richie and Tori with Darius.

"I believe they need to..." Darius replied, "ah...break the ice."

He then looked at Richie and Tori. "I wasn't always a priest, you know? Let's see...when I was a young man, the first thing you had to do when introduced to a woman was compliment her father's horse. That probably wouldn't help."

"Not a lot." Richie shook his head.

"My dad never had a horse." Tori shook her head. "My dad died when I was a baby, and I was taken in by my aunt and uncle when I was four."

"I'm sorry to hear," Darius replied. 

Richie tried to walk away, but Darius stopped him, and the three walked into the church as Darius proceeded to talk to them more.

Tori was amazed over the friends Duncan had made, along with the enemies he had. The next thing she'll know, he would tell her he was also friends with a president, but that wasn't likely, but one thing was for sure. Things would never be the same again.

---------

Next

Previous

Article

Author

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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