DCH 85
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Eighty-Five: More Trouble Rears In
Tori looked nervous as she, Richie and Duncan looked on as medical personnel wheeled away a gurney with the old man's covered body.
"Dead, and what for?" Tori asked.
"Fifty francs and a couple of pictures of his grandkids," Richie answered, "It's too bad."
"Yeah, the guy was a harmless crazy," Tori stated.
"Maybe," Duncan replied.
"Oh come on now!" Tori exclaimed.
"Yeah, give us a break," Richie added, "He is coming, The time is at hand? The guy was out of his mind."
"He was terrified and he knew my name," Mac replied.
"Mac, Horton is dead," Richie insisted, "It was dark. We had champagne."
"Yeah, you made a mistake," Tori crossed her arms.
"No, no, no, no. It was Horton all right," Duncan argued, "The old man tried to warn me."
"You think he was a watcher?" Tori asked about the old man.
"No, I checked his wrists," Duncan answered, "No tattoos."
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Duncan, Tori and Richie arrived at the cemetery and they saw that Horton's body had been removed.
"When was the body removed?" Duncan asked.
"Yesterday, Monsieur," the cemetery official answered as they looked at the empty grave, "Hmmm, this was not done in my day. A body was meant to stay in one place, God intended it."
"Tell me about it," Duncan replied before he asked, "What about paperwork?"
"Yeah," Tori added, "There must have been an official report request to have the body exhumed."
"In France, paperwork is our national past time," the cemetery official informed them, "The remains are to be shipped in the United States for the burial sometime today."
"From where?" Richie asked.
"Orly Airport," the official answered.
"At whose request?" Duncan asked.
"The brother in law of the deceased," the official answered.
"Joe Dawson?" Tori asked.
"Yes," the cemetery official nodded.
"Wait a minute. Are you sure you've got the right guy?" Richie asked, "He's tall, gray hair, beard, uses a cane."
"That was him," the cemetery official answered, "Nice man, but seemed to be in a hurry."
"I'm sure he was," Duncan replied.
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Joe was standing next to the casket, preparing to send it to Lynn so she could have her father buried in Chicago, where she had moved to, "Let's get this over with."
He signed the papers on the clipboard, "Thank you."
The agents walked away with the clipboard.
"Well, if I'd known, I would have sent flowers," Duncan stated as he arrived at the cargo area with Richie and Tori not too far behind him, "My condolences. Anybody I know, huh?"
"This is personal business, MacLeod," Joe replied as Duncan was shaking his shoulder, "It really doesn't concern you."
"Anything to do with Horton concerns me," Duncan retorted.
"Hey! Look, my niece – his daughter – she moved back to Chicago," Joe explained, "She wants her father buried there, so I'm helping the kid out. It's a family thing."
"Oh, a family thing, is it? Huh," Duncan chimed in before he asked, "Then why did you hide it from me?"
"I know what he did to you, and I know how you feel about him," Joe answered.
"Oh, that's very considerate," Duncan retorted.
"Hey, what is wrong with you?!" Joe exclaimed, "The guy was my brother in law. His daughter wants his body shipped home."
"Then she's going to be really disappointed, isn't she?" Duncan asked, facing Joe.
"What's his problem?" Joe asked Tori and Richie. Richie lifted his hands in response.
"Search me," Tori quipped, "I think he's gone crazy."
"You tell me," Joe retorted.
"I saw him. I saw Horton. He's alive," Duncan spoke up.
"See? Told you," Tori replied.
Joe laughed in disbelief, "No. Horton is dead. You killed him yourself, remember? I was there."
"Yeah, well, he looked very healthy last night," Duncan stated.
"This is insane!" Joe interjected, "Whatever is left of James Horton is in that box!"
"Well, then we should should really wish him a bon voyage, shouldn't we, huh?" Duncan retorted before he went after the casket with a pry bar.
"Mac, what in God's name are you doing?" Joe demanded.
"Leave me alone!" Duncan exclaimed as he shrugged off Richie and a security guard trying to stop him.
"Mac, stop it!" Tori exclaimed.
Duncan pried open the casket lid, revealing a desiccated corpse inside.
A group of security guards grabbed Duncan and took him away.
"No, it's not him," Duncan stated. "It can't be!"
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"So, Richie is in danger from what your premonition told you?" Flash asked as he talked to Rick via communicator.
"Yes," Rick answered, "MacLeod appeared hallucinating and took Richie's head, and Ming was savoring his death in that vision."
April got out her phone, "I'll let Tori know right away. Katarina had the exact same vision."
"Thanks sis," Rick replied, sighing with relief, "I knew I could count on you guys."
"We'll head over to Paris right away," Flash chimed in, "If Ming is involved, we're going to give MacLeod some back up."
"That's a good idea," Rick replied, "I can't predict how far into the future my visions take place and I assume Katarina can't either with hers. You know? The sooner you get to them, the less likely the premonition will happen."
"Exactly!" Mandrake exclaimed.
"Good luck guys," Rick told the Defenders.
"Thanks, son," Flash replied.
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"If it wasn't for Joe, they would have nailed you," Richie said as he left the police station with Duncan and Tori in tow.
"Richie's right," Tori added, "He convinced them to drop the charges. What's your deal?"
"Yeah," Joe chimed in, "I told them you were a friend of the deceased and you were overcome with emotion."
"Yeah, nice touch," Duncan stated.
"I don't know what's going on with you, MacLeod," Joe declared, "I just hope it's over."
"Not yet," Duncan replied.
Suddenly, Tori heard her phone go off as the men were talking amongst themselves. She got her phone from her pocket and saw she got a text message which read: "Tori, it's April. Richie is in danger."
She looked nervous as she glanced at the three men before typing: "Come on, A. Elaborate further. This isn't funny."
Tori glanced at the men again.
"Are you okay?" Joe asked.
"I'm fine," Tori answered, "April just sent me a text."
She received another text from April which read, "Rick just had a premonition and so did Katarina. They both said MacLeod was hallucinating and took Richie's head. He was also surrounded in red fog in the vision and Ming might be involved as Rick saw him in the vision too."
Tori looked even more nervous. Duncan was hallucinating over Horton right now. Could it be possible he could go crazy and behead Richie? She looked around, deciding she had to act. She hurried away.
"Tori, where are you going?" Richie asked.
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Tori hurried outside of the apartment building. She sensed the Buzz. Then, she turned around and saw Amanda, "Amanda?"
"Hey there," Amanda eyed her student, "What's eating you? You seemed bothered by something."
"Yeah," Tori nodded, "You'd be spooked too if someone told you of a premonition of your spouse's death."
"What?" Amanda quipped.
"April told me Rick and Katarina both had a premonition saying Ming might be involved as he's in the premonition," Tori explained, "and Richie dies in the premonition. I asked for further details on my way here."
"Any luck with that?" Amanda asked.
"A little," Tori answered, "April is going to ask Rick for further details and I'm going to ask Jack for any potential information on this."
Amanda nodded, "Good luck with that."
"Thanks," Tori replied before she hurried into the apartment.
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Duncan looked at the chess board by his chair.
He heard faint growling noises, looked up and saw Kronos lurking behind the shelving unit. He looked away, giving his head a quick shake. He looked over and Kronos was still there, dressed in his Bronze Age outfit, make up and all. He was the one of the Horsemen and took his head.
"You still don't understand, do you?" Kronos asked before he yelled, "I AM THE END OF TIME!"
"You're history," Duncan declared.
Duncan and Kronos resumed fighting. Eventually, Duncan took Kronos' head. Richie took Caspian's head and Methos took Silas' head.
The triple quickening occurred as Duncan, Richie and Methos took the Quickenings of their respective opponents and a triangle was formed during the quickening.
Duncan was startled as Kronos came out from behind the shelving unit, his steps echoing loudly.
"Kronos?" Duncan called out.
"Well, Highlander, did you really think you could kill me?" Kronos asked.
Duncan stood up from his seat, "You're not real. I took your head. You can't be real."
Duncan drawn his katana, and motioned Kronos forward, "Come."
Kronos moved towards him, his steps still echoing loudly, then disappearing in a flash of red. Duncan looked around the empty barge, then ran outside. He sensed the Buzz.
"Mac?" Amanda quipped in surprise.
"It's us," Methos added in, raising his hands up, "It's us."
"Did you see him?" Duncan asked.
"See who?" Methos inquired.
"Kronos," Duncan answered.
"Who?" Amanda asked, confused.
Methos let out a disbelieving laugh, "Really?"
Duncan looked at them, looked at them, and then started walking away.
"Mac?" Amanda called out.
"Where are you going?!" Methos added.
"Tori wasn't kidding," Amanda stated, "Mac is appearing to go crazy."
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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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