Hey Happy Easter! Thanks to all of you for reading and sticking with the story. I know most are die hard Doccubus fans so I give you credit for giving this story a chance. Hope you all enjoy the chapter.
Life just isn't fair, and let's be honest, love hurts...
Cheers,
Dee
Chapter 28
Danny bolted awake, her t-shirt soaked with sweat, having fought her way through a nightmare, which as it turns out, is the new reality. She gasped for air, kicking her legs over the side of the bed and throwing back the bed covers. Running her hand through her unruly locks, she glanced at the clock, 4:20am. She had paced most of the night, her thoughts drifting back and forth between grieving for the doctor and the imminent uprising of the Independent people. Part of her wanted to fight the Light and Dark because they were the reason the doctor had died, and part of her wanted to escape the madness and disappear forever.
Silently, emotion gained momentum, no tears, only anger. She was done shedding tears and her grief had turned into an unbearable ache for revenge. Heat flushed her cheeks fuelling the need for her to release the anxious energy, unleash the rage burning inside. She peeled her clothes off and launched her wolf form from the terrace, landing gracefully on the early morning dew. She looked back briefly, hesitating, unsure whether she would return. She allowed her wolf instinct to take over, relieving her of her human thoughts and feelings as she bolted recklessly through the forest.
Her keen wolf eyes had no problem seeing in the early dawn and she ran as hard as she could until she came skidding to a halt at the edge of a cliff. Looking over the edge she could see jagged rocks with water cascading over them, creating a magnificent waterfall. She threw head back and let out a blood curdling howl from the depths of her soul, all her pain, sadness, and anger released into the early morning mist.
She lowered her head, standing in silence overlooking the falls before turning abruptly and running again, leaving humanity behind.
XXXXXX
"She's gone," sighed Bo entering the large kitchen where Kenzi was pouring coffee for everyone.
"Gone?" asked O'Brien, darkness crossing his features. "What do you mean gone?"
"She's gone, as in, not in her room, and no where to be found," sniped Bo sarcastically, wishing she had stayed with Danny, knowing she was on the edge.
"Well you'd better find her," urged the Fae Elder sipping his coffee unconcerned.
She glanced toward her Father, her eyes narrowing as she struggled to understand the man. "I have no idea where she is."
"Did you check the garage to make sure all the vehicles were still here?" asked Hale leaning against the granite counter.
"All accounted for," uttered Bo.
"Maybe she's just feeding," suggested Dyson.
"She fed yesterday," replied Bo taking a sip of her coffee. "Uck, what the hell is that?" She frowned setting aside her cup, "that's awful."
Kenzi shrugged. "Daddy dearest made me put some kind of herbs in it." She took a sip and spit it back in the cup. "Yup goat piss."
Bo smiled, never shocked with what spilled out of the Goth woman's mouth.
"I'll go for a run later and see if I can find her," offered Dyson kissing Bo on the cheek, still trying to make up for not telling her he was Artair.
When Bo thought back she should have known. He had always followed the traditions and he was the first to step up and pledge his loyalty to Danny when they found out she was the Chosen One. Her mind wandered to the little bar keep who seemed to always know more than he cared to share. "Hey, has anyone seen Trick?"
"Haven't seen the dude since last night," replied Hale, wrapping his arms around Kenz, and resting his chin on her shoulder.
"He had some things to look after," advised O'Brien casually. "He'll be back soon to prepare for tonight."
Kenzi fiddled with coffee maker trying to make a new batch that would be tolerable. "Where's creepy Mc Fearghas pants?"
O'Brien shook his head, not hiding his intolerance for the Goth woman. "I'm not sure where Fearghas is."
"Dyson can I talk to you for a minute?" asked Bo.
Concerned he followed her in the great room. "What is it?"
"Can you go look for Danny now please?" whispered Bo. "I'm worried. She isn't in a good place and I'm afraid she isn't coming back."
"What makes you say that?" frowned the wolf.
Bo shook her head uncertain, "Just the things she was saying yesterday."
"Okay," replied Dyson, cautiously reaching for Bo's lips.
She turned her cheek to receive his kiss. "Please be safe."
Dyson sighed, knowing she was still angry and left immediately for the woods to search for the younger wolf.
Several hours later Dyson strode through the great room, the smell of dinner wafting on the air, reminding him of his hunger. He had searched for miles running as hard as he could to cover the most ground but she was no where to be found and he had a hunch, she didn't want to be. The table was set in the dining area and the chef Trick had hired was busy putting the final touches on the meal. He walked out on the kitchen terrace, his eyes adjusting to the evening light that was quickly fading over the trees. Bo, Hale and Kenzi were enjoying a glass of wine when they noticed him. Bo set her wine glass down and shifted to a more upright position hoping Dyson had good news.
"Did you find her?" she asked anxiously.
He shook his head sadly. "No her scent is all over the woods but I didn't see her. I'm sorry."
Bo sighed biting her lip, "thank you for trying." Dyson smiled and pulled a chair next to the solemn succubus.
"I'm sure she's fine, she just needs space right now," offered Kenzi.
Bo nodded still unconvinced.
Hale swallowed the last of his wine before mentioning the obvious, saying what everyone was thinking. "O'Brien won't be pleased if she misses the meeting tonight."
"I don't really care what he thinks. I'm just worried about her," growled Bo. She rose from her chair and leaned on the terrace railing, her eyes searching the darkness, as her thoughts drifted to the wolf. "Where are you?"
"Come on Bo," invited Kenzi. "Dinner is ready."
"I'm not really hungry," replied the anxious succubus still staring into the night.
"Bo," called O'Brien from the dining area. "Please join us."
Reluctantly Bo followed Kenzi to the table.
"Have you managed to find Casidhe?" asked O'Brien.
"No," grunted Bo pushing her food around her plate.
"The meeting is in a few hours. She needs to be with us," advised the elder succubus.
"Not sure we have much control over that," suggested Bo studying her plate, only partially listening.
"Bo!" shouted O'Brien startling everyone at the table including Bo who raised her gaze to look at her Father with distain. "She's your younger Sister and your responsibility. If you thought this would happen, you needed to take measures to keep an eye on her."
Bo defiantly pushed her chair back. "I'm not her keeper."
"She's your responsibility Bo and…."
"No!" snapped Bo. "She isn't my responsibility; she's my Sister, my friend, but not my responsibility. Everything in this world isn't about responsibility and duty Father."
"She does have a duty Bo. She doesn't get to decide who she wants to be. She was born the heir to the King. She doesn't get a choice," stated O'Brien, trying to keep his voice even despite his agitation.
"I won't force her to be someone she doesn't want to be," hissed the succubus, her eyes flashing with frustration. "And another thing..." She waited for the Fae Elder to look at her. "She prefers to be called Danny."
The man's lips curled up in amusement as Bo turned abruptly and left the dining room.
Kenzi's jaw clenched staring at the Fae elder, wanting to give him a piece of her mind but thought better of it. She threw her napkin on her plate and pushed her chair back.
"We meet at 9:30pm in the great room," reminded Meallan as Kenzi was leaving. "Make sure she wears the traditional garments for…."
Kenzi rolled her eyes, storming out of the room not bothering to wait for the Fae Elder to finish. She strode down the hall and tapped quietly on Bo's bedroom door simultaneously opening it as she whispered, "Bo it's me."
XXXXX
Danny looked up at the terrace to her room, still unsure why she had returned. She had no idea what time it was but it had been dark for hours. She had been running all day and had even made it to the edge of a town many miles away. She'd been free in her wolf form, her human thoughts disappearing and instinct driving her, but something kept nagging at her, drawing her back.
She had been about to cross the river and never look back when Bo and Lauren both flashed through her memories. Panting at the waters edge, she knew the beautiful doctor would be disappointed in her and she would want her to stand with Bo. She could still feel Lauren's presence, hear her whispers, and feel her heart beating.
Danny knew Bo was a target and had no choice but to fight or be enslaved and she would fight the Light and Dark to the death. She had felt Bo's anxiety all day, knowing she was worried but it was her spike in anger a few hours ago that made her stop and ultimately turn back.
Her naked body glistened with sweat in the moon light as she effortlessly climbed the terrace. She stood for a moment in the middle of her room unsure how to feel noticing the clock next to the bed indicated 9:10pm.
She started the shower and stared at her herself in the mirror until the steam slowly fogged over her reflection. Cautiously she stepped on the wet tile, tipping her head back letting the very hot water nip at her skin, soothing her aching body. Closing her eyes she let her thoughts drift to the first time she had been with the doctor, remembering how wonderful it felt to feel loved. She sighed, turned off the water and quickly dried herself. She wandered to the closet to look for something to wear and found a hanger of clothes on the outside of the door.
She examined the garments, noticing a tan coloured button down made of light weight linen. There was a crest on the sleeve of the shirt that Danny had never seen before but assumed it had something to do with the Independents. A pair of tan khaki pants, a black belt, and a blue sash also hung neatly on the hanger. Below the clothes, standing on the floor was a pair of tall, flat black boots. Her eyes drifted to the sword she had pulled from the rock that was now hanging over the closet door in a ceremonial sheath. She took a deep breath sitting on the edge of the bed realizing for the first time, they were really going to war, and some would not be coming back.
She quickly pushed the fearful thoughts from her mind, dressed, and left her room. She tapped on Bo's door and when there was no answer she headed down the hall to the great room.
"Ah Casidhe, you finally decided to join us," beamed her Father obviously pleased, before noticing she was wearing jeans and a t-shirt that read, "I'm a medical miracle".
"Where's your traditional garment?" growled the Fae Elder.
Kenzi snickered noticing O'Brien was not amused at Danny's T-shirt and commented, "nice tee dude." Danny shrugged making her way over to the Goth woman.
"My God," gasped Bo turning from the window where she had been staring into the night. She strode quickly to the wolf, grabbing her arm and whisking her down the hall to her room, effectively saving her from her Father's scrutiny.
"Are you alright?" asked Bo scanning the wolf.
"I'm fine Bo," replied Danny looking at the floor, ashamed that she had caused her to worry.
"I didn't think I'd ever see you again," breathed the succubus, kissing the wolf on the cheek and drawing her close.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for you to worry," whispered Danny holding the woman tightly.
A soft knock at the door interrupted their reunion. Kenzi walked in apologetically, "it's time to go."
"You look nice in your Luke Skywalker outfit by the way, or is it more like safari wear?" teased Danny, having never seen the succubus in anything other than black.
Bo scrunched her face, "shut it, you should be wearing yours as well."
"I'm surprised your Father didn't send you to your room to change actually," joked Kenzi. "That man is seriously intense."
"He's a little militant," admitted Danny chuckling as the three women returned to the great room joining the others.
Outside Fearghas already had a black Escalade warming up on the drive and was patiently waiting. Before they even got to the highway Danny's head was bobbing, desperately fighting to keep her eyes open. Bo smiled when she succumbed to her exhaustion and her head fell to the side, resting on her shoulder.
Fearghas expertly steered the truck up a winding, narrow dirt road steadily climbing the hill of fairies that was covered with vast amounts of forest and rock. As they neared the top, the terrain levelled out into a plateau revealing a meadow covered in tall grasses that were rustling in the evening breeze. The darkness shrouded the true beauty of the hill and the magnificent view of the valley that could be seen for miles in the daylight. The truck laboured over the mounds of rolling grass and finally came to a stop fifty yards from a vehicle parked on the other side of the field.
"So, this is Knock whatever?" asked Kenzi. "Not that impressive actually."
"Knocknashee," corrected Hale.
"You stay in the truck," instructed O'Brien staring at Kenzi. "You too Fearghas, Hale, and Dyson you might as well stay too."
"Whatever dude," sniped the Goth woman flippantly.
"Where ever they go, I go," replied Dyson, referring to Bo and Danny, his eyes firm and committed as they locked with O'Brien's.
"Fine. Stay together and stay behind me," advised the Fae Elder.
The man swiftly crossed the field, his tan coloured cloak floating on the breeze he created. He was in traditional dress with brown khakis, and a tan button down. He looked like somebody from Lord of the Rings Danny thought as she followed the man across the field. Trick was dressed similarly to O'Brien and looked very regal, even carrying a large sword that looked much too big for him to handle. Dyson wore the same garment as Bo, and only Danny was in street clothes, still not embracing her place in the Fae world.
Kenzi had scrambled into the front seat of the truck to get a better view. "You know I love Trick but, the dude looks like a Hobbit." Fearghas gave Kenzi an unimpressed glance but said nothing.
Hale laughed, "yeah, dare ya to say that to him."
Kenzi smirked and turned her focus back to the small gathering that was illuminated by the vehicle headlights.
On the field Bo, Danny and Dyson slowed their stride to stop behind O'Brien and Trick, flanking to either side. They stopped about fifteen feet from the The Ash and The Morrigan who had four men standing behind them. The new Morrigan was now Mr. Black who had replaced his wife. Danny shivered, her hand involuntarily reaching for her chest where the scar from the bullet remained.
The Light and Dark leaders were both dressed in dark coloured cloaks, and underneath they had black pants with tan linen button downs and red sashes around their waist. The men behind them were dressed the same except they didn't have a cloak to protect them from the night air.
"State your business," boomed The Ash breaking the silence. His eyes were cold and unmerciful, reflecting the light like a rat caught on a night vision camera.
"When The Light and Dark revolted against the Independent Council many years ago, you were in breech of the ancient scriptures. In effect, you committed treason," stated O'Brien.
The Ash crossed his arms amused, as a smirk tugged at his lips.
"The Independent Council is the only one officially recognized in the ancient documents and we mean to reset the balance as it was intended," continued O'Brien watching the Fae leaders cautiously.
The Ash laughed, "you're joking right?"
"It's our duty, therefore either you relent or we will challenge you at Orbisalia, two nights from now," replied O'Brien ignoring the arrogance of The Ash.
"The traditions and scriptures are as archaic as you are old man. This is the new world and there's no code or honour, only wealth and power. If you think we would just lie down and walk away from a few rebels armed with tradition, you are crazier than you sound," sneered The Ash.
"So what is your intention?" asked O'Brien calmly.
The Light leader glanced at his counterpart before turning his gaze back to the Independent Elder, "We'll see you in two nights at Orbisalia."
Without further conversation the Independents turned to leave.
"You two are a disappointment," quipped The Ash gruffly, looking first at Trick and then Dyson who he had believed were true Light Fae. He turned his attention to Bo and Danny. "This will be fun. There are a couple in your inner circle that I'll take great pleasure in killing or perhaps enslaving."
Danny's canine teeth had pushed through her gums when they first arrived, her anger near the surface and her need for revenge growing with every breath. She was doing a slow burn just being in the presence of the man who had caused Lauren's death but his disrespect caused a low growl to involuntarily escape her lips.
"You should keep your dog on a leash O'Brien," advised The Ash his lips curving up in a devilish smile.
Danny bit her lip, her limits of control slipping as she desperately tried to keep her predatory instinct in check. She glanced at Bo feeling her anger burning and knew she was very close to the edge as well. She reached over and lightly gripped the succubus' wrist, using her thumb to gently stroke her forearm. "Easy," whispered Danny, her eyes remaining riveted on The Ash as the succubus relaxed under her touch.
"Are we done here?" asked Trick, agitated with the lack of respect for the ancient traditions. He knew they could expect treachery from The Ash who was clearly in charge. Honour was not something he lived by and Trick wondered how things had become so unravelled in the Fae world.
"Two days," replied The Ash, before walking back to the vehicle with his entourage.
"Let's go," instructed O'Brien gruffly, his cloak sweeping around him as he swiftly retreated to the truck.
The Independents followed O'Brien back to the Escalade.
"So are we meeting them at the bike rack after school or what?" quipped Kenzi.
Bo nodded, her demeanour solemn as she slid in the truck next to her best friend. "Yeah. Two days from now there will be a war between the two sides."
"Did you hear from Aelaruil? Will the Elves stand with us?" asked Dyson.
"They're divided, and not likely to join us," replied O'Brien trying to hide his concerns.
Dyson frowned. "Is there no way to convey the grave need for their presence?"
"Many of them have only stayed in the Dying Realms to protect the people. I don't have the same relationship that Cailean had with them," sighed the Independent Elder. "The feel they have fulfilled their commitment and are returning to Shamballa, the City of Eternal Bliss. There they'll rejuvenate and heal from their time in the Dying Realms."
"Maybe Casidhe should talk to Aelaruil," offered Trick.
"Out of the question," snapped O'Brien quickly. "She barely knows anything of tradition and relationships in this world."
"She's Cailean's Daughter, and the heir to the King. She will lead Meallan, that's her destiny," argued Trick while Danny sat silently in the back seat.
O'Brien grunted, "I'll ask him for an audience tomorrow." The small Blood Seer nodded his approval.
The remainder of the ride home was quiet, no one wanting to say what they really thought or felt, everyone trying to be strong for the other.
Fearghas pulled the large black SUV to the front of the mansion allowing the travellers to exit before parking the truck in the garage. The gentle rays of the moon soaked the earth and blended with the soft glow from the window light, welcoming the Fae. Danny lingered behind, her eyes gazing into the night sky, letting the shroud of darkness surround her, protecting her, soothing her unsettled heart that refused to let go.
"Come on Danny," called Kenzi.
Danny smiled, taking one last moment as she closed her eyes and let her thoughts drift to the comfort of the woman she loved so deeply. It was the first time she was able to think of her with fond memories and not sadness, and she wasn't willing to go in yet. When she was ready she walked up the stairs, pausing to take one last look out into the night before closing the door.
Trick and Dyson were waiting for her. "Danny, Aelaruil is a reasonable man but the Elves are very nervous. You will need to earn their trust and give them something to believe in. I'll go with you to talk to him."
"I don't know Trick,"…started Danny feeling overwhelmed and nervous knowing this would not just be any meeting but a meeting that could determine their fate. The strain on Danny's face revealed the great burden she was to carry.
"Danny, I pledged awhile ago that I would follow you," reminded Dyson. "I made that pledge not knowing how special you really are. There is something so natural about you, a grace far beyond your consciousness. Your instincts seem to guide you, just follow them, and the people will follow you. If anyone can do this, you can."
Danny hedged a brief smile, still unconvinced that she was the right person. "I'll try." Dyson and Trick both nodded, relieved that she would at least speak with the elves.
She excused herself and returned to her room. She was exhausted from running all day and the overwhelming responsibility of being the heir was already weighing heavily. She turned off the main lights and was about to get in bed when she heard a soft knock at the door.
She opened the door finding the succubus standing in the hallway. "Bo? Is everything alright?"
"Yeah, no, umm, everything is fine," replied Bo nodding her head. Danny raised her brows unsure what to say.
"I don't want to be alone tonight," admitted the succubus finally. "Can I stay with you?"
"Ahh, yeah, I guess," agreed Danny, remembering her manners and opening the door allowing the woman to enter. Scrunching up her eyes trying to understand, she asked, "where's Dyson?"
"In his room," replied Bo climbing in one side of the bed and pulling the covers up. Danny was still confused as to why the succubus wouldn't just stay with Dyson or Kenzi but decided to just let it go. She hesitated to get in the bed, feeling like somehow it was wrong, but eventually she rationalized they were just sleeping.
Danny slipped into bed and lay on her side facing the wall, staying on the edge, careful not to touch the succubus. The wolf swallowed deeply feeling Bo's length cuddle up against her back.
"Good night," whispered Bo, her warm breath sending shivers down Danny's spine as she draped an arm around her waist.
"Good night," mumbled Danny, too exhausted to think about anything.
XXXX
Lauren woke with a start, waking with the same fear she had fallen asleep with. Her eyes focused in the dark quickly this time knowing what to expect. She was sitting more upright than when she fell asleep and there was a real blanket on the bed covering her, not just a hospital sheet. She moved to get out of bed and was quickly reminded that she was restrained and unable to move. Hunger pains rippled through her stomach, her mouth dry as cotton balls and she really needed to visit the bathroom.
"Hello?" she called hesitantly, clearing her throat. "Anybody there?"
The lights flickered and there was hum before more lights illuminated, revealing the entire room. Lauren gasped, her throat tight and her eyes wild with fear darting around the room searching for her captor. Horrible thoughts streamed through her mind driving her fear to a debilitating level as she shook uncontrollably. Several minutes of bated breath passed and no one appeared. The doctor drew in several deliberate breaths trying to settle her exposed nerves.
She scanned the room curiously studying the stone walls in more detail. It was an old building, and she could see much of the mortar was deteriorating and the lighting was dismal. Water was leaking through the stone in several places causing the room to be damp and musty. The desperate woman searched the room for an escape route but could only determine it must be down a short hallway that turned so she couldn't see where it went.
Her fear was just starting to subside when she heard a door open and drag across the floor. She swallowed hard, her respiration rising as her eyes stared down the short hallway, bracing herself for whatever she was to endure.
Lauren's eyes were fixed on a person walking toward her with a tray of medical instruments, her mind reeling as she trembled unable to manage the fear inside. The figure was covered completely with a heavy brown cloak and a large hood covered their face preventing her from identifying them.
She gasped as the figure pushed the hood back revealing themselves. The blonde's lips parted, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
;)...until next time
