DCH 87
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Eighty-Seven: The Walls Closing In
Gotham
"Can I help you, Mister Gordon?" Alfred asked, noticing his presence.
"Do you think Batman will be needing the Defenders anytime soon?" Flash asked.
"I don't think so," Alfred answered, "Why?"
"We have an emergency to attend to in Paris," Flash informed him.
"Should I have someone to help you?" Alfred offered, "Huntress, Red Robin, Orphan, Batwing and the Signal are available."
"No thanks," Flash declined, "Batman will probably be needing all the help he can get if things go sideways here in Gotham."
"As you wish," Alfred nodded, "and good luck with whatever the emergency is."
"Thanks," Flash nodded and left the mansion.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Paris
"The millennium? The dead walking?" Tori paced the barge, "The latter makes sense given what we've experienced."
"I agree there," Richie added as he stood near a table nearby, "but ancient rituals? A battle between good and evil? Mac, he must have been talking about immortals."
"Maybe, but Horton wasn't immortal," Duncan replied before he eyed Tori, "and neither was your father."
"It was Horton on the quay," Duncan then stressed.
"It's got to mean something," Richie stated.
"Something important," Tori added.
"Yeah, but what?" Duncan replied as he stood up and paced the barge as Tori walked over to Richie, "I mean, some guy falls dead in my arms, I – I'm fighting men I've already killed, Tori encountered people who died, and I'm up all night trying to figure out that I'm some kind of champion who's supposed to to defend the world against who knows what."
"Maybe this is all for real," Richie suggested.
"That makes sense," Tori quipped.
"Don't start, you two," Duncan replied as he sat back down on his chair.
"We're serious," Richie stressed, "Look, four hundred years ago, Cassandra said there was a prophecy about you defeating a great evil, right?"
"She knew who you were," Tori added, "She knew what would happen. Maybe this is all meant to be. Maybe….."
"You are the chosen one," Richie chimed in, finishing his wife's sentence.
Duncan heard Cassandra's voice in his mind, remembering the prophecy she said, "An evil will come to vanquish all before him. Only a Highland child, born on the winter solstice, who has seen darkness and light can stop him."
"What if I don't want to be chosen?" Duncan asked.
"It's not that simple, Mac," Tori answered.
"Yeah, you might not have a choice," Richie added.
"But I don't believe in fate or prophecies, at least I never did," Duncan interjected.
"Really now?" Tori quipped.
"Yeah," Duncan explained a story to the couple, "Long ago, back in 1623, I'd been immortal for only three years at the time, but I still didn't know what I was or why I was alive. I survived two hard winters with no clan, no family. Suddenly, I felt it – a feeling. More than a feeling. It happened once before when I faced Kanwulf the Viking, but no one had taught me about the Game. No one had taught me who we were, what we were."
"Interesting," Tori chimed in.
"I encountered a Hermit and he took his own head with my sword," Duncan continued, "I had no idea what was happening. It was my first Quickening. The old hermit told the truth. Soon after, I met my teacher Connor MacLeod, but I ignored the rest of the prophecy."
"Very interesting," Richie stated.
"I have no idea what I'm up against," Duncan said.
"Do you mean what we're up against?" Tori asked.
"No," Duncan answered, "According to Landry, it's coming for me."
"Yeah, well, we're not going anywhere," Richie objected.
"Richie, this is something we're going to argue about," Duncan stated.
"Would you leave us hanging?" Richie asked, "Leave me hanging? It's my choice, not yours."
"That goes for me too," Tori chimed in.
"We don't even know what it is," Duncan told the couple.
"Yeah, well, you want to find out?" Richie declared, "I'll be right here with you."
"Me too. All things considered," Tori added, "We're both on your side. What can we say: Till death do us part."
"Thanks, you two," Duncan replied.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Allison was sitting on the couch, looking at a photo album. She turned the page and sighed. She raised a tissue to her nose as she sniffled, then she heard noises and got up to investigate.
Allison walked through the apartment. She entered her grandfather's study.
Cautiously, she walked past a table of artifacts from the window, then past two more windows to the far end of the study. The sound of the door slamming shut made her jump, startled. Allison backed up cautiously, accidentally knowing over a knick-knack on a shelf, then the door behind her creaked closed and the TV started playing the videotape.
"It's him. Are you afraid, Foster?" Landry's voice chimed, "We should all be afraid. The thousand years are up. The demon is coming."
Allison turned off the TV.
"Ouch!" Landry exclaimed as his voice came from the TV. He laughed as the TV turned back on, "That wasn't very nice."
Blood started running down the front of the TV screen.
"Allison?"
Allison turned in horror to see her grandfather standing next to a green skinned man.
"I always liked that chair," Landry stated.
The green skinned man chuckled, "So you must be Landry's granddaughter, Allison Landry."
"Who are you?!" Allison demanded with a slight whimper.
"I'm Ming the Merciless," Ming declared before eyeing Landry, "Your grandfather was nice enough to invite me in. Why don't we become good acquaintances?"
Allison shook her head, crying, "No."
She backed away from the two men as they were laughing and she continued crying, "No."
The door closed behind Allison.
Ming chuckled, "There's no escape, girl."
Allison rattled the door knob, to find that the door had been locked, "Let me out!"
She turned in horror as Landry and Ming laughed and the room burst into flames.
"Let me out!" Allison screamed as she continued to rattle the doorknob.
As the flames nearly reached her, Allison became consumed by the flames and she heard an unfamiliar man's voice declare, "This will be our day of glory!"
---------
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.
Comments
Post a Comment