DCH 8
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Eight: Past Teacher Surprise
Tori smiled. This was going to be quite an interesting day. Duncan was treating his friends to a circus trip in Paris. She knew what the experience was like in America, but the prospect of going to a circus in Paris intrigued her.
For the past couple of weeks, Tori had proven useful to Duncan when it came to tracking his enemies down.
Today was appearing to be a day off, at least that was what she hoped.
"Heya, Tori," Richie said as he entered the room. "Ready for the trip?"
"Yeah," she replied. "I think it's going to be quite interesting."
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Paris
Tori approached the circus entrance with Richie, Tessa and Duncan at her side.
"Ah, the roar of the crowd, the smell of..." Richie stated before smelling something. "What's that smell?"
"Beats me." Tori shrugged her shoulders. "It could be anything: peanuts, the animals."
"I love the circus," Tessa declared. "But why would anyone send you tickets?"
"I'm not sure," Duncan replied.
"But you can guess," Tessa stated, the couple walked further into the tent.
"I'm actually going to a circus," Richie stated in awe. "Unbelievable!"
"It can't be that bad," Tori quipped.
"I mean it in a good way," Richie smirked.
She nodded as she found it unbelievable as well as she and Richie walked into the circus tent, preparing to enjoy the show. Duncan, Tessa, Richie, and Tori ended up seated side by side with each other.
"Merci, messieurs et mesdames!" the announcer said through the microphone. "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen! And now, please direct your attention high overhead, to the high wire...and give a big round of applause...to the dazzling, the electrifying, the death defying, the Amazing...Amanda!"
Tori perked up upon hearing that name. "Amanda?"
Moments later, she saw her first teacher approaching the high wire as she felt the Buzz. Tori assumed Duncan felt it too. The three of them were immortals after all. Tori saw Amanda take part of the high wire act, and felt dizzy as she couldn't see herself doing something like that.
Tori watched as Amanda saw her and Duncan, who was smiling at her. She assumed Amanda felt the Buzz at that moment. A momentary distraction caused Amanda to wobble briefly, and the crowd gasped. Luckily, Amanda regained focus, and continued her act.
"Friend of yours?" Tessa asked.
Duncan glanced aside. "Just a bad habit."
"I'll explain later myself," Tori answered.
Richie looked at her, intrigued at what she was going to say regarding this Amanda.
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Tori looked in surprise as Duncan was talking a little more about her first teacher, including their history together.
Richie turned his chin. "You mean the Amazing Amanda is like a thief?"
"Not like a thief," Duncan answered. "She is one. A master thief who steals when it suits her."
"You mean whenever she needs the money," Richie stated.
"Yeah," Duncan replied. "Or when she needs a little excitement."
"But she could have gotten you killed," Tessa interjected.
"When I finally caught up with her, she swore she hadn't meant to get me into trouble."
"She never told me any of that," Tori quipped quietly.
"Wait... You know her too?" Richie asked.
Tori sighed before speaking up. "Amanda was my first teacher."
"What?!" Duncan, Tessa and Richie replied simultaneously.
"Surprise," Tori replied. "Amanda was able to save me from being beheaded by the creep who made me immortal in the first place while I was at Central City. Then, she trained me the next day while the Defenders went to look for something regarding their home base."
"Duncan!" Amanda called out as she arrived outside the tent. "Tori?!"
"Hi, Amanda." Tori smiled as she hugged her teacher. "It's a surprise to see you again."
"I know," Amanda replied. "You seem to be doing better since I last saw you."
"Thanks to my friends," Tori replied.
"Hi," Duncan said to his old lover.
"It's been ages," Amanda replied before the pair kissed each other's cheeks, European style. Tori couldn't help but to think Amanda was like the Catwoman to Duncan's Batman. That wasn't fair, Tessa was Duncan's girlfriend. She took a deep breath and looked around her friends.
"Barnum and Bailey, 1926," Duncan replied. "Tour of the Southwest, as a matter of fact."
Amanda glanced behind him and Tori at Tessa and Richie.
"They know," Duncan assured them.
"Oh," Amanda stated. "Well, I'm sure they don't know everything."
"You'd be surprised," Tessa replied.
"I'm sorry," Amanda relayed. "I hope he didn't bother you. After Bavaria, I never forgave myself."
Tessa appeared unconvinced. "You don't look like someone who would worry about forgiveness."
"Tess," Richie said, "you do know that they all carry big swords with them."
Tessa glared a little.
"Hey, it's just a thought."
Amanda snickered. "You've always had a taste for beautiful and spirited women, Duncan."
"And modest," Tessa interjected. "Don't forget modest."
"Time to go," Duncan told the group. "It's been thrilling."
"It's been over sixty-five years," Amanda said, "A girl might think you're trying to avoid her."
Tori looked over at Tessa as she could tell she was insecure with Amanda being an old lover of Duncan's. She sighed.
"Now how could you think that?" Duncan asked. "Goodbye, Amanda."
"If you ever want to run away with the circus again, look me up," Amanda told him. She leaned in to kiss him, but he brings her hand up between them and kisses it instead.
"I will," Duncan replied before joining Tessa and walking away.
"It was good to see you again, Amanda," Tori shook hands with Amanda.
"Listen..." Richie glanced at Amanda. "You know, you should, uh, stop by...you know, maybe say hello, something like that."
"I'd love that," Amanda replied.
Richie reached for something in his coat pocket. "I've, uh, I've got a business card somewhere around here..."
He searched jacket pocket until he managed to pull out his wallet. "Here you go."
"Oh, Richie," Tori muttered with a smirk.
"Just, uh," Richie handed Amanda his card, "feel free, drop by...anytime...love to see you."
Suddenly, Tori glanced over as Duncan grabbed Richie, and pulled him away.
"We better go," Tori told her first teacher.
"Bye-bye," Richie chimed as the two left, meeting back with Tessa with Duncan.
"So, now you've met Amanda," Duncan told his girlfriend.
"Yep," Tessa replied. "Now I've met Amanda."
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Tessa sighed with a small smile just as Duncan left to deal with Amanda. She was relieved to know the assurance that Duncan would never leave her.
"Are you okay?" Tori asked as she walked over to her friend.
"I will be," Tessa said with a nod. "Amanda just made me a bit insecure."
"I don't blame you, but you do know that Duncan chose you, right?" Tori asked.
"Yeah, it's just that feeling," Tessa answered. "You may not experience it yet, but when an old lover of your current flame returns to the picture, you're bound to be insecure too."
"I'll make note of that in the future when I cross that bridge," Tori said. "Amanda may have been my first teacher as an immortal, but you are teaching me a lot with the world outside the IUA and immortals, and I consider you, Duncan and Richie to be family."
Tessa looked at her in awe. She was touched by that statement. "Thank you." She leaned forward and gave Tori a hug
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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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