DCH 89

Defenders Chronicles: Highlander

By AmandaDoE

Chapter Eighty-Nine: The Trap Is Set

Tori managed to find herself at the old race track and entered the area and sensed the Buzz.

"Joe?"

"Richie?!" Tori called out. She turned and saw her husband with his sword drawn. Tori noticed as she had her sword drawn.

"Richie, thank God you're okay!" Tori exclaimed, hugging her husband before she asked, "Where's Amanda?"

"I don't know," Richie shook his head, "Horton's got Joe."

"I saw Horton with Ming as well as you and Amanda," Tori glanced around.

"Excellent. All is going according to plan."

Tori and Richie turned around and saw Ming smugly smiling at them.

"Ming!" Tori exclaimed, holding her tachi up.

"Where's Joe, you son of a bitch?!" Richie demanded, holding up his bastard sword.

"He's around," Ming answered, "I wish the both of you the best of luck finding him with your heads intact."

"You won't win, Ming!" Tori exclaimed, "The Defenders….."

"Have come to stop Ming the Merciless!" Flash exclaimed from behind.

The Defenders arrived, ready to fight Ming and his forces that arrived at the area.

Flash, April, LJ, Kshin and Atascadero fired their guns at the ice robots that approached them.

"Go!" Mandrake exclaimed, "We'll handle Ming!"

Richie hurried away.

"Wait!" Lothar exclaimed.

"Knowing Ming," Sheila stated, "this is possibly a trap!"

"Richie, wait!" Tori exclaimed, hurrying to help her husband.

"I have a bad feeling about this," LJ stated as he and Lothar used their super strength to fight their ice robot opponents.

"So do I," April nodded in agreement as she and Atascadero used their martial arts skills and fought their ice robot opponents.

Sheila first used her force field attack to fend off some ice soldier opponents, and then using her invisibility to ward off other opponents.

The Phantom declared, "By jungle law, the ghost who walks calls forth the strength of ten tigers!"

He used his power to fight his ice robot opponents.

Mandrake used his illusion powers to ward off his opponents while Amy used her telekinesis to take on her opponents.

-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-

Duncan walked towards the escalator, holding his katana. Red light appeared all around him.

"Richie!" Duncan called out.

He saw a figure sitting on the steps of the escalator as it descended and was illuminated in red light, face hidden.

"Are you all right?" Duncan asked, "Where's Tori?"

No response.

"Richie, it's me," Duncan called out.

"Richie" lifted his head with glowing red eyes. He stood up and laughed, "I know."

"You," Duncan muttered.

"You? Me? Me, you?" "Richie" taunted at the Highlander, "Is that how you see me? You don't even understand your place in any of this, do you?"

He attacked Duncan and they fought. Duncan stopped himself from making a landing blow.

"What's the matter?" "Richie" taunted again, "You don't want to hurt your little buddy?"

He cut Duncan and then laughed, "Some champion."

"Richie" attacked again, Duncan tried to defend himself, but he was cut in the process.

"What the hell are you?" Duncan asked.

"I am your friend," "Richie" answered, "I am not your friend."

He suddenly changed into Horton, who then said, "I'm the man you can't kill."

Duncan attacked Horton, now Richie again, and landed a blow.

"Everyone can die," Duncan stated, "one way or another."

Now it was Kronos in his Bronze Age costume attacking him as the fight continued. Kronos disappeared during the fight. Duncan looked around and caught his breath. Horton rode down the escalator, shooting Duncan with a gun.

-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-

Richie and Tori were startled upon hearing gunshots, keeping their swords in hand.

"Joe?" Richie called out.

"Amanda?" Tori called out in turn. She looked around before she told her husband, "Richie, this doesn't feel right. I saw Horton with you and Amanda."

"Yeah," Richie nodded, "and I saw Horton with Joe."

"Ming is probably setting us up into a trap!" Tori exclaimed.

"You know me, Tor," Richie replied, "I'll take my chances."

He continued further.

"Richie, wait!" Tori called out before she went after him.

-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-

Duncan found himself on the ground, bleeding and he saw different opponents, "What the hell are you?"

"I am set," Horton answered.

"I…." "Richie" swung his sword while answering, "am Ahriman."

"I am everything your people call demons and devils," Kronos added.

"I am anger," Horton added in, "I am the dark."

All three men stepped off the escalator.

"Richie" then declared, "I bring chaos and fear. Doubt and anarchy."

"I existed before time began, and I will exist when time has ended," Kronos added in.

By then, he, Horton and Richie all circled Duncan.

"For you, all that matters is that you cannot stop me," "Richie" declared.

Suddenly, there became two of each men, and they were all circling around Duncan, laughing. Duncan closed his eyes and lashed out with his sword, but they had all disappeared again.

-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-

Tori managed to catch up with Richie as they were looking for Joe and Amanda. They see Duncan with his sword, looking around as if he was seeing something they didn't see.

"Mac?" Richie muttered.

As he came closer to his teacher, Tori noticed the decorations. They were the same decorations described in both Rick and Katarina's premonitions. Tori realized if she didn't act fast, Richie would be dead.

"No!" Tori exclaimed. She hurried over to Richie and pushed him out of the way. Tori used her tachi to block the first blow as Duncan swung. Then he swung again, and this time, things went black.

-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-

"Garax, retreat!" Ming called to his top soldier. "The plan is working!"

"Plan?" Sheila looked up.

"You're too late, Defenders," Ming declared, "the trap has been sprung!"

"Oh no!" Mandrake exclaimed.

As Garax and his surviving soldiers retreated, the Defenders hurried to find their friends.

"Tori! Richie! MacLeod!" Flash called out.

-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-

Duncan looked up, seeing Richie sitting near the wall of the tracks as he slowly started to get up.

"Sweet fancy Moses!" Richie exclaimed as he was getting up, "Tori, what the hell was that….."

He looked down, seeing something in shock.

"Richie?" Duncan called out with a hopeful tone.

Richie faced his teacher, covering his mouth in horror, "Mac."

"Thank God," Duncan's hopeful expression changed to relief as he stepped forward to hug Richie.

"Stay back!" Richie drawn his sword.

Relief changed to confusion.

Suddenly, Duncan heard the demon's laughter, and confusion changed to horror as the truth hit him as he looked down: the demon had tricked him. He saw Tori's headless body on the ground. He had killed Tori Gordon.

Red fog started to surround Duncan.

"No!" Duncan cried out as he felt the energy of Tori's Quickening. Then he saw an image of Tori screaming as she took Kelsea's Quickening.

"NO!" Duncan yelled again as the Quickening occurred.

Even as the energy was hitting him, he staggered forward as if fighting through a storm, raised his sword and with a cry of rage and swung as he saw split-second images of some of Tori's memories.

The demon's mocking laughter echoed in the room as Duncan's was filled with agony, hit full on with the Quickening.

"No," Richie cried out.

As the transfer was ending, Duncan saw something that he would never forget. 

Richie dropped to his knees. "NOOOOOOOOOOO!"

---------

Next

Previous

Article

Author

Chapters

1: Prelude To A Storm

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.

2: Chance Encounter

While reflecting on personal matters, Tori witnesses a stunning occurrence.

3: Changes

Richie introduces Tori to his friends, Duncan and Tessa, who detail the secret affairs of immortals.

4: Questions & Answers

As Tori begins learning more about her true nature, a teacher offers assistance.

5: Prelude To A Storm

Tori informs the Defenders that she plans to help Duncan and his companions.

6: Swift Action

Tori and Richie continue bonding as the IUA works with Duncan.

7: Paris Bound

Tori is given a new task by her mother Janet.

8: Past Teacher Surprise

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.

10: Care and Comfort

Tori tends to an ailing Richie.

11: The Hunters

The group gains allies while investigating a new matter.

12: The Watchers

The search for Horton begins.

13: Vendetta

An old friend of Tori's reveals a darker side. Janet becomes involved in the current operation.

14: The Darkness

Duncan is told to be wary of a dark prophesy.

15: An Eye For An Eye

The team is menaced by Annie Devlin, an old associate of Duncan's.

16: Teacher, Teacher

Duncan begins refining Tori's skills.

17: More Than Friends?

Richie and Tori continue bonding.

18: Richie

A new woman comes into Richie's life.

19: New on the Job

Janet takes steps to make Richie an IUA operative. 

20: Immortal Task

Tori and her allies confront a number of enemies in the city.

21: A Day at the Beach

The teams head out for a day of fun.

22: Suspended Sabotage

Rick's capture leads to a compromising situation as LJ and the others attempt a rescue.

23: The Madam Weds

Lucy, a dangerous immortal, targets Richie. Tori intervenes.

24: Clouded Issues

The IUA investigates when one of the Phantom's acquaintances is victimized by an immortal.

25: Framed

Richie and Tori return to Paris to assist with the mission, which is complicated by police involvement.

26: Game of Peril

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.

28: Obsession

Duncan attempts to work with the unstable David Keogh.

29: Not Quite Fine

Charlie prepares to depart.

30: Unwanted Advances

The group meet a girl named Michelle, who has just discovered her immortal nature.

31: The Child

Tori and Richie attempt to care for a younger boy named Kenny.

32: Halloween Incident

Everyone prepares for a holiday.

33: Shadows

A mysterious statue creates chaos.

34: They Also Serve

Joe and the team find others in need of their help.

35: State of Mind

Jedda and Tori have an intimate conversation.

36: Song of the Executioner

Kalas haunts Richie and the others.

37: Star-Crossed

Duncan prepares for battle with Kalas and finds a surprise.

38: The Mystery of Methos

Kalas searches for Methos.

39: Astral Richie

Tori worries as Richie begins taking chances.

40: Double Jeopardy

Anne arrives.

41: The Exorcism of Richie Ryan

Richie requires assistance in getting back to normal. 

42: Out of the Frying Pan

The Defenders step in to assist with Kalas, and to help prevent the truth about Duncan's kind from leaking.

43: Into the Fire

Duncan prepares to confront Kalas.

44: Home, Friends, & Family

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.

46: Of Mice and Men

The current situation reminds Tori of a well-known scenario.

47: Good Intentions

Amanda and Richie follow Duncan on a journey in secret, and end up defending themselves from a horde of ice robots.

48: The Return of Kenny

The friends see Kenny again. Duncan suspects that a certain immortal is pursuing the child.

49: Nightmares

Seacouver is targeted by an ambitious supernatural woman named Sierra.

50: Between Black & White

Duncan, Tori, and Richie investigate a matter from Duncan's past alongside the police.

51: Culture Clashed

The group is challenged by a charismatic new antagonist, Kamir.

52: Witch

The spellcaster Kristin Gilles arrives and pursues Richie. Mandrake offers assistance in thwarting her.

53: Facing the Music

Duncan and his friends attempt to aid a pianist.

54: Rescue Mission

Anne and Jack participate in the latest endeavor.

55: Darkest Before The Dawn

Duncan falls under a dark influence temporarily.

56: Cruising Storytellers

Methos and the others reflect.

57: The Mongo Adventure

The exploits of Flash and his famed allies from Mongo are chronicled. Meanwhile, Zorelda reemerges.

58: Storytellers

The team members engage in sparring and storytelling during downtime.

59: Judgment Day

The groups attempt to rescue Joe, who has been lured into a trap.

60: One Minute To Midnight

As tensions rise and truths are revealed, the team bands together in their effort to help Joe.

61: Deja Vu Proposal

Richie makes a monumental decision.

62: Set In Motion

As Tori and Richie prepare for the big day, opposing forces on Mongo makes plans of their own.

63: Reunion

Katarina and Castra attempt to unite with the Defenders before Zorelda makes her move.

64: Zorelda Strikes

Zorelda arrives on Earth.

65: Setting Up The Rescue Mission

The groups outline their rescue effort.

66: Making Way To Mongo

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.

69: Loose Ends Tied

The group deals with the repercussions of their adventure and return to Earth.

70: Prophetic Summit Meeting

Duncan's ally, Cassandra, relays a vision.

71: Transition To Marriage

Tori and Richie encounter a cult. Duncan pursues Clay.

72: Jenny

The Ryans foster a mysterious child who bears a resemblance to Tori.

73: A Friend Indeed

Amanda and Maurice return as a new enigma arises.

74: Money No Object

Amanda engages in more questionable activity.

75: Haunted

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.

77: The Messenger

The Ryans encounter an apparent impostor, who also approaches Hadea.

78: Comes a Horseman

An adversary known as Kronos targets Tori, seeking to exploit her intellect.

79: Revelation 6:8

Richie and Duncan move to counter Kronos.

80: The Ransom of Richard Redstone

The Ryans depart for an undercover mission overseas.

81: Duende

The group make new acquaintances while pursuing a lead tied to a mysterious dancing event.

82: Forgive Us Our Trespass

The enigmatic Keane arrives, wreaking havoc on several people's lives.

83: Before The Oncoming Storm

Duncan deals with a mischievous adversary named Byron. Jedda and Rick prepare for parenthood. Both Katarina and Jedda sense danger ahead.

84: The Summoning of Ahriman

Ming and Octon turn to a new ally.

85: More Trouble Rears In

Duncan is haunted.

86: More Clues Emerge

The shape-shifter initiates a confrontation.

87: The Walls Closing In

Ming shifts his focus to an isolated girl.

88: Divided Loyalties

The Defenders unite with Tori's friends in an effort to stop Ahriman.

89: The Trap Is Set

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.

91: One Year Later

Richie copes. Duncan travels overseas.

92: Arrivals and Tasks

Joe, Amanda, and Duncan continue to hunt the enemy.

93: To Find Richie

April locates Richie and provides an update on the current situation.

94: Double Summoning

Richie is confronted by the opponent again.

95: The Blinding Truth

Joe leads the investigation as everyone bands together.

96: Last Temptation

The final clash begins.

97: Crunch Time

Duncan makes a crucial discovery.

98: Ahriman Tries To Bargain

The key element to the plan is obtained.

99: The Crumbling Falling Gap

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.

102: The Demise of Ahriman

Series finale.