Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Ninety-Nine: The Crumbling Falling Gap
Mandrake, Atascadero and Lothar were grouped together with Duncan, Richie, Amanda, Flash and April.
"Well," Duncan spoke up, "I talked to Father Beaufort again."
"What did he say?" Richie asked.
"He said evil can take many forms," Duncan explained, "The church believes there's one sure way to destroy it – through faith."
"What about you guys?" Lothar asked.
"Ahriman appeared at Tori's grave," Richie explained, "First as Tori, then Dale, then Rebecca."
"Ahriman wanted me me to leave you, Duncan," Amanda told her friend, "she said you would kill me like you killed Tori, but I refused, I knew Ahriman was full of crap."
"Good work, Amanda," Duncan hugged her.
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Methos was walking down the quay. He saw Kronos.
"Hello, Brother," Kronos greeted his friend.
"You're dead," Methos replied.
"Now, is that any way to speak to your fellow horsemen?" Kronos chided.
Methos shook his head, "My fellow horsemen died last year."
Kronos chuckled, "I just come to talk."
"Well, then talk," Methos calmly replied.
"You should tell Joe to abandon MacLeod," Kronos insisted, "to let him fight his own battles."
Methos shook his head, "It's not my place to tell Joe what to do."
"But he's your friend," Kronos argued.
"True, but we're going to stop you," Methos interjected, "Nothing you do will work on me."
"If you help talk Joe out of it, I can give you something in return," Kronos offered.
Methos laughed before stating, "Give me a break. There is nothing you can offer. Not happening."
"Not even – her?" Kronos asked.
"Adam."
Methos looked on in surprise to see Alexa, standing there in front of him, clear as day, "Alexa?"
"I missed you, Adam," Alexa said, "I love you."
"No, she's dead," Methos shook his head, "She's not real."
"But she can be alive again. She can be real once more," Kronos offered, "I can bring her back. Just tell Joe to drop MacLeod. Say you will."
Methos shook his head, clearly refusing the offer.
"Say yes," Kronos insisted.
"No!" Methos shouted, and then moments later, Kronos and Alexa were gone.
Methos looked around and sighed, "Nice try, Ahriman."
With that, he walked away.
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"Henri! Michelle!" Joe called out as he was walking in the cave with Duncan, Mandrake, Lothar and Atascadero all in tow, "They were supposed to meet us topside."
"Maybe they're running late," Mandrake suggested.
"They were really excited about this find," Joe stated, "This cave is Pre – Roman, Pre – Gaelic, even. Six, seven thousand years old."
"This looks like some kind of holy site," Atascadero noted, observing the cave surroundings, "I've never seen anything like it."
Duncan spotted the drawings on the cave walls, "Look at this. Ahriman, or whatever these people call it."
"Yeah, well, I for one don't get it," Lothar stated, looking at the drawings.
"Yeah, they were supposed to meet us here," Joe added.
Mandrake examined the drawings of stick figures surrounding a stick monster with Duncan, "Look at this."
"Looks like we're fighting it," Duncan noted.
"Uh – huh and what's this?" Joe asked, pointing to a figure holding a sword.
"Must be their champion," Mandrake answered.
"Now what?" Duncan asked before he eyed a final drawing; the stick monster was gone and the stick figures were bowing to their champion.
"Looks like they lost," Joe eyed the dead stick figures.
"They did it," Atascadero stated in awe, "They must have beaten him."
Joe studied the mystic "Y" symbol on the cave wall before walking further into the cave, and he found his missing watchers, who were dead.
"Dear God, no!" Joe cried out.
The others joined him, reacting to the dead bodies.
"Oh dear," Mandrake replied before he took his hat off in respect.
The Netherworld
The Phantom looked around the Netherworld walls, "I know you are here."
Kurt appeared in front of him, "Hello, Brother."
"You're not real," the Phantom shook his head, "You must be Ahriman."
"Let's not jump into conclusions, brother," Kurt smirked at his brother, "I've come to give you an opportunity for you."
"What are you talking about?" the Phantom asked, crossing his arms, not convinced by this demon's offer.
"I can give you peace," Kurt answered, "Peace for your Bandar Village. Something you have often longed for."
The Phantom backed away, doing everything he could to keep himself calm.
"All I ask is for you to hand over your daughter," Kurt smirked, "Besides, she's not following your legacy."
"She's following her own path," the Phantom argued, "and in spite of everything, I am proud of her for doing so. I'm not handing her over to you, so it's no deal!"
"And I feel the same sentiments!" Hadea declared as she entered the room, "Get lost, Ahriman!"
Before the Phantom could react, Kurt was gone and only he and Hadea were in the room.
"Are you all right?" Hadea asked, massaging the Phantom's back to try to comfort him.
"I'll be fine," the Phantom answered, "I didn't believe anything Ahriman had said. I knew he was bluffing about giving the Bandar village peace."
"I know," Hadea nodded, "I know. I knew that Ahriman would cause something like this. He knows what would be the best temptation for you, and makes offers which are hard to refuse."
"But Ahriman is dealing with us," the Phantom affirmed, "People who won't give in to temptation that easily."
Paris
Richie looked around in the barge.
"Daddy?"
He turned around and found Jenny standing next to him. His eyes widened in surprise, "Jenny?"
"Daddy, I missed you, Daddy," Jenny spoke with a smile, "You have to avenge us, Daddy."
"What?!" Richie quipped, taken aback by her statement, "What are you talking about?"
"MacLeod killed Mommy," Jenny insisted, "Mommy is dead because of MacLeod. It's his fault."
"What am I supposed to do?" Richie asked.
"You know what you have to do," Jenny answered, "Kill MacLeod. Take his head. Once you do, you will be at peace and so will we."
Richie's eyes widened in horror, realizing that this was another trick from Ahriman. Jenny would have never spoke in such a cold, horrible manner.
"Richie?"
Richie turned to see Amanda, and then he turned to see that Jenny was gone.
"Are you okay?" Amanda asked in concern. April and Amy were also looking on in worry.
Richie managed to catch his breath, "I'm fine."
"No," Amanda shook her head, "No, you don't look fine."
"Amanda, I'm fine, okay?!" Richie exclaimed.
"Was it Ahriman?" Amy asked.
Richie hesitantly answered, "Yes. It was. Ahriman took the form of my daughter, claiming I should kill Mac to avenge Tori."
"You won't do it, will you?" April asked, showing an expression of hopeful and worry.
"No," Richie shook his head, "There's no reason to kill Mac, even if he was the one who killed my wife."
Amanda, April and Amy looked at each other and they appeared to be willing to brush it off, for now.
Richie heard beeping on the tablet nearby and answered it, "Yes?"
"Good to see you again, Richie," Jack greeted his friend upon appearing on screen, "I wish this was on better terms."
"Let me guess," Richie replied, "Ahriman attacked the IUA?"
"Yes," Jack nodded, "Exactly how it is. Some of our agents paid the price, including Janet."
"It can't be," Richie muttered, shocked over the news.
"It happened yesterday," Jack explained, "Some of the agents were ambushed. Janet tried to take matters into her own hands to avenge her daughter, but after seeing her dead husband and then her dead daughter, and even Horton. Horton was the one…the image that killed Janet. He shot her."
"Oh man," Richie looked down sadly. "What will Flash say about this? Janet was his sister after all."
"I don't know." Jack shook his head. "I sent him a notification, but how he handles it, that will be up to him."
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Duncan noticed Beaufort exiting the confessional booth.
"Father, are you all right?" Duncan asked. He noticed he was looking in the other side of the booth, "Who are you looking for?"
"Nobody," Beaufort answered as he started to walk away, "I – I must have dozed off. If you don't mind, Duncan, I'll go and lie down."
"It wasn't a dream," Duncan affirmed, "He was here."
"There is nobody here," Beaufort insisted, "This is God's house. What evil we find here, we bring ourselves."
"You felt it," Duncan asked, "You saw him, didn't you?"
"What can I do?" Beaufort asked in turn.
"Help me fight him," Duncan answered, "Have you seen any of these before?"
He showed Beaufort the pictures of the cave drawings.
"No," Beaufort answered before he backtracked. "Oh, wait a second. Maybe that…"
He started to point at the photo of the symbol and suddenly, the photos all exploded into flames. Beaufort crossed himself again. "Let's go find that symbol."
He started towards the doorway. Suddenly, the breeze blew the doorway curtains around.
"I think we'll use another door," Beaufort declared.
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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.
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