DCH 77
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Seventy-Seven: The Messenger
Richie was riding on his motorcycle with Tori in tow, reflecting on Anna's trial. They recalled the grandparents testifying in Anna's favor and saying they would visit Anna no matter what happened because they were always disgusted at the favoritism and wished it didn't have to come to what happened. A couple of aunts and uncles also testified for Anna, saying similar things.
Eventually, Anna received a plea deal and her charges were reduced to voluntary manslaughter, thus her sentence would be 30 years as opposed to life without parole, which Anna accepted. Of course, the parents were livid, but no one, not even the judge was on their side. Richie and Tori were relieved that all went well.
Richie walked over to the gate to find it was locked, "Damn it."
"I told you it would be closed when we got here," Tori spoke up.
Richie chuckled before he and Tori sensed the Buzz. They looked to see a man step forward from the fog as they got their swords from his bike.
"I'm Richie Ryan," Richie called out.
"And I am his wife, Tori Ryan," Tori added.
"Don't be afraid, Richie and Tori Ryan," the man told the couple.
"No," Richie asked, "What makes you think we're scared?"
"I just want to talk," the man answered.
"About what?" Richie inquired, "The weather? Monday Night Football?"
"Peace," the man answered.
"Oh, hey, buddy," Richie replied before he took one hand off his sword and flashed a peace sign before he put his hand back on the sword, "It's a good line, pal, but no dice."
"I swear you two are in no danger," the man assured the couple, "I stopped taking heads a long time ago. I'm not even armed."
"Is that right?" Tori eyed him warily.
"Come on, buddy," Richie circled him, sword up, "You know the drill. Everyone carries a sword. We fight or die."
"That's what we were taught, but what if we could end the fighting?" the man inquired, "Imagine. What if all immortals live in peace: real, eternal peace?"
"Let's hear him out, Richie," Tori told her husband.
Richie nodded before asking, "Who are you?"
"I am…..the oldest of us living still," the man introduced himself, "I am Methos."
"Now hold up!" Tori exclaimed, "We already know a Methos in existence, mister, and that's not you!"
"So, try again," Richie added.
The man nodded before he knelt down, "It's up to you, Richie Ryan, Tori Ryan. Either one of you can take my head…..or you can think about what I said."
Richie and Tori looked at each other before they looked back at the man.
"Who are you?" Tori asked.
The man didn't answer. Instead, he left the area, and left the couple.
"Mac is expecting us back," Tori told her husband, remembering Duncan was watching Jenny while they took part of Anna's trial.
"We better get going," Richie nodded in agreement. As he headed towards his bike, he felt a sharp pain in his neck, almost like a bug bite, "Ow!"
"Are you okay?" Tori asked, putting her helmet on.
"Fine," Richie nodded, putting his helmet back on, "I'll be fine. Let's go."
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"Aldith, are you insane?" Hadea scolded Aldith, "What made you think it was okay to claim you were Methos?"
"My apologies, Majesty," Aldith replied calmly, kneeling to the Golden Queen, "I thought they didn't know who Methos was."
Hadea sighed, "Tori is a Gordon girl, even though she is now married to Richie Ryan, she is still related to the one known as Flash Gordon. I am certain that she would figure out who the real Methos is by now."
Aldith nodded, acknowledging the statement.
"Did you give them the offer for peace?" Hadea inquired.
"Yes, Majesty," Aldith answered, "and they acted like they would think about what I said."
Hadea made a small smile. "Okay. From now on, do not refer to yourself as Methos, refer to yourself by your real name when they ask. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Majesty," Aldith answered.
"Good," Hadea said. "You are dismissed."
As he left her throne room, the queen figured that he was going to be a lost cause at this rate. He had been pulling off this stunt for some time now, and it was now only a matter of time before someone came around and took his head.
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Richie sighed as he stood next to Tori and Jenny.
"They should be here anytime now," Tori spoke up.
"I wonder what the Defenders will think about Jenny," Richie stated.
Several minutes later, the Defenders walked into the terminal.
"Good to see you guys again," Flash greeted the couple before he eyed Jenny, "So, this is your daughter."
"Yes," Tori nodded, "We adopted her."
She glanced at Jenny, "Jenny, this is the Defenders of the Earth. Some of the members are our family members."
After Jenny met each of the Defenders, Tori ended up explaining Jenny's situation to the Defenders.
"It's hard to believe this girl looks a lot like Tori," April glanced at Jenny as she was out of earshot for a moment, "then again, not really."
"Why do you say that?" Tori asked.
"It's terrible that the immortal mad scientist did that to you guys," April answered.
"Is Joe in town?" Kshin asked.
"Yeah," Richie answered, "Joe's in town. Why would you inquire about that at your young age?"
"It seems to be Kshin wants to be like Joe," Mandrake answered.
"A watcher?" Tori asked.
"Exactly," Mandrake nodded.
"Oh boy," Richie muttered.
The group looked around in awkward silence before Flash spoke up, "Why don't we meet up at Joe's as well as MacLeod?"
"That's exactly what I had in mind," Richie answered before he started groaning and feeling nauseated.
"Are you all right?" Jedda asked.
"I'm fine," Richie answered, trying to brush her off, "Just feel a little woozy."
"Woozy?" Tori inquired, "How long has this been going on?"
"This morning," Richie answered.
"Maybe you should go home and rest," Lothar suggested.
"No, no," Richie insisted, "I'm fine."
"Do you think it's something to do with the guy falsely claiming to be Methos?" Tori asked.
"What are you talking about?" Rick interjected.
"Richie and I encountered some guy claiming to be Methos," Tori answered, "but I brushed him off. Not without him telling us to consider laying down our swords for peace, something like that. As a result, Richie stopped Mac from going after this Culbraith guy."
"What was his real name?" LJ asked.
"He never said," Richie answered.
"That's odd," Kshin replied.
"Let's head over to Joe's place," Flash said, "maybe he might give us some insight on this guy."
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Duncan rode the elevator up to the loft and sensed the Buzz.
He stepped out of the elevator and saw Methos lounging on the bed, listening to jazz music.
"Hey, grab a beer," Methos greeted his friend, "There's a cold one in the fridge."
"Yeah, I know. It's my fridge," Duncan replied, "I thought you were wandering the world."
"Ah, Tibet. Yak butter plays hell with the digestion," Methos stated, "Besides, I'd had all the enlightenment I could use."
Duncan grabbed the stereo from him, "It seems someone is trying to copy you."
"What are you talking about?" Methos asked.
"Someone had been feeding some crock to Richie and Tori," Duncan answered, "and Richie seems to be buying it more than Tori."
"What crock would that be exactly?" Methos inquired.
"Stop fighting, lay down your sword, give peace a chance," Duncan chimed, "does that ring a bell?"
"Wow," Methos replied, sitting up from the bed, "so, he's here, isn't he?"
"Who's here?" Duncan asked.
"Aldith," Methos answered, "the guy claiming to be me."
He then got up and walked past Duncan, who quipped, "What?"
"I never actually met the guy," Methos explained as he approached the counter, "you know, but I've heard rumors. He wanders around the place, spreading his message to other immortals."
"Using your name," Duncan chimed in.
"Well, it's not like I took out a patent or anything," Methos stated, "Besides, Richie and Tori didn't believe he was me, right?"
"Right," Duncan nodded before he sighed and said, "Sounds like Aldith has started a franchise or something. What about this line of peace and love? What's that all about?"
"Well, maybe it's just exactly what it is," Methos replied.
"Turning the other cheek only gets you slapped harder," Duncan stated.
"But it's got a nice ring to it," Methos affirmed, "You know, no more fighting, no more killing. Peace and harmony. Don't tell me you never fantasized about that. Some young sucker's always going to fall for it."
"Richie has," Duncan spoke up, "and to some extent Tori."
"Viola," Methos replied.
"Richie thinks this guy is some sort of prophet," Duncan stated.
"Well, who's to say he isn't?" Methos asked.
"You are!" Duncan stressed, "This guy's a fraud."
"Look. There are enough people who want my head for who I am," Methos affirmed, "Now, I say if he wants to play Methos, let him."
"Even if it gets him killed?"
"Yeah. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," Methos picked up a hiking boot, "Look at these boots. What happened to craftsmanship? I only put a thousand miles on these."
He sighed before stating, "I left Katmandu for this."
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The Defenders, Richie, Tori and Jenny met up with Joe, Duncan and Methos at the bar.
"So, the guy who falsely claimed to be Methos is actually named Aldith?" Tori asked.
"I've been hearing about this guy," the Phantom spoke up.
"Then why haven't you said anything?" Flash asked.
"I didn't know who they were talking about earlier," the Phantom answered, "I have been suspecting his existence since the Bandar Village informed me about the guy."
"Did he mention something about peace?" Tori asked.
Richie started groaning in pain again. He leaned his hand against a nearby wall.
"Richie, what's wrong?" Duncan asked.
"He said he's been feeling strange since this morning," Tori answered.
"He does look kind of pale," Joe muttered.
Richie suddenly started coughing and blood started coming out of his mouth.
"Richie!" Tori exclaimed.
Richie dropped to his knees, crying out in pain, "Someone, help me! Tori, Jenny."
"Daddy!" Jenny cried out. Joe held her back to try to keep her from going near him.
Richie started screaming in pain as Tori, Flash and Duncan hurried to his side. Flash and Duncan caught Richie before he could completely collapse to the floor.
"What happened to him?" Methos asked.
"It was worst than we thought," Tori answered, looking panicked. Duncan noticed two dark marks on Richie's neck.
"What is it, MacLeod?" Flash asked.
"Richie has been poisoned!" Duncan exclaimed.
"What?!" Tori exclaimed in horror.
"How?!" April added.
"William Culbraith," Duncan answered, "He has done this before. He created a poison dart to dangerously weaken his targets, which gives him a big advantage when he goes to take the head of their opponent."
"You met him before, right?" LJ asked.
"Yes," Duncan answered before recalling his encounter with William Culbraith in 1864 Georgia where he poisoned an immortal the same way he poisoned Richie and easily took that immortal's head after the poison took full effect. All this happened during the Confederate Union.
"You should get Richie medical assistance ASAP," Methos suggested, "and make sure Culbraith doesn't get to him."
"But the poison won't kill him, will it?" Kshin asked.
"It won't permanently kill him, if that's what you mean," Joe answered.
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Culbraith grabbed the ring buoy from the boat. Upon sensing the buzz, he dropped the ring buoy dock at his feet and saw a mysterious man before him, "Who are you?"
"They call me Methos," the man answered.
"And you're looking for me?" Culbraith asked.
"Yes, but not for the reason you think," "Methos" answered. He opened his coat to show that he was unarmed, "I carry no sword."
"Then you're a fool," Culbraith replied.
"If you kill me, we won't be able to talk."
"Nothing to talk about."
"There's you. What you are….what you were…..why you feel as you do."
"You don't know a damn thing about me."
"I know others who have known you," "Methos" told Culbraith, "They say that William Culbraith was a soldier. They say he lost his loved ones."
"Everybody has."
"Does that make it any less painful?"
"I told my family about holy ground," Culbraith explained, "They thought they were safe. The union soldiers found them hiding in a church. They burned it to the ground with them in it."
"You wanted to weep, but you couldn't," "Methos" stated, "You wanted to raise them up, hear them laugh again…..but they were gone forever. So you went out to kill."
"As many as I could," Culbraith replied.
"But that didn't end the pain, so you kept on killing…..until you could no longer see their faces."
"I tried," Culbraith insisted, "I tried to remember, Jesus, but I couldn't."
"Methos" stepped closer and put his hands on Culbraith's shoulders, "I know what you're feeling, William Culbraith, and I know how to end it."
They both sensed the Buzz and saw Duncan arriving at the scene. "Methos" halted him upon getting in front of him.
"I'm Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod," Duncan introduced himself, "and you must be Aldith, the fake Methos."
"So, you found out," Aldith replied, "This doesn't have to be a war. Please, put up your sword."
"Well, we can talk about it afterward," Duncan told the fake Methos.
"Whatever he did, he did out of pain," Aldith tried to tell him, "Because of what others did to him, but it can end here. You can end it."
"It'll end when I take his head," Duncan insisted, "He poisoned my young friend. The same friend who was with his wife when you talked to him last night."
"Is that what Darius taught you?" Aldith asked the Highlander, "Yes, I knew Darius. I know what he tried to do for you, how much he loved you. Would he be proud of this?"
Waterloo, 1815
Duncan looked around and saw all the dead bodies around him at the area.
"You shouldn't be taking part of this tragedy," Darius told his friend.
"I was raised a warrior," Duncan replied, "I choose battles I believe to be just."
"Oh, I'm sure. You're quite loyal to your convictions and compatriots," Darius stated, "but I wonder what these men think about that…..about convicted and compatriotism now?"
The Present
"When Darius asked you to consider peace, you listened," Aldith told the Highlander, "You tried."
"You're not Darius," Duncan affirmed.
"I carry the same message," Aldith replied.
"Even if you convince a thousand to follow you, it just takes one to start the killing," Duncan stressed, "Just one."
"Will you be that one, MacLeod?" Aldith asked, "The one who wouldn't consider peace?"
He stepped between Culbraith's sword and Duncan's sword.
Duncan was unwilling to cut Aldith to get to Culbraith and left.
"Choose peace," Aldith told the pair as the Highlander was leaving.
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Tori looked on as she held Richie's hand and looked at his prone form. He was deathly pale as his shirt and from what the medical reports said he was in a coma and the poison was taking full effect on him.
"Why is Daddy sleeping?" Jenny asked, tears down her face.
"Some sicko poisoned Daddy," Tori tearfully answered, "I don't know how long it'll be before he wakes up, if he wakes up again."
"Is Daddy dying?" Jenny asked.
"I don't think so," Flash shook his head, "Like your parents mentioned before, the only way an immortal dies for good is if they lose their head. From what MacLeod and Joe described the poison, Richie has been given a fate worse than death."
"Why would he try and kill Richie?" April asked.
"I don't know," Tori shrugged her shoulders, "We don't even know Culbraith. He must be a head hunter."
"We can't let that monster take his head!" April exclaimed.
"We won't," Mandrake shook his head, "We'll have to figure out a way to save Richie before Culbraith finds him and takes his head."
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As everyone was talking amongst themselves, the Phantom sighed, worried that he was going to have to ask a favor from the least likely person he wanted to interact with at the moment, but Richie was a good friend, and chances were possible that the Golden Queen of the Netherworld Hadea would be able to help Richie.
"There is one person I know that can save Richie," the Phantom spoke up.
"Who do you think would save him?" April asked.
"Hadea," the Phantom answered, "I didn't want to ask her, given that she used to be an enemy and she most recently returned to our lives."
"That doesn't sound like a bad idea," Jedda answered.
"Why are you up for it?" April asked.
"Hadea saved her life last year," Rick answered, "If Hadea can save Jedda, it's possible that she can save Richie."
April sighed, reluctant, "All right."
"Tori, what do you think?" Flash asked.
"I'll do anything for my husband," Tori answered before she kissed his hand, "Whatever it takes to save him, I'm up for it."
"I'll take you to the Netherworld," the Phantom told Tori, "you, Richie and Jenny."
"Thank you," Tori soothed Richie's forehead before she looked and talked to her husband while in tears, "Richie, baby, hang in there. Don't leave us. You're the strongest person I know. Don't leave me."
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Methos walked over to Aldith at his cottage while he was planting flowers at his flower bed.
"Methos, I assume," Methos called out, "or should I say Aldith."
"So they tell me," Aldith replied.
"You know, it's um, interesting," Methos replied, "I was always told you were a myth, and yet you look very, very real. Tell me, is it true you were a friend of Socrates?"
"Oh, I've had many friends," Aldith answered.
"And, um, I've always wondered…..Cleopatra – what was she really like?" Methos asked.
Aldith sighed, "She was a woman. She loved, she lived, she died."
"Yeah, speaking of death….." Methos drawn his sword, "You seem very vulnerable."
He polished his sword blade on his coat sleeve.
"We're all vulnerable."
"Yes, but you a little more than me, I think. I mean, a lot of people might want the head of a five thousand year old man."
"A lot of people might want to listen to a five thousand year old man," Aldith said.
"I suppose that's true," Methos replied, "I mean, fifty centuries. After all, you must have learned a lot. Uh, knowledge, wisdom….that sort of thing."
"Truth is, my beliefs are very simple," Aldith stated.
"Yes, I've heard about your beliefs," Methos inquired, "Do you really think there's no such thing as evil?"
"Only fear," Aldith answered.
"So, what Genghis Khan and Hitler were just children playing up?" Methos asked.
"They were men…..driven by fear…..to commit evil acts," Aldith answered.
"And if their mother had loved them truly, then it would have been a different world."
"Could you say it wouldn't?"
Methos looked at him for a couple of seconds, "What about the Game? Do you really think we could end the game?"
"I think it's worth trying," Aldith answered.
"Even if it costs your head?"
"Can anyone live for five thousand years and say they did nothing? Risked nothing? Merely stayed alive? It'd be pointless."
"Some might think that the experience was worth saving."
"I'm not one of them," Aldith stated, "but…we can talk about it."
"No, I've got a prior engagement, I'm afraid," Methos declined before he walked off.
"I, uh, didn't catch your name," Aldith called out.
Methos called back, "No, that's right. You didn't."
With that, he left.
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Tori looked on as the Phantom and Flash were carrying Richie in a makeshift stretcher. She then looked over as holding Jenny as the group was being led by a Netherworld guard.
She saw the beautiful kingdom. It was a secret kingdom that was located below. She had never seen anything like it, and wondered if Duncan had seen such beauty within a kingdom.
Tori, Jenny, the Phantom and Flash were all made to bow before Hadea upon arriving at her kingdom. Tori noticed the sprawling kingdom of ivory stone, not like the ancient lands above, prompting her to assume MacLeod, Amanda or even Methos knew about this mysterious kingdom. What Tori wondered was how had this place had been hidden for so long?
She looked over to see Richie was laying unconscious as the guards held his stretcher steady.
Tori noticed that the golden haired queen walked over to her husband and gently caressed his cheek.
"Some wack job immortal poisoned Richie," Flash informed the queen, "and we request that you save his life."
"Are you able to save Richie Ryan?" the Phantom asked.
Hadea continued to examine Richie before eyeing Tori and Jenny, his wife and daughter.
"There's something I want you to do," Hadea told him, "after everything is settled with the fake Methos and the person responsible for this, I want to have a talk with our daughter Jedda Walker."
"With what?" the Phantom asked.
"It is regarding a situation and she is in danger," Hadea answered.
"Very well," the Phantom nodded, "you have my word. Jedda will come here after the situation with Aldith and Culbraith is over."
She then nodded before her hands started to glow. Seconds later, Richie was glowing too. Within a few moments, Richie's skin started to return to his normal skin color and he was stirring and moaning.
"His color's coming back!" Flash exclaimed in awe.
"Daddy!" Jenny exclaimed happily. Tori shook with excitement. Her husband was all right. He hadn't woken fully, but he was okay. Richie was going to be okay.
Hadea eyed a couple of women nearby, women like her, who resembled humans – Netherworlders, as they were called. These ladies were in elegant gowns, which made Tori slightly nervous. Hadea leaned back as she spoke to them, "Take Richie Ryan to my chambers, and his wife and daughter as well."
Tori knew that the queen probably knew information about her enemies and allies. As another woman walked over to her, but she wondered how she knew about Aldith.
"Majesty, how do you know about Aldith?" Tori asked.
"Aldith was working with me," Hadea answered, "but I feel he is becoming a lost cause because he is falsely claiming to be the legendary immortal known as Methos and spreading his word about peace that seems to be unrealistic."
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Richie had woken up on a fluffy bed of some sort. He everything to be blurry as he was coming to.
He heard footsteps come towards him and saw a blonde woman come towards him.
"It's going to be okay, Richie Ryan," the woman assured him, "Everything will be okay."
At first, Richie thought the woman was a familiar face, "Tessa?"
"He'll snap out of it shortly," she told someone nearby.
Okay, this person surely wasn't Tessa. He wasn't dead. If he was dead, someone would have taken his head already. He looked around his surroundings. The walls were marble. The ceiling was gold. There were also well dressed women nearby.
Richie remembered that he lost consciousness after he had been poisoned, crying out in pain and coughing out blood.
What was this place?
"Richie!" he heard Tori call out to him.
"Daddy!" he then heard Jenny's voice.
Richie fully came to and saw first his wife and daughter. He hugged his family. "Tori, Jenny."
"Baby, you're okay," Tori said.
"I love you, Daddy," Jenny uttered during the embrace.
Richie then noticed another woman. She had golden-blonde hair, and was wearing a beautiful dress with an ivory tiara.
"Richie, this is Hadea," Tori announced. introduced the queen to him, "she was the one who saved you."
"I know you have a different background from the Gordons," Hadea said, "or even your friend Duncan MacLeod, even though you are immortal just like he is."
"How do you know about Mac?" Richie asked.
"His clan and mine had history," Hadea answered. "A vow was made a long time ago."
"Aldith is feeding you lies," Hadea told Richie. "Not only with the pretending to be Methos, but also with the message he has been spreading."
There was a pause of silence as he looked at her.
"He meant well," Hadea elaborated further, "but the way he is providing this message, especially when it comes to immortals, is unrealistic. I know this because I know an immortal cannot survive without their sword because another immortal can take their heads."
"I had a feeling this was the case," Tori nodded, "but I had held my hopes, mainly for Richie's sake."
"So, what should I do?" Richie asked.
"That is up to you, Richie Ryan," Hadea answered, "but you shouldn't follow an immortal with misguided information when it comes to peace. Just think about your survival, and think about your wife and your daughter as well as your friends."
"I should get going," Richie insisted.
"Are you sure?" Tori asked.
"Daddy?" Jenny chimed in.
"I need to settle the score with Culbraith," Richie added, "I need to stop him before he can do this to somebody else."
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Culbraith entered the garden with his sword and walked over to Aldith, "You're not hard to find."
"I don't try to be," Aldith replied.
"I thought about what you said," Culbraith stated, "About how I was and how I came to be what I am."
"You had no choice, William," Aldith replied, "You were made into what you are."
"And you think I could change?" Culbraith asked.
"I know you can," Aldith answered.
"If I wanted to…." Culbraith got out his sword, "and I don't."
"I don't believe that," Aldith replied. He turned to face Culbraith, "This is a mistake, William."
"Your mistake. I'll have the head of Methos, really known as Aldith."
"I looked into your heart. I know I reached you."
"And found your death."
"If this is what is in your heart, to kill an unarmed man….." Aldith knelt, "who kneels before you…..Then I was wrong."
Aldith looked up at Culbraith, "But I don't believe I was wrong."
"Believe," Culbraith replied before he beheaded the fake Methos.
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Richie looked hesitant as he walked over at the garden with Tori and Jenny watching from a safe distance and saw Culbraith sitting on the lawn chair, "Hey."
"I didn't mean to try to kill you," Culbraith lied as Richie looked around for Aldith, "I never thanked you for saving my life."
"It's no problem," Richie replied, "I mean, it's – it's what he teaches."
He bit his tongue at the last words as he knew Hadea was more right than Aldith was.
Culbraith chuckled, "Yeah. I've never met anyone quite like the old man. It's hard to imagine how he's lived this long without a sword. How did you recover?"
"Oh, that's a long story," Richie answered, preferring not to speak about Hadea to this psycho, "How are you?"
"Me?" Culbraith chimed in, "I don't have any faith."
He picked up his sword and stood up, "No faith at all."
"Hey, buddy," Richie backed away from the immortal, "don't do it. You know this is wrong."
"Is it?" Culbraith retorted, "Well, I guess old habits die hard."
He swung at Richie, and he dodged the two blows.
"But he saved your life," Richie argued, "I mean, didn't you listen to him?"
"Right up until the end," Culbraith stated, "Now, are you going to make it as easy as he did or are you going to put up a fight?"
He swung at Richie, who dodged. He swung again and Richie ducked.
Culbraith kicked Richie, who cried out and fell backwards and rolled down a hill.
"Richie!" Tori exclaimed.
"Daddy!" Jenny cried out.
"You should know we are all the same," Culbraith stated before he noticed the girls, "Is that your family? After I finish you off, I might work on giving your family the same fate mine suffered."
"Tori, Jenny," Richie muttered. Culbraith landed a cut across Richie's abdomen.
"Stop it!" Tori yelled.
"Daddy!" Jenny cried out.
Richie felt something snap inside him, feeling that Culbraith had threatened both his wife and daughter. He wasn't going to let that bastard hurt his family. Not on his watch.
Suddenly, Richie, Culbraith and Tori sensed the Buzz and they looked to see Duncan, Flash, Sheila, Mandrake and Lothar at the area.
"You can't interfere, MacLeod!" Culbraith exclaimed, "The battle's been joined!"
"I wouldn't think of it," Duncan replied.
"It's good to see you better, Richie," Mandrake spoke up.
Suddenly, Richie got out his sword and stabbed Culbraith.
"Is this the part where I beg for mercy," Culbraith asked, "or where you say we don't have to do this?"
"Neither," Richie answered, "No one threatens my family. Nobody."
He then beheaded Culbraith. Richie started to rotate as he started to take Culbraith's Quickening. The first lighting bolt hit him and more followed. The background changed as he continued to rotate. He saw ghosts in the background as the quickening continued and he rotated.
Minutes later, the quickening ended and Richie fell to his knees.
"So, that's a quickening?" Sheila asked.
"That's a quickening," Flash answered.
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"Do you think peace between you immortals was possible?" Mandrake asked.
"I'd like to think so," Richie answered.
"It would've been nice," LJ replied, "you know, peace in general."
"Why would he had claimed to be Methos?" Amy asked, "There's already a Methos here."
"I know he wasn't the real Methos," Richie pointed towards Methos, "even before we met the guy. Hadea filled us in on what he was doing and she cast him out before she met us."
"Yeah," Tori nodded, "He did."
"Maybe he wasn't right," Richie stated, "but he was a good man."
"Listen," Methos told Richie, "I'm sorry I disappointed you, kid."
"That's okay," Richie replied.
"Later," Methos started to leave.
"We knew you were already Methos before we met Aldith," Tori inquired, "you do know that, right?"
"Of course," Methos nodded, "during the Kalas incident."
"Where are Rick and Jedda?" April asked.
"A part of the deal with Hadea for saving Richie," the Phantom answered, "She and Rick went to the Netherworld to have the talk with Hadea."
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Jedda knelt with Rick at Hadea's throne, waiting for an answer to why they'd been called. Rick's eyes were fastened on the queen's bare feet, which was the proper way to show respect. Jedda got to look at her mother's face.
Hadea was clearly in serious mode — even more serious than usual. She rested her arms along those of her chair. "Duncan MacLeod...has certain opponents. Many will rise in the days to come."
Jedda's brow twitched. She was surprised. "How did you even know of Duncan MacLeod?" And why did Hadea care about the guy? His struggles were occurring on the surface world.
"His clan and mine have history. A vow was made very long ago. There is a debt to be settled now." She paused a few seconds. "In order to assist him as best I can, I have to ascend to the rank of Empress. The title of Queen...shall go to another."
Jedda froze stiff, staring at her. This simply couldn't mean what she thought it did.
Rick began glancing between them both.
"I know that you desire to bond with...Jade..." Hadea said the name rather quietly. "But I may need your assistance soon."
Jedda had to pause to take all of it in. A part of her was utterly stunned by this. Another part of her wasn't smitten at all. She'd sensed she was going to live here someday. She was the Princess of the Netherworld, a title she'd been given when she'd met Hadea, when she was adopted informally.
But ruling here? Reigning as queen? She wasn't so sure she was ready for that — even if Hadea could help her prepare. "Mother..." she murmured. "Do you mean me?"
"It is the safest course of action now," Hadea affirmed. "Once MacLeod's opponents know who you are, once they have learned of the bond we share, they will endeavor to hunt you down. When the time arrives for you to join this fight, you will have better resources here. You shall be able to defend yourself — and to assist any others in need."
Jedda knew Hadea had a valid point, but she wasn't sure about this just yet. She and Rick had made certain plans above. They weren't quite ready to abandon those.
Where, exactly, would their future be?
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Author's Note:
This is a risky gamble here blending both the Highlander cast and Defenders together. "Beginning of a New Life" was another incident when the Defenders of the Earth joined forces with MacLeod and co. The first time MacLeod teamed up with the Defenders of the Earth was in Chapter 9.
As far as Culbraith is concerned, he's almost the same as he was during the actual series except for when he used the poison dart to gain the advantage over his opponents, including Richie.
As far as the real name of the fake Methos, I originally went for Tristan because James has featured someone with that moniker in Sailor Moon Defenders as well as DoE Retold. But then Roland Cain suggested a name that wasn't simple for a character that was portrayed by Ron Perlman and I agreed and hence, Aldith was the name for the Methos impostor.
Author's Commentary:
"It is the safest course of action now," Hadea affirmed. "Once MacLeod's opponents know who you are, once they have learned of the bond we share, they will endeavor to hunt you down. When the time arrives for you to join this fight, you will have better resources here. You shall be able to defend yourself — and to assist any others in need."
Jedda knew Hadea had a valid point, but she wasn't sure about this just yet. She and Rick had made certain plans above. They weren't quite ready to abandon those.
Where, exactly, would their future be?
This scene was written by James. It was posted on our Tumblr posts awhile back and I found this episode to be a perfect spot.
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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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