DCH 70
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Seventy: Prophetic Summit Meeting
Tori looked up nicely dressed as she stood next to Richie, preparing to leave the apartment, "Are you ready for this?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," Richie smiled, holding her hand, "I've been on Mongo before, so my experience being out of Earth…..shouldn't be…."
"Nerve wrecking?" Tori asked.
"You can say that," Richie nodded.
"You two are dressed nicely," Duncan stated as he walked over to them.
"That's because Tori is going to take part of a summit meeting at a planet neighboring Mongo," Richie replied.
Duncan lifted his brows in surprise, "Really now?"
Tori nodded, "And the planet is called Yordioren. I've attended summit meetings before and this should be no different for me, but this will be the first time Richie witnesses a summit meeting."
"Are you sure you guys are ready for it?" Duncan asked.
Tori and Richie looked at each other before they looked at each other.
"I know it's short notice," Richie answered, "and we will be gone for a couple of days. We'll be just fine."
Duncan smiled and nodded, "Have a good time, you two."
"Thanks, Mac," Tori nodded with a small smile.
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Duncan walked into the empty dojo. It was exactly as he had left it, before the ordeal that was the Dark quickening. During that time, he sexually harassed Tori and almost killed Richie, but Joe stopped him. Even after the young lovers fled, MacLeod was still tormenting Joe before he left the dojo.
At least he knew that Richie and Tori were safe and sound. Even during the interaction before they left before the Summit meeting, they looked nervous to be around them and he couldn't really blame them. However, both Richie and Tori let them know they have forgiven him.
Suddenly, he sensed the Buzz. Who could it be? Methos? There was no way it could have been Tori or Richie because they were gone at the summit and how could Methos be here? He was more good at hiding than showing himself.
Duncan made his way to the loft and drawn out his sword, "I'm Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod."
"I know," a female voice replied.
"Who are you?" Duncan asked.
The familiar woman stepped out of the shadows, "Don't you know me, Duncan?"
Duncan lowered his sword and stepped forward, "Cassandra?"
"Have I changed all that much?" Cassandra asked.
"No," Duncan answered.
"But you have since the night I saved your life, and the life of your friend," Cassandra replied before she and Duncan recalled back in the Scottish Highlands in 1606. That was when a young Duncan MacLeod met Cassandra after he and his friend Robert tried hunting a wolf to prove themselves to their Clans, including his father.
"Are you the witch of Donan Woods?" young Duncan asked.
"Some say that," Cassandra answered before she noticed he was afraid, "Don't be afraid, Duncan MacLeod."
"How'd you know my name?" Duncan asked.
"Who else was born on the Winter Solstice?" Cassandra interjected.
"They say that you're old….older than the clan," Duncan stated, "They say that you're evil. That you cast spells."
"Well, now, I might cast spells," Cassandra asked, "but do I look evil to ye, Duncan?"
The young Duncan shook his head, looking down, before telling her, "You look beautiful."
"What was that?" Cassandra asked.
Duncan looked up before speaking up more confidently, "You look beautiful."
"It's been a long time," Cassandra spoke up, pulling Duncan from his thoughts, "I often wondered what kind of man you'd become."
"I'm surprised you didn't just check your crystal ball," Duncan replied.
"Your road's been hard, hasn't it?" Cassandra inquired.
"Yeah, a lot's happened in four hundred years," Duncan answered, "but I survived."
"I knew you would," Cassandra replied.
"Of course, you did," Duncan stated, "So how'd you find me? Witchcraft?"
"Why bother? It's the present day times," Cassandra replied, "I used a detective agency. I need your help, Duncan."
"Why?" Duncan asked.
"Roland Kantos," Cassandra answered.
"One of us?"
"He's more than that. Much more," Cassandra gazed across the loft.
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Richie looked on from the viewing room as Tori was attending the summit meeting with several others he didn't quite recognize. He knew Tori, and he recognized the guy wearing green from his trips to Mongo he had been a part of.
"Prince Barin of Mongo presiding as I, his Chief Minister Kylon stand in attendance," Kylon announced.
Flash had also entered the room and joined the others who were in attendance of the meeting.
"Welcome, I am Zieran of Taurus," Zieran introduced himself and shook his ally's hand.
"My name is Flash Gordon, and I represent the Defenders of the Earth," Flash introduced himself before he eyed Tori and Barin, "I recognize my own niece, representing the Intergalactic Union Agency as well as Prince Barin, representing Planet Mongo."
"Hello again, Flash," Barin shook his friend's hand.
"Hello, uncle," Tori followed suit.
"Welcome one and all," Kylon greeted the group, "First off, I would like to introduce you to Her Royal Highness Emberline of the Planet Yordioren, who had invited you all here to this meeting."
Everyone in the meeting all applauded Emberline, who then nodded respectfully in turn.
"Victoria Gordon, representing the Intergalactic Union Agency of Earth."
Everyone, especially Richie in the viewing room all applauded her. Aura shot him a look. Tori nodded respectfully.
"Commander Spardan of Abixton."
Everyone applauded him. Spardan nodded respectfully.
"Prince Barin of the Planet Mongo."
Everyone, especially Aura and Richie, applauded him. Barin nodded respectfully.
"Flash Gordon, representing the Defenders of the Earth."
Again, everyone including Aura and Richie applauded him. Flash nodded respectfully.
"Zieran, who's planet of Taurus is in dire trouble."
Everyone in the meeting room applauded Zieran, who nodded respectfully.
"Karina of planet Zoron, who came here despite her illness."
Karina nodded respectfully as the people in the meeting room applauded her.
"You lot are here because like our princess here," Kylon declared, "you recognize a threat to the stability of the galaxy. Tori Gordon had just recently defeated the witch Zorelda, who was a threat to the planet Mongo, but there are still enemies, such as Ming the Merciless, who pose a threat to the galaxy."
"I ask of you to join me in the resistance against Ming the Merciless," Emberline added in, "We mustn't give in to the demands of Ming or other tyrants in the galaxy. He will try to make us give in, but we must resist against Ming the Merciless."
"My people agree with you, Princess," Barin replied, "and I speak for my friends and allies of Mongo, when I say we are grateful for Tori Gordon when she took care of the witch Zorelda for good."
"My niece is a remarkable immortal," Flash stated, "She had been trained by some of the best, including the legendary Duncan MacLeod."
Tori nodded, "Duncan MacLeod trained me, but my original teacher is named Amanda."
"Of course," Flash replied.
Richie continued to look on as those in the meeting continued to talk about gaining resistance against Ming and future enemies.
"We will remain on guard for future attacks," Barin informed the group, "and so will Tori and Flash of the planet Earth."
"And as for the rest of our allies, hope for the best," Kylon concluded.
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Duncan eyed Cassandra and Jack.
"It's not the Highlands," Duncan told the couple, "but it has its charm."
"It's beautiful," Cassandra said as she held Jack's hand, "I can see why you want to say."
"So, who's the lucky guy?" Duncan asked, "I recognized him from before."
"My name is Jack Banks," Jack proceeded to introduce himself, "I work with Richie and Tori from the Intergalactic Union Agency."
"Ah, yes," Duncan shook his hand, "with Richie and Tori out at Yordioren during the Summit Meeting, sort of makes sense. Is he your boyfriend, Cass?"
Cassandra nodded, "Yeah. Jack's my boyfriend."
She noticed his look, "What's the matter? Jealous."
"Nah," Duncan shook his head before he spoke further, "The last time I saw you, I was thirteen years old, and you were a witch in the forest. I went back into that forest a hundred times, but I never found you. I convinced myself you were a dream."
"How could you know?" Cassandra asked, "How could you know I was immortal…..see what you would become?"
"But you knew?" Duncan interjected.
"I knew the moment I lay eyes on you," Cassandra affirmed, "that you would fulfill that prophecy."
"Like you said, this was the modern times," Duncan replied, "I left prophecies behind with the witches and the fairies, until last year."
"Last year?" Cassandra glanced at him, confused.
"A witch placed a hex on Richie," Jack told his girlfriend, "It took…..another immortal to take her head for that curse to be undone."
"Duncan, listen to me," Cassandra stressed, "The prophecy tells of a Highland foundling born on the Winter Solstice who passes through darkness into light and survives to challenge the voice of death."
"She's not wrong, MacLeod," Jack added in, "She's told me about this on more than one occasion, especially more recently."
"Really?" Duncan sarcastically replied, "Is this before I slay the dragon?"
"Duncan, this is real!" Cassandra exclaimed, "I've waited centuries for the time to be right."
"Is Roland a part of this prophecy?" Duncan asked.
"Yes."
"He's right behind you?" Duncan asked this time.
"He always is," Cassandra answered before the three immortals reacted to the Buzz.
"It's him!" Jack declared.
The three looked to see Kantos drawing his sword and pointing it at Duncan.
"He doesn't seem to like you, MacLeod," Jack quipped.
"Like I don't already know that," Duncan retorted.
"We've got to leave now!" Cassandra insisted before she noticed Duncan giving her a look before walking towards Kantos, "What are you doing?"
"Well, I guess asking him to dance is out of the question," Duncan stated.
"Duncan, you don't understand!" Cassandra exclaimed, "You can't win!"
Duncan drawn his sword, "Your confidence is overwhelming."
"Duncan MacLeod?" Kantos stated as Duncan stepped cut into the cliffside.
Duncan smiled, "Ah, very good."
"Roland Kantos," Kantos proceeded to introduce himself, "I've been looking for you for a very long time: Three hundred fifty years to be precise. I thought you had, at one point, but the witch made sure you weren't around."
They then recalled Kantos trying to find Duncan but to no avail, and young Duncan reunited with his parents and the clan the next day after his interaction with Cassandra.
"So, you lasted, just as the prophecy foretold," Kantos stated, "You lived."
"You can live too, if you walk away," Duncan replied.
"I'm afraid I can't MacLeod," Kantos informed him, "The signs for the prophecy are all in place. You're all that stands in my way, or don't you believe in signs?"
"Oh no, I believe in signs," Duncan replied, "Don't litter, Don't step on the grass, No spitting."
"I prefer Rest in Peace."
"Okay then."
The two immortals began to fight, but the fight was going nowhere.
"Is that all you have, MacLeod?" Kantos asked.
"Oh no," Duncan answered, "I haven't even started."
Kantos then spoke in a distorted voice, "I don't think so. I think you're already finished. Can't you feel it?"
Duncan started feeling tired as he was staggering, and starting to feel weak.
Kantos continued with his attack, "You're fighting through quicksand. Your legs can barely move….your arms feel like lead…..feel that? Gravity…..sucking you down, making you small….I'm almost a giant. Your sword is getting heavy…..so heavy, you can barely lift it…..you can't lift it."
Duncan mustered the energy to lift his sword, but Kantos easily blocked it and cut Duncan's side, laughing, "What do you say we call it a day? You don't want to fight anymore, MacLeod."
Duncan heard Cassandra's voice, "Resist."
"You can rest," Kantos spoke in a distorted voice again, "Just close your eyes."
Duncan heard Cassandra's voice again, "Resist."
"It's so easy," Kantos stated, noticing Duncan giving in to his powers.
As Cassandra noticed Duncan was at the edge of the cliff, she screamed to distract Kantos. Kantos swung, but Duncan staggered back and fell off the cliff.
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Richie looked out the window, smiling in happiness and content.
Tori walked over to them.
"How's my wonderful, intelligent fiance?" Richie asked before he kissed her. She kissed him back.
"Good," Tori answered, "We were informed of an enemy that is residing in this planet that is immortal."
"Who would that be?" Richie asked.
"His name is Lowis," Tori answered, "and he's powerful from what we heard. If he uses his distorted voice, the victim would be in trouble."
"So, he's like a witch immortal?" Richie inquired, "I thought Zorelda was the only immortal outside of Earth?"
"From what I understand," Tori replied, "Immortals outside of Earth are very rare, compared to those of Earth. Zorelda's recent onslaught made things worse for them, for the record."
"I'll bet," Richie quipped, "So, I supposed we need to keep an eye out on Lowis?"
"Very much so," Tori nodded.
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Tori woke up next to Richie at the bed. She noticed that it was dawn at Yordioren. She took a deep breath and sat up from the bed, deciding she wanted to take a jog near the building they were staying.
She got dressed and snuck out of the building before she started her jog. Tori was reflecting on everything. She was happy with things that had happened recently. The meeting the night before went perfectly well, she was engaged to a wonderful man and despite the immortal life, things were working out just fine.
Suddenly, Tori sensed the Buzz. She looked around and heard an evil laughter. Then, she drawn out her sword, "Who's there?"
Moments later, a handsome looking man appeared, smirking at her.
"Are you Lowis?" Tori demanded.
The man pat his long brown hair before answering, "Yes, that would be me, and I know that you are immortal."
"Stay away from me!" Tori exclaimed, holding her sword.
Lowis got out his sword and started to speak in his distorted voice, "You don't want to fight me, my dear."
Tori tried her best to resist as she took deep breaths, keeping her sword in hand. She swung her sword at him, but Lowis blocked the attack.
"I admire your spirit, dear Tori," Lowis stated, "Instead of that bitch Emberline, I shall make you my queen and take over Yordioren."
"Not a chance!" Tori exclaimed.
"You don't want to fight me," Lowis spoke in his distorted voice, "In fact, you feel as if you are sinking in quicksand. You feel small, and I feel almost like a giant. Your sword is getting heavy, and you are no longer able to wield it."
The power was taking its toll on Tori as she felt her sword becoming heavier, and her strength leaving her, "No. N-No."
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"Leave her alone!" Richie shouted as he arrived at the area where Lowis was attacking Tori. He was startled upon noticing his fiance missing from the bed, and went to look for her as he had a feeling she would be going out for a jog.
"Well, if it isn't the boyfriend?" Lowis retorted.
"Richie!" Tori exclaimed, managing to gather the strength to pick her sword back up.
"Fiance, actually. I'm going to marry her," Richie hurried to his fiance's side, "Go and get the others."
"He's dangerous, Richie!" Tori exclaimed, "Come with me!"
"I'll hold Lowis off while you get back up," Richie told his fiance, "Now hurry! Go!"
Tori nodded reluctantly and hurried away from the scene.
"Either one of you will do," Lowis smirked before beginning his duel with Richie.
"Is that all you got, kid?" Lowis asked.
"Oh no," Richie shook his head, "I'm far from finished."
"That is where you are wrong, boy," Lowis spoke in his distorted voice, "You are feeling tired, finished. Your legs are about to give out as are your arms."
At first, Richie tried to resist the power, but he found that to be pointless, "Oh man."
"Your sword feels heavy," Lowis continued, "You can no longer hold it."
Richie ended up dropping his sword, "Damn it!"
He then looked back at his perpetrator as he continued speaking in his distorted voice, "Your knees feel weak and you are unable to stand."
Richie ended up dropping to his knees, "Damn it! I'm sorry, Tori."
"Aww, how touching," Lowis smirked as he prepared to take his head, "I will send your fiance your regrets."
Suddenly, fires erupted as Lowis was being shot at. Richie dropped completely to the ground as the allies were shooting at Lowis.
"Richie? Richie, are you all right?" Flash asked. Richie looked up, confused, still feeling tired, "Flash."
"Go!" Barin exclaimed, "Go to Tori!"
Richie managed to gather the strength to stand up and look for his fiance, who was standing in horror upon a land snake appearing before her. From what Tori told him, if land snakes on Yordioren bit you, you'd be dead instantly, not that they'd be revived afterwards.
Richie quickly swung his sword and killed the snake instantly. Tori turned and noticed her fiance staggering, "Richie! Richie, are you okay?"
"Tori," Richie looked at his fiance before he dropped to the ground again, but this time, Tori caught him before he could hit the ground.
"Richie, hang in there! Richie!" Tori called out.
"Tori, you're safe," Richie smiled, "That's good."
Moments later, he passed out as he heard Tori call out his name.
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"I told you he was dangerous," Cassandra said as she left the lift with Duncan and Jack in tow.
"Well, dangerous or not, he's going to be coming," Duncan replied.
"Mmmmm. Using the powers tires Roland," Cassandra informed the Highlander.
"So, he'll need to regain his strength. We have a bit of time," Jack replied.
"What was that back there?" Duncan asked, "What was he using against me, and don't tell me magic."
"Well, call it what you want," Cassandra answered, "The power of suggestion. A – A trick….learned over a thousand years."
"Is that a trick you taught him?" Duncan asked.
"Roland was Cassandra's student ages ago," Jack answered.
Cassandra nodded before she added, "Once he realized there was nothing more I could teach him, he tried to kill me. I was stronger than he, then. I'm – I'm not anymore. It's the prophecy, Duncan. You're the only one who can beat him."
"Do you still believe that?" Duncan asked.
"So far, it's all come true," Cassandra answered.
Jack nodded, "It makes perfect sense here."
"If you saw my future, did you see the life I'd lead?" Duncan asked, "Did you see my father disown me, or did you see Tessa dying for a chunk of change?"
"Only for the perp who killed her to lose his baby as a still born a couple of years later," Jack added. The Highlander shot him a look before telling him, "You know, I still have bad blood with you because of you turning Richie into a demon years ago. You speaking a random statement is kinda inappropriate."
"Oh come on!" Jack exclaimed, "I told you I was sorry!"
"Anyway, if you saw all that," Duncan asked Cassandra, "why didn't you warn me?"
"It's not that simple," Cassandra answered, "I wish it were."
"No?"
"I can only see glimpses, only fragments, there's never the whole."
"Do you see my death?" Duncan asked.
"I see death, Duncan," Cassandra answered.
"Whose?"
"I don't know."
The three sensed the Buzz.
"Hello, witch!"
"It's him?" Jack asked.
"It's Roland," Cassandra answered.
"I thought you said he needed more time," Duncan declared.
"He should've," Cassandra replied, "He must have become stronger. We have to run."
"I'm not running," Duncan told her.
"You're not running," Cassandra replied before she spoke in her distorted voice, "You're not running. You're using your strength. Saving me from him. Our only chance is to leave."
"Seriously, Cass?" Jack quipped.
"I can't," Duncan added.
"You must. Now," Cassandra spoke in her distorted voice. Duncan, Jack and Cassandra hurried out of the loft before Kantos made it to the loft.
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Kantos arrived on the loft, "MacLeod?"
He looked around the empty loft. Eventually, Kantos found a picture of Duncan and Tessa. Then, he tore it in half, and discarded the portion with Tessa, "Three, no, four can play."
He placed the photo in his pocket, turned, pulled out his sword and went to the spiral staircase of the loft.
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Tori looked on as she was holding Richie's hand as he was sleeping on the medical bed. Flash was behind her.
"We warded Lowis off," Flash informed his niece, "He was a tough opponent. How's Richie?"
"He's alive, but he's unconscious," Tori answered, "Lowis must have taken a toll on Richie. He will need to rest."
"At least he's alive," Flash sighed with relief, "That's a good thing."
There was a pause of silence as Tori continued to look down at Richie's still form.
"Lowis left a message," Flash informed his niece, "He wants to challenge you to a duel, Tori."
Tori stood up and nodded, "I accept that challenge. Where is the duel to take place at?"
"At the garden botany," Flash answered, "Something similar to Mandrake's mansion."
"I recognize that location," Tori nodded before she eyed Richie, "I'll take this duel for my fiance's sake, and for the freedom of Yordioren."
She gently rubbed her fiance's head to soothe and comfort him, "Hang on, Richie. I will take care of that creep. Just you wait."
Tori then left the medical wing to proceed to the challenge ahead.
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"So now I get a double dose of it, huh?" Duncan asked, "What was that back there?"
"For God's sake, MacLeod," Jack exclaimed, "She couldn't let that guy hurt you!"
"Look, I don't like being controlled," Duncan replied.
Jack scoffed, "Neither do I, with the exception of some role play we do every now and then, but you don't hear me bitch about it!"
"What other choice was there?" Cassandra asked, "He could have killed you."
"Maybe."
"Duncan, you felt his power," Cassandra stressed, "The prophecy is at hand."
"Power or no power, this is holy ground," Duncan assured her, "He can't harm us here."
"But you can hold him off indefinitely," Jack stated.
"And none of us can avoid our fate," Cassandra said before she spoke of the prophecy, "An evil one will come to vanquish all before him. Only a Highland child, born on the Winter Solstice, who has seen both darkness and light, can stop him. A child and a man."
"We make our own destinies," Duncan replied, "Nothing's written."
"Really?" Cassandra asked, "Tell me, did you pass through darkness into light?"
"Everyone does," Duncan answered.
"Not like you, Duncan," Cassandra stressed, "You've seen the darkest places in men's souls. You've been there and survived. Duncan, you're the one. I knew it in that forest, and I know it now. You do believe me?"
"All I believe is Roland wants my head," Duncan answered.
"Come on, Cass," Jack encouraged his girlfriend, "Why don't you teach him, like you taught Roland?"
"You know I can't," Cassandra objected, "With Roland, the gift was always there."
"Then what? What do I use?" Duncan asked.
"Use the prophecy," Cassandra answered before asking herself, "If you're the man, then who's the child?"
Duncan suddenly found himself back at Cassandra's hut back in 1606 in the Scottish Highlands. He turned to find his younger self standing behind him.
"Who are you?" young Duncan asked.
Duncan smiled, "You."
He realized something, "You're the child."
"I'm no child," young Duncan replied, "I'm a chieftain's son. I am going to lead our clan to glory. I will be a great warrior."
"Yes, you will be a great warrior," Duncan told him.
"Why are you here?" young Duncan asked.
"I don't know," Duncan answered.
"Mac?" he heard Jack call out as he was being brought back to reality.
Duncan found himself back to present time, and he looked around sharply, disoriented, "Did you do that?"
"I helped," Cassandra answered, "What happened? What did you see?"
"Me as a child," Duncan answered in turn.
"What does this mean?" Jack asked.
"The child and the man," Cassandra answered, "The prophecy."
"Duncan MacLeod?"
The three were startled to see cops pointing guns at them. Jack stood protectively over Cassandra while this was going on.
"Don't move!" the cop shouted, "Freeze right there!"
Duncan rose his hands as another cop came up behind him, "What's this about?"
"Cuff him," the cop instructed.
"It's Roland. He knows we're here," Cassandra said, "He's using them!"
"Officers, this isn't what you think!" Jack called out, "Whatever that tip said he did, he's a liar!"
Cassandra glared at her boyfriend, "Is that supposed to help anything?"
Jack shrugged, "It was worth a shot."
Duncan fought the cops off of him and grabbed the gun and pointed it at one of the cops, "Freeze! Drop it! Drop it!"
"Can't you do something about this?" Jack asked Cassandra.
"No," Cassandra answered before she told Duncan, "Go, Duncan! Now!"
Duncan took off running through the cemetery and the cops chased after him, only for a cop car to hit him, and the police ending up taking him into custody.
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Tori found herself at the beautiful botany area, just as described. It kind of did remind her of Mandrake's backyard of his beautiful mansion. Too bad this had to be the location of the latest duel.
"Hello, Tori Gordon," Lowis eyed his opponent, "You are so beautiful. Too bad it had to come to this."
"Too bad for you," Tori drawn out her sword, "You hurt my fiance, and this is where it ends."
The two began their duel.
After Tori seemed to be getting the upper hand against her opponent, he tried his distorted voice again, "Do you feel that? Your arms are getting weak, as are your legs. You are getting tired….weary….your arms feel like lead and each move you make feels like agony."
Tori looked up and slashed Lowis, "Not quite."
"That's impossible!" Lowis exclaimed.
"But that's the thing," Tori nodded before she disarmed him, "I can be impossible sometimes."
Moments later, she took Lowis' head.
In attempt to keep the botany from getting any damages, Tori hurried to the stone stairwell as she was receiving Lowis' quickening. She screamed as she took the full force of the quickening before falling into some bushes.
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"Hey Roland, you miss me?" Duncan greeted the immortal before one of the cops punched him in the stomach twice.
"Cuff him," Kantos instructed. Then the cop punched Duncan again, and cuffed him to a metal pipe.
"You've done well, but now it's finished," Kantos told the cops, "Time to forget. You chased a robbery suspect. You turned up nothing. Saw no one. There's no one here. You hear nothing….see no one. You never saw this place. You never saw me."
"Officers, wait," Duncan called out, "wait!"
"They can't hear you, MacLeod," Kantos told him, "As far as they know, you don't exist. Soon, they'll be right."
"You waited four hundred years for this?" Duncan asked.
"A little ignominious I know, but if it hadn't been for that witch, I would have gotten you when you were thirteen," Kantos answered, "There's something about children. Their innocence, their honesty…..it gives me the creeps. I'll be back when I'm ready."
He spun out of the way as Duncan lunged at him and laughed, dropping the handcuff key just out of reach and then left.
Duncan stretched his leg to reach the key and unlocked the cuffs, and looked around the interior, "We should call Architectural Digest. They'd do a spread."
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Duncan struck a match and lit a candle, "Nothing is written. I know."
He blew out the match, then he looked up and got to his feet warily. Then he saw his younger self standing in front of him.
"Are you a dream?" young Duncan asked.
"No," Duncan answered before he moved forward and lifted his hand to touch his younger self. Electricity crackled and they both pulled back sharply.
"You're real," young Duncan stated.
"Maybe we both are," Duncan replied.
"Cassandra promised I'd live a long time."
"Maybe not too much longer."
"But you've grown," young Duncan argued, "I've grown into a great warrior. Who could ever defeat you?"
"That doesn't matter right now," Duncan interjected, "There's much we have to talk about. Much you have to learn."
"About my future?" young Duncan asked.
"Yes," Duncan answered.
"Do I win many battles?"
"Yeah, you win many battles."
"Then I'm a great chieftain."
"It's different," Duncan informed him.
"I'll bet I marry Debra Campbell," young Duncan stated.
"I wish you had," Duncan replied.
"Well then, I'll find someone more beautiful and we'll have many strong sons."
Duncan shook his head.
"Daughters?" young Duncan asked.
"You'll see," Duncan answered sadly.
"This other warrior," young Duncan asked, "are you afraid of him?"
"Yes," Duncan answered, "He has a power I don't possess, and I don't know how to defeat him."
"You'll win because you're good," young Duncan assured him, "and good always wins over evil. Did you not know that?"
"It's a little more complicated than that."
"It's never more complicated than that."
"Yes it is. He has a magic in his voice. If I listen to it, I'm dead."
"Then don't listen to it," young Duncan replied before he vanished.
"No, wait a minute," Duncan called out, "What do you mean? No. We haven't…."
Duncan picked up the lit candle, and looked around to see that his younger self was gone.
"Then don't listen," young Duncan told him.
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Duncan faced Kantos as he entered the warehouse. He faced him eagerly and drawn out his katana, "Finished your beauty sleep?"
"We're making history, MacLeod," Kantos replied, "No point in rushing it."
He lunged at Duncan, who fought back and then they proceeded with their duel.
Kantos began with his distorted voice, "Do you feel that, Highlander? That's your arm, growing weaker. The muscles, giving up. You're tired….weary. You're finding it hard to focus."
He went after Duncan again, who held his own, then stumbled backwards.
Kantos continued, "Your legs are getting numb…..frozen….."
The two immortals exchanged more blows.
"Your arms feel like lead," Kantos continued, "Moving is pain. Moving is agony."
Duncan continued to fight him off as Kantos continued with his voice, "Your sword is getting heavy, too heavy to lift."
Duncan blocked the attack and then he rolled under the metal pipes.
"This cannot be! The prophecy….." Kantos stated. Duncan opted not to listen as his voice was now muffled, "must be fulfilled."
Duncan blocked his blade, slashed him with his katana and waggled his eyebrows at him.
"Impossible," Kantos stated in his normal voice.
Duncan beheaded Kantos, then he dug the candle wax out of his ears, "Couldn't hear a word you said, Roland."
Duncan heard images in his head as the quickening ended.
"An evil one will vanquish all before him. Only a Highland child, born on the winter solstice, who has seen both darkness and light, can stop him," Cassandra spoke of the prophecy.
He then saw his younger self as he said, "I will be a great warrior. I bet you marry Debra Campbell."
He then saw Debra running to greet Duncan, smiling. Then he saw the Celtic bracelet falling, "No! Debra!"
Duncan then reflected on his first death before he revived only for his father to disown him.
"It's a miracle!" Duncan sat up as he had been revived.
"You're not my son!" Ian exclaimed, disowning Duncan.
"Where do I come from?" Duncan asked, approaching his father.
Duncan then saw his younger self, who told him, "You'll win because you're good and good always wins over evil."
Duncan lowered his arms and dropped his head down as he heard Cassandra say, "A child and a man."
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
"Tori!" Richie exclaimed as he rose up from the bed and looked around. He found himself at the medical room.
"Take it easy," Flash gently touched his friend/in law, "You took a hit from Lowis."
"Where's Tori?" Richie asked.
"She went to a duel against Lowis for not just you but the fate of Yordioren," Barin answered.
"I hope things go well in the battle," Aura added.
Richie then sensed the Buzz, "Looks like we'll know the outcome right now."
Moments later, Tori entered the room, causing the group to exclaim in relief.
"Tori, thank God!" Richie exclaimed before he ran to his fiance and they shared a kiss.
"Are you okay?" Tori asked after they broke the kiss.
"I am now that you're here, and you're safe," Richie answered.
The group looked around in silence as they appeared to be relieved and happy with the outcome of this showdown.
"Yordioren is now at peace now that Lowis is no more," Emberline declared.
"We will still need to remain on guard," Aura told the group.
"You are correct," Emberline nodded.
"I think we should be heading back to Earth," Richie suggested, gesturing towards himself and Tori.
"I'll take you home first thing tomorrow morning," Flash replied, "So you should be back in Seacouver within a couple of days."
"That'll be great to hear," Tori replied before she and Richie kissed again.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Duncan looked at a candle that was being lit up while Cassandra and Jack looked on.
"I faced a wolf and I'm thirteen," his younger self said proudly, "I'm a chieftain's son. I'm going to lead my clan to glory."
"What would you have said to him?" Jack asked.
"I don't know," Duncan answered, "Maybe I could've warned him about the life he was going to lead."
"What could you have said?" Cassandra asked, "Don't feel? Don't grow? Don't live with hope?"
"Probably so," Duncan replied, "So….the prophecy's fulfilled. Now you leave."
"Will we see you again?" Jack asked.
"Maybe," Duncan answered, "Maybe I'll see Cass again too, but I hope it's not because of some prophecy."
"You're hoping the next time I see you is for a social meeting?" Cassandra inquired.
"Preferably," Duncan replied.
With that, Cassandra and Jack left the loft before they walked down the streets.
"The prophecy is not fully fulfilled yet, is it?" Jack asked.
"Not fully," Cassandra answered, "He has to defeat a threat which is bigger than Kantos, and it will be his biggest battle yet."
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Author's Commentary:
Richie quickly swung his sword and killed the snake instantly. Tori turned and noticed her fiance staggering, "Richie! Richie, are you okay?"
"Tori," Richie looked at his fiance before he dropped to the ground again, but this time, Tori caught him before he could hit the ground.
"Richie, hang in there! Richie!" Tori called out.
"Tori, you're safe," Richie smiled, "That's good."
Moments later, he passed out as he heard Tori call out his name.
This scene along with the meeting they had along with the other allies is inspired from the Voltron episode "Summit Meeting", and I wanted to give Tori and Richie a reason why they didn't meet Cassandra until the next chapter/The Magic Within, and I felt this would make the best sense.
After Tori seemed to be getting the upper hand against her opponent, he tried his distorted voice again, "Do you feel that? Your arms are getting weak, as are your legs. You are getting tired….weary….your arms feel like lead and each move you make feels like agony."
Tori looked up and slashed Lowis, "Not quite."
"That's impossible!" Lowis exclaimed.
"But that's the thing," Tori nodded before she disarmed him, "I can be impossible sometimes."
Moments later, she took Lowis' head.
In attempt to keep the botany from getting any damages, Tori hurried to the stone stairwell as she was receiving Lowis' quickening. She screamed as she took the full force of the quickening before falling into some bushes.
I found this quickening inspired by Duncan taking Reinhardt's quickening in the episode "Revenge is Sweet," which Duncan also landed in some bushes, this episode is in my upcoming side story, which covers a handful of episodes which were previously uncovered, along with some missions, which is something to look forward to.
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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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