DCH 75
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Seventy-Five: Haunted
Jennifer heard Alec's voice in her sleep, "Jennifer. Jennifer. Jennifer, I need you."
Jennifer sat up in her bed and tried to turn on the bedside light but she learned the power was out.
"Jennifer," she heard her husband's distorted voice echoing in her head, "Come to me. Jennifer."
Jennifer turned on a flashlight, went down the hallway and opened a door.
"Awk," the parrot squawked, "Jennifer."
Jennifer heard piano music playing "Aura Lee" as a man's voice hummed along.
"Alec?" Jennifer called out. The piano and humming continued as she went down the stairs and the chandeliers was dangling, "Alec."
She thought she saw Alec sitting on the piano, but when she entered the room, it was empty. She closed the lid over the piano keys. A branch crashed through the window, and she screamed.
"Come Jennifer," Alec's voice called out, "I need you."
Jennifer looked to see Alec's reflection in a mirror, "Alec? Alec, is that you?"
As the lighting flashed, the reflection disappeared.
"Alec. No," Jennifer cried out before she grabbed a coat and left the house.
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Jennifer drove to the cemetery while on the verge of crying. She walked into the cemetery before kneeling to Alec's grave, weeping.
ALEC HILL
BELOVED HUSBAND
"Alec?" Jennifer wept, "What do you want? What do you want?"
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Richie smiled at Tori while they were sparring at the empty dojo while Jenny was watching them. During the duel, Tori gained the upper hand the first round.
"Round one to mommy!" Jenny cheered.
"Good match," Richie told his wife.
"Yeah. It was a good match," Tori chimed in before she asked, "Care for another round?"
"Of course," Richie quipped before they sparred again.
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Jennifer walked into the dojo, noticing a shirtless man sparring with a brown haired woman while a little girl was watching.
Suddenly, she saw Alec's image on Richie's back and his disembodied voice echoed, "Yes, Jennifer. I'm here."
"We have company," the little girl declared.
The man and woman eyed Jennifer.
"Was I interrupting anything?" Jennifer asked.
"Not really," the woman shook her head, "we were just sparring."
Jennifer eyed the man, "You're pretty good."
"Thanks," the man replied, "but my wife is stronger. I mean, she's skilled, smart and more experienced than myself, but I got skills in my own fashion."
Jennifer chuckled nervously and then she looked down disappointed that he was married.
"Mommy and Daddy are amazing!" the little girl cheered happily.
"I'll bet they are," Jennifer replied before she looked at the man, "and you are?"
Alec's face appeared and the man's voice synced with his, "Richie Ryan."
Richie's voice returned to normal after her husband's face vanished as he went to introduce his wife and daughter to her, "This is my lovely wife, Tori and my daughter Jenny."
"Nice to meet you," Tori replied before shaking Jennifer's hand.
"What's your name?" Jenny asked.
"Jennifer Hill," Jennifer answered.
"You have the same name as me," Jenny stated.
"Her full name is Jennifer Ryan," Richie elaborated, "but we call her Jenny."
"I see," Jennifer nodded, "I'm here to see Duncan MacLeod."
"Lucky guy," Richie quipped before Tori elbowed her in response then they walked over to a bench.
"You play?" Jennifer asked, noticing Richie holding a harmonica.
"The harmonica?" Richie answered.
"Mac is upstairs," Tori told her.
"Oh, thanks," Jennifer replied before she started towards the elevator.
"You, uh, need a key," Richie got out a key.
"Oh," Jennifer quipped.
"Can I get you a lift?" Richie asked.
"What the heck," Tori chimed in, "we will give you a lift."
"I usually don't take rides from strangers," Jennifer replied, "but I'll make an exception."
"All right," Richie, Tori and Jenny entered the elevator with Jennifer.
"Have you been friends with Uncle Mac for a long time?" Jenny asked.
"Yeah," Jennifer answered.
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"Mac, look who we found," Richie exited the lift with Jennifer, Tori and Jenny all in tow, to the surprise of Duncan, especially when it came to one Jennifer Hill upon standing and noticing the group.
"Jennifer, hi," Duncan went to hug Jennifer, "it's been two years. Where's Alec?"
"Gone, Duncan," Jennifer answered quietly.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Duncan replied, "I'm so sorry."
"He wasn't supposed to die before me," Jennifer stated.
"Yeah, I know," Duncan said before he asked, "When did it happen?"
"Last summer. July," Jennifer answered, unaware of Richie and Tori glancing at each other, "After a hundred and ten years, he finally found Gerard Kragen."
"Kragen," Duncan stated before he reflected on 1886 San Francisco having interactions with Alec, his wife at the time Genevieve and the encounter with Kragen, who killed Genevieve during a stand off.
"What happened to Kragen?" Richie asked.
"He could've gone anywhere in the world," Duncan answered, "Then we went back and finished Alec's home. He never lived anywhere else."
"He was waiting for Genevieve's spirit to join mine," Jennifer added.
"You mean like reincarnation?" Richie asked.
"Alec believed in the eternity of the soul," Jennifer answered.
Duncan then reflected on 1888 San Francisco where he was talking with Alec, who was blaming himself for Genevieve's death and offered to take him to the Double Eagle for dinner after Amanda won the saloon, but he declined as he mourned Genevieve's death, seeing Genevieve's ghostly image.
"Alec and I just really connected," Jennifer continued, "From the first day we met, it was as though I'd known him all my life."
"Yeah," Duncan replied, "He loved you very much."
"He still does," Jennifer looked around, "Duncan, I think Alec is still here."
"Jen...death is death, even for us," Duncan sat down next to her, "Alec is gone."
"How can you be so sure?" Jennifer asked, "Maybe Alec is still here."
"Alec believed what he needed to believe," Duncan answered, "You know what our lives are like. It was Alec's way of coping, of...keeping in mind of the spirits of those he loved."
"What if it was more than that?" Jennifer asked as Duncan stood up, "I've heard his voice, Duncan. I've seen him."
"You've seen him?" Tori asked.
"Like a ghost?" Richie added.
"Look, if Alec's spirit lives, it's in your mind," Duncan insisted, "It's in your heart."
"No. He comes to me," Jennifer stressed, "I think there's something he wants. Something he left unfinished."
"You mean Kragen?" Duncan inquired.
"I know your promise," Jennifer answered before she asked, "Will you keep it?"
Duncan nodded, "I promise."
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"You really believe that stuff?" Richie asked as he, Tori and Jennifer were sitting together at the bar, "That you've got a woman who died a hundred and fifty years ago living inside you?"
"When Alec first told me about Genevieve, about him, I thought he was crazy," Jennifer explained, "I wasn't raised in believing in ghosts or spirits."
"Or immortals, I'm sure," Tori chimed in, "You'd be surprised of all of the stuff I know about in my field of work."
"Well, you guys are right," Jennifer replied, "but you guys are real."
"Yeah," Richie chimed in.
"So why not this?" Jennifer asked.
"What about what Mac said though?" Richie interjected, "That maybe – maybe Alec believed because he needed to believe."
"Maybe. Maybe he did," Jennifer answered, "I don't think I could handle being one of you guys. The fear, the fighting. Everything you care about, everyone you know, dying."
"I guess we try not to think about it too much," Tori replied.
"Exactly," Richie nodded in agreement.
"Well, you're brave," Jennifer stated, "all of you."
"Maybe you are the brave one," Richie told her, "I mean, you knew what Alec's life was all about and you chose to stay with him."
"Maybe I didn't have a choice," Jennifer replied, "Sounds stupid, but our souls connected. There – there was no fighting it."
"You could have fought it," Tori chimed in, "but you know."
She sighed.
"I don't think that sounds stupid," Richie spoke up.
"Do you think it could happen again?" Tori asked.
"I don't know," Jennifer answered, "It would have to be someone very special, very kind…..someone…."
She was startled upon looking at Richie, as if she was seeing a ghost, "Oh!"
Jennifer stood up from her seat.
Richie stood up, "Oh, I'm sorry."
"What happened?" Tori asked.
"Um, uh, is there a ladies' room around here?" Jennifer asked.
"Yeah, yeah," Richie answered, pointing to the back of the bar, "It's back over there."
Jennifer walked past the bar towards the restroom, leaving Richie and Tori side by side.
"What was that all about?" Tori asked.
"I don't know," Richie answered.
They walked over to Joe, who was sitting nearby. Tori was startled upon seeing Richie lighting a cigar, cursing.
Joe went over to the couple, "You smoking now, Richie?"
"Yeah, a little," Richie answered as he smiled, "Joe, I need some advice."
Joe looked over his shoulders at the restrooms, "Tell me about it."
He sat at their table, "What is this? Alec Hill's wife, are you guys doing an open relationship?"
"No!" Richie and Tori exclaimed in unison, "It's not like that!"
"Then what is it?" Joe asked.
"Mac asked us to keep an eye on her," Richie answered, "You know, try to cheer her up."
"He what?" Joe asked.
"He went out of town," Tori answered, "He went to San Francisco to whack the son of a bitch who killed her husband. Someone named Kragen."
They both noticed Joe's expression.
"What?" Tori quipped as she eyed Richie taking a drag on the cigarillo and blew out a smoke.
"Tori, your husband is the son of a bitch who killed her husband," Joe answered. He noticed their shocked expressions.
"Don't freak out, okay? Come over here. I'll buy you guys a drink," Joe asked before he told them before calling out a bartender, "Terry, three rounds of tequila."
"Joe, this just can't be," Richie stated as he, Tori and Joe walked over to the bar, "I mean, I never even met the guy."
"No?" Joe chimed in, "Try San Francisco, the beginning of July. Brown hair, carrying a US Cavalry Saber?"
Tori and Richie looked at each other in shock. They then looked back at Joe.
"It was before Richie was introduced to Mongo for the first time," Tori spoke up, "We both encountered him."
"That was Alec Hill?" Richie asked.
"That was Alec Hill," Joe answered before he took his shot of tequila. Immediately, Tori took her shot of tequila.
"Oh my God," Richie replied before he took his shot of tequila, "We never knew his name. It was live or die, Joe. I – I certainly had no idea he had a wife."
"Richie, everybody leaves someone behind," Joe said, "Everybody."
"What about the other immortals who we whacked prior?" Tori asked, "Such as Annie, Felicia, Kenny…."
"Those guys are different, Tori, and you know it!" Joe exclaimed.
"Mac is going after the wrong guy," Richie said.
"Well, let's pray to God he doesn't have a bad day," Joe replied.
Jennifer joined the group at the bar, "Richie, could you take me home?"
"Um, no," Tori stood up and faced her, "Joe's gonna call you a cab."
"Tori's right," Richie nodded while still in shock as he grabbed his wife's hand, "We gotta go."
Jennifer nodded as the couple left.
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Richie was trying to play "Aura Lee" on the harmonica while sitting on the sofa.
"How's the harmonica playing going?" Tori asked.
"Good, I guess," Richie answered, "Tori, I feel strange."
Tori sat down next to her husband, "What do you mean?"
"Ever since Jennifer came here," Richie explained, "I mean, have you ever saw me smoke before, or know Aura Lee by heart?"
Tori scoffed, "No. That is weird, and it's not like you."
"Do you think these are Alec's traits?" Richie asked.
Tori perked up, "You're not wrong there, and I have that exact feeling."
"How's Jenny?" Richie asked.
"She's asleep," Tori answered, "I'm trying to keep her out of this drama as much as possible."
"Good luck," Richie quipped, "because if this spirit thing is true, we might be in trouble."
The couple heard a knock on the door.
"It's open. Come on in," Richie called out. Jennifer entered the apartment, "Hi."
"How are you doing?" Richie asked.
"Uh, well, I couldn't sleep," Jennifer answered.
"Neither could we," Tori shook her head, "but our daughter is the only one who's asleep."
"I see," Jennifer nodded.
"We didn't mean to leave you like that," Richie apologized, "We're sorry."
Tori pursed her lips and nodded.
"It's okay," Jennifer replied.
"Please, sit down," Richie offered. Jennifer then sat down on the couch, "Can we get you something?"
"No," Jennifer replied, "No, it's okay."
"Are you sure?" Richie asked.
"Come here," Jennifer pulled Richie next to him on the couch, "Sit down, Richie. I'm sorry."
Tori looked on as she had a strange feeling was going on.
"No," Richie tried telling Jennifer, "Listen, there's – there's something I have to tell you."
Tori sighed, hoping this would have been the confession, but she knew better.
"No. You don't have to say anything," Jennifer insisted, "I know."
"You know?" Richie asked.
"That something happened at that bar," Jennifer answered.
"Jen, I can't get involved with you," Richie told her, "you know, I'm married and I have a daughter."
"I know," Jennifer nodded before saying, "but I knew you felt it too. I knew it wasn't just me, Richie. I've only felt this way once before."
She tried to kiss him.
"Jen, this isn't a good idea," Richie tried to protest.
"Don't you think I know that?" Jennifer asked, "You think I want to get involved with an immortal again, but I know in my soul it was meant to be."
"You're wanting something that is impossible," Richie interjected, "Do you know what family Tori is from?"
"Tori Gordon….." Jennifer started to say.
"Exactly!" Richie exclaimed, "She's a Gordon! Related to the famous Flash! Can you imagine the trouble you would cause if I ended up cheating on you, having an affair…."
Before anyone can make another move, Jennifer gasped and her eyes widened. Moments later, she dropped to the floor.
Richie looked to see Tori holding a tranquilizer gun, "Tori, what the hell was that for?!"
"I figured out what is going on," Tori answered, "and Alec's spirit...he's in you, Richie. It's something she was feeling too. After you killed Alec, his spirit must have been within you. Jennifer...and Alec…the spirit thing…it's all real!"
Richie sighed with a bit of relief, "Well, I guess Mac can't say it's not then. Thank you. So, what now?"
They looked down at Jennifer's unconscious body.
"I'm gonna make a call," Tori got out her phone, "Jack? It's Tori. Mmm hmm. We have a bit of a situation. Can you come to our apartment? Yeah, I'll explain when you get here. Thanks."
She hung up the phone and looked at Richie, "Jack is going to take her home."
"Good ol' Jack," Richie smiled, "Is he at the area?"
"Yeah," Tori nodded.
Minutes later, Jack arrived and saw Jennifer still unconscious on the floor.
"Dang, what happened?" Jack asked, "Did you knock her out in a jealous fit, Tori?"
"More like a tranquilizer dart," Richie chimed in with a chuckle.
"It's not like that at all," Tori answered before she and Richie proceeded to explain about the Hills, how Alec's spirit has been affecting Richie ever since Jennifer came to town, especially given that Richie was the one who whacked Alec.
"Wow," Jack stated, "Wow. That's a lot to take in. With the spirit of immortal Alec Hill, I'm going to have to call in some of the agents in case Mrs. Hill tries anything stupid."
"Do you think she will try something?" Tori asked, "Should we be worried?"
"Richie should be worried," Jack answered, "especially since he was the one who killed her husband. I'll go ahead and take her home."
"Thank you," Richie replied. Jack picked up Jennifer in his arms and took her away.
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San Francisco
Duncan parked his red convertible and stepped out. The Highlander had gotten information from Jack regarding Kragen's location. He had been grateful for the IUA's help on more than one occasion, even if he didn't need it, and he was more especially grateful on this day.
He walked over to the stage hand and asked, "This was to the sound stage?"
"Yeah," the stage hand pointed at the direction to where the sound stage was. He sensed the Buzz, finding Kragen.
"Still shoving women around?" Duncan asked his opponent.
"Get out," Kragen told the actress, "Be back in the morning."
"Don't bother," Duncan replied, "This production's shut down."
"Duncan MacLeod…I remember you," Kragen stated, "This time you're alone."
"Yeah," Duncan replied, "and there are no cliffs."
"You should have seen the look on your face when I jumped," Kragen retorted.
"Really?" Duncan retorted before the two immortals began their fight. During the fight, Duncan climbed through a prop window. Kragen ran around the end of the set instead of following him through the windows. They continued their duel until Duncan cut at Kragen twice. Kragen fell to his knees with a groan.
"Oh, you should see the look on your face," Duncan retorted before he took Kragen's head and quickening.
"Cut, print, that's a wrap," Duncan then declared once the quickening ended, and then walked away.
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Richie and Tori were sparring together as they were thinking about the night prior and hoped for the best, and expected just about anything. It was a good thing that Jenny was at a day care for the day as they needed to talk to MacLeod privately about this.
They sensed the Buzz and Duncan arrived.
"Mac," Richie called out.
"Hey. How are you guys doing?" Duncan asked.
"You got a second?" Tori asked.
"Look, can it wait a minute?" Duncan interjected, "I really need to take a shower."
"Um, uh, no Mac, it can't wait," Richie chimed in, "It's about Jennifer."
"What about her? Is she okay?" Duncan asked.
"She's alive if that's what you mean," Tori answered, "She tried to make her moves on Richie, but I had to use a tranquilizer to stop her from trying anything."
"Why did you do that?" Duncan asked.
"She knew that Richie's married and tried to make love with him anyway!" Tori exclaimed, "So, what did you expect?!"
"Besides, she's fine. Jack took her home," Richie added calmly, "I know it wasn't the smartest thing Tori has ever done."
"It's okay," Duncan replied as he, Richie and Tori got into the elevator.
"Uh, Mac, there's – there's something else too," Richie spoke up.
"He's right," Tori nodded, "You see, Kragen didn't kill Alec Hill."
Duncan gave them a look and dropped his bag, "Then who did."
"I did," Richie answered, "It was last July before my first trip to Mongo. I was taking pictures of Tori, and he wasn't in the mood for hassels."
"And neither were we," Tori added.
Last July
Richie smiled as he was taking pictures of Tori, "You're looking beautiful, Tor."
"I feel a bit goofy," Tori chuckled a bit before continuing to pose near Richie's motorcycle.
"I told you that you had the looks of a supermodel," Richie stated.
He continued to take more pictures until he and Tori sensed the Buzz. They looked on as a car stopped in front of them, tires squealing.
"Move the bike, kid," a dark haired man demanded as he peeked out of the window of his car. Richie didn't comply, "Find another way."
"Richie, maybe we should get going," Tori suggested.
"Tori, you do know he can go another direction, right?" Richie asked. Tori eyed the pavement of the road they were at, "Oh, I'm glad you noted that."
"I said move the bike," the man demanded as he stopped his car again, "I got an appointment to keep."
"There's another pavement in the road we're standing on," Tori pointed out, "you do know that, right?"
The man stepped out of the car, "I'm not gonna tell you again. Out of the way."
"Wanna move the bike," Richie suggested, "move it yourself."
The man got out his sword before approaching them, "You should have moved your bike. So, who's it gonna be: you or your little girlfriend?"
Richie shook his head and replied as he went to get his sword, "Oh brother."
"Seriously," Tori scoffed, "There was another pavement in our area right next to where we are standing. You could have gone to your appointment that way. This is not necessary."
"I prefer this road," the man replied before he lunged as Richie. Richie began the duel with the man.
"Come on," the man initiated the fight further as he appeared to be the aggressor. The fight continued until Richie gained the upper hand and pinned the man to a nearby dumpster before taking his head and his Quickening.
The Present
Duncan left the elevator angry, "You could have walked away. You killed him over nothing!"
"That's not true, Mac," Richie replied, "It was a fair fight. I won. Hey, what have you been teaching us all these years? What did you honestly expect me to do, let him kill me?"
"The way he handled it was rude, Mac!" Tori argued, "Maybe if he asked nicely the duel might not have happened in the first place!"
"You're defending your husband after you used a tranquilizer on Jennifer!" Duncan exclaimed.
"She was turning him on and he was trying to resist her," Tori interjected, "So I had to do something."
"Yeah, obviously," Duncan started unpacking his bag.
"The spirit thing that Jennifer and even Alec pointed out was true," Tori said, "Richie is playing a song that I assume Alec knows by heart and smoking cigars. Mac, would you stop doing that and listen?!"
Duncan turned towards them, "Would you save it for the romance novels?"
"Cut the crap, Mac!" Tori exclaimed.
"You know," Richie stated, "I want to fix it."
"You can't fix it," Duncan replied.
"Well, you're the guy with the experience," Richie interjected, "Why don't you tell me what to do. I'm just going to tell her the truth."
"You're not telling her the truth," Duncan argued.
"Jack has called some IUA agents," Tori stated, "He knows about the spirit thing too and has brought in some agents in case something happens."
"What are you implying?" Duncan asked.
"You know exactly what we are implying," Tori answered.
"I'll talk to Jennifer," Duncan told the couple, "I'll tell her the man that killed her husband is dead."
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"Are you sure about this?" Tori asked as she and Richie were packing bags.
"Absolutely, Tor," Richie answered, "You know as well as I do that we need to get the hell out of dodge. We need to leave."
"What about Jenny?" Tori asked.
"Of course she's coming with us," Richie answered, "Isn't Jack picking her up from daycare?"
"Yes," Tori nodded, "He is. We'll leave town tonight."
They heard a knock on the door. Richie answered it, and it was Jennifer.
"Hey," Richie greeted her.
"Hi. Can I come in?" Jennifer asked.
"Sure," Tori answered begrudgingly.
Jennifer entered the apartment, "Where are you guys going?"
"We….we gotta go out of town for awhile," Richie answered, "To focus on us as a family."
"Because of me?" Jennifer asked.
"Bitch, please!" Tori exclaimed, "Quit making it about you!"
"Tori, please," Richie calmed his wife down.
"Please, don't go," Jennifer pleaded, "I had a long talk with Duncan. It's going to be okay."
"Did he send you?" Richie asked.
"He helped me to understand a lot of things," Jennifer answered.
"What do you mean by understand?" Tori asked.
"That I've been holding on to Alec's ghost because I was afraid of moving forward," Jennifer explained, "but it's okay. It's time to move on, to live again, and Duncan said when it was right, I'd know it, and….."
"You're not going to be with my husband!" Tori exclaimed, "What part of that don't you get?"
"That's not all," Richie stepped forward. He took a deep breath before he finally confessed, "I killed Alec."
"What are you talking about?" Jennifer asked.
"It wasn't Kragen," Tori shook her head.
"She's right," Richie added, "it was me. He never got to Kragen. Jen, he picked a fight with the both of us. I did what I had to do."
"And you should know the risks since you know about Alec's immortality," Tori chimed in.
"We had no idea who he was," Richie apologized, "I didn't know about you. I'm sorry, Jen."
"This isn't happening," Jennifer cried in disbelief, "You murdering bastard!"
"That's how an immortal duel works," Tori chimed in, "One on one, no outside interference and only one survives the duel by taking their opponents' head."
Jennifer eyed her, "Then why don't you do it then?"
"When Hell freezes over," Tori scoffed, "Not like this. My husband was protecting his head, like I tried telling you. He was the one who picked the fight."
"You are a coward for a Gordon girl," Jennifer scoffed.
Tori slapped her in response and Richie pulled her back, "No! You're the one who's a coward! Now, get out!"
Jennifer cried out before storming off.
"What was that about?" Richie asked, "You were more hostile with her than you were with Maya."
Tori took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
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"Mac was right. I should have never told her," Richie told Joe sitting at the bar, "What the hell did I think was going to happen? She was going to back off and tell me all's forgiven? I mean, what was I looking for?"
"Absolution," Joe replied, "Richie, I mean, you thought you were doing the right thing."
"Yeah, I know, if it wasn't for Tori, there was no telling what could have happened last night," Richie stated, "I'm grateful before anything can happen."
He looked on as Joe said goodbye to a patron before turning attention back towards him.
"It was crazy, Joe," Richie continued, "Crazy. I was trying to resist her charm but Alec's spirit was keeping me from doing so."
"So, Tori used a tranquilizer to knock her out?" Joe inquired.
"Exactly," Richie nodded.
"People make mistakes, Richie," Joe replied.
"It was more than that," Richie continued, "It was like – it was like there was something inside me, I mean, pushing me, but was stopped thanks to my devoted wife."
"Like a part of Alec Hill, maybe?" Joe asked.
"What do you mean?" Richie interjected.
"You say you were drawn together," Joe stated.
"Tori was aware of it too," Richie nodded.
"What if she was drawn to him, to Alec, in you?" Joe asked, "You took his quickening. Maybe you got his love for her too."
Richie looked down in disgust, thinking about that, "Don't tell Tori that."
"Well, it's a theory," Joe told him.
"Yeah, well, I got a much simpler theory," Richie quipped, "I'm an idiot."
"Well, there's always that."
"Yeah, there sure is."
"What are you going to do?" Joe asked.
"Exactly what I should have done in the first place," Richie stood up and shook Joe's hand, "Get the hell out of dodge, and taking Tori and Jenny with me. See you, Joe."
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"And you're not going to do anything about it?" Jennifer asked, pacing the office as Duncan refused to kill Richie over this situation.
"Jen, I've thought long and hard over this," Duncan answered, "I can't get over the fact that Richie's my friend."
Jennifer leaned over the desk towards him, "Alec was your friend for a hundred and fifty years. Damn it, Duncan, doesn't that mean anything to you?"
She noticed his reaction and sighed before standing up, "You vowed to avenge his death."
"I swore to him to get Kragen," Duncan interjected, "Kragen is dead."
"And Alec's killer is still alive," Jennifer argued.
"Look Jen," Duncan stressed, "Richie's not Kragen. You know that."
"His wife knocked me out!" Jennifer exclaimed, "My husband's killer's wife, and you let it happen!"
"Jen," Duncan argued, "When two immortals fight, one dies. That's not murder. That's the way we live. Now, I'm not going after Richie over this, okay?"
"Then you're worse than a liar," Jennifer stated, "you're a coward."
"Jen, you…." Duncan started to say, but she stormed out of the office and he then called out, "You're being unreasonable!"
"Unreasonable?!" Jennifer turned and faced him, "You have no idea how I feel!"
She then stormed out of the dojo, leaving people at the gym wondering what was going on.
Duncan knocked over a box in frustration.
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"You ready, baby?" Richie asked, holding a duffel bag.
"As I'll ever be," Tori answered, hugging her husband, "Jack has IUA agents on standby in case Jennifer tries anything."
"Like what?" Jennifer asked as she entered the apartment.
"She didn't mean it," Richie lied before telling her, "Look, Jen, I told you I'm sorry. I know that's not enough. Jen, please believe me. I never wanted any of this to happen. Tori might have been harsh on you, but she was just looking out for me, and I would never hurt you."
"I had some time to think," Jennifer told the couple, "Figured out what I need to do…..to put this behind me. To move on."
"Good," Richie replied as Tori eyed her warily. Jennifer turned and got out a gun, pointing it at Richie.
"Don't do this," Richie pleaded.
Jennifer shot him twice. Richie groaned as he fell to the ground, dead.
"Richie!" Tori cried out as Jennifer grabbed Richie's sword and prepared to behead him. Tori quickly pressed a button to give Jack the signal for back up before she hurried and grabbed the gun that was now on the floor.
"Put the sword down!" Tori shouted, pointing the gun at Jennifer.
"No," Jennifer replied.
"Unlike your husband, you only live once," Tori stated, "I will shoot. Think I won't? Try me!"
"Tori, don't shoot!" Duncan exclaimed before focusing on Jennifer, "Jennifer, don't do this. Put the sword down. Please, put it down."
"Don't try to stop me," Jennifer told him.
"You want to test that water?" Tori asked in anger.
"Richie didn't mean to hurt you," Duncan insisted, "He's not like that."
"He killed Alec," Jennifer stressed.
"That was Alec's own fault," Tori interjected, "He was the aggressor and he was the one who picked a fight with us!"
"And killing Richie won't bring Alec back," Duncan added, "If any part of Alec lives, it's in Richie."
"No," Jennifer stated.
"It's what Alec believed," Duncan stressed, "It's what you wanted to believe."
"No…..you don't understand," Jennifer told the group, "Alec is here."
Duncan and Tori saw nothing as Jennifer said, "He needs me to do this so he can rest in peace."
"He won't have much peace if you join him in death," Tori stated.
"Killing doesn't bring peace," Duncan insisted, "When you kill, it haunts you the rest of your life."
Tori heard a voice, "Do it, Jennifer. Do it for me. Take his life!"
"Daddy! Mommy!"
Tori gasped in shock as she saw Jenny looking on in horror before she rushed to her father's dead body. Jack hurried to the room.
"I tried to stop her," Jack told her, "but she's a quick one."
Moments later, a pair of IUA agents entered the room, and this time, Jack was the one pointing the gun at Jennifer, "Mrs. Hill, stand down!"
"Daddy," Jenny cried, shaking Richie's body, "Daddy, wake up! Daddy!"
Tori was now shaking in tears herself.
Jenny looked up and asked, "Mommy, why is she trying to hurt Daddy? Why won't Daddy wake up?!"
Duncan decided enough was enough and spoke to the ghost, "Alec, do you really want her to do this? You want her to know what it's like to kill, to hold on to Richie's death for the rest of her life? Let's not forget the damage it'll cause Richie's wife and daughter! It haunted you. Is that what you want for her?"
"Alec," Jennifer cried in a whisper, still holding the sword in the air.
Tori held Richie's body as she heard Alec's voice, "Goodbye, Jennifer. Goodbye. It's time to go."
Jennifer broke down, crying as she lowered the sword. Duncan went to her and took her in his arms.
Jennifer looked down at Richie's body, "Let him carry it. Let Alec haunt him forever."
"He will," Duncan assured her.
After everything settled down and Tori explained immortality to Jenny, Jack walked over to Jennifer, "You're going to have to come with me, ma'am."
Jack took Jennifer in his arms before another IUA agent placed handcuffs behind her back.
"What are you doing?" Duncan asked.
"Taking her into IUA custody," Jack answered, "Attempted murder of an IUA agent, the attempted murder of Richie Ryan, it's not good, especially when immortals are involved, living or not."
Duncan looked down, disappointed.
"Don't worry," Jack assured the Highlander, "Given the situation, Mrs. Hill will possibly get some therapy as part of any possible sentence. She probably won't do serious time, but I can't promise you that."
Tori stood up and faced Jennifer as two agents had her in custody, "You best to stay away from my husband. If you come near him again, I will hunt you down and you'll end up like your husband, got it?!"
Jennifer nodded tearfully.
"Good," Tori nodded before she went to comfort Jenny and hold Richie's body as Jack and the agents took Jennifer into custody.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Richie was coughing, and he sat up and looked around.
"Daddy!" Jenny exclaimed before she hugged her father.
"Richie, thank God," Tori hugged her husband.
"She's gone," Duncan informed Richie, holding his sword.
"You stopped her," Richie said.
"Not alone though," Duncan replied, "but she had a choice. She could walk away, but we can't."
"She's in IUA custody for attempted murder," Tori explained, "Jack said she'll get some therapy to help her process her husband's death."
"Will she be okay?" Richie asked.
"In time," Duncan answered, "She's dealing with her demons."
"What about us Mac?" Richie asked.
"We all make mistakes, Rich," Tori kissed her husband, "but we get through it."
Richie looked over at Jenny.
"Don't worry," Tori assured her husband, "Jenny knows the gist of the situation."
She helped her husband to her feet as he coughed again and groaned.
"Oh man," Richie stated, "If I live to be a thousand, I'm still going to see that guy coming at me again and again, just wondering if there was something I could've done different."
"I know, and we are certain he won't be the last," Tori stated.
"Exactly," Duncan added, "They all stay with you."
"I didn't know you believe in ghosts," Richie replied.
"I believe in the kind you carry with you," Duncan told the group as Richie and Tori sat next to him and Richie placed Jenny in his lap, "Everyone you love and everyone you've killed. They'll never leave you."
"It's what makes us all human, Rich," Tori gently touched her husband.
"When you stop feeling them, when you stop hurting – that's when you're dead inside," Duncan told Richie, "and that my friend, is when I'll worry about you."
He handed Richie his sword. Then, Tori kissed him as Jenny was sleeping on her father's lap.
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Author's Note:
Special thanks to Roland Cain for his suggestions regarding Tori confronting Jennifer when she tried to kill Richie. Thanks to him and Harry2 for their support in this story thus far, and I know this outcome wasn't the most conventional.
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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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