AN: A couple things, first after this there is 3 chaps left. 10-A short bridge chap. 11-The final. 12-The Epilogue. Secondly, this is now and has always been a dark series, while I have tried to flush it out more, cutting a considerable amount while adding others it is dark and i must point out that this is a fourth part in a series, a series that was started back at the end of S2 of LG. Characters were less developed, things were different and I also have to keep them in tune with the series i have written. I'm sorry if anyone has been offended by any of the themes. Thirdly, in saying this i am realizing that perhaps such dark themes might not be as appreciated as they once were (i say this with complete respect/understanding) so while these are rewrites it does take time/effort and if there isn't an audience for it, then i may not continue with the ROTF and DOANA (the following two stories)
Lastly, but certainly not least. THANK YOU to all those who have read and reviewed as well as F/F. ALL feedback is welcomed, honestly i love criticism so long as there is actually a view point and not just to be rude. I am one of the most accessible authors, so if you dont feel comfortable voicing your opinion on review then feel free to send a message. And a HUGE HUGE HUGE thanks to TINY19 who has PRed the previous two chaps as well as kept me writing!
Pokie.
CHAPTER NINE: Loyalty of Liars
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Conference Room-9:24 a.m.
(LAUREN'S POV)
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"Welcome all." I smile, walking into the conference room. I used to hate it so much, sitting here trying to delegate everything so no one would be upset. Sit here and never feel uncomfortable. Now though, now I've never felt more into control. Koari hanging closely behind like the good little lap dog she is. Smirk coming onto my lips at the thought, and it only grows as I watch each and every single one of the biggest, most powerful and feared Dark fae bow to me with such admiration. "I wanted to thank you all so much for being a part of not only my daughter, but as well my son's Choosing. For being the intricate players behind the scenes making sure everything has moved along so smoothly. For eliminating any threat that had been posed to me, and doing it in the most violent form you could have possibly chosen. I do want to thank you all for that from the bottom of my apathetic heart." I smile warmly at the group who is hanging on my every word. "That being said," Pausing, my eyes shifting up past the crowd's heads to the back doors where ten of my personal guards enter. The last man to enter locking the door behind himself. "Unfortunately each and every single one of you lied to me, went behind my back not only lying, but disobeying orders as well."
"What?" Various members of the room let out in confusion, looking from me to one another.
"As all of you have worked so hard for this, rest assured that this will be a new chapter in the history of our kind. I am truly saddened that after all of your hard work, not a single one of you will be around to see it."
"My Queen?" Koari let out in a shaky whisper as her eyes frantically jump from the approaching guard back to me.
"I don't have any room for sloppy, vision-less killers, and even less for betraying liars." I look past the commotion at the doors, the shouting drowning out. I count to twenty, feeling it was an appropriate amount of time before making my exit. "Don't look so afraid," My words an order more than anything as I near Koari. "I thought you'd be happy."
"My Queen?"
"Well with all of them dead, I need someone to fill their responsibilities don't I?"
"M-me?"
"Oh, don't pretend you weren't thinking it." I stare at her, watching as that fear which was just coming off of her in waves begins to dull. "I need someone who I trust. Someone who I know won't betray me and that list is rather short now a days. Not to mention I need someone who is already strong and powerful to be able to take on such tasks. Now if you feel-"
"Thank you." She drops to her knees, bowing her head.
She's so pathetic-if she wasn't useful I'd let Dani play with her.
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B/L Loft-10:02 a.m.
(SEAN'S POV)
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"Lookie here." I laugh from the couch, continuing to eat as she walks in front of the T.V. in nothing more than a bra and female boxers. "Tell me, is being a slut a requirement for this family now or just a personal preference?"
"Blow me."
"Well maybe if you ask a little nicer."
"See your balls are still intact." She jogs up into the kitchen. "Figured they'd have retracted by now."
"Oh come on, are you really that mad cause you aren't mother's only physco killer anymore?"
"What's your angle?" She closes the fridge empty handed, turning to look at me. "I doubt your played out desire for mother's approval, and new desire of fucking me is what brought on this little episode of yours."
"Well that's the million dollar question isn't it?" I sit up, smile firmly in place. "I mean am I here for some big master plan to take you and this evil empire down? Or am I just that pathetic that I need my mother's approval no matter what? Or did I really just snap? Oooh or maybe I had snapped years ago and with everything I can now just finally come out with it?"
"So mommy's approval then?"
"Say, why aren't you questioning Ma's return?"
"Bo is even more pathetic then you, she can't live without mother. Blah, blah, blah,"
"So I take it you're refusing to believe Ma is a parent now?" My brow raises. "Immaculate conception is it?"
"Bo is the embodiment of weakness. A shame to our species and to our bloodline. She rejects everything about us and has skated by, by using those who are actually worth something. How she wound up with mother is a question that will forever be an unjust mystery."
"Those are some big words baby sis, where'd ya' get that speech from?"
"Ari." She lets out proudly. For a moment she stands up straight, smiling ear to ear as though she had just delivered the valedictorian speech.
"I see." I can't help laughing as I stand. "Tell me, doesn't it bother you that-Ari is only fucking you 'cause mother won't give it up?"
"Shut up."
"I mean that's really messed up if you ask me. Weird lil' love triangle you got yourself."
"I said shut up." She snaps, all that smugness gone.
"Though I do wonder what mother would do if she found out? I mean yeah, she's taken a train to crazy-bitch-vill, but do you think that would make her reaction more in your favor of you two? Or more in the favor of ripping Ari apart inch by inch?" I find myself plopping back down on the couch, forgetting what I stood up for in the first place. "And now-mom is taking a dive off the deep end too. Hm, maybe we can make it a family event. I'd personally love to have a go at her."
"I'll kill you before you touch her." She threatens me, she means it too.
"Mom too?"
"Yes."
"What about Mother?"
"Maybe I should cut your tongue from your head before you can squeal."
"Try it." I laugh, grabbing the remote from the table and turning the volume up on the football game.
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(BO'S POV)
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"Well, looks like your little massacre went well." I force a smile, eyes moving over the smear of blood on her arm. "Did you have our children do this one too or did you finally do your own work?"
"My guards."
"Of course," I snort, closing the book I had been reading. "Say have you actually killed anyone or just ordered everyone else to do it for you?" I watch as she opens the balcony, refusing to answer me. "May as well start calling you Cesar at this point."
"There's a saying, 'let them hate me, so long as they fear me'."
"I don't fear you Lauren." It still leaves a disgusting taste in my mouth to call this-thing, my wife's name.
"You always were a horrible liar Bo." She walks around the bed, coming to sit down next to me. "It's how I always knew when you weren't faithful."
"I'm not afraid of you." I toss the book on the floor, sitting up to face her. "I don't hate you either."
"No?"
"No, I just think you're a weak coward." I smirk. "I pity you more than anything actually."
"Yet," She leans forward, hand cupping my cheek. "You sacrificed your son's soul along with your own to come back." A soft kiss to my cheeks before her lips hover over my ear. "Now who do you think is more pathetic?"
I'm not exactly sure what happens next-how it happens really.
It's wrong-disgust with myself reaching new levels.
Whatever the reason, or however it happened it doesn't matter. All that matters is that hateful banter somehow is now a private party for two. The only thing I'm suddenly sure of is a desire so deep it scares me. The sounds of her moans like music to my ears only urging me on further. My lips leaving a trail of sloppy kisses up and down her throat, hands sliding between us. Ripping her jeans open, pulling them down enough that she kicks them off. Her hands find the back of my thighs not giving a damn if it hurts. My body covering hers as my hands begin ripping open her shirt.
Her body already trembling when my mouth begins working it's way down her body. Starting at her collarbone moving down to the top of her breast to the side, making sure to leave a memorable bite. Then another before continuing my way down. The tip of my tongue tracing around her belly button before I slide off the bed onto my knees. She wastes no time maneuvering her left leg over my shoulder. Taking it as an invitation, albeit an unneeded one, my hands find her hips pulling her down further as I kiss up the inside of her thigh.
"My Queen I'm sorry to-."
I look up at Koari who took the liberty of walking into my bedroom. Normally I'd be pissed, but there's just something making me smirk as I watch the rage write itself all over that smug bitch's face. It's better this way, some control beginning to form. This thing with Lauren wouldn't have been the best idea.
Pissing off Koari might not be as satisfying as hours of hate-rage sex, but it was pretty satisfying.
Gotta take my victories where I can get them now a days.
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K/I Loft-1:56 p.m.
(KENZI'S POV)
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"What is this?" Iel ask sitting on the edge of the bed, holding my special little zip bag in hand. Here I thought I couldn't be any more heartbroken, now this.
"Wh-what?"
"Is this yours?" He snaps, eyes narrowing. "Do you know what this shit is?"
"No." I shake my head. "I've been holding it for Elizabeth in medical, I owed her a favor so I'm holding it. With all the Light Fae making themselves scarce lately, haven't had a chance to give it back."
"Are you lying?" His question more of an accusation as he stands up.
"I don't need this, not now Iel. I don't know what it is, and it isn't even mine. Payment for those limited edition Gucci boots I got last month. Here." I take a breath, pulling my phone from my pocket. "Call her, can't promise she'll answer." I watch his eyes move from me to the phone twice before he drop it on the bed.
"I'm sorry babe, but that shit in there is deadlier than poison."
"You don't say." I fold my arms over my chest, glaring at him.
"Look, I'm real sorry babe, but you really don't know what that is. Secretions from Fae cockroaches, mixed with actual poisons. It's nasty stuff, I can't stand the thought of losing you." He reaches out, hands on my shoulders. "Your friend doesn't know what she's gotten herself into."
"I'd say." I snort, eyes leaving his face to go to the bag.
"I'm sorry though really, if something happened to you I don't know what I would do."
"It's okay. It's been a rough couple of days, everyone is on edge." I force a smile for him, wave of panic washing over me. What else could go wrong? "I'm going to go get a drink-or ten before this little thing later."
"Alright babe." He nods.
"Going somewhere?" Koari asks from the couch, causing me to jump.
"What the hell are you doing in my house?"
"Checking in, making sure Bo's loyal sidekick doesn't get any ideas."
"You have a problem with Bo, then go see her." I shrug, heading for the fridge.
"See normally this bitterness toward her would make me think this visit was unnecessary, though I am well versed in your history. I know that this can pass in a second and you two could be running around, causing problems."
"I'll be there this afternoon." I put down the bottle of vodka.
"You better, because the consequences could be-."
"Did you seriously just break into my house, and then threaten me?"
"Yes, I did."
"Iel is in the next room, you so much as take a step toward me and he'll rip your skanky little head from your skanky little body."
"You've been taking those injections for eight years now. At first it was once a month, and then once every three weeks and so on until you're up to what-three a day? You've got maybe three shots left so twenty-four hours of life. Once the last shot runs from your system you're going to get chills, shakes, but you're going to feel like you're on fire. In reality you will be, your insides will be liquefying. Next your veins will start to bloat, until eventually your skin will begin slipping from your bones. Think Trick will save you? There is no cure, only sustaining yourself. You signed your own death sentence when you started this stupid human." I watch as she pulls a black pouch from the couch, dangling it like catnip in front of a cat. BITCH! "You can follow Bo and die a very, very painful death or stay here with your boyfriend, very extravagant life style and your life support."
"Get. Out. Of. My. House."
"I know you'll do the right thing Kenzi, it would be a shame for the children to lose their aunt so close to having lost their uncle Hale." She taunts me, walking toward the door. I wait until the door shuts before on reflex I find myself hurling the bottle against the wall.
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Unknown-2:46 p.m.
(BO'S POV)
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Right. Left. Left. Right. Right. Left.
Just as I ready to throw in the towel, I find myself at the mouth of the hall. These flashes coming over me, a memory so vivid it's like it's happening us again. Watching them ushered to this secret door. The five of us standing there in our nifty serial killer robes. The hall nothing special, especially now that it's dark and deserted, but my knees lock and I don't think there's anything that could make me walk down it again.
My eyes fall onto the out of place door, the one Sean had been guided through. I doubt it's open, even if it was-I can't go down there. What I can do is find another entrance.
Hopefully.
If takes another ten minutes, and a lot of wall groping before I find another possibility of a door. It's interesting, only a few feet from doors to a restricted exit. I really should have explored more these past few years. I expect the door to be locked, but it opens so easily I think I should be worried. Nothing has been so easy lately. Then again I don't really think anyone here cares about much of anything anymore. When you get to play judge, jury and executioner I guess you can get a bit cocky.
It's nothing special, stones stairs down into a stone hall. Though what is special is how I seem to be jumping back a few centuries, just like when I walked into the-I don't know what to call that room. These had to have been here long before we ever got here, and while I may not have exactly been as well informed in the layout of my home, but I'm sure this part of the compound was already built. I guess I can be thankful Lauren didn't build this little tunnel of death specifically for the Choosing.
Small victories are all I have now.
I pass rooms in set of two, nothing there. Though the occasional smear of blood on the floor does wonders to traumatize my very active imagination. I find myself stopping short of the last two sets of rooms, checking my phone. It's almost time. I don't know what I was looking for. I used to play detective for a living and now-now snooping around somehow feels unnatural.
There this noise, spitting I think that causes me to turn back curiously. I highly doubt Koari wouldn't be already waiting for this little loyalty test. Even as far off the deep end that Dani has jumped, I can't picture her spitting. Then again I couldn't picture my wife mercilessly killing people. I'm not really the best judge of future actions as it would seem.
"Oh God." I let out under my breath, rushing into the room. Maybe I'm not as far off on judging events as I thought.
"Get away." Niko tries to yell, but ends up coughing instead. His head falling back as he tries to move away from my touch. The rope around his hands and ankles keeping him from doing much though. "Get away from me."
"I'm not going to hurt you."
"Bullshit!"
"I'm not." I snap, freeing one ankle and then the next.
"Where's Dominic then?" His question stopping me dead in my tracks, eyes meeting his. Once again I'm glad for my little 'affliction', tears hidden away. "That's what I thought."
"Is everyone else okay?"
"Like you give a shit, liar." He jerks his hands, pulling them from me as I try and undo the knot.
"We need to get you out of here." I get his hands free, stepping in front of him. Part of me expects him to lunge at me, but it's apparent he doesn't have the strength. "Come on." I start to pull him up, feeling comfortable enough he wasn't going to fight.
"Why?"
"That's the same question I keep asking myself." I look up at him, trying to support as much of his weight as I can as we make our way up the stairs. "Listen to me." I start once we reach the restricted doors.
"Fuck you, liar."
"Look you little shithead, I'm not in the mood. A week ago I had a family, a marriage, a life. It wasn't perfect but it was mine. Now what do I have?" I shove his arm off of my shoulders as he leans against the doors. "A demon offspring, a marriage that's more like a death sentence or at very least a one way ticket to an insane asylum, and a body count quickly rising to levels of a genocide. I'm not exactly sure how many need to die for this to be classified as one, but I'm pretty sure it's getting there. I am sorry about Dominic. God knows I am, and when this is all over, if I am still me I will cry for him. Right now though, I don't have that option. I don't have the luxury of letting myself feel more than I do already, because if I do then it's over."
"Wh—what's over?" He whispers like a scolded child.
"Everything." I snort, looking away as I swallow back the feeling of tears. "Sometimes playing for Team-Good-Guys is the hardest thing you'll ever do." I run my hand through my hair, realization hitting me I have some place to be. Can't have them getting suspicious. "I have to be here, I have to do it this way because I can't run. Not this time, and if anyone understands that, I know it's you Niko. There's sometimes you just can't run."
"But you're telling me to."
"No," I shake my head. I should, if I was a better person I would. If I was a better person I'd tell him to run the hell out of here and never look back. "I'm asking you to fight with me. I'm asking you to do what I can't." We both look down the hall, the sound of steps echoing.
"What do I need to do?" I have his attention now, but there's still hesitation in his voice.
"Take care of everyone, and grant sanctuary to anyone who comes. I don't care if they have to sleep three to a bed, on the floor." He nods, both of us looking down the hall once again. "There's a few of you, you know who, who can fight if it comes to that. Fight only guards." I push the door open with one hand, other on his arm pushing him out as the echo loudens. "If it's anyone else, you run. You make sure that everyone runs."
"What about you?"
"I'm not your concern, they are." I start the pull the door shut, hesitating. "You can do this." I hold his gaze for only a minute, before pulling it shut.
I don't know if my words were more for him, or for myself-maybe for both of us.
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Conference Room-3:09 p.m.
(SEAN'S POV)
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"Any time you're ready Bo." Koari glares at my mom, who glares right back sitting atop the conference table.
"If it's all the same, I'll wait for my wife. I'd hate to go through all the trouble to prove my unwavering loyalty just to have you turn around and lie about it." I watch her tap Dani's blade against her thigh. My eyes moving from her to the three men bound and gagged against the wall in front of us. I had assumed they'd make mom prove loyalty, but having Aunt Kenz and Uncle Iel do it too is-it's something.
"Why would she do that?" Dani snorts, little Ari must be good in bed to have my sister so up in arms over every little damn thing.
"Because she wants your mother, has for years now. It's quite sad really, most people would have taken the hint and given up already. Not our little sorcerous though, she's in it for the long haul." Mom looks from Dani back to that bitch. "You really should have a little self-respect."
"You're lying." Dani looks between them, aww her little bubble has been popped. Good, now she can be miserable like the rest of us.
"Sorry, but it's true. The only reason she has been pushing all these little tests is in hope that I will fail and have to be killed. Then she would finally have your mother all to herself." Mom smirks. "It's really cute how you think you can replace me. I'm her wife, the mother of her children. Not to mention a kickass succubus whose been referred to as chosen on multiple occasions and the daughter of Hades. You on the other hand are an adviser who gets the occasional vision."
"I am far more than that!" She snaps. Temper, temper.
"Oh yeah, I hear you got yourself a little promotion, well you didn't really earn it. It was just given to you." She tilts her head to the side, a child running down my spine at how much it resembles my mother's. "Wait, wait. Don't tell me, you think that little massacre was for you."
"I got their jobs, their power didn't I?"
"Oooh, you poor pathetic little vision seer." Mom laughs, Aunt Kenz smiles a bit, but uncle Iel looks-perturbed. Weird, he usually loves shit talking.
"I told you." I whisper into my sister's ear, leaning against her shoulder.
"Why isn't this done yet?" My mother barks, walking into the room earning everyone's attention.
"Just waiting for you my love." Mom slides off the table, handing Dani's blade to Iel before looking back at mother. "Know how much you've come to love a massacre lately."
"I knew you wouldn't be able to do it." Koari laughs, like she won something.
"Unlike you I have talents, besides I may as well get a snack in." She walks up to the first of three unlucky men-at least they're men this time and not boys. She doesn't even need to bend down now, pulling the chi from him in like five seconds. "Sorry to ruin the whole Manson style bloodbath here, just not my thing."
Uncle Iel surprises me, maybe all of us as walks up to the last guy on the left and in one swift motion slits his throat. I mean, that is something. He didn't even flinch. I'm not really one to judge, but mom had made it quick and painless. She was merciful. Iel was quick, but the kill itself wasn't.
"No thank you." Aunt Kenz shakes her head as he offers her the blade. "You have me." She practically snarls at Koari. "You know you do, but I won't do this."
"Babe, it's the only way."
"Babe? Really? You just Jack the Ripper-ed that guy, you've lost calling me babe privileges."
"You do it or you suffer-" Koari threatens.
"Careful." Mom warns.
"You own me already." She snaps looking over all of us. I have to look down to keep tears from building. It's not until I hear her speak again that I look back up. "I'm sorry." She walks behind him, grabbing his head it the oddest way-but it works just the same. "Are you happy?" She walks up to mother, I can't help being terrified. Please Aunt Kenz, please don't snap. "Does this appease you my Queen?" She bows.
"Very well." Mother turns to Koari. "Satisfied?"
"My Queen, I believe there is an alternate motive behind Bo's action perhaps we should-"
"You'd be the one to know about hidden motives wouldn't you?" Mom pipes in.
"I know not what you speak of."
"Of course not," Mom makes her way over to the sneaky bitch. "It's over. You lost, have some dignity."
"Ma'am." She dips her head, ah fake respect.
"Next time you speak to me remember that you are nothing more than an employee of-" She laughs, leaning in further. Hm, mom is pretty good at this baiting shit. Who would have thought. "I'm sorry, I meant to say servant of my wife."
The words barely finish making their way out before Koari has her hand raised. I feel the urge to move, then I realize it would be more amusing to watch mom do it. Neither option happens as surprisingly mother intervenes.
"Seeing as how I am in a forgiving mood," Mother jerks Koari's wrist forcing her to come face to face with her. "I will forget this indiscretion, but do not overestimate your worth to me."
"My Queen she is playing-." Mother's free hand going over her mouth.
"Awe, and it's not even our anniversary." Mom laughs.
"Your personal opinions of my wife are not appreciated. Especially in public, in front of our children. Until they prove disloyal you are to recognize their position in the hierarchy. Understand?" A nod mother's only earned response, but enough to let the woman go.
"I suggest next time you aim for someone in your league and not married." Mom antagonizes just a bit more as she follows mother out. Aunt Kenz and Iel following close on her tail
"Hm, makes you think-what other questionable decisions did you make." I laugh, shoving her with my shoulder. "I suggest you watch yourself Koari, I'd hate for you to have an accident."
"Bo is harmless, but thank you for your concern my Prince."
"Mom?" I spin around just before hitting the door, looking at her with a new level of amusement. "I was talking about me. I'm hitting eighteen in two months, I've had my Choosing—only seems right I take an active role in my mother's reign. Considering you have seemed to take all of the positions as of this morning, the only way I could get one is if you have some horrible-disfiguring-on-purpose-accident." I can't help laughing to myself making it into the hall. The sound of Dani's voice causing me to stop.
"Is it true?"
"Danni please don't take after Bo's weakness, not after how far you've come."
"Weakness?" She snorts. "Heed my family's warnings because when my brother decides to go for you I won't be there to stop him. When Bo decides you've pushed too far one to many times, I won't be there. I won't sell you out, but know this Ari you so much as try and touch my mother-you don't wanna know the things I will do to you."
Hm, some destruction I can be pleased about.
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K/I Loft-5:08 p.m.
(KENZI'S POV)
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My head in my hands, hiding from the light. Damn Iel and his bright bulbs throughout the house. Actually I'm hiding from everything. I can't help wanting to run away from it all. Run away from this place and never once look back.
I love Bo, she's my sister and Lauren-the real Lauren is like my sister-in-law. The kids despite what they've done are still my niece and nephew. I've been here for everything. I've changed diapers, been thrown up on, took them to their first concert. I was the cool Aunt who they had ran to when their parents were a pain. I even loved this life that we had come to make for ourselves. It was peaceful, we had made so much of a difference and of course all the perks were amazing.
This was the life anyone would dream for, one that I certainly did.
But now this is no longer the fairy tale I had made it out to be. The fairy tale we had all made it out to be. It wasn't as simple as taking all the rewards and having no consequences. I know now how stupid I was to think there wouldn't be. After all this is my life—our life and in our life there is always consequences. Our life is working on a cosmic balance scale, it's always been like this. For every good thing that happened there would be a negative and vice versa.
So why I thought that there would never be a downside this time around, I didn't know.
This though?
This is too much even for me. There was always some big bad guy who breezed into town and torn things apart, but we'd always be together. And like in the fairy tales the heroes would always win. But now looking back there is no more band of heroes, no more scoobie gang left. Vex, Dyson, Eric, Reyna, Hale—one after another. Like the saying says, time heals all-that is until the world is crashing down and you find yourself standing alone. It's then you remember just how much you needed them. Remember how much you miss them, how much it hurt to lose them. I could actually add Dani to the list now—this girl now isn't my niece, this is something that swooped in and made itself at home in her body.
"Hey." I sniff back tears, looking up to his voice.
"Hey."
"You should be getting some rest babe."
"Why, 'cause I killed someone? You think me sleeping will make that go away?"
"No I was suggesting it because you look beat and you've been drinking."
"Yeah—well," My eyes wander over his soft, concerned features.
By all accounts he was hansom, sweet, charming, sexy and in his own way quite funny. He had been with me for years through the ups and downs, never leaving. He even always knew how to handle me-but he isn't Hale. He isn't Eric, he isn't even Vex—he's just-a substitute. I hadn't admitted that to myself until tonight. Hale would have never let me do what I did. He never in a million years would have stood for it. Eric would have never let me. Vex-well Vex might have let me, but he would have been able to make me feel better, been able to comfort me.
"Well it's hard to sleep with a jungle gym above us." I point up at the ceiling at the series of loud thumps.
"They're interesting."
"Interesting? I have some other words for them."
"Kenz, Lauren has changed. It would be better if you just accept that now and Bo, well if she really loves her and wants this to work then she is going to have to change too." He walks around to his side of the bed, plopping down. "I think Bo truly loves her and will do what she has to, to keep her. Besides it's not like she'd have to change into anything she isn't already."
"I'm sorry, when have you ever known Bo to be a killer of anything other than stains?" I glance over my shoulder.
"Lately yeah, but before-well let's just say baby-girl gotta pretty decent body count."
"That's nice, real nice."
"Relax babe, it's not like she's gonna have to go in the streets slaughtering people-she just has to be okay if that happens." He laughs at his own comment making my stomach turn on itself, eyes drifting back to the floor unable to face him any longer.
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HPS Club-11:06 p.m.
(BO'S POV)
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"Are you okay?" I ask hesitantly, taking a seat next to her. I probably should have asked if I could have a seat, after all people don't normally find the darkest booth in the darkest corner of a club because they want company.
"I've killed Fae before, no biggie Bo-Bo." She raises her glass, but doesn't look at me.
"Never murdered one."
"Thanks for the clarification." She takes a drink, once full glass dropping to half way in a matter of seconds. "I'm fine, besides I apparently signed my soul over long before today's little massacre." I watch as she takes another drink, tossing it back as though it was water. It's obvious she's drank enough that the 'burn' is no longer a factor. "Aren't you gonna ask why I did it?"
"Nope." I shake my head. We all have our reasons, our dark secrets that allow us to do what we've done. I don't need to know hers. Not now.
"Sooo, not that I'm not happy you're back and you and our Queen are working things out but what's with the succu-bang-fest? I heard in the office? That's how you know she's taken a trip to cray-cray town."
"Places like this disgust me." We find out attention shifting up to Markus who handed me a beer before making himself comfortable opposite myself.
"Well we did have a place, but Queen has deemed that place-." Kenz cuts herself off, I guess remembering who exactly she is talking to.
"It's okay human, I'm off tonight."
"They send you to spy on me?" My eyebrow raises, kind of hoping his answer is yes. Given the day-week-month I'm having, certainly in the mood to cause trouble. Besides that's what Lauren needs to see. Me not giving a shit anymore, giving into her little psycho party.
"No, but you pissed Koari off pretty bad today and I know for a fact she won't come here." Taking a swig he kicks his feet up at an angle on the low laying table. "Her and the owner got problems."
"Koari-the things I would do to her would I know she wouldn't turn me into a toad, or rat or-" Kenz starts to trail off as she leans forward giving herself a refill. "What are you laughing at ass-face?"
"I don't think she'd be turning you into a rat or anything else for that matter. Sure she'd beat your little, human ass but that's about it."
"Dude she's a sorceress! Haven't you seen Fantasia or that Rasbootand dude? Scary!"
"I don't think that's how you pronounce his name, Kenz." I correct her, taking a drink myself only half paying attention to the two.
"If you can count on humans for anything it's amusement." He laughs, beginning to take an undesired interest in me.
"You aren't afraid of her?" I ask in between drinks, beginning to be intrigued by this little exchange.
"You see her and you see me? A punch from her would be like being hit with a Nerf ball." He snorts, I think somewhat insulted at the thought that, that little lying, wife stealing bitch could cause him any damage. "A TINY Nerf ball-thrown by a two year old-human."
"Her powers don't work on you?" Kenz asks for me.
"Powers?" This time his snort causes him to choke on the mouthful of liquid. "What powers do you think she has human?"
"She doesn't have powers?" I find myself sitting up, suddenly very interested in this.
"You really don't know do you? Wow alright pay close attention 'cause I think this is gonna make your year succubus. Back in the day Pharaohs, Emperors, Kings depending on the year and region had these sorceress. Women who were believed to have the gift of sight, illusions, shit like that." Taking another drink he settles back into his seat. "Turns out of course most were frauds, only a couple actually posing the power-being Fae."
"This history lesson have a point, getting bored." I fake a yawn, he's still far from making it back onto my Christmas list.
"Sorceress are kinda like a crown, a symbol of power something that goes along with the man—or woman in charge. Their only real ability is the ability of sight, a very few can do some magic tricks, but even then they're just skilled magicians. Think of David Copperfield times ten and you get Koari-though her technique is shit." He laughs, raising his bottle. I think he's actually drunk. "Although got to give it to her, she's one manipulative bitch if I've ever seen one."
"But she does get visions right?" Kenzi asks suddenly not all that impressed or scared of Koari-and strangely sobering.
"Yeah of course," Reaching over the table he pulls back one of the Kenz bottles with him. "Doubt she had any in a while though. It must kill her."
"What do you mean she hasn't had any in a while? Like days while or weeks or?" My mind wandering just a bit, trying to remember exactly when the last one I know she had was.
"Try years succubus." I reach over pulling the bottle from his hands, whatever slight sense of amusement I had gone. "See over ten years ago a lil' fella named Akuma decided to go crazy and kill of some Ancients-."
"I was there, skip to the part that makes me give a shit."
"The power of sight isn't an ability like being a succubi or siren and so on, it's a gift from the Ancients. Normally from the one you're a descendent of, or of course Domitianus," He pauses I guess seeing the confusion coming from us. "Domitianus? The Fae of all Fae-you know there was the three Light, three Dark and him? No? Alright whatever, anyway Akuma killed three-fourths of them and I'm sure Domitianus took the opportunity to finish the rest off. Despite being the devil incarnate, he wouldn't give her the gift considering who she is."
"And that would be?"
"Lauren's adviser, or now really her only adviser and sectary and everything else."
"What would it matter if she was my wife's-entire staff?"
"When the Queen makes her ascension she'll be just as powerful him, maybe even more in some ways. Just between you and me Lauren really got fucked in this deal."
"I doubt that." Kenzi snorts under her breath.
"I know it's easy to sit back and judge, but you have no idea what kind of power she has. What kind was forced on her. Being a hybrid alone is tough enough, but having a part of Sasha, a part of Akuma that's darkness beyond imagined. It's a shame though I thought there would be more time, a lot more." As he takes a drink I watch his features twist from amusement to sadness.
"This ascension dealieo?"
"Think the Dawning only for a very, very few. In fact other than the Ancients, their kids and Akuma-Lauren will be the only one. You do know what a Dawning is right human?"
"Yes." She snorts, rolling her eyes as she stands up, reaching over to take his bottle only to fail almost falling on her face had I not grabbed her arm in time. She may have a clearer mind, but she's far from sober.
"And before you bark a threat or something overly dramatic the ascension is when Lauren will make the final transition from human-well hybrid to full Fae. In her case that's-that's a scary situation." He looks directly at me, this vulnerability to him I haven't seen before. "I really thought we had time."
"The Sasha and Akuma factor in all of this," I can't help how my nostrils flare at the mention of the woman's name, something I thought I'd never have to hear again. "Is that what's speeding this up?"
"Exactly how fast are we talking big guy?"
"By a couple hundred years, I assume that's why Domitianus never did anything about her. Left it alone all this time," his attention shifting back to me. "I'd have to guess it is, what else would do it right?"
"This thing, once she transitions completely will she still have a soul?" My jaw tightens, this image of her staring blankly into that pit watching our son kill someone etched into my mind.
"Bo-"
"Will she?" I cut him off, wanting-no needing an answer.
"Listen the Ancients, they don't have souls. In fact they aren't even really Fae, they're well for lack of a better word demons. But then again I suspect you know that more than anyone Bo. Our evolution caused us to lose abilities until we only had one, caused us to resemble humans-eventually evolution caused us to have souls. Even the Light Ancients didn't have souls, they had mercy and forgiveness traits that kept a balance."
"You're dangerously close to being my night snack Markus."
"I had hoped that she would be able to hold onto her humanity when it was time, but life has had other plans. I'm truly sorry." The table falls silent, each of us just sipping on our drinks. Suddenly everything seemed real again. It had begun to feel like a game today, a game that was dark and twisted, but a game none the less. Maybe I needed it to be one. Maybe I needed it to be one so I could deal with this. "Why were you so interested in Koari's visions anyway? She tell you she had one?" He asks casually, more as something to break the silence than anything.
"One? Try over twenty in this past year-you have to be mistaken she knew things. Things that actually happened down to the detail. Believe me I am the last person to defend her, but there would be no way she could have known." Kenzi answers him, looking at me with the first bit of compassion since I returned.
"Unless she puppet mastered the entire thing." His once amused chuckle slowing as the three of us begin to look amongst ourselves. "That would be crazy though, wouldn't it?"
Hm, a bad guy that isn't my wife. A bad guy who is evil and manipulating good but vulnerable people. A bad guy who is simply bad.
Well this we can handle-this is our area of expertise.
.
B/L Loft-2:15 a.m.
.
I slide into the darkness that is my bedroom, quietly shutting the door behind myself. It takes only a second for my eyes to adjust. She's not in bed, with her little pet maybe? My attention getting pulled toward the balcony. I was wrong, she is here. I take a step and then another until there is only a thin like of metal between the stone she stands on and the carpet I do. Saying nothing I just continue watching as she just stands there, motionless in the pouring rain.
"Ysabeau."
"Lauren." I can't help as my eyes drift down following every accentuated curve that the black, sheer, high-riding teddy clung too. If there is anything I actually like about my wife's little transformation, it's the new wardrobe. "Gonna ask where I've been, play the concerned wife?" I lean against the door, my tone nothing other than condescending yet I can't seem remove my eyes from her thighs.
"I know where you've been."
"Ah that's right," I snap my fingers grinning. "Forgot you're the all-powerful, all-knowing, all-shit I may as well just call you God at this point."
"God, hm?" I can't see her face, but I know she's smirking. "I like it, has a certain ring to it."
"Ego's getting mighty big there chief." I chuckle, resting my head against the door finally managing to tear my eyes away from the work of art that is my wife's body. "Though I'm not really one to talk."
"Come on, it's me you don't have to pretend."
"Excuse me?" I snort.
"It's me you're talking to, love."
"Well that's good 'cause for a second I wasn't sure." I snort, rolling my eyes. It undeniable that my massive binge with Kenz and Markus still had some effects lingering.
"We both know your over inflated ego is really all talk. Just talk to hide the truth that you're still just the insecure, small town girl you always were. You've got to be the only succubi who even doubts her ability in the bedroom."
"Hm I don't think insecurities are a subject you'd like to travel to babe." Eyes narrowing, suddenly all the drinking not seeming like a brilliant idea considering I'm having trouble keeping my emotion in check.
"No?"
"Shall we recall your 'pathetic, passive-aggressive-because-you-didn't-have-the-balls-to-speak-up fits about Dyson?" Smirk coming over my face noticing the way her body tenses. "Or anyone else for that matter. And want to talk about matters in the bed-—well let's not go there. I'd really hate to hurt what's left of those feelings you have." My brow rising when all I get in response is a laugh.
"I could snap your neck in a second."
"As could I." I snap right back, it's so easy to turn my hurt into anger now.
"That would require a darkness you don't have. You couldn't kill the mother of your children, the woman you're in love with. You don't have it in you."
"I wouldn't be too sure, love."
"You at heart are an immature child who runs from decisions. It's why you danced between men and women when it was clear you prefer women. You danced between Light and Dark spewing excuse after excuse about wanting to be free. Why you dance between right and wrong. Even now you can't pick, let me go or don't, you just go back and forth like a pendulum."
"You really don't want me to pick."
"That would be where you're wrong." Her laugh cut off as she turns to find my hand over her mouth, pushing her back against the railing. Her legs wrapping around my waist, arms reaching out to grab the railing. I'm not sure if I'm in more shock that I had lost control, for a split second I didn't have control. I didn't decide to do this, but here I am-and I can't back down now. Or maybe my shock is more at the fact she seem scared at all. "We've been here and done this Bo."
"You know, how I see it is yeah it's a long drop but-—you're pretty powerful now and well I just give you some chi and you'll be right as rain. Soooo, wanna see if you can fly?" My eyebrow raises, smirk to match.
"I go, you're coming too." She tightens the grip of her legs around me.
"Hm." I tilt my head back trying to get hair off of my face. "Well you do make a good point. I don't know how to fly nor do I have any desire to try."
"See." She chuckles like she won as I slowly back away. I guess she has won. I'm not prepared to cross that line-not yet. Not until I have to. "Sorry did that hurt baby?" I hear her voice before I realize that I'm looking up at her from the bedroom floor. It takes me a second to realize she had pushed me hard enough to fly down onto the ground. Damn speed.
"Actually-it kind of tickled." I return her antagonistic smile. It's now, in this moment I don't recognize her again.
"Was hoping you'd say that." She comes toward me, pulling me up by arms without effort.
"That hurt." I bark, shoving her right back.
"Oh." Her features soften-for a second. "Too bad."
She comes at me again, but this isn't like the courtyard. Her verbal attacks, her attitude so much more vicious, but physically it's nothing. She pushes me into the dresser before tossing me toward the balcony. I hit the door, glass shattering over me-but it wasn't her intent. Just a mere slip as I'm nowhere near sober enough to fight gracefully. She waits for me to get up-to go toward her, but again she just pushes me around.
She's waiting for something-but what?
She wants something-but what?
We go on like this for maybe five minutes, but where she seems to be calm I find myself losing control. Anger getting the better of me-maybe I should be honest and say hurt. Her shoves turning a bit harsher as I find myself actually beginning to go at her. She deflects them easily, there's no technique behind my attacks. I should be ashamed-this is wrong.
I can't control myself.
"Enough!" She yells, lifting her head to look at me as she lands on the mattress. Her leg hikes back to kick me, but I grab her and pull her and the sheets down. "I said enough!"
"Enough?" A cold laugh I don't recognize coming from myself as I stare down at her. "We haven't even started yet." I grab her thighs, pulling her further down the bed until I'm directly between her legs, no space between us.
"Bo!" She yells, struggling against the awkward position I have her trapped in.
"Say it like you mean it." Hands sliding down from her knees, grabbing the hem of the teddy. One quick rip from each hand and the material is from her body. "I had thought there was no greater pleasure than when you withered underneath me in pleasure," I lean down covering her lips with my own for a rough kiss. "But this—withering in fear," I can feel this smile on my face, I don't recognize it. "Well this is enough to make me cum all on its own."
"Bo get off of me!"
"This is what you wanted!" I find myself screaming down at her.
She manages to get me off of her, and I can't be sure of what happens next. It's all a blur. One big blur that I feel I'm watching-only not really watching. Like watching a video at three am half-awake after a night of drinking. You know you're there, you know you're doing something, but you're not really in control.
Is this what she feels like?
I grab her, holding her by the shoulders as I shove her into wall. Her back hitting the edge right where wall becomes door-or what was a door. I can't stop myself now. I can't stop the hurt that's turned to anger. I can't stop the anger that's actually just anger now. I can't stop how quickly I'm losing myself.
"You're not a God." Words through a clenched jaw, narrow eyes and tight grip. "You're hardly deserving of the title of Queen," She pushes against me, and I'm so angry. There's that saying about being so angry you're seeing red or some shit. I don't know about that, but everything is blurred. "Disappointment really." She pushes again harder this time, actually trying to get me off of her and I react. One push that I'm not even sure I how it happened and she's falling back through the broke doors, and into the railing. The amount of rain failing causing her hands to slip from the railing as she went over.
Whatever this feeling was that had come over me is gone in an instant.
I'm at the railing in a second reaching over as I grab her wrist. She cries out in pain and it surprises me, I hadn't even thought she could feel pain anymore. My other hand holding onto the slippery railing for some kind of leverage as my body leans more than half way over. Jaw clenching at the pain surging through me, muscles being stretched to new limits. Feeling her slipping I tighten my grip, nails digging into her flesh, for the first time tonight the pain it causes unintentional.
I look down at her, really look at her and feel my heart sink. For the first time in days I wasn't staring into any of the various shades of green I've grown accustom to. No this time-this time they're my wife's eyes.
"Oh God," I whisper to myself, shaking my head trying to keep the rain from my eyes. "I got you. I got you." I try to pull her up, only to fail and have her slip a little more.
"Just let me go. I know you want to."
"No."
"Let me go!" She yells and had I not known better-I would have thought it was a plea.
"Grab a hold with your other hand."
"You'll fall with me."
"Do it dammit! I've got you!"
She hesitates, but reaches up grabbing my forearm. A scream escaping me that follows a loud pop as my shoulder dislocates. Using what was left of my strength combined with my body jerking back in pain it was enough to pull Lauren up so she could grab onto the railing. Ignoring the pain I wrap my arms under her shoulders having nothing else to grab onto pulling her over the edge before we both fall to the ground.
Lauren lays on her stomach facing away from me but makes no effort to get off my arm. I follow her lead, finding myself laying completely still staring up at the night's sky the best the best I can as the cold, dime sized beads of water pound down on us. My breathing beyond labored in part from the adrenaline, in part from the unbelievable pain and part in fear of what just happened. Actually I'm not sure exactly what had happened. I'm not even sure how I got to her so fast.
The thing I'm most unsure of is if I really did see Lauren's eyes, not this new Lauren but my Lauren's eyes.
I couldn't have, even if I did it was probably some trick on either of our parts. Maybe on Lauren's knowing it would make me react the way I did. Maybe it was my own mind playing ticks, maybe I really wasn't ready to let her go. And if that is truly the case then I have bigger problems than I had thought because until this moment I had convinced myself I was ready to let go.
To let her go in every sense of the meaning-that was until this moment.