DCH 84
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Eighty-Five: The Summoning of Ahriman
"Any progress on our plan?" Ming asked.
"Our forces are still searching, sire," Octon answered.
Ming had been waiting in the wings, thinking of a plan to bring the destruction to not only the Defenders of the Earth, but his immortal enemy Duncan MacLeod. If he had done that, it would be a bonus. It had been difficult, if not impossible, to defeat his enemies. He'd been close to successful on more than one occasion, but the Defenders and even MacLeod had thrawted his plans at the last moment. Not even the Necklace of Oros was successful in bringing down his enemies, and that was a year ago. Even immortals such as Felicia Martins, David Keogh, and one Antonius Kalas were unable to defeat them, not even the witch Zorelda could triumph over his enemies.
"Sire, I believe we have found something," Octon announced, pulling Ming from his thoughts.
"Well, it's about time," Ming replied before he asked, "What would that be?"
"Observe sire," Octon answered before the super computer showed a screen, revealing two explorers coming across a strange, demonic statue.
"A statue?" Ming asked.
"This is more than just a statue, sire," Octon answered, "Dr. Jason Landry have discovered a demonic being who could be of use to us. Observe the screen."
The older man, Dr. Landry was reading the inscription on the stone wall, "Ragmaith…..alopa…..Ahriman."
"If you say so," the younger explorer replied.
The older explorer moved back to the large statue.
"It's him!" Landry exclaimed, "Foster, it's him! Are you afraid, Foster?"
He chuckled, "We should all be afraid. The thousand years are up. The demon is coming, and the dead will rise."
Foster scoffed in response, "You've got a vivid imagination, old man. Come on. Get what you want and let's get the hell out of here."
He started to walk away.
Suddenly, red light illuminated the statue and the spear in the statue's hand glowed white and disappeared. A beam of light shot out from the statue's hand and it hit Foster, who slumped on the ground, the spear now protruding from his chest.
"Foster!" Landry exclaimed as the light faded away, "Dear God, Foster!"
He knelt by his assistant's body and noticed that the hand of the statue was now empty.
With that the video feed ended.
"What is it about this Ahriman that would be in it for me?" Ming asked.
"They say Ahriman disguises itself as those who have already died," Octon explained.
"Meaning if Ahriman went after Flash Gordon," Ming inquired, "the demon would disguise itself as his beloved wife who died at my hands?"
"That would be one good example, sire," Octon answered.
"Interesting. I could use Ahriman to my advantage," Ming replied before he asked, "When did that video take place?"
"Six months ago, sire," Octon answered, "My intel is saying that Dr. Landry is in Paris right now determined to warn MacLeod about Ahriman."
"And the Highlander is in Paris currently," Ming stated before ordering, "Garax, get ready! We're about to meet this Ahriman."
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Weeks Ago
"How do you think I am feeling?" Tori demanded as she was at the barge, talking to Duncan, "How do you think Richie is feeling?"
It had been almost 24 hours since Jenny had died and Tori had taken Keane's head as Keane was the person responsible for causing her daughter's death, even if it was indirectly.
"Tori, I had no idea Keane was going to put Jenny in harm's way," Duncan insisted.
"Yeah, but you didn't stop it," Tori argued.
"How was I supposed to have stopped Keane from taking Jenny?" Duncan inquired. "Please, tell me that."
"How about maybe letting Methos taking Keane's head when he was going to?!" Tori answered before she took a deep breath and informed him, "Yeah, Methos told me. He told me he was going to take that scumbag's head when you interfered. He could have taken his head, but you didn't do anything!"
Duncan tried to open his mouth to try to justify himself, but he knew that there was no justifying what happened.
"No response, huh?" Tori crossed her arms, "Very typical of you, MacLeod."
"What the hell are you trying to imply?" Duncan asked.
"If you had just allowed Methos to take Keane's head, or not been a coward and taken his head yourself," Tori answered with clear anger in her tone. "Maybe we would have had the few days that Jenny had left. I know she wasn't going to live for much longer, but still."
She looked at the Highlander as he was trying to say something, but words couldn't come out of his mouth.
"Got nothing to say?" Tori inquired. Duncan remained silent once again, prompting her to reply, "Then that's all the answer I need from you."
With that, Tori stormed out of the barge, clearly angry at Duncan for his part in her daughter's death.
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Paris — Present Day
Duncan was walking down the quay with Richie and Tori in tow.
Richie was glad Tori was able to come with them to this show they had just watched, even if Tori had begrudgingly agreed to it. He could tell that Duncan and Tori were still not on good terms, but Richie was going to try his best to be the one in the middle.
"What do you guys think?" Duncan asked.
"Interesting enough," Tori answered.
"I don't know, Mac," Richie added, "I just – I don't get opera."
"Then maybe you should learn Italian," Duncan suggested.
"It's not just that," Richie insisted, "It's – I mean, what's the point, you know? I mean, I don't see what it has to do with life today."
"The same as it had to do a hundred years ago," Duncan implored, "Things aren't that different."
"He's right you know," Tori chimed in.
"I don't know," Richie explained further, "It seems to me things are getting a lot worse. You know, Mac...sometimes I think the whole world's gone crazy."
"You know something?" Tori quipped, "You're not wrong there."
"Art and culture," Duncan affirmed, "they're the same."
"I mean, watching some guy go on and on for hours about his lost love seems a little irrelevant to me," Richie stated.
"You might wanna hold your tongue there, honey," Tori replied, "You're just saying that because it's never happened to you."
"Oh yeah," Richie replied, "That's true."
They shared a kiss and Duncan smirked, watching them kiss.
An old man suddenly approached the trio from behind.
"Please, I...I have to ask you... Are you Duncan MacLeod?" the old man inquired.
"Yeah, I'm MacLeod," Duncan answered.
"Oh, thank God!" the old man exclaimed, "I've come to warn you – the time is at hand. The millennium is upon us! He is coming!"
"Who, Ming?" Tori asked.
"Should we inform the IUA?" Richie added.
"Um, sure he is," Duncan humored the old man, "but it's a little late, and I think you're a little confused."
"Listen to me while there's still time," the old man told Duncan, "You got to stop him, MacLeod! You alone. God help you. You're the only one who can!"
"You're definitely not wrong with the world going crazy, Richie," Tori whispered to Richie.
"Yeap," Richie quipped.
Duncan noticed glowing red fog behind the old man and saw a familiar face stepping into view of the fog.
"Mac, what is it?" Richie asked.
"Where are you going?" Tori added.
"Stay there," Duncan instructed, "both of you."
"No!" the old man yelled as Duncan was walking away from them, "You don't know what you're facing! You've got to stop! He's here for you! I haven't taught you how to fight him."
Duncan recognized the familiar face, "Horton."
The last time he saw the renegade watcher was when he used a killer to disguise herself as Tessa as a plan to kill him. Duncan gutted Horton and he was supposedly dead.
"You can't be here," Duncan stated.
"Who?" Tori and Richie asked in unison as they were behind him.
"Horton, James Horton. He's….." Duncan answered. He didn't see Horton or the red fog in sight moments later, "He was right there."
"There's no one there," Tori replied.
"Yeah, Mac," Richie added, "What are you talking about?"
"How can you be alive?" Duncan called out, "Answer me, Horton. I killed you. How?"
He noticed Horton standing on top of the stairs with red fog surrounding him, "The question you have to ask yourself is – Is he real? Has Horton really come back from the dead, or have I gone insane? How many times do you think you're going to have to kill me?"
Duncan pulled out his katana, "Just once."
He ran up the stairs, and looked around and saw no one. No Horton, no red fog.
"Mac?" Richie called out, joining him with Tori in tow.
"Are you okay?" Tori asked.
"He was here," Duncan answered, "Horton was here."
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"What?!" Tori exclaimed.
"Mac, you killed Horton three years ago," Richie added, "Look around! There's nobody here but us."
They looked at each other, confused at Duncan and what he was going on about.
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Ming eyed Dr. Landry as he was startled upon seeing red fog creeping up on him. He whirled around as the red fog surrounded him. Suddenly, Landry grabbed his neck and screamed before he fell to his knees.
"Thank you, Dr. Landry, for bringing Ahriman to my attention," Ming smirked in satisfaction.
"And how do you know me?"
Ming turned to see Terek standing there clear as day, smirking at him.
"Oh, you are good to disguise yourself as my disgrace of a son, Terek," Ming stated, "I have heard about you but I thought you were a legend. I might be able to help you."
"Is that so?" Ahriman – Terek asked, "Now, why would you want to help me?"
"The chosen warrior to defeat you, Duncan MacLeod, is in cohorts with my own enemies, the Defenders of the Earth," Ming answered.
Terek then turned into Dale, "Would those group of people include Flash Gordon and his kids April and Rick?"
"Yes," Ming answered.
Dale then turned into Kurt, "The Phantom and his daughter Jedda, who also has a younger half sister, Rachel?"
"Yes," Ming nodded.
Kurt then turned into Doctor Damian Dark, "Mandrake the Magician, his daughter Amy O' Connor and son Kshin Hai?"
"Yes," Ming nodded again.
Finally, Dr. Dark turned into Tessa, "As well as Mandrake's assistant Lothar Kewabe and his son LJ?"
"That's right," Ming answered, "You nailed it quite well."
"So, you want me to help you against the Defenders of the Earth since they are in cohorts with Duncan MacLeod, correct?" Ahriman – Tessa inquired.
"Yes," Ming answered, "If you are able to help me, not only will my enemies be crippled, but MacLeod will also be crippled by the time we are done."
Tessa turned back into Dale, "I see your point, Mighty Ming."
Ahriman – Dale smiled, "I am in on your plan."
"Excellent," Ming replied as the demon laughed.
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Author's Commentary:
"How was I supposed to have stopped Keane from taking Jenny?" Duncan inquired. "Please, tell me that."
"How about maybe letting Methos taking Keane's head when he was going to?!" Tori answered before she took a deep breath and informed him, "Yeah, Methos told me. He told me he was going to take that scumbag's head when you interfered. He could have taken his head, but you didn't do anything!"
Duncan tried to open his mouth to try to justify himself, but he knew that there was no justifying what happened.
"No response, huh?" Tori crossed her arms, "Very typical of you, MacLeod."
"What the hell are you trying to imply?" Duncan asked.
"If you had just allowed Methos to take Keane's head, or not been a coward and taken his head yourself," Tori answered with clear anger in her tone. "Maybe we would have had the few days that Jenny had left. I know she wasn't going to live for much longer, but still."
She looked at the Highlander as he was trying to say something, but words couldn't come out of his mouth.
"Got nothing to say?" Tori inquired. Duncan remained silent once again, prompting her to reply, "Then that's all the answer I need from you."
With that, Tori stormed out of the barge, clearly angry at Duncan for his part in her daughter's death.
This scene was set between "Forgive Us Our Trespass" and "The Modern Prometheus," which is the aftermath of Jenny's death, resulting in Tori taking Keane's head. It's clear at this point that Tori is angry at Duncan and blames him for Jenny's death. It'll reflect in the finale as well as the upcoming sequel story The Space Between, which hopefully, things will get resolved by the end of the sequel story. Thanks to Roland Cain for coming up with the suggestion for the flashback and the concept in general.
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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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