DCH 97
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Ninety-Seven: Crunch Time
Methos walked onto the bridge with Sheila and the Phantom in tow and they saw where Sophie was standing, waiting for them.
"Sophie?" Methos stated.
"He wants me to kill you," Sophie told Methos, "He offered me my life. He told me it would be easy."
"It's not easy," Methos replied.
"It never is," the Phantom added.
'I shouldn't even be here," Sophie said, "You saved me once. You know Duncan MacLeod, the supposed champion, do you?"
"Yes," Methos nodded, "We know Duncan MacLeod."
"Then, there's nothing you can do," Sophie told the group, "MacLeod is the only one who can defeat him. Is there anything – is there any way you can – please, I want so much to live."
"I'm sorry," Methos shook his head.
"What he did to me….what he does….it's wrong," Sophie told the group, "It's evil."
"Then help us destroy him," Sheila added, "help MacLeod destroy him. You've studied him. You've studied him, you've studied the legends. How can MacLeod defeat him?"
"I don't know," Sophie answered, "I think every champion has to find his own way."
"Sophie, what does that mean?" Methos asked.
"We need to know how," the Phantom added.
Suddenly, a shot fired and Methos was hit, falling with a cry.
Andrew arrived with a machete in one hand and lowering the gun with the other hand, "He told me everything. He said if I kill him, you'll live. It'll take another ally away from Duncan MacLeod. He said you'll be all right. He promised me."
"Andrew, no," Sophie walked over to Andrew.
"He said you'd live," Andrew stressed, "Don't you see? It's you or him."
"You can't kill for me," Sophie insisted, "I won't let you!"
He pushed Sophie away and raised the machete over Methos.
"Andrew!" Sophie climbed onto the bridge railing, "Andrew! Andrew, no! He said I would do anything because I loved you. He was right."
She climbed over the railing.
"No, no," Andrew called out, "No, don't!"
He ran towards her, but the Phantom stopped him, "Sophie, no!"
Sheila clasped her hands onto her mouth in shock and horror as Sophie jumped into the river.
"Why?" Andrew asked, distraught.
"Because she loved you," Sheila answered.
"I'm sorry, kid," the Phantom comforted Andrew as he understood what it was like to lose a sibling, someone he loved.
"Poor, poor Sophie," Methos muttered as he looked at the water.
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Methos looked on as a white rose bled red and the river turned white as a red rose was floating in the water.
"Methos?"
He looked to see Joe with the Phantom and Sheila.
"How long have you guys been out here?" Joe asked.
"For some time now," the Phantom answered, "Ahriman tried to get to that poor kid Andrew."
"Sophie's dead too," Methos shook his head.
"I'm aware of that part," Joe replied, "It's like how Ahriman pushed Richie over the edge."
"Richie?" Sheila glanced over in surprise.
"From what the Defenders said, it was a mess," Joe answered, "Losing Tori and Ahriman playing his mind games, it pushed Richie too far to a catatonic state."
Methos looked back at the bridge, "The white of the water creates a hole, nothing but darkness and despair. There's a hole in the world. Feels like we ought to have known."
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"I placed a bit more hypnosis to Richie," Mandrake told Duncan, "Let's try again."
"I'll go first," April stepped forward, walking over to Richie, who was sitting in a catatonic state, "Hey, Richie. It's April. I'm sorry for letting you out of my sight, leading to your meltdown. I feel like an idiot for that."
She sighed before continuing, "Richie, you're family to us all. You've taken great care of Tori, and I owe it to her to help you here. You're a fighter and I'm amazed on how spirited you are, even when Kalas had you prisoner or that Felicia girl. We love you, Richie. Come back to us."
Richie tried to move again, "A…..A…..Ap….."
"Take your time," April told him, "Don't try to hurt yourself coming back."
Amanda stepped forward next, "Hey, Richie. Richard the Lionheart. The name is appropriate as you do have the heart of a lion. Don't let Ahriman gain the upper hand against you. You're stronger than what that demon gives you credit for. Nothing Kalas, Felicia, or even Ming have done hasn't stopped you, this won't either. You're a fighter, Richie. Fight it. We all love you, Richie."
Richie slowly started to move around, slowly.
"Good. That's good," Duncan walked over to Richie to give him the final push, "Richie, I'm sorry for what I did last year. I took Tori from you and I'll have to live with that for all of my life."
Duncan held Richie's hand, "I'm still your friend and I know how much you loved Tori and how much she loved you. I regret what I've done to you, to Tori, to her family."
He sighed before he continued, "I'd like to take back what happened, but I can't. I'd like so much for you and Tori to be together still…..but…...I took that from you. I'm sorry."
Duncan was now near tears, seeing Richie in the state he was in, "I'm so…...very sorry."
Richie suddenly blinked and moved around more, stirring. He touched Duncan's face, removing tears that were falling down his face, something that the Highlander made aware that he was crying.
"M…..M….M….." Richie started speaking.
Duncan continued to hold Richie's hand, "Yeah, I'm here."
Everyone in the ship looked on with anticipation.
"Mac. Mac?" Richie called out, "Mac!"
He leaned forward and hugged Duncan, "Mac."
"He's back," Flash stated with a smile.
"Thank goodness," Lothar sighed with relief.
"Mac, I…..I….." Richie started to say.
"It's all right, tough guy," Duncan continuing to hug his student, "It's all right."
"Mac, I…" Richie told his teacher, "Mac, I forgive you."
"It's great that you're back with us, Richie," Amanda glanced over at her friend, smiling.
"She's right, lad," Mandrake smirked, "Welcome back."
Richie gave out a small smile, "Thanks."
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Sheila, Joe and Methos were looking through different stuff, research for Ahriman to be exact.
Suddenly, Methos sensed the Buzz. Duncan entered the barge with Amanda, Richie, Flash, Mandrake, LJ, Lothar and Atascadero all in tow.
"Richie, welcome back!" Joe exclaimed.
"Thanks," Richie replied as Joe hugged him.
"Mandrake told us what happened," Sheila chimed in.
"Ahriman used hallucinations to push me over the edge," Richie stated, "I'm aware of that."
"What happened to the Phantom?" Flash asked.
"He headed to the Netherworld to help Hadea and Rick protect Jedda," Joe answered, "you know, in case Ahriman tried to attack there."
"Any luck finding anything?" Duncan asked.
Joe showed him a clay tablet, "One of my archaeologists found this symbol all over Landry's site in Iraq, and he recognized it from an Egyptian temple dedicated to set."
Duncan looked in the small book, "Schliemann found the same symbol when he uncovered the ruins of Troy."
"What does it mean?" Richie asked.
"It means it's a tangible link to Ahriman," Duncan answered, "This thing might be the key to destroying him."
"But how do we beat something with the power of life and death?" Atascadero asked.
"Because we have to," Duncan answered.
"Because there's no one else?" Sheila asked.
"Correct," Duncan affirmed.
Joe sighed as he stared at the tablet resting on a pile of books and papers. The stone tablet had an engraved Y shape surrounded by three dots.
"What the hell?" Flash stated.
"Exactly," Duncan replied.
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Author's Note:
And that wraps up the "Avatar" chapters of the finale. Now it's on to "Armageddon" and things are going to take a wild turn, so brace yourself! On a side note, the Vei Entertainment copies of Highlander: The Series the complete series DVD set has it where the tag of the "Avatar" episode was not present, just like in the Heroes and Icons channel as well as Me – TV plus channel, oddly enough. Meanwhile, the older Season 6 DVD has the tag of the "Avatar" episode. Truly odd.
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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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