DCH 72
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Seventy-Two: Jenny
Sara sat beside Tori and Richie at the picnic bench. "How did you guys enjoy the honeymoon?" she asked.
"It was beautiful," Tori answered. "Richie and I spent a couple of weeks Greece."
"Greece?" Sara paused. "I would've thought that you two would have chosen Paris."
"Nah." Richie shook his head. "We spent half a year there, mainly whenever Mac was visiting."
"Ah, that makes sense."
"How's Unit 3 doing?" Tori asked.
"Unit 3 is just fine," Sara replied. "We take care of the tasks that we're asked to handle. I assume the IUA and the Defenders are well too."
"Yes, right," Tori said. "While I took care of the witch Zorelda, the Defenders helped the allies of Mongo deal with her forces, and then before I got married to Richie, we had an interesting summit meeting."
"And we dealt with an immortal," Richie added, "and from what Mac told us, Lowis was familiar to an immortal he had to deal with while we were gone."
"Really now?" Sara asked.
"Except Lowis wasn't a part of some sort of prophecy that MacLeod was a part of."
"I know you two are going to make great spouses." Sara smiled at her cousin.
"Thanks, Sara," Tori replied before she went to hug her. "I love you."
"I love you too," Sara replied.
Suddenly, Tori heard her phone ring. She went to answer it. "Hello? Yes, this is Tori."
Sara then glanced over at Richie while Tori took her phone call. "I'm glad you're a part of the Gordon family."
Richie smiled warmly. "Thanks, Sara. I'm glad to be a part of the family. Flash and the others have already welcomed me too."
"And so has my mom. My mom's very fond of you too." She took a deep breath. "I wish Aunt Dale could have met you."
"Yours and Tori's aunt Dale," Richie said.
"I know she would have admired you."
Richie smiled, blushing.
"How's everyone doing?" Abby asked as she walked over towards the duo.
"We're doing fine, Mom. Thanks," Sara answered.
Tori walked over to the group, eyeing everyone.
"Tori, what's the matter?" Abby asked.
"Who called?" Richie asked.
"Someone called regarding asking us to adopt a child," Tori answered, frowning in confusion.
Richie, Sara and Abby all listened, waiting for her to expand on what she'd just said. Another member of the family.
You're Reading
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
Richie was sprawled at the foot of the bed, giving his wife the usual massage. He rubbed her heels as she studied a screen, the laptop resting upon her thighs.
"I'm just about finished," Tori announced, tapping the keys so passionately.
Richie heard a sprint outside of the room. Their little Engel had woken up for the day. She'd probably throw a party with her dolls downstairs, one with mock tea by her tiny play set.
Richie made a smile as he thought about that. He was beginning to pick up on her traits — starting to know their new daughter well. He'd known this would happen when they'd taken her in, and he had been excited while imagining it. Failure was never an option at all. He and Tori vowed they would bond with the girl, vowed to embrace her with all of their hearts.
Tori wanted things to go a little bit further. She wanted to make a monumental change.
Once she'd completed the form on the screen, then sent it away to the government, they would have to wait around a couple of weeks. Then their daughter's name would be altered forever.
Richie made a sigh. "You're sure about this?"
She looked down at him. "I thought we both were."
"I am." He nodded. He wanted it too. "It's just...I mean..." Richie shrugged a tad. "I guess I feel like we should consult Engel."
"She's a child, Rich." Tori eyed the screen. "I'd never want her thinking we're bullying her...but there are certain things she doesn't get a say in." Tori sighed a bit. "I'm afraid this has to be one of those things."
"Won't her birth parents get angry at us? I'm thinking her mom might complain, at least, assuming she actually hears about this." Richie caught himself. "Her old mom, I meant."
"I can't be concerned with pleasing either of them. She's my child now. Ours to raise, ours to love..." Tori reached down, stroking his hand. "A child of our choosing will have a name of our choosing."
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Tori knelt low right in front of her daughter. A distant memory fluttered into her head. Aunt Dale had knelt before Tori like this — when she'd had something important to say. "How's it goin'?" she asked, flashing a grin, brushing a thumb on the girl's cute nose.
"Okay," she replied, hugging her doll.
"Listen," Tori muttered, taking a breath. "Remember when I said your last name would change? Remember when I said that would happen soon?"
She made a quick nod.
"Well..." Tori paused. "You're going to have a new first name as well. I know that you've always been called Engel...but from now on, you're Jennifer Ryan. Daddy and I will call you Jenny for short."
She opened her mouth, looking uncertain.
Tori ran a hand through the girl's dark hair. "You have a new home, and a new life. This is just another big part of that. It's going to be exciting. It's going to be fun." She smiled at her. "There's something that you need to remember, though. There was nothing wrong with the name you had. And there was nothing wrong with you either, okay? We want it to be clear that you've got a new start - that everything is going to be different now. Different in a very good way for you."
Her lips had closed. She seemed to be thinking.
Tori shook a little, tensing within. She hoped she hadn't made her uncomfortable. "All right?" she murmured, feeling quite frail.
The girl looked away. "Can I have a crayon, and a piece of paper?"
"Sure," Tori uttered. "What for, though?"
"I want to learn how to write my new name down," she said quietly. "I'm Jenny now."
Tori paused a moment. And then she smiled.
You're Reading
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
Tori slipped a hand into Richie's own, waiting for the doctor to enter the room. The man was running tests on their little Jenny; he'd grown fixated with their foster child.
What was happening? Why were they here? What did the doctor hope to learn in there?
Mystery had always surrounded Jenny. The girl had been found in a field one night, found by older lovers who couldn't have kids. After taking her to the local courthouse, and clearing things up with authorities, the couple had intended to raise her for years.
Then an accident had occurred in their home, one that placed the girl's life at serious risk.
The couple insisted they had been set up; someone wanted them to lose custody.
That was precisely what happened next. Tori received an enigmatic call; a dark voice informed her about Engel.
Then she and Richie had taken her in — just as the caller had wanted her to.
Naturally, they brought her to the clinic every now and then. The doctor thought the girl had been born to them. She looked like Tori. She spoke like Tori. She even had the same blood type, he said.
Tori told him she and Jenny weren't related. The doctor replied he wasn't certain of that.
All of a sudden, the white door swung. Jenny bounced out with her usual grin. The doctor appeared soon afterward.
Richie stood up, patting the child. "Hey there, kid. You have a fun visit?"
She nodded happily.
Tori moved her gaze to the doctor's face. "Is everything all right?"
The white-haired man pulled his glasses off. "I studied your hair next to hers in a test. The DNA matches." He paused a moment. "Jenny is your daughter."
Tori shook a little.
Richie did too.
That can't be right, Tori concluded.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
"How?" she asked, eyeing the wall.
Richie held her close as they cuddled in bed. "What do you know about cloning, Tor?"
She lifted an eyebrow, holding her tongue.
"You're the genius here," Richie conceded, "but once in a while, I use my noggin a little. What if somebody created her? What if she escaped before their tests were complete?"
"Wouldn't they try to take her back, though, babe?"
"I don't know..." he acknowledged. "Maybe they planned to, then changed their minds. You got that little weird phone call one night. Somebody wanted us to take her in. Maybe they think this is good for their plan - having her raised and taught by you."
Tori held quiet, absorbing that.
"The question is, when are they coming to take her back?"
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
"I don't get it, Mac," Richie told his teacher, "We know that immortals can't have children, but they said that Jenny is Tori's daughter."
"But immortals can't have children," Duncan stated, "I don't know why that doctor told you guys Jenny was her daughter."
Richie placed his hand to his face, "We did speculate cloning."
"If it is a clone," Joe spoke up, "then we have to find out who is responsible and get to the bottom of what is going on!"
"Exactly what we plan to find out," Richie nodded in agreement, "I mean, I – I love this kid. I do."
"I know you do," Joe comforted him, "but you and Tori need to do what you have to do, and get to the source of who created your daughter."
"That's what we have in mind," Richie nodded.
"Good luck with that," Duncan replied.
"Thanks, Mac," Richie shook his teacher's hand before shaking Joe's hand.
"Good luck, Richie," Joe told his friend.
"Thanks, Joe," Richie replied.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
"Why did you do this to my wife?" Richie demanded, holding his sword in hand. "To me?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Ling said smugly. "I am infatuated with your wife, and I created this child for the past six years, and this was before you or MacLeod met her."
"You won't get whatever you're after, you son of a bitch!" Richie exclaimed. He had a lot of affection for Jenny, but he wouldn't allow anyone to target Tori, which Ling would surely try again.
"I'd like to see you try to take me on," Ling replied with a smirk.
"I wish it didn't have to come to this," Janet said, crossing her arms. "Agent Ryan is one of the best here. He's proven himself over the past five years. And you, Mr. Ling, have proven to be one of our best scientists for the past ten."
"So, what is your point?" Ling asked.
"I can give you two options," Janet offered the corrupt scientist. "Option A: you can duel with Agent Ryan with a fifty percent chance of you surviving. Or, Option B: you can not only lose the right to be a scientist and be expelled from the Intergalactic Union Agency, but also spend forever in one of our cells, because what you did was essentially a crime."
"You expect me to suffer a fate worst than death?" Ling replied. Then he scoffed. "Not in this lifetime. A duel it is."
With that, the corrupt scientist dueled with Richie while Janet looked on. It didn't take long for Richie to gain the upper hand and behead Ling before he took his Quickening.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
"Are you sure?" Duncan asked.
"I'm afraid so," Tori answered, nodding sadly, "Dr. Harold Ling was the guy behind cloning our daughter."
"How's Richie taking it?" Duncan asked.
"He went after the creep," Tori answered, "and from what my mom said, Richie took his head."
"He was immortal?" Duncan inquired.
Tori nodded, "Yes."
"What are you two going to do now?" Duncan asked.
"About what?" Tori inquired.
"Jenny."
Tori sighed, "We're going to make Jenny's life as comfortable as possible. From what mom said, she doesn't have much time left, and Richie and I are going to make our daughter's life the happiest until her dying breath."
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Tori looked outside the window, watching the sun rise on a new day. She couldn't believe everything that had happened. Not only was the daughter they had just adopted was a clone created by a corrupted scientist of the IUA, to be more specific Dr. Howard Ling, which caused Janet to terminate him for his role in creating immortal through cloning, but given how unstable the clone was, their daughter didn't have much time left.
As a matter of fact, there was no telling how long Jenny would last given that she was an experiment. She heard of children dying of cancer and terminal illnesses, and never thought she would have to have to deal with something like this.
Tori was startled upon arms wrapping around her waist, "What the…."
She looked to see Richie behind her, "Richie."
"Hey, Tori," Richie smiled at her.
"How's Jenny?" Tori asked.
"She's resting in her room," Richie answered.
"Richie, this is scary," Tori told her husband.
"I know how you feel," Richie held his wife in a loving embrace to comfort her, "I knew there would be disappointment when us immortals couldn't have children naturally, but just as we adopt a wonderful kid, we find out…"
Tori could tell that he was bothered by this too.
"We aren't going to let this affect how we feel about this child," Tori assured her husband, "Am I right?"
"You're right, of course," Richie replied, "You're right. We'd have to be shallow to think otherwise. I love that kid, no matter if she's a clone or not."
"That's right," Tori declared, "and we are going to love Jenny the best that we can, and we're going to see that Mac and the others feel the same way."
"If they do," Richie chimed in.
Tori nodded. "The point is we are going to make Jenny's life as happy and content as possible."
---------
Author's Commentary:
"How's Unit 3 doing?" Tori asked.
"Unit 3 is doing just fine," Sara answered, "We take care of tasks that we are asked to take care of. I assume the IUA and the Defenders are doing just fine too, right?"
"Yes, right," Tori nodded, "While I took care of the witch Zorelda, the Defenders helped the allies of Mongo deal with her forces, and then before I got married to Richie, we had an interesting summit meeting."
"And we dealt with an immortal," Richie added, "and from what Mac told us, Lowis was familiar to an immortal he had to deal with while we were gone."
I enjoyed writing this interaction with Sara, Tori and Richie. Just a reminder Unit 3, Sara and Abigail Gordon all belong to James.
The girl looked away. "Can I have a crayon, and a piece of paper?"
"Sure," Tori uttered. "What for, though?"
"I want to learn how to write my new name down," she said quietly. "I'm Jenny now."
Tori paused a moment. And then she smiled.
This is one of the scenes written by James along with the cloning theory, which was the next two scenes and I will address here in a little bit.
"That's right," Tori declared, "and we are going to love Jenny the best that we can, and we're going to see that Mac and the others feel the same way."
"If they do," Richie chimed in.
Tori nodded. "The point is we are going to make Jenny's life as happy and content as possible."
The concept of Jenny's clone fate is somewhat a homage to Dale in James's story Dynasties. The differences here are obvious as I am planning to let Jenny last to where Tori and Richie can spend as much time with their daughter as possible.
---------
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.
Comments
Post a Comment