"So, what you're saying is, it's Bo but an alternate version of her?" Kenzi asked staring up at Tamsin.
Kenzi, Trick and Lauren all sat at a table in the Dal trying to understand the recent events in regard to Bo. Tamsin felt like she was doing a shitty job relaying what was taking place but she didn't want them in the dark. She wished Dyson were there, she had a feeling he would have been able to explain it better.
"Not exactly, an alternate version would mean it was an entirely different version of her and that's not the case," Tamsin said pacing.
"I think I get it. This is reminiscent of someone with multiple personalities. They both exist inside of one individual but none are the same and each serves a purpose. In Bo's case she has always had issues with her succubus side so when it began to get stronger she probably couldn't handle it and this caused the rift," Lauren said to everyone.
"That sounds possible but what I don't understand is how this would help her father?" Kenzi asked scrunching her brow.
"Perhaps it would be easier for her to accept his instruction and do as he says if her other side is in control. A full succubus that is not kept in check is quite hedonistic and wanton with no regard for others. It's the perfect mix for someone who may want to take over the world," Trick said with a sad chuckle.
"I imagine she would also be somewhat nihilistic so whatever he has planned wouldn't cause her to bat an eyelash," Lauren said nodding her head.
"Nihi what now?" Kenzi said turning to Lauren.
"Nihilistic meaning she would reject all moral and religious beliefs, feel like existence is senseless and useless and therefore doesn't matter. So if daddy dearest said the world needed to end she would probably say okay."
"Holy crap. And I thought her weirdness yesterday just meant she had pms or something. I'm going to take a mental break and head for the little girl's room," Kenzi said jumping up.
"Hurry up kid, we have a ceremony to perform," Tamsin said to her receding back. Kenzi just nodded her head as she ran.
"Let me go get a few things," Trick said heading downstairs.
Tamsin took the seat next to Lauren and they sat quietly for a bit. Each seemed to be waiting for the other to talk until Lauren finally broke the silence.
"This isn't your fault you know, we all should have been on top of this. I'm scared of losing her too," Lauren said reaching out a hand.
Tamsin took it in her own and squeezed it for reassurance, "I know. But I can only believe we will figure it out, anything is else is just too fucking depressing."
Trick appeared with a small box in his hand and Kenzi finally came out of the bathroom, her coloring a little off.
"Are you okay short stack? You're looking paler than usual," Tamsin said to Kenzi as she went over to Trick.
"I'm fine, other than being told that my bestie might be a full fledged psychopath," Kenzi replied hovering behind Trick and holding out her hand. "Give me the goods old man."
Trick handed her a small knife and Kenzi bounced over to Tamsin signaling for her to stand up. The Valkyrie stood and held out her right hand. Her mind was flooded with thoughts of Bo and all of the emotions that came with it. She could feel her body trembling and was sorely tempted to bolt and stop the ceremony but she knew it was probably the enthralled part of her that so desperately wanted to keep it from happening. Kenzi held her hand and made a small incision, and then she began reciting the words that Trick relayed to her.
"With harm to none thy will be done, the rest I cleave and the other leave, thou can not harm her Bo."
Kenzi wrapped the nicked hand with some gossamer Trick handed her from the box. A hush fell over the room as everyone watched Tamsin to see what would happen. At first she was fine and wondering if it had even worked, next thing she knew she was writhing on the floor in agony.
"What's wrong? Did I do something?" Kenzi yelled as she dropped to the down to comfort Tamsin.
"No, it's the same procedure as before but she was enthralled for much longer than Ryan when we released him," Trick said putting the items away.
Tamsin screamed as a ripple of pain shot through her body. It felt like her veins were being yanked out one by one. She knew in her mind nothing like that was actually happening but that didn't stop it from hurting like it was. Kenzi tried to calm her but the human's touch burned and made Tamsin scream more.
The Valkyrie saw Lauren out of the corner of her eye as she rifled through her bag. She pulled out a syringe and dropped to the floor alongside Kenzi. She instructed the younger woman and Trick to hold Tamsin as still as possible.
"You do realize this chick is a valkyrie therefore ten times stronger than us right?" Kenzi said as she continued her attempts to hold Tamsin still.
"Yes but she's delirious so perhaps..." Lauren stopped mid sentence as Kenzi was sent flying across the room.
Trick was struggling on the other side until she knocked him off too. Tamsin felt bad but the pain was too much. She could feel when Lauren got on top of her and straddled her waist in another attempt to subdue her but the Valkyrie was ready to throw her off as well when someone touched her forehead. Tears were flowing from her eyes but through the blurriness she could make out dark hair and instantly knew it was Bo. Lauren got off of her as the succubus began pulsing energy into Tamsin and her whole body relaxed. The pain was still shooting through her but it wasn't as violent. She leaned into Bo's hand as it sent more calming energy through her until finally the pain was faint and then gone.
"All better?" Bo said leaning over Tamsin.
The Valkyrie nodded yes as she sat up. Bo stepped back and walked over to Kenzi who was still on the floor where Tamsin had flung her.
"Kid, are you okay?" Tamsin called across the room while getting up with help from Lauren.
"Oh yeah, probably just a few broken ribs. No biggie," Kenzi quipped while leaning on Bo.
"Well, at least the sarcasm is still in tact," Trick joked.
" I'm so sorry everybody; the pain caused my reflexes to go a little crazy..."
"Tamsin its okay, I'm just happy Bo got here when she did," Kenzi said making her way over and hugging the Valkyrie.
"Thanks Bo," Tamsin said to the succubus who was eerily quiet.
"No problem, just wish you had told me you were doing this. I came looking for Kenzi," Bo said looking uncomfortable. "I guess you thought I was going to try and stop this but I didn't enthrall you out of spite, it was to protect you."
"I realize that but I couldn't stay enthralled to you indefinitely. There's no way of knowing what could have happened over time and..."
"And you don't trust me?"
"It's not about trust..."
"Isn't it?"
"Okay, how about we focus on how you're feeling Tamsin. Do you feel any different?" Lauren said.
Tamsin tried to hone in on her emotions. Normally she felt like thoughts about Bo were a constant buzz in the back of her mind but that buzz had quieted down to nothing. Even as she looked at the succubus standing in front of her she no longer felt the overwhelming urge to touch her or be near her. The only thing that was the same was her heart that clenched at the thought that Bo was mad at her, but she knew what to chalk that up to. After all, love was its own form of enthrallment.
"I feel fine, great actually," Tamsin said with her usual smirk.
"Good, so it looks like we can go on with our day," Lauren said unnaturally cheerful. She grabbed her things and said goodbye as she headed out.
"Kenzi, I came to get you because we actually have a case. Someone who found another one of our old fliers," Bo said leaning against the bar.
"Oh yes, you mean new fliers," Kenzi said putting on her jacket.
"New? I thought we made a decision to stop the detective stuff and leave it to the professionals," Bo said signaling towards Tamsin.
"Yes, but I thought perhaps you would feel differently now that you're like virtually invincible, "Kenzi said with a grin.
"Ah, stroking my ego is a wise way to defuse the situation Kenz but I still don't think we should be involved in these unnecessary cases," Bo said her voice taking on a serious tone.
"Oh Bobo, don't worry. With all the money we'll be making you won't have time to be angry," Kenzi said with a grin.
Bo grunted at her in acknowledgment and said goodbye to the others as she left.
"Faux Bo has def got an attitude on her. But nothing a little Kenzi charm can't mitigate," Kenzi said giving Tamsin a quick peck on the cheek.
Tamsin laughed and waved goodbye. She turned to Trick and noticed he had an odd look on his face.
"Trick, what's wrong?" Tamsin said concerned.
"I don't know, its just Bo she's so...cold. The one thing about her that always reminded me of her grandmother was her happiness and sweet nature. This Bo has none of that. I didn't notice it until just now," Trick said finally looking Tamsin in the eye. "We have to save her before we can do anything else or she could be lost forever."
"Don't worry, I'm working on that," Tamsin said patting his arm. She hoped he was more convinced by her optimism than she was.
After the heart to heart with Trick, Tamsin booked it to the precinct to meet up with Dyson.
"Hey D," Tamsin said leaning her hip on Dyson's desk.
"You look like shit," he said sitting back in his chair.
"Nice to see you too and I'm glad my outside is clearly showing how I feel inside."
"What's going on?" Dyson said as he grabbed his jacket so they could head out.
"Let's talk in the car," Tamsin said not wanting the other officers to hear their conversation.
Once inside the car Dyson looked over at her and waited for some explanation.
"This morning I had the thrall removed by Kenzi and Trick. Was pretty painful but I feel okay."
"Is there a reason you didn't share this with me before?"
"It was a spur of the moment thing. Last night I ran over to the Dal and I explained everything to Trick and I just knew it had to be taken away. I know you've been telling me the same thing this whole time but fear of losing my love for Bo stopped me."
"Well, I have personal experience with that and it sucks to say the least," Dyson said gripping Tamsin's shoulder. "So... I get it, are you alright?"
"I'm okay, from what I can tell my feelings haven't changed. I just want to focus on figuring out a way to defeat Odin and Danielus," Tamsin said leaning back in her seat. "But, I've been feeling less than great, time is finally catching up to me partner."
"You mentioned before that you should have expired by now, how much longer do you think you have?"
"I don't know, months, weeks, maybe days. Bo's blood might have been the only thing that allowed me to keep going these past few months. I didn't say anything at the Dal but the minute I was released from Bo's enthrallment I could feel it."
"What?" Dyson said trying to look at her and drive.
"Death."
The two drove in silence the rest of the way to the light fae compound. Tamsin wanted to say something to bring her friend some comfort, dying wasn't easy on those who passed or those who cared for them. But what could she say that would make it better?
The compound was heavily guarded and Tamsin could see a few annoyed faces when Dyson let it be known she was a guest of the Ash. The Valkyrie was curious who had taken up the mantel after Hale stepped down but not enough to meet her. She may have been friends with people of the light but she was still dark though and through.
They stepped up to the room where the Ash met visitors and were stopped by a guard.
"The Ash will be with you momentarily. She is in the middle of a meeting with..."
"Bollocks, I came here with good intentions and you throw them back in my face? Last time I do anything for the likes of you."
Dyson and Tamsin glanced at each other as they recognized the angry voice. Vex stepped from behind the doors and looked flummoxed when he came upon the two of them. He recovered and plastered a smile on his face.
"Detectives, so nice to see ya. I was actually just thinking about calling in a favor with you Tamsin my love," Vex said wiggling his eyebrows.
"Call me love again and I will make you sorry puppet master," Tamsin said with a frown.
"Oh come on lo... Tamsin. I was just taking the piss out of you. Lighten up."
"What the hell are you even doing here Vex?"Dyson said folding his arms.
"Well now that's personal between the Ash and I. Doesn't matter anyway, seems me and ladies in charge don't get on so well," Vex said sucking his teeth.
"Can't imagine why since you're just brimming with wit and charm," Tamsin remarked snidely.
Vex chuckled, "Be that as it may, you and I need to talk. You know where to find me," Vex said as he pushed by them.
The guard ushered them into the room and shut the door behind them. Tamsin wasn't sure who she expected to see but the person who stood before her was even more impressive than what she could have fashioned in her mind. She was tall, at least 6 feet, with dreadlocks that fell down to the top of her thighs. Her skin was the color of mahogany, a deep rich brown which made her eyes all the more startling because they were hazel, a light green on the outside and light brown closer to the iris. She had on a flowing white dress that somehow managed to still accentuate her curves. Her build was lean but muscular, and her head was held at such an angle that one could only describe the way she carried herself with one word: regal.
Dyson dropped down into a kneel, "Ash, my partner has come to you to show deference and apologize for her actions in your club the other night."
The Ash nodded her head in acknowledgment and looked at Tamsin. It had been a long time since the Valkyrie had been in front of someone who intimidated her but the Ash was exuding more power than she was accustomed to. The last being who had made her feel that way was Odin.
And what is your name child?" the Ash said, finally speaking as she took her seat.
"Tamsin," she said following Dyson's move and dropping to one knee.
"You can both rise, such subservient tactics are not necessary to pacify me," she said waving the action off. "I have been known by various names but I will give you my most common."
As she got up, Tamsin wiped off the leg of her pants and looked up at the Ash,"And what name would that be?"
"You may call me Isis."
I know everyone has gotten used to my extended chapters but I wanted to get this one out , the next will be much longer I promise. Hopefully everyone is aware of who Isis is and why her being there would be awesome but if not things will be explained in the next installment. And again thanks for the reviews and love shown for the story, it makes this so much fun.