DCH 96
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Ninety-Six: Last Temptation
Rick and Jedda were training while their son was watching in his play pen, trying to mimic his parents' moves.
"Would you look at that?" Rick eyed his son.
He and Jedda eyed their son. Rick picked up Chris and held him in his arms, "You have a lot of potential, little guy."
Hadea walked into the room.
"Hello, Mother," Jedda greeted her.
"I am just checking in," Hadea informed her.
"Thanks," Rick replied before he placed Chris back in the play pen.
"I'm glad we're settling down," Jedda stated.
Rick looked down, appearing to be down about something.
"Rick, what's wrong?" Jedda asked.
"I'm happy with us," Rick answered, "but it's just too bad about Tori."
"I know," Jedda comforted her husband, "I'm sorry."
"Thanks," Rick replied, accepting her comfort, "It's been a year since Tori was killed and I can't help but wonder if death could have been prevented. If…..if I could have done something to keep Tori from dying. I mean, we warned Tori about Richie's fate, but….."
"Ahriman is a tricky enemy," Hadea spoke up, "There was nothing either of you could have done. You did what you could."
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"I told you I'd break Richie," Horton told Duncan, giving him a smug look, "and I did. You're too late, MacLeod. I have him under my power now."
"Richie?!" Duncan called to his friend, trying to shake Richie.
"He can't hear you," Horton replied.
"What did you do to him?" April demanded.
"Like I told MacLeod, I broke him," Horton answered, "I gotta give Richie this, he put up a good fight for an entire year."
"You won't win!" Duncan faced his enemy.
"Oh, but I already have," Ahriman – Horton replied. He vanished. Duncan grabbed Richie gently, and moved him to where the others could see him. Richie's eyes were open, but he wasn't moving.
"Richie?" Duncan called out. No answer.
"Dad, Mandrake, Lothar and Atascadero are on their way," April informed the immortals.
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Flash, Mandrake, Atascadero and Lothar arrived at the parking lot as they saw Richie sitting still.
"What's wrong with him?" Atascadero asked, "Is he sick?"
"Let me try something," Mandrake answered before he used his mind power on Richie, who was seated on the bench. Tensity turned into relief, "Oh good."
"What is it?" Lothar asked.
"Well?" Duncan added.
"Ahriman didn't break him beyond repair," Mandrake answered, "He's catatonic, but he can still be reached."
"How?" Amanda asked.
"Maybe…...let's head to the ship and I'll help," Mandrake stated.
"Okay," Duncan nodded.
Lothar carried Richie into the ship and the others followed.
"I hope this works," Amanda stated.
"It will," Mandrake assured her, "Trust me on this."
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Duncan and Mandrake were seated next to Richie at the edge of the medical bed.
Mandrake lifted his hands as he stood up and glanced at Richie, "Richie Ryan, your friends are here for you. They miss you. MacLeod misses you."
Richie groaned and tried to move.
"He's trying to fight it," Mandrake told the Highlander.
"Will it be enough?"
Everyone looked to see Ahriman – Horton again.
"You don't know when to leave well enough alone," Mandrake chided.
"I knew you were here," Duncan told the demon.
"Very good, MacLeod and they say you can't teach an old dog new tricks," Ahriman – Horton talked to the champion, "So you did learn something in that little monastery. Did you find peace, MacLeod? Will you be calm when I destroy the things you know and all the people you love, including Richie?"
Duncan saw Amanda trying to shield Richie from the demon before Duncan grabbed Horton by the throat.
"What are you trying to do, MacLeod?" Horton asked, "Strangle me or try to guess my weight?"
Suddenly, it was Tori's neck his hand was around. She choked, and Duncan dropped her.
"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Tori demanded, "Are you trying to kill me again?"
Horton appeared behind Duncan as Tori vanished, "You're such a soft spot, Duncan. Duncan. I can call you Duncan, can't I? I see no reason for us to be enemies. After all, you're a warrior. You're a champion. We could help each other."
Flash laughed in response.
"What's so funny?" Horton asked.
"What exactly could you offer?" Mandrake asked, "Duncan is smart enough not to listen to you."
"Exactly," Duncan nodded.
"Why not, because I'm evil?" Horton chuckled, "It's so limited, so human. What is good, and what is evil? Such a limited world, the human mind. I couldn't describe to you what I really am, MacLeod. You wouldn't begin to understand."
"So that's it, isn't it?" Mandrake retorted, "A thousand years of bad PR?"
"Keep out of this!" Duncan exclaimed.
"Nah, let him talk," Horton replied, "In fact….."
He changed to Cathleen, "I now look familiar to the famed magician, yeah?"
"You still don't fool me, Ahriman," Mandrake replied.
"I kinda figured," Cathleen stated with a grin.
"Leave them out of this," Duncan told Ahriman, "It's between you and me."
"But of course, MacLeod," Cathleen replied, trying to seduce the Highlander, "Yes. I can give you a world you can never imagine. I can give you anything."
"There's nothing I want from you," Duncan replied.
Cathleen stepped back, "Is that right, MacLeod? Think about it."
She changed into Horton again, "I can bring anyone back to life."
"No," Duncan firmly told him.
"Don't be hasty, MacLeod," Horton replied, "Don't be hasty."
He closed his eyes and inhaled through his nose, "There are so many memories in here. Now I wonder what it could be? Oh yes. A blast from the past."
"Duncan?"
Duncan looked to see Tessa standing before him, clear as day. He stepped forward, "Tess?"
"Don't listen, MacLeod," Amanda called out, "Tessa's dead."
"Mac," Tessa said to her lover, "you're mad at yourself. I can tell."
"No, she's gone," Duncan rejected the offer, "She's not real."
"Real enough, MacLeod," Horton insisted, "You could have her back forever."
"No, it won't work," Duncan rejected again, "You can't tempt me."
"I'm only getting warmed up. There are plenty more surprises in store," Horton continued, "Didn't you say you want to make things right with Richie? I can make that possible."
"Don't blame yourself, Mac."
Now, Duncan looked and saw Tori clear as day, looking at him.
"There's no way you could've known what happened," Tori continued.
"No," Duncan shook his head, "She's dead too."
"But I can bring her back, and you can make things right with Richie," Horton offered, "Just say the word. Say yes."
"NO!" Duncan shouted. With that, Horton and his ghosts disappeared.
Duncan looked to see Amanda, Flash, Mandrake, Lothar, April, LJ, Atascadero and a catatonic Richie.
"Are you okay?" Atascadero asked.
"I'll be okay," Duncan answered, "Just worry about Richie."
"Richie is still catatonic," April stated, looking at her friend, "Horton tried to pull a big one."
Duncan sat down next to Richie and stroke his face, "Richie."
He didn't respond.
"Oh, Richie," Duncan soothed his friend, "Look at what Ahriman's done to you. I'm so sorry. I swear, I'll save you."
"I know you will."
He turned around to see Amanda, "Amanda."
"Richie is strong," Amanda assured her lover, "With a little help from us, Richie will come out of it. I believe it."
Duncan held her in a loving embrace, "I love you. I do."
"Really?" Amanda asked.
"Yeah," Duncan answered, "You make my heart glad. You always have."
They shared a kiss.
"Now let's go save Richie," Amanda stated.
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"Don't take it so hard, Sophie," Horton gave Sophie some reassurance, "We all have to go sometime."
"But I don't understand," Sophie replied, "How can I be there...and here? How? It can't happen. None of this can happen."
"You're here, Sophie," Horton told her, "Walking, breathing, alive, smelling the flowers because I made it so. I saved you. I gave you another chance."
"You're not…...him?" Sophie inquired.
"Of course I am," Horton affirmed. Sophie stared at him, frowning. Horton caught the blue rubber ball a boy kicked at him. The ball turned red. Horton threw the ball back to the boy, "Come on, Sophie. Of course you know it's me. After all, if you didn't know me well, you would never have got your PhD."
"You're Ahriman," Sophie stated.
"Amongst other things," Horton replied.
"You really exist. You're real," Sophie stated in surprise, "but I don't understand. What do you want from me? I'm nobody."
"Oh no," Horton replied, "You're good. You're kind. You're perfect…...for a small favor. The man who pulled you out of the river yesterday."
"Adam Pierson," Sophie stated, "and there's also the Phantom."
"I'm inquiring about Adam," Horton stated, "I want you to kill him."
Sophie scoffed, "What? I couldn't do that."
"Oh, don't be so modest," Horton replied, "Of course you could. As far as he's concerned, you're a victim. His defenses are down. He's vulnerable. Of course, I could make you do it, like I made you jump off the bridge…..but then he would know I was in here."
He placed his hand on her chest, "No, this must be because you want it to happen."
"But I don't want it to happen," Sophie argued, "Besides, Adam is a nice guy. He's sweet."
"But you will, considering what's at stake," Horton insisted.
"It – it doesn't matter," Sophie stammered, "I won't kill him."
"I'm disappointed in you, Sophie," Horton replied before he held up his hand. She took it hesitantly, then gasped in pain, "You feel that, Sophie? That's the life going out of you, draining away. Now it's in your hand…..now it's going up your arm. Feel that, Sophie? That's death. How does it feel?"
Sophie pulled her hand away.
"Will you kill Adam Pierson?" Horton asked before eyeing Andrew, "Think of your brother. Think of Andrew."
They saw Andrew walking towards the children playing.
"A troubled boy, prone to violence," Horton asked, "What will become of him without you? Drugs, prison?"
"Oi! Give it back to her," Andrew walked towards the kids playing and got into a scuffle with the boys.
"Imagine...on top of a roof with a rifle," Horton told Sophie. "All that anger."
He grabbed her hand again. "I could do that, Sophie."
"No, please," Sophie said. "I beg you, leave him alone."
"Then you know what you have to do," Horton replied. "I don't think it's such a difficult decision."
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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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