Preface: After my character's initial debut in Sailor Moon Defenders, I tried finding out how I can expand the character's growth a bit more. It took a couple of years, but eventually, I ended up coming up with this story.

For context: This story coincides with the Defenders of the Earth series. Inspired by Marzena's story "Defenders of the Earth: This is Their Story", I created these chapters which would be set during certain points of the series, and the Defenders will be making at least one appearance during the story, hence the crossover.

Disclaimer: See Chapter One!

Plot: (Episodes: set towards the end of "The Revolutionary" and during "The Cross of St. Antoine") Charlie leaves; Tori and Richie comfort Joe after the death of his girlfriend.

Not Quite Fine

Charlie walked over to Duncan, preparing to leave with his new lover, Mara.

"It's funny," Charlie stated, "This time I'm the one leaving with the girl, and you're stuck here running the dojo."

"Sure that's what you want?" Duncan asked.

"Yeah," Charlie answered, "I'm sure."

"You know, even if this peace works," Duncan glanced at his friend, "it's gonna be harder than any war."

"I'm needed, man," Charlie insisted, "Whether it's to fight or rebuild, I'm needed. I like the way that feels."

Duncan looked down and nodded.

"Hey, you sure you don't want to come along?" Charlie offered, "We could always use another pair of strong hands."

"No, it's not for me," Duncan replied as he stood up and walked face to face with his friend, "Besides, somebody's gotta look after the place."

"Yeah," Charlie replied before both men shook hands and Charlie started to leave.

"Hey, Charlie," Duncan called out. Charlie turned around and faced his friend as he made a peace sign, "Stay safe."

"You know it," Charlie replied, "and don't worry, your secret is safe with me, even from Mara."

"Thanks," Duncan replied before he turned around and left the dojo.

-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-

Tori sighed sadly as she closed her laptop.

"What's the matter?" Richie asked as he walked over to her.

"It's just sad," Tori answered, "Charlie is going to be leaving town."

"I know," Richie hugged her, "but he's finally found someone, and wanting to do something with his life."

"Just as we are," Tori gave a small smile, "but still, it's going to be weird going to the dojo, knowing he is no longer there. After all, he used to own the dojo before Mac did."

"You're right you know."

The couple hear a knock on the door.

"Anybody home?"

"Just a minute!" Tori called out. She glanced at Richie before they walked over to the doorway. Tori opened the door and it was Charlie.

"Hey, man," Richie greeted his friend.

"Glad to see you two are doing well," Charlie smiled, "I am going to miss you guys."

"We're going to miss you too," Tori replied, giving a small smile.

"You two sure you don't want to join us?" Charlie offered.

"No thanks," Richie shook his head, "besides, I don't think her mom would allow us."

"That's understandable. I'll see you, Richie."

"See you, Charlie."

They both shared a hug before Charlie eyed Tori.

"We'll miss you, Charlie," she spoke up as she walked over to give him a hug.

"I know," Charlie replied as he proceeded to hug her, "you take care of Richie, hear me?"

"Clear and loud," Tori nodded, hugging her friend.

Charlie then handed Tori a piece of paper, "What is it?"

"I'm one phone call away," Charlie answered, "and one email away. Promise me you'll contact me at least once in your busy immortal life."

"Promise."

Tori and Richie shared a group hug with Charlie.

"Take care," Richie told him.

"You two take care," Charlie replied before he left the apartment, closing the door behind him.

Tori sighed sadly again. Richie looked over at her, "What do you say we share a romantic night together to cheer you up?"

"That sounds good," Tori smiled.

-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-

Joe stepped out of his car, looking forward to see his girlfriend, whistling with contentment. He walked over to the doorway and knocked on the door, "Lauren."

No answer.

"Lauren?" he called out again.

Again, no answer. Joe rattled the doorknob, trying to get in. Seconds later, he saw a man strangling Lauren.

"Lauren!" Joe yelled from outside, "Lauren! No!"

He used his cane to beat on the door window, "Lauren! Lauren!"

The attacker dropped Lauren's lifeless body on the floor as Joe broke through the window.

-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-

Richie eyed Tori as they both shared concern for their friend.

"How bad was it?" Tori asked.

"Joe said he was strangling her when he found her," Richie answered, "it was brutal. I can't imagine what he's going through, had it been you."

"Same here," Tori sighed sadly.

The two looked to see Joe playing on his guitar sadly.

"We can be in love a hundred times," Tori stated.

"We might just get that chance," Richie chimed in, "but at least we get to have that chance."

Joe eyed the couple as he put down his guitar, "How are things going with you two?"

"We're doing better than we were," Tori answered, "we're more concerned for your well being right now."

"Tori's right," Richie added, "for you to have lost your girlfriend like that, I can't imagine."

"Well," Joe proceeded to ask, "not meaning to change the subject, but how are you handling things regarding your ordeal with Ming and his immortal cohorts?"

"At least we don't have to deal with it anymore," Richie answered, "Mac and Tori took care of Keogh and Felicia respectively, and I started therapy with Dr. Burns to deal with the aftermath of the ordeal."

Joe smiled in response, "Good. That's what I needed to hear. That had been on my mind since we got you home from being imprisoned by Ming besides dealing with Ming."

"What about Mac and Amanda?" Richie asked, "How are they dealing with this?"

Joe sighed before he answered, "They're helping me find this son of a bitch who killed Lauren."

"What can we do?" Tori asked.

"There's not much you guys can do," Joe insisted, "you two need to recover from what Felicia did to you guys, especially Richie. I think it'll be best for you two to focus on your relationship and recovery. Let MacLeod and Amanda deal with this situation."

"Are you sure about that?" Tori asked.

"I'm sure as I'll ever be," Joe answered, "you two focus on each other and healing from that stunt Ming pulled on you."

Tori sighed. She hated being benched, but yeah, Dawson had a point. Richie needed her. He'd be there for her if she was the one suffering from that ordeal. Tori guessed it was probably for the best to leave this mission to MacLeod and Amanda, and let them help Dawson.