Kenzi had spent many years ducking and diving in and out of her share of hell holes. The worst hell hole was her childhood home. Her mom's bf was an asshole to her and her mother all but condoned it. Kenzi knew she had to run. So she did.
Her first days on the streets were awful. Either she had a warm roof over her head or no roof at all. She slowly but surely made friends with drug dealers, artists, gang members. All in all bad men and women. She never stayed in on spot too long because she couldn't really trust some of the people she hung out with. She was alone and unloved. She had odd jobs here and there to try and keep food in her belly. Mostly what she could scrape together with a five finger discount.
Then the day came. The day. The day Kenzi's life would change for the good or as good as it could be and forever. She met Bo. Flash-forward about 3 years later and here she was feeling alone again. She had a Faemily and even found love. Both seemed lost to her now. Her anchor. Her main Fae had cast her aside for a guy that didn't even like any of them. Dyson. Lauren. Trick. Tamsin. All outcasts. Kenzi had the others but they paled compared to Bo. She had done so much with Bo and they were practically strangers now. Dyson, Tamsin and Trick were Fae and Lauren had all but aligned with the Dark so she had protection and things to do. Kenzi was literally back to nothing. She may as well have returned to the streets and wait to be swooped up and eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner by the very group she once embraced but now felt alienated from.
She tried reaching out to Bo but it wasn't the same. Bo wasn't the same. Kenzi knew she wasn't the same. Just a human. No powers. All she had was her street smarts and shadow thief abilities. Dyson tried to teach her what he could but it wasn't enough. She was starting to feel as empty as the shot glasses she kept emptying out.
Then there was Hale. Her love. Her walking hangover cure. Her best friend at the time. She had grown to love him and he even proposed. Then he was murdered. She was angry. Bo should have been there. Bo should have brought him back like she did Dyson. Why wasn't Hale worthy? Her eyes burned with tears. Her heart burned with anger. Her brain burned with the guilt of giving Massimo the Twig of Zamora. She didn't stab Hale but she may as well have. He was protecting her and lost his life in the process. Hale, a Fae, was dead. What could Kenzi do now? How could she go on? Could she find the silver lining in any of this? She wanted out. When Bo came home she sought her freedom. She didn't want to be claimed anymore by the woman that left her behind. She was heading to Lauren.
Lauren's
Oh what a web we weave when we practice to deceive. Yes Lauren was dishonest. Yes Lauren seemed robotic and cold at times. Yes she left Bo. But it wasn't as easy as any of them thought. How could they question a woman that had saved them and humans many times over? How could they question a woman they sought out when they needed a genius plan, medical treatments, or cause of death for one of their many cases? How could they question a human woman that went against Ash after Ash? How could they question the woman that came up with the Naga venom serum to take down the Garuda? There Lauren sat. In her car. Angry and trying not to allow a single tear to fall. Why should she? Were any of them worth of her tears? Was Bo? Bo. She gave her hard proof that saving Rainer would raise Hel itself.
Lauren had just left Bo in her bedroom. Rainer was waiting.
Lauren : "She's all yours".
Rainer: I know that and for her sake and the good of the Fae, you must never come near her again".
Lauren: Please if I'm not scared of Bo, I'm surely not scared of you.".
Lauren shook her head recalling that. Bo didn't believe her. She thought Lauren was lying to her yet again. Trying to destroy Bo's bubble of happiness. What good would it do Lauren to lie about the end of the world as they all knew it? Lauren was done. Tired. Exhausted. Frustrated. Resolved to her fate. She headed to Evony.
Lauren had packed a bag and everything she needed. Then came a knock at the door.
"Kenzi?
"Hey Lauren, I know it's late but can I come in? Kenzi asked.
Lauren looked at her, she looked like she had gone a few rounds with the Succubus too.
"Sure come on in", Lauren said dropping her bag for the time being.
"I'm sorry. I just needed somewhere to go. I just can't be at the crack shack Lauren. I can't", Kenzi said nearly in tears.
"Of course, I know you want a drink so please make yourself at home and grab you one or a few. The fridge is full too. But I have an errand to run", Lauren said.
"Oh. Ok. Thanks. Again I'm sorry Lauren", Kenzi half smiled.
"Don't worry about it. I will be back soon", Lauren said heading out the door, determined to get to Evony.
Kenzi showered and made herself at home. There were books on Lauren's coffee table that she neatly stacked on one end and spread her food out on the other end. She grabbed the remote and a sandwich to find a movie to watch. She flipped through the channels and found a show she and Hale used to watch. "I'm gonna need more liquor", She said getting up to get some.
It wasn't helping. The liquor wasn't helping. Not even after an hour. She felt alone and worthless. Hale was gone. Lauren was nice enough to let her in and to stay but she was gone for the moment too. Bo? Kenzi snorted. Bo was too busy in bed with the asshole to even care that Kenzi had walked out on her. Kenzi was tired of it. She couldn't find enough liquor or anything on TV to keep her mind occupied and dull. In her frustrations she went to grab her bag that she had packed at the crack shack. In her haste she took one of the books that didn't belong to her. She flipped through the pages and couldn't read any of it. She sent Tamsin a text asking her to come over. Tamsin was iffy since it was Lauren's but since it was Kenzi calling and she had assured her Lauren wasn't home, she went.
Unknown location.
Bo was pissed off. Nothing in her life seemed to be going right. Just about everyone she knew was turning or her, plotting against her or walked out. Like Kenzi did. Kenzi. That hurt a lot but Bo knew Kenzi only needed a few days and they would be best buds again. Rainer was her destiny and her life still had a purpose. All she needed to do was free him and that would be that. But what would be what? Could she really rule over her friends with Rainer. Her family? The Blood King?
No. No. They made their decisions and she had made hers, Rainer was it and everyone else would just have to deal with it. She headed to meet him after Kenzi had left her. Rosette's directions were spot on so they were easy to find. Taking a deep breath she got out of the Camaro and walked over to meet them. She arrived just as Rosette was starting a fire to keep them warm. Putting up her best front and almost her best smile she thought "I just need to save him", and Rosette started the ceremony to do so.
Then the Cinvat opened and Rosette revealed her betrayal. Bo thought nothing of it until the soldier was pulled towards the fire screaming for mercy she would not get. Bo thought nothing of it. It's just a really big fireplace. Taking Rainer's hand they headed towards her car and home. She was going to give her King a night worthy of his new reign.
Lauren's
Tamsin had come and translated every single page of the book Kenzi found and offered to read other books for her but she knew Lauren would be back soon and she did not want to be here when she arrived home. Kenzi was really drunk by now so Tamsin highlighted what she read, wrote it out so Kenzi could understand it and told her she was leaving. Kenzi stumbled to the door to lock it and back to the couch and passed out. She would be able to sleep for hours with a better roof over her head and no sounds of sex coming from Bo's room like she endured at the crack shack. "Mama needs sleep", she mumbled.
The next day
Kenzi woke up and suspected Lauren was upstairs in bed. She sat up as best she could being hella hungover. She dropped a few tears thinking Hale could cure that for her. She reached for a bottle on the table but found it empty. "Empty. Worthless. Like me", she said. She put it back and discovered the book she was reading the night before. "Daughter's heart. Close portal. What in the shit did I just read? She asked herself.
"Lauren? Lauren? She called up the stairs. "She got up and went. Time for a shower mama", Kenzi half smiled grabbing clothes from her bag to go and shower. Lauren was such a neat freak, Kenzi didn't need to look for towels or soap. Kenzi hated her shampoo but since she didn't pack any, it would have to do for now. Thirty minutes later she emerged. "So fresh and so clean clean", She said. She made it downstairs and noticed she had missed a call. She looked at the number and noticed it was from Tamsin. She picked up and called her back, but didn't get an answer. She tried calling Lauren but didn't get an answer either. "Geez nobody is answering today", and she sure as hell wasn't about to call Bo.
The Dal later that day
"Tamsin".
"Trick, can I get a beer please? Tamsin asked looking around the almost empty bar.
"Really dead in here tonight", Tamsin said.
"I guess", Trick said.
"What's wrong? Tamsin asked Trick.
"I'm just worried. A rumor has come to my attention that a Cinvat opened last night", He answered back.
"How the hell did that happen? Tamsin asked.
"It had to have been Bo setting Rainer free again", Trick answered knowing this was not good for Fae or humans if it was true.
"So what are we going to do about it? Do you want me to run over and check? Tamsin asked.
"No. That won't be necessary, I sent Dyson to check it out with a few Light Fae members.
"That's good. D won't hesitate to report back to you", Tamsin said sipping her beer.
They stared at each other quietly until they heard from Dyson. Who came running into the pub.
"Dyson! Trick screamed.
"Trick this is bad. This is really, really bad", Dyson said almost panting.
"What is? Tamsin said pushing him down on a bar stool.
"There are Revnants coming out of that thing Trick. I barely escaped myself. They took out the other Fae that went with me", Dyson said chugging the rest of Tamsin's beer.
"Shit! Tamsin said.
"What do we do? Dyson asked.
"Hello Blood King? What do we do? Tamsin asked when Trick went sheet white.
"Damn it. I told Bo this was a bad idea", Trick said heading to his lair.
"What do we do? Dyson asked Trick.
"Wait here I will be back", Trick said almost running down the stairs.
"Bo", Dyson said picking up his phone to call her.
Trick came running back up the stairs.
"She didn't answer? Tamsin asked Dyson.
"No ever since she's been with Rainer, she's just lost to us", He snapped.
"Trick you're our only hope for answers then", Tamsin said.
"We have to close it somehow", Trick said slamming down a book showing them what he had found.
"Daughter's heart and portal? Hey Kenzi had a book like that", Tamsin said.
"Kenzi? Dyson and Trick asked in unison.
"Yeah I thought it was Lauren's since that's where she is", Tamsin said.
"Lauren's? Dyson and Trick asked in unison again.
"Look we don't have time for echoes but yes, Kenzi is at Lauren's with a book that said the same thing", Tamsin said.
"Damn it, we need Bo", Dyson said calling her again.
"I tried to warn her. But no she didn't listen to me", Trick said shaking his head while rubbing his hands together. This was bad and he knew it. Even with all of the Fae he knew, there weren't enough for the armies that could come out of the Cinvat.
The Clubhouse
Bo's phone was ringing every five minutes. Rainer was getting irritated. "Aren't you going to answer that? He asked.
"It's just Dyson. Whatever he wants it can wait until tomorrow", Bo said shaking her head at her phone as she turned her attention back to Rainer. When it rung again Rainer threw his head back in frustration.
"Just answer it", He said.
"It's Trick. Dyson has likely got him all up in arms over us", Bo said.
"If you say so", Rainer said.
"It's nothing really", Bo said.
The Dal
"Shit, she's not picking up for either of us", Dyson wailed.
"Then we have to handle this ourselves", Tamsin said.
"Yeah but how? We don't have the manpower", Dyson said.
"Then we call every Fae we know to get there immediately. We really needed Bo but we don't have time to play these tag team phone games with her", Trick said.
Tamsin watched as Trick and Dyson got on their phones. She was starting to worry about Kenzi and even Lauren. If those freaks came out of there, they could attack them anywhere. She was sure the Blood King could pull together an army of Fae big enough to stay on the job for as long as they could to find a way to close the damn thing.
Lauren's
Kenzi was dressed and just about to head out. She had called Lauren again but knew the work hungry Doctor was likely slaving over some microscope or working on a Fae sample for Evony. She picked up her phone again to call her to let her know she would be out too when she noticed Tamsin calling.
"Hey Kenzi, are you guys alright? Tamsin asked.
"Yes I'm fine. I have no idea where Lauren is, she hasn't answered my calls all day", Kenzi responded.
"She's a workaholic you know that", Tamsin said.
"That's true. I'm headed out myself. Where are you? Kenzi asked.
"I'm at the Dal with Trick. Listen Kenzi about that book", Tamsin started.
"Yeah thanks for translating it for me. I felt dumb. Lauren would know or at least have a clue what it says", Kenzi half smiled.
"Hey Dyson me and Trick are here if you want to come and hang out at the Dal", Tamsin said. Trying not to scare her friend but wanting to be able to keep an eye on her at the same time.
"Yeah. Yeah I'm heading out. See ya", Kenzi said playfully.
"Ok girl. Get here soon I'll have a beer or two waiting on ya", Tamsin laughed hanging up.
The Clubhouse
Bo's phone had rung so much she turned it off when Rainer went to shower. She knew what they wanted and no she wasn't giving up on Rainer just because they didn't like him or trust him. As far as their warnings nothing bad had happened yet. She and Rainer were still alive. Albeit Rosette had a horrible death and her screams were already haunting Bo. But she would not be bullied for freeing Rainer from what she had hoped was his last curse. She became so upset with the phone call intrusions that she put it in up under her bed. When Bo climbed back into bed she felt cold shivers go up and down her spine. "Drafty crack shack", She said pulling the covers over her.
The Dal
Tamsin looked at the clock. "Kenzi should have been here by now".
"I'm sure she will be soon drinking me out of house and home", Trick said.
They sat in silence while Dyson was still on the phone trying to call on as many Fae as he could. They couldn't wait much longer. There would be so many Revnants coming out of there, it truly would be an army. Tamsin took a few deep breaths tapping her fingernails on the bar top until Dyson finally got off of the phone.
"We need to move", Dyson said.
"What? Kenzi's not here yet", Tamsin said trying to control her nerves and worry for her.
"Fine we can wait ten more minutes but that's it", Dyson said once again trying to call Bo but still didn't get an answer.
"Damn that girl", He said slamming his phone down so hard on the bar, the screen cracked. "Great just great".
Tamsin called Kenzi again. "Hey girl, you're still not here yet and Trick's almost out of beer", She lied.
"Hey I'm on my way. Yep I am on my way and all will be right with the world again", Kenzi said.
Tamsin cringed at those words. "Well hurry up and get here then".
"Ok later", Kenzi said.
Dyson's ten minute window had turned to twenty. Trick had gotten calls of attacks near the Cinvat. He couldn't wait anymore and told the duo in front of him to load up. They all grabbed what gear they could and headed for Dyson's car.
"Dyson stop driving like an old lady and floor it. Hell use the sirens if you need to but hurry up", Tamsin said holding her sword on the ready.
Trick tried calling Bo again. They could stop by the clubhouse but didn't have time to. If they didn't get to the Cinvat and stop the Revenants there wouldn't be much of the Fae left by morning.
"This is bullshit. Bo is being damn right selfish", Dyson said.
"Well look who finally nutted up", Tamsin said.
"What? Dyson asked.
"Stop it you two and Dyson she's right, floor it or use the sirens", Trick said from the back seat.
"Damn Lauren's not picking up either", Tamsin said hanging up her phone.
"What the hell is it with those two when we need them most? Dyson asked.
"Well Lauren is probably working and well Bo, she's a Succubus so we know what she's probably working on", Tamsin said.
"Shit Revenants in the streets now", Dyson said swerving not to hit them and make his car flip over.
"Don't be afraid to hit those bastards", Tamsin said.
"Sorry Tamsin we're not going there again, I barely came back", Dyson said.
Trick sat in the back in silence. He was trying to focus on what he knew. Those two in the front were still going at it and he needed to be the adult one. He had no idea why Bo wasn't answering anyone's calls but he knew they had lost their Bo when she brought Rainer home for a meet and greet.
After another ten minutes of driving and Tamsin complaining that Dyson truly drove like an old lady, they arrived at the Cinvat. They were attacked as soon as Dyson parked the car. Revenants in front of the car, behind the car, on top of the car. It looked like a horror movie flick.
"The Return of the Living Dead", Tamsin screamed as the trio fought their way to the Cinvat.
"There's so many of them", Dyson said.
"Dyson where's the Fae you rounded up? Trick asked.
"You mean besides the bodies lining the road? Dyson replied.
"Well shit. I guess it's just us then", Tamsin said. Please be at the Dal Kenzi.
The trio fought hard as the Revenants kept coming by the hordes. Tamsin looked at Trick. She hadn't actually seen the Blood King fight for hundreds of years but he had impressive skills. They kept fighting through the soldiers, through the pain of their new scars. Through their anger at the resident Succubus.
"Shit looks like everyone I've called are dead. We should have called the Morrigan and requested Dark Fae", Dyson said.
"Dude are you serious? Evony would just sit back and watch us do all the dirty work and then take the glory when we're dead", Tamsin snapped while taking on and out another Revenant.
Almost have an hour went by and they were still fighting fresh Revenants. Even Trick had to shake his head. They were truly outnumbered and thought about The Morrigan but by the time she assembled her crew, they would be dead anyways. He knew Bo saving Rainer was a bad idea. He should have cursed him elsewhere besides a train. Someplace where the Succubus would be too frightened to go. But that just wasn't Bo, for all her bravado and strength, she was also carefree and rebellious at times. He was doing his best considering the monsters towered over him. He was the Blood King, why didn't he just write the Cinvat to close? This was not good for Fae. Hell it wasn't good for humans who would be attacked thinking this was something straight out of a blockbuster horror movie.
"Shit!
"Tamsin? Dyson asked wincing through is pain.
"Kenzi!
"What Tamsin? Dyson asked again unable to turn around because he had two Revenants trying to jump on his back.
"No Kenzi! No! Tamsin screamed.
Dyson and Trick stopped fighting long enough to see the small girl walk up to the Cinvat , turned to them once and walked in.
"Nooooo! Kenzi! Tamsin cried running to her.
"How the hell did she even find this place? Trick asked angrily.
"Damn it! Dyson growled dropping to his knees. He raised his head and growled again running towards the Cinvat. By the time he got here, it was too late. His friend was gone. Tamsin was kneeling over her in tears. Dyson released growl after growl. Trick looked at them and what he saw looked like a little girl playing with her doll and a dog standing guard.
"Bo", Trick whispered.
Tamsin cried for as long as she could before she knew what she needed to do. She needed to take her fallen friend to Valhalla. The guilt of translating that book for Kenzi was pounding at her Valkyrie heart like Kenzi's boots would the Dal on any given night. "Kenzi she cried". Spreading her wings to take her away, she mouthed "Bo", to Dyson and Trick.
What felt like hours were only minutes to Trick and Dyson as they stood near the Cinvat, dead Revenants surrounding them. Tamsin had long left with Kenzi and the men couldn't find the courage to leave. One of their humans. One of their true warriors, gone.
Dyson still in wolf form swallowed hard. His friend was gone and how would he ever get Bo to listen to him long enough to tell her. "This is your fault", Dyson bristled inside.
"Dyson let's go", Trick said gently touching his head as he watched the shifter sitting like a lost dog waiting for it's owner to come home.
"Who's gonna tell her? Dyson asked softly as he and Trick walked back to his car.
"I don't know", Trick said through tears. He had grown quite fond of Kenzi, even if she nearly drank him out of business at times.
"Lauren...Lauren could soften the blow for Bo", Dyson said.
"Bo is as angry at Lauren as she is the rest of us Dyson", Trick said softly trying not to make either of their pain worse by thinking of Bo tossing them all aside.
"But she's a Doctor. Surely she's had to tell a family when a family member has ...died", Dyson choked out.
"Lauren it is then. We have to find her first", Trick said.
"Evony.. I will go to Evony first thing in the morning. To Dyson it already felt like morning. A horrible nightmare even a Fae wouldn't want to endure. Kenzi was gone. Tamsin was gone taking Kenzi to Valhalla. Hale. He couldn't bring himself to think about how Hale would react to seeing Kenzi there now and so soon. If Hale ever expected to see her again. Lauren. Who knows where Lauren was. Telling her this would not be easy either. He knew the Doctor loved Bo and this would break her heart at the thought of telling finally used his police sirens taking Trick back and then Evony's. He would go to Evony and he wouldn't wait until morning. No. Forget formalities, this was important. He finally used his sirens taking Trick back to the Dal.
The Dark Fae compound.
"What in the hell is going on out here? Evony asked walking out of her bedroom.
"I'm sorry ma'am it's the shifter. He took out a few of our guards insisting on seeing you", a guard said.
"Our guards? Evony asked raising a eyebrow.
"I'm sorry ma'am, your guards",The guard replied.
"Fine. Fine if it will stop all of this noise, I will see him. Tell him to have a seat in the foyer, while I put on some proper attire", Evony said.
Twenty minutes later Evony walked into the foyer looking like she just stepped out of the shower.
"What brings you hear dog? She asked.
"Look Evony I don't have time to play, where is Lauren? Dyson asked with his face fresh full of tears.
"I didn't know dogs could cry", Evony mocked him.
Dyson growled and it startled her. "I'm sorry. I just need to know where Lauren is".
"Why? Evony asked.
"I need to talk to her, it's very important", Dyson said.
"I already heard about the human. Dr. Lewis can't raise the dead so again, why are you here? She asked.
"I need to talk to Lauren! Dyson said as softly as his pain would allow him to.
"Let me guess the Succubus doesn't know and you want Dr. Lewis to soften the blow", Evony mocked him. When Dyson didn't respond she started again.
"Honey. Honey. Honey. If you need someone to tell the Succubus and bring her down to her pathetic human loving knees all you had to do was ask. I'd be glad to do it", Evony said.
"I need to talk to Lauren. It has to be her", Dyson pleaded again.
"Why because the Succubus loves her? And where is the Succubus now? Back on her choo choo, she calls Rainer? Evony said trying to control her laughter at the ridiculousness of it all. A powerful Fae shacking up with another dog in Evony's eyes.
"I just need to see Lauren, please", Dyson said.
"Alright, alright. Don't piss on my leg like a fire hydrant or something", Evony said.
"I won't and where is she? Dyson asked.
"I have no idea where Dr. Lewis is. It's late. I assumed she would be home sleeping or plotting to kill me", Evony said.
"What? You had me standing here all this time begging you to speak to Lauren and you don't know where she is? Dyson asked.
"Well it's fun and besides the longer I can stall you the more the Succubus will be pissed off thinking you stalled telling her. Either way it works for me darling", Evony said batting her eyes at Dyson.
"Damn", Dyson said storming out of the compound. He turned on his police sirens and sped off towards the Dal. Tears running down his eyes, he could hardly see to drive much less try and obey speeding laws. After an hour he arrived.
"Trick! He called towards the Blood King's lair.
"Dyson. I thought you were heading home for the night", Trick said emerging.
"Trick we have a problem", Dyson said.
"What now? Trick sighed. It had already been a rough enough night.
"You can say that again. Can I have a keg to myself? Tamsin asked walking in.
"Tamsin", Trick said softly.
"No seriously I'm gonna need it", She replied.
"Tamsin we all miss Kenzi I hardly think a keg is gonna dull that pain", Trick said handing her a beer instead.
"Dude. Vodka. Something really strong", Tamsin said.
"Sorry Tamsin but we need to find Lauren. Bo has to know and before Evony tells her", Dyson said.
"Bo..yeah", Tamsin said.
Valhalla
Dead life wasn't as bad as Kenzi thought it would be. They had already givien her a kick ass suite and food galore. Her shoes and dresses weren't bad either. She wondered how long it would be until she stumbled on Hale. Hale would be worth being here now. She decided there was no better time than now to go exploring. It's not like she had anywhere else to go or needed sleep. Tamsin had dropped her off and Freyja had told the Valkyrie to kick rocks out of there until she brought someone else to her. She and Tamsin couldn't even get a hug goodbye the head bitch was so pushy.
Kenzi walked around to what felt like days to her feet but she wasn't tired. It was like walking on the plushest carpet you could find. There was a beauty parlor, a game room, a theater, but no liquor store. The joint really looked classy. She decided she would walk the halls and see if she recognized any of the names. For all the Fae Bo killed surely one name she would notice. She didn't see any names so she wandered back into the main foyers. Dentist offices, foot doctors, masseuse. "Mama gonna check that out", Kenzi smiled. "Therapists, and an empty office. Now the young lady was interested. She slightly opened the door. Everything in it was gold. Gold desks, gold curtains, gold chairs. Gold microscopes.
"Eat your heart out hotpants. She would love this shit", Kenzi whispered.
"Dr Lewis was written on a nameplate. Holy shit", Kenzi said falling to the floor.
"Dr. Lewis? Kenzi heard Freyja calling someone.
"It can't be", Kenzi said tiptoeing out of the office.
"Ahhh Ms. Malikov perfect timing I need to speak with you and Dr. Lewis here", Freyja said.
"Lauren? No! No. It can't be! Kenzi said.
"Kenzi what the hell, no offense Freyja..
"What are you doing here Kenzi? Lauren asked.
"Ahhh. She's the brave one that closed the Cinvat", Freyja answered.
"You did what? Lauren asked.
"I had to Lauren. There was no other way", Kenzi said cuddling up to Lauren. She was happy to see someone she knew. Someone good.
"As sweet as this appears, we have more pressing business to discuss", Freyja said.
"What is it? Lauren asked still wrapped in Kenzi's arms.
"Yeah we're having a family moment here", Kenzi said warmly.
"Hate to break up this little family and as much as I love having souls to command. One of you has to go back" Freyja said.
"Go back? Go back to our rooms? I just found someone I actually like in this joint", Kenzi said.
"Back at ya Kenzi", Lauren said pulling away from her.
"No. One of you has to return to the upperworld.
"Go Kenzi", Lauren said quickly.
"No. No Doc. You're a Doctor you can heal people and besides I still have Hale here. Somewhere", Kenzi said denying Lauren's request.
"Freyja take her. She will talk my ear off trying to get me to change my mind", Lauren said softly.
"No. No I refuse. She can't make me can she? Kenzi asked Freyja.
"My books are not only unbalanced, the Fae world is too. You are both close to the Succubus so one of you have to go back", Freyja said in commanding tone.
"Shit Bo. Sorry", Lauren said towards Freyja.
"Hello it's not like Bo was missing us when we were just up there", Kenzi said.
"Kenzi's going. She's been through enough", Lauren insisted.
"No hotpants is going", Kenzi spat warmly.
"This is getting tedious. Don't make me choose. I was trying to be nice, given who the two of you are to the Succubus",Freyja said.
"I'm sorry. Just let me speak to Kenzi alone for a minute please", Lauren asked.
"Make it quick", Freyja said as another lady approached her.
"Kenzi listen to me you have to go back...
"No Lauren no. Bo will be devastated if I leave you here", Kenzi said.
"You have to go back Kenzi. I know your pain is still fresh over Hale", Lauren said warmly.
"No Doc. No. Hale would understand", Kenzi said.
"Kenzi, Bo doesn't know about me yet. You have to be the one who tells her", Lauren said with tears starting to fall.
"Lauren...
"Go Kenzi go. I will be alright. Nothing can hurt me here and you saw my office. I'm set", Lauren said trying to smile.
"Bo will not be the same. I won't be the same", Kenzi said pulling Lauren in a tight hug.
"Do either of us really have to go? Kenzi asked.
"You two haven't been here as long as the others. I need one of you to go soon", Freyja answered.
"How will she go back? Lauren asked wiping away her tears.
"One of my Valkyries will escort her back", Freyja said.
"Can it be Tam-Tam? Kenzi asked.
"Who? Freyja asked.
"She means Tamsin", One of the other Valkyrie's answered.
"If you wish. So you're the one going then? Freyja asked.
"Yes. Yes I am", Kenzi said looking a mutually crying Lauren in the eyes.
"Stop. It's for the best Kenzi. You'll see", Lauren said wiping Kenzi's tears away.
"Yeah send me back to a raging Succubus", Kenzi said trying to smile but she couldn't.
"I will call on Tamsin right now" Freyja said.
Lauren and Kenzi walked over to a couch to sit and wait for Tamsin. They didn't speak because their tears said everything. Kenzi once thought Lauren was as cold as ice, but those were thick tears sliding down her face. Lauren looked at Kenzi. She had endured so much in her young life and now she had a chance to go back and live it up again. Although the first place she expected Kenzi to go was the Dal. Even though Lauren's choice to send Kenzi back was an easy one. Kenzi telling Bo would be tough on her but Lauren knew Kenzi could keep it real for Bo and be there when she needed her.
"Tamsin's here", Freyja said.
Lauren quickly rose to her feet. As much as she had to tell families when a patient died, she didn't have the strength to watch Kenzi leave for good. She went into her office and closed the door half way. She leaned back against it trying to hold in the sounds of her whimpering.
"Ok look I had finally talked Trick into giving me an entire keg are you staying or going? Tamsin asked Kenzi. When she noticed Kenzi wasn't smiling, she knocked off the joking.
"Kenzi what is it? You should be happy", Tamsin said gently sitting down next to her.
"How can I be happy about this? Kenzi said through her grief.
"What? What are you talking about? You get to go back", Tamsin said.
"You don't understand Tamsin. This is going to be as horrible as me staying", Kenzi said.
"What? What are you...
"I gave them a choice. Only one could go back", Freyja said.
"Who Kenzi and Hale? Tamsin asked.
"No...", Kenzi said completely breaking down now. Tamsin grabbed her.
"Freyja? Tamsin asked.
"The choice was made. Take her back", Freyja said.
"If it wasn't Hale, who was it? Tamsin asked all flavors of confused.
"Me", Lauren said coming out of her office, finally composed enough to watch them leave.
"Holy shit! Tamsin said.
"Take her back Tamsin", Lauren said calmly holding fresh tears at bay.
"Damn it. I knew I should have drank the entire keg first", Tamsin.
"The Succubus? Freyja asked.
"A pissed off Succubus at that. How did you even get here Lauren? Tamsin asked.
"I escorted her here", Stacey said.
"Then why can't you be the one that takes Kenzi back? Tamsin asked.
"She requested you", Freyja said.
"Shit. Shit. Shit", Tamsin repeated over and over.
"Please Tamsin", Lauren said.
"Ok. Ok but I will be back here as soon as I drop Kenzi off, I don't want to be anywhere near Bo. And she doesn't even know about Kenzi because she hasn't been answering any of our calls. Holy shit", Tamsin said.
"The longer you stay the harder it will be for her. For the both of them", Lauren said.
"Damn", Tamsin said. She looked at Lauren. For all the shit they have been through since she arrived on the scene. She knew that Bo was going to be all kinds of levels of pissed the hell off. And a pissed off Bo means take cover from her Succubus. She didn't personally know Lauren all that well but she knew this was going to be bad for anyone within the sound of Bo's voice. She finally picked Kenzi up. The girl was a crying mess but she couldn't take her eyes off of Lauren.
"Tamsin wait a minute", Lauren said walking over to them. She whispered something in Kenzi's ears, kissed her on the forehead and nodded for Tamsin to go.
Tamsin shed her own tears as they lifted off. She cradled Kenzi into her chest as gently as she could. She knew exactly where they would be going. "Damn", was all she could think of.
"It will be ok Kenzi. She whipered. Lauren was a genius and generous sending you back. You're the only one that can tell Bo this and I need to get you to her before Evony gets to her", Tamsin said.
They arrived at the crak shack and stood looking at it. There were lights on, so Kenzi knew Bo and her bf were still up.
"Do you want me to stay? Because I can go and...
"Stay long enough for me to tell her and then I'm going to Lauren's", Kenzi said softly.
"Damn.. I mean sure", Tamsin said.
"I can do this for Lauren. Lauren", Kenzi dropped her head for a few minutes. Tamisn held her close.
"I can try to tell her if you want but it would be better and safer for all of us coming from you. She won't swing at you and it doesn't look like Evony is here", Tamsin said.
"Call Dyson and Trick while I'm in there. Let them know I'm ok. But don't tell them about Lauren, Bo should know first", Kenzi said slowly walking towards the door in her grief and then picking up the speed in her anger.
"Shit", Tamsin began repeating over and over again.
Kenzi walked in and slammed the door. "Well they're not downstairs. And then she heard the noise she had grown used to. "Damn it. At it again with him while Lauren is...Stop it Kenzi, you can do this", She whispered.
"Bo! Get off of him and get your ass down here! Kenzi screamed.
Bo didn't come. Rainer did. "How dare you interrupt us", He said.
"Fuck you dude. Fuck you! Bo! Kenzi screamed.
Bo came running down the stairs trying to tie her Kimono strings.
"Get out! Rainer yelled at Kenzi.
"Not until I tell Bo what I have to tell her and I will gladly get the fuck out", Kenzi said.
"What is it Kenzi? Bo asked getting just as angry as Rainer was about the late night intrusion.
Kenzi dropped her attitude. She did it for may be pissed at hell at Bo for even allowing it to happen but Lauren's name deserved tenderness. Lauren deserved everything Kenzi could do for her now.
"Sit down Bo", Kenzi said softly.
"Just tell me Kenzi", Bo snapped.
"I. Said. Sit. Down", Kenzi said softly with a splash of anger.
"Fine, fine. Come Rainer. Join me while I listen to Kenzi", Bo said softly taking a seat on the couch.
"You know this morning I woke up feeling down and bad for myself because I thought I was just a weak human. But we humans can be some kicking ass people in this Fae world. Don't you ever forget it Rainer!
"Kenzi..", Bo sighed in annoyance.
"Like I was saying we humans can do some kick ass things in the Fae world. Your world. Man I owe my life to..
"Kenzi sometime today! Bo snapped.
"Bo honey you were once my favorite Fae. Well now I have a favorite human..
"Now Kenzi now! Bo said.
"Lauren's dead Bo", Kenzi said trying not to break in front of them, especially Rainer.
"What? What are you talking about? Bo asked.
"Follow the bouncing ball Bo, Lauren is d...e...a...d", Kenzi snapped losing her patience too.
"Bullshit. You're lying because you don't understand me and Rainer", Bo said.
Kenzi was done. "Tamsin!
Tamsin came running in with her weapons drawn. "You ok Kenzi?
"I'm fine. The Succubus doesn't believe me about Lauren. Would you mind telling the Succubus? Kenzi asked.
"Shit do I have to? Tamsin asked.
"Do it for Lauren, Tamsin", Kenzi said.
"Right Lauren. She's dead Bo", Tamsin said.
"Bullshit", Bo said again.
"We both died Bo. I died closing the Cinvat. I'm not sure how Lauren died we didn't get that far", Kenzi said.
"Yeah if you're dead how did you come back and so soon? Bo asked still in denial.
"Freyja told us to choose and before I could Lauren had already picked me to come back", Kenzi said.
"I don't believe you", Bo said.
"Bo wake the fuck up. We have been calling you all night. Trying to tell you about Kenzi. I get to the Dal and Freyja calls me telling me I have to come and bring someone back. I get there and Lauren was there too", Tamsin screamed.
Bo went pale. She remembered her phone beeping all night until she turned if off and put it under her bed. She had to keep denying it. If she got angry the Succubus would rise.
"No. No. She wouldn't leave me", Bo said.
"She's gone moron! Why would Kenzi let alone me lie about that? Tamsin asked.
Kenzi pushed Tamsin back a little dropping tears. "She's gone Bo".
"No. No. She can't be", Bo said remembering the cold chills that ran down her spine.
"She's gone", Kenzi said approaching Bo with a fresh face of tears.
By the time she reached Bo it was too late. The Succubus had emerged.
"Shit. See this is why I didn't want to be here", Tamsin said.
"Yeah. Yeah I think we can both leave", Kenzi said starting to move away from Bo.
"We will all leave", The Succubus growled.
"That's our que Kenzi. Let's get the fuck outta here", Tamsin said.
"Just wait a few more minutes. I want to make sure Bo's gonna be ok", Kenzi said.
The Succubus and Bo struggled for control when Kenzi told Bo again that Lauren is dead.
Bo: Stop it, I can handle this.
The Succubus: No I got this as they started walking towards the door.
Bo: Why should you be in control?
The Succubus: Because of you, you moron, you let the bastard in our bed.
Bo: Which means you slept with him too.
The Succubus: Well duh I'm a Succubus we like sex.
Bo: What are you doing? Where are we going?
The Succubus: We're leaving.
Bo: We can't just leave Rainer here.
The Succubus: The Doctor is a hell of a lot better.
Bo: Well that's rude.
The Succubus: It's true though.
Bo: Why do you have to be in control?
The Succubus: Because you chose him, I chose her.
Bo: What are we gonna do about Lauren?
The Succubus: Get her back!
"Bo you can't leave me here! Rainer cried out. But the Succubus ignored him.
"Yeah I think it's a good time to go now", Kenzi said to Tamsin after watching the display in front of them.
"See I wasn't worried that much about Bo but damn that Succubus is..holy shit, let's go", Tamsin said.
TBC