Chapter 21

To spite the circumstances, Tamsin slept well that night up next to Bo. They left Rachel's house early the next morning so they would be able to make it as far as possible before night fall. They bid Rachel goodbye and thanked her for all of her help.

The walk didn't take long during the day and it wasn't but a few hours before they appeared in front of the Nox Forest. Bo didn't like the look of it. It was very dark and had a foreboding feeling about it. Tamsin knew some of the things that called the forest home and she wasn't happy about going in either. Giving voice to her thoughts wouldn't be helpful right now so she kept her mouth shut.

"Are you sure this is the right way to go?" asked Bo.

"I know that it looks bad but there's a good chance that we can make it through without any trouble. We need the upper hand so this is this best way to sneak up on Thanatoes. We will have the forest for cover and the element of surprise," Persephone answered.

"What about your army? Where are they?"

"They are going the direct route, but will be at the castle by the time we get there. Maybe they will be able to take out some of the worst of them by the time we get there."

"So what kind of things might we face in here?" asked Bo.

"Almost anything you can think of. It's a long list."

"What about the undead fae?" asked Tamsin.

"I bet most of them will be stationed near the castle, but there may be some before we get there as well. The longer we stand and talk the darker it's going to get in here so we need to move," Persephone said.

Tamsin stayed near Bo as they entered the forest. She wanted to make sure she was safe. Kenzi was still adapting to her new powers and the forest was the perfect place to practice. She took joy in bending some of the tree branches in Tamsin's path as she tried to walk under them. Tamsin made multiple threats on her life, but Kenzi just giggled and would do it again in the next few minutes. Kenzi was enjoying herself too much to just stop, even if she had to pay for it later. She had to do it now because it wouldn't be so easy to mess with Tamsin once she had her powers back.

The forest was unlike the rest of the landscape. It had life and animals could be heard nearby. It wasn't cold here either, but it was comfortable. If it weren't for the feeling of doom, which hung like grapes from a vine, than it would be almost nice in the forest.

"So what's the plan when we find my father?" asked Bo.

"We have to break whatever hold he has on the fae powers he is using first. You will have to destroy him to get Tamsin's power back. I don't think he will give it to you willingly. My theory is that he is using her power to keep control over the army that he has created. They may only be mindless zombies but her powers help to keep them from falling out of line. If we get them back then I think that will break the control he has over them. He will lose order and the army will fall apart with a general to lead it. They will still be dangerous to us after that but much less ordered. It is important to take out as many of the dead as we can so the powers can go back where they belong," Persephone explained.

"Well that's just peachy," remarked Tamsin.

"How much further until we reach the end of the forest?" asked Kenzi.

"Not too long. It is gone better than I could have hoped. It's strange that we haven't run into any creatures. I thought we would at least run into an imp or a goblin," said Persephone.

"Maybe they could use some vitamin B. This place is gloom city," said Kenzi.

The rest of the walk was through the forest was tame. The worst that happened was Kenzi getting tangled in a vine that wrapped around her like a snake. It moved from her ankles and up to her hips in a split second. Tamsin laughed at her before going over to cut her out.

"Would have thought you could have gotten yourself out of that one. It was just a fae climbing vine. Fae children play with them for fun," smiled Tamsin.

"That's what you used to do for fun? Lady you don't just have issues you bought the whole subscription," said Kenzi when Tamsin freed her mouth.

"It's too bad Bo wouldn't let me at least keep that thing around your mouth. The vines are harmless and I might have gotten some peace," Tamsin said with a smirk.

Tamsin's gloating came to an end when she walked into a rather large spider web. She screamed and the others turned around just in time to witness her fighting her way out of it. She picked it off of her as much as she could and rejoined the group with a little less dignity than before.

"What's wrong? Is the big, bad detective scared of spiders?" mocked Kenzi.

"I'd rather be scared of spiders than of house plants." Tamsin shot back.

"Hey house plants can be killer. Didn't you ever see Little Shop of Horrors?How was I supposed to know that it wasn't going to eat me?" Kenzi said.

"Even if it did it would have gotten sick from ingesting large amounts of formaldehyde from all that makeup," Tamsin said.

"At least my hair is natural. I'm not a suicide blonde."

"What does that mean?"

"You know dyed by your own hand."

"Can you too wrap it up? We have things to do remember?" Bo said shaking her head at them.

"To be continued then, Elvira." Tamsin said with a smile.

The end of the woods was up ahead. They could see daylight once again. Up ahead they could see Thanatoes' castle. Around the castle there appeared to be many people standing. They were not just people, there were creatures as well. They could see that some members of the group were already engaged in battle with members of Persephone's army. There were fae powers being displayed that Bo had never seen before. One of the undead shot a line of fire at one of Persephone's army. He went down as it hit him but he didn't stay down. He was able to get the upper hand and took his sword to the undead fae that had attacked him. He brought the sword down in one swift movement and removed the zombie's head.

"Bo how are we going to get past this group?" asked Kenzi as they observed the fight. "We can only do so much."

"We will have to fight our way close to the castle," Bo said looking over at Tamsin.

"Okay Bo, I'm with you," Kenzi said.

The group geared up and prepared to enter the battle. Bo was armed with her usual knives and Tamsin with her blades. Kenzi was given a sword of her own but her new powers would be her best asset.

"Are you ready for this?" Bo asked Tamsin.

"As ready as I'll ever be. Let's do this," said Tamsin with a determined look in her eyes.

They ran forward as a group and met the battle head on. Bo took out several zombies that tried to kill her with one of her blades. One grabbed her around the waist, but Tamsin threw a blade and hit him in the middle of his forehead. The zombie fell dead to the ground and the power that he had flew from his body.

Kenzi was using her power to shake the ground under several undead around her making them lose their footing. She was able to take several out while they were on the ground. A goblin ran toward Kenzi in a fit of rage and Tamsin was able to take him out with a swift cut to the neck.

"Thanks," Kenzi said looking around.

"Don't get used to it. Fae powers or not I still kick more ass than you," Tamsin said.

Tamsin went back over to help Bo. She was taking on several of the larger zombies. One appeared to have powers similar to Dyson's. He was growling and his eyes were yellow. He came towards Bo and her eyes glowed blue. Tamsin could see the chi draining from several of the zombies that were around Bo. They dropped to their knees and lost consciousness. Bo walked over to get one to remove their heads. Her powers seemed to be growing here. Tamsin looked into her eyes and didn't see her Bo anymore. Bo was killing the enemy be Tamsin had a feeling in her gut that she had to go over and stop her before she lost control over herself.

She ran up to Bo and put a hand on her wrist. Bo turned to look at her. It was a look that Tamsin had not seen on her before.

"Bo! Bo! Come back to me. You have to stop. This is causing you to change. Please!" Tamsin shouted at Bo.

Bo looked like she was having an internal struggle and for a minute Tamsin was afraid that that her dark side was going to win. Bo looked at Tamsin and her eyes changed back to their usual brown. Bo became herself again.

"What happened?" asked Bo coming back around.

"I don't know, but I felt like you were not you for a second. Bo, be careful not to suck too much chi. It's dark chi," Tamsin said.

Kenzi was busy trying to keep people off of Tamsin and Bo as they tried to get Bo back to herself. Tamsin and Bo took up arms once again and managed to fight off the growing group of fae that had gathered around them. One fae must have had Valkyrie powers because he tried to use them on Bo. Tamsin knew the look in Bo's eyes as she locked eyes with the zombie. Tamsin came up behind the zombie and knocked it off his feet. She pinned it on its stomach with her knees.

"Don't try to pull my own tricks on my girlfriend! Nobody gets to go Valkyrie on her but me and that's only in foreplay," Tamsin said as she took off his head.

"You okay?" asked Tamsin

"Just a headache thanks to you," Bo answered taking a knife to an approaching zombie.

Bo took her eyes off of Tamsin for a minute to fight off an imp that was coming her way. She killed the imp and heard a piecing scream. She looked over to see Tamsin on her knees with a zombie holding her. He had what looked like electricity passing through her. Pain was etched into her face as she tried to fight him off. Kenzi and Bo ran to help. Kenzi began to open the ground around them, but the zombie didn't move away from Tamsin. His only goal had become killing Tamsin and his own death was of no concern. Bo wasn't sure what to do. The only way to help Tamsin was to break the connection between the fae and Tamsin. She kicked him as hard as she could and he fell back into the crack that Kenzi had created. Bo grabbed Tamsin and pulled her away from the gap. She was weak but she was still awake.

"We have to get his castle, now! Tamsin can't wait!" Bo said in a panic.

"You two go and I'll cover you," said Kenzi helping Tamsin up.

"Can you handle this on your own?" asked Bo.

"I'm only getting warmed up. This is fun. Now go!" yelled Kenzi.

The two girls ran toward the castle. Bo had to hold Tamsin up some of the way because she was so weak. Her strength was depleting quickly. Bo had to stop no fewer than three times for Tamsin to recover. Bo was worried that she might not make it to the castle in time. Once they had gotten past the hoard of creatures, they had little trouble getting to the castle. Once they were inside, however, Bo didn't have any idea which way to go.

"Tamsin which way do we go? Can you feel your power at all? Is it close?"

"I can feel a pull in that direction. It might be my power pulling me to it, but I can't be sure."

"It's all we have to go on so it will have to do."

They went in the direction that Tamsin had pointed. They didn't pass any more guards on the way in. Bo guessed that they must all be in the battle outside. If Thanatoes wanted them to be here it would also make since that they would have little trouble here. The trip was hard enough with Tamsin having trouble staying conscious.

"Stay with me Tamsin?" Bo said struggling to keep Tamsin on her feet. "We can't be too far away from him now. I feel like we are getting close. I know he is close."

They headed up the stairs toward the top of the castle. Bo figured that this was where Thanatoes must be because he would be able to see the battle from the top. Bo and Tamsin came to the top of the stairs and found a great room open at the top. Windows lined the room and on the other end of the room stood Bo's father. He was looking out the window with his back to them.

"So I see you made it," Thanatoes said without turning around.

"Yes and I came to take back what you took. If you give it back than maybe I won't kill you. I want Tamsin's power back and you to call off your army," Bo said.

"You wouldn't kill your own father, Isabo."

"Try me."

Thanatoes turned around to face them. He was holding the cane that Bo knew must have Tamsin's power inside. She could see the contents swirling around in the glass dome at the top of the cane.

"I can't give the powers back. I can't give the others their powers back either. I have the power to take any fae power I choose and use it. Tamsin's power is keeping my army in line. It takes very little effort with her powers. I must say she is the most powerful Valkyrie I have ever come across. I couldn't dream of giving them back."

"I'm not giving you a choice!" said Bo.

"I'm afraid you will have to take them from me or maybe we can work something out. If you join me I can give you any lover you want. You don't have to keep her. She was going to give you to me. She is just like me. You can have more power than you have ever dreamed of."

"I would never join you."

"You don't have to die here today. You just give up and let her die and it will be just us ruling the Underworld and then the Fae world. We can put humans in their rightful places below us."

"I don't want to live in a world like that. Humans are not inferior to fae. I can't let you do this."

"I don't really think that you are strong enough to stop me. You have a dying Valkyrie on your arm and only a couple of knives to defend yourself. You haven't even met my personal protection," Thanatoes said waving his cane. A group of armed monsters stepped into the room. They were huge and bulky. Bo looked at their faces and could see horror and decay in them. They were different from the ones outside, and they were neither human or fae.

"These are called Unspeakables. They are very strong and don't die easily. This is your last chance before they attack. It would be a shame to have to spill powerful fae blood."

"Do what you have to do," said Bo standing her ground.

Thanatoes waved his cane and the monsters took a running start at Bo and Tamsin. Bo put Tamsin behind her as she fought them off. She was able to take several down after taking them by surprise. They didn't expect her to be so strong. She cut them down with her knives as best as she could but they kept getting back up. She was in a struggle for her life. Tamsin tried to help but in her weakened state she was not able to do much. Bo knew the only chance she had was to suck the chi out of all of them. She focused on her anger and thought about what Thanatoes had done to Tamsin and could feel her hunger rising. Tamsin watched as her eyes changed from brown to blue. She focused on the monsters before her and could feel their chi flowing into her. Within minutes, they all had fallen and Bo stood face to face with her father once more.

"You have gotten more powerful than I would have thought. They were no match for you. I guess I will have to kill you myself. Such a pity, I hoped that it wouldn't come to this."

"You seem really broken up about it," said Bo. Thanatoes turned his cane on Bo and Bo dropped. Pain shot through her body. It was hard for her to even keep her eyes focused. She knew that most of his power was coming from. It was coming from his cane. She had to get to it. Through the haze of pain, she saw Tamsin run forward and try to pull the cane from him. He knocked her to the ground. Bo was relieved when she saw her get back up and ran at him again. She was not giving up.

Bo noticed that the pain had stopped and saw that Tamsin had his attention now. Bo ran over to help her. She tried to suck the chi from him as she had with the creatures but before she could pull enough he moved his cane in front of Tamsin. Tamsin was held in place. Bo could see pain and fear wash over her face. She was still fighting hard against him, but she was no match for him in her state. Tears fell from Tamsin's eyes and she was grinding her teeth in pain.

"New proposal, join me or she dies right here. It will not be an easy death either. She would have died naturally without her powers but if I kill her it will be much more painful. I can use her own powers against her and make her believe you never loved her. It will be the last thoughts that go through her mind. She will believe you want her to die." Thanatoes laughed.

Tamsin shot forward in this moment and took the cane and smashed it on the floor. All the fae powers that were in there went flying around the room. Bo saw Tamsin's power come back to her. At that moment Kenzi and Persephone rushed into the room and Kenzi started to use her power to shake the room. The ceiling started to shake and big pieces started to fall. One piece fell right on Thanatoes, knocking him unconscious. He wasn't dead but this stopped him.

"Thanks Kenzi. We can now put Thanatoes in a place where he will no longer be a threat to us," Persephone said.

Bo pulled Kenzi into a tight hug. She was so glad that she was alive and unhurt. Tamsin had her power back, but something wasn't right. She still looked pale. Bo ran over to where Tamsin was sitting on the floor and saw that she was holding her side. She saw blood pouring out of a wound there. She pulled Tamsin into a kiss and tried to give her some of her chi, but it didn't work. Tamsin fell into her arms and her eyes were full of tears.

"Tamsin! Speak to me." Bo said.

Tamsin tried to speak but nothing came out. She just looked up at Bo and ran a hand down her cheek.

"Persephone I think he got her. What can I do! Why is her power not healing her?" Bo asked.

"I don't know if she got her power back in time. I think she's dying Bo. Thanatoes took the last of her strength. I don't know if we can help her," Persephone said.

"There has to be something we can do. There has to be something that can bring her back. I won't let her die," Bo screamed as tears started to fall.

Kenzi came over to try to comfort Bo. She sat down on the ground beside them and hugged them both.

"Please Persephone, I'll do anything to save her."

"There is one thing but it may just be a myth. There is supposed to be a Tree of Life in the back of Thanatoes' garden. It may be able to save her, but you have to make a payment. You have to give a piece of yourself to the tree to get one of the apples. I don't really know what kind of payment it is. It's your only chance," Persephone said.

Bo had heard all she needed and was running to the back of the room. Kenzi had laid Tamsin in her lap as Bo left and was trying her best to keep her comfortable. Tamsin's breathing was shallow and she was in a lot of pain.

"Tamsin don't worry, Bo will find a way. She always does. She has saved me a few times. I was just getting used to having you around so you have to be okay," Kenzi said looking down at Tamsin.

Bo made it outside and looked around wildly. Her eyes searched the grounds for a large tree that could be the Tree of Life. Her eyes fell on one in the corner. It was a large, old apple tree. It loomed over her as she walked closer to it. She could also hear thoughts that were not her own as she came closer. The tree was speaking to her in her mind.

"If what you seek is life, than a piece of yourself must be paid," the tree spoke.

"Anything," Bo said. Bo thought about anything that she might be able to give the tree so that she could save Tamsin. She was still crying as she walked close to the roots of the tree. Tears fell on the roots and this gave Bo an idea. The tree was not going to tell her what it wanted from her. She was going to have to figure it out. She took a knife from her pocket and cut across her palm. Blood came from the wound and she laid her hand on the bark of the tree.

"Blood and trees freely," the tree thought to her. "Power fae blood too and true tears of love. You have earned the apple," the tree said dropping an apple at her feet.

Bo picked up the apple and started to run back to the castle. She hoped that she would not be too late. She ran as fast she could up the stairs and back into the room where they were waiting for her. Kenzi looked up as Bo into the room with the apple in her hand. The look on Kenzi's face confirmed her worst fear. Tamsin looked paler then when she left her and she could no longer see her chest rise and fall. Bo got on her knees and pulled Tamsin's lifeless body into her lap. She was too late. Tears cascaded down her cheeks and fell in Tamsin's golden hair. The apple she had brought back with her lay forgotten beside her. Kenzi looked down at the apple.

"Bo you can at least try to use the apple." Kenzi said.

"She's gone, Kenz, I was too late,"

"It can't hurt," Kenzi said handing her the apple.

Bo took a piece off of the apple with her knife and placed it on Tamsin's tongue. She moved her mouth up and down to get her to chew it. She waited for a miracle. It seemed like hours as she watched for Tamsin to take a breath or show some sign of life. Tamsin didn't move and the disappointment somehow made the pain worse. It was like a knife to the stomach that someone was twisting every time she looked at Tamsin. She collapsed on top of Tamsin body as her body shook with sobs. Her head fell on her chest and she hugged her close. She would lay her the rest of her life if they would let her. Kenzi had never seen Bo lose control like this. She felt tears of her own form after seeing Bo in such pain. Kenzi wished there was something she could do. Kenzi and Persephone decided the best way to help would be to give her some time alone with Tamsin. They walked out to leave her alone.

"I'm so sorry, Tamsin. I failed you. I failed the person I love more than anything. You died because of me. I love you so much. Please, please, don't leave me!" Bo sobbed. She stroked Tamsin's hair and kissed her forehead. She couldn't bring herself to walk away from her. She laid her head back down on Tamsin's chest and thought she heard something. She listened hard for the sound to come again, but figured it was her mind playing tricks on her. She couldn't even bring herself to hope what she heard was real. Her heart felt like it was breaking into pieces of glass and those pieces were cutting all over her body.

Her mind was lost in grief when she felt a hand running through her hair. She thought Kenzi must have come back into the room to take her home.

"In a minute, Kenz."

"Bo?" came Tamsin's voice. It was the most beautiful sound Bo had ever heard. Tamsin was alive. Bo looked up and her brown eyes met green ones. Tamsin was smiling at her and very much alive.

"You're alive," Bo said choking back tears. "I thought I had lost you."

"I think you did for a minute. I was back in Persephone's kingdom and I felt something pull me back her. I didn't want to stay there. I wanted to come back. I was given a choice."

Bo pulled her into a tight hug and kissed her deeply. She wanted to make this moment last forever. Her deepest wish had come true. She held on to Tamsin to make sure that she wasn't dreaming and that she was really here. She breathed in Tamsin's scent and felt the warmth of her body against her own.

"It's okay Bo. I'm okay. Don't cry," Tamsin said pulling Bo's head to her shoulder.

"I know but it almost wasn't okay. My whole world was dead."

Tamsin took Bo by the shoulders and pulled her up to look at her. She studied Bo's eyes and saw nothing but love looking back at her. There was no trace of hurt of pain but only acceptance. Tamsin pulled her in for another passionate kiss. The kiss was urgent and full was want. Every emotion that Bo had experienced in the past few hours came pouring out into that kiss. Tamsin was getting light headed from lack of oxygen but she was not about to break it. Bp broke the kiss, but several more followed the first one. It was so amazing to Tamsin that Bo loved her as much as she did and she didn't want the kissing to end.

"Oh we need to tell Kenzi and Persephone that you're okay! Kenzi wouldn't want you to know but she was really upset when she thought you were gone. I think she kind of likes you," Bo said with her usual goofy smile.

As if on cue, Kenzi and Persephone reentered the room. Kenzi eyes grew wide as she saw Tamsin sitting and looking at her.

"She's alive! She's like a freaking cockroach!" Kenzi gasped.

"Better than being a parasite," Tamsin said back. "I know you would have missed me."

"I don't know. I didn't get the chance to find out. I'm glad you're okay for Bo's sake anyway."

"Thanks, Kenzi," said Tamsin.

"So Persephone, do you think that we can get back home now? I could use a drink and a nap," Bo said. "Or maybe more than a nap," Bo said winking at Tamsin.

"I could use a whole bottle myself," said Tamsin.

"Well there is the matter of who will run the Underworld now. Thanantoes' part that is. You are his daughter and you have the right to take over if you wish. I know you would chance the place for the better. You would be the only one of that could stay because of your bloodline though," Persephone said.

"No I won't stay. I want to get back home and I won't stay here without Tamsin."

"Okay then I will have someone in mind that can take Thanatoes' place. I will have Lilith take over here. She will do better," Persephone said.

"Well that's settled then we can get back home," Kenzi said.

Before they left Persephone pulled Bo aside. "Bo you may still have a powerful enemy to face back on Earth. I feel something about you that says fate is not done with you. Be careful. I know the Morrigan has been after you, so watch your back and watch Tamsin's as well."

Persephone lead them out of the castle and back to Earth.

Author's note- I have plans for a part two of this story so it's not over. Tell me how it's going so far. Thanks for reading.