A/N: I am sooo sorry that this is taking me so long. I kind of got out of the Betelgeuse mode and into the Walking Dead mode for a while. But here's another chapter for all those still reading and enjoying this fic. Thanks so much for the favorites and reviews. It really does keep me motivated. So, on with the story….

Repercussions Chapter 14

Betelgeuse and Isabel had been practicing "killing" Lydia for a few days now. They wanted to make sure everything was alright when she came back. So far it had been a success. There had been no weird effects on her, so they had been keeping her out for a couple of hours. Lydia's nervousness at the idea of being dead had almost disappeared. She had actually begun to enjoy the sensation. It felt like flying. She and Betelgeuse had taken short trips around the Neitherworld, while Isabel remained in Lydia's body to keep it functioning. Today was going to be the real test, though. They were going to the breather world to see how she could handle it. Betelgeuse made it look easy, just popping in anytime, but it was harder on the recently dead. The change was disorienting, and Betelgeuse was nervous that she wouldn't be completely in control of herself. Even though it was easier when you knew you were dead, it didn't feel any less weird.

"You ready for this, babes?" he asked her. Lydia sighed heavily.

"Not really," she replied. Betelgeuse frowned at her. "But let's do it anyway…" He took her hand and led her to the sofa.

"You ready, Iz?" he asked. Isabel nodded, and stepped toward Lydia. They had all become really good at the transition. Lydia positioned herself on the sofa with Isabel seated next to her. Betelgeuse stepped forward and placed his hand over Lydia's heart.

"Here goes nothin'…." he said. A small electric jolt spread through Lydia's body. The shock caused her body to rise off the sofa, and she let out a small whimper of pain. It always hurt, but she had managed to stop screaming out loud after the fourth or fifth time. She closed her eyes as the familiar feeling flooded through her. Her heartbeat began to slow and her fingers tingled slightly.

"Now." Betelgeuse said. Lydia exhaled her last breath for the moment and her heart stopped. When he felt it, he nodded to Isabel. She placed her hand where his had been and pushed. It went straight into Lydia's body. She felt herself being pulled into Lydia. It only took a few seconds until Lydia jerked and Betelgeuse returned his hand to her chest. Another jolt, and he felt the rhythmic thump of her heartbeat under his fingers again. He sighed with relief. He wouldn't tell them, but that part always scared the shit out of him. He turned to scan the room. It usually took a few minutes for Lydia to materialize. Since Betelgeuse knew that everyone who died went to the waiting room, he had a guy who owed him a favor slip Lydia out a side door before anyone noticed to avoid her being processed. It was risky. That damn Juno could get wind of their plan at any time. He breathed an unnecessary sigh of relief when he saw her shimmer into view.

"Any problems?" he asked.

"Nope, smooth as usual," she replied. Betelgeuse grinned. He stood and grabbed her hand.

"Ya ready?" he asked. She nodded.

"Ready as I'll ever be." she replied.

Lydia looked around. She had no idea where they were. It certainly didn't look like Winter River. She clung to Betelgeuse.

"Where are we, Beej?" she asked. He looked at her with a smirk.

"Where have you always wanted to go?" he asked with a little glint in his eyes. Lydia's eyes widened.

"Paris?" she exclaimed, "are we really in Paris?" Betelgeuse couldn't hide the satisfaction on his face.

"You know it, babes," he said, "only the best for my Lyds." She let out a little squeal of excitement.

"Oh Beej," she said, "thank you." His grin widened and he took her hand.

"C'mon," he said, "Let's go explorin'." They walked around the city for a while, taking in all the sights that Lydia had always wanted to see. They went to the Eifel Tower, the Champs Elysees, and the Louvre. Lydia was speechless. She was so caught up in all the sights and people around her, that she didn't notice the grip Betelgeuse had on her hand get tighter. It was only when he stopped that she noticed the look on his face. Not to be funny, but he looked like he had seen a ghost.

"Beej?" she questioned.

"C'mon," he said, "we gotta go." He pulled her into the nearest alley.

"What is it, Beej?" she asked. He led her deeper into the alley.

"We're goin' back," he said, "get ready." She didn't question him, she just readied herself to reenter her body. She closed her eyes and took one of those deep unnecessary breaths that was still habit for her. Almost immediately, she felt the gentle tug that meant she would soon be back. She didn't know what had gotten to Betelgeuse, but she knew by the look on his face that it wasn't good. A few minutes later, she opened her eyes. Betelgeuse was pacing furiously in front of her. She sat up. Isabel was at her side, staring at Betelgeuse.

"Beej, what happened?" she asked.

"Barrett?" Isabel questioned. He stopped pacing and looked at the two women. They knew something was very wrong.

"She knows….." he said. The two women gave him questioning looks, but didn't speak.

"Juno….." he said, "she knows…."