Disclaimer: Lost girl belongs to Showcase or SYFY and I am only playing in their universe.
AN: Hi and thanks for checking out the story. This is a sequel to a piece I wrote a while ago named New Eyes. I cannot thank those of you that have continued to support that story enough. *hugs* I have tried to capture the feel of that world in this opener and the story will develop from this point in chapter two. This is most definitely an AU piece featuring the Lost Girl characters as well as the characters introduced in the New Eyes story.
The country side was quiet as the warriors moved through the foliage with as much stealth as possible. The sun was directly above and if the trees were not bunched together then the shadows cast were nothing usable for long. Short pauses to make assessments and then push off to desperate runs through open terrain, in the hopes that the enemy, friendships set aside in the heat of combat, were not lying in wait.
The druid was down. Kenzi had been taken out of the battle early. The wolf would pay for his betrayal. He was the one that had finished her. The ogre had been next, the sworn companion of the young druid, he had seen her taken and rushed to avenge his friend only to be callously cut down himself. The hybrid human doctor had been waiting for such a move and was ready as the big man moved in. The feline and wolf shifters made for a deadly team.
The shifters however were in trouble as the succubus and valkyrie alliance was as powerful as it was alluring. The two battle seasoned veterans would accept nothing short of total victory. Bo had allowed Tamsin to set up the tactics and was following the Nordic warrior's lead. Bo while no stranger to a fight, she did not require the violent interactions for mental health as the valkyrie did. Tamsin was to her core a warrior and the flash of excitement at any form of combat could be disturbing if one did not know her level of control.
The goal was in sight, just sitting there waiting for someone anyone to reach out and take it. Was it reward enough to justify their action against people they loved? Yes, yes it was. Victory was all that mattered now.
The twig that snapped produced a simple sound, nothing more than a tiny snap in reality but it rolled like thunder across the battlefield. Tamsin whirled in excitement, "They are making their move. Come on." The grin on the woman's face told Bo that nothing was going to stop the blonde from stepping out and making an all-out assault on the prize. The need to face her opponents was too great and she could no longer control the urge to force this encounter to the next level. Bo heard the approaching footsteps behind their position and knew that they had fallen into a trap.
Jumping to the side Bo felt the disturbance in the air as the attack on her just missed her shoulder. The small projectile pushing the air to tease the champion's senses. Spinning she fired her guns quickly and watched as the smile left Dyson's face. He looked at his torso and then dropped to his knees as color blossomed across his chest. Tamsin looked back in triumph as she saw her partner take out an enemy. Pouring on the speed she was just about to take the prize.
"You didn't really think it would be that easy, did you?" Lauren's smile was broad. The valkyrie gapped as the doctor stepped around a tree to the side. The two shots took Tamsin in the side and she staggered in defeat. It was now down to two. Their eyes met and it was poetic that the battle would come down to the lady and her champion. Noting they were equal distance away from the prize. They nodded their respects to each other and then ran.
Lauren fired and Bo was forced to drop to the ground and roll. Up on her feet in a flash she watched as the doctor worked her way around the trees. It was such a temptation to just make a straight run at the prize but that was what had taken the valkyrie out. Instead Bo mirrored Lauren keeping to the light cover and watching for the woman across from her to make her move.
"Hey Bo?" called the doctor her tone that was light with a hint of amusement.
Bo fought not to smile, this was war after all, "What?"
"You could forfeit." The doctor made her offer. "I wouldn't think less of you. I would make your stay as my captive well worth it."
Bo stepped out and fired two quick shots at a small tree shaded area and was pleased when Lauren turned and fell back into deeper cover. "Thanks Babe. I could offer you the same."
"Nope, not for me." This time her voice was back farther than Bo had expected. "Maybe I will just take you prisoner?" Said Lauren her voice was a purr and there was a suggestion that perhaps the doctor was not in completely in her human form anymore.
"Lauren we said no special abilities." Growled Bo but she followed with a low chuckle as she allowed her eyes to flash bright blue for a few seconds, "but if you are not willing to surrender to me. I'm willing to bend the rules if you are."
"Oh I think I could be perfectly happy surrendering to you. Just not right now." There was a sexy low laugh, "But I say keep the rules in place. The others will throw a fit if we switch things up now." Said Lauren and Bo swung around as the voice was crossing fast behind her. Lauren had doubled around and was on the move. With a laugh Bo sprung forward, it was a race to the end.
Bo had let herself fall into conversation with the doctor and not caught that her competition was pulling an end around on her. She had no choice but to run in the open spaces but varied her speed and route to avoid any predictable pattern of approach. Lauren stuck to the trees but knew if she was to stand a chance she would have to cut the succubus off.
Moving quickly through the cover of the foliage, Lauren felt it was now or never. Bo was only about ten steps behind her but had a better line on the small container that held such riches. Bursting from the trees, Lauren leapt forward as she fired rapidly behind her. Bo had seen the motion of a fast moving form in her peripheral vision. She aimed but suddenly a set of red eyes flashed before her. "Do you really want to do that?" a familiar voice crackled across the succubus's mind. It was just enough to cause the shot she fired to go wide missing the doctor by a hair.
The impact of the shot stung more than she imaged. The lured pink color splattered all down the side the champion's arm. Bo fell to her knees in defeat. Looking towards the heavens, Bo yelled a final cry in frustration. It was met with the joyful laugh of the doctor who was now holding a jug of chokecherry wine and doing a victory dance that would have done the best professional athlete proud.
There was more laughing and then loud cheering. The paintball splattered group hanging out on the porch stood and saluted the games winner. Lauren held the jug out and bowed deeply. Turning towards Bo she smiled and then walked over the woman still sitting on the ground. The smirk on Lauren's face was huge. "Are you okay?" she was trying so hard to be humble and it just wasn't working. Holding out her hand to Bo, "Help you up?" The doctor was truly tickled at the small victory.
Taking the offered hand, Bo felt the strength in her lover as she pulled her up. "Well done, to the victor goes the spoils." The kiss was fast, hard and full of love. Lauren gasped a little not expecting the succubus's passionate move. It was only moments before Bo felt the doctor taking charge and pulling her close to deepen the embrace.
"Hey," yelled Dyson, "Don't be giving away the wine partner. I sacrificed so you could have your shot cat." Lauren pulled back with a laugh, her eyes were sparkling. There was a hint that perhaps this could continue later as she touched Bo's cheek. Turning away, Lauren walked towards the applauding group as Kenzi started chanting her name and the others joined in. Lauren grabbed Dyson's hand and held it up to signal they were the winning team, then the majority of the close knit group entered the house to begin the celebration.
Bo was the last to move onto the porch and then stopped to take a seat on the bench swing. There was another already there but she had remained quiet as the game had ended and the victor crowned. The twosome were quiet for a few moments. "I believe a mind message from a hugely powerful fae in the crucial moments of a paintball match could be considered cheating." Said Bo. She looked over at Hilde and saw the hag had a small grin on her face. "I can't prove it so I guess I will let it slide." This brought the all too familiar humph from the older fae.
"Well I believe my daughter was happy at the results." Said Hilde. "When she is happy you are happy."
This time it was Bo that let out a small chuckle, "You are wise my dear Hilde, wise, wise, wise." The twosome then laughed together. Lauren's happiness was important to both women. Between them they would do almost anything for the doctor. There was no blood relation between the women but Lauren had filled the role as beloved daughter to the hag, while Bo had become a trusted friend to the powerful fae. They were the center of loving group of humans and fae that were now family.
Lauren Lewis had been the connecting point for this new little group. In a desperate move to separate herself from the fae and find a way to make a new life for herself, Lauren had found herself trapped in the clutches of a deranged man with the goal of creating human fae hybrids. Fooling the doctor into using her own work for this purpose Lauren had foiled his plan in the end but sacrificed her humanity in the process. Before Lauren's plan could be fully completed the mad man named Taft had injected her with multiple strains of fae DNA and left her body to deal with the toxic results. He had expected her to die. She didn't but was forever changed by his attack.
Lauren had survived but not as the being she once had been. She was now a hybrid of human, feline shifter, succubus and nature fae. Only just surviving her escape, Lauren had made it to a secluded run down farm and was slowly dying as she was consumed by the changes her body was experiencing. The violent fight within her living systems as fae and human DNA fought for their part of Lauren's life. Hilde the hag had discovered the suffering mess of a living thing and took pity on her. Never in the hag's long existence had she come across someone so out of balance in their life force. The ancient fae and newly minted hybrid had slowly developed a relationship of understanding. That understanding then developed into one of loving acceptance and devotion.
When Lauren found herself thrust back into her old life. The love of her life being held captive and slowly being drained of her power and will to survive. The doctor had incredible new skills to draw upon as she came to Bo's rescue. The succubus's recovery and the fight to keep Lauren free from the prejudice her new hybrid status created required Hilde to come in and assist. The hag had done it willingly and then after meeting Bo and seeing the commitment the two women had for one another, knew there was more to these two than simple lovers. Bo was Lauren's champion. With a small amount of coaching Hilde allowed Bo to see that there was more to her than simple chi feeding. Bo learned that life energy could be a powerful weapon in the right hands.
Lauren's former life had bounded into her safe haven as friends came looking for her help freeing Bo. Kenzi was the light and energy of the group. Like Lauren she had attempted to find a way to be more than she was. Falling into the clutches of an evil man, she had been kept as a slave. Lauren had ended the dark druid that held the girl like a pet in battle and Hilde had stripped away the man's knowledge and embedded it into Kenzi as a way of fulfilling the contract and breaking any hold the druid community might have on her.
Receiving her wish to be more than human, Kenzi never looked back and embraced what she had been given. Bo's best friend, the girl was a powerhouse and fearless as she pushed herself to develop the treasure trove of knowledge embedded in her skin. In an insanely short amount of time the girl had developed a healer's touch and even Hilde had taken to using her remedies from time to time.
The protector of Kenzi had been an ogre. Bruce was as big in stature as he was in heart. Viewed as underfae for most of his life he had been a servant for Ebony, the former dark fae leader, for years. He had more to offer the world than the small life he had been given and when Kenzi offered him friendship he grabbed at it. His role of companion had put him in danger but he did not turn away from this girl in her time of need. He too had been freed when Lauren killed the dark druid Massimo. As he recovered Bruce discovered his new powerful caretaker was accepting and generous. Hilde at first only paid him the same attention she would anyone in her care but he forced her to change that view. He had gone out of his way to be attentive to her in return. It was soon they found each other's company soothing, comfortable and much more than either had expected. It had been simple to agree they were each other's perfect match.
Rounding out the company of fae were Dyson a powerful wolf shifter. Loyal friend to Bo and Lauren and Kenzi's new lover. Trick, the blood king and sage of old. Currently serving as Ash of the Light fae. He was a witness of Hilde's troubled past, Bo's grandfather and historian of sorts. Vex the Mesmer and Tamsin the Valkyrie the ruling couple of the dark fae, powerful and deadly but loyal allies when it came to a fight. Hale, friend to all and owner of the Dahl bar and place of sanctuary. The siren was often overlooked but he was a powerful fae, he just hid it under his easy going nature. His position of barkeeper and overseer of the Dahl was the perfect fit for the fae.
It had been almost a year ago as this group of friends had stood together and defeated a powerful dark mage name the Wanderer and a corrupt group of fae elders focused on killing Lauren. The battle had injured Hilde and taken Bo and Lauren to the very end of their abilities. They had prevailed and in their victory created something of a renaissance among the younger fae. It was something the traditional ruling bodies of the fae were still dealing with, some better than others.
Bo and Lauren's relationship had drastically changed since they had been reunited. Bo staying at Lauren's side at the farm had made for a stability in their relationship they never had experienced before, but even after a year there were still moments when the past would arise to haunt them. Kenzi and Dyson remained in the city but stayed in the renovated crack shack. The whole neighborhood now dense with plant life, the urban decay being washed away and the land feeling useful again. The druid and shifter also provided watchful eyes for the portal doorway. This was a magical conduit between the farm and the city. The small group of fae moved easily between realms as needed. The rest lived their lives and kept in contact almost daily. It was a nice existence and not to be taken for granted.
As Bo and Hilde sat on the porch, each lost in their own thoughts, the hag finally spoke what had been weighing so heavily on her mind. "I am worried that Lauren will not be happy with my news." Hilde said with a sigh that was uncharacteristic of the old fae. The night took a more serious turn at that phrase. Paintball had been fun and a great way to blow off steam. It had been made more challenging as abilities were limited to create an even playing field. When Hilde had brought up the gathering of friends everyone jumped at the chance to get together. Bo was now learning there was more to the weekend than everyone thought.
"I am with child." Said the hag so quietly that Bo was almost sure she had not heard Hilde correctly.
Bo turned slowly, "Did you say you are pregnant?" there was silence and Bo thought that she had offended the hag by asking for conformation. Instead the powerful fae just nodded and looked as meek as the succubus had ever seen her. "Oh Hilde, that is wonderful news." Bo grabbed her and pulled her into a strong and emotion filled hug. There were so many questions she wanted to ask but she then considered what Hilde had said before. "Are you worried that Lauren will not be happy for you?"
"We have a unique relationship and I worry that the new one will be a threat to her. My experience with family is not a positive one and children are not always a welcome addition." Said the pensive woman. "I will love this little one and I don't want Lauren to feel that I would value her any less because I would not. She is a part of…"
"Little mother, I love you and will adore your child." Lauren's tear filled voice sounded from the door. It spoke to Lauren's fae nature that she was able to approach them without notice. Moving quickly from the doorway she pulled Hilde into her arms. "I am so happy for you and would never question my place in your heart." There was a soft but satisfied humph from the hag as she wrapped her arms around the doctor in a relieved embrace.
"I will go and round up the others. This will be some announcement." Smiled Bo leaving the two to talk.
xxxxXXXXxxxx
As Bo had expected the news was met with the raucous enthusiasm the group displayed for all good news. They were over the moon. Hilde, the mother to be, was carefully hugged, treated with the cautious touches that accompanied such an announcement. Then she was peppered with questions on how she felt, how far along she was and all those other things that are immediately asked of one expecting. Bruce was simply mauled.
"Bruce you sly dog." yelled an overjoyed Kenzi. She pulled the big ogre into a massive hug. Everyone could see the man was thrilled and more than a little relieved to be able to let the others in on the big news. Hilde must have made him promise not to tell. "You're going to be the best Dad ever, but of course I will be here to offer advice and guidance."
With a laugh Bo said, "Well of course Kenz you have so much experience being a Dad." The group laughed as the druid mock pouted.
"I have had to parent you for the how many years?" said Kenzi. "The biggest kid I know." That brought jeers and laughs from the rest.
Tamsin walked in the kitchen after making a few phone calls to share the good news with the others that couldn't make it to the farm for the weekend. She raised an eyebrow after she heard Kenzi's example of good parenting, "I wouldn't really use that as reference point Druid. You were more like a lookout than a parent." Bo looked at the valkyrie with a 'you didn't really just say that' look. The blonde just started to laugh and reached for what remained of dessert. "I called Vex and he insists on everyone coming to the Dahl for a baby shower and party." She rolled her eyes at the baby shower part but her lover was nothing if not unique. "He is making Trick put up the money for the alcohol as a token from the Light to celebrate the good news. The Dark will handle all the rest of the arrangements. Hale is more than willing to host and sends is congratulations."
"In my official role as representative of the Morgan of the Dark. We as a people express our sincere congratulations and offer any assistance you may require. There will be some type of official announcement from the Light as well. It's not every day we will be witness to the birth of a new royal." Tamsin spoke with more power to her voice than she had been using in casual conversation. The message and it's offer held weight. The farm and the surrounding lands were not under the control of any fae council or governing body. It did not go unnoticed that the trio of Lauren, Hilde and Bo ruled this area and all the natural things within it's borders. They would be powerful allies if they could be tempted to join a side.
Changing the topic as Hilde had become more focused and tense at the formal words. Lauren cleared her throat and said, "I don't think that a bar is the place for a baby shower." She hadn't left Hidle's side since their talk. "Rest and relaxation might be a better course." The doctor in her was at full alert and over protective did not begin to describe her. Hilde let out a small huff of laughter at the fuss the others were making over her.
"Damn straight we need to hold a party to celebrate. This woman just cracked a 3000 year old egg, she needs to be recognized. Not to mention Bruce's little swimmers, the boys must have been on steroids." Kenzi was musing. "I mean that is how it works right? With ogres and …"
Dyson wrapped his hand around the druid's mouth as now everyone was either laughing hard or sitting in stunned silence at the girl's remarks. The wolf had been oddly quite since he offered his words of congratulations. He was deeply pleased at the news, and liked the idea of a young one around. He liked the idea of his friends having children. Maybe it was the security of a strong pack around him, but powerful traits being passed along to new generations made him happy. Looking at the crazy woman in his arms he even let himself think for a moment that he too might someday experience such joy.
Catching her breath after laughing the hardest, Hilde said, "Little Druid, you and I will have to talk birds and bees at some point." She finished with a touch to the girl's arm. "I believe a party will be fine. I am not so sure about a baby shower." She looked a Bruce who was just ready to agree to whatever his partner wanted but he knew that the idea of storks and fluffy pastel and white decorations was disturbing on lots of levels to the hag. Celebrating a child was not natural to the royal. Yes it was a blessed event but the power struggles of her upbringing were not easily forgotten. That life was long ago and just maybe she would have to force herself to move on. The succubus's voice broke through Hilde's thoughts.
"Oh we are having a shower," said Bo. "I love buying baby stuff. Little leather pants and boots…"
"Very practical," said Lauren rolling her eyes. "Early shower and then a little of the party if you aren't too tired." She gave the hag a pointed look. "As your doctor…"
"Hey!" said Kenzi.
Lauren amended, "As one of your doctors, the one with more experience," Kenzi shrugged in agreement. "We will be keeping a close eye on you and will not let you over do." With that the hag raised an eyebrow as to say well you can try. A woman with child was far from helpless. In fact at times it made them that much stronger.
Bruce stood up, "Thank you all for…everything. I will be an interesting journey." He held out a hand towards Hilde, "We are going to retire and get some rest for our big day tomorrow. It's late, grab the rooms up stairs and we will all go to the city tomorrow, late morning sometime, to continue celebrating with the others." At that moment he looked as powerful and impressive as Hilde. His strength oozed and he was very much a match for his lady love. With a round of hugs the group agreed to call it a night. Dyson and Kenzi hitting the guestroom that was always theirs to use, Tamsin was down the hall, Bo and Lauren stayed to clean up the small amount of dishes left over from dessert.
They worked in silence as they finished the last glass and placed it in the cupboard. Bo leaned against the counter and watched as Lauren wiped down the table. When the doctor turned to place the rag in the sink, the succubus finally spoke, "You are okay with this, right?"
Lauren tilted her head at the succubus, "Of course I am okay with this, I am truly overjoyed for them." There was a sincerity in her eyes and voice that verified that the woman had expressed her true feelings. "But I can't say I'm not worried. Sometimes being a doctor gives you a bad case of I know too much for happy times to be just that. I want everything to go well and for Hilde and the baby to be healthy."
"You will be there for that. Lauren you are the best physician I know." Bo leaned in and kissed the doctor lightly. "We will all be there for Hilde and Bruce. Don't worry okay?" They stood side by side for a long while lost in their own thoughts.
Lauren smiled, "I need to get rid of some energy. I am feeling too antsy. Run with me?" Ever since the doctor's body had been introduced to the fae DNA she had needed to control the energy that swirled in and around her body. When Lauren had no training she used running to handle the pain associated with the energy build up. When Hilde had found her, Lauren had then been taught how to channel the spikes in her life force into useful tasks as she switched between her various fae forms to ease any discomfort. Since that time running had taken on a second life for Lauren, no longer just about pain control, it became her private time. When running across the land around the farm it became a way that she shared with nature and worked to balance the land as much as herself. She let her forms flow and embraced all that she had grown to be as a hybrid.
Bo's heart leapt, "I would love too." It was always special when then share this activity.
The women moved to their room quickly. Lauren threw on some running attire. She didn't need too but if she encountered a human on the property it helped to look the part. For Bo the run was something very different. It was her time to be the champion of her lady and flex her power over the chi she controlled. Allowing Lauren to be only focused on the land, Bo's need to protect and defend was satisfied. It was also beautiful to watch the doctor lost in her personal world. The leather armor and boots in place, Bo nodded towards the door.
Standing in the moonlight there was a half growl as Lauren trailed a hand down Bo's back to drift off to the side just before she reached a swell of hips. "Try to keep up champion." Then in a flash a feline shifter stood before the succubus, sleek and sensuous, dangerous and strong. The bright golden yellow eyes and purring rumble would have been terrifying to anyone else. Bo's eyes flashed bright blue at the feral beauty before her and then her body was encased by blue light that spoke of the chi she controlled. "Bring it my lady." With that they turned and ran into the night.
The feline form of Lauren shifter was in the lead but Bo had learned, with Hilde's help, to direct the chi energy to where she needed it. If it was physical strength or endurance Bo had that control now. Being drained of chi to the point of hopelessness, Bo had worked on managing her chi so she did not find herself in that situation again. She focused on the ability to run faster and found it answered her call.
Feeling the succubus catch up, Lauren let out a savage call and moved into thicker cover. Bo laughed as she watched the cat jump and move gracefully through fallen trees and over rocks. "You are going to have to do better than that." thought the succubus as she then focused on her hand and stretched the chi to long staff. This was a new skill and Lauren knew that Bo had been working hard to perfect it. The chi swords that had formed off her arms in the battle with the fae council had been something Bo had never imagined being able to do. She questioned if she could form other weapons or tools as needed, Hilde had encouraged her to try. So far she had created an axe like shape and a long staff. Planting the glowing blue rod into the ground she vaulted over a downed tree with ease then pulled the energy back into her body to conserve it for other things.
The run had taken the duo away from the fields, house and woods of the old property and on to a new addition they had acquired. A huge expanse of land that had bordered several of the fields. This property stretched to include foothills and one small canyon area. Lauren had been overjoyed to be able to outbid several corporate operations and claim the land as part of her new realm, for lack of a better word. Taft's money finally being able to be put to some use.
Lauren offered the family that had owned the area for years a chance to stay and continue working but they had politely refused. They were getting too old and their children had no interest in making farming their life. It was retirement and a large garden to play in for them now. They were happy with the arrangement and so was she. The land was sad to see the people go. They had been fine humans and done their best to use what nature offered wisely. The first time Lauren had given back to the land it responded with strength and calmness as if it understood that it would be cared for by these new beings. A pleasant acceptance filled the earth of the field but there was on spot that was of concern. A corner of the property near the road the farmer had called a dead spot.
Bo recognized that Lauren had reached her goal. The so called dead spot was something the doctor had mentioned several times. Like a puzzle to be solved Lauren had to discover what was wrong. The succubus went into protective mode as she found a rock to sit on. She smiled as she watched her lover go to work. Lauren walked forward and in two strides was no longer in feline form but now back to human. "Do you feel it?" She asked Bo.
"Nothing in particular, but there is a void here. No sound, no life to speak of except the things passing through not wanting to stay. What happened here?" the succubus asked suddenly on edge at the lack of natural things. The longer she stayed away from the city and in the land that Hidle and Lauren maintained the more in tune with her surrounding she became. It was a little disconcerting to think a little nature fae might have rubbed off on her.
Green eyes flashed and Lauren touched the ground. With almost a whimper she pulled her hand away. Bo was at her side in an instant. Lauren pressed a hand to Bo's arm to reassure herself of the woman's supportive presence. "The land is quiet. It will not or cannot speak to me." Most of the time there was at least a murmur of something. Bo felt the anger flush in her lover. Lauren spoke with a touch of feline shift in her voice, the animalistic tone savage. "Let see if we can find out what is causing all this pain."
The more Lauren worked with her various fae forms the more the doctor's natural passions and personality shown through. Her strength and protectiveness in the feline form, the passion and willingness to share as her succubus flowed and then the caring and nurturing of her nature fae side. It amazed Bo to watch in each case as the human Lauren remained at the base, she thanked God that the doctor had not lost herself to the changes.
"Can I offer some assistance?" Bo smiled and then leaned in to kiss Lauren and then suddenly she pushed a stream of chi into her nature fae. Lauren groaned at the sensation. Bo stepped back with a cheeky grin. "Fix this." The green of Lauren's eyes now dazzling.
The doctor took out four pouches of seeds. The first group she opened and then sprinkled them on the ground in a small area. This was a fact finding mission only and the square of land Lauren touched was limited. Keeping the plants close to the surface, she focused her energies into the tender shoots causing them to matured at extreme speeds. She pushed the soil to accept the plants as they finished their life cycle and use that material to become healthy again. She then opened then next pouch and dumped those seeds on the newly fortified section of land.
This time the plants had more substantial stems and hardier roots systems. Lauren again used her influence to run the foliage through it life cycle. She could feel the useless soil being separated and explored by the new plant life. As the earth churned with the new material, a hum of energy could be detected and Lauren's eyes flashed with excitement. One more time she dumped a pouch and this time she struggled as woody stems and thick branches sprung from the seeds she planted. The root systems driving deep and then recoiling at what they encountered. Lauren's watched as the growth faltered.
Bo knew better than to interfere. There was a beauty to the dangerous focus that Lauren displayed. Like the surgeon she was, the doctor had just located the source of the sickness. Removing the single acorn from the last bag. Lauren set it on the ground and moved away from the area she had been working on. Finding a portion of land that was strong enough to speak, the nature fae shared and then was hit with a burst of energy in return. As with every new patch of Earth Lauren communicated with there was a different flavor to this energy. The patch of soil was discolored and so near the sickness there was very little plant life. The land was ready to be useful again. "Let me help here and then yes you will have a place under my care." she whispered to the land beneath her feet.
Bo was at the ready when Lauren returned. This would be a massive undertaking. The doctor took all the energy she had and pushed it into the acorn. It rolled then burst open and the land cracked as the tree grew to mature proportions in less than a minute. Lauren staggered a bit but held a hand out stopping Bo as she moved to join her. Lauren refocused and then pushed energy again. The tree rumbled and huge roots bowed the surface. The bark hardened and then grayed. Focusing on one side only Lauren coaxed it to age faster than the rest of the tree. Now with it's balance compromised there was a snapping sound and the huge tree tipped and with a massive crash fell to the ground ripping up the Earth with it.
This time Bo was not stopped and caught the nature fae as she too started to fall. "Lauren," Bo's sharp call spoke to the succubus's discomfort with the situation. She push some chi into the woman and she recovered quickly. When stable enough to stand on her own Lauren took Bo's hand and they walked to the massive tangle of roots that had heaved out of the ground as the enormous tree fell. Caught in the jumble were two barrels. Old, rusted and oozing with who knows what from small openings on the side. Lauren took two step forward but Bo caught her arm. "Don't touch those. We know the problem and can handle it. You have done enough for tonight."
Lauren growled her displeasure but had to agree. She walked forward and touched the ground. The small hum was now a weak sigh, Lauren shared a bit of herself and there was a buzz to her fingers as the land attempted to answer. No longer dormant it would recover. They would hire crews to coming to the area and remove whatever else was down there. The wound would be healed. There was a smile on Lauren's face as she felt the balance of the whole area start to improve. Carefully she walked around the oak and picked up acorns that had fallen from the large tree. Once the land was clean she would be sure the old oak was surrounded by others of its kind.
They started back and Lauren stretched out, content that some good had been done. Bo dropped her chi armor and reached out to take the doctor's hand. "Do you feel alright?" the succubus asked. She was still concerned at the amount of energy that Lauren had pushed. As Lauren took Bo's hand she squeezed tight to demonstrate her strength. The stroll back was filled with the sounds of the night and both fae found that comforting. They entered a small meadow and watched the sprints play around the drainage pipe that served as their home. The listened to an owl and the startled cry of a mouse that had not been paying attention. The breeze at play in the grasses and leaves of the trees.
"You know I did win the jug today." Said Lauren as she stopped their progress, the couple stood surrounded by stars and moonlight.
"You did." Said Bo with a smile. She moved her arm as if to show the spots where the doctor's aim had rung true.
Lauren's eyes flashed blue, the only color she had not shown on this night's outing. "I believe you offered me something of a reward for my victory." To this Bo could only grin. Sweeping in for a kiss she pulled gently on Bo's chi and savored the sweetness on her lips. The energy play was not lost on Bo who relished in the feel of Lauren against her. Breaking away both women were breathless.
"There are many other games we can play tonight." Offered Bo whose eyes now matched the doctor's glowing orbs.
"Then let's play." Murmured Lauren she grabbed the leather of Bo's vest and pulled her down into a bed of soft grasses and flowers that formed around them to form a lovely secluded hideaway. The perfect place to end a wonderful day wrapped in each other's arms.