DCH 74
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Seventy-Four: Money No Object
"Can I talk to you?"
Tori looked over to see Amanda standing at the doorway while she tucked Jenny into bed for the night.
"Sure," Tori nodded before she followed Amanda out of Jenny's room.
They walked into the living room of the apartment.
"Is there something wrong?" Tori asked.
"No," Amanda shook her head, "Nothing's wrong. I just admire that you and Richie are able to adopt a cute little girl."
Tori sighed sadly, "The sad fact is..."
"I know," Amanda cut her off, "She's a clone of you. Duncan told me. I think that immortal scientist was twisted for doing such a thing."
"What's even sadder is we're not sure how long Jenny has," Tori spoke up.
"She's alive now, yeah?"
"For now," Tori nodded, "but I don't know how long, and Richie and I made a promise to make Jenny live the happiest life possible."
Amanda smiled, giving her a comforting touch, "I'm sorry you guys had to go through this. That sick man gave you guys false hopes. He had no right to do that."
Tori hugged her teacher, "Amanda, have I ever told you that you're like another mother to me?"
Amanda gave out a small smile, "And you're like a daughter to me."
"Am I interrupting something?" Richie asked as he walked into the living room.
"Oh no," Tori answered as she and Amanda broke the hug, "We were just talking."
"While I was getting me a sandwich," Richie replied, "I was thinking about our little girl. She's wonderful, she's sweet. Me, Tori and little Jenny, the family I've always hoped for, even though Jenny doesn't have long, and…you know."
"You guys will be the parents for this child up until her final moments," Amanda assured the couple.
"The last moments which we dread," Tori stated.
"But we'll get through it," Richie assured his wife as he held her hand, "We'll get through it like we get through everything."
"I know baby," Tori replied before she kissed him, "I know."
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"You've got to be kidding me," Richie stated as he took off his helmet.
Amanda took off her helmet, "I never joke about money, Richie, especially when it's mine. Besides, this place has atmosphere."
"Yeah. I can smell it from here," Richie replied before Amanda laughed, "Amanda?"
"What?" Amanda replied.
"What's wrong with a regular bank?" Richie asked.
"Unfortunately, dear boy," Amanda answered as they walked down the street, "regular banks are full of sad little men who would insist on knowing all the dreary little details of my overseas money transfer."
"So?"
"So…..behold the Temple of No Questions Asked."
"Amanda….."
"What?"
"That's called fraud."
"No, Richie," Amanda replied, "it's called CYA, cover your assets. Now are you going to come with me?"
"No, thank you," Richie declined, "I think I'm going to stay with my bike."
"It's okay," Amanda replied before she entered the building.
She walked into the money express and saw that she had just walked into a robbery, "Uh oh."
The man doing the robbery recognized her, "Amanda."
Amanda smiled, "Cory?"
They both laughed. The next thing they knew, the alarms went off and then, Cory and Amanda took off.
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Richie was eating his gyro when he noticed Amanda leaving the money express place with some unfamiliar guy, "Hey!"
The man fired his gun into the air, "Kiss the sidewalk! Stay where you are and nobody gets hurt!"
He fired his gun into the air again before he took off with Amanda while Richie watched from behind a stone.
"Amanda!" Richie called out as the van they were in took off as he made it out of his hiding place. He then muttered to himself, "Damn it."
Richie took off on his motorcycle and chased after the van. Upon sensing the Buzz, Richie pulled his motorcycle alongside the van, then the man waved at him, then swerves the van towards him.
Richie fell back as the van swerved onto another road. He managed to catch up as the mysterious man swerved the van again, driving him off the road into the drainage ditch full of water as he heard the man laugh at him.
Feeling humiliated, Richie waded through the water of the drainage ditch and climbed out of the ditch.
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"What were you thinking?!" Tori demanded, seeing her husband drenched in water.
"Amanda took off with some guy," Richie replied, "I tried to stop her, but….."
Tori sighed before saying, "I knew Amanda was up to something, but I never imagined it'd be some sort of Bonnie and Clyde type of deal."
"What do you mean by that?" Richie asked.
"The guy must be a crime partner from Amanda's past," Tori answered, "I don't really know much about him but it's quite insane."
"What do we do now?" Richie asked.
"Well, for one thing," Tori answered, "you go and get yourself cleaned up, we'll talk to MacLeod and we'll take it from there."
Richie nodded, "That sounds like a plan."
He then went to the bathroom to clean himself up.
"Mommy, why is Daddy wet?" Jenny asked as she walked into the living room.
"Aunt Amanda got him in a crazy situation," Tori answered. She knelt down to her daughter and asked, "You know how I told you that she has quite a history?"
Jenny nodded.
"Yeah," Tori smirked, "Aunt Amanda has a bit of history of being a thief, and she is aware that she's not a good role model for you, but regardless, she does love you as an aunt loves their niece."
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"Listen there's got to be another way," Cory pleaded as Duncan, Richie and Tori were stuffing his vest pockets with dynamites, "I mean, work with me here. Let's – let's be creative."
"You wanna help your friend, don't you?" Tori retorted. She sighed thinking about the trouble Cory put the group through. First, throwing her husband off the road, then getting Amanda arrested. It turned out Cory had history with Duncan and Amanda.
Cory groaned as he nodded, "Yeah?"
"Shut up," Duncan shot out.
"Because….." Cory started to say.
"Shush! Like Uncle Mac said!" Jenny exclaimed.
"Here's the detonator," Duncan stated as he tucked the detonator in Cory's pocket.
"Boom!" Jenny exclaimed.
"That's right, Jenny," Tori smirked at her daughter.
"It's a fake one, right?" Cory asked.
"Trust me," Duncan assured him, "I've got a plan."
Richie opened the briefcase, he showed the stack of "bills", which only a few on top were real, "It's not bad, huh? Hopefully they won't look too close."
"Hopefully they won't have the time," Tori quipped.
Duncan closed the briefcase and handed it to Cory, "Okay, Cory boy. We have ignition."
"See ya, buddy," Richie chimed in as Cory exhaled and headed to the warehouse.
"Bye, bye!" Jenny waved. Richie chuckled in response before picking up his daughter in response.
They watched nearby the warehouse as Cory was talking with Gringkov.
"What gives?" Gringkov demanded as Cory untied Amanda.
"Um, you give up Amanda," Cory offered, "I give you the combination to the briefcase."
Gringkov pulled out his gun, "Screw combination."
"Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no," Cory interjected, "See, any attempt to tamper with the lock will detonate the contents."
"He's bluffing," the detective chimed in.
"It's your call," Cory replied before he clicked his tongue like a tongue clicking and looked out the window, "It is mild weather for this time of year, isn't it?"
"Okay, uncuff her and get her out of my sight," Gringkov relented.
"I'm hurt," Amanda sarcastically replied as the detective uncuffed her from the pole.
"Thanks," she then said once she was uncuffed before asking Cory, "Uh, Cory, you coming with me?"
"He stays," Gringkov told her.
"Right behind you, doll face," Cory answered before Amanda left and then met up with Duncan, Richie, Tori and Jenny.
"Let that be a lesson to you, Jenny," Amanda quipped, "Don't steal and don't get involved with bad people."
"Don't I even get a kiss?" Duncan asked. Amanda kissed his cheek.
"I think it worked," Amanda informed them, "I think."
They looked to see Cory trying to get Gringkov and the detective only for the detective to run out of the warehouse.
"Oh yeah!" Richie exclaimed.
Amanda clapped her hands, "Yeah, it did work."
"Yep," Duncan replied.
"Good plan," Amanda leaned over to kiss Duncan against just as he turned towards her, bonking her nose, "Ow!"
"Sorry, baby," Duncan apologized.
Then, they saw Gringkov fleeing the warehouse.
"It's brilliant," Amanda stated.
"Yep," Tori replied.
"Brilliant plan," Amanda continued.
"Thank you," Duncan replied. Cory left the warehouse. Duncan gave him a two thumbs up. Cory flung his arms in triumph, "Well, now for the grand finale."
Cory walked towards them and Duncan pulled a device out of his pocket.
"Wow!" Tori exclaimed in surprise.
"You didn't!" Richie added.
"You wouldn't," Amanda added before she asked as Cory walked towards them. "Would you?"
"Oh, come on, Mac," Richie insisted, "let me."
"No, let me!" Tori said.
"No, no, no, no," Duncan replied, "This one's all mine."
Amanda looked on in anticipation, "No."
Cory walked behind a small shed as Duncan pressed the trigger and the shed exploded.
"Oh!" Richie and Tori exclaimed in unison.
"Oh!" Duncan added.
"Boom!" Jenny exclaimed with excitement.
"I bet that hurts, Cory," Richie called out, "Mmmm!"
Cory coughed as he staggered towards the group, "What the hell was that for?!"
"It's all in fun, Cory," Tori answered, "It's all in fun."
Duncan shrugged and grinned smugly. Cory then wobbled and dropped to the ground unconscious.
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Duncan left the elevator and saw Amanda packing, "Somebody leaving?"
"Yeah, um... Well, Cory already blew town," Amanda answered.
"Ah," Duncan quipped.
"Said he had a plan," Amanda explained, "and I think I should, um, you know, hit the road too. At least until Gringkov stops looking for me."
"I wish you could stay," Duncan replied.
Amanda smiled, put down her bag and walked over to him, "That was really nice to hear."
She kissed him, "But I think I should go."
"Well, of course you should."
"By the way," Amanda informed the Highlander, "I already checked on Richie, Tori and little Jenny as well, so I'll be on my way. Jenny really admires me."
"I wonder why," Duncan muttered.
Amanda picked up her bag, walked towards the elevator and turned back, "Hey, Mackie boy. See you in Paris?"
"But of course, cherie," Duncan replied, "but of course."
He waved goodbye, took off his jacket, walked over to the window and sat on the windowsill.
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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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