DCH 92
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Ninety-Two: Arrivals and Tasks
Joe sat at a table, holding his guitar. He recalled Janet's freak out at the hospital after she was rushed there after Tori's memorial service.
"You tell Duncan MacLeod I know it's his fault she's gone!" Janet shouted as she sat up from the bed, "I blame him! It's all his fault!"
Amanda shuddered as Janet was sobbing as the doctors held her down at the hospital bed. Joe could only look on with empathy.
"She doesn't mean it," Abby assured him. "Janet's become delirious over losing her daughter."
"I can sympathize," Joe replied. "Tori was important to us all."
Joe sighed before he played the guitar, reflecting on his friendship with Duncan.
Duncan stated, "Follow your instincts. That's all you can do."
"What if you're wrong?" Joe asked.
"Then you're wrong." Duncan answered.
Joe remembered something Duncan said during the trial Shapiro put him under before Duncan helped the Defenders, Tori, Amanda and Methos rescue Richie from Zorelda.
Duncan argued, "I've spent my entire existence fighting other immortals. Men who hold life cheap. I live – no, I survive...because I value life."
Joe then recalled something he told Duncan while he was under the influence of the dark quickening.
"I know your strength," Joe insisted, "I know your will. I know your goodness, and whatever monsters are in you now, I know you're still in there too."
Joe then recalled wanting to avenge the death of his girlfriend and Duncan stopped him.
Joe was loading his revolver.
"You can't kill him with that, Joe," Duncan said.
"I know," Joe replied, "but I can sure as hell slow him down until I can."
"You won't get close enough to use it," Duncan insisted. "Let me do this...for the both of us."
Joe then recalled a recent memory before the tragedy.
"I can quote a whole bunch of people, Joe," Duncan stated, "but it basically boils down to one thing."
"And that is," Joe inquired.
"Faith, Joe," Duncan answered. "Faith."
Joe sat in thought, no longer playing the guitar. Could he still have that faith? He wasn't sure at this point, but he had hoped so.
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Duncan looked around the empty barge. He sensed the Buzz as he got out of the barge. He turned and saw Amanda.
"Hello, Duncan," she said.
"Amanda," Duncan replied.
Amanda made a small smile. "I had a hunch you'd be back."
"A hunch?" Duncan asked.
Amanda paced around for a minute. Then she stopped and looked over at Duncan.
"For the past few months," Amanda stated, "I saw Rebecca, Kenny and Tori at different points in my life."
Duncan looked at her confused. "They're dead. Luther took Rebecca's head, Tori took Kenny's head and I took Tori's head."
"Yeap," Amanda replied. "Just like you in the case of you taking the head of Kronos, and you killing Horton."
Duncan nodded. "So you saw Ahriman?"
"That's what that was?" Amanda asked.
"Yes," Duncan answered.
"Well, it's a good thing I found you because I wanted to know what was going on," Amanda replied.
"With Ahriman?" Duncan stated, "I'm in the process of tracking him down."
"Heard from Richie since coming back here?" Amanda inquired.
"No," Duncan shook his head, "but I don't even know if I want to face him."
"Why?" Amanda asked.
"I worry….." Duncan hesitated before he finally answered, "he hates me for killing his wife."
"That's what you're worried about?" Amanda replied in surprise. "Mac, what happened was an accident, albeit a fatal accident. I'm sure Richie would understand."
"How would you know?" Duncan asked.
"During the memorial service, he asked for you," Amanda answered, "He was broken by your absence and his wife's death."
They looked at each other before they arrived on the deck of the barge and Joe arrived.
"Welcome back, Amanda," Joe spoke up.
"Thanks, Joe," Amanda replied.
"You know this is insane, MacLeod," Joe told Duncan, "You're asking me to believe in a demon…...something I cannot see…..maybe never will see. How do I do it?"
"Hey, I saw it too," Amanda chimed in.
"Oh, not you too, Amanda," Joe groaned.
"Look, I know the gist of it," Amanda stated, "I saw Rebecca, and she's dead. I saw Kenny, albeit a scary, older version of him, but he's dead too, and after I saw Tori, who's also dead, I knew I had to come back here and maybe get some answers. Looks like I did, in a way."
"Thanks for thinking about it, Joe," Duncan replied before he started to turn away with Amanda in tow.
"Hey, wait, I'm not finished yet," Joe said, prompting the pair to turn back and face him. "Now maybe I can't believe in a demon, but MacLeod, I believe in you. Whatever this thing is, and wherever it takes you….I'm in."
Duncan and Amanda walked over to him and the former shook Joe's hand. The latter followed suit.
"Just what is it we're looking for?" Joe asked.
"Information, knowledge," Duncan answered. "Look into the legends, look into the history."
"The history of what?" Joe asked.
"Of evil," Duncan answered, "We have to find something we can use against it, some flaw, some weakness."
"Yeah, okay," Joe replied, "Assuming – assuming it has one."
"It has to have one, right?" Amanda inquired.
"Oh, it has one," Duncan replied, "Evil isn't perfect. It's got a crack somewhere. I couldn't have stopped it with a sword, but has been stopped before."
"In the meantime, we have to find Richie," Amanda chimed in.
"What doe you mean find Richie?" Joe asked.
"The Defenders of the Earth will most likely know where Richie is," Duncan answered, "and Amanda insists I go find him."
"And I help him out," Amanda chimed in.
"You do that," Joe replied.
The three approached the jeep.
"Listen, I, uh... I got something for you," Joe told Duncan before he opened the rear hatch of the jeep, "See, I, uh…"
He removed the wrapped katana from the jeep. "Figured you might want this."
Duncan hesitated. "No."
"What do you mean, no?" Joe asked.
"Are you insane?" Amanda added.
"Maybe, but I mean no," Duncan answered, "The last time I held it, Tori died."
"But you're still immortal," Amanda stressed.
"She's right, MacLeod," Joe added. "Somebody's going to come with a sword."
"Well, I'll find another way," Duncan replied.
"What are you going to do, dance with them?" Joe asked.
"Let's go, Amanda." Duncan eyed his lover. "We're off to find Richie."
"You always were a stubborn son of a bitch," Joe replied before he put the katana back in the jeep and closed the hatch, "All right. Soon as I have anything, I'll call you, assuming you're still wearing that head."
He got in the jeep and left.
"Mac, that's not a good idea to go without a sword," Amanda said.
"Yeah," Duncan replied, "but I'll take my chances."
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Methos looked on as he returned to Paris for the first time since Tori's death. He was fond of her and was saddened to witness her death at the hands of Duncan MacLeod.
"Good to see you back."
Startled, Methos turned and saw the Phantom standing close by.
"What are you doing here?" Methos asked.
"I've come here as I've been seeing my brother Kurt," the Phantom answered, "and I know for a fact that he has been dead for over five years now."
"Odd," Methos replied, "I experienced something similar. I saw Kronos, and he's been dead for a year."
"You don't think it's this Ahriman, do you?" the Phantom asked.
Before he could answer, the two men heard a loud splash nearby. They saw that someone had fallen off a bridge and into the water. They both knew what to do.
"By jungle law," the Phantom called out, "the ghost who walks call forth the strength of ten tigers!"
He used his ten tigers power to dive into the water and fishing the person out of the water. The Phantom returned to the ground and laid the young woman to the ground.
Methos proceeded to start CPR on the unconscious woman, "Come on. Breathe. Breathe! You have to breathe!"
The woman coughed up water and was coming to.
"Good," the Phantom replied with relief. "That's good."
He and Methos helped the woman up.
"What happened?" she asked.
"Looks like you went for a swim," Methos answered.
"I was in the river," the woman recalled.
"Actually, under it," the Phantom said. "What happened?"
"I don't know," the woman answered. "I-I must have slipped."
"From the railing?" Methos asked.
"I don't remember," the young woman answered, "I – I was at the bus stop and…"
She looked around frantically, "My books! My glasses! I need to go home."
"You should see a doctor," the Phantom advised.
"No, no, really," the young woman said. "I'm all right. I'll be all right."
"Are you sure?" Methos asked.
The young woman nodded, "Yeah."
"You must be the Phantom. I've heard about you," the young woman said. "I'm Sophie Baines."
She then looked at Methos. "What's your name?"
"I'm Adam Pierson," Methos introduced himself. Sophie shook his hand awkwardly, and then did the same with the Phantom. "Thank you guys for saving my life."
"Of course," Methos replied.
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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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