DCH 94
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Ninety-Four: Double Summoning
Duncan and Amanda were startled upon hearing beeping on the tablet. The former went to answer it, "Hello?"
Mandrake appeared on the screen of the tablet, "Duncan MacLeod, it's been awhile."
"A year to be exact," Duncan replied, "How are things with the Defenders?"
"Before I answer that, mind if I ask," Mandrake inquired, "Where were you? What were you doing the whole year after Tori died?"
There was a pause of silence before Duncan finally answered, "I was mentally preparing to face Ahriman."
"The demon Ming summoned?"
"Yes."
"Well, we're doing fine for the most part," Mandrake finally answered, "Ming is in jail after Joe pointed him to authorities as the one who killed Tori."
Duncan and Amanda looked at each other before they looked back at Mandrake.
"Joe never told me that," Duncan replied.
"He must have understood how busy you were to a degree," Mandrake replied. He took a deep breath before continuing, "I recently married Atascadero and Kshin and Amy now have a mom, well a mom they truly love, more than what I could say about Cathleen, who's now dead. Anyways, I've also been doing my best to bond with Amy and Kshin."
"How is that going?" Amanda asked.
"A bit better than I expected," Mandrake answered, "I helped Amy work more on her powers. Kshin has been wanting to be a watcher, but I'm doing what I can to hold him back."
"Quite right too," Duncan replied before asking, "And the others?"
"Flash and Sheila's relationship is a bit stronger since Sheila's father had been in jail," Mandrake answered, "They're doing what they can to support Sheila's siblings Aura, Castra, Katarina and even Krotan."
"You think Krotan might follow his father's footsteps?" Amanda asked.
"I highly doubt it. He doesn't want to risk being exiled from Mongo," Mandrake answered before he continued with the updates, "Lothar is doing well despite everything. His son LJ has become a watcher in training, helping April with tracking Richie's location, without being seen of course."
"So, LJ is going to be a watcher?" Amanda inquired.
"If all goes well," Mandrake answered, "He knows the rules about being a watcher as the rest of us. Rick and Jedda are full time residing in the Netherworld, Jedda is the queen of the Netherworld while Rick eventually became king."
Amanda chuckled, "Oh my. Who would have guessed that Rick would be a royal?"
"Rick had agreed to stay in the Netherworld full time along with Jedda after a situation that nearly took Rick out," Mandrake stated before continuing, "and they have welcomed a son, Chris."
"Following the Phantom "first son" tradition in a way?" Duncan asked.
"Yeah," Mandrake nodded.
"That's wonderful," Duncan replied.
"Double congrats to the both of them," Amanda chimed in.
"I'll let them know you said that," Flash said as he joined in on the call.
"Good to see you again, Flash," Duncan stated.
"Likewise, I guess," Flash nodded, "Glad that you're back."
"Where's Richie now?" Duncan asked.
"April and LJ managed to track him down at a hotel in Vancouver," Mandrake answered, "I'll send you the address."
Duncan and Amanda receive the address via messages on the tablet.
"April is making sure that he stays put this time," Flash told the pair.
"Good luck with everything," Mandrake added, "We'll join you soon as possible."
"Thank you," Duncan replied before the call ended.
"Well, let's get going," Amanda eyed Duncan, "We got a flight to Canada to get to."
"Yeah, we do," Duncan nodded.
As he left the hotel with Amanda, Duncan was looking on with anticipation. He wondered what Richie would say to him. Would he be welcomed back? Would he be forgiven for Tori's death? He took a deep breath, bracing himself for what's to come.
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Joe looked up as he saw Sheila entering the bar, "Sheila Oceanna Dewindt, what brings you here?"
"Flash asked me to come here in case Ahriman tries to show himself," Sheila answered, "How are you holding?"
"Surviving," Joe answered, "Duncan MacLeod came back."
"I heard," Sheila replied, "and he's not the only one that's back in the radar evidently."
Joe glanced in surprise as Methos entered the bar with the Phantom in tow, "Hey!"
"Hey," Methos replied, "Missed you too."
"Welcome back," Joe told his friend. The Phantom remained silent as he crossed his arms and nodded.
"Where's MacLeod?" Methos inquired.
"You're unbelievable," Joe groaned.
"So, uh, MacLeod?" Methos asked again.
"He went with Amanda to look for Richie," Joe answered.
"So, LJ did his job well," Sheila stated.
"What do you mean?" Joe asked.
"Didn't you hear?" Sheila answered, "LJ is now a watcher in training. Kshin wants to join, but Mandrake is holding him back."
"Rightfully so," Joe replied, "Kshin is still a bit young to be a watcher."
"How are they gonna look for Richie?" Methos asked.
"The Defenders know his location," Joe answered, "and wherever Richie is now, they're on their way to find him."
"I see, but too bad, because I needed to tell him something," Methos stated.
"About what?" Joe asked.
"I saw Kronos, Silas and Caspian yesterday," Methos explained, "I know they are dead and I then I thought of MacLeod when he was seeing Kronos, so I had to come to MacLeod in hopes for some answers."
"Well, if you want to get involved with this Ahriman case too, I got something for you. That goes for you too, Sheila, Phantom," Joe told the three, "Landry had an assistant at the university and she might know something. Her name is Sophie Baines."
"The girl we rescued yesterday," the Phantom spoke up. He sighed before inquiring, "Methos and I."
"Odd," Joe replied.
"Yeah," Methos chimed in," Very."
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Joe was digging through a stack of burned papers, "There's got to be something left."
"Nothing," the woman told him, "The entire side of her office was burned. The desk, the filing cabinet…..years of research gone."
"You think this was deliberate?" Joe asked.
"It happened at night," the woman answered, "when no one was supposed to be here, but it looks like it. Sophie's going to be devastated."
"She doesn't know?" Joe asked.
"We haven't been able to reach her yet," the woman answered, "Who would do this?"
"That's a good question," Joe answered.
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April sat down next to Richie as he was sleeping on the bed. She was worried about her in law, but she knew Richie wouldn't try to do anything stupid. Even then, he couldn't die, no matter what he did. God forbid.
"April?"
April turned to see her mother, Dale, "Mom?"
"Yeah," Dale answered, "it's me."
"I miss you, Mom," April glanced at her mother, "Things haven't been the same since you died, since Tori died."
"How did she die?" Dale asked.
"A freak accident caused by Ming," April answered.
"A freak accident?" Dale smirked at her daughter, "Are you sure about that? How do you know if it was Ming? What if it was MacLeod, and what if MacLeod intentionally killed Tori?"
It had finally hit April. She sat back, realizing who was really sitting next to her, "Wait a minute. Mom's not vindictive. You're the demon Ahriman, responsible for Tori's death!"
Ahriman – Dale chuckled, "What a clever girl. I was wondering when you'd put two and two together."
"What do you want?!" April demanded.
"Richie, of course," Ahriman – Dale answered, "I've been making great progress in destroying him from the inside out, so it's only a matter of time."
"You stay away from Richie!" April told the demon, "I won't let you hurt him!"
"We'll see about that," Ahriman – Dale smirked, "In fact, I almost have him where I want him."
Moments later, "Dale" vanished.
"The hell?!" April exclaimed.
"April?"
She turned to see Richie sitting up from the bed.
"Are you okay?" Richie asked.
"I – I saw the demon taking the form of my mom," April answered before she looked at him and asked, "Richie, did Ahriman try to torment you in any way?"
Richie looked away.
"Richie, please, tell me," April insisted.
"It was Ahriman, yes," Richie answered before he sighed, "Ahriman was playing his game, taking form of people I knew who died, including Tori. Ahriman's trying to break me. He's trying to break me."
"I'm going to go for a jog," April informed him, "Don't you go anywhere."
"I don't plan to," Richie replied.
"Good."
With that, April left the hotel room.
"That was a bad move on her part."
Richie turned around and saw Tori again.
"It's only a matter of time before my plan works," Ahriman – Tori smirked at him.
"Only a matter of time," Ahriman – Laura chimed in as she suddenly appeared next to Tori.
Richie backed away. This must have been the same trick Ahriman tried to use on Duncan, which led to Tori's death in the first place, a death that was meant for him.
"You knew that you were meant to die, didn't you?" Ahriman – Mako asked as the girls disappeared.
"Stay back!" Richie got out his sword, preparing to defend himself.
"Tori knew what I had planned for you," Ahriman – Alec stated as he appeared next to Mako, "and now she's dead. Such irony that you killed me and left my Jennifer widowed because you are now in her shoes."
"Stop it!" Richie slashed at Alec and Mako, but they disappeared. He took some deep breaths before looking around before spotting Ahriman taking the form of Christian again, "Too easy. This is way too easy."
He grabbed Richie's wrist, making him drop his sword, "I've had you before, and I'll take you again."
"Go to hell!" Richie shouted before he pushed Ahriman – Christian off of him and picked up his sword again and then slashed at Ahriman – Christian, who then vanished. Richie wasn't sure how much longer he could take this. This had been going on for a year now, and it was affecting his work, and he wasn't even safe on holy ground. He couldn't help but to wonder what gave with that?
"There's no escape, Richie Ryan."
Richie looked around as he saw the illusions of Tori, Laura, Alec, Mako, Christian and Felicia. They were all led by the illusion of Horton, who said, "I knew it was only a matter of time before you cracked."
"Get away!" Richie snapped before he swung his sword wildly, trying to get the illusions.
"Richie, stop!" a familiar voice shouted, "Richie!"
Richie stopped himself mid fight and saw LJ defending himself. He dropped his sword as he looked around for the illusions which have vanished.
"LJ?" Richie looked on in surprise.
"What is your deal?!" LJ demanded, "You almost got me!"
Before he could answer, Richie felt himself black out.
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LJ looked on in surprise as Richie dropped to his knees, "Richie? I know it was an accident. Don't need to be too hard on yourself."
He didn't respond.
"Richie?" LJ looked at him. No answer.
"Richie?!" LJ gave his friend a light shake, but again no answer, "Oh no. Richie, what has happened to you?"
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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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