The Dal was packed. Its seemed that once it reopened, all the alcohol deprived Fae in the area rushed in to get their fix. Things looked back to normal Trick was behind the bar serving the patrons however, with the sudden spike in people to serve, Kenzi helped out. Trick could not get over how fast Kenzi could be as now she could get to tables and serve faster and had excellent dexterity and agility even for a Kitsune. Her powers could of course only be used in bursts, but she liked to flex her new found Fae muscles to so speak.
Through all the hustle and bustle, an human woman of mixed Asian origin stepped into the Dal. The patrons that were paying attention all turn to her and sized her up. They all knew she was human since Trick put a spell on the entry way to glow purple when a human stepped in. As she paused at the entry way, she had a cold but resolute expression about her as if she belonged there, belonged with the Fae, and required respect. This was further reinforced, when Dyson came in behind her.
Kendra not waiting for Dyson to give instruction immediately identified Trick from Kenzi's description and made a purposeful B line to him at the Bar.
Dyson was slow to catch up, but thought it best to let Kendra blaze the trail if she felt so compelled to do so allowing her the freedom to drive her own destiny in a way without it being overly attached to him. It was probably for the best if they needed their relationship, whatever it may be to work. Failed relationships between a Fae and their human property normally resulted in the human being 'destroyed'. Not something he wanted to happen, but something to be mindful of with Kendra as Dyson cared for her at least as a friend.
Trick at the bar busy and in the corner of his eyes saw the tell tales signs of a human entering the establishment. He paid on mind to it at first thinking it was Kenzi, but a moment later he knew it could not be as Kenzi no longer made his entry way glow and she was here already helping out. He served the patron in front of him then dead panning to the human. The human approached him with purpose and did not seem attached to anyone or Fae for that matter. This was odd as several people in his bar also turned to look at her. She paid no heed to them as she kept her stare locked on Trick as she walked proudly. Whoever she was, she had lots of bravado to walk into a Fae establishment alone. The bar was crowded and she approached the gaggle of patrons near Trick and the crown just parted for her like she parting the seas.
"Hi, can I help you miss?" Trick asked. He was about to ask if she was lost, but by the way she carried herself, he knew she was probably in the right place.
"Hello. You must be Trick, proprietor for this way station." Kendra asked with a very slight smile and piercing gaze.
"And to whom do I own the honor of this engagement?" Trick asked a little suspiciously. She had a slight Australian accent as she spoke. She was in the right place, but who was she and want did she want?
"I am Kendra Marta Shaw. Leader of the humans in your surrounding outlying human districts who enforce not only human laws but uphold, respect and carry out the will of the Light Fae Ash, under Hale Santiago." Kendra stated with authority. "I am immensely honored to finally meet you. I humbly ask as proprietor of this establishment to allow me to entry and passage here during my stay." Kendra smiled with a small bow. She hoped that she said everything correctly.
Trick was hesitant to grant Kendra's request and it showed on his face.
Kendra sensing this then added "I am *WITH* Dyson Wolfbane of the 39th Precinct." She hated to be attached to anyone, at least it was a friend. She looked behind her and Dyson was a couple steps behind her as she glanced at him to which he just nodded solemnly.
Trick lighted up and said with a wide grin "Ahhh, yes, of course. Granted…. 'Captain' Shaw?"
"Oh you know who I am already?" Kendra genuinely smiled. As Dyson walked up behind Kendra signaling Trick that he needed a beer.
"You have already made an impression on the Fae community. If not from your campaigns bordering our lands over the years, but most notably from your most recent one yesterday. Your reputation already precedes you. Please stay as long as you like." Trick concluded as he slid Dyson a beer.
Kendra beamed with pride knowing that the Fae community already knew who she was and did not have to start out from scratch to make her mark. The question was what reputation did she already have amongst the Fae? That question was answered when she saw a blur of a person come into her peripheral vision. Kendra out of reflex reached out to check this shorter person in case she needed to go offensive. She did not mean to, but reflexes never die. She realized a moment later after the 'blur' stopped that she was gripping tightly onto Kenzi's shoulder. 'So her Fae power is speed?' Kendra thought. Kenzi stopped and had an expression like she was going to gush forward with a gaggle of words so Kendra braced herself like Tamsin warned her as always.
"Holy crap! You're FINALLY here!" Kenzi said as she embraced Kendra briefly. It was great to have a new friend in the family and she made sure to welcome Kendra with open arms since Kenzi too was once a human and knew the challenges of integrating into a Fae family. Kenzi took Kendra's arm and spun her around to the plethora of bar patrons and announced to everyone, "Hey everybody! Your attention please!" Kenzi said raising her arm high, "This is the Kendra Shaw you have all heard about. The one that kicked some serious Fae ass-hola yesterday who were seriously misbehaving. Two hundred plus by my last count and STILL going like the Energizer Bunny. Let's show her a good time ok?"
Kendra felt a little embarrassed as all eyes scanned her. The sea of faces were a mix of don't care and but there were some of recognition as they whispered to one another.
Dyson was casually leaning on the bar taking a drink kind of enjoying that Kendra was for once put on a spot she could not easily get out of.
Trick just put his hand on his forehead in disbelieve that Kenzi was just so spontaneous.
After a couple moments the mood lighted up slightly as people began to go back to their own business.
Kenzi patted Kendra on the back and went back to waiting tables.
"Is Kenzi always this eccentric?" Kendra asked as she turned back to Dyson.
"Yes she is. She's always been that way even before she was Fae." Dyson mentioned as he took another drink. "Can I get you something to drink?" Dyson asked?
"Nope" Kendra said looking at the crowd "because trouble is coming our way."
Right after he finished his original question, he became aware that something was amiss. As Kendra was talking he saw 2 shape shifters make their way through crowd toward them. One had a limp.
"So what did you say about fights in the Dal Rita again?" Kendra asked rhetorically as she leaned against the bar in a relaxed stance as Dyson straightened up a little, but still looked relaxed as well.
The 2 shape shifters finally made it in front of both Kendra and Dyson.
"Dark Elder Grizzal." Dyson said with a slight nod. Elder Grizzal was standing in front of Kendra. Dyson looked on at the opponent in front of him. It was a younger dark aligned shape shifter who was built like a brick house in his non-wolf form. He was probably even more powerful once he shifted.
"So this is a pathetic human scum that killed our brothers. How dare she even enter this Fae establishment." The Elder spat out with extreme distain.
Kendra recognized this Fae. He was the one of the ones that escaped while the team was retreating and in the process of containing the area. It was the one Tamsin shot in the legs to capture and get more information about what they were doing in a human territory. She smiled and coolly threatened "I guess shape shifters don't regenerate Dark Elder Gimpy is it? Please feel free to continue your insults if you want to be confined to a wheelchair or worse".
Dyson put his hand on Kendra's shoulder to signal her to let him handle the situation in addition to showing his support of her. Then he said to the Elder "KENDRA belong here. She's with me. So let's all back down. The Dal is neutral ground." Dyson stated calmly.
"Dyson, YOU took in a barbaric HUMAN FEMALE pet that practices genocide on OUR species! You're loyalty is to the pack, OUR SPECIES REMEMBER, light or dark! You are a fucking disgrace to us all. You've gone soft in your old age! She'd better be a good fuck toy because that all she is." Elder Grizzal spat out with venom.
"HOLD IT! I will have not transgressions or fights of any kind in this establishment!" Trick announced forcefully staring down everyone.
"Shut up bar keep. You yap like a little toothless Chihuahua. Don't make me come over and silence you." the Elder ordered.
"Get out of my bar!" Trick barked back it the Elder seething with anger.
The 2 dark shifters did not move essentially crossing the Rubicon.
"What Dyson?" The other shifter questioned approaching him near is personal space, "Your too much of a pussy to leash your stupid human pet? Oh wait. Is it that time now to get walked by your owner? Ha ha ha!"
Kendra could feel the animosity at her back emanating from Trick and she saw Dyson who just kept calm but could tell it was just a farce. Kendra said in a low whisper pretending to wipe her face to Dyson, "Got Gimpy." She did not know if Dyson would go along as now she knew what battle Dyson was facing by taking her on as his protégé. He was embroiled in a choice to abandon his whole kind who he probably knew most of his life in order to have a weaker human with a short life span to be next to him now. She felt relieved that Dyson whispered back with a few words that made all the difference.
"Got the other." Dyson whispered back as he took another drink.
Patrons began to take notice and slowly cleared a space around the area.
Kendra who had her arms spread out across the bar leaning back saw someone leave a tip in coins on bar. She then looked at the Elder who then stepped forward to stare down Kendra.
"I'll enjoy raping you small female pet and then I will kill you slowly while I snack on your body parts. Too bad you will only last barely one meal." Grizzal gloated
Kendra's wanted nothing more than to kill both shape shifters here and now, but restrained herself keeping calm to hold the element of surprise. Both dark shifters kept their distance knowing full well that being too close gave them less reaction time if Kendra or Dyson went offensive. She also surmised that shifters needed a couple second to change over to their other form, so that meant more time was better. It was time to spring into action.
Kendra smiled at Grizzal knowing full well he was about to die at her hands in a couple more seconds. "Wow, this is Vegas style entertainment Dyson. I guess we should have tip better." Kendra said glancing at Dyson with a wink.
In a quick motion, she grabbed the change in the left hand and tossed the coins in the air in front of both dark shifters. They reacted by batting it away and backing up. That was all the time she and Dyson needed.
Dyson charged with his right shoulder into the retreating shifter while morphing into his wolf form. The force from his impact in addition to the shifter being taken off guard sent him flying into the opposite wall sailing just above all the patrons. There was a loud crash as the room shook.
Kendra ran up to Grizzal in a low stance as his guard was up and performed a groin kick which hit him so hard that Grizzal jumped up on impact. He howled in pain as she got him into a control position then kneed his face as he stumbled back and head butted him before she release her grip. Grizzal was pissed as he changed into his wolf form, Kendra quickly and adeptly performed a sweep which aimed for his weakened legs which Tamsin had hit earlier from what she was told at the hospital. The sweep cracked clean through the brace in one and his prosthetic broke off on the other as it clanked across the floor. She liked evening the odds and a shape shifter with less mobility helped.
Dyson continued his attack as the other shape shifter got up to change, but as he began to change he fell face forward then rolled onto is back as if he was tripped. Kenzi materialized from a blur a couple yards away. Dyson jumped in the air and landed his knee on the shape shifter's solar plexus and the shifters muscle reflexively contracted which caused his face to meet Dyson very strong pummeling fist. Dyson mounted him and kept hammer fisting his face a few more times for good measure.
Kendra brought down Grizzal but he lashed out with his elbow which impacted her jaw as a glancing blow. Kendra lost her sense of balance and was in a world of pain. However, she was ground fighting so balance was a little less of an issue, so she rolled toward Grizzal with a back fist which landed on his nose perfectly as he tried to sit up. She mounted him and was about to try to put him in control when she saw him try to pull out what looked like 2 knives tucked in his back. It was probably the reason why he tried to get up. She aggressively dropped her elbow on his trachea which made Grizzal gasp in pain as he labored to breath with his now partially collapsed airway. Had this been a human, he would already be dead. Grizzal brought his hands up to protect it from further damage which gave Kendra time to draw her 10mm Glock and slammed her barrel down into Grizzal's open mouth knocking out some teeth in progresses.
She had her finger on the trigger it was game over for Grizzal. Kendra then noticed that he had a chain of what looked like the rings of all the people he had taken down. A beautiful and singular engagement ring on Grizzal's chain immediately let her know it was Eric's since she remembered that day she was fawning over it at a store. That shifter she killed at the warehouse was not lying after all and it made her blood boil knowing that her true love fell at the hands of these inhumane creatures of the dark. Rage and fury flooded her soul as she gripped her gun tighter and forced it further down Grizzal's mouth making him choke and gasp for air. Images of her perfect life with Eric hurdled though her mind only to be viciously ripped away from her by Grizzal and his cronies. People say time stands still for no one but time stood still for Kendra. It was years later, but the events and the hurt were still fresh. She relived it every morning waking up to an empty house, then every minute of the day when she sat at his desk. It was this constant torture that drove her to near insanity as she pushed herself and her team harder, bent the rules, and sought help from district 39 constantly. She would sell her soul for a moment like this. Grizzal was poignantly correct, she was literally hell bent on the genocide of the whole shape shifter species. Only problem was that she found out quickly that stereotyping was dangerous. Appling a bias across everyone in a group, shifter or otherwise, left no room for good people like Dyson. The vision of Eric being tortured to death slowly at Grizzal's orders incensed her even more as she started to squeeze the trigger.
"Fuck you Grizzal! You gave all the orders to setup shop in *MY* town. In ALL MY DISTRICTS! Meanwhile your kind has been mowing down and ruining innocent lives for over 5 years while you made a pretty penny manufacturing and selling drugs to our kids. Our future! I am just as guilty of trying to wipe out your whole useless and pathetic excuse for a race as you are of committing genocide to us humans. My brother *DIED* at the end of a needle loaded with your drugs! Then Eric fell in the line of duty resisting you tooth and nail!" Kendra yelled at Grizzal not caring anymore about her surroundings. A couple tears drop unbeknownst to Kendra fell from her eyes. Her face then hardened to that of a killer, the same face and expression Tamsin had at the warehouse. She was going to 'Charlie Mike' (continue mission) and nothing was going to stop her. As her scathing anger boiled over she leaned forward shouting just inches from Grizzal's face. "Tell the devil I sent you!" Kendra let out in rage as she pushed the barrel further into Grizzal's mouth.
Dyson walked up to Kendra since the other Shifter was passed out and kneeled down next to Kendra who was till mounted on Grizzal. He noted that Grizzal feared for his life and that Kendra did not even know Dyson was there with her laser focus. If looks could kill, this was it. Dyson saw that face before several times in his life time, it was of a person who had not only angry with the world, but one who had nothing to lose. That alone made her more dangerous than any Fae present at this bar. She was going to pull the trigger and that was not good. He could disarm her but this was a battle she needed to fight. It was her honor that was at stake after all since she was the one wronged.
"Kendra …. this is a neutral ground at the Dal, you don't want to do this." Dyson said putting his hand on her shoulder.
Kendra ignored Dyson as the thoughts of Eric swam through her head. She tightened her grip on the gun more. She vividly remembered him being brutally pummeled by shifters and being helpless to do anything about it but she could now. She could now exact her vengeance she needed for herself, and for her family. A moment later she heard Dyson whisper in within an inch of her ear "I am your *PARTNER* and that is a much stronger bond than my kind and even my pack. WE will get you justice and if it means killing all those fuckers, it WILL be done. But this is not the place nor the time. You will have your chance again soon."
Those words to Kendra were a relief to know that Dyson, a shape shifter out of all people, chose to treat her as an equal and most importantly had her back. He was stronger than she expected. He was presently actively going against his own kind to fulfill a duty that went beyond the bond of species. She still however had all this aggression and was still on target to pulling the trigger. Kendra did not know whether it was worth it to betray Dyson's trust in taking her on since she was waiting for this very moment to dish out her own justice for a very long time.
Dyson saw the turmoil I her face but knew she was still considering going through with it. He made a quick decision short of disarming her, which still had the danger of killing Grizzal. Dyson had to appeal to her the bright and vibrant Kendra that was long past. In a low but commanding voice said "*Cerberus*, disengage from the target. Holster your weapon then stand down." Dyson needed her to see quickly that she did have something to lose. His trust and friendship, in addition to her ethics which she carried herself thought her career until he surmised the death of her fiancée. Kendra chose to drop her moniker for a reason after all.
Kendra added more force to the trigger and Grizzal started to squirm knowing that death was near.
Grizzal removed one of his hands from his throat and quickly grabbed his knife handle.
Kendra was keen to this and with her free hand pull out her boot knife and pinned his hand to hard wood floor while keeping her other hand on the gun. Grizzal screamed in pain as Kendra's dagger went straight through his hand. Blood ran free onto the floor. Grizzal reached to pull the dagger out only to have it pierced through again by Kendra second boot knife. Two knives were better than one. At that moment Grizzal was dead in the water and could only howl in agony.
Dyson's words caught up to Kendra as she kept trying to pull the trigger, but couldn't. The more she applied pressure to the trigger the more her hand just shook. Her face contorted with strain and exertion. She even brought her second hand to join the one holding her service weapon but the result was still the same. She felt a strong connection to Dyson. She did not know what type of connection that was, but their friendship was strong especially now after Dyson was by her side, even now. CERBERUS. That moniker was given to her by Eric. He was the only person ever allowed to use it in the field as even her own team members called her 'Shaw'. His last order to her using that moniker was to fall back and abandon him and the remaining team. Now it was like he was back from the dead, giving her orders from the grave. Her mind was in such anger, confusion and distress, but to hear that name used again in the correct context, took her back to what she was before all this. Someone lost and forgotten from years past.
Kendra, forcefully yanked his necklace sending some of the collected rings to bounce, roll then splay all over the bar floor.
"YOU are a coward. COWARD! You collect items from my fallen comrades but didn't do any of the dirty work of taking them down. HOW do I know? Because *I* killed a shifter yesterday that took down Eric. He had 'THIS' ring on him." Kendra spat out with disgust as she held up the engagement ring from him to see. "When you see me again, RUN because I will not hesitate." Kendra then pulled out her weapon from Grizzal's mouth in a quick motion but paused as she was getting up and about to holster it. Kendra changed her mind slightly since she still thought justice was not adequately served and proceeded to pistol whipped Grizzal in the head a couple more times aggressively. Grizzal got one if his hand free to cover his face, only to have Kendra slam his arm back down to the floor and briefly put her gun on the ground to grab the knife sticking out of his free hand to re-skewer and fasten his free hand yet again to the bar floor. He grunted and howled in agonizing pain as she dismounted him and holstered her weapon and stood up to face Dyson.
"Let's get you looked at down stairs in the library ok?" Dyson said with a grin as he put his arms around her and ushered her away.
"YOUR FUCKING DEAD DYSON. YOU and your crazy pet. You hear me!" he hoarsely got out still recovering from his larynx receiving an elbow.
Dyson was about to drop kick Grizzal a couple of times himself until Kendra stopped him. She pulled out her service weapon again and turned purposefully to Grizzal who was trying to work the blades free.
"I got this Dyson." Kendra said glancing at him with a serious expression but smiled slightly as she amended her statement. "Strip search me later?" she said in a low voice.
Dyson was about to stop her until she teased him again. She was back to usual self and it told Dyson that he no longer needed to intervene.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Trick yelled as his fist impacted that bar and walked toward Kendra who was advancing slowly with her gun aimed ready to fire. Dyson put up his hand to Trick tell him not to interfere.
Tamsin's voice then emerged over the rest of the surrounding crowd. "Elder Grizzal. I see you been picking on someone SMALLER than your size as usual … and lost …. As usual AND to a human this time. Wow, we are breaking all sorts of records today aren't we?" Tamsin announced scrunching her face sarcastically emerging from the crowd arms crossed across her chest with a succubus backup a step behind. The succubus had a grave expression on her face as she shifted her weight onto her left leg relaxing her right to allow it to bend slightly as the knee. Her right hand dropped and rested on the dagger hilt of her leather pants, ready for action. Bo was all business and in her element as she had a chance to change into something that was more her.
"Are you still threating my friends paper tiger?" Tamsin asked as she huffed out a laugh. "I think it's time to take care of that."
Tamsin's smile dropped when she started to approach Grizzal with Bo standing back. One of foreboding and death. She need not have her powers as she always carried herself as such in times of war. As she passed the other shape shifter, he regained consciousness in time to grab Tamsin's leg as she passed.
With a quick reflexive motion, she drew her dagger tucked and hidden in her sleeve and knelt down quickly to not lose balance since the shifter was strong. She supported herself from falling over with her knife blade contacting the bar floor with a loud dull thud like a hammer hitting a wooden beam. The shifter let out a small grunt and let Tamsin go. Tamsin did not even look at the shifter keeping her death stare on Grizzal. As she slowly stood back up and she yanked her blade with practiced motion to free it from the floor. The blade was drenched in blood as it was unhurriedly freed from the floor and passed its way back out of the shifter's now lifeless heart.
Tamsin then brought the blade up to show Grizzal as it crossed her face. The blood dripped from the length of the dagger and Tamsin licked the blade to taste it. The taste of blood brought her back to the great battles she fought as a Valkyrie and it was a head rush for her. That was her drug and it quickened her again. Tamsin closed her eyes briefly and inhaled deeply as a twisted form of pleasure flooded her entire body. She let the blade go back to her side as she looked up with her eyes to Grizzal now panicking to remove his blades that kept him in place. That look she had, was 'intimidation' where a certain slow and painful death was guaranteed to all she touched. Death was on the march now as it moved forward fluidly , ever certain, all powerful, immutable, and unremitting. Death this time was personified as a beautiful blonde woman and her name was Tamsin.
Trick intercepted Tamsin as he was also holding back Kendra who still has her Glock aimed at Grizzal. "Back off Tasmin. No one else is dying today." He ordered in a serious tone.
Tamsin just brushed Trick off continued over to Grizzal. Death took orders from no one. Not even the mighty blood king.
Grizzal tore his hands up more and freed himself grabbing one of the daggers to stop Tamsin, but it was kicked out of his hand expediently as Tamsin did a crescent kick. Grizzal had issues with gripping knives now since his hands were both mauled complements of Kendra. In addition he could not run away either, again, compliments of Kendra and Tasmin. He backed up to the bar as the look of horror filled his features knowing that a fallen Valkyrie was going to take his life in a couple moments.
"Tamsin…. " Bo warned. Bo wanted justice but thought it best to side with Trick.
Tamsin did not like Bo interfering, but she was right. Killing only begot more killing, especially since Tamsin and Grizzal were both dark. Tamsin herself really did not care and had full intentions of going through it since she did not have to pay for her actions down the line due to her shorter shelf life, but her new family would pay. The word 'family' as it applied to the sunshine gang was no longer a foreign concept as all of them had grown on her. More so especially after she was fallen.
"Elder Grizzal, it's time we settle this with the Morrigan and you're coming with me." Tamsin ordered as she grabbed him by his collar staring him down.
"No need love!" Vex proclaimed loudly from the side of the room with a distinct British accent. "Ta Da. And queue lights and music!" Vex announced lifting his hand into the air as the crowds parted.
"Hey Kenzi." A deep baritone voice belonging to Bruce emerged a couple steps behind Vex.
In another blur, Kenzi came up and hugged Bruce who was also surprised at her speed. "Good to see you Bruce Lee." Kenzi said in the hug. She did however back up quickly and cleared her throat knowing that a family reunion was not really appropriate at this time.
Vex just looked at Kenzi and Bruce up and down as if they came from another planet before continuing.
"Vex! Get these crazy bitches away from me! We are ambushed here." Grizzal quickly blurted out in a panic.
"Na ahh ahh!" Vex said pointing his finger at Grizzal. Grizzal's bloodied hand covered his mouth involuntarily and it just muffled his talking.
Interesting, Kendra thought. 'This must be Vex the leader of the dark that people tell me about who can control people' she brooded. He is kind of hard to miss she mused since he had the same eccentric Goth type dressing style as Kenzi. Kendra thought it best to holster her weapon to avoid accidents that involved Vex's control which she did and also backed up to stand next to Dyson.
"I've been sittin 'ere watchin' all this action and I am appalled, appalled I say, at what I witnessed." Vex started his monologue "First, I should have brought popcorn for this suspense thriller unfoldin' before me eyes. But whoa is me, the finale left me a bit disappointed when Trick 'ere made it all come to a screechin' 'alt. Such a kill joy."
"What do you want Vex?" Bo asked wanting him to get to the point.
"I'm gettin' to that, I have 'eard 2 VASTLY different stories about a fight goin' down between the Dark Shape Shifters and the 'umans nonstop from a day ago. Grizzal told me an impressive 'eroic story about 'is pack BRIEFLY roamin' the 'uman territories near district six'e'nine to just do some 'armless explorin' when Colonel Kendra Shaw picked a fight with 'em. 'er and a battalion of SWAT and police surrounded 'em for no good reason and start'ed slaught'er'in 'em unprovocat'ed. Unprovocat'ed! Imagin' that. Grizzal and 'is pack fought their way out takin' over a thousand 'umans with 'em. All told we are lookin' at 223 Shifters that bit the dust." Vex stated spreading out his arms to the audience and paused for effect. "But then, I get an official report from Tasmin who was on assignment in that same area this morning and it says that Grizzal's been naughty… That 'im and 'is band of merry 300-ish shifters been runnin' a drug ring in 'uman only districts wit'out approval from me or anyone in the council. That 'e's been doing it for years. Killin' 'umans if you will, indiscriminately. Makin' drugs to poison the youth. The werst part 'bout all this is that they were tak'en down by Tamsin and about 20 other 'umans. TWENTY. I have no idea 'ow Tamsin survived since she was 'uman too. I can't wrap me head around this. Each 'uman took down 10 war 'ardened Shape Shifters each and not a single human life was lost. Inconceivable!" Vex stated placing his fingers his temples and then releasing his hands palms up in the air like worshiping a god in the sky.
"You keep using the word." Bruce chimed in. "I don't think it means what you think it means." He concluded as a matter of course.
"And, I might have to fight Grizzal left handed. If not, it would be over too quickly." Tamsin grinned and played along knowing that he was quoting a movie, the 'Princess Bride'.
Bo just had a curious but lost look on her face which Tamsin thought was irresistibly cute.
"'Ere I am, tryin' to keep this all business but you all blokes can do is just quote lines from a campy movie." Vex stated all agitated.
Kendra then perked up with a slight grin and leaned over and whispered to Dyson "This Vex, he is short on …. 'CHARM'"
Dyson was impressed that Kendra knew the movie and whispered back "Don't worry, he doesn't mean any 'HARM'. Well at least not right now."
"Now where was I?" Vex mumbled to himself putting his hand on his chin.
"Australia?" Tick offered in almost a laugh.
Vex ignored Trick and then stated. "Now good ole Ash 'ale cleaned up the scene and also reported Grizzal's number of 200 plus Shape Shifters were either killed or captured but said not a single 'uman body was found. Then Colonel 'ere then confirmed a lot of what Tamsin reported as well. But Grizzal and 'is men can't seem to get their stories straight. 100… 10,000 …. 1000 'umans attacked. They were passin' through for a day, week, months. And why were they all killed in a facility that manufactured drugs?" Vexed asked rhetorically as he turned to Grizzal who still had is hand on his mouth due to Vex's powers. "Grizzal, if you and your men can't even fend off Colonel over 'ere who is 'uman, what good are the lot of ya' to the dark eh? As such I'm takin' your seat off the council for lying to us all and murdering innocent 'umans." Vex concluded.
"So this has nothing to do with the fact that you of the dark council members did not get a percentage of the monetary gains from Grizzal's multi-year operation?" Trick asked in all seriousness.
Vex turned to Trick with an over exaggerated insulted expression. "Why, I 'ave not even thought 'bout that yet and I am insulted that you think that the magnanimous leader of the dark can't do the right thing."
Tamsin huffed out a laugh and rolled her eyes "Yea whatever. Can we get this over with so I can kill Grizzal? I came here to drink, not to be put to sleep to second rate theatrics."
Vex just continued his speech. "BUT now that ye mention it, Grizzal, were is all that money you 'ave been holdin' back from the Dark coffers?" Vex then pointed at Grizzal again releasing his control over him.
"I'll get it all to you. All of it and more! It was just delayed by a couple years. Just don't take my seat off the council!" Grizzal spewed out in desperation.
Vex, who was probably sick of listening to him, smiled and pointed his finger forcefully at Grizzal. Grizzal was quickly silenced by his own hand again. "So NOW you admit that your story is a tot'al fabrication it is. Imagin' that. Ho hum, whatever will I do with you." Vex said triumphantly as he stroked his chin to find his next action. "Maybe I should just let 'Wid'ow Maker' 'ere finish the job eh? An eye for an eye, I say" Vex concluded glancing at Kendra.
Vex seeing the confused look on Kendra's face clarified to her "Colonel, Don't you know love? You already made a name for yourself amongst us dark, shape shifters in particular. You are known simply as the 'Wid'ow Maker'."
Kendra actually was flattered as well as disheartened that the Shape Shifters *GAVE* her a moniker that was actually fitting, 'Widow Maker'. On top of that she now made an impression on the Morrigan, hopefully a good one. The moniker probably referred to her and her team killing so many of the shifters that their companions became widows. But more than that, it made her regret as well and feel some pain as it seemed that the title also applied to her companion, Eric in particular. She was too weak to save him she surmised. No award, medal, or achievement in her career mattered if she could not save the one she loved. She walked with that the guilt and regret ever since that day. Now Dyson stood steadfast by her side and did not abandon her even for his own kind. Now they were in some sort of undefined but strong relationship like it or not. Was it Dyson's fate next simply by being associated with Kendra?
"Sorry sir" Kendra stated humbly "I didn't know, I am just known as Captain Kendra Shaw."
"Well you should be a Colonel with the way you led your small 'uman team against me enemies and now enemies of the dark." Vex stated. "I guess now me only choice is who gets to kill Grizzal." Vex concluded trading glances between Kendra and Tamsin.
"VEX! No one else is going to die here today. Do your dirty business elsewhere." Trick commanded.
"Always a kill joy. I guess being in Scotland didn't loosen you up any eh?" Vex said annoyed doing a thrusting gesture with his hips. "I guess I owe Ash 'ale one for cleanin' up this mess in district six'e'nine." He said defeated.
"Bruce, please escort our guest to 'his ship' also known as the 'pit of despair'. Come back to pick up the dead one lat'er. We are men of action after all." Vex said with a coy smile knowing that he just managed to also integrate lines from the movie into his speech.
Vex was taking his leave when he passed Kendra and Dyson and paused. "Cap'an Shaw. The dark could use someone like you and even your team to work alongside of Bruce. Whenever you get tired of wa'chin Dyson chase 'is own tail. Let me know." Vex said as he departed.
Dyson just growled at Vex to which Kendra latched onto his arm and stroked it gently. She turned to Dyson and said "It's ok Dyson. I'm perfectly happy being your partner. However, I think we need to talk."
"Yes we do and I need to take a look at your jaw." Dyson said with a smirk leading Kendra to a private booth in the back of the bar.
Tamsin re-secured her blade back in her sleeve after she wiped it clean on the dead shifter. "Well I guess Vex was right about one thing." Tamsin murmured turning to Bo with a disappointed look. "Trick can be a kill joy." Tamsin walk over to the bar as Bruce was carrying Grizzal away. "Thanks Brucie." Tamsin stated as she took a stool. Bo took the seat next to her. Kenzi just at walked up calmly and give Bo a beer and a pint of mead to Tamsin, a Valkyrie classic.
"So Terminator, I hear you almost wiped all of the dark Fae Shifters under Vex that he may be postin' a help wanted add in the Dark Fae Gazette tomorrow." Kenzi said to break the tension. She could tell Tamsin did not want to be there by the fact that she was just staring and nursing a pint of mead paying no attention to Bo or anyone else.
"Yep, thanks huma…. Kenzi" Tamsin said correcting herself. She kept forgetting that Kenzi was Fae and should be respected as such. She did not want to face the real possibility that she would be stuck without her powers. She didn't want to feel weak. Sure Bo made her feel like she was invincible and a first order Valkyrie, but if the Blood King could not do anything about it short of rewriting history, who will be there to protect Bo like she would? The happy sunshine gang was ok, but who would keep Bo safe after she passed she thought?
"I will sister if the Succubus does not mind getting a 15th order Valkyrie. Not that it will happen since you'll get your powers back, I know it." Arin whispered to Tamsin as she sat in the stool next to her. "Nice handy work on the Shifter I see. Looks like your work." Arin stated in a normal voice.
Bo immediately greeted Arin with a hug. Kenzi just nodded surprised by her appearance.
"Well I could not pass up the severely discounted bar tab and a chance to meet the one and only blood king." Arin stated with a click.
'So how did you know what I was thinking' Tamsin thought to Arin.
'It seems that when you get distressed and it has to deal with Bo, you tend to leak out your thoughts to me' Arin thought back.
Tamsin, Arin, Bo and Kenzi continued their small talk for a time when Trick stopped by and stared at Arin and Tamsin. Trick obviously had never seen Tamsin's twin sister but Bo was nice enough to clear it up. It was then when Bo asked to see him in his library in a few to which he agreed. Kenzi then left to serve the other patrons of the Dal.
Bo was looking onto Arin and Tamsin. She knew they were talking to one another by looking at their facial expressions. From far away, you would swear they were holding a conversation. But they were just silent. She knew she was the third wheel since they were using their telepathic link. Bo was happy that at least Tamsin got that power back. She just smiled at Tamsin, leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "Hey, I'm gonna see what Kenzi's been up to. Be right back." Bo stated as she left.
'Arin, this is not your fight. I chose this path and I can't afford for you to follow my fate. You're one of the good ones.' Tamsin thought back she turned a slight hue a red as Bo kissed her and left.
"My creed tells me to fight for the just. Last time I checked that was everyone here." Arin stated out loud. It was better to talk not using the link as there was a small possibility that other Valkyries can listen in. Wow, Tamsin just allowed Bo to kiss her in public as if it was as natural as breathing. They must really love one another. The rumor was true then. Tamsin found true love and in the arms of a Succubus. Impossible to fathom. But it was true. Valkyrie's are trained not to feel so even finding love was remote. When you fight as many battles as they do, you become desensitized to all feelings anyway. Just like Tamsin was until she met Bo. And Hildr, she found love but after years of being assigned to her champion. Love from a Succubus, equally remote as Succubi don't get attached as they need to feed from a wide variety of Chi to maintain their lives. Being faithfully in love with a HUMAN and even some Fae meant death to any SUCCUBI. Yet, Bo and Tamsin were working this out.
"I have no idea where you got that idea from." Tamsin stated. "I serve unfortunately under Odin, even in my fallen status. You heard the rumors and they are all true." Tamsin said deflecting Arin's statement.
"That is true, I heard epic battles, horrors stories and atrocities about the things you did for Odin. But when you met Bo, the stories changed and so did the quality of our link. You met a pain in the ass Succubus but you started to feel. You became stronger as a result. So strong, you disobeyed a direct order from your god. And over the past couple weeks alone, grand and epic stories have been circulating the halls of Valhalla about your quests, ones that make all of us in the sisterhood, including ones in 1,1,1 insanely jealous." Arin said taking a drink of the mead which Kenzi sat down for her. "Wow, good stuff. I need to come here more often."
"So I guess me being disconnected from the sisterhood has obviously seriously skewed the sisterhood's sense of morals. Those rumors about me meeting Bo are over exaggerated, pure conjecture and not true. Watch…." Tamsin said.
'Sigun, Tamsin and Arin here. What rumors have you heard about me recently. And please, be blunt honest 'cus I would do the same to you.' Tamsin said locking on her voice.
'WHAT! TAMSIN! How are you talking to me? Have you been restored? I can't feel you amongst the sisterhood…. But you must have powers granted from no doubt Bo, the unaligned Succubus, and Goddess of the new order.' Sigun stammered out.
'What the heck. WHAT new order! There are only 2 orders in Valhalla under Odin and Freya. And I know you are not referring to a music group.' Tamsin thought back trying to process what Sigun just said.
'So… so…. Wait until I tell the sisterhood that you have your powers back. That is so awesome! Arin, Tamsin, you must introduce me to this Bo that can grant powers to even fallen Valkyries at WILL. So Tamsin, how is it being with a Succubus? Do you go to sleep every night with a huge smile on your face? Did you like just slaughter 200+ Fae with a small group of humans, 50+ with just your bare hands? I heard you resurrected the Goddess and Succubus at death's door step by just holding her in your arms and professing your love to her. OMG, so romantic. I might cry right now if I weren't a Valkyrie.' Sigun said flooding the link to Arin and Tamsin.
'WHOA! Hold it. This is the insanity we are talking about. First, Bo is just a Demi-Goddess at BEST that barely can walk must less wield her power. New Order is a good music group but a new order in Valhalla? Are you guys nuts! This is blasphemy. You know war will follow, a bloody one. Freya only came do being after she accidentally fell into a body of water in battle that just kills Valkyries on contact. She just got lucky and survived. You of all people should remember that Odin killed so many of us, the entire structure and stability of Valhalla collapsed. Had he not granted Freya and her rebels a place, we might have all been history. I remember the pains as a young Valkyrie of all this even thought I was not in the battle. We can screw up and destabilize any other region, but NEVER bring it to our house. Yes, Bo managed to grant me the ability to talk to everyone via the link but I don't have my other powers back so I am still human. I go to sleep some nights with a smile and other nights balling my eyes out, some nights I can't sleep at all because I CAN NEVER go home. Damn succubi and their emotions. I just got trapped in this emotion thing. The item about professing my love for Bo while she was near dead. True, but I had to do something since she was about to put her life down for me and I was not a worthy trade so to speak. No I killed all those shapes shifters with an AR-15, Glock and swords, not my bare hands. So you see, things are over exaggerated and dramatize. PLEASE don't attempt this rebellion at home.' Tamsin concluded as she put her head on the bar table knowing that she was going to be responsible for a rebellion that Bo did not even know about. They would rally for Bo, and they would rally for the most unlikely anti-hero, Tamsin, fallen Valkyrie of 4,1,8.
Tamsin knew that Valhalla was already in trouble and near collapse as the peace that was forged literally in blood between Freya and Odin was a stop gap, but never meant to be a permanent solution. All it would take is a spark to set off the powder kegs of all this pent up frustration toward the dysfunctional system. Tamsin and Bo? They were looked on as the match to set it all off. Tamsin was vehemently against it because of all the blood shed on her hands already, but the choice was not totally up to her. It was Bo's and wherever she went, she would follow, like she said, to the ends of the earth if need be.
'Arin and Sigun, I know you mean well, but we have got to back this stuff down. Bo means, well a lot to me and she is a trouble magnet, just ask Arin the last time she visits Valhalla. I don't want her messed up in our stuff. Sure we can have our revolution, but don't drag an innocent into all of this.' Tamsin thought one final time.
"Arin, this is f'ed up. Basing a revolution on people that are not really part of Valhalla. How desperate is the sisterhood to pick a fallen Valkyrie and a Chi sucking Succubus? This is not a fairy tale sis. People we care about will die trying to pursue happily ever after which doesn't fucking exist. Stop this NOW before it is too late." Tamsin said all agitated.
"Hey," Bo interrupted "Let's go see Trick ok Tam Tam?" Bo pulled Tamsin off her stool to which she just grunted at but she complied. "Arin we'll be back soon ok?" Said walking away pulling Tamsin along somewhat unwillingly.
'The sisterhood is not desperate. You are fallen yet you still fight on the battlefields and in your heart. You fight now for what is right and defy all odds to attain it successfully. Bo is a goddess that loves. She can give Valkyries power and heal them just like the gods we serve now. Also a Succubus and a Valkyrie are probably the most unlikely of pairings we have ever seen in all our lifetimes. If you two can manage to make the almost impossible work, but also be in love, even in a fallen status, that makes everything else, like executing a well-run revolution easily possible.' Arin thought to Tamsin.
'Why do you have to be so stubborn! How dare you drag my girlfriend into this! We need to keep her SAFE FROM ODIN …. REMEMBER! How does putting her into the center of a civil war accomplish that? Anyway how does the Freya's sisterhood order condone the thousands upon thousands of innocent people *I* slaughtered all in the name of Odin. We are not finished with this chat yet.' Tamsin thought back angrily as she followed Bo down the stairs.
"Because we are cut from the same cloth. *My girlfriend*….. impossible …. Tamsin belongs to Bo, the Legendary Unaligned Succubus, but at the same token, Bo belongs to Tamsin. A Bond … which merges a warrior and lover as one. This is going to be a hell of a ride." Arin said to herself with an evil grin taking another drink.
Dyson sat next to Kendra in a booth at the Dal. He had gathered a bag of ice after looking her over seeing no major injuries. For a human, she was extremely well trained and seemed to have it all together, however her mission over the past couple of years was eating her up inside Dyson concluded. She would have sold her soul to have that moment with Grizzal which just passed. For the first time, Dyson saw a broken human beyond what Kendra was projecting.
Kendra saw a caring side of Dyson, and not the all business side which she was accustom to. She still need however to get something straight with Dyson before they could move forward. Dyson brought over a bag of ice for her jaw and right after he sat down, Kendra slapped Dyson across the face hard. Dyson was a little surprised, but looked on at Kendra for an explanation. "That was for using a moniker that was only reserved for Eric. NEVER *EVER* use it again. Got it!" Kendra blurted out with anger. To that Dyson just slowly nodded in understanding. A moment later Kendra found herself to her own surprise hugging Dyson and kissing him on his cheek several times tenderly nuzzling her face next to his. She paused as her brows furrowed being deep in thought as she tried to figure out what was going on in her mind as to why is she showing genuine affection to a Dyson. A shape shifter. After a couple seconds passed she leaned in and rested her head on Dyson's shoulder and in defeat whispered into his ear "That is for …. being there for me. I did not expect that."
Dyson was still trying to make sense of everything that was Kendra. He just could not keep up with her sudden swings in emotional states. Kendra was insanely controlled, calm and collected throughout her whole career. It was on her all her evals. But Dyson brooded the loss of Eric changed her below the surface and that was just the tip of the iceberg. Dyson admittedly deserved the slap, but the genuine show of affection? Could he even return it?
Dyson held Kendra tentatively after she whispered into his ear. Dyson looked onto the bar thinking about what Kendra just said when his heart sank. Bo kissed Tamsin at the bar who was sitting next to Arin, who must have just walked in. The realization on why Bo was spending so much time with Tamsin was now apparent. They were in love. Hard to picture, but the way Tamsin leaned into Bo's kiss naturally and effortlessly gave it away. How could he cope with this twist in fate? Ultimately, he wanted Bo to be happy, so whoever she was with, he respected that. Now it quickly answered the question as to why Bo talked to him about Kendra and telling him that their relationship could be more. But how can it be more if his one and only life mate *WAS* Bo. He could not love another as he found out.
Kendra released her hug after some time passed and gave Dyson his personal space back. She put the ice pack on her jaw. They just sat there and it was Kendra that observed that Dyson was deep in though. She assumed it was her. "Dyson, I'm sorry. I feel these things and sometimes I just act in the moment before I can even think it through." Kendra apologized with a slight pout.
"No Kendra it is not you. I am flattered that you can be you around me. It is about time I stopped hiding stuff from you. No, I'm sorry, I just saw Bo kiss Tamsin and I guess it is a little hard to get used to." Dyson confessed looking up into the air. "You find true love, you lose it, and now there is just a void. I think we need drinks." Dyson said getting up and getting a bottle of elder berry smash and shot glasses and returned to the table.
'Well I guess the cat if out of the bag. Poor Dyson.' Kendra thought. She knew that Dyson still wanted Bo but now, it was definitely not an option. Kendra guessed Dyson needed to deal with it first before they talked. Dyson returned and poured the shots.
"Bo hates Elder Berry Smash, but I kind of like it. You either like it or you don't. Oh Kendra, drink this very slowly, it does not agree with humans very well." Dyson said with a smile.
Kendra and Dyson just sat there and drank for a time just talking about past event and encounters. Many of which were hilarious now that Dyson did not have to hide the Fae's existence.
"Oh Dyson… remember just over 3 years ago I tracked a drunk and confused pixie that entered into my region! Oh my god I just gave up and called you 'cus I wasn't going to write that police report!" Kendra laughed but also she was slightly inebriated. "I could see it now. 'Captain Kendra Shaw arrests Tinkerbelle' all over the papers." Kendra slurred slightly waving her hand through the air like a newspaper headline.
Dyson just laughed hardily as well because he remembered the incident well. Dyson could barely stop laughing but said "Yea, so I took her into my custody and you asked why she sparkled so much and made so much noise. And I said... She was… she was packing…. " Dyson kept pausing as he was laughing too hard as he slouched down in his seat.
Both then exclaimed in unison pointing at each other "SPARKLERS *AND* POP ROCKS!". They just laughed for a long time barely able to keep a straight posture in bench seat they shared. Now come to think about it, by Dyson holding out on Kendra, it just made all the stories to cover up the Fae related incidences even more outlandishly ridiculous.
This distraction was much needed for both of them. They were best friends and partners and as such, they looked after each other.
A/N: Sorry for the delay. Life…. Yea.. it gets busy every now and then. Wanted to make this chapter longer, but at 9K+ words, time to publish. My spell checker went *WILD* on Vex's statements. I wonder why. Lol. Yea, Vex's parts were hard to write, hopefully I got him pretty much in character. Could not help the 'Princess Bride' quotes. One of the reviewers gave me that idea and I just could not resist. I guess it is also good to sprinkle in some humor ever now and then into the story.
Thank you for all your insightful reviews.